Fall 2023

Linda Allen has written hundreds of songs on 13 CDs to influence the hearts and minds of people and communities.

Jermell Witherspoon serves two churches, Everett UCC and Liberation UCC, as they serve their wider communities.

Veradale UCC turns hate incident into opportunity to spread messages of love and compassion in community.

Magnolia UCC in Seattle has developed a new model of ordained ministers by having Covenant Ministers.

Maureen McLain's covenant ministry emphasizes developing an educated laity, learning church history and scholarly theology.

Becky Withington retired from parish ministry to do a covenant ministry focused on spiritual retreats and training.

Carson Hawkes' covenantministry focuses on helping people deal with grief and trauma from life experiences.

Michael Haven's covenant ministry centers around helping people prepare Bibliodramas to bring scripture stories alive.

Spring 2023

Gathering Ground groups bring together people who are spiritual but not religious for story sharing and relationship building.

Magnolia UCC restarts Community in Action Sundays to engage members and neighbors in outreach and service projects.

Ferndale UCC welcomes House of Tears Lummi Carvers as they begin journey to raise awareness of mine at Oak Flat in Arizona.

Fall 2022

Samoan Congregational Christian Church of Seattle II raise funds to pay off loan on parsonage for 45th anniversary.

Dawn Koloi shares the story of her journey into ministry at Seattle Samoan church and with PNW Conference.

Taiwanese Christian Church hosts a camp at Pilgrim Firs in August to teach the Taiwanese language to children.

Fall 2021

Leah Atkinson Bilinski of Fauntleroy UCC in Seattle describez how her church has “done” worship since COVID.

Eagle Harbor UCC has been following state guidelines since returning to in-person worship. It continues online livestreaming.

University Congregational UCC mixes video with in-person worship and plans to continue online worship and meetings into fhe future.

Shalom UCC in Richland with the Tri-Cities Immigrant Coalition formed Mutual Aid Project to help people devastated in COVID.

Six volunteers from Chewelah UCC join volunteers from the community to feed hungry children during the summer months.

Spring 2021

Kelle Brown seeks to guide Plymouth UCC into being a laboratory on how to dismantle racism in a church.

Five share progress on vaccinations among congregation members, help set appointments and volunteer to assist.

Jasmine Meredith, a Spokane teen and Westminster UCC member, speaks at March 20 rally to Stop the Hate of Asians.

Shalom Church Spokane helps the Christmas people provide "blessing bags" for diners with eignity at Shalom Ministries.

Winter 2020

Patty Metzger of Fox Island UCC carves her grandchildren's spirit animals in a totem in a back yard tree stump .

Blaine UCC takes up offer by Debra Jarvis of UCUCC Seattle to use "A Very COVID Christmas" pageant she wrote.

Westminster youth leaders Randy and LInda Crowe take photos of children and youth wearing pageant costumes.

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.

Summer 2020

Dayton UCC reaches out to meet needs of community for food and other necessities, while doing worship apart.

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.

Everett and St. Paul's UCC join in Flag Day Mobilization. Mercer Island baked cookies for march. Prospect held vigil at church.

Newport UCC couple stand along sidewalk holding signs calling for justice, fairness, kindness and love.

Normandy Park UCC joins silent march and BLM vigil. Walla Walla Congregational UCC writes a statement on racism.

Tolt UCC in Carnation sets up a food pantry, then a food bank. Pastors lead an outdoor international day of mourning.

Carter Schafer creates music video of him playing 'Will the Circle Be Unbroken' on banjo, fiddle, piano, mandolin and guitar.

Sione Tuihalamaka earns certificate in facilities management to help in his work as head custodian at UCUCC.

Spring 2020

Magnolia UCC joins neigbors to serve its community instead of gathering to worship one Sunday each year.

Hillary Coleman, PNC's next moderator, previously served on the Board as a youth and a young adult representative.

Lora Rathbone educates members of Shalom UCC and the Richland Community on environmental justice issues.

Courtney Stange-Tregear compiles opportunity for people to share stories and Lenten reflections online.

Fall 2019

Andrew Conley-Holcom is leading a class on white supremacy and idolatry and starting Racism Anonymous.

Faith Leaders challenge white supremacy and devastation of the Earth by holding vigils and making statements.

Renton United Christian brings witness to community with God's Doors and response to vandalism by repairs and more love.

Four churches gather for retreat at N-Sid-Sen in early September to share in activities, worship and socializing.

Tolt Congregational UCC holds annual pancake breakfast for community as part of celebrating its 125th anniversary.

