Spirit of Peace United Church of Christ is a progressive Christian communitywhere believers, seekers, and doubters of all ages come together
to share and live the love of Jesus Christ.
We welcome people just as they are.
We care for and pray for each other and the world around us.
We build a faith that asks questions and changes us.
Following Jesus in these ways,
we promote peace, justice, joy, and understanding in everything we do.
All are welcome!
Open and Affirming Statement (Adopted June 19, 2000): We, the members of Sammamish Congregational United Church of Christ (Spirit of Peace United Church of Christ), believe in God and the teachings of Jesus Christ. We affirm every per
son as a unique individual made in God's image. Therefore we joyfully and unconditionally welcome all people of any age, gender, race, culture, sexual orientation, ability, marital status or economic condition into our community of faith in membership, leadership and employment. We invite all persons to the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion and open to our family of faith the rite of Holy Covenant. We acknowledge the silence and discrimination that the lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender community has experienced and commit ourselves to continue exploring what it means to be faithfully Open and Affirming in a changing world. In celebrating the sacred value and special gifts of every life, we covenant ourselves to be an Open and Affirming congregation seeking to live in accordance with Christ's principles of love, respect, forgiveness, justice, mercy, grace and acceptance.
To learn more about the UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns, please visit: www.ucccoalition.org
"Whether you come to us as a believer, a seeker, a doubter, or any combination of these, you are welcome here."
These are the words with which Pastor Dave Shull begins each Sunday service -- and it is in this invitation that each person who comes through our doors will know that they are accepted, cared for and valued.
A social worker and psychotherapist, as well as a pastor, Dave brings his compassion for those who are hurting or lost, marginalized or alone to his work both at Spirit of Peace UCC and at the Recovery Cafe in Seattle where he offers counseling and support for those who struggle with addictions and homelessness. Read his letter that follows to get the story of his personal and professional journey. Then, join us some upcoming Sunday and plan to be inspired!
Dave blends humor and wisdom, song and blessing, and intellect and faith into his sermons -- from his time with young children to his solemn prayers for God's grace in the midst of a troubled world. His teachings reflect a passionate commitment to following Jesus and a spiritual depth that is evident to all who know him.
A Letter from Dave
Dear Friends,
I enjoy nothing more than long, passionate, respectful conversations about faith, values, life, politics, struggle, and the challenge of living with integrity, commitment, and hope. Preferably surrounding a meal with good dessert. I believe being in community with each other in which we can be unafraid to be fully ourselves, while making real what we hear God calling us to create, is the best way for us to be God-like. Because I believe we are at our best as human beings when we come together to worship, play, work, break bread, speak honestly, argue lovingly, laugh, make music, support each other in our times of challenge, and give thanks.
That's why I love the church. That's my vision of church. Being the place we come together to do all of these things, and to be that fearless place where we can be authentically ourselves. And where we can be met by the God who wants to love us, surprise us, force us into uncomfortable places where we can re-imagine who we are and what we're called to commit our lives to. Church is where we risk standing against what the society and culture around us tell us defines success, patriotism, popularity, and goodness. Church is where the story of Jesus becomes our story, and we seek to live like he would live our lives if he were walking in our shoes and seeing the world through our eyes.
I moved to the Northwest 14 years ago when my partner of 22 years and I were called to serve as pastors at University Congregational United Church of Christ in Seattle. I served there 11-1/2 years, until January 2006, when I felt called out by God to some new ministry I could not yet imagine. I studied Spanish in Guatemala for three months, which was fantastic. I currently work half-time at Spirit of Peace United Church of Christ and half-time at the Recovery Cafe, a center of community and support for homeless and near-homeless people trying to stay in recovery from addictions. I also have a small private psychotherapy practice.
I studied political science at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. I received my divinity degree from Yale Divinity School and a Master of Arts in social work at the University of Chicago. I grew up the middle of three boys in Wooster, Ohio. In our spare time, my partner and I love to travel, make music, read, bicycle, and share meals with friends.
I always enjoy getting to know new people by hearing what is important to them. So please visit us at Spirit of Peace. And we can discover what is important to you.
~Dave
"Whether you come to us as a believer, a seeker, a doubter, or any combination of these, you are welcome here."
Please join us for worship this Sunday!
Choir Practice: 8:45 a.m.
Sunday Worship: 9:30 a.m.
Food and Fellowship: 10:30 a.m.
Sermon Talk-Back: 11:00 a.m.
Childcare is available to all children, from infancy to preschool, during both Sunday Worship and the Sermon Talk-Back.
Sunday School is available to children from preschool through middle school, although some of the older children enjoy staying for the worship service.
When you walk through the doors of the Pine Lake Community Center on Sunday morning, you won't see stained glass, wooden pews or a large cross behind the altar. What you will see is a group of welcoming, caring individuals and families committed to caring for creation, honoring all faiths and traditions, deepening their spirituality, speaking out for justice and peace, serving their community and world, and supporting one another.
