BCUCC News for Sunday, July 29, 2018

News and Upcoming Events

  • Sunday July 29. Guest Preacher: Rev. Tracy Barnowe is an ordained UCC Minister and church growth specialist. A recent transplant from the San Francisco Bay Area, she has served churches in Campbell and San Rafael, California. After 20 years of growing, teaching, and consulting with churches on growth, she recently launched a progressive church growth website and blog: com.
  • Pastor Terry will be on vacation this week, visiting family in the Bay Area.
  • Sunday August 5: Potluck after worship!  Guest Preacher: Rev. Felix Villanueva, UCC Southern California Nevada Conference.
  • Sunday August 5: First Food Sunday.  Bring food to worship for Brea residents in need. Typically needed to supplement bulk food supplies: canned fruit, healthy lunch snacks, jams and jellies, oatmeal, easy-open foods for people without kitchen access.
  • Thursday August 9: Art and Soul. 2:30-4:30 pm in the church hall.  Come feed your soul with art.  Bring your favorite (easily portable) art supplies if you like, or use ours. We will have a short meditation, then work and play, together or independently, on a project. Also, share ideas for future arts at BCUCC!  Teens and adults welcome.
  • Wednesday August 15, 6:30 pm: Join your church friends for a Big Band Concert in the Park. At Brea City Hall Park, 401 S. Brea Blvd. Stay tuned for details.
  • Friday August 17: YAYA’s Movie Night—with food, games and more.  Stay tuned for details!
  • CC’C Learning Center, the Preschool who shares our campus, is looking for preschool teachers who have taken the four core early childhood classes. If you know somebody who might be interested, let them know! (714) 671-6970.

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.  (We are not meeting 8/2) 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 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.
  • Share the message! Sermons are online in both video and print form on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/56642580963/.
  • A directory of church members and friends is available by request on paper or as a PDF file. For privacy of participants, we do not leave it in the church entry; sorry for that inconvenience!

 

PURPOSE, VISION, & MISSION

of The United Church of Christ

 

The purpose statement from the Gospel of Matthew:

To love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength

and our neighbor as ourselves.

 The vision:

United in Christ’s love, a just world for all.

The mission statement:

United in Spirit and inspired by God’s grace, we welcome all, love all, and seek justice for all.

Creation Care Tip: Drive the gas-efficient car! (If your family has more than one.) Buy the gas-efficient car. Also, advocate, dream and experiment with a less car-dependent lifestyle—that’s a challenge in California, and needed.

BCUCC News for Sunday, July 22, 2018

News and Upcoming Events

  • Sunday July 22. Bible reading: 2 Corinthians 5:16-20. Theme: Courage for Reconciliation. Special Music: Michael Lewis.
  • This week! Everyday Peacemaking: Compassionate Communication. Tuesday night July 24, 7:00-8:30pm (in Sequoia Hall), same content is offered Thursday morning July 26, 9:00-10:30am (in the Church Office, entry on Flower Street). 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, join us any time.
  • Sunday July 29. Guest Preacher: Rev. Tracy Barnowe is an ordained UCC Minister and church growth specialist. A recent transplant from the San Francisco Bay Area, she has served churches in Campbell and San Rafael, California. After 20 years of growing, teaching, and consulting with churches on growth, she recently launched a progressive church growth website and blog: com. (Pastor Terry will be on vacation that week.)
  • Sunday August 5: Potluck after worship!  Guest Preacher: Rev. Felix Villanueva.  Felix has been serving as our UCC Southern California Nevada Conference Minister for 8 years, bringing us innovative programs and ideas, including clergy coaching, which Pastor Terry appreciates.  He is originally from Puerto Rico.  He previously served as a Navy chaplain, and as a pastor in San Diego.
  • Sunday August 5: First Food Sunday.  Bring food to worship for Brea residents in need. Typically needed to supplement bulk food supplies: canned fruit, healthy lunch snacks, jams and jellies, oatmeal, easy-open foods for people without kitchen access.
  • Wednesday August 15, 6:30 pm: Join your church friends for a Big Band Concert in the Park. At Brea City Hall Park, 401 S. Brea Blvd. Stay tuned for details.
  • Thanks to Shannon Clay for lettering our new Café signboard!

