Volume LVII Number 7 July 2016

a publication of westminster congregational united church of christ

the witness

HighlightsIn

ThisIssue

To ensure group seating, RSVP with payment,name and number of tickets (at $11 each), to

the Church office before August 5, 2016.

Admittance tickets will be available atWill-Call for group ‘Westminster UCC’.

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I love Westminster! Y’all are just the mostloving, real, open, accepting group of folks Ihave ever had the pleasure of knowing. As Istood in front of the crowd at the vigil forOrlando, I just wanted to tell all those peopleto come to Westminster because I know youwould welcome them in and love them tilltheir tears dried up. Thank you for being themost Open and Affirming church in Spokane,and for allowing me to be your openly, and

very public, gay pastor. Without your constant support, Iwould never be able to do the work that needs to be donein the LGBTQ community.

The love that you give doesn’t just look outward, either.Unfortunately, we have had some recent serious illnessesand deaths in our congregation, and I love how the churchrallies around the hurting person. Your love is more thanjust words; it’s cards and letters and Facebook posts, andtrips to the hospital and plans for memorial suppers.Westminster really knows what it means to Be TheChurch, as our new banner says. (and doesn’t it lookbeautiful?!)

We have made it through the first month of Pastor Andy’ssabbatical without any problems, which is a huge relief tome, and I know we will weather the next two months byleaning on each other and continuing to Be The Churchwithin, and outside, our gorgeous grey stone walls.

I hope you are enjoying the warmer weather, as much as Iam! Stay cool!

Pastor Jan ~

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

Church Staff:

The Rev. Andrea CastroLangJan Shannon, Licensed Minister

All of God’s People

Verne Windham

Janet Hubbard

Nicolette (Nikki) Rode and Jason Himes

Andréa Reese Hekimian

John Larson

The newsletter deadline is the20th of each month.

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I continue to try make sense of the loss and hatefrom the Orlando mass shooting, still. I’m angryabout the hate and the violence in this country, thebigotry, the homophobia and Islamophobia. Mydesire to be an advocate for peace is strong, even assome family members call me a fool and dangerous,for being so. For them hate and violence towardothers is okay in the name of protecting themselves,not from an actual intruder, but from entire groupswho seem to be a threat.

Their hate is not mine, but I dobelieve, in my soul, that I have a responsibility torespond to instances of bigotry when I see them.How do I turn these feelings into something useful?This has become a very real discernment processabout how to respond faithfully. Wrestling with thequestions: Do I speak out against hate in a faithfulway? How have I been complicit in allowing hurtful,bigoted remarks to go unchallenged? Where could Ihave done better by keeping the conversation open,or ending the conversation when it becomesdisrespectful? How would I like someone to respondon my behalf? Where is God in all this? How do welisten to each other when our values are so far apart?

There are times when I feel tongue-tied andunprepared; or when I want to boomerang back whatwas slung my way. There are times, when respectfuldialogue cannot happen, and in those cases, it iswise to remove yourself from the situation. But if youare asking some of the same questions I am; if youhave ever shared similar feelings…please take alook at these resources. They illustrate how to speakout respectfully against bigotry, hateful speech,online posting, etc.

https://www.splcenter.org/20150126/speak-responding-everyday-bigotry#everyday-bigotry

https://www.splcenter.org/20100216/ten-ways-fight-hate-community-response-guide

http://sun.skidmore.union.edu/sunNET/ResourceFiles/BiasAwareness/Six%20Steps%20Speak%20UP%20Activities.pdf

This is a process filled with opportunities to be morelife-affirming, to live my faith more directly. This ispart of my spiritual journey that I share with youtoday. What is your journey looking like as you moveforward?h

Special Thanks!Thank you, Pastor Jan Shannon for helping the LGBTQ+ community, friends and Westminstercongregation to grieve and take positive action in the last few weeks after the Orlando shooting.Thank you for showing us what faith looks like in the face of terrible circumstances. For those whohave been hurt by religion for who they are and love, you are a beacon of light. h

Continued on next page . . .