Walla Walla UCC church installs solar panels, anticipating saving 40 percent in expenses for heating and lighting.

Summer 2019

Mary Flowers and Rick Derksen of the People's Institute offered insights on dismantling racism.

Church Council of Greater Seattle celebrates 100 years of churches/faiths working together to make a difference.

Spokane and Seattle churches join in Pride Parades. Renton church deals with vandalism of pride display.

November-December 2018

Broadview UCC shares in at ecumenical Day of the Deadworship with Lutheran and Episcopal neighbors.

Three women participate in the Jubilee Justice Program for 2018-19 working with agencies and congregations.

Steve Davis represents Plymouth UCC Seattle at the interment of the ashes of Matthew Shepard.

Shalom UCC does voter education for immigrants with the Tri-Cities Faith Action Network at area events.

United Churches of Olympia partners with other faith communities and the city to build tiny houses for homeless people.

September-October 2018

Spiritual Formation Task Force offers new resources/curriculum for small groups to build relationships.

Spirit of Peace member assists with interfaith efforts for displaced people and others in the Issaquah area.

Stewardship Committee led summer workshop on building a culture of generosity in PNC churches.

Ruth Calkins of Newport writes book about taking her dachshund, Max, for a humanitarian visit in Malawi.

Justice Leadership Program begins year with six new interns and two continuing interns to serve agencies and churches.

Summer 2018

Outreach Team at Admiral UCC collect food for children in summer and challenge other PNC churches to do the same.

Newport UCC welcomes coming through town on a bike tour of US to raise funds for multiple sclerosis.

April-May 2018

Hearing loop installed at Mercer Island UCC makes it possible for people with hearing aids to hear worship and sermons better.

Prospect UCC installs cistern to catch storm water flowing from its roof to to help control one source of water pollution.

Ruth Brandon and her grandson were among many from the PNC who joine in the March for our Lives.

David Bowman's memoir reflects on the multiple roles of pastors in serving their congregations.

University Congregational UCC offers Spirit Workshops and Vigils for the Common Good on nearby street corners.

Everett UCC celebrates its 125th year of ministry and installs its new pastor, Darrell Goodwin, on April 21..

News Briefs include transitions, women's retreat, homelessness forum, honoring David Brown and Western Regional Youth Event.

February-March 2018

Walla Walla church is involved with the Walla Walla Immigrant Rights Coalition addressing issues and supporting people.

Bellingham UCC will renovateits unfinished basement to house the Northwest Youth Services outreach to homeless youth.

Many UCC congregations marched with others in their communities to join in the Women's Marches held globally.

Lin Hagedorn changes her bank and helps Northshore UCC make decisions and do research to find a better bank.

November-December 2017

Tim Devine used his sabbatical in June to listen to post-fire grief of eight UCC congregations around the U.S.

Don Mayer likens vision of establishing the United Church of Christ to the mission of the School of Theology and Ministry.

UCC Justice Leadership interns' experiences multiply as they share with each other over common meals.

September-October 2017

Tara Leininger finds wearing a clerical collar a valued tool in her identity as a pastor in a rural town where she is also mayor.

Covenant groups at Ferndale and Walla Walla UCC churches strengthen relationships of church members.

Members of Monroe UCC packed 46 back-to-school backpacks for severals community schools.

Plymouth UCC Seattle member is named volunteer of the year by Habitat for Humanity in King County.

Summer 2017

UCC clergy and members jointhousands at the March for Science in Seattle and other communities.

Pride Worship Service has more clergy of more faiths involved in planning and conducting it.

Helen Bonser who helped start the Pride Parade in Spokane is now a member of the Veradale UCC.

Eagle Harbor UCC plants a community cypress tree for Arbor Day/Earth Day event held at the church.

New Pilgrims Community in changes its name and its style, but not its ministry of outreach to the community.

April 2017

Nathaniel Mahlberg plans to engage his church in Walla Walla in General Synod before and after the gathering.

Synod delegate Jill Komura helps people address life transitions in her work at United Churches of Olympia.

Synod delegate Kyna Shilling brings together theater skills and worship planning at Plymouth UCC in Seattle.

February 2017

In Anacortes, Pilgrim UCC has 15 members who volunteer to give out backpacks at Project Homeless Connect.

Northshore UCC holds events to meet Muslims, dismantle racism, offer meaningful movies and learn of white privilege.

About 40 members of Fox Island UCC have learned about complexities of immigration by vigils at detention center.

Members of PNC churches from Spokane to Seattle to Bellingham joined in local Women's Marches.

Richmond Beach UCC voted on Jan. 29 to become a sanctuary church to shelter refugees from deportation.

