The Chimes. February 2017 FROM DYSTOPIA TO UTOPIA

Transcription

1 Volume 21 No. 2 The Chimes February 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 FROM DYSTOPIA TO UTOPIA The times in which we are now living remind me too frequently of scenes from George Orwell s dystopian novel Nineteen Eight-Four than scenes from any previous period of time in which I have lived. I recall blissfully thinking in the year 1984 how great it was to be living in era when educated societies would never elevate a Big Brother into national leadership. That was then. This is now. It wasn t just blue-collar voters who put the current administration in the White House; they plus a whole lot of white-color voters made this reality possible. Whether you or I identify with one or the other of these demographic groups or yet another the fact is, as Pogo Possum said to Porky Pine in the Okefenokee Swamp, We have met the enemy and he is us. The 2016 presidential race shouldn t have even been close. If the rank and file of our nation were living up to the highest ideals of American democracy, we would have a very different kind of leader in the Oval Office. What is to be done? We could pull the covers over our heads or wring our hands for the next two to four years, or we could take a clear-eyed look at ourselves, note what these election results say about our society, and redouble our commitments to form a more perfect union. Now, more than ever, our state, nation, and world need progressive people of faith to stand up, speak out, and work for a government that works for all not just for some of us, and that protects the environment and promotes the highest ideals of our nation. Call me idealistic. I m OK with that. I d rather stake our future on a utopian ideal than a dystopian demagogue. ~ 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 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. 2 Page 2 It was a very Feliz Dia de los Reyes Magos! 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

3 The Chimes Volume 21 No. 2 Page 3 Strategic Plan Update On Sunday, Jan 22, the Strategic Planning Teams provided an update on their work since the congregational retreat in mid-october. Highlights from each Team included: Worship Practices (WP): Jan Bass reported that the WP Team had organized themselves & their work, introduced Sunday song leader, offered Sunday rehearsals & monthly anthem performance for the choir, hosted Mt. Eden HS Choir, hired two classical musicians (Jesse Acker-Johnson and I Hang Lin), conducted local talent search for pop, folk, jazz, identified in-house AV consultant, varied liturgies (order, pair-share, and style), included personal testimonies in two services, and is building the congregation s musical repertoire. To date, the WP Team has learned that adding a song leader has been helpful, the new schedule works better for the choir, the Mt. Eden concert collaboration was a big win, Jesse Acker-Johnson & I Hang are great additions to our team, the local pop artists surveyed already have Sunday gigs, personal testimonies have been well received, and that spirituals & gospel may be the most accessible and preferred styles for Eden UCC. Between now and June, the WP Team, plans to try large screen(s) & LCD projector(s) in the, maximize use of Eden s OneLicense agreement, identify more intergenerational approaches, develop a resource list of worship skits, include more visual art in worship, and continue to experiment, listen, learn, and evolve. Members of the WP Team include Jan Bass & Jennifer Vetrovec, Co-Chairs; Emily Autenrieth, Mary Bradford, Cindy Keune, Frank Jensen, Susan MacDonald, Bob Turner, Pastor Arlene Nehring, and Jessie Wenchieh Lo. Outreach and Cultural Learning (OCL) Team: Stephanie Spencer reported that the OCL Team organized themselves & their work, drafted guiding principles for outreach and cultural learning, documented the history, purpose and participants in ongoing Eden activities and programs, and identified simple, frequent ways to integrate cultural learning into these activities and programs. They have also identified existing opportunities for 2-way cultural learning with different ethnic and identity groups (i.e., Asian Heritage Fair, Hayward and a Taste & See in Spanish) and some new possibilities for 2-way outreach and cultural learning (interfaith activities, cross-cultural cooking sessions, go to or host movies such as Hidden Figures, Sikh America). Between now and June, the OCL Team will be planning cultural learning experiences in some ongoing Eden activities (such as Gay Asian Pacific Islander Men s Chorus in worship, sharing immigration stories in worship, playing lotería/bingo at Advent decorating lunch, interfaith