"I see the Holy Spirit move every day...as I witness people arrive at the Christian Aid Center broken, and then see them leave changed. I see Him in how their transformations inspire foundations of hope in new clients entering our doors"

"It has been my privilege to watch the Holy Spirit at work at CAC everyday. From Him taking care of the most basic human needs, to transforming lives from desperation to hope—it is a visceral and humbling experience." .

Please join us today (Sabbath afternoon) for a tour of the Christian Aid Center organized specially for the University Church. Stop by any time between 3-5pm and get a taste for what God's up to amongst this great organization. 202 W. Birch St. in Walla Walla.

(The following article appeared in the March 5, 2016 edition of the University Church Bulletin)

For over 60 years, the Christian Aid Center (CLC) in Walla Walla has ministered to homeless men, women, and children with Jesus-like compassion. “We desire to serve the whole person: body, mind, and spirit,” says director Jason Wicklund. Each day, the center provides two meals, clothing, housing, restoration programs, and life-skills classes.

When new clients are connected with CLC, two complementary but distinct programs are available. First, an emergency shelter for up to 30 days is available - this is to help people get back on their feet, save up money, and return to stable housing. The second program is a spirituality based restoration program that is long term and especially designed for those who have mental health or addiction issues compounding their homelessness. This second option lasts up to a year and includes a full spectrum of services including church and therapy. In either case, clients who actively are using alcohol or drugs cannot have access to services. The CLC is highly motivated to help people work through addictions -- and for those who want to recover, the CLC is a powerful resource.

Last month (January), the CLCs client population averaged about 45 people per night, including men, women, and families. Director Jason Wickland says that an increasing focus of the center is helping people overcome ACEs (adverse childhood experiences). By giving kids and adults treatment for past trauma, the CLC can help to prevent homelessness and the problems that come along with it from developing in the first place. 

The CLC began as a chapter of the Union Gospel rescue mission shortly after World War II. A local businessman named Gus Anderson felt called to reach out especially to veterans who struggled with addiction and shame. He partnered with a mission organizer from Yakima and founded the first one in Walla Walla in the Kaufman building on the corner of 4th and Rose. (Check out CLC's website for even more history).

Over time, the mission grew in its focus and ministry scope: from providing meals and a gospel presentation to emergency housing for homeless men on the street. The early DNA of CLC began to set into place in the early 1950's as the three-night limit was stretched for those men who were actively looking for work and refraining from alcohol. Over the decades that followed, the CLC changed locations as it gradually grew in its capacity to minister to people.

It was in 1971 that the center finally relocated to it's current location in a former church building on Birch street near St. Mary Medical Center. In 1989 additional surrounding houses and properties were purchased to expand the CLC's reach to include homeless women and children.

At present, the CLC is in the middle of a campaign to raise money for a new center designed specifically for women and children. The new space will be safer, more effective, allow for more accountability, and offer additional capacity. Their efforts are increasingly important given that the Walla Walla STEP shelter closed its doors in 2015, leaving the CLC as the only homeless shelter in town.

Jeannette Regalado, the center’s Volunteer Director (and a WWU Church member) says that without generous and service-minded people who volunteer daily, the ministry would struggle to stay afloat. Every single day, varying teams of over 20 volunteers come out to operate CLC programs. Whether it involves serving meals, cooking, contributing to the chapel program, doing maintenance, or cleaning, the ministry of the CLC simply wouldn't exist without volunteer support.

To find out how you can get involved, please give Jeannette a call (509.525.7153 ext. 114) or an email - she'd love to tell you the story and help you find your place. (And even if you already have a context for service, give her a call anyways and let her know how proud we are of her and how much we appreciate the CLC in our valley!

The University Church celebrates the way Jesus is embodied by the CLC. We are thrilled to be partners in ministry and look forward to blessing their work in the future.

MUSIC NOTE

We thank the Walla Walla University Steel Band under the direction of Brandon Beck for leading us in worship today. We also welcome their special guest Liam Teague, Associate Professor of Music and head of steel band studies at Northern Illinois University. You can hear more from both Mr. Teague and the WWU Steel Band at their GESA Power House performance tomorrow. Their prelude derives from the Piano Sonata known as “Pathetique” by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827). Please join me in wishing Mr. Teague a warm Walla Walla welcome and thanking all of these musicians.

And now I wish a warm welcome to all who worship here today. May you find comfort, grace, and courage for the coming week. May we each take the following words, from our closing hymn, to heart.

Lead on, O King Eternal,
We follow, not with fears,
For gladness breaks like morning Where’er Thy face appears;
Thy cross is lifted o’er us;
We journey in its light;
The crown awaits the conquest; Lead on, O God of might.

-Kraig Scott

GIVE

Thank you for partnering financially with the University Church. Our local church budget supports K-12 programs Rogers and WWVA, Children’s Ministries, worship services, a number of staff members’ salaries, and maintaining our facility. Donations marked “tithe” support pastors’ and teachers’ salaries as well as the world church.

