Fossil Free King County?

Join us for services Worship Every Sunday – 10:30am All Are Welcome! Sunday, March 17, 2019 Second Sunday of Lent Rev. Rich Gamble, preaching Pastor Yuki Schwartz Rev. Lauren Cannon, off (for Mike's Birthday) Theme: Discipleship Scripture: Luke 13:31-35 Music Leader: Elliot Kraber Accompaniment: Yigit Kolat Greeter: OPEN Reader: Arlene Usher: Betty Communion: Rich & Yuki Coffee Hour: Sandie Children's Ministry: Anita LENT BEGINS: On March 10, our first Sunday in Lent, we took in some shards of ancient wisdom.  We were encouraged to cut them out of the bulletin (or any good little verse of choice), and use them in a moment of meditation this week, maybe even memorize them. Joel 2:13: Return to God, who is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. Allie takes communion with Rita   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! Children's Ministry with Anita – program every Sunday 10:00am- 12pm. More info at http://www.keystoneseattle.org/children-youth/ Sermons Available Online: If you missed a Sunday, were ​downstairs at Sunday School, or just want to hear a sermon again, former JLP Intern, ​Hunter Paulson-Smith,​ has created an ​online audio archive​ where you can listen to them ​ or download them​. Click HERE to listen, and please share. ​Thank you, Hunter! NEXT WEEK Sunday, March 24, 2019 Third Sunday of Lent Rev. Rich Gamble, preaching Rev. Lauren Cannon Pastor Yuki Schwartz, off Music Leader: Elliot Kraber Accompaniment: Yigit Kolat Greeter: OPEN Reader: Christian Usher: Sandie Communion: Rich & Lauren Coffee Hour: O'Neills Children's Ministry: Anita SUPPER SIGN UPS: April's almost here, so be on the look out for Maundy Thursday Supper sign ups, coming soon! WHEN YOU'RE NOT JUST A VISITOR ANYMORE:  For those who have gone through their inquirers stage here at Keystone, and for those just curious about what it means to be an "official" Keystone member, an opportunity is in the works to induct any who wish to officially join the Keystone community. It could be Easter Sunday, April 21. Talk to Rev. Lauren to learn more.   Upcoming Events  Saturday, March 16 – Seattle Labor Chorus Singalong @ Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church, 7500 Greenwood Ave N 7:00-9:00pm Wednesday, March 20 – Support Latinx Workers  @ Industrial Container Services (ICS), 7152 1st Ave S., in South Park 9:30am POSTPONED:  Northwest Pilgrimage, Migrant Justice: Realities & Resistance No longer to be April 9-11. We look forward to announcing rescheduled dates soon Looking ahead through Lent to Holy Week Palm Sunday, April 14  Worship Children lead procession Monday, April 15 Holy Table-Turning action Thursday, April 18 Maundy Thursday - Supper 5:30pm Friday, April 19 Good Friday - Service of Tenebrae 7pm Sunday, April 21 Easter Sunday Worship! (w/Egg Hunt for the little ones)   ** See below for details on these and other events related to life in our community ** For Nell – as she gets relief for challenging infection in her hands and her feet. For Kaaren – as she and Pico are adjusting routines and greeting new caregiver, Loyce. Take 5 Advocacy Action & Update Keystone Friends, thank you!  On Sunday March 10, Barb and Rich V. led us through a "Take 5" for Advocacy work session, and they say our advocacy is making a difference! So let's keep it up for this end-of-season down in Olympia! KEEP ADVOCATING – HB1453/SB5600 & HB1400 Addressing homelessness and the affordable housing crisis has been one of the top priorities for Keystone and lawmakers this year. We’ve seen a dramatic increase in evictions over the last decade. Passing eviction reform is one major step we can take to reduce homelessness in our state. Evictions are a leading cause of homelessness. See HB 1453 and HB 1440. Right now, state law allows landlords to begin the eviction process after three days of a tenant failing to pay rent. This time frame is too short, so HB 1453 will extend the timeline to pay up to 14 days before a landlord can begin the eviction process. HB 1453 passed the House 54-44. SB 5600 passed the Senate 31-15. Yay!! HB 1440 is another bill to move us on a pathway of more housing stability, by requiring landlords in most situations to give 60 days’ written notice for a rent increase instead of 30 days (current law). HB 1440 passed the House 62-36. It is now in the Senate and scheduled for a hearing on March 19th in the Financial Institutions, Economic Development & Trade Committee at 8:00 a.m. NEW TAKE ACTION – HB1603/SB5684 We want to Strengthen Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).   