Living Our Values For Such a Time as This

Transcription

1 the spire Volume 81 / Number 9 September 2017 Exploring what it means to follow l o the way of Jesus s Christ Living Our Values For Such a Time as This By Jim Segaar Ever wonder why Seattle First Baptist exists? Why do so many people give their time, talents and money to keep SFBC healthy? In these enlightened times, isn t there a better way to use those resources? A number of years ago, when we were welcoming Ned Allyn Parker to our community, Pastor Tim Phillips asked a group of us to share why we supported Seattle First Baptist. Some mentioned the music, others the message, many brought up our sense of community. My answer was a little different, and I still find that it works for me: I believe that SFBC needs to be here to welcome the next group that society decides is inferior, unwelcome, or marginalized. Our church s ministry of radical inclusivity must continue, especially For Such a Time as This. Our times aren t very enlightened, after all. Just ask our Muslim or transgender neighbors how it feels to be vilified by presidents, politicians and people across the country. I remember what it was like to be gay when homosexuals were constantly called out as the great Satans of society. Things are better for folks like me today, but it always feels like a bunch of gay bashers are hiding just around the corner. History teaches us that oppression is always abundant. Jesus once said that the poor will always be with us, and he hasn t been proved wrong yet. I also believe that the marginalized and persecuted will always be with us because fear, ignorance, pomposity and hatred - too often aided and abetted by religion - will always be in plentiful supply. Maybe someday I ll be proved wrong, but no time soon around here. I believe that in times like these it is critical for SFBC to know what our values are, The Spire is published monthly by Seattle First Baptist Church, 1111 Harvard Avenue, Seattle, WA PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID at Seattle WA USPS: POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to The Spire, Seattle First Baptist Church, 1111 Harvard Ave., Seattle, WA 98122

2 and to make those values clear in our community by living them day by day. That is why I invite you to join me in continuing to support our church, perhaps renewing or reinvigorating our support. I do believe that Love Wins, but only when we live in love, when we become living vessels for the Love of God that this world so sorely needs. So why does Seattle First Baptist exist? Because our world needs us and our ministry. Because we need each other. Because only by living in love will we emerge from Times Like This to a better day. Living Our Values A Homecoming Series Sunday, September 10 is Homecoming, one of the high holy days at Seattle First Baptist. That s the day when many of our activities resume after taking some time off. And this year it is when we will begin a six-week series of worship services with the theme of Living Our Values, focused on our new Affirmation of Values. Each week we will explore one of the value statements that members of our community created earlier this year. We will go beyond the words in each statement to explore what it means to live our values, as individuals and as a church. Each of us will be given an opportunity to share how we live our values day to day. Following are our value statements, listed in the order which we will address them in worship. Please join us. Homecoming Sunday, September 10 We will be present to one another and our neighbors in our personal relationships and by creating venues for engagement where we can learn about viewpoints different from our own. Pastor Tim Phillips will preach on John I go to prepare a place for you Sunday, September 17 We will actively work to recognize and change our own biases and to fight racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, ageism and other systemic prejudices. Rev. Allyson Parker, a transgender Baptist minister, will preach and speak at a luncheon. Sunday, September 24 We will protect our environment and support preservation programs that are based on scientific data designed to improve our resources, enhance biodiversity, and reverse human-caused climate change. Pastor Harriet Platts will preach. World Communion Sunday, October 1 We will respect all religions by learning about the beliefs, values and struggles of our neighbors and by demonstrating support for them. Pastor Tim Phillips will preach on Ephesians creating one new humanity Sunday, October 8 We will welcome the stranger, including immigrants and refugees, as our Scriptures instruct. We will explore how to support their causes and advocate for justice, remembering that many of us are the children of immigrants and refugees. Theologian in Residence Patricia Hunter will preach on Leviticus you shall love the alien as yourself Companis Sunday, October 15 We will go deeper in faith as we do justice, love mercy, work for peace and walk humbly with God. Members of Companis will lead us in worship. Lunch follows. We Welcome a Very Special Guest in September As part of our Living Our Values series, we welcome a very special guest to our pulpit on Sunday, September 17. Rev. Allyson Dylan Robinson, who is believed to be the first openly transgender person ever to be ordained by a Baptist church, will preach and speak at a lunch event that day. The theme for the service is: We will actively work to recognize and change our own biases. Rev. Robinson recently served as transitional pastor of Washington, D.C. s Calvary Baptist Church, a multi-ethnic, multi-generational congregation that has served the nation s capital for over 150 years. MSNBC has speculated that she might be the most radical preacher in America. Today, Allyson is a senior strategist at Cook Ross, a global consulting firm specializing Page 2

