In this issue:

A Note from the Pastors

A Note from the Treasurer

Bits & Pieces

PhinneyWood ArtWalk

Book Review

Healthy Through Heat and Smoke

F.O.R. Event: Cuban Missile Crisis

Presbytery Connections

Committee Connections

A Note from the Pastors

A few Sundays ago, we reflected in worship on God’s call to Abraham and to us as a church. Just as Abram and Sarai were called to leave their home, the land of their ancestors, and journey by stages to a new land that God would show to them, we too are called to journey by stages into a new way of being church. Answering important, big-picture questions about our building’s future requires reconnecting with who we are as individuals, as a church, and also…with our neighbors. 

To do this work, we’ve been busy this summer (and now fall!) learning the practice of relational meetings. Just as Abram and Sarai journeyed by stages, we too are going step by step learning this new spiritual discipline of attending to our stories and the stories of our neighbors. And, while I hope it’s easy enough to ask for a relational meeting with another member of WPPC at this point (since the pastors have been talking about it for some time), some of you have asked some important questions about how to reach out to our neighbors and which neighbors to reach out to in the first place!

When asking for a one to one, it’s important to be clear about why you want to talk and what kind of conversation you’re wanting to have. There are a few different reasons for our expanding our practice of relational meetings to include our neighbors. The first is that, as Presbyterians, we listen for the Spirit in and from the community. When we are in touch with our own values, stories, and reasons for being and those of our neighbors, we can imagine ways of being church here in North Seattle that arise from who and where we are. We are reaching out to our neighbors, not to evangelize to them, but to learn the stories of our community and discover where the particular ways we are called to community-making and service might connect with those around us. 

That last sentence is important. Some of you have already raised the concern that you might come off as seeking to proselytize, especially when introducing the reason for the conversation as having to do with your church, and that this might cause the person with whom you want to meet to avoid the conversation. If you’re worried that this might be the case, you can address it from the outset. While you don’t need to get into the specifics of what a relational meeting is or the 70:30 rule when asking for a 1:1, you can tell them that you and your church are trying out some new community organizing strategies and working to be better connected with our neighbors in the community. You’re curious about their experience working in affordable housing, or about what they notice being a librarian in north Seattle, or about what drives them in their work or volunteer cause. What drives them? What’s their self-interest? 

Don’t worry if you come off as a bit brusque or even transactional – this might even help if you’re worried about seeming like a proselytizer. It’s great if we make friends (and we will!), but our goal here is to understand the community around us and the interests and motivations (and the stories behind them) of the different people and organizations in it. Not every 1:1 will lead to an immediate follow-up or a relationship forming and, indeed, most won’t. But if you found something that piques your interest, whether in the moment or later, follow that thread. It might be a second conversation or a conversation with another person. A great question to ask at the end of a meeting is: “I’m really interested in learning more about X, is there someone you would recommend I talk to?”

When thinking about who to ask for a conversation, ask yourself: What am I curious about? Who do I think might have some knowledge or experience that could illuminate something about our community or something about how we connect to and serve it. You may think “Well that could be anyone!” And indeed, there are a lot of different ways to approach this question. 

You could start with geographic proximity. Is there someone who lives or works near the church that you find interesting, that catches your attention or curiosity? Are there institutions, organizations, businesses, or individuals nearby who seem especially important or connected to the community in ways you want to better understand? What do you notice when you move through the neighborhood? 

Or you could ask — what am I already interested in? Maybe it’s not right around the corner from the church, but is there a cause, group, or question pertaining to the wider community that you want to explore, become more knowledgeable about, or otherwise connect with? You could be wanting to talk to an expert on that subject or maybe someone who experiences it, who is close to the thing itself. Maybe your cause or question is something arising from your 1:1s with other WPPC members, a repeating theme in your conversations, coming from others or from within yourself. This is a great way to connect our internal 1:1s with our external 1:1s.

A few closing hypothetical examples:

Marsha noticed that the theme of belonging and welcoming the stranger kept emerging in her 1:1s. She remembered she has a friend who works at the Seattle Public Library in a program for English Language learners and asked him for coffee.

Terry fondly remembers growing up in North Seattle. After noticing himself telling stories about his childhood at coffee hour, someone (outside of a 1:1!) asks him what resonates deepest in his story. He doesn’t have an answer in the moment, but after some reflection, he decides to ask his neighbor who works as an administrator at a nearby elementary school about the experience of kids and families in the area today. 

Jackie is passionate about food justice. P-A-S-S-I-O-N-A-T-E! When picking up groceries from Food Lifeline, she makes small talk with a volunteer from a different organization who is also picking up food. They agree to have lunch together next week and talk about food insecurity and compare notes about how their different groups operate.

Best of luck in your Relational Meeting efforts, and—as always—reach out to us if you have questions or need help thinking about how to proceed.