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Coming Up!Although we are in the summer season, Westminster is getting ready for Small Group Ministry, that beginsin the fall. What is Small Group Ministry?

o It is where you meet regularly with a group of 5-8.o You have the opportunity to talk about a meaningful topic and to listen to your fellow group

members.o It’s a place to be heard in a safe setting. This is a time for deep, focused listening, to be

supported and encouraged. As we share more of ourselves, our community deepens.o Small group ministry is a place to get to know people much bettero It develops our communication and listening skillso It provides an opportunity to serve Westminster, and the wider community, in a service-

project togethero Learning about and enjoying one another---so important!

Look for more information about signing up for a group, later this summer!

Council Updates:1. Authorized Serving Our Neighbors (SON) to disperse from the Stevenson Fund $10,000 annually. If

special circumstances allow, SON may request additional from Council2. Voted Rob Sauders to join Education and Spiritual Growth Committee3. Approved Safe Conduct Policy, as presented by Education and Spiritual Growth

Jenn Marquis ~

Continued from previous page

...doesn't that soundwonderful? That's the motto for Westminster's evening worshipservice, The Lounge. At The Lounge, we bring our whole selves,warts and all, and find that we have a common need for spiritualityin order to feel fully human.

So, we come together, every Sunday in the Mayflower room at5:30 pm, to praise and worship, to sing, to pray, to learn, and toshare Christ's love. In the relaxed setting of The Lounge, we findwe are stronger, together.

Sunday, July 3 there will be no worship service at The Lounge.All are invited to worship in Cowley Park at 10:30 am.

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CAMP SCHOLARSHIPSFOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

Church camp can be a transforming experience for all ages as well as lots of fun! Many peoplefrom our church family would love to attend church camp but have difficulty with the camp fee. Wouldyou be willing and able to help send campers from our church to N-Sid-Sen or Pilgrim Firs?

Mark your gifts Campership Fund; send your donations to the church office or place them in theoffering plate. Bless you for helping provide important outdoor ministry experiences for your churchfamily!

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Westminster/Colville/Chewelah weekend

Dates: 9/09/2016 6:00 PM - 9/11/2016 11:00 AM | Ages: Age 0 - 99

Cost: Adults/Teens Lodges = $84.25, Adults/Teens Cabins = $76.00 / Seniors (62+) Lodges = $81.00, Seniors(62+) Cabins =$72.25 / Youth 8-12 Lodges = $76.00, Youth 8-12 Cabins = $68.00 / Child 3-7 Lodges = $63.00,Child 3-7 Cabins =$56.75. Under three, no charge.

Availability: Registration for this session will end on 8/31/2016. Register for this session here:https://www.ultracamp.com/info/sessionDetail.aspx?idCamp=367&idSession=124727&campCode=nss

Housing Information and rates as noted. PLEASE NOTE; HOUSING REQUESTS ARE FILLED ON A NEEDBASIS FIRST, (i.e. mobility, medical) AND DESIRE SECOND. All final decisions are made jointly withManaging Director and 1 coordinator from each church.

Lodges & Cabins:Adults/Teens - $84.25 / 76.00Seniors (62+) - $81.00 / 72.25Youth 8-12 - $76.00 / 68.00Child 3-7 - $63.00 / 56.75

CabinsCabins 1,2,5 & 6 will sleep 12 in 6 sets of bunks.Cabins 3-4 will sleep 10 in 5 sets of bunks.Cabins 7-12 will sleep 8 in 4 sets of bunks.The Chateau will sleep 3-4 in 1 double and 1 set of bunks.

Bathhouse / bathrooms down the trail

LodgesSPIRIT LODGE has 12 rooms. SYRINGA LODGE has 7 roomsRooms 1-2,5-8, & 11-12 sleep 2 in 2 twin beds. Room 2 has 1 twin bed and 1 double bed.Rooms 3-4, & 9-10 sleep 4-5 in 1 double bed & Rooms 3-8 have 2 twin beds. 3 separate bunks style. Room 1 is reserved for Camp Cook.Shared bathrooms across the hall from rooms. Bathrooms in each room.

