The Magnolian. From Pastor Joy

Transcription

1 The Magnolian As an Open and Affirming congregation, we celebrate diversity in race, abilities, gender, age, marital status, opinion, sexual orientation and religious backgrounds. We trust God to lead us into new truth and we welcome all who wish to join us in this search. Volume XXXXI, No. 8 August 25, 2013 The worship theme for the month of September: Shaped by God We will be building on the image of God the Potter and how our faith shapes the living of our days. Sept 1 Communion Sunday, Luke 14:1, 7-14, Be aware of underestimating or overestimating yourself (Jeremy s first Sunday with us) Sept 8 Jeremiah 18: 1-11, Ps 139: 1-6, 13-18, Shaped by God, (Choir returns) Sept 15 Ps 51, Luke 15: 1-10, Create in me a clean heart Sept 22 Luke 16: 1-13, What shapes our management style/ethics at work Sept 29 I Tim 6: 6-19, Luke 16: 19-31, How does God shape your relationship to wealth/ comfort? From Pastor Joy As I write this at the end of August, it is the week when our country is recognizing the 50 th anniversary of the March on Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. s famous I have a Dream Speech. Since I was a small child Dr. King has always been a hero and example for me of what it means to be a faithful Christian. A poster of Dr. King and a sketch of the Laughing Jesus are in front of me each day when I work at my computer reminding me of what it takes to follow the justice-seeking ways of God. We need courage and laughter, conviction and compassion, humility and a commitment to nonviolence, as we continue the journey towards God s reign on earth as it is in heaven. On this 50 th anniversary it is good to know that we have made great strides towards equality in our country but we are by all means, not there yet. Like Jesus, Dr. King was quite bold in challenging the church to be a voice in the wilderness. Here is a quote from a speech he made in 1967: The Church has an opportunity and duty to lift up its voice like a trumpet and declare unto the people the immorality of segregation. It must affirm that every human life is a reflection of divinity, and that every act of injustice mars and defaces the image of God in man. Even in our little corner of the world, may we not shy away from our responsibility of lifting up our voices and doing our part as people of faith to end inequality in our country; I give thanks to God for those brave men and women who gave so much during the Civil Rights movement of the 1960 s. If you have the chance to see the newly released film, The Butler based on the true story of a man who worked as a butler in the White House for 34 years under 8 presidents, I encourage you to do so as it gives a great sweep of this important time in the history of our country. Be well, Joy

2 More From Pastor Joy There has been a lot happening around our church community over the summer: We have seen changes to our physical plant as Roger Seeman explains in his article. We are welcoming a new staff person, Jeremy DesChane as our organist/pianist! Tom Ranken, Moderator has been facilitating an important conversation and process about our current Church Insurance and the need for better coverage. We also have Personnel Policies in place and Safe Child Policies as well. These are important additions to being a well-managed and caring institution. Some of us on staff are ironing out clearer details regarding weddings and receptions to better our communication and the use of our resources. Scott and I had a wonderful week of continuing education and came away with creative ideas for the season of Advent. We are exploring a new community building idea called A Month of Sunday s for after the new year. It has been a wonderful summer but I am excited for the arrival of fall and look forward to seeing many of you who have been traveling this summer. Bible Study facilitated by Pastor Joy: Acts, Part II On Tuesday afternoons and Wednesday evenings in the Parlor, Joy will be continuing the study of the Book of Acts. This is the second series of three so we will be studying Chapters 7-15 over a four-week period. We will be using a curriculum developed by the UCC, God is Still-speaking Writers Group. These sessions are written by the Rev. Lillian Daniel. The goal of the series is to engage in studying the Bible to see how God is still speaking through these words today in addition to understanding the original context. It is designed to encourage reflection and conversation with one another. Why the Book of Acts? Since the mid-twentieth century much has changed in our society and the role of the church. Our society is officially secular, religiously pluralistic, and ethnically diverse. In many ways, this is also the world of the Acts of the Apostles. As we negotiate our world today as people of faith, Acts can be helpful to us. The Tuesday series begins September 10, 1 pm-2 pm The Wednesday series begins September 11 7 pm-8 pm All are welcome even if you did not come to the first series on the first 6 chapters of Acts. Please sign up at the table in the hallway near the parlor.

