The Beacon University Baptist Church
In This Issue: P. 1
Dreaming and Journeying With God
P. 2
Happy Birthday! | From the Moderator | Summit for Planning “An Evening at the Gallery” Fundraising Event
P. 3
Father’s Day Card | Notre Dame Doorhandle | Team Focus
P. 4
UBC Group Announcements | From the Pastoral and Staff Relations Team
P. 5
Stewardship Council Meeting Minutes April | AWAB Turns 20!
P. 6
Stewardship Council Meeting Minutes May
P. 7
Where’s the Pastor?
P. 8
UBC Calendar
We are a welcoming and affirming congregation. We celebrate our diversity in religious background, sexual orientation, race, age, gender and abilities.
July 2013
A few weeks ago I shared with some of you my adventure in reading about Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life. For this courageous man the most important thing about life – not only about “the Christian life” – was to be able to discern the will of God. He once wrote: “The will of God is not a system of rules which is established from the outset; it is something new and different in each different situation in life, and for this reason a [person] must ever anew examine what the will of God may be.” According to Bonhoeffer, the will of God for our lives – in whichever form we experience the Holy One – is always adapting to our needs and our dreams. The important thing is to learn to discern God’s will for our lives and to act accordingly. The will of God is the collaboration between what the Holy One dreams for us and what each one of us dreams for ourselves. It is an invitation to dream and journey in life and faith together with the Holy Mystery and with each other. The year is half-way through already. Many of the dreams we had as a community have already become a reality. Other dreams are on their way to materialize; and yet others might not be part of God’s will for our community. What I like about Bonhoeffer’s way of talking about God’s will, is that it does not say that the Holy One determines what we ought to do but rather works with us in determining what is best for each one of us and for our communities. This is a concept of God’s will that I can work with! So, what is God’s will for our faith community? What are the dreams God has for us and the dreams we have for our church? How can we best discern what paths we are to travel as we enter the second half of this year and also as we look forward to the future? Where is God calling us to be in this journey of faith and life? Where do you see God journeying with you individually and as a part of this faith community? Looking back at the many achievements of our faith community this first part of 2013, I can confidently say that there are many dreams yet to be dreamed and many realities yet to be experienced and enjoyed. As our mission statement affirms: WE JOURNEY IN HOPE. We move forward, knowing that the Holy One guides us and grants us the opportunities to do great things. Our faith community dreams and journeys with God! Dreaming and Journeying with you,
University Baptist Church - 4731 15th Avenue NE - Seattle, WA 98105 - (206) 632-5188 - www.ubcseattle.org
What’s Ahead for Us as UBC? Can You Imagine It? Over the past few months, our UBC Stewardship Council has had many interesting conversations about our congregation and its present and future. We have talked about our financial resources, our missions, our individual commitments (and sometimes over-commitments!), and where we are going.
July
As a leadership council, we realized that we do not have a clear vision of the future. With a vision, we would be better able to make plans, set goals, and work toward the church life we want for ourselves and our community.
7/3
Ruben N.
7/4
Jodi H.-J.
What’s ahead for us at UBC? We don’t know, and we invite you—as a member or a friend of our congregation—to help us dream about our future and create an inspiring, guiding vision.
7/5
Lianne S.
7/7
Eva G.-J.
7/12 Eleanor D. 7/14 Marilyn B. 7/15 Tom N. 7/20 Mary J.-S. 7/20 Matthew G.
Mark your calendars for our fall retreat on September 13-15 at Camp Burton on Vashon Island. For that weekend, our retreat planning team of Manny, Ralph, Yvette, Elizabeth, and I are dreaming up fun, meaningful experiences that will help us think creatively about the UBC we want to be in 2014 and beyond. The main day of the retreat will be Saturday, September 14, when we will review who we are today and what we have loved about our congregation, then dream about who we want to be tomorrow. The planning team is sketching in the retreat details to ensure coordinated transportation, special care for our elders, creativity, relaxation, and time to dream. We are also working on ways to prepare ourselves for a great retreat experience, include those who cannot travel to Vashon, and bring home what we have created. If you want to be involved in planning the retreat—or if you simply have an idea about what the weekend should be—tell Manny, Ralph, Yvette, Elizabeth, or me. Help us create the retreat you want. But for now, get your calendar and market it “UBC Retreat” on the September 13-15 weekend. See you at Camp Burton in September!