Available Options:

Senior (62+) Lodge Selection (a Lodge room for a Senior citizen)............................................................$89.04

Youth (8-12) Lodge Selection (a Lodge room for a youth).........................................................................$82.15

Child (3-7) Lodge Selection (a Lodge room for a child) ............................................................................$70.49

PLEASE Note:

All registration will be done online.

If you require assistance,please contact the church office

during office hours(T - F 9:30 am - 2:30 pm)

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Save the date: July 14!5 - 9 pm

Join us for the All-church Faith/Culture Potluck picnic in MissionPark, at the South shelter. Part of the ‘meet your neighbors’efforts.

Bring your favorite dish to share,a blanket & settle in for a goodtime meeting the neighbors. Play an instrument? Bring it, lets jam!

Sponsored by Westminster UCCCome and enjoy!

Westminster welcomes our new Activity Room Attendant, JasonHimes! Jason has been working in our Activity Room for about amonth now for a getting-to-know-you time. During morningworship on Sunday, June 26th, we formally welcomed Jason intoour community. Please stop by the Activity Room oneSunday morning and give Jason yourwarmest Westminster welcome.

Hi All… Our FamilyPromise opportunity toserve local families is,once again, upon us.Please sign-up withCathy or Corri to cookbetween July 17 and 23!

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Women of Westminster! Here's another opportunity for rest and retreat. This event only happensevery three years, and is open to all women in the Pacific Northwest Conference and CentralPacific Conference of the UCC. See below and go to their website for more information.

WORKSHOPS: There are eleven workshops to choose from. Choose three and put your choices inorder of preference. Of these three, you’ll be assigned two on a first come, first served basis.Register early! (More information: www.nrwr.us)

1. Journey Through Geologic Time - walking workshop focused on the dynamic, ever-movingforces that shape our landscape.

2. Liturgical Dance - dance as art form frees one to experience spiritual truth through anancient medium often forgotten in our modern worship.

3. Labyrinth Walk - meditative environment will be provided, along with brief opening andclosing ceremonies.

4. Yoga (A) and Chair Yoga (B) - a gentle chair expression of yoga or amore vigorous yoga experience. Be sure to note which style you prefer!

5. Intuitive Arts - TouchDrawing - explore the artist within, whether she is a seedling, orshe is in full bloom. Supplies provided.

6. Fiber Arts - SOS (Sewing or Something) - sew a pillowcase or adult bib (‘knappy kins forunder chins,) and select fabric and pattern for a star ornament or mug rug to hand ormachine sew later.

7. Stone Carving – receive a small pre-drilled stone, maybe more than one. You’ll get somesimple carving tools, sand paper, and time.

8. Women in the Bible - discover and discuss the roles of women in the Bible and theirimplications for our living today.

9. Food Justice - look at a theology of food, as well as our food systems and how to supportjustice through eating.

10. The Intersection of Justice and Joy - open our hearts to the joy of justice.11. Q & A with our keynote speaker - ask what motivates her to write, how much is

inspiration/discipline. Fireside chat style.

Housing is a separate cost paid directly to Kah-Nee-TaContact Kah-Nee-Ta directly to reserve your room – 1-800-554-4786. Let the resort know you’rewith NRWR as they’ve set aside a block of rooms for us. Rooms are $115.80 per night (includestribal and resort fees). You need to decide with whom you are rooming. Only one of you needs tocall the resort. That person can tell reservations who all will be in the room.