lunch discussions or community Seder, multicultural/ecumenical labyrinth walk on Good Friday), having discussions about possible collaborations with Congregational Life & Worship Practices, and offering an annotated Eden program calendar with descriptions of ways to integrate simple, frequent outreach and cultural learning into activities throughout the year. Member of the OCL Team include Laura Gallegos-Siedel & Stephanie Spencer, Co- Chairs, Ryan Autenreith, Lilia Gallegos-Siedel, Ruby Gutierrez, Pat Payne, and Michael Stuber. Congregational Life (CL) Team: Pastor Pepper Swanson reported that the CL Team had organized themselves & their work, revised the blue member card to be easier to read and use, created a new peach visitor card with information about worship at Eden, created visitor gift bags for both adults and children, initiated development of a member attendance app and support system, collected job descriptions for a youth activities coordinator to plan youth and family-friendly activities, and developed a survey to gauge interest in small groups for faith formation, fellowship, and religious and cultural exploration. Between now and June, the CL Team will complete member attendance app and conduct trial period of use, report the results of the small group interest survey, make specific recommendations for new small groups, group coordinators, and timing, and submit the youth activities coordinator job description to the Personnel Committee. Members of CL Team include Keith Smith & Suzie Hasselkuss, Co-Chairs, Julie Booher, Sabrina Bratt, Theressa Collier, Dianne Dorn, Jacob Smith, Thomas Tyner, and Pastor Pepper Swanson. The next Strategic Planning update session will be on Sunday, Apr 23. If you have questions, please contact either the Team co-chairs or Pastor Pepper. New Year s Day: Sharing Our Migration Stories

4 The Chimes Volume 21 No. 2 Page 4 Birthdays & Anniversaries February Birthdays Joanne Vorheis 2/06 Amelie Alicea 2/09 Diana Rodríguez-Espinel 2/15 Jerry Crans 2/20 Nora Crans 2/21 Mike King 2/21 Ruth Jenkins 2/23 Damien Allen 2/24 José Nicholas-Fernández 2/25 Sue Dickinson 2/26 Linda Sheppard 2/27 Miriam Hutchinson 2/28 February Anniversaries Claudia & Cristine Lopez 2/07 Upcoming Confirmation Activities Jan 29 Confirmation Class, 5 to 7 pm, plan for Pancake Fundraiser & Teach-In Feb 26 Pancake Fundraiser for Homeless & Teach-In, 5 to 7 pm Mar 1 Assist with Ash Wednesday Service, 7 to 8 pm Mar Blue Theology Field Trip Mar 26 Confirmation Class, Prep for Taste & See, 5 to 7 pm Apr 2 Assist with Worship & Communion & Lead Taste & See, 9:30 to 12 noon Apr 13 Assist with Maundy Thursday Service, 6:30 to 8 pm Apr 16 Assist with Easter Worship & Communion, 9:30 am May 7 Assist with Worship & Communion, 9:45 am May 7 Confirmation Class, 5 to 7 pm, Prep for Youth Sunday May 14 Lead Worship for Youth Sunday, 9:30 to 11:30 am May 21 Assist with Dedication Sunday Worship & Celebration, 9:45 am to 12:30 pm Jun 2 Prep for Confirmation Sunday, 6 to 7:30 pm Jun 4 Confirmation Celebration Day, 9:30 to 11:30 am Padres Unidos Grant Renewal On Jan 12, leaders from Padres Unidos, Pastor Arlene, Corina Vasaure and Andrea Orea met with Supervisor Nate Miley at Eden Church. During the meeting, the Padre Unidos leaders presented Supervisor Miley with the results of the evaluation of the last program year, which was conducted by Yuliana Wiser. A slideshow with the values, mission statement, and photos of Padres Unidos events was also presented. The photos featured some of the key events in the last 18 months such as the Hayward Unified School District Board Candidates Forum, Street Clean Ups, Voter Registration and Education, and parent education workshops such as the Cultura y Bienestar series. All of the group s activities focus on promoting a safe and healthy Cherryland community and events are for the most part the only ones that provide supper and childcare, which are critical to our families ability to participate in these activities. Supervisor Miley thanked Padres Unidos for the work they do in the community as well as Eden Church. Knowing that there is still plenty to be done and with the support of the Eden Church Council and Pastor Arlene, Padres Unidos presented Supervisor Miley a continuation grant proposal for his consideration and action. During the next few months, Padres Unidos hopes to seat an Executive Board as well as work on developing a website where the community can access resources. Padres Unidos would like to thank Eden Church for its support. Eden Area Interfaith Council to Hold First Annual Meeting The Eden Area Interfaith Council was founded a year ago to build relationships, organize against discrimination, and