Come celebrate with Keystone as we help install Rev. Dorhauer, national UCC General Minister & President!

Plymouth Hosts Installation of The Reverend John C. Dorhauer 

This weekend begins a celebrative three-part installation of The Reverend John C. Dorhauer as the United Church of Christ’s ninth General Minister and President. Plymouth Church Seattle, UCC is honored to be one of three churches in the nation to host the installation at 3 pm, Sunday, April 17. All are welcome; reception will follow in Hildebrand Hall.

Preceding the final event at Plymouth, two installations take place – April 15 at Riverside Church, New York City and April 16 at Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago. Described by the UCC as a three-city “progressive” worship service with a trio of UCC pastors and leaders presiding at each, Rev. Dorhauer says the combined events convey that ‘we are all in this together.’ Plymouth Senior Minister Brigitta Remole says, “I see John Dorhauer as both a mystic and social activist, leading the UCC to be a unifying place of extravagant welcome.”

Each service welcomes ecumenical and communion churches with interfaith guests. Hear brief vision statements of Rev. Darrell Goodwin from Liberation United Church of Christ, Rev. Rich Gamble, Keystone Congregational Church UCC and Rev. Sue Artt, Moderator, General Synod. Other pastors include Western Region Conference Ministers Rev. Diane L. Weible, California Nevada Northern; Rev. Dr. Felix Villanueva, California Nevada Southern; Rev. Walter John Boris, Central Pacific; Rev. Charles Buck, Hawaii; Rev. Susan E. Artt, Rocky Mountain; Rev. William Lyons, Southwest and more. Rev. Dorhauer and former General Minister and President Rev. Geoffrey Black, lead communion.

Hear commissioned music by Mark A. Miller, Minister of Music at Christ Church (a UCC and American Baptist Church), Summit, N.J. Miller’s words and music capture the essence of Rev. Dorhauer’s vision: From an ancient past love calls to us, calls to us/offering, shaping a future with hope, from the here and now/love calls to us, calls to us, shaping a future with hope. Music also includes combined children’s and adult choirs from area UCC churches and drumming.

Services will stream live on the UCC website, UCC.org.

~from PlymouthChurchSeattle.org

Rev. Rich to preach as we install Rev. John Dorhauer: Sunday April 17 @ Plymouth UCC 3 pm