3 In Our Prayers MUCC families who are in the process of sending their young people off to college or other adventures Bill Arrendale Mary Jane, Frank, Josh and Oliver Guarino A small group gathers with Pastor Joy on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 am to lift up prayers for our church community and beyond. Please feel free to notify Joy or the office if you would like something to be included. We Remember A Former Member... John (Jack) Alberti 1917 ~ 2013 Born Detroit MI graduated from Cass Technical High school and Moved to Puget sound area in the late 1930's with his brother Frank Alberti where he married Beth Canty in 1942 and made Magnolia bluff their home for 50 some years where they raised their 5 children. Jack and his wife were MUCC members from the 1960 s through the early 1980 s. Join MUCC Choir! Are you interested in learning how to sing and looking for ways to deepen your worship experience through making music with others? If you are, you should join the choir! We rehearse every Thursday evening from 7:15p-8:45p and Sunday mornings at 9a. We learn new songs every week, enjoying the fellowship with one another. We welcome you to join our choir family beginning September 5th! Dear MUCC, I am pleased and excited to become your organist and pianist. My recent interview with Pastor Joy, Julia Tai, Scott Ward, Charlie Evans, and other members of the organist search committee assured me that MUCC will be a wonderful place for me to work and serve through music ministry. The warmth of the MUCC staff and the church's enthusiastic artistic spirit are signs to me that many good things are in store for our future together. A little about me: I grew up in Washington, the second oldest of seven children. I spent most of my growing-up years in the Northwest, close to Mt. Baker. I began to play the piano when I was four years old, and took piano lessons through high school. When I was ten, I started to accompany the congregational singing at my family's church in Bellingham. I learned to improvise on many hymn melodies, and this still is something I like to do. I was fortunate to attend the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY for my undergraduate degree in piano performance. Music has always been my life, and the pursuit of classical music has led me to performances around the country to play concertos, chamber music, and solo repertoire. After my studies at Eastman, I returned to Washington to earn my master's degree in piano performance at CWU, where there is an exceptional music program. I am excited to move to the Seattle area after completing my master's. I hope to teach piano and explore the city's vibrant music scene. I'm looking forward to my future with you all. Also, if you would like to hear a particular hymn or piece in the service, chances are I will be happy to play it! -Jeremy DesChane

4 What s new with Community Life Friendship Sunday Sunday, October 6, 2013 at 10AM The comings and goings of summertime have settled down. Autumn is in the air. With warmth and joy we welcome you in. Previously known as "Homecoming Sunday" this special service is a celebration of our community and our friendships. Calling all MUCC friends near and far, please plan on joining us for Friendship Sunday. We encourage you to invite a friend (or two). Considering membership at Magnolia UCC? Please join Joy and Scott in the upstairs meeting room on Sunday, September 29 th at 11:30 am for a conversation about what that means. We will meet for an hour. No matter who you are or where you are on life s journey, you are welcome here! Entry Garden Installation Our next art installation will be going up the second week of September. Titled "Before I die..." it is a series of chalkboard people inviting us to reflect on who and what we want before our lives are over. It is an invitation for us and our neighbors to share their aspirations. If you are willing and able to help create, build and/or install this presentation, please contact the church office. The Narthex Gallery Sunday, September 8, 2013 For the past month we have enjoyed the art of Cecily Harper Mitchell. We will have another chance to meet Cecily on Sunday, September 8 before her show closes on the 12th. Meet and talk with Cecily after the worship service. The Art and Poetry of Dylan Kuehl September 15 - November 14, 2013 An outspoken political activist, Dylan advocates for himself and others with disabilities, proving through his large life that Down Syndrome is not the obstacle it is often perceived to be. Not only is he an artist and poet, he is a dancer, drummer, Special Olympics gold medalist and motivational speaker. Friday, October 25, 2013 We will have a chance to meet Dylan and hear from him. He will talk about what it means to be a visual and performing artist.

5 Great job Scouts! On Saturday, July 27th, our parking lot received a makeover! Under the direction of Leader Steve Ranta, our local Boy Scouts prepped and repainted new bright yellow lines and arrows, directing cars through the lot. What a difference! Thanks, and great job Scouts! A big thank you to the f o l l o w i n g people, who volunteered at the Yard Sale on August 10th! With your help, we raised a total of $ Great job! Sue & George Olson, Liz Roach, Ruth Beckett, Tom Ranken, Marilee Gibbs, Lucia & Ken Schubert, Becky & John Castilleja, Melissa Ranken, Sandy Nielsen, Bob Flack, Michael Lord, Lindsay Butler and Evelyn Crichton. We need your help to make these events happen. Please consider signing up and getting involved! Salmon Dinner Fundraiser, 10/12, 6:30p: Set up/decorate, Meal preparation, make a dessert (for the dessert auction), sell tickets, donate wine, serve wine, serve dinner, clean up. Inspiring Gifts Festival, 11/23, 10a-4p: Set up, cook in the Inspiring Foods Cafe, host, be a floater, make and serve popcorn, clean up. Christmas Brunch, 12/15, after worship: Set up/decorate, prepare and serve brunch, sell tickets, clean up.

