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Feature Articles and News Stories Listed by Issue Date

November-December 2015 Emerge 'N See UCC started in Sandpoint installs Bob Evans as its pastor. Colville First Congregational UCC faces hate incidents, receives messages of support. Kmbris Bond helps Ten Thousand Villages Store in Seattle be successful. Images of areas damages by fire raise questions and offer opportunities for response. Mike Denton discusses new metrics for measuring lives of congregations. Annual Meeting Theme for Annual Meeting in Wenatchee is 'Out on a Limb.'

Eliza Penick promotes Heifer International projects to address poverty and community. REACH is the expression of ecumenism through outreach to serve people in Renton. Tom Sorenson writes book to introduce Bible, teaches classes on Russia-Ukraine relations. Bob Porter returns to Sri Lanka 17 years after he served there as a missionary. News of the Conference includes clergy transitions and educational events. John Dorhauer John Dorhauer, UCC president, visits in Conference. Camps Midwinter Retreats planned at Pilgrim Firs and N-Sid-Sen.

 

September-October 2015 Dayton UCC church restores bell that calls people together to worship and to pray. Peace cranes travel to UCC churches in communities experiencing shootings. Pilgrim Firs campers learn about experiences of Syrian youth in refugee camps. Wade Zick begins as new managing director at Pilgrim Firs Camp and Conference Center. Ann Eidson reports on June Intentional Interim Ministry Network Conference. MIke Denton suggests five ideas and observations from church and clergy transitions. Korea invites delegates Global partners in Seoul invite UCC and Disciples to send regional delegation in May.

Communities of Practice offers clergy small groups for learning and support. Justice leadership interns begin 2015-16 year of serving agencies and churches. Senior high co-director says camps reenergize youth and give solid base for life back home. Mark Boyd prepares camp to serve region in disasters such as summer of wildfires. Blaine UCC opened its vacation Bible school to include adults, as well as children. News briefs report onclergy transitions, Environmental Justice workshop and other events. Crowes join in camps Randy and Linda Crowe returnto the PNC and share in work and leadership of several camps. Wildfire response develops Mike Denton discussesopportunities for PNC members to respond to wildfire disaster.

 

June-July 2015 Walla Walla First startssmall groups to strengthen relationships among members. Justice Leadership interns complete their year of service and advocacy in August. John Deckenback reflectson history of missionaries and churches in Inland NW. Robbie Paul shares storyof Coyote and imparts wisdom from Nez Perce perspectives. Hearing discussion looksat budget for coming year and its implications for PNC ministries. Marshall Islands UCCshares with Annual Meeting its music and story of its islands. Mike Denton continueshis reflections on dynamics of wearing a clergy collar.

N-Sid-Sen welcomes youngadults from three countries through Camp America. Leadership Retreat popsmyths about PNC communication and offers solutions Quinn Caldwell saysUCC is uniquely situated to transform mainline churches. Ritzville church grievesand holds Lenten study to discuss their experiences. Roger Ralston createsfour art pieces for the Annual Meeting, depicting the four apostles. Worship, music, processions, lanterns, table toys, drumming and relationships mark meeting. Annual Meeting adoptsbudget, resolutions and bylaws, and elects new leaders.

 

April-May 2015 Dee Eisenhauer visits Holy Land for first time to learn more about Palestinian/Israeli conflict. Amber Dickson gains insights into issues that affect people as Faith Action Network intern. Turning Tables Monday challenges dispropotionate incarceration of black youth. University Congregational proposes resolution on Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Global Ministries offers opportunities to learn about East Timor and Mozambique. Annual Meeting to discuss resolutions on fossil energy and Palestinian occupation.

Plymouth Seattle renovates sanctuary to improve acoustics for new organ and for flexibility. Prayer flags peace messages connect junior high campers and Syrian refugee youth in Jordan. Richmond Beach UCC hosts homeless encampment for 90 days this spring. Mercer Island UCC calls former general secretary of United Reformed Church in UK. Mark Boyd reports on Midwinter retreat and anticipates summer camping season. Mike Denton shares his observations about using a clergy collar in first of two-parts. Conference transitions and events announced, including Environmental Justice Training.

 

February-March 2015 All Pilgrims Church supports Walmart and other workers seeking living wages. Mike Denton discusses the dynamics of congregations becoming engaged in advocacy. MIke Denton believesway church conflicts are handled is a critical issue. Scott Ward invites members of PNC to Annual Meeting 2015 in Spokane.

