Spirit of Peace United Church of Christ

Third Sunday of Lent | Wandering Heart Series: "Praise the mount"

In this image, I wanted to create a kaleidoscope of perception, imaging the ways Jesus is perceived in the context of this passage, like light broken down into a myriad of shapes and colors. In the gold rays of light Jesus’ form is obscured by the metallic shine of God’s glory. In the gray and earth-tone rays he is seen in monochrome. Each of the earth-tone rays holds a pattern on Jesus’ clothing which represents a misunderstanding of who Jesus is. Starting on the left, honey, locusts, and baptismal waters misidentify him as John the Baptist. Within the next ray to the right, ravens, an empty chair, rain, and fires from the heavens misidentify him as Elijah. On the right, scales of justice and plants being uprooted and planted misidentify him as Jeremiah.

Through the middle of the image, there is a ray of light where the image comes into full color that holds this moment of clarity where Jesus and Peter truly see one another. In this ray, Peter’s clothing holds symbols of his new identity: a rock upon which the church will be built and keys to the kingdom. Jesus’ clothing holds imagery—an oil jar and the light of the sun— representing the way Peter sees him as the Messiah and Son of the living God. —Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman

Painting
Title: Who Do You Say That I Am?
Artist: Lauren Wright Pittman
Inspired by: Matthew 16:13-20

Rosa Parks, born Rosa Louise McCauley on February 4, 1913, in Tuskegee, Alabama, was an African American civil rights activist whose courageous act of defiance in refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and became a pivotal moment in the American civil rights movement.

Despite facing numerous obstacles in the segregated south, she pursued her education and became involved in civil rights activism through the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). Parks worked as a secretary for the local NAACP chapter in Montgomery, Alabama.

On December 1, 1955, Parks boarded a bus after a long day of work. When the bus became crowded and the driver demanded that she give up her seat to a white passenger, she refused, stating she was tired of giving in to segregation. Her courageous act led to her arrest and sparked a city-wide boycott of the Montgomery bus system, organized by civil rights leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The boycott lasted for 381 days, during which Parks endured threats and harassment but remained committed to the cause. In 1956, the Supreme Court ruled that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional, a significant victory for the civil rights movement.

Parks' bravery and determination made her an icon of the civil rights movement, and she continued to work for racial equality throughout her life. She co-founded the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self-Development, dedicated to educating young people about the civil rights movement. Parks received numerous awards and honors for her activism, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal.

Rosa Parks passed away on October 24, 2005, but her legacy as the "mother of the civil rights movement" continues to inspire people around the world to fight against injustice and inequality.

Second Sunday of Lent | Wandering Heart Series: "Rescue me from danger"

"Inside the wind tunnel in this piece, we see the West African symbol, Adinkrahene, symbolizing leadership and charisma. Peter embodies all of that when he follows Jesus onto the water. But the bottom of his foot holds the Mako. Mako reminds us that not all peppers grow the same. As charismatic and eager to impress Jesus as Peter is, he does not necessarily embody the same level of development as Jesus. The hand of Jesus reaches through the image of Asase Ye Duru, reminding us that the earth has weight. Jesus, the divine, is greater than the limitations of the flesh, the fears we carry like the uncertainty of the water. What we also see around the hand of Christ is Nyame Dua, the sacred stump symbolizing God’s presence and protection. The ever-present God protected Peter from drowning. All of this storytelling is set inside the symbol of Mmusuyidee, signifying prosperity and sanctity. We are invited to maintain a hopeful outlook and persevere." -- Nicolette Peñaranda

Painting
Title: Lift Off
Artist: Nicolette Peñaranda
Inspired by: Matthew 14:22-23

Ruby Bridges was born on September 8, 1954, in Tylertown, Mississippi, USA. She became an iconic figure in the civil rights movement at the tender age of six when she bravely became the first African American student to integrate William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1960.

Ruby's courageous journey began when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, declaring racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. Despite this landmark ruling, many Southern states resisted integration. Ruby's enrollment at William Frantz Elementary School was met with fierce opposition from segregationist groups, who protested her presence daily.

Escorted by federal marshals, Ruby faced angry mobs hurling insults and threats as she walked to school. Despite the hostility, she showed remarkable resilience, attending classes every day. Her courage and determination inspired the nation and brought attention to the injustices of segregation.

Ruby's integration of William Frantz Elementary School marked a significant victory for the civil rights movement, paving the way for desegregation in schools across the United States. She continued her education, eventually graduating from a desegregated high school and later becoming a civil rights activist, advocating for equality and social justice.

Throughout her life, Ruby Bridges has remained an influential figure, sharing her story to educate and inspire others. In 1999, she established the Ruby Bridges Foundation, dedicated to promoting tolerance and diversity in schools. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the power of courage and determination in the face of adversity, leaving an indelible mark on the fight for equality in America.

For Lent we will be exploring Sancti Art's Wandering Heart Series.