Cost: Single person - $231.60 2/room - $115.80 each 3/room - $97.20 each (includes $10 fee per person per night fee for triple occupancy) 4/room – $77.90 each (includes $10 fee per person per night fee for quadruple occupancy)

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WESTMINSTER CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

May2016

MonthlyBudget

MonthlyDifference

YTD2016

YTDBudget

YTDDifference

Total Income 12,196.18 14,813.34 (2,617.16) 84,212.47 93,466.70 (9,254.23)

Total Expense 21,059.09 20,458.76 600.33 114,273.83 113,418.80 855.03

Net Income (Loss) (8,862.91) (5,645.42) (3,217.49) (30,061.36) (19,952.10) (10,109.26)

2016 Pledge Information as of June 17, 2016:

2016Total

Pledges

2015Total

Pledges

2015PledgesReceived

2016PledgesReceived

2016Pledges

Outstanding

2016 AnnualPledgeBudget

2016 PledgeBudgetShortfall

114,154.56 113,560.70 109,813.00 54,499.15 59,655.41 123,000.00 8,845.44

The Book and Salad Club continues to meet the 3rd Monday of each month at noon, in the

homes of participants. As always, all are welcome. You need not have read the book to participate,however a salad is appreciated. Want more information? You can call Marilynne at 747-0659; ortalk with any member of the group.

July 18

“Mister Owita’s Guide toGardening: How ILearned the UnexpectedJoy of a Green Thumband an Open Heart” byCarol Wall; facilitatedby Nada Morse at thePark Bench, Manito Park.

August 15 “Destiny of the Republic” byCandice Millard; facilitated by MargaretEnnis at The Park Bench.

September 19 “Flight Behavior” byBarbara Kingsolver; facilitated by JoanWeekes at the home of Marilynne Wilson.

October 17 “Vanessa and Her Sister” byPriya Parmar; facilitated by MarilynneWilson at the home of Nada Morse.

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Worship services each Sunday:mornings at 10:30 am and evenings at 5:30 pm.

***

Event notices: 7-3 Worship at Cowley Park.Corner of Division and 6th. The Lounge worshipservice is cancelled. 7-4 4th of July Holiday! 7-10 WestCAT July’s monthly meeting is cancelled.7-11 Pastor Jan will be on vacation, this week.Pastor Lew is covering  . . . 208-981-0057. 7-12Ed & Spiritual Growth is cancelled. 7-14 All-Church Faith/Culture Potluck picnic (MissionPark) at 5 pm. 7-16 the sanctuary is occupiedthis afternoon. The social hall is occupied thisevening. 7-17 worship with Pastor Lew Hinshaw.7-18 Book & Salad at noon. 7-19 Pastor Janreturns from vacation. Poetry at 2 pm. Trusteescancelled. 7-20 newsletter submissions due. 7-25 Michal Chapter cancelled. 7-26 Councilcancelled. Small Groups Ministry at 7 pm.7-28 McCain Memorial at 10 am.

ATTENTION PARENTS!

Youth GroupIs on Summer break until

September 18 (or tba)

June Attendancemorning / The Lounge

6-5 6-12 6-19 6-26

84 / 13 101 / na 107 / 11 50 / 10

July 5 - 8

If you’re available tobless these dear ones,

please sign-up in the Narthexfor one of these days!

7/4 Pat Jordan

7/8 Patty Ferguson

7/9 Larry Dykeman

7/9 Phyllis NorthropRowan Jeske

7/10 Pastor Jan Shannon

7/12 William Plucker

7/13 Cynthia ShinabergerNick CastroLang

7/16 Roger Stephens

Yes, a lot happens during the funmonths of summer. Pleaseremember your church even whenyou are not with us. We count onyour support. You can count on usbeing here, and in this city, andserving the world; with the help ofyour pledges and offerings, yourtime, talents and prayers!

Hi All… Our FamilyPromise opportunity toserve local families is,once again, upon us.Please sign-up withCathy or Corri to cookbetween July 17 and 23!

7/17 Verne WindhamNickolas Jeske

7/20 Nathan SentosaKim Kobasa

7/21 Robin Mc LainHannah PhillipsLeigh Lubbers

7/24 Rachel Plut

7/26 Jim McPhersonSophie Kuffel

7/28 Rae McCain

7/30 Chris Johnson

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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 their

photos, 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 photo-graphs of themselves usedby the church. This form can be accessed from ourwebsite at: westminsterucc.org/media-opt-out-policy/

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

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.