As it has in the past, our local church budget supports K-12 schools Rogers and WWVA, Children’s Ministries, worship services, a number of staff members’ salaries, and maintaining our facility. Donations marked “Tithe” support pastors’ and teachers’ salaries as well as the world church.

As always - we welcome your gifts made right here on our website. Click Here to Give!

TOUCHES OF INTEREST

Second Service is live-streamed in Heubach Chapel as an optional courtesy for families with small kids.

Join the Christian Aid Center for a special tour planned for University Church Members. Stop by the Christian Aid Center located at 202 W. Birch St. in Walla Walla. Visit any time between 3-5pm Sabbath afternoon, May 14, and you’ll get a taste of the amazing work the center accomplishes. You don’t want to miss this opportunity!

All Church Potluck is Sabbath, May 14, at 1:15pm in the Fellowship Hall. Students are welcome!

Student Missions Dedication Vespers is Friday, May 20 at 8pm in the Sanctuary. All are invited to come and support our 2016–17 student missionaries.

Retirement reception for Clare Thompson, principal and former teacher at Rogers Adventist School, Wednesday, May 18 at 5:30 – 6:25 pm at WWVA’s multi-purpose room.  RAS Spring Concert will be starting at 6:30 pm.

Attend Global Leadership Summit 2016 at the University Church August 11-12. Because everyone is a leader of something, everyone is invited - everyone will benefit. This world-class training is guaranteed to energize and inspire you in the work you already are doing in any sphere. Register now for the best rates, wwuchurch.com.

The Vine Newsletter for May is published! Pick up a paper copy from the literature rack or find the digital version on our website: wwuchurch.com/cfm/#currentvine.

2nd Annual Walla Walla Health Expo sponsored by the Village SDA Church, Walla Walla General Hospital, area churches, and local businesses. May 21, 2-9pm. Join us for an exciting afternoon of lectures by experts in the field of plant-based foods, a healthy chili contest by local food vendors, informational booths from local health-related businesses, and free health and wellness screenings by local medical providers. This community event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/wallawallahealthexpo or call Shelby Shewchuk at 509-525-0882.

50-Plus Club Potluck, Sunday, May 15, at 5:00 p.m. in the Youth Center.  Musical program will be presented by Keifer Brown, one of Ben Gish’s talented students.  This will be the last 50-Plus program until September 18.

Joint Replacement Class at Walla Walla General Hospital Auditorium, May 17 at 6pm: When severe pain or joint damage limits your daily activities, a joint replacement may be your best option. Learn what you can expect from a joint replacement surgery at Aspire Orthopedic Institute. Presented by Scott Hutson, MD, orthopedic surgeon at Adventist Health.  The class is free, but registration is encouraged (wwgh.com/classes)

The Christian Aid Center has several key volunteer needs. Will you answer the call? These needs include hosting at breakfast or dinner meals, morning child care in their newly renovated space, Bible Study leaders. Contact Jeanette Regalado at 509.525.7153 ext. 114 to help!

Job opportunity at the Christian Aid Center, who is looking for an enthusiastic Christian person to work part-time as a receptionist.  Duties include answering the phone, greeting the public, providing secretarial support and assisting staff as a team member.  Must be able to work independently, have basic computer knowledge and have excellent interpersonal skills.  Current available hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with the potential for more hours.  Starting pay is $11 an hour.  Please reply with a cover letter and resume to: jwicklund@cacww.org, attn: Jason.

Current WWU Job Opportunities:   For more details and how to apply please visit
Walla Walla University’s Website Human Resources Department

• Administrative Assistant (Counseling and Testing Services)
• Director of Marketing & University Relations (Marketing & Enrollment Services)
• Associate Athletic Director for Sports Information & Intramurals (Athletic)
• Director of Counseling, Testing, and Wellness (Counseling and Testing Services)
• Web Content Manager (Marketing and Enrollment Services)
• Annual Giving and Database Manager (Advancement)
• Event Coordinator (University Relations & Advancement)
• Alumni and Parent Relations Director (Alumni & Advancement Services)

UCC Camp Meeting is June 22-25, 2016 at UCA: Now is the time to reserve, while lodging is still available! Visit uccsda.org/cammeeting for more information.

Upper Columbia Conference Office of Education is now accepting applications for the Students in His Service scholarship program for the 2016 summer.  See guidelines at uccsda.org/Education/Scholarships.  Applications due before May 15, 2016.

UCC Summer Work Opportunity for graduating seniors or college age men and women. “His Travelers” goes as a team to churches in the conference to offer VBS, day camps, and mentoring. Call Patty Marsh for information: pattym@uccsda.org 509.242.0621.

Free counseling for individuals, couples, and families at Pathways to Change. The clinic is located in Smith Hall and is open Sunday through Thursday from 2 to 9 p.m.  For more information, call 509-527-2654

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