BCUCC News for Sunday, June 3, 2018

News and Upcoming Events

  • Sunday June 3: Worship at 10am. Bible: Acts 20:7-12. Theme: Waking Up.
  • First Food Sunday: bring food for A.C.T. food shelf.
  • Sunday June 3 after church: “Claiming Our Church’s Future” – We will have a cozy potluck lunch in the Manzanita room.  Pastor Terry will then guide us through some choices we can make that can help us grow as a church, and share a little perspective on generational differences.  We will briefly discuss what we want to do moving forward to support our church’s thriving. Miss Bernie will help with child care, and children are welcome.
  • Sunday June 3, 6:45 pm to 9:00 pm: Join our Muslim friends at the Islamic Institute of Orange County for “Ramadan 101”, sunset prayer, and breaking the Ramadan fast. RSVP required: outreach@iioc.com. Fasting optional! You need not stay for the whole event.
  • June 5 primaries are important. Local races matter. “Top two” primary rules means your party needs your vote.  Remind your friends. Be an informed voter!  Here are some good sources of information: https://voiceofoc.org/category/topics/politics/election-central/, org.
  • Sunday June 10: Bible: Mark 6:1-13. Theme: Two by Two.
  • Sunday June 10: YAYA’s Beach Party – Drive (carpool) after church to Huntington Beach city beach. Bring food for a potluck/picnic.  All are welcome.  Talk to Bryan Wake for details.
  • Thursday June 14: Lunch Bunch is hosted by Joan West. Coco’s on Imperial next to HWY 57, 11:45am.  Catch up with church friends and write a couple of care notes. All ages welcome.  RSVP to Joan or Pastor Terry so we can save you a spot.

  • Saturday June 23: March with BCUCC in the OC Gay Pride Parade. RSVP to Pastor Terry.
  • May 19- June 30: Interfaith Shelter Network uses our Sequoia Hall; we cook dinners through June 8.  (Want to cook on June 5th or 8th ?  We had a cancellation!) Check with Sharon Everley or Ann Marshall if you’d like to support the program. Thanks to all who signed up to cook and bring supplies!
  • Sunday July 1: Congregational Meeting after worship. We will vote on the 2018-2019 budget, approve the Church’s Profile (resumé) and take written nominations for the Pastor Search Committee.

Ongoing

  • The BCUCC Theological Book Clubwill be reading Catherine Keller’s book, On the Mystery: Discerning Divinity in Process.  The author offers this brief and unconventional introduction to theological thinking.  She takes up theology itself as a quest for religious authenticity.  Come join us.  We have a great time processing our thoughts together.  We will meet at 7:00p.m. on June 6th to finish with Chapters 6-8.  We meet at the Hill household.  Please call or email for directions at 714-693-0261 or jandkhill@mac.com.

 

  • Bible Study is Thursdays 9:15-10:15am in the church office. Topic is 1-2 Samuel.  All are welcome, to discover the intersection of sacred story and modern life with an open mind.
  • Choir practice on Thursdays at 7:30pm in the music room. We love newcomers! Give us a try.

BCUCC News for Sunday, May 27, 2018

News and Upcoming Events

  • Sunday May 27: Worship at 10am. Bible: Mark 5:21-43. Theme: Healing Power.
  • Tuesday May 29: 7pm Transition Team meets in the Church office.
  • Thursday May 31: 7pm Worship Committee meets in the Church office.
  • UCC Annual Gathering June 1-2 at Chapman University.
  • Sunday June 3: Worship at 10am. Bible: Acts 20:7-12. Theme: Waking Up.
  • Sunday June 3 after church: “Claiming Our Church’s Future” – The third and last Transition Team event.  Learn how changing demographics and church size dynamics affect our church and how we can respond faithfully for the future.
  • Sunday June 3, 6:45 pm to 9:00 pm: Fast with a Muslim. Join our Muslim friends at the Islamic Institute of Orange County for “Ramadan 101”, sunset prayer, and breaking the Ramadan fast. RSVP required: outreach@iioc.  Fasting optional! You need not stay for the whole event.
  • Comings and goings: Please extend a warm welcome to Virginia Tressler and Jerry Vanderzul as they return from an extended sojourn in Florida.  Our prayers and good wishes go to Oliver Wells, who leaves June 3 to active duty with the Marines in Virginia.
  • June 5 primaries are important. Local races matter. “Top two” primary rules means your party needs your vote. Be an informed voter!  Here are some good sources of information:  org, https://voiceofoc.org/category/topics/politics/election-central/.
  • Eagle Scout Project support: Nick Wood is updating our Native Garden at the corner of Flower and Imperial with an arbor, and other improvements at the corner of Flower and Imperial for his Eagle Scout Project. Please give any donations to the church (or its financial officers) with “Garden Project” in the memo line.) Thank you Nick!
  • May 19- June 30 Interfaith Shelter Network uses our Sequoia Hall; we cook dinners through June 8. Check with Sharon Everley or Ann Marshall if you’d like to support the program. Thanks to all who signed up to cook and bring supplies!
  • UCC Summer Camps at Pilgrim Pines are taking registration! For 1st graders through 12th graders, weekly July 12-Aug. 5. “Big Feet Little Feet for children 3-7 with an adult companion is new the first week! http://www.pilgrimpinescamp.org/summercamp/2018SummerCampBrochure.pdf

