Leadership out of the Spotlight: Volunteer Floor Managers

Every Sabbath, more than a thousand people gather to worship with the Walla Walla University Church community (and often more than double this number). Whether in person on the campus of Walla Walla University, online via Facebook or wwuchurch.com, or delayed via Blue Mountain TV or Loma Linda Broadcasting, WWUC worship services provide weekly touchpoints for people to connect with the Creator, learn more about Him, and be inspired to continue following Him in a world that is full of challenges and darkness.

Worshipers joining the WWUC community are blessed by world-class musicians, remarkable spoken word, and also a host of typically unseen leaders working behind the scenes to pull it all together. One team of key leaders are known by the technical teams and pastors as "floor managers." These dedicated volunteers make quick decisions on Sabbath mornings, keep an eye for the details, coordinate communication amongst many teams, and act as hosts to guest musicians and speakers.

Don Veverka, one of the WWUC floor managers, says about his role, "Finding meaningful ministry space within our community can be tough given the whirlwind of our daily lives. Serving as a floor manager for the University Church the last five years has been both a blessing and a privilege. I encourage others in our community to join the team and share in the joy of this supportive ministry."

Nicole Reedy, the University Church's office manager, has served as a floor manager during the past several years. She adds, "It’s fun to be a part of the behind-the-scenes team that cares so much about the small details that help us enjoy a smooth and meaningful worship experience."

Sophia (Rich) Fullerton reflects on her experience as well, "Being a floor manager is a great way to get to know members of the congregation you wouldn’t otherwise talk to. During my time as floor manager, I developed a greater appreciation for those who lead off the platform to run the lighting, sound, and cameras during the services. Having been a member of this church since childhood, I often struggled to see a way I could contribute to the ministry of such a large church family. Floor managing, in addition to music, was a way I could support our church’s ministry first hand."

Whether you are a student or a long-time member of the University church, if you are interested in becoming a floor manager or lending your hand to one of the other technical teams, please contact Pastor Kris Loewen: kris.loewen@wallawalla.edu or 509.527.2826.

TOUCHES OF INTEREST

The University Church's fall quarter sermon series is entitled "Savage: Hard Sayings of Jesus." The title, "Savage," makes use of an old word in the popular modern usage, connotating: brazen, bold, or impudent behavior or speech despite the ways in which it generates uncomfortable social consequences. Each Sabbath, beginning September 22, preachers will explore one of more than a dozen different challenging teachings Jesus made during His ministry. Topic schedule below:

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

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 9am on September 22. Contact Pastor Alareece with any questions: alareece.collie@wallawalla.edu.  

WWU CommUnity for the 2018-19 school year begins on Tuesday, September 25, at 11am in the Sanctuary. John McVay will speak. University Church members are welcome to attend this gathering or any during the year.

We are sad to share that KarrLayn Beck passed away at her home on September 15. A Celebration of Life service will be held on October 6 at 4pm in the University Church Sanctuary. Church members who would like to help support the Beck family may sign up to provide a meal for them at takethemameal.com. Search "Beck Family" with the password "0312" to find information and dates that meals have been requested. Contact Lori Ann Wilkinson with questions: 509.540.0586.

Charles Edwards passed away early September 7. There will be a viewing on September 22, 12pm-5pm and September 23, 10am-3pm at the Colonial-Dewitt Funeral Home, Dalles Military Road. A Celebration of Life will occur on November 3, at 3:15pm in the University Church Sanctuary.

Elizabeth Jane “Betty” Beck, mother of Brandon Beck, passed away at her place of residence in College Place on Sunday, September 9. Plans for a memorial to be held in San Antonio, Texas, are pending.

A memorial for Victor A. Merth will be held Sabbath, September 29, 2018, at 4pm in the Village Church Chapel.

The Christian Aid Center invites you to an open house for their new Center for Women and Children on Sunday, September 23 from 2pm-5pm. There will be tours, ice-cream sundaes, and activities for kids. A ceremony will be held at 3pm. Attendees are invited to bring donations of food, diapers, toilet paper, and paper towels to help stock the pantry.