3 in diversity and inclusion, leadership, and organizational transformation. Previously, she led diversity initiatives at the Human Rights Campaign and was the first transgender person to lead a national LGBT advocacy organization as executive director of OutServe-SLDN. She s also served as an Army officer, led Baptist congregations on two continents, studied at West Point, Baylor University, and the University of Oxford, and earned degrees in physics and theology. Allyson has been honored by Harvard Law School as a Woman Inspiring Change in the field of law and policy and received the Courage Award from West Point s LGBT student and alumni association for her public advocacy. She lives with Danyelle, her wife of 23 years, and their four children in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C. This event is made possible by funding from the Romney Endowment. Be sure to join us on September 17 for what is likely to be a very dynamic, energetic day. Wednesday Dinner Programs in September By Pastor Tim Phillips With the beginning of our program year, we are looking forward to seeing you at dinner on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. We have several programs planned, which will begin at 6:45 p.m. On September 6, join us for a conversation about our Affirmation of Values. Led by the writing team and our community s leaders, we will have the opportunity to hear more about how this statement came to be and how it will guide us in the days ahead. You can read our statement here. seattlefirstbaptist. org/affirmation-of-values. html On September 13, you are invited to a conversation about the new book by the Rev. Dr. Marcia Patton,Intentionally Inclusive. Dr. Patton is the Executive Minister of our Evergreen Association of American Baptist Churches and the book tells the story of our journey toward inclusivity in our life together as a denominational family. SFBC plays a major role in that story. Rosh Hashana begins the evening of September 20 so dinner that evening will be in Fridell. We remind you that this is a holy time for our Jewish sisters and brothers and that Bet Alef will be having a service in the Sanctuary. Please be mindful of that as we gather that evening. There will be no program following dinner that night. On September 27, in advance of World Communion (Sunday, October 1), we will be hearing from a special guest, Aneelah Afzali, who is coordinating a Muslim youth program here in metro Seattle. Sister Aneelah is a dynamic speaker who will help us to understand Islamophobia. Please do not miss this opportunity! Join Us for Dinner on Wednesdays By Darren Hochstedler Our social media culture can lead us to feeling both connected and isolated at the same time. Sometimes face to face interaction with our church family can be just what we need to re-connect and refresh us. Sunday mornings are great but the church offers other opportunities throughout the week to strengthen our connections and help us go deeper in relationship. On September 6, one of those opportunities, our weekly Wednesday Evening Dinners, resumes. Every Wednesday we gather to share a meal prepared by our own Chef Rick. The delicious meal, which includes dessert, starts at 6 p.m. with a prayer from one of our pastors and sung table grace. Friends and families sit around the table to re-connect and enjoy conversation. Parking is always free and there is often a program of interest following dinner. If you ve attended dinner in the past, we hope to see you back this year. If you have never attended, we encourage you to give it a try. Yes, traffic in Seattle can be difficult to navigate, but a few minutes in traffic for a delicious home cooked meal can be a good trade off and we promise you will not be asked to do the dishes. Time: 6 7 p.m. Cost: $7 per person or $15 per family No one is turned away Reservations are not needed Childcare available for the little ones Save the Date Hilltop Turns 50 Hilltop House Retirement Community will celebrate its 50th Anniversary this year. Hilltop has a long relationship with Seattle First Baptist, and we will recognize this event during worship on Sunday, October 8. A special celebration at Hilltop House is planned for Saturday, October 7 at 5 p.m. We will have more information about the event, as well as a history of SFBC s involvement with Hilltop, in the October Spire. Page 3

