BCUCC News for Sunday, September 30, 2018

News and Upcoming Events

  • Sunday Sept. 30: 10am Worship. Theme: Belonging: Beacons and Fences. Bible Reading: Mark 9:38-41.
  • Oct. 3: Candlelight Taizé Service at 7pm in the Hall. Theme: “The Way.” Song, scripture, prayer and silence.  Invite a friend!
  • Oct. 4: Bible Study is changing to afternoons! 2-3pm.  Join us to explore the Gospel of John. All are welcome. No homework!
  • No Tai Chi the first two weeks of October.
  • Saturday October 6: Apple Pie Day at Pilgrim Pines! Carpool from the church at 8:30am. Begins at 9:30am and ends at 3:00pm. Lunch and activities are included. Cost is $16 for adults and $12 for children 13 and under. Talk to Shannon Clay to register.  Let’s carpool.  You can pre-register at www.pilgrimpinescamp.org.
  • Sunday October 7: Becoming a Creation Justice Church.  Potluck lunch and program making plans to formalize and strengthen our commitment to care for God’s earth and advocate for environmental justice.

Save the Dates:

 

  • Wednesday October 10, 2-4pm: Art and Soul in the Hall.
  • Sunday October 21: Oktoberfest after worship. Beer and Brats!
  • 27-November 10: Interfaith Shelter Network in the Hall.
  • 28- Nov. 18: Season of Creation: honoring the earth and all life as sacred.
  • 30: Everyday Peacemaking: Compassionate Communication at 10 am and 7 pm.
  • 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.

  • Thursdays 6:30- Tai Chi with Karen Hill re-starts Oct. 17. 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.

  • 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!

 

Unvarnished: Studying Defacto Segregation in the Northern and Western United States

The Brea Museum and Historical Society is part of this grant to study the history of local segregation, in response to recent concerns about racism in Brea’s history.  Our church is a part of that history. https://breamuseum.org/unvarnished-studying-defacto-segregation-in-the-northern-and-western-united-states/

 

  1. This week, in partnership with the International Sites of Conscience (www.sitesofconscience.org), the Brea Museum will be facilitating several community open forums to allow residents to express their concerns. Evening groups are at 6:30-8pm Wednesday 10/3 and Thursday 10/4.  A group of BCUCC members will attend the Thursday meeting.  Identical, but smaller, meetings will be held during the day at 11am,12:30 and 3 both days (more chance for questions!)  Pastor Terry will attend the 3pm meeting 10/4.  All meetings are at the museum, 495 S. Brea Blvd.  RSVP for daytime meetings at info@breamuseum.org.

 

  1. Through Oct. 20, the Brea Museum hosts “A Class Action: The Grass Roots Struggle for School Desegregation in California,” an excellent exhibit documenting the landmark victory for school desegregation in Orange County that predates Brown v. Board of Education. Check the museum website for hours.  https://breamuseum.org/a-class-action-exhibit-mendez-v-westminster/

 

  1. Our church is committed to welcoming all, and racial and ethnic justice is a part of that. A Welcoming Diversity Working Group is currently examining what we are doing and how we can improve.  Thanks to Bryan Wake and Kimly Hoang for taking the lead in this effort.  Stay tuned for possible activities to strengthen our welcome.

 

There is no them and us.  There is only us.

– Greg Boyle

Creation Care Note:  Avoid recycling contamination!  Recycling contamination occurs when non-recyclables are placed in the recycle cart.  These items include trash, food waste and liguids.  Much of our recycling is shipped to China!  (Reminding us that recycling is second-best to not generating waste in the first place…)  China has implemented new regulations which reject as trash batches of recyclables containing more than 0.5% contamination.  Avoid all traces of food, liquids, medicines, sharps, or other non-recyclables in your recycling bin!