We will be welcoming returning Walla Walla University students on Sunday, September 23 at the residence halls with cookies. If you enjoy baking and would like to be a part of this special welcome please email renee@wallawalla.edu or call 509.527.2772.

Rogers' Jog-a-thon is Friday, September 28. Students will run continuously for an hour at Martin Field Track to raise money for classroom technology upgrades. Contact a student you know to make a flat donation or a "per lap" donation. You may also contact the Rogers' school office to find out other ways to help: 509.529.1850.

The North American Division #EndItNow campaign will host a free online summit on Tuesday, September 25. The summit will teach participants about abuse and how to help in a dangerous situation. For more information and to register visit: enditnownorthamerica.org.

The Red Cross will host a blood drive at the University Church on Friday, September 28, 10am-3pm. If you are able to give blood, please consider taking some time to participate! Your gift is incredibly valuable, especially in the wake of Hurricane Florence. The Red Cross reports that platelet availability is of particular importance at this time. Show up in person at any time or pre-register at: redcrossblood.org.

The College Place Spanish Church is having an “Enchiladas To Go” fundraiser for Christian Education. To place an order, call 509.525.9523 or 509.301.2956 or email enchiladasforeducation@gmail.com before October 9.
18 enchiladas tray/$20 (cheese, chicken, potato or vegan); Rice 16 oz/$5; Beans 16 oz/$5
Thank you supporting Christian Education!

The Women's Ministry committee of the Village Church in College Place is planning a brunch and program to be on October 14, at 10 a.m. in our Fellowship Hall.  The women of the
University Church are invited to join us.  Please RSVP to the Village Church office, 525-0882.

The Eastgate Church invites you to join them on a Maranatha mission trip to India Nov. 13–30. They plan to build a church for the Sairkarap congregation and are looking for volunteers to help with construction, medical or dental outreach or Vacation Bible School. You may register online at: maranatha.org. Contact Kristi Bartlett at 509.520.6673 for more information.

Camp MiVoden is looking for a full-time food service director. This is an opportunity be a part of a fantastic team that is impacting young people, families, and groups for the kingdom of God, all while living in a beautiful environment. To apply go to uccsda.org/jobs and fill out an application. For further questions please call 509.242.0506 to know more about this opportunity.

KLRF Radio 88.5 is looking for someone who would like to be an Assistant Treasurer as well as someone who would be the Secretary for the board. The Assistant Treasurer must be familiar with Quickbooks. The Secretary must be available to attend the monthly board meetings. You can contact the KLRF Manager, Owen Bandy at manager@klrf.org or call 707-483-3291

The Milton SDA Church is looking to hire a dedicated person to manage the Adventist Community Center Thrift Store in Milton-Freewater, OR. It is a paid position and a ministry of the Milton Church. Applicants may request a copy of the job description and submit their resume at the Milton Church Office. They will go through an interview process. For more information, please contact the Church Office: 541-938-3066 or churchoffice@miltonadventist.org

Training for Youth Leadership is October 12-13 at Columbia Adventist Academy in Battle Ground, Wash. This Youth Sabbath School Leadership Training by the North American Division and the North Pacific Union is for adults and youth who lead, or will soon lead, Youth Sabbath School. Learn how to start, restart, revive your youth Sabbath School in your church. Register at https://ignitesstraining2018.eventbrite.com.

Need Training in Communicating? Attend One Voice: Communicating With Excellence on September 30 from 10am-4pm at the Upper Columbia Conference Office. Pastors, 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.

Women's Quilting Retreat Oct 21-26. Do you enjoy quilting and would like to learn more? UCC Women’s Quilting Retreat, under the guidance of Marlene Oddie, is planned for October 21-26 at Camp MiVoden. This quilting retreat will finish just in time to join the UCC women's retreat at Camp MiVoden. For more information and to register, visit https://www.uccsda.org/English/Women/Pages/Womens-Ministries.aspx

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.

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.

Egypt 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.