Young adult internsengage in advocacy for affordable housing and homeless individuals. N-Sid-Sen and Pilgrim Firs prepare for retreats and upcoming summer camps. Global Ministries Global MInistries Committee writes letter of solidarity to a church in Seoul, South Korea. PNC announces transitions, educational events .

 

December 2014 Instruments of Peace provides varied genre of music for worship and secular events. Bob Anderson announces that he will retire June 2015 as CEO of Horizon House. Guemes Island UCC marks its 100th anniversary by creating a labyrinth and renovating foyer. Mark Boyd encourages people coming to camp to focus on three words: breathe, listen and passion. MIke Denton reflectson roles of rites and rituals in faith journeys. Quinn Caldwell will speak at Annual Meeting 2015, which will offer 15-minute workshops.

Ritzville UCC member leads State Senate Majority Coalition for next two years. Lois Farnsworth-Whysong helps rewritehatonal UCC Manual on Ministry. Three from PNC attend national UCC workshop on Authorizing Ministry. Deeg Nelson will leave Pilgrim Firs role to work in Olympia to promote environmental health. PNC announces transitions, advocacy event, midwinter retreats, justice leadership study and more. The Men's Retrest theme is 'Exploring Paths to Mature Manhood.'

 

September-October 2014 Number of campers upslightly in 2014. N-Sid-Sen activities inspire campers and counselors. Pilgrim Firs used Bobthe Sock Monkey for promotions and to welcome campers. Keystone Green Team joinsin People's Climate March Sept. 21 in Seattle. Westminster UCC participatesin the Spokane Alliance to address child care, mental health and safe sick leave issues. News briefs include news of training opportunities, events and transitions.

Andy CastroLang reports as conference moderator on board plans to visit congregations. Young adult interns embarkon year of service in justice-based agencies and churches. Alison Stendahl sharesiabout history and mission in Turkey as she visits area churches. Western Regional Youth Event drew 300 youth for workshops, worship and service. Mike Denton reminds pastorsof the need for self-care as part of boundary training.

 

June-July 2014 Annual Meeting approves new leaders, budget and two resolutions. Cathy Gunstone makes quilting into a ministry, incorporating color and art. Camp managers anticipateimprovements needed for Pilgrim Firs and N-Sid-Sen. Linda Gasparec immersed herself in the multicultural diversity of church at Bossey. Alison Stendahl will visit PNC in September to tell of mission work 34 years in Turkey. Mike Denton says that ministry is about letting go to allow oneself to be shaped.

University Congregational installs solar panels to save on energy and produce energy. Speakers examine culture of the church today in Annual Meeting sermons and keynotes. Jenn Hagedorn begins education for congregations on need for living wage. Aleni Tonuao pleased to join Pacific NW Conference with New Beginnings Samoan Church. Spokane Alliance introduces issues on aging, mental health, child care and paid sick leave. MIke Denton reports on life of the conference and preaches on his journey into the UCC. Summer News Briefs includereports on transitions, events and opportunities.

 

April-May 2014 The Fig Tree marks 30 years of publication made possible by the assistance of many from the UCC. Camps gear up for summer season and for Western Regional Youth Event. Walla Walla church celebrates 150th anniversary throughout 2014. Mike Denton shares value of WRYE as a regional church gathering for youth.

Magnolia yard art draws interest of neighbors and church members. Adult forum hears journal of a soldier in Iraq, sharing realities of war and coming home. Annual Meeting is to nurture friendships and relationships among PNC churches. Conference churches offer variety of educational events for members and their communities.

 

February-March 2014 Camps use Facebook to communicate with campers and keep up enthusiasm. Catherine Foote invites her urban church's members to her farm. Cheney UCC finds ministries in new projection and audio systems. Despite low ratings in polls, members continue to be the church and serve.

Plymouth UCC promotes living wage ministry with Church Council of Greater Seattle. Mission partners share their plans to begin serving with Global Ministries in Mozambique. Two women are featured speakers for the 2014 Annual Meeting April 25 to 27 in Seattle. News briefs report on transitions, youth events, clergy retreat and lectures.