Undo harsh sanctions and time limits that deprive families of needed support. This is an act revising economic assistance programs by updating standards of need, revising outcome measures and data collected, and reducing barriers to participation. The third reading was passed from the House on Thursday the 7th and moved to the first hearing in the Senate today.  It was sent to the Human Services Reentry & Rehabilitation Committee. Please send a note supporting this bill – send to your senator and to the Committee:   Darneille, Jeannie (D) Chair 237 John A. Cherberg Building (360) 786-7652 Nguyen, Joe (D) Vice Chair 213 John A. Cherberg Building (360) 786-7667 Walsh, Maureen (R) Ranking Member 205 Irv Newhouse Building (360) 786-7630 Cleveland, Annette (D) 220 John A. Cherberg Building (360) 786-7696 O'Ban, Steve (R) 102 Irv Newhouse Building (360) 786-7654 Wilson, Claire (D) 407 Legislative Building (360) 786-7658       THANK YOU KEYSTONE FOR SPEAKING UP! – Barbara Anderson   Justice Leadership Program on hold for 2019-2020 On March 11, Rev. Rich shared this update with our partners among and of the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Church of Christ.  We look forward to the listening and thinking in the year ahead with all our Keystone folk, who have been at the heart of our seven years of JLP thus far: Greetings, On February 27th 2019 the Advisory Council of the Justice Leadership Program affirmed the recommendation of the staff that the young adult residential program discontinue operations for the year 2019-20. The year will be used to re-imagine a program that will connect young adults with social justice efforts grounded in faith. The Justice Leadership Program has produced in its seven years of operation, an impressive list of graduates, who carry the work of justice into the future. We have learned a great deal in those seven years. We hope to use those insights in the process of developing a program that is a more sustainable melding of our aspirations and our resources. Though the young adult residential program will not be operational next year, the Justice Leadership Program plans on continuing our curriculum project, the Jubilee program and Northwest Pilgrimage. We are sincerely grateful for the ongoing support of the congregations of the Pacific Northwest Conference of the UCC. With Hope, Rich Gamble   Report back from Communities Rising Criminal Justice Forum From Margret Graham: On Thursday, March 7, Communities Rising had an excellent panel presentation on juvenile incarceration presented by Mary Lou Dickerson, who worked on this issue while she was state representative and continues to in retirement; a formerly incarcerated young man who is currently working with an organization to help provide community support for formerly incarcerated people; and Amber Dickson, who is working for FAN in a number of ways, such as providing education to those in prison, making a better re-entry possible, along with other issues that are on the FAN website. I was very moved to talk to two very nice formerly incarcerated men and hear even a little of what they were up against, both in and after prison. I signed up to receive a link for future actions and will forward it on when I receive it.   Help Keystone support Latinx workers From Pastor Lauren:  Friends, can you join me for an hour+ to support a group of Latino workers that our Interfaith Economic Justice Coalition (IEJC) helped support several years ago?  It was at a critical time in their organizing for a union.  Now they are back in a stand-off with their employer.  You will see what tricky work they do, at the margins of our city’s economy, and why some added layers of accompaniment, could really help, at this juncture. Date: Wednesday, March 20 Time: 9:30am Location: Industrial Container Services (ICS), 7152 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108, South Park Quick refresher on the company ICS is that they clean metal industrial drums and prepare them for re-use at a very run-down facility in South Park.  Our IEJC created a great ‘Hope and Health at Work’ coloring book (that Leo grew up on) that featured their story of organizing for sanitary conditions, living wages, and health insurance.  In part because of IEJC support, ICS workers joined Teamsters Local 117 and negotiated a pretty good contract several years ago- victory! Unfortunately, the company is bargaining for a new contract that walks back commitments they made in the last one.  