5751 33rd Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98105 (corner of 33rd Ave. NE and NE 60th St.)
(See the map for the approximate location or click here for directions.)

Church office: (206) 525-7988; email: ravenw1@gbgmchurches.gbgm-umc.org 
or email Pastor John Cahall at johncahall@hotmail.com

WORSHIP 9:45 AM
Scripture Readings for November 1, 2009
 Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost
Ruth 1:1-18; Psalm 146 (UMH 858)
Hebrews 9:11-14; Mark 12:28-34

SUNDAY ADULT EDUCATION (SMDSS ) & ELEMENTARY EDUCATION 8:30 AM

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Welcome.

Recent Sermons
Rev. James' Weekly E-Mail 

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Links to the other congregations that share our building                             RAVENNA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 5751 33rd Ave. NE, Seattle WA 98105:

...and from the other side of things, our Catholic connection - 'What does Fr. Philip really have to say?'

St. Ignatius Catholic Community ECC), Rev. Philip Knowles, Pastor SMDSS (Adult Education) in the Parlor, 8:30 AM; Mass in the Upstairs Chapel, Sundays 10 AM. 

                                JUST. FAITHFUL. CATHOLIC.

Dignity/Seattle (DignityUSA, Seattle Chapter) is a faith community
of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender Catholics, our families and friends in Seattle since 1973.
Meets second Sundays @ 6pm for liturgies & prayer services in the Sanctuary

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What's going on...
Keep up-to-date with our Ravenna United Methodist Church and Community Calendar.
Have an event of interest we should know about? Click 'Add Event' tab at the bottom of the calendar.

Continuing, On-going Events:

Our Missional Events 
Let us not forget that there is still an urgent need to help those who are less fortunate than ourselves. These are trying times and some people who have never needed help before, may very well need it now. Let's not be complacent and think that everything is fine and well, just because we, ourselves, are doing fine and well. Collection areas are located near the entry doors. Thank you for your help.

Seattle's Most Dangerous Sunday School (SMDSS) continues!!!: Adult Education/Bible Study 
Meets every Sunday morning at 8:30 AM in the Parlor
   The Bible? Starting Sunday, October 4th, Seattle's Most Dangerous Sunday School (SMDSS) begins an exploration of The Bible: A Biography by Karen Armstrong. Just how open-minded are you really? Come join us and discover for yourself. Bring a friend. Have your Holy Bible in one hand and a copy of The Bible in the other. This session begins at 8:30 AM in the Parlor. Coffee is available. The discussions are relaxed and enthusiastic! We hope you will take part. This class is being coordinated by Fr. Philip Knowles of St. Ignatius Catholic Community. Members of both Ravenna United Methodist Church and St. Ignatius Catholic Community will be in attendance.
Join us for SMDSS--Seattle's Most Dangerous Sunday School. Meets every Sunday at 8:30 AM in the Parlor and ends just before Sunday Worship. Plenty of lively discussion, study, and debate. Currently, our focus is on The Bible: A Biography  by Karen Armstrong. Fr. Philip Knowles of St. Ignatius Catholic Community is coordinating the class. Coffee will be provided.

Pancake Banquet, A Combined Faith Community Monthly Event.
Next one, Sunday, Nov. 22nd, after morning Services in the Parlor: Following Worship and Mass, Ravenna United Methodist Church (RUMC) and St. Ignatius Catholic Community will again be combining our culinary talents and invite you to share in our monthly pancake banquet being prepared in the Parlor. Please come and enjoy a fine meal and a chance to socialize with members of both communities. If you'd like to help and/or contribute food supplies, there's a sign-up sheet in the Parlor above the coffee counter.

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Current Events to take Note of:

Nordo is Coming. October 15th - November 22, 2009 at Theo Chocolate South End
Thursday's, Friday's, and Saturday's at 7 PM Cafe Nordo. Now touring SEATTLE. Only 17 seatings. Now serving THE MODERN AMERICAN CHICKEN. Focused on the bountiful Northwest fall, the menu reflects local, sustainable, and seasonal food. Dinner includes a wine flight. Music features original compositions from our very own Musical Director, Annastasia Workman. For more details and to buy tickets, visit www.cafenordo.com .