4 Welcome Our New Staff Members! Hello from Pastor Jennifer Ikoma-Motzko Hello SFBC! Thank you for welcoming me and my family. Picnic Sunday was my first worship service as your interim Associate Minister of Children, Families & Young Adults. My family already is enjoying your warm embrace of the First Baptist family. Although, it s unclear at this point if my daughter now thinks there will be a bouncy house after every worship service. I look forward to journeying with you during this season of transition and change in the life of the church. I can be reached via phone, , or various social media avenues. My part-time weekly schedule includes being at the church on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (and I may suddenly discover an open time slot to meet if it includes Rachel s Ginger Beer). Hello from Our New Organist April Kuhr I am excited and honored to be a part of the rich and diverse musical tradition of First Baptist Church. The beautiful Aeloian-Skinner organ is an inspiration to play, and I am already enjoying music making with the summer soloists, and with the Congregation, whose hymn singing is unequaled anywhere. After twenty-five years as a free lance musician in the New York City metropolitan area, I returned to my hometown of Shelton in October, and am now proud to call SFBC my spiritual home. I am truly inspired by your warmth and enthusiasm, and the breadth and depth of the staff and entire community. No matter what craziness is going on in the world at large, or only in my corner of it, it is a relief to worship with you and be nourished by the sacred words and music in this beautiful sacred space. I look forward to making beautiful music with you on our spiritual journey together. Commissioning Our Pastoral Team On Sunday, August 20 we commissioned our new interim pastoral team during worship. We welcomed Pastor Jennifer Ikoma-Motzko as Interim Associate Pastor for Children, Families, and Young Adults. We also celebrated the continued service of Pastor Harriet Platts as Interim Associate Pastor. They join Lead Pastor Tim Phillips, Pastor for Senior Adult Ministries David Kile, and Theologian in Residence Patricia Hunter. Page 4

5 Singing a New Song By Jim Ginn, Music Commission Chair Sing to God a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy. Psalm 33:3 The Bible mentions making music well over a thousand times. That s how important it is. Scripture repeatedly encourages us to bring new life to our music, not to let it get old and stale. Not once does it exhort us to make music poorly or half-heartedly. Rather we are instructed to make music with skill and joy. Many of us are still in the grieving process over the retirement of our long-time beloved Choral Director, Vicky Thomas. At the same time we are aware that endings provide the opportunity for beginnings. On a foundation of hope we launch a new music season. As you read these words, the Sanctuary Choir will already have completed an inspiring and renewing season kick-off retreat with the theme, Embracing Change - What you celebrate IS what you create; without change, there would be no butterfly. Under the fine leadership of interim directors, Geoffrey and Amy Boers, we are well on our way to preparing for a new season of worship music. Please join us in worship on Homecoming Sunday for a first inspiring experience of our new songs. We are most fortunate that the Boers have returned to launch our new season. They directed the Sanctuary Choir while Vicky Thomas was away on sabbatical leave. Dr. Geoffrey Boers is Director of Choral Activities at the University of Washington, a program widely recognized as one of the most vibrant and innovative in the country, attracting students from around the world. Amy Boers is one of the region s most sought after accompanists and coaches. She is also recognized as a national leader in Lutheran church music. We are thrilled to benefit from their musical passions and experience. We continue to be uplifted by the skills and musical expertise of our new organist, April Kuhr. She has already created a spirit of newness in worship music. We look forward to witnessing her many inspiring ideas and musical offerings. The Choral Director Search Committee is working diligently toward their goal of hiring a new director by November. They ve had good responses to the call for applicants, and have reported good progress in their search process. Belle Chenault, our Director of Music for Children and Youth, has planned another fun and educational season of music making. We can be sure that it will involve intergenerational opportunities with voices, bells, chimes, rhythm instruments and more. As you can see our music program is alive and strong. What better time to join us? The primary goal of our Music Commission over the past several years has been to create an environment that celebrates the best that sacred music has to offer and that includes everyone in our faith community. Sing a new song with joy! The Wideness of Our Welcome By Pastor Harriet Platts Draw the circle wide; draw it wider still. Let this be our song! No one stands alone. Standing side by side, draw the circle wide. G. Light, 1994 What is the width of our inclusion as a faith community? What does inclusion look like in our daily living and in our spiritual practice? Do we have room to be BIGGER in our inclusion? The Fall Women s Retreat is being created to nurture and deepen our connection with what it means to be welcoming affirming and inclusive of one another and the world, now! We will explore our personal and communal stories of being welcomed and affirmed for who we are and discover practices that reflect this shared value of inclusion in relationship to ourselves to others, and to the world. We ll use a council dialogue form called the Circle Way to create a safe, refuge space for our conversations and discoveries. In the Circle Way Page 5

