Join us for services
Worship Every Sunday – 10:30 a.m.
All Are Welcome!
This Sunday, March 15, 2020
Third Sunday in Lent
Preaching: Rev. Rich Gamble
Worship leaders: Rev. Lauren & Rev. Yuki
Text: Philippians 4:6-7
Theme: Fear Not
Worship will be online throughout the rest of Lent. See the note from Rev. Rich below, but since we are choosing to maintain the practices of responsible social distancing in order to keep COVID-19 from spreading throughout our communities, KeystoneUCC has chosen to suspend in-person worship for the time being. However, that doesn't mean that we can't be together! We will be using an online program for Sunday morning worship.
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Practice on line
Test your camera/ microphone/ computer/ phone set up!
Saturday March 14 @ 11 AM
Video/call in with Lauren, Yuki, Rich. Come check in.
Give it a try!
We will post the link on the Keystone blog: go to website: right side menu: click "News & events" button!
Come practice - before it is Sunday worship on line together!
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We know that this is going to be a difficult time where we'll learn a lot about how to be together even as we're keeping a responsible distance apart from one another. We'll make mistakes that we'll learn from, and support each other as we go!
Please email, text or call Pastor Yuki (yuki.schwartz@keystoneseattle.org; 360-689-3832) or Pastor Lauren (laurenccannon@gmail.com; 773-501-7382) if you have any questions about accessing our new online worship!
NEXT WEEK
Sunday, Mar. 22: 10:30 a.m. worship online
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Preaching: Rev. Rich
Worship leaders: Rev. Lauren & Rev. Yuki
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A note from Pastor Rich
Hoping We Can Resume In-Person Worship at Easter (April 12)
Greetings Keystone Folk,
I have been impressed by how quickly we have responded to the challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Though gathering together each week sits at the heart of our practice as a worshipping community we have chosen not to gather, not out of fear but out of concern for the most vulnerable members of the wider community. By not gathering we are helping limit the spread of the virus and thereby protecting the wider community.
It is the first time in my 25 years as pastor that I have served a congregation that has chosen not to gather for Sunday worship; but because we are making this choice as an extension of our calling as people of faith to provide special care for the most vulnerable, I am proud that we made that decision.
The pastoral staff has recommended and the leadership of the congregation has agreed that we continue to refrain from gathering until at least Easter. It is our hope that by April 12th we will once again be able to gather without risking the wider community. That may not be possible. We will have to wait and see. For now at least, we are planning to provide alternatives to in-person church life until Easter.
We are quickly learning new ways to be a worshipping community while not being physically gathered in one place. The technology required to participate in this new form of worship might be challenging for some of us (It is certainly challenging for me) but we are working on bringing the congregation up to speed on the ways we can remotely worship together.
The other way we can be together is by checking in on one another by telephone or email. I would encourage you to set aside some time and call one another.
Please feel free to contact us at the church (206.632.6021) if you have questions or concerns
Peace,
Pastor Rich
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| Happy Listening Anytime: Miss a Sermon? Down at Classroom? Audio Available Online: Click on a file for a listen HERE, and share! You can now watch sermons on our new YouTube page here. |
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Community Cancellations
Keystone worked with each of our renters at church to pause meeting last week, which they each voluntarily did. And now with the governor's closures, we officially closed the church to all renters, last being the Preschool (which was working with us on safety protocols via North Seattle College, Public Health, and SPS.)
Also of course many organizations in Puget Sound are cancelling in-person gatherings as part of their efforts to keep the COVID-19 virus from spreading. Some of these cancellations affect the life and work of KeystoneUCC and our hard-working members and friends. Here are a few cancellations that we know from March, and it may be that they will be cancelled in April. Keep an eye on their web sites for any information about future cancellations or about when they hope to meet again:
- Memorial service for unsheltered folks who have died during the past year, at the St. Martin de Porres Shelter. Original date: 3 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at the shelter.
- Poor People's Campaign Mass Meeting. Original date: March 20 and 21 (see more below, now on line)
- Meaningful Movies in Wallingford, which usually meets on the first Friday of the month.
- Communities Rising, which usually meets on the first Thursday of the month.
- Seattle Labor Chorus, which usually practices every Tuesday.
- Seattle Taiwanese Christian Church, which usually worships on Sunday afternoons.
- Seattle Dances of Universal Peace, which usually meets every Wednesday night.