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Scheduled Upcoming Events:

2009 Seattle Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR)
Wednesday, November 18th, 7 PM in the Sanctuary.

A candlelight vigil remembering those victims of violence who have died in the past year due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice, combined with a service of worship and song addressing the role of transgendered people of faith in the life and future of the church. 

As part of this event, theatrical performance activist, Peterson Toscano will present his play, Transfigurations—Transgressing Gender in the Bible in an updated version with specially crafted segments for Seattle Transgender Day of Remembrance. If you saw it last year, you will find that this presentation goes farther and deeper as it brings in the stories and lives of people in the Seattle area. 

In this one-person play, Peterson unearths transgender Bible characters--those people who do not fit in the gender binary, and who in transgressing and transcending gender, find themselves at the center of some the Bible's most important stories. For more info, check out Transfigurations--Transgressing Gender in the Bible. For additional information on the TDOR, contact Shannon Buzard at 206.931.6170 or email ShannonBmail-UMC@Yahoo.com. Admission is free.*

*The event is free, but there will be donation baskets available. All proceeds will support next year’s Transgender Day of Remembrance program.

North End Interfaith Community's 2009 Interfaith Thansgiving Eve Service
Wednesday, November 25th, 7PM
The North End Interfaith Community's 2009 Interfaith Thanksgiving Eve Service will be held on Wednesday, November 25th at 7 PM at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 4900 NE 50th St., Seattle. The congregations mentioned in the previous  section above along with Lake City Christian Church and Pastoral and Spiritual Care, Children's Hospital are  sponsoring this event. Please bring a dessert for the reception that follows the formal service. Gifts of blankets or warm gloves will go to the homeless. Monetary gifts and gifts of non-perishable food will go to the University District Food Bank. Please join us. For more information, email Greg Wheeler @ gregwith2gs@juno.com or Denny Duffell @ denny@stbridgetchurch.org. 

World AIDS Day 2009, on December 1, 2009 

World AIDS Day 2009
Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise.

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Upcoming Events, but not yet Scheduled:

TGIFFF (Thank God, It's Friday, Food and Friends) Potluck, 
Friday (Date & Location TBA), 7 PM.

Movie Night, "Ice Age 2", Saturday, (Date & Location TBA), 7 PM.

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Click here to find out more about our Upcoming Events!!

BEING RESCHEDULED!!! Seattle's First Independent Transgender Health Fair at Seattle First Baptist Church (1111 Harvard Ave., Seattle), unfortunately, did not take place on Oct 25th, 2008. It is being rescheduled; check back for details (additional info can be found on the Ravenna United Methodist Church and Community Calendar). Not likely to happen anytime soon; no updated information can be found.

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Oops, I missed that...

Recently Past Events:

North End Interfaith Community Potluck at Sand Point Community Housing Association,
held Tuesday, November 3rd, 6PM
The North End Interfaith Community hosted a potluck dinner for the residents of the Sand Point
Community Housing Association on Tuesday, November 3rd at 6PM in the Sand Point Housing
Community Room, 6940 62nd Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98115. Participants in this year's event besides RUMC were Assumption Catholic Church, Sand Point Community UMC, St. Stephen's Episcopal, Congregation Beth Shalom, St. Bridget Catholic Church, Maple Leaf Lutheran Church, Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Temple Beth Am, Wedgwood Community UMC, Wedgwood Presbyterian, University Congregational Church, Faith Lutheran Church, and Idriss Mosque. RUMC had been asked to bring soft drinks or juice. It was a fine event and show of support; RUMC was well represented and there was plenty of food and desserts on hand to feed the 105 people that attended. Thanks for all that joined us. For more details, email Greg Wheeler @ gregwith2gs@juno.com or Sandy Spelman @ francis220@comcast.net.

Outreach Planning Meeting, held Tuesday, October 27th, 6:30pm.

Pancake Banquet, A Combined Faith Community Monthly Event.
held Sunday, Oct. 25th, after morning Services in the Parlor: Following Worship and Mass, Ravenna United Methodist Church (RUMC) and St. Ignatius Catholic Community will again be combining our culinary talents and invite you to share in our monthly pancake banquet being prepared in the Parlor. Please come and enjoy a fine meal and a chance to socialize with members of both communities. If you'd like to help and/or contribute food supplies, there's a sign-up sheet in the Parlor above the coffee counter.

RUMC's Charge Conference, held October  22nd, 6:30 PM, in the Parlor.