Join us for services Worship Every Sunday – 10:30am All Are Welcome! Sunday, April 17, 2016 Rev. Lauren Cannon, preaching Rev. Rich Gamble, off Fourth Sunday of Easter Theme: Reason to Hope. Healing in Community. Scripture: Acts 9:36-43 Greeter: OPEN Reader: Elvina Usher: Jo Communion Minister: Barbara Coffee Hour Host: Nell & Barbara Discussion: Rich Voget will share on the basics of climate change so people will feel more confident discussing it with their friends. Sunday School: Anita   THIS WEEK: We approach our Fourth Sunday of Easter, as we continue to absorb many stories from scripture of Jesus somehow living past death, and becoming present to disciples, and surprising them by appearing.  In the Book of Acts (written by the same author as the Gospel of Luke) we have a range of stories on how the disciples then carry the good news farther and farther out to the world. Take a look at our upcoming text for Sunday April 17, Acts 9: 36- 43.  We each bring our own fears and hurts as we approach this story of a community rallying beside a beloved one who is dying.  We look out from our world characterized by death, illness, and loss and yet here is a declaration that new life can be the surprise next order of the day.  Jesus’ followers assure us of the promise that  Jesus himself embodied, that death will not have the last word.  Come on Sunday to connect at Keystone, as we further take in Easter news that communities of the faithful have reason to hope.  How might we together ask Spirit to embolden us to be a community that gives healing?  How might we live this message from the Book of Acts that no boundary ever need cleave us apart from one another? - Pastor Lauren ALSO: Rev. Rich will be downtown today, to preach at the National UCC President's installation at Plymouth UCC, 3pm. Paisley will also be there singing with the Children's Chorus. Everyone is welcome! PRAYERS: For Kaaren- for peace and rest as she returned home April 12 from the hospital, healing from pneumonia. Families:  Sunday Worship:  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 • Sunday School (multi-age) downstairs, during sermon & prayers time: approximately 10:45-11:15am.  (Help younger children to class after the scripture is read; and then pick them up to return for start of communion) NOTE: Children with parent/caregiver are always welcome to move between the Sanctuary & Narthex (welcome area) during any part of worship, to head to classrooms, or enjoy the playground out back!   Upcoming Keystone Events :   Sunday, April 17                  – Installation of Rev. John Dorhauer                                                as UCC President & General Minister                                                (Rev. Rich Gamble preaching; Paisley singing)                                                @ Plymouth UCC, 1217 Sixth Ave., Seattle                                                 3:00pm Friday, April 29                    – Pacific Northwest UCC Annual Meeting through Sunday, May 1        w/JLP Interns + Rich Voget presenting                                                 @ Wenatchee Convention Center                                                 Click HERE for registration information   ** See below for details on these, and other events related to life in our community ** THIS SUNDAY ... Keystone UCC helping to install our new national UCC President and General Minister, the Rev. John Dorhauer.  Come worship! Rev Rich Gamble to preach at National UCC President’s installation at Plymouth UCC in Seattle Rev. John Dorhauer, the new General Minister and President of the UCC, will be installed in three worship services in three different parts of the country over the weekend of April 15 to 17.  The last of these services will be in the Pacific Northwest Conference at 3pm, Sunday, April 17, at Plymouth Church in Seattle. The other celebrations are in New York and Chicago. "The whole of the United Church of Christ is engaged in mission together; and the work of the national setting belongs to us all,” said John Dorhauer.  “We are literally going coast to coast with this as a way of giving testimony to that shared mission.” Click HERE for the full article in United Church News about this weekend of activities. MORE UCC NEWS ...   