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1013 8th Avenue
Seattle, WA, 98104
United States
(206)762-1991
communications@seattlepresbytery.org
The mission of Seattle Presbytery is to participate, in word and deed, in God’s transforming work through the Gospel of Jesus Christ: by strengthening the witness and mission of our congregations and members and by building strong partnerships with each other and the larger Christian community.
A free downloadable PDF version of the Book of Order 2017-2019 is now available online. This book is Part II of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and contains the Foundations of Presbyterian Polity, the Form of Government, the newly approved Directory for Worship, and the Rules of Discipline. Additional information is provided to the reader through the inclusion of Received Ecumenical Statements of Guidance and Articles of Agreement.
The Lilly Foundation has invited Whitworth’s Office of Church Engagement (OCE) to submit a proposal for $1.5 million to launch a new initiative that will explore what it means to be "called" by God to kingdom work in a post-Christendom setting. By post-Christendom we mean a situation in which Christianity and the church no longer hold a position of cultural privilege and power.
We are choosing to identify this as "the Third Way," which echoes the language used during the early Christian period. The Christian movement was neither religiously pluralistic and syncretistic, as Rome was, nor was it culturally and ethnically isolated, as Judaism was. It embodied a "Third Way," which proved to be highly effective in the ancient world.
We are inviting your church to become a ministry partner with us in exploring what a "Third Way" identity and ministry may look like today.
Ministry partners are invited to step into the Calling Initiative by committing to a one year discernment process. Thereafter, a multiyear commitment to the Calling Initiative is asked from ministry partners by the OCE, for the intention of deepening relationship. The one year discernment process includes the following chronological commitments and begins in the Summer of 2018, with annual openings thereafter, e.g. Summer of 2019.
July 2017
Sometimes it’s the simplest thing that awakens me to joy. I hadn’t imagined myself playing tag and jumping rope when I got up that morning, but there I was, surrounded by children and adults enjoying some raucous play time. I was accompanying a delegation from the Seattle Presbytery on a visit to Semillero de Paz Shalom (Shalom Peace Seedbed), a project for neighborhood children run by Third Presbyterian Church of Barranquilla. I think I can speak for all of us grown-ups: that play time was a gift!
It was one of the moments of life where grace bubbles up all around and seems to echo the affirming refrain of Genesis 1: “God saw how good it was” (CEB). Moments like that glisten in my memory, a counterpoint to the more challenging parts of ministry here in Colombia, and the new energy and enthusiasm of the delegation helped make this one possible. I’m grateful that my friends from Seattle were able to be part of that, and also that they bore witness to the shadow side of life in this wonderland of a country.
Weekend includes: 2 night stay here on the farm, all meals, and 1000lbs of apples to share with your congregation.
$2000/20 people. Additional people negotiable
Weekends marked in green are available. Weekend marked in yellow is our Harvest Festival
For more info or to book contact:
The Campbell Farm 2527 Campbell Road Wapato WA 98951
email:campbellfarm3@hotmail.com Office phone 509)877-6413
Cristhian Gómez
Through our partnership with the North Coast Presbytery in Colombia, our Seattle Presbytery welcomes Cristhian Gómez as a Pastor-in-Residence this summer. Cristhian serves as the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Barranquilla and also teaches Christian education at the Colegio Americano and pastoral theology at Universidad Reformada. He possesses a vibrant faith that is translated powerfully into the work of equipping his congregation as they engage in acts of justice in the community, seeking always to accompany one another toward a life of flourishing. From his own story of heartache in the face of violence, he is committed to a lifelong work of reconciliation and restoration for God’s Kingdom.
Cristhian is available to meet with pastors and congregants from our Presbtery between now and August 25th. If you would like to schedule a time with Cristhian, please contact Renée Notkin, reneen@upc.org or (206) 235-8346
On Wednesday evening, July 26th, you are invited to Union Church at 415 Westlake Ave N at 7 p.m. to hear Cristhian talk about the work of the church in Colombia. He will share about his involvement in the work of reconciliation in Colombia as he comes alongside displaced people as the result of a 60 year civil war. Learn how the gospel transcends cultures and borders as Cristhian shares his story of forgiveness and hope.
