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News and information from Prospect Congregational UCC, including events happening this week at or near Prospect.
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Readings for Sunday, January 5
 
Matthew 2:1-12 The magi visit the baby Jesus
 
In Matthew's version of Jesus' birth, Mary and Joseph live in Bethlehem, not Galilee, and Jesus is born at home. There is no stable, no shepherds. But there is the star, guiding the wise men to Bethlehem. 
 
What light guides you to the Holy being born in our midst--and within us--today? What gifts do you bring? What gifts do you receive from this divine presence in your life? 
 
This story brings non-Jewish foreigners into the picture to identify the new Jewish leader in the land. Why did the Jewish wise men--the scribes and chief priests--not recognize Jesus? How was Jesus a threat to them? Are we similarly blind to the new holiness breaking through in unexpected ways in our midst? How might we be guided by that star to see anew?
ANNOUNCEMENTS

Liturgist Needed!
We find ourselves in need of a liturgist for this Sunday, January 5. Please contact the church office by Friday morning if you are able to serve on this first Sunday of the new year. There are many other openings in the coming weeks, too, so please sign up during an upcoming coffee hour.

Christmas Eve Offering
Giving on Christmas Eve brought in $550, which will be divided between UCC Disaster Ministries and the UCC Christmas Fund, which supports retired pastors and their spouses with emergency assistance. Thank you for your generosity!

Are You Decluttering or Downsizing?
If you plan to start the new year by donating items in good condition that you no longer need, please keep the University Congregational UCC Superfluity Sale in mind! They will begin accepting donations on Friday, January 24. Bring them to room 133. All items need to be clean, in good working condition and have all their parts.

These items consistently sell well
•Antiques and collectibles
•Plants and garden tools
•Children’s clothes and toys
•Books and games
•Records, CD’s and DVD’s
•Decorative items for the home
•Housewares and small appliances, kitchen items, glassware, utensils
•Tools and electronics
•Jewelry, scarves, purses

Please DO NOT bring
Large furniture, stuffed animals, artificial Christmas trees, Christmas lights, dried/plastic flowers, rolled up pictures/posters, macramé plant hangers, disposable plastics, computers, printers, TV’s, VHS or audio tapes, adult clothes or shoes, office supplies, text books, Readers Digest Condensed books, skates, tire chains.

Community Lunch Coat Drive
Community Lunch has an ongoing need for men's coats. Please check your closets for unneeded men's coats. Place them in the blue tub in the entry. Suzanne Fry will be collecting donated coats and delivering them to Community Lunch each week.

Witness for Justice
Breaking the Silence
Trayce Potter
Minister for Youth and Young Adult Engagement

I grew up in what many would call the traditional black church. Worship lasted hours, children were relegated to speaking only during the holiday pageants, men were in places of leadership, and the women wore big hats.

Looking back at those early years of formation, I am grateful for the foundations. At the same time, I now realize there were many things the church and my faith did not prepare me to deal with in the real world. You see, I can think theologically, I have preached to the masses, I have planned worship for thousands, but I wasn’t fully prepared for the depth of pain that so many colleagues, Christians, and neighbors live with chronically.

There was recently a news story about a small university in New Jersey that experienced its third suicide this semester. Since then the school has come under scrutiny and criticism for not doing enough to support students dealing with mental health issues, including and especially mental health concerns that may lead to self-harm. Studies show that suicide and attempted suicide have risen exponentially over the last sixteen years. For all the ways that are available to us today for connection, there’s still a disconnect between us. Youth and young adults, specifically, reference not having someone they can personally count on for support in times of trouble.

Unfortunately, this is true in the church as well. People are suffering and in desperate need for help and support but have few places to turn.

(Read more here.)

 


EVENTS THIS WEEK

Office Closure
Wednesday, January 1
The Prospect church office will be closed on New Years Day but otherwise open the usual hours, weather permitting.

Building Access Committee
Sunday, January 5
12:00 p.m.
3rd Floor

 

 
UPCOMING EVENTS
 
MLK Weekend Events
 
Celebration at Town Hall
Thursday, January 16
12:00 p.m.
Town Hall Seattle, Great Hall
1119 Eighth Avenue (enter on Eighth Avenue)
Doors at 11 am
Come together this MLK Day to honor our nation’s foremost human rights leader and our County’s namesake, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Hear from internationally recognized civil rights and civil liberties experts as they unpack themes from King’s address at the conclusion of the Alabama march from Selma to Montgomery, wherein King said “Yes, we are on the move and no wave of racism can stop us. We are on the move now.” Speakers are John Powell , Executive Director of the Haas Institute for a Fair and Inclusive Society;  and Dow Constantine, King County Executive.  Join Powell and Constantine for civil rights conversations, music, spoken word, and a celebration of MLK Day.  Presented by King County.  Free, no registration required.  info https://townhallseattle.org/event/2020-annual-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-celebration/
 
