1. family and parenting
2. children

December, 2014
Volume 66, NumberPage
12
Imagine Advent…… at University Congregational UCC!
Where’s Worship?
When you come to church after Christmas, you’ll
see breakfast being served and children playing in
the Lounge as normal. But the narthex doors will
be closed, the Narthex filled with pews, and the
sanctuary closed. Where is the worship service?
Come to Ostrander Hall! We will be worshipping
together in Ostrander Hall for 5 Sundays beginning on Dec. 28th and on through January as renovations continue in the sanctuary. Everything
you would normally find in the Narthex will be
downstairs- nametags, information tables, and
coffee! And most importantly, our incredible
church community. Childcare will still be provided and Christian Education will continue normally. The setting will be different, but it will still be
all of us together being church.
An Advent of Simplicity
With some very short timelines to accomplish the
next steps in our renovations process (renovations
to put in the new floor begin on December 26),
we’ll be celebrating a simpler Advent Season in
the sanctuary this year. Many thanks to Marne
Parry who is helping us to coordinate a beautiful
but simpler celebration of the season! And yes –
look for the Christmas stars and angels downstairs in Ostrander Hall for worship on December
28 and in January!
And when we return…
New Sanctuary Flooring!
As we enter our sanctuary in February 2015 we
will be have a new floor in the sanctuary! And a
floor design reflecting a welcome stream of living
water through fertile soil.
Images of water flow throughout the scriptures
and hymns we sing. We gather at the water for
baptism (Mark 1:8); we are led to restful waters
(Psalm 23); and, as we read in Amos 5:24, we will
let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness
like an ever-flowing stream. We hope our new
floor design of water flowing and connecting each
entrance to the sanctuary and down the center
aisle will unite us as a community of nurture,
support and challenge – and lead us to “flow out”
into the world assured, loved, and blessed to be
God’s people of justice and peace in all we are and
do!
A New Worship Service at 5:30 p.m.!
Join us for each Sunday in January for a new opportunity to gather and worship together! We’ll
gather in Ostrander Hall for a simple supper at
5:00 and a worship service at 5:30 of celebration,
prayer and song for all ages.
An Advent Worship Series: Restore Us! Psalms
of Restoration and The Magnificat
Advent is a season of waiting and hopefulness – a
time when we anticipate the birth of One who will
guide us to repair a broken world. We’ve seen a
glimpse of what life in the Kingdom of God is like
from our study of the Beatitudes this fall. But
how do we restore the world order to the way it
should be? How do we look at the promise of the
Messiah-to-be and prepare to make the kingdom
our new reality? The Psalms used in the lectionary during Advent and the Magnificat sing of the
promise of God’s “inverted world” where “those
who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their
sheaves” (Psalm 126:6) and where the “lowly” are
lifted up (Luke 1:52). Join us this season, as we
wait and contemplate what this anticipated renewal might mean in our lives and world.
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Upcoming Events
Special Advent Breakfast
On Sunday, November 30, please come to the Advent
breakfast from 8:45-9:45 in Ostrander Hall. This is a
potluck and everyone is invited! Please bring your favorite Christmas breakfast dish to share. We will eat
together, sing carols and enjoy a performance by our
very own Children’s Choir. We hope to see you there!
Gaza, Continuous Traumatic Stress
Tuesday, December 2, 12-2 pm, Ostrander Stage
Coffee, Tea, and Cookies will be provided.
Gerri and Bob Haynes have just returned from Gaza and
wish to share their stories and PowerPoint pictures. Gerri, a Palliative Care Consultant, (and formerly with
Children’s Hospital) has been organizing delegations to
visit the Middle East for Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility since 1992. In November, Gerri and
Bob (a retired cardiologist), an accomplished photographer, were part of WPSR's eighth medical service delegation to serve in post war Gaza. They will tell of
heartbreak and hope where the people of Gaza struggle
to survive. University Congregational is co-hosting this
event with the Palestine Concerns Task Force, which
enjoys the Church's monthly hospitality.
Good Music for a Good Cause
You're invited to a concert by the Rain City Symphony
on Wednesday, December 3, at 7:30 p.m. to benefit the
University Churches Emergency Fund. It will be held at
University Christian Church, Seattle. The symphony,
conducted by Dr. Teresa Metzger-Howe, will play selections by Berlioz, Schumann, Copland and Tchaikovsky. Admission is complimentary, and voluntary donations will go to UCEF. The Rain City Symphony nurtures and promotes the appreciation of music by providing quality performances in the Puget Sound area at no
cost to the audience. The symphony provides amateur
musicians with an orchestral experience in a friendly,
supportive atmosphere. For more information, see
www. raincitysymphony.org.
Senior Lunch
The Senior Lunch will be on the second Monday, December 8. Please come and enjoy food and fr iends.
Our speaker will be Chris Cady, our church Bookkeeper
and a member. Chris will share with us details about
her job, but also how she came to University Congregational UCC and a little about her spiritual journey and
her training that prepared her for this job.