First Sunday of Lent | Wandering Heart: "Jesus sought me"

"In this image, the bursting nets transform into a river of grace meandering through the composition of Peter’s life. The river pours into Peter’s hands, but he can’t quite grasp the fullness of this gift and calling quite yet, and so most of it rushes right by. As you will see in my other pieces for this series, this river of grace will wander alongside Peter throughout his life. The river represents how his journey with Christ begins and ends: with an abundant catch of fish. He is forever tethered to the overflowing love of God. The river is a symbol of Peter’s gifts, as God uses what Peter knows how to do well (being a fisher of fish) and invites him to apply his skills to a new calling (being a fisher of people). It’s a visible reminder of the ways God’s grace bends and turns and rushes to find each of our wandering hearts."

Painting
Title: River of Grace
Artist: Lisle Gwynn Garrity
Inspired by: Luke 5:1-11

Harriet Tubman, born Araminta Ross in Dorchester County, Maryland, around 1822, was one of the most prominent figures in the history of the abolitionist movement and a pivotal conductor of the Underground Railroad. Born into slavery, Tubman endured the harsh realities of bo***ge from an early age, experiencing the brutality and inhumanity of the system firsthand.

Despite facing immense adversity, Tubman's indomitable spirit and unwavering determination fueled her quest for freedom. In 1849, she made the courageous decision to escape slavery, embarking on a perilous journey to the North. Risking her life, Tubman navigated through treacherous terrain, guided by her instinct, resourcefulness, and an unyielding commitment to liberty.

After securing her own freedom, Tubman dedicated herself to helping others escape the bonds of slavery. She became a prominent conductor of the Underground Railroad, a clandestine network of routes and safe houses used to guide enslaved individuals to freedom in the North. Tubman's daring missions led her back into the heart of slave territory multiple times, rescuing approximately 70 enslaved people, including family members and friends.

Tubman's heroic actions earned her the nickname "Moses," a testament to her role as a liberator and leader among her people. Despite the ever-present danger of capture and re-enslavement, she remained undeterred, driven by a fierce sense of justice and compassion for the oppressed.

Following the war, Tubman continued her advocacy for social justice and equality. She championed causes such as women's suffrage and provided support and care for elderly African Americans in need. Tubman's tireless efforts to combat injustice and uplift her community cemented her legacy as a true American hero.

Harriet Tubman passed away on March 10, 1913, but her legacy endures as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Her remarkable life journey stands as a testament to the power of courage, resilience, and unwavering determination in the face of oppression. Today, she is celebrated as a symbol of freedom and equality, revered for her extraordinary contributions to the fight for liberty and human rights.

Don't forget to join us for our Ash Wednesday worship at Noon tomorrow for a short contemplative worship service on Zoom. Bring a small amount of dirt from your garden or houseplant, a large bowl, and a full water bottle (or a glass you can easily pour from).

Topic: Ash Wednesday Online Worship
Time: Feb 14, 2024 12:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81388479946

Meeting ID: 813 8847 9946

Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) was born into slavery in Maryland, but he escaped at the age of 20, becoming one of the most prominent abolitionists, writers, and orators of the 19th century. He taught himself to read and write, and through his eloquent speeches and writings, he became a leading voice in the fight against slavery and for the rights of African Americans. Douglass published his autobiography, "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave," in 1845, which became a bestseller and helped fuel the abolitionist movement. He also founded and edited several newspapers, including the influential "The North Star." After the Civil War, Douglass continued to advocate for civil rights, suffrage, and equality, serving as a government official and diplomat. His legacy as a tireless advocate for justice and equality continues to inspire generations.

We won't have any in-person worship this week! Join us via Zoom for worship at 9:30, followed by a congregational budget meeting. Link available on our website: https://spiritofpeaceucc.org/

Ash Wednesday worship at Noon on Feb. 14th. Join us online for a short contemplative worship service on Zoom. Bring a small amount of dirt from your garden or houseplant, a large bowl, and a full water bottle (or a glass you can easily pour from).

Topic: Ash Wednesday Online Worship
Time: Feb 14, 2024 12:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81388479946

Meeting ID: 813 8847 9946

As we enter February and the start of Black History month we will be taking some time to reflect on the Black leaders who pioneered and shaped the civil rights movement. We will start off with perhaps one of the most recognizable and influential civil rights leaders in history.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) was a prominent American civil rights leader and Baptist minister. He played a pivotal role in the American civil rights movement, advocating for racial equality and justice through nonviolent civil disobedience. King is best known for his role in the 1963 March on Washington and his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, his legacy continues to inspire movements for equality and justice worldwide. Tragically, he was assassinated in 1968, leaving a lasting impact on the fight against discrimination.

Black History month is upon us and we would like to start this month by a quote from the great American biblical scholar and Episcopal priest Wilda C. Gafney.

Please follow us as we take this month to explore the great Black leaders in American History.

