BCUCC News for Sunday, February 24, 2019

News and Upcoming Events

  • Saturday February 23, 10am:  Planting Natives!  Help us refresh our native garden on the corner of Flower and Imperial by planting a few new plants.
  • February 22-24: Hillcrest Festival of Fine Arts, free admission, hosted by our neighbor UCC church.  https://www.hillcrestfestivaloffinearts.com.
  • Worship February 24 at 10am.  Topic: “Sticking Our Necks Out.” Scripture: Luke 6:27-38.  

  • Tuesday, February 26: Everyday Peacemaking: Compassionate Communication.  Explore tools for building connection while addressing challenging topics.  We will use real life examples– bring yours!  10-11:30 am and 7-8:30 pm in the Church Office.
  • Thanks to all who have signed up for our “Breaking Bread Together” mixers.  Your group leaders should be contacting you to talk about scheduling.  Church is not a building, it’s people sharing their values and their lives. Thanks for sharing!
  • Thanks to all who help our Sunday Morning worship and fellowship. Liturgists, those who sing, set up, bring flowers, usher, bring food, and especially those who clean up in the kitchen.  We are blessed by your service.  You are very much appreciated!
  • Saturday March 2, 11am-1pm: Teach-in on Racism: “Orange County Unmasked”, led by Mike Rodriguez. The session will explore regrettable chapters in the county’s racial history, including the Ku Klux Klan presence and “sundown” racial policies early in the 19th century. Through historic awareness, we can build a more positive future.
  • Sunday, March 3:  Pastor Search Committee Q&A during our potluck lunch after worship.  The PSC must observe confidentiality about the content of their search (personal information about candidates.) But they would like to help everyone understand the process they are using to search for our next pastor, and answer your questions as they are able.
  • March 6.  Ash Wednesday special worship at 7:30pm. 

  • Saturday March 9: Chapman University Founder’s Day.  A day of celebration and learning for UCC and Disciples.  Learn about the St. John’s Bible.  Written on vellum using medieval calligraphic techniques with luminous illustrations, the St. John’s Bible seeks to awaken a biblical passion for social justice and appreciation for art, science, and discovery.  Complete information at http://www.chapman.edu/founders-day.
  • Creation Justice is a cause many of us feel personally and passionately.  Now that we are officially a Creation Justice church, we are in lively conversations about what we can do for the planet going forward, as a church and individuals.  Stay tuned, let the Council know if you have a creative idea, and be sure to join us and invite your friends and neighbors Saturday, March 16 for the CCL Climate Education and Clean Energy Fair, 10am-4pm.  Speakers from all over California at BCUCC!

 

Ongoing

  • Tai Chi Thursdays at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary – February 28.
  • Bible Study is on 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! 

  • 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 be discussing, “The Cross and the Lynching Tree,” by James H. Cone, on Wednesday, February 27th at 7:00pm at the Hill household.  Mr. Cone writes about the complicity of Christians in the evil, yet common, practice of murdering African Americans as a means of social and political control.  As he discusses the contemporaneous and historical racism in America, he helps us confront the dark truths of our past so that we can create a future that is brighter for all people.  Come join the discussion.  Email or phone Jim and Karen Hill for directions at jandkhill@mac.com or 714-693-0261.  See you then.

“James Cone demonstrates why he is indispensable as an interpreter of faith, race, and the American experience.”  Bill Moyers

News from our Pastor Search Committee

As you know, a few weeks ago the Committee had narrowed its search to a single candidate.  But because of family obligations, that person decided not to accept our call. A second qualified candidate was then contacted, but also declined the call after receiving another pastoral position. So, after a brief moment to absorb our disappointment, the Committee is off and searching again!

To restart the search, BCUCC’s pastoral position was re-posted on the UCC’s national website, and we’ve already received six written profiles from qualified candidates. The Committee has now begun the discernment process – profiles are being carefully screened and compared to our church’s unique needs, and those candidates judged to be a good fit will soon be invited to interview.

By the way, in the early days of our search we provided BCUCC members with our church profile (the same one posted nationally by UCC to lure potential candidates) –  This profile is our Committee’s guiding beacon, ensuring that the new pastor closely aligns with our church’s vision, theology, and actions. You’ll be pleased to know that we’ve encountered a rich pool of UCC pastor candidates. As we review each applicant, we’re tasked with finding just the right fit – a pastor who shares our spiritual views (including a love of Process Theology), is passionate about social- and environmental-justice causes, has a heart for the homeless, LBGTQ, and interfaith communities, and can provide rich pastoral care to our congregation.

Please link with us in prayer during this important process!

