Dear Alki UCC,
I often hear people lament their struggles with God. Their wrestling. Their doubting. As if something is wrong with them that they have so many questions or are mystified by spiritual things. They wonder why they don’t feel passionate about their faith.
Wrestling with God is a crucial part of our origin story. Last Sunday we explored the story of Jacob wrestling with God in Genesis 32. You can hear the sermon here.
Like Jacob, we have anxieties and fears. We have conflicts. We live with the consequences of our actions and inaction. We wrestle.
God takes the initiative with Jacob. God gives up power to fully engage, showing up in an unexpected, very human way.
The next time you sense yourself wrestling, consider that it is an invitation from the divine. When you find yourself questioning, or feel anxiety pricking at your periphery, perhaps you are responding to God seeking you out.
Our origin story, the story of being human, is one of struggle, of wrestling. It is not always comfortable. But it will leave us changed and blessed.
In hope,
Pastor Emily
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Here's an easy way to schedule time with Pastor Emily
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"Church Shopper Sunday" October 20
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A great day to invite friends and neighbors
to Alki UCC!
 During this time of heightened stress and uncertainty, people are looking for sources of balm and balance. Many of you have found that oasis at Alki UCC.
We invite you to invite people you know to "Church Shopper Sunday" this week on October 20. Pastor Emily is creating a special exploratory service to showcase our progressive Christian community courageously sharing God’s love with each other and the world.
We have a lot to showcase! For starters, the Alki UCC community transforms mission into action that benefits our neighbors in need, our region and beyond. Do you know people who care about making a difference? Church projects are focused on addressing an array of social justice concerns, the climate crisis, anti-racism and more.
And, we uniquely share our space with other faith traditions. Kol HaNeshamah, (KHN) West Seattle's progressive synagogue, is a long-time building partner; "Dharma Community for All" Alki Meditation offers weekly sessions.
Let's share our story! Please invite your neighbors and friends to this special service as an introduction to a more hopeful future.
Newcomers are invited to stay after worship
for a Q & A with Pastor Emily.
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Westside Interfaith Network (WIN)
Chili Cookoff and Fundraiser
Tickets still available!
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 This Saturday, October 19
at 6:00 pm
St. John's Episcopal Church
3050 California Ave
Alki UCC has its team of chefs to compete in the Westside Interfaith Network's 1st Annual Chili Cookoff ... Shannon P and Pastor Emily are fiercely representing us to win the Golden Crockpot trophy!
Thanks to all who stepped up to provide delicious cornbread — it's going to be a feast! Let's turn out to vote for our favorite chilis and be in community with other congregations on the westside, all to raise critical funds for WIN to serve our unhoused and low-income neighbors.
Tickets are still available at $15 per person through this linked WIN Annual Fall Chili Cookoff Invite.
An all-you-can-eat chili feast to support the work of the Westside Interfaith Network. Thanks!
Questions please contact me.
— Cinda (she/her)
Photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash
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NOW is the time to get engaged this Election Cycle!
Tap into these accessible resources compiled by the Outreach/Social Justice ministry team:
• Vote Forward:
Many of us are writing letters to reluctant voters in key swing states and you can too! It's easy: just select how many letters you'd like to write, print out the formatted letter, add your own words (a short statement about why you vote, to encourage them to do so), then mail them. Find the campaigns here: https://votefwd.org/
• There is a very critical race right here in Washington state in Congressional District #3. Vote Forward's letter writing campaign is linked here Download and print 20 letters, add your personal encouragement to vote in D-3, and mail them immediately.
• Washington State Initiatives: We have four critical ballot initiatives in WA that aim to strip away progress we have made as a state to fight climate change, build affordable housing, support schools and create long-term care for people.
Come learn more about these initiatives at a special information session presented by Emily Hitchens and Joe Aprile next Sunday, October 27 after worship.
Let's be a 100% Voting Congregation and encourage others to participate in this precious right to vote for ALL citizens.
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Thanks to all who used our narthex Sustainable Cubbies
Bring Your Tricky Recyclables Any Time!
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Our Outreach/Social Justice team is happy to announce that the Sustainable Steward Cubbies are open and ready for business. Bring your small items to the Narthex cubbies any time!.
 We accept:
wine corks, plastic lids smaller than three inches, small batteries, bread tags, empty prescription bottles, standard size light bulbs and two types of plastic: Plastic Film (shipping bags, plastic bags, overwrap, air pillows and other stretchy plastics!) and Multi-layer plastic (food storage bags, pet food bags, frozen food bags, and more layered packaging).
(Note: We don't take plastic wrap, like Saran Wrap. But any other stretchy plastic they do.)
The Outreach/Social Justice team designated two WIN (Westside Interfaith Network) Cubbies on the lower right for winter sock donations. Thank you for filling these cubbies so quickly, they are empty again and ready to accept your donations!
Your donation of new socks, underwear and sundries will be given to unsheltered and minimally sheltered people at 'The Welcome Table' lunch every Saturday in White Center from noon to 1:00pm. NOTE:
NOTE: Volunteers always appreciated! Contact the church office for volunteer contact info.