6 Facilities Update for September Courtyard Doors Project With the dedication done on Sunday, August 18, the courtyard doors project is officially completed! This project has taken many months and was enabled by the generous donations of three of our congregation members. The project required the services of three contractors: O.B. Williams (for the new doors), Morgan s Fine Finishes (for the refinishing), and Custom Door Services (for the new thresholds, installations and repair work). If you remember, this is an example of the condition of one of the doors. We had significant water damage, cracked oak and dry rot on the bottoms, bad enough to completely replace two of the doors. The thresholds and weather stripping were also damaged or gone completely. The mechanisms were in bad shape also. In this after photo, you can see the beautiful, fully restored or replaced oak doors in our courtyard. Our hope is that these doors will provide a safe, secure, efficient and inviting welcome to all who enter our beautiful church for many decades to come. Lawn Benches Project As you can see from the photo below, our new lawn benches are in place and being used and enjoyed daily. The result of generous donations by three of our MUCC families. Stop and sit in the benches. Read the inscriptions in the plaques. Bask in the beauty of our newly renovated front lawn.

7 Sign and Address Numbers Can you remember the old sign out front? I wish I had taken a before photo. It was old-fashioned, in great need of repair, and was not at all inviting. Our new sign and address numbers are crisp, clean and attractive. No mistaking who we are, or where we are now! Banner Poles The banner poles, dedicated to the memory of Del Gerstenberger by an anonymous gift, are now installed and ready to receive our new banners. Scott and his team are hard at work developing the banners and will be unveiling them in the near future. Stay tuned to see this culminating work in our front lawn. Our Last Big Project With the remaining funds that we have from our 2011 capital campaign, your facilities team, with unanimous support from the Coordinating Council, will be repairing and refinishing the walls of the sanctuary. The walls have not been touched, except for minor repairs, in nearly 70 years, and it is clear that now is the time to make our sanctuary as inviting as our parlor, Pilgrim Hall and the upstairs meeting room. The plaster is damaged around the stain glass windows. These will all be repaired.

8 Areas from previous attempts to repair cracks and water damage will be professionally repaired in such a way as to make them blend in completely with the original wall textures. Areas darkened from years of radiator and fan heat will be restored to their original look. All of this will be done with the utmost care to retain the beauty of our sanctuary. A contractor, Grund and Company, has been selected to accomplish the work. They have been in business in the Seattle area for over 100 years, and are experts in this type of restoration work. We are quite confident in their abilities. A chapel chat will be held sometime in September or October to show interested members of the congregation more details about the project, including a wall sample that shows how the glazing technique proposed will restore the beautiful texture to our walls. The project is proposed to be done January 13-February 7, 2014, to ensure that our critical church events between now and the end of the year will not be compromised. The facilities committee welcomes your feedback on this important project. Capital Funds As noted above, our capital funds from the 2011 capital drive are nearly depleted. While there is still much to do, we all need to take a moment to reflect on all that has been accomplished through your generous pledges and memorials. Over the past 3 years, we have received $153,000 of the $154,500 in pledges made in This is a remarkable statistic that would be the envy of any non-profit fund raiser. In addition to these pledges, we received an additional $41,000 in funds from City Light rebates for our efficiency projects, designated gifts (e.g. benches, courtyard doors, Banner poles), Water Utility rebates from our low flow toilet additions, and even the money from an automobile donation to the church (thank you so much, Dottie). These funds have now all been expended, with the exception of the funds required to complete the sanctuary repair/restoration project. These have been put aside for the January/February execution of this project. It has been a rewarding and exciting three years. Everywhere you look, you will see evidence of the love and care that has been put into restoring our church and enabling us all to meet our newly approved purpose and vision. As you might expect, your facilities team still has quite a list of projects on our To Do list. You ll be hearing about them in the future, but for now, let s all celebrate the exciting path that lies ahead, and the facility that is being maintained and refreshed to support that path for decades to come. Roger Seeman Facilities Chair

