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Feature Articles and News Stories Listed by Issue Date

November-December 2018 Teens come to mission camp at Pilgrim Firs in June to do home-improvement projects to help people stay in their home. Broadview UCC shares in at ecumenical Day of the Deadworship with Lutheran and Episcopal neighbors. Steve Davis represents Plymouth UCC Seattle at the interment of the ashes of Matthew Shepard. Shalom UCC does voter education for immigrants with the Tri-Cities Faith Action Network at area events. Moderator Wendy Blight speaks on the value of face-to-face board meetings along with online meetings.

Three women participate in the Jubilee Justice Program for 2018-19 working with agencies and congregations. Loren McGrail will visit UCC and Disciples churches to share of her work with the YWCA in Palestine. United Churches of Olympia partners with other faith communities and the city to build tiny houses for homeless people. Mike Denton reinforces discussion in Conference about deepening relationships as a 2018-19 PNC goal. News includes transitions andinterfaith opportunities. N-Sid-Sen camp theme is 'Peace Works.' Pugetarians Pugetarians meet bimonthly as a gathering of retired clergy, professional ministers and spouses.

 

September-October 2018 Justice Leadership Program begins year with six new interns and two continuing interns to serve agencies and churches. N-Sid-Sen senior high camp welcomes Moina Shaiq to share about her life as a Muslim woman in the U.S.. Spiritual Formation Task Force offers new resources/curriculum for small groups to build relationships. Spirit of Peace member assists with interfaith efforts for displaced people and others in the Issaquah area. Sophie Morse shared insights in Annual Meeting workshop on conflict resolution and shifting from win-lose conversations. Mike Denton discusses risking and experimenting as opportunities to learn, regardless of success.

Wendy Blight shares her goal of relationship building with in the conference she plans to do as Board moderator. Global mission co-workerwill be available to speak in churches about her work with the YWCA in Palestine. Stewardship Committee led summer workshop on building a culture of generosity in PNC churches. Ruth Calkins of Newport writes book about taking her dachshund, Max, for a humanitarian visit in Malawi. News briefs report on recent ordinations and deaths of UCC pastors, as well as events and opportunities. PNC Board endorses Initiative 1631, the Protect Washington Act, on recommendation of Earth Ministry.

 

Summer 2018 Joe Chrastil describes the dynamics of relationship building needed for congregations to do community organizing. Andy CastorLang found Westminster UCC in Spokane has been empowered by joining the Spokane Alliance. Bishop Dwayne Royster inspires PNC with how he works to empower communities to change the world. Mike Denton gives an overview of accomplishments of the PNC over the last year for his annual report. Bianca Davis-Lovelace a UCC pastor and ecumenical leader, has been one of three state Poor People's Campaign leaders. Photos tell stories of the rallies and actions that were part of six weeks of the Poor People's Campaign in Washington. Ed Evans reports on Korean churches' involvement in encouraging the North-South Korea ties, and summit with U.S. Leda Zakarison learns about doing justice on environmental issues in JLP internship with Earth Ministry/WAIPL.. David Morales tells Annual Meeting attendees about La Casa Hogar's work with immigrant families in Yakima. In his column, Mike Denton points out that doing justice, loving kindness and walking humbly require relationships.

Wendy Blight shares her goal of relationship building with in the conference she plans to do as Board moderator. Photos tell the story of people, worship, songs, gatherings, communion, interactions and dynamics of Annual Meeting. Courtney Stange-Tregear outlines doing justice, loving kindness and walking humbly as key to church vitality. Newport UCC welcomes coming through town on a bike tour of US to raise funds for multiple sclerosis. Kelle Brown, pastor at Plymouth UCC in Seattle, was one of the speakers for the Poor People's Campaign in Olympia. Becky Withington shares her decision and experiences after being arrested in an action in the Poor People's Campaign May 28. Outreach Team at Admiral UCC collect food for children in summer and challenge other PNC churches to do the same. N-Sid-Sen will let fire district expand its boat dock to accommodate a boat house for a new fire boat. N-Sid-Sen will be the site for combined PNC summer camps for all ages. Pilgrim Firs will host mission camps. Wade Zick and Mark Boyd elicit from those at Annual Meeting the value of camps they have attended over the years. PNC News Briefs report on transitions, events and speakers on white-identity.