6 form, each person is counted as a leader and responsible for tending to the circle space. Clare Taylor will be joining me (Pastor Harriet Platts) as a guest leader and support for this retreat. Clare is a recently retired organization and leadership development director with the last 17 years in community health. She finds joy these days in what she calls field work, supporting individuals and groups living into the aspiration of the 13th century mystic, Rumi, Out beyond ideas of right doing and wrong doing there is a field. I ll meet you there. We welcome Clare! Registration forms are available at the Welcome Table in the Fellowship Hall and in the church office. Please note there is an early registration incentive as well as an option to pay online. We look forward to being with you on retreat this year! Senior Luncheon: Managing Life Transitions Sunday, October 1 following worship Change is inevitable in our lives. Our jobs come and go. We experience physical changes and health issues, lose people we love, retire, and downsize our lives. Sometimes we handle these changes easily; but sometimes we resist and get stuck wishing for what used to be or feeling dissatisfied with what is. How might we weather these changes more easily? Find practical answers in the presentation, Managing Life Transitions, offered by Joanne Horn, Director of Second Half Connections. Joanne introduces a practical guide for moving through change. Joanne highlights three transition stages we experience when our external world shifts and we are required to give up what is familiar in favor of the unknown. As these stages are described, participants are introduced to specific concrete tasks they can do themselves to let go of what used to be and embrace what is new. With a background in both the arts (BA in English Literature and Art History) and mental health research and program development, Joanne Horn has crafted a thirty-year career as a human relations specialist. A dynamic, engaging adult educator, Joanne has trained diverse populations and specialized in developing interactive curricula for government, corporate, and non-profit organizations. She has served as an adjunct faculty member of Antioch University and taught at the University of Washington Medical School as well as Seattle University and University of Washington law schools. In 2009, Joanne established the organization, Second Half Connections, to provide educational forums - classes, discussions, presentations - in which participants explore together both the opportunities and the challenges of their stage in life as a means of finding renewed meaning and direction for their lives. Cost for lunch is $5. Please contact the church office to reserve a spot. Issues of Faith Continues in Fall Adult Learning By Steve Smith Classes will resume on Homecoming Sunday, Sept 10. Following this year s welcome home theme, Lynn Gaertner- Johnston and Janet Hasselblad will lead activities to help us be present to one another and to our neighbors to create a sense and a place of belonging. On September 17, 24, and Oct. 1, Curt Smith will lead a discussion on Three Phases of a Faith Journey. This series continues the discussion of faith issues in the twenty-first century which began last fall with the video series Painting the Stars. Some people have suggested that Christianity has undergone a major house cleaning every five hundred years, and we are in the midst of it right now! Some of us may be comfortable with where we are on our spiritual journey. Others may be searching, discouraged, or whatever. The shape of the Christian Church and of SFBC that our grandchildren will know is being decided right now! Come join us in this discussion. Curt Smith is a former member of SFBC and an ordained American Baptist clergyman. He lives with his wife, Eunice, in Mukilteo. He facilitated the first Living the Questions series at SFBC in He is the author of eleven self-published books on various subjects, including a book of poetry, five novels and his latest book Mind Blogging (a compilation of articles from his blog The Writer s Corner). In Curt s words: Walter Brueggemann, an Old Testament scholar and theologian, suggests there typically are three phases in a faith journey. What we inherit or learn during our early years, or what we re taught when we first discover faith, is a phase of orientation, which flows easily into the rhythm of life. However, for most of us, there s usually time, when some or all of it no longer makes sense, and we have questions, as we enter a phase of disorientation. It becomes apparent some assembly is required, as we consider options, deal with mixed feelings and listen to others who are happy to instruct us. If our faith journey continues, and hopefully it will, we finally enter a third phase of reorientation, when we resolve our issues and decide what works for us. It s a place where the rhythm of life is restored, and we feel grateful. During this three-part series we will discuss these three phases of a faith journey, share insights and hopefully find ways to be people of faith in a complex world. Page 6

