BCUCC News for Sunday, November 11, 2018

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News and Upcoming Events

  • Sunday November 11: 10am Worship, Blessing of Animals. Bible reading: Matthew 6:24-33. Theme: “All My Relations.” Third Sunday of the Season of Creation. (By creation we mean God’s ongoing relationship with the world, in harmony with evolution.) Pets who will be comfortable in worship (with perhaps a blanket or towel if they want pew space) are welcome.  If your pet is happier or safer at home, you may bring a photo and we will “bless remotely.”
  • November 14, 2-4pm: Art and Soul.  Thanks to Janine Arp for offering our featured craft, polymer clay, and some ideas for holiday décor.  Co-create some arts and crafts with us in the Hall with her guidance.  You can also bring your favorite project, and/or supplies to share.
  • 27-November 24: Interfaith Shelter Network in the Hall. Thanks to all who are cooking and sharing mealtimes with our guests. They appreciate our welcome. Thanks to Ann Marshall and Carol This for coordinating this important ministry. Please see Ann to sign up to buy perishable groceries when needed. Note: The shelter stay has been extended two weeks.

 

  • Sunday November 18: Neighbors in Need special UCC offering. This offering provides grants to church-related ministries for mercy and social justice.  Matching funds will be given to OC’s own Neighbors in Need recipient, the Friends of OC Detainees, who coordinate volunteer visits and aid to immigrant detainees in OC jails, and to clothe them when they are finally released.
  • Saturday Dec. 1 at 9 am: Hanging of the Greens. Help us decorate the sanctuary and hall!  Bring your old clothes and your creativity.

 

Ongoing

  • Bible Study is now 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!
  • Thursdays 6:30: Tai Chi. 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. Scheduled Nov. 1, 15, 29.

  • 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!

Community events:

      Corpus Christi: a play by Terrence McNally: What if Jesus was gay?  Joshua, different from other boys because of his homosexuality, grows up in isolation and torment.  Fleeing his home, he gathers a group of disciples who are drawn to his radical message of love and tolerance.  Despite his message of equality, he will suffer the same fate as Jesus who also sought to change a wayward community—its arrogance, its ignorance, and its complacency.  November 9-18 in Santa Ana. Tickets at TheWaywardArtist.org.

 

“A more inclusive history of Brea” – The Brea Historical Society is part of a nationwide research program to document the history of de facto segregation. Let Pastor Terry know if you would like to participate in this project as part of a community conversation.

 

Reminder: Has your Ralphs community card been updated: If not, Brian Wake can help you!

 

Pastor Search Committee Update:  The diligent members of our Search Committee have reviewed at least 20 profiles and are conducting second interviews for six promising candidates.  They are Shannon Clay, Karen Hill, Randy Fowler, Russell Nowell, Kathryn Kadletz, Georlyn Igma, and Dave This.  Sharon Bölle and Ann Marshall are observers.

 

Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a special mission offering of the United Church of Christ that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. One-third of NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM). Two-thirds of this offering is used by the UCC’s Justice and Witness Ministries (JWM) to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects through grants. Neighbors in Need grants are awarded to UCC churches and organizations doing justice work in their communities. These grants fund projects whose work ranges from direct service to community organizing and advocacy to address systemic injustice. This year, special consideration will be given to projects focusing on serving our immigrant neighbors and communities. Projects receiving grants include food pantries and homeless shelters, a prison to community re-entry program, interfaith groups that advocate for worker justice, microbanking, and community organizer training.

When we try to pick out anything by itself,

we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe.

-John Muir