Hal Bergmann Ordination
Join us on Sunday, December 14 at 2:00 to celebrate
Hal Bergmann’s ordination! Hal has been called as a
chaplain to “The Chaplaincy”, a nonprofit organization
providing chaplaincy services to two hospitals in Richland, Washington. Hal joined UCUCC in 2007 and followed his call to ministry to the Pacific School of Religion. Recently, he’s been living in Richland to be closer
to family – and we are delighted Hal is coming back to
celebrate his ordination with us!
Christmas Play/Sing/Dance-Along!
Christmas Band time is coming up! On December 14
after church we will have the annual play-along, singalong, dance-along carol festivity in the lounge. We
have easy to play parts for strings, woodwinds, brass
(well, anyway, trumpets) and sundry outliers. We have
had at least an eighty year age range among players
over the years, and our skill level ranges from those
who have just mastered (or re-mastered) a C scale to
those who could be performing concerti, but choose to
join us instead. The only thing uniform is the amount of
joy we all get from playing together. Come join the fun!
If you have questions, ask Ginger Warfield
(vwarfield@mac.com, or (206) 525-0175).
Taizé Farewell
There is a time for all things; after two decades of evenings of meditation, prayer, chanting, soup, and sharing,
the Taizé worship service has reached its time of ending. Our final service will be on December 17. We are
so grateful to have had this time to worship and share
our journeys together. On December 17, Taizé will be
followed by a particularly festive supper at which we
hope to share our soup and thoughts with as many as
possible of the folks who have been part of the Taizé
community in body or in spirit! Come join us during
Advent or just on the 17th to help us remember and celebrate.
Christmas Day Tea!
Alas, there is no sailing on Christmas Day…. but stop
by my little galley on Christmas afternoon from 1-4 for
a spot of tea, egg nog, or hot cider! When I’m not out
sailing, I’m docked at 302 31st Avenue in Leschi and
would be gladdened to have you stop in to sing a song,
share a story and mark the gift of Christmas day!
~Peter Ilgenfritz
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Along the Way
Monthly reflections from a member of the
UCUCC leadership staff
David Anderson, Church Administrator
Healing and Learning
A year ago this fall I had an attack of diverticulitis, which led to a 12-day hospital stay, some procedures, and eventually two surgeries, the last of which was last April. I am doing well and on the road to full recovery, and grateful
for great medical and loving care, for prayers and care from this congregation, and for good health insurance. And
I’m trying to live into some new realities and ways of being in the world, sometimes more successfully than at other times. A few random thoughts:
•
I am still trying to embrace the place of faith and mystery in the healing process. I know there are many kinds
of healing: some physical, some spiritual or emotional or relational. Good medicine and rational care are important. So is leaning into God’s loving grace and just being held in care.
•
I am still learning to see “self-care” as a necessity and faithful response to a full life, rather than a luxury or give
-away.
•
I am journeying to see my body as more than the mechanism which carries my head around and lets me work
hard and be active. I am discovering that my body is a gift from God, to be cared for and treated nicely.
•
It’s still easy for me to be a “structural agnostic:” feeling that issues and processes too often depend on me to
figure out and solve, rather than resting into the hope and faith of a loving God and amazing Holy Spirit to
help us in the midst of challenging or difficult situations
•
I am embracing the place that laughter and humor have in healing and in everyday life: not humor at other’s
expense, though sometime a laugh on myself when I take myself too seriously, and sometimes a chance just to
celebrate God’s gift of lightness of being.
•
I am reveling at the place of gratitude in me: I have been nurtured and upheld. In the times of pain, it was often gratitude for care and love and prayers that made things bearable. And my deepest memory of those tough
times is that of being grateful. What a gift to have gratitude.
•
I am grateful for a community of faith, where we come together, share God’s love and hope, and care for each
other and the world. What an incredible expression of God’s dream for all.
Thank you for all the ways you have journeyed with me, before and since, and for the support as I’ve healed these
last months, as I’ve begun my eighteenth year here at UCUCC, and as I look ahead – with you – to all that God
still has in store for us. I am blessed, we are blessed, and God is good!
~David
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Around the Congregation
Sign Up for MixSups 2015!
Looking to connect with new people in our church community? Sharing a meal in a casual environment is a
great way to do that, and MixSups is a great way to
share a meal! We'll mix and match you up with others
for one dinner per month January to April. Each month,
one person or couple will host a total of eight people. The host provides the main dish, while the other
guests will be asked to bring a side dish. You can sign
up as a couple, with a friend, or on your own. If you
cannot host a meal, that's okay—we'll offer you hosting
options! Sign-ups will happen Sundays, through December 7 in the Narthex. Can’t find us in the Narthex?
Send your name (and that of your partner if you have
one), phone number and email to Lisa Coleman at
beanrhit@comcast.net, and you’ll be added to the
MIX!!
Thank you Taizé Community!
