News and Upcoming Events

•        The Reverend Michael Lewis is planning a special family worship and communion service for this Sunday in the Fellowship Hall based on the theme “Turn, Turn, Turn.” During this time of the year around the winter solstice, we are in the thin, liminal space between light and dark, which coincides with our observance of Jesus’s coming into the world, bringing new light and new things into our lives. We are in the process of reinventing ourselves, our congregation, and the institutions of our nation. Our worship on Sunday will be centered on the symbol of bowls, as they represent the place where turning and mixing and reinventing can happen. In some ways, our church life and our relationship with God can serve as these vessels for reinvention and transformation. Congregants are invited to bring bowls to church that are special to them in any way to be added to Sunday’s worship center. Anyone who likes may make a short statement on why this symbol or artifact is meaningful to them. We’re looking forward to seeing you on Sunday as we reflect on our journey together to turn, turn, turn.
• The office will be closed from Dec. 25 through Jan. 2.   We will periodically check messages—anything urgent please text or phone Pastor Terry.

• Tai Chi is Thursdays at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary, January 3, 17 and 24.
• Sunday January 6: Brief Congregational Meeting 11 am (after worship.)  First Food Sunday and Potluck.
• Wednesday January 9, 2-4 pm:  Art and Soul.  Janine Arp will have another fun craft activity for us: stay tuned!  
  

 

Ongoing

• Bible Study is on Thursdays at 2-3pm.  We will resume after the holidays January 3.  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! 

• Choir practice Thursdays at 7:30pm.  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!

•  The BCUCC Theological Book Club will begin reading a new book, In the Shelter, by Padraig O Tuama.  There’s an old Irish proverb: ‘It is in the shelter of each other that the people live.’  Interweaving everyday stories with analysis, gospel reflections with mindfulness and Celtic spirituality with poetry, this book explores the practice of welcoming as a spiritual discipline.  It is comforting and inspiring.  Come join the fun and discussions at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, January 9th for chapters 1-3, January 23rd for chapters 4-6, and February 6th for chapters 7-10.  We’ll meet at the Hill household.  Please email at jandkhill@mac.com or call 714-693-0261 for directions.  See you then!

News and Upcoming Events

• Saturday December 15, 10-12pm: Allies to Jews.  Kate Potter (sister of Kris Percy) will lead this “teach-in” event in our church hall.  Learn how to support our Jewish neighbors in the face of recent anti-Jewish crimes in Orange County.
• Sunday Dec. 16.  Worship 10am. Third Sunday of Advent. Theme: “What Should We Do?” Bible Reading: Luke 3:7-18.
• Tuesday December 18: Everyday Peacemaking: Compassionate Communication.  Two opportunities. Morning session 10-11:30am; Evening session 7-8:30pm in the church office (ring bell at gate on Flower Street).  Topic: Self-empathy. Beginners welcome.
• Sunday Dec. 23, after worship:  Christmas Cookie Exchange!  Bring a dozen or more of your specialty and take a dozen of other varieties home with you. Bring a container!
• Sunday Dec. 23, 4-6 pm The YAYA’s invite you to go caroling, followed by cocoa and treats at the church. We will carpool to some nearby locations.  If you can’t sing, just smile and bring good cheer.
• Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7:30pm.  Singing carols and lighting candles… what a great time to invite family and friends!  See you there.
• Sunday Dec. 30, 10am: Special Worship Service in the Hall led by Michael Lewis.

 

• Sunday January 6: Brief Congregational Meeting 11 am (after worship.)  First Food Sunday and Potluck.

 

 

Ongoing

• The BCUCC Theological Book Club will be reading, The Heart is a Little to the Left, by William Sloane Coffin.  The preface of this book reads, “If we are to be equal to the times we live in and to the greater problems the future will bring, we had better learn to scorn trifles and strive to be far more imaginative and more generous in spirit.  Above all, I believe we need to claim the kinship of all people, to recover the prophetic insight that we belong one to another, every one of us.”  You are welcome to join us in the discussion on Wednesday, December 19th at 7:00p.m. at the home of the Hills.  Please call or email us at 714-693-0261 or jandkhill@mac.com for directions.
• Bible Study is on Thursdays at 2-3pm.  We will resume after the holdiays January 3.  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! 

• Choir practice Thursdays at 7:30pm. 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!
• Tai Chi will take a hiatus for the month of December, returning on Thursday January 3.

 

Donations in December:  Our Council has decided to offer you two ways to give holiday gifts to those in need. Look for containers in the church entry coming soon.

1. The Preschool invited us to participate ingift giving for teenswho are clients at Children and Youth Behavioral Health.  Gifts due this Sunday the 16^th!

2. Gifts for a homeless family who attend Bryan Wake’s school. Gift cards to Walmart, JCPenney or Target are most helpful.

3. To asylum seekers just released from detention in OC and on their way to host families around the country.  From Sheryl at Friends of Orange County Detainees:

 “We are always in need of men’s clothing, specifically:  Slim fitting jeans.  The sizes most in demand are 29 to 34, although we occasionally have a 36, smaller sizes are most needed. Cotton casual slim fitting pants, same sizes as above. T-shirts, small through large, small and medium most in demand. Jackets coats and cold weather gear, all sizes; sweat shirts and hoodies all sizes; athletic and casual shoes all sizes, we are very short on 7.5 to 9; new underwear (not white), boxers and boxer briefs preferred; new socks; small (carryon) suitcases and duffel bags. It is a great experience when people who have been detained for months or years have a chance to select their own clothing. I tell them all of these items are available because people care about them and welcome them to our country.”

Don‘t ask yourself what the world needs.

Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that,

because what the world needs is people who have come alive.

-Howard Thurman