BCUCC News for Sunday, July 1, 2018

News and Upcoming Events

  • Sunday July 1: Bible reading: Numbers 11:24-30. Theme: Spirit Led and Humble. First Food Sunday! Bring food for A.C.T. food shelf. Potluck after Congregational Meeting.
  • Sunday July 1: Congregational Meeting after worship. Nonmembers are encouraged to join us, and have voice, but not vote. We will vote on the 2018-2019 budget, approve the Church’s Profile (resumé), vote on two small bylaws changes, and receive written nominations for the Pastor Search Committee. Please access the documents for this meeting; the Profile (https://breaucc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/BCUCC-profile-nopics.pdf) and Bylaws updates (https://breaucc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/2018-Motions-for-Congregational-Meeting.pdf)
  • BCUCC, with all 5 other UCC churches in OC, was well represented at the OC Pride March last Saturday. Thanks to Dennis and Sarah Brown, Dennis Arp, Shannon Clay, Pastor Terry, Sheila and Hannah McCracken and Sheila’s nephew.  And to Kathryn Kadletz for our new church banner!
  • Summer music and arts: This year’s theme is “Almost Anything Goes”! Dust off that guitar, warm up those vocal cords, pick up your poems and paintings, or grab your friends to share a talent or skill with the congregation. Don’t be shy – feel free to talk to Jessica our Music Director about your ideas and she’ll be happy to sign you up for a Sunday (during the normal choir anthem spot). She is here to support you and your dream in any way she can!
  • Sundays starting July 8: Sing Your Favorites! Come early to worship to sing some of your favorite songs and hymns.  Starts at 9:50.

         Starts in July: Everyday Peacemaking: Compassionate Communication: Tuesday nights July 10 and 24, 7:00-8:30pm, and Thursday mornings July 12 and 26, 9:00-10:30am.  Learn tools to speak your truth respectfully and listen empathetically. Jesus said, “do not judge,” and, “love your neighbor”; here are concrete steps you can use to transform judgment and build relationship.  Real life examples; community members welcome, come any time.
  • Do you know a teen or young adult who would enjoy an “Arts for Activism” summer workshop? We need a critical mass to offer this program.  Participants will analyze how works like “Hamilton” promote constructive dialog for social change, and can express their own passion in the art medium of their choice, including drama, music or visual arts. Please let Pastor Terry know!

Ongoing 

  • Bible Study is Thursdays 9:15-10:15am in the church office. We may take days off in the summer; RSVP to Pastor Terry if you’re not a regular to be sure we’re meeting.  Topic is 2 Samuel (King David).  All are welcome, to discover the intersection of sacred story and modern life with an open mind.
  • This summer, The BCUCC Theological Book Clubwill be reading, Tattoos on the Heart, The Power of Boundless Compassion, by Gregory Boyle.  This moving and delightful book is about kinship and the sacredness of life, about meeting the world with a loving heart, overcoming shame, and staying faithful in spite of failure.  Come join us to discuss Chapters 1-4 on Wednesday, July 11th, and the rest of the book on August 1st.  We meet at 7:00p.m. at the home of Karen and Jim Hill.  For directions, please call 714-693-0261, or email to jandkhill@mac.com.

 

 

Global Ministries: Statement on Immigrant Families

https://www.globalministries.org/statement_on_immigrant_families_from_southwest

 

Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries, a part of UCC/DOC Global Ministries, belongs to a Christian tradition which is committed to using our hearts, our heads, and our bodies to answer God’s call to justice (Micah 6:8). But, what is justice in this situation?

It is not a blanket entry ticket into the United States for everyone. It is our call to justice that families must be kept together, that courts must be properly staffed, that humane conditions are for everyone… every one of God’s children, without exception.

Global Ministries: Statement on Immigrant Families (ctd.)

