Wednesday Evenings Contemplative Prayer & upcoming events

Join us for services Worship Every Sunday – 10:30am All Are Welcome! ** Keystone UCC Weekly News & Events has moved to biweekly publication. Expect your next issue on Friday, December 9, and every other week thereafter.  See below for leaders lineup for Sunday, December 4 ** Sunday, November 27, 2016 First Sunday of Advent Rev. Rich Gamble, preaching Rev. Lauren Cannon, off Music Leader: Elliot Kraber Accompaniment: Yigit Kolat Theme: Hope Scripture: Isaiah 2:1-5 Greeter: OPEN Reader: Nick Usher: Marilyn Candle Lighters: Hannah, Nick, Ollie Communion: Rich Coffee Hour Host: OPEN Children's Ministry: Anita   FESTIVAL OF HOPE RECAP: Another year of FOH is complete and BIG THANKS to all who took part in this special annual event, and especially to Organizer in Chief, Eliza Penick! A few pictures from the event:   The Learning Center was filled with joy all weekend long Elvina and John kept the kitchen humming Keystone Babies' first Festival appearance Can't have the bakesale without Nell! (thanks to some fancy photoshop work by Grant) See more pictures at  https://keystoneucc.shutterfly.com/   NEW KEYSTONE DIRECTORY: Pick yours up this Sunday – thanks to Barbara Anderson! NEXT WEEK!   Sunday, December 4, 2016 Second Sunday of Advent Rev. Rich Gamble, preaching Rev. Lauren Cannon Music Leader: Elliot Kraber Accompaniment: Yigit Kolat Theme: Peace Greeter: OPEN Reader: Hannah Usher: Margaret Candle Lighters: Margaret, Iris, Grant, Sandie Communion: Lauren & Rich Coffee Hour Host: TBD Children's Ministry: Anita   ANNOUNCEMENT:  [From Pastor Lauren] Praise God- all our little ones! Our new website is growing to celebrate all the life at Keystone.  And we seek for the site to entice others to join us in what we are discerning for next steps, to embody God’s love, through our courage to serve the world & planet. Here is a glimpse:  http://www.keystoneseattle.org/children-youth/ We celebrate the children and youth that make Keystone Church a welcoming home for all! Please be in touch with me if you have passion to help develop our site.  And keep sending your best promo pictures! lauren.cannon@keystoneseattle.org   Families:  Pick up Children's Activity pages & crayons on the welcome table every week as you come in to worship (based on the scripture of the day.)  There are two types: younger children & older children.  Children of any age are always part of worship & welcome!  Childcare with Anita, open every Sunday 10:00am- 12pm. More info at http://www.keystoneseattle.org/children-youth/ Upcoming Events: Wednesday, Nov. 30 –  Evening Prayer Spacious meditative prayer time to begin season of Advent, with Rita Peterson & Pastor Lauren @ Keystone UCC (Fireside Room, Battson Hall) 7:00-8:00pm   Friday, Dec. 2 – Wallingford Meaningful Movies - Following in the Ninth: In the Footsteps of Beethoven’s Final Symphony @ Keystone UCC (Battson Hall) Doors Open at 6:30pm; Movie Starts at 7pm Saturday, Dec. 3 – Sacred Heart Shelter Cooking and Serving Dinner food and servers at Keystone by 5pm; leave by 5:15pm Wednesday, Dec. 7 – First of 3 Holden Prayer Services Evening service of singing, scripture, and reflective time. Also being held on 12/14 & 12/21 @ Keystone UCC (in Sanctuary) 7:00-7:30pm ** See below for details on these and other events related to life in our community ** Our Prayers are with: •  Sandie Schumacher, who lost her beloved dog Coco suddenly on Nov. 14.  We surround Sandie and Bill with our prayers. Coco was a  source of joy over 8.5 years of their life together. • Nell, as she strengthens at home after being treated at Swedish Hospital for pneumonia. • Kaaren, prayers for peace, as she manages life at home, with the devoted care of Nadia and Pico’s family. Sacred Heart Saturday is December 3   Keystone folks will have the pleasure of preparing and serving a meal for Sacred Hear Shelter on Saturday, December 3. Here's the line up thus far, and what we still need: Chicken Dish - NEED Vegetarian Dish - NEED Rice or Potato - NEED Salad - NEED Dessert - NEED Milk/Juice – Sandie Servers (2) – NEED Please sign up by emailing Michelle at mmhebner@gmail.com Remember to bring your items to Keystone UCC, that Saturday by 5pm. Thank you!! 4 Wednesdays of Contemplative Prayer at Keystone UCC Evening Prayer with Rita Peterson & Pastor Lauren Spacious meditative Prayer Time to begin Season of Advent.   