After almost 20 years of ministry, our Taizé community
is drawing to a close and will hold their last Taizé Service on Wednesday, December 17 at 6:00. Join us for
this special night of giving thanks for all the ways that
Taizé has been a place of contemplation, prayer, community and welcome for these many years. Thank you
to all who have been part of this community of worship
– we have been blessed by your ministry!
“Alternative” Gift Ideas
We can support Global Ministries by sending Alternative Christmas gifts, such as: $15 for school supplies for
a child, or $40 to start a resource library; $25 for some
of the needed materials for a well, or $75 for a water
pump; $50 for support of a new doctor, or $100 to help
start a community health chest. See more choices and
make a contribution online, using this link: globalministries.org/alternative-christmas.
TAF Homeless Village in Lot C
The Ave Foundation Homeless Village is living in tents
at the south end of Lot C (on the corner of 15th Ave NE
and NE 45th St). Most of the parking lot is still available for parking. The village has up to 20 residents, including a mom, dad and two children, and they will be
with us for up to three months. After that, they plan to
move to another site in the U District. For information or to make donations of warm clothes, propane,
socks, blankets, sleeping bags, towels, or BIG blue
tarps, contact Tim Croll (timcroll@hotmail.com); to
volunteer to help host showers for them on Monday,
Wednesday or Friday evenings, contact Cat GipeStewart (catgipe@ gmail.com); to volunteer for holiday
hospitality, contact Sara Turner (skturner@gmail.com).
Winter Sailing?
It’s brisk and beautiful out here on the great sea of Lake
Union in the winter! I set sail on Saturday and Sunday
afternoons at 2:30 and would love to have you join me
for an hour of sailing – followed by a mug of hot chocolate or tea! Let me know if you’d like to book a sailing
– pilgenfritz@universityucc.org or 206-524-2322.
Sign up for Pacific NW Conference Men’s Retreat!
Join our group of men from University Congregational
UCC who will be attending our 2015 Conference Men’s
Retreat at our church camp on the Kitsap Penninsula,
Pilgrim Firs, January 29-February 1). Register online at
www.pncucc.org FACEBOOK PAGE https://
www.facebook.com/pncuccamr
For further information contact Michael Phipps at
(phippsmichael@earthlink.net)
The Welcome Table Young Adults Dinner
The Welcome Table meets most Monday evenings from
7-9:00 pm in the Pilgrim Room at UCUCC. All young
adults are invited to join us for food, fun, fellowship and
faith formation. We gather around the table for homemade vegetarian soup and fresh baked bread then adjourn for good conversation and wrestling with important questions. Please contact Tamara Roberts for
more information. 206-660-1339 (text or call) or tamaramroberts@hotmail.com.
UCC Israel Investment Conversation
The Central Pacific UCC Conference (Oregon) along
with four other UCC Conferences passed resolutions to
boycott and divest from companies that profit from the
illegal occupation of Palestinian Territories. We will
have an opportunity to consider these nonviolent issues
in the coming year as a church and at our annual April
meeting of the Pacific Northwest Conference. Nationally our General UCC Synod in June promises to be lively. Stay tuned.
Page 5
Annual Advent Workshop
Take Part in the Ever-Popular Advent Workshop!
The Advent workshop is just around the corner! Please join us on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 11:30-2:00pm in Ostrander
Hall where we will make Christmas gifts and decorations while enjoying music, food and fellowship. The event
includes a big potluck lunch. We encourage everyone to bring cold finger foods to share such as fruit, veggies,
sandwich makings, cheese and crackers, dips, desserts and other finger-friendly foods. There are activities and fun
for all ages at the Advent Workshop.
Volunteers Are Needed
Would you like to help at one of the craft tables? Staff the buffet table? Or work behind the scenes? The workshop is divided into two shifts so you can help during one shift, and still have time explore crafts and enjoy the
event. To volunteer, sign up at our Narthex table after worship in November or email Lynn Schafer, Advent
Workshop Coordinator, at lynnrsch@hotmail.com.
Donations Are Needed
We need multiple batches of unfrosted sugar cookies for the cookie decorating table and 16 oz. canning jars with
lids for the cookie recipe jar project. Let Rebecca Schmidt know if you plan to donate these items,
rschmidt@ucucc.org. Bring donations to the church office, ATTN: Rebecca Schmidt. On the day of the event,
please bring food to share at our lunch potluck.
Crediting Church Contributions
Here’s a reminder from your bookkeeping staff: please help us ensure that your contributions are credited appropriately. You are welcome to combine payments for more than one fund in a single check; we just need to know each
time how you would like the donation distributed. Just write the breakdown on the memo line of the check. As the
end of the year approaches, if you would like to check the balance on your pledge, please call the bookkeeping office at the church at 206-524-2322. The IRS requires that for a contribution to be credited in 2014, it must be received in 2014. " Received" means either deliver ed to the chur ch or postmar ked by Dec. 31.