Ongoing

  • The BCUCC Theological Book Clubwill be reading Catherine Keller’s book, On the Mystery: Discerning Divinity in Process.  The author offers this brief and unconventional introduction to theological thinking.  She takes up theology itself as a quest for religious authenticity.  Come join us.  We have a great time processing our thoughts together.  We will meet at 7:00p.m. on June 6th to finish with Chapters 6-8.  We meet at the Hill household.  Please call or email for directions at 714-693-0261 or jandkhill@mac.com.

 

  • Bible Study is Thursdays 9:15-10:15am in the church office. Topic is 1-2 Samuel.  All are welcome, to discover the intersection of sacred story and modern life with an open mind.
  • Choir practice on Thursdays at 7:30pm in the music room. We love newcomers! Give us a try.

 

Housing desperately needed!

            If you or someone you know has a room for rent with kitchen privileges in the $500 range, this is a great boon to someone who cannot afford an apartment.  Shelly, our shelter host, would love to help make a connection for someone making a new start in their life.

Rising rents in Orange County make it that much harder for homeless people to get back on their feet (even as they create more homelessness…).  It used to be that getting a job was enough.  Now a long search for an affordable living situation often prolongs the time people with jobs must continue to use shelter facilities.  College students and visiting scholars also need affordable living situations, if you have space and are not ready for a permanent housemate.

P.S.  Veterans in need have some amazing programs available in Orange County to house them and support them and get help with ptsd symptoms, Read this article if you’re wondering why your PTSD symptoms won’t subside..  But these programs are not always well known.  Mike, the case manager working with ISN, knows these resources—we can make a contact if you know a veteran in need of support.

Creation Care Tip:  Enjoy nature; spend time outdoors in gardens, parks and wild areas.  Appreciation and gratitude make us better stewards of God’s earth.

BCUCC News for Sunday, May 20, 2018

News and Upcoming Events

  • Sunday May 20: Pentecost Sunday.  Scripture: Romans 8:22-25, Mark 4:26-34.  Theme: Hope from Seeds and Weeds.
  • It is traditional to wear RED on Pentecost to remember the Holy Spirit that came as flames on the first Pentecost.
  • Flowers on the communion table are from Kathryn Kadletz, in honor of Harlen Matlock’s birthday, who would have been 95 this year.
  • Eagle Scout Project support: Nick Wood is updating our Native Garden at the corner of Flower and Imperial with an arbor, and other improvements at the corner of Flower and Imperial for his Eagle Scout Project. He is requesting donations for this work. Please give donations to the church (or its financial officers) rather than Nick, with “Garden Project” in the memo line.) Our generosity, his energy and vision.  Thank you Nick!
  • Thursday May 24, 6:30 PM: Tai Chi in the sanctuary.  This is the last Tai Chi of the season. Thanks to Karen Hill for sharing her gifts with us!
  •  May 19-June 8: We cook Interfaith Shelter Network dinner. (The ISN will be hosted in our hall through June 30). We need just a couple more cooks!  Talk to Ann Marshall or Sharon Everley.
  • UCC Annual Gathering June 1-2 at Chapman University. Learn, worship and have fun with people from UCC churches throughout SoCal and Nevada. You can register here: https://scncucc.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/128402
  • Sunday June 3 after church:  “Claiming Our Church’s Future” – The third and last Transition Team event.  Learn how changing demographics and church size dynamics affect our church and how we can respond faithfully for the future.
  • Sunday June 3, 6:45 pm to 8:30 pm: Fast with a Muslim.  Join our Muslim friends at the Islamic Institute of Orange County for “Ramadan 101”, sunset prayer, and breaking the Ramadan fast. RSVP required.  Fasting optional!
  • UCC Summer Camps at Pilgrim Pines are taking registration!  For 1st graders through 12th graders, weekly July 12-Aug. 5. “Big Feet Little Feet for children 3-7 with an adult companion is new the first week! http://www.pilgrimpinescamp.org/summercamp/2018SummerCampBrochure.pdf
  • New church directories are available.  Email uccbrea@gmail.com for a PDF version, or stop by the church office to get a copy.
  • The Church Council has voted to begin a Media Lending Library.  You are invited to donate books, DVDs, and CD’s that you think others might be interested in.  The materials will go on the shelves in the hallway by the kitchen.  Thank you for your participation!

