Volume LVII Number 12 December 2016

a publication of westminster congregational united church of christ

A new year begins, at least for the church. We begin our churchyear with the joyous season of waiting that is Advent, the fourweeks of anticipating Christmas.

As a child, those days of waiting seemed to go so slowly, buildingoh-so-slowly to the celebration of Christmas! Yet it came, finally,and in our deeply Catholic household…it came with deep joy andrich family celebration, and lots and lots of scripture and caroling.Yes, there were presents and stockings with candy. There was alsopressure around all the shopping and wrapping, sometimes therewas a shortage of patience or a shortage of money. Sometimes ourfamily celebrations were cranky with arguments, or charged withgrief over lost loved ones.

Did this make Christmas any less real? Did this make it any lessimportant? No, I don’t believe so. Because I learned thatChristmas was not an exception in the midst of my life but a part oflife, in all its disappointments and upheavals. And as I have gottenolder, the meaning of a poor child’s birth, in a small out of the waytown, where most of the neighbors slept right through the song of

the angels, has grown more poignant andpowerful in its silence and simplicity.

As we move through the Sundays of Advent Iinvite you into the words of the promises ofthe prophets, and the awaiting of the Princeof Peace.As we move into Advent, I urge you to seek abit more space in your days and in yournights to ponder the simplicity of the storyof Christ’s birth, and the gracious gift of Godto humanity in Bethlehem long ago andrenewed eternally.

HighlightsIn

ThisIssue

Continued next page . . .

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What: Benefit Concert andRaffle for Crosswalk

Where: Westminster’s Social HallWhen: Sunday, March 5, 2017

3 pm to 5 pm

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.

The gift of love is still being given by ourgenerous Creator, and I hope and pray youcan share it in love and patience, with asense of humor and gentleness for ourrestless, struggling, striving. Be kind. Bekind. Be kind.

And may the blessings of the Christ Childbe with you all.

Pastor Andy ~

Continued from cover . . .

D e c e m b e r 1 8 ,

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Taking care of ourselves and each other

I was so moved by Pastor Jan’s sermon, “Dance,” onNovember 20th, aided by Pastor Andy, with Walt andDelia Thurber as the dancers. It was such a beautifulvisual representation of God’s love for us, and mylove for God; a metaphor for our relationship withGod. I cannot be reminded enough to lock eyes andfollow, to let our Creator lead in this dance.

I am a firm believer that God wants to guide us into ahealthy relationship with God, with ourselves, withothers, and with the earth. God desires shalom,which is not only peace, but balance, harmony,wellness, contentment, and well-being. We are acommunity that is loving and inclusive, and desiresto live out their faith to the best of their ability. Wetry to love our community well. We alsosometimes get burned-out, tired and overwhelmed.I’m guilty of this myself!

We are entering a new chapter in our country’shistory. We are entering into a time of uncertainty -fear for many - and we have seen increased hateexpressed in our city. We as a congregation will becalled on to be light to the world, to “Be the Church.”I feel that there is a palpable sense that our call tobe the church is amplified at this point in history.Our call is stronger than ever - to stand for justice,peace and love. That being said, it is important thatwe take care of ourselves and each other.

Please remember to nurture your relationship withGod every day. Give yourself time to share yourselfwith God. Make some space to look for God workingin your life and in the world, and listen for God.Keeping looking to lock eyes with God!

Nurture yourself. Listen to what your soul is callingfor. Listen to your deep longings for love, peace andacceptance. Be you - if you’re creative, create. If youcook, cook; teach, read, laugh, whatever or howeveryou create – do it. And, be gentle with yourself. Youcannot be what the world wants you to be, you canonly be the individual that God has created and

breathed life into. We figure this out as we get toknow God better and as we interact with each other.Notice your emotions, let them out, lament orcelebrate, be honest about how you are feeling. Letthe feelings move through. Don’t block them or holdon to them. Look at what they point to your deepertruth. Do what brings you peace, fills you with love,expresses kindness. Continue to learn, your heartwill lead the way. Keep your heart open to newpeople and new experiences. Your deepest desires,the ones that God places upon your heart, will shedlight into where you can put your energies. Rest.Play. Recreate. Take care of your mind, body andspirit. Laugh.

