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Transitions announced

Melanie Childers was installed as pastor at Shalom UCC in Richland on Oct. 12.

Adina Meyer was ordained at Keystone UCC on Oct. 19.

Mark Travis was called as the new settled pastor at Eagle Harbor UCC on Bainbridge Island beginning Oct. 27.

Naomi Schulz has been called to serve as pastor at Fox Island UCC as of Nov. 1.

Christine Tata was installed Nov. 9 as pastor to serve Chewelah UCC and First Congregational UCC in Colville. She has recently resigned.

On Nov. 10, Kevin Bechhold was called as pastor at Richmond Beach UCC in Shoreline.

Dee Eisenhauer retired from Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge Island and was honored at a farewell service on Nov. 25.

Shirley Hutchinson, who died on Dec. 27, was the wife of the Rev. Ronald Hutchinson.

Kerri Berlin received lay ministerial standing to serve at St. Paul’s UCC in Seattle on Jan. 4.

Ruth Flucke died on Jan. 5 in Wisconsin. She was the wife or the Rev. Rod Mackenzie, who died a year ago.

Chris Morton died Jan. 7, at Hospice House. Her spouse was the Rev. Megan Crouse. Chris was one of the first women ordained in the Pacific Northwest Conference of the UCC.

Boundary trainings set

Tara Barber, UCC minister for ministerial support and accountability, and Melanie Oommen, minister for committee on ministry development and leadership, will offer two boundary training sessions in the first quarter.

On Monday, Jan. 26, there is “Boundary Training for Ministers in Specialized Settings.” Tara said that “serving in specialized settings requires particular attention to boundaries within the ministry setting and home church that are challenging and different from those serving as local pastors,”

The session will focus on issues these ministers face and provide opportunities to reflect on best practices and growth.

For information, visit https://ucc.zoom.us/meeting/register/tzIk7sTtRROITWMm-VY46w#/registration.

On Thursday, March 12, they will offer “Boundary Awareness Training for Retired Ministers.” Tara pointed out that maintaining healthy boundaries is challenging at any stage in ministry and it is particularly difficult when transitioning out of the last call and while in retirement.

These trainings complete individual requirements for boundary training only when authorized by a local Committee on Ministry. Participants must be able to use Zoom chat and breakout rooms and have their camera turned on throughout the time.

For information or to register, visit https://ucc.zoom.us/meeting/register/WwxaUcxeS8ywl-gg5IglFg#/registration.

Stewardship webinars held

There will be Stewardship Webinars offered as Orientation for Treasurers from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 28

The presentation reviews basic aspects of the treasurer, financial secretary and trustee roles in a local congregation. It includes creating a “financial dashboard” to help fellow board members understand the finances of the congregation, effective ways to record and thank donors for their gifts, and best practices around cash controls and cash management.

The Rev. Andrew Warner, CFRE, president of the Wisconsin Foundation UCC, will lead the presentation.

For information, visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/p_hl1Gk4TPSaEF-2ykNqSg#/registration.

Nominations due by Feb. 13

The PNC Ministry Resources Committee (MRC) invites members of PNC churches to help “build communities of abundance, justice and hope during this time of transition.”

Al Bentley, Ann Lev, Barbara Anderson, Indigo Brown, Jenn Hagedorn and Kathleen Morgan serve on the committee that nominates members of other committees. Nominations or inquiries are requested by Feb. 13.

They are seeking to promote diverse membership on all the committees—welcoming laity and clergy of all races and ethnicities, ages, gender expressions, sexual orientations, and geographic locations.

The ability to hold meetings on Zoom removes barriers of travel time and cost to make participation accessible and build relationships with friends across the Conference.

Participation on committees invites sharing stories, seeking solutions, building connections and learning about the work of the conference and national UCC.

“Committee members are to be committed to the UCC and PNC, a collaborative spirit grounded in our shared values—as an Open and Affirming, Anti-Racist, Just Peace conference—and time to devote to monthly meetings and additional projects as needed over a two-year term,” they said.

New committee members are nominated by the MRC and the slate is approved at the Annual Meeting March 13 to 14. Nominees do not need to be present to be approved.

Nominations may be sent to Jenn Hagedorn by Feb. 13, by calling her at 206-265-2834 or emailingpastor@spiritofpeaceucc.org.

UCUCC shares Lecture Series

University Congregational UCC in Seattle welcomes members of the PNC to join in its Lecture Series with John Philip Newell and Cami Twilling on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 20 to 21.

John Philip and Cami will help participants respond to and heal through connection with the earth featuring discussion on John Philip’s new book, The Great Search, a collection of essays about seekers through the ages. A discussion guide is available for book groups interested in discussing and reflecting on the book.

For information and to register, email lectureseries@universityucc.org or visit https://www.eventbrite.com and search for John Philip Newell.

FAN plans Interfaith Advocacy Day Feb. 12

The Faith Action Network of Washington (FAN) is planning Interfaith Advocacy Day (IFAD) from 8:30 a.m. to 3. p.m., Thursday, Feb. 12, in Olympia. The event is one of the largest gatherings of people of faith in the state Capitol, bringing voices of compassion and justice to elected leaders.

Participants come from across the state and meet with their legislators and staff to express their support for and concerns about bills being proposed and considered this session. There will be plenaries and workshops on issues, opportunities to meet advocates from legislative districts to prepare for visits, and for those who register by Jan. 29 appointments to visit with legislators and their legislative assistants. There is no cost to participate in IFAD this year because of the generosity of donors.

For information, email fan@fanwa.org or visit fanwa.org/interfaith-advocacy-day.