The workers feel deeply disrespected and have already taken a vote to strike. Local 117 reached out to Puget Sound Sage (a Seattle agency whom we have partnered with in JLP placements, and UCC environmental justice toxic tours in Georgetown, among many other worker support campaigns you have walked with them- from the Port to the airport, etc.)  We are at work to bring some faith/community folks to form a delegation to speak to ICS management so that the workers don't have to actually strike.  (Ministry of presence is welcome for those who don't wish to speak yet.) Anyone who is interested, please join with me & ICS workers, Wednesday March 20 at 9:30 am.  We will be joined by Local 117 organizer Maria Torres, who will likely translate for us. Questions? Contact Rev.Lauren at lauren.cannon@keystoneseattle.org   Conference Women's Weekend @ Pilgrim Firs, May 10-12 Come for a joy-filled, nourishing women’s weekend of music, creativity, sabbath and spiritual exploration This weekend is designed to encourage women to take a break from their normal routine and perhaps try something new. During full group gatherings, small group discussions, and mini-workshops, you will have an opportunity to embrace creativity and playfulness. Opportunities include yoga, art, spiritual exploration, time to nap, hike, read, visit, and enjoy the quiet beauty and radical hospitality of Pilgrim Firs. Yes, this is Mother’s Day weekend, but what a great opportunity to give yourself the gift of time and renewal. And our program will be completed by 10 a.m. on Sunday, so you can still be present for family celebration. We would love for you to join us! This retreat is designed for all who identify as women. Teens 15 and older are welcome, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Retreat leadership will be Emily Tanis-Likkel, Kaila Russell, Brigitta Remole and Tara Barber Cost is $135, or $150 after April 1. Register at https://www.ultracamp.com/info/sessiondetail.aspx?idCamp=367&campCode=nss&idSession=214750   Keystone members testify at public hearing on #FossilFreeKC Moratorium   In January, King County passed some of the strongest anti-fossil fuel legislation of anywhere in the United States, including a six month moratorium on all new fossil fuel infrastructure. Now it’s time to get to work on making the moratorium into a permanent ban! So to make their voices heard, Keystone members Dan O'Neill and Connie and Rich Voget, attended a public hearing on the #FossilFreeKC Moratorium, on Wednesday, March 13.     The hearing was well attended and all speakers were in favor of the ordinance, pointing out the urgent need for action, offering thanks to the Council, pledging ongoing support and asking for a strong, transparent and permanent measure.  Both Rich and Connie testified.  Click here to read Connie's testimony. AND DON'T FORGET to contact our state senators and ask them to support the Green New Deal.  To e-mail Senator Murray, visit https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contactme To email Senator Cantwell, visit https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/contact/email/form If you have any questions, contact Rich V at rvoget@w-link.net It’s time for the annual Seattle Labor Chorus Singalong—Saturday evening March 16, 7:00-9:30 p.m. It’s an evening to warble topical songs and pop and folk classics, led by audience members or Labor Choristers.  The singing is assisted by our house band, with lyrics projected onto the wall so that everyone can follow the words.  Or, you can just sit back and listen.  The Chorus itself performs a song or two. Don't want to sing? Then come for the silent auction, which features a wide range of goods, experiences, and services.  Click here to see a list of all the exciting items available to bid on.For bidding in the silent auction, bring your checkbook or cash. The snacks, desserts, and non-alcoholic drinks are included in the admission price.  It’s a family-friendly atmosphere, so bring the kids. The event will take place at the same location as last year - the Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church, 7500 Greenwood Avenue N. (corner of Greenwood and N. 75th Street), Seattle 98103. Doors open at 7:00pm and street parking is available (though not in the handicapped parking near the church’s back door), or else travel by the #5 bus. And you can also buy tickets for the Chorus’ annual quilt raffle, or buy the Chorus CD’s.  