Dear Alki UCC,
Today is Maundy Thursday. Maundy is the Latin word for command. On this day, we remember Jesus’ command to his disciples for them to love one another as he had loved them. On this day of Holy Week, as we wade ever closer to the mystery of resurrection, we pause and wonder at this teaching of Jesus.
I invite you to set aside 10 to 15 minutes for this Maundy Thursday reflection. You’ll need a Bible and access to a sink.
Centering Practice:
Center yourself in breath.
Place one hand on your belly and one on your heart.
Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, and exhale for 4.
Repeat at least 3x.
Read: John 13:1-20
Wonder: What word or phrase resonates with you?
“Peter’s question is more than apt: ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ After all, Jesus has just had his feet anointed with abundant perfume by Mary. We should be washing Jesus’ feet! And yet, could it be that because Jesus has been extravagantly loved by Mary that he can now wash the feet of Peter, the one who will deny him, and Judas, the one who will betray him? It is from being loved himself that Jesus says to his disciples, ‘you also ought to wash one another’s feet’ (John 13:14).”
— Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis, from her commentary on John 13:1-20
Wonder: What do you notice about the artwork?
“Golden Hour” by Rev. Nicolette Peñaranda | A Sanctified Art
From the artist: “There is a particular time of day we refer to as the “golden hour.” This is when photographers love to take photos as the sun sits at a particular point, either after sunrise or before sunset, when daylight is redder and softer than when the sun is higher in the sky. . . When I reflect on the entire Passion story, this might just be the golden hour for the disciples.”
Embodied Prayer:
● Wash your hands slowly, with intention.
● Look at your hands as the soap lathers, and give thanks for God’s love for you.
● Continue washing as you ask God to bring to mind how you are being called to love others.
● As you rinse your hands in clear water, open your heart and ask God’s Spirit to renew you.
● Pat your hands dry in a soft towel, and imagine them held by our gentle, compassionate God. Amen.
Peace be with you on this day of remembering the radical, transforming love of Jesus.
In hope,
Pastor Emily
# # #
|
|
Community Easter Egg Hunt
|
11:15 am after Easter Sanctuary Service
A neighborhood tradition. All ages welcome …
come join in the fun and invite your friends!
Bags for collecting eggs are provided.
|
|
New Member Sunday April 7
during 10:00 am worship
|
 Would you like to become a member of Alki UCC?
Contact Pastor Emily to learn more about what it means to be baptized or affirm your baptism and join a church.
You will have an opportunity to participate in our Reception of New Members liturgy on April 7.
We look forward to welcoming you!
|
|
Plastic Pollution:
Individual Empowerment for a Global Plague |
 Outreach/Social Justice has really enjoyed engaging with you in our communal Fasting From Plastic Lent Challenge.
So many of you raised your hands when asked: “Has this journey affected your thinking/approach to consuming plastic?” It was at least three-quarters of you — impressive!
In the near future we will send out a survey of the different ways you have changed your habits to move away from plastics.
Please continue thinking of ways you can say “no!” to plastics, how to stop consuming them in the many products we purchase and use every day. Don’t let this journey drift away, commit to making real changes!
1) Shop local!! Here's info on Public, a nearby West Seattle store at 3836 California Ave SW offering "thoughtfully considered reusable and refillable options that result in less waste."
2) For REAL plastic recycling that comes to YOU, sign up for Ridwell, a monthly paid service to help reduce landfill.
3) There are LOTS of sustainable retailers that center plastic reduction with eco-friendly values. Explore them to find a-gazillion products (don't just go to Amazon for convenience please!).
Please keep in mind that being a consumer with the health of the earth in mind is more expensive and maybe a bit inconvenient. That's the cost of supporting the values we hold dear. Think of the change we can bring ... if we all shopped sustainably.
3) Get informed. On Sunday, April 21 after worship, our own Joe A will give an eye-popping presentation on plastics and the environmental/ecological consequences of their manufacture, use and disposal.
For those of you that attend Joe’s workshop, we will have giveaways as a thank you gift! Plus a great lunch too!
— Cinda (she/her)
|
|
Pastor Emily's Assessment of Ministry (Annual Review)
|
From the National UCC A Sure Foundation:
Because ministry never happens in isolation, and because effective ministry is responsive both to the Spirit’s prompting and to the needs of the congregation, regular assessment of ministry is a critical element to developing and maintaining healthy, thriving congregations and healthy, growing leaders.
Your voice is needed to help evaluate and celebrate Pastor's Emily time with us. As we begin our discernment, we are fully invested in her success as well as the success of Alki UCC. What reflections can you share about her call as a pastor thus far? What more can we do together to support her and the growth of our faith community?
