Veradale UCC hosts “Love Lives Here” potluck to celebrate anniversary and combat hate crimes

News story by Mary Feusner

The Veradale United Church of Christ wants to counter the suggestion of silencing a hate crime by hosting an anniversary celebration this weekend called “Love Lives Here.”

The potluck will be held on Sunday afternoon following the 10:30 a.m. service at 611 N Progress Road in Spokane Valley.

According to Reverend General Heywood, the potluck is open to anyone who wants to enjoy food and games.

Vandalism sparks community potluck; four people charged with hate crimes

On July 2, 2023, Heywood and the members of Veradale UCC invited the congregation to a potluck with the theme “Love is Greater than Hate.” The celebration was held in response to the vandalism that occurred at the church on June 25, 2023.

According to the Spokesman-Review, Katherine Blycker, Brigid Shannon, John Rhodes and Jacob Easton were charged with a hate crime, a Class C felony.

The acts of vandalism also included pouring diesel fuel on the lawn in front of the church to form the number Lev 2013, a reference to the Bible verse Leviticus 20:13. The suspects also ripped down three Black Lives Matter and Pride flags hanging on the church and stole 25 Pride flags.

“The sad thing is that our mayor still hasn’t spoken out against hate crimes,” Heywood said.

Pastor asks city for support due to security concerns

Heywood recognized the two city council members who participated in last year’s “Love is Greater than Hate” potluck, saying it was great to have them there.

Heywood said the saddest thing was that some members with young children stopped coming for fear of their safety.

“They attacked our entire community,” Heywood said.

Heywood said she hopes the city council will eventually issue a statement saying it supports the church’s efforts to overcome hate and that it is trying to make Spokane Valley a place where everyone is welcome.

“Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village to raise a felon,” Heywood said.

Standing up against hate; reaching a milestone

Heywood explained that the community is going through with the legal process because they need to give a voice to victims of hate crimes who are silenced. They are not doing it out of revenge or to hurt those who have hurt them.

“If we don’t stand up against it, if we don’t talk about it, it will get worse,” Heywood said.

The Veradale congregation is also celebrating Heywood’s ten-year anniversary as pastor of the church.

According to Heywood, she joined the church on June 16, 2014.

Pastor praises congregation and emphasizes the triumph of love

Heywood had high praise for the church members.

“The people are genuine and that’s what I love about this church,” Heywood said. “They are so generous with their time, their talent and their wealth to be able to live in this place. It’s an incredible church.”

Heywood said plans are already underway for next year’s anniversary potluck.

“Fear can stop us from loving, and without love we cannot live up to our humanity,” Heywood said.

According to Heywood, these celebrations are important because love is greater than hate.