BCUCC News for Sunday, October 28, 2018
News and Upcoming Events
- Sunday October 28: 10am Worship. Bible Reading: Psalm 148. Theme: Original Blessing. For this season of creation, we will add some different elements to worship. This week: a short drama “The Sun Dances” presented by Dennis Arp and Francie Quaas-Berryman.
- Tuesday Oct. 30: Everyday Peacemaking: Compassionate Communication at 10-11:30am and 7-8:30pm. Using real-world situations, learn to speak your truth in a way that respects others and builds trust. Focus: Wrapping a Conflict in Empathy. In the church office (enter through the gate on Flower Street.)
- Saturday November 3: YAYA’s Movie Night 6-10pm. Dinner (in the hall with shelter guests) and child care provided. Movie in the Sanctuary. Bring a comfortable chair, costume if you have it, and enjoy costume and trivia contests. Thanks Bryan Wake for organizing this! (What are YAYAs? Youth and young adults. It’s their thing but they invite everyone.)
- Sunday Nov. 4: First Food Sunday: Potluck and Food Shelf donations. Bring a favorite dish to share for lunch together. (Sandwich fillings for our Breads of the World would be appreciated.) Bring food to worship for Brea residents in need. Typically needed to supplement bulk food supplies: canned fruit, healthy lunch snacks, jams and jellies, oatmeal, easy-open foods for people without kitchen access.
- 27-November 10: Interfaith Shelter Network in the Hall. Sign up with Sharon Everley to cook and serve a meal for ~10 people: meals still needed on 10/28 and 10/31.
Save the Dates:
- 28- Nov. 18: Season of Creation: honoring the earth and all life as sacred.
(By creation we mean God’s ongoing relationship with the world, in harmony with evolution.) - Sunday November 11: Blessing of Animals in worship.
- Sunday November 18: Neighbors in Need special UCC offering for justice ministries. This UCC 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.
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!
- The BCUCC Theological Book Club will be reading, Where Do We Go From Here—Chaos or Community, by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In this prophetic work, Dr. King lays out his thoughts, plans, and dreams for America’s future. It’s a universal message of hope that continues to resonate. We’ll meet at the Hill’s home on Wednesday, November 7th at 7:00p.m. Come enjoy the company and the discussion. For directions please call or email at 714-693-0261 or jandkhill@mac.com.
- 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:
Documenting Hate: Charlottesville and Orange County at Chapman University’s Memorial Hall, Monday Oct. 29, 7-9 pm. Screening of the documentary “Documenting Hate Charlottesville,” followed by a panel discussion.
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.
Thanks to all of you long-timers, newer participants, and friends who helped make Oktoberfest wonderful last Sunday. Special thanks to Sharon Everley and Lorie Goetsch for some serious from-scratch cooking, and Sharone Bölle and friends for fun decorations. People are the church!
Grace-filled God, share with us your heart for creation;
That we may cherish all life,
working together to heal the damage we have done,
Knowing that in all our struggles you are beside us,
to inspire, strengthen and transform us.
Amen