Nurture Others. Reach out to others to share love,kindness, patience, and resources. Spend time withothers. Listen beyond their words, hear what theyfear - or love; what they question - where theystruggle. These are not things we can fix, but we canaccompany our friends on their journey towardunderstanding. Remember to try to see with eyes ofcompassion. Can you see their fear, their anger,their questions? You don’t have to agree with theirresponse, but maybe you can see their primalreactions and have compassion for their struggles.

How will we be the Church? We will keep doing thereflective work that includes asking thequestion How do we respond for love, peace andjustice in Spokane? How can we “Be The Church” toeach other and in the world? How do we respond tothe darkness we see in our community and be the“light of the world” that God calls us to be? Each ofus brings our unique gifts and personalities toanswer that question, and it makes a beautifultapestry when we come together to be the church.

As we go forward into Advent, remember, we areGod’s dance partner. We may not always know wherewe are going, only God can see the obstacles that lieahead, but we can watch, listen, and follow the songthat God has set before us, the song of shalom.

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Westminster UCC has a Pastoral RelationsCommittee.

What is a Pastoral Relations Committee? Well,Westminster is a family. Disputes occur sometimesin families. We have had disputes in ourWestminster family in the past. Often, but notalways, these disputes arise out ofmiscommunications. The Pastoral RelationsCommittee is a tool that could be helpful inresolving those disputes. Our committee is made upof Doris Holdaway, Allan Bonney, and StevePaulson. We believe that it is the responsibility of allof us to develop, maintain, or if need be, restorehealthy relationships, here at Westminster.

If a dispute arises, the Pastoral Relations Committeewill work with the parties to try to find a solutionthat is acceptable to those involved. To accomplishthis, we would ask the parties to agree to openlymeet with each other. If either of the parties refuseto try to work out a solution, the Pastoral RelationsCommittee is powerless to do anything about thedispute. If the parties agree to meet in seek of asolution, the Pastoral Relations Committee wouldhelp to facilitate the communications as the partieswork toward finding a mutual resolution. ThePastoral Relationship Committee is not a body formaking a judgement in any dispute. The proceedingsof any meeting facilitated by the Pastoral RelationsCommittee will be held in strictest confidence bythe committee. Record keeping will be minimal.

We encourage anyone to contact any one of thethree committee members to get furtherinformation about the workings of the committee orto seek the assistance of the committee.

Members of

The proposed 2017 Westminster Budget will bepresented to the congregation after church on Sunday,December 4. Treasurer Randy Crowe and Trustee ChairKaren Nielsen will go over the numbers and takequestions so mark your calendar and join us for thisimportant part of our church life. Questions areencouraged so please don't hesitate to ask!

Church members will vote whether to approve thebudget after church on Sunday, December 11.

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The Westminster Christian Action Team (WestCAT)connects our church to the Spokane Alliance, anonpartisan organization that works to improvethe lives of people in Spokane by organizing andadvocating for a strong families, healthycommunities, and a just world. WestCAT recentlyhosted Jim Dawson, of the Spokane Alliance, for acoffee hour presentation about state revenue andbudget reform. We followed up with surveys thatasked "What three items matter most to me aboutthe Washington State Operating Budget?"

Thanks to everyone who participated! See resultsat right.

Do you have reactions? Ideas? Energy to learn moreand work to see these put into action in our cityand our state? Contact a member of WestCAT toshare your responses and join in the work!

Your WestCAT team:

What three items matter most to me about theWashington State Operating Budget?