JLP interns, Keystone members & staff to present workshops for regional UCC Annual Meeting April 29- May 1 Making their mark on the Pacific Northwest UCC, all five of our first-year JLP interns will be presenting workshops at the Pacific Northwest Conference Annual Meeting later this month! Also worth noting, two of our former interns, Briana and Jenn, will also be presenting workshops, as will Keystone member Rich Voget. Hannah Long-Higgins (JLP Intern at Unite Here! Local 8 and Plymouth Church UCC) will speak on "Radical Hospitality for Hospitality Workers" (Friday, April 29; 2:00-3:30pm). As an intern in the Justice Leadership Program, Hannah works at Unite Here Local 8, the hospitality workers' union of the Northwest. She will share some of these photos, statistics, and stories arising out of this project to hopefully serve as a wake up call to the faith community that radical hospitality means ensuring that these hotel workers are able to stay in our Pacific Northwest cities. Ann Marie Do (JLP Intern at Church Council of Greater Seattle and Plymouth Church UCC) and Alyssa Nedrow (JLP Intern at Faith Action Network and Keystone Church UCC) will present "Rooted in Justice: the Justice Leadership Program" (Saturday, April 30; 3:00 - 3:55pm). Ann Marie and Alyssa will discuss many of the aspects of the JLP program, such as internships in advocacy and community organizing work, and church engagement. Interns will also share their journeys to social justice work and how they look forward to continuing this work in the future. Abi Velasco (JLP Intern at Washington Low Income Housing Alliance and Prospect UCC, Seattle) and Julia Urban (JLP Intern at Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness and All Pilgrims Christian Church, Seattle) will present "Beyond Direct Service: Advocacy Stories and Strategies from JLP Interns" (Saturday, April 30; 3:00-3:55pm). Through the Justice Leadership Program, interns engage with congregations and communities in advocacy work, particularly at the state level. This workshop is an opportunity to learn about the legislative work around housing and homelessness, as well as other issues important to communities of faith. Come get inspired to make a difference for those without homes! Click HERE to download more information on these workshops. For more information on the meeting, contact Arlene Hobson, Executive Administrator Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Church of Christ (and Keystone member!) at 206-725-8383   Invitation from Ann Marie Do, JLP Intern with The Church Council of Greater Seattle ...   ** NOW RECRUITING INTERNS FOR 2016/17 ** Greetings, We need your help to spread the word -- Applications for the Justice Leadership Program are still being accepted on a rolling basis. Please consider the program yourself or think about young adults (ages 21-35) you know who may be interested in a transformational year of justice work in Seattle. We are excited to announce that the Justice Leadership Program has received a grant from the National UCC Office of Stewardship and Philanthropy in partnership with Environmental Ministries of the UCC to fund two environmental justice positions for the upcoming year: Earth Ministries and 350.org. Positions for work in housing/homelessness, worker's rights, legislative/policy work, economic justice, and other areas are still open as well. For more information, contact myself or Elizabeth Dickinson (jlp.elizabeth@gmail.com) or visit our website.   In faith, Jenn Hagedorn Outreach Coordinator, Justice Leadership Program jenniferlin44@gmail.com   For more information, visit us at: http://justiceleadership.org/index.html and https://www.facebook.com/JusticeLeadershipProgram Justice Leadership Jubilee is a program for adults who want to integrate faith and justice work into their lives in a meaningful way. Are you looking for the path to re-ignite your faith? Do you long to deepen your spiritual self through social justice work? Do you wonder…how do we create sustainable systemic change? We are looking for adults who are in a transition point in their lives who are seeking an experience of transformation -- maybe you're retiring, maybe children have recently moved out of the house, maybe you're experiencing a lot of change in your work/life balance. That is the time to make intentional choices for your future, and the future of generations to come! This will be the inaugural year of the program and we are seeking people who are interested in being a part of the formative year of Justice Leadership Jubilee. Please prayerfully consider the program and contact us with any questions or comments! For more information, please read these flyers: Initial Proposal: Justice Leadership Jubilee Justice Leadership Jubilee Flyer Contact Jenn Hagedorn at justiceleadershipjubilee@gmail.com or 206.265.2834 for more information. Rita Peterson - 4/5 Jonathan Sabo - 4/9 Julia Blackburn - 4/11 Sheri Amundson - 4/14 Nick Lott-Havey - 4/18 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. Mondays:  the church office is closed.  Mondays are the day that Rich and Lauren take Sabbath. So while there are several groups that meet throughout the day and evening at Keystone, it may take a day for someone to get back to you, if you call on a Monday. Pastor Rich is available Tuesday to Thursday mornings and Friday evenings, and holds additional office times on Saturdays and Sundays.  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 works on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and holds office hours each Thursday at Keystone.  Email her at lauren.cannon@keystoneseattle.org Click here for: Justice Leadership Program- UCC LIKE Keystone UCC on Facebook

