Celebrating Our 30th Year

Stories inside YMCA more than gym and swim - p. 5 Respect is key to couple’s 50-year marriage - p. 7 Psychologist follows call - p. 9 January 2014 to be priest [email protected] Micah 4:4 Volume 31 Number 1 (509) 535-1813 • 535-4112 Woman heads African- American clergy - p. 12 Monthly newspaper and website covering faith in action throughout the Inland Northwest online at www.thefigtree.org • check The Fig Tree Facebook page daily for news and links Justice is center’s ‘bottom line’ By Mary Stamp members with the passion and Rooted in the belief that when community connections to promote one person experiences injustice, the mission and seek new funding everyone experiences injustice, the sources. “bottom line” for the 15-year-old “It is time for the center to move Center for Justice is assuring justice beyond my role and financial sup- for people and also to entities like port,” he said. the Spokane River that lack finan- Jim, who grew up in Seattle, cial or political resources. graduated from college in Cali- Founder Jim Sheehen who has fornia and served two years in the sought to model his law practice army, entered Gonzaga Univer- on Martin Luther King Jr., cited sity’s Law School in 1969. He a quote, “Injustice anywhere is a practiced law 10 years in Seattle threat to justice everywhere.” and returned to Spokane in the For the center, justice is about 1980s to practice law and raise his more than winning legal cases and family. He started the nonprofit lawsuits. It’s about “empowering Center for Justice in 1999 to protect people and communities.” human rights, preserve the Earth It is about helping people re- and hold government accountable leased from prison with re-entry; to principles of democracy. helping people facing job dis- His vision has driven the center, crimination; advocating for police said Rick Eichstaedt, who has been accountability in courts, ballots and executive director of the Center for community action; protecting the Justice since 2011. Spokane River and the land, and Jim bought, renovated and providing low-income people with opened the Community Building legal advice or referrals. in 2001, as a home for offices of Jim is retiring as board president, nonprofits. In 2002, he opened but will continue on the board. the day care center next door. He Elsa Distelhorst, who retired from bought and renovated the Saranac 25 years at Whitworth University as a LEED (Leadership in Energy and is active in community efforts and Environmental Design) build- for racial justice, has been elected ing in 2008 and the Main Market president. The center’s board will Coop in 2010. He owns the PUB grow from nine to 12 or more Rich Eichstaedt appreciates how nimble the Center for Justice is. Continued on page 4

‘Dismantling Culture of Violence’ is ‘Inequality for All’ showing theme for 2014 Legislative Conference will benefit Second Harvest “Dismantling the Culture of The day will include morning Marcus Ricelli will speak on bud- The documentary, “Inequality for All,” will be screened at Violence” is the theme of the 2014 workshops on wage theft, led by get issues and the current session, 6 p.m., Monday, Jan. 20 at Spokane’s Bing Crosby Theater, Eastern Washington Legislative the Rev. Paul Benz of the Faith and a chance to share positive 901 W. Sprague Ave., as a benefit for Second Harvest Food Conference, featuring a panel Action Network; on poverty, hun- developments over the past year. Bank to feed the hungry in the region. discussion on gun violence, police ger and homelessness issues by Fig Tree editor Mary Stamp will The Smith-Barbieri Progressive Fund, A Charitable Founda- accountability, smart justice and Scott Cooper of Catholic Chari- offer insights from the recent 10th tion, and Ron and Debbie Reed are hosting the screening. All the death penalty. The event will ties Spokane; on immigration Assembly of the World Council proceeds will be donated to Second Harvest and the Smith- be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., reform led by Greg Cunningham of Churches in Busan, South Ko- Barbieri Progressive Fund will match the proceeds. Saturday, Jan. 25, at St. Mark’s of Catholic Charities Immigra- rea, relating the assembly theme, The screening is also being held on Martin Luther King Jr. Lutheran, 316 E. 24th Ave. tion and Refugee Services; on “God of life, lead us to justice Day in honor of his work for equality. The Fig Tree, Faith Action environmental issues led by Tom and peace,” with the legislative A discussion about action to resolve inequality issues will Network, Catholic Charities and Soeldner of the Faith and Environ- conference theme, “Dismantling follow the film. Fellowship of Reconciliation ment Network, and Kitty Klitzke the Culture of Violence.” “Our community is no exception when it comes to stag- Foundation are among the or- of Futurewise; and on Middle East There will be a panel discussion nant wages and economic inequality,” said Ron, one of the ganizers for this event, which peace led by the Peace and Justice focusing on various aspects of organizers. is drawing in partners to inform Action League of Spokane. criminal justice, with Episcopal The documentary film directed by Jacob Kornbluth, ex- participants on issues. During lunch, State Senator Bishop Jim Waggoner, Jr., and amines widening income inequality in the United States. Louise Chadez discussing gun American economist, author and professor Robert Reich is violence; speakers on Smart the presenter. Justice and police oversight, and The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in the Victoria Thorpe of the Fellowship documentary competition section, and won a U.S. Documen- of Reconciliation Foundation tary Special Jury Award for Achievement in Filmmaking. It speaking on the death penalty. also won the Audience Award Winner, Best Documentary Film In a legislative briefing, Paul Traverse City Film Festival 2013. will present an overview of issues “Inequality for All” allows viewers to start with little or no coming before the 2014 session understanding of what it means for the U.S. to be economi-

that are priority concerns of the cally imbalanced, and walk away with a comprehensive and

Permit No. 1044 No. Permit faith community, and Scott will significantly deeper sense of the issue and what can be done

WA

SPOKANE discuss strategy. about it.

Spokane, WA 99202-3571 WA Spokane,

PAID For information, call 535-1813 For information, call 326-8683 or visit www.brownpaper- 1323 S. Perry St. Perry S. 1323 U.S. POSTAGE U.S.

