“Rhythms of Life: Sabbath” Begins Sunday, September 18

Posted on September 1, 2011 by Katie, Head Pastor

On Sunday, September 18, about 30 minutes after worship ends, we will begin a 7-part series on the spiritual practice of Sabbath-keeping. Each class will last about 1 hour. Bring your own lunch and a little food to share with your neighbor, and come ready to be challenged to live your life with a new rhythm.

We live in a fragmented world. We work too hard. We live far from our families. We move too frequently. And, we struggle to find balance. As a practice, Sabbath reminds us that we are called to center our lives not on the fragmentation of our own making, but on the integrity of our God. Sabbath disrupts the routines of our creation, and it reminds us of God’s holy creation. Many people think of Sabbath as a solitary retreat – getting away from life, but it isn’t that at all. Still others shrink from the idea of Sabbath because they hold old memories of dour and joyless Sabbaths – days when nothing was permitted. Yet, Sabbath is an immersion into life lived in the fullness of God, in the midst of community, and with joy. Sabbath is an entering into God’s rest for the sake of all of creation. It celebrates creation. It creates a standard of justice. And, it reminds us to live in the midst of God the other six days of the week.

This curriculum is a video-based curriculum and features people like Brian McLaren, Majora Carter, Bill McKibben, Amy-Jill Levine, Jack Sasson, Ellen Davis, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, Norman Wirzba, Lauren Winner, M Douglas Meeks, Robin Jensen, and Phyllis Tickle. These are some of the most sought after speakers in our country. They are scholars, practitioners, new monastics, environmentalists, community builders, and dreamers. Come and join the conversation. Come and taste the Sabbath.

Please send any questions to office@qaumc.org.

Posted in What's new | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Gleaning at the Queen Anne Farmer’s Market

Posted on August 16, 2011 by Katie, Head Pastor

M Douglas Meeks, a professor at Vanderbilt Divinity School, says that there are basically five economy rules in the Bible:
1. Don’t charge interest to the poor
2. Don’t harvest your fields to the edges, but leave gleanings
3. Practice the tithe
4. Practice hospitality to the stranger
5. Keep the Sabbath

All of these are fascinating rules for the care and unity of society, but I’m going to talk only about one of them – number 2.

The reason for not harvesting fields all the way to the edges is so that the poor can collect what they need to eat. By leaving the edges unharvested, we are reminded that all that is in this world belongs not to us but to God. God claims what grows on the edges to feed those who live on the edge. It’s pretty beautiful, actually.

Queen Anne UMC practices a gleaning ministry twice a month. One of the great things about Seattle is the vitality of our neighborhoods; many of them have vibrant and exciting farmer’s markets. Queen Anne is one such neighborhood. Every Thursday evening during the summer, Queen Anne closes down part of West Crocket St. to host the Queen Anne Farmer’s Market (http://qafma.net/). Several of our members go around to the various vendors to request their leftover produce. They bring the food back to the church, prepare and freeze it, and make it ready to give to various organizations which feed people who are poor.

This past week our volunteers gleaned, chopped, and froze over 120 pounds of fresh produce. Thank you, gleaners. When food banks are primarily stocked with non-perishable food, it becomes difficult for poor folks to find fresh produce. This 120 pounds will provide good nutrition for people who most need it.

Posted in What's new | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Nothing But Nets a Success

Posted on July 11, 2011 by Katie, Head Pastor

Sharon Moe, Pat Simpson, Katie M Ladd, and Peter Masundire on center court.


My first Sunday leading worship services at Queen Anne was July 10. I want to thank you for a warm and loving welcome. I also want to thank Derek and Andrea for joining 100 other PNW United Methodists, including me, to promote the Nothing But Nets campaign at the Seattle Storm game on July 9. A big weekend!



Katie M Ladd, Irene DeMaris, and Ellen Johanson at the display table.


The Storm faced off against the LA Sparks, but all of us squared off against malaria. Hundreds of people visited our display table, purchased T-shirts, picked up wrist bands, asked questions, and took information cards. Several people wanted to share their stories about traveling to or living in countries where bed nets are necessary.

Ellen Johanson and Jesse Love talk with people coming by the table.

