The Chimes. January 2017 NOW APPEARING!

Transcription

1 Volume 21 No. 1 The Chimes January 2017 Eden UCC has been an Open and Affirming Church since We believe that all people are children of God, that persons of all ages, races, and sexual orientations are part of our increasingly diverse culture, and we welcome all persons into the full life and ministry of this church. Tel: Sunday Worship: 10:00 a.m. Church Office Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday: Closed Visit our church website: Like us on Facebook: Eden United Church of Christ Follow us on NOW APPEARING! The season of Epiphany, which begins Jan 6 and lasts until late February, is the traditional time for Christians to ask one of my favorite questions: Why? Through scripture and song in Epiphany, which means appearance of God, we explore some important why questions: Why this baby Jesus? Why does God come to us as an ordinary man? Why to all people? And, perhaps most importantly, why should we believe? In December, Pastor Arlene reminded us that there is no Christmas without the hard work of Advent. In a similar vein, I d say: Don t go to Lent, which begins Mar 1 this year, without spending serious time with the questions of Epiphany. Think of it this way: when you go to a really good movie, the first thing you want to do is talk about it. In my family, the credits have barely rolled before someone says: Well, what did you think? That s what Epiphany is to Christmas: a time when we spend some time reviewing not only what happened, but why it happened and what it means to us personally and as a church. Ultimately, everyone must form their own review of the Christmas story about the baby-man-god who sought to end human hopelessness. Every Epiphany, Jesus Christ appears in different ways. As a child, Jesus appeared as a bright star in the night sky. Years ago, Jesus appeared in quiet meditation and prayer. More recently, Jesus has been making an appearance at our fabulous Tres Reyes Worship & Fiesta, which this year we celebrate on Sunday, Jan 8 with a community lunch and gifts for all the children in our church and community. When I reflect on all the different ways and places Jesus shows up for me, I have just one question. I wonder: Why? ~ Pastor Pepper Welcome to Eden! Eden is a diverse and growing church. At Eden, people of all ages and backgrounds join together to grow spiritually, do good in the world, and develop healing and nurturing relationships. At our church, you will not be told what to believe. We feel that the way we treat one another is more important than holding uniform beliefs. And, while the Bible is important to our faith, it is not the last word. We believe God is Still Speaking through science, nature, personal experience, other faith traditions and more. On Sunday mornings, our church services and kids programs are open, friendly and innovative. Every week at Eden, you ll find all kinds of activities retreats, yoga classes, service projects, music programs, labyrinth walks, study groups to nurture mind, body, and spirit. At Eden, we are on a journey together to understand and live God s truth for our lives. Come and join us on the journey. Check out our website. Give us a call. Come by and see us. We look forward to welcoming you!

2 The Chimes Volume 21 No. 1 Page 2 It Takes a Village (Plus) Advent/Nacimiento Preparations Christmas Eve Worship in Sanctuary Eden s Candlelight Christmas Eve/Noche Buena Worship will begin at 7 pm in the Sanctuary, featuring lessons, carols, and special music by Drs. Jessie Wenchieh Lo and Jessie Acker-Johnson and other Eden vocalists and instrumentalists. Volunteers are needed to greet visitors and returning members, serve as ushers, hand out and collect Silent Night candles. To volunteer, contact Stephanie Spencer. Cookies and cookie bakers are also needed for our Christmas Eve reception in Oliver Hall. A sign-up sheet will be in the Church Office on Dec 4. Volunteers are also needed to help with the setup and cleanup of our Christmas Eve reception. If interested, please contact Pat Payne, Fellowship Coordinator. Our annual Christmas offering will be received on Sunday, Dec 18, and on Christmas Eve, Dec 24. The Christmas offering supports the many important programs, services, and spiritual life of Eden Church. Look for your Christmas offering envelope by mail or pick one up in the Church Office or in your worship bulletin. For further information, contact Dianne Dorn, Chair of Stewardship. Chimes is a monthly publication of Eden United Church of Christ. Proposed submissions should be sent to pepper@ edenucc.com, or mailed or delivered to the church by the third Sunday of each month. We reserve the right to edit all materials submitted. Publisher: The Rev. Dr. Arlene K. Nehring, Senior Minister. Chimes Staff: The Rev. Pepper Swanson, Associate Minister; Corina Vasaure, Compañeras; Tania Martinez, Office Manager Christmas Day & New Year s Day Worship in Pioneer Chapel This year, both Christmas and New Year s Day fall on Sunday! In keeping with our tradition, we will have worship on Sunday, Dec 25 at 10 am and on Jan 1, 2017 at 10 am in Pioneer Chapel, our 19th century church home. Pioneer Chapel was built in 1867, and is on the State and National Registries of Historic Places. This special place is perfect for small weddings, memorial services, recitals and... our own traditional Christmas and New Year s Day worship. Come enjoy a special morning service of Scripture, art, poetry, and music. Tres Reyes Worship & Celebration The Kings are Coming! Three Kings Day/ Tres Reyes Magos will happen Sunday, Jan 8 at Eden Church. Three Kings is the celebration of the Magi who come to visit Mary, Joseph, and their newborn son, Jesus. The Kings bring wonderful gifts for Jesus and his parents. The Three Kings Celebration is an opportunity for the Cherryland Leaders to give back to Eden Church in all the work we do by sharing this important religious holiday together. Everyone is invited to join in celebrating the Three Kings Celebration/Fiesta de Tres Reyes Magos, which will include a free lunch (with both kid-friendly and not-spicy options) served to all by the Cherryland Parents, and fun entertainment for the whole family. Whether you re a church member, church youth, or a community member, everyone is invited and encouraged to attend this event! All in attendance can take part in the activities, and gifts will be given to all children ages 0-12 by the Three Kings. For more information, please contact Corina Vasaure.