Date: Wednesday, Nov. 30 Time: 7-8 PM Location: Fireside Room (Battson Hall) Holden Prayer Elliot Kraber, Music Coordinator Kate Froese, Accompanist w/Rev. Rich Gamble and Rev. Lauren Cannon   Holden Prayer is 30-minute candlelit evening service with lots of singing, scripture and reflective time! Come as you are, for some peaceful contemplation after your day. Dates: Wednesday, Dec. 7, 14, and 21 Time: All held 7-7:30pm Location: Sanctuary   Holden Village is a Lutheran (and quite welcoming of all) retreat center in the Cascades that started this lovely prayer service. Many of the hymns we sing in Sunday worship (green Gather hymnal) were written by Marty Haugen who once took a sabbatical in the Holden Village in 1986.  He composed Holden Evening Prayer while he was there.  It's a vespers (evening) service, that is now done in many many places. Years back (maybe eight years ago?) at Keystone, Melissa and Eric, who were serving as year-long, young-adult interns, began this practice, which we continue to cherish, as a shelter in what is all too often a season of too much scurrying. Make a date to come breathe deeply with others at Keystone for any and all of these Wednesday evenings.  Bring a friend!  All ages welcome! For more info, contact Pastor Lauren Cannon at Keystone UCC: (206) 632-6021 or at lauren.cannon@keystoneseattle.org A Word From Pastor Rich Hello Folks, I received a hand written letter from Carol Sutton from University Baptist Church. Here is what it said: "Dear Rich, Please convey to Keystone members and especially the team that met with us how very grateful we are to you for your warmth and openness. I’m sure it wasn’t always easy to deal with the upset and uncertainty that go with such conversations. However, we at UBC feel blessed to have gotten to you a little bit and seen your call to mission. It was inspirational to walk alongside you for a few weeks. We will keep you in our prayers as I feel sure you will do for us. Blessings on the journey! Carol Sutton" Enclosed with the letter was a generous donation to Keystone UCC. Peace, Pastor Rich   Film: FOLLOWING IN THE NINTH: In the Footsteps of Beethoven’s Final Symphony (78 minutes; Kerry Candaele, 2013) Friday, Dec. 2; Doors open at 6:30pm; Movie starts at 7:00pm @ Keystone UCC (downstairs in Battson Hall) This documentary follows the impact of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony on people’s lives around the world.  Filmed on 5 continents and in 12 countries, Following the Ninth is about four people whose lives have been transformed, repaired and healed by the 9th’s message.  ‘Alle Menschen  werden Bruder’ (All People Are Connected).  In East Berlin just before the wall came down.   At Tienanmen Square in 1989, students played the 9th over loudspeakers as the army came in to crush their protests for freedom.  In Chile, women under the Pinochet dictatorship sang the 9th at torture prisons, and those inside took hope when they heard the music.  In Japan each December, the 9th is performed hundreds of times, often with 10.000 people in the chorus.  The 9th took on added significance after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.  This film has spirit-lifting moments and powerful resonances. Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/followingtheninth ** All events are Open to the Public. Admission is by Donation ** We help communities organize, educate, advocate & build community around social justice documentary film and conversation.   Anabell Chang - 12/3 Carolyn Sabo - 12/7 Amber Dickson - 12/11 Leo Denton- 12/22 Elvina Spoon - 12/23 Here's wishing each of them the happiest of birthdays, from all of us at Keystone UCC! Keep an eye out here for upcoming Keystone Birthdays! Pastoral Care & Keystone UCC Hours: Rich and Lauren can be reached at the Keystone office: (206) 632-6021.  This phone is also checked remotely since both Rich and Lauren serve half-time. Pastor Rich is available Tuesday to Thursday mornings and Friday evenings, and holds additional office times on Saturdays and Sundays.  (Monday is Sabbath.)  Not all of these times will Rich be in the church office. If you want to see him, it is best to make an appointment. Email him at rich.gamble@keystoneseattle.org Pastor Lauren is @ Keystone visits, meetings, work: Mondays: 9:30 AM-3:30 PM Tuesday- Friday, Sundays:  9:30AM- 12:30 PM  Wednesday mid week evening classes. (Saturday Sabbath.) Email Lauren to make an appointment on any of those days at lauren.cannon@keystoneseattle.org Click here for: Justice Leadership Program- UCC LIKE Keystone UCC on Facebook

Advent season- four Wednesdays of contemplative prayer- at Keystone

Advent season- four Wednesdays of contemplative prayer- at Keystone  

Wednesday November 30- 7-8 PM Fireside Room, Battson Hall 

Spacious meditative prayer time to begin season of Advent.

with Rita Peterson & Rev. Lauren.