Affordable Childcare & Free Universal Pre-school 15

Mental Health & Substance Use Treatment & Support 27

Affordable Housing & Housing First Programs 16

Expanded Long Term Care for Seniors & Disabled 14

Re-entry Services for People Released from Jail & Prison 11

Affordable Healthcare Including Expanding Medicaidto 200% of Poverty Level 26

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By the time you read thisWitness update, we will beover half way through the2016 Tree of SharingCampaign! This is anexciting year as wewelcome our new sponsorThomas Hammer CoffeeRoasters. This local

business has come to us full of excitement, freshideas and a deep commitment to the mission of theTree of Sharing-to serve the often-forgotten of ourcommunity during the Holiday season.

The enthusiasm Thomas Hammer and the staff ofThomas Hammer Coffee is providing to the campaignthis year is a delight. We encourage you to visit theirstores located throughout the Spokane area to seethe Tree of Sharing table toppers and, on selecteddays, the baristas in their “Red Shirts” emblazonedwith the Tree logo. Our thanks goes to our sponsorKREM TV for finding this newest partner. Tune in toKREM TV to see the newest Tree of Sharing spots.

Our sponsor, The Washington Air National Guard242nd Combat Communication Squadron is againpoised to safely move gifts from the malls and ourlarge business partners to the Tree of Sharingwarehouse. These volunteers provide this crucialcommunity service twice weekly during ourcampaign with the approval and support ofWashington State leaders, including the Governor.

Sadly we’ve had an unanticipated reduction infunding this year. These funds provided the Treesupport to fulfill gift requests not taken at the mallsor fulfilled by our business/community partners.Consequently, the need for monetary donations isgreater this year to make up for this reduction.

Westminster members and friends have been verysupportive in the past and we ask you to againconsider a generous donation to the Tree of Sharing.

Our business/community organization partnernumbers have grown this year. We’ve visited 25groups and distributed just under 2000 gift tags! Weare assured these gifts will be provided and aregrateful for the generosity of these local businessand religious organizations.

Lest we forget, huge thanks goes to Westminstermember Delia Thurber for pointing us in thedirection of a community contact that resulted insecuring our 2016 warehouse location! Thank youDelia!

As we continue our work this year, we want to wishall of our friends and colleagues at Westminster ablessed holiday season. Merry Christmas and HappyNew year from the Tree of Sharing.

Tree of Sharing Coordinators ~

All are welcome atThe Table!

Westminster's new bible studyand dinner offering, every

Sunday at 5:30 pm.

Dinner is free, the conversationis open, and all are welcome to

join us.

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Be a part of making our sanctuary festive!

Each year at Westminster, members of the church family purchase beautifulpoinsettias which are used to decorate our sanctuary for Christmas. On the Sundaybefore Christmas Day, and days following, volunteers distribute many of these plantsto church members and friends who are home-bound and need a little holiday cheer.To participate in this Westminster tradition, fill out the form below and either placein the offering plate or bring it by the church office with your payment. Deadline forPoinsettia orders is Sunday, December 18. Included is my payment for $

________

I wish to order ______________ poinsettia(s) at $10 each to beautifyWestminster’s sanctuary during the Christmas Season.

IN MEMORY or _________________________________________HONOR OF

_________________________________________

_____ I wish to pick-up my plant.

_____ I wish to have my plant delivered to a shut-in or homebound person.

_____ I would like to volunteer to deliver poinsettias during Christmas week.

NAME __________________________ PHONE ________________

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Casual dinner with deep conversationas we strengthen our community connections

New documentaryon the effects of climate change,

"Before the Flood"by Leonardo deCaprio

will be shown at Westminster UCC onSat, December 17

from 1 – 4 pm

Bring a friend.Snacks will be provided.

SON Committee is taking donations forhats, gloves and socks

for the homeless (and possibly Odyssey)through Christmas.

A drop-bin will be availablefor donations any time.

Your consideration to support thisworthy cause is greatly appreciated.