Organization or email [email protected]. tickets.com. The Fig Tree Fig The Non-Profit Page 2 - The Fig Tree - January 2014 Religion News Briefs Regional Ecumenical & Interfaith News Around the World World Council of Churches News, PO Box 2100 The Fig Tree plans benefits and dinner CH - 1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland Tel: +41-22 791 6111 Plans are underway for 30th are also recruiting local speakers. He is the immediate past gen- Fax: +41-22 788 7244 www.oikoumene.org anniversary celebrations in spring “We will share about origins of eral secretary of the National 2014 for The Fig Tree, which was the logo, the emerging mission, Council of Churches in Christ in WCC renews call to prayer for peace in Syria founded in 1984. our role in the region and how the USA and has also served as The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary The two annual benefit events, unique our media are,” said editor general secretary of the Consul- calls the council’s 345 member churches and churches around a breakfast at 7:15 a.m., Wednes- Mary Stamp. tation on Church Union and as the world to continue to pray for the safe return of the 12 day, March 12, and a lunch at The Fig Tree also plans a 30th executive secretary of the World nuns abducted from the Monastery of St Thecla on Dec. 2 in 11:45 a.m., Friday, March 14, Anniversary Dinner at Whitworth Council of Churches’ Commis- Maaloula and for the two Archbishops of Aleppo in Syria—Mar both at Cataldo Hall at Gonzaga University, featuring Michael sion on Faith and Order. Yohanna Gregorios Ibrahim from the Syriac Orthodox Church University, will share how The Kinnamon, an internationally During the recent World Coun- and Archbishop Paul Yazigi from the Greek Orthodox Church Fig Tree is “Empowering People: recognized scholar and leader in cil of Churches Assembly in of Antioch—kidnapped in April 2013 near Aleppo, Syria, on Through Hope, Action and Jus- the ecumenical movement. He is Busan, South Korea, he was a their way back from a humanitarian mission. tice.” New fliers will be printed visiting professor of ecumenical keynote lecturer for the Global “The pain of this separation has added to the ongoing suffer- with these correct dates. collaboration in interreligious Ecumenical Theological Institute. ing inflected upon all people of Syria because of the conflict. It Organizers are recruiting table dialogue at Seattle University’s For information, call 535-1813 is sad and tragic that thousands of Syrian peoples have disap- hosts who will invite guests. They School of Theology and Ministry. or email [email protected]. peared in prisons,” said Olav. The WCC calls on all the actors in the Syrian conflict to spare all civilians including religious people and not take them as human shields. It also calls the international community to Holy Names Sisters give Fig Tree a grant stand in solidarity with all victims of kidnapping and forced In their 2013-14 cycle of minis- We encourage people to reflect directory to will help people find disappearances and mobilize all their efforts to release them try grants, the Sisters of the Holy on their faith and connect it with resources to meet specific needs. and prevent such events. Names of Jesus and Mary U.S.- their actions. We also educate by Sister Mary Ann comments: “We continue to pray that God will bring peace to Syria and Ontario Administrative Centre being a model of justice, peace “I was and am in awe of such a an end to the suffering of millions of people throughout Syria awarded The Fig Tree $3,000 of and solutions-oriented journalism. small operation, the dream of two who have lost their beloved ones, who have been disabled and $104,422 they distributed. “We inform, inspire and involve people, having become one of the injured, who have been internally displaced or have become Sisters of the Holy Names have people in congregations and non- most respected and widely read refugees, who have lost their homes, their properties and their been actively involved since co- profits, empowering them through good-newspapers in our area.” places of worship,” Olav said. founder and co-editor Bernadine stories of hope,” she said. She finds that The Fig Tree in- Casey, SNJM, was with The Fig When media and the internet spires hope and action for justice. South Sudan church leaders speak on violence Tree. Mary Ann Farley, SNJM, is are filled with hate, fear and di- “I see this work as a fulfillment now board moderator, and Rose vision, they deflect people from of our charism to educate for the Church leaders from various denominations in South Sudan Theresa Costello, SNJM, assists concern about suffering and pov- full development of the human issued a recent letter expressing sadness and condemnation on with mailings and the benefit. erty. We inform people to inspire person,” she said. “Unlike some the violence in the country and calling on the government to “Over our 30 years, we have action,” Mary explained. other publications available to us, “take control of the situation and protect its citizens.” had a close relationship with the As The Fig Tree embarks on its this resource features people in The letter expresses concern that the violence is being charism of the Holy Names Sisters 30th year in 2014, it seeks funds our community, people we know characterized as a conflict between the Dinka and Nuer tribes to ‘develop people by educating to build its capacity to serve into and see in action, people who and asked the members of these groups not to accept this them’,” said editor and co-founder the future by training communica- can inspire us and help to build characterization. Mary Stamp. “We educate people tion students and by establishing a community of fully developing “These are political differences among the Sudan People’s as our media tell stories of people a new, sustainable staff position. human persons!” Liberation Movement (SPLM) Party and political leaders of involved in community outreach, In 2014, it plans to publish an For information, call 535-1813 the Republic of South Sudan,” the letter said. social justice and peace action. online database-driven searchable or email [email protected]. WCC calls for ‘Mandela moment’ in South Sudan The new moderator of the WCC Central Committee has called on the government of South Sudan to have a “Mandela Homeless Connect will be held Jan. 28 moment” as it confronts the aftermath of violence. The Spokane Homeless Coali- “It removes the time and trans- ment of Social and Health Ser- Speaking from Geneva where she was at the WCC head- tion’s third annual one-day, one- portation barriers that can keep vices, information on permanent quarters for recent meetings and to attend a Mandela memorial, stop opportunity for homeless people on the streets longer than and temporary housing, food from Agnes Abuom, a Kenyan, said “this is a Mandela moment” for people to access services will necessary,” she said. the Salvation Army food bank and South Sudan. be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., This event facilitates immediate a free lunch. “Just when we have laid Mandela to rest and we are cel- Tuesday, Jan. 28, at the Salvation action by agencies so homeless The Fig Tree’s annual Resource ebrating his life of forgiveness and reconciliation, of justice, Army, 221 E. Nora. people can avoid waiting lists, Directory will be available. of freedom, of the capacity to be content and to be inclusive: Spokane Homeless Connect phone calls, long lines and office The Spokane Homeless Coali- this is a lesson for South Sudan,” she said. brings together about 40 services hours. Homeless Connect will tion includes many nonprofits and Agnes stressed concern for churches in South Sudan, in one location, expecting to draw offer medical and dental screen- organizations serving the home- which through the Sudan Council of Churches and the WCC about 300 people, said Kari Chap- ing, haircuts, access to the mobile less in the Spokane area. were involved in reaching a peace agreement between Sudan man of the House of Charity. application services of the Depart- For information, call 228-3200. and South Sudan, and in helping to facilitate the formation of South Sudan as the youngest nation in the world. She said the churches there have already responded and called for calm, adding that South Sudan “needs a lot of latitude for Lutheran Community Services helps vets’ children different voices given its multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi- Children of veterans affected Empire Health Foundation and challenges, including multiple de- religious composition. by military-related stress can Inland Northwest Community ployments, military sexual trauma “It is unfortunate that there has been an attempted coup, and now receive help at Lutheran Foundation, two Spokane-based and high rates of post-traumatic we would want to say to those people that there is no space Community Services Northwest charitable foundations, have stress disorder. The military sui- again in Africa for armed rebellion,” she said. “We continue (LCSNW) through its Our Veter- awarded LCSNW grants to sup- cide rate recently reached an to believe in dialogue, in the power of the vote and elections ans, Their Kids program. port young people with little or all-time high. Statistics show to change leadership peacefully and to transition from one no insurance. military-related stress and trauma leader to another.” Empire Health Foundation can affect any veteran, regardless The Fig Tree is published 10 months awarded $12,430 through the of age, race or education,” Heike each year, September through June. Responsive Grants program, explained. Deadlines: and Inland Northwest Commu- Research suggests parental COPY - 3rd Fridays ADS - 4th Tuesdays It is published by The Fig Tree, nity Foundation awarded $8,000 struggles cause significant suffer- Nurture The Fig Tree media 1323 S. Perry St., Spokane, WA 99202, a through the Florence Wasmer ing for their children. non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. Fund for Children and Families. While several local programs Editorial Team The Spokane Regional Health serve veterans, none is designed Become a Sponsor! Editor/Publisher/Photos - Mary Stamp District (SRHD) explains that specifically to address military- Directory Editor - Malcolm Haworth Website Developer - Lorna Kropp “adverse childhood experiences related trauma in children, she NAME ______Editing - Eugenie Alexander, Diane Crow, (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic said. ADDRESS ______Kaye Hult, Inga Jablonsky, Mary Mackay, events in childhood that can have Heike said that because Lu- Nancy Minard & Sara Weaver CITY/STATE/ZIP ______an impact an adult’s health.” theran Community Services spe- Fig Tree Board PHONE ______Nick Block, Barb Borgens, Research shows that those who cializes in child trauma and offers Mary Ann Farley, Malcolm Haworth, experience multiple ACEs are counseling for veterans with ❑ $18, $30, $60, $125, $250 Kaye Hult, Inga Jablonsky, more likely to have social, behav- experienced military veterans as Deidre Jacobson, Darrel Lundby, ioral and health problems later in therapists, they are able to com- ❑ $42 for bulk order of 10 Yvonne Lopez-Morton, Roger Ross, Mary Stamp, Marilyn Stedman, life, said Heike Lake, associate bine the two areas of expertise so SEND YOUR Lauri Clark Strait, Brenda Tudor, director of Lutheran Community they can provide help for children DONATION TO Happy Watkins. Stasia Wendlinder Services. struggling with military-related Copyright © 2014 The Fig Tree, 1323 S. Perry St., Spokane, WA 99202 Children of veterans are at risk trauma at home. (509) 535-1813 or 535-4112 for multiple ACEs, she said. For information, call 747-8224 Email: [email protected] “Veterans today face a range of or email [email protected]. January 2014 - The Fig Tree - Page 3 Events honor work of King Whitworth starts program to assist churches Many events are being planned in the region to celebrate Martin Whitworth University has been be a catalyst, center and resource Church Engagement as it devel- Luther King Jr. Day. awarded a $1 million grant from for conversation, vision-casting, ops revenue to be a self-funding Carolyn Gordon, associate professor of communication at the Lilly Endowment to fund planning and programming, Terry effort. Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif., will speak at the a new comprehensive church said, to help churches and other Planning for the office will Commemorative Celebration from 4 to 6 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 19, at engagement initiative called The organizations discern how to do begin in the spring, and Terry Holy Temple Church of God in Christ, 806 W. Indiana. Ekklesia Project to connect Whit- ministry in the 21st-century and expects it will be launched by In 2007, she began as chair of Fuller’s department of preaching worth to needs of congrega- the region’s cultural setting. summer. and communication after teaching five years at Central Baptist tions and Christian organizations The office will also seek to “Whitworth was founded by the Theological Seminary. Ordained in the Southern and National throughout the western United develop and deepen partnerships church and for the church,” said Baptist Conventions, she served 10 years as a pastor and preacher. States. with Presbyterian churches, with Beck Taylor, president, pointing The Annual Unity March and Community Resource Fairs are A new Office for Church En- expressions of the global church, out that the university’s connec- on Monday, Jan. 20. The march begins with a rally at 10 a.m., at gagement will administer the proj- and other local and regional tions to its founding denomination the Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. The ect, and Terry McGonigal, dean ministries. (the Presbyterian Church) and resource fairs are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Riverpark Square. The of spiritual life, will be the first It will help churches assess other local churches have been an Community Resource Fair on the first and second floors and The director. A search for a new dean community needs and develop important part of its identity since Children’s Learning Resource Fair, on the second and third floors. of spiritual life begins in January. strategies to meet those needs. its founding in 1890. The Martin Luther King Jr. Family Outreach Center in Spokane The Ekklesia Project’s goal is The grant will help the univer- For information, call 777-4238 also plans a Gospel Concert at 6 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 11, at Bethel to develop Whitworth’s ability to sity cover costs for the Office for or email [email protected]. African Methodist Episcopal Church, 645 S. Richard Allen Ct., and the King Day Youth Empowerment Luncheon and Silent Auction from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 18, at Shadle Park High School, 4327 N. Ash St. For information, call 455-8722 ext. SAFE supplements funding for in-home services 202 or email [email protected] Started in 1995 after a study “Dollars for elder services are society and economics in terms showed insufficient funding for being cut while more people are of housing, transportation, health Eastern Washington University plans a volunteer event from in-home services for seniors and aging,” she pointed out. “Aging care and values. Pam expects a 1 to 3 p.m., Monday, Jan. 20. Its Office of Community Engage- people with disabilities, the Se- of the population is not just a local shift from car-based suburban ment has planned service projects in the community in recognition nior Assistance Fund of Eastern issue. It is a global issue. life to other types of communi- of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. Molly Ayers, coordinator, Washington (SAFE) continues to “The U.S. population is young- ties where essential services are said they hope for at least 250 volunteers. Interested individuals, be relevant with federal cuts to er than most of the world. The in walking or bicycling distance. groups and companies may register for projects at United Way’s programs that promote keeping median age for Europeans, Asians “One of the most worrisome new Volunteer Spokane site: http://tiny.cc/MLKDay2014. For elderly people in their homes. and South Americans is in the issues is how financially unpre- information, call 359-2792 or email [email protected]. Pam Almeida, executive direc- 30’s. The oldest is Japan, whose pared many people are for their tor of Greater Spokane County median age is 45. The median older years,” she said. Providence Spokane Hospitals will honor Martin Luther King, Meals on Wheels, said SAFE was age for Central Africans is 15 to In the next 30 years, she expects Jr. on Monday, Jan. 20, with recitations of King’s 1963 “I Have a started to draw private donations 20,” she said. the senior population in Spokane, Dream” speech given by the Rev. Percy “Happy” Watkins at noon and grants to supplement inad- While more people in the baby Whitman, Ferry, Stevens and in the Health Education Center lower level at Providence Holy equate public funding. boom generation are aging, people Pend Oreille counties to be the Family Hospital and at 3 p.m. at the Mother Joseph Room, level Funds are distributed annually are living longer and fewer babies fastest growing segment of the 3, at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center. The events are to community programs and ser- are being born. population while public funding sponsored by Providence Health Care Mission Services. vices through this nonprofit fund- “The population of people over for seniors’ needs and long-term raising arm of Aging and Long 60 in the United States is growing care will not keep pace with “Marching On: The Next 50 Years” is the theme for Wash- Term Care of Eastern Washington. exponentially,” said Pam. “Every population growth or inflation, ington State University’s 2014 two MLK speakers. Civil rights Initial funding came from an day, 10,000 Americans turn 60. she anticipates. leader Diane Nash will speak about her life as an activist and in the award given by the Ford Founda- About 13 percent of people are So she said SAFE will be more civil rights movement in the 1960s at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 22, tion and the Kennedy School of over 60. By 2030, the number important for promoting indepen- and sociology professor Michael Eric Dyson on “Dr. King in the Government to the Area Agency of seniors is expected to be more dence for seniors. 21st Century” at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 29. Both will be in the on Aging (Aging and Long Term than 72 million, about 20 percent For information, call 924-6976 CUB Senior Ballroom at Washington State University in Pullman. Care of Eastern Washington) and of the population.” or visit www.GSCMealsOn- At noon on Thursday, Jan. 23 at Butch’s Den in Pullman, there Elder Services, Pam said. The aging population will affect Wheels.org. will be a “March on Washington Forum,” featuring former WSU faculty and staff who attended the 1963 march. For information, call 339-6172 or email [email protected]. Explore, Learn, and Serve SFCC brings in Guatemala To celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the beginning rapper Chuck D with Corazon Scarves this spring of Black History Month, Les Purce, Idaho’s first elected African- To celebrate Martin Luther Learn more at www.corazonscarves.com American legislator and Mayor of Pocatello, will speak at 7 p.m., King Jr. Day, Spokane Falls Com- Look Beautiful! Do Good! Thursday, Jan. 16, at the University of Idaho Administration Build- munity College’s Black Student ing Auditorium. Les, who has been vice president of Extended Union is bringing Chuck D, a rap- University Affairs at WSU and president of Evergreen College per, author and producer, to speak since 2000, will discuss courage, speaking out against bias and at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 15, at hate, how the work of King relates to today’s society. the SFCC Music/Performing Arts Dismantling Building auditorium Building 15. The Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations is Chuck D is known as the leader sponsoring its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Gala from 5 to 8 and co-founder of the rap group, the Culture p.m., Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Human Rights Education Institute, Public Enemy. In 2013, he was 414 Mullan Rd. in Coeur d’Alene. It is also planning a Children’s inducted into the Rock and Roll Program on Thursday, Jan. 17 at North Idaho College. For infor- Hall of Fame. of Violence mation, call 208-765-3932 or visit www.idahohumanrights.org. For information, call 624-1341. 2014 Eastern Washington Save the Dates • Host a Table for The Fig Tree’s Legislative Conference 2014 Deepening Our Roots Saturday, Jan. 25 Benefit Breakfast 9 a.m.-2 p.m. - St Mark’s Lutheran Church Wednesday, March 12 316 E. 24th Ave. - Spokane Buffet begins 7:15 a.m. • Program is 7:30-8:30 a.m. Presentations will be on wage theft, Benefit Lunch hunger-poverty-homelessness, criminal justice: police accountability, gun violence, Friday, March 14 and the death penalty, Buffet begins 11:45 a.m. • Program 12-1 p.m. environmental priorities, the state budget BOTH at Cataldo Hall at Gonzaga University immigration reform and global perspectives Celebrating 30 years of stories For information, contact of faith in action Malcolm Haworth - The Fig Tree - (509) 535-1813 The breakfast and luncheon are complimentary. The Rev. Paul Benz - Faith Action Network (206) 625-9790 Guests will be invited to donate to support The Fig Tree. TO RSVP 30th Anniversary Dinner - Wednesday, April 30 - Whitworth University Send suggested donation of $20 (scholarships available) Featured Speaker - Michael Kinnamon To The Fig Tree • 1323 S. Perry St. • Spokane WA 99202 National and international lecturer on ecumenical and interfaith relations call (509) 535-1813 or email [email protected] to RSVP call 535-4112 or 535-1813 email [email protected] • The Fig Tree, 1323 S. Perry St., Spokane WA 99202 Page 4 - The Fig Tree - January 2014 Center for Justice enters time of transition as it celebrates its 15th year Continued from page 1 such as housing, health care, food, to 36 drop-in clients to help them building and is renovating the legal and other services. sort out non-criminal legal issues. building next to that at 17 W. Main The Riverkeeper program has Another ongoing program is for a commercial retail space. been dealing with coal train is- the Drivers Relicensing Program, Community Building and Sa- sues, helping public voices be recognizing that people in Spo- ranac offices include elected heard, and helping draw 100,000 kane need a car to go to work, officials, tribal groups and 15 public comments on the coal and day care, shopping, medical care peace, justice and environmental oil trains. and more. People nonprofits. Of the center’s who lose their li- Sharing the building cre- 12 staff, there are The Center censes face thou- ates synergy, collaboration and four attorneys, an sands of dollars partnership, said Rick, who was environmental ad- for Justice of fines. They are drawn to the Center for Justice, vocate, two com- will have a pulled into col- because he saw it was about the munity advocates, lections, leading health of the community. plus front desk 15th Anniversary them into a legal “We can’t have a healthy, vi- staff, paralegals Party and financial pit, brant community if people are and fund raisers. said Rick. denied opportunities or if the river Its work is supple- at 5:30 p.m., “We help them is unhealthy,” he said. mented by assis- Friday, Jan. 17, establish pay- One new, three-year funding tance from volun- in the lobby ment plans for source is a $350,000 grant from teer attorneys and as low as $25 a the Washington Legal Founda- students. of Community month and restore tion to assist people released from Rick left Min- Building, their licenses by prison with re-entry and support nesota to study en- taking courses civil rights of people in prisons. vironmental law 35 W. Main. on rules of the The center will address legal and its intersection road and financial issues people face on release, with social justice at Lewis and management,” he said. such as getting a driver’s license, Clark College in Portland. After The program has helped more facing housing and employment graduating in 1997, he served than 300 people a year restore discrimination, and gaining access seven years as an attorney for their licenses and regain their to social services. The center will the Nez Perce, handling cases on lives. challenge denial of medical care salmon recovery, water quality “Justice is an experience, not or religious freedom to prisoners. and cultural resources. a concept or idea,” Jim said. “We The funds come from a settle- When he learned the Center for are connected. When we see a ment with AT&T, which over- Justice needed an environmental person or entity abused, we’re be- charged prisoners, families and Martin Luther King Jr. has been an inspiration for Jim Sheehan. attorney, Rick was impressed ing abused. To experience justice, attorneys for phone calls. with the variety of issues the firm we need to be equal.” Other grant sources include policies,” said Rick. “While some Some Smart Justice recommen- addresses and its ability to affect Rick’s commitment is to ser- Catholic Charities and environ- in city government may want to dations are being implemented. change. vice. mental foundations that support settle for less, we want the best The Community Court has started He started nine years ago and “I tell my nine-year-old son, Riverkeeper and land use cases. for the community. with Judge Mary Logan hearing two years ago became executive ‘No matter what you do, try to To celebrate its 15th anniver- “Recently, we stopped the Spo- cases in the downtown library, director. He continues to do legal make the world a better place.’ sary, the Neighborhood Alliance kane City Council from adopting beginning in mid-December. work with Riverkeeper and on That’s why I work here,” he said. is helping the center raise $15,000 a tentative agreement with the Po- The Center for Justice is send- land use, along with being execu- For Rick, justice is about being by providing a matching grant for lice Guild that would undo police ing a community advocate and tive director. a voice for the voiceless, and do- donations given by Jan. 19, up to oversight through an ombudsman, staff attorney to help the Com- The center’s former sum- ing what is right for the homeless $7,500. which was approved when 70 per- munity Court find solutions as it mer Street Law program is now and the environment. Police accountability has been cent of voters passed Proposition identifies issues for persons com- Justice Nights, from 5 to 6 p.m., For information, call 838-5211 a concern of the center on many 1 in February 2013,” said Rick. ing before the court and identifies first Tuesdays, when six to 10 or email [email protected] or levels. It helped mediate a settle- Jim said the center’s driving services to alleviate those issues, volunteer lawyers meet with two visit www.cforjustice.org. ment in a case for the estate of force is justice, not financial gain. Otto Zehm, who died after being “We have a bevy of dedicated beaten by a police officer in 2006. people on staff and as volunteers Rick said that case is an ex- who have a passion for justice,” Immaculate Heart Retreat Center ample of how nimble the center’s he said. Providence Upcoming January Events mission is. Not only did it suc- The center promotes the Smart cessfully mediate a resolution, but Justice Campaign, which urges Center for Faith it also realized the need to change the city and county to create a & Healing Coffee and Contemplation the police policies and culture. Criminal Justice Commission. That has led to ongoing efforts to The campaign will report in Janu- “That They May Be One”... call for police accountability. ary what is working, what is not Dedicated to the The Radical Call and integration of health “Traditionally a law firm liti- and what is needed in the criminal The Great Vision gates one case and goes on to justice system to have programs care and spirituality the next, concerned about its rather than incarceration. Bishop William Skylstad financial bottom line,” Rick said. Rick said that programs to January 15, 2014, $10 “The center, however, went on to prevent incarceration can reduce educate the community and help recidivism and saves government pass a city proposition. funds. Day of Reflection for Counselors “We took that tragedy and, driv- “Of Spokane County’s budget, For more information, visit & Other Care Givers en by a grassroots effort of con- 74 percent is for the criminal jus- www.phc.org/spiritualresources cerned people, we turned around tice system,” he said. Spiritual Response to Compassion Fatigue Dr. Kent Hoffman,Ph.D. Building on Faith with SHOP AT January 31, 2014