Our next book for our book group is PRACTICING: Changing Yourself to Change the World by Kathy Escabar. The book has 10 chapters of 10 Christian practices. We will start the first Monday of Lent, Feb. 19 and every Monday to May 27, except April 1 after Easter. To give cooks more time for evening dinners, our new time will be 4-5 pm to find out how that works."

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86482397469

Is there a time when you have come to see God or Jesus in a new way?
Comment below.

As we continue our Discipleship series, we contemplate questions to deepen our relationship with God. Our theme for this past Sunday was: "Where do we look for God"? Some may look for God in the work they do, others may look for God in prayer and moments of mindfulness. We would love to know where you look for God in your daily life? Comment below.

In worship today we continued to answer the question How does a weary world rejoice? We trust our belovedness

This image offers a snapshot of Jesus right before he steps into his calling, on the threshold of spectacular affirmation. He is completely suspended, embraced, and upheld by the waters of baptism. The water’s surface is choppy. The future is unknown and precarious. His path is a lonely and formidable one, eventually leading to his suffering and death.

Despite what is to come, Jesus reaches toward the surface. Two fish are drawn to the light of his halo, foreshadowing his companionship with fishers and his miraculous feeding of the five thousand. All of creation is leaning into his call.

This is what trusting your belovedness feels like—muscles and bones relieved of gravity’s burden, serenity, weightlessness, oneness with creation, and the warmth of God’s love permeating every cell of your body and every
corner of your soul. —Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman

Painting:
Title: Beloved
Artist: Lauren Wright Pittman
Inspired by: Luke 3:21-22

Do You Have a Prayer Request?
If you would like to make prayer requests any time during the week, please send your requests to: [email protected] If you have difficulty using the Sop email address please send prayer requests to Pastor Jenn at Pastor@Spiritof PeaceUCC.org.

Did you know you can now find us on Instagram? Follow the link below to connect with us!

https://www.instagram.com/spiritofpeaceucc/

Often times the closing of a year brings up many emotions and mixed feelings. For some it's easy to slide into 2024 with open arms and welcome what it may bring. For others, it's a bit harder to adapt. But it's important to ask ourselves questions to set us on the right path for a renewed year ahead.

We would love to read your answers/comments to the question below.

Listen to the full sermon on our YouTube page by following the link below.

https://youtu.be/6ApU3mfGir0?si=E3O3rqBPlv674cqI

Our amazing (and angelic) musical team is all ready for Christmas Eve. See you soon! ✨🎄

The Fourth Sunday of Advent (Christmas Eve) | How does a weary world rejoice? We make room.

"Recently, I was standing at The Dwelling at Richmond Hill. The former
slave quarters are open and offered for visitation. After our tour, the idea
that one should remove their shoes before entering this holy haven came
up. Our tour group was all white people and we discussed this idea from
a theoretical standpoint. But earlier, before we entered, I felt it. I was
holding a seltzer water can from lunch and felt incredibly rude entering
the space with it, so, without understanding, I backtracked and placed my
purse and the can outside. I knew not why. After the tour, in our discussion
about shoes, our white tour guide mentioned that Black members of the
staff felt a great reverence, a holy presence at The Dwelling. The space
held the presence of God; it was like entering a sanctuary."

"In this painting, Black Mother God has asked her daughter Mary to
hold the role of surrogate for the pregnancy of Infant Creator. Mary has
carried the child to term. She has given birth. God embraces Mary as
well as the Holy Infant in gratitude. For without Mary’s surrogacy, the
incarnation could not be." -

Painting:
Title: Surrogacy
Artist: Hannah Garrity
Inspired by: Luke 2:1-20

Join us this evening (no morning worship) for our Christmas Eve service.

In person: Behind Our Savior Lutheran Church
Online Via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88579143026

Join us tomorrow afternoon (no morning worship) for our Christmas Eve service.

In person: Behind Our Savior Lutheran Church
Online Via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88579143026

What a joy to gather with other local churches Our Savior Lutheran Church, Community Church of Issaquah, and Faith Church for Beers and Carols last night at Formula Brewing! Maybe the beginning of a new tradition?

Join us tonight at Formula Brewing!!

Join us tomorrow!!

The Third Sunday of Advent | How does a weary world rejoice?
We allow ourselves to be amazed

"In this image, I wanted to capture the moment Zechariah’s voice returns to him. I decided to depict only half of Zechariah’s face; this miracle is not really about him, but about what happens through him. When he confirms John’s name, he sheds his distrust of the angel’s impossible news. His skepticism and weariness subside as he awakens to the joy in his midst. He allows himself to be amazed." - Lisle Gwynn Garrity

Painting:
Title: What Wonder Turns Into
Artist: Lisle Gwynn Garrity
Inspired by: Luke 1:57-66

When was the last time you were truly amazed? Comment below.

What makes you feel connected? Comment below.