There are a variety of ways for you to fulfill your pledge or make a contribution, from online giving to stock donations to periodic auto-deductions on a schedule that works for you. You are also able to contribute with a credit
card (though you’ll be asked to cover the church’s credit card fees in order to do so). More information is available
at the church web site: www.universityucc.org. On the upper right of the home page: click “Donate Now” to give,
or click “Other Opportunities for Giving” for more information. Or feel free to contact church administrator David
Anderson, at danderson@universityucc.org, or bookkeeper Chris Cady, ccady@universityucc.org, 206-524-2322.
Thank you for your contributions, and for your help!
~David Anderson, Church Administrator
UCUCC BeFriender Ministry
The holidays are coming, and while it is a fun season for many, we know there are others for
whom this is a difficult time. If you are someone who struggles during this time of year, the
BeFriender Ministry would like to offer you the possibility of having someone to walk with
you through these challenges. If you are interested in having a BeFriender on a short term basis during the holidays, please contact any of the clergy or Elaine Ploegstra
(elaineploegstra@gmail.com).
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Christmas Families
The Christmas Families program has become a special tradition at UCUCC. Christmas can be
a hard time for many children and families in our community who have few resources in this
season. You can share the good news of Jesus and bring joy to families by participating in one
of the following ways:
Request to be matched with a needy family, child, or senior. You purchase gifts for a
family referred to us by several agencies in Seattle. You will be given family members’ names
and children’s ages. The family provides gift suggestions. You may team up with friends or a
group you are a part of. Please request your family by signing up in the narthex no later than
Dec. 7 or by emailing Kathy at kkripps@q.com and requesting a family of a certain size.
Packages are due to the church on Sunday, Dec. 14.
Contribute Money. Your donation will help families who did not get matched or were referred late and provide gift cards for adults at Compass Housing Alliance. We also provide the
clergy with gift cards to be used at their discretion throughout the year when needs arise.
Please make your check out to University Congregational UCC and mark it “Christmas Families.”
Shoppers. There may be a need for shopper s for families not adopted. Funds will be provided for the shopping.
Drivers with vans or car s with consider able room are needed to tr anspor t boxes to distr ibution points on December 14 or after.
Please mark the form below with how you can help and return it to the church office (4515 16th
Ave. NE; 98105) or sign up at our narthex table on November 23, November 30 or December
7. For questions contact Kathy at kkripps@q.com or 206-522-7847.
Name:____________________________________________ Phone:_______________
Email:_____________________________________
I can help in the following way:
_________ I’d like a family of about _____ people.
_________ I’ve enclosed $_________ for those needing help during the holidays.
_________ I will be a stand-in shopper/wrapper using Christmas Family Funds.
_________ I can make deliveries on December 14.
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Offering of Gifts
Sunday, December 14, 2014
It’s time for our annual “Offering of Gifts”! A number of local agencies have been selected to r eceive
Christmas gifts from our congregation. Below, you will find information about the agencies, their work, and
their gift “wish lists.” You are invited to choose one or more of the agencies, shop joyfully, and help brighten
the holiday season for someone in need! Gifts should be new, and should be wrapped unless otherwise specified. On Sunday, December 14, bring your gift(s) into the worship service with you. During the time of offering, gifts will be brought forward and placed at the base of the communion table.
Please be sure that your gift is clearly labeled with the agency name! Clear labeling helps things to flow
smoothly when gifts are being sorted following the service, and will ensure that your gift gets where you want
it to go. Also specify whether your gift is for a man, woman, boy, girl, or infant, and include any other applicable details such as age or clothing size. Please see each agency’s description for additional labeling instructions.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ARION COURT, a pr oper ty of LIHI (Low Income Housing Institute) is a SRO (single r oom occupancy)
apartment building in the South Lake Union neighborhood for homeless men. Some gift suggestions include:
clothing items for adult men (coats, jackets, sweatshirts, T-shirts, sweaters, socks, and pajamas – sizes L, XL,
and XXL), radios/CD players, Walkmans, alarm clocks, pots and pans, dinner plates and dishes, small appliances (toasters, coffee makers, etc.), “kitchen baskets” with utensils, cookware, etc., toiletries (toothbrushes,
toothpaste, soap, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, etc.), cleaning supplies, mops and brooms, linens (hand
and bath towels, bed sheets, etc.), and gift cards to places like Target, Fred Meyer, grocery stores, etc. Please
label gift.
MARY’S PLACE/CHURCH OF MARY MAGDALENE is an ecumenical, wor shipping congr egation of
homeless and formerly homeless women and children, as well as a drop-in center which offers numerous essential resources for women in need. Gift suggestions include: cosmetics, coats, gloves, hats, slippers with
soles, African American hair care products, gift cards to coffee shops such as Tully’s or Starbucks, movie
passes, and $15 gift cards to Payless Shoes and/or monetary donations for the purchase of shoes. Gifts do not
need to be wrapped, but must be clearly labeled with the agency name.
