The Chimes. March 2016 STRATEGIC SURPRISES

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1 Volume 20 No. 3 The Chimes March 2016 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 12:30 p.m. Saturday: Closed Visit our church website: Like us on Facebook: Eden United Church of Christ Follow us on STRATEGIC SURPRISES Eden s Strategic Planning, Church Council, and Board of Trustees held a combined meeting on Feb 2, 2016 to which every congregant was invited. The meeting purpose was to discern how best to steward Eden s campus, financial, and human resources. The meeting began with a presentation by our consultant, the Rev. John Wimberly. John said that all congregations need three resources to fulfill their missions: 1) a place to gather, 2) money to pay the bills, and 3) people to staff the ministries. He went on to offer his analysis of Eden s current resources. He said that compared with most churches Eden is resource rich, and that we are especially blessed with a beautiful campus and sufficient cash to fund our mission for another decade or more. John s view that we are resource rich surprised those who are aware of the relatively small size of Eden s Building Reserve Fund and our current and projected operating deficits. Perhaps even more surprising than John s views about our campus and finances was his comment that we are on the verge of being human resource poor. Rather than cutting staff to avoid deficit spending, John challenged us to consider hiring more staff, and to invite and engage more participants in the worship life and ministries of Eden Church. Interestingly, the human resource most needed volunteers and members is the least expensive to procure. So, as it turns out, money isn t the big issue. The big issue may be our resistance to evangelism. Each of us must strive to overcome our resistance to articulating and sharing our faith values with others. Each of us must develop an elevator speech to share with family, friends, and even complete strangers, stating why Eden s mission matters to us, and why we would like them to join us this week. Pastor Pepper and I cannot make anyone want to be an evangelist. We can, however, provide willing hearts with the tools, talking points, and tasks that contribute to a successful evangelism ministry, so that together others may discover the church they ve been looking for all of their lives is located within a few minutes of their home. ~ Pastor Arlene 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 that 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 20 No. 3 Page 2 Lent, Holy Week, and Easter Calendar 2016 Kids in the Kitchen, Jan 31 Oranges from Home Ready for the Oven Chimes is a monthly publication of Eden United Church of Christ. Proposed submissions should be sent to krista@ 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: Tatiana Siegenthaler, Executive Assistant; Pepper Swanson, Associate Minister; Sara Mellas, Music Director; Corina Vasaure, Compañeras & ESLO Coordinator; Nikira Hernandez, MIT; and Krista Coburn, Administrative & Facilities Coordinator. The season of Lent culminates with Holy Week, beginning on Palm Sunday, leading to the most sacred of celebrations in the Christian faith the festival of Easter. A summary of services, including times and locations, follows: Feb 28 Feb 28 Mar 2 Mar 6 Mar 9 Mar 12 Mar 13 Mar 14 Mar 16 Mar 20 Mar 24 Mar 25 Mar 27 Third Sunday in Lent, Sanctuary, 10 am Lenten All-Church Book Read, 2nd Session: Soup Potluck and Book Discussion, 6 pm Seekers Discussion of Lenten Book, 10 am Fourth Sunday in Lent, including the Sacrament of Holy Communion, Sanctuary, 10 am; Lenten All-Church Book Read, 3rd Session: Soup Potluck and Book Discussion, 6 pm Seekers Discussion of Lenten Book, 10 am Youth Spiritual Retreat at Pacific School of Religion (Berkeley) Fifth Sunday in Lent, Sanctuary, 10 am; Lenten All-Church Book Read, 4th Session: Soup Potluck and Book Discussion, 6 pm Pastor Arlene leads Protestant Worship at Baywood Court All Purpose Room, 10 am. Public Welcome Seekers Discussion of Lenten Book, 10 am Palm Sunday; Sacrament of Baptism & Reception of New Members, 10 am; Lenten All-Church Book Read, Conclusion: Soup Potluck and Author Talk, 6 pm Maundy Thursday Worship, Holy Communion & Tenebrae Service, Pioneer Chapel, 7 pm Good Friday Self Guided Labyrinth Walk, Courtyard, 9 am 7 pm Easter Worship, including the Sacrament of Holy Communion, Sanctuary, 10 am; Easter Egg Hunt, Eden Campus, 11:30 am Childcare is provided for the Maundy Thursday and Easter services for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Come as you are to any and all of our observances, and invite your friends and family to accompany you! Easter Egg Hunt On Mar 27, Easter Sunday, Eden will once again be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt for the children infants through 8th Grade. Immediately following the Easter Sunday Worship, all the children are invited to meet Pastor Pepper and her helpers in the Fireside Room. Children do not need to bring their own baskets, as the church will be gifting each child with a cute Easter Bunny bag. Please contact Pastor Pepper for more information.