7 Other fall highlights: On October 22 and 29 the Creativity Expo Committee will host panel discussions on The Intersection of Spirituality and Creativity. During November Lynn Gaertner-Johnston and Joanne Wright will continue a discussion from last fall on Racism in the United States. Start your Sunday morning exploring significant contemporary issues at 9:30 AM with a cup of coffee and friends in the church parlor! Money Talk By Phil Mortenson, Investment Committee Chair, Darren Hochstedler, Church Administrator, and Don Phillips, Treasurer Financial Update. The Church s financial condition is in good order as we have entered the second half of As of July 31, 2017, our total revenue is $546,641 and our expenses are $598,425, which is a difference of $54,701. A large amount of our pledge revenue is ordinarily realized in the last couple of months of the year, so our present deficit on paper is expected and our situation is better than normal. By comparison, the negative difference between revenue and expenses at this time in the previous three years averaged $180,503 three times greater than it is now. Our belt-tightening is reaping results. Approximately 85% of our expenses fit into two categories: 1) salaries and benefits, and 2) building operations. We are doing well at holding expenses down in both those categories. We anticipate ending 2017 on budget, meaning that our expenses should equal our revenues. Both are projected this year at about $1,136,500. Investments. Below is a snapshot of the Church s investment picture on July 31, The headings refer to the following: Security identifies the type of investment we hold with our investment broker at UBS Financial Services, or, in the case of notes, the real estate notes that we hold with the party who has received a loan from us. Amount means the market value of that security on August 1, Percentage of Assets means the portion of our total investment portfolio that the named security comprises. SECURITY AMOUNT % OF ASSETS Cash and Money Funds 21,422 1 Equities Stocks, Mutual Funds, ETFs 1,029, Fixed Income Bonds, Notes and Munis 580, Other Mixed Equity and Income 467, Real Estate Notes Secured by trust deeds 87,516 4 The total market value of all the investments in the Church s portfolio as of July 31, 2017 was $2,187,428. In addition to growing its investments through increased market value, SFBC is also enjoying increases through dividends and interest, which have accumulated $33,516 year-to-date. As can be seen from the above mixture of securities, SFBC s investment philosophy is moderately conservative. Consequently, the Church has done well during past downturns in the market. Two years ago, SFBC completed a renovation of its Hospital building, converting unoccupied space into income-generating real estate that is now leased to nonprofits and is earning more revenue to support the Church. Although our investment portfolio financed the remodel construction, the resulting additional rent serves as a good hedge against market corrections. Finally, the Investment Committee continues to increase its holdings in socially responsible funds. Two of our largest holdings are Calvert Equity Portfolio and ishares MSCI Select Social Index ETF with current values of $230,617 and $450,094 respectively. That s a little under one-third of our total investment assets that are associated with companies that emphasize environmental (especially relating to fossil fuels), social, and governance characteristics. These funds are doing better than merely holding their own against the overall U.S. stock market. Calvert has increased so far this year by 14.97% vs. an increase of 11.59% in the S&P 500 Index. ishares has increased 19.63% over the past 12 months. Bottom line: Church finances are in good order so far this year and we anticipate ending the year with having achieved a balanced budget. Page 7

8 2018 Stewardship Campaign I m IN From the Stewardship Commission When was the last time you said, I m in? Maybe it was in response to a challenge to join a group, to take action, to make a commitment. Are you in? Yes, I m in. It s a clear-cut statement to be part of something bigger. Building on last year s Stewardship campaign For Everyone Born, A Place at the Table, we ve adopted I m IN as the theme for We re also extending this expression a bit by using IN words for our weekly topics. IN words tie to our core values of INclusion, INtention and INvolvement. The theme aligns with the many ways we can all INvest in our church community with our time, talent and treasures. Pledging during the Stewardship Campaign is one form of saying I m IN. As stewards of this community, its operations, and its staff and facilities, each of us is INcented to step forward with faith and commitment to INsure the welfare of our church. Our theme I m IN INtreats 100% participation in making a pledge. Only by receiving pledges from every household can we realistically plan our INcome and expenses in a financially responsible way. Are you INtrigued? Look for more INformation about this campaign and how to be INvolved over the coming weeks. Here are dates (and themes) to keep in mind as we look forward to Pledge Sunday on October 22: Sunday, October 1 I M INcluded Sunday, October 8 I M INvited Sunday, October 15 I M INvolved Sunday, October 22 I M INvested Since 1869 Seattle First Baptist Church has been changing lives, reaching out into the community, and sharing the amazing message of God s love and grace. With your pledge, you will help ensure that this powerful legacy continues. We ask everyone to be IN! SFBC Creativity Connections Presents: Where Art Meets Spirit By Theresa Pruett Creativity Connections is presenting a month-long experience exploring the intersection of creativity and spirituality, and showcasing the diverse creativity of the SFBC community. During the month of October, Creativity Connections is sponsoring events and presentations during Sunday and Wednesday night education hours, which culminate in Expo Weekend on October 28 and 29. Everyone is welcome. Look for upcoming announcements with specific dates, times, and topics. For those who wish to participate, Expo Weekend is a place to share your story of creative endeavor and spiritual connection with your church family. Whether your creative endeavor is one of words, paint, or textiles, or wood carving, sculpting, or photography, your creative diversity is welcome. If you are interested in participating in the weekend exhibition, please inquire at the welcome desk during coffee hour after church. ABW Happenings By Shirley Wilkinson Would you like to make new friends at our church and get involved in ministry? I invite you to visit one or both of our two circles. Mt. Carmel meets quarterly, beginning in October, at 12:00 at homes. After a dessert, they have an interesting program. The contact persons are Jean Mattson or Jane Herness. Friendship Circle meets the second Tuesday of each month, September through May, in Fridell Lounge at 5:30 pm. After sharing a meal they have an interesting program. The contact person is Carole Cornell. By meeting regularly, the members of each circle have the opportunity to develop lifelong friendships, learn more about our community, and participate in various ministries. The September meeting for Friendship Circle will be September 12. Instead of a speaker, we will roll bandages for the hospitals in the Congo. In October, another chapter of the Life of an American Baptist Woman. Thanks to Marilyn Page 8

