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Nurturing Faith, Growing Community, and Sowing Seeds of Justice and Peace on the Palouse
Communicator
Community Congregational United Church of Christ
,God is still speaking,UNITED CHURCHO F C H R I S T
November, 2014
Fall brings eye catching changes to the Palouse. First, the color changes from what was once a palette of similar greens then seems to pop with a burst of bright yellows, oranges, browns and reds. Seemingly without a beat, that changes again and it looks as if someone turned up the contrast and wiped the colors from the scene, leaving the deep browns of earth and beige of dormant grasses. Change happens all the time, but we don’t always notice. The gift of fall is that we can’t help but pay attention. The constant and subtle changes of our lives contain both difficult and wondrous things. As we attend to these changes and share them with one another, we become whole people and a whole community. As the color fades and the light becomes ever more precious, there are good things to be involved in with new and longtime friends at CCUCC.
SESITSHAYA MARIMBA ENSEMBLE Sunday, November 16, 201410:30 am worshipOptional experiential workshop at 12:15
Come celebrate the amazing blessing of world music as Sesitshaya Marimba Band joins us during worship once again this year. The band, comprised of Palouse area musicians, plays traditional and contemporary songs from Sub-Saharan Africa and shares the lively rhythmic
sounds of the sonorous Kwanongoma marimbas of Zimbabwe. Built in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, they produce the full earthy tones that characterize the music and are the only Kwanongomas in our region. Sesitshaya creates a unique, high-spirited musical signature by blending the Kwanongoma sound with marimbas built in the Pacific Northwest. They are dedicated to continuing the musical traditions of Zimbabwe but their music is also from South Africa, Kenya, Zambia and the Caribbean Islands. When they play, they share the background of songs and often sing in Shona, one of Zimbabwe’s major indigenous languages. They also encourage people to dance, clap in accompaniment, tap their feet, sing and generally enjoy the high energy and fun of this world music. Members of Sesitshaya: Sue Byrne, Kathy Dawes, JoAnn Evans, Kirstin Malm, Elinor Michel, Molly Pannkuk, Mimi Pengilly, Diane Walker.
**Note: On November 16, members of Sesitshaya will stay, have a brief bite to eat, then offer a hands on workshop with the marimbas. Please send Chip an email, [email protected] if you’d like to participate in the workshop.
“Mysteries, Yes”Truly, we live with mysteries
too marvelous to be understood.
How grass can be nourishing in the mouths of lambs.
How rivers and stones are forever in allegiance with
gravity while we ourselves dream of rising.
How two hands touch and the bonds will never be broken.
How people come, from delight or the scars of
damage, to the comfort of a poem.
Let me keep distance, always, from those who think they
have the answers.Let me keep company always
with those who say “Look!” and laugh in astonishment,
and bow their heads.
--Mary Oliver, from Evidence, (Beacon Press,2009)
FAIR TRADE CRAFT SALE
Singing Shaman Traders (Nancy Spada and Roger Gee) will be here again with loads of fairly traded goods. Come and support hardworking people from around the world, and get some great gifts for the holiday season! When you purchase a fairly traded product you take an active stance against sweat shops. You make an impact to benefit the world’s most disadvantaged people, their culture, and their environ-ment.In addition to beautiful favorites from past years, this year’s sale highlights new items from Pakistan, Guate-mala, Nepal, India, Mexico, Peru, Thailand, Vietnam, and countries too numerous to mention! Thank you for your support of fair trade!Volunteers are always needed and welcomed. Lynn McCollough is coordinating volunteers from CCUCC to help during the sale. We especially need a few more able bodies for set up/break down . Sign up at the church or give Lynn a call at 208-596-2247 to let her know you’d like to help.
COMMUNICATOR UPDATES
We communicate information in so many different ways these days; social media, text-ing, email, you name it. Many of us have become agile at communicating and responding on short notice, and we do that in all kinds of ways. Here in the CCUCC office, we are no different. We try to let you know about news and opportunities to participate in a variety of ways, including by email. The beauty of email updates is that we know exactly how many people actually open the email to look at it. We recently sent an email (on Friday, October 31) about what was happening on November 2 and 60 of the 170 recipients opened the email. Did you receive this email? Did yours get caught by a spam filter? If you didn’t receive it and would like to, please send
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Chip an email, [email protected]. Each email contains an “Unsubscribe” option if you change your mind in the future.