Christmas week celebrationsbegin with

"A Taste of Talent"

Join us December 18

Right after Sunday service we will gather inthe Social Hall to share in the culinary and

musical talents of our congregation.Musicians from within our congregation will

sing and play music of the holiday seasonwhile we enjoy recipes from our upcomingchurch cookbook. Join in a Christmas carolsing-along! Copies of the cookbook will beon-hand to purchase for yourself or as gifts.

Our hand bell choir will be serving the mealand will gratefully accept donations to

support their exciting workshopand concert trip to Lewiston.

Come on down, bring a friend, some sparechange, and help celebrate

the many gifts we enjoy at thisspecial time of year!

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Veradale UCCinvites you to their

Plum Pudding Festivalon Sunday, December 4

from 4 to 6 pmat 611 N Progress Rd

Veradale WA

More info:509-979-0228 or youngdeyoung@gmail.com

As promised in Small Group:

h t t p : / / m o b i l e . n y t i m e s . c o m / 2 0 1 6 / 1 1 / 1 7 / o p i n i o n / a - 1 2 - s t e p -p r o g r a m - f o r - r e s p o n d i n g - t o - p r e s i d e n t - e l e c t - t r u m p . h t m l

Memorial service forHelen McDaniel

DEC 3 at 2 pmEmily Court

Helen is the beloved mother of StanMcDaniel, a previous choir director atWestminster. Helen was a friend to

many of us at Westminster.

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WESTMINSTER CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

October2016

MonthlyBudget

MonthlyDifference

YTD2016

YTDBudget

YTDDifference

Total Income 16,730.83 18,688.32 (1,957.49) 160,271.25 175,533.36 (15,262.11)Total Expense 21,527.57 22,108.81 (581.24) 230,729.09 222,262.70 8,466.39Net Income (Loss) (4,796.74) (3,420.49) (1,376.25) (70,457.84) (46,729.34) (23,728.50)

2016 Pledge Information as of November 3, 2016:

2016Total

Pledges

2015Total

Pledges

2015PledgesReceived

2016PledgesReceived

2016Pledges

Outstanding

2016 AnnualPledgeBudget

2016 PledgeBudgetSurplus

115,479.56 113,560.70 109,813.00 89,166.80 26,312.76 123,000.00 7,520.44

Year-to-date income for 2016 is about $15,000 less than anticipated in the budget. Year-to-date expensesare about $8,500 more than anticipated in the budget. Considering that the bathroom remodels were nottaken into account in the budget, the expense side of things is tracking pretty well with expectations. Nowwe just need to work on the income side.

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.

December 19 moved to December 12

"Their Eyes were Watching God" by

Zora Neale Hurston;

facilitated by

Marilynne Wilson at

the Home of Janet

Ruehl.

January 16 "The Sympathizer" by Viet

Thanh Nguyen; facilitated by Janet Ruehl

at a home of Mary Mackay.

February 20 “Some Women” by Emily

Liebert; facilitated by Norsat Whipple at the

home of Marilynne Wilson.

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December27 - 30

If you’re available tobless these dear ones,

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

Worship services each Sunday: mornings at10:30 am and The Table, evenings at 5:30 pm.

***

The All-Church Birthday Partycoming January 8, 2017

***

Budget schedule: Presentation to thecongregation and Q & A on December 4.Congregational Budget vote on December 11.

***

In case you missed it: Installation, page 4.Poinsettia order form, page 7. Movie Matinee,page 8. SAYC in concert, page 9.

***

Dates to note: 12-3 McDaniel Memorial at 2 pm.12-7 SON Committee at 6:30 pm (rescheduledfrom 12-14). 12-8 Yoga is cancelled until January5 (or ufn). 12-17 Movie Matinee at 1 pm (page 8).12-18 “A Taste of Talent” after service (page 8).12-22 Custodian John on holiday. 12-25 PastorAndy on holiday. 12-26 AGO Annual ChristmasCarol Walk at 2 pm.

ATTENTION PARENTS!