Ongoing

  • The BCUCC Theological Book Club will be reading Catherine Keller’s book, On the Mystery: Discerning Divinity in Process.  The author offers this brief and unconventional introduction to theological thinking.  She takes up theology itself as a quest for religious authenticity.  Come join us.  We have a great time processing our thoughts together.  We will meet at 7:00p.m. on May 23rd to discuss Chapters 4 and 5, and again on June 6th to finish with Chapters 6-8.  We meet at the Hill household.  Please call or email for directions at 714-693-0261 or jandkhill@mac.com.
  •  Bible Study is Thursdays 9:15-10:15am in the church office.  Topic is 1-2 Samuel.  All are welcome, to discover the intersection of sacred story and modern life with an open mind.
  • Tai Chi will be every Thursday in May except the last, May 31st.  There will be no June meetings.
  • Choir practice on Thursdays at 7:30pm in the music room. We love newcomers! Give us a try.

Creation Care Tip: Challenge yourself to use as little packaging as possible.  Can you skip a produce bag?  Can you buy the item with the least packaging?

BCUCC News for Sunday, May 13, 2018

News and Upcoming Events

  • Sunday May 13:  Mother’s Day. Scripture: Mark 3:20-35. Theme: “Love Makes a Family”
  • Tuesday May 15: Church Council meets at 7pm in the Joshua Tree room.
  • May 19-June 8: We cook Interfaith Shelter Network dinner. (The ISN will be hosted in our hall through June 30).  Sign up to help with dinner prep, breakfast/lunch supplies, or toiletries/shower supplies, or monetary support.  Talk to Ann Marshall or Sharon Everley.

  • Sunday May 20: Pentecost Sunday.  Scripture: Romans 8:22-25, Mark 4:26-34.  Theme: Seeds and Weeds.
  • Registration is open for UCC Annual Gathering June 1-2 at Chapman University. Learn, worship and have fun with people from UCC churches throughout SoCal and Nevada. You can register here: https://scncucc.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/128402
  • Sunday June 3 after church:  “Claiming Our Church’s Future” – The third and last Transition Team event.  Learn how changing demographics and church size dynamics affect our church and how we can respond faithfully for the future.
  • New church directories are available.  Email uccbrea@gmail.com for a PDF version, or stop by the church office to get a copy.
  • The Church Council has voted to begin a Media Lending Library.  You are invited to donate books, DVDs, and CD’s that you think others might be interested in.  The materials will go on the shelves in the hallway by the kitchen.  Thank you for your participation!

Ongoing

  • The BCUCC Theological Book Club will be reading Catherine Keller’s book, On the Mystery: Discerning Divinity in Process.  The author offers this brief and unconventional introduction to theological thinking.  She takes up theology itself as a quest for religious authenticity.  Come join us.  We have a great time processing our thoughts together.  We will meet at 7:00p.m. on May 23rd to discuss Chapters 4 and 5, and again on June 6th to finish with Chapters 6-8.  We meet at the Hill household.  Please call or email for directions at 714-693-0261 or jandkhill@mac.com.

 

  • Bible Study is Thursdays 9:15-10:15am in the church office.  Topic is 1-2 Samuel.  All are welcome, to discover the intersection of sacred story and modern life with an open mind.
  • Tai Chi will be every Thursday in May except the last, May 31st.  There will be no June meetings.
  • Choir practice on Thursdays at 7:30pm in the music room. We love newcomers! Give us a try.

 

 

            About A.C.T.

 

The A.C.T. (Active Christians Today) Office, at St. Angela Church on Walnut Street, was established in 1972 to help those in need. They are a food pantry, and can sometimes help with utility bills. They are open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 to 1:00.  Maria Fulton is the coordinator.

Members, Nancy Roeder and Janine Arp, are frequently found helping to assemble shopping bags of food at A.C.T. Janine and Dennis Arp take our First Food Sunday donations there.

A.C.T. provides bread, bakery, and grocery items, as well as government commodities, to needy families, the homeless, and hungry.  Those commodities usually come as attractively packaged canned food, peanut butter, pasta, milk, and other staples.

Some foods are not available in bulk, or there are special needs.  These are the foods we are asked to buy in the monthly reminders that Janine provides to us on Facebook, and in our News. They also accept cash!

A.C.T. provides referrals for dental, medical, and legal assistance, while maintaining a cooperative relationship with Brea Community Emergency Council.

