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.