Sanctuary Movement: Lyndale UCC is being invited to support the Sanctuary movement. Undocumented immigrants in our community face the very real possibility of being summarily rounded up and either deported or indefinitely detained. In response to the increasingly hostile and unhealthy political climate that makes us all more vulnerable, a broad-based gathering of faith communities across the country (and across faith traditions) is becoming united in response to the call to protect the most vulnerable members of our community. When necessary, these faith communities will provide or support Sanctuary, a sacred space within houses of worship for those who are struggling to make their case to the immigration authorities. Sanctuary requires that those needing protection remain within the church building at all times, for as long as it takes their immigration status to be resolved, which can even take years because there is no defined process or specified timetable for resolution. Sanctuary will be provided quite publicly, to highlight the human and moral impact of immigration policy. The Church Council proposes that Lyndale UCC enter the process of discernment regarding what role LUCC might be called to play in providing or supporting Sanctuary, if any. See full document of proposal here. Both Salem and First's councils have also voted to enter this period of discernment.

Hold in Prayer: Please hold our beloved Diane and Scott Peterson and their family in prayer this week. As we mentioned in worship, their son-in-law has had a return of cancer that is treatable, but requiring chemo. Also, their sister-in-law is starting a process for stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma. This is a LOT all at once for the Peterson extended family. You can send them a note of support and prayer by clicking here. Please do, if you are so moved!

Annual Meeting: In case you missed Annual Meeting, here is our presentation of highlights from 2016 and some beginnings of dreams for our ministry together in 2017. When you click here, you can download the PDF and view.

YAY! The congregation voted at Annual Meeting on a budget that included the expansion of the administrator role into the Director of Church Operations. We're thrilled that Karn has taken on this role with grace, enthusiasm and a whole lot of know-how. We look forward to all the systems she's already starting to build. Thank you!

White Privilege Series: It's time for Unit 3! White supremacy culture teaches white people not to see the cash value of whiteness. And yet there is serious economic advantage to whiteness not just in terms of income, but also access to education, housing and healthcare. Learn about what you don't see so that you can change it!

Need your help: Every few months, we swap sanctuaries. We get to move to the North Sanctuary just in time for Lent. Can you help us move? Many hands make light and FAST work. Ashley also is not above bribery and will bring treats. Please let her know if you can help!

Enjoy a Befriender! Our Lyndale team of lay pastoral care providers is now ready to be a listening presence in your life. Please let Pastor Ashley know if you would like to connect with a BeFriender. Email her here.