A.C.T. welcomes volunteers to help with food stocking, packing, and sorting.  This could be a summer activity for high school age youth!  If you want to help out, stop by or call Maria at 714-529-1821 x 142.

Creation Care Tip: Drive less.  It’s that simple.  Maybe you can combine errands.

BCUCC News and Reminders

A weekly publication of Brea Congregational United Church of Christ

300 E. Imperial Highway, Brea CA 92821, 714-529-3014,  www.breaucc.org

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BCUCC News for Sunday, May 6, 2018

News and Upcoming Events

  • Sunday May 6: First Food Sunday- Bring food to worship for A.C.T. food shelf serving Brea residents in need. Most wanted: cooking oil, pancake mix, syrup, jams and jellies.  Any questions?  Nancy Roeder and Janine Arp can probably answer them!
  • Sunday, May 6: Communion Sunday. The Rev. Michael Lewis preaching! Scripture: Genesis 50:22-26 and Exodus 13:17-22.
  • What We Value at BCUCC: Thanks to everyone who participated in our discussion last week!  You will find our input on the posters in the Hall.  And if you didn’t get a chance to participate, it’s not too late!  Get questions and postits in the hall and fill out this Sunday…
  • Bible study is taking a break May 10 and will meet again Thurs. May 17, 9:15 am.
  • New church directories are available. Email uccbrea@gmail.com for a PDF version, or stop by the church office to get a copy.
  • Sunday May 13: Mother’s Day. Scripture: Mark 3:20-35. Theme: “Love Makes a Family”
  • Registration is open for UCC Annual Gathering June 1-2 at Chapman University. Learn, worship and have fun with people from UCC churches throughout SoCal and Nevada. You can register here: https://scncucc.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/128402
  • May 19-June 8: We cook Interfaith Shelter Network dinner. (The ISN will be hosted in our hall through June 30). Sign up to help with dinner prep, breakfast/lunch supplies, or toiletries/shower supplies, or monetary support.  Talk to Ann Marshall or Sharon Everley. 
  • Sunday June 3, after church. “Claiming Our Church’s Future” – The third and last Transition Team event.  Learn how changing demographics and church size dynamics affect our church and how we can respond faithfully for the future.
  • The Church Council has voted to begin a Media Lending Library.  You are invited to donate books, DVDs, and CD’s that you think others might be interested in.  The materials will go on the shelves in the hallway by the kitchen.  Thank you for your participation!

Ongoing

  • The BCUCC Theological Book Clubwill be reading Catherine Keller’s book, On the Mystery: Discerning Divinity in Process.  The author offers this brief and unconventional introduction to theological thinking.  She takes up theology itself as a quest for religious authenticity.  Come join us.  We have a great time processing our thoughts together.  We will meet at 7:00p.m. on Wednesday, May 9th to discuss Chapters 1-3, May 23rd to discuss Chapters 4 and 5, and again on June 6th to finish with Chapters 6-8.  We meet at the Hill household.  Please call or email for directions at 714-693-0261 or jandkhill@mac.com.

 

  • Bible Study is Thursdays 9:15-10:15am in the church office. Topic is 1-2 Samuel.  All are welcome, to discover the intersection of sacred story and modern life with an open mind.
  • Tai Chi will be every Thursday in May except the last, May 31st.  There will be no June meetings.
  • Choir practice on Thursdays at 7:30pm in the music room. We love newcomers! Give us a try.

 

“Panmunjom Declaration”: the beginning of

a new history of reconciliation and peace (excerpts)

Statement by the National Council of Churches in Korea, April 27, 2018

 

…Having recognized the absurdity and pain brought forth by separation, for more than 50 years the NCCK has worked for the reconciliation and peace of Korea while praying without ceasing. Therefore, the NCCK welcomes the historical Declaration pronounced by the two Korean leaders at the Panmunjom Peace House on April 27, and we show a great respect to the two leaders who eventually worked out the Declaration….

The NCCK hopes that the agreements are thoroughly enforced to ensure the end of the 70-year-old separation and conflict, and in their stead to bring long-lasting peace in the Korean peninsula. Furthermore, we hope that through the North Korea-US Summit next month, there will be permanent peace in the peninsula and we ask that all countries, civil societies, and churches actively cooperate.

Creation Care Tip:  This one’s for the techies!  Shut down hidden power hogs. Buy or borrow a “kill-a-watt” meter to see which devices around your home are using electricity when “off” but still plugged in. (Great project for kids.) All kinds of gadgets allow you to turn off outlet power remotely, as well as turn lights and devices on and off around your whole house from your phone or a central remote.  Tech heaven!