7/27 Marcus C. 7/29 Elizabeth P. Summit for Planning “An Evening at the Gallery” If you don’t see your birthday here, please contact the office so we can add you to our list!
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Please join us on Sunday July 21st after worship for a Summit for Planning UBC’s “An Evening at the Gallery” Fundraising Event. This meeting will be led by Jodi H.-J. and Mona H., and is open to all to help plan and facilitate this event. We need volunteers to help make this a success! All proceeds raised from “An Evening at the Gallery,” will go to support University Baptist Church Grant missions, which are grants given to organizations working toward Economic, Racial and Gender Justice.
A Father’s Day Card Submitted by Nsoki K.
Notre Dame Cathedral Doorhandle Submitted by Lynn G-J Lynn and Michael G-J visited Luxemburg and London in May. Here is the door handle of the beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral in Luxemburg City.
TEAM FOCUS Team Focus is a new addition to the BEACON. As the Fall approaches and the leadership and Coordinator of Volunteers begin to enlist Team Leads and Team Members, we want to highlight each month two teams that you might have some interest in joining. It also may help you know more about what teams do that could be of help to you. This month we are first focusing on the Congregational Care Team. This team has functioned this year without a Team Lead. While not the best way, we have done well because people have agreed to be a meeting convener or a contact for congregants. Here is the official “job description” for the Team:
Facilitates contact with UBC family and friends to meet needs and encourage community. Disseminates “joys and concerns” as appropriate. Visits elderly, homebound members and those in need; encourages others to visit. Offers support and “training” for visitation. Creates new strategies for responding to critical needs, particularly of older or homebound members.
Typically the Team meets once a month on a Saturday morning. We have recently enhanced our meetings with breakfast goodies! The team does a great job of discerning what may be helpful to individual members, and team members volunteer to provide visists, cards, or phone calls.
̴ ̴ ̴ ̴ ̴ ̴ ̴ ̴ ̴ ̴ The second Team Focus in on Hospitality. The Team Lead is Suzan B.-W. Again, the formal “job description” is the following: Welcomes people to worship, greets newcomers, helps newcomers find their way in the building and answers questions. Provides nametags. Provides for fellowship following worship as well as facilitating other meal functions at the church. Sends birthday cards to congregants.
While all of you, who provide the abundant and delicious food for coffee hour, may not think of yourselves as “team members” we know that coffee hour would not happen without you. Thank you!
Submitted by Elizabeth P.
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Pub Theology For the Rest of us: We’ll meet on Tuesday July 2nd and July 16th 6:30 P.M. at 50 NORTH, 5001 25th Ave. NE., Suite 100, Seattle, WA 98105 For questions, please contact Elizabeth P., Tom N., or Brooke R. Please RSVP.
UBC Gathering and Potluck: Race and Class UBC invites you to join us for a Gathering and Potluck to discuss Race and Class on Monday July 8th at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Please bring a dish to share.