3 Wednesday eve services:  Holden Prayer @ Keystone sanctuary

Elliot Kraber, Music Coordinator

Kate Froese, Accompanist

Rev. Rich & Rev. Lauren

Wednesday December 7, 7-7:30 PM

Wednesday December 14, 7-7:30 PM

Wednesday December 21, 7-7:30 PM

Holden Prayer is brief thirty minute evening service with lots of singing, scripture, and reflective time.  Come as you are, for some peaceful contemplation, at the end of your day. 

Holden Village is a Lutheran (and quite welcoming of all) retreat center in the Cascades that started this lovely prayer service.  Many of the hymns we sing in Sunday worship (green Gather hymnal) were written by Marty Haugen who once took a sabbatical in the Holden Village in 1986.  He composed Holden Evening Prayer  while he was there.  Its a vespers (evening) service, that is now done in many many places.  Years back (maybe eight years ago?) at Keystone, Melissa and Eric, who were serving as year long young-adult interns, began this practice, which we continue to cherish, as a shelter in what is all too often a season of too much scurrying.

Make a date to come breathe deeply with others at Keystone for any and all of these Wednesday evenings.  Bring a friend!  All ages welcome!

For more info, contact:  lauren.cannon@keystoneseattle.org

church office:  206-632-6021.

HOPE in times such as these

“…that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.” 1Thessolonians 4:13b Come Sunday for some hope this week!  Join us for services Worship Every Sunday – 10:30am All Are Welcome! Sunday, November 13, 2016 Rev. Lauren Cannon, preaching Rev. Rich Gamble Music Leader: Elliot Kraber Accompaniment: James Theme: Hope Scripture: Isaiah 65:17-25; Isaiah 12; Luke 21:5-19 Greeter: OPEN Reader: Kaaren or Jo Usher: John Communion: Rita & Rich; Lauren & Barb Coffee Hour Host: Jim Children's Ministry: Anita   THIS SUNDAY: After worship t​here ​will be an opportunity to discuss the implications of the recent election on our lives and work as the community of Keystone. Facilitated in sanctuary, Rich will lead. Please join us if you are able. There will also be a chance to connect with those who will be working on Festival of Hope preparations. NEW KEYSTONE DIRECTORY: Pick yours up this Sunday – thanks to Barbara Anderson! NEXT WEEK! (Keystone Weekly News is moving to biweekly)   Sunday, November 20, 2016 ** Festival of Hope - Day 2; 12-3 pm!  Deli soups and baked goods in the Narthex (inclusive of Coffee Hour) ** Rev. Rich Gamble, preaching Rev. Lauren Cannon Music Leader: Elliot Kraber Accompaniment: Yigit Kolat Greeter: OPEN Reader: Grant Usher: Jim Communion: skipping today Coffee Hour Host: none - Festival of Hope Deli & Bakery will be open! Children's Ministry: Anita   Families:  Pick up Children's Activity pages & crayons on the welcome table every week as you come in to worship (based on the scripture of the day.)  There are two types: younger children & older children.  Children of any age are always part of worship & welcome!  Childcare with Anita, open every Sunday 10:00am- 12pm. More info at http://www.keystoneseattle.org/children-youth/ Upcoming Events: Sunday, Nov. 13 –  Congregational Discussion on the Election @ Keystone UCC After Service (approx. 11:30am) Wednesday, Nov. 16 - Friday, Nov. 18 – Set-Up Help for Festival of Hope  @ Keystone UCC Details TBD Saturday, Nov. 19 & Sunday, Nov. 20 – Festival of Hope @ Keystone UCC Wednesday, Nov. 30 –  Evening Prayer @ Keystone UCC (Fireside Room, Battson Hall) 7 pm   ** Save The Date ** December 7, 14, & 21 @ 7pm – Holden Prayer ** See below for details on these and other events related to life in our community ** Our Prayers are with: • Sandie as she strengthens in physical therapy from pinched nerve. • Marilyn, as she accompanies her friend Beth suffering with progressing cancer. • Kaaren back home, welcoming calls, as she has not been able to make it to church. Nadia's phone number is 206-458-5993.  