Readings for Sunday, January 19:
Psalm 40:1-11 "I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation."
John 1:29-42 Jesus invites new disciples: "Come and see."
What does Jesus invite you to "come and see"? Have you followed to check out where he is leading you? And if you are finding something life-giving or even life-saving by being a follower of Jesus, a seeker of God, a participant in Prospect UCC, how do you tell that glad news farther afield so that others might hear it as well?
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Bus Bound for Zion
Sam Rennebohm's Christmas Eve reflection "Bus Bound for Zion" is on Prospect's blog.
Thank You from Prospect Enrichment Preschool
Thank you so much for your continued support & your amazing amount of generosity you showed us during the holiday season. Your donations of the gift cards, teh funds raised by the bake sale, and the $2,000 contribution have truly been a blessing for everyone at PEP. You have our deepest gratitude!
Warmest regards,
Donna
Northwest Remodeling Expo
If you are planning to attend the Northwest Remodeling Expo (January 24-26, Washington State Convention Center), please contact the church office for free tickets!
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.
Listen and Learn
Listen to episodes of the podcast "Sanctuary in Downtown Seattle," which tell about Plymouth's sanctuary guest, Jose Robles, as well as other immigration issues.
AmazonSmile
AmazonSmile ( smile.amazon.com) offers a simple and automatic way to support your chosen organization, such as Prospect Enrichment Preschool, every time you shop, at no additional cost to you. AmazonSmile Foundation donates 0.5% of purchase price.
Job Opening: Facilities Manager, Central Lutheran Church
Love the challenges of aging buildings? Enjoy finding the right person to get the job done? Looking for flexible hours and work that will use your valuable skills? Ready to help support a historic Capitol Hill church and join a small team with a big mission?
Central Lutheran Church, a progressive congregation on Capitol Hill in Seattle, seeks a Facilities Manager to oversee building use and maintenance. A daily blend of desk time and hands on work, indoors and outdoors. Scheduling and monitoring building use, maintaining building systems, managing vendor contracts and doing minor repairs. Experience required. Communication and computer skills essential. Ideal candidate is detail oriented, organized and proactive. Part time. Please click HERE to view the full job description. Send questions, cover letter and resume to facilities@loveiscentral.org. Position open until filled.
Witness for Justice
Strengthening Global Advocacy
Karen Georgia Thompson, Associate General Minister of Global Engagement and Co-Executive of Global Ministries
My first overseas trip in the role of Associate General Minister for Wider Church Ministries was to Venezuela. We were invited by our partners—the Evangelical Pentecostal Union of Venezuela (EPUV), with whom we have engaged in a relationship of solidarity for over 60 years—to visit and witness the impact the embargo was having on the people of Venezuela.
The visit was eye-opening. We heard from clergy, government officials, members of the Afro-Venezuelan community, and others about the challenges being experienced, as well as the innovations and resilience of communities in addressing the challenges posed by the embargo. On our final evening together, we discussed the ways in which EPUV envisioned the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ could be in solidarity with them.
They asked for prayer. They asked that we continue to raise awareness about issues in Venezuela. They asked that we advocate for change in U.S. foreign policy toward Venezuela and for a termination of the economic embargo. They also asked that we provide input into the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the U.S., citing the human rights violations that were a result of economic sanctions.
(Read more here.)
From Church Council of Greater Seattle:
On Xenophobia, the Risk of War, and the Nuclear Threat:
An Invitation for Action by
People of Faith and Good Will
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The detention of Iranian-Americans – approximately 60 people from 25 households held and not free to leave after intensive questioning – at the U.S.-Canadian border at Blaine, Washington, this past weekend points to the dangerous logic of war and the intersectionality of issues of racism, xenophobia, and war as forms of violence that continue to cause such damage to our social fabric. Thanks to the Council of American Islamic Relations (CAIR) for attending to many of the families affected by the “unnecessary, unwise and untimely” actions by the Customs and Border Patrol authorities, presumably under directive from higher levels of the Department of Homeland Security. The Iranian-Americans were singled out for scrutiny, despite the fact that they were U.S. citizens and permanent residents and never having previously faced the type of intrusive questioning. All other people crossing the border during the weekend did not face the 2-12 hour investigation that was deeply upsetting to parents and children alike.
The detentions were clearly linked to the aftermath of the killing of the Iranian General, Qassim Suleimani, in Iraq by a U.S. drone last week and the consequent increased risk of war. The perception that Iranian-Americans were a threat because of having Iranian ancestry constitutes a new manifestation of xenophobia. Unfortunately, the thread of xenophobia runs consistently through our nation’s history. Particularly, these actions remind people of conscience of the incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans, most of whom were citizens, in concentration camps during World War II, without due process or recourse. These were also reminiscent of the forced special registration regime after 9/11 and the Muslim travel ban of 2017.
From a moral and spiritual perspective, the holding of Iranian-American families without reason nor probable cause is an unacceptable offense to the notion of basic civil and human rights and must not be repeated in our land. As people of faith and good will, we stand with these and other Iranian-Americans in the United States who have settled here legally and in many cases were born here. As with all people regardless of ethnicity, race or national origin, they deserve to “live in peace and unafraid.” We will advocate to ensure that their basic dignity and rights are upheld and affirmed.
…War is not the answer with Iran and is unjustifiable on moral and religious grounds. Such war would likely have disastrous human and environmental consequences, would be strategically unnecessary, and would lead to regional destabilization, increased terrorism, and unsustainable financial burdens.
The call for diplomacy is immediate and paramount to reduce the cycle of escalation and the further devastating consequences that such escalation portends. Congress needs to assert its proper authority as the body that prevents the perpetration of war and calls for measures that can lead to the cessation of hostilities and the restoration of relationships between Iran, the United States, and other nations in the Middle East. Specifically, we call on Congress to act to pass legislation to prevent unilateral action by the President to engage in a war with Iran.