 

April-May 2018 Hearing loop installed at Mercer Island UCC makes it possible for people with hearing aids to hear worship and sermons better. Prospect UCC installs cistern to catch storm water flowing from its roof to to help control one source of water pollution. Mission co-worker in Hong Kong visits PNC churches to tell of his work for human rights in Asia. Justice Leadership NW takes group on Homelessness Pilgrimage to learn of history and present homelessness. Peter Ilgenfritz reports on shift in Board's style of leadership and relationships for new patterns of meetings. Annual Meeting April 27-29 in Yakima plans workshops and program on theme: Breaking Forth Mike Denton describes changes in the PNC camping over the years and appeal for support. Stewardship Committee plans a training event about Congregational Culture of Generosity.

Ruth Brandon and her grandson were among many from the PNC who joine in the March for our Lives. David Bowman's memoir reflects on the multiple roles of pastors in serving their congregations. University Congregational UCC offers Spirit Workshops and Vigils for the Common Good on nearby street corners. Wade Zick tells of impact of Friends of the Camps appeal for funding for maintenance and improvements. Mike Denton invites recognizing now as the time for giving to the conference and deepening relationships to do God's calling. Seattle and Spokane churches join plans for the Poor People's Campaign locally and nationally. Everett UCC celebrates its 125th year of ministry and installs its new pastor, Darrell Goodwin, on April 21.. News Briefs include transitions, women's retreat, homelessness forum, honoring David Brown and WRYE.

 

February-March 2018 PNC Board joins in Women's March in Seattle to deepen relationships and connections of church vitality. Justice Leadership Program plans Holy Week Pilgrimage; recruits 2018-19 young adult interns. Walla Walla church is involved with the Walla Walla Immigrant Rights Coalition addressing issues and supporting people. The 2018 Annual Meeting will be April 27 to 19 at the Yakima Convention Center with Bishop Dwayne Royster as keynoter. Bellingham UCC will renovateits unfinished basement to house the Northwest Youth Services outreach to homeless youth. Mike Denton observes that things as things continue to get worse, we need to rely on wisdom and meaning. Lin Hagedorn changes her bank and helps Northshore UCC make decisions and do research to find a better bank.

Courtney Stange-Tregear led closing reflections and a prayer for Eastern Washington Legislative Conference. Jim CastroLang co-leads workshop on ways to faithfully respoond to hate with stories, awareness, listening and values. Roberta Rominger recruits others from PNC-UCC to join her in Washington DC April 3-5 in memory of MLK's assassination. N-Sid-Sen and Pilgrim Firs plan their programs for youth, family and service/mission camps for summer 2018. Many UCC congregations marched with others in their communities to join in the Women's Marches held globally. News briefs include transitions, Western Regional Youth Event, and other events and opportunities. Diane Schmitz co-facilitates Anti-Racism Seminar for White People with Allies for Change curriculum. UCC pastors among those making plans for Washington participation is the Poor People's Campaign.

 

November-December 2017 Justice Leadership intern helps 350 Seattle organize hundreds of people visiting 109 Seattle banks in Divest the Globe protests. Moderator Peter Ilgenfritz gives an overview of the Fall Gathering and a call to what's new in the PNC. School of Theology and MInistry of Seattle University celebrates ithe 20th anniversary of its founding. Olympia's YWCA honors Leslie Cushman as its 2017 Woman of Achievement for her work in racial justice and civic justice. Preaching at Fall GatheringCourtney Stange-Tregear says relationships bring change to the world. Mike Denton observes that things are going to get worse, and there's no optimistic side. Things are going to get worse.