9 Holiday Wreath Workshop Christmas Giving Opportunities In this place where spirit and compassion meet, we have come up with several ways to reach out to the larger community during the season of Christmas giving. The Inspiring Gifts Festival in November gives us all the opportunity to support artists and craftsperson from developing nations as we purchase our gifts for friends and family. Through Blaine Kids in Care we are able to give special Christmas gifts to kids who are living in transition housing and don t have the security of their own home for the holidays. Our knitting group (The Needle Exchange) meets year round to create hats and scarves for homeless people and those gifts are dedicated as winter approaches. I know it is August and a long way from Christmas, however several of us have been thinking that it would be good to start investigating additional opportunities to share our many blessings beyond our church community. Do you have a good idea for Christmas giving? Would you like to help investigate that idea and present it to the Congregation? Bring your ideas and enthusiasm to a brainstorming session in the upstairs meeting room following worship on Sunday, September 22 nd. Marilee Gibbs, Becki Johnson, and Evelyn Crichton. Please welcome our new Coffee Hour Coordinator! Thank you to Melissa Ranken for taking on this important job. Please contact Melissa right away at campingdept@seattlebsa.org or if you can volunteer, or a sign up sheet is on the get involved table. Pair up with a friend, brew a pot of coffee, show off your baking skills or share some pastries from your favorite bakery! We appreciate it! Nancy Evans and Eleanor Fisher are hosting a Wreath Making Workshop on September 29th, 12 noon 2 pm Don t throw out any of those old ornaments or decorations. Bring them to the workshop to use or share! Sign up at the get involved table. Contact Nancy or Eleanor for more information. Help Needed at Mary s Place There is an urgent call for help from Mary's Place. They had a giant hole in the Rotating Shelter Calendar for August 13-September 10th. The good news in that Ravenna UMC has once again graciously offered their space to be used for the whole month. Here's where you come in. They were able to use volunteers and staff to staff the month but they need people to prepare meals and be there from 5:00pm to 7:30 pm. They also need overnight hosts from 7:30pm -7:30am. This is a perfect time to partner with someone in our church, to make a meal and take it and your good cheer to Revenna UMC and stay until 7:30. Perhaps you would like to invite a new person to team with you. Maybe you will choose to join with someone you have shared the work for many years. Whatever your preference, we need you to help. You can Liz at Mary's Place liz@marysplaceseattle.org directly to sign up for a slot. What a wonderful opportunity to share our blessings, Lucia

10 Northwest Regional Women s Retreat X Celebrate the Joyful Journey!! November 1-3, 2013 Reserve your space at the exquisite Kah-Nee-Ta Resort nestled in the sacred beauty of Central Oregon! Join hundreds of friends at Northwest Regional Women's Retreat as we celebrate 30 years of dual conference collaboration as UCC women in the PNW! We mark our 10th retreat with a UCC superstar keynote, DaVita McCallister, from the Connecticut Conference who is known for her upbeat, inspiring and memorable appeal for all ages! Bring your friends and don't miss the workshops of great inspirational diversity, meals with infamous fry-bread and huckleberry jam, scenery that is absolutely astounding and the opportunity to sink into the reflective, renewing, healing and joy-filled atmosphere of this retreat! For information, see our website which has a link for nrwr2013.eventbrite.com to register. Hotel is booked separately by calling , use code Northwest Regional Women s Retreat for the group rate! Chair Yoga A great class for seniors, those healing from an injury or anybody looking for a gentle workout. The poses and methods covered in our Chair Yoga class will allow you to increase flexibility, core strength, balance, lung capacity and overall wellness. Our chairs will be used for a variety of seated poses and stretches, as well as a balancing prop while doing standing poses. Yoga is an excellent way to keep the mind and body healthy and strong. No previous yoga experience necessary. Classes will be held in monthly sessions, every Wednesday from 10-11a, at a rate that equals $10 per class. Please make checks payable to: Magnolia United Church of Christ. Below are the times and rates for upcoming sessions: Sept 4th - Sept 25th $40 (4 classes) October 2nd - October 30th $50 (5 classes) November 6th - November 27th $40 (4 classes) Classes will be held in the Fireside Room. Yoga mats and props will be provided, or bring your own! Feel free to call me with any questions: Lisa Broesamle Bike the Bluff, Sept. 8 th, 2013 Starting at the Catherine Blaine playground, Ride a 4 or 6.5 mile loop around Magnolia, then enjoy refreshments and Dante s Inferno Hot Dog Truck on t he Bl aine s ch ool playground. There is also a flat, 2-mile sidewalk route for younger cyclists. Helmets are required. 10:00am to 2:00pm. Monday Thursday, 9 a.m 2:30 p.m. Phone: (206) contact@magnoliaucc.org To reach Pastor Joy anytime, call: (425) To reach Roger for facilities questions, call: (206)

