Good afternoon, friends of faith!

I hear this is the last weekend before our local schools begin the 2009-2010 academic year, so I trust you’re finding fun things to do as our young folks gear up for new in-the-class learning opportunities. 

Without further ado, this Sunday, August 30 – Pastor Andy is back!

If you’re in town this weekend, we hope you’ll join us for worship at either 8:30 or 10:30am in the Sanctuary at Westminster.  Pastor Andy will preach both worship services.  We welcome Paul Grove who will lead us with his guitar stylings at the 8:30 service and Alice Hostetter at the organ console during our 10:30 service.

Enjoy a time of fellowship during our Community Coffee Hour that begins at 9:30.  This week’s Community Coffee Hour is our 2^nd Annual Puttin’ on the Ritz .  An abundance of Ritz crackers will be available (along with something cool to drink and coffee), and you’re asked to bring a topping to share for the crackers.

Also during the 9:30-10:20am time, you’re invited to participate in thoughtful conversation in TAGS (Talking About God Stuff) in the Parlor.  Marcus Soper is leading a conversation about “the doubters.”  An interview led by Krista Tippett of NPR’s “Speaking of Faith” is the foundation for this opportunity.  Join in!

Sunday afternoon in the community:  If you’re interested in organ performance, attend the organ recital of Kristoff Saurette Sunday afternoon (August 23) at 4:00pm at St. John’s Cathedral (127 E 12^th Avenue, Spokane).  A student of Michael Bulley, Kristoff will play pieces by Bach, Franck, Mozart and Mulet.  It’s an opportunity to experience the Cathedral’s space … and it’s free!

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THE WITNESS deadline for the September issue is Tuesday, August 25, at 12:00pm.  Items to be included can be emailed to Sarah Hopkins at publications@qwestoffice.net.

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The Church Council meets on Tuesday, August 25, at 7:00pm in the Parlor.

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And another community event:  Celebrate Women’s Equality Day on Wednesday, August 26.  On August 26, 1920, the 72-year-long struggle to gain the right to vote for women ended.  On that day, the 19th Amendment was passed and women's rightful place as participating citizens became part of the U.S. Constitution.  This date is recognized and celebrated each year to honor those women whose courage and sacrifices made it possible.   This year’s picnic is highlighted with the presentation of an original play--"That Woman & Big Noise," an interactive play focusing on the stormy relationship between May Hutton and Emma Smith DeVoe of Tacoma who were instrumental in the success of Washington's Suffrage movement.  Written by Sandra Hosking, noted local playwright and Co-Playwright-in-Residence at the Spokane Civic Theatre, the play stars Claire Rudolf Murphy and Penny Lucas, and carries a powerful message of the need to work together to accomplish change.

Join in the fun in a picnic that begins at 4:00pm on Wednesday (the 26^th) at Comstock Park in Spokane.  ALL ARE WELCOME!  (For further information, please contact Jan Polek at 448-2189 or jandjpolek@comcast.net.)

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A personal word:  “Thank you” seems like such a little thing to say, but it is extended from me to you for the countless ways you have shared these summer days with me.  Truly it has been my honor and my privilege to serve you and to serve our neighbors and our community with you while Pastor Andy has been on sabbatical.  I look forward to hearing more of your faith stories and life journeys that are full of the riches the Holy One brings to you in every moment of your days.  May you listen and hear differently God speaking to you as you continue to love God with all of who you are—body, soul and spirit, mind, will and emotion—and as you continue to learn how to love your neighbors and yourselves! 

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Be blessed and be a blessing!  

Pastor Marj