Here are a few things to keep in mind while preparing to review or update your Employer Agreement for 2018:
Key Dates
If you have questions about the Benefits Plan or the benefits selection process, call the Board at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN).
Article by Mark Klaas, Kent Reporter
Fri., June 9, 2017
Longtime Kent church to close
One of Kent’s oldest churches is closing, leaving behind a historic house of worship and questions about its future.
First Presbyterian Church of Kent, a part of the local faith community since 1889, performs its final service at 1 p.m. Sunday.
The decision to close was a difficult one for church leaders.
Rich in history and service, the church on East Hill and its aging congregation have arrived at a crossroads – a situation fraught by dwindling membership and financial hard times, according to Eyde Mabanglo, the church’s transitional pastor.
Membership is down to 57 members, many of whom having been with the church for 40 or 50 years and since retired, leaving only a few to financially carry the congregation.
Furthermore, the church, built in 1962, has aged to a point that it is outdated and too expensive to maintain.
“It’s been a difficult journey for them,” Mabanglo said of the close-knit congregation. “They were in a much more critical place than they had realized.
“Our final worship service many hope will be celebratory, and yet it’s hard for some members to not see it as a memorial,” she said.
From Faith Action Network:
Friends,
We realize there has been a lot of constantly changing information already out there about the upcoming rally this Saturday, 6/10 in Seattle, by Act for America, recognized by Southern Poverty Law Center as a hate group (now slated to take place at Seattle City Hall plaza, 600 4th Avenue). While faith leaders have been involved in conversations with an ad hoc group planning a counter presence this Saturday, FAN, the Church Council of Greater Seattle, and other faith organizations have decided not to sign on organizationally.
While solidarity with our Muslim neighbors has been lifted up as a primary value in planning for the counter-presence there, we realize that there will be a diversity of voices and expressions in how that counter-presence manifests itself, which may or may not be consistent with public vigils that local faith communities have traditionally convened. We appreciate the significant thoughtfulness and conversation in planning among people and groups, some of whom have been meeting for the first time. That being said, we want to share some options for faith community members who will participate downtown or who choose to express solidarity in other ways.
We offer the following list of possibilities before/during/after 6/10:
The most important thing is we are there for one purpose, one message: We Stand with Our Muslim Neighbors. Whatever happens Saturday will have the greatest impact on their communities.
Jerry Sittser, Whitworth University's Professor of Theology, had this to say about Tall Timber:
I can't think of a more beautiful and inspiring setting for a camp anywhere in the country.
I think this perfectly sums up what Tall Timber summer camps offer to kids of all ages. Between the beautiful and inspiring setting at Tall Timber, the chance to make lifelong friends while on an outdoor adventure, and our dedication to God and all that He has created, we hope your kids will join us this summer.
Only a few weeks left to book.
Blessings,
Dave Saugen, Executive Director
Email: registrar@talltimber.org
Phone: 509-763-3127
Thank you to Union Church for hosting and Chris Lim & CMC for coordinating this event. About 24 people attended and ten pitches were presented.
Dear friends,
Please find our latest letter update posted here on our website:https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/missionconnections/letter/building-bridges/
We will be in the U.S. this summer from June-August to visit with churches and others interested in the work here in Berlin. Please find some info regarding this in our letter and we look forward to seeing some of you in person and perhaps others of you by Skype as we will be located on the East Coast this time.
Peace to you,
Rev. Ryan and Alethia White
Presbyterian Church (USA) Mission Co-workers
https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/missionconnections/ryan-and-alethia-white/
MAY 24, 2017
Office of the General Assembly
REV. J. HERBERT NELSON, II
Stated Clerk of the General Assembly
LOUISVILLE
We are moving towards a new future as a denomination. Membership loss, which was experienced since the 1970s, is slowing down. Congregations are refocusing on their mission. Mid councils are experimenting with ways to provide meaningful leadership in challenging times. Congregations are celebrating both anniversaries and new beginnings. Young adults are asserting their desires to serve in both domestic and international mission. Despite cries proclaiming the death of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), we remain a viable interfaith and ecumenical partner in many local communities while proclaiming a prophetic witness throughout the world. Our eulogy as a denomination has been written too soon, because God’s Kingdom has not yet come. We are engaged both in the United States and around the globe. We are well-respected for our priestly and prophetic voice within Christendom. Our challenge is to see the powerful opportunities that are before us while declaring with Holy Spirit boldness that God is doing amazing work within us right now.
