BCUCC News for Sunday, October 28, 2018

News and Upcoming Events

  • Sunday October 28: 10am Worship. Bible Reading: Psalm 148. Theme: Original Blessing. For this season of creation, we will add some different elements to worship. This week: a short drama “The Sun Dances” presented by Dennis Arp and Francie Quaas-Berryman.
  • Tuesday Oct. 30: Everyday Peacemaking: Compassionate Communication at 10-11:30am and 7-8:30pm. Using real-world situations, learn to speak your truth in a way that respects others and builds trust. Focus: Wrapping a Conflict in Empathy.  In the church office (enter through the gate on Flower Street.)
  • Saturday November 3: YAYA’s Movie Night 6-10pm. Dinner (in the hall with shelter guests) and child care provided.  Movie in the Sanctuary.  Bring a comfortable chair, costume if you have it, and enjoy costume and trivia contests.  Thanks Bryan Wake for organizing this! (What are YAYAs?  Youth and young adults.  It’s their thing but they invite everyone.)
  • Sunday Nov. 4: First Food Sunday: Potluck and Food Shelf donations. Bring a favorite dish to share for lunch together. (Sandwich fillings for our Breads of the World would be appreciated.) 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.
  • 27-November 10: Interfaith Shelter Network in the Hall. Sign up with Sharon Everley to cook and serve a meal for ~10 people: meals still needed on 10/28 and 10/31.

 

Save the Dates:

  • 28- Nov. 18: Season of Creation: honoring the earth and all life as sacred.
    (By creation we mean God’s ongoing relationship with the world, in harmony with evolution.)
  • Sunday November 11: Blessing of Animals in worship.
  • Sunday November 18: Neighbors in Need special UCC offering for justice ministries. This UCC offering provides grants to church-related ministries for mercy and social justice.  Matching funds will be given to OC’s own Neighbors in Need recipient, the Friends of OC Detainees, who coordinate volunteer visits and aid to immigrant detainees in OC jails.

Ongoing

  • Bible Study is now Thursdays at 2-3pm. Join us in the pastor’s office; you are always welcome.  We are studying the Gospel of John.  Lively discussion about what scripture means to us today. No homework!
  • The BCUCC Theological Book Club will be reading, Where Do We Go From Here—Chaos or Community, by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In this prophetic work, Dr. King lays out his thoughts, plans, and dreams for America’s future. It’s a universal message of hope that continues to resonate.  We’ll meet at the Hill’s home on Wednesday, November 7th at 7:00p.m.  Come enjoy the company and the discussion.  For directions please call or email at 714-693-0261 or jandkhill@mac.com.
  • Thursdays 6:30: Tai Chi. Karen will guide us in this gentle meditative movement: restorative for body and soul. All ages welcome. Wear comfortable stretchable clothing; layers so you can be a comfortable temperature. Scheduled Nov. 1, 15, 29.

  • Choir practice Thursdays at 7:30. Like to sing but not sure you’re ready for prime time?  Jessica Cosley is a fabulous teacher and our choir is a great place to grow musically. Join us!

 

Community events:

Documenting Hate: Charlottesville and Orange County at Chapman University’s Memorial Hall, Monday Oct. 29, 7-9 pm.  Screening of the documentary “Documenting Hate Charlottesville,” followed by a panel discussion.

 

      Corpus Christi: a play by Terrence McNally: What if Jesus was gay?  Joshua, different from other boys because of his homosexuality, grows up in isolation and torment.  Fleeing his home, he gathers a group of disciples who are drawn to his radical message of love and tolerance.  Despite his message of equality, he will suffer the same fate as Jesus who also sought to change a wayward community—its arrogance, its ignorance, and its complacency.  November 9-18 in Santa Ana. Tickets at TheWaywardArtist.org.

 

 

Thanks to all of you long-timers, newer participants, and friends who helped make Oktoberfest wonderful last Sunday.  Special thanks to Sharon Everley and Lorie Goetsch for some serious from-scratch cooking, and Sharone Bölle and friends for fun decorations. People are the church!

