Our 2nd Time Sale is Back!

Donors have already given a lot of quality items but more are welcome (see details below). "Quality" means clean, in working order, and complete (all parts). See the list of what we cannot take here. Note that we cannot take large furniture.

Setting up tables for the sale will be after worship on Sunday, Sept. 4, so plan to stay and give a hand if you can.

Another way to contribute is to help before, during, or after the sale (and have a lot of fun!). Sign up during coffee hour or call the office. Sale hours will be Saturday 9 am - 4 pm, and Sunday 11:30 am -3 pm. Monday will be clean-up day.

Homemade sweet treats are popular, too, so consider dusting off a favorite recipe for the bake sale.

Masks will be required of all volunteers and customers, plus sale areas will be well ventilated.

HOW TO DONATE

Bring small items to Fellowship Hall:

-weekdays 10 am-2 pm Sept. 7, 8, 9, 12, or 13,

-Sunday morning Sept. 11,

-or at another time by appointment; email info@fauntleroyucc.org.

Do not leave donations at the door when no one is there! To arrange a pick-up of anything you cannot deliver, email info@fauntleroyucc.org.

Helping Children Feel Welcome in Worship

One of the wonderful things about Fauntleroy Church is the way we welcome children in worship. When the kids didn’t start back in the sanctuary after we first reopened, didn’t it seem like an energy was missing in this space? Now on a typical Sunday, you lean in again when a child asks a question during the Time with Children. This is not a time when children are put on the spot or on display. This is the time when we try to set a bit of God’s word into the palm of each child’s hand, so they start wondering about a scripture story before they head out to Sunday School to wonder even wider. At the core of this time is the message that they are loved by God and by us; that this is their worship, too, and what they have to say has a wisdom we need to hear; that they bless others and we hope we bless them as God teaches us all to do. In fact, it is beautiful the way you keep singing “Go now in peace” until every last child has heard your blessing on their way to their classroom. Now the children also return to join us on Communion Sundays. While our youngest might not understand the deeper meaning of this sacrament yet, the first thing they do know is that they are an integral part of this community and there is a place for them at God’s Table. May God’s love story unfold from there. For other tips on how you can welcome children to worship, go here.

 

There are many resources that offer great tips about being with children in worship. Here are just a few ideas. As adults, we can:

  • Show appreciation for children and their presence through our expressions and body language.

  • Greet children around us, just as we would greet adults.

  • Bend down to a child’s eye level to invite conversation.

  • Get to know children by name. Be sure they have a name tag if adults are wearing them.

  • Invite a child to help you find or to follow the hymns and scripture readings in the bulletin.

  • Encourage children to bring their own offering or to add something to the offering collection if they are in worship. (Think creatively—even a picture can be an offering!)

  • Encourage children to lift up a joy or concern at the prayer time if something is on their heart.

  • Listen to what children have to say and answer questions in a quiet whisper.

  • Ask them what they enjoyed about worship. (But make this a moment of connection rather than a pop quiz!)

 

As parents and grandparents, we can also:

  • Have times of prayer and silence at home before meals and bedtime.

  • Talk about our own special memories of church and worship.

  • Explore the sanctuary when it’s empty.

  • Borrow a hymnal to sing a song at a family devotional.

  • Help children learn the Lord’s Prayer.

  • Create a Saturday ritual: choose church clothes, gather the offering, and pack a small bag with a Bible, thank you note for a teacher, a snack for after or a comfort item, etc.

  • Plan Sunday mornings so everyone has a good breakfast and no one feels rushed.

  • Talk about worship and Sunday School on your way home.

 

Part of the extravagant welcome at Fauntleroy Church has always been the way it regards children and youth as an integral part of its community. We do most of the things on these lists so naturally, but it never hurts to have reminders to keep our commitment to open our welcoming hearts as wide as possible to every one of every age all the time.

 

Camp Second Chance on a Roll!

As Camp Second Chance, West Seattle's tiny-home village on Meyers Way, attests: It takes a community to build a village. Since 2016 when the first residents moved in, a community of dedicated people has built it into a safe, supportive, and effective waystation on the road out of homelessness.

