BCUCC News for Sunday, August 26, 2018

News and Upcoming Events

  • Hymn Sing starting at 9:50am continues through Labor Day weekend, user’s choice!
  • Sunday August 26: Worship 10am. Theme: Feet on the Ground. Community Voices: Rev. Nora Jacob shares her work of Restorative Justice. Nora serves as Restorative Justice Minister at UrbanMission (UCC/DOC), a fresh expression of 21st-century church in south Pomona since 2013. She is also a co-founder and Restorative Justice Director of the related non-profit organization, UrbanMission Community Partners (UMCP). Since 2014, Nora has co-facilitated three accountability and healing groups each week with incarcerated students inside the California Institution for Men (CIM) in Chino. She also works in reentry and reintegration of men and women returning to their communities after prison. In addition, she facilitates InsideOut Art  at UMCP, promoting opportunities for currently and formerly incarcerated artists to share their creative work, and encouraging conversations in the wider community about the role of art in personal and social transformation.
  • Monday August 27: Evening cardio and martial arts classes start! In Sequoia Hall; teens to elders are welcome. Free to church members! Low Impact Cardio class 6:45pm-7:15pm; Martial Arts class 7:30pm-9pm. Wear tennis shoes and comfortable workout clothes!
  • Tuesday August 28: Everyday Peacemaking: Compassionate Communication. Morning session 10-11:30am in the church office (ring bell at gate on Flower Street).  Evening session 7-8:30pm in the Hall.  We will examine the meanings of empathy and practice deep listening.  Beginners welcome.
  • Thursday August 30: Choir starts again; practice at 7:30pm. (First performance Sept. 9.) Beginners and newcomers welcome! Our Music Director Jessica Cosley can tell you more.
  • Thursday August 30: Tai Chi starts again, 6:30-7:15pm pm in the sanctuary.
  • Saturday Sept. 1: YAYA’s Bubble Run. Some crazy fun! Talk to Bryan Wake for details. Kawaipono@gmail.com
  • Thursday Sept. 6: Bible Study is Thursdays 9:15-10:15am in the church office. Starting the Gospel of John 6 – a great time to join! All are welcome, to discover the intersection of sacred story and modern life with an open mind
  • Thursday Sept. 6: “Art and Soul” 2-4pm. Back by popular demand!  A little spirituality, a little conversation, and a lot of space to create; no skill necessary.  Bring your favorite art or craft project, extra supplies if you want to share, or borrow ours.  We will have coloring and doodling as prayer.  Last time we also had origami and collage… join us!
  • Saturday September 15: Please join us for Inner-Coastal Cleanup, 8-10am. KEEPING OUR WATERWAYS CLEAN: When the rainy season begins, much of the plastic and other debris in and around our drain channels gets washed out to sea. We can help prevent this. We’ll join others in Brea to help clear trash from the area next to the westernmost parking structure on Birch Street in Downtown Brea. For more information, contact Dennis Arp: dennisansellarp@gmail.comor 714-747-0206.

Ongoing

  • The BCUCC Theological Book Clubwill be reading, Falling Upward, by Richard Rohr.  In this book, Father Rohr offers a new paradigm for understanding one of the most profound of life’s mysteries, how our failings can be the foundation for our ongoing spiritual growth.  We will meet at 7pm on Wed 8/29 to discuss Chapters 7-13.  We gather at the home of the Hills; please call or email Jim and Karen for directions at 714-693-0261 or jandkhill@mac.com and join our conversation.

  • Thursdays 6:30- Tai Chi with Karen Hill- a gentle and meditative movement. We meet in the sanctuary.  Starts August 30, continues through September, except September 13.  Karen Hill 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.

  • “Everyday Peacemaking” Compassionate Communication practice groups will continue on a monthly basis: Tuesday mornings 10-11:30am in the church office, 8/28* and 9/18.  Tuesday evenings 7-8:30pm in the Hall, 8/28 and 9/25. Practice speaking your truth in love, and listening from the heart. No experience necessary. (*Note date change.)

