Volume LVIV Number 6 June 2018

a publication of westminster congregational united church of christ

JoinWestminster

in theSpokane

Pride ParadeSaturday,

June 912:00, Noon

assemble at 11:30 am

Since 1992, Spokane has seen the LGBTQA communitycome together to honor those brave individuals thatfought back against the police raids in 1969 at theStonewall Inn in New York. The Stonewall Riots were aturning point for the gay rights movement. Thefollowing year, in 1970 the cities of Chicago, LosAngeles and New York all held parades commemoratingthe anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. Since then,cities around the globe have started marches andparades as well.

The first march in Spokane was literally on thesidewalks and was sponsored and coordinated bySpokane PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends ofLesbians and Gays). The following year a permit wasordered and the march was in the streets, followed by asmall rally in the park. This June marks the 26th yearwe’ve celebrated Pride in Spokane. Join us for a day tocelebrate who we are, honor our past, and look forwardto our future. Please come and enjoy the day offestivities and Pride with us. Everyone is welcome.

The Pride Parade starts downtown at Noon so be sure toget down early. Our Rainbow Festival opensimmediately following the Pride Parade. The RainbowFestival will be at Riverfront Park Lilac Meadows (Eastof the Clock Tower). Live Entertainment, Resource andBusiness Fair, Family Area sponsored by Delta Dental,

Odyssey Teen Zone presentedby INBA Outreach, and thenYne Pride Bar featuring Beer,Wine, & Spirits await you.Bring your entire family for aday of fun.

This year will again feature anart show presented by ArtSeed called Pride’s Palette.Many artists will have Priderelated artwork for sale with30% of proceeds beingdonated to OutSpokane.

Back by popular demand ourcelebration will be going intothe night with an All AgesDance Party. The nYne Pride Bar will stay open late andat approximately 10 pm, there will be a fireworksdisplay.

There is something for everyone at Pride; be a part ofit. We hope to see you there.

2018

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monthly newsletter is aWestminster Congregational

United Church of Christ publication.It is usually published around the

28th each month (schedule permitting).

To include something in next month’s edition,email your article to:

or drop it by the church office.

About

The newsletter deadline is the20th of each month.

Church Staff:

The Rev. Andrea CastroLang

All of God’s People

Verne Windham

Janet Hubbard

Nicolette (Nikki) Rode and Kate Johnston

Andréa Reese Hekimian

John Larson

What does a piece of art say about us?

There has been a very positive response to the“bottle cap dove” that Bekah Smith created (withhelp from Shane!) to decorate our “worshiplandscape” in the chancel of our church.

Basically, we love it and are so impressed thatplastic lids and real imagination and an eye for color,have created such a beautiful piece.

But that dove says more than you might at firstthink:

1. She is a rainbow dove, had you noticed? 2. She isin flight, wings spread, not at rest. 3. She is complex

in her design, full of layers and texture and complexity of design that youcan only notice if you get close and take your time to look.

I rather think she reflects our values very well!

Her rainbow shower of color represents our efforts to welcome andinclude all, to find space in a pew and space in our hearts for the varietyof people who represent Spokane, who come from throughout our area,seeking a church that will not judge and condemn, they hope we will bejoyful and hopeful with the spirit of our loving God.

The fact that this dove, representative of God’s beautiful Holy Spirit, isalso in flight, reminds me that the Spirit is active in this congregation,and in our labors of love and service to one another and to our city. Wedo not rest inside our space here, but give of our love and time andpassion to one another in need, and to our city as well. We believe thebeauty of God’s dream of peace and justice is for all, and we are in themidst of that activity, that powerful flight, that spending of our energies.We are uplifted by the breath of God, and we fly, with the power of God’swind.

This darling dove is made of simple things. She is not made of preciousstones, of fancy glass, of beautiful tiles. She is made of plastic bottletops and yet, she is beautiful! She is glorious. Westminster may nothave fancy people, we may not have enormously wealthy or powerfulpeople in our midst, or the most beautiful either , but when we cometogether! O, we are beautiful, indeed, we are! Together in smiles, and insong, together when we weep or when we organize; then I truly see usall as beautiful. But it takes time and energy, it takes commitment torelationship, to really see, to really hear, the unique and beautifulstories of the people of this faith community.