Peace,

Joe and Staci

A Note from the Treasurer

Submitted by Pat Moberg

Happy autumn!  This is Pat, your friendly treasurer, with two requests:

1. Our 2022 pledge payments have fallen to the point where, if the trend continues, we will end up more than $14,000 under the total we pledged for this year. That would cause the deficit we had projected for this year to almost double, to $29,000. You will soon receive your third quarter pledge statements in the mail, so please check yours and make sure you are on pace to meet your pledge for this year. And if you didn’t make a pledge, whatever you can manage to donate will be greatly appreciated.

   We appreciate all our donors, pledgers and non-pledgers alike!

    

2. Every year, Seattle Presbytery charges us (and all the other churches in the Presbytery) a “per capita” fee for each member. This helps them fund their programs. This year it was $40 per member. We would like members to donate their $40 per capita fee to us, to help reimburse this cost to our church (although this is not a requirement). When we used to get our boxes of envelopes, there was always an envelope for the per capita fee, which helped remind us. This year, however, most of us did not request an envelope box, so we did not get our reminders. So I am taking the place of the envelope and reminding you that we would greatly appreciate your donation of a per capita fee for yourself.

   Thank you very much!

Bits & Pieces

PhinneyWood Art Walk:

Hearts were opened and attendees were engaged at the

WPPC Subversive Saints Installation

Submitted by Polly Peterson

During the last weekend in September, approximately 300 neighbors from Phinney Ridge passed through the doors of Woodland Park Presbyterian Church to view five different art displays reflecting our community’s diverse depictions of contemporary saints and bible stories. 

Attendees walked into the church and were greeted by friendly volunteers, and with Jane’s beautiful lighted Jesus of the In-Between display of Jesus as a lion (Aslan) upsetting the tables of the money changers in the temple.  In this piece, Jesus is joined by rebels including the letter writing porcupines of WPPC using their “quills” to write letters encouraging people to vote.  One young visitor, while waiting for his parents to finish viewing the show, enjoyed “turning the tables upside down again” and emulating the ways of Jesus.

Some guests took a cookie, cheese, and a beverage to enjoy as they viewed our artwork; every one of Judy Andrews’ homemade cookies was eaten. With contributions from several in our community, the Stitching Solidarity quilt was recently completed and hung in the back of the sanctuary (thanks to Todd!) with artist’s statements lovingly displayed by Abby and Elizabeth next to the pieces.  Visitors were informed of our inspiration by the AIDS Memorial Quilt, which we previously hosted, and they studied the piece looking for the crosses in each square and reading about those that piqued their curiosity.

For the first time, we had the opportunity to share our newest installation, For Such a Time as This: Subversive Saints in a COVID Era with our neighbors.  Local artists were taken by several of the works and intrigued by the different elements and depth included in the pieces.  Some viewers enjoyed reflecting on the heroes of this strange time.  And some were moved to laughter and by the creativity and engagement in our children’s works.  One man pushing a stroller with his baby was overheard suggesting to his wife that she “try this church on for fit”.  Many visitors were moved by the ingenuity and timeliness of the collection.

Dustin also shared his beautiful collection Burning Passion, a pyrography & mixed media series of modern-day icons exploring systemic injustices in our past and present through a theological lens in the gathering space. The guests finished by viewing some of the pieces from the original Subversive Saints series in the upper room, as were previously featured in the Seattle Times in 2019.

One man, who walked through our church with a hearty dose of skepticism, remarked as he left that he “would definitely check out some of our sermons on Facebook” after he was moved by June Howard’s original Subversive Saint and several of the other pieces. As I sat in the comforting space of the sanctuary, listened to the ambient music facilitated by MaryLou and Dave, and chalked my art reflection for the current adult education artistic reflections series, my heart was warmed to see our neighbors study, reflect on, and honor those that inspire us.  A few stopped to light a candle, remember, and care.

Book Review:

Progressive Muslims: On Justice, Gender and Pluralism (Islam in the Twenty-First Century)

by Omid Safi
 

Submitted by Jeri Lee, volunteer librarian

Developed in response to the events of September 11, 2001, these 14 articles from prominent Muslim thinkers offer a provocative reassessment of Islam's relationship with the modern world. Confronting issues such as racism, justice, sexuality and gender, this book reveals the real challenges faced by Muslims of both sexes in contemporary Western society.

A probing, frank, and intellectually refreshing testament to the capacity of Islam for renewal, change, and growth, these articles from Muslim scholars and activists address the challenging and complex issues that confront Muslims today. Avoiding fundamentalist and apologetic approaches, the book concentrates on the key areas of debate in progressive Islamic thought: "Contemporary Islam," "Gender Justice," and "Pluralism."