    “Humility is not thinking less of yourself.  It’s thinking of yourself less.”

-S. Lewis

  •  

    Creation Care Tip:  Vote! Educate yourself to vote for local and national candidates who act on the sacred value of the earth and its creatures.  Share what you learn with your neighbors and urge them to vote, too.

BCUCC News for Sunday, August 19, 2018

News and Upcoming Events

  • Hymn Sing starting at 9:50am continues through Labor Day weekend, user’s choice!
  • Sunday August 19: Worship 10am. Bible reading: Psalm 98. Theme: Why We Worship. Special Music:  Francie Quaas-Berryman has a song with a story for you.
  • Tuesday August 21: Church Council meets at 7pm in Joshua Tree room.
  • Sunday August 26: Worship 10am. Theme: Feet on the Ground. Community Voices: Nora Jacob shares her work of Restorative Justice. Rev. Nora Jacob is an ordained Disciples of Christ pastor serving as Restorative Justice Minister at UrbanMission (UCC/DOC), a fresh expression of 21st-century church in south Pomona since 2013. She is also a co-founder and Restorative Justice Director of the related non-profit organization, UrbanMission Community Partners (UMCP).
  • Monday August 27: Evening cardio and martial arts classes start! In Sequoia Hall; teens to elders are welcome. Free to church members! Low Impact Cardio class 6:45pm-7:15pm; Martial Arts class 7:30pm-9pm. Wear tennis shoes and comfortable workout clothes!
  • Thursday August 30: Choir starts again; practice at 7:30pm. Beginners and newcomers welcome! Our Music Director Jessica Cosley can tell you more.
  • Thursday August 30: Tai Chi starts again, 6:30-7:15pm pm in the sanctuary.
  • Saturday Sept. 1: YAYA’s Bubble Run. Some crazy fun! Talk to Bryan Wake for details.
  • Thursday Sept. 6: “Art and Soul” 2-4 pm. Back by popular demand!  A little spirituality, a little conversation, and a lot of space to create; no skill necessary.  Bring your favorite art or craft project, extra supplies if you want to share, or borrow ours.  We will have coloring and doodling as prayer.  Last time we also had origami and collage… join us!

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. All are welcome, to discover the intersection of sacred story and modern life with an open mind.
  • The BCUCC Theological Book Clubwill be reading, Falling Upward, by Richard Rohr.  In this book, Father Rohr offers a new paradigm for understanding one of the most profound of life’s mysteries, how our failings can be the foundation for our ongoing spiritual growth.  We will meet at 7:00p.m. on Wed 8/29 to discuss Chapters 7-13.  We gather at the home of the Hills; please call or email Jim and Karen for directions at 714-693-0261 or jandkhill@mac.com and join our conversation.

  • Thursdays 6:30- Tai Chi with Karen Hill- a gentle and meditative movement. We meet in the sanctuary.  Starts August 30, continues through September, except September 13.  Karen Hill 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.

“Everyday Peacemaking” Compassionate Communication practice groups will continue on a monthly basis: Tuesday mornings 10-11:30am in the church office, 8/28* and 9/18.  Tuesday evenings 7-8:30pm in the Hall, 8/28 and 9/25. Practice speaking your truth in love, and listening from the heart. No experience necessary. (*Note date change.)

The heart of most spiritual practices is simply this:

Remember who you are. Remember what you love. Remember what is sacred.

Remember what is true. Remember that you will die and that this day is a gift.

 Remember how you wish to live.

– Wayne Mueller

Creation Care Tip:  Carpool… to work, school, church, events… not only will you save gas, you’ll gain companionship.

