Dear Alki UCC,
Twenty years ago today, on May 15, 2005, I was ordained to ministry and installed as the associate pastor of Eagle Harbor Congregational Church in Bainbridge Island, Washington.
Fifty years ago today, on May 15, 1975, Reverend Penny Matthews was ordained at the United Church of Christ in Claremont, California to a specialized ministry of pastoral counseling.
I am so delighted that Penny and I share an ordination anniversary, and want to especially celebrate her 50 years of ministry in which she has served as a pastoral counselor, spiritual director, teacher and supervisor in pastoral counseling, interim minister, consultant with congregations and hospice chaplain. Penny has a long and rich history with our congregation. She was installed at Alki UCC as a specialized minister of pastoral counseling on November 1, 1998. She entered into a Four-Way Covenant with the Conference, Providence Hospice of Snohomish County, and Alki UCC in January of 2009.
She retired as a hospice chaplain in July 2022, and entered into a new covenant with Alki UCC on April 23, 2023 in recognition of her new status in the Conference as an exempt (retired) minister.
Penny continues to use her gifts among us at Alki UCC, representing the Faith Formation Ministry Team on the Council, facilitating Bible study, participating as a worship liturgist, extending cheer and deep listening through the Caring Community and Fellowship Ministry team, and offering wise counsel with a humble heart. We appreciate you, Penny! Happy 50th!
I’ve always marked my ordination anniversary in some way. Often a dinner out with my family, to take some time to celebrate and acknowledge my call to ministry, which is pretty integral to who I am. For my ordination anniversary this year, I wanted to do something more collective. I am inviting us to give thanks for all of the ordained ministers among us, and to take time to acknowledge all those (ordained or not) who have been mentors and inspirers of our faith.
In our service, in lieu of a sermon, you will hear brief reflections from me and Penny, and also the other ordained ministers in our congregation, Tiare Mathison and my Dad, Keith Tanis, who will celebrate his 50th year of ordination on September 19.
We’ll share our thanks for those who have mentored us, and then we’ll invite you into a time of reflection to consider those people who have been instrumental in your spiritual journey.
In hope,
Pastor Emily
p.s. In last Sunday’s sermon (linked here), I preached about taking action born of empathy. I spoke about the clothing industry and recommended Good on You, a website/app for looking up how brands rate on ethics and sustainability. If you are interested in learning more, you can find it here.
UCC.org is a fantastic resource for taking small actions with big impact. The homepage has a section called Action Alerts for calling on our administration and representatives to take action. Current Action Alerts include calling on Congress to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, protecting our rights to speak out about injustice, and advocating for those who need their basic needs met. Your actions make a difference!
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You can always schedule an appointment with Pastor Emily by using this handy online tool linked here.
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Moment of Stewardship
by Council Executive Team
May 11, 2025
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 “Let’s do this together!” could be a description of Alki UCC’s long history of being at the center of our Alki Beach area for more than 100 years. I haven’t been here that long in case you were wondering! But as a 50-year+ Alki resident and member of the Alki UCC community, I have a good many stories of long-time members who worked together to build this congregation that we love.
Alki folks worked together to start a Sunday School, build two church structures, create Bible study, plan retreats, camp, march for peace, clean the garden and kitchen, enjoy lots of laughs, stage pageants, support new immigrants, become Open and Affirming, work for marriage equality, host Easter brunch, organize Bazaars and bean soup dinners and raise funds to install an elevator as we gathered for wonderful worship services and inspiring sermons. Who could ask for more?
All these memories are built from the devotion of hundreds of wonderful people who have given of their Time, Talent and Treasure. As our Stewardship slogan states, “Let’s do this together” as we have successfully done through the years, so our vibrant community can continue to thrive.
Last week you met the Alki UCC Council, which is only a sample of the leadership needed to keep Alki UCC moving forward. Cinda, Charlie and Gary also added their personal Alki Church stories..
The Executive Committee is elected at the Annual Congregational Meeting in June to serve a two-year term. Pastor Emily and our Operations Manager Shannon are non-voting members who support and advise the Council.
In addition to our Ministry Team representatives, who you will hear from in the weeks to come, there are five standing committees: Trust Fund, Personnel, Pastoral Relations, Building & Grounds and Nominating. These committees meet as needed.
Please note that the Ministry Teams and committees are looking for new members to move into our Future Story.
Here's a reminder of who is in charge at Alki UCC. All of us ... as we live into the Purpose Statement we created together years ago: “Alki UCC is a faith community growing together as disciples of Jesus Christ, courageously sharing God’s love with each other and the world.”
You are encouraged to join a Ministry Team or several, serve on one of the Standing Committees, or let the Church Leadership know how you can help. And of course give generously through the Stewardship Drive.
Now, “Let’s Do This…..Together!”
— Julia P. for the Council Executive Team
Questions: stewardship@alkiucc.org
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Priority Needs for this Sunday's
Donations Drive
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Sunday, May 18
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Front Courtyard
Priority Needs:
Clean and wearable Men's Work/Casual Clothing
New Socks
Non-Perishable Food
We also welcome clean and wearable men's/women's outerwear suitable for the season, hygiene items and camping gear.
