Dear Alki UCC,
Last Sunday we explored how to read the Bible. In my sermon (linked here) I gave both practical suggestions and a more ambiguous, mysterious and mystical suggestion.
First, the practical suggestion: it’s really helpful to read from a Study Bible. Study Bibles have helpful footnotes on every page, and informative introductions to each book. These introductions inform us of the context, themes, time in history in which the book was written, authorship, and which genre or literary type the book is written in.
Which translation you use among the many available is a personal choice, because there is not one translation that is better than all the rest. Many folks in our congregation use the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), which has recently been updated for inclusive language in the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVue). The Message paraphrase of the Bible by Eugene Peterson is also a favorite among our congregation. The Bible’s ancient words and stories are reimagined to be more accessible and resonant for today.
And, the mysterious suggestion: approach the Bible assuming that you will encounter God. This is the power of reading for formation, instead of only information. These are the words of our ancestors in faith, the stories told around the fire, the letters sent, the journals written. It is a living, breathing Bible. Allow it to evolve in you. Read it slowly, as a prayer, a song, a protest. It has power and meaning. It is inspired, God-breathed, just like you.
In hope,
Pastor Emily
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A quick and easy way to schedule time with Pastor Emily
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Let's Organize ... Let's Mobilize!
Join the Alki UCC Get Out the Vote Team
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 Your Outreach/Social Justice team is focusing on the upcoming November election and GOTV (get out the vote). We would love for you to join us!
First of all: are you registered to vote?
If so, have you moved recently? You must update your address with the WA State to receive your ballot at your new address. Manage both registration and updates at the WA State voter portal linked here
Let’s join forces to turn out the vote in our church and throughout the wider community.
How do we ensure that we are a 100% Voting Faith Community? How can we support each other in voting?
Do you know about the four state initiatives on the ballot? How do we best educate ourselves about them?
These are the questions we will explore as a group to help lead the congregation in anticipation of this critical election.
Most importantly, we'll take action by sending letters to disengaged registered voters in critical swing states.
Let's explore different GOTV programs and get writing!
— Cinda (she, her)
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Bible 101 and Bible Study 101
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 Whether you're brand new to the Bible, know the Bible well, or are somewhere in between ... each one of us has more to learn. Because God is still speaking.
Bible 101
Sunday Worship at 10:00 am
Bible Study 101
Tuesday Zoom Bible Study
Noon to 1:30 pm
If you have previously registered, just use your same dedicated Zoom link. If you haven't yet registered, welcome!
Bible Study New Registration Here.
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Ever-present God, we give you thanks.
We give you gratitude for the relationships in our lives and our community of faith.
We pray for all those who grieve.
Comfort their hearts and hold them close.
Prayers of Healing and Condolence for Lisa D-J and family on the recent passing of Lisa's mother, Lynn.
Prayers of Healing and Condolence for the family and friends of Anne Van Dyne.a longtime and cherished member of the Alki UCC community.
We pray for all those who are ill, hurting or have a concern on their hearts.
Sandy J requests prayers for her cousin Barbara who suffered a stroke.
We pray for Dan K facing various health issues, Jim J's 93-year-old Uncle Don, Rev. Joan Carter, Cinda's mother Jackie S, Alki UCC's Peruvian Families Seeking Asylum (especially Kenyi), Julia C's friend Jessie T and family, Amy Y's mother Corlene, Davney and Bob S, Sue's B's friends Mary and Louise, and Nick L.
We pray for our wider world.
We ask for wisdom for decision-makers and strength for justice-seekers. We pray for those lives affected by natural disasters and war. We pray for victims of violence, for refugees and asylum-seekers. We pray for all who are hungry, desperate, and in need of support.
In all of these things, we trust that you are with us. In all of these things, we ask for you to strengthen us. Help us to see you in those around us. Help us to love as you love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Please contact the church office to add or remove a prayer request. |
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6115 SW Hinds
Seattle, WA 98116
206/935-2661;
Church news/calendar updates at alkiucc.org.
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Worship this Sunday,
September 22
at 10:00 am
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Song Request Sunday
In-Person Only
No Zoom Streaming
Lay-Led Service
Pastor Emily is leading the Alki UCC Fall Retreat at Pilgrim Firs
Emily Hitchens,
Liturgist
Scripture:
Psalm 92:1-4
The Message
Stephen Anthony Rawson
Music Director
Music Highlights
Prelude 35, O Mighty God, When I Survey in Wonder (How Great Thou Art)
475, God’s Eye
is on the Sparrow
Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying
Ken Medema
476, How Can I
Keep from Singing
Image:
Michael Maasen
on Unsplash
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Newsletter Deadline Reminder
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We want to
hear from you!
If you have an item, article or photo for The Messenger, please send in your submission by TUESDAY afternoon.
If your article won't be done until Wednesday, please give a heads-up so space can be budgeted. Thanks so much!
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Saturday, September 21
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Fauntleroy UCC
9140 California SW
In partnership with 1 Green Planet
Be sure that what you’re dropping off is on the official list of what they’re accepting. Check it out here.
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Sunday Worship Registration
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If you've already registered on Zoom, just use your personal link. If not, welcome! You can register here.
When you register, please use your first/last name plus your email.
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Sunday Worship Videos Posted on YouTube
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Sunday Worship recordings now online! Check out Alki UCC's very own YouTube channel. |
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For secure, online giving through Give Lively, click the button, OR, send your check, made out to "Alki UCC," to: 6115 SW Hinds,
Seattle, WA 98116
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