BCUCC News for Sunday, September 23, 2018

News and Upcoming Events

  • Sunday Sept. 23: 10am Worship. Theme: Power For. Bible Reading: Mark 9:30-37.
  • Tuesday Sept. 25: Everyday Peacemaking: Compassionate Communication. 10-11:30am in the office, or 7-8:30 pm in the hall. This month’s focus: From Anger to Empathy. Concrete steps you can use to transform judgment and build relationship.  Real life examples; beginners and community members welcome.
  • Oct. 3: Candlelight Taizé Service at 7pm in the Hall. Theme: “The Way.” Song, scripture, prayer and silence.  Invite a friend!
  • Sept. 27: Tai Chi in Sanctuary 6:30-7:15pm
  • Saturday October 6: Apple Pie Day at Pilgrim Pines! Carpool from the church at 8:30am. Begins at 9:30am and ends at 3:00pm. Lunch and activities are included. Cost is $16 for adults and $12 for children 13 and under. Talk to Shannon Clay for carpool.  Pre-register at www.pilgrimpinescamp.org.
  • Sunday October 7: Becoming a Creation Justice Church.  Potluck lunch and program exploring how we can formalize and strengthen our commitment to care for God’s earth and advocate for environmental justice.

Save the Dates:

 

  • Wednesday October 9, 2-4pm: Art and Soul in the Hall.
  • Sunday October 21: Oktoberfest after worship.
  • October 27-November 10: Interfaith Shelter Network in the Hall.
  • Saturday November 3: YAYA’s Movie Night
  • Sunday November 11: Blessing of Animals in worship.

Ongoing

  • Bible Study is Thursdays 9:15-10:15 am in the church office. We are beginning the Gospel of John. All are welcome, to discover the intersection of sacred story and modern life with an open mind. No homework.
  • 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.

  • Thursdays 6:30- Tai Chi with Karen Hill continues through September, and re-starts Oct. 17. 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.

  • 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!

HURRICANE RELIEF EFFORTS

The Southern Conference of the United Church of Christ is partnering with other regional churches for hurricane relief.  “We are now compiling all of our inventory within the Conference such as those churches that will provide shelter for displaced victims, distribution centers for collected items, and clergy and laity who will serve as volunteers,” said Conference Minister Ed Davis. ” The First Responders are in place. I continue to keep all of you in my prayers.”

UCC Disaster Ministries, which is also encouraging continued prayer for all the families, individuals, first responders and emergency management staff in the region, has already established a 2018 Hurricane Relief response to expand current capacities and assist through established relief networks and partners in the impacted areas.

“UCC Disaster Ministries for its part continues to collaborate with the conference, offering up financial resources, guidance and expertise,” said Zach Wolgemuth, executive, UCC Disaster Ministries. “Right now the best thing people can do is to continue to be in prayer and give financially. We know the recovery from this storm will be long-term and we are committed to being in it for the long haul.”

“The United Church of Christ’s motto, ‘that they may all be one’ describes the tempo of Florence response in North Carolina just now,” Wallace said. “Neighbor helping neighbor, neighbor praying for neighbor, neighbor rescuing neighbor, neighbor being Jesus to neighbor. May it be so for the long period of recovery. Lord, hear our prayers.”

There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.

– Nelson Mandela

 

Creation Care Note: Report broken sprinklers when you see them in your neighborhood.  Broken sprinklers often waste thousands of gallons of water for weeks or months before they are noticed by the persons responsible for repair.

 

BCUCC News for Sunday, September 16, 2018

  • 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.
  • Sunday September 16: 10am Worship. Theme: Opening to God’s Possibilities.  Bible Reading: Mark 7:31-37.
  • Monday September 17: Low Impact Cardio 6:45 pm & Martial Arts 7:30 pm in the Hall – free to church members.
  • Tuesday Sept. 18: Church Council meets at 7pm in the Joshua Tree Room.
  • Tuesday Sept. 25: Everyday Peacemaking: Compassionate Communication.10-11:30 am in the office, or 7-8:30 pm in the hall.  This month’s focus: From Anger to EmpathyJesus said “do not judge” and “Love Your Neighbor”; here are concrete steps you can use to transform judgment and build relationship.  Real life examples; beginners and community members welcome.
  • Wed. Oct. 3: Candlelight Taizé Serviceat 7 pm in the Hall. Theme: “The Way.”  Song, scripture, prayer and silence.  Invite a friend!
  • Saturday October 6: Apple Pie Day at Pilgrim Pines Camp! Carpool from the church at 8:30. Begins at 9:30 and ends at 3:00 pm. Lunch and activities are included. Cost is $16 for adults and $12 for children 13 and under. Kids 3 and under are free. Pre-register at www.pilgrimpinescamp.org.
  • Favorite Worship Songs and Hymns: what are yours? Take a sheet fron the basket in the church entry and return it with your favorites.

Ongoing

  • Bible Study is Thursdays 9:15-10:15 am in the church office. We are beginning the Gospel of John. All are welcome, to discover the intersection of sacred story and modern life with an open mind. No homework.
  • The BCUCC 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 Wednesday, Sept. 12th, at 7pm to discuss Chapters 1-8, and on October 17th to discuss Chapters 9-16.  Light refreshments are served, and fun and discovery are enjoyed by all.
  • Thursdays 6:30- Tai Chi with Karen Hill continues through September.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.
  • 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!
  • Share the message! Sermons are online in both video and print form on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/56642580963/. Print copies are available on the right side of the church entry.
  • 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!

When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this: you haven’t.

– Thomas Edison 

Creation Care Note: How can we protect people from the effects of environmental damage: fires, floods, storms, and pollution-induced illness?  Political advocacy, to mitigate and share the cost of environmental harm, is part of environmental justice.  Low-income people, who may lack safe shelter, savings, insurance, or support networks, are disproportionally affected. They need all our voices to advocate for environmental preservation and disaster relief.

 

BCUCC News for Sunday, September 9, 2018

News and Upcoming Events

  • Sunday September 9: 10am Worship. Theme: (Extra)Ordinary Service.
  • Favorite Worship Songs and Hymns: what are yours? Note them on the sheet provided in your bulletin or in the church entry and put it in the offering basket or in the basket on the entry table.
  • Congratulations to Michelle Serna the preschool director for her new baby boy: Matix Dash Serna, born on 8/30/2018.
  • Monday September 10: NO Low Impact Cardio & Martial Arts class this week.
  • Thursday Sept. 13: Bible Study 9:15am-10:15 am in the Office. NO Tai Chi this week. Worship Committee 6:30 pm in the office; Choir Practice at 7:30.
  • 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.
  • Oct. 3: Taizé Service at 7pm in the Hall.

Ongoing

  • Bible Study is Thursdays 9:15-10:15 am in the church office. We are beginning the Gospel of John. All are welcome, to discover the intersection of sacred story and modern life with an open mind. No homework.
  • 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 Wednesday, Sept. 12th, at 7pm to discuss Chapters 1-8, and 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.

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

  • 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!

 

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. Here are some of the tremendous features and benefits of doing the program:

       Congregations collectively discern their high calling to care for creation and seek justice for the oppressed.

       Congregations make a commitment so serious and so sacred that it necessitates talking about God’s covenant with us and with all of creation.

       Congregations not only become recognized as “green.” They become a part of a larger network of churches and a larger movement to change the world.

       Congregations engage in critical thinking about the socioeconomic dimensions of environmental justice such as race, class, and global inequality.

       Congregations foster a deeper sense of connection: connection to God, to each other, and to the world in which we live.

       Congregations unleash their imagination and creativity as a sense of purpose propels them to make a difference

Do ordinary things with extraordinary love.

– Mother Teresa

Creation Care Celebration: Because of our solar panels on the sanctuary roof, BCUCC is a net electricity generator!