With further contributions on subjects as diverse and controversial as the alienation of Muslim youth; Islamic law, marriage, and feminism; and the role of democracy in Islam, this volume will prove thought-provoking for all those interested in the challenges of justice and pluralism facing the Muslim world as it confronts the twenty-first century.

Healthy Through Heat and Smoke

Submitted by Todd Peterson

WPPC Endorsement of City Budget Regarding Shelter Condition Upgrades

In August I received an inquiry from 350 Seattle to have WPPC endorse a letter to the City of Seattle called Healthy Through Heat & Smoke. 350 Seattle, a local climate advocacy group, prepared a document that asked Seattle’s Mayor and City Council members to prioritize Green New Deal investments from the 2023-2028 Seattle Parks Levy and upgrade our community centers to be climate resilience hubs. Many of the community centers and shelters in the city do not have adequate air quality or cooling systems in place, and this letter encouraged the council to prioritize corrective action for that as the summers are getting hotter and the annual “smoke season” becomes more of a reality in these parts. Other aspects of the letter include asking the city to move away from fossil fuels to more rooftop solar microgrids and using electric heat pumps.

So, with approval of the Community Engagement committee, I forwarded that to Session and requested a quick vote on that, which had to happen after the regular meeting time. Huge thanks to the Session members for responding to the request. WPPC is one of only three worshiping communities that endorsed the letter.

On September 28th, the city council approved these budget allocations! I was so happy to see that WPPC took the time to act and endorse this. As we grow in our understanding of what it means to be a member of our community, our words matter as much as our physical actions, and you all, through the session, are making that statement in more public ways. 
 

Thank you!

Todd Peterson

F.O.R. Event: Cuban Missile Crisis 

Submitted by Jean from the Fellowship of Reconciliation

Towards the Elimination of Nuclear Weapons:

THE CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS, THE NONPROLIFERATION TREATY AND THE PNW

Sun Oct 16, 6:30-8 pm, Zoom

Seattle Fellowship of Reconciliation presents Joanne Dufour who will speak about the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962, on the 60th anniversary of the time when the United States and the USSR came terrifyingly close to starting a nuclear war.  Joanne will share her experience at the recent UN Review Conference on the Nonproliferation Treaty in New York.  None of the nuclear weapon countries, including the US and Russian Federation (now the possessor of USSR weapons) is complying with our treaty obligations to disarm. Yet there is exciting, good news to share.

As Wikipedia states about the Cuban Missile Crisis, “The confrontation is often considered the closest the Cold War came to escalating into a full-scale nuclear war.”  Let’s hope that the war in Ukraine doesn’t rival this crisis.

When Joanne lived in Seattle she was a member of Seattle FOR. Since then, she has retired from the university classrooms, lived four years in Louisiana where her husband was from – as his care taker until he passed, and became involved with the Unitarian Universalist UN Office by producing a blog on Disarming Our Planet for them. This prompted her continuing interest in Nuclear Weapons,  especially the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and the Nobel Prize Winner, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. She is now an active member of the Olympia Coalition Against Nuclear Weapons since she moved back to Washington living in Panorama in Lacey. She is looking forward to reconnecting with old friends.

All interested people are warmly welcome!

info 206-789-5565 or https://wwfor.org/calendar/

ZOOM INFO

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87371368515?pwd=TlVnWllkVExuOFE2elFEaWdOdUVqUT09

Meeting ID: 873 7136 8515
Passcode: 942201

Presbytery Connections

Submitted by Roger Lee

            Presbyterian pastor and hymn writer the Rev. Carolyn Winfrey-Gilette has written a new hymn, “O God of All Creation,” after Hurricane Fiona brought disaster to the Caribbean.  The new hymn is set to the tune for "The Church's One Foundation."  She noted that the hymn could be used after severe storms like those recently in Puerto Rico, Pakistan, and Alaska.  For more information, see https://www.presbyterianmission.org/story/presbyterian-hymn-writer-the-rev-carolyn-winfrey-gillette-pens-new-lyrics-following-hurricane-fionas-impact/

            Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has Michelle Muñiz, a Disaster Recovery Coordinator, in Puerto Rico.  She will help PDA provide the needed assistance to complement that of the other disaster responders.   For more information, see https://www.presbyterianmission.org/story/on-the-fifth-anniversary-of-hurricane-maria-puerto-rico-faces-record-setting-rainfall-and-devastation-from-hurricane-fiona/

            In response to the water disaster in Jackson, PDA has provided an initial assistance grant to the Presbytery of Mississippi.  PDA also deployed a National Response Team member, and continues to monitor conditions in Jackson.  The role of Governmental neglect echoes that in Flint, Michigan.  For more information, see https://www.presbyterianmission.org/story/jackson-water-crisis-brings-frustration/

https://pda.pcusa.org/situation/story-productions/#flint

            With the lobbying of the Presbytery of the Pacific, as well as that of churches in the Presbytery, legislation for L.A. County affordable housing is awaiting the Governor's signature.  For more information, see https://www.presbyterianmission.org/story/years-of-cooperating-and-cajoling-by-churches-in-the-presbytery-of-the-pacific-helped-pass-legislation-to-bring-more-affordable-housing-to-los-angeles-county/

