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Get involved with the life of your church:

We are looking for...

• Coffee Hour Hosts - Please contact Suzan B-W. (reimbursements available)
• Readers & Worship Leaders - Please contact Gail F. or Manny S.
• Help with Sanctuary Care & Up-keep - Please contact Marilee N.
• Tutors & Literacy Volunteers - Please contact Lin C.
• Companions for the home-bound and sick - Please contact Carol S. or Manny S.
• Members 40ish and younger to host young adult gatherings: game nights, potlucks, etc. - Please contact Sadie C.
• People with a strong commitment to racial justice - Please contact Brooke R.

Since we are an advocating congregation with the Faith Action Network, we are looking for some good social action advocates to march, write letters, and help affect positive change! If that's you, please contact Tom N.

Do you know about the America for Christ Offering? This denominational offering supports programs like Children in Poverty, Camps & Conference Centers, American Baptist Chaplains, White Cross, Immigration & Refugees Ministries, Prisoner Re-entry & Aftercare Ministry and many other regional and national initiatives. February is America for Christ Offering Month at UBC. Our faith community has allocated $500 of our budget to support this offering. There are two ways of contributing: make sure you are up to date with your pledges, or you can increase our church’s contribution by using the offering envelopes provided.

This Week at UBC: 
The Beacon comes out this week! Look for it in your email inbox.

The Working Group on Race is hosting First Friday Films, beginning on February 3rd at 7:00 p.m. All are invited to see and discuss Good Hair, a movie by comedian Chris Rock and filmmaker Jeff Stilson. The movie, which is sometimes funny, sometimes not, examines “black America’s obsession with hair.” Come to the UBC sanctuary, bring friends, and ask yourself how the agendas of black America and white America (and other Americas?) cross here.

The UBC Worship Team invites the congregation to join in planning for Lent and Easter on Saturday, February 4th starting at 10:00a.m. Help choose a theme for the season and discuss ideas on possible devotionals, gatherings, and decorations. Come share your thoughts on what the seasons mean to you. The more people involved, the more likely the season will be meaningful for all; remember, many hands make light work.

On Sunday, February 5^th at 10:30 a.m., our church will gather for worship and explore the readings from Isaiah 40.21-31 and 1 Corinthians 9.16-23, with a sermon titled “Becoming the Other.” Come and join us for Communion as we celebrate community and faith.

Please plan to join Pastor Manny for “Lunch with the Pastor” on Sunday, February 5th at 12:30 p.m. for a discussion on the book of Revelation! Bring your questions, concerns, and your brown bag lunch!

Caring and Coping meets again on Monday, February 6th at 6:30p.m.

Check out Pub Theology on Tuesday, February 7th at 6:30p.m. Contact the office for the location.

The Peace, Justice, and Reconciliation Team will meet on Wednesday, February 8th at 7p.m. at Lin C.'s house

The Feb. 18-20 Cascade Meadows Snow Retreat registration forms and information are available on the UBC website calendar or you can contact the office for a copy!

Also, don't forget, you can always listen to sermons you may have missed HERE on our website!

Upcoming Events:
An important advocacy event concerning our state budget and policy is scheduled for the near future. If interested, give Lin C. a call and he will be glad to connect you with other UBC folks that plan to attend. The Faith Action Network has an InterFaith Advocacy Day on February 14th (United Churches of Olympia, 110 11th Ave. SE, Olympia, WA). To register for this event, go to their website or call: Faith Action Network (www.fanwa.org  206-625-9790). And remember, our friends at U Christian have invited us to ride with them in their van. The cost is $5. per person. We do need to reserve our space so please let Elizabeth P. know if you want to join in the van ride to Olympia.

A memorial service for Annabelle Jacobsen, former member of UBC, who passed away early Saturday, January 31st, will be at 1p.m. on February 25th at Rose Hill Presbyterian Church in Kirkland (12202 NE 90th Street).

The Evergreen Region's fund-raiser for Haiti will be on Saturday, March 3rd at 7 pm at FBC, Seattle. This will be a musical performance, where we would like to have performances by soloists, quartets, bands, choirs, etc. from all over the Evergreen Region. Our Choir is going to sing and Margie will probably play the organ too! IF YOU ARE MUSICAL, PLEASE PARTICIPATE! If not, please plan to come enjoy the music and help support this regional fundraiser. Funds will go especially for construction material to build a new school for the mission. 

