Dear Alki UCC,
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote: “Religion is for God’s sake. The human side of religion, its creeds, rituals and institutions, is a way rather than the goal. The goal is ‘to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God.’ When the human side of religion becomes the goal, injustice becomes a way.”
In Christian Nationalism, the fundamentalist movement that believes our country should be a Christian nation, the human side of religion is the goal, and injustice is the way.
In last Sunday’s sermon I referenced the book Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds, by stand-up comic John Fugelsang. It’s a very accessible book, a fantastic answer to the question: “How might we dialogue with Christian Nationalists?”
If you have someone in your life with whom you might delve into those deep waters, I recommend this guidebook. Fugelsang suggests getting to know how to use Scripture to engage with these folks. One question that can be especially helpful is, “What from Jesus’ life and ministry has led you to believe that?” Because you can’t find words from Jesus that support MAGA talking points, certainly not abduction of immigrants or the harassment of protestors. You can find plenty of Jesus’ words about being compassionate to strangers and welcoming to refugees.
When we study the Bible more thoroughly, it not only nurtures our faith, but also helps us engage more productively with those Christians with whom we disagree. When we have an opportunity to dialogue with Christian Nationalists who support what our country is doing to people, we likely won’t change them. But we can strive to see each other’s humanity, to find something we can agree on, and witness to Jesus' life and ministry that we read in Scripture.
In hope,
Pastor Emily
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"Hearts for Alki UCC"
Valentine's Celebration Fundraiser
Saturday, February 14
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The Biggest Event of 2026 is fast approaching! We're going to have a  fun, festive evening of great food, lively dancing and community spirit. Come enjoy building community together and supporting Alki UCC.
Many of you are involved volunteering for tasks to help make the event go smoothly ... thank you so much!
A couple more people are needed for:
• kitchen prep Saturday afternoon
• watching the Silent Auction tables during the event
• clean up after the event.
Speaking of Silent Auction items, please bring your item to church this Sunday. If you cannot, please make arrangements with either Cinda or Julia for delivery by Wednesday morning. (Note: No items will be accepted the evening of the event.)
This Sunday we will have a sampling of the special experiences offered in the Silent Auction. We encourage those that are unable to attend the event to start bidding on these now! Yes we will include your bid on the 14th!
Consider purchasing tickets or making a donation if you're not able to attend. The bidding winner does not need to be present to take the item, it may be picked up at church next day or later.
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"Hearts for Alki UCC" Fundraiser
Saturday, February 14
Anderson Hall:
🕔 Doors Open: 5:00 pm
🍝 Italian Supper Potluck:
6:00 pm ($30)
🎶 Introduction to Square Dancing: 7:00 pm (Free)
Led by our very own Diane J who will be teaching and calling as we dance the night away!
🛍️ Silent Auction: 5:00 to 8:00 pm
Cool experiences and stuff to bid on during the evening!
We're looking forward to a fun, festive evening full of great food, lively dancing and community spirit. Let’s make it a Valentine’s Day to remember.
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From the Outreach/Social Justice Team
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If you were at worship last Sunday, you should have received a copy of Alki UCC's process document — relevant should ICE or CBP (Immigration & Customs Enforcement, Customs & Border Protection) attempt entry to our church. We wrote this up, based on KHN's document, to have a stated procedure should anyone in the building encounter ICE/CBP.
If you haven’t already, please review this important statement. We’ll also have copies this Sunday, or just download a copy here.
After 10:00 am worship this Sunday, Cinda will lead a Q&A about Aki UCC’s stated policy. Since there is so much going on in our country with these federal agencies, most notably in Minneapolis, LA, Chicago, NYC and Portland, we anticipate you’ll have questions much broader than the situation outlined in Alki UCC’s process document. We will address any issues you introduce and offer a deeper training as called for.
Many of us involved with the Westside Interfaith Network and providing the Saturday hot meal have been educated via WAISN (Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network) "Rapid Response" training. This is a specific training on what to do (and NOT to do) should you choose to defend the civil rights of someone being targeted by ICE/CBP.
The next training is tomorrow,
February 6 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, via Zoom.
Please watch this training, read our ICE/CBP process document
and bring your questions this Sunday, February 8.
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We will cover the latest updates on ICE and CBP's dangerous,
out-of-control operations. We will talk through rights when documenting and recording law enforcement encounters,
and how you can continue to take action.
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Westside Interfaith Network (WIN)
An invaluable community resource ...
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For those of you who are unfamiliar ... Both Alki UCC and our partner synagogue, Kol Ha Neshamah, are active members of the Westside Interfaith (WIN).
From the WIN website:
We are an interfaith group in the West Seattle-White Center area working together to address the needs of our neighbors through service, compassion and action.
Our own Cinda S is WIN's President.
Consider subscribing to the WIN newsletter, sent out when there are events of immediate interest to our collective community. You'll read about a range of opportunities to have your voice heard and make a difference.
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Merciful God, we give you thanks.
We give you gratitude for the beauty of this life, for our relationships and our community of faith.
We pray for all those who grieve.
May they find strength and peace.
We pray for all who seek comfort, guidance or healing.
We lift them up to your loving care.
We pray for our wider world.
We pray for the earth, your good creation entrusted to our care. We pray for those affected by violence, war, and disaster. We pray for leaders to act with integrity and be held accountable for their actions.
In prayer, O God, you hear us and know us. In prayer, we are unburdened and restored. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Please contact the church office to add or remove a prayer request.
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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,
February 8
at 10:00 am
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Fifth Sunday
after the Epiphany
Loose the Bonds
Rev. Emily Tanis-Likkel
Scripture:
Isaiah 58:1-9
NRSV Updated Edition
Liturgist:
Marilynn M
Daniel Self
Music Director
Music Highlights
What Does The Lord Require of You?
Jim Strathdee
Amazing Grace - My Chains Are Gone
Chris Tomlin
#247, My Shepherd
is the Living God
Give Us Vision
J. Brian Craig
Steal Away
Arr: Patrick Dupre Quigley
Image: Jason Hawke 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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Lent/Holy
Week Highlights
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Ash Wednesday
February 18
Noon service
followed by Ashes Community Walk-By
Palm/Passion Sunday
March 29
Maundy Thursday
April 2 at 6:00 pm
A service of handwashing, Communion meal with soup and bread,
with flute by Daniel Self
Alki UCC Parlor
Good Friday
April 3 at Noon
Easter
Sunrise Service
Alki Beach
April 5 at 6:15 am
Easter
Sanctuary Service
April 5 at 10:00 am
The Good News is . . . alive in the world
Community
Easter Egg Hunt
April 5 at 11:30 am
Image:
There Is Still Room
by Lauren Wright Pittman
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Take a Brief Christmas Eve
Survey!
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Help us plan next year's Christmas Eve services by answering three quick questions!
Alki's Worship and Music ministry would value your input regarding this past year's Christmas Eve services and welcome your ideas for planning next year's Christmas Eve services to meet the needs of our congregation and community.
— Vicky S
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As faith community grounded in love, we grieve the killing of Renee Nicole Good and the abuses inflicted on immigrant communities in Minnesota and beyond. That is why, in solidarity with our faith partners in Minnesota, we are calling on Congress to 1) prevent increased funding for ICE, 2) to hold the officer who killed Renee Good legally accountable, and 3) to demand ICE leave Minnesota immediately.
Write Representatives Here
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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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