Finally, urgent action is required to prevent the development, expansion, threat and possible use of nuclear weapons and to restore focus on international cooperation to reduce and eliminate nuclear weapons. Preventing nuclear proliferation was the goal of the Iran nuclear agreement. The preservation of this agreement, with unprecedented international verification, will contribute to creating the conditions for a climate of peace. We decry any participation in a new nuclear arms race as contrary to the moral imperative to affirm and uphold human life and the sustenance of our planet.
May the God of Peace inspire the moral and spiritual commitment to bring about the change of hearts, minds and relationships to transform the violence of racism, xenophobia and the threat of war toward ways of local, national and global cooperation and relationship, built on a foundation of dignity, equity, justice and our common humanity.
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EVENTS THIS WEEK (WEATHER PERMITTING)
Preschool Board
Tuesday, January 14
5:45 p.m.
Parlor
Community of Practice
Wednesday, January 15
10:00 a.m.
Parlor
Family Constellations Workshop
Thursday, January 16
7-9:00 p.m.
Friday, January 17 - Sunday, January 19
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
3rd Floor Conference Room
Due to the sensitive nature of information that may be shared in this workshop, church members and other building users are asked to refrain from entering the conference room while the workshop is in session. The Thursday evening intro session is by donation and open to the public. If interested, please reserve your seat here.
Anthroposophy Study Group
Friday, January 17
1:00 p.m.
Parlor
February Newsletter Deadline
Friday, January 17
1:00 p.m.
Submit your news, events, announcements, meeting minutes, photos, or whatever you wish to share with the Prospect community!
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
Grounding: A Stone of Hoope
Sunday, January 19
2:00 p.m.
University Congregational UCC Lounge
4515 16th Ave NE
Gathering Ground begins each year with a simple reflection process with stones to ground you in your most important values. On this Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, we will especially reflect on his words, "hew out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope."
UPCOMING EVENTS
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!
Movies That Move: Princess Angeline
Saturday, January 25
5:00 p.m.
Plymouth Church lounge
1217 6th Ave
This 2009 film explores some of the story of the Duwamish people through the life of Princess Angeline (daughter of Chief Seattle) and looks at some of the issues around their still unrecognized tribal status. Discussion to follow.
Author Reading: Barbara and the Rage Brigade
Saturday, January 25 
7:00 p.m.
Third Place Books Ravenna
6504 20 th 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.
Facebook event page
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 also has 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
Environmental Lobby Day
Thursday, January 30
8:30 a.m. -5:00 p.m.
Temple Beth Hatfiloh
201 8th Ave SE, Olympia
Join the Environmental Priorities Coalition and hundreds of activists to push for key environmental legislation in Olympia on January 30th! Participants are encouraged to wear green!
Registration required here: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4475438
During lobby day, you will team up with other activists to speak up for the environment and gain the skills to be a persuasive constituent. You'll have the opportunity to attend issue briefings, learn how to lobby, hear from environmental champions, attend breakout sessions, and meet face-to-face with your elected officials to advance the Environmental Priorities Coalition's 2020 priorities. For the 2020 legislative session, we have adopted four priorities essential for healthy communities and a thriving environment: Clean Fuels Now, Healthy Habitat Healthy Orcas, Climate Pollution Limits, and Reduce Plastic Pollution
Facebook event page
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.
Writing, Reflection, & Really Good Beverages
Sunday, February 2
2:00 p.m.
Victrola Coffee
411 15th Ave E
An informal group for writers of all levels. Curator of Coffee Shop Writing Hannah Merrill offers helpful writing prompts and a friendly atmosphere. Grab your beverage of choice, find the group in the back room, and settle in for 2 hours of writing and good conversation.
Save the Date: Interfaith Advocacy Day
Thursday, February 6
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The United Churches of Olympia
110 11th Ave SE
Olympia, WA 98501
FAITH ACTION NETWORK’s Interfaith Advocacy Day brings the voices of compassion and justice to our elected leaders. Meeting with your legislators and their staff on this day is putting your faith into action!
On Interfaith Advocacy Day, you will be able to:
- Join workshops that will break down the issues on FAN's 2020 Legislative Agenda
- Learn how to most effectively advocate in today’s legislature
- Meet with advocates from your legislative district to prepare for your legislative visits
- Meet with your legislator! Once you register, FAN will set up an appointment for you and others from your district
- Lunch will be provided
Don’t miss this important day in Olympia! You are encouraged to sign up early and pay in advance, as the event is limited to 250 participants. Register here.
Save the Date: Michael Dowd at Prospect
Sunday, February 9
10:30 a.m.
Sanctuary
Please plan to join us for worship on February 9, when we welcome Rev. Michael Dowd to share a message. Rev. Dowd is a “pro-future evangelist” who writes and speaks about science and faith. He previously spoke at Prospect in December 2016. Learn more here.
Links to Other News
“Like” us on Facebook!
Pacific Northwest Conference-UCC newsletter
Justice Leadership Program on Facebook
Faith Action Network email list: sign up at www.fanwa.org
World Council of Churches
National Council of Churches
To sign up for Church Council of Greater Seattle Weekly Update and Action Alerts, email info@thechurchcouncil.org
Review Prospect on Yelp!
Yelp exists to help find good local businesses (and churches) through reviews. To write a review to attract visitors to Prospect, go to Yelp.com. The link should take you directly to our page, but if not, type "Prospect UCC" in the "Find" box; in the "Location" box, type Seattle, WA. To post a review, set up an anonymous profile with a nickname. Then, click on "Write a Review," and write about Prospect. Click "post" and you're done!
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