Although Spirit of Peace UCC owns land on the Sammamish Plateau that could be considered for a potential future building site, that property is currently being held as a real estate investment. In the meantime, as we discern together the best use for this land, we have chosen to meet at the Pine Lake Community Center.
We also believe that holding services here creates a safe and welcoming space for people from all walks of life, faiths, cultures, and spiritual traditions.
We have two wonderful musicians who share their gifts and talents with Spirit of Peace. Both Linda Peck Srb and Mack Grout are accomplished performers, whose energy, creativity and love of music is evident every Sunday morning as they regularly find new ways to delight and inspire. Get to know them in their own words here...
Linda Peck SrbI hail from the Midwest, being born and raised in the small town of Tekamah, Nebraska. I grew up in a music-loving home and have 3 sisters, all of whom were lovingly taught piano and music appreciation by our grandmother. I met my husband, Brian, while attending a small liberal arts college (Hastings College) in Nebraska. And although I was at the time, forced to take a religion class, I consider it to be one of the pivotal points in my spiritual and analytical formation. I got a ‘C’ in the class, but learned more than any other class I have ever taken. I received permission and encouragement to explore and question things about my faith.
I have served in many denominations, all of which have been an important part of my spiritual formation.
I love music. It comes from a place very deep in my soul that I know is of God. I thoroughly enjoy collaborating with Pastor Dave and others on worship. It is always fulfilling and deeply meaningful to do my best planning based on the scripture, all the while being open to the leadings of the Holy Spirit – always shaking things up in the best way possible.
Brian and I have a daughter Kellen (16), and a son Jonah (14). We are very proud parents, and are simultaneously challenged by their beings – but really wouldn’t have it any other way. We enjoy hanging out together, playing ping pong, watching movies, and spoiling our aged lab, Maddy.
In addition to music and family, I love hiking, connecting with friends, learning new things, eating more than cooking, listening and/or dancing to great jazz and funk, and lastly, I love things that make me reconsider what I think I already know.
I am blessed to be in your presence on this part of my spiritual journey.
I grew up in the bustling city of Port Orchard, Washington in a family of six, including a brother adopted from Sudan, and two sisters adopted from Thailand and India. The family business to this day is operating and running the biggest karate school on the peninsula. I started playing the piano when I was three years old, taking lessons from my babysitter! As I grew older, I studied classical piano intensively. Later, when I decided I wanted to be able to play rock n’ roll, I switched to a new piano teacher who taught contemporary piano. Unfortunately, this new teacher would not teach me to play rock n’ roll until I learned how to play the blues. So, as a thirteen-year-old child, I studied the blues, and then moved on to jazz – and I've been stuck there ever since!
I believe strongly in the happiness and healing power that music can provide, which is what led me to pursue music as a career. Since graduating from Cornish College of the Arts in the Spring of 2008, I have been living and working as a professional musician. I've played in everything from Hawaiian bands to Hip-hop bands, but, most of all, I love to play Jazz. I also play in the popular Dudley Manlove Quartet, a traveling corporate/dance band that plays all the biggest parties and events.
Aside from music, I enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities (especially surfing!) reading, going on adventures and studying business. Oh, and do not forget cream puffs, my cat Beefy and my guilty pleasures, ‘Lost’ and ‘Battlestar Galactica’!
The Spirit of Peace choir is open to anyone who enjoys singing -- no experience is necessary and all ages are welcome! We practice on most Sundays before service, beginning at 8:45 a.m. Please join us!
The children of Spirit of Peace occasionally perform for our congregation as well. If you have a child who loves to sing, you will find a welcoming, encouraging and most enthusiastic welcome here!
Children are an active part of our church community. During non-communion Sundays, kids are invited during the service to
come up front and share their “news,” and maybe answer a thought-provoking question. Then they go to Sunday School during the remainder of the service. The youngest, ages 2 to 6, are led by Katie McLaughlin, whose energy, enthusiasm and love for the kids is obvious in the many creative projects they enjoy. Katie, who is a currently a senior at Skyline High school, does gymnastics, softball, and Junior State of America, and says, “I absolutely love teaching Sunday school at Spirit of Peace. Each of the kids is unique and they make it fun for me to teach. It’s great to see them get excited about activities such as making fruits of the spirit, or the class favorite, home-made bible bingo. I enjoy working with the kids so much because they are all very sweet, plus they always keep me laughing and on my toes!”
The older children are taught by Elizabeth Maupin, M. Div., who brings a long history of building collaborative ministries that serve people in need throughout our community. Elizabeth has a heart for working with pre-teen and teens and openly shares her dedication and passion for guiding our youth as they grow in their faith journeys. Elizabeth shared, “I have a heart for ministry with people on the margins, the dispossessed, and the lonely. My dream is to work in a collaborative ministry that builds bridges between faith communities and supports those who pray and labor to heal the wounds and divisions caused by sin, misunderstanding, and distrust. My favorite spiritual disciplines are contemplative prayer, and the preparation of sermons and lessons, as these give me opportunity to study scripture and consider its application in daily life.”
If you would like to know more about our Sunday School curriculum, please check out www.gatherround.org.
