Reading Recommendations from University Church Members

This posthumous memoir remembers Coretta Scott King as so much more than simply the wife of Martin Luther King, Jr. A central theme of the book revolves around faith and a sense of calling that fueled Coretta Scott King's lifelong commitment to peaceful activism. She is an important figure in the civil rights movement whose strength, courage and resilience was anchored in her trust in God.

-Susan Smith

Mark Kurlansky's "The History of a Dangerous Idea" is simply profound, enlightening, and apropos; its pages contain a lesson 1st Century Christians and founders of Adventism would, as a great cloud of witnesses, champion us to manifest.

-Don Veverka

“Understanding Your Grief: Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart,” by Alan D. Wolfelt Ph.D., is a book I’ve read over and over again. I highly recommend it as one of the best out there for grief support.

-Terry Rice

“Just Give Me Jesus,” written by Billy Graham's daughter, Anne Graham Lotz, makes me hunger for yet a closer walk with Jesus. Each topic introduced is a reminder whatever we are going though, Just Give me Jesus.

- Lois Blackwelder

A beautiful and thoughtful look at the beatitudes, “The Applause of Heaven” by Max Lucado is my go-to book when I need a reminder of the depths of love God has for me.  It is a wonderful description of a God that is anxious for his family to be reunited in joy and happiness when we come together in heaven. 

- Hilary Catlett

I found this article from the New Yorker to be very interesting. Forgive its political overtones at the end and read it for its useful insights on how people (both inside and outside the church) approach change.

-Kevin Coleman

Why the Facts Don’t Change Our Minds
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/02/27/why-facts-dont-change-our-minds

Oswald Chambers’ My Utmost for His Highest: A daily devotional book marked by the days, but not the years.  It is timeless, and I come back to it repeatedly and randomly.  Practical and humorous, the readings point to the living of the gospel in every day life.  The focus is always on Jesus, walking with him, as the disciples did, growing daily in our experience with him, trusting completely in him.  

-Bev Beem

A book I recommend is “Eat, Pray, Love.” Although the author talks about a religion that is very different from mine, her writing made me reflect on my Christianity and forced me to reevaluate my relationship with God.

-Victoria Redic, Senior Psychology Major

TOUCHES OF INTEREST

Membership Transfers (second reading)
(IN) Don, Linda and Lindsey Crumley, Collegedale, Tenn.
Krista Hunt, Collegedale, Tenn.
Ana Pinza, Meadow Glade, Battle Ground, Wash.
Camryn Berglin, Stevensville, Mich.
Brian and Liana St Clair, Ellensburg, Wash.

(AWAY) Larrol and Robin Parlin, Friday Harbor, Wash.
Julianne Ward, Volunteer Park, Seattle, Wash.

An all-church potluck is planned for this Sabbath, January 13 at 1:15pm in the Fellowship Hall. All are invited!

All are invited to a joint Church Board / Business meeting Monday, January 22 at 7pm in the Youth Room.

A memorial for Vernita Kontz will take place on Sunday, January 21 at 1pm in Heubach Chapel.

Medical Responders Needed. EMT/Paramedics, CPR-qualified Nurses, Nurse Providers, or Physicians who are willing to be on a list of medical responders during the church services, with one present and available for each church service each week, for possible medical emergencies, please contact Deanne at 509-301-6703 or hoehndee@msn.com.

A number of small groups will be offered at the University Church this winter. Groups will be discussion-based, run for 60–90 minutes, and span a four to eight week period beginning later in January. Some groups this quarter will be focused on personal support for challenging seasons in life, others will center on Bible study, while still others will be geared toward practical daily living as followers of Jesus. Click here: for a detailed listing of small groups offered this quarter and contact information for leaders. Group size will be limited to about 10, so if you’re interested, contact the respective group leader right away. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Pastor Alareece Collie at alareece.collie@wallawalla.edu

Retired Denominational Workers’ dinner January 14, will be at WHEATLAND VILLAGE 1:30 p.m.  A Gala Buffet will be served, compliments of management.  Parking is available on west side of building.  Enter the building on same side. Come and enjoy “Ellen White’s Life Story” as recreated by pioneers of early Adventism. Please RSVP to 509-522-4848

GEM STATE ALUMNI BRUNCH: You and a guest are invited to join Gem State Academy for brunch at the Havstad Alumni Center on Sunday, January 28 at 10:00 am. Come reconnect with fellow Gem State Academy alumni, meet the principal and alumni director, and learn what’s new at GSAA. To help us plan, please RSVP to nbatten@gemstate.edu by January 24.

Are you looking to connect with others? A number of small groups will be offered this winter. We would also love to have new leaders! The groups are discussion-based and will run for about an hour over a three to six week period. If you’re interested in leading a group, please contact Alareece Collie at alareece.collie@wallawalla.edu.

Classroom Coordinators Needed! Our Kindergarten 1 and Primary 2 classes are looking for a person willing to organize teachers weekly for their rooms! We would love someone who enjoys teaching in case they need to fill in on occasion. Volunteers must complete (or have already completed) the Verified Volunteers training and screening. Please contact Pastor Jenn today if this call is for you! jenn.ogden@wallawalla.edu or 509.527.2800.

SONBRIDGE CONSTITUENCY MEETING will be held on Sunday Feb. 11, 2018 at 10:00 AM.  The agenda will include inspiring financial and development reports of God’s blessings and an update of future plans.  This constituency session is for designated delegates, but interested parties are welcome to attend!  Thank each of you for your amazing support.

Enchiladas to go, from College Place Spanish SDA Church to benefit their student aid fund. Call 509.525-9523, 509.301.2956 or email enchiladasforeducation@gmail.com to order. Order by January 30 to pick up on February 4 at Rogers Adventist School.

Guests coming and need an extra guest room? Havstad Alumni Center has 3 beautiful guest rooms. For guest room availability and information go to  www.wallawalla.edu/alumni/wwu-alumni-association/guest-rooms/  or call 509 540-8095.

Need space for family/friends event? Havstad Alumni Center is available for rent for those special events. Choose between the 1st floor beautiful home-like living room setting or the 2nd floor which includes a full kitchen.  Located on 4th Street on the Walla Walla University campus.  For more information, please call 509.527.2241 between 9am - 5pm Monday - Thursday.

The Christian Aid Center needs you! This important ministry partner of the University Church is always in need of volunteer help. In particular, the director of volunteers at CAC (and our church member), Jeannette Regalado, is requesting for volunteers to serve as barbers/hairstylists, registered nurses to help in our health clinic, and a van driver to pick up donated food on Monday mornings. Contact Jeannette at 509.525.7153.