“Please don’t assume it’s out of your grasp,” Steve Fuchs said recently in a conversation about the cost of Christian education. For more than 15 years, Steve has served as the treasurer of Walla Walla Valley Academy (WWVA). He spoke about the challenges and opportunities parents and students face as they plan for their futures. As it turns out, there are dozens of resources and hundreds of thousands of dollars available to people; from need- based grants to scholarships, to work and payment programs, to discounts. “I feel sick thinking of those who see the sticker price for great schools like WWVA or Rogers, and simply self-select out without even inquiring,” remarked Steve. “It’s true that our schools aren’t the best fit for every student, but I hate imagining that finances alone prohibited access for anyone who really wants to be here.”

It is no stretch to say that Rogers Adventist School (K–8) and Walla Walla Valley Academy (9–12), along with Walla Walla University are the University Church’s biggest ministry partners. We are a congregation that has leveraged education at all levels as the key strategy for accomplishing our mission of teaching people how to follow Jesus. In fact, up to 50% of budgetary (and extra-budgetary) spending goes to our K–12 program alone! Rogers School Treasurer Nancy Barnett said, “In the three years I’ve worked here, I’ve been simply amazed at how much student aid money we’ve awarded; and how the fund keeps miraculously replenishing itself!”

“This valley is amazing for how it takes care of kids,” echoed Fuchs. During the 2017-18 school year, the University Church contributed more than

$400,000 to K-12 Christian education. And that figure is in addition to the many generous private donations between individuals for this cause. On behalf of the pastoral staff, school staff, and students THANK YOU!!

For more information on how to finance Christian education for your child, contact Steve Fuchs at WWVA: 509.525.105 or fuchst@wwva.org, Nancy Barnett at Rogers: 509.529.1850 or nancy.barnett@rschoo.org, or Clare Thompson, the chair of the University Church’s Student Aid Committee, thomcl@gmail.com. If you would like to help support students by giving financially to student aid, please mark the box on your tithe envelope or talk with the University Church’s Treasurer, Joylene Bennet: 509.527.2800 or joylene.bennett@ wallawalla.edu.

-Pastor Kris Loewen

TOUCHES OF INTEREST

Beginning August 27 the church office will have new regular hours: Monday–Thursday 8am–1pm and 2pm–5pm; Friday 8am–12pm.

Church board meeting is Monday, August 27 at 7pm in the Youth Room. All church members are invited to attend.

The final Sabbath of Summer Light, our adjusted Sabbath morning schedule, is September 8. On September 15, the University Church will return to the regular school-year schedule: 9:30am First Serve, 10:30am Sabbath Schools, and 11:45am Second Service.

Sign up to host tables at The Longest Table. The event is Sabbath, September 29 following Second Service. Anyone may sign up to host tables. Signups in the church lobby beginning at 9:30am on September 8 and at 9am on September 15 and 22. Contact Pastor Alareece with any questions: alareece.collie@wallawalla.edu.  alareece.collie@wallawalla.edu.

The University Church staff are delighted to welcome
Nicole Reedy as the new office manager of the University Church. Nicole is a graduate of Walla Walla University, brings a wealth of experience, and is eager to serve our church family. Please join the pastoral staff in welcoming Nicole to the team! Stop by any time during office hours to welcome her, or send her a note: church@wallawalla.edu.

Placement Board Report (August, 2018, second reading)
Austin Archer, Interim Head Elder

Membership Transfers (August, 2018, second reading)
(IN) Alexis Anderes, from Richland, Wash.
Maria Bastien, from Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Amanda Ponce, from Tuscon, Ariz.
Harrison Taylor, from Portland, Ore.
(AWAY) Madeline Carritte, to Redlands, Calif.
MacKenzie Cosaert, to Tualatin, Ore.
Demetria Pufahl, to Oasis SDA Church, Boise, Idaho

Betty Sorensen's memorial service is scheduled for Sabbath, Sept. 15, 3 pm, at the WWU Church. Dr. Sorensen and Betty served as WWU's first family from 1976 to 1985, and in 2001-2002. In lieu of flowers, the family requests consideration of contributions to the Cliff and Betty Sorensen Memorial Fund at WWU (submit to the Advancement Office, or donate online at wallawalla.edu/give).

