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FFooxx IIssllaanndd UUnniitteedd CChhuurrcchh ooff CChhrriisstt an Open & Affirming Congregation

Rev. Janet Matthews

Minister of Music, Wayne Lackman

726 Sixth Avenue . POBox 475

Fox Island, WA 98333

253-549-2420

www.FoxIslandUCC.org

All Church Work Party Sat. June 15th, 9-11 a.m.

We need volunteers to help weed, mow, clean the parking lot, pull Scotch Broom, and clear the gutters on the church. It is always a fun time when we work together! Grab your gloves and a few garden tools. See you there!!

Father’s Day Bicycle Blessing ~ June 16th, 10 a.m. Service

Many in our congregation, young and old, ride bicycles for pleasure and even transportation. With better weather on the way, more and more riders will be on the roads. We would like to honor all Fathers (many of us learned how to ride a bike from our fathers) with a bicycle blessing at the end of the service on June 16th. We invite you to ride or bring your bike to church. Spandex welcome!

After the service, we will have “cycling” refreshments: energy snacks, Gatorade, to fortify you. ALL ARE WELCOME! BRING FAMILY & FRIENDS!

MEN’S FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST, THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 8TH

Gentlemen, This is the place to be Saturday morning! We have over 25 men signed up to attend! Please plan to join the Men’s Fellowship Group for breakfast at 9:00 on Saturday, June 8, 2013 in the Fireside Room of FIUCC. Jerry and Joe will be cooking eggs, sausage and way too many hot cakes, and I will be serving coffee for as many as want to come. There is no charge but if you think you may be coming please let me know so we know how much to prepare. This is an excellent time to invite a neighbor or friend. It is an especially good time to reach out to someone who maybe attends less often. Questions, or if you want to help, contact Stan Adams, (253) 273-4185.

Janet’s Journal

16 “In a day or so you‟re not going to see me, but then in another day or so you will see me.”17-18 That stirred up a hornet‟s nest of questions among the disciples: “What‟s he talking about: „In a day or so you‟re not going to see me, but then in another day or so you will see me‟? And, „Because I‟m on my way to the Father‟? (John 16 MSG.)

I just attended a workshop titled Grief and Grieving led by David Kessler, an associate of ten years, who co-wrote a book with Elizabeth Kubler-Ross (Dr.K-R) and was with her at the time of her passing. Kessler is a Thanatologist. That’s not exactly a term that rolls off the tongue! A thanatologist is someone who cares for the terminally ill and their survivors, or studies death, and is typically trained in medicine, religion, or psychology. David lost his mother at age twelve. His own journey through grief is at the core of his work, which took him to India where he served in Mother Theresa’s center for the dying.

Much of the day focused on bereavement related to physical death. He went through the five familiar stages that Dr. K-R identified. (As a refresher, they are: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.) The reason for being familiar with the stages is to know that they are all NORMAL as we grieve and to provide some measure of comfort. Over the years, those working in the field of loss and bereavement, including Dr. K-R, acknowledge that not everyone experiences each of the stages nor are they linear.

Kessler proposes that we go through these stages repeatedly. How many changes and losses are people living with these days? How many have been touched or plowed over by the economy, divorce, illness, surgery, geographic moves, and of course, death of a loved one? The list is long.

One of the gifts of this community (or any really solid community of faith) is that we can journey with one another during our life’s upheavals and losses. This thought asks the question: In our community are we able to be honest and vulnerable even when it feels embarrassing, awkward, unfamiliar, challenging, or even out of place? I mention this knowing how much I do not like being vulnerable. In fact, if I am honest, there is a part of me that says, “No way, no how!” Maybe I have company.

We are a benevolent community; we endeavor to be welcoming and inviting. Praying, sending cards and notes, calling and visiting one another in times of distress is a value that this community holds sacred. These things matter, and we do our best to make a difference.

So what is the point I am trying to make here? Grief work is hard work. Let’s face it - anything thing that brings with it anger and sadness is not readily welcomed. How many places are there where any one of us can share what really hurts? Where can we go to stare off into space, cry, sob, pound our fists, swear –even at God - and at the same time be in the presence of others? Maybe it is the work of deep welcome to truly be with one another, wherever we are on our emotional journeys.

In the very best possible incarnation of Christ, could it be that the Church is a particular place where we can touch and hold the losses of this life with tenderness, compassion, and especially hope…in community? To be clear: not some easy-quick-fix kind of hope but the hope that grows out of centuries of sharing the promises of God’s enduring presence.