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Beyond Land Acknowledgement
Invitation to Sunday Book Study Series
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 Through November 3
5:00 to 6:00 pm
St. John's Episcopal Church
3050 California Ave SW
Sunday October 20
Tyna Ek and Pr. Andrew Conley-Holcom, Admiral United Church of Christ presenting “Balance Due“ on the effects of colonization on the Duwamish people
Sunday October 27
Jackson Espeut, Saint John the Baptist Episcopal Church
Sharing his academic research on fishing and water rights and their effects on indigenous communities
Sunday November 3
Dr. Jim Jarvis, UW Division of Rheumatology,
Department of Pediatrics
Presenting on historical and ongoing medical-related trauma in indigenous communities
Information:
SJBWestSeattle.org
206-937-4545
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Ever-present God, we give you thanks.
We give you gratitude for the relationships in our lives and our community of faith.
We pray for all those who grieve.
Comfort their hearts and hold them close.
We pray for all those who are ill, hurting or have a concern on their hearts.
We pray for Sandy J's cousin Barbara, Dan K facing various health issues, Rev. Joan C, Cinda's mother Jackie S, Alki UCC's Peruvian Families Seeking Asylum (especially Kenyi), 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.
Our hearts go out to the many people who are suffering in areas affected by natural disasters, especially those currently affected by Hurricane Milton. We continue in prayer for all those impacted by Hurricane Helene, including the loved ones of more than 230 people killed and all those reeling from catastrophic damage.
We pray for all the people and places in our world affected by war. We ask for wisdom for decision-makers and strength for justice-seekers. We pray for victims of violence, for refugees and asylum-seekers. We pray for all who are hungry, desperate, and in need of support.
In all of these things, we trust that you are with us. In all of these things, we ask for you to strengthen us. Help us to see you in those around us. Help us to love as you love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Please contact the church office to add or remove a prayer request. |
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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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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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Worship this Sunday,
October 20
at 10:00 am
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Rev. Emily
Tanis-Likkel
Liturgist:
Vicky S
Scripture:
Psalm 139
reimagined by
Nan C. Merrill
in "Psalms for Praying"
Stephen Anthony Rawson
Music Director
Music Highlights
Morning Has Broken
Cat Stevens
Psalm 139
Allen Pote
84, This Is the Day
476, My Life Flows On
in Endless Song
Lean On Me
Bill Withers
Let There Be
Peace on Earth
Vince Gill
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When you register, please use your first/last name plus your email.
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Warm Clothing/ Food/Outdoor Gear Donations Drive this Sunday
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11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Remember: You can bring your donations to the church at any time!
This month's priority: WARM CLOTHING, particularly
coats for men
and NEW SOCKS, SOCKS, SOCKS!
Also needed:
non-perishable food, men's work clothing, hygiene items and outdoor gear: tents, tarps, blankets, etc.
The Westside Interfaith Network (WIN), our donations drive partner, distributes your contributions through WIN's "The Welcome Table," a weekly Saturday meal for low income and unsheltered folks hosted in White Center.
This distribution serves as a stop-gap for many people relying on weekly visits to the food bank. Thank you for your generosity!
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Church Shopper Sunday
This Sunday, October 20
10:00 am Worship
(see story above left)
Alki UCC
Donations Drive
This Sunday, October 20
11 am to 3:00 pm
(story above)
Blessing of the Animals Neighborhood Walk-By
Saturday, November 2 9:30 to10:30 am
In partnership with Kol HaNeshamah
All Saints' Day
Sunday, November 3
Please submit names of those you would like recognized during worship to the church office.
November 3 is also a New Member Sunday. Contact Pastor Emily if you would like to become a member of Alki UCC.
Save the Date!
Christmas Cabaret
Saturday, December 14 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Anderson Hall
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Recurring:
Info Below
Bible Study 101
Tuesdays at Noon
via Zoom
Clog Dance Class
Sundays at 1 pm
Anderson Hall
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Whether you're brand new to the Bible, know the Bible well, or are somewhere in between ... each one of us has more to learn. Because God is still speaking.
Bible Study 101
Tuesday Zoom Bible Study
Noon to 1:30 pm
If you have previously registered, just use your same dedicated Zoom link. If you haven't yet registered, welcome!
Bible Study New Registration Here.
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Clog Dance Lessons at Alki UCC ... Join us!
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Sundays at 1:00 pm in Anderson Hall
Discover the joy of clog dancing, a lively percussive dance rooted in the Appalachian Mountains and influenced by Irish, Scottish, German and Native American traditions.
With more than 30 years teaching experience in the Pacific Northwest, I am excited to introduce you to the basics and beyond.
Dancers of all ages are welcome. No registration necessary. Just show up ... we welcome newbies October 27. Classes offered at no charge; all freewill donations support Alki Church UCC.
Questions? Email me here. — Diane J
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The joyous holiday of Sukkot marks the end of the harvest season (October 16 - 23), followed by Simchat Torah (“Rejoicing with the Torah”), marking the completion of the annual Torah reading cycle.
Note:
The beautiful “paper cut” banner at the front of the Sanctuary, which will be in place through the High Holy days, depicts honey comb, pomegranate, apples and other bounty to celebrate the sweet promise of a new year.
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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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