November-December 2016

Dee Eisenhauer deepens her roots in Cascadia region and learn about long-term ministries on her sabbatical.

Five members of PNC churches begin Justice Leadership Jubilee intensive program of training and service.

Jerry Chang serves Taiwanese Christian UCC in Seattle, helping connect members to language and culture.

September-October 2016

Colville's First Congregational UCC celebrates its 125th anniversary.

Pastor keeps faith and politicalleadership roles separate—in two counties.

June 2016

More than 20 PNC churchesreadily respond to call to display banners to show love for Muslim neighbors in time of bigotry.

Church leadership is important for both clergy and lay people to help implement a church's mission.

Congregations tell how their ministries go "out on a limb" to serve their communities and members.

April 2016

Fire at St. Paul's UCC in Ballard damages building and displaces members and groups temporarily.

Squammish UCC celebrates centennial with renovations of its building and grounds.

Bellevue First UCC moves to new downtown location more conducive for serving church's neighbors and more inviting.

United Churches of Olympia mark 100th anniversary of the federating of Congregational and Presbyterian churches.

February 2016

Plymouth Housing Group names its newest building after Sylvia Odom, one of its founders in 1984.

Two UCC congregations display array of stars across sanctuaries during the Epiphany season.

Angela Ying's social justice commitment leads to visit to the White House to meet the Obamas.

November-December 2015

Emerge 'N See UCC started in Sandpoint installs Bob Evans as its pastor.

Colville First Congregational UCC faces hate incidents, receives messages of support.

Kmbris Bond helps Ten Thousand Villages Store in Seattle be successful.

Eliza Penick promotes Heifer International projects to address poverty and community.

REACH is the expression of ecumenism through outreach to serve people in Renton.

Tom Sorenson writes book to introduce Bible, teaches classes on Russia-Ukraine relations.

September-October 2015

Dayton UCC church restoresbell that calls people together to worship and to pray.

Peace cranes travel to UCC churches in communities experiencing shootings.

Communities of Practice offers clergy small groups for learning and support.

Blaine UCC openedits vacation Bible school to include adults, as well as children.

Ann Eidson reports on June Intentional Interim Ministry Network Conference.

June-July 2015

Walla Walla First startssmall groups to strengthen relationships among members.

Ritzville church grievesand holds Lenten study to discuss their experiences.

Marshall Islands UCCshares with Annual Meeting its music and story of its islands.

April-May 2015

Plymouth Seattle renovates sanctuary to improve acoustics for new organ and for flexibility.

University Congregational proposes resolution on Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Richmond Beach UCC hosts homeless encampment for 90 days this spring.

Mercer Island UCC calls former general secretary of United Reformed Church in UK.

February-March 2015

All Pilgrims Church supports Walmart and other workers seeking living wages.

December 2014

Guemes Island UCC marksits 100th anniversary by creating a labyrinth and renovating foyer.

Instruments of Peace provides varied genre of music for worship and secular events.

Ritzville UCC member leads State Senate Majority Coalition for next two years.

Lois Farnsworth-Whysong helps rewritehatonal UCC Manual on Ministry.

Three from PNC attend national UCC workshop on Authorizing Ministry.

September-October 2014

Westminster UCC participatesin the Spokane Alliance to address child care, mental health and safe sick leave issues.

June-July 2014

Aleni Tonuao pleased to joinPacific NW Conference with New Beginnings Samoan Church.

University Congregational installs solar panels to save on energy and produce energy.

Cathy Gunstone makes quilting into a ministry, incorporating color and art.

April-May 2014

Walla Walla church celebrates 150th anniversary throughout 2014.

Adult forum hears journal of a soldier in Iraq, sharing realities of war and coming home.

Magnolia yard art draws interest of neighbors and church members.

The Fig Tree marks 30 years of publication made possible by the assistance of many from the UCC.

February-March 2014

Cheney UCC finds ministries in new projection and audio systems.

Catherine Foote invites her urban church's members to her farm.

Plymouth UCC promotes living wage ministry with Church Council of Greater Seattle.

December 2013

Volunteers prepare meals, then share them with guests and listen to their stories.

Wayside UCC rededicates its building after renovations to facilitate its ministries.

Interfaith Task Force seeks to create the political will to end homelessness.

September-October 2013

Warren Johnson, a member for 33 years, serves as lay minister for the Forks Congregational UCC.

Dayton UCC trains volunteers and received a grant to help people apply for DSHS benefits online.

June-July 2013

Chewelah stole maker displays stoles at Annual Meeting and shares story of pastor who inspired her work.