Admission is by a suggested donation of $15 per adult or $5 for children, but no one will be turned away.  Tickets are available from SLC members or at the door. The Singalong is the Chorus’ biggest fundraiser of the year.  It is one of the means that allows the Chorus to sing for free in support of working people at strikes, rallies, protests, and union halls; at annual meetings, at benefits for good causes, for book signings, at memorials; and at the Northwest Folklife Festival.  Further information about the Chorus is on the SLC website— www.seattlelaborchorus.org.    Or contact Janet Stecher at (206) 524-7753 or at rebelvoz@aol.com. And don't forget to SAVE THE DATE: Roy Zimmerman is coming April 7th! Roy Zimmerman will bring his political satire in music to Seattle on Sunday evening April 7, 7:30pm, at Keystone UCC, 5019 Keystone Place (Wallingford), Seattle. Admission will be $20, or pay what you can.  If you don’t already know Roy, he has written topical songs in collaboration with his wife, Melanie Harby; mischievously performs them accompanying himself on a mean guitar; and is funny as hell.  The Los Angeles Times said it all:  “Zimmerman displays a lacerating wit and keen awareness of society’s foibles that bring to mind a latter-day Tom Lehrer.” Contact rebelvoz@aol.com for more info.     Hunter Paulson-Smith - 3/5 Gus Wall - 3/9 Eliza Penick -3/10 Rev. Mike Denton - 3/18 Ruth Little - 3/21 Connie Voget - 3/25 Margaret Graham - 3/28   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! Reaching Keystone UCC Pastoral Staff & JLP Interns: Reach us at your Keystone church office: (206) 632-6021.  This phone is also checked remotely since all staff and interns serve part-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 available Monday-Friday mornings (and during evening classes) and Sundays (Sabbath = Saturdays). Email to make a meeting time: lauren.cannon@keystoneseattle.org Pastor Yuki is at church two Sundays a month and is available to meet by appointment. Email her at yuki.schwartz@gmail.com. Click here for: Justice Leadership Program- UCC LIKE Keystone UCC on Facebook Click here to read our Keystone blog at "Latest News" on our website Click here to scope out our new Keystone UCC website

Take 5 for patient safety, or those serving more than 15 years, or for eviction reform....

Take 5 for Advocacy!   Greeting Keystone family, As Barb & Stan shared with us on Sunday Feb. 19, here a few very important advocacy items that need to be acted on THIS WEEK! FIRST: find you legislative district! Go to https://app.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/, OR, you can call the toll free number 1-800-562-6000 and leave a message for ALL of your elected officials (including the Governor). This line is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday - Friday during the legislative session through April, 2019 this year. NEXT: Please read the attached and respond to your legislators and, in some cases, members of the committees.   1) Tell your legislators to REJECT House Bill 1352, which proposes amendments to RCW 18.64.270. Sample comment you can use:  "I question the danger sterile compounding presents to patients. Why would you want to pass any rules that diminish patient safety when required as a national standard of practice, especially when NO evidence has been submitted to substantiate that position? I recommend that the PROPOSED amendment to RCW 18.64.270 should be REJECTED in its entirety." You can use the wording above, or change it up some after you read this HB 1352 draft that Stan wrote. Please also call or email MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE who are: Annette Cleveland, Chair; Emily Randall, Vice Chair; Steve O'Ban, Barbara Bailey, Randi Becker, Steve Conway, Manka Dhingra, David Frockt, Karen Keiser, Ann Rivers and Kevin Van De Wege. 2) Tell your legislators to SUPPORT Senate Bill 5600, which reforms the eviction process and allows tenants more days to pay late rent. Sample comment you can use: "Please vote YES on SB5600, which give tenants the time they need to catch up on late rental payment, and will keep them from being evicted and having to start all over again to find and obtain housing. This bill will reduce homelessness, while reducing court costs and attorney’s fees. Limiting termination notices will also protect tenants from housing discrimination and displacement. SB5600 will prevent homelessness, protect renters and keep people in their homes! PLEASE PUSH THIS BILL OUT OF COMMITTEE AND READ THIS INTO RECORD ON THE SENATE FLOOR. Thank you." 3) Tell your legislators to SUPPORT Senate Bill 5819, establishing a post-conviction review board and review process for early release of qualifying offenders. Read the FAN Issue Fact Sheet HERE Sample comment you can use: "As a Person of Faith, member of Keystone UCC and of Faith Action Network, I urge you to support the Post-Conviction Review Board Bill (SB5819). This bill would create a post-conviction review process for people who have served more than 15 years in prison.  