Here's a taste of What Happened at Seattle First Baptist Church from January - April 2016
Wednesday, April 27
Author Rebecca Morris spoke about her work writing about true crime cases in conservative religious communities. Her latest book comes out this summer.
Earth Sunday, April 24
Garden Spirituality
A group of hardy souls braved the rain to plant our new herb and vegetable garden. Some of the produce will be used by the Burrito Roll. Thank you to Darren Hochstedler, our church administrator, for coordinating the effort.
A group of hardy souls braved the rain to plant our new herb and vegetable garden. Some of the produce will be used by the Burrito Roll. Thank you to Darren Hochstedler, our church administrator, for coordinating the effort.
Moments from Worship
During the Time With Children, Pastor Ned Allyn Parker talked to the kids about thinking how we impact the planet when we make decisions throughout the day. The children handed out small ornaments depicting the Earth to everyone as a reminder. Harriet Platts read a testimony for Earth Sunday. Author Rebecca Morris invited everyone to a Wednesday program she is doing this week. Pastor Patricia Hunter gathered us with an adaptation of Psalm 19, and Pastor Tim Phillips preached. Linda Zaugg led us in a Blessing for the new garden at the close of worship. Tom Tiberio arranged a floral display commemorating the day.
During the Time With Children, Pastor Ned Allyn Parker talked to the kids about thinking how we impact the planet when we make decisions throughout the day. The children handed out small ornaments depicting the Earth to everyone as a reminder. Harriet Platts read a testimony for Earth Sunday. Author Rebecca Morris invited everyone to a Wednesday program she is doing this week. Pastor Patricia Hunter gathered us with an adaptation of Psalm 19, and Pastor Tim Phillips preached. Linda Zaugg led us in a Blessing for the new garden at the close of worship. Tom Tiberio arranged a floral display commemorating the day.
Adult Learning
In the final session of Climate Crisis: What are Your Next Steps?, Liz Spoerri, a member of the Delta 5 blockade, shared her journey. Harriet Platts introduced the speaker.
In the final session of Climate Crisis: What are Your Next Steps?, Liz Spoerri, a member of the Delta 5 blockade, shared her journey. Harriet Platts introduced the speaker.
Sunday, April 17
Adult Learning
Lynn Fitz-High, founder of 350 Seattle, was the speaker for the first of two classes titled Climate Crisis: What are Your Next Steps? She presented a variety of steps that all of us can take to reduce our carbon footprint and aid the global environment. She suggested this Household CO2 Calculator as a way to understand how we can take action on climate change: http://empowermentinstitute.net/index.php/community/low-carbon-diet/household-co2-calculator
Lynn Fitz-High, founder of 350 Seattle, was the speaker for the first of two classes titled Climate Crisis: What are Your Next Steps? She presented a variety of steps that all of us can take to reduce our carbon footprint and aid the global environment. She suggested this Household CO2 Calculator as a way to understand how we can take action on climate change: http://empowermentinstitute.net/index.php/community/low-carbon-diet/household-co2-calculator
Moments from Worship on Good Shepherd Sunday
Musician Bruce Carpenter enriched our worship with flute and oboe music. Joanne Hjort and Dennis Raymond gave invitations to involvement, including the drama group's play and an upcoming Adult Learning session about our Companion Ministry. Michelle Horsley was honored with a special flower arrangement done by Tom Tiberio in honor of her birthday. Pastor Patricia Hunter preached. Pastor Tim Phillips reminded us of the America for Christ offering, which was received. And Pastor Ned Allyn Parker shared a video during the Time with Children.
Musician Bruce Carpenter enriched our worship with flute and oboe music. Joanne Hjort and Dennis Raymond gave invitations to involvement, including the drama group's play and an upcoming Adult Learning session about our Companion Ministry. Michelle Horsley was honored with a special flower arrangement done by Tom Tiberio in honor of her birthday. Pastor Patricia Hunter preached. Pastor Tim Phillips reminded us of the America for Christ offering, which was received. And Pastor Ned Allyn Parker shared a video during the Time with Children.