 

  • As Christians first and Americans second, we call on the government to allow legal services, physical and mental health care, and a system of release/parole to all immigrants seeking asylum after an initial hearing.
  • Families must be kept together, whether the children are with a parent, sibling, aunt/uncle, trusted friend, or grandparent, to provide appropriate physical care and emotional support to each child. This may only be changed if the person is shown not to be a caretaker, but a trafficker or abuser.
  • Elected officials, credentialed journalists, non-profits and churches providing social services and spiritual care should be given access to all immigrants who wish it, after normal background checks.
  • All detainees should be provided appropriate clothing for the weather, and temperatures between 60˚F and 80˚F should be maintained for sleeping and normal daily activities. Babies and toddlers, and all asylum seekers should be provided clean diapers, undergarments, and clothing.
  • All detainees should be given staff, medical and psychological evaluations, and legal services in either their first or second language.
  • Both immigrants and their children and staff at all facilities should have the option for spiritual care and mental health care.
  • A general rule of kindness and well-being should be present in order to model appropriate behavior and set immigrants on their way to being good citizens.
  • When an immigrant claims torture and requests asylum, they should have minimum containment while a mental health assessment is completed, and a report is given to the courts ensuring that they are not malingering.
  • No detainee should be over-medicated or denied their medications.
  • Appropriate educational, recreational, social, and language activities should be provided to all detainees.
  • Where possible, a background check and supporting documents should be used to assist the immigration courts in making just decisions.
  • A timeframe not to exceed 20 days in detention for adults together with their minor family members should result in parole, barring a finding for removal for cause, while awaiting further court deliberations or hearing.
  • This process should not become a money-making venture for private corporations or government officials, their families, and donors.
  • There is a process to ensure that no one is allowed free access to do harm in the U.S., but it means shifting from building walls to building real security with information. It means building relationships that are humane, and not Anti-Human.

Some may say that this is a “cushy deal,” but it isn’t. Detention is still detention, not freedom. And justice requires commitment, not cruelty.

When the power of love overcomes the love of power,
the world will know peace.

– Jimi Hendrix

 

BCUCC News for Sunday, June 24, 2018

News and Upcoming Events

  • Sunday, June 24 Worship Topic: Bad News, Good News. Bible reading: Romans 12:9-21. Special music by singer Angelica Rowell.  Angelica Rowell is a singer, actress, and creative storyteller from the Bay Area. She graduated from the University of California, Irvine in the Spring of 2018 with a Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance and a Bachelors of Arts in Drama. When she is not busy in rehearsal or writing; Angelica enjoys trips to Disneyland, binge-watching TV shows, and cooking. Credits:  Potts (Beauty & the Beast), Elizabeth Bennet (Pride & Prejudice), Sorceress (Dido & Aeneas), Comb Your Hair or You’ll Look Like a SlaveMrs. Packard, Evita.
  • May 19- June 30: Interfaith Shelter Network uses our Sequoia Hall. Check with Sharon Everley or Ann Marshall if you’d like to support the program.
  • Sunday July 1: Sunday July 1: First Food Sunday! Bring food for A.C.T. food shelf.
    Potluck after Congregational Meeting.
  • Sunday July 1: Congregational Meeting after worship. Nonmembers are encouraged to join us, and have voice, but not vote. We will vote on the 2018-2019 budget, approve the Church’s Profile (resumé), vote on two small bylaws changes, and take written nominations for the Pastor Search Committee. Please access the documents for this meeting; the Profile (https://breaucc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/BCUCC-profile-nopics.pdf) and Bylaws updates (https://breaucc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/2018-Motions-for-Congregational-Meeting.pdf)
  • Summer music and arts: This year’s theme is “Almost Anything Goes”! Dust off that guitar, warm up those vocal cords, pick up your poems and paintings, or grab your friends to share a talent or skill with the congregation. Don’t be shy – feel free to talk to Jessica our Music Director about your ideas and she’ll be happy to sign you up for a Sunday (during the normal choir anthem spot). She is here to support you and your dream in any way she can!
  • Sundays starting July 8: Sing Your Favorites! Come early to worship to sing some of your favorite songs and hymns.  Starts at 9:50.

         Starts in July: Everyday Peacemaking: Compassionate Communication: Tuesday nights and Thursday mornings.  Learn tools to speak your truth respectfully and listen empathetically. Jesus said “do not judge” and “Love Your Neighbor”; here are concrete steps you can use to transform judgment and build relationship.  Real life examples; community members welcome.
  • Mark your Calendars:
    Friday August 17: YAYA’s Movie Night.
    Saturday Sept. 1: YAYA’s Bubble Run.