I believe that no person is beyond redemption and that a prospect of release will bring hope to our prisons and our communities. Please make this important criminal justice bill a high priority!!  I urge your support when it comes to you for a vote!  Thank you for your public service." ** If your senator is Jamie Pedersen or Manka Dhingra, please add: "Please make sure there are no exclusions made and everyone can participate regardless of crime! Please MOVE THIS BILL OUT OF COMMITTEE AND READ THIS INTO RECORD ON THE SENATE FLOOR.  Thank you." THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ UP AND MAKE THESE VITAL CALLS AND/OR EMAILS!!  Remember, these action items are in committee THIS WEEK, so please contact your legislators by Wednesday or Thursday.  Anything that does not move out of committee will be DEAD after this Friday. Again, the toll-free number is 1-800-562-6000. Call any time! You can leave a message for your legislators at this number. You can also send a comment online at www.leg.wa.gov to your legislators, governor and also the committee members. Thank you again for your time and advocating for the most vulnerable! FEELING FIRED UP? Here are a couple more ways you can help. Ask your legislators to support these budget asks: Increase the Aged, Blind and Disabled (ABD) Monthly Cash Grant by adding $61M to the current budget: Sample comment you can use: "We need $61M to increase the ABD monthly cash grant. Presently, the program provides a modest cash assistance of $197.00/month to low income adults with permanent mental health illnesses or physical disabilities. This ABD cash grant remains at an all-time low. Please work to raise the ABD cash grant to more closely reflect Washington’s rising cost of living." Funding Housing for All: Sample comment you can use: "We want funding for more affordable housing - $600M total to build 17,000 more affordable homes in Washington State. $200M of the $600M would support the Housing Trust Fund."   Click here to scope out our new Keystone UCC website LIKE Keystone UCC on Facebook

Take 5 Action here: Green New Deal...

More ways this week to be agents of change #1) TELL OUR SENATORS TO SUPPORT THE GREEN NEW DEAL   At least 10 years ago, climate scientists calculated how much fossil fuels can be burned before catastrophic climate change occurs. Every year, that the annual target of emissions reduction weren’t met, meant more reductions were needed in the remaining years. After years of not meeting the reduction targets, large scale reductions are needed NOW.  Only the Green New Deal proposes reduction that are large enough. Having Senators Murray and Cantwell cosign the Green New Deal is saying that large scale solutions are needed and that they will follow the advice of science and not poly science, since they can’t negotiate with the laws of physics to change the safe amount of fossil fuels that can be burned. Please call or email our senators and urge them to support the Green New Deal: To e-mail Senator Murray, visit https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contactme To email Senator Cantwell, visit https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/contact/email/form If you have any questions, contact Rich V at rvoget@w-link.net #2) MARCH 7 @ KEYSTONE – 2ND CHANCES: CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM All are welcome THIS THURSDAY at Keystone UCC for a Communities Rising event. When this system doesn't work well, folks are deprived of the second chances they deserve. Hear from an outstanding panel as they discuss our ineffective criminal justice system. Topics to be discussed include diverting youth convicted as adults back into the juvenile justice system, improving reentry safety nets for those who have served their time and the merits of releasing some elderly incarcerated. The panel will include: • Mary Lou Dickerson - former Washington State legislator (36th LD) & leader in juvenile