Congregational Conversation this Sunday April 3- What We Value Most as Keystone UCC

Join us for services Worship Every Sunday – 10:30am All Are Welcome! Sunday, April 3, 2016 Rev. Rich Gamble, preaching Rev. Lauren Cannon Theme: Authority Scripture: Acts 5:27-32 Greeter: OPEN Reader: Nell Usher: Amber Coffee Hour Host: Nick & Hannah Sunday School: Anita & Paisley leading lesson on Nature   THIS SUNDAY:  After worship, during coffee hour, is our next congregational conversation to discuss what we most value as Keystone UCC.  Childcare is arranged. University Baptist Church (Seattle) has invited our church into conversation about possibly merging. We are in a series of discussions to identify what is important to us. We are less focused on merger.  But we may want to soon empower our team to go have more conversation with UBC.  It would be a process with plenty of chances to weigh in down the road. This Sunday we continue our congregational conversations from February 28 and March 13, and look forward to hearing from more Keystone folks who were not able to be at previous discussions. ~Lauren & Rich IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Click HERE to read Pastor Rich Gamble's letter to the congregation, regarding our decision to enter talks about a possible merger with University Baptist Church. PRAYERS: For St Paul's UCC in Ballard, recovering from fire in their building. For Sandie - passing of her sister early this week.  Sandie is also recovering from a fall that bruised her back. Families:  Sunday Worship:  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 • Sunday School (multi-age) downstairs, during sermon & prayers time: approximately 10:45-11:15am.  (Help younger children to class after the scripture is read; and then pick them up to return for start of communion) NOTE: Children with parent/caregiver are always welcome to move between the Sanctuary & Narthex (welcome area) during any part of worship, to head to classrooms, or enjoy the playground out back!   Upcoming Keystone Events :   Sunday, April 3                  – Congregational Conversation                                                @ Keystone UCC                                                 After Service; during Coffee Hour Sunday, April 17                  – Installation of Rev. John Dorhauer                                                as UCC President & General Minister                                                (Rev. Rich Gamble preaching)                                                @ Plymouth UCC, 1217 Sixth Ave., Seattle                                                 3:00pm   ** See below for details on these, and other events related to life in our community ** Keystone UCC helping to install our new national UCC President and General Minister, the Rev. John Dorhauer.  Come worship! Rev Rich Gamble to preach at National UCC President’s installation at Plymouth UCC in Seattle Rev. John Dorhauer, the new General Minister and President of the UCC, will be installed in three worship services in three different parts of the country over the weekend of April 15 to 17.  The last of these services will be in the Pacific Northwest Conference at 3pm, Sunday, April 17, at Plymouth Church in Seattle. The other celebrations are in New York and Chicago. "The whole of the United Church of Christ is engaged in mission together; and the work of the national setting belongs to us all,” said John Dorhauer.  “We are literally going coast to coast with this as a way of giving testimony to that shared mission.” Click HERE for the full article in United Church News about this weekend of activities. 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. Mondays:  the church office is closed.  Mondays are the day that Rich and Lauren take Sabbath. So while there are several groups that meet throughout the day and evening at Keystone, it may take a day for someone to get back to you, if you call on a Monday. Pastor Rich is available Tuesday to Thursday mornings and Friday evenings, and holds additional office times on Saturdays and Sundays.  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 works on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and holds office hours each Thursday at Keystone.  Email her at lauren.cannon@keystoneseattle.org Click here for: Justice Leadership Program- UCC LIKE Keystone UCC on Facebook