Drama Production - April 16 and 17
The Drama Group under the direction of Joanne Hjort presented The Good Doctor by Neil Simon in two performances this weekend. It is a collection of short plays based on short stories by Anton Chekhov. Children from our community presented The Gigantic Turnip, a Russian children's story written by A. Tolstoy. Thank you to all our thespians for a fun evening (and afternoon) of entertainment.
Saturday, April 16 - Burrito Roll
The "Holy Rollers" from SFBC and Bet Alef gathered in the gym on Saturday afternoon to roll more than 500 burritos for distribution to anyone hungry. Next month the Burrito Roll will celebrate its 3rd anniversary with a special goal to prepare and roll 1,000 burritos over three days. Check the calendar for upcoming rolling dates and join in the fun!
Sunday, April 10
Adult Learning
Bob Sittig wrapped up a series on Baptist History and Liberties.
Bob Sittig wrapped up a series on Baptist History and Liberties.
Moments from Worship
Stained glass accentuates the sunny glow that filled the sanctuary. Flowers arranged by Tom Tiberio brightened the service. Rebecca Alder invited people to help with upcoming Burrito Rolls (see the calendar for dates and times). Susan Blythe-Goodman did the Time with Children. Naomi Simila-Dickinson read the lesson. Pastor Tim Phillips preached and Jim Ginn led the congregation in a canticle of response. A very special long-time member, Marilyn Rabura, was in attendance. She currently lives in Poulsbo.
Stained glass accentuates the sunny glow that filled the sanctuary. Flowers arranged by Tom Tiberio brightened the service. Rebecca Alder invited people to help with upcoming Burrito Rolls (see the calendar for dates and times). Susan Blythe-Goodman did the Time with Children. Naomi Simila-Dickinson read the lesson. Pastor Tim Phillips preached and Jim Ginn led the congregation in a canticle of response. A very special long-time member, Marilyn Rabura, was in attendance. She currently lives in Poulsbo.
Sunday, April 3
The day began with Bob Sittig leading an Adult Learning session about A Brief Baptist History. During worship, Harriet Platts invited to upcoming events recognizing Earth Day. Pastor Ned Allyn Parker gave a laid back Time With Children. Gary Davis and Pastor Patricia Hunter shared their personal Resurrection Stories.
Wednesday, March 30
Doctoral Project
Pastor Ned Allyn Parker spoke about the project he recently completed as part of his DMin studies at Seattle University. An attentive crowd filled all the available seats in the Parlor to hear from Ned. The program followed another stellar meal from our chef Rick Hansen and the kitchen staff and volunteers.
Pastor Ned Allyn Parker spoke about the project he recently completed as part of his DMin studies at Seattle University. An attentive crowd filled all the available seats in the Parlor to hear from Ned. The program followed another stellar meal from our chef Rick Hansen and the kitchen staff and volunteers.
Easter Sunday, March 27
Brunch and Family Fun
We had a full house for the annual Easter Brunch in Fellowship Hall. A special bunny-like guest helped entertain the children, who also enjoyed hunting for eggs around the church. Thank you to the CF&YA Commission and all who organized and presented the brunch and activities.
We had a full house for the annual Easter Brunch in Fellowship Hall. A special bunny-like guest helped entertain the children, who also enjoyed hunting for eggs around the church. Thank you to the CF&YA Commission and all who organized and presented the brunch and activities.
Moments from Worship
We celebrated Easter with The Seven Alleluias this year. Vicky Thomas led the Sanctuary Choir, orchestra, soloists, and dancers in a musical telling of the Easter story, with narration by Atit Marmer. Brass and strings added richness to the singing. The Intergenerational Choir under the direction of Belle Chenault also sang. Pastor Tim Phillips was joined by Aaron Burkhalter for his sermon, The Power of a Broken Hallelujah. Thank you to all for a spectacular and moving service.