Grace-filled God, share with us your heart for creation;
That we may cherish all life,
working together to heal the damage we have done,
Knowing that in all our struggles you are beside us,
to inspire, strengthen and transform us.
Amen

BCUCC News for Sunday, October 21, 2018

News and Upcoming Events

  •  TOMORROW: Saturday October 20, 1-3pm, Manzanita.  AB329 Outreach & Queer & Transgender Equality training by Liz Sanchez.  If you have questions about how to be better advocates and allies for the transgender community, this will be a great class to attend!
  • Sunday October 21: 10am Worship. Bible reading: John 4:5-26.  Theme: Refreshed and Renewed. Guest preacher Lynne Prechel. Lynne is a Minister of Word and Service (Deacon) in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). She holds certificates in spiritual direction and supervision of spiritual directors, and has been in practice as a spiritual director for over fifteen years. Lynne has been teaching and leading spiritual formation practices for more than two decades.
  • Sunday October 21: Oktoberfest after worship. All are welcome.  Bratwurst the Goetsch way.  Come ready to share a favorite picture or memory of our beloved Bill. Contact Sharon Everley to sign up to help with food.
  • Wednesday October 24, 2-4 pm. Art and Soul In the hall, adults and teens, members and friends, all are welcome.  Bring your favorite art or craft project, get a little soul-spiration, and create!  Janine Arp will bring metal stamping supplies for us to learn to create jewelry or tags.  Thanks Janine!
  • 27-November 10: Interfaith Shelter Network in the Hall. Our ISN program is now being headed by OC United and City Net. Jay Williams with OC United is organizing a year round program and funding our friend Shelly for opening and overnight stays. City Net is providing case management. Our first turn with the program will be from October 27.  Sign up with Sharon Everley to cook and serve a meal for ~10-12 people.
  • 30: Everyday Peacemaking: Compassionate Communication at 10-11:30am and 7-8:30pm. Using real-world situations, learn to speak your truth in a way that respects others and builds trust. Topic: Wrapping a Conflict in Empathy.  In the church office (Enter through the gate on Flower Street.)

 Save the Dates:

  • 28- Nov. 18: Season of Creation: honoring the earth and all life as sacred.
    (By creation we mean God’s ongoing relationship with the world, in harmony with evolution.)
  • Saturday November 3: YAYA’s Movie Night
  • Sunday November 11: Blessing of Animals in worship.
  • Sunday November 18: Neighbors in Need special UCC offering for justice ministries.

Ongoing

  • Bible Study is now Thursdays at 2-3pm. Join us in the pastor’s office; you are always welcome.  We are studying the Gospel of John.  Lively discussion about what scripture means to us today. No homework!
  • The BCUCC Theological Book Club will be reading, Where Do We Go From Here—Chaos or Community, by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In this prophetic work, Dr. King lays out his thoughts, plans, and dreams for America’s future. It’s a universal message of hope that continues to resonate.  We’ll meet at the Hill’s home on Wednesday, November 7th at 7:00p.m.  Come enjoy the company and the discussion.  For directions please call or email at 714-693-0261 or jandkhill@mac.com.
  • Thursdays 6:30: Tai Chi. Karen will guide us in this gentle meditative movement: restorative for body and soul. All ages welcome. Wear comfortable stretchable clothing; layers so you can be a comfortable temperature. Continues through October.

  • Choir practice Thursdays at 7:30. Like to sing but not sure you’re ready for prime time?  Jessica Cosley is a fabulous teacher and our choir is a great place to grow musically. Join us!

 

Community event: Documenting Hate: Charlottesville and Orange County at Chapman University, Monday Oct. 29, 7-9 pm.  Screening of the documentary “Documenting Hate Charlottesville,” followed by a panel discussion.

 

Voting resources

You can vote early Oct. 27-Nov. 2, 8am-5pm, Nov. 3-Nov. 5, 7am-8pm. at:

Anaheim City Hall, 200 S. Anaheim Blvd.

  • Fullerton Community Center, (drive-through ballot drop-off), 340 W. Commonwealth Ave.
    You can always bring a mail-in ballot to the polls, or request a provisional ballot if something goes awry.

    When you let go of who you are, you become who you might be.

    -Rumi

    Creation Care Tip: How can you pack or buy a lunch that leaves as little waste as possible?  Move toward a waste-free lunch.  Pack reusable food containers in reusable bags, or buy lunch at restaurants that provide washable tableware… Can we make it a habit?