If you need to share word of other cancellations, let Pastor Yuki or Pastor Lauren know. |
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Bri Little- continuing prayers of support around Bri and her family in DC in the sudden loss of her mother January 22.
Jenn Hagedorn- congratulations! We were with Jenn at her (n-line) interview yesterday with the Committee on Ministry of the Pacific Northwest Conference United Church of Christ. She led a worship service and answered questions about her theology, and we conveyed our uncontainable celebratory, whole-hearted support! She was approved for ordination, pending a call!
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Anita Featherston took these pictures of our kids during coffee hour on March 1 with Pastor Lauren. Who's looking forward to seeing these beautiful faces in person soon?
Got pictures you want to share with the community while we're apart? Send them to Pastor Yuki (yuki.schwartz@keystoneseattle.org), who save them for our newsletters and post them on our Facebook page! |
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Resources for All of Us, especially for our front lines Care-givers, & Parents, & Guardians:
No hand washing & sanitizing tips here- we got it all! But here are a couple resources we are sharing with one another. Now that we are maneuvering school being closed, work, care, education, economic fear, for our families, all while not getting Grandma sick, and, and, and...
So whether you are in shock mode, or the creative-community-collaboration mode, or finding a surprise in leaning in to a moment of imposed stillness, God is with us in it all. Maybe you can bust out to discover a wonderful new hike in our beautiful region. Maybe your gym routine will become some good outdoor regular neighborhood walk. We will get through this, and come out the other side stronger.
Its not just a phrase our officials keep saying, it is already happening in Keystone community. It was so heartening to study together on line Wednesday night 3/11. Jump in this week if you can 3/18- all welcome! Some folks had not 'seen' each other in our pews in a while, but were able to video in from home. Praise God!
Until Sunday 3/15, when we worship on-line (all ages welcome!)...
*Read this 3/10 Atlantic article when you need some back up reinforcement on why you are canceling every in person gathering you had planned-- & need to be brave to cancel some more!
*Read the 3/11 Seattle Times article when you sense what we really need is a vaccine for anxiety! Or when anxiety seems even more contagious than virus! Here are its practical tips:
◦ Avoid crowds, but don’t isolate yourself.
◦ Sleep, because it’s good for your immune system.
◦ Eat healthy food; don’t stress-eat junk.
◦ Don’t drink too much alcohol — or coffee.
*Maintain routines as you can (see article below too)
◦ Exercise: It’s calming and may boost immune function
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Some ideas here: how to keep routines for kids:
Your kid’s school is closed — now what? "Education may be disrupted, but that doesn’t mean your children have to lose out, starting with predictable, consistent routines at home that provide a sense of security."
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And here from talking with Wallingford Co-Op PreSchool: tips to help kids understand the COVID-19 pandemic:
As our kids are asking all good questions, like with all hard topics, start off by asking, "What have you heard?" After learning what they've heard, you can ask "What questions do you have?" And then... just answer those questions. Sometimes us grownups jump into big or hard topics with WAY too much information. Helping our kids have answers to their questions but not giving them more info than they need, is a great way for them to feel empowered.
To lower their anxiety, stress, and fears:
Children and The News (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry)
Explaining the News to Our Kids (Common Sense Media)
How to Talk to Kids About the CoronaVirus (NY Times)
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Keystone children & youth have been rallying in their faithful effort to help refrain from in-person meeting. Keep finding those ways for youth & children to make kind offerings to others. Use the old fashioned post mail. & See you on-line soon. We are facing losses to come, but we will get through this together. Keep up all the good extra reaching out!
lauren.cannon@keystoneseattle.org
Lauren (cell) 773-501-7382 |
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FOR ADVOCACY
Even though social distancing is keeping us apart from one another, we can still keep doing the work of advocacy. Let's give a big THANK YOU to Barbara Anderson for the tireless work she has put in that kept KeystoneUCC connected to the legislation that needed our voices and support during the legislative session. The Washington state legislative session ended on Thursday; watch for an update next week that will let us know how our advocacy efforts fared this year.
Even though the legislative session in Washington state is over, there's still more to do. Here's another way you can learn about the fight to stop the recent public charge ruling:
New public charge rules have been in effect for green card applications and visa applications submitted in the last two weeks, and with COVID-19 in Washington State, it's more critical than ever that immigrants and refugees feel safe to access critical healthcare services.
Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson, along with 17 other states, have called for the public charge rule to be suspended until the coronavirus outbreak can be contained. DHS said the rule could lead to ‘increased prevalence of communicable diseases,’ disenrollment from public programs, and increased use of emergency rooms as a primary method of health care.
You can learn more about the fight to suspend the public charge rule:
Tuesday, March 17, 10 a.m.-11 a.m., webinar: Public Charge 101, presented by PIF-National. Ideal for those who want a refresher or a first-time overview on what public charge is. FREE, register here. (English)
Tuesday, March 17, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., webinar: Public Charge updates from the Immigration Legal Resource Center, mainly intended for legal service providers. FREE, register here. (English)
Saturday, March 14, 11 a.m., Washington State Labor Council, 321 16th Ave S, Seattle, 98144, presented by Colectiva Legal del Pueblo. (Spanish and English)
Wednesday, March 18, 11 a.m., Seattle Goodwill, 700 Dearborn Pl S, Seattle, 98144(English)
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Going Ahead with the Lenten Study
After being postponed for a week as Keystone cancelled worship and other in-person meetings, the Lenten study kicked off online this past Wednesday (March 11) night, with about 10 folks taking part in the discussion.
Pastor Yuki is will post a recap of the KeystoneUCC Lenten Study 2020 web site as soon as they can (it may take a few days so keep looking in!). Pastor Yuki will also share articles, music, notes, pictures, and other things we share in the online study on the web site as well.
The next meeting is 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 18
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Lenten Study Reading Guide
You can join us for conversation at any point during the study. You don't have to read the book (but it helps!), but if you are following the reading guide, we'll be reading these sections for the remainder of the study:
Other ways to focus on climate justice during this season:
- Make your donation to our solar panels for our roof (see more below)! Every bit helps make a lasting boost toward aligning our community's values, for years to come!
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Outreach to Raise Solar Funds
Christian, Eliza and the Keystone Green  Team folks are at work, setting up an online donation system. We are already receiving electronic gifts from Meaningful Movies folks. Please invite your contacts to donate to the solar installation. Within a few short years, we will be giving energy into the grid.
We are asking for participation from our many good groups and people of our extended community of neighbors, renters and visitors. We have started making visits to users of the building, giving a quick intro at their group, to share the news they can donate to the solar panels. Maybe you want to be on a team to meet with Taiwanese UCC, or Wallingford Co-op PreSchool, or Seattle Labor Chorus, or Seattle Peace Chorus, and more? Let us know. And thank you -- spread the word!
Also, Pastor Yuki is working on getting a PayPal button set up on the Keystone web site so you can make online donations to the solar panel project and other Keystone ministries. We heard you and it's coming soon!
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Poor People's Campaign Action in Seattle Cancelled
The Poor People's Campaign sent out a notice earlier in the week letting supporters and allies in the Seattle area know that, in light of the COVID-19 outbreak, they are cancelling the MORE Tour activities for the next 30 days, which included a stop in Seattle on March 20 and 21 (Friday and Saturday).
Rev. Dr. Barber & Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis said in a statement: “While we are disappointed to not be able to gather, the new coronavirus already is uncovering the issues we had hoped to raise more clearly than our words and actions could have. This public health crisis makes clear how ignoring poor and low-wealth people impacts all of us.”
Keystone spent a year immersed in the Poor People's campaign, studying the books written by Rev. Dr. Barber and attending trainings given by local PPC leaders. Although the March action in Seattle won't happen, there's still a possibility that the mass meeting scheduled for June 20, 2020, in Washington, D.C., may occur. For more information or to register for that meeting, check out the new national site and register to attend in June! |
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Supporting Sacred Heart
Even though we can't meet in person, the work of justice continues. We can still work on supporting our shelters, which will be stretched in terms of resources and volunteers, during this outbreak. Here are the different ways KeystoneUCC has been supporting the shelter. Please join your heart and efforts to one of these teams:
TWICE-A-MONTH FOOD & SUPPLY DELIVERY TO THE SHELTER (Team Coordinators: Barbara Anderson & Michelle Hebner)
Please contact Barbara if you would like to help with our on-going food/supply delivery and/or if you would like donate funds. Currently it is a Costco routine. Barbara’s Email: gepreston@msn.com
“READY FOR HOME KITS”
Providing a basic kit of house-hold items for shelter residents who have procured housing
Current Goal: Have advance supply inventory on hand so we can build kits as soon as they are needed
Current Needs: Ideas to help make this new project run smoothly / Willing shoppers, & packagers
PROVIDE CLEANING RAGS AS NEEDED
(Team Coordinator: Arlene Hobson, and maybe you are another who has a sewing machine?)