justice reform. • Brandon O'Brien - formerly incarcerated advocate for ex-offender reintegration services. • Amber Dickson – a statewide organizer for Faith Action Network, with a focus on criminal justice reform. Date: Thursday, 7 March Time: 7 to 9 PM (doors open at 6:30) Location: Keystone UCC, 5019 Keystone Pl N., in the Wallingford Neighborhood Please join us for an educational and inspiring evening! #3) ANOTHER GREAT TAKE 5 FOR ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITY Last Sunday after worship, Danielle Walker, our JLP intern, shared the need for calls and/or emails to our state legislators regarding two bills: ** House Bill 1453/Senate Bill 5600 - Concerning residential tenant protections Great news, this eviction reform bill is now in the Rules Committee for a second reading! Please call or send a note to the committee: Cyrus Habib, Karen Keiser (D), Mark Schoesler (R), Randi Becker (D), Andy Billig (D), Rueven Carlyle (D), Annette Cleveland (D), Bob Hasegawa (D), Curtis King (R), Patty Kuderer (D), Marko Lilas (D), John McCoy (D), Joe Nguyen (D), Jamie Pederson (D), Ann Rivers (R), Tim Sheldon (D) and Shelly Short (R). Wednesday, March 13 is the next deadline for all bills that are left to move on. ** House Bill 1815/Senate Bill 5497 – Establishing a statewide policy supporting Washington state's economy and immigrants' role in the workplace. This bill was sent to the Rules 2 committee on Friday, March 1. Please call or send a note to your state legislator. Here's an example of what you could say: "As a person of faith, I urge you to move this Keep Washington Working bill out of committee. This bill protects the privacy and civil rights of Washington residents by prohibiting local law enforcement from questioning about immigration status, notifying ICE that a non-citizen is in custody, and from detaining someone for civil immigration enforcement. The well-being of families throughout our state depends on this important measure. Thank you for your public service." To reach your legislator, the toll-free number is 1-800-562-6000. Call any time! You can leave a message for your legislators at this number. You can also send a comment online at www.leg.wa.gov to your legislators, governor and also the committee members. Thank you again for your time and advocating for the most vulnerable! LIKE Keystone UCC on Facebook

Take 5 to Advocate for Housing Solutions. Yuki approved for Ordination. Concert. Green New Deal.

Take 5 for Advocacy! ANNOUNCEMENTS –shared in worship 2-24-2019 First and foremost, Yuki is sharing the following great news with us!   Yuki: I am thrilled to let you all know that I was unanimously approved for ordination in the United Church of Christ at my Ecclesiastical Council on Feb. 19. I had a wonderful conversation with folks from churches in the Chicago Metropolitan Association (CMA) about matters of self-care, theology, the future of the church, and how to respond to issues of injustice from a perspective of deep faith. I will be in conversation with both the CMA and Keystone about planning an ordination for some time later this year, and I will keep you posted on that process! And THANK YOU again for your prayers and words of support and solidarity with me as I entered this council. I was able to bring the best of what you have given me to the table that night, and look forward to continuing the work with you to incarnate the very real presence of God’s love and justice in the  walls of the church and out in our world.  Best, B. Yuki Schwartz (she/her, they/them pronouns), associate pastor for justice formation,  Keystone Congregational UCC, Seattle Send Yuki congrats at:  yuki.schwartz@justiceleadership.org —— Rich V. gave a compelling case that we need to contact our US Senators and Representatives to show big support for Green New Deal.  We are on the Titanic- but we can actually see there is an iceberg ahead.  Please take faithful action according to your conscience.  Many say that progressive support should not be assumed, but expressing our concerns is most helpful right now.  ----- On February 18th, President’s Day Lisa and Guppy went to Volunteer Park to stand with 200 others at the Seattle Protect Democracy Rally at 5:30. (not for partisan but principle!)  There was protesting Trump’s “national emergency” in response to lack of funding for his border wall.  They were advocating for the preservation of Democracy and equal protection of citizens and asylum seekers in the US.  Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal was there and Congressman Adam Smith.  Thank you Lisa and Guppy for your faithful witness! This past Friday and Saturday Rev. Dr. Jim Antal, who wrote the book: Climate Church, Climate World spoke at the University UCC on climate change.   Barb attended Friday night 7-8:30 and became so inspired that she is now speaking with Rich V., Connie V. and Jim L. about things this church can do to support the changes that need to be made.  Connie came in from attending the service on Sunday morning at University UCC at 10:00 a.m. and as promised to Lauren, gave us a wonderful report back in announcements and at coffee hour, and we are all conferring about the book and next steps.  Check out the book if you like! — Pastor Darrell Goodwin’s farewell service was at 1:30 at Liberation UCC – 831 32nd Ave. Sunday, attended by Pastor Lauren, Leo, Rev. Mike Denton (PNC UCC). Pastor Darrell has been called to be the Assoc. Conference Minister for the Tri-Conference Ministries of the United Church of Christ and will be transitioning to Omaha, Nebraska at the beginning of March.  We send him with all our thanks!  Check it out here:  https://www.facebook.com/events/2022172834519134/ Tuesday, February 26, We joined workers and faithful at the Port of Seattle Commission meeting to demand equality for airline catering workers at 12:00 PM at SeaTac Airport.  See Unite Here! -- The Seattle Labor Chorus will having a Sing Along on March 16th at Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church 7500 Greenwood Ave. N. at 7:00.  There will be a silent auction and homemade snacks.  It’s a lot of fun! -- Take 5 Advocacy after Worship – We met for a few minutes after worship Sunday Feb. 24 to take action on a few advocacy items. Barb led a wonderful charge for us- as we all filled out postcards from SKCCH to our legislators to Go BIG for housing solutions this session.  We asked them to fix our UPSIDE DOWN tax system.  To raise new revenue; to preserve core benefits for poor and disabled WA taxpayers.  And budget for the homes to end homelessness.  Please see here for our 4 demands: https://homelessinfo.salsalabs.org/600million4homes/index.html www.homelessinfo.org    On February 28th there will be many people going to Olympia for Housing and Homelessness Advocacy Day.  The Coalition will be taking a bus down so if you are interested on riding the bus, please let Barb know. Also there is a bus going from another church here in the U District area and they have room for 1 or two more.  Please let Barb know if you are interested:  gepreston@msn.com  -- Tuesday April 9th – 11th there will be the Northwest Pilgrimage conference here at Keystone on Migrant Justice: Realities and Resistance.  9-5 each day.  Please contact pastor Rich if you are interested in attending:  keystone5019@gmail.com (and make sure you save Rich’s new email to your address book.) — From Pastor Lauren:  Hi, Jo Winston is gathering a group to go Friday March 1 to David Haas concert.  Contact Jo at:  jowinston@gmail.com and check it out here: https://www.stpatrickseattle.org/93 Here is invite from Rev. Rich & Kate Speltz: Greetings Keystonites David Haas, has written some of the songs we sing out of the Gather Hymnal. He will be here in town at a concert at St Patrick's Church Friday March 1. Their choir will be singing with him and I think there may be some liturgical dance (done well) there also.  Peace, Rich Gamble https://www.stpatrickseattle.org/93 NOTE - St. Pats choir will be singing some with him, and I believe Betsy Beckman will also dance. David Haas Concert David Haas Concert “I Will Bring You Home: An Evening of Songs of Prayer & Stories of Faith” David Haas is back by popular deman... —— Also Friday March 1, 2019:  The True Cost Meaningful Movies in Wallingford Friday | 3/1/2019 | 7:00 PM Keystone Congregational Church 5019 Keystone Pl. N, Seattle, WA This is a story about clothing. It’s about the clothes we wear, the people who make them, and the impact the industry is having on our world. The price we pay for clothing has been decreasing for decades, while the human and environmental costs have grown dramatically. “The True Cost” is a documentary film that uncloaks the story and asks … Read more.  —- 3/3/019 Reader- Danielle Usher- Rita Communion- Lauren & Yuki Rich preaching Coffee- Margaret 3/10/2019 Reader- Julia Usher- Elvina Communion Rita? & Lauren Lauren preaching; Rich off; Yuki away; 1st Sun. of Lent Coffee- Marilyn  ---------------------- THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ UP AND MAKE THESE VITAL CALLS AND/OR EMAILS!!  