Save the Date!
There's a wonderful opportunity from the Peace, Justice and Reconciliation Team. Moving from Talk to Action takes place at Camp Burton on Vashon Island, 7:00 PM Friday, April 13 -  3:00 PM Sunday, April 15, 2012
An Allies for Change 20-hour weekend training for white people who seek to deepen their commitment to challenging racism and white privilege in every realm of their daily lives. Led by Rev. Melanie Morrison and Rev. Diane Schmitz, the training will examine our role as white people in the struggle for racial justice and explore how to build stronger alliances with people of color. It is critically important that white people join people of color in naming and confronting racism in all its forms - personal, interpersonal, cultural, and institutional. This training is limited to 20 participants.

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 Community Events:
Want free movie passes to see Joyful Noise? Sure you do! Go to  www.gofobo.com/rsvp and enter RSVP Code: CHOIR5KMD. Passes are limited and only available on a first come, first served basis. The movie opened in theaters on Friday, January 13th.

Witness for Peace (WFP), a politically independent, nationwide grassroots organization of people committed to nonviolence and  led by faith and conscience, is looking for a Northwest Field Organizer. WFP’s mission is to support peace, justice and sustainable economies in the Americas by changing U.S. policies and corporate practices which contribute to poverty and oppression in Latin America and the Caribbean. You can read more about them and the position on their website: HERE

The folks at World Friendship Center register the Paper Cranes they receive and take photos of the process. Their office manager took those photos and used the song, "One World" by their good friend and folk singer, Mike Stern. The video just went on YouTube. They invite you to go to Google and type in:   paper cranes mcminnville   
They promise that the piece is beautiful and the music is stunning, and they are proud to speak of Peace in this way!

The Search for Meaning Book Festival will be held on Saturday, February 4th from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Seattle University's campus. The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited so registration is required. Over 40 authors surrounding the human search for meaning on issues of spirituality, faith and social justice. The diverse group of guest authors, both men and women, represent a range of belief systems and faith traditions. Tickets are still available for overflow seating for NY Times bestselling author and official chaplain of the Colbert Report, Fr. James Martin, S.J. and also for the four general sessions. To register for the overflow seating or general sessions, visit www.searchformeaning.us. To learn about some of the authors, click here.

Recycling made FREE & EASY: Saturday , February 4th, from 10:00AM-3:00PM at University Congregational United Church of Christ 4515 16th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105. Bring your recyclable items (working or not!) to the event. Proceeds from recycled raw materials fund operations and benefit local charities, homeless shelters, and food banks. Seattle Children’s Hospital and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital are among those assisted through your recycling donations.

You are invited to the Urban Poverty Forum on Sunday, February 5th from 1 - 4 p.m. at Town Hall, lower level, 1119 8th Ave. (at Seneca), Seattle 98101. This year's topic is Women and Youth in Poverty. This event is sponsored and planned by Town Hall, Seattle First Presbyterian Church, and Real Change. The event is free although Town Hall requests a $5 donation.  Find more information and reserve tickets here.  

As part of the Engage Seattle initiative, in order to ensure that as many people as possible who live, work, or play in Seattle are able to voice their concerns and offer their feedback directly to the mayor, they're holding a series of town halls in every part of the city, and there's one coming up next month in our area. The Mayor's Town Hall Monday event will be on February 6th at the University Heights Center, 5031 University Way NE. From 5:30 to 6:30 pm: Community information fair; from 6:30 to 6:40 pm: Performance by local artists; from 6:40 to 8:00pm: Open Q&A with Mayor McGinn and City staff. The University Heights Center is located near the 30, 48, 66, 67, 71, 72, 73, 74, 83, and 373 bus stops; for full transit directions, please go to metro.kingcounty.gov.  

The Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center invites you to a screening of The Economics of Happiness on Wednesday, February 8th from 7 - 9 p.m. at Assumption Catholic Church, 6201 33rd Ave. NE, Seattle. Featuring voices from six continents calling for systemic economic change, The Economics of Happiness highlights democratic, ecological, and local community initiatives to build a better world.

