 Dear Alki UCC,
I don’t love heights. As I get older, I’m liking them even less. I’m also not much of a hiker. So imagine my reaction when a few other Northwest Women’s Retreat attendees, including our friend Pastor Leah Atkinson-Bilinski from Fauntleroy UCC, invited me to walk across the Bridge of the Gods, a piece of the Pacific Crest Trail that involves walking across a cantilever bridge over the Columbia River with absolutely no walkway for pedestrians.
Well, I said yes, of course, because I wasn’t about to let anyone know I didn’t do this kind of thing all of the time! Starting out across the bridge I could hardly believe I was doing it. The river and mountain views made up for any trepidation I was feeling, and the mutual encouragement was quite necessary.
I was coping just fine, until the cement under my feet gave way to metal grating. I cried out, “I don’t like this!” The woman walking in front of me, who didn’t even know me, offered me her hand. I thought that was very sweet, though I didn't take her up on it. I quickly realized that I was actually okay. Just because I could see the water through the grate underneath me didn’t mean that I was in danger of falling through. “I’m okay, I just needed to adjust!”
And then we were at the other side, and making our way back to the beginning was a whole lot easier. In the parking lot I admitted to Leah that I had gone pretty far out of my comfort zone.
Life is full of stepping out into unknowns, with the ground beneath us changing all of the time. We need to adjust, lean on each other, and keep going. It can be scary, for sure, but oh the wonder we see along the way.
In hope,
Pastor Emily
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To schedule time with Pastor Emily, check out this handy online form.
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Veterans Recognized
During Worship November 9
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Jeff W, US Navy
Rod P, US Army
Bob H, Army National Guard
Shelby M, Army National Guard
We thank you for your service.
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Exciting Update:
Easier Online Donations Are Here!
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The Stewardship team is thrilled to announce a new and improved wat to support our mission through online giving!
Whether you're a longtime Alki UCC donor or new to online giving, making an online contribution is easier, faster and more transparent than ever.
Features
• An updated giving link that delivers a smoother, more user-friendly donations process
• Flexible giving options
• Transparent fees
• QR code access for quick mobile giving
• A secure platform to protect your information
How to Donate Using the QR Code:
1. Open your smartphone’s camera app.
2. Point it at the QR code below.
3. Tap the link appearing at the top of your screen to visit Alki UCC's official donation page.
4. Choose your amount and submit your gift.
Why Your Support Matters
Every donation helps us continue our work and expand our impact. Your generosity fuels ministry teams, outreach and resources that make a real difference in our communities.
Thank you for being part of our journey! Together, we’re building a brighter future. — Shannon P
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Celebration Send-Off for Rev. Andrew Conley-Holcom
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 Longtime Alki UCC friend Rev. Andrew Conley-Holcom is leaving Admiral Church and West Seattle for a new call.
He invites the Alki UCC community to celebrate
with him this
Saturday, November 15
6:00 to 9:00 pm
Admiral Church's
temporary home
at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church
3035 California Ave SW
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Tuesday Bible Study via Zoom
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Led by Pastor Emily and Rev. Penny, we meet from noon to 1:30 pm for spiritual practice, deep listening and wisdom-seeking.
Faith formation is what happens when we set aside our own agendas, individually and collectively, and show up for God. Our faith is formed when we listen to our own inner longing in response to God’s call in our hearts.
Join us for the journey!
If you already registered, just use your same unique link to join us. OR sign up to attend here.
Attend all sessions, or occasionally ... whatever works for you.
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This Week Only!
Special Plastic Drop-Off at the Cubbies
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Bring your unwanted but usable CDs, DVDs and video games to the cubbies through Sunday, November 16.
Maybe you’ve embraced the streaming age, and you don’t need your old discs anymore. Or perhaps you just want to thin out your media library.
Either way, when you place your well-loved CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, and video games into your featured category bag, you're giving them a second chance at life!
This is a one time opportunity for us, please do not drop off any CDs, DVDs and video games after November 16. The donations will find them a new home, so that they can provide hours of enjoyment to someone else in your community.
Note: Music, movies and games must either be in their original cases or a container that fits the item(s). Loose items are not accepted. — Aly H
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Request to Return Your
Mayflower Bean Soup Jars
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We're all about re-using and recycling at Alki UCC.
If you bought a jar of the Legacy Bean Soup at our recent Autumn Festival, you are invited to return the Mason jars for re-purposing.
Emily H says, "I will be glad to take them ... and I still have more beans, too!" Look for Emily at Sunday worship.
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West Seattle's "Joiner Jamboree"
was pure Joy!
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Last Saturday, November 8, St. John the Baptist graciously opened their recreation hall to host a wonderful community event bringing together 62 local non-profit organizations from the West Seattle/White Center area, to remind us that Life Happens Locally, and there is no need to wander far.
The hall was packed with excitement all day long, and our local clog dance community was proudly one of them! Upon arrival, I eagerly spread my tablecloth from end to end, only to realize the volume of non-profits on site, it would be shared with two other local dance groups! Thus the “Dancing Table” was born! complete with colorful posters and flyers, including QR codes inviting guests to investigate further!