TIERRA NUEVA is a multi-faceted ministry in Skagit County which is collecting gifts for children who
have a parent who will be in jail over the holidays. Tierra Nueva will not only provide much needed presents
that help relieve the financial burden on these families, but will also personally drop off the gifts so they can
support and pray with the families. For children in primary and intermediate grades, soccer balls, basketballs,
school supplies, and art supplies tend to be the biggest “hits.” Other gift suggestions include: warm coats; mittens; gloves; hats and scarves; toys (none that suggest a violent theme, please); barrettes and hair ribbons;
books (Spanish-English if possible); games; and jewelry; and wrapping paper to wrap the gifts. Tierra Nueva
prefers that gifts not be wrapped. Please label clearly with the agency name.
Continued on back →
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FRIENDS OF YOUTH has given over 63 year s of ser vice to youth and families in our community. In
fiscal year 2014, Friends of Youth positively impacted over 4,700 youth and families, operating facilities and
providing services at twenty five sites in eighteen cities across the Puget Sound region. Gift ideas for youth
within the programs include: sweatshirts, books, warm hats and gloves, board and card games, backpacks,
children’s plates, spoons, sipper cups, pots and pans, cooking and serving utensils, art supplies, bus tickets,
movie tickets, socks, winter coats, tents, infant formula, disposable diapers, writing journals, zoo tickets, twin
sheet sets, queen sheet sets, new pillows, crib sets and gift cards. Please label gift.
NEW BEGINNINGS pr ovides individual and group advocacy, emergency shelter, and transitional housing
for women and children who are survivors of domestic violence. The agency's greatest need is for nonperishable food. Food items most needed are: assorted soups, beef stew, chili, baked beans, tuna, spaghetti
sauce, canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, jelly, honey, rice, macaroni and cheese, tuna/chicken helper,
top ramen, dried pasta, snack bars, fruit roll-ups, toaster pastries, nuts, jars of baby food, milk and soy baby
formula, teething biscuits, dry cereal, flour, sugar, spices (including ethnic spices), salt, baking soda, biscuit/
pancake mix, cornbread mix, salsa, enchilada sauce, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, rice vinegar, mayonnaise, catsup, salad dressing, cooking oil, coffee, tea, juice, and soy/rice milk.
TEEN FEED is an agency that ser ves homeless youth and young adults ages 13-25. The Teen Feed program provides warm meals to youth every night of the week and strives to create a safe and nurturing environment for youth to speak with volunteers trained in advocacy and referrals. Case management and outreach services are also available to help youth complete goals such as housing, ID and employment. Gift ideas include:
gift cards [to music stores, bookstores, grocery stores, and restaurants (maximum value $40)], pre-paid phone
cards, mp3 players, sleeping bags, L and XL hooded sweatshirts, hand warmers, backpacks, travel alarm
clocks and flashlights, batteries (especially AA and AAA), bus tokens, socks, gloves, stocking caps/beanies,
and scarves. For clothing, darker colors are preferred. Please label gift.
SOLID GROUND r uns a Family Shelter which pr ovides tempor ar y housing for families in cr isis. This
year, they have an especially strong need for blankets. Other suggestions include: diapers, baby wipes, flat
sheets for full/double beds, pots and pans, and alarm clocks. Please label gift.
COMPASS HOUSING ALLIANCE pr ovides cr itical ser vices for people who ar e homeless in the Seattle
area. Several hundred individuals daily receive services from Compass. Gift suggestions include: New warm
hats, new gloves, $5 gift cards to Starbucks, McDonalds and grocery stores, new L-XXXL sweatshirts, and
backpacks. Dark or neutral colors preferred for all items. Please label gift.
TRETTIN DROP-IN PRESCHOOL is descr ibed by many par ents as a “lifesaver ”. Between 9am and
4pm each day, a diverse population of children “drop in” to Trettin, which is housed in our church. This activity-filled preschool needs Crayola markers, drawing paper, stickers, and doll clothes. There is also a “Wish
List” for Child Learning and Care Center on Amazon with additional gift ideas. Please label gift.
THE CHILD LEARNING AND CARE CENTER AT UCUCC pr ovides nur tur ing car e in a multicultural environment to the children of working parents. The center would be pleased to have Crayola markers, drawing paper, stickers, and doll clothes. Please label gift.
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Children’s Ministries News
Attend the Advent Breakfast
Please be sure to come to our fantastic Advent breakfast potluck on Sunday,
November 30th from 8:45-9:45 in Ostrander Hall. Please bring your favorite
Christmas breakfast dish to share with everybody. As we eat together we will
enjoy a special performance by our very own Children’s Choir and take part in
a sing-along led by Pastor Amy. Children will be invited to make an “Advent
Paper Chain” craft to help count the days until Christmas. We hope to see you
there!
Take Part in the Advent Workshop
Come to the amazing Advent Workshop on December 7th after worship in Ostrander Hall. Bring friends and family! People of all ages will make Christmas
gifts and decorations to take home while enjoying music, food and fellowship.
Thank you to the UCUCC Children’s Ministry Board and the Advent Workshop
Committee for providing a myriad of crafts for this event!