If you call that number, she can hold the phone for Kaaren. • Anne Marie as she supports her mother in NY recovering from a stroke and then surgery. JUST 1 WEEK TIL .. • Saturday, Nov. 19 ~ 10am to 4pm • Sunday, Nov. 20 ~ Noon to 3pm Join the efforts of Keystone’s 38th annual Festival of Hope, our holiday fair in which we promote an economy of love and justice to our wider community. ALL proceeds from the Festival go to support self-help and poverty reduction programs locally and around the world. If you'd like to help out at the Festival of Hope - Nov. 19 and 20 -  here are some things still needed: Soups for the deli and baked goods for the bake sale (bring day-of) Donated books Donated crafts, vintage, household and holiday decor items (including jewelry or anything you would give as a gift) Clean, boxed items can be stored in the balcony – please let Rich, Lauren, Jo or Eliza know if you drop something off. Questions or have a new idea for the Festival? Contact Eliza at eliza.penick@heifer.orgor 206-245-5446 ** This message was previously sent out on Wednesday, Nov. 9, following the presidential election of Donald Trump. A Word From Pastor Rich “…that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.” 1Thessolonians 4:13b To the community of Keystone: It has been a long, sad, deplorable election season leading to a deplorable outcome for our nation. No matter how many of the quasi-apocalyptic predictions come true about the future of our nation, the election itself was an assault on decency and hope. People voted their anger and fear and when such emotions motivate our actions, violent and divisive solutions triumph. Now we are faced with a deeply divided nation filled with people who believe the election was a vindication of their prejudices or a direct assault on their security. I do not put much faith in exhortations to unite as a nation. Though I believe in the essential potential of the human spirit to turn towards the path of compassion and justice, I do not believe that oppressive systems become benign when they gain the power and authority to dominate with impunity. The wounds or our nation will not be healed by hate or fear nor will they be healed by trying to find middle ground between those seeking scapegoats and those seeking true justice. The veneer of a belief in a progressive evolution of values has been ripped away. What we have lost in this election is the sense that a better world can come with limited conflict and limited commitment. It is clear that a better world is not going to come without risk and costly struggle. I know many of us have worked hard for a vision of a just and compassionate world and I believe that such efforts cannot be measured in an election. I also know that there is much more that will be required of us in the coming months and years. It is natural to be shaken and sad at times such as these but let us not grieve as those who have no hope. Keystone can either be the place where we huddle together and commiserate about the state of our world or it can be the place where we come together to organize ourselves to make the world a better place. In only one of those choices can we find hope. In only one of those choices can we become hope for a world that desperately needs it. I choose hope and I pray you will too. Peace, Pastor Rich     Keystone Green Team member Charles Rudash wants to share a couple compelling videos regarding climate change that aired recently.  Here are links to the videos he recorded: Petermann Glacier 7 31 2016.mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9bJdwkbcaVQUTR2b0FuejBQaDQ/view?usp=drive_web Sunday Morning 10 23 2016 Glacier Nat Pk.mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9bJdwkbcaVQeDdqVm5sRzZRSjQ/view 60 Minutes 10 2 2016 The Arctic Frontier.mp4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9bJdwkbcaVQc1BleXpPU1AtX1k/view Thanks for sharing, Charles!   Christian Townsdin - 11/13 Abby Diggs - 11/17 Will Larson - 11/28 Here's wishing each of them the happiest of birthdays, from all of us at Keystone UCC! Keep an eye out here for upcoming Keystone Birthdays! Pastoral Care & Keystone UCC Hours: Rich and Lauren can be reached at the Keystone office: (206) 632-6021.  This phone is also checked remotely since both Rich and Lauren serve half-time. Pastor Rich is available Tuesday to Thursday mornings and Friday evenings, and holds additional office times on Saturdays and Sundays.  (Monday is Sabbath.)  Not all of these times will Rich be in the church office. If you want to see him, it is best to make an appointment. Email him at rich.gamble@keystoneseattle.org Pastor Lauren is @ Keystone visits, meetings, work: Mondays: 9:30 AM-3:30 PM Tuesday- Friday, Sundays:  9:30AM- 12:30 PM  Wednesday mid week evening classes. (Saturday Sabbath.) Email Lauren to make an appointment on any of those days at lauren.cannon@keystoneseattle.org Click here for: Justice Leadership Program- UCC LIKE Keystone UCC on Facebook Click here to scope out our new Keystone UCC website