3 The Chimes Volume 20 No. 3 Page 3 Valentine Lunch, Feb 12 Genesis Bible Study Come study the stories that have inspired three major religions. We began with Creation, met Adam & Eve in the Garden, discussed Noah and the flood, and are now on to other iconic stories, including Abraham and his unruly descendants Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph on their multi-generational journey into Egypt. The Genesis Bible Study will meet on the following Mondays at 7 pm: Feb 29, Mar 7 & 21, Apr 4 & 18, May 2 & 16. For location, please contact Dianne Dorn, Keith Smith, or the Church Office. Bob & Mary Enjoy Lunch Sally & Daniella Reconnect Blakes in Love Tatiana s Farewell, Feb 23 & 24 Belize Bound! Tatiana Siegenthaler, Community Organizer for Padres Unidos, and Pastor Arlene s Executive Assistant, will be relocating to Belize on March 1, where her husband has accepted an exciting new work assignment. Strategic Planning Update Development of our next 3-year Strategic Plan is moving forward. In January, congregational Focus Groups discussed our Draft Purpose Statement and Goals for the plan. On Feb 2, a joint Trustees-Council meeting was held on the church s financial and human resources (see Pastor Arlene s cover article). Members attending discussed the church s capital needs, possible uses of the Oliver Trust funds, and member growth and retention. On Feb 14, the Strategic Planning rewrote and edited the Draft Purpose Statement and Goals in light of Focus Group comments. In March, the challenging work of developing specific strategies begins. Our consultant, the Rev. John Wimberly, will meet on Wednesday, Mar 16, at 7 pm in the Norberg Room. If necessary, work on drafting strategies will continue on Mar 17 at 7 pm, also in the Norberg Room. And, be sure to mark your calendar for another round of congregational Focus Groups to review the draft strategies on Sunday, Apr 17, after worship. If you have questions, contact Pastor Pepper. One Great Hour of Sharing Our annual special offering to support One Great Hour of Sharing will be received on Sunday, Mar 6. This offering supports global ministries, including disaster relief, refugee assistance, and development projects to bring water, food, and jobs to the people of many different nations. Coin banks will be distributed on Feb 21, and offerings may be made in person or online at ucc.org/oghs. For more information and a personal testimony in support of this program, please contact our global missionary and Stewardship Chair, Dianne Dorn. Taste & See New to Eden? Visitors and newcomers are invited to join our pastor and welcoming team for a reception in the Norberg Room, Mar 6, 11:30 am 12:30 pm. Grab coffee & a snack from Fellowship in Oliver Hall, meet up in the Norberg Room (east wing). Tell us a little about yourself and your spiritual journey. Ask questions. Learn more about enriching experiences offered at Eden such as upcoming Lent & Easter events, yoga classes, Bible study, volunteer opportunities, singing in choir, and church school. Children are welcome! Take a Lookilu and See What s New!