BCUCC News for Sunday, February 17, 2019

News and Upcoming Events

  • Worship February 17 at 10am.  Topic: “Mind the Gap (The Other Beatitudes).” Scripture: Luke 6:17-26.  

  • Tuesday February 19: Church Council meeting at 7 PM in Joshua Tree room.
  • Sign up for our “Breaking Bread Together” mixers happening in March!  Each group of six people will meet weekly over a meal or refreshments to get to know each other and discuss faith and values.  Sign up with Jack or Sharon Bölle. Thanks to Jack Bölle for coordinating this opportunity for friendship and community building at our church.
  • Have you signed up for a Sunday Morning task?  Contribute to our community and have an excuse to join us.  Be a liturgist, bring flowers, or host snacks.  Email Kimly at uccbrea@gmail.com or visit the Kiosk.
  • It’s official!  We are a UCC Creation Justice church.  Thanks to all who are contributing and have contributed to our earth justice work, in large ways and small. Thanks to our Moderator Sharon Bölle for taking the lead on making us official. Thanks to all who are witnessing to God’s love for our planet. That’s Good News our community needs to hear!

Save the dates:

  • February 22-24: Hillcrest Festival of Fine Arts, free admission, hosted by our neighbor UCC church.  https://www.hillcrestfestivaloffinearts.com. We have committed to help staff this event with 2-hour shifts: see Shannon Clay for more info.
  • Tuesday, February 26: Everyday Peacemaking: Compassionate Communication.  Explore tools for building connection while addressing challenging topics.  We will use real life examples– bring yours!  10-11:30 am and 7-8:30 pm in the Church Office.
  • Saturday March 2, 10am to noon: Teach-in on Racism, led by Mike Rodriguez. (Note date change.)
  • March 6.  Ash Wednesday special worship at 7:30pm. 

  • Saturday March 9: Chapman University Founder’s Day.  A day of celebration and learning for UCC and Disciples.  Learn about the St. John’s Bible.  Written on vellum using medieval calligraphic techniques with luminous illustrations, the St. John’s Bible seeks to awaken a biblical passion for social justice and appreciation for art, science, and discovery.  Complete information at http://www.chapman.edu/founders-day.
  • Saturday, March 16: CCL Climate Education and Clean Energy Fair, 10am-4pm.  Speakers from all over California.

 

Ongoing

  • Tai Chi Thursdays at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary on Feb. 21 and 28.
  • Bible Study is on 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! 

  • 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 be discussing, “The Cross and the Lynching Tree,” by James H. Cone, on Wednesday, February 27th at 7:00pm at the Hill household.  Mr. Cone writes about the complicity of Christians in the evil, yet common, practice of murdering African Americans as a means of social and political control.  As he discusses the contemporaneous and historical racism in America, he helps us confront the dark truths of our past so that we can create a future that is brighter for all people.  Come join the discussion.  Email or phone Jim and Karen Hill for directions at jandkhill@mac.com or 714-693-0261.  See you then.

“James Cone demonstrates why he is indispensable as an interpreter of faith, race, and the American experience.”  Bill Moyers

 

UCC Daily Devotional

Want a bit of scripture and spiritual reflection that is relevant and open-minded?  Subscribe to the UCC Daily Devotional at http://www.ucc.org/daily_devotional

BCUCC News for Sunday, February 10, 2019

News and Upcoming Events

  • Worship February 10 at 10am.  Topic: “To Be Honest.” Scripture: Luke 5:1-11.
  • Sunday February 10, ~11:30:  Art and Soul, Weekend Edition in the Hall.  Join church friends in the Hall to create a bracelet, with supplies and instruction from Janine Arp.  $5 requested to cover supply costs. You are also welcome to bring your own project to work on.
  • Sign up for our “Breaking Bread Together” mixers happening in March!  Each group of six people will meet weekly over a meal or refreshments to get to know each other and discuss faith and values.  Sign up with Jack or Sharon Bölle. Thanks to Jack Bölle for coordinating this opportunity for friendship and community building at our church.
  • Directory Update Underway.  Has your contact information changed?  Please let us know!  Want a directory?  We don’t pass out stacks of them, in order to preserve your privacy.  You can always request an electronic or print version from the church office.

Save the dates:

  • February 15-18: Common Good Film Festival at Claremont School of Theology.  View inspiring movies from a process relational theology perspective.  See http://whiteheadfilmfestival.org for details.