The Jesus Study Group Lecture Series of University Congregational United Church of Christ Presents
John Dominic Crossan's "Paul: an Appealing or Appalling Apostle?" (A total of four lectures)
"Rome and the World of Paul", held Friday, October 16th, 7- 8:30 PM,  
"Luke & the Life of Paul", "Equality & the Community of Paul", and "Justice & the Vision of Paul", held Saturday, October 17th, 9 AM - 3 PM.
John Dominic Crossan, one of the progressive religious leaders/lecturers featured in our most recently completed Seattle's Most Dangerous Sunday School's (SMDSS) DVD lecture series, Living the Question 2, will present ideas from his newly published book, The "First" Paul: Reclaiming the Radical Visionary Behind the Church's Conservative Icon, co-authored with Marcus Borg. 
For ticket information, contact UCUCC: 206.524.6255, ext 3447 or jsg@universityucc.org

The Seattle Electric Vehicle Association (SEVA) Monthly Meeting
held Wednesday, October 13th, 7 PM, in the Sanctuary.
The various electric-powered vehicles, including a folding bike and a scooter (which was later auctioned off for $50.00) began arriving at 6:30 PM, and at 7 PM The Seattle Electric Vehicle Association, a Chapter Member of the The Electric Auto Association, met last night and, unfortunately, for the last time, in our Sanctuary. A vote had been taken during the meeting on whether the group should remain here at RUMC or return to their previous location, the Church of  the Nazarene on 44th in Wallingford, now that the repairs have been done. There were pros and cons to each choice, with President Steve Lough (who lives around the corner) along with the minority, voting to stay, but the lack of a parking faciliIity was a major reason cited for the return, though the fact that there was also a Dick's drive-in right behind their old facility made the decision for them not to return a little harder to swallow. We thank SEVA for the opportunity to showcase their vehicles and host their group. We wish them all the best in their goal to get the gas guzzlers off our roads and into driving something more electric.   

"Promoting the use of electric vehicles since 1967"
"To convert a gas car to electric is the HIGHEST form of recycling."

TGIFFF (Thank God, It Friday, Food and Friends) Potluck held on October 2nd, 7 PM.
Pastor John invited us over to share in the blessings of food, friends, fun...and his new home, a few blocks from RUMC with a great view towards downtown Seattle. We all met at RUMC at 6:30 PM and vanpooled down. Kay Finnel's meatless and chicken enchiladas were a big hit with everyone, as well as Bill Brammer's pineapple salsa. We all expect even better sermons from Pastor John from now on, given his more peaceful surroundings, which he views as a more tranquil place in which to gather himself and write down his thoughts. He even has suggested that we can have Sunday Worship in his "new meditation room".  Pastor... be careful what you ask for!

Dignity/Seattle's Annual Membership Meeting and Potluck held Sept 26th in the Parlor

The Seattle Electric Vehicle Association (SEVA), a Chapter Member of the The Electric Auto Association, held their September 8th meeting in our Sanctuary.



Their previous meeting place was heavily damaged by fire and was too costly to rebuild, so we are accommodating them here. The next meeting is Tuesday, October 13th.   

8th Annual Community Barbecue held Aug. 12th at the Idriss Mosque

From Hiroshima to Hope 2009
TO-RO NAGASHI (Lantern floating Ceremony) held Thurs., Aug. 6th at Green Lake
This annual event remembering those who perished in the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombing, commemorated the 64th anniversary of the bombings. This family-oriented program, organized by a coalition of peace, religious, civil liberties and cultural heritage organizations, concluded with the Buddhist Toro Nagashi ceremony, a candle-lit lantern ceremony honoring and remembering the victims of war and other violence. For more information on next year's event,  visit www.hiroshimatohope.org.