The Habitat Store Coffee and Contemplation “In Defense of the Pastor, Doors, Windows, Appliances, and Other Tales of Disaster” Eliminating poverty housing Cabinets, Lighting, Paint, Tile, Pastor Paul Palumbo, Lake Chelan Lutheran Church one house at a time. Hardware, Plus Much More February 19, 2014, $10 HELP BUILD IT! Spokane Industrial Park Interested in 3808 N. Sullivan Rd., Bldg 10 Spokane Valley WA 99216 Preregister by calling (509) 448-1224 owning your own home, or online at www.ihrc.net donating or volunteering? 509-535-9517 Visit our Virtual Retreat online Visit our website STORE HOURS: Immaculate Heart Retreat Center www.habitat-spokane.org Tues - Sat 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. A Peaceful Place to Pray and Ponder or call 509-534-2552 Donations accepted 6910 S Ben Burr Rd. Spokane WA, 99223 Mon - Sat 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. January 2014 - The Fig Tree - Page 5 New CEO says YMCA Spokane offers much more than gym and swim Steve Tammaro, who has been who attends local parishes. Before coming to Spokane, president/chief executive officer “We operate based on Christian Steve was COO in Denver, not of the YMCA Spokane since June principles of caring, honesty, looking to move, but he felt that 2012, brings 40 years of experi- respect and responsibility, four Spokane was the right opportunity ence with the YMCA, beginning core values that evolved out of for him because of the strong as a part-time camp counselor, our Christian heritage,” he said. board of directors, the new facili- moving through the front desk “Our programs have evolved ties, the staff’s engagement with into membership marketing, from being a Christian evangeli- members and the community branch executive director and cal organization to an ecumeni- reception. chief operating officer to CEO. cal organization that welcomes “In Spokane, I find that people Dispelling the common view everybody. The Christian piece is come together to solve commu- that the YMCA is “a gym and our heritage. In the past, YMCA nity problems,” he said. “Of all swim place,” he highlighted its offered Bible studies,” Steve the places I have lived—Boston, array of services as a charitable explained. Rochester, N.Y., St. Louis and nonprofit. Steve became involved with Denver—this is the most col- “We do so much for so many the YMCA just out of high school laborative community for the people on a given day, serving when he accepted a part-time nonprofits. various communities and answer- camp counselor job at the neigh- “Despite whatever may be ing their needs,” Steve said. “It’s Steve Tammaro describes changes at YMCA over 40 years. borhood Y in Somerville, Mass., wrong here, there’s a sense of why I stay with the YMCA.” a suburb of Boston. hope in this community that is Programs include day care, Valley schools, involving hun- YMCA Spokane gave $1.7 mil- After he earned a bachelor’s de- energizing,” Steve said. teen intervention, a summer camp, dreds of youth ages three to 12 lion in financial assistance last gree in journalism and marketing “We want to expand our foot- after-school and sports programs, and volunteer coaches in non- year,” Steve said. at Suffolk University in Boston in print and are looking to bring Y diabetes prevention and support competitive football, basketball, When he was growing up 1976, his first full-time job with services where there are none, for cancer survivors. T-ball or baseball. Catholic in Boston, he said the the Y was in membership and such as in Sandpoint, Airway • YMCAs are the leading pro- • Participants in YMCA sports prevailing attitude among Catho- marketing in the Newton branch. Heights and Pullman. We are also viders of childcare nationally. In learn sports skills, teamwork and lics was not to go to the YMCA The YMCA in Spokane is the looking to expand opportunities Spokane, 104 children from six values. Many go on to play in but to a Catholic youth organiza- community’s oldest nonprofit, to bring our programs to groups. weeks to four years old come to junior high and high school sports, tion. The attitude was a carryover chartered in 1884, Steve said. “We have expertise, staff and the Central building at 920 N. Steve said. from the YMCA’s history. The first YMCA in the U.S. was infrastructure to offer as a ser- Monroe. The Y also manages the Most of the Y’s youth sports When the Y started in 1844 in chartered in 1861 in Boston. vice,” Steve said. “We are look- childcare center on the Eastern programs rent gyms and field London, for the first 90 years it “Over the years, the YMCA ing to expand services, not build Washington University campus, space in the community. did not let Catholics in. It was has become a fluid organization buildings. We are looking at what serving 50 to 60 children of stu- The YMCA also manages the an Evangelical movement. So answering community needs,” he programs are needed for youth, dents and staff each day. swimming pools for the City of Catholics thought the Y was for said. “Its evolution is driven by health and wellness.” • For teens through people in Spokane Valley. Protestants. community need. It has built the For information, call 777-9622 their 20s, the YMCA offers men- • In health and wellness, the Y’s “Today, the CEO of the YMCA infrastructure, staff and volunteer ext 420, 720-5620 or email stam- toring through the Youth Invest- Diabetes Prevention Programs Spokane is Catholic,” said Steve, support to meet needs.” [email protected]. ment Program. At the Spokane works with pre-diabetic people Valley branch, staff members referred by their insurance com- and volunteers work with teens panies to lose weight and attend referred by the courts, school classes on nutrition. The one-year counselors, social workers and program seeks to prevent diabetes others. through good nutrition, exercise In the summer, they run a lawn and small group meetings. Then care business. Year round, they people enter a program to main- grow vegetables in the Y’s green- tain their exercise and nutrition. house. The vegetables are used in The YMCA partners with the the childcare program. LIVESTRONG program to help At North Central High School, cancer survivors return to nor- the Y staff work through the malcy, as they work out and bond Outside the Box program to help with others. That program is at 9th graders transition into high the North, Valley and Central school, providing homework locations. assistance and helping students There are three centers. The connect with teachers. Spokane Valley center is 14 years • Camp Reed is the YMCA’s old. In 2009, two centers opened residential camp north of Deer in Central and North Spokane. Park, where it has been in business “We partner with the YWCA, nearly 100 years. sharing the building in Central It serves 250 children in resi- Spokane,” he said. “We are two dential weeks of summer camp on separate organizations, but try to 555 acres at Fan Lake. Campers partner to help serve the YWCA’s swim, hike, learn arts, crafts and clientele, too.” more. Membership based on house- “When I introduce myself to hold income makes access to the people, often they say that they YMCA’s three Spokane facili- went to Camp Reed or were coun- ties—Central, North and Valley— selors there,” Steve said. accessible, he said. • The YMCA offers after-school “Through providing member- programs at Mead and Spokane ship fees based on need, the