increase understanding among the many faith communities in Castro Valley, Hayward, San Leandro, and San Lorenzo. Eden Church, Congregation Shir Ami, Starr King Unitarian Universalists, Abu Bakr Mosque and Gurdwara Sahib in Hayward were among the founding congregations. Come celebrate with the 15+ organizations from six faiths that now make up the Council! This first annual meeting will introduce the Council s purpose and plans, elect the first group of officers, and celebrate interfaith relationships through musical performances and socializing over refreshments. Everyone at Eden is invited at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 12, in Oliver Hall. Please RSVP online through Eventbrite irst-annualmeeting-eden-area- interfaith-council-tickets , or to Stephanie Spencer. 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 955 likes and Cherryland Computer now has 171 likes on Facebook!. Follow us on now has 599 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). Lenten Devotional Available In mid-february, copies of the UCC s new devotional for the season of Lent will be available after worship and in the Church office. Diving Lessons is a fresh collection of unique devotions written by the UCC s Still-Speaking Writers Group that includes an insightful scripture verse and prayer for each day of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday, Mar 1, and continues through Easter Sunday, Apr 16. For more information, contact Pastor Pepper.

5 The Chimes Volume 21 No. 2 Page 5 Women s March MLK Unity Parade Lenten and Holy Week Preview Mar 1 7 pm, Ash Wednesday Service, Pioneer Chapel Mar 5 10 am, First Sunday in Lent, Mar am, Second Sunday in Lent, Mar am, Third Sunday in Lent, Mar am, Fourth Sunday in Lent, Apr am, Fifth Sunday in Lent, Holy Communion, Apr am, Palm Sunday, Baptism & Reception of New Members, Apr 13 7 pm, Maundy Thursday, Pioneer Chapel Apr 14 TBD, Good Friday Labyrinth Walk, Courtyard Apr am, Easter Sunday, Holy Communion, Easter Egg Hunt 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 to 4:30 pm or until the food is gone. Our Comida days in February are Feb 8 & 22. To volunteer at the Comida, see 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 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 to 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. Domestic Violence Workshop On Saturday, Mar 11, the NCNC is offering a special information session on domestic violence. Domestic violence expert the Rev. Al Miles will be the keynote speaker. The session is from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm at First Congregational UCC of Alameda, 1912 Central Ave., Alameda. Cost is just $15 per person and includes lunch. To register, go to ncncucc.org. Yoga in the Afternoon Yoga classes are held on Tuesdays at 2 pm in the Fireside Room. Join Yogi Amanda Sharpe and Eden members and friends for a good stretch. Small Groups at Eden Church Eden Church currently has several small groups that meet routinely for fellowship, study, and/or fun. Our Congregational Life Team is surveying members regarding their interest in additional small groups. The survey is available from the Church Office and should be returned to Pastor Pepper by Feb. 12. In the interim, please enjoy one of our current small groups: Daytime Bible Study: The next daytime Bible Study session on the Acts of the Apostles will be Monday, Feb 6. The daytime session is from 10 am to 11 am. Feb meeting dates include Feb 6, 13, and 27. Evening Bible Study will kick off their spring Bible Study at 7 pm on Monday Feb 13 at the home of Dianne Dorn. After the kick-off meeting, evening Bible Study will meet in the Community Room on the following Mondays: Feb 27, Mar 13 & 27, Apr 10 & 24, and May 8. The final spring session will be May 24 at a member s home. They will be studying the Lectionary texts for the following Sunday s worship. For a complete schedule of the Lectionary texts to be studied and more information, contact Pastor Pepper. Seekers Book Discussion: The Seekers read and discuss books on religion and other topics. The Seekers are currently reading New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander. Please join us for our weekly discussions on Wednesdays at 10 am in the Community Room. Contact Pastor Pepper for info. 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. Single Women s Group: Single women meet for lunch on the first Friday of every month. For more information, contact Ann Duey. 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 on Sundays after worship. See Jessie for the upcoming rehearsal and performance schedule. Come join a fun-loving group, learn some music, and be a vital part of the Ministry.