April-May 2013

Gardener and children grow food for Issaquah food bank as part of Spirit of Peace UCC mission.

Magnolia UCC earns Energy Star rating for improvements and draws community to educational program.

Prospect UCC upgrades lighting and sets lighting and heat on timers to save energy costs.

Winter 2023-24

Pullman church makes quilt during worship to convey concern about the issue of banning books and limiting access to education.

Guemes Island UCC hosts social justice art show and passes statement on the war in Israel and Palestine.

Dee Eisenhauer explains story of Pia the Peacekeeper troll statue in Bainbridge Island park at interfaithThanksgiving service.

Bainbridge Islands pastors hold peace vigil in Sakai Park. Local rabbi sums up sentiments of many of those who gathered.

Tolt UCC in Carnation offers food bank, take-out meals, clothing bank, aid fund, preschool program and dementia club.

Summer 2023

Betty Speith Croll tells why she and her husband joined 40 members of 7 UCC churches in the Seattle Pride Parade.

Winter 2022

Sixty-one people join in United Churches of Olympia Sacred Conversation on Racism in October with Velda Love.

Steve Eriksen is honored as minister emeritus at Shalom UCC in Richland where he was pastor for 22 years.

Several UCC churches share what they are doing related to land acknowledgements in wording and action.

Jim CastroLang retires from Colville UCC and has begun work with refugees at the Thrive International Center in Spokane.

Pilgrim/New Pilgrims UCC closes after 145 years of ministry and will give its remaining assets to Anacortes and wider church.

Summer 2022

United Church of Ferndale and Dismantling Racism Team invitate participation in Orange Shirt Day in September.

Gen Heywood embarks on three-month sabbatical to Iceland, Germany and New Zealand armed with questions.

Winter 2021

Eliza Penick of Keystone UCC helps organize a January to June session of Justice Jubilee for people to learn about justice.

Catherine Foote retires after 20 years on the team ministry at University Congregational UCC in Seattle.

Chewelah UCC partners with the Hope Street Project in Colville to bring services to its community members.

Everett UCC opens building for use as a shelter, clinic and food bank. Plans new building to provide affordable housing.

Renton United Christian invites Muslim resource center and SCM Ministries to use building for outreach to Afghan refugees.

Metaline Falls and Newport UCC churches partner to bring a Second Harvest mobile market to local high school parking lot.

Summer 2021

Danette and Kelekolio Koloi were among the Samoan pastors leading the opening worship for the 2021 Annual Meeting.

Everett UCC shares overview of its mission outreach through COVID and beyond, including its vision and commitment.

Walla Walla UCC shares how it continued its outreach within the congregation and its community during COVID.

Community Congregationalin Pullman began worship outdoors for its Easter Sunrise Service during COVID.

Lynn Nelson said that communication at Affirmational UCC in Colfax was done by snail mail.

Tara Leininger reported said church began worship in person in June 2020 - social distancing was easy with few members.

Fall 2020

Magnolia UCC serves its members and the community with bells, services, virtual worship, marches and classes.

Vince Larkin joins in moderators' meetings gaining insights on what other churches are doing in these times.

Bill Kirlin-Hackett explains new law helping faith communities to serve homeless people on their property.

Walla Walla church develops an anti-racism statement expressing leaders' commitments to solidarity, advocacy, education.

Winter 2019-20

Tri-Cities Immigrant Coaiition celebrates their immigrant neighbors through the arts to build community ties.

Mercer Island church installs solar power on its roof to gain energy efficiency and to inspire the community.

Fauntleroy UCC votes to lease Camp Second Chance with 48 tiny houses to prevent it from closing.

Bellingham UCC provides remodeled basement as The Ground Floor drop-in center for youth to have a safe space.

United Churches in Olympia partner with 16 congregations to back up temple as sanctuary hosting a family.

John Eisenhauer starts b14ucc.com platform for UCC churches to care, collaborate and connect online.

April-May 2019

Sarah Haycox does research on civil rights leader in Richmond Beach and advocates for having center named for him.

Westminster celebrates 140 years, looking to past, present and future ministries serving the city of Spokane and world.

Faith Leaders in Spokane join in vigils at temple and mosque, challenge Superfund sites in Inland Northwest.

Lenten devotion weaves connections with stories of members of the PNC-UCC about their journeys.

January-March 2019

Alki UCC builds tiny houses at Camp Second Chance in West Seattle working beside homeless people to offer temporary houses.

Andrew Conley-Holcom and Admiral UCC in Seattle offer bystander intervention workshops for churches and nonprofits.