11 MUCC s own Julia Tai at the Seattle Symphony, in Celebrate Asia Julia Tai, conductor Haochen Zhang, piano Nguyen Thanh Thuy, special guest Ngo Tra My, special guest Stefan Östersjö, special guest Celebrate Asia explores the diverse musical traditions of Asia in a spectacular East-meets-West event. The program features music from Takemitsu to Grieg, including a new work by Richard Karpen for Vietnamese and Western instruments. Come at 6:30pm to see pre-concert performances in the Grand Lobby. The Celebrate Asia composition competition generously underwritten by Yoshi & Naomi Minegishi. Friday, March 21, 2014 at 7:30pm Job Opening: Sunday Morning Nursery Attendant It is part of our MUCC vision and covenant that we provide a place of care and nurture for our children. While our numbers of babies/children are small our love and commitment are not. We are looking for a caring and dedicated person (age 15 or older) who is able to provide care for an infant and also be prepared to share a simple Bible story and activity or hang out in the small playground (weather permitting) if an older child or two are present. (Resources are available for story and activity ideas.) We are looking for someone who enjoys children; who is dependable and able to go with the flow depending on who might show up on a Sunday morning. Time Commitment: Sunday mornings, September 8 through December 29th, from 9:45 am until approximately 11:15 am Pay: $25.00 per Sunday includes an hour prep time each week prior to Sunday mornings. If you are interested or know someone who might be Please contact Lisa in the church office or speak with Pastor Joy. The Lecture Series Gretta Vosper, founder of the Canadian Centre for Progressive Christianity and best selling author, will give a series of presentations on her newest book, AMEN: What Prayer Can Mean in a World Beyond Belief, on Friday and Saturday, October 11 and 12, 2013 at University Congregational United Church of Christ. She will be accompanied by musician and composer, Scott Kearns, Music Director at West Hill United Church and author of the song collection, The Wonder of Life. Tickets are now on sale. For tickets and information, contact UCUCC, th Ave NE, Seattle, WA lectureseries@universityucc.org or (206) , ext More information is available by clicking here. Tickets may be purchased online from Brown Paper Tickets.

12 The Magnolian is published on the last Wednesday of the month by Magnolia United Church of Christ 3555 W. McGraw Street Seattle, WA Telephone: (206) Church Office Hours: 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (Monday-Thursday) Rev. Joy R. Haertig, Pastor Scott Ward, Dir. of Community Life Volume XXXXI, No. 8 The Magnolian August 25, 2013 What s Happening at Magnolia UCC Sun Sept 1 10:00 a.m. Worship & Communion Mon Sept 2 Labor Day The MUCC office will be closed Wed Sept 4 9:30 a.m. Midweek Prayer in the Parlor 10:00 a.m. Chair Yoga in the Fireside Room Thurs Sept 5 7:15 p.m. Choir in the Sanctuary Sun Sept 8 10:00 a.m. Worship Mon Sept 9 10:00 a.m. Circle of Stones in the Parlor 6:30 p.m. Book Club in Pilgrim Hall Tues Sept 10 1:00 p.m. Book of Acts in the Parlor Wed Sept 11 9:30 a.m. Midweek Prayer in the Parlor 10:00 a.m. Chair Yoga in the Fireside Room 7:00 p.m. Book of Acts in the Parlor Thurs Sept 12 7:15 p.m. Choir in the Sanctuary Sun Sept 15 10:00 a.m. Worship 11:15 a.m. Gene Smith 90th birthday celebration during coffee hour Mon Sept 16 3:00 p.m. Needle Exchange in the Parlor Tues Sept 17 1:00 p.m. Book of Acts in the Parlor 7:00 p.m. Coordinating Council in the Library Wed Sept 18 9:30 a.m. Midweek Prayer in the Parlor 10:00 a.m. Chair Yoga in the Fireside Room 10:00 a.m. Facilities in the Parlor 3:00 p.m. FASC Kitchen Crew 7:00 p.m. Book of Acts in the Parlor Thurs Sept 19 7:15 p.m. Choir in the Sanctuary Sat Sept 21 10:00 a.m. MUCC Garden Care on the front lawn Sun Sept 22 10:00 a.m. Worship Mon Sept 23 10:00 a.m. Circle of Stones in the Parlor Tues Sept 24 1:00 p.m. Book of Acts in the Parlor Wed Sept 25 9:30 a.m. Midweek Prayer in the Parlor 10:00 a.m. Chair Yoga in the Fireside Room 11:00 a.m. Magnolian Mailing Team in the Parlor 7:00 p.m. Book of Acts in the Parlor