TIME OF REMEMBRANCE COMFORTS
On Sunday, November 2, CCUCC members and friends created our own Dia De Los Muertos Altar and remembered those who have died. Our commu-nion table, which always reminds us of Jesus’ life and abiding spirit, grew to include other members of our family of faith. Many people brought photos and mementos, then remembered & invited the good qualities of those loved ones and saints, so there was great energy in the sanctuary. Allowing ourselves to slow down, remember, and feel both joy and sorrow together was helpful to many of us as we continue to change and grow through God’s subtle guiding hand. Another special opportunity for this kind of spa-cious time for reflection is coming up on Thursday evening, December 18 during The Longest Night service.
STEWARDSHIP SUNDAYNovember 9, 2014
The Stewardship Team has brightened up the sanctuary with prayer flags representing the blessings we give and receive. We have heard both sermons and church members’ thoughts about giving and receiving blessings, in relation to the church as well as throughout their lives. What kinds of blessings will we give and receive in this place next year? Please consider what you can give to support our work in light of the blessings that we receive from God and let us know what your plan is. There is no charge to be a member at CCUCC (God doesn’t work that way, so neither do we!), but 94% of our budgeted income comes from generous financial pledges from members and friends. As of November 6, we had received 36 pledges for $115,000. Please let us know of your intentions by filling out a pledge card by Sunday, November 9th or by contacting our Financial Secretary, Jann Hill [email protected] or 332-1945. Whether you can give a little or a lot, your pledge represents an important investment in this community. Near the end of the week of November 10, some members of the Ways and Means Committee will be first emailing, then calling anyone they haven’t heard from so they can finish planning the 2015 budget. Thank you for all your support of the work we do together at CCUCC!
NEIGHBORS IN NEED HIGHLIGHTS GENEROSITY
On Sunday, October 5, 2014 we collected the Neighbors in Need special offering. This annual offering is especially meaningful as it supports ministries around the country that act for justice, peace, and compassion. This year’s focus was on literacy and learning for underserved populations. Our congregation gave $1,100 of support this year. Thank you so much for your generosity!
SEEKING VOLUNTEER TO COORDINATE MONTHLY BISHOP PLACE SING-A-LONG
For the past two years members of CCUCC have been going to Bishop Place Senior Living Center and hosting a sing-a-long for residents. Jeanne Holstad has done a wonderful job coordinating this fun and meaningful time, but now has decided she no longer can do it. Please consider if this simple ministry opportunity might be something you feel called to help prolong. Questions? We can put you in touch with others who have helped, so let Chip or Kristine know if you are considering it. Thanks!
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COLLEGE HILL ASSOCIATION REPORT
The College Hill Association (CHA) held its annual meeting September 15th in Fellowship Hall at the church. Attenders included: The Coug, Greek Life, Residence Life, Pullman Police Department, Stubblefields, permanent college hill residents, and WSU faculty and staff.
Our church is a permanent fixture on College Hill and is positioned to help support the CHA in making the Hill an attractive and livable place in Pullman. Currently, the church can pursue several ways to be involved in helping to create a new image of life on College Hill.
ASWSU’s Adopt a Block: Every Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm participants in the Adopt a Block program clean all public areas of their designated block. Our church is asked to assign a Block Liaison who then certifies that the neighborhood is “in shape“ by 4 pm every Sunday. This will continue throughout the Fall semester.
Quality of life issues must be addressed on College Hill. Gary Jenkins, Chief of Police, introduced two officers assigned to the Hill and described how residents might help in rehabilitating College Hill.Online reporting is now available for complaints related to housing, noise, or parking issues. All non-urgent nuisances can be directed to www.pullman-wa.gov (Police Dept. nuisance ordinance)
Noise Complaints: 332-4521Parking Complaints: 334-0802Safe Housing: Building Code Compliance: 338-3220Fire Code Compliance: 338-3270Planning Dept: Questions about occupancy issues in living units or apts.