3 The Chimes Volume 21 No. 1 Page 3 Congregational Care Circle (CCC) Brunch The CCC will start the New Year with a working brunch on Wednesday morning, Jan 18. Newcomers and long-time CCC participants are invited to gather at 11:15 am in the Fireside Room for tea and conversation. Brunch will be provided by Pastor Arlene and available at 11:30 a.m. After our repast, an overview of the CCC s current ministries will be provided. Participants will be invited to share updates on their holiday outreach to homebound and nonresident members, and consider re-upping for various ministries, including meals, phoning, visiting, greeting cards, baby showers, memorial receptions, etc. RSVP via the church office by Sunday, January 15. For more information, please speak with Deacon Sally Kusalo or Pastor Arlene. Mid-Winter Youth Event Have a weekend of fun at Mid-Winter Camp during Martin Luther King Jr. weekend Jan Mid-Winter is a weekend long overnight church camp for 6th-8th graders where they have an opportunity to escape technology and embrace the amazing gifts God has to offer through laughter, games, vespers, campfires, and more! The event begins at 1:00 pm, and is held at First Congregational Church of Fresno. The event includes two dinners, and a lunch eaten altogether. To register, go to ncncucc.org. Strategic Plan Update On Sunday, Jan 22, we will have a congregational meeting in Oliver Hall following worship so each of the Strategic Planning Teams can report on their progress in implementing the Strategic Plan adopted last Jun. As a reminder, there are three teams working on various aspects of the Strategic Plan: Congregational Life, Worship Practices, and Outreach and Cultural Learning. If you are interested in the work of the teams, please plan to attend our update session on Jan 22. There will also be an update session on Sunday, Apr 23. Invitation to the Ministry of Music Music is one of the first things newcomers notice when they attend worship. Are you interested in shaping the musical landscape at Eden? Are you willing to serve God through active participation and spiritually fulfilling experience? Come and join the Eden Choir! Dr. Jessie Lo will be leading and teaching music during rehearsals that are held on certain Sundays beginning at 11:30 am. See Coming Attractions in this issue of the worship announcements for our upcoming rehearsal and performance schedule. Come join a fun-loving group, learn some music, and be a vital part of the Ministry. Bible Study The next daytime Bible Study session on the Acts of the Apostles will be Monday, Jan 9. The daytime session is from 10 am to 11 am. Evening Bible Study will resume in early For more information, contact Pastor Pepper. Comida para Cherryland Winter Schedule Comida para Cherryland, Eden s just-in-time food pantry, celebrated its 4th anniversary in April. Together we now serve over 200 families per month, 90% of whom live in Cherryland. The Comida operates on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month from 1:30-4:30 pm or until the food is gone. Our Comida days in January are Jan 11 & 25. To volunteer at the Comida, see Corina Vasaure. Seekers Book Discussion The Seekers read and discuss books on religion and other topics. The Seekers began reading The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander on Nov 9, took a break for the Christmas season, and will resume reading The New Jim Crow in January. Please join us for our weekly discussions on Wednesdays at 10 am in the Community Room. Contact Pastor Pepper for info. What a Joyful Noise! Mt. Eden High School Chamber Singers Performed Advent II Take a Lookilu and See What s New!

