One Million Meals Campaign
Make your summer all about food and fun! Join the One Million Meals Campaign to feed hungry kids in our neighborhoods.
About 99,000 children rely on free or reduced-price lunch during the school year. But only 1 in 7 takes part in free summer meal programs. Last year, One Million Meals Campaign volunteers served 490,000 free summertime meals to kids and teens all over King County. Our goal this year is to reach 1 million meals. Read more online.
GA 221 Recap Resources
Theological student advisory delegate Kari Olson speaks from the floor about how encouraging the assembly has been during a speak-out session.
Dear Friends of Seattle Presbytery,
We want to share some resources and encourage you as you consider the work of the 221st General Assembly of the PCUSA. It was a blessing to watch our six commissioners, YAAD, and TSAD, in action as they served our church this past week in Detroit. They represented Seattle Presbytery so well.
The assembly itself was calm and respectful throughout even while dealing with issues on which we disagreed. As you are well aware, the decisions that were made brought joy to some and grieving to others across our communities. However it should be noted that the commissioners also sought to find common ground during their deliberations - a truly hopeful sign and a practical expression of the theme verse, Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Emphasis throughout the assembly was on the success of the 1001 Worshiping Communities initiative being undertaken in many presbyteries across the church and to renewed missional efforts abroad. The move toward fostering new Christian communities wherever God is planting them, continues to be breathe new life into churches and presbyteries across the PCUSA. The presbytery staff continue to deepen our connections with this national movement.
Resources for the commissioners’ actions on marriage and divestment are contained among the links provided. Regarding marriage, the key issue going forward is that councils (sessions) and pastors have discretion in discerning who may be married in their churches (building). No session or pastor shall be compelled to act in any way that goes against their conscience. Though that is consistent with our polity as a church, it was reiterated around the issue of same-sex marriage.
I pray that despite the opportunities and the challenges that are ahead of us as a presbytery, we might remember to lift one another up and encourage one another in the ministry of the Gospel; that we might listen with ears to hear how God is speaking through the hurts and pains as well as the joys and triumphs of our friends, congregants, and fellow colleagues in the PCUSA.
The presbytery entrusts to our Seattle Presbytery commissioners the duty of interpreting the actions the 221st General Assembly as we prepare to vote on GA recommendations in 2015. Presbytery staff who also attended (Scott Lumsden, EP; Kevin Nollette, Associate EP, and Eliana Maxim, Associate EP, Kathy Lueckert, Stated Clerk) are available and willing to serve as a resources for interpreting GA actions and presbytery process going forward.
May God bless you and guide you as your serve Christ’s church,
Rev. Scott Lumsden
Executive Presbyter
GA Recap Resources:
- GA recap bulletin inserts (published by Presbyterian Outlook). Download regular size insert. Download large print insert. Korean version. Spanish version.
- Assembly in Brief - 221 General Assembly (2014).
- OGA Pastoral Letter.
- Fellowship Pastoral Letter.
- PC (USA) FAQ: Civil Union & Marriage. Korean version. Spanish version.
- PC (USA) FAQ: Middle East Issues.
Other Links:
- Drink from the firehose: Twitter conversation on #ga221, follow @GA221
- Official reporting: Presbyterian News Service
- Curated photos & articles: Presbyterian Outlook on Facebook, Spirit of GA on Facebook
- Photos from our staff: SeaPres Facebook page
Congrats to Rev. Mansour Khajehpour
Rev. Mansour Khajehpour (Seattle First PC) has received a new call as the Executive Director of Sat-7 PARS (a Christian satellite television ministry broadcasting in the Persian language).
Rev. Mansour Khajehpour (Seattle First PC) has received a new call as the Executive Director of Sat-7 PARS (a Christian satellite television ministry broadcasting in the Persian language).
A message from Mansour:
This new calling is anther reminder to trust God in all things. For my family and I this will be a journey of faith. I thank God for being my Leader in this adventure. Some of you have been a part of this discernment process with the Board of Sat-7 PARS and my family. To you, I say THANK YOU for your prayerful support! I will keep myself accountable to God, to the Board, to you, and to my church family. Please keep my family (and our needs) in your prayer, share your wisdom with me, and plan to visit us in Cyprus.