We have much more than we recognize. It is my hope that initially we will make bold moves to embrace the communal nature of our theology and practice. I want to encourage mid councils to implement strategies to move congregations categorized as “Fellowships” to the status of chartered congregations, particularly when they have met membership requirements to charter. Many racial ethic immigrant congregations are classified as “Fellowships.” These congregations are participating in the PC(USA), but are not fully brokered into the membership of the denomination. They are not required, in most instances, to pay per capita, while remaining non-voting members of presbyteries. This “half-in/half-out” status creates a perceived, racially motivated compromise that limits full participation even when many of these congregations outnumber by large margins long-term member congregations. My international travel offers clarity related to the new evangelism field of immigrants that know well the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). We should embrace these immigrants with a sense of kinship while recognizing their long-term familiarity and association with our missionary work. Immigrants are not strangers. Therefore, we must not categorize immigrants as such through existing membership double standards. They are Presbyterians and should be accepted and embraced as we do all Presbyterians. This effort alone could demonstrate our intentionality towards fulfilling our failed commitment to increase racial ethnic participation 20 percent by 2010.[1]
God through Jesus Christ awaits our commitment. As we are challenged to become a more racially diverse denomination in order to grow into the future, it is imperative that we invite new immigrants into our congregations as members; connect with those who benefitted from our ministry partnerships across the globe; hear the voices of our youth and young adults regarding their vision for the future of the church; train a new generation of leaders; and creatively engage in inviting people to a transformative experience in our worship and mission. Take the risk of asking those persons in your midst (both members and nonmembers) the question Jesus ask Bartimaeus “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mk. 10: 51). This question has power when offered in love.
I pray that a move of the Spirit will come over us in this new period of reform. Claiming persons to both experience the joy of fellowship and the faith within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
[1] Resolution on Racial Ethnic New Church Development and Redevelopment, Minutes, 1996, Part I, p. 378, paragraph 33.148.
PC(USA) membership decline continues but slows (Press Release)
A complete report of the comparative statistics is available online. Miscellaneous information also is available.
Update from Sammamish PC given at July 18, 2017 presbytery meeting:
Refugee Crisis Update: Donations Urgently Needed to Replace Facilities Lost in a Fire
On July 10th a protest at the detainment center in Moria led to a fire that resulted in almost a complete destruction of EuroRelief resources on site in the detainment center/refugee camp. Both the “buildings” and contents of the buildings were burned to the ground and now EuroRelief has been left no facilities nor supplies to minister to the 3000 inhabitants of the camp. Funds are urgently needed to replace the destroyed infrastructure. Here is a more detailed update from the EuroRelief leader Kim Garrity.
“As for needs, we lost our whole office, with computers, printers, as well as wrist band and ID cards. Many volunteers as well as our translators lost their back pack with passport, phone, wallet. The translators that were living on the office area escaped with the shirt on their back. The clothing store and container we're destroyed as well as the new sewing lab, with four industrial machines, and the computer lab. We lost all of our sporting equipment, including the volleyball net, boxing mitts and bag, all balls. The evening tea was served from there, so we lost our tea pots and all supplies for that. Smoke damaged all our stock of blankets, sleeping bags and tents. Our tools were mostly destroyed, starting over there, too. Both hand tools and electrical and cordless. Most of the walkie talkies we're saved, as they were on us at the time. But 90% of the chargers were burned in the fires. Fortunately, our warehouse off site, full of clothes, was unaffected. We are compiling a good list, for donors, prioritizing what we need. It is best for churches and individuals is to donate money, and specify which item, rather than buying it in North America and trying to ship it over.”
Ways to Donate:
Crowdfunding Campaign: www.YouCaring.com/Eurorelief-877187
Donate or send a team of volunteers:
Other ways to help:
Donate to the UNHCR www.donate.unrefugees.org
Buy a product to fundraise and promote awareness:
Buy a bracelet made out of refugee lifejackets worn during their crossing to Greece: (These benefit both the refugees and the suffering islanders of Lesvos.)