 

December 2013 Wayside UCC rededicates its building after renovations to facilitate its ministries. Mark Boyd announces 2014 camp season dates, theme and plans. Interfaith Task Force seeks to create the political will to end homelessness. Mission partners recall their experiences in South Africa when Nelson Mandela was freed. News Briefs News of PNC includes reports on transitions, events and resources.

Volunteers prepare meals, then share them with guests and listen to their stories. Jim Spraker reports on fall visit to New Orleans to see how recovery from Katrina is going. Environmental Justice camp in February will train people to train others. "Welcome Home" is theme for 2014 Annual Meeting April 25 to 27 in Seattle. Mike Denton discusses what to do when there are conflicts in a congregation.

September-October 2013 Young adult interns engage in justice agencies and life of local congregations in Seattle. Mission associates share about life in two churches they serve in London, England. Ruth Cannon gives gift to honor her late husband, Clint Cannon's, involvement in global ministries. Meighan Pritchard is now the UCC minister of environmental justice. Totem Pole Lummi Totem Pole Journey is a peaceful way to challenge coal export terminal on sacred land. Dayton UCC receives grant to train volunteers to help people apply for DSHS benefits online. Worship together Liberation UCC and Eastgate UCCs worship together in August.

PNC's delegates to Synod report on 17 resolutions, people and UCC decisions. Linda Gasparovic will attend Bossey's Ecumenical Institute for semester of study. Carlos Madrazo Carlos Madrazo retires after 55 years of global ministries service. Warren Johnson serves as lay minister for the Forks Congregational UCC church. Mark Boyd expresses thanks to the many people who made the 2013 camping season possible. News Briefs News around the Conference covers transitions, events and opportunities. Advent book John Indermark publishes book for Advent season from Dec. 1 to 26

June-July 2013 Linda Jaramillo preaches on "Masks and Mirrors" to urge involvement in ending oppression. Jeni Craswell facilitates PNC leaders in plans for coming year and commitment to specific tasks. Young adult interns increase the capacity of social justice advocacy agencies they serve in Seattle. Conference sends more than 300 rainbow scarves for national UCC anti-bullying project. Kizzie Jones publishes award-winning children's book about dachshunds, sea creatures and values. Couple use seder meal at wedding to educate about liberation through marriage equality.

Delegates adopt resolutions approve leaders and adopt budget that adds staff and consultant. News Briefs include information on summer camps, transitions and upcoming events. Music takes on African-American tone with leadership by musicians at Eastgate and Liberation UCC. Mike Denton commits to continue ministry with conference as he begins three-month sabbatical. Korean delegates present portrait of Mary Margaret and Paul Pruitt as part of 20th anniversary of ties. Stole maker displays stoles at Annual Meeting and shares story of pastor who inspired her work. Mike Denton advisestaking time to live and love, to discover reality away from screens.

April-May 2013 16 from two UCC churches tour Port of Seattle and learn of environmental and justice issues. Prospect UCC upgrades lighting and sets lighting and heat on timers to save energy costs. Intern gains insight into link between faith and justice in work at Church Council of Greater Seattle. Monroe UCC Monroe UCC changes lighting in sanctuary and fellowship hall. Mike Denton Is now the time for churches to partner to open conversation on guns.

Jim CastroLang shares ideas for improving experiences with technology for remote meetings. Magnolia UCC earns Energy Star rating for improvements and draws community to educational program. Gardener and children grow food for Issaquah food bank as part of Spirit of Peace UCC mission. Ongoing upgrades University UCC continues process of energy upgrades. News Briefs News includes transitions, lecture series, opportunities, camp datesand more. Annual Meeting Delegates will vote on resolutions, join in workshops and worship.

February-March 2013 Dee Eisenhauer gives invocation for inauguration of Governor Jay Inslee. Young adult intern serves with and learns about Faith Action Network advocacy efforts. Pilgrim Firs and N-Sid-Sen prepare for retreat and camping season in spring and summer. Mike Denton reflects on role of transparency and indignation in conflicts.

Jeffrey Mensendiek shares his mission work in Japan during recent itineration in region. Marvin Eckfeldt reports on Global Ministries Committee's work with itinerations, promoting Global Mission church covenants. Meighan Pritchard helps national UCC with its 4-1 Earth Care Campaign. NEWS BRIEFS News Briefs include stories on transitions, events, opportunities, ONA vote at United Church in University Place Annual Meeting Linda Jaramillo of Justice and Witness Ministries is Annual Meeting speaker .