  • February 22-24: Hillcrest Festival of Fine Arts, free admission, hosted by our neighbor UCC church.  https://www.hillcrestfestivaloffinearts.com. We have committed to help staff this event with 2-hour shifts: see Shannon Clay for more info.
  • Tuesday, February 26: Everyday Peacemaking: Compassionate Communication.  Explore tools for building connection while addressing challenging topics.  We will use real life examples– bring yours!  10-11:30 am and 7-8:30 pm in the Church Office.
  • Saturday March 2, 10am to noon: Teach-in on Racism, led by Mike Rodriguez. (Note date change.)
  • March 6.  Ash Wednesday special worship at 7:30pm. 

  • Saturday March 9: Chapman University Founder’s Day.  A day of celebration and learning for UCC and Disciples.  Learn about the St. John’s Bible.  Written on vellum using medieval calligraphic techniques with luminous illustrations, the St. John’s Bible seeks to awaken a biblical passion for social justice and appreciation for art, science, and discovery.  Complete information at http://www.chapman.edu/founders-day.
  • Saturday, March 16: CCL Climate Education and Clean Energy Fair, 10am-4pm.  Speakers from all over California.

 

Ongoing

  • Tai Chi Thursdays at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary on Feb. 21 and 28.
  • Bible Study is on 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! 

  • 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 be discussing, “The Cross and the Lynching Tree,” by James H. Cone, on Wednesday, February 27th at 7:00pm at the Hill household.  Mr. Cone writes about the complicity of Christians in the evil, yet common, practice of murdering African Americans as a means of social and political control.  As he discusses the contemporaneous and historical racism in America, he helps us confront the dark truths of our past so that we can create a future that is brighter for all people.  Come join the discussion.  Email or phone Jim and Karen Hill for directions at jandkhill@mac.com or 714-693-0261.  See you then.

“James Cone demonstrates why he is indispensable as an interpreter of faith, race, and the American experience.”  Bill Moyers

 

UCC Daily Devotional

Want a bit of scripture and spiritual reflection that is relevant and open-minded?  Subscribe to the UCC Daily Devotional at http://www.ucc.org/daily_devotional

BCUCC News for Sunday, February 03, 2019

News and Upcoming Events

  • Worship February 3 at 10am.  Topic: “Troublemaker.” Scripture: Luke 4:21-30.
  • First Food Sunday is February 3. Potluck after worship: bring a dish to share or munch ours.  Food will be collected during worship for Brea’s food shelf.  All nonperishables welcome, but single serving and pre-cooked items are always welcome.
  • Wednesday February 6, 2-4 pm: Art and Soul.  Join church friends in the Hall to create polymer clay art, with supplies and instruction from Janine Arp.  $7 requested to cover supply costs.  You are also welcome to bring your own project to work on.
  • Thursday, February 7: Worship Team Meeting at 6:30pm in the Office.
  • Sunday February 10, ~11:30:  Art and Soul, Weekend Edition in the Hall.  Join church friends in the Hall to create a little art, with supplies and instruction from Janine Arp.  $5 requested to cover supply costs. You are also welcome to bring your own project to work on.
  • Sign up for our “Breaking Bread Together” mixers happening in March!  Each group of six people will meet weekly over a meal or refreshments to get to know each other and discuss faith and values.  Sign up with Jack or Sharon Bölle. Thanks to Jack Bölle for coordinating this opportunity for friendship and community building at our church.
  • Help make Sunday wonderful!  Sign up to read in worship, bring treats for our fellowship time after worship, or flowers for a special Sunday in 2019.  See the Kiosk, or send an email to Kimly at uccbrea@gmail.com if you have a date in mind.

Save the dates:

  • February 15-18: Common Good Film Festival at Claremont School of Theology.  View film from a process relational theology perspective.  See http://whiteheadfilmfestival.org for details.

  • Saturday March 2, 10am to noon: Teach-in on Racism, led by Mike Rodriguez. (Note date change.)
  • March 6.  Ash Wednesday special worship at 7:30pm. 

  • Saturday March 9: Chapman University Founder’s Day.  A day of celebration and learning for UCC and Disciples.  Learn about the St. John’s Bible.  Written on vellum using medieval calligraphic techniques with luminous illustrations, the St. John’s Bible seeks to awaken a biblical passion for social justice and appreciation for art, science, and discovery.  Complete information at http://www.chapman.edu/founders-day.
  • Saturday, March 16: CCL Climate Education and Clean Energy Fair, 10am-4pm.  Speakers from all over California.

 

Ongoing

  • Tai Chi Thursdays at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary— on Feb. 21 and 28.
  • Bible Study is on 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! 

  • 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 is reading, In the Shelterby 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 7pm on Wednesday, 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!

 

New Member Joining

Would you like to become a member of Brea Congregational UCC?  Please let Pastor Terry or Sharon Bölle know, and we will schedule the upcoming Orientation and Joining at a time that is convenient for all.