BCUCC News for Sunday, Dec 9, 2018

News and Upcoming Events

  • Bring Christmas photos and wall hangings… We have room along the side walls of the sanctuary for your hangable Christmas decorations and framed photos.  Our Tree of Remembrance (front right, decorated in blue) welcomes photos or mementos of loved ones whom you are missing.
  • Sunday Dec. 9.  Worship 10am. Second Sunday of Advent. Theme: “Expecting God in Unexpected Places” Bible Reading: Luke 3:1-6.
  • Thursday Dec.13, 2:30-4:30pm: Art and Soul.  More (and continuing) Polymer Clay Art with Janine Arp in the Hall.  All are welcome.
  • Saturday December 15, 10-12pm: Allies to Jews.  Kate Potter (sister of Kris Percy) will lead this “teach-in” event in our church hall.  Learn how to support our Jewish neighbors in the face of recent anti-Jewish crimes in Orange County.
  • Tuesday December 18: Everyday Peacemaking: Compassionate Communication.  Two opportunities. Morning session 10-11:30am; Evening session 7-8:30pm in the church office (ring bell at gate on Flower Street).  Topic: Self-empathy. Beginners welcome.
  • Sunday Dec. 23, 4-6 pm (note time change): The YAYA’s invite you to go caroling, followed by cocoa and treats at the church. We will carpool to some nearby locations.  If you can’t sing, just smile and bring good cheer.
  • Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7:30pm.  Singing carols and lighting candles… what a great time to invite family and friends!  See you there.
  • Sunday Dec. 30, 10am: Special Worship Service in the Hall led by Michael Lewis.

 

  • Sunday January 6:  Congregational Meeting 11 am (after worship.)

Ongoing

  • The BCUCC Theological Book Club will be reading, The Heart is a Little to the Left, by William Sloane Coffin.  The preface of this book reads, “If we are to be equal to the times we live in and to the greater problems the future will bring, we had better learn to scorn trifles and strive to be far more imaginative and more generous in spirit.  Above all, I believe we need to claim the kinship of all people, to recover the prophetic insight that we belong one to another, every one of us.”  You are welcome to join us in the discussion on Wednesday, December 19th at 7:00p.m. at the home of the Hills.  Please call or email us at 714-693-0261 or jandkhill@mac.com for directions.
  • Bible Study is on 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! 

  • Choir practice Thursdays at 7:30pm. 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!
  • Tai Chi will take a hiatus for the month of December, returning on Thursday January 3.

 

Donations in December:  Our Council has decided to offer you two ways to give holiday gifts to those in need. Look for containers in the church entry coming soon.

  1. Breaking news:  The Preschool invites us to participate in gift giving for teens who are clients at Children and Youth Behavioral Health.  Pick up a wish this Sunday, and return the gift by next Sunday.

  1. Gfits for a homeless family who attend Bryan Wake’s school. Gift cards to Walmart, JCPenney or Target are most helpful.

  1. To asylum seekers just released from detention in OC and on their way to host families around the country.  From Sheryl at Friends of Orange County Detainees:

 “We are always in need of men’s clothing, specifically:  Slim fitting jeans.  The sizes most in demand are 29 to 34, although we occasionally have a 36, smaller sizes are most needed. Cotton casual slim fitting pants, same sizes as above. T-shirts, small through large, small and medium most in demand. Jackets coats and cold weather gear, all sizes; sweat shirts and hoodies all sizes; athletic and casual shoes all sizes, we are very short on 7.5 to 9; new underwear (not white), boxers and boxer briefs preferred; new sockssmall (carryon) suitcases and duffel bags. It is a great experience when people who have been detained for months or years have a chance to select their own clothing. I tell them all of these items are available because people care about them and welcome them to our country.”

Lord, oil the hinges of our hearts’ doors

that they may swing gently and easily to welcome your coming.