Past Events of the Current Year:

The Greater 33rd Avenue Independence Day (4th of July) Block Party
The Seattle area had its warmest July 4th weekend in years,which only added to the fun and excitement of the festivities that took place at this annual event open to all who live in the 5500 and 5700 blocks of 31st, 33rd and 34th Avenues NE, as well as to those who have participated in the past. There's always plenty to see and do, from watching the parade led by the fire truck from station 38 which opened the event, to the racing of the pinewood derby cars.  And as always, there was plenty of food that the neighbors all shared in.  

 held June 29th
This year RUMC again had two table displays set up, and like last year the rainbow ribbon crosses were a huge draw, but not the biggest. It seems that the various colorful beads we had on hand were what most people were interested in. Our display theme centered on the fact that we were one of "three congregations sharing one building" and that "maybe there's one for you?", while also promoting our inclusiveness, our openness to others' differences, our diversity, and our interconnectiveness. Our weekly Seattle's Most Dangerous Sunday School (SMDSS), our monthly Sunday Pancake Breakfasts, our yearly Trangender Day of Remembrance are just a few examples of these; three congregations coming together, sharing and interacting, regardless of our differences.      

21th Annual Pride Week Breakfast held June 27th at Central Lutheran Church
Dignity/Seattle again served up a wonderful pancake breakfast with the proceeds benefitting those in the LGBT community. This year the Bailey-Boushay House was a recipient. Thanks D/S for your generosity. And, thank you for taking steps to reduce our environmental imprint by providing a recycling dropoff for old cellphones and empty ink cartridges.  

PNW Annual Conference held June 18-21, 2009, Tacoma, Wash.
This was the 136th annual session.

2009!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Past Events of  2008:

 2008 Seattle Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR),
 Tuesday, Nov 18th, 6:00 - 9:00 PM in the Sanctuary

A candlelight vigil remembering those victims of violence who have died in the past year due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice, combined with a service of worship and song addressing the role of transgendered people of faith in the life and future of the church, featuring Peterson Toscano performing his play, Transfigurations (http://www.petersontoscano.com/transfigurations). Admission is free.*

• 6:00 PM Naming Jennifer, a documentary film by Scott Rice and Steven Lane.

Naming Jennifer is the story of Jennifer Pate, a Missoula, MT transgender woman who died a brutal death that posed a number of still unanswered questions. The very loving and sometimes confused story of Jennifer’s life is told through interviews with Jennifer’s family and friends as well as a local journalist and the Missoula County Attorney. This is one of the more moving films you will see this year. Rice and Lane will be in attendance to answer questions afterward.

• 7:15 PM Transfigurations, a play by Peterson Toscano.

Toscano has written a number of plays including Doin’ Time In The Homo No Mo’ Halfway House (about his experiences in the Ex-Gay movement), Footprints, The Re-Education of George W. Bush--No President Left Behind, and now Transfigurations. In this one-person play, theatrical performance activist Toscano unearths transgender Bible characters--those people who do not fit into the gender binary, and who in transgressing and transcending gender, find themselves at the center of some the Bible’s most important stories.

• 8:30 PM Candlelight vigil and reading of names of those lost this year to anti-gender variant violence.

*The event is free, but there will be donation baskets available. All proceeds will support next year’s Transgender Day of Remembrance program.

Click here for more info on the 2008 Transgender Day of Remembrance (pdf file - 590 kb). 

 If needed, click here to download FREE Adobe Reader.

Seattle' Union Gospel Mission Radio-thon, held Friday, Nov 7th, 6AM-6PM  
"One Meal, One Hope" is Seattle's Union Gospel Mission's campaign to feed Seattle's hungry and homeless. Their goal is to compassionately meet a basic need first and foremost, and then provide a redemptive path to hope and restoration for the long term. By tuning in to either KOMO 1000 Newsradio, 570 KVI Fox News and Talk, Smooth Jazz 98.8  KWJZ, or Spirit 105.3 KCMS, you learned how $1.92 can provide life saving meals and lasting hope. Stories were heard of the men and women whose lives have been changed by a meal and the hope offered at the Mission. Your gift of $38 a month for both November and December can provide 40 meals and care for Thanksgiving and December. Or, volunteer today, by serving a meal or teaching a class. Thanks for your giving and support. To learn more, visit www.ugm.org.

"It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, at this defining moment, change has come to America."  President-elect Barack Hussein Obama, 11.04.08

History-making...

"It’s the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled – Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America."

 "Change has come to America." 

                                    -- remarks from President-elect Barack Obama, 
Election Night Speech, November 4, 2008, Grant Park, Chicago, IL 

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Election Day, Tuesday, Nov 4th (of course you voted, right???!!!)

    YOUR VOTE WAS COUNTED. 

    YOU WERE HEARD. 

    THANKS FOR VOTING!!!

