Dear Alki UCC,
Advent is the sacred season that unfolds at the birth of a new liturgical year. It’s the time set apart for us to come close to the mystery of Christmas. This year, we explore How Does a Weary World Rejoice?
We begin by acknowledging our weariness. Come and seek with us, dip your toe into that Advent purple and wonder. You just might be surprised by joy.
Wade In
Over time
wind and water
will sand down the edges of a stone.
For humans,
our wind and water
is the grief of the world.
Stay here long enough
and pieces of you
will be pressed upon
by life’s never-ending stream.
It’s enough to make you weary.
It’s enough to make you question.
It’s enough to make you quiet.
And yet, the stream continues.
So do not be afraid to stand in that water.
Wade in. Soak the hem of your jeans.
Drip wet footprints through every room in your house.
Let the water stains tell your story.
And when your body grows weary of swimming,
name the stream.
Acknowledge your weariness.
For eventually,
you will pick flowers from
the opposite bank.
And over and over again, we’ll tell this story.
And over and over again,
a weary world will rejoice.
Prayer by Rev. Sarah Speed
A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org
Weariness and joy are not opposites. We feel everything at once. We soak it all in. So wade in. Tether yourself to the deep truth, that we belong to God.
In hope,
Pastor Emily
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Calling all Outreach Elves!
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 The Outreach Ministry Team will be joyously busy in December with holiday activities and we would love for you to join us!
We'll be Christmas shopping for families with single moms, making Christmas Day breakfast at a shelter, delivering canned food to Fauntleroy UCC in support of Alki's tree entry, and sharing in the WIN hot community meal on December 30!
Much to do and much love to spread to our neighbors throughout West Seattle.
Join us via Zoom for our planning meeting to explore how you can contribute to the joy:
Monday, December 4 at 7:00 pm
Zoom Link here
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"Voting" Begins Sunday for Fauntleroy Festival of Trees
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Alki UCC's entry into the Fauntleroy Festival of Trees is in the final stage. We finish decorating this Saturday morning just in time for the opening of the "polls" on Sunday December 3.
 No spoiler here! The photo at left shows our progress without giving away the ending. We've titled our creation: Alki By the Sea and the Tree Team has created a variety of stunning ornaments.
You'll cast your "vote" for Alki By the Sea with donations of shelf-stable food to support our local food banks.
All types of non-perishable staples are welcome, especially high-protein items, nut butters, snack bars and canned milk for cooking. There is a special need for healthier options and foods for folks with special dietary concerns (low fat, low salt, gluten free, etc.). Check out this handy guide.
Bring your donations to the Alki UCC tree display
Fauntleroy UCC Festival of Trees
Sundays through January 7 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Wednesday, December 12 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm
Saturday, December 16 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm
The Tree with the most donations wins!
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 Tuesdays through December 20Noon to 1:30 pm via Zoom Advent Bible Study
As you enter Advent, consider what weariness you carry in your body and soul.
What does it look like for you to rejoice
when you are weary?
If you're already registered for Tuesday Bible Study, just use your unique link to log in. If not, welcome!
December 3 at 10:00 am
First Sunday in Advent
We Acknowledge our Weariness
Luke 1:1-23
"Advent Art Response" in the parlor following worship:
Collage Advent Candles
Saturday, December 9
10:00 am to 2:00 pm/Parlor
Advent Retreat
Enjoy a day of contemplation to orient your mind and heart in the season of longing. This quiet time together includes multiple forms of prayer including a labyrinth walk, visio divina (holy viewing of art), and candle lighting.
December 10 at 10:00 am
Second Sunday in Advent
We Find Joy in Connection
Luke 1:24-45
Advent Art Response in the parlor following worship:
Peg Doll Angels
Saturday, December 16
6:00 to 8:00 pm
Christmas Decorating and Caroling
Come join in decorating the church for Christmas!
We'll break for pizza and round out the evening
with caroling in the neighborhood.
December 17 at 10:00 am
Third Sunday in Advent
We Allow Ourselves to Be Amazed
Luke 1:57-66
Advent Art Response in the parlor following worship:
Watercolor Christmas Cards
Friday, December 22
7:00 to 9:00 pm in Anderson Hall
Christmas Jazz Cabaret
We celebrate the season with a fun evening
of great music, mocktails and a raffle.
December 24 at 5:00 pm
(Note: there will be NO 10:00 am service)
Christmas Eve
We Make Room
Luke 2:1-20
Carols and Candlelight for All Ages
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It was a beautiful baptism Sunday!
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We witnessed and celebrated the sacrament of baptism of a precious child of God, Annabell Sophia.
We joyfully welcomed many guests, tearfully made it through I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry, enjoyed yummy cake, and wrote blessings to Annabell in a picture book.
We look forward to watching you grow, sweet Annabell!
 
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Special Prayers of Healing and Comfort for our own Patty M, who is recovering from a recently-broken elbow.
Kim B writes: God’s love and care for my cousin, Cyndy, and her husband, Chuck, who lost their 35-year-old son Trevor suddenly this last week. Prayers for them and the rest of our family.