We celebrated Easter with The Seven Alleluias this year. Vicky Thomas led the Sanctuary Choir, orchestra, soloists, and dancers in a musical telling of the Easter story, with narration by Atit Marmer. Brass and strings added richness to the singing. The Intergenerational Choir under the direction of Belle Chenault also sang. Pastor Tim Phillips was joined by Aaron Burkhalter for his sermon, The Power of a Broken Hallelujah. Thank you to all for a spectacular and moving service.
"Sunrise" Service at St. Ignatius Chapel
We began our Easter celebration at 8 a.m. with a joint service with Japanese Baptist Church and others from Evergreen. Jim Ginn coordinated the music for the service, which included two numbers by a men's Quartet. Clem Winbush and Jennifer Ikoma-Motzko were among the participants. Britt Carlson, who currently is serving as the interim pastor at Community Church in Issaquah, brought the message. Marcia Patton led a closing time in the memorial garden adjacent to the chapel. Thank you to Pastor Ned Allyn Parker and all who organized and participated in this service.
We began our Easter celebration at 8 a.m. with a joint service with Japanese Baptist Church and others from Evergreen. Jim Ginn coordinated the music for the service, which included two numbers by a men's Quartet. Clem Winbush and Jennifer Ikoma-Motzko were among the participants. Britt Carlson, who currently is serving as the interim pastor at Community Church in Issaquah, brought the message. Marcia Patton led a closing time in the memorial garden adjacent to the chapel. Thank you to Pastor Ned Allyn Parker and all who organized and participated in this service.
Good Friday, March 25
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Organist Michelle Horsley led us in a stirring musical meditation based on the Seven Last Words of Christ. Natalie Chin and Belle Chenault also performed, and several people did readings and prayers.
This video is from our Good Friday Musical Meditation and features: Introduction and Passacaglia by Max Reger |
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Palm Sunday, March 20
Adult Learning
Today we wrapped up our Lenten series, Reclaiming Christianity. Jim Segaar led a discussion of the work of the Rev. Dr. Emilie M. Townes. Jim Ginn did a reading. Here is a sample of her work:
One of the important lessons I learned growing up in Durham and Southern Pines, North Carolina is that faith should be founded on spirituality and social witness and relying on only one side of that equation makes us listing Christians and ultimately not very faithful. My grandmother would then remind me that there is a big difference between acting pious and being faithful. That lesson stuck and it is the one that we need as our watchword if we want to forge and effective and faithful progressive Christian witness for today.
Today we wrapped up our Lenten series, Reclaiming Christianity. Jim Segaar led a discussion of the work of the Rev. Dr. Emilie M. Townes. Jim Ginn did a reading. Here is a sample of her work:
One of the important lessons I learned growing up in Durham and Southern Pines, North Carolina is that faith should be founded on spirituality and social witness and relying on only one side of that equation makes us listing Christians and ultimately not very faithful. My grandmother would then remind me that there is a big difference between acting pious and being faithful. That lesson stuck and it is the one that we need as our watchword if we want to forge and effective and faithful progressive Christian witness for today.
Moments from Worship
Palms featured prominently in our worship on Sunday, finding their way into choir anthems, hymns, and the Time With Children. Patrick Green did the Time With Children and Invitations to Involvement. He shared about the choir's trip to Echo Glen Children's Center yesterday. Megan Lee Walker shared about the influence of her grandparents, Robert and Pat Walker, and read scripture. Margaret Norton-Arnold joined organist Michelle Horsley on the offertory. Pastor Ned Allyn Parker preached.
Palms featured prominently in our worship on Sunday, finding their way into choir anthems, hymns, and the Time With Children. Patrick Green did the Time With Children and Invitations to Involvement. He shared about the choir's trip to Echo Glen Children's Center yesterday. Megan Lee Walker shared about the influence of her grandparents, Robert and Pat Walker, and read scripture. Margaret Norton-Arnold joined organist Michelle Horsley on the offertory. Pastor Ned Allyn Parker preached.