UCC Justice Leadership interns' experiences multiply as they share with each other over common meals. Don Mayer likens vision of establishing the United Church of Christ to the mission of the School of Theology and Ministry. Tim Devine used his sabbatical in June to listen to post-fire grief of eight UCC congregations around the U.S. Fall Gathering keynote speaker Lori Walke calls PNC into its ministry of church vitality and justice. Wade Zick describes the new mission/service camps, called 'Common Fire,' at Pilgrim Firs beginning summer 2018. News briefs include transition, Western Regional Youth Event plans, Men's Retreat in February, and more.

 

September-October 2017 PNC delegates share reflections on experiences at General Synod, offering insights on synod and the national UCC. Don and Lynnea Mayer scholarships have gone to 12 recipients since it started in 2006 for MDiv students at the STM. Tara Leininger finds wearing a clerical collar a valued tool in her identity as a pastor in a rural town where she is also mayor. New team of justice leadership interns began in September serving ecumenical agencies and nonprofits. Kizzie Jones' two books for children are translated into Spanish because of her involvement in literacy programs. Michelle Doherty reports on ways to give to the PNC's new Friends of the Conference Campaign. South Korean partners call for an end to the war of words so there can be progress towards a peace treaty. Senior high camps bring together two different cultures from N-Sid-Sen and Pilgrim Firs as camps merge.

Courtney Stange Tregear will be the keynote speaker and be installed at the Fall Gathering Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 at N-Sid-Sen. Amber Dickson is the new organizer for the Faith Action Network, where she served two terms as a UCC intern. Co-directors tell of UCC's commitment to the Faith Action Network since it formed six year as the interfaith advocacy arm. Plymouth UCC Seattle member is named volunteer of the year by Habitat for Humanity in King County. Members of Monroe UCC packed 46 back-to-school backpacks for severals community schools. Covenant groups at Ferndale and Walla Walla UCC churches strengthen relationships of church members. Meighan Pritchard writes PNC column about a mosque spreading God's radical love across boundaries at a barbeque. Mark Boyd summarizes summer camping programs, transition team and creative camp fires. News briefs include reports on transitions, films on Islam, film on 'Screenagers,' clergy retreat and more.

Summer 2017 Annual Meeting delegates, clergy and visitors seek to explore and understand what church vitality is. PNC adopts a budget that challenges the PNC to build vitality and honors commitment to national, Speaking by video, national UCC General Minister and President John Dorhauer shares reflections. Pride Worship Service has more clergy of more faiths involved in planning and conducting it. PNC global partners in East Seoul Presbytery share concerns about military tensions on peninsula. New Pilgrims Community changes name and style, but not its ministry of outreach to the community. N-Sid-Sen welcomes international summer staff. Pilgrim Firs has local staff, many who go home each day. Jenn Hagedorn is recognized at General Synod with the Youth/Young Adult Justice Award. Understanding the cycle of victim/villain/hero helps individuals and congregations address conflict. PNC Board seeks to shrink distances between people and congregations in the Conference.

Mike Denton tells of Rufus Anderson's three self-principles intended to encourage missionaries to be partners. Briana Brannon introduces resolution for PNC and churches to be welcoming of immigrants and refugees. UCC clergy and members jointhousands at the March for Science in Seattle and other communities. Helen Bonser who helped start the Pride Parade in Spokane is now a member of the Veradale UCC. Seattle Pride Parade 2017 Seattle Pride Parade seeks to clearly demonstrate the commitment of the UCC to advocate for LGBT people and issues. Eagle Harbor UCC plants a community cypress tree for Arbor Day/Earth Day event held at the church. PNC couple volunteered to teach English with Global Ministries partners in Sri Lanka for three months in 2017. Justice Leadership programs for young adults and older adults spread the work for justice in the region. Justice Witness Ministries meets on teleconference, has hotsheet and a website to communicate justice action. Transitions for clergy and news on events, including the 2017 General Synod June 30 to July 4 are included.