For those grieving the recent death of a loved one:
The Alki UCC community, family and friends of Wanda D, the Alki UCC community, family and friends of Verona R, Diane J and family on the death of her father Thomas G, family and friends of longtime Alki UCC member Jan C, family and friends of UCC minister Rev. Bobbi Virta, family and friends of longtime Alki UCC member Anne S, Liese F and family, Jeff D and family, the Alki UCC community and friends/family of Nick Tobler-Wolff, Todd S and family, Patty M
Recent hospitalization, illness and other concerns:
Cinda's mother Jackie S, Rev. Joan Carter, Dan K, Alki UCC's Peruvian Families Seeking Asylum, Shannon P, former Alki UCC member Dawn N, former members Davney and Bob S and Davney's mom Suzanne H, Shannon P's Florida family: Bill, Gail, Mary Ann & Bob; Julia C's friend Chelsea W, Denis B, Don & Imy P and family, Patty M, Jane C and her family, Sue B's brother Tom and his wife Carla, Julia C's friend Jessie T & family, Amy Y's mother Corlene, Jeff D's brother Andy, former Alki UCC member Mark H, Sue B's friends Mary and Louise, Cindy, Jeff and Kirstin's sister-in-law Sue, Kirstin D, Shannon P's father Rev. Dr. Bill, Claire F, Kirstin D's father
For homebound members/friends of Alki UCC: Doris C
Wider World: Prayers for all those affected by the coronavirus outbreak; all those suffering from PTSD in the military and around the world; for all those affected by misguided immigration policies; prayers for fewer guns, for all victims and those affected by gun violence; victims and survivors of extremist violence around the world; migrants seeking refuge around the world, and for those who are trying to help them. The rest of the missing schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram, who remain in our hearts as long as they remain missing. The hungry and homeless, the ill and the addicted, the lost and the lonely; the unemployed.
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Worship this Sunday,
December 3
at 10:00 am
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First Sunday in Advent
Rev. Emily Tanis-Likkel
We Acknowledge Our Weariness
Sermon:
“The Problem of Certainty"
Liturgists:
Day and Brett T-L
Scripture Reading:
Luke 1:1-23
Music Director:
Stephen Anthony Rawson
Music Highlights:
Invention in E major
J. S. Bach
Unzima (Our burden is heavy) South African traditional
I Wonder As I Wander Appalachian Folk Carol
John Jacob Niles
We Bring You All Our Sorrows
Paul Zach and Kate Bluett
#742 Gathered Here in the Mystery Phil Porter
#101 Comfort, Comfort O My People Johannes Olearius
#332 As We Gather at Your Table Carl P. Daw, Jr.
#347 Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ
Jamaican Folk Song
Awake! Awake and Greet the New Morn Marty Haugen
Image: "Annunciation to Zechariah" by Lauren Wright Pittman
Join us either in-person (masks recommended) or virtually via Zoom.
If you're already registered for Sunday worship on Zoom, use your personal link. If not, welcome! Register here.
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Free Community Movie Screening
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The Oscar-Nominated Documentary on Child Migrants:
"Which Way Home"
Wednesday, December 6
at 6:30 pm/Alki UCC
Film followed by conversation
Which Way Home, a 2010 Oscar-nominee, tells the compelling personal story of immigration through the children who face harrowing dangers with enormous courage and resourcefulness, hope and courage, disappointment and sorrow.
Directed by Rebecca Cammisa, the acclaimed documentary follows several unaccompanied child migrants as they journey through Mexico en route to the United States on a freight train they call “The Beast." These are the people you never hear about -- the invisible ones.
Alki UCC and Fauntleroy UCC offer this free community event as part our discernment in "living into becoming Immigrant Welcoming Congregations."
Join us for an evening of film viewing, facilitated conversation, complementary popcorn, El Salvadoran treats and beverages.
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Benefit Concert for the Cold Weather Shelter/Alaska Junction Veterans Center
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Saturday, Dec 2
5:00 to 8:00 pm
Kenyon Hall
7904 35 Avenue SW
Ticket Info here
Enjoy live music, great food, a cash bar and silent auction. It will be a great evening for an important cause and we would love to be in community with supporters.
Help raise critical funding for the shelter's operation! — Cinda
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Are you prepared for an Earthquake ...
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Know the location of your West Seattle Emergency Communications Hub,
the initial gathering locations for information and resources.
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Sunday Worship Videos Posted on YouTube
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 Sunday Worship recordings now online! Check out Alki UCC's very own YouTube channel. |
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Sunday Worship Registration
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If you've already registered on Zoom, just use your personal link. If not, welcome! You can register here.
When you register, please use your first/last name plus your email.
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For secure, online giving through Give Lively, click the button, OR, send your check, made out to "Alki UCC," to:
6115 SW Hinds,
Seattle, WA 98116
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6115 SW Hinds
Seattle, WA 98116
206/935-2661;
Church news/calendar updates at alkiucc.org.
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