Sunday, March 13
Moments from Worship
Pastor Patricia Hunter led us in worship and preached on Sunday. Pastor Ned Allyn Parker was prepared for winter storms during the Time with Children. Conrad Smith played a beautiful piece by Alan Hovhaness with Michelle Horsley. Pastor Tim Phillips led us in prayer.
Pastor Patricia Hunter led us in worship and preached on Sunday. Pastor Ned Allyn Parker was prepared for winter storms during the Time with Children. Conrad Smith played a beautiful piece by Alan Hovhaness with Michelle Horsley. Pastor Tim Phillips led us in prayer.
Adult Learning
Jim Segaar continued our Lenten series, Reclaiming Christianity. Today's lesson focused on Mystery through the work of author Kathleen Norris. Karen Carlos did a reading during the class.
Jim Segaar continued our Lenten series, Reclaiming Christianity. Today's lesson focused on Mystery through the work of author Kathleen Norris. Karen Carlos did a reading during the class.
Wednesday, March 9
Pastor Ned Allyn Parker defended his Doctor of Ministry project today at Seattle University. Congratulations, Ned! One step closer to graduation.
Come hear more about Ned's project on Wednesday, March 30 at 7 p.m.
Come hear more about Ned's project on Wednesday, March 30 at 7 p.m.
Fourth Sunday in Lent - March 6
Adult Learning
Our Lenten series, Reclaiming Christianity, continued today. Nancy Roberts-Brown did a reading from Marcus Borg's last book, Convictions. Jim Segaar led the class, which meets for two more weeks. He claimed that just the table of contents of Borg's book, which follows, could start a fight in his family:
Our Lenten series, Reclaiming Christianity, continued today. Nancy Roberts-Brown did a reading from Marcus Borg's last book, Convictions. Jim Segaar led the class, which meets for two more weeks. He claimed that just the table of contents of Borg's book, which follows, could start a fight in his family:
- Faith is a Journey
- God is Real and Is a Mystery
- Salvation Is More about This Life than an Afterlife
- Jesus is the Norm of the Bible
- The Bible Can Be True Without Being Literally True
- Jesus’s Death on the Cross Matters – But Not Because He Paid for Our Sins
- The Bible Is Political
- God is Passionate About Justice and the Poor
- Christians Are Called to Peace and Nonviolence
- To Love God Is to Love Like God
Moments from Worship
The theme for the day was the parable of the Prodigal Son, and during the Time with Children Pastor Ned Allyn Parker assured the kids that they can always come home to SFBC. Margaret Norton-Arnold invited people to a special congregational meeting next Sunday to approve this year's expenditures for the Romney Endowment Fund. Ethan Jones and Michelle Horsley paid homage to the yangqin, a Chinese stringed instrument, during the offertory. Pastor Tim Phillips preached, and Pastors Patricia Hunter and Ned Allyn Parker served communion.
The theme for the day was the parable of the Prodigal Son, and during the Time with Children Pastor Ned Allyn Parker assured the kids that they can always come home to SFBC. Margaret Norton-Arnold invited people to a special congregational meeting next Sunday to approve this year's expenditures for the Romney Endowment Fund. Ethan Jones and Michelle Horsley paid homage to the yangqin, a Chinese stringed instrument, during the offertory. Pastor Tim Phillips preached, and Pastors Patricia Hunter and Ned Allyn Parker served communion.
Third Sunday in Lent - Feb. 28
Commissioning of Lydia Flora Barlow
Representatives from numerous area churches took part in service to commission Lydia Flora Barlow as a missionary for the American Baptist Home Mission Societies. She does prison ministry, with a passion for dismantling the structures underlying mass incarceration and restoring the lives of those impacted by it.
Lydia says “I am grateful for this commissioning. I learned about social justice and activism as a small child at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. My spiritual life formed with the understanding that God’s love expressed works toward the realization of the Beloved Community. I am delighted to work with, in and through my American Baptist church family. ”
The SFBC Sanctuary Choir, Joseph To from Japanese Baptist Church, and New Revelation from Mt. Zion Baptist Church provided music.