Ongoing

 

  • Bible Study is Thursdays 9:15-10:15am in the church office. We may take days off in the summer; RSVP to Pastor Terry if you’re not a regular to be sure we’re meeting.  Topic is 2 Samuel.  All are welcome, to discover the intersection of sacred story and modern life with an open mind.
  • This summer, The BCUCC Theological Book Clubwill be reading, Tattoos on the Heart, The Power of Boundless Compassion, by Gregory Boyle.  This moving and delightful book is about kinship and the sacredness of life, about meeting the world with a loving heart, overcoming shame, and staying faithful in spite of failure.  Come join us to discuss Chapters 1-4 on Wednesday, July 11th, and the rest of the book on August 1st.  We meet at 7:00p.m. at the home of Karen and Jim Hill.  For directions, please call 714-693-0261, or email to jandkhill@mac.com.

    First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
    Because I was not a Socialist.

    Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
    Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

    Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
    Because I was not a Jew.

    Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

    -Rev. Martin Neimöller

Profile and Bylaws

Dear members and friends of BCUCC,

Here are the files you will need for our big Congregational meeting July 1. Click to download.

  1. BCUCC-profile-nopics (warning, this one is big!)
  2. 2018 Motions for Congregational Meeting (one page)

Thanks for being a Congregational church!

Pastor Terry

BCUCC News for Sunday, June 17, 2018

News and Upcoming Events

  • Sunday June 17: Music Sunday.  Let’s thank and enjoy our choir before they take their summer break.  Worship Theme: God’s Rhythm. Bible: Psalm 127:1-2, Mark 6:30-32. Happy Father’s Day, too!
  • Summer music and arts: This year’s theme is “Almost Anything Goes”! Dust off that guitar, warm up those vocal cords, pick up your poems and paintings, or grab your friends to share a talent or skill with the congregation. Don’t be shy – feel free to talk to Jessica about your ideas and she’ll be happy to sign you up for a Sunday (during the normal choir anthem spot). She is here to support you and your dream in any way she can!
  • June 19: Church Council meets in Church Office.
  • Saturday June 23: March with BCUCC in the OC Gay Pride Parade. 10am in Santa Ana. Carpool may be arranged. Check out our new banner.  PLEASE SIGN UP so we can give you location when we know it! Sign up is on the Kiosk, or email the office.
  • Sunday, June 24 Worship: Special music by singer Angelica Rowell.
  • May 19- June 30: Interfaith Shelter Network uses our Sequoia Hall; we cook dinners through June 8. Check with Sharon Everley or Ann Marshall if you’d like to support the program.

 

  • Sunday July 1: Congregational Meeting after worship. We will vote on the 2018-2019 budget, approve the Church’s Profile (resumé) and take written nominations for the Pastor Search Committee.
  • Mark your Calendars:
    Friday August 17: YAYA’s Movie Night.
    Saturday Sept. 1: YAYA’s Bubble Run.

Ongoing

 

  • Bible Study is Thursdays 9:15-10:15am in the church office. We may take days off in the summer; RSVP to Pastor Terry if you’re not a regular to be sure we’re meeting.  Topic is 2 Samuel.  All are welcome, to discover the intersection of sacred story and modern life with an open mind.
  • This summer, The BCUCC Theological Book Clubwill be reading, Tattoos on the Heart, The Power of Boundless Compassion, by Gregory Boyle.  This moving and delightful book is about kinship and the sacredness of life, about meeting the world with a loving heart, overcoming shame, and staying faithful in spite of failure.  Come join us to discuss Chapters 1-4 on Wednesday, July 11th, and the rest of the book on August 1st.  We meet at 7:00p.m. at the home of Karen and Jim Hill.  For directions, please call 714-693-0261, or email to jandkhill@mac.com.

AROUND THE UCC:

 

KNITTING4PEACE is an interfaith and global community dedicated to knitting together the Beloved Community, and based out of Park Hill Congregational UCC, in Denver,

  1. They are woven together and intentional about incorporating an element of 3 in everything that is created: symbolizing the person who creates the item, the person who receives it, and the Mystery of Creation that creates and unites all of Creation. 3 also symbolizes the importance of the Abrahamic faith traditions to global peace. Their work of crafting and delivering Hope, Healing, and Peace constitutes the third “3” of the Mission’s founding commitments. Knitting4Peace has delivered requested items to more than 140,000 people living in communities across the United States and 70 countries around the world: through groups gathering, creating, and knitting (known as Peace Pods), and systems of delivery run by volunteers. They share patterns for pieces, and pattern the world for peace.

