6/25: Rev. J. Graley Taylor Died

Honorably Retired Rev. J. Graley Taylor passed  away on 6/25/2014.  Rev. Graley most recently served as the Parish Associate at Inglewood Presbyterian Church.

Memorial Service: Saturday, August 2, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Inglewood Presbyterian Church. Luncheon to follow.

This year, Whitworth University honored Rev. Graley with the "Mind and Heart Award" and wrote this about him:

J. Graley Taylor's vocational journey can be traced back to his time at Whitworth, where he organized a gospel team, acted in numerous theatre productions, attended and sang at Christian Endeavor meetings, and served at churches near the Canadian border. Looking back, Graley's participation in a broad range of activities stands out as a clear indicator of his future evangelical and creative paths.

After graduating in 1950, Graley went on to attend San Francisco Theological Seminary; he then served as pastor to churches in California and Washington and was the organizing pastor of two new congregations, fostering family ministry and working closely with Presbytery youth. These experiences led him to make his first film, a positive experience that ultimately led to his career in media ministry.

Today, Graley's acclaimed film, television and radio productions are too numerous to mention in detail. He helped develop the Religious Broadcasting Commission, an ecumenical media ministry that transformed religious programming in the Northwest. His work as a writer-producer for the documentary "Right On! Superstar" garnered four Emmys. His TV special "Celebrating Tomorrow's Hope" won a Gabriel Award. Another TV special, "Out of the Night," recounted the spiritual journey of Vietnam veterans returning from war. Graley's wide-ranging honors and awards are indicators of the scope of his career, which continues today: he's currently working on a film with Maori Presbyterians in New Zealand.

Whitworth is proud to add the Mind and Heart Award to Graley's long list of accolades. In Graley, Whitworth University has another distinguished alumnus who has used his education as a launching point to a colorful and rewarding life in Christian service.

View Award Ceremony Poster (PDF)

12/10: Rev. Dr. Francis E. Horner Died

Honorably Retired Rev. Dr. Francis E. Horner passed  away on December 10, 2013. He leaves behind his wife, Mary, children, great-grandchildren, and his brother.  Please keep his family in prayer.

Viewing: Friday, December 13, 5-8 PM at Klontz Funeral Home in Auburn.

Graveside Service: Saturday, December 14, 10 AM at Mountain View Cemetery in Auburn.

Memorial Service: Saturday, December 14, 2 PM at Newport PC in Bellevue. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Cherished Acres Estates in Auburn. 

12/3: Rev. Frank B. Christ Died

Honorably Retired Rev. Frank B. Christ passed away on Tuesday, December 3rd. He was 80. 

Frank was ordained to the Presbyterian ministry in Crosby, North Dakota, and served Presbyterian churches and presbyteries in North Dakota, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri.

His memorial service will be at Japanese Presbyterian Church on Saturday, December 28th at 11:00 AM, with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts to Franklin and Marshall College or McCormick Theological Seminary.

Please join us in holding Frank's family in our prayers.

11/18: Rev. Ron Reese Died

Honorably Retired Rev. Ron Reese passed away on Monday November 18th, 2013. 

A memorial service will be held Saturday November 23rd @ 11:00AM in the Chapel at Seattle First Presbyterian Church. 

Please join us in holding Ron's wife, Bonnie, and their family in our prayers.

Update, from Ron's Caring Bridge site:

There will also be another Memorial Sunday @ 5:00PM in the former New Life Center space adjacent to Cambel Hall. Former residents of the New Life Ministry, shelter guests and friends of Ron are welcome to either or but this second service promises to be a little more intimate, but in no way exclusive of anyone who knew and loved Ron. 

Ron and Bonnie were among the cadre of eleven or so Church Members who stepped up to begin shelter.  Shelter Team members and former New Life Community members whose lives have been touched by these two ministries will be encouraged to share.  

10/22: Annette Moser-Wellman Died

We invite you to keep Rev. Jim Wellman and his daughters, Constance and Georgia in your prayers as they mourn the loss of their wife and mother, Annette Moser-Wellman. Annette was a candidate under care of the Presbytery of Seattle and a long-time members of University PC.  After a long battle with a rare illness, Annette passed away this week at her home, surrounded by family.  There will be a service to celebrate Annette's life at 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at University PC in Seattle. Everyone who attends is encouraged to bring written remembrances of Annette to share with family.   