About 20 minutes prior to the game, a few representatives from the PNW took to the court to hold a Nothing But Nets banner and promote the cause.

Pat Simpson, Katie M Ladd, and Peter Masundire receive instructions.

At half time our Public Service Announcement was played on the Jumbo-tron. And, during the game a lucky row of 10 people received a gift package with our shirts and wrist bands.

Evangelism is a sticky thing for many United Methodists. We are not comfortable talking about faith. Some of us are not interested in convincing people that they need to attend church or think and believe the way we think and believe. However, real evangelism is sharing good news, and sharing good news has nothing to do with getting people to think, believe, or behave exactly as we do. Saving the lives of millions of people, many of whom are children, is something important for our church. The fact that a person can send a net and save a life for only $10, less than the cost of a Seattle Storm admission ticket, is good news. The fact that we are compelled to staff a table like this because we believe that a world can exist that is better than the one in which we live is part of our Good News.

There is much in the world that seems too large and unwieldy for us to fix or even address. It is tempting to give up. Our Good News informs us that there is nothing too big or unwieldy for us to address because we do it together while empowered by a mystery that somehow manages to accomplish the “unaccomplishable.” On July 9, 100 United Methodists, including United Methodists from Queen Anne, wore shirts, talked with strangers, and raised $640 in direct donations along with the money raised from tickets sales and online donations, and all of it will go to purchase treated bed nets for families in need. A $10 bed net will cover a family of 4. This money will save lives and make the world a better place. How much more good news do we want? July 9 was a good night for evangelism.
Photos in this essay are the property of photographer Jesse Love and the PNW Conference of The United Methodist Church. Please seek permission for re-use.

Posted in Pastor's thoughts & happenings | 1 Comment

Pastor Katie’s First Post – Nothing But Nets

Posted on June 29, 2011 by Katie, Head Pastor

This is my first post on Queen Anne’s website. I want to use this moment to thank your outgoing pastor The Rev. Denise Roberts for helping me transition to Queen Anne. I know that the congregation and neighborhood will miss her terribly.

Next, I want to use this first post to invite the congregation to a very special mission opportunity…and a great time. On Saturday, July 9, the Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Methodist Church teams up with the Seattle Storm to raise awareness about malaria. Malaria is a preventable and (usually) treatable disease. Yet, every 45 seconds a child in Africa dies of it. Every 45 seconds.

I grew up in a part of the United States that had been ravaged by yellow fever in the late 1800s. Every year tourists would come to my home town and learn about its history, including the disease that killed thousands upon thousands of people – all because of a mosquito. In the 1800s no one knew what spread yellow fever. Today, we do know what causes malaria. There is no reason that we cannot stop it in its tracks.

Come join me at the July 9 Seattle Storm game at the Key Arena. The game begins at 7 PM. Prior to the game, The United Methodist Church will be hosting a table brimming with T-shirts, wrist bands, and handouts about the Nothing But Nets Campaign. Come the night before my first Sunday and have fun. Come. And Send a net. Save a life.

For more information about attending the July 9 game at the Storm, please contact me. Or, go to the conference website. To learn more malaria and how to send a net, go to the Nothing But Nets website.

Posted in Opportunities at QAUMC, Poverty compassion | Leave a comment

A beautiful Sunday in Queen Anne

Posted on June 27, 2011 by Andrea, lay leader

I was late to church again this Sunday. Ok, I’m usually a wee-bit late (or a lot bit), but this time I had a good excuse!

I walked to church and the view around me was so beautiful that I had to stop and take photos every couple of feet. And then after church, my husband and I walked to brunch at the Queen Anne Cafe, and again, it took longer than it should have because I had to stop and take photos.

Here is my photo journey of our neighborhood, which at this time of year resembles one big garden. The photos aren’t the best quality — I took them with my cell phone. But, the best camera is the one you have.

The world is God’s coloring book.

Posted in Photos, What's new | Leave a comment

From the New Pastor

Posted on June 21, 2011 by Denise, Head Pastor

Meet Pastor Katie,

I’m Katie M Ladd, the new pastor at Queen Anne. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you and in providing each of you with the support you need to make your time in our church a welcome and positive experience. My first full day in the office will be July 6, but you will find me prior to that moving boxes and getting settled. 