Buy a welcome mat or table runner made out of lifejackets:
Sammamish Presbyterian recently teamed up with Greater Europe Mission to send a mission team to volunteer at the Moria Refugee Camp/Detainment Center on the Island of Lesvos in Greece. With only four miles of water to cross between the island and Turkey, Lesvos has become ground zero for refugees trying to reach the EU. The NGO we worked under at the camp is called EuroRelief and they are the NGO with the contract to run the camp on behalf of the UN and the Greek government. While it is technically a military run detainment center guarded by Greek police, EuroRelief does the all work of distributing the food, blankets, clothing, and manages the living arrangements within the camp. While about half the asylum seekers are Syrians fleeing the war, everyone who gets caught trying to get into Europe gets detained and processed at this facility so over 40 different nationalities were present within the camp.
For the manpower to staff the camp of 2200 asylum seekers on a 24 hour, 7 days a week schedule, EuroRelief relies on a constant rotation of volunteers from a wide array Christian ministries such as YWAM, Greater Europe Mission, and I58. These organizations send teams of church members and college students as well as solo individuals from all three North American countries and Western Europe. The core job description of the volunteer work at the camp comes straight out of Matthew 25. “I was hungry and you fed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was in prison and you visited me.” While on shift at the camp, our team did many routine tasks such as monitoring the entrances of the various the housing units, distributing meals, making hot tea on a cold night, and escorting those that needed medical attention to the volunteer doctors on site.
Probably the most important ministry we provided beyond meeting the basic physical necessities was to be a sympathetic ear and an open heart as the refugees shared their incredible stories of survival and loss. Most of them have experienced a great deal of tragedy and hardship by the time they arrive at this camp and are often deeply traumatized by those experiences. It was critically important that we volunteers made sure theses survivors realized that they are cared for not forgotten by the rest of the world. While no proselytizing is allowed in camp, volunteers are able to have meaningful conversations about whatever topic the individual refugee desires to bring up.
One of the great surprises for our team was the incredible hospitality and care the refugees showed us in return. Even though most of these individuals had lost so much and had so little in the form of resources, our team was constantly treated as guests of honor and offered the best seat by the fire or a portion of whatever food was being passed out. Our female team members were often escorted by male refugees from place to place to make sure we stayed safe. Our entire team would most likely agree that while this mission trip was one of the most heartbreaking experiences they had ever felt, it was also one of the most rewarding mission trips they have ever taken. Our church plans to send another team to Moria next spring and to search out opportunities to help with the refugee crisis here at home as well.
Robin Brumley
Neece Administrator
Introducing www.iKokua.com: an online classified ad site that the seller can donate the proceeds directly to charity. You can also find us on Facebook, @iKokua. There is no cost to the nonprofit other than their normal process for substantiating donations!
Nonprofits are deeply valued in our community, but too often scramble for ways to keep lights on and programs up. Many people like the idea of donating to nonprofits, but may be unfamiliar with philanthropy or short on cash. iKokua bridges these things with a solution that funnels money to nonprofits while giving donors an easy way to support them.
How it works:
· Sellers post tangible goods on www.iKokua.com to be sold in a virtual auction, choosing a local nonprofit to benefit from the sale.
· Buyers browse, shop and make purchases in this online environment.
· After the auction, sellers and buyers make arrangements between themselves to convey items purchased. Items that don’t sell remain with sellers, or can be reposted later. iKokua emails sellers verification of their donations (considered in-kind) for IRS tax deductions.
· Nonprofits benefit at no cost to themselves. iKokua forwards 95 percent of sale proceeds to them, while keeping just 5 percent for handling and processing.
iKokua auctions are fun, meaningful, and provide a new, seamless way for nonprofits to fundraise – and friendraise – in the community.
Rich Sasaki, Nonprofit Service Representative and Founder iKokua, Inc., is a member of Seattle Community Church (Seattle Presbytery).