 

CUCC News for Sunday, August 12, 2018

News and Upcoming Events

  • Hymn Sing starting at 9:50am continues through Labor Day weekend, users choice!
  • Sunday August 12: Sunday Worship 10am. Bible reading: Numbers 22:12-35. Theme: Wrong Train!  The second talking animal in the bible, and a funny story that isn’t in the assigned lectionary.
  • Sunday August 12: Guest Musician: Armand Melnbārdis will play classical violin pieces.  Armand was born in Latvia and lives in Long Beach. He has performed violin and piano since the age of 12 in genres including classical, pop, metal, and jazz, solo and with a variety of well-known artists on recordings, stage, and TV.  If you want to experience heavy metal violin, search Armand on Facebook.
  • 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. Details at Sunday worship or contact Pastor Terry.
  • Friday August 17: YAYA’s Movie Night 5-10 pm—“The Greatest Showman.” Free dinner and childcare, costumes, trivia contests and more.  If you haven’t seen the movie, come find out why people love it. YAYA’s means Youth and Young Adults, and they take the lead but, everybody else is very welcome!
  • Monday August 27: Evening cardio and martial arts classes start! In Sequoia Hall; teens to elders are welcome.  Free to church members!
  • Choir starts again Thursday August 30; practice at 7:30pm. Beginners welcome!

 

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. All are welcome, to discover the intersection of sacred story and modern life with an open mind.
  • The BCUCC Theological Book Clubwill be reading, Falling Upward, by Richard Rohr.  In this book, Father Rohr offers a new paradigm for understanding one of the most profound of life’s mysteries, how our failings can be the foundation for our ongoing spiritual growth.  We will meet at 7:00p.m. on Wed. 8/15 to discuss Chapters 1-6 and again on 8/29 to discuss Chapters 7-13.  We gather at the home of the Hills; please call or email Jim and Karen for directions at 714-693-0261 or jandkhill@mac.com and join our conversation.

  • “Everyday Peacemaking” Compassionate Communication practice groups will continue on a monthly basis: Tuesday mornings 10-11:30am in the church office, 8/21 and 9/18. Tuesday evenings 7-8:30pm in the Hall, 8/28 and 9/25. Practice speaking your truth in love, and listening from the heart. No experience necessary.

Pastor Search Committee Update

The Pastor Search Committee met with Rev. Felix Villanueva from the Southern California Nevada Conference UCC on Sunday, August 5, 2018 after church.  Felix explained the challenges of a church in the transition of finding a permanent pastor.  Felix said that the most important thing for the Committee to do is to share information with the congregation.  So, if you do not find us communicating enough, please let us know.  The Committee has taken an absolute vow of confidentiality to protect the candidates.  We cannot tell you specifically who, what or where, but we can certainly tell you HOW we are going about the pastor search.

HOW long?

Felix has had a great deal of experience with this process.  Generally, the process from this point to the time when the Search Committee brings their chosen candidate to the congregation can be anywhere from six (6) to eighteen (18) months.  It may take longer.  The Committee has been given the tools to spread a big net and narrow down the field.

WHAT Next?

The church profile has been approved by the Southern California Nevada Conference UCC.  Now the Committee is preparing the short ad promoting the pastoral position for posting on the web.  If you know of someone you think might be interested in the position, feel free to tell them to contact the Conference at arroyo@scncucc.org.  Generally speaking, the candidate needs to be a pastor within UCC or DOC or willing to seek standing with the UCC.  Seminarians could also be considered.

WHAT can I do?

We ask that you pray for each of the committee members as we have a daunting task ahead of us.  Also, look for us on Sundays.  We will be wearing the “Ask Me” buttons.  Know that if we have not reported in a while it means we are behind the scenes working hard on the church’s behalf. But do not hesitate to ask any of the Committee for an update.  We welcome all inquiries that do not breach confidentiality.

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.

– Albert Einstein

 

Creation Care Tip:  Reuse beats recycling.  Invest in those cute little reusables… or give them as gifts.  Bags, bamboo sporks, straws that fit in a purse, pocket or glove compartment.  Car cups that go with you to the coffee shop.  Ziploc bag alternatives.  Then let us know your favorites!