Nahid and I commit ourselves in praying unceasingly for the fruits of our efforts. As I acclimate and adjust to my new duties and Greek culture, I will continually seek your prayers, support, and wisdom. On Sunday June 22nd at 10:30 AM, Seattle First Presbyterian Church ( www.firstpres.org ) commissions and send me as a tent-maker missionary. It would be a joy if you (who live in Seattle area) would consider joining in praying and sending us.
May as a result of this small token we get to see more souls saved, believers strengthened, churches built, and God's name be glorified.
Your Brother in Christ,
Mansour Khajehpour
Investing in our Greatest Resource
Giving to the Pentecost Offering makes it possible for the church to encourage, develop, and support its young people, and address the needs of at-risk children. A large portion of this offering can be retained by individual congregations wanting to make an impact in the lives of young people within their own community.
Giving to the Pentecost Offering makes it possible for the church to encourage, develop, and support its young people, and address the needs of at-risk children. A large portion of this offering can be retained by individual congregations wanting to make an impact in the lives of young people within their own community.
Your gifts to the Pentecost Offering help support:
Young Adult Volunteers | Ministries for Youth | Child Advocacy
Watch a video to learn more about the Presbyterian Youth Workers Association.
Queen Anne PC organ available
Queen Anne PC is looking to give away a beautiful, small, old foot/"pump" organ. Please contact Pastor Doug Early if you're interested.
Hymnals Available at Madrona Grace PC
Madrona Grace PC has 70-80 Presbyterian Hymnals available to donate.
Madrona Grace PC has 70-80 Presbyterian Hymnals available to donate. Please contact Cynthia Wyrick-Dampier if you're interested.
Hunger Hurts - Sharing Helps
Bread for the World invites churches to write letters to Congress this Spring. This year's focus is "Reforming US Food Aid", asking Congress to make changes that would allow food aid to benefit 17 million more people each year, at no additional cost to taxpayers.
Offering of Letters
Bread for the World invites churches to write letters to Congress this Spring. This year's focus is "Reforming US Food Aid", asking Congress to make changes that would allow food aid to benefit 17 million more people each year, at no additional cost to taxpayers.
The U.S. is a leader in providing life-saving assistance overseas in the form of food aid in times of disaster.
During 2014 we can help reform the federal government's food-aid programs so that funds are used more effectively.
Please ask members of your congregation to write letters to urge Congress to make these changes. Choose a Sundayor Best Time for writing!
Set up tables, have writing paper and envelopes available, following worship, after Sunday School, during a fellowship meal -or at a time of you best choosing! (people can even take paper home and write). Suggestion: group the letters together and mail them to the local office for security reasons; OR mail them all to BREAD and they will hand deliver them
Send for a packet of information/kit: www.bread.org/store or call 800-822-7323 ext 1072 or email publications@bread.org.
Vote for Wellspring's Video
Help Wellspring win a video contest! The PC (USA)'s 1001 New Worshiping Community is running a video contest from May 1 through May 14. The first place winner will receive $10,000. Online voting will help determine the winners!
Help Wellspring win a video contest! The Presbyterian Church's 1001 New Worshiping Community is running a video contest from May 1 through May 14. The first place winner will receive $10,000. Online voting will help determine the winners! Thank you for your support.
Cast your vote for Wellspring's video online here.
Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life
The Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life is a nine month retreat format of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, with retreat communities meeting in Seattle and Tacoma, beginning in September and running through May.
The Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life is a nine month retreat format of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, with retreat communities meeting in Seattle and Tacoma, beginning in September and running through May. It is a powerful, life-changing program of prayer and reflection that can be done by busy people of varied backgrounds and Christian traditions in the midst of their daily lives. Participants commit themselves to praying one hour a day, meeting twice monthly with a Spiritual Director, and to attending monthly Saturday retreat days. Learn more at www.seelpugetsound.org or call 206-721-3518.
SeaPres Churches Join Oso Relief Effort
Twenty-five Seattle-area churches, including BelPres and Redmond PC, are raising thousands of dollars for Oso relief.
The group Churches For Oso has pledged money from their own churches' budgets plus donations from congregation members to Oso victims. The group has launched a fundraising website and produced a video that’s spreading online.