 

Summer 2017 Conference Board calls for Annual Meeting to be a vital community gathered together for mission. Kim and Eric Free learned to listen and learn about local people in Mozambique before starting projects. Synod delegate Jill Komura helps people address life transitions in her work at United Churches of Olympia. Nathaniel Mahlberg plans to engage his church in Walla Walla in General Synod before and after the gathering. Wade Zick divides energies between planning Annual Meetings and 2018 intergenerational mission camps.

In her 20 years of working in the PNC office in Seattle, Arlene Hobson has adapted to changes in leaders, locations and styles.. Justice Leadership intern David Choi learns about organizing faith communities to act through the Faith Action Network. Synod delegate Kyna Shilling brings together theater skills and worship planning at Plymouth UCC in Seattle. Lake Coeur d’Alene flood levels covered campfire areas and damaged dock at N-Sid-Sen.  Snow collapsed roof of boat barn. Conference Minister Mike Denton says that the church is the place to practice, encourage empathy News Briefs reports on transitions, women's retreat, special offerings, dialogue skills, valve turners .

 

February 2017 As churches care about communities, communities will care about churches, said Courtney Stange-Tregear. In Anacortes, Pilgrim UCC has 15 members who volunteer to give out backpacks at Project Homeless Connect. Two members of All Pilgrims spend three months in Sri Lanka as volunteers with UCC/Disciples Global Ministries. N-Sid-Sen and Pilgrim Firs embark on new camping programing for 2018 with mission camps at Pilgrim Firs. Richmond Beach UCC voted on Jan. 29 to become a sanctuary church to shelter refugees from deportation. Erik and Kim Free visit in Northwest churches to tell about their work with Global Ministries in Mozambique. News Briefs stories are ontransitions, workshops, retreats and other events in the Conference.

North shore UCC holds events to meet Muslims, dismantle racism, offer meaningful movies and learn of white privilege. About 40 members of Fox Island UCC have learned about complexities of immigration by vigils at detention center. Leslie Cushman of the PNC Justice and Witness Ministries Committee advocates for reform of deadly use of force laws. Courtney Stange-Tregear shares her impressions from having participated in the Women's March in D.C. Members of PNC churches from Spokane to Seattle to Bellingham joined in local Women's Marches. In 2017, there are two Annual Meetings. One is business at Pilgrim Firs. One is education at N-Sid-Sen. Mike Denton discusses issues of the separation of church and state as needed to prevent establishment of a religion.

 

November-December 2016 Dee Eisenhauer deepens her roots in Cascadia region and learn about long-term ministries on her sabbatical. Five members of PNC churches begin Justice Leadership Jubilee intensive program of training and service. Jerry Chang serves Taiwanese Christian UCC in Seattle, helping connect members to language and culture. Mike Denton reports on national UCC Board meeting on vision, values and mission.

Amy Johnson at Wayside UCC is commissioned to promote Our Whole Lives curriculum for national UCC. Gen Heywood joins 524 clergy on Nov. 3 in solidarity with Standing Rock Sioux water protectors opposing oil pipeline. Camps prepare for midwinter junior and senior high youth retreats in January and March at Pilgrim Firs and N-Sid-Sen. Kim and Eric Free visit PNC churches to share about their experiences in mission in Mozambique. PNC News Briefs report on transitions, events and opportunities.

 

September-October 2016 Faavae Fou Samoan church becomes a UCC church to connect youth with activities. PNC Board of Directors welcomes new conference minister of church vitality. Extended family's lives intersect with summer camps and retreats at N-Sid-Sen. About 60 PNC youth attended the National Youth Event in July at Orlando, Florida. Erik and Kim Free return from serving with Global MInistries in Mozambique. Senior High Aqua Camp install benches along trails and a bridge at N-Sid-Sen. Mike Denton applies ideas from Journal of Business to congregations. Justice Jubilee Team of adults begin commitment to serve through Justice Jubilee Program.