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Eit can be to be involved in other websites that give resources; • They display bruises, depres- efforts to end human trafficking • To do awareness events at sion or fear, and may appear and educate others about it, she middle and high schools; overly submissive. formed a North Idaho chapter of • To create cards telling how to Jessica encourages people to the Coalition to Abolish Human recognize trafficking and listing look beneath the surface and if Trafficking in the Inland North- available resources; they think someone is a victim west after moving two years ago • To train North Idaho service of human trafficking to call the from Moscow to Coeur d’Alene, providers to raise the awareness in National Human Trafficking Re- where there was no group. the general population about traf- source center at 888-373-7888 or Believing everyone needs to ficking in the Inland Northwest. contact the Rescue and Restore know about the existence and From talking with people who Campaign at www.acf.hhs.gov/ dangers of human trafficking have been trafficked in Sandpoint, trafficking. in the region, she sees her anti- Coeur d’Alene and Spokane, Jes- “Trafficking doesn’t always trafficking work as a passion that sica suggests the following ways look like we expect,” she said. God laid upon her heart. to recognize if someone may be Other resources are at: “Human trafficking is not some- enslaved: World Relief Spokane, 509- thing that just happens somewhere • They may always be accom- 484-9829, http://worldreliefspo- else,” she said. panied by a controlling person or kane.org or World Hope: Lisa Jessica acknowledged that her boss who does not let them speak [email protected]. involvement is in stages. She on their own behalf. The Coalition to Abolish Hu- becomes fired up and then has to • They do not have control over man Trafficking meets at noon put it aside because it becomes so their personal schedule, money, on second Tuesdays at the North overwhelming. travel documents and ID. Idaho Violence Prevention Center, “Just because it’s overwhelm- • They are transported to and 850 N. 4th St. in Coeur d’Alene. ing doesn’t mean we shouldn’t from work, or live and work in For information, call 208- learn more or be involved,” she the same place. 664-9303 or email loosethe- said. • They have a debt to their [email protected]. “I don’t always feel the passion, Jessica Tschida has passion to fight this form of slavery. but God often calls us to do things we don’t feel like doing. Helping She notes that North Idaho may control politically. people who are oppressed is one attract “criminals who deal in In a class on chocolate, she of those things to which we are human slavery,” because, unlike wrote a report on how chocolate called. Washington, which has laws on was procured through slave labor, “It’s hard to think we are mak- trafficking, Idaho’s laws are lax. where children are forced to work ing a difference, because it’s a Two major highways, I-90 and ridiculous hours, sleep on the huge monster. If each of us can State Route 95, serve as corridors ground and live without proper help just one person, it’s huge to to and from Canada to other parts clothing or food. that person. That person might af- of the United States. She came to realize that hu- fect yet another. Small steps have Jessica’s passion about human man trafficking is “in our country to be okay. That’s where you have trafficking began when she was and in our neighborhoods.” She (509) 536-1084 • www.4mission.org to start,” Jessica said. in high school near Boise and believes “sexual assault is the 1906 E. Mission Ave. Open 1:30 to 4 p.m. Mon, Wed, Thurs At a Hands That Heal Confer- learned about injustices against worst thing that could happen to ence in Spokane in the spring of women. a person. 2012, Jessica learned from Mark At the University of Idaho in “To have it repeated and re- Kadel of World Relief Spokane Moscow, her studies and involve- peated is unspeakable,” she said. Personal or legal problems? DUI? about the Coalition to Abolish Hu- ment with a campus ministry Jessica feels called to work to In need of alcohol and drug treatment? man Trafficking there that gathers group, Chi Alpha Christian Fel- restore people “to have hope and local organizations concerned lowship, sharpened her under- to have relationships again.” about the issue, meeting to spur standing of human slavery. She said traffickers know each other on. In Chi Alpha, pastor Jason people can get fired up to fight Jessica contacted people in Kelly shared the story of Asha, human trafficking, but become Idaho who attended the meeting whose parents in India had seven overwhelmed because justice to see if any were interested in children. They sold her to a takes time. forming a similar group in Coeur strange woman to raise money to “Trafficking has been happen- d’Alene. care for the other children. The ing since the beginning of time,” They met that fall at the Human woman took her to Mumbai, say- she said. “It is based on greed. SPARC has highly trained qualified staff to assist you. Rights Education Institute, cre- ing she would be in service to a “Sex trafficking may begin For more information and to schedule an appointment, call: ated the coalition and have met family. with pornography, desensitizing 624-5228 monthly since. Instead, she took Asha to a people to the cruelty foisted upon or visit us at 1508 W. 6th Ave. The Spokane and Coeur brothel where she was beaten until those being prostituted,” she said. 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. - Monday through Friday d’Alene chapters’ mission is “to she complied with the demands “The goal is to convince people to Confidential, discreet services. Public funding available through abolish slavery by collaborat- made on her. She stayed there cease prostituting men, women Spokane County Community Services and Washington State DSHS ing with local organizations and for seven years until she heard and children.” individuals, educating our com- that “some friends” could buy She said social media make munity, addressing the demand, her freedom. She moved into a it easier to entice young people and providing services to victims House of Hope. into dangerous situations with of human trafficking.” In a course on gender and individuals who pretend to be Jessica finds it a “hard sell” to communication, Jessica learned someone other than who they are. urge organizations and individuals about the war against women in The 2013 goals for the Coali- to take this issue seriously. The Africa, where groups raid villages tion to Abolish Human Traffick- INTERFAITH ADVOCACY DAYS coalition had to cancel a Coeur and homes, gang rape women ing in Coeur d’Alene are: “Dismantling the Culture of Violence” d’Alene seminar it planned this and force husbands and sons to • To set up a website and keep Join advocates from your district in speaking directly with state fall for law enforcement and ser- participate. They thus broke up a Facebook page updated; legislators. Get current best practices on how to advocate in to- vice providers because too few communities and families to gain • To become more aware of day’s legislature. Join workshops that will break down the issues. signed up. Interfaith Advocacy Day brings to our elected leaders the voice of There is little data on human compassion and justice. We partner for the common good with trafficking locally, but Jessica has The Sacred Art of Iconography people of all faiths—and with people of no faith at all—who stand spoken to someone who was traf- at the Monastery of St. Gertrude up boldly to challenge the powerful. ficked and to several service pro- viders who know of trafficking. with Father Damian Higgins of SPOKANE OLYMPIA YAKIMA the Monks of Mount Tabor, January 25 January 30 February 8 February 3-7 St. Mark’s Lutheran United Churches St. Timothy’s Church of Olympia Episcopal Church OVERSTOCK “We’re surrounded by images we respond 316 E 24th Ave 110 11th Ave SE 4105 Richey Rd BUILDER’S DEPOT to, but mostly they advertise. Holy icons Registration Registration Registration direct us not toward themselves, but toward 9:00am 8:00am 9:00am Program Program Program DISCOUNT BUILDING the divine.” All materials provided and no 9:30am 9:00am 9:30am MATERIALS artistic experience needed. To RSVP to the Olympia event or for questions, please contact: Register online at www.Spirit-Center.org NEW HOURS: Mon-Sat 10-5 [email protected] or (206) 625-9790 Spirit Center retreats at the To RSVP to the Spokane event or for questions, please contact: Trent & Hamilton, Spokane Monastery of St. Gertrude, Cottonwood, ID [email protected] or (509)or phone 216-6090 or 535-1813 509-475-2792 208-962-2000, [email protected] January 2014 - The Fig Tree - Page 7 Couple attribute their long marriage to mutual respect, collaboration Ezra and Eleise Kinlow attri- in schools, so African-American bute their reaching the milestone children would see an African- of 51 years of marriage in January American adult involved in their 2014 to their mutual respect. education. Most teachers and Who they are in public ministry administrators in Spokane School and serving the community is who District #81 are white. they are at home. “African-American teachers “We always felt it was impor- and counselors who would ad- tant to show respect to each other, vocate for African-American stu- because in raising children, what dents have been sparse,” he said. they see at home is what they will While gaining some visibility portray in their lives,” Eleise said. for African Americans in schools “We tried to create a Christian and police force, Ezra sees need atmosphere, so our children have to make more inroads in those had something to fall back on.” settings and in employment. They had six children. One “It’s still hard for African died in a car accident. They have Americans to find jobs that pay 11 grandchildren. enough to support their families. “Fifty years looks like a mile- Most earn minimum wage and stone,” said Ezra, “but being part lack opportunity for advance- of those 50 years one day at a ment,” said Ezra, uplifiting the time and growing through them, recent news about $15/hour wages it does not seem possible. We still Eleise and Ezra Kinlow reflect on their more than 50 years of marriage. in Seattle. have dreams to accomplish,” said At schools, he said, African- Ezra, senior pastor at Holy Temple Ezra remembered when his fa- Ezra went to seminary in Se- His goal in the community has American children have some Church of God in Christ (COGIC). ther drove a new car to Louisiana. attle, earning a master of divinity been to bring cohesiveness to the problems being bullied and being Along with their respect, he A gas station attendant was suspi- degree at A. L. Hardy Academy work of different organizations bullies, especially when some stu- said, they work collaboratively. cious and would not serve them after his move to Spokane, where and to advance the life of African dents flaunt the “N” word. Eleise takes her role as a pas- when his father said it was his car. he began serving Holy Temple Americans in the area, where “African-American children tor’s wife in stride. For her, it When Ezra graduated from high Church of God in Christ. most people have little exposure receive the brunt of exclusion,” means “being a servant through school in 1956, he did not join a The church, which was estab- to people of different races. Ezra said. “Some want to be ac- counseling people in the congre- class outing to Greeneville, Miss., lished in 1948, was then located “It’s hard to gain respect in a tive in sports, but end up on the gation and community about their because 14-year-old Emmett Till at 312 E. Third Ave. In 2004, the community that is predominantly sidelines.” lives and relationships.” had been lynched that year. Ezra church moved to 806 W. Indiana. white and feels no need to reach Eleise said their sons were often She responds to phone calls was aware of racial incidents, but “The church struggled my first out to African Americans. Many bench warmers on school basket- from people with marital and life they were not part of his daily life. few years there, but then I reached were comfortable where they ball, football and wrestling teams. struggles, sharing insights from Eleise and Ezra met at a Moth- out to the community to bring were,” he said. “They had to excel to be seen,” her life, faith and marriage. She er’s Day church dinner in 1961. people to knowledge of Christ and However, Ezra found allies in Ezra said. “Plus, their counselor also leads the church’s women’s After graduating from high reality of life,” Ezra said. other churches involved in the would not direct them to courses group and for 20 years led a school, Ezra went to Los Ange- Both said that in 1963 when Spokane Christian Coalition/ they needed to advance them- women’s retreat. les to live with an uncle, then to they married, they did not fully Spokane Council of Ecumenical selves in the world.” “I hope our witness in the com- Fresno until 1960 when he came realize the importance of Mar- Ministries. He helped them es- One daughter in Georgia, how- munity and church influences to live with his brother in Tacoma. tin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a tablish Churches Against Racism. ever, has earned a master’s degree others that marriage is great, good His brother was a deacon at Dream” speech. “I was in the community so in business, and another daughter and fun,” Ezra said. “We have fun New Jerusalem Church of God in They found the speech moving, people would know who I was in Arkansas, who has four chil- in our house. What people see in Christ, so Ezra went to church and but had not felt personally victim- and seek to enhance their lives,” dren, is going to school part time. public about our relationship is came to know the Lord. ized as others were. However, he said, “but race relations hap- Ezra has been less visible in the real. We seek to be examples, to After Eleise and Ezra met, when they moved to Spokane pen slowly. We still have a ways community in the last three years be living epistles.” they dated, and then she went to where there were few blacks, it to go.” because of health challenges, but Both were born in Arkansas, California to spend a year with took on new meaning. Ezra worked with the police he has rebounded. but Eleise grew up in Seattle, her sister. They corresponded “Often we are the only African department to include African The church’s six associate min- where she graduated from an in- and reconnected when he went to Americans in a room here,” said Americans on the police force. isters and an administrator have tegrated high school in 1961. As a his grandfather’s funeral in Los Ezra, who goes into the wider Once they agreed to do so, he lightened his load and run the girl, she would go from her home Angeles and invited her to come community to reach out and try helped recruit people. church. He remains senior pastor. only to school or to her church. back, and they married in 1963. to help white people feel comfort- He has also interacted with the For information, call 534-7565 “We did not go any place Ezra worked at Boeing until able around black people. school board to bring visibility or email [email protected]. alone,” she said. 1969. Then he became a customer Eleise said in her early years, service technician with IBM until she did not experience victimiza- he retired in 1985. He moved to tion because of her race. Spokane with IBM in 1981. Ezra’s father was a prominent In 1972, he had decided to en- pastor whose father owned a ter ministry. While working, he plantation in Dumas, Ark. He ex- earned a college degree through perienced respect, recognition and correspondence courses and on- appreciation in that community. line studies.