Goal: Collect and hem old towels to be re-purposed as cleaning rags AND/OR provide funds & shop for bulk ready-to-use bar towels. Arlene’s email: rleen206@gmail.com
HELP WITH PACKAGING DIAPERS AND LAUNDRY SOAP
(In Need of Team Coordinator and a group willing to have a packaging party on a regular basis. @ coffee hour?)
Contact Barbara Anderson for details: gepreston@msn.com
SHELTER FIX-IT PROJECTS
(In Need of a Team Coordinator)
Sacred Heart needs on-call maintenance volunteers to help keep the shelter looking good and running in tip-top shape. Share this with someone you know?
“POTTERY NIGHT ACCOMPANIMENT”
(In Need of a Team Coordinator)
Northwest Pottery, located near Sacred Heart Shelter by Seattle Center, opens their doors for Sacred Heart on occasion so people can learn to make pottery. Sacred Heart would love to have volunteers who would occasionally come along to help “break the ice,” interact, and support a welcoming atmosphere during these events. Bring your vibrant spirit and try out your creativity!
PERIODIC DESSERT NIGHT FOR THE RESIDENTS
(In Need of a Team Coordinator)
Do you like to bake? Or could you provide dessert items? A dessert night at Sacred Heart is a new idea put forth by the shelter staff as a possible way for residents to come together for fun and socializing. It can provide an additional & effective avenue to serve and interact with the residents. One idea from our Feb. 5th meet-up: how bout bring treats to the monthly meeting of staff & residents (a time everyone is required to be in the same place at the same time!)
PROVIDE A MEAL (Would you like to organize a hot meal for the residents once a year?)
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The Pacific Northwest Conference has a new home for sharing news and information about goings-on in the conference: GoogleGroups. Previously, the conference has been using a Yahoo!Group as an online center for conversations about PNC happenings. Yahoo!Groups recently shut down, so the conference has a new home on GoogleGroups. If you were a member of the PNC's Yahoo!Group and haven't received an email from the conference notifying you that you have been added to the new Google Group, or if you'd like to become a member of the Google Group, send an email to pncucc@gmail.com.
Keystone Upcoming Events with our Pacific Northwest UCC Conference
- UCC's National Youth Event in 2020 will take place at Purdue University in Indiana July 22-25. (more)
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Glance- down- the- Calendar
Wed. March 18: On Fire: Prophetic Faith & the Green New Deal Lenten Study, 6-8 p.m. (light supper from 6-6:30 p.m., study begins at 6:30 p.m.) @Keystone. Pages 70-148, or focus chapter, Chapter 2.
Stay Tuned: Church staff & leadership have communicated since the Governor's announcement and School closures (to re-open April 27, at the moment), so we know that April 12 in -person church, may no longer be our goal, and that things may change again at the end of April. Updates to come!
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Mike Denton - 3/18
Connie - 3/25
Margaret - 3/28
Here's wishing them each the happiest of birthdays, from all of us at Keystone UCC! On the last Sunday of the month- we shall have cake at coffee hour
Please let Barb know additions/ omissions!
Keep an eye out here for upcoming Keystone Birthdays!
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Reaching Keystone UCC Pastoral Staff:
Reach us at your Keystone church office: (206) 632-6021. This phone is also checked remotely since all staff serve part-time.
Pastor Rich is available Tuesday to Thursday mornings and Friday evenings, and holds additional office times on Saturdays and Sundays. (Sabbath = Mondays.) 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 keystone5019@gmail.com
Pastor Lauren is on Sunday thru Friday half days (Sabbath = Saturdays). Email is a great way to line up a meeting: lauren.cannon@keystoneseattle.org
Pastor Yuki (they/them) is at church two Sundays a month and is available to meet by appointment (Sabbath = Fridays). Email them at yuki.schwartz@keystoneseattle.org. |
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To submit content for inclusion, email Lauren & Yuki @keystoneseattle.org addresses above. Content must be received by Thursdays at Noon, for Friday bi-weekly newsletters.
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Next deadline for Newsletter announcement submissions:
to Lauren & Yuki: Thurs. March 26 @ Noon
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