Seattle Colleges presents 47th Annual Community Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr
Friday, January 17
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Doors open at 11 a.m.
Mount Zion Baptist Church
1634 19th Avenue (corner of East Madison Street)
Seattle Colleges presents 47th Annual Community Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. with Award-Winning Gospel Music by DaNell Daymon and Greater Works.  Martin Luther King Jr. led the civil rights movement and fought for racial equality.  Seattle Colleges believe that we all benefit when everyone has a lifetime of opportunity and our individual success is made greater by the success of those around us. 
info: http://seattlecolleges.edu/mlk/
 
A Scribe Called Quess?
Friday, January 17
7:30 - 9 pm
Town Hall Seattle
1119 8th Ave
An evening with a poet and theater artist from New Orleans, "A Scribe Called Quess?" who has been involved in the removal of white supremacist monuments, appearing with local activist Nikkita Oliver and Project Pilgrimage.  Sponsored by Project Pilgrimage, a local organization that leads civil rights trips to the South.    info 206-652-4255 or https://townhallseattle.org/event/a-scribe-called-quess/  
info: https://www.facebook.com/donate/2431441530452960/

16th Annual Youth-Organized March & Celebration
Saturday, January 18
9:00 a.m.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park
2200 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way
Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) invites the public to join the 16th annual Youth-Organized March & Celebration to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Participants will gather at 9 a.m. at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park. Teens will lead the march to Rainier Community Center, 4600 38th Ave. S, 98118.  The theme this year is “Together We Stand with 2020 Vision”. Teens, families and community members from throughout the city will speak out against injustices in a peaceful demonstration. The goal for the march is to celebrate the contributions that Seattle youth make in creating a better city, and to honor the work that youth do to keep Dr. King’s dream alive.  Keynote speaker, A Scribe called Quess. Youth-designed workshops meant to challenge and raise social awareness.  Live performances and dinner.  Free to all teens and community participants and will include food, live music, a safe environment, and plenty of fun! 
info: https://parkways.seattle.gov/2019/12/24/youth-to-lead-16th-annual-martin-luther-king-jr-march-and-celebration-on-jan-18/ or https://www.facebook.com/events/945189862535103/ or Shannon Anderson 206-536-0775 or shannon.anderson@seattle.gov
 
Womxn’s March Seattle event
Saturday, January 18
1 - 4:00 p.m.
begin at Cal Anderson Park
We will come together again for the 4th anniversary of the Womxn’s March. Beginning with a rally at Cal Anderson Park, ending with a march downtown.  Hosted by Womxn’s March Seattle;  Chief Seattle Club;  WA Immigrant Solidarity Network -Red de Solidaridad de Inmigrantes en WA;  Seattle Indivisible;  Seattle Transit Riders Union;  MAPS AMEN;  info https://www.facebook.com/events/2374758042740876/ or https://www.seattlewomxnmarchingforward.org/
 
A Scribe Called Quess?
Saturday, Januray 18
7 - 8:30 p.m.
Third Place Books, Seward Park
5041 Wilson Ave S
Reading and Discussion with a poet and theater artist from New Orleans, "A Scribe Called Quess?" who has been involved in the removal of white supremacist monuments.
info: 206-474-2200 or https://www.thirdplacebooks.com/seward-park 
Quess? is brought to Seattle by Project Pilgrimage, a local organization that leads civil rights trips to the South.  info https://www.facebook.com/donate/2431441530452960/
 
Young Leaders Kickoff
Sunday, January 19
12-5:00 p.m.
Langston Hughes Center,
104 - 17th Avenue
Entertainment, refreshments, workshops, tables, and more!  All ages welcome.  Free, donations welcome.  info: https://m.facebook.com/events/2531422693559575

Annual Urban Impact MLK Prayer Breakfast
Monday, January 20
7-8:30 a.m.
The Sheraton Seattle
1400 6th Ave
Event Theme: "Sustaining the Dream." Keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Kelle Brown, pastor at The Plymouth Congregational Church.  Early bird registration from $60, After Jan 13 $75. 
info and registration: MLKPrayerBreakfast.com, info: 206-722-2052 x204 or lwhite@urbanimpactseattle.org

38th Annual MLK DAY Rally & March with Theme: "20/20 Vision"
Monday January 20
8:30 - 11:30 a.m.: Career and Opportunity Fair at Garfield High School, 400 23rd Ave
Over 50 employers and training programs with current opportunities will be present.  Exhibitors will be listed at https://www.seattlemlkcoalition.org/careerfair