Please bring finger food to share for the potluck lunch table. Also, if you are able please bring several dozen unfrosted sugar cookies for our cookie decorating tables. We will decorate cookies and donate them to Teen Feed
and also enjoy eating them at the workshop itself. VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEEDED to help at our craft and buffet
tables. To help, contact Lynn Schafer, Advent Workshop Coordinator, lynnrsch@hotmail.com.
Come to the Family Advent Party
We will gather around the Christmas tree, play games, sing Christmas carols and eat yummy
food at this fun-filled, casual potluck for children and families on Saturday, December 20th
from 4:00-6:30pm at Pastor Amy’s North Seattle home. For more information, directions and
to RSVP please contact Pastor Amy Roon, aroon@ucucc.org, 206-524-2322.
Participate in the “Everyone’s Pageant”
This Christmas Eve at 5pm we will once again perform our “Everyone’s Pageant” service in the sanctuary. This is
a family-friendly worship service that invites everyone to choose a role, even at the spur of the moment! Costumes
and props will be available for you in the Narthex before the service or you can just come as you are.
We are recruiting cast members. If you would like to be part of the cast with a special acting part, please
sign up with Pastor Amy Roon. Contact her at aroon@ucucc.org or 206 524-2322. There will be two rehearsals for cast members, Tuesday, December 23rd at 4:30 (pizza dinner following rehearsal) and Wednesday,
December 24th at 3:00. Additional coaching for cast members is available by arrangement with Pastor Amy.
Be Part of a Procession of Light
We invite children to bring light into our sanctuary at the start of our worship services during Advent. We have
beautiful electric luminaries made by our liturgical artist Kris Garratt. At the start of worship in Advent, children are
invited to bring them into the sanctuary down the center isle and place them at the communion table. All preschool
and elementary children are invited to take part! Please contact Rebecca Schmidt, rschmidt@ucucc.org, to sign up
for a Sunday. We need four people to participate on November 30 and would like to increase that number every
Sunday so by December 21 we have 16 children taking part in this light-filled procession.
Perform Music on Christmas Eve
We are recruiting children and youth instrumentalists and vocalists to perform sacred preludes and postludes for our “Everyone’s Pageant” service on Christmas
Eve. Run-throughs will take place on December 14 and December 21 after worship
in the sanctuary. Please contact our Music Director, Heidi Blythe,
hblythe@ucucc.org to take part.
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“An Inverted World”
Rawn Harbor at UCUCC in December
www.aninvertedworld.org
Rawn Harbor, composer and liturgist, will be in residence here December 12-14, 2014. This program is made
possible through a Vital Worship Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with funds provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. Rawn travels the country as liturgist, musician, and lecturer
in the interplay of music in ritual liturgy―the drama in worship. Harbor has studied at Furman University,
Howard University, the Catholic University of America and at Georgetown University, Catholic Theological
Union, and the Franciscan School of Theology of the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California.
He is presently director of liturgy and music at the Franciscan School of Theology and serves as Pastoral Associate/liturgist at Saint Columba Catholic Church in Oakland, California. He is also an adjunct instructor at the
University of San Francisco in the Department of Performing Arts. Rawn will be returning to UCUCC as the
Seabeck All-Church Camp guest speaker next summer.
Friday, December 12
Lecture from 7-8:30pm in the UCUCC Sanctuary: The Transformational Power of Music and Liturgy
Saturday, December 13, in UCUCC Choir Room:
1-2:30pm - Come and Sing! All ages and abilities ar e invited to par ticipate in an after noon of singing
together.
2:30-3pm – Break
3-4pm – Open Rehearsal All ar e welcome to par ticipate in this r ehear sal for Sunday’s wor ship ser vice at
UCUCC and to sing with Rawn and UCUCC’s sanctuary choir the following morning.
Sunday, December 14 in UCUCC Sanctuary: 9am – Rehearsal; 10am – Worship Service
____________________________________________________________________________
An Inverted World: Mark Your Calendar for These Upcoming January Events
www.aninvertedworld.org
More details to come in the January issue of Church and Home
Diving Deeper: A Training for Lectionary Readers
Sunday, January 11, fr om 11:30 AM to 1 PM in the UCUCC Choir Room
What’s the difference between an off-the-cuff reading and diving into the text for a connection that makes the
words come alive for the listener? Join Heather Hawkins, teaching artist, actor, and appreciator of language, to
brush up old skills and learn a few new tricks.
____________________________________________________________________________
Betsey Beckman, liturgical dancer, will be with us for two events in January 2015.
Betsey Beckman, MM, is nationally acclaimed as sacred dancer, storyteller, retreat leader, and dancing Spiritual Director.
Saturday, January 10 from 9:30 AM to noon: Spir itPlay wor kshop on embodied pr ayer in the UCUCC
choir room.
Sunday, January 11 at 10 AM: During UCUCC worship, Betsey will direct a small group of dancers and a
chorus in a retelling of the Parable of the Talents (see separate announcement to sign up for this event’s rehearsals). She will also perform a solo dance during the service. This program is made possible through a Vital Worship Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with funds provided by Lilly Endowment Inc.