4 The Chimes Volume 20 No. 3 Page 4 Together, Let s Derail Hunger The new Eden Area Interfaith Council is inviting people of all faiths to participate in an afternoon of service at the Alameda County Community Food Bank. Volunteers, including teens, can sort food and meet their Jewish, Muslim, and neighbors of other faiths from 1-4 pm on Sunday, Mar 6 in Oakland. Advanced registration is required. Bring a brown bag lunch and plan to carpool from Eden after Fellowship. For further information and to register, contact Bob or Alliene Turner or Pastor Pepper. Reminders The Sunday Bulletin is now online! To use your phone or tablet as an e-bulletin, go to 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 885 likes and Cherryland now has 161 likes on Facebook!. Follow us on now has 545 followers! Yoga at Eden is held every Wednesday from 12pm-1pm in the Fireside Room. The Labyrinth is open Mon-Sat, 9 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). The Reverend Sandhya Jha Pre-Post-Racial America Author Talk On Sunday, Mar 20, at 6 pm in Oliver Hall, the Reverend Sandhya Jha, author of Pre- Post-Racial America, our Lenten All-Church Book Read, will give an author talk and answer questions about her book and about her activism against racism and for racial justice. Come join us for our final Lenten Soup Potluck and conversation. For more information, contact Pastor Pepper. FESCO Shelter Shuffle, Apr 30 Shelter Shuffle is the annual walk-a-thon to raise funds for the Family Emergency Shelter Coalition, which provides shelter and transitional housing for homeless families in our area. This year s Shuffle is on Saturday, Apr 30. Eden Church s goal this year is to match last year s total of $5,000 and to enlist more Shufflers. We are seeking 50 participants, each of whom will ask 10 friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. to support them with a $10 pledge (which equals $100 per shuffler) for a grand total of $5,000. Are you with us? If you don t want to be a Shuffler, you can always be a sponsor/ supporter. Think about what part you want to play to make this year s FESCO Shelter Shuffle a success, and help bring an end to homelessness! Birthdays & Anniversaries March Birthdays Claudia Lopez, Aubury Freed 03/01 Keith Smith 03/03 Carlene Bruton 03/04 Brenda Loreman 03/06 Robert DerMinasian, Michael Stuber 03/09 Jan Bass 03/10 Sally Kusalo, John Wagle 03/11 Melissa Phillips 03/12 Elizabeth Jobst 03/13 Marilyn Knipe 03/14 Dan Apperson 03/16 Charlie Smith, Russ Newman, Lilia Gallegos-Seidel 03/17 Raven Moniz 03/18 Jackson Phillips 03/19 Brenden Allen 03/21 Jared Smith-Bove 03/22 Jessie Payne 03/23 Ann McClure 03/24 Ivy Yoon 03/25 Genevieve Nelson, Miles Vetrovec 03/28 Marvin Wiser, Lauren Smith-Bove 03/31 March Anniversaries Peggy & Dan Apperson 03/30 Youth Spiritual Retreat Youth in grades 6-12 are invited to attend a day-long spiritual retreat (including lunch and dinner) on Saturday, Mar 12, at the Pacific School of Religion. This is a great opportunity to meet other UCC youth and to visit with friends from Camps Caz and Tamarack. Register at youth-spiritual-retreat-2016-registration/ and use the code EDEN for free registration. Parents: Carpool drivers are needed to/from PSR. Please let Pastor Pepper know if your youth is registered and if you are available to help with transportation.