Rev. Dean Strong
At its April 18, 2017 stated meeting, Seattle Presbytery elected Rev. Dean Strong as Stated Clerk. He will serve the remainder of Rev. Karen Breckenridge’s one-year term, which ends January 1, 2018. Karen resigned as clerk at the end of April. We thank Karen for her faithful service during the past two and a half years.
Dean is also the Stated Clerk for the Presbytery of Northwest Coast, and the Synod of Alaska-Northwest, specializing in ecclesiology, polity, conflict resolution, parliamentary procedure and intergroup relations. He has served as a chaplain at a regional medical trauma center, head of staff in a mid-sized church, an associate for adult education and spiritual development in a large urban church and organizing pastor of a suburban new church development.
You can reach Dean at: 425.210.8997 (direct) and clerk@seapres.org.
May 4, 2017
From Patricia M. Haines, Executive Vice President and Chief Benefits Officer
Greetings,
As you may know, the U.S. House of Representatives today passed the American Health Care Act (AHCA). Should the Senate approve it and it become law, this legislation would not change coverage provided under the PPO (preferred provider organization) or EPO (exclusive provider organization) in our Medical Plan.
Even before the ACA became law, our plan met its most significant provisions, such as 100 percent coverage for preventive care, as well as coverage for maternity care and mental health services.
The Board, on behalf of the Church, stands as a witness to Christ's wish that each of us experience life abundant. We have designed our benefits and programs to support the four quadrants of well-being: spiritual, health, financial, and vocational. We will continue to maintain our programmatic commitment to wholeness and all aspects of well-being.
Please read the Board's press release, below, for more information.
PHILADELPHIA (May 4, 2017) -- The American Health Care Act (AHCA), passed today by the U.S. House of Representatives, would not affect coverage under the Medical Plan of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) should it become law.
"Even before the Affordable Care Act was signed into law, our Medical Plan covered what's now required by the ACA," said Patricia M. Haines, Executive Vice President and Chief Benefits Officer of the Board of Pensions. The Board administers the plan for the Church, supporting congregations and other PC(USA)-affiliated employers and their employees.
The Medical Plan includes a PPO (preferred provider organization) and an EPO (exclusive provider organization). Both exceed the benefits currently required under the ACA. Ms. Haines said the PPO and EPO coverage provisions would not change should the AHCA become law.
The most notable changes in the AHCA, which still faces a Senate vote, would permit states to obtain waivers from the following significant provisions now required of insurers under the ACA:
"As administrators of the Benefits Plan of the PC(USA), it's our responsibility to serve as a witness to the world of what Christ wished for each of us," Ms. Haines said. "Our plan is built on foundational values, including compassionate care, community, and justice. The changes set forth in the AHCA do not align with these values."
Ms. Haines said, "The House bill would severely cut access to healthcare currently provided by the ACA and hurt the most vulnerable among us."
About the Board of Pensions
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is a connectional church. The Board of Pensions, one of six agencies of the General Assembly of the PC(USA), fulfills a unique role in the community by upholding the commitment made by congregations to care for installed pastors and by providing ways for churches and other Presbyterian-affiliated employers to care for other ministers of the Word and Sacrament and other employees. The Board administers the church Benefits Plan, serving about 20,600 pensioners and survivors, 12,900 active plan members, 18,300 dependents, and 8,700 inactive members (those with vested pension credits who are not actively participating in the plan).
Published:
April 25, 2017
These projects have a variety of emphases—visual arts, storytelling, music, preaching, contemplation and more—but have as a common purpose a desire to both deepen people’s understanding of worship and strengthen practices of public worship and faith formation.
Said Kathy Smith, director of the Vital Worship Grants Program: “These collaborative projects bring people together to study, plan and create, foster new learning and nourish intergenerational community in worship.”
This year’s recipients are from around North America and include 20 congregations, one high school, four colleges and universities, three seminaries, and five other organizations, including a retirement community, a military ministry, a hospital ministry, a denominational worship committee and a regional synod. They also represent congregations and schools from 18 denominations, 19 states and two Canadian provinces.
Each grant will fund a year-long project (beginning in June) that promotes vital worship and faith formation, and this year’s awards range from $6,000 to $18,000 per project.