I believe this is the place where it is OK to believe that whatever we are coping with, struggling with, or bowled over by, it is never the last word. We are pursued by Christ Jesus who returns to us over and over and over again. With God’s grace and our prayers may this kind of love pervade the heart and soul of Fox Island United Church of Christ.

Grace and Peace, Janet

Congratulations to our 2013 Graduates!!

This summer, Anna Mikkelborg will be going back to White Swan for the mission trip; taking a road trip through the Southwest with her aunt; performing with her jazz trio Bella Note; and pursuing part-time employment. She heads to the UW with plans to study English, Communications, and possibly Political Science, as well as studying and performing music just for the joy of it.

Daniel Arroyo is off to Portland State University where he will study engineering. He will continue playing the saxophone as part of the school’s wind ensemble. This summer he is working at Harbor Graphics.

Lovely Mi-ot is going to WSU Pullman through the ROTC program. This summer she is working at the Horse Shoe Lake Golf Course.

ORGAN CONCERT

CATHERINE GREENE, ORGANIST

SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2013 at 3:00pm

Fox Island United Church of Christ

FREE ADMISSION

Fox Island United Church of Christ will present a concert of Masterworks by J.S. Bach, Samuel Barber, Cesar Franck and others featuring the recently dedicated 50 stop, 3 manual Allen L-331DK Sanctuary Organ. The computer system of this organ contains the digital sampling of many thousands of pipes from six organs ranging from the Baroque period to the mid 1900’s. The recreated sound of these six organs is stunning. Catherine Greene holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organ Performance from The University of Puget Sound where she earned a Paul Bellamy Scholarship in Music. From 2005 to 2008, Catherine was also the Organist/Pianist at Fox Island United Church of Christ. For 24 years she has also served as the organist at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Tacoma. A free will offering in support of the FIUCC music program can be given at the reception after the concert.

RELAY FOR LIFE, JUNE 14th at 5:30 pm until Saturday, June 15th at 10 a.m.

GOODMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK AND CAMPUS

The “Lifesavers” team will again participate in this year’s Relay for Life, thanks to our devoted

organizer, Diana Dahlgren. We welcome walkers anytime during this event!! There will be a

potluck for all at 5:30 pm, the Survivor’s Lap begins at 6 pm, and the beautiful Luminaria walk is

at 10 pm. There are spots available every hour to walk. Last year we had teams that walked all

through the night until the event ended on Saturday morning at 10 am. Hmmm…can we make

that happen again? Campers welcome – bring your tent! If you have questions, please

contact Diana Dahlgren at 253-820-3924, dianadahlgren@comcast.net.

The Environmental Justice Team would like to thank everyone who participated in Mission 4/1 Earth. With over 3,300 Earth Care Hours turned in, money to purchase 71 trees donated, and 33 letters of advocacy written, we came together in a big way to show we care and want to make a difference for the environment!

Join us for the “Movies with Meaning Series”

With interest piqued during 4/1 Earth, what can we do to further sharpen our awareness of environmental issues? The Environmental Justice Team is offering a series of documentary movies this summer, “Movies with Meaning,” starting with a showing of the award-winning documentary, Call of Life, Facing the Mass Extinction, on Wednesday, June 12th at 7 pm.

A different documentary with an environmental theme will be shown every other Wednesday starting June 12th through August 7th. Selections will be made from the following titles: Do the Math Movie (Bill McKibben’s world tour), The Economics of Happiness, Food Inc., Fresh, King Corn, Forks Over Knives, and Trashed: No Place for Waste. If you, or someone you know, knows of another great environmental documentary please tell someone on the EJ team so it can be considered too!

Target dates for “Movies with Meaning” are: Wednesdays, June 12th and 26th, July 10th and 24th, and August 7th, at 7 pm in the Fireside Room. These movies are sure to stimulate some thinking. Participants may choose to stay after the movies for an informal discussion. Check the Sunday Bulletin and/or The Foxfire for titles of upcoming movies.

~The Environmental Justice Team

Q: Are you or your committee hosting an event at Fox Island United Church of Christ? A: Please be sure to complete our new “Event Form” at least 3 weeks before your event, or as soon as possible. This will help you and the front office get organized and communicate efficiently! It will also provide the information needed to get your event publicized properly, and may well remind you of some things you had not yet considered. It’s a win-win! The forms can be found in the front office in the stand up files under the Umbrella Plant. Or you can ask Erin in the front office and she’ll point to it for you. The form can also be emailed upon request. Thanks a million!!

Nursery care is now available!