Visitors spun our “Wheel of Questions,” landing on prompts such as “What is the difference between clog dancing and tap dancing?” or “Do you wear wooden shoes?” The latter question answered immediately by performance group Puget Sound Rhythm, who gave a lively clog dancing demonstration in the entryway. Several people asked if we were exhausted, just the opposite, adrenaline at its peak, it was pure joy! What a wonderful day!!!
I am SO grateful to Alki UCC for letting me spread my love of clog dancing with our local community Sunday afternoons! Want to join the fun? I have oodles of flyers left in my bag ready to share!
— Diane J
The West Seattle Blog caught Diane and Co. in action! Check out the video here.
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Collect and Bring in Your WS Thriftway Receipts to Benefit the WS Food Bank
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West Seattle Thriftway actively supports the West Seattle Food Bank by donating 1% of customer receipts to the food bank.
Save and bring in your receipts to help feed our Neighbors in Need.
Look for the labeled Tupperware container (thank you, Marilynn!) on top of the Sustainable Steward Cubbies.
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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 and hold them close.
We pray for all those who are ill, hurting or have a concern on their hearts.
We pray for Charlie's friend, Peggy, and continued healing for longtime member Bonita C; Jeff D who had surgery on October 27; for Jan and Bob's son Tom; Autumn, who had a recent heart transplant; Vicky S' friend Sue; Julia C's cousin Scott M, facing a critical health challenge; 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 Livestream
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 Alki UCC YouTube Channel Linked HERE
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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6115 SW Hinds
Seattle, WA 98116
206/935-2661;
Church news/calendar updates at alkiucc.org.
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Worship this Sunday,
November 16
at 10:00 am
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Holy is Each One: Immigrant Stories and The God Who Sees
“Ruth and Naomi”
Rev. Emily Tanis-Likkel
Ruth 2:1-16
NRSVue
Rev. Penny Matthews
Liturgist
Daniel Self
Music Director
Music Highlights
#742, Gathered Here in the Mystery of This Hour
From Wisdom Emerging
Words: Larry Schulz, Welsh Hymn Tune
#393, Blessed Be
the Tie That Binds
God Is Our Shelter and Strength
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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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Donations Drive this Sunday, November 16
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11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Front Courtyard
This Month's Priority Need:
FOOD!!
Feed the People!
The Alki UCC Food Drive helps stock the food pantry at The Welcome Table, Westside Interfaith Network's weekly hot meal program.
Needed Pantry Items include Peanut Butter, Canned Meats/Tuna/ Veggies/Fruit, Vegetable Soup, Beans, Low-Sugar Cereal (ie Cheerios or Chex), Rice, Powdered Milk, Applesauce, Snack Packs.
Pet Food in marked Ziploc bags is also welcome, as well as gift cards to local grocery stores.
Bring your donations anytime to church, but especially this Sunday for our monthly donation drive.
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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Monday,
December 1
2:00 to 6:00 pm
Begin your Advent season grounded by this reflective and spare window of time for meditation, art, rest and labyrinth walk.
Drop in whenever you'd like or stay for the duration.
Light refreshments provided.
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Want to lead a song this Sunday?
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If you see a song on the music highlights that you'd like to lead the congregation in singing this Sunday, come on by the church between 9:45 to 10:00 am on Sunday morning and let Daniel know which song you'd like to lead and/or co-lead.
Singers of all ages and abilities are welcome to lead singing!
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You're Invited:
"A Child Becomes" Parents Night
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Monday,
November 17
6:00 to 7:00 pm
Anderson Hall
(please enter building through
62nd Street entrance
Anxiety 101: Building Emotional Foundations in the Preschool Years.
Guest experts from Brave Seattle will share valuable insights about how anxiety can show up in young children, and how parents can employ practical strategies to support your child's emotional well-being.
RSVP Here
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Friday, November 14
5-8 pm
Saturday, November 15
10 am-5 pm
Sunday, November 16
11 am-3 pm
Hosted by Fauntleroy Church at 9140 California Avenue SW, this annual community event showcases 19 local artists and artistic crafters who show, discuss and sell the fruits of their creativity.
The venue is fully accessible and “just browsing” is free!
More info here.
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Shades of Praise Gospel Choir Presents
Kent Stevenson’s "The Gospel Magnificat"
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Saturday, December 6
at 2:00 pm
Plymouth United Church of Christ, 1217 6th Ave
Saturday December 13 at 2:00 pm
St. Therese Parish,
936 35th Ave
Saturday December 20 at 7:00 pm
Plymouth United Church of Christ
Featuring jazz band, dancers and narration, The Gospel Magnificat is a gospel rendition of Mary's hymn of praise after learning she will bear the Son of God.
Tickets: $25 ($15 students) available online here and at the door
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Bring your loose coins to church and fill up our container to support our fund-raising efforts!
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