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Feature Articles and News Stories Listed by Issue Date

Spring 2021 Kelle Brown seeks to guide Plymouth UCC into being a laboratory on how to dismantle racism in a church. Dismantling Racism and and Reparations teams bring document and suggestions to Annual Meeting for discussion. Annual Meeting to vote on agreement to begin a partnership with Justapaz and CEDECOL in Colombia. 'Rooted in Love' is the theme for the PNC 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting. Organizers discuss the conversations, votes and reports. MIke Denton's suggests that emerging from the pandemic will take planning because the world needs the church's work.

Jasmine Meredith, a Spokane teen and Westminster UCC member, speaks at March 20 rally to Stop the Hate of Asians. As Steve Clagett steps down from five years of leading the Justice Witness Ministries Committee he offers an overview. N-Sid-Sen prepares sets upCOVID portocols for summer camp programs and use by families and youth. Stewardship Committee appeals for donations to Friends of the Conference in conjunction with Annual Meeting. News Briefs includes reports on transitions, General Synod 2021 and the PNC's story-sharing Lenten devotional series.

 

WInter 2020 Ed Evans was among 16 participants in a Global Ministry partnership exploration virtual pilgrimage via video to Colombia. Kelsey Peterson Beebe connects people to God and each other through movement in her Dancing Pastor Ministries. Patty Metzger of Fox Island UCC carves her grandchildren's spirit animals in a tree stump in her back yard . Bill Kirlin-Hackett, Interfaith Housing Task Force director, publishes a how-to workbook for churches serving the poor. Blaine UCC takes up offer by Debra Jarvis of UCUCC Seattle to use "A Very COVID Christmas" pageant she wrote. Richmond Beach UCC opts to present a drive-through Christmas pageant with scenes of today's vulnerable people. Steve Eriksen announces retirement as of Dec. 31 after 22 years of ministry serving at Shalom UCC in Richland. Hillary Coleman discusses Guiding Vision for PNC Stewardship and Budget, and other board actions.

United Churches of Olympia builds microhouses to as a step up from tents at nearby homeless encampment. Wade Zick reports on experiences at Kitsap County's COVID camp providing isolation for people who are ill or test positive. N-Sid-Sen prepares for winter after a successful run with Families at Camp, hosting families for four days a week. PNC raises funds on Giving Tuesday with a goal of raising $20,000 to match $20,000 for a total of $40,000. Westminster youth leaders Randy and LInda Crowe take photos of children and youth wearing pageant costumes. Kendall Clark Baker reports that the COVID surprise is generous giving through various means to the PNC-UCC. Two women perform virtual "May's Vote" through University Congregational UCC twice in January. News Briefs includes reports on transitions, Men's Retreat, Communities of Practice, Annual Meeting and Weekly Meetings. MIke Denton's column speaks of the power of love, especially during COVID, and invites people to choose to love.

Fall 2020 Magnolia UCC serves its members and the community with ringing bells, offering food, virtual worship,joining marches and offering classes. Bill Kirlin-Hackett explains new law helping faith communities to serve homeless people on their property. Camp Campaign exceeds fundraising goal of $400,000 with the help of more than 360 donors in PNC and community partners. Walla Walla church develops an anti-racism statement expressing leaders' commitments to solidarity, advocacy, education. Stewardship Revival is one effort of the PNC's Stewardship Committee to provide resources for local churches, and plan conference budget. Wendy Blight reflects on stewardship and donations during these uncertain times of isolation. She shares a challenge. Mike Denton asks how people will show God's love when they engage in the sacred act of stewardship: voting.

Vince Larkin joins in moderators' meetings gaining insights on what other churches are doing in these times of pandemic. Wade Zick shares experience running and living on the site of the county quarantine camp at Pilgrim Firs Camp and Conference Center. Families at Camp is a new model that N-Sid-Sen may continue in the future as a way to keep camps full every weekend. Hillary Coleman reports on PNC Board's actions on anti-racism, deepening relationships and communication. PNC Global Ministries plans virtual pilgrimage 'to' Colombia for 16 participants from the UCC and Disciples of Christ. Paul Ashby considers Black Lives Matters in connection with God's creation of Adam and Eve, parents of everyone. PNC and national UCC offer virtual meetings, a mourning vigil, building webinars, a pastor program and more.

Summer 2020 Dayton UCC reaches out to meet needs of community for food and other necessities, while doing worship apart. Seattle interfaith leaders join in a silent vigil and moment of lament to protest racism at St. James Cathedral. Everett and St. Paul's UCC join in Flag Day Mobilization. Mercer Island baked cookies for march. Prospect held vigil at church. Normandy Park UCC joins silent march. Walla Walla UCC and UCUCC write statements on dismantling racism. Global Ministries Committee arranges gift for Sri Lankan church, sets up a virtual pilgrimage to Colombia. Pilgrim Firs serves as an isolation/guarantine center for homeless people and first responders in Kitsap County. PNC's JWM leaders lend support and solidarity with fruit workers in Yakima striking for COVID-19 protection and pay. Carter Schafer creates music video of him playing 'Will the Circle Be Unbroken' on banjo, fiddle, piano, mandolin and guitar. Hillary Coleman reports on commitment by PNC Board to develop and use an anti-racist lens in its efforts. Mike Denton reflects on impact of COVID-19 on our attitudes and lives, calling for it to be a time to change our lives and the world.

Richmond Beach UCC members lead an outdoor candlelight vigil in solidarity with Black Lives Matter. Eagle Harbor UCC members join in a Black Lives Matter/Native Lives Matter protest on Bainbridge Island. Newport UCC couple stand along sidewalk holding signs calling for justice, fairness, kindness and love. Tolt UCC in Carnation sets up a food pantry, then a food bank. Pastors lead an outdoor international day of mourning. Conference launches camp fund-raising campaign for $200,000, arranges alternative virtual camp gatherings. Sione Tuihalamaka earns certificate in facilities management to help in his work as head custodian at UCUCC. This Is Me compiles stories shared during Lent. Courtney Stange Tregear edited the book, not sold at Amazon as fundraiser. Annual Meeting connects 180 people for a virtual worship service and continues to share reports of PNC staff and leaders. Environmental Justice Team invites Governor's aide to share updates on various legislation on energy and climate change. News Briefs include stories on immediate events online in June-- events of the PNC, churches and national UCC.

Spring 2020 Hillary Coleman, PNC's next moderator, previously served on the Board as a youth and a young adult representative. Magnolia UCC joins neigbors to serve its community instead of gathering to worship one Sunday each year. Climate Change Team wins passage of bill encouraging sustainable farming practices in the state. Brenda and Don Mallett donate funds to complete improvements to South Lodge at Pilgrim Firs and advocate for more updates. Courtney Stange-Tregear compiles opportunity for people to share stories and Lenten reflections online.

Mike Denton shares the disruption and possibilities being brought by congregations not gathering because of COVID-19. Andy CastsroLang testifies for an ordinance to limit decibels of protests of the Church of Planned Parenthood in Spokane. Lora Rathbone educates members of Shalom UCC and the Richland Community on environmental justice issues. Tree crushes cabin 8 at N-Sid-Sen during a wind storm. Plans are underway for replacing it. COVID-19 brings cancellations. Annual Meeting 2020 has been cancelled because of COVID-19 need for social distancing. Parts will be presented online. News Briefs share transitions, Pilgrim Firs serving, N-Sid-Sen camp songs, PNC's Google Group and other news.

 

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