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Transitions announced

The ordination of Faatauvaa (Va’a) Alaelua took place Feb. 2 at Christian Worship Center UCC in Anchorage.

The Eastside Committee on Ministry unanimously agreed to confer dual standing in the UCC on Iotamo Faleallili, pastor of First LMS Samoan Congregational Christian Church in Anchorage.

Everett United Church of Christ has called Davi Weasley as their new pastor. They began the end of February. Davi previously served at First Congregational UCC in Bellingham.

Class helps with feedback

As part of a mutual covenant with the Pacific Northwest Conference, the Rev. Sophie Morse, who has worked 15 years in conflict resolution and conflict skills training, continues to offer series of online classes on engaging conflict with greater skill and confidence.

The third class in the series, “Giving & Receiving Feedback,” begins on April 10. Classes are held from 12:30 to 2 p.m. on Zoom. Sophie said the class is for people who have a hard time giving and receiving feedback.

The workshop will explore what is challenging in both giving and receiving feedback, what kind of feedback is appropriate for what purposes, and principles that can empower people in both offering and receiving feedback effectively and constructively to deepen relationships.

Sophie has presented more than 500 hours to diverse audiences including incarcerated populations, volunteer mediators, professionals and youth in Kitsap County and across the state.

For information, call 360-870-8024 or email sfmor1@gmail.com.

Slot held for Seattle Pride

Plymouth UCC and University Congregational UCC are hosting a PNC slot for all local churches to join the Seattle Pride Parade on Sunday, June 29, said Stephan Gerhardt, moderator of UCUCC.

For information, call 206-524-2322 or email office@universityucc.org.

Book exchange held at AM

Those attending Annual Meeting are invited to bring books they would like to share with their UCC neighbors

“We will make our own temporary Little Free Library during the meeting,” said Dee Eisenhauer, pastor of Eagle Harbor UCC on Bainbridge Island. “While all books are welcome, we are particularly interested in books on spirituality, faith and biblical studies.

“I benefited greatly early in my ministerial career from older ministers sharing their professional libraries with me,” she said. “I want to keep that gift now that my local church ministry career is winding down.”

For information, email dee.eisenhauer@gmail.com.

COM requires anti-racism training for standing

In support of then PNC’s vote in 2021 to be an Anti-Racist Conference, the Committee on Ministry (COM) is now including a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) training requirement for all authorized and lay ministers—parish, specialized, retired, dual standing, privilege of call—training to maintain authorized standing in the PNC UCC.

This training is to be taken once every three years, similar to the required boundary training. In this way, the PNC joins with other UCC conferences seeking to increase its core value of welcoming hospitality in following Christ.

The COM has identified three options for anti-racism training, one of which must be completed by the end of 2026.

Details of this requirement are given in the Annual Meeting Report and will be part of the COM Annual Meeting Workshop, said the Rev. Dr. Cindy Bauleke, Westside COM chair.

For information, call 360-303-1941 or email cindybauleke@gmail.com.

General Synod sign-up open

Registration is now open for the 2025 General Synod of the UCC, which will be held July 11 to 15 in Kansas City, MO. Synod gathers UCC folks for worship, fellowship, business, public witness and setting ministry priorities. The 2025 theme is “Into the Deep,” based on Luke 5:4.

There is opportunity for visitors, delegates, youth leaders and exhibitors to participate in plenaries, workshops, worship, youth programs and resource sharing.

One-hour workshops on July 13 will be offered to equip local churches to live their mission. Workshops will be on spirituality, leadership, climate, decolonizing and strengthening the church.

General Synod 35 is the last biennial synod. The 36th General Synod will be held in 2028 in a move to hold the synod every three years instead of two.

Decisions include electing two associate general ministers and 12 resolutions.

For information, visit generalsynod.org.

Magnolia plans forum

Magnolia UCC is hosting a forum at 7 p.m., Monday, April 21, on Zoom on “Homelessness and the Meaning of Home” with a grant from Humanities Washington.

Loss of a home—through financial difficulties, divorce, illness or natural disasters—is a growing problem in rural, suburban and urban areas. Author and professor at the University of Washington, Josephine Ensign,shares research on the history of homelessness in Seattle.

Registration is required at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Rv1yKPWIS36hJ2AosCsE7g#/registration.

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