4 The Chimes Volume 21 No. 1 Page 4 Birthdays & Anniversaries January Birthdays Michelle Borba 01/27 Vivian Faingainuku 01/02 Sue Hakanson 01/02 Karla Vega 01/05 Dianne Fletcher 01/06 Mary Graw 01/07 Patricia Payne 01/15 Lona Fryer 01/19 Nadiezhda Pereira 01/19 Nate Blake 01/22 Becki Wilson 01/22 Pat Ball 01/24 Angelarosa Alicea 01/27 Alliene Turner 01/29 Tori Meyer 01/26 Rebecca Kephart 01/16 Arianna Yauger 01/15 Stephanie Andrade 01/09 Josiah Amaya-Haro 01/11 Karen Victorio 01/18 Quinn Malloy 01/17 Giovanni Nicholas-Fernández 01/04 Tabitha Aloo 01/22 January Anniversaries Jacque & Nate Blake 01/22 Alliene & Bob Turner 01/21 Vai & George Day 01/12 Upcoming Confirmation Activities Jan 8 Tres Reyes Worship, 10 am & Tres Reyes Celebration, 11:15 am to 1:30 pm Jan 29 Confirmation Class, 5 to 7 pm Feb 26 Pancake Fundraiser for Homeless, 5 to 7 pm Important Comida Budget Update Thank you to all who have responded with contributions in support of Comida para Cherryland. Based on current needs and a generous FEMA grant received by the ACCFB we anticipate having enough money to fund the food pantry through June Every dollar contributed goes directly to the purchase of food. The direct costs of the Comida are solely supported by donations from members and friends (not the church s annual budget). A contribution of $4.50 buys one bag for a family of 4-7 and includes one bag of rice and one bag of beans, a can of peanut butter, a can of tuna, a can of tomato product, oatmeal, fresh fruit and vegetables, and a bag of chicken legs. Contributions may be made using pew envelopes or by mailing contributions to the church. Please make checks payable to Eden United Church of Christ and note Comida on the envelope or check. For information about the budget, see the Rev. Rob Parrish. To discuss a financial contribution to the Comida, see Michael Stuber. Yoga for Lunch Yoga classes are held on Tuesdays at 2:00 pm in the Fireside Room. Join Yogi Amanda Sharpe and Eden members and friends. Eden Stitchers Quilters and others with sewing projects are invited to join the Eden Stitchers on Tuesdays at 10 am in the Jensen Room. Contact Suzie Hasselkuss (suziequilting@comcast.net) or Shannon Whitney (Shannon_whitney@ sbcglobal.net) for the date of the next meeting. Flowers for Worship The 2017 Flower Calendar is posted in the Church Office. Stop by to sign up for a date to match your occasion. Flowers can be provided by: 1) Cut or purchase flowers and arrange them at home or church and place them on the communion table; 2) Make arrangements with Eden s Flower Coordinator Mary Graw to provide flowers and she or another member will arrange them; or (3) Order flowers delivered from a florist to the church on the Saturday prior to your date. Bulletin dedications are due to the Church Office by 12 noon on the Wednesday before your date. For information, contact Mary Graw at (510) Reminders The Sunday Bulletin is now online! To use your phone or tablet as an e-bulletin, go to com/ and look for the Sunday Bulletin button on the upper left side of the home page. Copies of Eden s Sunday sermons are available in the Church office or online (in PDF and MP3 versions) at sermons Eden Church and Eden Area Foundation bylaws, policies, agendas, minutes, reports, rosters, and schedules are posted on the church website at: com/leadership. Like us on Facebook Eden United Church of Christ now has 947 likes and Cherryland Computer now has 171 likes on Facebook!. Follow us on now has 591 followers! Yoga at Eden is held every Tuesday from 2:00 pm -3:00 pm in the Fireside Room. The Labyrinth is open Mon-Fri, 8:30 am 5 pm, and Sunday mornings. Safe Congregation locations where children and youth may be after worship: Oliver Hall, Courtyard, and the Tot Lot (with adult supervision).