9 Pulliam and Patricia Hunter who have contributed chapters. The North Puget Sound Area of ABW Ministries is having its Fall Rally on September 30 at Anacortes Baptist Church. Sarah Nash, a young adult woman from Olympia First Baptist Church, will share with us her call to become a missionary in Bolivia. There will also be music, good food, fellowship, and a short business meeting. The registration cost is $10 up to September 20 and $15 afterwards. Registration and refreshments are at 9:30 am. Registration forms are available at the Welcome Table or from Shirley Wilkinson. Questions? Call Shirley. Contact information for any of the people mentioned is available from the church office. SFBC Gay Fathers Gathering Sunday, September 24 A group of eight gay fathers from our church held their first gathering on August 16. Going forward, the SFBC Gay Fathers Gathering will meet at 12:30 p.m., following worship, in the Companis Abelson Center Lounge on the fourth Sunday of each month. At the September 24 gathering, pizza & beverages will be available. All gay fathers are welcome to join this informal social/discussion group. Calling All Greeters We strive to welcome all people at Seattle First Baptist, beginning when they first walk through the door to worship. Each week volunteer greeters welcome all people who come to attend worship. Will you help with this important ministry? We need volunteer greeters every week. Please contact Jane Herness if you are willing to be a greeter. Contact information is available from the church office. Page 9

10 A Stitch in Time Covenant Shores is proudly displaying a quilt donated by Vivian Hanson in the newly remodeled Health Center. Pastor Harriet Platts happened to be on hand for the unveiling in August and provided these photos. Vivian, 95, learned to quilt by hand from her grandmother. Her husband Donald, 97, was also on hand for the festivities. The Faith Community Nurse Is In By Sue Ross Starting this month I will be available Wednesday afternoons from 3-6 p.m. and following the worship service on Sunday. My church address is nurse@seattlefirstbaptist.org, which I will check on Wednesdays and Sundays. Don t hesitate to send me an if you think I can be of any help to you or feel free to stop me in church if you would like to set up a time to meet. I will also maintain a bulletin board in Fellowship Hall where I will post timely health information. Let me know if there is a particular topic that you would like me to address. Evergreen to Honor Marcia Patton The Evergreen Association of American Baptist Churches is having its annual meeting in October. The meeting begins at Panther Lake on Friday, October 13, and moves to New Beginnings on Saturday, October 14. There is a retirement dinner for Rev. Dr. Marcia Patton on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. and business meetings that morning which will include a Q&A session with the new Executive Minister candidate. We hope that many people from SFBC will attend. Registration forms and schedules are available from the church office. An earlier event will focus on Dr. Patton s new book, Intentionally Inclusive Together at the Table for Ministry. A book signing event will take place on Homecoming Sunday, September 10 at 3 p.m. at Japanese Baptist Church. Seattle First Baptist features prominently in the book. It is available on Amazon.com, with the following description: In a society that is increasingly diverse in race and ethnicity, religious background and theological conviction, socioeconomic status and political perspectives, this practical resource explores the broad dimensions of what it means to be a multicultural community of faith and relates the powerful story of how one group chose to pursue intentional inclusion and faithful intercultural ministry through ethnic caucuses and consensus-based decision-making. Grounded in biblical narrative as well as personal experiences, the book offers an authentic and honest look into a real-life experiment in inclusive ministry. Includes questions for personal reflection and ideas for small-group implementation. Church Council Invites Us to Weaving Our Strengths The Church Council of Greater Seattle is presenting its annual conference, Weaving Our Strengths Conference: For Such a Time as This, on Saturday, September 30 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The conference is for individuals and communities yearning for connection, for relationship, for spiritual grounding, for action, and for opportunities to come together. In these times, how can church members build on our own gifts, develop tools for ministry and social engagement, and transform the public square? The day-long conference will offer fellowship, inspiration, and skill-building. Complete information and registration is available on the Church Council s website: at Page 10