Liturgist: Jon Louis

Deacons: Hazel K, Mary S,Annamarie W, Lizz C

Hospitality: Worship at Cowley Park

Liturgist: Delia Thurber

Deacons: Steve Paulson, Annamarie Walsh

Hospitality: N / A

Liturgist: Walt Thurber

Deacons: Doris Holdaway, Lizz Craft

Hospitality: N / A

Liturgist: Doris Holdaway

Deacons: Wes Johnson, Francie Light

Hospitality: N / A

Liturgist: Todd Hart

Deacons: Hazel Kotlan, Mary Seaton

Hospitality: N / A

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7-1 Friday 12:00 pm Pastor Jan onsite until 3 pm

7-3 Sunday10:30 am

5:00 pm5:30 pm

John Larson is outWorship - communion atCowley ParkAA meetingThe Lounge *cancelled*

7-4 Monday Independence Day!

7-5 Tuesday Pastor Jan is outMeals on Wheels delivery . . .

7-6 Wednesday 12:00 pm7:30 pm

Meals on Wheels delivery . . .Pastor Jan onsite until 3 pmThe Lounge Practice

7-7 Thursday 10:00 am6:30 pm

Meals on Wheels delivery . .Pastor Jan onsite until 3 pmAA meeting

7-8 Friday 12:00 pmMeals on Wheels delivery . .Pastor Jan onsite until 3 pm

7-10 Sunday

10:30 am12:15 pm

5:00 pm5:30 pm

WorshipWestCAT *cancelled*AA meetingThe Lounge

7-12 Tuesday 5:00 pm7:30 pm

Pastor Jan on vacation . . .Pastor Lew coveringSocial hall occupiedEd & Spiritual Gr *cancelled*

7-13 Wednesday7:30 pm

Pastor Jan on vacation . . .Pastor Lew coveringThe Lounge worship practice

7-14 Thursday 5:00 pm

6:30 pm

Pastor Jan on vacation . . .Pastor Lew coveringAll-Church Faith/CulturePotluck (at Mission Park)AA meeting

7-15 Friday Pastor Jan on vacation . . .Pastor Lew covering

7-16 Saturday 11:00 am3:00 pm

Pastor Jan on vacation . . .Pastor Lew coveringsanctuary occupiedsocial hall occupied

7-17 Sunday 10:30 am5:00 pm5:30 pm

Pastor Jan on vacation . . .Worship with Pastor LewAA meetingThe Lounge

7-18 Monday 12:00 pmPastor Jan on vacation . . .Book & Salad

7-19 Tuesday 2:00 pm6:30 pm

Pastor Jan on vacation . . .PoetryTrustees *cancelled*

7-20 Wednesday 7:30 pm Witness submissions due. . .The Lounge worship practice

7-21 Thursday 10:00 am6:30 pm

Pastor Jan onsite until 3 pmAA meeting

7-22 Friday 12:00 pm Pastor Jan onsite until 3 pm

7-24 Sunday10:30 am5:00 pm5:30 pm

WorshipAA meetingThe Lounge

7-25 Monday 7:30 pm Michal Chapter *cancelled*

7-26 Tuesday10:00 am7:00 pm7:00 pm

Pastor Jan onsite until 3 pmCouncil *cancelled*Small Groups Ministry

7-27 Wednesday 7:30 pm The Lounge worship practice

7-28 Thursday10:00 am

10:00 am6:30 pm

McCain memorial - Acelebration of Rae’s life!Pastor Jan onsite until 3 pmAA meeting

7-29 Friday 12:00 pm Pastor Jan onsite until 3 pm

7-31 Sunday10:30 am5:00 pm5:30 pm

WorshipAA meetingThe Lounge

July 2016