Pub theology For Young Adults: On
Tuesday July 9th at 6:30 p.m., we'll meet at Dante's, 5300 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105. http://dantesseattle.com On
Tuesday July 23rd at 6:30 p.m., we'll meet at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub, 435 SW 152nd St, Burien, WA 98166 http:// www.mickkellysirishpub.com
Book Group Join the UBC Book Group on Sunday July 14h after worship in the Gathering Place for a discussion, led by Brooke R. and Suzan B.-W., on The Shack by Wm. Paul Young. You do not need to have read the book to participate! Page 4
We held a Congregational Conversation on May 19 and am glad for those who stayed after worship for the conversation. For those who were unable to be with us, here are the responsibilities of the team from two different documents: PSRT Purpose (from the bylaws): For the strengthening of the Minister(s) – Congregation relationship and as a support group for the Minister(s) PSRT Tasks (from the bylaws) To nurture constructive communication between the church organization and its pastoral leadership and to foster the congregation’s responsibility for its pastor(s)’ professional development such as conferences, continuing education, sabbaticals, and personal well-being. To supervise and conduct annual performance review of Minister(s) and develop and, in cooperation with the Minister(s), annually revise, as appropriate, the job description of the Minister(s). Recommend to the Finance Team the salary and other forms of compensation and benefits for the Minister(s) for preparation of the annual budget. PSRT Responsibilities (from “Officer and Team Responsibilities”) Supports the work of the staff (the Pastor, Office Manager and Minister of Music) through encouragement and counsel Nurtures constructive communication between the staff and congregation Encourages and supports professional development for staff Updates job description annually for all staff Conducts annual performance reviews of Ministers Assists Pastor in hiring and conducting annual review of Office Manager Small groups focused on individual anonymity in expressing concerns, availability/confidentiality of PSRT documents, and reporting back to congregation concerning performance reviews. The PSRT welcomes more comments from anyone. One of our goals is to increase communication between the congregation and the PSRT. And, if you have any questions or concerns about our two ministers, speak to us, too, or even better speak to Manny or Margie directly. Our other goal is to increase the communication between the congregation and our ministers, too! Members: Marilyn M, Cass N, CoraLee D, Ron N. and Lynn G-J. Respectfully Submitted,
Attendance: Gail, Suzan, Manny, Lynn, Marilyn, Jodi, Marilee, Elizabeth, Jackie, Mona, Ralph, Dave, Yvette Opening Prayer 6:35 Elizabeth and Mona (responsively) Acceptance of March Minutes: unanimous Reflection : on March discussion on Consensus decision making. Discussion on chapter “The Practice of Passionate Worship.” – Small groups Lead by Gail: Worship, Music, Order of Worship, Sermon & Guest Speaker, Scripture and Reading – Small group reports given to Gail -Manny asked how we can bring these dreams into reality. Pastor’s Report: Highlights of Pastoral duties -attended the Immigration Rally -Faith Action Network is having Press Conference on Monday (universal background checks) -Asks for feedback on new format -Requested report be a Word Document Discussion of Financial Reports -PowerPoint presentation -Giving at 109% - time to celebrate -We are living on Mars Hill interest payments (cause for concern) Team Reports: As presented -PSRT: advises us to let Naomi know of activities so they can be on the calendar -Communications – complete Survey Monkey -Newsletter blurbs need to be sent directly to Naomi (in addition to report) -Congregational Care needs a Team Leader Leadership Development Ideas -What do you think of an outside consultant to work with us on Consensus and leadership skills? Is it to empower and train the Stewardship Council and/or to train the congregation for leadership? -Ralph suggested the possibility of reorganization of the church leadership. Do we need this many committees and people to chair them? Ralph will take minutes in May in the absence of Dave. One thing we should (could) do differently next month? Don’t abandon the book after doing only one chapter. Closing meditation by Ralph. Respectfully Submitted,
The Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists turns 20! Registration is now open for “Coming of Age: A Living Jubilee” October 11th to 14th, 2013, Providence, R.I. You can register here: www.awab20.org or call the UBC office for assistance. “In this year of Jubilee, you shall return, everyone of you to what is yours." Leviticus 25:13 Page 5