11 Workshop themes include faith-based community organizing; racial reconciliation and justice-making; building relationships across differences; spiritual discomfort; climate justice; the Reformation today; affordable housing; ways to call upon God; immigrant accompaniment; and allyship in the public square. Last year more than 200 people from 55 congregations attended the conference. Help Fight Hunger By Sami Hoag, Outreach Commission co-chair Outreach Commission calls all SFBC members to help fight hunger by giving 2.5 hours of your time. Gethsemane Lutheran and the Hope Center are leading a meal packaging event called Give.Share.Eat. on September Volunteers will package 54,000 meals that will stay in Western Washington to feed hungry people. The meals are nutrient-fortified, easy to make (require only a microwave or hot pot), and are easy to augment with fresh veggies and fruits if those become available to people using the meals. Please go to the link to sign up for a time that works for you: An Eagle Scout Speaks Out By Kristen-Diane Pollock Editor s Note: Kristen-Diane is a member of SFBC currently living in the Midwest. On July 26 of this year, President Donald Trump tweeted regarding a ban on Transgender military personnel. Mr. Trump tweeted After consultation with my Generals and military experts, please be advised...will not accept or allow Transgender individuals to serve...in the U.S. Military. He continued nine minutes later with: Our military must be focused...and... cannot be burned with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail. Many news outlets covering the President s tweet regarding this issue have everybody from the media to the Department of Defense scratching their heads and asking many questions including: What are you doing Mr. Trump and which generals did you consult? If I had my way, I d say to our current President: Well, Mr. Trump, you ve angered many, many people including currently serving Transgender military personnel and veterans, not to mention a few of the rarest women on this earth who have been created by Almighty God - the female Eagle Scout, and we are madder than a wet hornet; if the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) can accept Transgender individuals then the military can too. I bring up the BSA due to their statement of January 30: For more than 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America, along with schools, youth sports and other youth organizations, have ultimately deferred to the information on an individual s birth certificate to determine eligibility for our single-gender programs. However, that approach is no longer sufficient... as communities and state laws are interpreting gender identity differently, and these laws vary widely from state to state. Starting today, we will accept and register youth in the Cub and Boy Scout programs based on gender identity indicated on the application. Our organization s local councils will help find units...the best interest of the child. During an Eagle Scout s (Scouting s Highest Rank) Court of Honor presentation, where the Eagle rank is awarded the candidate, the Scout takes this oath: I (re)affirm my allegiance to the three promises of the Scout Oath. I thoughtfully recognize and take upon myself the obligations and responsibilities of an Eagle Scout. On my honor, I will do my best to make my training an example and my status and my influence count strongly for better Scouting and for better citizenship in my troop, in my community, and in my contacts with other people. To this I pledge my sacred honor. It is time for Eagles to honor their oath and be an example of better citizenship by speaking out against anything like this Transgender military ban. It is not only anti-american, it is also against the teachings of our Lord and Savior. I ve often heard that Jesus would have hung out with the outcast showing his unconditional love in the same way the Father loves us all. All I can say is: Let Transgender people serve with the capacities that God has gifted them and called them to serve. Note: Kristen-Diane Pollock is an Eagle Scout having earned the Eagle Scout Rank in Page 11