BCUCC News for Sunday, October 14, 2018

News and Upcoming Events

  • Sunday October 14: 10am Worship. Bible reading: Romans 8:35-39. Theme: Freedom. Guest preacher Rev. Ken Wyant. Ken is originally from Lansing, Michigan. He attended seminary at Vanderbilt. He has served churches in Pittsburgh, PA; Hamilton, OH; and Los Alamitos, CA. He also taught tennis and managed Affordable Housing before retiring. Every Tuesday he leads Bible Study at Irvine UCC.
  • Sunday October 14: Creation Justice planning continues. In the hall after worship, in addition to snacks and drinks, read the display and contribute your ideas (if you haven’t already) about Creation Justice ministry at our church and how you can help.
  • Sunday October 21: Oktoberfest after worship. All are welcome.  Bratwurst the Goetsch way.  Come ready to share a favorite picture or memory of our beloved Bill. Contact Sharon Everley to sign up to help with food.
  • Wednesday October 24, 2-4 pm. Art and Soul In the hall, adults and teens, members and friends, all are welcome.  Bring your favorite art or craft project, get a little soul-spiration, and create!  Janine Arp will bring metal stamping supplies for us to learn to create jewelry or tags.  Thanks Janine!
  • 27-November 10: Interfaith Shelter Network in the Hall. Our ISN program is now being headed by OC United and City Net. Jay Williams with OC United is organizing a year round program and funding our friend Shelly for opening and overnight stays. City Net is providing case management. Our first turn with the program will be from October 27.  Sign up with Sharon Everley to cook and serve a meal for ~10-12 people.
  • 30: Everyday Peacemaking: Compassionate Communication at 10-11:30am and 7-8:30pm. Using real-world situations, learn to speak your truth in a way that respects others and builds trust. Topic: Wrapping a Conflict in Empathy.  In the church office (Enter through the gate on Flower Street.)

Save the Dates:

  • 28- Nov. 18: Season of Creation*: honoring the earth and all life as sacred.
    (By creation we mean God’s ongoing relationship with the world, in harmony with evolution.)
  • Saturday November 3: YAYA’s Movie Night
  • Sunday November 11: Blessing of Animals in worship.

Ongoing

  • TheBCUCC Theological Book Club will be reading, Days of Awe and Wonder: How to be a Christian in the 21st Century, by Marcus J. Borg.  “God, the sacred, pervades all that is, even though we do not often see it.  But there are moments in which our eyes are opened, and we see the glory.”  Come join us in discovery.  We will meet on October 17th to discuss Chapters 9-16.  Light refreshments are served, and fun and discovery are enjoyed by all.  For more information, call Jim or Karen Hill at 714-693-0261 or email to jandkhill@mac.com.
  • Bible Study is now Thursdays at 2-3pm. Join us in the pastor’s office; you are always welcome.  We are studying the Gospel of John.  Lively discussion about what scripture means to us today. No homework! (No meeting October 18.)

  • Thursdays 6:30: Tai Chi. Karen will guide us in this gentle meditative movement: restorative for body and soul. All ages welcome. Wear comfortable stretchable clothing; layers so you can be a comfortable temperature. Continues through October.

  • Choir practice Thursdays at 7:30. Like to sing but not sure you’re ready for prime time?  Jessica Cosley is a fabulous teacher and our choir is a great place to grow musically. Join us!

Faithful action: vote the whole ticket and invite your friends to vote.

The Kingdom of God is not a political party or policy.  But our elected officials daily take actions that affect peoples’ lives and our environment.  We have the power to affect those decisions by our votes.  Research the whole ballot and vote your conscience.  Aid and encourage others to do the same.  Voter turnout for non-presidential elections determines results.  If you care about public policy, show up.  Research the whole ballot.  Support, mentor, and hold accountable people who have not yet developed the habit.

 

Voter’s edge is a comprehensive nonpartisan guide to elections.  Print yourself a sample ballot, access candidate statements, websites, endorsements, news articles and funding sources.

https://votersedge.org/ca

 

For new voters or those wanting a simple guide to statewide offices and propositions:

http://www.easyvoterguide.org

 

For candidate forums and proposition forums schedules: http://lwvnoc.org

 

To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains,

but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.

– Nelson Mandela

Creation Care Tip:  Hope is different from optimism.  In the face of dire news about the environment, optimism may elude us, but hope is always available. Hope is a gift of our faith that empowers us to compassionate action in any situation.