 

December 2012-January 2013 Gail Crouch organized UCC churches supporting marriage equality. UCC clergy witness by presence Dec. 6 at marriage license offices. Debra Jarvis is writer in residence at church and a UCC disaster chaplain. Mark Boyd enters adventure of managing N-Sid-Sen. Campers dive into water and parables during Junior HIgh Aqua Camp. Impact of camps reaches lives of local congregations and campers. Earth Ministry organizes faiths to voice concern about export of coal. Coal Trains Randy and Linda Crowe report on coal trains passing through Spokane. National UCC interns serve in justice ministries and PNC churches in Seattle.

Sculpture and bronze leaves call attention to homeless people in Seattle. Tent on chancel for Advent represents Alki's concern about homeless families. Delegation learns of issues partners in German churches are addressing. Faith Formation replaces Partners in Education for resourcing education shift. PNC sends lay leaders to national UCC network for youth ministers. Donald Schmidt shares new Bible translation with study guides. Rich Gamble reflects ways churches and members can be "justice seekers." Workshop Ideas Justice & Witness offes workshops for justice education events. God calls us to embody our proclamation of love, faith and grace. News Briefs Transitions, retreats, events, mission trip to Korea,and Annual Meeting.

September-October 2012 Lisa Clark at Bellevue First nourished as part of national UCC programs to encourage long-term ministries by younger clergy. PNC moderator Chris Hanson reports on the development of a mission and vision statement at the Leadership Retreat in May. Ed Evans is ready to share about serving as a volunteer with Global Ministries teaching English to PNC partner pastors in Korea. Tom and Monica Liddle tell of their three years serving as Global MInistries partners serving in East Timor. Delegates share ideas and concerns on issues related to the budget, resolutions and national church governance. Mike Denton responds to questions on issues in the life of the Pacific Northwest Conference for his report to Annual Meeting. Tara Barbare reports on PNC participation in the 2012 National Youth Event and a service project at a food bank in Indianapolis. News Briefs Transitions, events and opportunities for service and action.

Ben Guess shares resources on faith formation in a workshop at the 2012 Annual Meeting in Richland. Local Church Ministries exec preaches on his hope that new models of being church are emerging and will continue to emerg. As a UCC Environmental Justice Center, Pilgrim Firs models 'green' building practices with new roofs, insulation and other retrofits . Environmental justice retreats help develop curricula trainees can replicate to train others in conferences around the U.S. Elizabeth Dilley preached and taught at Annual Meeting on small, remnant congregations. Brandon Duran and workshop participants discuss dynamics of immediacy, ethics and use of social networking by churches. Mike Denton's column shares a letter extolling youth participants in the National Youth Event during July in Indianapolis. N-Sid-Sen staff retire and new leaders take on tasks as managing director—Mark Boyd—and cook—Coby Woodruff.

April-May 2012 Erik Strommen finds technology helps connect people who might otherwise be isolated from their congregation. Moderator focuses on building covenant relationships among congregations and with the conference. Partners in Education offer advice and resources for churches to develop Safe Church or Safe Conduct Guidelines.

Annual Meeting has business, spiritual sides as the Conference gathers April 17 to 19 in Pasco. Volunteer webmaster helps United Churches work with consultant to re-design the church's website so it's more interactive. Mike Denton invites churches to find ways to hear diverse opinions in upcoming political season. News Briefs News Briefs offer transitions, trainings, retreats and camp dates.

February-March 2012 Mark Boyd has been named the director on N-Sid-Sen camp and conference center. April events will honor Randy Crowe's service. Ann Eidson was among those who testified in favor of a bill for marriage equality before the state legislature. Mike Denton challenges churches to find ways to hear diverse opinions in upcoming political season. News Briefs Upcoming events include Just Faith program, FaithTrust webinar, Justice LED trainings, Preaching Festival and more.

Jerry Montgomery helps churches adopt soldiers serving in Afghanistan and keeps them in contact through online media. Keystone UCC helps activate neighborhood to join Occupy Movement in family-friendly ways to do justice. Veradale and Mercer Island UCC churches each voted recently to be Open and Affirming. Annual Meeting Annual Meeting keynoters look at church from rural and national perspectives to help people "Connect."

 

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