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1317 WEST SECOND AVE 509.744.0972 Page 8 - The Fig Tree - January 2014 Speakers call for solidarity among Pacific islands on impact of military In a workshop on Inter-Island “visiting forces.” U.S. President Gi-Ryong said. “Pacific islands Solidarity for Justice and Peace Barack Obama is now using should be windows to culture and at the World Council of Churches threats from China to persuade history. We should not fall for talk 10th Assembly in Busan, Korea, the Philippines to let the U.S. open of needing military bases to keep Hawaii’s United Church of Christ some former bases for rotating us safe. When we stop one base, Conference Minister Charles military personnel. others are started on other islands, Buck was one of five people “We have to buy military hard- so we need solidarity among the discussing the impact of military ware and provide a market for islands.” bases on their peoples, lands and arms from the #1 arms trader, the The World Council of Churches seas. U.S,” he said. “It puts us at risk as Assembly considered a public The others were from the Phil- a target and through the prostitu- issue statement on nuclear issues ippines, Taiwan, Okinawa and tion of our women. and Asia-Pacific maritime mili- Jeju Island off the Korean Coast. “We are joining hands with tarization. Expansion of militarism since neighbors to send out the friend That statement recognized a World War II has led to suffering who is not a friend,” he said. rise of militarism in the name of and conflicts on many islands in Sinan Mavivo of the Tao tribe, peace and prosperity, related to the Pacific. Some have removed one of Taiwan’s 30 indigenous tension between the economic and bases by developing solidarity tribes, spoke of efforts to protect military expansion of China and among indigenous people to pro- Lanyu, a small volcanic island off the U.S. “Asian Pivot” strategy tect their cultures and traditions. Taiwan, also known as Orchid Is- that “has sparked an escalation Song Kong Ho, who was to land. Colonized in 1903 by Japan, in the war-profit industry and have moderated the workshop it was closed off until Taiwan took an arms race for global military was in prison for protesting en- over in the 1950s and made the dominance.” vironmental destruction on the island a prison. The statement says that the U.S. Border Islands. The Rev. Charles Buck of Hawaii In the 1960s, it was opened to Sinan Mavivo of the Tao tribe strategy has brought conflict and Charles, a Korean American others. An outsider built a hotel. suffering, destroying land, cul- who lived in the San Francisco Many retire there. Tao people did not benefit. Com- 65 years ago. tures and traditions. area before moving to Hawaii 16 Kenneth Makuakāne, program pulsory education began, teaching In 2003, the South Korean “The false idols of security years ago, said there is renewed associate for church vitality with children to speak Chinese, not Tao president apologized and, in 2004, and economic expansion run concern with the United States the Hawaii Conference, said the language. Traditional housing announced he would make Jeju a counter to the justice, peace and pivoting its military attention to U.S. was the third empire to take was removed, she said. place of peace and human rights. life that are the core values of the Pacific. over Hawaii after France and It is not a strategic location, but In 2005, it was declared an island the WCC and Christians every- The eight Hawaiian islands are England. Native Hawaiians con- nuclear waste and bombs have of international peace. where,” the statement said. home to the largest Pacific naval sider the U.S. to be leasing Pearl been sent to a base there. For 30 Despite that, Gi-Ryong said Catholics, Protestants, Quakers, base at Pearl Harbor, located and Harbor. years, the Tao have sought to have war-loving people want to use Buddhists and Shamanists have developed since the late 1800s as “We believe it is ours to be held the waste removed. the island. In 1937, Japan and in come together to resist the base a strategic point. in common, not for individual The Rev. Takehiro Kamiya 1948, Chiang Kai-shek used it to at Gangjeong. Catholic priests In 1893, U.S. military troops ownership,” he said. “We cannot of the Okinawa Baptist Conven- attack China. In 1949, the Korean hold daily Mass in front of the helped overthrow the Hawaiian own what was there before we tion, said a U.S. military base has government used it for military construction site, Protestants have monarchy, Buck said. Marines were born and after we die. We used most of the land since 1945 purposes. In 1988, South Korea prayer services, and Shamans put Queen Lili’oukalani under are stewards of the land.” on this small island where .6 tried to build a military base, but perform traditional rituals. house arrest. Later Hawaii was Charles said in 1993, the 100th percent are Japanese, 7.6 percent aborted it after an uprising. An The statement was included in annexed to the U.S. and military anniversary of the overthrow of are U.S. military and the rest are attempt to build a base in 1989 a statement on nuclear power and bases were established. The main the Hawaiian kingdom, the United indigenous. Even though the base was also stopped, but South Korea weapons. Because of concerns buildup was after 1941, when the Church of Christ passed a reso- brought medical care, houses, a has not given up. From 2002, raised in the closing plenary about Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. lution of apology and provided hospital and a school, 80 percent there were attempts in Hasun and banning nuclear power, consensus “Camp Smith near Pearl Har- redress of more than $2 million of the people want the land back. then Wemi. was not reached. So the state- bor is headquarters to the U.S. to create Hawaiian organizations A plane crash, a container The South Korean navy has ment was referred to the Central Pacific Command, which covers to bring healing. falling on a girl, murder, rape moved to Gangejung where peace Committee for action at its next more than half of the globe. The Bishop Reuel Norman Marigza and theft have stirred protests activists fight construction of a meeting in July 2014. military has a major impact on of the United Church of Christ and calls to remove the base base by lying in front of construc- For information, call 808-537- Hawaii with bases on all islands, in the Philippines likened U.S. and its accident-prone osprey tion vehicles. They want to make 9516 or email [email protected]. occupying 207,000 acres with military presence there to a person planes, Takahiro said. When Jeju an island of peace, he said. 22 installations, and providing owning land being told a friend three soldiers raped a 13-year-old “Our government has sent 660 18,000 jobs,” he said. would throw out a bully, but the girl in 2012, 85,000 Okinawans people to jail without a trial for Recycle Electronics “Military and civilian lives friend became a bully who left protested. Japanese and U.S. protesting. It spends billions to are interconnected and cannot be guards to protect the people from governments, trying to silence build a base that will take land easily separated,” Charles said. other bullies. When the owner the rage, promised to move the and destroy the soft coral for- FREE “It’s not easy to ask the military said to leave the land, the bully did base, he said. est and 70 endangered species,” restrictions to leave. Native Hawaiians pro- temporarily, then sent guards who Gi-Ryong Hong, co-conve- apply test use of their sacred lands, but rotate in and out every six months. nor of the Jeju Pan-Island Com- A call to action www.EarthworksRecycling.com to protect & nurture the military is the second largest “We have lost our freedom to mittee for Stopping the Military (509) 534-1638 employer next to tourism.” use the land,” the bishop said. Base and for Realization of Peace our children CALL ABOUT OUR PICKUP SERVICE Concerns include damage to The Spanish were present for Island, told of efforts to stop con- Visit us year round at 1904 E Broadway-Spokane the land, sea and air. Kahoolawe, 333 years until the Philippines be- struction of a base at Gangjeong 2 blks N of Trent/Napa an island near Maui, is uninhab- came independent. Then the U.S. village, a UNESCO protection ourkidsspokane.org ited because the U.S. used it for put military bases on prime lands. area and home to 1,900 people. bombing practice. Unexploded In 1991, Filipinos voted to keep Islanders were silenced after an ordnance remains. The navy has out U.S. bases. Mt. Pinatubo ex- uprising and massacre of 30,000 done some clean up, and native ploded and Clark Air Force Base Jeju islanders by the Korean gov- Hawaiians have planted plants. was inoperable, but came back as ernment and American military, While some native Hawaiians want to live as a sovereign state and have the military out, Charles The Franciscan Place* 1016 N Superior St. says the military has a symbi- otic relationship with the society, providing jobs, taxes and people.