Thank you, University Church family, for the beautiful flowers, kind cards and words of encouragement during this difficult time after the passing of Patricia's mother in Trinidad. It has meant a lot to us. –Dr. Gerald and Patricia Craigg

Thank you church pastors, staff and family, for the lovely white floral bouquet in honor of our sister, Sandi Carlson. She is greatly missed but we look forward to a wonderful reunion. –Darold and Barbara Bigger

The church Sanctuary re-roofing project is nearing completion. Elsom Roofing and Tektonics have spent a number of weeks carefully peeling off and replacing the old roof, wood sheeting, and assorted parts to leave us with a new protective barrier for decades to come. Check out the latest flyover video by Chris Drake, chronicling the progress: (this video was taken the week of August 20-24.

Two weeks ago, about 100 people from all over the Walla Walla Valley attended a two-day leadership training in the University Church. Register before October 23, 2018 for next year's conference for the lowest possible rate, $79.
Join fellow church members and community members as we sharpen our leadership skills together! Visit wwuchurch.com/gls2019 or contact Pastor Kris for more information: kris.loewen@wallawalla.edu.

Stay up to date with the University Church’s texting service. To receive important information about events, schedule changes, and emergencies, opt-in by texting “WWUCINFO” to 84576.

Heubach Chapel morning worship continues this summer on a weekly basis. Every Friday morning, 7:30-7:50am, you are invited to join Heather Lee for singing and prayer.

Need Training in Communicating? Attend One Voice: Communicating With Excellence on September 30 from 10am-4pm at the Upper Columbia Conference Office. Pastors and church and school communication leaders are invited to this one-day seminar geared to help you communicate with clarity and excellence in an age when getting your message across is increasingly challenging. $15 covers lunch and seminar materials. Register online at http://www.uccsda.org/communications or contact the communications department at 509.242.0512.

Will You Partner with Palau? Partners for Palau is a North Pacific Union Conference long-term mission initiative to provide ministry and educational support to this island territory. Palau is part of the Guam-Micronesia Mission at the far western edge of the North American Division. From teachers to Pathfinders and from mentoring a student teacher to purchasing a desk, there is a project for every group or person. Learn more about how you can become involved at: palau.npuc.org

A women's retreat is planned October 26–28. Upper Columbia Conference invites you to Camp MiVoden for  “Beautiful,” a weekend for teen girls and women to be refreshed at Hayden Lake. The keynote speaker is
Cindy Tutsch, a seasoned speaker who has shared the gospel around the world in over 60 countries. Register online at: uccsda.org/WomenRetreat2018 or by calling Wendy (afternoons only) at 509.838.2761.

Violin Praise Orchestra Concert directed by Luibov Schmidt at Land-Title Plaza on Main Street in Walla Walla. August 26, 3:30-5:30pm. For more information, email: violinpraiseorchestra@gmail.com

Hispanic couples retreat is September 28–30 at the Red Lion Hotel near the Pasco Airport. The main speakers will be Claudio and Pamela Consuegra. To register or receive more information, contact Walter Pintos at:  WalterP@uccsda.org or by phone: 509.242.0535.

Eqypt Bible Tour is December 12–22, 2019. You are invited to join Dr. Carl Cosaert of Walla Walla University to discover the land of the pyramids, the pharaohs, Moses, and the Exodus. $2,425 plus airfare includes meals and accommodations. For more information, contact Sharon Searson at Sharons@uccsda.org.

Diabetes Undone seminar is planned in September at SonBridge. Registration on September 10 at 6:30pm and 8 weekly sessions follow beginning September 16. $60. Contact Chad Washburn for details. knowjesusfully@gmail.com.

Your help is needed for a cookbook fund-raiser for
Pastor Lloyd Perrin from the Milton-Freewater SDA Church. Contribute vegetarian recipes or pre-order a copy of the book for yourself. Sales will benefit the Perrin family in funding ongoing therapy for Lloyd as he recovers from brain surgery last April 2018. Contact Sharlene Taylor for more information 509.714.4056. Order forms are available in the University Church web bulletin or in the office.