On July 15, a barbeque at the camp thanked that community of people, including representatives from the Low-Income Housing Initiative (LIHI), Sound Foundations NW, Fauntleroy Church, camp staff and residents, and members of the camp's Community Advisory Committee.

They had several recent transformations to celebrate: new tiny homes (now 70 in total), new bathrooms with sewer service and cisterns, a spacious resource center with new appliances, storage trailers for donations, asphalt walkways, and outdoor gathering areas graced with flower and shrub planters.

Also worth celebrating was completion by our Homelessness Task Force's shoe-buying project. Because of generous donations to our giving tree, plus the support of Big 5 Sporting Goods in Westwood Village, we were able to equip 21 residents with new shoes that fit both their feet and lifestyles. "Cathy Phillips conceived this project and persevered with store manager Kendall Fischer to make it happen," said Joan Gregory, who assisted Cathy in scheduling residents to come to the store. "Big 5 clerks were extremely considerate and helpful with residents, several of whom had foot issues and personality quirks that required extra time and patience." The store provided a 10% discount to supplement giving-tree donations that paid about $45 per resident. The store also equipped camp staff with 20% discount coupons to help residents who come in on their own.

For help with the shoe project, as well as above-and-beyond dedication to the camp, the Homelessness Task Force recently presented Manager Scott Harris and Case Manager Marjorie Johnson with gift cards to spend in relaxing ways. Marjorie's response: “I am at a loss for words! Thank you so much. I do this because everyone deserves a home and a pleasant face to greet them when they come here. The camp really appreciates you and I appreciate you.” Noting that this month's barbeque came together on short notice, Joan said that our task force expects to host another in the fall, when many more of us can visit and appreciate all the improvements.

Help Feed the Hungry this Saturday!

On July 16, we have the opportunity to provide lunch to our homeless and food insecure neighbors in White Center at The Welcome Table Saturday meal. To get details about the meal and to sign up as a volunteer to help onsite during the meal and/or provide part of the meal, click here.

Additionally, if you can assist on site, it would be greatly appreciated! Please sign up on the volunteer form if you are able to do any of the following:

• Set up tables starting at 11am

• Welcome guests and point them in the right direction

• Serve food and/or help at a supply station (there are multiple tables for clothing, food pantry, toiletries, etc.)

• Break down tables and put away supplies afterward. We typically finish around 1:30.

Come for an hour or the whole time, all are welcome and appreciated! You may or may not know, in addition to the hot meal, many other necessities are distributed on site including:

• a food pantry with fresh & non-perishable foods

• clothing for men, women & children, hygiene products

• Blankets, sleeping bags, tarps when available

• hygiene products & other necessities

If you have extras of any of the above items, they would be welcomed and greatly appreciated! Note that we will now be providing the meal on the 3rd Saturday of the month for the remainder of 2022!

Pride Sunday

This past Sunday we celebrated Pride here at Fauntleroy Church! A huge thank you to all those who helped decorate our Sanctuary. In case you missed it, check out these pictures of the beautiful rainbow display around the altar (created by Karyn Frazier, and Sarah and Ben Ackers), and check back next week for pictures of the Pride Flag ribbon displays that hung around the Sanctuary (created by Shellie Moomey).

And, in case you missed it, check out our Pride bulletin insert! In it you’ll find a brief description of just a few of the many communities which make up the rainbow! Click here to download your own copy!

6/18 Help Feed the Hungry

On June 18, we have the opportunity to provide lunch to our homeless and food insecure neighbors in White Center at The Welcome Table Saturday meal. To get details about the meal and to sign up as a volunteer to help onsite during the meal and/or provide part of the meal, click here. (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0544A5AF23A7F85-fauntleroy19) If you can assist on site, it would be greatly appreciated!

Please sign up on the volunteer form if you are able to do any of the following:

• Set up tables starting at 11am

• Welcome guests and point them in the right direction

• Serve food and/or help at a supply station (there are multiple tables for clothing, food pantry, toiletries, etc.)