Come join these Holy Week events @ Keystone UCC

** HOLY WEEK EVENTS**   Thursday, March 24           – Maundy Thursday - Agape Supper                                                @ Keystone UCC; Battson Hall                                                7:00pm Friday, March 25                  – Two Opportunities for Good Friday Evening Worship                                                                                            Good Friday - Service of Tenebrea                                                @ Keystone UCC; Learning Center                                                 7:00pm                                                                    OR                                                                                              Good Friday Ecumenical “7 Last Words” Service                                                 with Liberation UCC, Rev Lauren preaching                                                @ Madrona Grace Presbyterian, 832 32nd Ave, Seattle                                                 7:00pm                                               Sunday, March 27                – Easter worship!  Christ is risen!                                                @ Keystone UCC                                                10:30am   ******************** Holy Week Events:   Holy Table Turning Monday Thank you for Keystone's witness on March 21 at Howard S. Wright   European Dissent sponsored a faithful action with a Christian focus to express our opposition to King County’s new youth jail. Photos on Keystone Facebook page and here For the second year, Keystone UCC participated as an embodied call for justice, enacting a Holy Monday Table Turning.   Organized by JLP alum Jenn, and European Dissent, pastor Lauren, Rich V., Alyssa, JLP interns, and people from faith congregations across the city, brought letters to talk with folks at the offices of Howard S. Wright.  A great number of UCC churches represented.  We asked this contractor, slated to build a new youth jail in Seattle, to utilize the creativity in the community instead.   Lauren was quoted, "As Christians we are called to begin Holy Week by embodying God’s love, and listening to those most marginalized by Seattle’s criminal justice systems.  For my congregation, Table Turning Monday is following Jesus to take action today to confront greed and injustice.  We stand with youth and families who say no to a new jail, and instead build a positive alternative with restorative justice, full of hope.  No better way to truly embody love and enter Holy Week in prayerful action." Drawing focus to our foundational story where Jesus begins what will be his last week, entering the temple in Jerusalem and turning over the tables, to disrupt the business that was complicit with empire, we witnessed for a life-giving alternative, as the letters we brought appealed for a stop to the building of the jail, and instead, an investment in restorative justice efforts, led by the families most affected. Photo was our Communal Prayer of Confession   Agape Supper Date: Thursday, March 24 Time: 7 pm Location: Keystone UCC, 5019 Keystone Place North, Seattle, 98103 Come into community during Holy Week to share an evening of ritual, song, & supper.  We remember the last days Jesus had with disciples, as we enact hand washing & share our meal.  Pause for prayer and contemplation at two reflection stations.  ’Maundy' means commandment, as demonstrated in the great commitment to love as God loves.  Jesus' example to serve and love one another is our focus.  As we listen to the scriptures tell of Jesus last night with followers, we consider our suffering, and the path to liberation and freedom.   Email Barb: banderson@evergreencomp.com if you have further questions on what you can bring Each Maundy Thursday at Keystone unfolds the story of God’s abundance and grace as people offer what they can, as it all adds up to a beautiful evening feast! Pacific northwest salmon is our centerpiece, as we recall the symbol of fish, the Greek ichthus, that marked those who followed in the way of Jesus. Desert and generous time for conversation, and singing a plenty.  Communion in the round.  Come to deepen relationships and build new ones.  Come as you are! contact:  lauren.cannon@keystoneseattle.org   This year we are lucky to have two opportunities to worship on Good Friday March 25th:   #1: Keystone UCC Good Friday Service w/ Rev. Rich Gamble   Date: Friday, March 25 Time: 7 pm Location: Keystone UCC, Learning Center (upstairs), 5019 Keystone Place N  98103 The Service of Tenebrae (meaning "shadows") originated as an ancient Christian ritual from the 8th century.  This service allows us to remember the last hours of Jesus' life.  Take time to observe Good Friday with our Keystone community, for this sparse, powerful, twilight service of readings, song, and candle extinguishing. Questions: Contact Rev. Rich Gable at rich.gamble@keystoneseattle.org   #2:  “7 Last Words” Good Friday Service Preached by 7 women w/ Rev. Lauren Cannon Date: Friday, March 25 Time: 7 pm Location: Madrona Grace Presbyterian, 832 32nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98122. Questions: Contact Rev. Lauren at lauren.cannon@keystoneseattle.org This year Keystone UCC offers an additional option for Good Friday.  We partner with Liberation UCC for an ecumenical worship with several Seattle churches.  Liberation UCC leads us to acknowledge the crucifixion of Christ as seven women (Rev. Lauren is one) preach Jesus’ last words.   All are invited - come hear each last word of Christ, as we consider what it means for us and the church community as a whole.  Mother Eleta Wright will serve as the MC, and offer the blessings. (1) Rev. Kelle Brown (Plymouth UCC) Matthew 27:46 “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” ~ “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (2) Rev. Lauren Cannon (Keystone UCC) “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). (3) Rev. Cheri Starchman (SpiritVision) “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43). (4) Rev. Joy Haertig (Magnolia UCC) “Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46). (5) Rev. Dr. Diane Schmitz (University UCC/ Seattle U.) “Dear Woman, here is your son!” and “Here is your mother!” (John 19:26-27). (6) Rev. Dr. Renee McCoy (Eastgate UCC) “I am thirsty” (John 19:28). from Psalm 69:21: “They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.” (7) Rev. Amy Roon (University Congregational UCC) “It is finished!”  (John 19:30). 7: 00 pm- Liberation UCC worships @ Madrona Grace Presbyterian, 832 32nd Ave, Seattle Darrell Goodwin-Moultry : These women of God will bring the Fire!    Easter Sunday service at Keystone UCC, 10:30am All are welcome- you are invited! Click here for: Justice Leadership Program- UCC LIKE Keystone UCC on Facebook