9:30-10:50 a.m.: Workshops, in Garfield HS Classrooms Workshops include
  • "Turn Up the Volume" on Political Theatre by poet and theater artist from New Orleans, "A Scribe Called Quess?" who has been involved in the removal of white supremacist monuments
  • Ethnic Studies in Seattle Schools
  • MLK and Militarism
  • I Have Been to the Mountaintop: Poets Reflect on “the Difficult Days Ahead”
  • How to Stop Hate in Seattle: Lessons From Former White Supremacists
  • Poor People’s Campaign Songwriting for Social Justice
  • and many more!
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.: Rally with speakers and entertainment in the Garfield Gymnasium
The Rally speakers and entertainers will be listed at https://www.seattlemlkcoalition.org/program

12:30 p.m.: March begins, leading to a 2nd rally in downtown Seattle (exact location to be announced).
The march route will be listed at https://www.seattlemlkcoalition.org/new-page
The Rally speakers and entertainers will be listed at https://www.seattlemlkcoalition.org/program

Community meal back at Garfield High School served through 3 p.m.  
All events are free and open to the public.
 

Film Screening: From Seed to Seed
Friday, January 24, 2020
6:30 p.m.
Sanctuary
When Terry and Monique left the opera to pursue their true passion—ecological, small-scale farming—their story of community and resilience took center stage. FROM SEED TO SEED follows their young family and a diverse group of farmers in Southern Manitoba, for a season of challenges and rewards.
Scientists are working with these farmers using a blend of ancient traditions and cutting edge science to develop improved methods for growing food ecologically and in a changing climate.

This hopeful story provides a Canadian perspective on a global social movement that regenerates the land, farming, and communities toward a healthier future for us all.

All are welcome to this FREE screening, with discussion to follow. Donations will be accepted to help offset the cost of presentation.
View trailer here.
Use this Facebook event page to invite friends and family!
 
Author Reading: Barbara and the Rage Brigade
Saturday, January 25
7:00 p.m.
Third Place Books Ravenna
6504 20th Ave NE
Office Manager Karen Eisenbrey’s newest book, Barbara and the Rage Brigade (sequel to The Gospel According to St. Rage) released on November 19. If you missed the launch event, here is another chance to listen to Karen read excerpts, talk about the book, and take questions from the audience. Bring your copy to have it signed or buy one at the event.
 
If you can’t make it to this event, you can still order your copy online or from your favorite independent bookshop. Karen will be happy to autograph it if you bring it by the Prospect office. She will also have a small stock of books for sale if you prefer the direct approach.

Homelessness Advocacy 101 Workshop
Wednesday, January 29
6-8:00 p.m.
University Congregational UCC Lounge
4515 16th Ave NE
Brought to you by the Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness, Homelessness Advocacy 101will help you learn how to speak up for smart policies and robust funding that will lead to a healthy and housed Washington. This fun training features Nancy Amidei, of the Civic Engagement Project, and local advocacy partners. We’ll  review how good ideas become laws and budgets, and explain some key proposals being worked on in Olympia right now. We provide simple actions, sample messages, and a chance to practice your skills. You will leave informed and inspired, with tools to engage your co-workers, classmates, clients, fellow congregants, and others to speak up and make a difference.The workshop is free, but pre-registration is appreciated: http://bit.ly/homelessnessadvocacy101

Save the Date: Conference Men's Retreat
Climate Change: From Despair to Hope

January 31-February 2, 2020
Pilgrim Firs
The retreat begins on Friday evening, January 31, with an optional day of silent retreat starting on Thursday evening. The theme is: "CLIMATE CHANGE: From Despair to Hope." We will address this together and in small group discussions as well as joining in song, good food, walks around Lake Flora and the Saturday evening Wisdom Circle for those who want to share reflections. There will also be a time of discussion about future retreats. Our program leader is Rev. Dave Schoen. He will draw heavily on two recent books on climate change: Climate Church, Climate World by Jim Antal, and Intrinsic Hope by Kate Davies. (Prospect has a copy of Antal’s book available for borrowing.) The Silent retreat is a special day to get out of our usual routine, to focus and reflect.
Rates:
- Saturday only - $40.00 / person (includes 3 meals)
- Friday night - Sunday, $150 / person
- Thursday night - Sunday, $230 / person (includes 1 day of silence)
Registration Link
Facebook event
Questions? Contact Rick Russell at myrtos@comcast.net or call or email Chris at Pilgrim Firs at chris@pilgrim-firs.org or 360 876-2031.
 

Links to Other News
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Pacific Northwest Conference-UCC newsletter
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World Council of Churches
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