BCUCC News for Sunday, August 5, 2018

News and Upcoming Events

  • Sunday August 5: Potluck after worship!  All are welcome.  Bring a dish to share.
    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.
  • Sunday August 5: Communion Sunday.  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.
  • Thursday August 9: Worship Committee meets at 1:30pm in the church office.
  • Thursday August 9: Art and Soul. 2:30-4:30 pm in the church hall.  Come feed your soul with art.  Bring your favorite (easily portable) art supplies if you like, or use ours. We will have a short meditation, then work and play, together or independently, on a project. Also, share ideas for future arts at BCUCC!  Teens and adults welcome.
  • 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.
  • Friday August 17: YAYA’s Movie Night—“The Greatest Showman” with food, games and more.  Stay tuned for details!
  • Monday August 27: evening cardio and martial arts classes start! In Sequoia Hall; teens to elders are welcome.  Free to church members!

 

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.
  • The BCUCC Theological Book Clubwill be reading, Falling Upward, by Richard Rohr.  In this book, Father Rohr offers a new paradigm for understanding one of the most profound of life’s mysteries, how our failings can be the foundation for our ongoing spiritual growth.  We will meet at 7:00p.m. on Wednesday, August 15th to discuss Chapters 1-6 and again on August 29th to discuss Chapters 7-13.  We gather at the home of the Hills; please call or email Jim and Karen for directions at 714-693-0261 or jandkhill@mac.com and join our conversation.

 

The Southern California Nevada Conference

of the United Church of Christ:

The Southern California Nevada Conference of the United Church of Christ (“The Conference”) is made up of over 130 local churches in the geographical region that lies south of the northern boundaries of San Bernardino, Kern, and San Luis Obispo Counties and includes Clark County of Nevada.

These 130+ congregations make up the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Central Associations. (BCUCC is in the Eastern Association.)

The goals and responsibilities of the Associations are as follows:

  • to cultivate a spirit of oneness in Christ among the member churches
  • to stimulate the spiritual life and mission of the member churches
  • and to authorize and nurture ministers and ministry in the local churches

These local congregations reflect our society’s racial, cultural, and ethnic diversity. Worship services are conducted in a variety of styles and in seven or more languages every Sunday morning!

The congregations of the Conference are connected through local, national, global, and ecumenical partnerships.

 

Mission of the Conference:

To embody a covenant of extravagant Christian love that empowers leaders, congregations, and communities in pursuit of a just world.

 

Conference Core Values:

  1. We experience covenant through extravagant hospitality that connects us in interdependent inclusive Christian community.
  2. We empower educated, innovative and ethical lay & clergy leaders for ministry.
  3. We are mission centric and relational.
  4. Our faith demands that we seek justice.

BCUCC News for Sunday, July 29, 2018

News and Upcoming Events

  • 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 this week, visiting family in the Bay Area.
  • Sunday August 5: Potluck after worship!  Guest Preacher: Rev. Felix Villanueva, UCC Southern California Nevada Conference.
  • 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.
  • Thursday August 9: Art and Soul. 2:30-4:30 pm in the church hall.  Come feed your soul with art.  Bring your favorite (easily portable) art supplies if you like, or use ours. We will have a short meditation, then work and play, together or independently, on a project. Also, share ideas for future arts at BCUCC!  Teens and adults welcome.
  • 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.
  • Friday August 17: YAYA’s Movie Night—with food, games and more.  Stay tuned for details!
  • CC’C Learning Center, the Preschool who shares our campus, is looking for preschool teachers who have taken the four core early childhood classes. If you know somebody who might be interested, let them know! (714) 671-6970.

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.  (We are not meeting 8/2) 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 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!

 

PURPOSE, VISION, & MISSION

of The United Church of Christ

 

The purpose statement from the Gospel of Matthew:

To love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength

and our neighbor as ourselves.

