Here's an opportunity to support a great community organization - the PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization). The PEO works toward increasing educational opportunities for women through loans and grants.

Some of you may have met or read about Jason McGill, the new Executive Director of Northwest Youth Services. Jason has experience as a youth support professional both here in Washington state, and where he grew up on the east coast. He brings a dynamic, passionate, and dedicated approach to a challenging role: leading Northwest Youth Services in the midst of a pandemic, in the midst of institutional changes, and in the midst of the on-going crisis of youth homelessness in our community. I’m excited to hear Jason share from his life experience and from what he’s learned at the helm of such a wonderful organization.

Backyard conversations are happening, and early experiences have been very positive! If there is interest, we hope to continue offering them through the summer. See below for the original description and the sign up.

If you caught the Midweek Message last week, you might recall that I spent much of last week at the UCC’s General Synod, the every-two-years national gathering for our denomination. Often times, such meetings are an opportunity to connect with old friends, to develop new relationships with colleagues and to see and learn from folks doing exciting and cutting-edge ministry throughout the country and beyond.

In Good Trouble this week the Mission and Justice board would like to invoke the memory of John Lewis and his life long fight for voting rights in this country.

The Mission and Justice board, in conjunction with the Faith Formation board would like to invite you to participate in an August 21st pantry drive in support of the Birchwood Food Desert Fighters.

The Delta variant is now in Whatcom County and it is the most dominant strain in the US. Many areas are seeing a rise in infections and hospitalizations. This strain is more transmissible and can cause more serious illness.

One of the three emphases of the Mission & Justice Board is Caring for the Earth as a fundamental part of our faith.  We are exploring (with you, the Congregation) ways to become a more ‘green’ congregation with our affiliation with Seattle based Earth Ministry, and local Bellingham based Multi-faith Network for Climate Justice (MNCJ).