All Church Conference, held Sunday, Nov 2nd, following Worship
After our potluck lunch (featuring lasagna, and homemade Mexican soup by Melissa O'Neal), our new District Surperintendent, Pat Simpson, opened the conference with a prayer. The annual reports were given by our commitee chairpeople, new nominees were elected, and our vision for the future, including the continued search for a permanent pastor, was discussed. Interim Pastor James Davidson gave the Pastor's Report and expressed his support in our efforts and futher willingness to help us and fill in as needed until that time comes about. More details of the conference can be found in the 2008 Annual Reports packet. If interested, see Greg Wheeler for a copy.

Pancake Banquet, A Combined Faith Community Monthly Event, held Oct 26th.
Next one, Sunday, Nov 23rd, after morning Services in the Parlor: Members of Ravenna United Methodist Church (RUMC) and St. Ignatius Catholic Community did it again in preparing a fine Sunday morning meal for the masses. Fr. Philip worked his magic at the pancake griddle while Shannon Buzard whipped up and cooked the eggs and  sausage, even satisfying Greg Wheeler's preference for "soft-scrambled" eggs. Remember, this event happens every fourth Sunday of the month, so don't miss out on a chance to socialize with others while enjoying the tasty offerings. If you'd like to help and/or contribute food supplies, a sign-up is posted in the Parlor. 

The 22nd Annual Seattle AIDS Walk  held Oct 4th
Benefitting the Lifelong AIDS Alliance, The Seattle AIDS Walk was a one mile march of support and remembrance through the streets of Seattle, honoring 22 years of walking to fight HIV and AIDS in the Puget Sound region. Thanks for your support as a walker, donor, or volunteer.

Pancake Banquet, A Combined Faith Community Event, held Sept 28th in the Parlor
While Fr. Philip of St. Ignatius Catholic Community was away taking his exams, the crew from RUMC manned the kitchen. Shannon Buzard took the reigns at the pancake griddle while Asher West guarded the oven and Greg Wheeler, among others, hurriedly prepared the food line. We managed fairly well, considering the size of the kitchen. Thanks for all who helped. Please join us for our next one, Oct 26th, as Fr. Philip returns as the pancake preparer. If you'd like to help and/or contribute food supplies, there's a sign-up list in the Parlor above the coffee counter.

Dignity/Seattle's Annual Membership Meeting and Potluck held Sept 27th in the Parlor
For further info go to their new website : http://www.dignityseattle.org. Dignity/Seattle is a faith community of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender Catholics who meet monthly in our building for liturgies and prayer services.

TGIFFF (Thank God, It Friday, Food and Friends) Potluck held Sept. 26th in the Parlor
The first debate was finally taking place. Presidential hopefuls, Obama and McCain (yes, he showed up!), were squaring off. However, in the end there was no clear-cut winner. At least, that was according to the latest polls. But, politics aside, I can tell you that the hamburgers and pizza that were served more than won the hearts of those who attended our monthly potluck in the parlor. Bill Brammer's sister, Barbara, and his brother-in-law, Justin, stopped by and provided the delicious cabbage/sesami seed, asian salad. Bill also brought his  friend, Bill Smith, to join us. Be sure to check back for the date and location of the next potluck.

Combined Faith Community Event: Monthly Pancake Banquet held Aug. 24th in the Parlor
Following Worship and Mass this past Sunday, Ravenna United Methodist Church along with St. Ignatius Catholic Community combined their culinary talents and together prepared their first pancake banquet in the Parlor. It was a huge success. Fr. Philip cooked up the lightest, fluffiest and tastiest pancakes this side of the Mississippi to go along with the cooked sausages, fresh fruit and orange juice prepared by the others. Remember that this event happens every fourth Sunday of the month, so be sure to mark your calendars. Next one happens Sept. 28th. Come and enjoy a fine meal and a chance to socialize with members of both communities.

7th Annual Community Barbecue held Aug. 12th at the Idriss Mosque
In an effort to strengthen our communities and work together for peace, compassion, reconciliation and justice, as well as promote harmony, tolerance and interfaith relationships, the  members, family and friends of RUMC and the surrounding  faith communities were invited to participate in this co-sponsored event by the Idriss Mosque and the The Islamic Center of Washington. It was a joy to watch the large gathering of people of various faiths, cultures, and nationalities assembled there, sharing and enjoying the abundant offerings of delicious meat and meatless products from the grill, salads, fruit, and beverages. The warm weather and relaxed atmosphere created the ideal climate for this wonderful exchange of friendship, ideas, understanding and community. We thank the sponsors for extending out their hands and embracing our community and the communities around us and encouraging us all to do the same.

