Dear Alki UCC, 
In this first week of Advent, as our consumer culture speeds up, how might we be called to slow down and tend to the patient art of peacemaking?
Let us take hope in the prophet Isaiah’s words:
“they shall beat their swords
into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks;” (Isaiah 2:4)
The forging of peace is not the absence of conflict. The forging of peace takes creativity and innovation. Turning weapons of war into tools for growing.
It might feel like there is nothing for us to do in the face of the enormity of the world’s needs, but there is something for everyone when it comes to peacemaking. Whether participating in boycotts (more in my sermon linked here), or building relationships, or sharing food and resources, our only limits are our imaginations. Together, with God, we are limitless.
In hope,
Pastor Emily
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To schedule time with Pastor Emily, check out this handy online form.
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Pastor Emily Leads "Godly Play" this Sunday,
December 7, 11:30 am to 12:20 pm
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Sessions are the first Sunday of the month
in the preschool space downstairs.
Have you longed for a spiritual practice to meet the needs of your progressive family?
Come and experience Godly Play at Alki United Church of Christ!
The Godly Play® method is a creative, imaginative approach to Christian formation and spiritual guidance. Godly Play values process, openness, discovery, community and relationships.
Godly Play at Alki UCC is for kids ages 3-12 and their caregivers.
Children and adults explore spirituality alongside one another in our circle. Contact Pastor Emily with questions.
I wonder what part you will like best . . . ?
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From Rev. Phil Hodson, Designated Conference Minister
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December 2, 2025
 Dear Siblings in Christ,
I write today to let you know that I will not be your candidate for Settled Conference Minister.
I have reached this decision after much prayer and reflection, recognizing that my greatest contributions during our time together are the work of an interim, and I celebrate with you all that we have accomplished together these past twenty months. A ministry of presence is key to conference ministry, and I have appreciated the ways congregations have welcomed me and the many talented clergy of this conference have engaged with me. As you look forward, I hope you will prize this quality of engagement - a lived expression of covenant between conference and the local church - in your next conference minister, too. Continued ,,,
Read entire letter here.
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Scenes from Monday's
"Advent Quiet Day"
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Alki UCC online church-goers have noticed that we’ve had some issues with our Livestream. We apologize for the lapse in access, are working hard to resolve all issues and we should be good to go this Sunday!
Please note that we do have edited recordings of past services available on our channel (linked here).
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Alki UCC "Adopts" Two MC Communities
Families for Christmas Gift Giving
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In our long-standing Alki UCC tradition of supporting local immigrant families who have come to the US for a better, safer and more secure life, the church has adopted two families associated with MC Communities for Christmas gift-giving.
We will be sharing the gift list with you this Sunday. We look forward to having you select a gift to shop for a family member, contribute gift cards for the parents and holiday meals or contribute gift wrapping and supplies.
There are opportunities for everyone to participate in welcoming and lifting up our immigrant neighbors! — Cinda S
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Free!! Vintage Tree Stand
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When the Alki UCC storage attic was cleared out over the summer, one of the "What do we do with this??" treasures, a sturdy and attractive vintage tree stand, was offered for free pickup.
It has resurfaced and needs a new home.
Weight: about 20lbs, very stable!
Strong and very pretty metal legs/
about 18" wide
6" high
6" dia. hole for tree with 3 long, strong screws.
Does not need a tree skirt!
Please contact the church office to arrange pickup. If there are no takers, it will be donated next week. — Aly H and Julia C
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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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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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Secure Online Giving to Alki UCC
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or
Donate Using the QR Code:
1. Open your smartphone’s camera app.
2. Point it at the QR code at left.
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.
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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 lift up remembrance prayers for Ray Sr. who died on Thanksgiving. We give gratitude for his 92 years.
We pray for all those who are ill, hurting or have a concern on their hearts.
We pray for Shannon's Aunt Liz who is hospitalized with COVID; Michael Sr; Charlie's friend Peggy; continued healing for longtime member Bonita C; Jeff D who had surgery on October 27; Jan and Bob's son Tom; Autumn, who had a recent heart transplant; Vicky S' friend Sue; 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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Worship this Sunday,
December 7
at 10:00 am
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Second Sunday
of Advent
Mary is Everyone:
A New Song
of Liberation
"We Are One"
Rev. Emily Tanis-Likkel
Scripture:
Isaiah 11:1-10
Romans 15:4-6
NRSVue
Rev. Penny M
Liturgist
Daniel Self
Music Director
Music Highlights
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
(Revised with lyrics
for Palestine)
#109, With Joy
Draw Water
#123, Mary,
Women of Promise
#524, This Little Light
of Mine
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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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Celebrate Yuletide!
Saturday, December 13
Decorate the Church
3:00 pm
Caroling and Cocoa
6:00 pm
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Join us in an all-ages decorating party on Saturday, December 13 beginning at 3:00 pm until Caroling at 6:00 pm.
We’ll adorn the Sanctuary with swags, decorate wreaths, and even make ornaments to bring home or give as gifts.
Please RSVP with the church office or sign up on Sunday so that we know how much pizza to order.
6:00 pm
Join fellow carolers of all skill levels and talent (ahem, no talent) in belting out "Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer" and "Frosty the Snowman" as we delight our Alki neighbors with holiday song.
We'll meet at church to warm up our voices then trek around the hood.
Wear your festive gear! We'll return to church to warm back up with cocoa and treats. Note: we received many cheers and even squeals from our neighbors last year. It's really fun!
Image: Beatriz-Camaleao on Unsplash
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Joe’s Art for Hunger Holiday Sale
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Sunday December 7 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
At our home
(Julia and Joe)
8145 29th Ave. SW
(West Seattle
near Thistle St
and 29 Ave SW)
All proceeds benefit a non-profit of your choice that helps provide nutrition for those in need.
No money is exchanged when a piece is sold – the buyer simply agrees to donate the negotiated amount to a non-profit organization of choice dedicated to feeding the hungry.
Picture: Ode to Autumn
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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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Bring your loose coins to church and fill up our container to support our fund-raising efforts!
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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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Sunday Worship Livestream
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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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6115 SW Hinds
Seattle, WA 98116
206/935-2661;
Church news/calendar updates at alkiucc.org.
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