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Save the Dates for these 2015 Events
John Phillip Newell Lecture
UCUCC is partnering with The Seattle School of
Theology & Psychology to host an evening lecture
with John Philip Newell on Wednesday, January 14,
7-9:00 pm. He will be lecturing on Celtic Consciousness: The Sacredness of the Earth. There is also a
two day conference on Jan 15-16. Information and
tickets are available at www.theseattleschool.edu.
Tickets for the lecture are $25. Please contact Vicki
Farmer vfarmer@UCUCC.org for scholarship tickets.
A Brief History of Christianity with Jim White
On two Sundays, January 18 & 25, from 9-10:00 am,
we will welcome Jim White back to our church to
teach and share his newest book “A Brief History of
Christianity”. Jim is a former interim minister at
UCUCC and was working on this book during his
time with us. We will have copies of the book available for sale in the Narthex Sundays in December, for
$25.00. It’s also available online and as an eBook.
Please contact Greg Turner at tgt3842@gmail.com
for more information.
Companioning through Grief Support Group
In January, our church will be offering a grief support
group for those who wish to learn from one another
through the sharing of stories in a safe and confidential environment. Prayers, poetry, art, music and
journal writing will be part of our time together.
WHEN: Join us for 6 consecutive sessions starting
on Tuesday January 27, 2015 from 7 – 9:00 pm.
WHERE: University Congregational United
Church of Christ, 4515 16th Ave NE
For more information, and to let us know of your interest, please contact co-facilitators Mary Jeanne
Phipps (maryjphipps@earthlink.net) or Cheryl Ellsworth (cellsworth000@gmail.com).
From a previous participant:
“ A safe, warm environment for the grieving process
to unfold. With a variety of activities, participants are
invited to attend to those things that arise during loss.
What a relief to be able to share these tender and hilarious moments. “
A Lenten class offering
The Power of Anger and Skillfulness of Love: Loving
Especially When It is Difficult
Led by Jean Frinak, M.Div. LMFT
When: February 4 – March 11, 2015 – 6 Wednesday
evenings, 7:00 - 8:30pm
Registration: Starting January 8 in the Narthex.
More details in future newsletters.
SEABECK ALL CHURCH SUMMER CAMP
July 5-10, 2015
Once a year we have a chance to live with our faith
community, friends who might live a distance from
us the rest of the year, live a short walk away. Seabeck allows us time to slow down and experience life
together. Seabeck is more than a great program,
amazing children and youth opportunities, a week not
to cook, arts and crafts, and water recreation. Seabeck
is an invitation for our individual and communal renewal.
Though we are now preparing for the holidays of
fall and winter, the promises of summer and Seabeck
are not far away. When I ask my son Isaiah about
church camp he tells me: “Seabeck is my favorite
thing all year--I get to be free” He shares about
friends, puzzle pieces, swimming, and Bill in the craft
cave, unstructured time and great conversations. At
the heart of all of his sharing is what I think each of
us love about Seabeck: a multigenerational gathering
where all are celebrated and honored.
This year’s speaker is Rawn Harbor, who will
lead us in a conversation and experience of Protest
and Praise: music that moves us. Do not miss an opportunity to meet him early as he joins our community December 12-14 to lead us in a weekend workshop.
If you have any questions about Seabeck please
feel free to call Tara Young-Brown 509-879-4366 or
Theresa Fjermedal 206-713-7083.
~Tara Young-Brown
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Help us Tell the Parable of Talents
Betsey Beckman, liturgical dancer and SpiritPlay leader, will be joining us for multiple events the weekend of January 10-11, including helping us to tell this story from scripture in worship on January 11. We are looking for a
small cast to bring it to life: a landowner and three servants to tell the story through dramatic movement, and a chorus to tell the story through rhythmic movement (simple choreographed dance but no singing is involved). Anyone
11 and up is invited to participate. Rehearsals will take place on Sunday, Jan 4 after worship and on Saturday, Jan
10 in the afternoon at UCUCC. Please contact Lori VanderBilt or Kris Garratt if you are interested,
lorivb@yahoo.com or kgarratt@universityucc.org. This program is made possible through a Vital Worship Grant
from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with funds provided by Lilly Endowment
Inc.
Church Council Summary — October 2014
Member in Discernment – Tara Young-Brown. The Council enthusiastically endor sed Tar a Young-Brown as
she seeks to become a Member in Discernment with our Pacific Northwest Conference.
Financial Report – Don Guthrie After having been noticeably behind budget sever al months ago, pledges
are less than 1% behind budget and total revenue is exceeding budget. Expenses are largely in line with the exception of Stewardship and Finance, where IT expenses continue to run over budget. This has been an issue for some
time now and will be addressed in the 2015 budget. There has been no spending this year from the Council Contingency / Discretionary budget line item. The net result is we are noticeably ahead of budget through September.
ICIC Attic Access Budget – Margaret Stine The Council unanimously appr oved ICIC’s r ecommendation to
overspend the Attic Access budget of $5,900 by $8,100 for a project total of $14,000 in order to allow for safer and
more convenient access.