Twenty-five Seattle-area churches, including BelPres and Redmond PC, are raising thousands of dollars for Oso relief.
The group Churches For Oso has pledged money from their own churches' budgets plus donations from congregation members to Oso victims. The group has launched a fundraising website and produced a video that’s spreading online.
Hacking for Jesus: Code for the Kingdom
Seattle event featured on GeekWire. Hacking for Jesus: Top projects from ‘Code for the Kingdom,’ a faith-based hackathon for spiritual geeks.
Seattle event featured on GeekWire. Hacking for Jesus: Top projects from ‘Code for the Kingdom,’ a faith-based hackathon for spiritual geeks.
Niche hackathons are hot right now. Some solve legal issues and address challenges facing non-profits, while others aim to increase civic engagement and even help pets.
There’s a movement among some programmers to consider how their work should, perhaps, be dedicated to higher causes.
And now there’s another spin on the hackathon, and it happened over the weekend at Seattle’s Impact Hub in Pioneer Square.
Code for the Kingdom brought together developers from local software companies, big and small, eager to meld their spiritual beliefs and their day-job programming skills. The goal, as stated by the group, was to tackle global issues ”with a Christian perspective,” although non-Christians were also welcome. The “kingdom” in the title refers to the idea that all areas of work and life can be integrated into one’s religious beliefs. READ MORE...
Oso Relief with PDA & NW Coast Presbytery
Following their assessment of the Oso mudslide and the initial response, Rev. David Alger and Morella Larsen of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) met with 25 Presbyterians at Mountain View PC in Marysville, WA on March 29th. This disaster, when all is said and done, may be the most costly natural disaster in the last century in Washington State in terms of human life.
Following their assessment of the Oso mudslide and the initial response, Rev. David Alger and Morella Larsen of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) met with 25 Presbyterians at Mountain View PC in Marysville, WA on March 29th. This disaster, when all is said and done, may be the most costly natural disaster in the last century in Washington State in terms of human life.
Please be in prayer for all those engaged in the search for missing people, for the families and friends of those who have died, for the recovery efforts of everyone involved. And become prepared to help respond long after the cameras move on to the next story and this community tries to put a life back together.
If you want to be directly involved in coordinating the relief effort both now and over the long-term please email Corey Schlosser-Hall (Northwest Coast Presbytery Executive). They are forming a team that will coordinate ecumenically, with churches closest to Oso, and with other volunteer organizations actively involved in Oso relief efforts.
What's NOT needed right now?
- There are plenty of people searching through the area.
- There are plenty of chaplains functioning with the rescue workers right now.
- There is plenty of food, water and shelter provided to those displaced.
- There are plenty of blankets, sweaters, clothing.
Assist Northwest Coast Presbytery (North Puget Sound & Alaska) with the relief effort:
Send checks with "Oso Relief" in the memo line written to:
NPS Presbytery
1010 E. Casino Road
Everett, WA 98203
Mass Youth Choir - General Assembly Opening Worship
Youth from your congregations are invited to participate in a Mass Youth Choir for Opening Worship at General Assembly on Saturday, June 14 at 11 AM at First Presbyterian Church, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Youth will meet for dinner and their first rehearsal at the church on June 12. Churches in Ann Arbor will open their buildings for youth and chaperones (for a minimal fee). There is no fee for participating in the mass choir itself. Dr. Jerry Blackstone, director of choral activities at University of Michigan, will conduct. 50 spaces are currently available for singers (rising 8th grade & up).
Contact: Tom Granum, Director of Music Ministries, First Presbyterian Church, Ann Arbor.
Rev. Debbie Blane Visits Seattle
Rev. Debbie Blane, Mission Co-Worker in South Sudan
Rev. Debbie Blane, Mission co-worker in South Sudan (serving at Nile Theological College) will be returning to Seattle from May 20-June 12 and is seeking housing for part of that time. Please contact her directly via email if you can help. Learn more online about her ministry.
Debbie was ordained in the Seattle Presbytery at Woodland Park Presbyterian Church in 2002.
Finding Faith Today Project
Boston University School of Theology is conducting a national research project on how people come to faith as adults in the U.S. The project will include those who have become adherents of all major religious traditions in the U.S.
