NEWS BRIEFS

Transitions announced

Kathy Youde, conference treasurer, who served PNC churches in as pastor in Tonasket and interim at Newport, died on Nov. 21.   A graduate of Seattle University’s School of Theology and Ministry program, she was ordained in 2003.  She directed the choir at Tolt UCC in Carnation.  

Matt Smith will be installed as campus minister to Progressive Christians at the University of Washington at 4 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 6, at University Congregational UCC in Seattle.

Judith Holloway will be ordained and installed as pastor at the Chewelah UCC on Sunday, February 26.

Tara Olsen Allen will be installed at First Congregational UCC in Bellingham on Sunday, May 27.

Two Work Camps set in 2011

Randy Crowe, managing director at N-Sid-Sen will lead the 2011 Work Camp in New Orleans Feb.  27 to March 5, continuing with assistance through the Little Farms UCC to rebuild homes after Hurricane Katrina.

Bobbi Virta, pastor at Ferndale UCC will lead her fourth work camp to New Orleans April 2 to 9.

For information, call 208-689-3489 or visit www.n-sid-sen.org.

Pension Board recognizes three churches

The UCC Pension Board’s Christmas Fund Offering recognized three PNC churches as “Rising Star Congregations” for tripling their annual offerings. Everett UCC, Wayside UCC in Federal Way and United Church in University Place received banners.    In the first four years of a five-year campaign, 98 UCC congregations across the United States have received recognition.  The offering, formerly known as “Veterans of the Cross,” helps provide supplemental funds for pension and health insurance premiums for low-income retirees.  It also provides emergency assistance to clergy, lay employees and their families.

For information, call 425-760-4989.

Clergy Retreat is Jan. 30 to Feb. 1 at Pilgrim Firs

“Clergy Support and Renewal” is the theme for the 2011 Clergy Retreat from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, at Pilgrim Firs.

Men’s retreat is Feb. 3 to 6

“Men’s Health (Body and Soul): Exploring the Five Causes of Life” is the theme for the 20th annual PNC Men’s Gathering and Retreat Feb. 4 to 6 at Pilgrim Firs.  Dave Shull, pastor of Spirit of Peace UCC in Samamish, and Paul Wiesner, a public health physician who recently retired from the faculty of the University of Washington’s Northwest Center for Public Health Practice, are co-leaders, facilitating reflections on wellbeing, maintaining health, quality of life in large group seminars and small groups.  An optional Day of Silence is Feb. 3.

PNC sends five delegates to 28th UCC General Synod

The PNC will send five delegates plus many more visitors and guests to represent it at the 28th General Synod July 1 to 5, 2011, in Tampa, Fla.  The theme, “Imagine What’s Possible.  God Is Still Speaking,” invites participants to imagine the future God has for the UCC, the church universal and the world.  This synod will focus on celebration and education, with speakers and programs for personal growth and nurturing local churches.

PNC delegates are Nick CastroLang, Westminster Congregational UCC in Spokane; Don Hanson of Peshastin UCC; Tom Miller of Anacortes; Davante Taylor and Pam Taylor, Wayside UCC in Federal Way, and Kristine Zakarison, Community Congregational UCC in Pullman.  Brandon Duran of Plymouth Congregational UCC in Seattle is an associate delegate.

“Your Church, Better” is an opportunity for individuals, churches, organizations, exhibitors and ministries to present 20-minute mini-workshops with tips and ideas for local congregations.

Youth in grades nine through 12 in 2011 from the PNC will join with youth from across the UCC in worship, meetings and activities.  Youth interested in attending from June 29 to July 6 may contact Tara Barber at barbertara@hotmail.com or 425-213-9335 or Susan Andresen at susan_andresen@hotmail.com or 206-265-2987.

UCC writer speaks in Seattle

Donna Schaper, UCC pastor, writer and mother of three, will preach at 10 a.m. on UCC Women’s Sunday 2011, Feb. 6, at Broadview Community UCC in Seattle.  Schaper is a former Massachusetts conference minister, pastor at Judson Memorial Church in Manhattan and a contributor to UCC daily reflections.  Her latest book is Sacred Chow:  Some Holy Ways to Eat.

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Copyright Pacific Northwest Conference News © January 2011