 The vision:

United in Christ’s love, a just world for all.

The mission statement:

United in Spirit and inspired by God’s grace, we welcome all, love all, and seek justice for all.

Creation Care Tip: Drive the gas-efficient car! (If your family has more than one.) Buy the gas-efficient car. Also, advocate, dream and experiment with a less car-dependent lifestyle—that’s a challenge in California, and needed.

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!

BCUCC News for Sunday, July 15, 2018

News and Upcoming Events

  • Sunday July 15: Bible reading: Excerpts from the Book of Ruth. Theme: Chesed– Loving Kindness.
  • Sunday July 15: Community Voices– Mike Ritchey. Many of you met Mike while serving dinner for our shelter guests.  Mike is a lifelong Fullerton resident where he lives with his wife and 3 daughters.  He holds a Master’s in Criminal Justice and Criminology and is currently in his final semester at Arizona State University where he is earning his Master’s in Social Work.  Mike’s research efforts have focused on mental illness, sex offenders, the homeless and veterans. He has a heart for empowering people who have struggled with mental illness.
  • We are excited to announce the Pastor Search Committee, and grateful for the commitment they have made on behalf of our church. Please support them with your prayers and your patience, and respect their confidentiality, as they begin this important work.
    • Shannon Clay
    • Randy Fowler
    • Karen Hill
    • Georlyn Igma
    • Kathryn Kadletz
    • Russ Nowell
    • Dave This

Pastor Terry has chosen not to be a candidate for the settled pastor position, so that she can do her transitional work empowering the church for its future with no conflicts of interest.

  • Sundays July 15 and 22: Sing Your Favorites! Come early to worship to sing some of your favorite songs and hymns.  Starts at 9:50am.
  • Church Council meets Tuesday June 17 at 7 pm in Joshua Tree room.
  • Tuesday night or Thursday Morning: 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.
  • Summer music and arts: This year’s theme is “Almost Anything Goes”! Dust off that guitar, warm up those vocal cords, pick up your poems and paintings, or grab your friends to share a talent or skill with the congregation. Don’t be shy – feel free to talk to Jessica our Music Director about your ideas and she’ll be happy to sign you up for a Sunday (during the normal choir anthem spot). She is here to support you and your dream in any way she can!
  • Do you know a teen or young adult who would enjoy an “Arts for Activism” summer workshop? We need a critical mass to offer this program.  Participants will analyze how works like “Hamilton” promote constructive dialog for social change, and can express their own passion in the art medium of their choice, including drama, music or visual arts. Please let Pastor Terry or Francie Quaas-Berryman know!

 

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 tell ourselves stories in order to live.
    -Joan Didion

     

    Creation Care Tip:  If you set fans at strategic spots in your home, you can set your AC to a higher temperature, be quite comfortable, save money and reduce CO2.  Tower fans are safe and quiet.  If you have central air, you can set your house fan to “on” instead of “auto” for a little air movement.

BCUCC News for Sunday, July 8, 2018

News and Upcoming Events

  • Sunday July 8 Bible reading: Luke 6:37-38. Theme: Everyday Peacemaking.
    Note: singing favorite hymns and songs starts next Sunday, June 15.

    Tuesday night or Thursday Morning: Everyday Peacemaking: Compassionate Communication. Tuesday nights July 10 and 24, 7:00-8:30pm, same content is offered Thursday mornings July 12 and 26, 9:00-10:30am.  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, come any time.

  • Sundays starting July 15: Sing Your Favorites! Come early to worship to sing some of your favorite songs and hymns.  Starts at 9:50am.