Representatives from numerous area churches took part in service to commission Lydia Flora Barlow as a missionary for the American Baptist Home Mission Societies. She does prison ministry, with a passion for dismantling the structures underlying mass incarceration and restoring the lives of those impacted by it.
Lydia says “I am grateful for this commissioning. I learned about social justice and activism as a small child at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. My spiritual life formed with the understanding that God’s love expressed works toward the realization of the Beloved Community. I am delighted to work with, in and through my American Baptist church family. ”
The SFBC Sanctuary Choir, Joseph To from Japanese Baptist Church, and New Revelation from Mt. Zion Baptist Church provided music.
Adult Learning
Jim Segaar began a four-part series entitled Reclaiming Christianity. Today's class focused on the work of author and pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber. Atit Marmer read a selection from her latest book, Accidental Saints. One segment the class considered was her version of The Beatitudes, which begins:
Blessed are the agnostics.
Blessed are they who doubt. Those who aren't sure, who can still be surprised.
Blessed are they who are spiritually impoverished and therefore not so certain about everything that they no longer take in new information.
The class continues through Palm Sunday.
Jim Segaar began a four-part series entitled Reclaiming Christianity. Today's class focused on the work of author and pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber. Atit Marmer read a selection from her latest book, Accidental Saints. One segment the class considered was her version of The Beatitudes, which begins:
Blessed are the agnostics.
Blessed are they who doubt. Those who aren't sure, who can still be surprised.
Blessed are they who are spiritually impoverished and therefore not so certain about everything that they no longer take in new information.
The class continues through Palm Sunday.
Moments from Worship
Janet Whitlock sang a solo during the offertory. Pastor Tim Phillips preached, concluding by leading the congregation in a moving rendition of We Shall Overcome. Pastor Ned Allyn Parker talked about not wasting fruit, or fruits of the Spirit, during the Time with Children.
Janet Whitlock sang a solo during the offertory. Pastor Tim Phillips preached, concluding by leading the congregation in a moving rendition of We Shall Overcome. Pastor Ned Allyn Parker talked about not wasting fruit, or fruits of the Spirit, during the Time with Children.
Second Sunday in Lent - Feb. 21
Minor Hospital Building Open House
The congregation got a chance to tour the newly-renovated top floor of the Minor Hospital building after worship. Coffee hour was held in the space, and representatives from Companis and the Seattle King County Dental Society provided special greetings. Thank you to all who made this possible.
Renna Pierce offered a Blessing of the Facility at the close of worship. Following is the text of her blessing:
We come with joy in our hearts to celebrate the new possibilities of this special space.
We acknowledge that the church is not bound by walls or place, but exists in vastness wherever even two or three are gathered in your name.
Today we celebrate the Visible Church, the building, the location of the visible church that says to the community and all who pass by, that this is a sacred place, a place of worship and learning.
We give thanks for all who gave of their time, talent and money that made this day possible.
We now as a community of faith dedicate this addition to our building to the purpose stated by our mission: To love and care for our neighbors.
Bless this building and all who work in it and all who receive service and care here.
Strengthen our resolve and bless us with vision, forbearance and love in this endeavor.
The congregation got a chance to tour the newly-renovated top floor of the Minor Hospital building after worship. Coffee hour was held in the space, and representatives from Companis and the Seattle King County Dental Society provided special greetings. Thank you to all who made this possible.
Renna Pierce offered a Blessing of the Facility at the close of worship. Following is the text of her blessing:
We come with joy in our hearts to celebrate the new possibilities of this special space.
We acknowledge that the church is not bound by walls or place, but exists in vastness wherever even two or three are gathered in your name.
Today we celebrate the Visible Church, the building, the location of the visible church that says to the community and all who pass by, that this is a sacred place, a place of worship and learning.
We give thanks for all who gave of their time, talent and money that made this day possible.
We now as a community of faith dedicate this addition to our building to the purpose stated by our mission: To love and care for our neighbors.
Bless this building and all who work in it and all who receive service and care here.
