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Hello, dear friends …

 

If you sigh when you see these emails and yet you still read them, BLESS YOU!  We live in an age where “delete” is the new “I didn’t get the info.” 

 

Last week I accidentally changed the background of “Bits” to a gentle green.  Today during a rather drawn-out conference call I learned how to change it to a different color!  Lucky you, eh?  I figure skill-building is essential at every point in the journey.  (The call didn’t apply to me and our work after the first 10 minutes and—thankfully—lasted only 20 minutes total!)

(Note: the color doesn't transfer over from the email to the website!)

 

Hopefully this finds you well and enjoying some cooler moments.  Continued prayers for those who continue to fight forest, wildfires and share concern over more lightning strikes with the weather changes, as well as for those who have suffered due to the pounding rains and wild winds.

 

Speaking of prayers and praying – how many of you noticed in the email I forwarded from Earth Ministry on Tuesday that our own Rev. Dr. Deborah Rose is the artist at work on the prayer cloths they’re selling?  When Pastor Deb preached at Westminster on July 12, she used one of the prayer cloths for this project, hanging it on the lectern from which she preached.  It’s a delightful piece of her work, and the sales of these prayer cloths support her ministry (Material Arts) as well as the work of Earth Ministry.  For another look and to place your order check-out http://www.earthministry.org/news/pre-order-your-limited-edition-prayer-cloth.

 

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Does this pale, pale yellow feel “cool” to you?  This is about the shade of yellow in the Social Hall, one of the cooler places in the building in recent days.  But I confess:  I unintentionally told a fib:  The Social Hall is NOT air-conditioned.  It IS cooler than the Sanctuary, but not air-conditioned.

 

This coming Sunday worship will return to the Sanctuary … unless it gets unbearably hot over the next day or so.  Join us in worship and singing!  Those who gather at 8:30 will be accompanied in music by Paul Grove, and those who gather at 10:30 will be led by Carlos Alden, Chris McLain and Zach Alden.  Look for the church with the open doors and come on in!

 

At 9:30 on Sundays we’re sharing in one community coffee hour!  This week we’ll be hosted by Karen Mobley.  Also during the 9:30-10:30 time there will be a TAGS (Talking About God Stuff) opportunity in the Parlor.  And the nursery/playroom will be attended and available from 9:30 through our 10:30 worship service.

 

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Other news of note INSIDE the life of Westminster:

 

Are you available to drive and/or deliver Meals on Wheels anytime between August 10 and 14?  Please contact Shelby Rothstrom at meridth@comcast.net or 747-3486.  She’ll welcome your help in carrying out this outreach ministry of Westminster!

 

Wednesday, August 12, the Board of Trustees will meet at noon in the Conference Room.  And later that same day the Board of Outreach will meet at 5:30 in the Conference Room.  It might be summer, but the work goes on!

 

Saturday, August 15, all are welcome in the creation of an “and Affirming” event!  Join Pastor Marj in a day-trip to Moscow, Idaho where we will connect with friends of Pullman’s Community Congregational UCC and celebrate Palouse Pride.  This is a visible way of connecting “the dots” for folks, living as people of faith who are learning what it means to create welcome for all and to affirm the sacredness of life in each person God creates.  We’ll leave Spokane by 9:00 (yes, in the morning!).  The parade begins at 11:30 and winds up in East City Park in Moscow where there will be music and fun festivities for all!  Please send me an email or call me and let’s make a plan to include you in the fun.  (NOTE:  I promise I will keep track of my keys, and we’ll be home long before midnight!)

 

Sunday, August 16, we welcome the Rev. Hollis Bredeweg to worship!  Hollis will share scripture and a message with us that will likely make us smile and leave us thinking.  Alice Hostetter will also join us next Sunday as our organist Scot takes off a few weeks.  Hope you can be with us!

 

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Outside Westminster but IN our lives?

 

Today, Friday, August 7, is First Friday in Spokane.  There are galleries to explore, and perhaps hidden treasures from what you usually see or experience in Spokane.  If anyone is interested in sustainable food information and resources, the Magic Lantern Theater (25 W. Main Avenue, Spokane) is open and screening “Food, Inc.”  On Friday only there will be additional information and a panel discussion following the 6:30pm showing.  For more info about the movie, visit www.magiclanternspokane.com.

 

Friday, August 14:  “St. Francis of Assisi: Instrument of Peace”, a lecture featuring Brother William Short, OFM, world renown author and expert on St. Francis, will be hosted at Gonzaga University’s Wolfe Auditorium in Jepson School of Business.  The event begins at 7:00 p.m., is open to the public and free.  A book-signing with Brother Bill will follow.  To RSVP visit www.gonzaga.edu/ce.

 

AND … Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane is co-sponsoring a barbeque with Senator Maria Cantwell at the Krogh Family Ranch in Pend Oreille County at 5:00pm.  Free admission and donations are accepted for this non-partisan event.  For more information go to www.podemocrats.org.

 

Saturday, August 15, is Spokane’s 15th Annual Unity in the Community from 10:00am to 4:00pm in Riverfront Park.  For more information go to www.nwunity.org.  (But remember, you could travel to the Palouse Pride event with Pastor Marj on Saturday the 15th too!)

 

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Looking forward to seeing you and hearing stories of faith, hope and joy!

 

Be blessed and be a blessing!  

 

Pastor Marj