Collaboration and transparency are our preeminent guideposts. Please communicate your thoughts personally, either by phone or email, to one of the team members.
We are:
Julia P, representing the church Council
Cinda S, representing Personnel committee
Vicky S, representing the Search committee
Julia C, representing the church Council
Chad K, representing the congregation
Note: Phone calls also welcome! Contact the church office if you need a number.
|
|
We thank you, O God, for the beauty of this life.
We give you gratitude for the relationships in our lives and this community of faith.
We pray for all those who grieve.
In particular, we pray for Joe M and family at the loss of his brother, Charlie.
We pray for all those who are ill, hurting or have a concern on their hearts.
We pray especially for Rev. Joan Carter, Cinda's mother Jackie S, Alki UCC's Peruvian Families Seeking Asylum, Julia C's friend Jessie T and family, Amy Y's mother Corlene, Davney and Bob S, Sue's B's friends Mary and Louise, and Nick L.
We pray for our wider world.
We join with *Global Ministries as they spotlight a different country each week to lift in prayer. This week we pray with Greece.
Prayers for Greece
We ask You to stand with our country and those who are in charge and give them Your wisdom. Protect us from the natural disasters we experienced last year. Bless our people and help us not to seek You in habits and thoughts where You are not. May we understand the power of the resurrection and seek You in Your word and in prayer.
We thank you, God of comfort, for listening to all of our prayers, whether listed here or spoken in the quiet within us.
In the name of the one who transforms and liberates,
Jesus Christ. Amen.
*Global Ministries is the common witness of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ. Our two denominations have a formal partnership through which Disciples Overseas Ministries and the UCC’s Wider Church Ministries share common staff, budget, programs/projects, and governance in our presence and witness with international partners throughout the global community. Please contact the church office to add or remove a prayer request. |
|
Sunday Worship Videos Posted on YouTube
|
Sunday Worship recordings now online! Check out Alki UCC's very own YouTube channel. |
|
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
|
|
|
|
Worship this Sunday,
March 31
at 10:00 am
|
Easter
Sunday
And I Hope
Rev. Emily
Tanis-Likkel
Liturgist:
Diane J
Scripture
Luke 24:1-12
Stephen Anthony Rawson
Music Director
John Wells
Guest Trumpet
Soloist
Music Highlights
Ode to Joy
Beethoven
The Trumpet Shall Sound George Frideric Handel Peter, Go Ring-a Them Bells
Rollo Dilworth
#233 Christ the Lord is Risen Today
#238 Now the Green Blade Rises
#433 In the Bulb There Is a Flower
Image courtesy
A Sanctified Art/ sanctifiedart.org
# # #
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.
|
|
Office Closed on Easter Monday,
April 1
|
We're back in business on Tuesday, April 2.
Pastor Emily is attending a Clergy Retreat at Pilgrim Firs, April 1-3.
Happy Easter to all!
|
|
Congregational Budget Meeting
|
Sunday, April 7
after worship
In-person and streamed live on Zoom.
Virtual voting is allowed.
Save the date and join us after Sunday worship on April 7 for an important congregational meeting about the church's financial situation.
After hearing from the budget team, the congregation will be asked to decide whether or not to divest a portion of our Trust Fund to cover the budget for the remainder of the Fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.
Your attendance is vital since a quorum is needed to take an official vote.
Please make plans to join us in this
important decision.
Thank you for your commitment to our beloved church.
In peace and justice,
— Alki UCC Council
# # #
If you've already registered on Zoom, just use your personal link. If not, welcome! You can register here. |
|
Transgender Day of Visibility
March 31
|
Each year on March 31, the world observes Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) to raise awareness about transgender people.
It is a day to celebrate the lives and contributions of trans people, while also drawing attention to the poverty, discrimination, and violence the community faces.
More info here.
|
|
If you or a family member or friend find yourselves in need of a basic medical equipment item, the church attic is where to go.
Over the years, generous folks have donated a variety of assistance aids, including a bed desk, crutches, walkers, toilet seat, bath bench and more.
Take a look. There are lots of choices. Use what you need. Share with anyone in the community as well so Alki UCC can be a resource of help to the whole community.
Contact the church office for a list of available items and please let us know if you borrow or donate any item so the list can be updated.
Be well. — Julia P
|
|
Tuesday Lent/Easter
Bible Study
|
Noon to 1:30 pm on Zoom through April 9
Engage more deeply with the Lenten texts and themes.
If you're already registered for Tuesday Bible Study,
just use your unique link to log in.
If not, welcome! Register here: Zoom Registration
|
|
Sunday Worship Registration
|
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.
|
|
6115 SW Hinds
Seattle, WA 98116
206/935-2661;
Church news/calendar updates at alkiucc.org.
|
|
|
