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.