Strengthen our resolve and bless us with vision, forbearance and love in this endeavor.
Moments from Worship
We welcomed two new members. Larry Green sang Were You There, in an arrangement by Michelle Horsley. Pastor Ned Allyn Parker had all eyes on him (at least part of the time) during the Time with Children. The women of the choir performed Jerusalem, a much-loved piece by Felix Mendelssohn. Pastor Tim Phillips preached about Shallow Good People.
Prior to worship, our own Judy Scott, Office Manager at Seattle First Baptist, was the final presenter in our Adult Learning series Do Black Lives Matter to the Church? Photos are not available of the class.
We welcomed two new members. Larry Green sang Were You There, in an arrangement by Michelle Horsley. Pastor Ned Allyn Parker had all eyes on him (at least part of the time) during the Time with Children. The women of the choir performed Jerusalem, a much-loved piece by Felix Mendelssohn. Pastor Tim Phillips preached about Shallow Good People.
Prior to worship, our own Judy Scott, Office Manager at Seattle First Baptist, was the final presenter in our Adult Learning series Do Black Lives Matter to the Church? Photos are not available of the class.
Wednesday, Feb 17 - Author Jim Wallis at SFBC
Sojourners founder Jim Wallis spoke at Seattle First Baptist this week to promote his latest book, America's Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America. The lecture was part of the Spiritual Synthesis series co-sponsored by SFBC and Elliott Bay Book Company.
First Sunday in Lent, Feb. 14
Adult Learning
The series Do Black Lives Matter in the Church continued with Dr. Deanna Sanders speaking. She is the daughter of Dean and Lilly Sanders, a school psychologist with the University Place School District, and a member of Christ the King Bible Fellowship in Federal Way. She shared stories from her career and her family life. Some illustrated the challenges that African Americans face in our society. Others told of hope that all lives do matter.
The series Do Black Lives Matter in the Church continued with Dr. Deanna Sanders speaking. She is the daughter of Dean and Lilly Sanders, a school psychologist with the University Place School District, and a member of Christ the King Bible Fellowship in Federal Way. She shared stories from her career and her family life. Some illustrated the challenges that African Americans face in our society. Others told of hope that all lives do matter.
Moments from Worship
It was Valentine's Day, and Tom Tibero prepared a two-piece heart floral arrangement. Our greeters the Tozers also got into the spirit of the day. Karen Carlos did Invitations to Involvement. Pastor Ned Allyn Parker talked about practicing during the Time With Children. Belle Chenault sang during the offertory and Pastor Patricia Hunter delivered another great message.
It was Valentine's Day, and Tom Tibero prepared a two-piece heart floral arrangement. Our greeters the Tozers also got into the spirit of the day. Karen Carlos did Invitations to Involvement. Pastor Ned Allyn Parker talked about practicing during the Time With Children. Belle Chenault sang during the offertory and Pastor Patricia Hunter delivered another great message.
Transfiguration Sunday, Feb. 7
Adult Learning
Dr. Georgia McDade, an author, community activist, and member of Mt Zion Baptist Church, was the first presenter in a three-part series, Do Black Lives Matter in the Church? She talked about the abstract vs. the concrete when it comes to racism: it is a lot easier to love humankind than it is to like individual people who are different from us. Among the resources she referred to was an article by Peggy McIntosh: White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack. Click here to read that article.
Dr. Georgia McDade, an author, community activist, and member of Mt Zion Baptist Church, was the first presenter in a three-part series, Do Black Lives Matter in the Church? She talked about the abstract vs. the concrete when it comes to racism: it is a lot easier to love humankind than it is to like individual people who are different from us. Among the resources she referred to was an article by Peggy McIntosh: White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack. Click here to read that article.
Moments from Worship
Our first offertory featured a new piece of music written by Michelle Horsley and sung by Jim Ginn and Sarah Burkhart, one of our new choir interns. Pastor Ned Allyn Parker had an attentive audience during Time with Children. Pastor Tim Phillips preached and served communion with Pastor Patricia Hunter. And even though it was Super Bowl Sunday, they both kept their robes on...