5 The Chimes Volume 20 No. 3 Page 5 Mark Your Calendars For Lent & Easter Events, see page 2 Comida para Cherryland March Schedule Comida para Cherryland, Eden s just-in-time food pantry, celebrated its 3rd anniversary last 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 March will be Wednesday, Mar 9 & 23. To volunteer at the Comida, see Pastor Arlene or Corina Vasaure. Important Comida Budget Update: Thank you to all who have responded with contributions in support of Comida para Cherryland. Based on current needs, we anticipate having enough money to fund the food pantry through Apr 15, 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. Seekers The Seekers, a weekly book discussion group, is currently reading Pre-Post Racial America: Spiritual Stories from the Front Lines by the Rev. Sandhya Rani Jha. For more information, contact Daniella Prym. Hymn & Music Survey Music is such an important part of worship, and we are striving to cultivate a diverse music program here at Eden. Do you have a few hymns you particularly love to sing? Would you be interested in learning more about liturgical music and developing some basic music literacy skills? What do you love about Eden s music program? Do you have any ideas on how it could improve? We want to hear your voice! For the next few Sundays, you will find an insert in your worship bulletin where you can write any ideas you may have regarding music at Eden. There is a box labeled Hymn Suggestions at the back of the sanctuary, next to the recycled bulletins basket. The Music Director will be collecting submissions each week and taking all input into consideration. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:3 Mar 6 Eden Interfaith Council (Al Co Food Bank) Mar 12 Youth Spiritual Retreat (PSR) Mar 13 Daylight Savings Time Begins Mar 19 Ordination of Pepper Swanson Mar 20 Congregation Shir Ami 50th (Danville) Apr 16 Family Game Night Apr 30 FESCO Shelter Shuffle (San Leandro Marina) Apr 30 Tiburcio Vasquez 45th (Mills College) May 1 Ballpark Sunday Lunch May 1 Eden Interfaith Salad Bar and Supper Conversation May 8 Youth Sunday May 14 Rowell Rodeo Parade (Castro Valley) May 15 Stewardship Sunday Jun 5 Bravo! Sunday Jun 13 Clergy Appreciation Dinner (Santa Clara Hilton) Jun 26 Eden s 151st Annual Meeting

6 The Chimes Volume 20 No. 3 Page 6 Joys Thank you to the Fellowship Committee for providing a yummy Valentine s Lunch on Friday, Feb 12, and to all 40 attendees. Thank you to Jim Fryer, who designed, constructed, and contributed the materials for a new portable speaker s podium that will be used primarily in Oliver Hall. See Jim for an up-close and personal introduction to all of its special features. Congratulations to Betty & Dan Livesay on their upcoming (mid-march) move to Stoneridge Creek in Pleasanton. Congratulations to Eden s organist, Jessie Wenchieh Lo, and her husband, Jesse Acker-Johnson, on the birth of their son, Neil Logan Johnson. Baby Neil was born on Feb 1 after more than 26 hours of labor. He weighed 9 lbs. and 9 oz. at birth. His parents are almost as excited about his birth as is his big sister, Natalie. We have newcomers in worship every Sunday. Look around. See who you don t know. Invite that person to join your table for conversation and coffee in Oliver Hall! Congratulations to Betty & Dan Livesay s granddaughter, Paige Norman, and fiancé, Richard Vanderbilt, who recently announced their engagement and plans to marry on August 6, Congratulations to Zachary Sherwood, Billie & Cliff Sherwood s grandson, who has been invited to attend a Math and Science workshop at Harvard this summer. The workshop will be taught by Nobel prize winners. We are so thankful to see him continuing to thrive. And again, thank you all for your prayers on his behalf. Congratulations to Joshua Toch, Pat Henderson s grandson, who represented UC Berkeley at the Ted Talks on Jan 30, and who received word on Feb 18 that he has been accepted into the Haas Graduate School of Business at UC Berkeley. Prayer Requests Two families in our congregation are in need of affordable housing. If you have a lead on a one or two bedroom house or apartment for rent, please contact Pastor Arlene. For the family of Erma Andrade, who died Feb 13. Erma was Debby Andrade s mother-in-law, and Stephanie Andrade s grandmother. Her memorial service was held Feb 20 at Our Lady of the Rosary in Union City. For Dan Apperson s family and friends. Dan died on Monday, Feb 22, at Kaiser San Leandro. Memorial service plans are underway. For the family and friends of Vera Dickie. Vera died Sunday, Jan 11, A celebration of her life is planned for Apr 6, which would have been her 100th birthday. For the people of Fiji and their loved ones near and far, especially those on the other islands who have been most affected by the recent cyclone. For Cindy Keune s brother, Arden Keune, who is recovering from a traumatic brain injury incurred in a motorcycle accident this past summer. He is back home in Sioux Rapids, Iowa, and is continuing physical and occupational therapies as an outpatient. For the family and friends of Frank Jenkins, who died on Jan 10 at the Danville Home for Seniors, where he had been receiving hospice care. A graveside service will be held at the family plot in Murphys, Saturday, Oct 8, Pastor Arlene will officiate. For Ruth Schaap, who moved back to Jackson on Feb 22. For Pam Winthers, who is recovering from corneal transplant surgery conducted on Feb 22. Friends are invited to leave cheerful messages on her answering machine. And for Carl Alexander, Mary Bernstein, Juanita Chavez, Ann Dodd, Regina Fischer, Clyde Howell, Wesley Moniz, Jan Richards, Ruth Schaap, June Staley, Jack Wagle, 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 ( ) 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.