So, enjoy this piece of art! Take the time to look closely at it, appreciatethe complexity and intricacy of this creation.

And at the same time, enjoy this church community, take the time tolook closely at these people, and appreciate their uniqueness, theircomplexity! Take the time to listen to one another’s stories, value eachunique life.

I give thanks to serve with you,

Pastor Andy ~

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All in for Washington Research Action Team willhave a "Flip the Tax code in Washington"presentation late summer or fall, stay tuned formore info.

Research Action teams are meeting regularly:Healthcare - last Wednesdays each month from5:30 - 7 pm.

West Central Leadership Team - secondMondays each month from 3:30 - 5:30 pm .

Your interests can be among them, share themwith me. What is causing heartburn for you?Could it be changed? Are you willing to getinvolved to seek a solution? Let's get together todiscuss it.

Call me: Cathy Gunderson 509-534-9357

Westminster’s annual group night-outat the baseball game is coming!

Plan to join us onAugust 25

Watch for theregistration info in

July’s Witness!

There is an important initiative currently beingcirculated in Washington . The short title is“Protect Washington Act,” or Initiative 1631.

The focus of the initiative is to reduce “pollutionby investing in clean air, clean energy, cleanwater, healthy forests, and healthy communitiesby imposing a fee on large emitters based ontheir pollution; and adding a new chapter to Title70 RCW. “

You can follow this initiative on Facebook. Thelink to the entire initiative is:https://sos.wa.gov/_assets/elections/initiatives/finaltext_1482.pdf

Doris Holdaway ~

Our next Musical Feast concert is

after church in the Social Hall onSunday, June 17. It has a theme ofprotest songs to get us all rocking,rolling, and riled up for the Summermonths. We are looking for people whowould like to participate in performing,or if not, perhaps providing us with afavorite protest song from any era of ourturbulent history, including the present.

Please see Verne or Jane for suggestionsor to sign up.

Jane Baker, Music and Arts Chair ~

Recycle unused medicalsupplies and prescriptionsfor 3ʳᵈ‐world countries.

Contact Tami at 509 981-4936,She is a nurse at the Bloodbank.

Cathy Gunderson ~

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WESTMINSTER CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

APR2018

MonthlyBudget

MonthlyDifference

YTD2018

YTDBudget

YTDDifference

Total Income (2,988.93) 17,050.02 (20,038.95) 73,756.06 60,700.08 13,055.98Less Total Expenses 23,967.76 20,736.34 3,231.42 94,523.34 85,970.36 8,552.98Net Income (Loss) (26,956.69) (3,686.32) (23,270.37) (20,767.28) (25,270.28) 4,503.00

2018 Pledge Information as of May 8, 2018:

2018Total

Pledges

2017Total

Pledges

2017PledgesReceived

2018PledgesReceived

2018Pledges

Outstanding

2018 AnnualPledgeBudget

YTD PledgeBudget

difference99,735.12 91,109.80 89,520.80 36,795.92 62,939.20 105,000.00 1,795.92

The Book and Salad Club continues tomeet the 3rd Monday of each month at noon,in the homes of participants. As always, allare welcome. You need not have read thebook to participate, however a salad isappreciated. Want more information? Youcan call Marilynne at 747-0659; or talk withany member of the group.

June 18 “Love & OtherConsolation Prizes” byJamie Ford; facilitatedby Janet Ruehl at thePark Bench in ManitoPark.

July 16 “Killers of the Flower Moon: theOsage Murders and the Birth of the FBI”by David Grann; facilitated by MaryMackay at the Park Bench in Manito Park.

August 20 “Sing, Unburied, Sing” byJasmyn Ward; faciliated by Linda Croweat the Park Bench in Manito Park.

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Save the Date!

What: Apple Blossom Tea

When: June 2, 2018 at 1 pm

Where: Westminster’s Mayflower Room

Worship services each Sunday at 10:30 am.Communion is first Sunday of each month.