Just Trade Upcoming Programs Spirituality 101 Series Women’s Cancer Survivor Retreat fairly traded Monday Nights 6:30pm - 8:00pm February 21-23 Winter Series begins February 13th crafts from Facilitator: Patricia Novak, OSF Facilitator: Kathy Finley An opportunity to explore together where around distinctive aspects of Christian spirituality Pamper yourself and share with other survivors. intersect with our daily experience. Join the world Join us for a weekend of relaxation, rest, Kathy Finley at The Franciscan Place for presentation, sharing and more. You will even this series “Who I Am and How Am I inside be treated to massage and meridian therapy Connected” to discover more deeply what Brused Books as part of this one of a kind weekend. “Spirituality” is all about 235 E. Main Limited to ten people. Suggested Donation: $65/Person / 5 week series Pullman, WA Begins 7:00PM Friday to Sunday 1:00PM Cost: $195 - Scholarships available 509-334-7898 View current calendar of events online Mon-Fri 11 am-6 pm RSVP TODAY Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5 RSVP-(509) 483-6495 * www.SJFConline.org January 2014 - The Fig Tree - Page 9 Psychologist fulfills his earlier goal of becoming a Catholic priest Tom Altepeter, who grew up Ro- from age three to 91. Most are in Tom connects with the Progres- man Catholic, began studies for their 50s and 60s. Several have sive Pastors group that meets to the priesthood but decided celi- known each other for 30 years, study the weekly liturgical texts. bacy was not for him. He readily and others just met. He has also connected with Alan would have been a married priest. “My goal is to provide a ‘home- Eschenbacher, pastor of All Saints Now the husband and father of less shelter’ for the spiritually Lutheran, about starting a mental four is a married priest in the homeless,” he said, noting that health chaplaincy. Ecumenical Catholic Communion in Wisconsin half of Catholics “Our culture mitigates against (ECC). He started an Ecumenical do not attend Mass. “Most who health emotionally and spiritually. Catholic Community, St. Clare, in attend here are former Roman We emphasize quick and easy Spokane in June 2012. Catholics, plus some from other solutions to deep and complex After graduating from a Jesuit churches. Most are progressive problems,” Tom said. “The nor- high school, he entered seminary Roman Catholics who want the mal range of human experience at St. Louis Archdiocese. When church to be more in line with the is broad, but we think in narrow he left seminary he studied psy- vision of Vatican II. terms—men and women, straight chology, eventually earning a doc- “I was a successful psycholo- and gay, old and young. We think toral degree in clinical psychology gist and now find it a gift to move normal is where we are. from St. Louis University. He back into a ministry I thought I “I have seen diversity in my taught psychology and had a would not have the opportunity career and in the church. To me private practice for 26 years in to do,” Tom said. “I was serving it comes down to compassion for Oshkosh, Wis. people, but felt a call to do this. dealing with people who are dif- Tom continued to be involved “The most important parts of ferent,” he said. in the Catholic Church and served continued spiritual development “There is room here for every- on the board for Oshkosh’s unified are for people to be involved in one. We need to learn to accom- Catholic school system. outreach with people around us in modate to and accept everyone,” In that region, the priest short- need,” he said. “We have drawn he said. “My work with indi- age meant churches were consoli- people who are already involved, vidual adults has many spiritual dating and closing, he said. In six have identified community efforts dimensions. I have helped many months, six churches consolidated Tom Altepeter started an Ecumenical Catholic Communion. and encourage individual efforts. identify and deal with anxiety, into one in Fond du Lac, Wis. Be- “From the start, we have set depression, guilt and shame about cause no building was big enough the Ecumenical Catholic Com- to remarry,” said Tom. aside 10 percent of funds that what they have done that is not for all the parishioners, the bishop munion. Its roots go back to Missionaries came to the Unit- come in to help support local acceptable. raised $18 million from the laity 1870 when Vatican I declared the ed States to start the Old Catholic ministries such as Our Place and “We invite people to a different to build a new building, said Tom, Pope infallible and with universal Communion in the early 1900s. Transitions,” said Tom, who is frame of reference about life, God who was frustrated knowing there jurisdiction. There has been one in Wisconsin also involved with the Odyssey and culture. None of us is perfect. were women and married men “Lay people and clergy who for 20 years, he said. Youth Center. “As we grow as a One person’s approach is not the willing to serve. considered the Pope fallible were In the 1990s, a handful of com- community, we will do more, but only way,” he said. Then, while searching on- told to leave,” Tom said. “A group munities came together to form a will also be careful not to over- For information, call 361-0463 line for progressive, alternative in Germany, Austria and Spain larger group to support each other extend ourselves.” or visit www.stclareecc.com. Catholic churches, he learned of left the Roman Catholic Church and gain visibility. the Ecumenical Catholic Com- and joined the Union of Utrecht, In 2003, six communities munion. He reconnected with a which formed 200 years before. formed the Ecumenical Catho- friend and former mentor, Frank, The Church of Utrecht had started lic Communion. It is part of who had been a Roman Catholic that autonomous diocese over a the extended family of the Old Action priest for 18 years and was now a disagreement with Rome about Catholic Church, but not part of pastor of an Ecumenical Catholic the election of their bishop. the structure, he said. In the U.S. Recycling 125 S. Arthur Community. “They were known as the Old there are also small groups of the 911 E. Marietta Spokane, WA 99202 “We chatted for several months. Catholic Tradition, because they Old Catholic Tradition. Given (509) 535-0229 It sounded like what my wife and did not accept the infallibility of its roots, priests are ordained in TOP PRICES (800) 753-0229 I wanted,” said Tom, who then the pope,” Tom said, “but they apostolic succession, he added. • Paper by the ream finished a master’s degree in had the same theology and sac- Now there are 50 communi- HONEST WEIGHT • Largest selection of colors, spirituality at Loyola to prepare raments, and retained apostolic ties, with four in Europe. The aluminum designs & weights in the area brass for ordination in the Ecumenical succession.” biggest is in Southern California, • Case discounts copper Catholic Communion. They believed Jesus was human a predominantly Hispanic com- • Wedding invitations & bulletins stainless As a deacon before he was or- and divine, and believed in the munity of 1,500. There are now • Preprinted papers including all newspapers holiday papers dained a priest, he started a church virgin birth, he said. They also or- six in the Denver region, with the • Envelopes in a large variety in Wisconsin. dained women and married men. largest about 500. Orange, Calif., of sizes When his wife, Carla, had an “Before about 1140, priests had is home to the presiding bishop. 483-4094 • Mention this ad and receive opportunity to move to Spokane married, but canon law preferred “We prefer to have a small 10% off on Mondays for a job change, he came and that they not marry,” he said. community over a large one, started an Ecumenical Catholic After the Union of Utrecht because it assures more authentic Community. They began meet- separated from Rome, participants community,” Tom said. When a Gospel Concert ing in homes. They now meet at looked at the disciplines and even- community reaches 200 to 400, Saturday, Jan. 11 the SNAP building’s conference tually decided to ordain women we encourage it to split.” 6 - 8 p.m., Bethel AME Church - 645 S. Richard Allen Ct. room, previously the chapel of and married men. In Spokane, 75 people belong to the former Dominican Convent “We also accept gays and lesbi- the St. Clare Ecumenical Catholic at 3102 W. Ft. Wright Dr. ans and do not require an annul- Community. The average atten- Tom offered background on ment after a divorce for someone dance at services is 40, ranging

King Day Youth Empowerment Luncheon & Silent Auction Saturday, Jan. 18 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. - Shadle Park High School - 4327 N. Ash St. Commemorative Celebration - Sunday, Jan. 19 4-6 p.m. - Holy Temple Church of God in Christ - 806 W. Indiana Ave. Carolyn Gordon, associate professor of communication, Fuller Theological Seminary - Pasadena, Ca.

Annual Unity March & Community Resource Fairs Monday, Jan. 20 10 a.m. - Spokane Convention Center - 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

Community Resource Fair Children’s Learning Resource Fair 1st & 2nd Floors Riverpark Square 2nd & 3rd Floors Riverpark Square 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. More Info: (509) 455-8722 or FACEBOOK/MLKSPOKANE/EVENTS Page 10 - The Fig Tree - January 2014 Editorial Reflections Assembly speakers, statement on peace, intersect with Pope’s call for peace During a recent World Council of people,” she said. nonviolence and loving neighbors. can live into the fullness of life. Churches Assembly presentation on “God For Chang Yoon Jae, theology profes- “We challenge the sinfulness of war, mis- • It challenges the WCC to reclaim its of life, lead us to build peace in this world,” sor at Ewha Women’s University in Seoul, use of the eco-system and use of the market relationship with just peace and accompany the Most Rev. Thabo Makgoba, Anglican hopes for peace in the divided Korea. It system to sell death,” he said. “We speak just peace ministries; encourage member Archbishop of Cape Town, South Africa, has lived 53 years in an armistice, “filled of the cost to our souls if we rely on tools churches to engage interfaith cooperation reminded that while some things may with anxiety war could break out again of violence rather than God’s tools. The to address conflicts and develop com- discourage us along the path to making any time,” he said. Chang reported that a journey to justice and peace is a movement munication strategies that promote justice peace, we need to persevere through the World Council of Churches meeting on the to engage in radical compassion.” and peace; build sustainable communities “sea of injustices,” because “we worship Korean peninsula in 1989 said Korea is a A Brethren bumper sticker says, “When and promote economies of life for sharing a God of hope.” symbolic link for peace and reconciliation Jesus said for us to love our enemies, he resources, and promote human rights. Leymah Gbowee, peace activist, social in the world, because it has a key role in probably meant not to kill them.” • It calls for governments to lower green- worker, women’s rights activist and 2011 freeing the world of nuclear weapons. A statement the Assembly adopted, house gas emissions, ban nuclear weapons, Nobel Peace Laureate, told of leading a “All states of Northeast Asia have nucle- “The Way of Just Peace,” reminds: “Just destroy chemical weapons, ban drones and nonviolent movement of Christian and ar weapons or are protected by a nuclear peace is a journey into God’s purpose for robotic weapons systems, reallocate mili- Muslim women to end Liberia’s civil war in power. Since the 1961 WCC Assembly humanity and all creation. It is rooted in the tary budget expenses to humanitarian and 2003. The war turned religious and societal in New Delhi, India, the number of states self-understanding of churches, the hope of developmental needs, conflict prevention values upside down. Women were brutal- that have developed nuclear weapons has spiritual transformation and the call to seek and civilian peace building, and ratify the ized, and children became soldiers. God doubled and the number of nuclear plants justice and peace for all.” Arms Trade Treaty by 2014. broke her anger and strengthened her to has grown to 117, with 144 under construc- • It says the intersection of peace with These ideas coincide with those Pope organize others. More and more women sat tion,” Chang said. justice means “social justice confronts priv- Francis I expressed in his Christmas mes- in the street with her to say, “We don’t care Thabo suggested consciousness about ilege, economic justice confronts wealth, sage, calling believers of all religions and about jobs or food, if we don’t have peace, consumption of electricity is one way to ecological justice confronts consumption, nonbelievers to engage daily in working for Leymah said. The women were afraid, but move from dependence on nuclear energy: and political justice confronts power itself. “a homemade peace” that can spread across were also tired of war and running. They “Turning off lights symbolic challenge.” Mercy, forgiveness and reconciliation be- the world, because war “shatters and hurts wanted a secure future for their children. Stanley Noffsinger, general secretary of come shared experiences. The spirit, voca- so many lives.” He said: “God is peace: Their persistence led President Taylor to the Church of the Brethren based in Elgin, tion and process of peace are transformed.” Let us ask God to help us be peacemakers enter into peace talks. Ill., recognizes that in the midst of war, • It acknowledges that every human be- every day, in our lives, our families, our “If we stand by silent in face of injus- violence, disagreement and temptation, it ing is made “in the image of God,” and we cities, our nations and the whole world.” tices, we might as well join those shooting is not easy to walk the Brethren walk of are to be stewards of creation so all people Mary Stamp - Editor Often we focus on ills of those in poverty and avoid creating a fair society A book by a medical historian asks the Diagnosing the poor is not the problem. is being pushed by foundations and “think myth about “rugged individualism.” question, “What’s wrong with the poor?” The challenge is finding out what poor tanks” financed by billionaires pushing pet This has been true particularly in the I have not read it, but the title started me people need for them to succeed. ideas or ideology rather than education. western U.S., whether the West was then in thinking about how we frame our thinking, The growing income gap in our country One is interested in school vouchers sup- Ohio or in the Oregon Territory. The “self- and how that affects what we do. and the world has been receiving much at- posedly to “allow” school choice. It may made man” is a modification of the myth. Perhaps that question can help us realize tention lately. Income inequality doesn’t sound good on first hearing, but what good Some aspects of libertarianism follow the we spend too much time and effort diagnos- travel alone. There is inequality in access is a voucher for part or all of private school pattern today. ing the supposed ills of those in poverty to education, medical and mental health tuition for a family in poverty if it doesn’t These myths may be part of what brings instead of finding out what is really needed, care, employment opportunities, reliable also include school fees, books and sup- on a question such as, “What’s wrong with like a just, fair society. information and social support services. plies, transportation and school uniforms the poor?” We have a moralistic attitude about Plus, they are inter-related. where required? It may be easier to blame others for their the poor. Someone coined the phrase, When those of us who have access to Generally, where educators, parents plight, than to explore opportunities to “the deserving poor,” which implies that health care face a medical challenge in and community groups work together in collaborate with them to include them in “undeserving” poor people do not deserve our family, we learn there are people in the the real interests of education, schools are making decisions that will bring meaning- tax-funded services. system who can guide us through decisions, performing well. Where the idea prevails ful changes to their lives. When we realize we create programs appointments, transportation and complica- that unions are to blame for problems in our Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendall based on how we think things should be, tions. The process may be time-consuming, schools or where candidates for the school Holmes Jr. offers a comment that runs such a question discredits the poor. Why but the support is there. Those without it board consider that role a springboard counter to 30 years of anti-tax propaganda say anything is “wrong” with poor people, have had to rely on overstressed emergency to higher political office or to serve an that relate to this question. other than that they have little money and rooms until now. ideological program, schools have a much He says: “I like to pay taxes. With them scant access to support systems money A widely held belief that our schools gen- rockier path. I buy civilization.” can supply. erally are failing and need radical reform Throughout our history, we have had a Nancy Minard - Contributing Editor