    Summer music and arts: This year’s theme is “Almost Anything Goes”! Dust off that guitar, warm up those vocal cords, pick up your poems and paintings, or grab your friends to share a talent or skill with the congregation. Don’t be shy – feel free to talk to Jessica our Music Director about your ideas and she’ll be happy to sign you up for a Sunday (during the normal choir anthem spot). She is here to support you and your dream in any way she can!
  • Do you know a teen or young adult who would enjoy an “Arts for Activism” summer workshop? We need a critical mass to offer this program.  Participants will analyze how works like “Hamilton” promote constructive dialog for social change, and can express their own passion in the art medium of their choice, including drama, music or visual arts. Please let Pastor Terry or Francie Quaas-Berryman know!

 

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!

    Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?
    -Abraham Lincoln

BCUCC News for Sunday, July 1, 2018

News and Upcoming Events

  • Sunday July 1: Bible reading: Numbers 11:24-30. Theme: Spirit Led and Humble. First Food Sunday! Bring food for A.C.T. food shelf. Potluck after Congregational Meeting.
  • Sunday July 1: Congregational Meeting after worship. Nonmembers are encouraged to join us, and have voice, but not vote. We will vote on the 2018-2019 budget, approve the Church’s Profile (resumé), vote on two small bylaws changes, and receive written nominations for the Pastor Search Committee. Please access the documents for this meeting; the Profile (https://breaucc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/BCUCC-profile-nopics.pdf) and Bylaws updates (https://breaucc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/2018-Motions-for-Congregational-Meeting.pdf)
  • BCUCC, with all 5 other UCC churches in OC, was well represented at the OC Pride March last Saturday. Thanks to Dennis and Sarah Brown, Dennis Arp, Shannon Clay, Pastor Terry, Sheila and Hannah McCracken and Sheila’s nephew.  And to Kathryn Kadletz for our new church banner!
  • Summer music and arts: This year’s theme is “Almost Anything Goes”! Dust off that guitar, warm up those vocal cords, pick up your poems and paintings, or grab your friends to share a talent or skill with the congregation. Don’t be shy – feel free to talk to Jessica our Music Director about your ideas and she’ll be happy to sign you up for a Sunday (during the normal choir anthem spot). She is here to support you and your dream in any way she can!
  • Sundays starting July 8: Sing Your Favorites! Come early to worship to sing some of your favorite songs and hymns.  Starts at 9:50.

         Starts in July: Everyday Peacemaking: Compassionate Communication: Tuesday nights July 10 and 24, 7:00-8:30pm, and Thursday mornings July 12 and 26, 9:00-10:30am.  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, come any time.
  • Do you know a teen or young adult who would enjoy an “Arts for Activism” summer workshop? We need a critical mass to offer this program.  Participants will analyze how works like “Hamilton” promote constructive dialog for social change, and can express their own passion in the art medium of their choice, including drama, music or visual arts. Please let Pastor Terry know!

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.

 

 

Global Ministries: Statement on Immigrant Families

https://www.globalministries.org/statement_on_immigrant_families_from_southwest

 

Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries, a part of UCC/DOC Global Ministries, belongs to a Christian tradition which is committed to using our hearts, our heads, and our bodies to answer God’s call to justice (Micah 6:8). But, what is justice in this situation?

It is not a blanket entry ticket into the United States for everyone. It is our call to justice that families must be kept together, that courts must be properly staffed, that humane conditions are for everyone… every one of God’s children, without exception.

Global Ministries: Statement on Immigrant Families (ctd.)

 