• Break down tables and put away supplies afterward. We typically finish around 1:30.

• Come for an hour or the whole time, all are welcome and appreciated! You may or may not know, in addition to the hot meal, many other necessities are distributed on site including:

• a food pantry with fresh & non-perishable foods

• clothing for men, women & children, hygiene products • Blankets, sleeping bags, tarps when available

• hygiene products & other necessities If you have extras of any of the above items, they would be welcomed and greatly appreciated!

Note that we will now be providing the meal on the 3rd Saturday of the month for the remainder of 2022!

UCC Annual Fund- Justice for All

From Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ.

Dear Friends,

On a recent six-hour road trip from Cleveland to Indianapolis to plan our next national gathering there at General Synod in 2023, I was reminded again why the United Church of Christ is so important — why you are so important!

First, I talked with one of our pastors whose church was under threat.

During Lent, the congregation was singing hymns written by racial minorities. They had chosen the theme “Lenten Fast from Whiteness”. Because of their stance, they were receiving an average of five hate calls per minute.

Shortly following this call, I got a text from the President of the Unitarian Universalist Association. We connect monthly to share mutual support for our work. Her text read:

I just got a call from the Trevor Project legal director. Last night Alabama added amendments to their anti-trans legislation. It includes a felony with up to 10 years in prison for doctors providing trans-affirming health care and the forced outing of trans kids. They are asking heads of denominations to make strong condemnation statements as a part of a veto campaign aimed at the Governor. Would you be willing to make a statement and ask other heads of churches if they are willing?

I assured her that the UCC would be heard on this matter.

Then I opened an email informing me that Ohio was introducing its own ‘Don’t Say Gay’ legislation.

This is our America.

This is your United Church of Christ:

We cannot and will not be silent in the face of racism.

We cannot and will not be silent in the face of transphobia.

We cannot and will not be silent in the face of homophobia.

We fight it all. With and in love, we confront the injustices of our day. We will not stop preaching love until the hatred ends and all God’s children are loved, safe, and honored because of who they are.

In many ways, this is just another day in the life of the United Church of Christ seeking to live out our purpose:

To love God with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength,

to love our neighbor as ourselves,

to fulfill our vision of those loves building a just world for all!

Our witness matters in the world. Your witness matters in this world. We can only do this work together.

Please join me now in making a generous gift to the UCC Annual Fund so we can continue our pursuit of a just world for all, united in Christ’s love.

Gifts can be made online at www.ucc.org, or text UCC to 41444.

Note from Pastor Leah: Fauntleroy Church’s budget includes support of our national denomination, but we are always welcome to make additional gifts to either our PNC-UCC Conference of churches or the UCC in general. I myself am a “friend of the conference” monthly donor.

Help Feed our Hungry Neighbors- May 21

On May 21, we have the opportunity to provide lunch to our homeless and food insecure neighbors in White Center at The Welcome Table Saturday meal. To get details about the meal and to sign up as a volunteer to help onsite during the meal and/or provide part of the meal, click here.

If you can assist on site, it would be greatly appreciated! Please sign up on the volunteer form if you are able to do any of the following:

• Set up tables starting at 11am

• Welcome guests and point them in the right direction

• Serve food and/or help at a supply station (there are multiple tables for clothing, food pantry, toiletries, etc.)

• Break down tables and put away supplies afterward. We typically finish around 1:30.

• Come for an hour or the whole time, all are welcome and appreciated!

Annual Stewardship Campaign Nearing the Finish Line

We’re nearing the end of this year’s Sacred Connections Stewardship Campaign.  Pledged giving allows us to be intentional in shaping our budget for the upcoming (July 1 – June 30) program year, and we ask you to prayerfully consider your pledge.  For those who prefer, we also offer an option to make a renewable six-month pledge for July 1 to December 31.  

Please complete your pledge card and mail it or bring it to the church on May 15, Celebration Sunday.  You may also send an email to treasurer@fauntleroyucc.org with your pledge information.  Because our spring planning calendar is compressed, it would be very helpful if you would return your pledge by May 12.  If you have any questions, please reach out to one of us on the Stewardship Committee.