5 The Chimes Volume 21 No. 1 Page 5 Come to the Manger! Eden Kids Lead the Way Christmas Thank You Notes to the Worship Team, Musicians, Deacons, Liturgists, Acolytes, and E-Team, who planned and carried out all of the Advent and Christmas programs and worship services. to the Deacons, Fellowship Committee, Confirmands and their families, Compañeras/os, and Trustees, who organized the campus Nacimiento and Christmas decorating and community lunch, and for all who decorated and kept the children busy. to the cast and crew of our 2016 Christmas pageant that was presented on Dec 11. to the Fellowship Committee, who provided our Happy Birthday, Jesus community lunch on Dec 11 and to our cookie bakers and fellowship hosts who made each Sunday in Advent lovely & welcoming. to the Compañeras/os and other volunteers, who organized our gift in-gathering, sorting, and wrapping and to everyone who donated art supplies for our upcoming Tres Reyes Fiesta. to Jan Bass, who organized our church Christmas card photos, signing, and delivery, and to all who took time to write a greeting and to those who signed and prepared our cards to Japan. to the Flower Committee, who shopped for and arranged the poinsettia display in the Sanctuary, and all who made visits, calls, and deliveries. to the Stewardship Committee, who developed the Christmas offering campaign, and for all who gave generously in support of this and our other offerings. to our dedicated Usher Coordinator & Crew, who coordinated ushers and greeters for all services and to all our warm and wonderful greeters and ushers who faithfully reported for duty on their assigned and impromptu occasions. to our church photographers, who captured the Christmas spirit at Eden. to our hard-working church staff who rise to every challenge presented by both the daily routine and extra duties associated with the Advent and Christmas season.

6 The Chimes Volume 21 No. 1 Page 6 Joys Three high school students (Rodrigo Abad, Roxana Abad, and Miriam Oseguera) provided 123 volunteer hours to serve as peer tutors in the Cherryland Computer this fall. Seventeen children and youth participated in our Christmas Pageant on Sunday, Dec. 11. Many thanks to the parents and Church school teachers who supported our pageant and helped us deliver the Christmas message: Come to the manger! Halleluiah! The Eden Campus Community has survived several surprise maintenance projects in recent weeks. We now have running water all over campus! The portable restrooms were picked up last week. The collapsed water main and gas leak adjacent to Oliver Hall were repaired. The two failing furnaces on the second floor were replaced, and the failing circuit board on the Norberg Room furnace was replaced. Eden Church was pleased to welcome the Mt. Eden Choir Chamber Singers to worship last Sunday morning, and to host the Mt. Eden Music Department Winter Concert on Dec 8. Prayer Requests For all those who are not experiencing the Advent and Christmas seasons as the most wonderful time of the year. Two families in our congregation and one family in the Cherryland neighborhood have asked Eden Church for help finding affordable housing. If you have a lead on a room, apartment, or house to rent, please contact Pastor Arlene. For members and friends who are seeking gainful and meaningful employment. For the loved ones of those who died in the Ghost Ship fire on Dec 2 and for the survivors, first responders, and other caregivers who have been ministering to the needs of all who are suffering from this tragedy. For Patricia Payne, the hardworking chair of our Fellowship Committee, who is recovering from a broken ankle incurred last Sunday evening. For Launey Rivers and Rob Parrish, who are grieving the death of Launey s uncle, Lonnie Edwards, who died two weeks ago. Launey flew home for the funeral and burial. For members and friends who are living with mental health challenges. For the family and friends of Ron Wagle, who died on Saturday evening, Nov 19. Ron was the son of the late Elma and Jack Wagle, and the brother of Bob Wagle. A celebration of Ron s life will be held at the Shrine Event Center in Livermore on Dec 11, and graveside service and burial will be held in Pleasanton on Monday, Dec 12. Pastor Arlene will officiate. And for Mary Bernstein, Juanita Chavez, Ann Dodd, Regina Fischer, Clyde Howell, Arden Keune, Wesley Moniz, Jan Richards, Ruth Schaap, Marilyn Sundberg, June Staley, the Wiebe-Freed family, and Terry Wilkerson. Pastoral Visits: Pastor Arlene makes hospital and home visits to members and friends upon request. To request a visit, please call her cell phone (510) or send to arlene@edenucc.com. Note, because of privacy laws, hospitals do not contact pastors or church offices or share patient information with anyone other than a patient s medical power of attorney. Professional courtesies are also involved. Generally speaking, pastoral visits are limited to members and friends of Eden Church who are listed on the church rolls. Our Associate Minister, Pepper Swanson, or other clergy and church leaders make pastoral visits when Pastor Arlene is out of town. Mark Your Calendars Dec 24 Candlelight Christmas Eve Service Dec 25 Christmas Day Service Dec 28 Comida para Cherryland Jan 08 Tres Reyes Celebration Jan 11 Comida para Cherryland Jan MidWinter Camp Jan 16 MLK Birthday Celebration Jan 22 Congregational Meeting- Strategic Plan Teams Report Jan 25 Comida para Cherryland Jan 29 Confirmation Class Jan 31 ESLO Meeting Feb 08 Comida para Cherryland Feb 20 President s Day Feb 22 Comida para Cherryland Feb 26 Pancake Fundraiser Mar 01 Ash Wednesday Mar 08 Comida para Cherryland Mar 11 PSR Youth Spiritual Retreat Mar 14 ESLO Meeting Mar 22 Comida para Cherryland Mar 26 One Great Hour of Sharing Offering Mar 26 Confirmation Class Apr 02 Taste & See Apr 09 Palm Sunday Apr 12 Comida para Cherryland Apr 13 Maundy Thursday Apr 14 Good Friday Apr 15 Shir Ami Passover Celebration Apr 16 Easter Apr 23 Congregational Meeting- Strategic Plan Teams Report Apr 26 Comida para Cherryland Apr Stewardship Pledge Drive Begins May 07 Confirmation Class May 09 ESLO Meeting May 10 Comida para Cherryland May 13 Rowell Ranch Parade May 14 Youth Sunday May 14 Festival of the Christian Home

