Announcements

September 2009

Don't forget to check all the announcements on the Faith Formation page as well!


Blessing of the Animals
September 20

It's that time again for our Blessing of the Animals service! Join us for our annual celebration as we, in the tradition of Saint Francis, honor all God's creatures and re-commit to being good stewards of all God's critters.
Then God said, "Let us make humankind …., and let them have stewardship over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing...
Genesis 1:6
Whether you bring along your pet or not, this promises to be a joyful occasion! All pets and people are welcome. If you have a beloved pet who has died, or if crowds and your animal friend do not mix well, bring a photograph or a stuffed-toy stand-in to receive a blessing. After the service, there will be treats for pets and people.


Adult Class: Theology of Ecology: Writing a New Story (a 5-week study)

Starts September 27
Sponsored by KCC Earth Keepers

Are you happy with the way our world is today, and the direction in which it is going? Do you ever feel that your understanding of God and Jesus just doesn't fit well with modern reality? Do you care about the future of our planet? Come and join with other faith pilgrims to explore our beliefs and seek the path of abundant life.
"Thinking theologically is not an end in itself;
it is for the purpose of right action,
for discipleship.
It is to make our action as close to God's will as we can discern...
The purpose of theology is to glorify God
by reflecting on how we might live better on the earth...
Theology matters!
We can neither praise God nor love the world if we have not thought through who God is and how we should love the world."
(Life Abundant, pp. 15, 25)
Using Sallie McFague's inspiring book, Life Abundant: Rethinking Theology and Economy for a Planet in Peril, (see Vanessa's review) as our springboard, we will explore how to articulate a theology that makes a practical difference in our world. We will consider how an alternative view of God, the world, and others might lead to living abundantly in the world. We will discover ways that our own theologies might become "flesh" in a life of Christian discipleship.

Class Details
Day:  Sundays
Time: 12:00 – 1:00
Dates: Sept. 27, Oct. 4, 11, 18 & 25
Leaders: Fred Lanphear and Tod Gobledale

Life Abundant by Sallie McFague
Book Review by Vanessa Kichline

It has become clear that we must change our way of life in order to preserve God's creation for our children and grandchildren. In her book Life Abundant, Sallie McFague asserts that in order to live differently, we must think differently; that we must "imagine another way to live 'abundantly' on Planet Earth." According to McFague, Christian discipleship entails doing everything possible to help the other life forms, both human and non-human, to prosper. The time has come for us to put limitations on our usage of resources and make sacrifices for the good of all creation. Earthkeepers will be bringing McFague's idea of conservation-based spirituality to the congregation throughout the fall.

In preparation for this, you should consider what "abundant life" means to you. Does it mean a wealth of material possessions — a cornucopia of comforts? Or an Eden-like setting where all species live in harmony and the lion lies down with the lamb? Perhaps your own interpretation is somewhere in between these extremes. Take some time to reflect on the sustainability of your ideal environment as we move into the fall season.

"When one is concerned about one's own stomach, it's materialism, but when one is concerned about other people's stomachs it is spirituality."
- Gustavo Gutierrez


All Church BBQ
Sunday, September 13, 2009 Following Worship

Celebrate "Living Together in Community"
Come and enjoy sizzling hamburgers, veggie burgers, and hot dogs hot off the grill and the splendid array of salads and desserts. This year bring according to the following schedule:
A—Mbring salads
N—Zbring desserts
Plates, silverware, condiments, and beverages will be provided.


7th Annual Kirkland Interfaith Transitional Housing Dinner
Saturday October 3, 2009

Featuring: Robert Fulghum, noted author of All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten

Hurry! Limited seating available!
Tickets are $150
To RSVP, please register online: www.KITHcares.org
or call 425/576-9531 x104


The Church Council of Greater Seattle's Annual Fall Dinner

...will be on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 from 5 -10 p.m. at the Machinists' Union Hall, 9125 15th Pl. S., Seattle.
Let's help this important organization celebrate 90 years of ecumenical service and justice in the Seattle area!!

For more information go to: www.thechurchcouncil.org.


Emergency Feeding Program--Our Food Pantry makes a difference!

The most needed items any time of year are:
peanut butter (18 oz. PLASTIC jars only please)
canned sweet peas
canned fruit cocktail
canned lunch meat (SPAM)
canned beef stew (24 oz.)
pineapple juice (48 oz. can)
tomato juice (48 oz. can)
powdered milk packets
canned corn
canned evaporated milk
tuna fish (6 oz.)
vegetarian vegetable soup
canned beef chili
vegetable oil
snack pudding
Meredith Gaskill and Jo Doyle


KCC UCC Camp Scholarship Fund 2009

Each year KCC offers 50% scholarships to all of our children, youth and adults to attend a summer camp or retreat. The Outdoor Ministry Programs in our Pacific Northwest Conference of the UCC are among the best.

This year's theme "Breakthrough" will explore a series of biblical stories that tell of transforming encounters with Jesus. What would it have been like to meet Jesus? In his journeys across Palestine, Jesus met a wide range of people. In many stories, Jesus pulled down walls of prejudice, offered release from bondage, and provided loving attention to the forgotten and healing to the sick. These encounters resulted in a breakthrough — a chance to move beyond the present situation into a life-changing experience.

Last year, we generated $1,000 and sent over 25 KCC UCC individuals to a camp or retreat. Our 2009 goal is $1500.00. Please support this fund and support your church family as they experience the wonders of the outdoors and explore their relationship to God, themselves, and to others.

Please give generously!


KCC Work Days for Grounds, Gardens and Building Jobs

Saturdays 9:00 am -12:00 noon
September  12
October   10
November   14

Come One! Come All! Bring rakes, rags, buckets, etc!


Tent City 4 Needs List

Residents need coffee, creamer, bleach, serving gloves, cold cereal, oatmeal in single servings (a favorite is Costco Organic--more oatmeal less sugar), paper bowls and plates, towels and blankets, clothes pins and other clips that can hold together a broken tent zipper.  They also need 8'x8' tents.

Leave goods in basket by KCC front door.  Also, anyone wanting to help organize meals, contact the Meal Coordinator, Jean Cook, at: jeancooklcsw@yahoo.com. Thanks!


First Friday Film Festival

Featured film:The Girl in the Café (2005)
Staring:Bill Nighy
Date:Friday, October 2, 2009
Time:7:00 PM
Where:Kirkland Congregational Church, UCC
viewed in the Helliwell Room
Who:This is an Adult Event
Come and enjoy this delightful romantic comedy which also struggles with modern values and ethics. British civil servant, Lawrence (Bill Nighy), attends the G8 Summit in Reykjavik, Iceland, where world leaders discuss the adoption of the Millennium Development Goals as a means of reducing world poverty. Who cares for the common good when egomania, xenophobia, and foot-dragging get in the way? Ultimately, the time comes when crucial decisions must be made, with the future of humankind in the balance.
(Written by Richard Curtis of Four Weddings and a Funeral fame.)  A good discussion starter.

No Admission Fee
Sponsored by the Board of Christian Education, Kirkland Congregational Church, UCC




Women's Fellowship Program
Wednesday, September 16

1:00 - 3:00 pm
All Welcome!

Our guest speaker will be Joan McBride
Church member and Deputy Mayor of Kirkland


Hanging of the Greens

Mark Your Calendar: Friday, November 27, from 9-12

The day after Thanksgiving is our traditional "hanging of the greens" in the sanctuary, narthex and lounge. This is a family event with music, fellowship and snacks. All ages are encouraged to attend--the results are always spectacular!  


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