PNC's Annual Men's Retreat gives men in conference opportunity to reflect. Colville's First Congregational UCC celebrates its 125th anniversary. Pastor keeps faith and politicalleadership roles separate—in two counties. Young adult intern team begins year commitment in Justice Leadership Program. Ana Gobledale compiles and publishes online Worship Words website. Pilgrim Firs announces upcoming retreats for the Conference. PNC News Briefs include clergy and lay leader transitions, lectures and other events. Wells of Hope Keystone UCC member shares information on Wells of Hope projects in Kenya.

Summer 2016 More than 20 PNC churchesreadily respond to call to display banners to show love for Muslim neighbors in time of bigotry. Linda Crowe recounts how junior high campers made a "peace" quilt/comforter for someone at Hospice House. Farm Worker NW Ministry asks UCC and others to join berry boycott to support farm worker justice. PNC global partner delegatesvisiting South Korea in May learn about peace issues and reunification efforts of church. Minister-musician leads Annual Meeting worship experiences and invites participants to reflect. Scott Lovaas shares insights on the paradigm shifts for churches in the 21st century.

Mike Denton preaches on importance of 1987 apology by the religious leaders to the Northwest tribes. Conference will start a Justice Leadership Jubilee program for older adults beginning in 2017. 'Fearless Faith' is theme for 2016 summer camp curriculum at N-Sid-Sen and Pilgrim Firs. PNC minister for church vitality preaches on theme of using the right words at the right time. Congregations tell how their ministries go "out on a limb" to serve their communities and members. Transitions report on Vancouver fire, IFTAR invitation by MAPS, PAAM meets in Federal Way and more. Church leadership is important for both clergy and lay people to help implement a church's mission.

 

April 2016 Ritzville church has listening session on environment. Mark Boyd discusses impact of forests and mines on camp. Electrical engineer describes power issues in the region from perspective of Ritzville based electric co-op.. Fire at St. Paul's UCC in Ballard damages building and displaces members and groups temporarily. Squammish UCC celebrates centennial with renovations of its building and grounds. Mike Denton explores issues and innuendoes related to church membership for today. News Briefs include transitions, meetings, new programs, environmental action and art exhibit. Richmond Beach UCC Richmond Beach UCC celebrated 125 years in March; plans science-faith forum.

Bellevue First UCC moves to new downtown location more conducive for serving church's neighbors and more inviting. Retired minister discovers new life in writing and publishing children's books. Partner visit to South Koreawill include DMZ, House of Sharing and Gangjeong Village protest site. United Churches of Olympia mark 100th anniversary of the federating of Congregational and Presbyterian churches. Annual Meeting features introduction of PNC's new Minister for Church Vitality Courtney Stange-Tregear. Camps plan counselor trainingduring summer, announce camp dates, seek funds for mattresses and plan curriculum. Global Ministries report Ruth Brandon reports about mission partners in East Timor, Mozambique and Hong Kong.

 

February 2016 Plymouth Housing Group names its newest building after Sylvia Odom, one of its founders in 1984. Team from PNC churches plan workshop "On the Intersection of Faith Journeys and Scientific Inquiry." Festival of Preaching and Worship will be held April 11 to 14 in Seattle. The event is held every four years. Ruth Brandon seeks to share about her eight years in mission in Mozambique and other global connections. UCC church members protest for justice in assuring living wages at Walmart and increasing the minimum wage. News briefs tell of clergy transitions, concert, NYE, Ritzville event on environment and more.

Angela Ying's social justice commitment leads to visit to the White House to meet the Obamas. Global Ministries Committee recruits for committee and for partnership visit to the East Seoul Presbytery. Prospect UCC follows suggesting of General Synod resolution to divest from fossil fuels. Two UCC congregations display array of stars across sanctuaries during the Epiphany season. Mike Denton's column reflects on clarity about UCC welcome to everyone no matter where they are on their faith journey. Camps announce summer camp theme, environmental justice camp and campaign for new mattresses. Organizers report on plans for 2016 Annual Meeting.

 

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