And don’t forget to mark your calendars for May 15, when we look forward to a celebration of our collective commitments and the ministry of love and bonds of sacred connection that are strengthened when our gifts flow generously from our love of God.

Your Stewardship Committee: Glenn Seaverns (Glenn@safesys.com), Molly Seaverns, Pastor Karyn Frazier, Lee Mahoney, Steve Sundquist

Calling All Volunteers

Every spring, except for the last two years, our church publishes a volunteer survey during the stewardship season. It includes a snapshot of the diverse ways people can be involved in the life and work of our church. By taking the survey, individuals let us know where their interests, time and talents intersect for service and fellowship. The survey helps to us to see where we have volunteer momentum and where we don’t. It also gives us a starting group to reach out to when new opportunities come up. Here’s what a few church members have to say about volunteering and being involved at our church:

“As a volunteer at Fauntleroy Church I have served inside the church (on several Ministries, as Moderator, as a proud member of the world famous DAM Ukulele band) and outside our walls (helping prepare and serve a community meal at the Welcome Table). It’s been a great way to support a faith community that has given so much to our family and has introduced me to so many of the awesome members of our church.” -Zack H.

“Every volunteer task I’ve taken on at church has helped me get to know other church members, taught me something new, made me feel useful, and expanded my sense of purpose as I strive to follow the exceptional example of Jesus.  Right now, I am volunteering in the nursery on Sundays and participating in the Immigration Task Force with some additional support for the Iranian refugee who Fauntleroy Church is sponsoring. Everyone has the ability to help, and I encourage all to give volunteering a try!”

- Maria G.

“I volunteer because I think it’s important to connect with other members of the congregation outside of worship. It’s an easy way to get to know folks and deepen my commitment to living out the Gospel with other people who want to do good in the world.” -David W.

“When I first joined the church, I was asked to join the Tue. Fixit Group. While we did fix stuff around the church in the morning, the highlight was going to lunch together. The fixit group disbanded but the social group lives on. We now get together for lunch on Mondays.  Anyone from the church is invited. Please contact Dean if you want to be added to the group email.  We are mostly men (the men’s group the Church does not have) but women are welcomed, and several have attended. We talk about anything but mostly get to know each other.” -Dean T.


Volunteers are needed in supporting, mentoring, and leading roles for short-term, long-term, one-time, and on-going needs. Please prayerfully consider the ways in which the Holy Spirit is moving you to be involved in the life and work of Fauntleroy Church while also building sacred connections with God and each other in the coming year. Fill out the survey online here or pick up a paper copy to fill out at the church.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey, as you consider how you would like to be involved! Have questions? See the FAQ below or reach out for a chat.

Sarah Ackers

Volunteer & Engagement Coordinator

Sarah.Ackers@fauntleroyucc.org

206-932-5600


FAQ

Who should fill out the survey? Everyone who is a part of Fauntleroy Church. There are volunteer opportunities for pre-teens through adults.

I’m planning on doing the same things I’m already doing. Do I need to fill it out again? Yes, please fill out the new survey. It has changed a lot! There are many more opportunities to consider. Plus, by filling out the survey, we know that you want to continue in your current volunteer roles.

Can I fill out one survey for my whole family? Please fill out one form per person in your family. In most families, the individuals have different volunteer interests.

Should I fill out the survey online or in paper form? If you are willing to do either, please fill out the survey online. It’s a big time saver for the staff!

What do you do with the information gathered on the survey? When volunteers are needed for specific projects or tasks, our volunteer coordinator uses the survey responses to narrow in on a group of people to approach first.

Am I committed to volunteering for the things I check on the survey? No. By checking a box on the survey, you are simply expressing an interest in a particular volunteer opportunity. You are not making a commitment.

I’m not sure what some of the tasks on the survey entail. Who should I contact to learn more? Reach out to our Volunteer and Engagement Coordinator, Sarah Ackers. She’ll put you in contact with the right person/group.

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