Thanks to Jessica Sharp, there will now be Nursery Care for children through the age of 5 during our Sunday Service.

Adults: there is a signup sheet on the bulletin board across from the nursery for any adults who are willing to be “on call” in the event Jessica needs assistance or will be absent that day.

Thank you, Jessica, for this gift to our community!

On May 25, 2013, members of the Fox Island and FIUCC communities took to the streets to raise

awareness about food in our country, particularly the infiltration of GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)

in our food supply and the lack of labeling thereof. We believe we have the right to know what is in our food and will continue to work toward Food Justice.

SUMMER FUN ALERT, FROM THE FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE!!

July 13th is the Sandsations sand sculpture competition in Long Beach, WA. The FIUCC team is heading down for their 3rd year and would love your company! Would you like to form your own team? There are categories such as Family($15), Children($1 to enter) and Novice($35), Intermediate, and Masters (the really fancy gigantic ones!) SUCH a fun day at the beach! Go for the weekend or the day! Come to participate or just to watch! Plenty of Hotels and Campgrounds to be had! Go to http://sandsationslongbeach.com/ for more details and pictures!

July 17th to 19th (Wed and Thurs. nights) Campout at Manchester State Park, Port Orchard. We have the Group camp area which is very popular. There are also tent and trailer sites available. The park offers lots of hiking and water sports opportunities. The price depends on how many show up! The more people, the lower the price! Can't join us for camping?? Come Thursday night at 6:00pm for a potluck party! This is always very fun. Just show up with a dish to share and your own plates and utensils and drinks!

August 3rd- The Progressive dinner is back! So many had such a good time with this last year that we are bringing it back! Watch for a sign up sheet soon to get a spot as a host for a dinner course, or just as a guest!

Also don't forget about the Rainiers Game and tailgate party in August. Watch for the date and enjoy some potluck and baseball!

Sign up sheets will be in the Fellowship Hall. It's gonna be a fun summer!!!

The Joy of Grace Yoga & Meditation

This very popular class will have a change of hours this summer:

June 17 – July 31, Mondays and Thursdays from 10 – 11:30 a.m.

There will be NO YOGA IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST.

THANK YOU TO THOSE OF YOU WHO PARTICIPATE AND TO THOSE WHO ALSO DONATE. YOUR

FUNDS HELP SUPPORT THIS PROGRAM, AS WELL AS PAY FOR THE HEAT, LIGHTS, AND MORE!!

TREASURER’S REPORT…AS OF MAY, 2013 May, 2013 Jan-May, 2013

Income: Offerings & Programs: $12,510.34 $87,500.50 Expenses: 14,898.18 95,522.82 Other Income: 1,680.00 3,436.06

Moving From Dreaming to Designing

An update on the Appreciative Inquiry Process

We had a wonderful Dream Summit on May 4, 2013. 60 people were actively engaged in deeper

levels of dialogue, learning, and exploration of our desired future. There were at least 4

generations represented at the Summit. The rich group wisdom and energy in the room was

exciting and all of that energy is being funneled into our desired future.

We first met together to review the Discovery process, including the interview process. The

consensus of interviewers and interviewees was that it was a valuable activity that allowed

members to get to know one another on a deeper level. It allowed us to share what we all value

the most and our wishes for the vitality and growth for our church.

We engaged together in activities to loosen up our imagination and our ability to think BIG and

imagine BOLD possibilities for FIUCC. It was amazing to see how a coffee filter can become over

100 different things. Who knew? (If you want to know what that is about, talk to someone who

was in attendance at the retreat.) Our day consisted of quiet reflections to playful and

imaginative skits and songs.

The group broke up into six tables that represented the themes chosen from the Discovery Phase.

These are positive, desirable themes that represent areas church members said they were

interested and curious in growing in and developing for the future. The themes were the seeds

and the tables quickly went into rich and creative dreaming. Discussions and dreams for the

future were on fire. I felt God’s presence as he led us into the realm of the unknown but

imaginable future. The themes are:

Youth

The interviews showed a common theme of an interest for the youth in our

church. There is an interest in having more youth here and more programs

for youth. This group considered children and youth in our church and in

our community. This table brainstormed what our church will look like in

the future when it is full of children. How did we get there? What

programs did we offer? What attracted all this youth to FIUCC? What is

unique and energizing about our youth programs? How is our church

having a positive effect on youth in the community?

Music

Music was another theme mentioned in interviews as a strength of our

church and there is a curiosity on how we can develop it further. This

table brainstormed on the music theme and what ideas they have for

developing music program so that years from now FIUCC will be well

known for its music. Do we do music to people or music with people?