Looking forward:
Vancouver First Congregational United Church of Christ is organizing teams for an Interfaith March for Marriage Equality from Vancouver to Olympia, February 9-15. The march begins with a prayer breakfast in Vancouver on the 9th and ends on the Capitol steps on the 15th. The Equality Day Rally is the next day in Olympia, Feb. 16. Find more information about the march and organizing a team in this flyer. Registration deadline is January 19. Contact or (360) 693-1476 with questions. Clergy and lay leaders are sought for the prayer breakfast/first day of the march and for the arrival in Olympia.

Meaningful Movies Eastside presents Water on the Table, a character-driven, social-issue documentary that explores Canada's relationship to its freshwater, arguably its most precious natural resource. It takes place on Thursday, February 9 from 6:30-8:30pm at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 4315 129th Pl SE, Bellevue, WA . The film asks the question: is water a commercial good, or is water a human right? The documentary features Maude Barlow, who is considered an "international water-warrior" for her crusade to have water declared a human right.  "Water must be declared a public trust and a human right that belongs to the people, the ecosystem and the future, and preserved for all time and practice in law.  Clean water must be delivered as a public service, not a profitable commodity."
A soup supper begins at 6:30pm, and the movie starts at 7pm.  Please RSVP to .

The Marcus Borg Lecture Series will be here in February.  On Friday, February 10, from 7 - 8:30 pm, Dr. Borg will present a lecture on "Speaking Christian: The Problem and a Way Forward".  Saturday, February 11, 2012, Marcus Borg will give a series of 3 lectures from 9 am - 2:30 pm, titled: "Speaking of Christian Yearning: Salvation, Kingdom of Heaven, Eternal Life.  This World or Next?", "Speaking of Christian Values: Mercy and Righteousness? Or Compassion and Justice?", "Speaking of Good Friday and Easter: What is the Gospel?" The cost is $15 - $50 and tickets are available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/211853.

Saturday, February 11, 2012 from 10am-5pm, at the Randle Montgomery Fellowship Hall at Tabernacle Church, 2801 S. Jackson Street,
participate in the First Annual Black History Month Celebration, featuring the collection of Bro. Delbert Richardson, The American History Traveling Museum: The "Unspoken" Truths. The exhibit chronicles the rich history of Africans in Africa prior to chattel slavery, the experiences and impact of chattel slavery, Jim Crow Era, and the many contributions African Americans have had on scientific, cultural, and technological (inventions) innovations in the U.S. and the world. Along with the exhibit Bro. Richardson will be conducting two special storytelling sessions: 11:00a.m.-12:00p.m. and 3:00p.m.-4:00p.m. There is no charge for this event and it is open to the public. Donations will gladly be accepted. 

You are invited to the Emergency Feeding Program's 35th Anniversary Gala & Auction on Sunday, February 12th from 4:30PM-7:00PM at Bloedel Hall, St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral Seattle, Washington 98102 There will be dinner, a no-host bar, and entertainment.
Purchase your tickets today or call them at 206-329-0300 for more information.

Join Rosehedge/Multifaith Works, who provide housing and outreach programs for men and women living with HIV/AIDS and other life-challenging illnesses, for their annual gala, “Love Without Boundaries” at The Renaissance Hotel on Valentine's Day, February 14th. This black-tie event is a way to celebrate love in its fullest!

The Church Council of Greater Seattle and The Missions Office of the Archdiocese of Seattle invite you to an ecumenical evening of Inspiration and Faith with JustFaith Founder Jack Jezreel, "JustFaith: A Call to Transform Our Hearts and the World" on Friday, February 17th from 7 - 9 p.m. at Plymouth Congregational Church, 1217 Sixth Ave., Seattle 98101. Please RSVP to Plymouth Congregational Church, 206.622.4865, ext. 10. For more information, contact Vince Herberholt, JustFaith Ministries, 206.491.4486 or . Free parking is available in the Plymouth garage directly underneath the church building. Entrance to the garage is on University Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. You must enter the garage between 6 and 6:55 p.m.

You are invited to a gathering focusing on Spirit Inspired Leadership for the Common Good on Friday, February 24th from 6 - 9 p.m. and Saturday, February 25th from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. at the Dumas Bay Center, 3200 SW Dash Point Rd., Federal Way. Exploring and re-membering what it means to be a Spirit inspired leader for the common good is the purpose of this gathering - most importantly what it means for you as you respond to your longing for compassionate social justice. For more information and registration, contact Judith at or Bill at . Registrations made prior to January 20th for the retreat and Saturday lunch are $240. For Friday night lodging and Saturday breakfast, add $60. Registrations after January 20th add 20%.