Remember:
You can bring your donations
to the church at any time!
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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Thanks to all who use our narthex Sustainable Cubbies
Sustainable Stewards Cubbie Corner (SSCC)
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Please drop off your wiped down clean, crumb free,
totally dry items in the Cubbies
at the northwest corner of the Narthex.
The following categories are accepted in the cubbies weekly:
Batteries, household size batteries • Bread Tags • Contact lens packaging • Electronic cords, chargers, adapters • Laptops • Light bulbs, household socket bulbs • Loose plastic caps (the small caps on soups, milk, beverages) • Metal Bottle Caps • Multi Layer Plastic Film • Plastic Film • Portable devices, cell phones, tablets • Prescription Pill Bottles and caps • Reusable egg cartons-dozen eggs only, plastic or cardboard • Rubber Bands • Twist Ties • Wine corks
Questions? Find a Sustainable Steward: Aly H, Ann P, Cinda S, Joe A, Julia C, Lisa G, Nancy H, Marilynn M,
Thank you for being a sustainable steward,
— Outreach/Social Justice team
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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.
Don P was reunited with his beloved Imy in heaven on Easter morning. Don and Imy were dear long-time Alki UCC members.
Don was devoted to his wife and their four children: Lisa, Kathy, Page and Don. Please pray for peace and comfort for them in their grief.
Don Peterson Memorial Service
This Saturday, May 17 at 4:00 pm
Alki UCC Sanctuary
Comfort the hearts of all who grieve and hold them close.
We pray for all those who are ill, hurting or have a concern on their hearts.
We pray for Vicky S' friend Sue; Julia C's cousin Scott M, facing a critical health challenge; Pastor Emily's friends Rich, Julie and Bryson; our Peruvian immigrant friends and for all who seek peace and safety in our country; for Sandy J's cousin Barbara; Dan K facing various health issues; Rev. Joan C; Cinda's mother Jackie S; Julia C's friend Jessie T and family, Amy Y's mother Corlene; Sue's B's friends Mary and Louise; and Nick L.
We pray for our wider world.
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 Livestreamed on YouTube
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The Sunday worship Livestream video appears at 10:00 am every week at the top of the page. Sunday Worship recordings
are accessed at the same link.
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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,
May 18
at 10:00 am
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Let's Do This Together!
Ordination Anniversary Sunday
Rev. Emily
Tanis-Likkel
Liturgists
Tiare M, Penny M
and Keith T
Scripture
Philippians 4:4-7
Let’s Give Thanks!
Moment of Stewardship
Outreach/Social Justice
Daniel Self
Music Director
Music Highlights
Give Thanks
Don Moen
Be Thou My Vision
Dan Forrest
#360, Thuma Mina
Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart
Don Moen
#283, Spirit of
the Living God
Give Thanks to the Lord
Stephen M. Austin
Image:
Fallon Michael
on Unsplash
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Sunday Worship Livestreamed on YouTube
The Sunday worship Live Stream video appears at 10:00 am every week at the top of the page.
Please "subscribe" to the Alki UCC channel
in order to participate
in the live chat.
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Don Peterson Memorial Service
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This Saturday
May 17 at 4:00 pm
Alki UCC Sanctuary
Don was reunited with his beloved Imy in heaven on Easter morning. Don and Imy were dear long-time Alki UCC members.
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Whale Trail Petition Calls for Alki Point Access
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Founded in 2008 by Donna Sandstrom, The Whale Trail was created to "build awareness of the endangered southern resident orcas throughout their range." From 16 inaugural sites in Washington there are now more than 150 spanning the west coast from California to British Columbia.
The Whale Trail features four sites in West Seattle, including Charles Richey Sr. Viewpoint on Beach Drive — the best place in Seattle to watch whales from shore!
Donna and other community members recently met with SDOT in the Alki UCC Parlor to discuss the City’s changes to Alki Point, which have had a harmful impact on safety, accessibility and marine conservation programs in the area. For example, “Street Closed” signs have effectively kept people away, and cut them off from a public shoreline, city park and marine reserve.
The group is asking the City to find solutions that better meet the needs of the wider community.
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Admiral Church presents
The Idolatry of Whiteness
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Alki Community Choir Open Rehearsals
Sundays:11:30 am
to 1:00 pm
Music Director Daniel Self invites you to share in the joy of music-making!
No previous music or singing experience required. All are welcome, no matter where you are on your musical journey.
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Alki UCC Zoom Bible Study Sunday Evening and Tuesday Noon
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Alki UCC offers two sessions of weekly Zoom Bible study; register for one or both and come when you can!
Tuesdays
Noon to 1:30 pm
co-led by Pastor Emily
and Rev. Penny
Register here for Tuesday series.
Sundays
5:00 to 6:00 pmled by Rev. Penny Register here for Sunday series. All are welcome, newcomers especially! Weekly attendance is not required; come to one or more sessions on either day, depending on what works for you. Please note that each series has a dedicated one-time Zoom registration link. Toe-dipping welcome; personal sharing is invited and respected; questions are encouraged. We are all seekers!
Questions? Contact Pastor Emily
or Rev. Penny.
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