What is unique and energizing about our music programs? How do our

music programs affect the church and outside in the community?

Imagine your highest hopes 5 years into the future. What do you hear?

(CONTINUED…)

(CONTINUED…)

Welcoming/Belonging/Family/O&A

Our church has a strong theme and much pride about being a

welcoming place. This is a place to belong and feel like family.

There is a strong commitment to being an open and affirming

church that welcomes all. What makes us different from

churches that also profess to be welcoming? What could God

be calling us to do in this area? This table brainstormed and

envisioned how to expand this theme into the future.

Pursuit of Knowledge/Educational Programs

There is a thirst for knowledge at this church and it emerged as

one of the top themes. This table brainstormed on growing in the

pursuit of knowledge and expanding our educational programs,

both outside and inside the church. What will we look like? What

programs will be offered? How will we interact with ourselves and

our community? What is unique and special about what we do?

Prayer/Spiritual Growth

Prayer and Spiritual Growth was another top theme. What is God calling us

to do in this area? We know prayer works. How do we take it to the next

level? What inspires prayer and spiritual growth? How do we take this

outside to the world? What inspires people to come to FIUCC for prayer and

spiritual growth?

Community Service/Outreach/Mission

What is God is calling us to do outside our church walls? If we fulfill

our desire to be the best we can be in mission, community service,

and outreach, what will that look like? Imagine what our church will

look like in 5 - 25 years (2038) if we fulfill our desire to be the best we

can be as a church serving God through community service,

outreach, and mission to the world.

Each group spent over an hour dreaming bold ideas and possibilities for our church anywhere

from 5 years to 25 years in the future. There were 100s of ideas that came out of this process. Each

group wrote a Dream Statement that represented their collected vision of their ideas for their

theme and they identified two short terms goals and one long term (stretch) goal. They presented

the statement and goals to the large group. Goals and statement were written in the positive

present tense as if they already exist.

(CONTINUED…)

(CONTINUED…)

Leonardo Di Vinci called brainstorming “almost laughable”, more like play. We played and

physically manifested our future through these activities. The groups developed skits that

represented their theme and dream statement. The skits were imaginative and fun!

Over the summer month we will continue to share our dreams. The Dream Statements and

goals will be posted at the church for all to see. We can continue to add ideas and new

possibilities.

WHAT IS NEXT? The next phase is the Design Phase. This is the third phase of four phases in the

re-visioning process. The four phases of the process are:

Discovery: What gives our church life?

Dream: What might be if we dream big?

Design: How can we make it happen?

Delivery: What will be?

The Design Phase brings the theme groups back together to work on their short and long term

goals by defining what it will take to bring those ideas to life. They will outline a timeline, identify

what resources are needed (people, space, materials, etc.), identify what the cost will be, and

create an action plan to make it happen. The Theme groups should meet over the summer to

work on this. All groups should complete the Design Phase by mid fall and have their plan ready

to go to the Deacons.

Work from the design phase will go to the Deacons for the Delivery Phase in the fall. We have

18 amazing goals and action plans and realistically can’t pursue all of them at the same time.

The Deacons will review and identify which short and long term goals will move forward first and

which can be put on a schedule for later.

The work of making these possibilities a reality lies with all of us. It is not the Deacon’s job to do

the work. Their job is to identify obstacles and help clear the way so you can make your dreams

for our church a reality.

Thank you for investing your time into the vision and future for FIUCC. The future is looking

bright!

~Vickie Lackman

Reflections on The New Cosmology by Patty Metzger

As we think about our new understanding of the evolution of our universe, as we look at the posters from the May 26th meditation on “The New Cosmology”, or study “The Transformation” painting from our 2012 Lenten Series, let’s commit to not dropping the ball! Let’s continue to engage our minds and hearts in the evolutionary work before us. What’s next in the universe story if we want to avoid a mass extinction? First we need to drop our current faulty cultural assumptions: that humans are an insertion in the universe, that our well-being comes from consumption or that the Sacred dwells elsewhere. Then we must take our human functioning and have it compatible with Earth’s functioning. We need a new era that puts us in relationship with Earth. We all must study and understand the new cosmology. We must tell its story. We must interpret our spiritual convictions from a perspective that reflects both the emerging consciousness and the Gospel values. We must return to a sense of reverence and awe of the earth. We must respect all life. We must practice restraint from consumerism. We must live more simply. We must tap into our own creativity—it is God moving through us. We must become part of the field of compassion and love. We must dream our earth into a new Era. We must be politically active. We must awaken ourselves: to educate ourselves and work for environmental justice and social justice. I encourage everyone to try to attend as many of the summer series of “Movies with Meaning” from the Environmental Justice Team. (See Jan Morberg’s article in this Bridge for dates and times.) We must develop our own mystical consciousness—to practice meditation, to being silent, to live in the present moment. Come join us any Monday from 7:00 – 8:00 pm for Centering Prayer. We must take up our role as co-creators in this universe. 1Corinthians 13: 10 states, “When the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.” The kingdom of God is here: it is heaven on earth. When the universe is completely infused and connected in love, we will have evolved into what it means to be completely human. We will have put on the mind of the Cosmic Christ. We all must do our daily part to bring about the Kingdom of God.