Pastor Katie

 

Posted in Pastor's thoughts & happenings | Leave a comment

Welcome Lindsay May, Christian Education Coordinator

Posted on June 16, 2011 by Denise, Head Pastor

Hello! My name is Lindsay May and I come from a strong Lutheran background, growing up in Port Orchard. I completed my undergraduate degree at Pacific Lutheran University and am back in Washington after starting my Masters at Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia. I am enjoying being back in the company and kindness of my friends and family in the Pacific Northwest and delighted to now join the Christian community at Queen Anne United Methodist Church. I am very excited to contribute to QAUMC’s children’s spiritual education with creative, fun and faith based Sunday School lessons and crafts to spread the word and love of God!

Posted in Pastor's thoughts & happenings | Leave a comment

Welcome Lindsay May; our Children’s Education Coordinator

Posted on June 14, 2011 by Denise, Head Pastor

Queen Anne United Methodist welcomes Lindsay May as our new Children’s Education Coordinator. 

For some time we have been looking for just the right person to fill this important role in the life of our church, and our prayers have been answered.  Lindsay is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University and has also completed the Museum Studies Certificate Program at the University of Washington.  She is currently working on her Master’s degree in Art History through the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Lindsay will be working on the spiritual formation of our youngest disciples, enhancing the educational ministries of the church.  Our children’s ministry program seeks to help children come to know God as they experience life together in a Christian faith community.  Our program offers a wide variety of experiences designed to encompass Christian fellowship, service and fun.  Please welcome Lindsay as our new partner in faith.

Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00am.  Children’s Sunday school begins at 10:15 am.

Posted in Pastor's thoughts & happenings | Leave a comment

Tornado and Storm Relief Information

Posted on June 1, 2011 by Denise, Head Pastor

Dear Faithful Friends,
Following is information for providing relief to those who are affected by the recent storms and tornados in the south.

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has been in contact throughout the night and this morning with Bishops and disaster response personnel in annual conferences hit by the storms and tornadoes to assess damages and next steps to assist communities in need.

To donate funds to help in this emergency, you can contribute through Queen Anne UMC by writing a check; simply note UMCOR 3021326.
Thank you for your generous caring.

 Peace and Blessings,

Pastor Denise

Posted in Pastor's thoughts & happenings | Leave a comment

Welcome Pastor Katie

Posted on June 1, 2011 by Denise, Head Pastor

Gentle Readers,

 You can exhale now! 

It feels as if we have been holding our collective breath over the past two months as we have anxiously awaited the identity of our new pastor.  Drum roll please, QAUMC’s new pastor is Rev. Katie Ladd.  Rev. Katie recently met with our SPR Committee and I have heard that the meeting resulted in a thumbs-up all the way around.  Thank You SPR for your hard work and diligence.  Welcome Rev. Katie. 

Though our new pastor has been identified and we have all exhaled, this does not mean that we can totally relax.  It only means that the focus of our attention will change.  Transitions are a critical time.  Receiving a new pastor is a significant occasion in the life of a church and therefore deserves some reflection.

I ask you to offer prayers for Rev. Katie and the church as you embark on this part of the journey together.  Encourage and support Rev. Katie and the church with your energy, talents and spiritual gifts as well as your financial contributions.  If you haven’t volunteered before, consider stepping up and volunteering for a role in the church, or even volunteering more than usual.  Help contribute to the unity of the church.  Commit to remain faithful and engaged so that God’s intended work can be accomplished.

Wow, it has been three years and this is the last newsletter that I will write for the Spirit.  In another few weeks I will be moving to Leavenworth Community UMC.  It feels quite strange to no longer call Queen Anne my home church, but it feels great and it is comforting to turn over the shepherding of the congregation to Rev. Katie.

I have been blessed to walk with you for three years and to help you prepare for your next pastor.  I have grown so much during my time here, and I leave with heartfelt joy.  Thank you for your love and support.   I am hopeful that your ministry with Rev. Katie will be fruitful in the years to come. I pray that the exhale that has been released becomes a movement of the Holy Spirit in this church, blessing all in the name of Christ.

 Pastor Denise

Posted in Pastor's thoughts & happenings | Leave a comment