Attendance: Jodi, Jackie, Manny, Lynn, Elizabeth, Ralph, Yvette, Marilyn, Mona Meeting began at 6:35 with a prayer by Elizabeth. Discussion of business meeting added to agenda. Agenda accepted by acclamation. Song and cupcakes for Ralph’s 60th birthday. Minutes for last month accepted with very minor corrections. Pastor’s report highlights: Manny has met twice with Finance people to plan a holistic stewardship campaign for this year. October will be stewardship month. Commitment Sunday will be 1st Sunday of November—All Saints Sunday. We will focus on our saints. Planning for gatherings this summer to encourage giving. Manny will write a newsletter blurb on the Clergy Institute at Temple De Hirsh Sinai. Financial statements: Givers of record and loose offerings are well above 100%. ABW White Cross expenses are at 171% of expected, probably because payment of dues was earlier than expected by the budget. It was noted that we are quasi-expected to pay $4/congregational female for ABW participation—a relic of the 19th century. We have not been paying this! Worship Team: On June 16, worship will change to 10 a.m. for summer. Team is looking at setting up guidelines/expectations for activity during worship service. This refers to when/how coffee hour gets set up, etc., so as to keep the Sanctuary worshipful. PSRT Marilyn was asked to write a newsletter article on the May 19 congregational conversation. She expects to write an article on the review of Margie. Congregational Care No discussion. PJRT Fund-raising event planned for Saturday, June 22, 7-9 pm, An Evening at the Gallery, with music performance, coffee, wine for sale, and several pieces of art for sale. Will take place at Phinney Neighborhood Association hall. [Note: This event was later postponed.] Discussion of business meeting UBC bylaws call for a business meeting in May. We missed this, as bylaws call for a month’s notice. So we will try for July. What should be its focus? Consensus training? Team re-organization? Perfunctory business meeting? This question was left open. Discussion of team structure We had an extensive discussion about the team structure, the size of the congregation, and the role of the Stewardship Council. Proposal for next meeting: Lynn, Manny, and Ralph meet and draft short statement of current financial situation and core concerns of church, as a straw-man statement to focus ongoing discussion. For the next meeting, we will also discuss hospitality, building on the ideas in Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations. Closing prayer by Marilyn. Respectfully Submitted,
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If you want to schedule a visit or a conversation with Pastor Manny, please make sure that you call the office or email at
[email protected]. (The following calendar shows activities and meetings in which the pastor is participating. Please note that you can call the office to schedule appointments or visits at any time. Visitation times are not published on the calendar. The times of the meetings are not showing in this calendar.)
July Sun
Mon
Tue
1
2—Pub Theolo- 3– Worship plangy for the rest of ning mtg. (staff) us
4– Independence 5– Pastor’s covDay—Office enant group CLOSED
7 Worship
8 Day off - Race & Class conversation
11—Worship Team mtg.
12
Communion
9 - YAs Pub The- 10 ology
13—Black Caucus BBQ
14 Worship
15
16—Pub Theolo- 17 gy for the rest of us
18
19
20– Beacon deadline
L&P Team book club
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat 6
Baptist Peace Fellowship Summer Camp—Spokane, WA—Manny away 21 Worship |
22 Day off
23—YAs Pub Theology
24— Working Group on Race
29 Day off
30
31
Elizabeth P., preaching, An Eve. at Gallery Summit 28 Worship
25– PJR Team mtg.
26
27
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July 1 -
Caring and Coping Meeting
July 2 -
Pub Theology for the Rest of Us
July 4 -
Fourth of July - Office Closed
July 7 -
Worship | Communion
July 8 -
Race and Class Potluck & Conversation
July 9 -
Pub Theology for Young Adults
July 11 -
Worship Team Meeting
July 14 -
Worship | Learning and Play Team Book Group
July 15 - 20
BPFNA Summer Conference (Gonzaga University, Spokane)
July 16 -
Pub Theology for the Rest of Us
July 17 -
Stewardship Council Meeting
July 20 -
Beacon Deadline
July 21 -
Worship | Summit for Planning “An Evening at the Gallery” Fundraising Event
July 23 -
Pub Theology for Young Adults
July 24 -
Working Group on Race Meeting
July 25 -
Peace, Justice and Reconciliation Team Meeting
July 28 -
Worship
The Beacon University Baptist Church 4731 15th Ave NE Seattle, WA 98105 206-632-5188 www.ubcseattle.org
Minister Rev. J. Manny Santiago Minister of Music Rev. Margaret Paynton Office Manager Naomi Ruden Custodian Percy Dawson
All original material © University Baptist Church – Seattle, WA
BEACON DEADLINE The deadline for the August issue is Saturday July 20. Please send items for the Beacon to:
[email protected]
We are a welcoming and affirming congregation. We celebrate our diversity in religious background, sexual orientation, race, age, gender and abilities. Printed on 100% recycled paper