We can help ensure that CCUCC encourages safe, affordable and humane living situations for students and all Pullman residents. Cooperating with CHA, the City of Pullman, and ASWSU is in our best interests as a church and as an important presence on College Hill.
Sincerely yours,Beth Waddel
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
Thanks to the CCUCC Marketing Team of Nancy Mack, Mike McCollough, and Sarah Waldo, we are letting go of the old, cracked, wooden sign on the corner of Opal and Campus Streets
in order to install new signs on the side of the church (City Codes prevent us from keeping more signage). The CCUCC and Thrift Shop signs make each more visible to those who pass by and those who are looking for us. It is just one of the ways we are trying to be more visible to the community, so people know who we are, where we are, and the good things happening at CCUCC!
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BIRTHDAYS &
ANNIVERSARIES
~November~
3 Ronda McLean 4 Bruce & Barbara Palmer 8 Kayla Worthey 11 Reed Spurling 12 Muriel Lamb 14 Norris Holstad 23 Kym Dye 25 Herb Hill 25 Lee Bamesberger 29 Tyler Matthew Patton
LOOKING AHEAD
MEETING OF THE CONGREGATIONSunday, December 7 following worship
Plan to attend this important meeting in which we will hear about the results of our stewardship cam-paign and vote on the 2015 budget. Your input and presence is crucial to our community!
ANNUAL ADVENT EVENTSunday, December 7 following worship
The CE Board is once again hosting our Annual Advent Event on December 7th after the church budget meeting. Children are invited to come
make special healthy (but tasty!) snacks immediately after service while the rest of congregation meets for the budget meeting. After the meeting everyone is invited to join us downstairs in Fellowship hall for
our famous lunch of homemade soups, breads, and Advent Crafts. Several craft stations will be available for all ages to participate.
LEARNING COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS PROGRAMSunday, December 14
The children and youth in our Learning Commuity will tell the Christmas story a little differently this year. Immediately following the choir christmas program in the sanctuary, everyone will be invited downstairs to Fellowship Hall. The young people will use the stage to tell the story in a new way. Please email Chandra at [email protected] if your child(ren) would like to participate. We are looking for all types of participation, from helpers, to readers and actors/actresses!
CCUCC HOST WEEKDecember 7th-14th
We have the opportunity to host homeless families at our church again in December. If you can help set-up (December 7th, following worship) clean-up (December 14th at 7:30am) make part of a meal, serve as a host in the evening (5:30-8:30pm), or stay overnight (8:30pm-7:30am) we would appreciate your help. For information about Family Promise of the Palouse check out their website at familypro-misepalouse.org. Please contact CCUCC’s volunteer coordinator, Sue Schell [email protected] if you’d like to help. Volunteer forms are available on the table outside the sanctuary. Thank you!
Non-Profit Organ.U.S. Postage Paid
Pullman, WAPermit No. 52
CHURCH STAFFSenior Pastor:Rev. Kristine [email protected] Pastor:Rev. Chip [email protected] Administrator:Trina L. [email protected] Coordinator:Chandra DunkerOrganist/pianist:Kathy SpencerChoir Director:Sheila Conversenursery Care:
Kortnee Bates
CONTACT US509-332-6411
www.pullmanucc.org
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR: November 9 Stewardship Sunday (pledge cards in)November 14-16 15th Annual Fair Trade Craft SaleNovember 16 Sesitshaya Marimba Band “Solos” monthly lunch at Birch & BarleyNovember 19 Board Meeting Night
Upcoming Dates Worth Noting:December 3 Trustee’s Meeting, 7pmDecember 4 Council Meeting, 7pmDecember 7 CE Advent Event Congregational MeetingDecember 14 Choir Christmas Music Program followed by Learning Community Christmas ProgramDecember 18 Longest Night Service, 7pmDecember 21 Christmas Potluck following worship
525 N.E. Campus Ave.Pullman, WA 99163
Return Service Requested
STAY CONNECTED! Visit our websit for updated information, weekly
sermons, news & eventswww.pullmanucc.org
Remember to visit our Thrift Shopfor the best bargains in town . . .and spread the word to others!
Hours:Tuesdays: 4:30 - 6:30 pm
Thursdays & Fridays: 12 noon - 4 pm