8/29: Virginia Redfield Died

We received news today that Virginia Redfield passed away this morning. She was the widow of the Rev. Richard Redfield, who served Lake Burien PC for nearly 20 years. They met at Princeton Seminary and served a number of churches over his lifetime. Virginia was a spirited woman who loved God and lived her deep faith every day of her 89 years. Her family and friends would appreciate your prayers as they deal with this unexpected loss.

Rev. Ron Reese (Hon. Retired) in Critical Condition

From Neal Lampi: 

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD YOUR EXPERIENCE OF RON AND BONNIE REESE, WE NEED TO LIFT THEM UP, AND GET THEM BACK OUT INTO GODS CREATION!!!

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ronreese/guestbook

Saturday July 13th there was a message left on my phone from the Reese residence.  I was in the midst of my workday when I saw it, but decided to return the call quickly without actually listening to the message;  I left a brief message when I did this.  When I finished work I listened to the message and was bowled over, Bonnie spoke in a hushed tone, Ron is back in the hospital… silence, weeping, its related to his recent surgery for the hernia he had.  Silence, breath, your one of the first to know, and Ron wants to see you… silence, fighting back tears, her message went on…  I began to cry myself as I walked to the hospital.

When I arrived at the hospital, Bonnie and Ron’s brother Richard were in the room with Ron.  Bonnie was reclining with her feet up on Ron’s bed, I joked, “don’t get too comfortable there”.  Ron laid on his bed his swollen abdomen bare, eyes closed, he glanced to hear who had entered the room and closed his eyes again.  We prayed thanking God for his mercy and Grace, in that each breadth he takes is in defiance of the doctors grime prognosis.  The prospect of recovery as anticipated from the usual course of disease and peculiarities of cancer of the bile duct was dim at best, Ron was given months to live in March 2012, and here he was, in pain yes, needing surgery yes but breathing in the company of people who love and adore him.  We prayed together.

Ron offered a prayer himself as we went around, and his prayer was for those without faith and in need of healing themselves.  This reminded me of the prayer service we had in the Chapel at SFPC, where people surrounded Ron, bathing him in prayer, and he then too offered a similar prayer for those without faith and in need of healing themselves.

I continue to see Ron and Bonnie, who herself is battling cancer and in still in pain from recent surgeries herself, at the trailhead.  Please join me as you pray for their healing and restoration to the service of Christ, service they have faithfully performed for so many years.

Ron smiled when I once again shared this vision, “it’s such a lovely vision and implicit in the vision is a new beginning”  This will happen Ron you will leave here stronger than the day you came in.  You will join your lovely wife at the trailhead I see it. 

Join me in seeing this with me as you pray for Ron and Bonnie.

5/26: Elder Daisy Dawson Died

Elder Daisy Dawson went home to be with the Lord on Sunday the 26th around 6am.  We continue to pray for her family and for all who will miss her. 

There will be a service of witness to the resurrection in Daisy's honor this Saturday, June 1st at 11am.  A repass is currently being planned by the Deltas for later in the afternoon at the church, most likely around 3:30pm, with a trip to the graveside in-between.

Chehalis elders in cancer treatment need Seattle housing

​Update 5/13: Housing has been found! 

Active Elders from Westminster Presbyterian Church in Chehalis are seeking a home as a haven during four months of cancer treatment in Seattle for the husband.

If you or a friend can help contact Rev. Joyce Emery, Transitional Pastor at 206-409-9387, or jemery@chehaliswpc.org.

4/17: Rev. J. Murray Marshall Died

In Loving Memory

April 27, 1930 - April 17, 2013

J. Murray Marshall, age 82

Passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his loving wife Nancy, his sons J. Scott Marshall and J. Douglas Marshall (Kathryn) and his daughter Kimberlee A. Barnard. He was a former pastor at Seattle First Presbyterian Church.

Memorial Service is June 5, 2:00 p.m. at SFPC.

3/36: Rev. Al Horn died

Former pastor of Marcus Whitman Presbyterian Church and honorably retired, Rev. Al Horn died on March 26, 2013 in Las Vegas, NV of cancer.  Al was an active member of Seattle Presbytery for 20 years.

​Please keep his family in your prayers.

2/21: Jim Holt, Son of St. Andrew Pres. Elder Died

One of our CPM elders, Pattie, from St. Andrew Pres., wrote to say her beloved son Jim died yesterday.  Pattie and her husband took care of Jim for years.  Jim was severely disabled and functioned at the age of about 9 months, though he was a teenager and went to school.