Flooring for Sanctuary – Margaret Stine The Council unanimously affirmed ICIC’s recommendation of Deco
Pour Polished Overlay for Sanctuary flooring and directed them to proceed with the steps toward installation.
HAT: Homeless Encampment – Liz Gilbert The Council unanimously appr oved author izing the Homeless
Action Team (HAT) to be the sponsoring entity for a tent encampment of up to twenty people in Lot C for up to
three months. Roughly 1/3 of the parking lot would be used by the encampment.
The encampment group is called The Ave Foundation (TAF). They have agr eed to follow the same policies
as the group than encamped in Lot C a few years ago and will sign a written agreement. The hosting committee is:
Chairperson – Tim Croll; Finance- Paul Schafer; Logistics - Ed Coleman; Legal/liability - Yale Lewis; Communication – David McCracken.
Tent City 3: Cather ine Foote distr ibuted a letter r eceived the day befor e the Council meeting fr om Tent
City 3 (a separate homeless group) asking for UCUCC’s support and assistance. They have been given an order to
clear out where they currently are encamped near NE 65th and Ravenna. When the city does a sweep of an encampment the few possessions the campers have are lost. It is very distressing for them.
Council unanimously authorized UCUCC Leadership Staff to advocate on behalf of Tent City 3 with the
mayor’s office, and whatever other par ties ar e significant to this issue, to help Tent City 3 continue to have
safe and secure homes and property.
Summary provided by Roberta Hollowell, Council Secretary
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September Special Offering Thank You
We want to thank you all for your past and continued
generous support of the UCUCC Child Care Programs.
This support has allowed many families in our community access to quality child care and preschool that they
would otherwise not be able to afford.
The UCUCC Child Care Programs has always and will
continue to give priority enrollment to low income families through our scholarship program. To date, we have
not turned a family away, because they cannot afford to
pay.
Dollars from the September Special Offering will go into
our scholarship fund, to directly allow families to attend
the UCUCC Child Care Programs.
Again, thank you so much for your support.
~Michele Sorenson, Executive Director
Annual Free Electronics Recycling Event
Sacred Earth Matters will hold its 4th Annual Free Electronics Recycling event on
Saturday, January 31, 2015, from 10 am -3
pm in Parking Lot A.
For Those Who Cannot Attend Church
(and those who can)
Carol Sco-Kassner
The season of Advent is characterized as a time of
waiting. We await the arrival of the light with the
change of seasons. We await the arrival of the
birth of the baby Jesus and the light that he
brought into the world. But it is also a time of being both quiet and alert at the same time as is suggested in the following reading.
Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know
when the master of the house will come, in the
evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at
dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he
comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all:
Keep awake!
As the darkness surrounds us on these extended
nights, use this time to go inward and to awaken to
what is moving spiritually for you. What new thing
might be being born in you in this season of anticipation and waiting?
Got an old microwave in your basement?
How about a motorcycle that last ran in 1970? Unused
computers, stereo components, or refrigerators?
One Green Planet will take them all!
Free will donations accepted to strengthen our UC UCC
recycling program.
~Sponsored by Sacred Earth Matters at UC UCC
ADVENT WORSHIP CALENDAR
“Restore Us! Psalms of Restoration and The Magnificat”
First Sunday of Advent, November 30
Third Sunday of Advent, December 14
Catherine Foote, Preaching
Psalm 80:1-7,17-19; Luke 1:46b-55
Advent Breakfast at 8:45 in Ostrander Hall
Offering of Gifts Sunday
Catherine Foote, Preaching
Psalm 126; Luke 1:46b-55
Christmas Caroling Band in the Lounge after worship
Second Sunday of Advent, December 7
Peter Ilgenfritz, Preaching
Communion Sunday
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13; Luke 1:46b-55
Advent Workshop after worship in Ostrander Hall
Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 21
Amy Roon, Preaching
Psalm 89:1-4, 19-23; Luke 146b-55
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SPECIAL ADVENT & CHRISTMAS SERVICES AT UCUCC
Longest Night Worship Service
5:00 p.m. in the Chapel
We mark the winter solstice with a contemplative worship service to remember those especially who carry
grief and loss this season, and light candles and remember the places in our lives and world where we need
Christ’s light of hope, presence and love to shine.
Christmas Eve Services
Three services in the Sanctuary
5:00 pm Everybody’s Christmas Pageant – A Christmas Pageant in which the whole congregation and
children of all ages are invited to bring the Christmas story to life!
8:00 pm
A Caroling Service. Come sing your way into Christmas Eve with favorite carols and a tuba band!
11:00 pm A Candlelight Service. Catherine Foote Preaching, “Restore Us to You”.
December 28, First Sunday of Christmas
10:00 am in Ostrander Hall
Peter Ilgenfritz, Preaching; Gospel: Luke 2:22-40
Join us to for carols, story and song as we celebrate the season of Christmas and begin our worship services in
Ostrander Hall! (See front page for more details about move to O-Hall due to sanctuary renovation work.)