              The Presbyterian Historical Society recently processed the personal papers of the Rev. Dr. Cecil Corbett, a Native American Presbyterian leader and former president and chancellor of Cook College and Theological School.  While best know for his work with Southwest Native Americans, he also helped Northwest tribes and other North American Indigenous issues.  For more information, see https://www.pcusa.org/news/2022/9/21/the-cecil-corbett-papers/

Committee Connections

Submitted by Polly Peterson, Communications Chair

The following is a summary of the September committee reports. If a committee sounds interesting or if you have questions, please contact the chairperson. Most meetings are open for attendance.  

Welcome Committee 

Cookies and Coffee was held in September and will be continued monthly. Scheduling volunteers for Sunday worship continues but with a new twist: A team of two people who commit for two weeks will work together to do Greeter/Offering/Communion. The Liturgist, Slide Advance Tech (remote) continue to be scheduled separately. Scheduling is now done on a Google drive to share information which is reducing the workload and complexity.  Vanessa is now supporting Welcome Teams in three ways: by setting up communion in advance, purchasing juice/bread as needed and re-sending the reminder email on Fridays

Stewardship

Pat, the treasurer, reported total income for August was $7,245 under budget, mostly from pledges being lower than budgeted.  Also, contributions to the per capita are running behind last year.  

The committee is reviewing a proposal from Best Buy to install three television monitors in the sanctuary and hook them all up to a computer.  The total amount remaining in the account for this work is $4,700 and the quote from Best Buy is around $7,500.  WPPC may qualify for a grant from Presbytery to offset some of this cost and this is under investigation.

Session approved a 5.2% rent increase for ELDC this year (it now will be $5964/month).  ELDC and WPPC will equally split the cost of a $6405 electrical panel that no longer met safety standards.

Usage of the old sanctuary space is down to 7 hours per week by the Taoist Studies group.  WPPC is working with the group to lower rent and offer new ways to use the church space more to keep them as tenants as we have a longstanding good relationship.

For the stewardship fall campaign, the congregation will have the option to pledge electronically.  The committee reviewed the impact of the termination of the capital pledge campaign and the remaining balance of $48,807; they decided to forgo a separate pledge campaign this coming year and review the situation in the end of 2023.  

Saturday October 29th from 9:00 a.m. to around 12:00 noon was selected for the fall garden/bush outdoor cleanup.

Spiritual Formation

A plan to try collecting communion cups at the end of the service was made and Ridwell will be contacted regarding disposal. The committee is checking into furniture that is size/age appropriate and was approved to purchase a table for toys.

The fall adult education series continues, with discussion of the book New Directions for Holy Questions and associated artistic/musical responses.

Membership

Dave and Amy hope to host another guided walk in the fall.  The theme for the September monthly meal was “Back to School Lunch Box Dinner.”  The September movie night was “The First Grader.”

There will be a cross cultural event with our sister church in Valledupar, Colombia on Tuesday, October 11 at 5PM.  We will be learning to make short bread on Zoom (recipe is in the weekly bulletin).

Deacons

A review of the congregational list was made and cards and calls were assigned.

Communications

This committee will be shifting to a one on one or small group meeting style.  Initial focuses will include promotion of the PhinneyWood Art Walk, website updates, and clarification of who will be the point person or team for community outreach. 

Community Engagement

Gordon’s Little Free Pantry: The need for food remains high and the recent hot weather brought with it a particular need for bottled water.  The amount of funding available in the restricted account has significantly decreased which will result in lower levels of food being purchased to supplement the donations.  

The Committee sponsored its second Vote Forward party in partnership with St John Lutheran Church on August 21 at St John’s.  The event had a good level of interest with 360 letters being written (the total amount written is approximately 800) encouraging registered voters to get out and vote.  

Todd Peterson presented a request to the committee that WPPC endorse a campaign called “Health Through Heat and Smoke” which seeks funding through the upcoming parks levy for resilience hubs at Seattle’s 26 community centers.  Session approved this motion.

An informational meeting is planned so the committee can learn more about the “Green Faith Banking Practices” group.

Anti-Racism discussions

The Stewardship committee discussed a new book by Megan Asaka titled “Seattle from the Margins.”  The book focuses on Asian and Indigenous workers and other multiracial creators who made Seattle possible, but whose lives, labors and shared experiences have been all but forgotten.  Membership discussed a current New Yorker article on what happens when a tribal nation purges its Black members.