Childcare is available to all children, from infancy to preschool, during both Sunday Worship and the Sermon Talk-Back time.
Sunday School is available to children from preschool through middle school, although some of the older children enjoy staying for the worship service.
Youth Group - We are in the process of building a youth group for our middle and high-school age members.
Sermon Talk-Back - Each Sunday, Pastor Dave facilitates a Sermon Talk-Back session to discuss ideas and questions that the sermon raises. Be sure to join us for this intellectually and spiritually stimulating hour of discussion. You will be inspired, you will be challenged, and your ideas will always be welcomed.
Singles Ministry - Spirit of Peace UCC is considering a Divorce Recovery Support Group for people who are separated, divorced or struggling with the end of a relationship. Email contact@spiritofpeaceucc.com if you are interested in participating.
Journeys of Faith: Stories from our Members
Every person who walks through the doors of our church has a story. For many of us, the discovery of this wonderful and welcoming faith community has made a profound difference in our lives. Spirit of Peace UCC is a place where we pray together and play together, where we care deeply for each other and share our lives -- our joys and sorrows, our celebrations and our challenges. We treasure the opportunity to hear each other's stories and to understand the individual faith journeys that have brought each of us to this place. Here, we share some of our stories.
I actually found this community of faith two times. First, when in their many personal ministries, they blessed me in a time of need, I attended a few times, and felt accepted. But as I then still belonged to another church, I only attended occasionally.
I don't go to church to find God. I find God in the wider world. I see him and hear him in the people I see and meet ever day. I have my own ministry and calling, serving the God of my understanding in a very personal way. I attend church to be filled up again, after pouring myself out all week. So when the church I had been attending became draining instead of filling, I stopped attending weekly services. Until I found Spirit of Peace UCC.
I had heard Pastor Dave speak twice as guest minister at my church, and was completely taken with the honest, open faith that seemed to parallel my own. So when I learned that he was now the part-time pastor at Spirit of Peace, I quickly found my way here a second time.
I find here a group of people who truly enjoy each other, and willingly accept new friends into their hearts. I find many who actively live their beliefs about serving humanity and all of God's creation. I find inter-generational love and caring and affections. I find believers who are quick to love and slow to judge, as my understanding of Jesus would have me do, too. I observe no pretense, no self-righteous, no selfishness and no condemnation here. If Christians are called to be “Christ-like”, I find people here that remind me of the Jesus that I love.
I've made all the stops in my journey to find the God of my understanding. The trusting faith of a child; the rejection of God in my teens; in my twenties living a double life as a non-believing churchgoer; around thirty, a sudden spiritual transformation in a crisis; in my thirties and forties, raising a church-going family, becoming a zealous but self-righteous Christian, then becoming angry at God, denying God's existence once again. Now and for the past 10 years, I've experienced the gentle path of personal recovery and spiritual growth. I have found a gracious, loving God, resembling the God of my childhood, once again.
Gratefully, I've found a church home within this community of believers at Spirit of Peace UCC.
The thing I remember most is that I had been searching for so long -- I desperately wanted a faith community where I could feel at home, where I could feel safe and where my children could discover the joy of knowing that there are people who love them and who will be there for them no matter what. It had been several years since we'd had a church home and I was feeling increasingly concerned that I might never find a place where we could all fit in and grow in our faith.
"Where are the liberals??" I pleaded with Catherine during the phone call that would draw me into this group of amazing, vibrant, spiritual and progressive people. "Are they anywhere or am I the only one on the Plateau?"
"We are right here," Catherine answered with a tone that could only be described as a cross between spitfire and spunk. She had been just a voice on the Spirit of Peace voice mail and now she was determined to assure me that I wasn't as alone or isolated as I was beginning to imagine. "Come next Sunday. We want to meet you!" There didn't seem to be a lot of room for argument.
Our first Sunday was Easter. With four-year-old twin girls and our 6th grade daughter in tow, my husband and I walked into the Pine Lake Community Center, not knowing what to expect but safe in the knowledge that we would meet at least one spiritual -- and perhaps even political -- soul mate in Catherine. Little did I know that the car I was admiring in the parking lot -- covered in bumper stickers that proclaimed equality and compassion for all, plead for social justice, world peace and open minds -- would be hers as well. I was right about the spunk.
Within minutes, it became clear that this was a group of people who cared deeply for each other, and knew well of each other's lives, but there was no sense of being outside the circle. They were comfortable, they were engaging, but most of all, they were incredibly gracious and welcoming. If there really was a circle, we were drawn into it immediately -- but with no pressure at all -- an interesting balance that is often tough to find in churches. It quickly felt like a place I could get used to.
Fast forward a few months and I come to the shocking realization that my husband, who is chronically afflicted with a cycling obsession, has left his bike in the garage for about 10 or 15 consecutive Sunday mornings. Ever the cynic, even he had fallen hard for Pastor Dave's impassioned sermons, thought-provoking messages, and genuine and enthusiastic love of God. I was hooked, the kids were hooked, and just a few months after that first impossible-to-resist invitation, we knew we had found the faith community that would become our home.