BCUCC News for Sunday, October 7, 2018

News and Upcoming Events

  • Open Mosque Day Saturday Oct. 6 Our friends at Islamic Institute of Orange County (1220 N. State College Blvd., Anaheim) are holding their annual open house from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday, October 6th.  They’ll offer tours of the mosque, answer questions about Islam, and, of course, fantastic food will be served! Please RSVP to Dave This (davidthis@gmail.com) so we can let them know who’s coming. Carpools from our church will be coordinated.
  • Saturday October 6: Apple Pie Day at Pilgrim Pines! Carpool from the church at 8:30am. Begins at 9:30am and ends at 3:00pm. Lunch and activities are included. Cost is $16 for adults and $12 for children 13 and under. Let’s carpool—call Terry at 949-400-3379.
  • Sunday October 7: 10am. World Communion Sunday Worship. Breads of the world will be shared for communion.
  • Sunday October 7: First Food Sunday: Potluck and Food Shelf donations. Bring a favorite dish to share for lunch together.  (Sandwich fillings for our Breads of the World would be appreciated.) 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.  Becoming a Creation Justice Church.  As part of our potluck lunch, we will have a short simple program to review our current Creation Justice efforts, share ideas, and begin to craft a Creation Justice Covenant and form a Green Team.  Please join us!
  • Wednesday October 10: Memorial service for Bill Goetsch, 10 am, Nixon Library, Yorba Linda. Reception follows.
  • Thursday October 11, 3pm: Join us to visit the Brea Museum special exhibit “A Class Action: Mendez v. Westminster, The Grass Roots Struggle for School Desegregation in California.” If you can’t join us, museum hours are Wed. – Fri. 2-8pm and Sat. 10-5pm.  This award-winning exhibit is only on display through Oct. 20.
  • Sunday October 21: Oktoberfest after worship. All are welcome.  Bratwurst the Goetsch way.  Come ready to share a favorite picture or memory of our beloved Bill. Contact Sharon Everley to sign up to help with food.

Save the Dates:

  • Art and Soul *Date Change*: Wednesday October 24, 2-4 pm
  • 27-November 10: Interfaith Shelter Network in the Hall.
  • 28- Nov. 18: Season of Creation: honoring the earth and all life as sacred.
  • 30: Everyday Peacemaking: Compassionate Communication at 10 am and 7 pm.
  • Saturday November 3: YAYA’s Movie Night
  • Sunday November 11: Blessing of Animals in worship.

Ongoing

  • TheBCUCC Theological Book Club will be reading, Days of Awe and Wonder: How to be a Christian in the 21st Century, by Marcus J. Borg.  “God, the sacred, pervades all that is, even though we do not often see it.  But there are moments in which our eyes are opened, and we see the glory.”  Come join us in discovery.  We will meet on October 17th to discuss Chapters 9-16.  Light refreshments are served, and fun and discovery are enjoyed by all.  For more information, call Jim or Karen Hill at 714-693-0261 or email to jandkhill@mac.com.
  • Bible Study is now Thursdays at 2-3pm. Join us in the pastor’s office; you are always welcome.  We are studying the Gospel of John.  Lively discussion about what scripture means to us today. No homework!

  • Thursdays 6:30- Tai Chi with Karen Hill re-starts Oct. 17. Karen will guide us in this gentle meditative movement: restorative for body and soul. All ages welcome. Wear comfortable stretchable clothing; layers so you can be a comfortable temperature.

  • Choir practice Thursdays at 7:30. Like to sing but not sure you’re ready for prime time?  Jessica Cosley is a fabulous teacher and our choir is a great place to grow musically. Join us!

UCC Creation Justice resources:

 

“The Pollinator” is a blog of the UCC for the sharing of ideas and inspiration. Its focus is the building of a faith-filled and faith-rooted movement for the care of creation.

Sign up to recieve the Pollinator newsletter (http://www.ucc.org/pollinator_sign_up) to get regular updates from our UCC Minister for Environmental Justice, Rev. Brooks Berndt.

 

Congregations are sharing green ideas and forming green teams to make a difference for the environment.  Efforts include plastic-free challenges, personal energy audits and reduction challenges, park and waterway cleanups, and more.  We are excited to formalize our efforts in this area.

 

Check out more UCC resources at: http://www.ucc.org/environmental-ministries.