Come to the 2nd Annual Downtown Volunteer Fair on Sunday, March 4th from 1-4pm and explore ways to volunteer. You can visit tables featuring 35 downtown social services agencies, plus special sessions on using political advocacy to meet basic needs. It will be at the Christ Our Hope Catholic Church, at 1902 Second Ave. For more information, please call (206)448-8826 or visit www.AnualDowntownVolunteerFair.org

Saturday, April 14, 2012 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. "Why, God, Why?" Breaking the Cycle of Violence at Bothell United Methodist Church.

SAVE THE DATE: The 4th Annual Save The Frogs Day - April 28th, 2012. Find more information at savethefrogs.com/day. 

The Seattle Race Conference is Saturday, May 12th, 2012 at Seattle University. The keynotes are confirmed and it’s going to be an amazing event. The theme for this year is Building Community to End Environmental Racism: Learn, Connect, Flourish. The tracks include 1) Where We’re At: The Environment We Live In, 2) Strategies for Change: The Environment that Supports Us, 3) Where We’re Going: The Environment Where all Flourish. For more information, visit www.SeattleRaceConference.org. Contact Mona Baghdadi to get involved: 253.232.4763, . They are currently looking for additional financial sponsors and planning team members.

Ongoing:
Tuesdays, 7-8 pm – Kundalini Yoga for increased energy, strength and flexibility, and a sense of well-being. Room 226, UCC. $6 donation per class.

Judson Park Retirement Community in Des Moines, WA, seeks volunteer musicians for their Sunday evening (6:00pm) services. Contact Bill Painter at 206.870.6676 or for more information.

Senior Services Transportation Program is seeking volunteer drivers to help senior get to their medical appointments on time. The program is flexible, allowing you to use your own vehicle and choose the days and times you drive. If you’re interested, please reach out to Melissa at 206.748.7588 or .

 In June, 2011, the Burma military renewed attacks against the Kachin people of northern Burma. There are now an estimated 30,000 Kachin living in hiding in the jungles, in camps set up by Kachin Baptist churches, or in the borderlands of China. This is in addition to over 700,000 refugees from Burma already living in Thailand, Malaysia, and India. In September and November, Rev. Sandra Hasenauer, associate executive director of AB Women's Ministries, traveled to the U.S. State Department in Washington D.C., with other American Baptists serving on our denomination's Burma Refugee Task Force (ABCUSA). The delegates advocated for the rights of refugees from Burma in the U.S. and abroad, and pressed for the U.S. to increase its pressure on Burma's government to stop human rights abuses and engage in dialogue with ethnic minorities in a true democratic process. Although the U.S. news is currently reporting improvement in the situation in Burma, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's pending visit certainly offers some small glimmer of hope, the reality is that while U.S. and Burma are engaged in diplomatic conversations, the military continues to confiscate property, burn entire villages, gang-rape women, imprison and torture men, and kill civilians. We urge American Baptist women to lead in prayer and action on behalf of the peoples of Burma.

What You Can Do 

• Educate yourself on the situation in Burma. Google "Human Rights Burma", or begin by visiting these websites:  http://womenofburma.org/; http://www.kachinwomen.com/; http://www.hrw.org/news/2011/11/03/burma-s-continuing-human-rights-challenges; http://www.chro.ca/; http://www.khrg.org/.  
• Explore the relationship between Burma and American Baptists. Visit http://www.abwministries.org/resources/category.cfm?CategoryID=84 for resources.
• Pray for the people of Burma. Put specific prayer requests on your church and women's ministry prayer list as you follow the news and learn about the situation.
• Have a special time of worship or prayer vigil. Share planning and leadership with members of ethnic communities of Burma living in your own community, if possible; use videos or music available at the sites listed on this page.
• Contact your congresspersons and urge continued attention to human rights abuses in Burma and increased pressure on the Burma government for real transformation. Visit U.S. Campaign for Burma at www.uscampaignforburma.org for information about the UN Commission of Inquiry into crimes against humanity in Burma, and other advocacy efforts.
  This message was received from the American Baptist Women's Ministries, ABCUSA, www.abwmbreakthechains.org, www.abwministries.org