Youth Group

12/1 Robert FranklinEdward Joy

12/5 Katie Gilbert

12/6 Livia Marquis

12/7 Jan Gilbert

12/11 Lori Vega

12/13 Erick EricksonNicolette Rode

12/17 Jon LouisClaudia HumeJustin Bell

12/18 Leander Robinson

12/20 Bryan Olson

12/21 Mary Stamp

12/26 Saviah CastroLang

12/28 Starr DeZarn

12/29 William Freeman

12/31 Chuck McCain

November Attendance

11-6 11-13 11-20 11-27

75 102 126 64

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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 obtained through thechurch office.

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: Jim McPherson

Deacons: Teresa K, Lizz C, Mary S, Hazel K

Hospitality: Everyone

Liturgist: Alisher Meredith

Deacons: Francie Light, Hazel Kotlan

Hospitality: Joanna Chapter

Liturgist: Ondrej DeZarn

Deacons: Hazel Kotlan, Mary Seaton

Hospitality: Joanna Chapter

Liturgist: N / A

Deacons: Wes Johnson, Karen Mobley

Hospitality: Hospitality

Liturgist: Jon Louis

Deacons: Steve Paulson,  . . .

Hospitality: Education & Spiritual Growth

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December 201612-1 Thursday 5:30 pm Yoga 6:30 pm AA Group

12-2 Friday 5:00 pm worship planning

12-3 Saturday 2:00 pm McDaniel memorial (page 9)

12-4 Sunday 10:30 am Communion Sunday11:30 am Budget Presentation / Q & A

12:30 pm Youth Group 5:00 pm AA Group 5:30 pm The Table (eve worship)

12-5 Monday 6:00 pm bell choir practice

12-7 Wednesday Pastor Andy working offsite 6:30 pm SON Committee

12-8 Thursday 5:30 pm Yoga *cancelled* 6:30 pm AA Group

12-9 Friday 7:00 pm sanctuary, etc occupied

12-10 Saturday 9:30 am soc hall occupied 10:00 am Holiday Baking with C Hume

12-11 Sunday 11:30 am Congregational Budget vote 12:15 pm WestCAT 12:30 pm Youth Group 5:00 pm AA Group 5:30 pm The Table (eve worship)

12-12 Monday 12:00 pm Book & Salad 6:00 pm bell choir practice

12-13 Tuesday 6:30 pm Deacons 7:30 pm Ed & Spiritual Growth

12-14 Wednesday 11:30 am Joanna Chapter6:30 pm SON rescheduled to 12-77:00 pm SAYC: We Sing of Peace

12-15 Thursday 5:30 pm Yoga *cancelled* 6:30 pm AA Group

12-17 Saturday 1:00 pm movie matinee:

12-18 Sunday 11:30 am A Taste of Talent (pg 8) 12:30 pm Youth Group 5:00 pm AA Group 5:30 pm The Table (evening worship)

12-19 Monday 12:00 pm Book & Salad resched to 12-12 6:00 pm bell choir practice

12-20 Tuesday 2:00 pm Poetry 6:30 pm Trustees

12-22 Thursday Custodian John on holiday5:30 pm Yoga *cancelled*

6:30 pm AA Group

12-24 Saturday tba Christmas Eve Service

12-25 Sunday Christmas Day!Pastor Andy is on holiday

12:30 pm Youth Group 5:00 pm AA Group 5:30 pm The Table (evening worship)

12-26 Monday 2:00 pm Annual Christmas Carol Walk 6:00 pm bell choir practice 7:30 pm Michal Chapter

12-27 Tuesday Meals on Wheels . . . 7:00 pm Council

12-28 Wednesday Meals on Wheels . . .

12-29 Thursday Meals on Wheels . . .5:30 pm Yoga *cancelled*

6:30 pm AA Group

12-30 Friday Meals on Wheels . . .

12-31 Saturday New Year’s Eve!!

1-1 Sunday New Year’s Day 10:30 am Communion Sunday

12:30 pm Youth Group 5:00 pm AA Group 5:30 pm The Table (eve worship)