7 The Chimes Volume 21 No. 1 Page 7 January 2017 Duty Roster Date January 1 January 8 January 15 January 22 January 29 Liturgical Day New Year s Day First Sunday after Epiphany Second Sunday after Epiphany Third Sunday after Epiphany Fourth Sunday after Epiphany Scripture Eccl 3:1 13 & Ps. 8 & Rev. 21:1 6a & Matt 25:31 46 Isa. 42:1 9 & & Ps. 29 & Acts 10:34 43 & Matt 3:13 17 Isa. 49:1 7 & Ps. 40:1 11 & 1 Cor. 1:1 9 & John 1:29 42 Isa. 9:1 4 & Ps. 27:1, 4 9 & 1 Cor 1:10 18 & Matt 4:12 23 Micah. 6:1 8 & Ps. 15 & 1 Cor. 1:18 31 & Matt 5:1 12 Preacher Arlene K. Nehring Daniella Prym Pepper Swanson Arlene K. Nehring Arlene K. Nehring Liturgist Dave Wallace Laura Seidel Keith Smith Michael Stuber Daniella Prym Loving Arms Nursery Angelina Collier & Kemy Gekara Angelina Collier & Kemy Gekara Angelina Collier & Kemy Gekara Angelina Collier & Kemy Gekara Angelina Collier & Kemy Gekara Church School Teachers No Church School Children in Worship Athena Malloy & Rozetta Walth, K-7 Keith Smith & Dianne Dorn, 8-12 No Church School; Children in Worship Jan Bass & Theressa Collier, K-7 Jana Aloo & Pepper Swanson, 8-12 Suzie Hasselkuss & TBD, K-12 Greeters Dianne Dorn Miriam Hutchinson & Isabel Walth Stephanie Spencer Cindy Keune Cindy Keune Ushers Michael Stuber Keith Smith Jared Smith-Bove TBD Miriam Hutchinson Russ Newman Stephanie Spencer TBD Scott Swanson Stephanie Spencer TBD TBD Cindy Keune Pat Payne Theressa Collier Stephanie Spencer, Michael Stuber Scott Swanson, Cindy Keune Trustee on Duty Daniella Prym Bill Adam Russ Newman Bob Turner Jim Fryer Fellowship Hour Captains Stephanie Spencer (Tailgate Fellowship) Jacob Smith/ Compañeras Leaders Jan Bass Pat Payne Suzie Newman Nursery care is available at any time during worship for children age five and younger.

8 The Chimes Volume 21 No. 1 Page 8 January 2017 Calendar Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday New Year s Day 9a Music Practice 10a Worship in Pioneer Chapel 11:45a Single Women s Group 11:15a Fellowship 7p Church Council 8- Tres Reyes Worship & Fiesta 9a Music Practice 9 10a Bible Study a Worship 11:15a Lunch, Games & Gifts 15- Second Sunday after Epiphany 9a Music Rehearsal 16- MLK Birthday (Campus Closed) 7p Trustee Meeting 17 1p Computer 1:30p Comida a Worship 11:15a Fellowship 22- Third Sunday after Epiphany 9a Music Rehearsal 10a Worship 11:15a Strategic Plan Update & Fellowship 29- Fourth Sunday after Epiphany 9a Music Rehearsal 23 10a Bible Study 7p EAF p Computer 1:30p Comida :45a Single Women s Group 4 10a Worship 11:15a Fellowship 5p Confirmation Class 7p ESLO meeting *Cherryland Computer Open Hours are subject to change*