Our first offertory featured a new piece of music written by Michelle Horsley and sung by Jim Ginn and Sarah Burkhart, one of our new choir interns. Pastor Ned Allyn Parker had an attentive audience during Time with Children. Pastor Tim Phillips preached and served communion with Pastor Patricia Hunter. And even though it was Super Bowl Sunday, they both kept their robes on...
Sunday, Jan. 31
Adult Learning
Today was the last of a four-part series entitled The Climate Crisis: Science, Faith and Action. Stephanie Buffum, executive director of Friends of the San Juans, outlined the potential growth in commercial vessel traffic in the area and the dangers associated with that. She identified actions that people can take to influence government policy on the issue. Shirley Williams of the Lummi Nation discussed the how Native Americans are approaching the issue and focusing on building healthier communities. Thank you to Keith Ervin for coordinating this series.
Today was the last of a four-part series entitled The Climate Crisis: Science, Faith and Action. Stephanie Buffum, executive director of Friends of the San Juans, outlined the potential growth in commercial vessel traffic in the area and the dangers associated with that. She identified actions that people can take to influence government policy on the issue. Shirley Williams of the Lummi Nation discussed the how Native Americans are approaching the issue and focusing on building healthier communities. Thank you to Keith Ervin for coordinating this series.
Moments from Worship
We began worship with an African song of welcome, accompanied by drums. During the Time With Children, Joanne Hjort invited them to participate in an upcoming drama production featuring a Russian play, The Giant Turnip. Pastor Ned Allyn Parker wished a happy birthday to his mother during Invitations to Involvement. Linda Zaugg read scripture, and Pastor Tim Phillips preached a challenging and inspiring sermon with a somewhat silly title.
We began worship with an African song of welcome, accompanied by drums. During the Time With Children, Joanne Hjort invited them to participate in an upcoming drama production featuring a Russian play, The Giant Turnip. Pastor Ned Allyn Parker wished a happy birthday to his mother during Invitations to Involvement. Linda Zaugg read scripture, and Pastor Tim Phillips preached a challenging and inspiring sermon with a somewhat silly title.
Leadership Retreat at Camp Burton - Jan. 22 and 23
Members of the Diaconate and staff gathered at Camp Burton to team build, practice skills in leadership and working together, worship, and have fun on Friday evening and Saturday. Congregation President Sue Ross and "First Consort" Brian Ross did a great job of organizing and leading the weekend.
Additional photos courtesy of Bob Sittig.
Additional photos courtesy of Bob Sittig.
Annual Meeting Sunday, Jan. 24
A very special Worship Service
Bob Sittig was the preacher and guest of honor at worship on Annual Meeting Sunday. Representatives from the various commissions helped lead the service. We also welcomed two new members.
Bob Sittig was the preacher and guest of honor at worship on Annual Meeting Sunday. Representatives from the various commissions helped lead the service. We also welcomed two new members.
Annual Meeting
Sue Ross, president of the congregation, presided over our 146th Annual Meeting. We received the Annual Report, recognized our volunteers, elected a slate of leaders for the next year, approved a financial measure relating to the Minor Hospital Remodel project, and adopted a budget for 2016.
Sue Ross, president of the congregation, presided over our 146th Annual Meeting. We received the Annual Report, recognized our volunteers, elected a slate of leaders for the next year, approved a financial measure relating to the Minor Hospital Remodel project, and adopted a budget for 2016.
Honoring Bob Sittig
The day culminated with a luncheon honoring Bob Sittig on his retirement from the position of church administrator. The kitchen crew prepared a fabulous meal and we paid tribute to Bob with music, a gift, and many kind words. Brian Henderson from First Baptist Church of Denver brought a special greeting on behalf of the Evergreen Association.