​Please pray for the family. 

2/19: Rev. Bill Carleton Died

Rev. Bill Carleton died last Tuesday, February 19.  His memorial service will be Thursday, March 14 at 2:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church of Kent.

He and his wife Pat worshiped at Kent First. Bill served a pastor to KFP for about 35 years, and he served on several presbytery committees.

Prayers for the family.

12/12: Former GA Moderator Cindy Bolbach dies

Cynthia Bolbach after her election as Moderator of the 219th General Assembly (2010) —Danny Bolin

Cynthia (Cindy) Bolbach, Moderator of the 219th General Assembly (2010), died peacefully on December 12, 2012, after fighting a brave, nearly yearlong battle with cancer.

A ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Bolbach was elected Moderator on the fourth ballot as the only ruling elder in a field of six candidates. In a July 4, 2010, news release, Jerry Van Marter of the Presbyterian News Service (PNS) said that Bolbach’s brief answers and her “winsome sense of humor” won over the General Assembly commissioners.

Read more here: http://www.pcusa.org/news/2012/12/12/former-ga-moderator-cindy-bolbach-dies/

Rev. Joyce Manson Knee Surgery

Honorably Retired Rev. Joyce Manson is having her left knee replaced on December 17 and asks for prayers for a successful surgery and recovery.

Rev. Lloyd D. Roti Died

The Rev. Lloyd D Roti, 97 of Seattle, a good and faithful servant of the Lord, passed away peacefully on Oct 25, 2012. A memorial celebrating Lloyd's life and 54 years of service to the Lord will be held at West Side Presbyterian Church, 3601 Calif. Ave SW, Seattle on Nov 7, 2012 at 1:00 PM. Reception to follow.

Published in The Seattle Times on November 4, 2012

Elder Cal Uomoto Died

Calvin Masao Uomoto was born in Seattle to George and Fumiko Uomoto in 1949. He died peacefully at home on Friday, October 26, surrounded by his family.

A memorial service to celebrate Cal’s life and legacy will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 17, at Seattle First Presbyterian Church (1013 8th Avenue). In lieu of flowers, checks may be made payable to World Relief with a note specifying that funds be directed to the Detention Ministry; or donate online at worldreliefseattle.org/ and specify “Cal Uomoto” or “Detention Ministry” in the comments field.

Cal’s childhood was spent in Japan (where his parents did missionary work), in Philadelphia, and in Seattle. He earned a BA in Psychology and a Masters in Public Administration, both from the University of Washington.

Cal married Ann Shepard in 1980, and they raised four wonderful sons – Titus, Timothy, Jordan, and Brendan - in addition to numerous other sons and daughters, including John (foster son) and Hsuu Vierling. Cal was preceded in death by his father George and sister Ruth. He is survived by his wife and sons, his daughter-in-law Grace and grandson Ezra, his mother Fumiko, sisters Lois (Paul), Estelle (Robert), Faith (Jim), Hope, Grace (Rex), Joyce (Charles), Julie (Jeff), and brothers Murray (Tsuruko) and Earl.

Cal dedicated his life to working with underprivileged youth, the poor, prisoners, and refugees. He served as World Relief’s Area Director for more than 20 years. Caloccasionally taught about non-profit organizations and urban ministry at Seattle Pacific University, and was a mentor with Fuller Theological Seminary.

Cal’s life touched untold numbers of people from all corners of the world. The Indochinese Farm Project, the Mien Christian Church of Seattle, and a vibrant ministry to detainees at the Immigration and Naturalization Service’s Tacoma detention facility are a few focal points of Cal’s tireless work on behalf of those in need of hope, friendship, opportunity, and practical assistance of all kinds.

Marcus Whitman has recovered from sanctuary fire

From Rev. Lynell Caudillo: 

Praise God--Marcus Whitman will be back in our sanctuary for worship on October 14th--since the fire on April 3 we have been worshipping at Parkside Elem. School next door.

We will have a special worship service on Oct 14, and a luncheon on October 28th following worship to thank all the people who were so helpful to us in this project!

UPDATE 3: Kenyan Presbyterian Women in Bus Accident

Here is a brief update.

After the burial of those who passed away, we have continued to provide psychological and emotional support to the families. Some need financial assistance as well to cater for school fees for the children. Most of the husbands are finding it difficult to coping with the loss of their wives and mothers to their children.