TGIFFF (Thank God, It Friday, Food and Friends) Potluck held Aug. 10th in the Parlor
Our monthly potluck and gathering was hosted by Greg Wheeler in the Parlor. Seldom does he cook, Greg prepared a delicious fried pork and gravy rice dish, while Kay Finnell whipped up a tasty pasta dish to go along with all of the goodies brought by Debbie and her friends from The Theodora. Asher West provided the rolls and enough baked beans to fuel a couple of small generators. The gathering and conversation lasted way into the evening. The next TGIFFF has yet to be scheduled, so stay tuned.

 held Aug. 6th at Green Lake
On Wednesday evening,  a  program and lantern floating ceremony in remembrance of the victims of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and those who have died in violent conflict elsewhere, was held on the NW shore of Green Lake. Commemorating the 63rd anniversary of the bombings, it was a solemn exercise of hope that such actions never be repeated and a call for commitment to learn and practice better means of resolving conflict other than violence and to promote peace and social justice throughout the world.

 St. Ignatius Catholic Community's Pancake Banquet held July 27th in the Parlor  
That Sunday after Worship services, St. Ignatius Catholic Community invited us to share in a pancake banquet prepared by them in the parlor in celebration of the Feast of St. Ignatius, their patron saint. We enjoyed celebrating with them. Thanks for the delicious meal and wonderful service. It went so well that there is support for having a pancake banquet as a combined group monthly event. Stay tuned!

Newly elected Bishop Hagiya has been appointed to the Seattle Episcopal area
The Rev. Grant Hagiya of Redondo Beach, CA, elected a bishop by the Western Jurisdictional Conference of The United Methodist Church on July 18, has been assigned to the Seattle-based Pacific Northwest Conference, it was announced July 19. A former district superintendent in Los Angeles, Hagiya, 56, is most recently executive director of Leadership Development and the Center of Leadership Excellence, a joint project of the church's California-Pacific Annual Conference   
     Bishop Hagiya    and the Claremont School of  Theology. His new assignment becomes effective September 1, filling in the vacancy created by the resignation of Bishop Edward Paup, who has been elected to lead the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, the church's mission agency. 

Stanovsky elected a bishop of The United Methodist Church on July 19th
The Rev. Elaine J.W. Stanovsky of Seattle has been elected a bishop by the Western Jurisdictional Conference of The United Methodist Church. Stanovsky, 54, Superintendent of the Seattle-Tacoma District, was elected a bishop on July 19. She is the last of eight new U.S. bishops elected this week at five jurisdictional meetings across the United States. She will fill one of two openings in the church's Western Jurisdiction. The Rev. Grant Hagiya, of Redondo Beach, CA., will fill the other, after being elected on July 18.

"I claim my baptism this day and the special callings to which God has called me," said an emotional Stanovsky after her election was announced.      Bishop Elaine J.W. Stanovsky "...May God lead us faithfully in the name of Jesus Christ."

TGIFFF (Thank God, It Friday, Food and Friends) Potluck held July 11th at Shannon Buzard's
Our monthly potluck and gathering took place outdoors in Shoreline near Richmond Beach at the home of Shannon Buzard. Tasty BBQ ribs of beef and pork were the main menu fare this time around, since her two boys, Matt (10) and Kevin (8), knew what would fatten up all the attendees and prevent them from going home hungry and complaining that they didn't get enough to eat. Of course, this type of fare, also has a tendency to make one quite sleepy afterwards as well, especially given how hot the day had been. Roasting (or charring) marshmallows and conversing over the open fire pit that the boys helped to maintain and kept going by clearing all the fallen leaves made for an very enjoyable evening. Matt  offered a suggestion of what he thought was a good way to put out the fire, but we all thought better of that. :)