Boston University School of Theology is conducting a national research project on how people come to faith as adults in the U.S. The project will include those who have become adherents of all major religious traditions in the U.S.
The survey is offered to adults in your congregation (aged 18 and over) who have made a new declaration of faith within the last three years (since about Jan. 1, 2011), even if that happens to be a "return" to faith from an earlier commitment in their lives. All responses are anonymous and confidential. Learn more online.
Sound View's New Director
Matt and Allison Klump.
Seattle Presbytery is pleased to celebrate the announcement of Sound View's new director, Matt Klump. You probably recognize Matt from his familiar presence at our Presbytery gatherings. Congratulations! Read more.
Run For Water, Run For Life
Join Team World Vision. Run a race. Change the lives of children in Africa and Haiti and your team members. As you train for a race and ask others to make donations on your behalf, you help communities in need by enabling World Vision to provide access to things like clean water. You don't have to be a runner! Read more about Team World Vision.
Join Team World Vision. Run a race. Change the lives of children in Africa and your team members. As you train for a race and ask others to make donations on your behalf, you help communities in need by enabling World Vision to provide access to things like clean water. You don't have to be a runner! Read more about Team World Vision.
Next Seattle race date: June 21, 2014.
Best time for team recruitment: now through mid-March.
1/2 marathon base training starts: Feb. 17 (extra training for people just getting started).
1/2 marathon official training starts: March 21.
Contact: Lyndsey Deane.
Short powerful links:
Church World Service School Kits Needed
CWS has recently received a request from a partner agency for 52,500 CWS School Kits to travel to Cameroon, Syria, and Romania to provide supplies that enable children to be successful in school.
CWS has recently received a request from a partner agency for 52,500 CWS School Kits to travel to Cameroon, Syria, and Romania to provide supplies that enable children to be successful in school. Although there are kits in the CWS warehouses, there are not enough to fill this request, let alone any other requests that might we might receive.
CWS School Kits give basic tools for learning to children in impoverished schools, refugee camps and other difficult settings, including children whose families had lost everything to floods, tornados and other disasters.
For more information about assembling kits, go to www.cwsglobal.org/kits and click on “CWS School Kits.” Financial support is also needed – please consider taking an offering or making a gift to help support the CWS Kits Program.
Church Statistical Reports & Pastor Salary Forms Due Now
The deadline for SeaPres churches to enter 2013 stats into the online system is Thursday, February 20th (midnight), even if your session has not yet approved the report. If your session meets after the Feb. 20th deadline, enter the stats by the deadline and take the paper copy to the session for approval. If there are changes, send them to Stated Clerk Kathy Lueckert and she will make them in the system.
The deadline for SeaPres churches to enter 2013 stats into the online system is Thursday, February 20th (midnight), even if your session has not yet approved the report. If your session meets after the Feb. 20th deadline, enter the stats by the deadline and take the paper copy to the session for approval. If there are changes, send them to Stated Clerk Kathy Lueckert and she will make them in the system.
Click here for online statistical reporting site. Contact Kathy Lueckert for PIN, userID or password. Tip: use FireFox or Chrome to eliminate problems with Internet Explorer display settings.
Click here for Korean statistical reporting instructions.
Clergy Renewal Programs
The Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs at Christian Theological Seminary is accepting proposals for grants to fund “clergy renewal leaves” for congregations and their pastors.
Under the program ― underwritten by the Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment ― congregations may apply for grants of up to $50,000 to underwrite a renewal program for their pastor and for the pastor’s family, with up to $15,000 of those funds available to the congregation to help cover costs for ministerial supply while the pastor is away.
The Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs at Christian Theological Seminary is accepting proposals for grants to fund “clergy renewal leaves” for congregations and their pastors.
Under the program ― underwritten by the Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment ― congregations may apply for grants of up to $50,000 to underwrite a renewal program for their pastor and for the pastor’s family, with up to $15,000 of those funds available to the congregation to help cover costs for ministerial supply while the pastor is away.
There is no cost to the congregations or the pastors to apply; the grants represent the Endowment’s continued investment in renewing the health and vitality of American Christian congregations.
For more information, go to the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program website.