Some of those who had been discharged have to continue attending the hospital for further treatment. We assist them with transportation and cost of medical bill. One had to be readmitted for reconstructive surgery of the right jaw. This was helpful and she is healing well. She can now eat some little food. Once the jaw heals, she will need to have dentures fixed.

The one who had a spinal injury was finally taken to the spinal injury hospital, the only one in Kenya. She is going through physiotherapy, but she is confined to a wheel chair. Doctors say she may never be able to walk again. The one who had fractures on the pelvic bone is also still in hospital. The doctors say she needs another surgery but she has developed a problem of blood clots on the legs. They are treating her for this as they evaluate her condition. her left leg still has a bad wound that requires grafting.

Your financial assistance came at a very appropriated time as we were running out of money and the hospitals are still demanding for money. Your assistance was indeed a miracle and an answer to prayer. These funds will go a long way in easing our burden and that of the affected families on the hospital bills.

Thanks for your continued prayers as well. They have done wonders. I particularly have been going through a very difficult time Please keep holding me in prayer. I also need to go through some debriefing to enable me to cope. My emotional reserves are running low and it is only by God's Grace that I am able to hold on. Pray that the Lord will create an opportunity for me to take a short 3-5 days off to a quiet place for rest. When or how or where I do not know, but I need it badly.

Finally, please pray for the church in Kenya, We are being attacked by terrorists who are now targeting churches.

Last Sunday, an Anglican Church in my neighborhood was attacked with a grenade targeting a Sunday school class. One 9 year old boy was killed and eight other children were seriously hurt and are admitted in hospital. The church is just a few meters from my house and we were getting ready to go to church when the attack occurred. As Christians, we are exercising a lot of restraint, but we don't know for how long. There is a lot of insecurity particularly where we live as the area has been "invaded " by Somalis. We are thinking seriously of moving out of this estate. Pray for us as we make the decision.

Pass my deepest thanks to members of the church for their show of true sisterhood and brotherhood in our time of need.

Many blessings,

Veronica

Veronica N. Muchiri,
P.C.E.A.National Woman's Guild Organizer/Secretary,
P.C.E.A. Head Office Secretariat,

From PCUSA: 

Click here to make a financial contribution that will assist the victims and their families with medical care, funeral expenses, and other needs.

Update from Veronica Muchiri, PCEA National Woman's Guild Organizer​ 

This is the latest update on the Bus Tragedy.

Today, we attended service at PCEA Happy Valley Church so that we could be together with and pray with the families of the departed and those who are still in the hospital. we also constituted a Committee to prepare for the funerals.

There will be a joint memorial servive on Wednesday, 15th Agust, 2012. The families will bury their loved ones at different venues and on different dates and the church will assign different pastors to be with them. Many of the families want to bury on Friday. We have mobilized a team of professional counsellors who are giving the much needed pychological support,

Jane Wambui is still in hospital in Dar-Es-Salam undergoing treatment. Initial report after the MRI indicate that she has multiple fractures on the spine. Please praying for her.

The injured are still receiving treatment at the Kenyatta National Hospital. We are also working together with the families to raise money to meet all the expenses.

Thank you again for all your prayers, and messages of comfort and love.

We have continued to anchor our hope on Christ the Solid Rock on whom alone we can stand. May Christ be glorified in this situation.

Love and blessings,

Veronica.

______

News was received today of a terrible accident in East Africa involving a group of women from the Presbyterian Church in East Africa--a group was traveling from Kenya to visit their sister church in Tanzania when their bus broke down. As the women were transferring fromthe disabled bus to another one, a speeding vehicle collided with them--11 women were pinned under the bus and died, 25 others wereinjured, one quite seriously. Rev. Veronica Muchiri from Kenya is coordinating efforts to get the survivors home and to arrange medicalcare for those who need it, as well as helping families arrange funerals for those who died. 

Please pray for God's grace to sustain one and all--Veronica and her leadership team, the families and churches affected by this tremendousloss. (Veronica is a leader/Vice President of the Tumekutana group that Pastor Lynell Caudillo of Marcus Whitman Pres. visited last fall).

David Hughes' cancer diagnosis

David Hughes, 35, son of Dennis and Ann Hughes, has been diagnosed with testicular cancer and will have surgery on Tuesday. It appears so far that the tumor is contained, but the CT scan results are not yet available. Please prayer for David, his wife, Kelsey (Olds) Hughes, their daughter, Rosalyn, and the entire Hughes and Olds family.