  • As Christians first and Americans second, we call on the government to allow legal services, physical and mental health care, and a system of release/parole to all immigrants seeking asylum after an initial hearing.
  • Families must be kept together, whether the children are with a parent, sibling, aunt/uncle, trusted friend, or grandparent, to provide appropriate physical care and emotional support to each child. This may only be changed if the person is shown not to be a caretaker, but a trafficker or abuser.
  • Elected officials, credentialed journalists, non-profits and churches providing social services and spiritual care should be given access to all immigrants who wish it, after normal background checks.
  • All detainees should be provided appropriate clothing for the weather, and temperatures between 60˚F and 80˚F should be maintained for sleeping and normal daily activities. Babies and toddlers, and all asylum seekers should be provided clean diapers, undergarments, and clothing.
  • All detainees should be given staff, medical and psychological evaluations, and legal services in either their first or second language.
  • Both immigrants and their children and staff at all facilities should have the option for spiritual care and mental health care.
  • A general rule of kindness and well-being should be present in order to model appropriate behavior and set immigrants on their way to being good citizens.
  • When an immigrant claims torture and requests asylum, they should have minimum containment while a mental health assessment is completed, and a report is given to the courts ensuring that they are not malingering.
  • No detainee should be over-medicated or denied their medications.
  • Appropriate educational, recreational, social, and language activities should be provided to all detainees.
  • Where possible, a background check and supporting documents should be used to assist the immigration courts in making just decisions.
  • A timeframe not to exceed 20 days in detention for adults together with their minor family members should result in parole, barring a finding for removal for cause, while awaiting further court deliberations or hearing.
  • This process should not become a money-making venture for private corporations or government officials, their families, and donors.
  • There is a process to ensure that no one is allowed free access to do harm in the U.S., but it means shifting from building walls to building real security with information. It means building relationships that are humane, and not Anti-Human.

Some may say that this is a “cushy deal,” but it isn’t. Detention is still detention, not freedom. And justice requires commitment, not cruelty.

When the power of love overcomes the love of power,
the world will know peace.

– Jimi Hendrix

 

BCUCC News for Sunday, June 24, 2018

News and Upcoming Events

  • Sunday, June 24 Worship Topic: Bad News, Good News. Bible reading: Romans 12:9-21. Special music by singer Angelica Rowell.  Angelica Rowell is a singer, actress, and creative storyteller from the Bay Area. She graduated from the University of California, Irvine in the Spring of 2018 with a Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance and a Bachelors of Arts in Drama. When she is not busy in rehearsal or writing; Angelica enjoys trips to Disneyland, binge-watching TV shows, and cooking. Credits:  Potts (Beauty & the Beast), Elizabeth Bennet (Pride & Prejudice), Sorceress (Dido & Aeneas), Comb Your Hair or You’ll Look Like a SlaveMrs. Packard, Evita.
  • May 19- June 30: Interfaith Shelter Network uses our Sequoia Hall. Check with Sharon Everley or Ann Marshall if you’d like to support the program.
  • Sunday July 1: Sunday July 1: First Food Sunday! Bring food for A.C.T. food shelf.
    Potluck after Congregational Meeting.
  • Sunday July 1: Congregational Meeting after worship. Nonmembers are encouraged to join us, and have voice, but not vote. We will vote on the 2018-2019 budget, approve the Church’s Profile (resumé), vote on two small bylaws changes, and take written nominations for the Pastor Search Committee. Please access the documents for this meeting; the Profile (https://breaucc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/BCUCC-profile-nopics.pdf) and Bylaws updates (https://breaucc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/2018-Motions-for-Congregational-Meeting.pdf)
  • Summer music and arts: This year’s theme is “Almost Anything Goes”! Dust off that guitar, warm up those vocal cords, pick up your poems and paintings, or grab your friends to share a talent or skill with the congregation. Don’t be shy – feel free to talk to Jessica our Music Director about your ideas and she’ll be happy to sign you up for a Sunday (during the normal choir anthem spot). She is here to support you and your dream in any way she can!
  • Sundays starting July 8: Sing Your Favorites! Come early to worship to sing some of your favorite songs and hymns.  Starts at 9:50.

         Starts in July: Everyday Peacemaking: Compassionate Communication: Tuesday nights and Thursday mornings.  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.
  • Mark your Calendars:
    Friday August 17: YAYA’s Movie Night.
    Saturday Sept. 1: YAYA’s Bubble Run.

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.  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.

    First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
    Because I was not a Socialist.

    Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
    Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

    Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
    Because I was not a Jew.

    Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

    -Rev. Martin Neimöller