The day culminated with a luncheon honoring Bob Sittig on his retirement from the position of church administrator. The kitchen crew prepared a fabulous meal and we paid tribute to Bob with music, a gift, and many kind words. Brian Henderson from First Baptist Church of Denver brought a special greeting on behalf of the Evergreen Association.
Adult Learning
Our series on Climate Change continued with a presentation by Jessie Dye, program and outreach director of Earth Ministry and Washington Interfaith Power and Light. In Working the System to Save the Planet, she called out two events in 2015 as "evolutionary moments" in efforts to address climate change: Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato si' and the Paris climate agreement.
Our series on Climate Change continued with a presentation by Jessie Dye, program and outreach director of Earth Ministry and Washington Interfaith Power and Light. In Working the System to Save the Planet, she called out two events in 2015 as "evolutionary moments" in efforts to address climate change: Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato si' and the Paris climate agreement.
Sunday, Jan. 17
Pastor Ned Allyn Parker was joined by Rabbi Olivier BenHaim of Bet Alef to discuss Climate Change and Our Religious Traditions during Adult Learning. Among the concepts discussed was: Every "promised land" is cyclical. For example, for the ancient Hebrews at one time Egypt was the Promised Land, then it became a place of oppression from which to escape. In the same way, our use of fossil fuels was once a promised land and started with the best of intentions. It is important to understand this and embrace it vs. demonizing it.
During worship, Pastors David Kile and Patricia Hunter led a litany based on sayings of Martin Luther King, Jr. Sue Ross, president of the congregation, invited all to attend next week's annual meeting and lunch honoring the retirement of Bob Sittig. Susan Blythe-Goodman talked to the children about Dr. King, and Natalie Chin accompanied the choir on violin during their anthem. Bob Sittig read scripture and Pastor Ned Allyn Parker preached.
Earlier this week electricians replaced the aging lighting controls for the sanctuary. We now can better control lighting throughout the service and other special events.
During worship, Pastors David Kile and Patricia Hunter led a litany based on sayings of Martin Luther King, Jr. Sue Ross, president of the congregation, invited all to attend next week's annual meeting and lunch honoring the retirement of Bob Sittig. Susan Blythe-Goodman talked to the children about Dr. King, and Natalie Chin accompanied the choir on violin during their anthem. Bob Sittig read scripture and Pastor Ned Allyn Parker preached.
Earlier this week electricians replaced the aging lighting controls for the sanctuary. We now can better control lighting throughout the service and other special events.
Sunday, Jan. 10
Richard Gammon, professor emeritus at the University of Washington and an expert in the science of climate change, kicked off this month's Adult Learning series: The Climate Crisis: Science, Faith and Action. Today 97% of climate scientists believe that human behavior, specifically carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels, are causing climate change, according to Gammon, the same percentage of scientists who agree that smoking is harmful to your health. "The greatest thing about climate science is it's true, whether you believe it or not," he said, modifying a famous quote from Neil deGrasse Tyson. A fundamental question is: What world will we leave to our grandchildren?
Worship was brief - 40 minutes - and included multiple references to the Seattle Seahawks playoff game, which started an hour before worship this week. After worship, a sizable crowd stuck around for the Senior Adult luncheon, with a topic of Getting Ready for Life's Inevitable Changes and Challenges: Creating Resiliency.
Worship was brief - 40 minutes - and included multiple references to the Seattle Seahawks playoff game, which started an hour before worship this week. After worship, a sizable crowd stuck around for the Senior Adult luncheon, with a topic of Getting Ready for Life's Inevitable Changes and Challenges: Creating Resiliency.
Wednesday, Jan. 6
The Sanctuary Choir kicked off the New Year with a rehearsal on Wednesday. The choir welcomed four new choral interns, undergraduate and graduate student musicians who will provide musical support and leadership to sanctuary choir members while gaining practical church choral music experience.
Sunday, Jan. 3
We started the year off in exciting fashion. Our organist Michelle Horsley spoke at Adult Learning, and worship included a baptism, Communion, special music, and a goodbye.
Photos courtesy of Lupe Carlos III
Photos courtesy of Lupe Carlos III
