Hmph.  Apparently most of you didn’t even KNOW there was an effort to use a color screen.  Just one more lesson of the summer:  I remain technologically challenged.

We move into mid-August with still more opportunities to join in worship and giving witness to our experiences as people of faith.  And I became painfully aware that so many of us are planning into September and October … already!

Boards and Committees at Westminster are asked to prepare requests for the 2010 budget and submit those to Robin McLain (wcunited@qwestoffice.net) as soon as possible so that the Council meeting on August 25 gives a glimpse at the work ahead.

A committee of folks is working hard to pull together the slate of performers, donations for baskets for auction, and funds to support Manna 2009.  A special offering will be taken on Sunday, August 30, to provide more seed money for this awesome, fun and lively event that support Meals on Wheels and Second Harvest Food Banks.  Tickets will go on sale soon!  Manna 2009 will be on Sunday, October 4, at 3:00pm in Westminster’s sanctuary.  Put THAT on your calendars and plan to support this amazing outreach effort!

And now, news of note for this weekend and beyond:

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.

Saturday, August 15:  If you’re interested in participating in Palouse Pride, you’re invited to meet at 8:30-8:45am Saturday morning on the 4^th Avenue side of Westminster to join Pastor Marj and a bunch of folks from Westminster to travel to Moscow, Idaho and practice our “and Affirming.”  Further details were sent in a separate email.  Questions?  Contact Pastor Marj!  Hope you join us!

ALSO happening on Saturday:  Spokane’s 15^th Annual Unity in the Community is happening from 10:00am to 4:00pm in Riverfront Park.  For more information, go to www.nwunity.org.

            OR you could participate in a one-day beginner retreat in mindfulness and meditation retreat led by Kobai Scott Whitney from 9:30am to 2:00pm in Riverfront Park.  For more information, email kobai@plummmountain.org.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16:  Join us for worship at either 8:30 or 10:30am in the Sanctuary at Westminster.  Enjoy a time of fellowship during our Community Coffee Hour that begins at 9:30, and participate in thoughtful conversation in TAGS (Talking About God Stuff) in the Parlor during that same time.  The nursery/playroom is attended from 9:30 through the 10:30 worship service.  And this Sunday we welcome the Rev. Hollis Bredeweg as guest preacher and Alice Hostetter on the organ while Scot vacations.  Hope to see YOU in worship!

Later on Sunday, August 16:   Chris Nelson, organist at Holy Trinity Episcopal, is holding an organ recital at 4:00pm.  “The recital will celebrate the music of Cesar Franck and his 20^th century American counterpart Calvin Hampton, organist at Calvary Episcopal Church in Manhattan, NY from 1963 to 1983.”  Holy Trinity is at 1832 W. Dean in Spokane; a free-will offering will be taken to help build the preservation endowment for the organ.

Tuesday, August 18:  Pastor Andy returns to Westminster following her three-months away for sabbatical and vacation!

(AND don’t forget to vote!  Be sure to have your ballots postmarked by August 18 in order to be counted!)

Wednesday, August 19:  A special celebration!  Kim Ingebritsen’s family is celebrating her miraculous recovery and invites all to join in person here in Spokane.  From 6:00 to 9:00pm, all are invited to stop by the home of the Gorskis (304 W. 16^th Avenue, Spokane) and join in the fun celebration of Kim’s restored health.  If you can, please RSVP to 206-729-1458.  Questions?  Call Joe (253-686-2857), Jean (509-991-4481) or Kim (509-991-4486).

~*~*~

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

Be blessed and be a blessing!  

Pastor Marj