Newsletter Excerpts Sounding Board Letter to the Editor

I’ve been mulling this over: How loved us then. Yes, God will be with us is the God of second chances, God always reflections. She was skittish, is skittish is it possible to hope against hope? How in the future; God will love us then. The gives us one more chance; one more. We and, I am afraid, may be skittish forever. can one have hope and despair, which is most important part, the part that we miss go to sleep and awake again, we die and She constantly flees if I get within grasping what “against hope” means, at the same most of the time is that God loves us right are reborn. We ask forgiveness, we are range of her. I want a pet. She wants to time? That’s a contradiction, right? One here, right now, where we stand or sit or forgiven. We forget and we remember. hide under the couch. can’t be hopeful and hopeless at the same lie, right now. This moment is the only moment that She will vamoose even when I am just time, but that is the real meaning of hope, When God created us, when creation you really have. walking through a room or when I just look says theologian John Caputo. True hope, happened, our perception as separate hap- This moment is the only moment that you like I might. he says, only shows its strength when all pened, not only in our physical perception can do anything with. That little cat believes I am obsessed seems hopeless. Actually, hope is hope and but in our emotional, cognitive perception This moment is the only moment in with her with the aim of doing her harm. gets to be really and truly hope when things as well. which we are privileged to work in God’s There’s a theology hiding in there some- are hopeless. It’s remarkable to reflect on Kurt Vonnegut said, “TIME is God’s kingdom. where. God is obsessed with me. God this, that one doesn’t have to “feel” hopeful way of making sure that everything doesn’t This moment is the only moment we is obsessed with the sin I commit and is all the time to still be a person of hope. happen at once and SPACE is God’s way can know that nothing separates us from looking to do me harm. For the Christian, hope is a gift. It is of making sure everything doesn’t happen God. This moment God says to us, “I am I believe I have encountered theological born in our hearts because of our faith that to you.” who I am.” systems that are not far from this. I know Christ was born in a manger. Sometimes I am grateful for that, but one of the This moment we say to God the same I have encountered people who believe a hopeless word is an accurate word, it consequences of that happening is that we thing. Right here, right now, O God, I am something like this. can be an honest word, but it is not the last have difficulty being present. yours and you are mine. Together we will All I want to do is create a home with word. Christmas gets to be the last word, Our experience of separation is one do your work. food, water, toys and a litter box for that so, people of hope, let us celebrate! sided. God is not separated from us: “I will The Rev. Greg Skinner little cat. I am not obsessed with her. The Rev. Mike Graef always be with you,” day by day, minute by Country Homes Christian Church There are many more interesting things in Spokane Valley United Methodist minute. Paul in the 8th chapter of his letter newsletter my life than “little kitty.” I certainly mean newsletter to the Romans says, “For I am convinced her no harm. that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor My wife and I have taken in a It would be nice if she could apprehend God says to Moses, “I am who I rulers nor things present, nor things to stray kitten. She appeared briefly at our my love for her and discover that she can am.” Not, I am who I was or will be. God come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, back door on a cold night and quickly dis- rub against my leg, purr and take a nap says, “I am who I am.” nor anything else in all creation, will be appeared. Over the next several says, we in my lap. It would be nice if she could You and I are trapped in a linear time able to separate us from the love of God in coaxed her to eat some food and left water understand that inasmuch as I am obsessed frame, we see where we have been, we are Christ Jesus, our Lord.” for her and within a week, she was living with her it is for her welfare. concerned about where we are going, and Nothing in all creation will be able to in our house. The Rev. Dan Berg we sometimes forget where we are, but God separate us. Nothing in all creation sepa- We don’t have a name for her yet. She The Mustard Seed reminds us, “I am who I am.” rates us from the Love of God. is just “little kitty.” This “little kitty” has Open Door United Church of Christ Yes, God was with us in the past, God We are a resurrection people, our God forced me into some serious theological – Deer Park January 2014 - The Fig Tree - Page 11

State’s bishops Calendar of Events C & H Foreign Auto Repair support policies E. 620 North Foothills Dr. Spokane, WA 99207 on immigration, Jan 9 • “Making A Difference: You Can Do It Too” panel on immigration EDWARD W. CUSHMAN 487-9683 OR 484-5221 reform, safe schools, smart justice and corporate loopholes, PUB 204- sales of guns 206, EWU, Cheney, 1 p.m., Carol Vines, 359-2898, [email protected] Jan 10-11 • “Healing Retreat for Women, “Consider Him: Removing Obstacles to By Eric Meisfjord God on the Road to Healing and Freedom,” Thea Loughery and Sarah Maya Earth Coffee In the fall, the Catholic bishops Compton, Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, 6910 S. Ben Burr Rd., 6 Your congregation or nonprofit can raise funds p.m. Friday to 1 p.m. Sunday, 448-1224, www.ihrc.net of Washington urged members by co-marketing fair-trade, organic coffee Jan 11 • Martin Luther King Jr. Gospel Concert, Bethel African Methodist of the state’s delegation in the Episcopal Church, 645 S. Richard Allen Ct., 6 to 8 p.m., 455-8722 through Coffee with a Cause U.S. House of Representatives to Jan 14 • YWCA Racial/Social Justice Book Club, The Round House: 509-768-3193 • Toll free: 877-892-3193 support comprehensive immigra- A Novel by Louise Erdrich, YWCA, 930 N. Monroe, 5:30 p.m., [email protected] • www.mayaearthcoffee.com tion reform. They also expressed wwwywcaspokane.org support of a state initiative for Jan 15 • Coffee and Contemplation, “That They May All Be One: The Radical limiting the sale of guns. Call and Great Vision,” Bishop William Skylstad, Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, 6910 S. Ben Burr Rd., 9 to 11 a.m., 448-1224, www. Hope & Healing - Counseling Services The bishops are Archbishop J. ihrc.net Peter Sartain of the Archdiocese Jan 18-19 • Health and Beauty Spa Show, Spokane Community Lair, 1810 N Marian Beaumier LICSW of Seattle; Bishop Blase Cupich Greene St., noon to 6 p.m., Saturday, noon to 5 p.m., Sunday, 509- 483 0428 EMDR / Medicare Part B of the Diocese of Spokane; Bishop 218-6519, www.healthbeautyshow.com Approved Washington State Supervisor - Joseph Tyson of the Diocese of Jan 15 • How Children Grieve: A Case Study of Eleanor Roosevelt and Yakima, and Bishop Eusebio Children Who Lose a Parent, LaVona Reeves, EWU professor of English and affiliate faculty in women’s and gender studies, 207 Elizondo, auxiliary bishop of the Monroe Hall, EWU, Cheney, noon, 359-2898, [email protected] Ko- Archdiocese of Seattle. Jan 17 • Children’s Program “Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.’s Works,” Korean Japanese RussianFor our Sudanese friends Chineseand neighbors Tongan from Hungarian Span ish Samoan Vietameseother Spanish cultures, Karen Portugese Mandarin Lithu- They favor a measure that pro- Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations, North Idaho anian Korean Japanese Russian Sudanesecommunicating Tongan Hungarian in Spanish - motes a path to citizenship and College, 208-765-3932, www.idahohumanrights.org Samoan Vietamese English Burmese Koreancan open Japanese the Sudanesedoor to Chinese - Tongan Hungarian Spanishemployment, Samoan friendships, Vietamese and Burmese more. Karen family unity, reduces the immigra- • “A Light for Life,” Black Student Union violence awareness event, JFK Staircase, EWU, Cheney, 5 p.m., 359.2898, [email protected] rean Japanese Russian Sudanese Chinese Tongan Hungarian Spanish tion backlog, includes border se- Samoan Vietamese Burmese Karen Portugese Mandarin Lithuanian • Center for Justice 15th Anniversary Party, Community Building lobby, Let your friend know about curity, and protects U.S. workers Korean Japanese Russian Sudanese French Tongan Hungarian Span 35 W. Main, 5:30 p.m., 835-5211 ish Samoan Vietamese Burmese DAILY Karen Spanish DOSE Korean Japanese Rus - and due process for immigrants. Jan 18 • Martin Luther King Jr. Gala, Kootenai County Task Force on Human sian Sudanese Chinese TonganEnglish Hungarian Classes Spanish TODAY! Samoan Vietamese They are concerned about the Relations, Human Rights Education Institute, 414 Mullan Rd., Coeur Burmese Karen Korean Japanese Russian Sudanese Chinese Tongan Hungarian SpanishSpokane, Samoan North Vietamese Side, South Hill, Burmese Liberty Lake, Karen & more Portugese Man- human suffering the current “de- d’Alene, 5 to 8 p.m., 208-765-3935, www.idahohumanrights.org darin Lithuanian Korean Japanese Russian Sudanese French Tongan ficient immigration system,” • King Day Youth Empowerment Luncheon and Silent Auction, Hungarian Spanish Samoan Vietamese Burmese Korean Japanese Rus Shadle Park High School, 4327 N. Ash St., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., sian Sudanese Chinese Korean Tongan Japanese Hungarian Russian Spanish Sudanese Samoan Chinese Vietamese Tongan - causes and urge “comprehensive 455-8722, www.mlkspokane.org Burmese Karen Hungarian Spanish Samoan Vietamese Burmese Karen Portugese immigration reform legislation Jan 19 • Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebration, Carolyn FREE ENGLISHrin Lithuanian Korean CLASSES Japanese Russian Sudanese French Manda that respects the human dignity of Gordon, associate professor of communication Fuller Seminary, Holy CallHungari.n 509.255.9996 Spanish Samoan for lo VietameseCations Burmeseand times Karen Spanish migrants and reflects the unique Temple Church of God in Christ, 806 W. Indiana, 4 to 6 p.m., 455-8722 Korean Japaneseish Russian Samoan Sudanese Vietamese Chinese Burmese Tongan Karen Hungarian Span soul and character of America.” Jan 20 • Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Unity March & Community In cooperation with a national Resource Fairs, Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., 10 a.m., 455-8722, www.mlkspokane.org effort by U.S. bishops to raise • Community Resource Fair, first and second floors of Riverpark awareness among Catholic people Square, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 455-8722 and promote legislative action, the • Children’s Learning Resource Fair, second and third floors of four bishops released a statement Riverpark Square, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 455-8722 in September on immigration for • Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at Providence Hospitals, the distribution in the state’s parishes. Rev. Percy “Happy” Watkins delivers the “I Have a Dream” speech, Providence Holy Family Hospital lower level Health Education Center, They say the U.S. immigration noon; Mother Joseph Room, Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, Long Term Nursing system is deficient for everyone: 3 p.m., [email protected] Short Term Rehabilitation taxpayers, employers and im- • “Inequality for All,” documentary screening / benefit for 10410 E Ninth Ave Spokane Valley Second Harvest, Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague, 6 p.m., migrants. 509-926-3541 Family Owned & It fails to protect national secu- inequalityforall.com sunshinehealthfacilities.com Operated Since 1949 rity, is counterproductive to eco- Jan 22 • Diane Nash, From Jail in Jackson to the Distinguished American Award: My Life as an Activist, CUB Senior Ballroom, Washington State nomic development and is unjust. University, Pullman, 7 p.m., 509-339-6172, [email protected] On gun control, the Washing- Jan 23 • Motivating People to Act – Activist in Residence Workshop, JFK ton State Catholic Conference, Staircase, EWU, Cheney, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., 359-2898, cvines@ewu. which represents these bishops, edu also expressed support this fall Jan 25 • Eastern Washington Legislative Conference, “Dismantling the for Initiative 594’s call for back- Culture of Violence,” St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 316 E. 24th Ave., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 535-1813, [email protected] ground checks on gun sales given Jan 26 • Annual Iron Chef: Cultural Cooking Battle, Unity Multicultural the prevalence of mass shootings Education Center and Sodexo, culinary delights of other cultures, across the nation and how they Globe Room, Cataldo Hall, Gonzaga, 3 to 4:30 p.m., 313-5838 “reflect a devaluing of human life Jan 27 • Meeting to explore forming Rural Roots chapter for the region, Crys Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington Ostrander, South Hill Branch of the Spokane Public Library, 3324 S. in the nation.” 1222 N Post [email protected] www.altcew.org They said that while commit- Perry, 5:30 p.m., 509-725-0712, [email protected]. Jan 28 • Film: Wonder Women! The Untold Story of American Superheroines, Promoting wellbeing, independence, dignity & choice ted to the U.S. Constitution’s 207 Monroe Hall, EWU, Cheney, noon, 359-2898, [email protected] for Seniors and others needing long-term care guarantee of liberty and legitimate • Housing and Homeless Advocacy Day, Washington Low Income recourse to self defense, they can- Housing Alliance, Olympia, www.wliha.org For information, assistance & case management, call not “ignore the threat to public Jan 29 • Michael Eric Dyson, “Dr. King for the 21st Century,” video, CUB Spokane - Elder Services 458-7450 safety that arises when guns are Senior Ballroom, WSU, Pullman, 7 p.m., 358-7554, montoyazamora@ Stevens, Pend Oreille, Northern Ferry Counties - too easily accessible.” wsu.edu Rural Resources Community Action (877) 219-5542 Jan 31 • Day of Reflection for Therapists and Caretakers, “Building a Daily Whitman County - Rural Resources Community Action (509) 332-0365 For information, call 358-7340. Practice: Spiritual Response to Compassion Fatigue,” Kent Hoffman, therapist, Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, 6910 S. Ben Burr Rd., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 448-1224, www.ihrc.net Feb 5 • Fig Tree delivery & mailing, St. Mark’s Lutheran, 316 E. 24th, 9 a.m. Feb 6 • Fig Tree Benefit Planning, noon, Board, 1 p.m. and Development, 3:15 p.m., Emmanuel Family Life Center, 631 S. Richard Allen Ct., 535-1813