Fox Paw artists from Fox Island have a fabulous show of their art during June and July at

The Hub . 203 Tacoma Ave South . Tacoma, WA 98402 (253) 683-4606

Patty Metzger has several new paintings, along with 8 other artists. There will be a reception June 19, from 4:00 - 6:00. All are welcome!

The Magic of Aging—A Transformational Journey

A Five-Session tele-course with John Robinson

July 2 – 30, 2013

Dates & Times: The course will meet on Tuesdays for five weeks, from July 2 – 30, 2013, by teleconference. Sessions are two hours long,

from 5-7 pm (Pacific Time).

Registration: The 5-week, 10-hour course is just $50. That’s $5 per hour for an opportunity to

transform the way you experience the rest of your life. Register now by clicking the link below.

http://www.csourcewisdom.com/upcoming-events/the-new-aging/

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The FoxGloves Baseball Team Come cheer them on!! is ready to Play Ball!!

Sunday, June 9th 2:45-4:30pm Voyager Elementary St. Anthony’s Scrubs Sunday, June 16th 4:45-6:30pm Artondale Elementary Chapel Hill Chihuahuas Sunday, June 23rd 1:00-2:45 pm Voyager Elementary St. John’s Sluggers Sunday, June 23rd 2:45 – 4:30 pm Voyager Elementary Burley Bible C’s Sunday, June 30th 1:00 – 2:45 pm Voyager Elementary St. John’s Sluggers

Summer’s Coming

Plan Ahead!

While you enjoy your vacation take advantage of the convenience

of electronic giving to continue your support of our church

Our church offers electronic giving, which allows you to make your donations on a scheduled basis. Once, twice or more, it is convenient for you and provides much-needed donation consistency during the summer months.

*************************************************** Yes! Please contact me to set up my vacation giving.

Name:________________________________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________________________ City/ST/Zip____________________________________________________________ Phone:_____________________________________

Northwest Regional Women’s Retreat Celebrate the Joyful Journey!! November 1-3, 2013

Reserve your space at the exquisite Kah-Nee-Ta Resort nestled in the sacred beauty of Central Oregon! Join hundreds of friends at Northwest Regional Women's Retreat as we celebrate 30 years of dual conference collaboration as UCC women in the PNW! We mark our 10th retreat with a UCC superstar keynote, DaVita McCallister, from the Connecticut Conference who is known for her upbeat, inspiring and memorable appeal for all ages! Bring your friends and don't miss the workshops of great inspirational diversity, meals with infamous fry-bread and huckleberry jam, scenery that is absolutely astounding and the opportunity to sink into the reflective, renewing, healing and joy-filled atmosphere of this retreat! For information, see our website http://nrwr.wordpress.com/ , which has a link for nrwr2013.eventbrite.com to register. Registration fees increase after June 30, 2013, so register soon. Hotel is booked separately by calling 1-800-554-4786, use code “Northwest Regional Women’s Retreat” for the group rate! Any questions, please contact Sandra Purdue at (253) 851-1892 or Neve Norton at

(206) 383-2685.

Coming Attractions…

One of the dreams that took shape during our All Church Retreat was to build an amphitheater behind the church for concerts and outdoor events. Remember, we were to dream BIG!

This summer we are going to take a small step in that direction as we explore and play with some possibilities -- whether it will lead to an amphitheater, who knows? The months of July, August, September, and October we are going to offer a 5:00 pm worship celebration in the back yard combined with a simple meal.

This is a time for families who are not around on Sunday morning to worship during the good weather. We will still have a 10:00 am service as well. The first evening worship will be Sunday July 14th, followed by August 11, September 15, and the October date is TBA. It is a come-as-you-are event.