Bob Anderson coordinates Guemes Island UCC and community effort for peace art project.

Westminster UCC in Spokane opens its basement to welcome up to 24 homeless young adults in emergency warming shelter.

St. Paul's UCC in Ballard agarees to host a men's shelter in its basement as part of the SHARE / WHEEL network.

Peter Ilgenfritz reflects on saying goodbye after 25 years on University Congregational UCC's ministry team.

February 2012

Jerry Montgomery helps churches adopt soldiers serving in Afghanistan and keeps them in contact through online media.

Keystone UCC helps activate neighborhood to join Occupy Movement in family-friendly ways to do justice.

Veradale and Mercer Island UCC churches each voted recently to be Open and Affirming.

April 2012

Erik Strommen finds technology helps connect people who might otherwise be isolated from their congregation.

Volunteer webmaster helps United Churches work with consultant to re-design the church's website so it's more interactive.

September 2012

Lisa Clark at Bellevue First nourished as part of national UCC programs to encourage long-term ministries by younger clergy.

December 2012

Sculpture and bronze leaves call attention to homeless people in Seattle.

Tent on chancel for Advent represents Alki's concern about homeless families.

Debra Jarvis is writer in residence at church and a UCC disaster chaplain.

February 2011

Peace Action Group prepared petition to end war in Afghanistan. Church sent 250 signatures.

Senior lunch participants engage with each other, challenged by programs that build mutual caring.

Pastor serves 100-year-old transforming church and is mayor of 100-year-old Metaline Falls.

Westminster hosts Kirkin' o' the Tartans, an American celebration of Scottish clans' plaids and colors.

April 2011

Horizon House marks its 50th year as the first retirement community in downtown Seattle.

Summer 2011

Yakama Christian Mission seeks volunteers to help rebuild homes after February firestorm.

Marj Johnston heads Shalom Ministries in Spokane, offering "dining with dignity" meals to homeless downtown.

Church hosts Bike to Church Sundayas to explore how the church and members can reduce their environmental footprint..

October 2011

Kirkland UCC's peace pole is readily visible to people who walk or drive by the church, which is near downtown.

Admiral UCC worship leader creates a "forest" in the sanctuary to focus attention on the theme of "Seasons of Creation."

Broadview researches how to mitigate flooding that cuts access to its parking lot and create a neighborhood "paradise."

Northshore UCC's witness of packing Totes-To-Go for hungry children in Woodinville schools spreads.

December 2011

Cheney UCC works through Cheney Outreach to assure that Cheney children will have gifts for Christmas.

Richmond Beach UCC partners to build 24 low-income housing units on its property for permanent housing with social services.

February 2010

-	Retired clergy on Olympic Peninsula connect and form core group to start a new UCC church there.

Retired clergy visit with retired colleagues to keep them informed of UCC Pension Board caring and changes.

Jerry Leggett gives concert on peace on March 7 at Everett First Congregational UCC.

April 2010

Tom Sorenson in Monroe finds digital publishing a way to spread his theological perspectives beyond his congregation.

June 2010

Kathleen Hosfeld is on contract to survey PNC churches about means to connect for meetings and doing business.

Wayside UCC's history project offers ideas and model for preserving church records.

Hospice chaplain finds the journey to death can be an adventure for the dying person and caregivers.

September 2010

Mental health chaplain offers training to help clergy and congregations adopt companionship ministries of presence.

Pastor, consultant, educator offers training in Celtic spirituality and in improving racial relations.

Everett UCC remakes itself, changing its name, making improvements with church development funds.

Fauntleroy UCC in Seattle completesrenovations that help make its partnership with the YMCA more visible.

November 2010

North Idaho roots and music ministry give pastor rapport with churches in Wallace and Osburn.

Counselor-pastor creates art and moves from talk to action using his skills as a blacksmith.

September 2009

Deer Park church's name, Open Door' reflects its early years of leaving its door unlocked for people passing through. . .

United Christian Church members work ecumenically to make 450 sandwiches a month for homeless people in Yakima.

Fabric artist creates prayer cloths as awards and fund-raising art for Earth Ministry.

December 2009

Robbie Paul shares her sacred storyof going to sacred spaces to heal history of unresolved grief of Native Americans.

Lummi Island church celebrates its building's 100th anniversary and outreach through parish nurses and a labyrinth.

UCC pastors are among leaders Spokane and Sound Alliance efforts to promote energy retrofits and jobs training.

Westminster serves soup to homeless who gather under the freeway across Fourth Ave.

Churches open buildings to househomeless families through Family Promise and Interfaith Hospitality.