Friendly and inviting... caring and on Liberty Lake supportive... Historical lodge with lake front, meeting space and sleeping for over 100 people. Great for reunions, retreats, parties & meetings. Only $25 per person per night. independent • assisted • skilled • memory care 509-255-6122 2903 E. 25th Ave. Spokane, WA 509-536-6650 or email 101 E. Hawthorne Rd. Spokane, WA 509-466-0411 [email protected] www.rockwoodretirement.org Page 12 - The Fig Tree - January 2014 Whitworth is place of ministry for new president of Ministers’ Fellowship Roberta Wilburn, whose prima- and realizing the importance of children understand and appreci- ry ministry is as associate dean of reaching out to the community. ate diversity. Often in school, graduate studies in education and “Christian ministry is not just to children of color feel isolated and diversity initiatives at Whitworth be within four walls of a church, alienated,” Roberta said. University, is the first woman to but, like Jesus’ ministry, it is to “If teachers, counselors and be elected president of the Spo- meet needs of people,” she said. administrators are culturally sen- kane Ministers’ Fellowship, an As an elder at that church, Ro- sitive, appreciate differences and organization predominantly made berta developed ministries such see differences as differences not up of African-American clergy— as one to single parents and one as deficiencies, they can help but open to all ministers. to prevent teen pregnancies. The people they work with feel com- She is also the first president ordained her, and then she began fortable,” said Roberta. not to be senior pastor of a church. seminary studies. “God teaches me more about Along with Whitworth, she is in “We are to know God’s word faith as I walk with God. It has ministry with her church, Jesus Is and apply it to our lives so others not always been easy,” she said. the Answer. apply it to their lives to be all God “Through tough times surviving A year after she moved to Spo- wants them to be,” she said. breast cancer twice, God opened kane in 2007, and soon after her In higher education since 1980, my eyes to ministry to help oth- husband James Wilburn came, she followed God’s leading to go ers walk through challenges,” she they were invited to attend the to Memphis from Washington, said. “I look at problems from a Spokane Ministers’ Fellowship. Roberta Wilburn leads clergy group, builds diversity at Whitworth. D.C., when she was no longer Christian perspective.” As a woman, she was ushered to married and was a single mother For a while, Roberta was the join the ministers’ wives. When years under the leadership of Pas- serve, because “people at Whit- with a young daughter. only African-American faculty they realized she was a minister, tor Shon Davis. She and James, worth love their jobs, love God, There, she chaired the educa- member at Whitworth University. they sent her to join the men. who is an achievement gap inter- and treat people well,” she said. tion department and directed in- Now the diversity of faculty and Over time, one or two other vention specialist at Lewis and “Also its mission to honor God, ternational programs at Lemoyne- students is increasing. women ministers have been in- Clark High School and president follow Christ and serve human- Owen College. “If there are more faculty of volved. Up to 15 attend at 10 of the NAACP in Spokane, have ity aligns with my core values. She developed international color, more students of color will a.m., first Saturdays, at Emmanuel been married 16 years. Whitworth cares about students women’s empowerment grants come,” she said. Family Life Center, 631 S. Rich- Key pieces of her ministry at personally. for students to have experiences in “At Whitworth, we promote ard Allen Ct. Whitworth are fostering appre- “It encourages me to integrate Mexico and Africa. She learned awareness about cultural, eth- “I wondered why God wanted ciation and respect for cultural my faith and teaching,” said Ro- of other cultures through Lemoyne nic, socio-economic and gender me in a male organization, but differences; advocating for social berta, who is a professor as well projects in Senegal, South Africa diversity, and appreciation of over time I was accepted, contrib- justice, and understanding the as an administrator. and the Dominican Republic. individual differences regardless. uted ideas and was appreciated,” role of spirituality in life. Given After high school in Brooklyn, “I have learned to value people Everyone has worth and value as Roberta said. “I walk by faith. changes in societal demographics, N.Y., she studied education and regardless of culture or race, to God sees us,” Roberta said. I follow God’s vision and God she said she prepares teachers, art at Mt. Holyoke College, gradu- be sure people are treated with For information, call 777-4603 provides, teaching me about faith counselors and administrators to ating in 1975. dignity. We need to be sure all or email [email protected]. as I walk.” be “culturally competent.” At George Washington Uni- Both at the Spokane Ministers’ “Many Whitworth students had versity in Washington D.C., she Fellowship and at Whitworth, little opportunity to interact with earned a master’s in 1976, and a Wishing you Peace she promotes appreciation for all people of other cultures when they doctoral degree in education in God’s people. first came here,” Roberta said. 1982. She also earned a doctor of Starting as secretary, she be- So Whitworth offers classes theology and Christian counseling and Good Cheer came the first woman vice presi- on cultural awareness and has an degree in 2007 at Jacksonville dent in January 2012. This Oc- annual International Education Theological Seminary. in the New Year! tober, she was elected president Week Forum. Every fall, Japa- Roberta grew up Methodist. for a two-year term beginning nese students come, so students Her first teaching experience Thank you for January 1, 2014. In November, interact with peers in Japan with- was Sunday school. In Memphis, your continued support she was elected to finish the term out going to Japan. Whitworth where she lived 15 years before Unique Gifts of Pastor Jimmy Pierce, when he also requires that the January term coming to Spokane, she joined of Fair Trade left Unspeakable Joy Church to includes cultural experiences. Abundant Grace Fellowship, a & Clothing move to Georgia. Working with graduate stu- nondenominational church. Fair Trade • Local 35 W Main, Spokane “The Spokane Ministers’ Fel- dents, Roberta said that because She had a spiritual awakening HOURS lowship seeks to unify the body their families can’t go abroad, there through studying the Bible Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm Earth Friendly 509-464-7677 of Christ,” said Roberta. “It is Whitworth provides cultural ex- a forum for ministers to share periences in the classroom and concerns and find support that community. benefits their churches.” She believes God led her to They do clothing drives, and Whitworth as the place for her to hold Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve Watch Night, Holy Week and Easter Sunrise services. Congregations support each other, too. They also promote Martin Luther King Jr. 20 years of providing people to support Day and Juneteenth, celebrating your mission the emancipation from slavery on OurOur associatesassociates are benefi are tsbenefits-eligible eligible June 19th. fromfrom fifirst rst hour hour worked. worked. “We are also working to rebuild Locally owned and operated collaborative relationships with Locally owned and operated byby SusanSusan and and Ira Ira Amstadter. Amstadter the East Central Community CertifiedCertifi ed woman woman-owned owned business business. Center. We invite speakers to talk on issues, such as housing, racism (509) 747-6011 and legislation,” she said. Roberta and James, as members Debbie Blue • Lillian Daniel of Jesus Is the Answer, have both served in leadership for three Anna Carter Florence • James Forbes Tony Jones • Scott Kisker Jose Morales • Heidi Neumark Taizé Rodger Nishioka • Fleming Rutledge on Tuesdays Melissa Skelton • Will Willimon 4:15 to 5 p.m. Taizé is a form of prayer rooted in song, silence and read- ings, often from scripture. A Taizé prayer service includes simple, repetitive chants and times of meditative silence. The Ministry Institute adds poetry to prayers and Scriptures. Join us for reflection and contemplation at The Ministry Institute at Gonzaga University - 405 E. Sinto There is no cost for attending. For more information, contact Shonna Bartlett Program Director at The Ministry Institute 509-313-5765 or e-mail [email protected]