 

Learn more about their ongoing ministry, here: http://www.knitting4peace.org

BCUCC News for Sunday, June 10, 2018

News and Upcoming Events

  • June 10: Bible: Mark 6:1-13. Theme: Don’t Go It Alone.
  • Sunday June 10: YAYA’s Beach Party – Drive (carpool) after church to Huntington Beach city beach. Bring food for a BBQ potluck/picnic.  All are welcome.  Talk to Bryan Wake for details.
  • Tuesday June 12, noon: Help us ring 49 Bells, in memory of lives lost to the Orlando shooting, June 12, 2016. Light lunch to follow, RSVP to the office or Pastor Terry appreciated.  Signup on the kiosk.
  • Thursday June 14: Lunch Bunch is hosted by Joan West. Coco’s on Imperial next to HWY 57, 11:45am.  Catch up with church friends and write a couple of care notes. All ages welcome.  RSVP to Pastor Terry so we can save you a spot.
  • Thursday June 14: Worship Committee meets at 6:30. Guests invited to choir practice at 7:30 to help us sing Music Sunday with Gusto!
  • Sunday June 17: Music Sunday.  Let’s thank and enjoy our choir before summer break.  Worship Theme: God’s Rhythm. Bible: Psalm 127:1-2, Mark 6:30-32. Happy Father’s Day, too!
  • Saturday June 23: March with BCUCC in the OC Gay Pride Parade. 10am in Santa Ana. Carpool may be arranged. Check out our new banner.  Sign up is on the Kiosk.
  • Sunday, June 24 Worship: Special music by singer Angelica Rowell.
  • May 19- June 30: Interfaith Shelter Network uses our Sequoia Hall; we cook dinners through June 8. Check with Sharon Everley or Ann Marshall if you’d like to support the program.
  • Sunday July 1: Congregational Meeting after worship. We will vote on the 2018-2019 budget, approve the Church’s Profile (resumé) and take written nominations for the Pastor Search Committee.

Ongoing

 

  • Bible Study is Thursdays 9:15-10:15am in the church office. We may take days off in the summer; RSVP to Pastor Terry if you’re not a regular to be sure we’re meeting.  Topic is 2 Samuel.  All are welcome, to discover the intersection of sacred story and modern life with an open mind.

 

UCC Diversity: First Congregational Church of Second Life (Online)

http://www.ucc.org/news_virtual_church_meets_needs_of_marginalized_through_extravagant_welcome_01042017

 

The first virtual reality located church with full standing in any mainline denomination achieved another first on January 7, 2018, the Sunday celebrated as the Baptism of Christ.  At the regular evening worship service Mr. Jonni Connor, a member of First United Church of Christ Second Life, was baptized in a ceremony that included both virtual world and real world participation.  Connor has been a member of First UCC Second Life for many months and requested baptism.  The sacrament had not been administered for him in real life.

 

Rev. Christine Metcalf Ng and Rev. Dr. Jerold Garber planned the liturgy for the occasion to include use of Connor’s real life name and for a member of Connor’s family to sprinkle water at the same time the ritual was performed by the avatars representing the participants in Second Life.  “We knew that Mr. Connor is challenged by autism,” said Garber, “which prohibits him from interacting verbally, being in a crowded environment, or being touched in the real world.”  “We believe that God is present in all places, and that conducting the baptism with real life use of water and using the real name of the person being baptized, were sufficient,” Garber added.

 

Some of those attending the service remarked that they were in tears of joy.  Connor is currently working on a book on autism to help persons not familiar with the condition better understand those who live with autism.  His ability to interact in the First UCC Second Life community has led to him being appointed a Guide, the virtual world version of usher.

 

First United Church of Christ celebrated four years of ministry in October of 2017 and was installed as a church with full standing in the Eastern Association, Southern California Nevada Conference in November of 2016.  Information about the ministry is available on the church website http://www.firstuccsl.org