12 September Events Calendar Sunday, Sep. 3 Labor Day Weekend 11 a.m. Worship and Communion with Pastor Tim Phillips and Nicole Grant of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Labor Council. Plus special music from Geoffrey and Amy Boers, our interim choir directors. Monday, Sep. 4 Labor Day Office Closed Wednesday, Sep. 6 6 p.m. Community Dinner - Fellowship Hall 6:45 p.m. Program - a discussion about our Affirmation of Values. Led by the writing team and our community s leaders. 7 p.m. Choir Rehearsal Sunday, Sep. 10 Homecoming Sunday 9:30 a.m. Adult Learning - Parlor - We will be present to one another and to our neighbors. Week 1 of the Living Our Values series about our Affirmation of Values 10:15 a.m. Family Fellowship Hour in Youth Lounge, 3rd Floor 11 a.m. Worship with Pastor Tim Phillips preaching. John , I go to prepare a place for you. 2 p.m. Memorial Service for Gayle Keesler 3 p.m. Program and book signing to celebrate Marcia Patton s new book, Intentionally Inclusive. SFBC is featured prominently in the book. At Japanese Baptist Church, 160 Broadway Wednesday, Sep p.m. Community Dinner - Fellowship Hall 6:45 p.m. Program - conversation about the new book by the Rev. Dr. Marcia Patton, Intentionally Inclusive. 7 p.m. Choir Rehearsal Saturday, Sep p.m. Jim Wallis speaks at Benaroya Hall. Founder and President of Sojourners, a faith based non-profit organization whose mission statement reads putting faith in action for social justice. 8 p.m. S lichot - Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue High Holy Day event Sunday, Sep. 17 9:30 a.m. Adult Learning - Parlor- We will actively work to recognize and change our own biases. Week 2 of the Living Our Values series about our Affirmation of Values 10:15 a.m. Family Fellowship Hour in Youth Lounge, 3rd Floor 11 a.m. Worship with Allyson Robinson preaching. This special event is funded by the Romney Endowment. More information about our speaker is available at these links: Following Worship - Lunch with Allyson Robinson. She will tell her personal story and discuss how churches can be in ministry with transgender people. Wednesday, Sep p.m. Community Dinner - Fridell Lounge (note location change for this evening) 7 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 7 p.m. Rosh Hashanah Eve - Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue High Holy Day event Thursday, Sep :30 a.m. Rosh Hashanah - Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue High Holy Day event 7 p.m. Diaconate - Parlor Sunday, Sep. 24 9:30 a.m. Adult Learning - Parlor - We will protect our environment. Week 3 of the Living Our Values series about our Affirmation of Values 10:15 a.m. Family Fellowship Hour in Youth Lounge, 3rd Floor 11 a.m. Worship with Pastor Harriet Platts preaching. Following Worship Quarterly Lunch and Meeting Time for all Commissions Page 12

13 Wednesday, Sep p.m. Community Dinner - Fellowship Hall 6:45 p.m. Program - Aneelah Afzali is coordinating a Muslim youth program here in metro Seattle. Sister Aneelah is a dynamic speaker who will help us to understand Islamophobia. 7 p.m. Choir Rehearsal Friday, Sep p.m. Kol Nidrei - Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue High Holy Day event Saturday, Sep a.m. Weaving Our Strengths conference sponsored by the Church Council of Greater Seattle - University Congregational UCC 10:30 a.m., 7 p.m. Yom Kippur - Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue High Holy Day event Sunday, Oct. 1 World Communion Sunday I m In, our Stewardship drive begins. 9:30 a.m. Adult Learning - Parlor - We will respect all religions. Week 4 of the Living Our Values series about our Affirmation of Values. 10:15 a.m. Family Fellowship Hour in Youth Lounge, 3rd Floor 11 a.m. Worship and Communion with Pastor Tim Phillips preaching. Ephesians , creating one new humanity. Following Worship - Senior Adult Luncheon. Joanne Horn will speak about Managing Life Transitions. Cost for lunch is $5 3 p.m. Memorial Service for Amber Joy. Reception to follow. 6 p.m. Seattle Jazz Vespers begins its fifteenth season featuring vocalist David Artegea and his Trio performing classic jazz standards. Page 13

14 Periodicals Postage Paid Seattle, WA USPS Editors Tim Phillips Jim Segaar Publisher and Graphic Artist Kellie Whitlock Photography Contributor Lupe Carlos III Article Deadline 20th of each month Delivery Sign up for delivery of The Spire by registering on our website. SeattleFirstBaptist.org 2017 Seattle First Baptist 1111 Harvard Ave Seattle, WA Phone: Online Extras We had a wonderful time at our annual Church Picnic after worship on Sunday, August 20. Many more photos are available on our website: