BCUCC News for Sunday, April 29, 2018

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News and Upcoming Events

  • Sunday April 29, after church: What We Value.  Potluck (yes, they’re off sequence from First Sundays for now) with activities and table discussions to clarify what we value at BCUCC and in pastoral leadership, led by the Transition Team.

  • 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!
  • Monday April 30, 7:30: Candlelight Taizé Service of song, prayer and silence in the Hall.  Led by Karen Hill and others.
  • Sunday, May 6: Rev. Michael Lewis preaching. First Food Sunday- Bring food for A.C.T.
  • THANK YOU to all who helped set up the Citizens Climate Lobby Candidate Forum.  And to those who attended, and invited friends and neighbors.  The event was a powerful way to advocate for our value of Creation Justice, and to create more informed citizens.
  • 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 supply Interfaith Shelter Network food. (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.  Talk to Ann Marshall or Sharon Everley.

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 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.

California pastor joins lawsuit against city’s anti-sanctuary ordinance

(Excerpt from UCC News)

            A California UCC pastor, supported by his congregation, has joined the American Civil Liberties Union in a lawsuit against the city of Los Alamitos for trying to exempt itself from the state’s Sanctuary law.

            The move follows a decision Monday evening by the Los Alamitos City Council, which passed a precedent-setting ordinance on April 16, that relieves the city from following the California Values Act, which limits local police cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “The atmosphere the city wants to create goes against what we stand for as a church, and what I stand for as a pastor,” Pullen said. “We have a lawsuit we think we can win. In just a short period of time, progressive voices have come out of the woodwork. Our church has been the hub of that grassroots coalition.” The lawsuit contends the Los Alamitos anti-sanctuary ordinance is unlawful, wastes taxpayer money and threatens the safety and well-being of the city’s residents.

            “The Southern California Nevada Conference supports the right of immigrants as a faith mandate, officially declaring itself a Sanctuary Conference in 2017. Community Congregational, UCC, Los Alamitos has become one of the Conference torchbearers in ensuring the rights of immigrants. In doing so, they have decided to be prophetic at a time when their city leadership has decided to turn their backs against the marginalized and oppressed,” said the Rev. Felix C. Villanueva, conference minister of the United Church of Christ in Southern California and Nevada. “In taking such a brave stance, Community Congregational, UCC is paving the way for other congregations in this Conference to oppose similar actions now on the docket of nearby cities and ensuring that our churches are places where everyone is welcome!”



Creation Care Tip:  Clean your refrigerator coils at least annually with a shop vac or brush.  If you have a pet you will be amazed at what you find!  Saves electricity on what may be the most energy-intensive appliance you own, and keeps your milk fresh!