The Greater 33rd Avenue Independence Day (4th of July) Block Party  
Though the weather wasn't easy to judge, this annual block party and fun-filled event and competition was held outdoors on the 4th, as planned. Allison Fitzgerald, who has a junior girl scout troop that meets monthly in our building, was the coordinator of this year's event. RUMC was able to again provide additional tables and chairs for the breakfast and dinner. Our building, of course, was also the emergency back-up event location (in the Fellowship Hall in the basement) had the weather not cooperated. The fire engine parade opened the eventful day, which included gutterboats and pinewood derby cars. The H2O go-round (a carefully engineered recirculating water system for the gutterboat regatta) saved hundred of gallons of water and big bucks. This block party is open to all who live in the 5500 and 5700 blocks of 31st, 33rd and 34th Avenues as well as to others who have taken part in the past celebrations. That includes all who attend RUMC!!! So, anticipate attending next year.     

held June 29th
This year, RUMC, had two tables in the Fisher Pavilion to inform the community of our commitment to reach out to those who are seeking to find a church that they can call home, regardless of a person's differences, where they feel welcomed and can share in the Spirit of the Lord Jesus. We believe that our efforts were successful. Shannon Buzard, along with her sons Matt and Kevin, Greg Wheeler and Bill Brammer were all there to represent RUMC.    

20th Annual Pride Week Breakfast held June 28th at Central Lutheran Church
Dignity/Seattle, a faith community of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender Catholics who meet monthly in our building for liturgies and prayer services, hosted another of their wonderful pancake breakfast fundraisers during Gay Pride weekend. They have been sponsoring these breakfast events for the last 20 years. Excellent  food, good company, and great raffle prizes were all present. Proceeds will benefit Multifaith Works (AIDS & life-threatening illness social services), Verbena (women's health services) as well as Dignity/Seattle. Thank you, Dignity, for your support in the community. 

PNW Annual Conference held June 17-29th in Moscow, ID 
This was the 135th annual session of the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference. This year's annual conference met at the Kibbie Dome of the University of Idaho in Moscow. Shannon Buzard was our representative at this year' conference meeting to discuss various legislation of the Conference. This was the last Conference that Bishop Paup will preside over. Bishop Paup leaves September 1 to be the General Secretary of the United Methodist's General Board of Global Ministries. We wish him well in his new position.

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Celebrating the Easter season, Pentecost and beyond... 

SHOUT OUTs and recognition:

Fr. Philip Knowles of St. Ignatius Catholic Community ECC, who not long ago guided us through a literary study of the books of Genesis and Exodus for Adult Education, and, along with Pastor John Cahall, in the study of the DVD series, Living the Question 2.0. He will now lead us in Seattle's Most Dangerous Sunday School (SMDSS)'s exploration of The Bible: A Biography, a book written by Karen Armstrong. We are grateful for the insight that you bring to the table. As well as the stack of pancakes you often make on the fourth Sunday of the month!

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Our Current and On-going Missional Efforts:

Our collection efforts for coats and socks have increased in order to meet the higher demand for them as the winter chill takes its toll on the less fortunate.

Hunger is no less in decline at this time and appears that many people will be added to the rolls . As jobs are being lossed due to the financial crisis and floundering economy, many food banks report that donations are noticeably down. Therefore, we thankfully ask that "if you can, spare a can." 

We've recently added another outreach program to our list. Our four Missional Events currently taking place to help are:

Sock It to the Homeless: 

Coats With Notes: 

If You Can, Spare A Can (Food Bank Donations):

 Non-perishable food items are being collected and are being distributed to our local food banks (e.g. the University District Food Bank) and an emergency food fund. Newly-purchased packages of toiletries, personal items, and laundry supplies are always appreciated and can be donated as well. And don't forget about all the hungry pets and the supplies they need; and

Pass on the Gift (Heifer International) :

Your monetary gifts and support can help provide the means for those in many parts of the world to acquire young livestock/flocks, tree seedlings, and education and training in sustainable agriculture, increasing one's chance of self-sufficiency, self-reliance, and survivability in a world with ever-decreasing supplies and resources.

 Please remember those people in our community who are hungry, who are struggling to make ends meet, or who are having difficulties by giving generously and often. There's always a need, especially as the temperatures gradually decrease and food becomes less plentiful. All donated items will be collected at the church on Sundays from 9:15 AM - 12 Noon, or by contacting either Greg Wheeler at 206.949.8295 or Candace N'Diaye at 865.661.4066 to make other arrangements. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

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