7 The Chimes Volume 20 No. 3 Page 7 March 2016 Duty Roster Date Mar 6 Mar 13 Mar 20 Mar 24 Mar 27 Liturgical Day Fourth Sunday in Lent Fifth Sunday in Lent Palm Sunday Maundy Thursday Easter Sunday Scripture Jos. 5:9-12 Ps Cor. 5:16-21 Lk. 15:1-3, 11b-32 Jos. 5:9-12 Ps Cor. 5:16-21 Lk. 15:1-3, 11b-32 Ps. 118:1-2, Lk. 19:28-40 Exo 12:1-4, (5-10), Ps 116:1-2, Cor 11:23-26 John 13:1-17, 31b- 35 Is. 65:17-25 Ps. 118:1-2, Cor. 15:19-26 Jn. 20:1-18 Preacher Arlene K. Nehring Arlene K. Nehring Arlene K. Nehring Pepper Swanson Arlene K. Nehring Liturgist Dave Wallace Alliene Turner Keith Smith Arlene Nehring Nikira Hernandez et al Athena Guy Malloy Loving Arms Nursery Angélica León García & Karen Ortiz Angélica León García & Karen Ortiz Angélica León García & Karen Ortiz TBD Angélica León García & Karen Ortiz Church School Teachers Nikira Hernandez & TBD (K-8) Jana Aloo & Rozetta Walth (K-6) Keith Smith & TBD (7-12) Jan Bass & Pepper Swanson (K-6) NA Pepper Swanson & Bob Turner (K-6) Greeters TBD Dianne Dorn Pam Reuling TBD Stephanie S. Spencer Ushers Michael Stuber Keith Smith Jared Smith-Bove Dianne Dorn Stephanie Spencer TBD Stephanie Spencer Russ Newman TBD Scott Swanson Theressa Collier Trustee on Duty Daniella Prym Jim Fryer Bob Turner TBD Russ Newman Fellowship Hour Captains Jan Bass Shannon Whitney Mary Haro NA Susie Newman Nursery care is available at any time during worship for children age five and younger.

8 The Chimes Volume 20 No. 3 Page 8 March 2016 Calendar Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday p Council 8 9 7p Stewardship 7:30p Choir 10 11:45a Single Women s Group a Music 10a Worship & Church School 11:15a Fellowship 6p Lenten Soup Potluck & Book Discussion 13 9a Music 10a Worship & Church School 11:15a Fellowship 11:30a ESLO 6p Lenten Soup Potluck & Book Discussion 20 Palm Sunday 9a Music 10a Worship & Church School 11:15a Fellowship 6p Lenten Soup Potluck & Author Talk 27 Easter Sunday 9a Music 10a Worship & Church School 11:15a Fellowship & Easter Egg Hunt 4p Cherryland 14 4p Cherryland 7p Bible Study 21 4p Cherryland Computer Cafe 28 4p Cherryland 7p Bible Study 10a Staff Meeting 7p Trustees :30p Comida para Cherryland 1:30p Cherryland 16 7p Strategic Planning Meeting 23 1:30p Comida para Cherryland 1:30p Cherryland 30 7:30p Choir 17 7:30p Choir 24 7p Maundy Thursday Service 8p Choir 31 7:30p Choir am to 7 pm Good Friday Self-Guided Labyrinth Walk 4 5 9am Youth Spiritual Retreat at PSR 3p Pastor Pepper Swanson s Ordination & Celebration Supper 26 Cherryland Computer Cafe times are tentative