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!