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.
  • Share the message! Sermons are online in both video and print form on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/56642580963/.
  • A directory of church members and friends is available by request on paper or as a PDF file. For privacy of participants, we do not leave it in the church entry; sorry for that inconvenience!

 

 

We are seeking formal recognition as a Creation Justice Church!

 

Whether it is taking on climate change or addressing the lead poisoning of children, environmental justice ministries could not have a higher purpose or calling than they do now. If the followers of Jesus today care about the air we breathe, the water we drink, or the world in which we live, then environmental justice ministry should undoubtedly be an integral strand in any church’s DNA. The UCC’s Creation Justice Church program aims to help us do just that.

As the Transition Team studied the various “designations” a UCC church could claim in addition to “Open and Affirming,” we discovered “Creation Justice.”  It’s a fit!  Sharon Bölle and Kathryn Kadletz discovered we are already doing many of the steps required.  Our Council agreed last week that we will continue the process to formally recognize our work for creation care and environmental justice. Stay tuned for more info.

The weak can never forgive.  Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong.

-Gandhi

 

Creation Care Tip: Consider switching from mailed bills, to electronic billing.  Paper bills add up!

BCUCC News for Sunday, July 15, 2018

News and Upcoming Events

  • Sunday July 15: Bible reading: Excerpts from the Book of Ruth. Theme: Chesed– Loving Kindness.
  • Sunday July 15: Community Voices– Mike Ritchey. Many of you met Mike while serving dinner for our shelter guests.  Mike is a lifelong Fullerton resident where he lives with his wife and 3 daughters.  He holds a Master’s in Criminal Justice and Criminology and is currently in his final semester at Arizona State University where he is earning his Master’s in Social Work.  Mike’s research efforts have focused on mental illness, sex offenders, the homeless and veterans. He has a heart for empowering people who have struggled with mental illness.
  • We are excited to announce the Pastor Search Committee, and grateful for the commitment they have made on behalf of our church. Please support them with your prayers and your patience, and respect their confidentiality, as they begin this important work.
    • Shannon Clay
    • Randy Fowler
    • Karen Hill
    • Georlyn Igma
    • Kathryn Kadletz
    • Russ Nowell
    • Dave This

Pastor Terry has chosen not to be a candidate for the settled pastor position, so that she can do her transitional work empowering the church for its future with no conflicts of interest.

  • Sundays July 15 and 22: Sing Your Favorites! Come early to worship to sing some of your favorite songs and hymns.  Starts at 9:50am.
  • Church Council meets Tuesday June 17 at 7 pm in Joshua Tree room.
  • Tuesday night or Thursday Morning: Everyday Peacemaking: Compassionate Communication. Tuesday night July 24, 7:00-8:30pm (in Sequoia Hall), same content is offered Thursday morning July 26, 9:00-10:30am (in the Church Office, entry on Flower Street). 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, join us any time.
  • 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!
  • 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 or Francie Quaas-Berryman 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.
  • Share the message! Sermons are online in both video and print form on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/56642580963/.
  • A directory of church members and friends is available by request on paper or as a PDF file. For privacy of participants, we do not leave it in the church entry; sorry for that inconvenience!

    We tell ourselves stories in order to live.
    -Joan Didion

     

    Creation Care Tip:  If you set fans at strategic spots in your home, you can set your AC to a higher temperature, be quite comfortable, save money and reduce CO2.  Tower fans are safe and quiet.  If you have central air, you can set your house fan to “on” instead of “auto” for a little air movement.

BCUCC News for Sunday, July 8, 2018

News and Upcoming Events

  • Sunday July 8 Bible reading: Luke 6:37-38. Theme: Everyday Peacemaking.
    Note: singing favorite hymns and songs starts next Sunday, June 15.

    Tuesday night or Thursday Morning: Everyday Peacemaking: Compassionate Communication. Tuesday nights July 10 and 24, 7:00-8:30pm, same content is offered 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.

  • Sundays starting July 15: Sing Your Favorites! Come early to worship to sing some of your favorite songs and hymns.  Starts at 9:50am.

    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!
  • 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 or Francie Quaas-Berryman 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.
  • Share the message! Sermons are online in both video and print form on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/56642580963/.
  • A directory of church members and friends is available by request on paper or as a PDF file. For privacy of participants, we do not leave it in the church entry; sorry for that inconvenience!

    Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?
    -Abraham Lincoln