***Dates to note: 6-2 Apple Blossom Tea.6-3 Teacher Appreciation | Bible presentation.6-4 bell choir practice begin summer break.6-7 Sustainability Team at 5:30 pm. Yogabegin summer break.6-9 Pride Parade & Festival. 6-10 SpokaneSymphony Chorale concert (pg 4).6-13 Joanna Ch begin summer break.6-17 Father’s Day. Musical Feast at 11:30 am(pg 3). 6-19 BeFriender Ministry training thru6-22. 6-21 March for our Lives benefit concertat 6 pm. 7-1 Worship at Cowley Park.

May Attendance

5-6 5-13 5-20 5-27

66 86 75 50

6/1 Mimi Escandon

6/6 Nada Morse

6/13 Linda Stephens

6/14 Mark Stucker

6/21 John Koons III

6/22 Beth Thew

6/24 Pam Beckstead

6/27 Harriet Plucker

6/29 Gloria Hinshaw

6/30Alan Borgens

Joan Weekes

Ondrej DeZarn

David Plut

Joanna Chapter will not bemeeting from June throughAugust, but will resume ourmeetings the secondWednesday of September.

Join us then!

Linda Stephens, Chair ~

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I covenant with you, members and friends ofWestminster Congregational United Churchof Christ:

Westminster Congregational United Churchof Christ embraces a spirit of hospitalityfounded in the gospels of Jesus Christ & awillingness to live out that welcome inmeaningful ways.

As an Open and Affirming Church, ourlongstanding culture of welcome extends toall people regardless of sexual orientation,race/ethnicity, gender, physical ability,socioeconomic status or faith background.

In this digital age, the church takes many pictures ofbaptisms, choir performances and concerts, worshipservices, mission trips, special presentations,Sunday School, fellowship activities and communityoutreach projects. We use these pictures to record,to promote, and to celebrate our church ministries.Pictures are used on bulletin boards, in slide showsand PowerPoint presentations, in publications, andon our church website.

However, some persons may choose not to have theirphotos, or photos of their children, used and werespect their wishes. Therefore, we are providing aMedia Opt-Out form for individuals or families whoprefer NOT to have photographs of themselves usedby the church. This form can be obtained through thechurch office.

If you have no objection to church use of yourphotograph, you DO NOT need to sign or return oneof these forms.

Liturgist: Margaret Ennis

Deacons:Hazel Kotlan, Mary Seaton,Jim McPherson . . .

Hospitality: Potluck Coffee Hour (everyone)

Liturgist: Jane Baker

Deacons: Teresa Kruger, Francie Light

Hospitality: N/A

Liturgist: Julia Nelson

Deacons: Hazel Kotlan . . .

Hospitality: N/A

Liturgist: Megan Schindler

Deacons: Francie Light, Hazel Kotlan

Hospitality: N/A

Liturgist: Steve Paulson

Deacons: Hazel Kotlan, Jim McPherson

Hospitality: Worship at Cowley Park

2 Saturday 1:00 pm Apple Blossom Tea

3 Sunday 10:30 am Communion | Bible presentation | Teacher Appreciation 3:00 pm AA group

4 Monday 6:00 pm bell choir practice summer break

7 Thursday 5:30 pm Sustainability Team5:30 pm Yoga begin summer break

6:30 pm AA group

9 Saturday 12:00 pm Pride Parade & Festival

10 Sunday 11:30 am WestCAT 3:00 pm AA group 4:00 pm Sp Symphony Chorale concert

12 Tuesday Deacons

13 Wednesday 11:30 am Joanna Ch begin summer break

14 Thursday 6:30 pm AA group

17 Sunday Father’s Day 11:30 am Musical Feast 3:00 pm AA group

18 Monday 12:00 pm Book & Salad

19 Tuesday 7:30 am BeFriender Min. train’g thru 6-22 2:00 pm Poetry 6:30 pm Trustees 7:30 pm Education & Spiritual Growth

21 Thursday 6:00 pm March for our Lives benefit concert 6:30 pm AA group

24 Sunday 3:00 pm AA group

26 Tuesday 7:00 pm Council

28 Thursday 6:30 pm AA Group

July1 Sunday 10:30 am worship at Cowley Park | Communion Sunday 3:00 pm AA group

4 Wednesday Independence Day(church office closed)