Remember, these action items are in committee THIS WEEK, so please contact your legislators by Wednesday or Thursday.  Anything that does not move out of committee will be DEAD after this Friday. Again, the toll-free number is 1-800-562-6000. Call any time! You can leave a message for your legislators at this number. You can also send a comment online at www.leg.wa.gov to your legislators, governor and also the committee members. Thank you again for your time and advocating for the most vulnerable! FEELING FIRED UP? Here are a couple more ways you can help. Ask your legislators to support these budget asks: Increase the Aged, Blind and Disabled (ABD) Monthly Cash Grant by adding $61M to the current budget: Sample comment you can use: "We need $61M to increase the ABD monthly cash grant. Presently, the program provides a modest cash assistance of $197.00/month to low income adults with permanent mental health illnesses or physical disabilities. This ABD cash grant remains at an all-time low. Please work to raise the ABD cash grant to more closely reflect Washington’s rising cost of living." Funding Housing for All: Sample comment you can use: "We want funding for more affordable housing - $600M total to build 17,000 more affordable homes in Washington State. $200M of the $600M would support the Housing Trust Fund."   Click here to scope out our new Keystone UCC website LIKE Keystone UCC on Facebook

Take 5 for Advocacy: Reform the Eviction Process

Join us for services Worship Every Sunday – 10:30am All Are Welcome! 5 minute Advocacy action opportunity here:   Keystone member Barb Anderson is serving a year in the Justice Leadership Jubilee Program: http://justiceleadership.org/jubilee.html and her placement is at the Seattle King County Coalition on Homelessness: http://homelessinfo.org If you were not able to be at Keystone coffee hour on Sunday Feb. 3, Barb kicked off our season of Advocacy with a Take 5 Table, with Keystone member Amber Dickson of the Faith Action Network : It could be timely if you can Take 5 from your snowy perch today! Barb Anderson and Amber Dickson offered Keystone folks this break down, in hopes we can make calls- our advocacy may make a timely difference this week: 1.  See: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/state-legislature-trying-to-tackle-homelessness-through-eviction-reform/ Prevent Homelessness, Protect Renters- Keep People in their homes: Reform the eviction process.  Allow tenants more days to pay late rent- HB 1453 Introduced by Representative Nicole Macri (Keystone's District 43) Referred to the committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary on January 22, 2019. Send a note to your legislators asking them to increase the 3 days eviction notice to allow tenants to catch up on late rental payments which allows them to stay in their housing- keeping them from being evicted and having to start all over again to find and obtain housing.  This reduces homelessness, while also reducing court costs and attorney's fees.  Limiting termination notices will protect tenants from housing discrimination and displacement. Please support Rep. Nicole Macri's Reform HB 1453 (in Keystone UCC's 43rd district.) See the map in Narthex at church (in picture below) to study your District. Find your officials & info here:  WA State Legislature:   www.leg.wa.gov Cal Toll Free 1-800-562- 6000 to leave a message for ALL of your elected officials (at once) (including the governor) from 8 AM - 7 PM Monday - Friday during the legislative session for this year, through April 2019. 2.  See: http://fanwa.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Aged-Blind-or-Disabled-Assistance_Statewide-Poverty-Action.pdf Please ask to increase the cash grant in budget- $61 million is needed for Aged-Blin- Disabled assistance. In thanks, solidarity, Pastor Lauren, Barb Anderson, Amber Dickson, Pastor Rich PS- Lauren here- with this primer, today I just wrote my reps in about 2 minutes, and then called to leave them all a message- in about 2 minutes- (plus 1 minute when the good scribe in Olympia and I got chatting about my faith inspired church doing advocacy...)  How did Amber escape the photos?  Thank you photographer!! Click here for: Justice Leadership Program- UCC LIKE Keystone UCC on Facebook Click here to read our Keystone blog at "Latest News" on our website Click here to scope out our new Keystone UCC website