6 The Chimes Volume 21 No. 2 Page 6 Joys Emily Autenreith s mom has recovered from surgery and moved to an assisted living community. Many thanks to everyone involved in our Tres Reyes Worship & Fiesta. Special thanks to our Cherryland Compañeras for preparing and serving the food for over 200 people. And many thanks to everyone who donated art supplies and funds so each of the over 100 children could receive a special gift from the Three Kings. It was a wonderful bilingual and bicultural celebration of Epiphany! Pat Payne has reached the sensational age of sixty, and her friends and family have donated over $1075 to Comida para Cherryland in celebration of her new decade! Congratulations to Tatjana Waqa DeLeon & Armando DeLeon, who were married on Thursday, Dec 22, 2016 at the Alameda City Hall. Tatjana is Daniella Prym s daughter. A big thanks to the Deacons, Trustees, Compañeras Ministry, and other Church volunteers who de-decorated the holiday season from the Church, both inside and out. Margo Heath s favorite grandchild, Dorrell, has been received via early decision at Louis and Clark University, and granted a generous scholarship. Linda Joost was received into the membership of Eden Church on Dec 18. Congratulations to Karla Vega, who has graduated from SF State with a Bachelor s degree in Electrical Engineering. Prayer Requests For Jan Bass and David Wallace and Joyce Bass, who are grieving the death of Joyce s brother-in-law, and Jan s Uncle Jessie. For Joyce Bass, who has been at Valley Point in Castro Valley recovering from a fall, and who will be moving to Pacifia Senior Living in San Leandro, in the not too distant future. For Barbara Crane, one of our long-time Comida volunteers, who is experiencing health challenges. For Brandon Jones and family, who are living with cancer. This week he began a stronger course of chemotherapy. Brandon is Pam Winther s nephew. For Elizabeth Coke s mother, who is experiencing some health challenges. For members and friends who are seeking gainful and meaningful employment. For Debi Morris, our church bookkeeper, whose mother, Dana Bisbiglia, died on New Year s Day. For Patricia Payne, the hardworking chair of our Fellowship Committee, who is recovering from a broken ankle. For Moey Phillips, who is home recovering from a broken collar bone. For members and friends who are living with mental health challenges. For Rosemary Loreman, the Rev. Brenda Loreman s mother, who was recently diagnosed with metastatic ovarian cancer. For Gregory Roberts, the Bove-Smith s cousin, who is receiving chemotherapy treatments. Tuscano Whitney crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on January 10, Tuscano was Shannon s faithful service dog. And for Mary Bernstein, Juanita Chavez, Ann Dodd, Regina New Signs for Christmas Tuscano Fischer, Clyde Howell, Arden Keune, Wesley Moniz, Jan Richards, Ruth Schaap, Marilyn Sundberg, June Staley, the Wiebe-Freed family, and Terry Wilkerson. Mark Your Calendars Feb 8 Comida para Cherryland Feb 20 President s Day Feb 22 Comida para Cherryland Feb 26 Pancake Fundraiser Mar 1 Ash Wednesday Mar 8 Comida para Cherryland Mar 11 Confirmation Blue Theology Field Trip Mar 14 ESLO Meeting Mar 22 Comida para Cherryland Mar 26 One Great Hour of Sharing Offering Mar 26 Confirmation Class Apr 2 Taste & See Apr 9 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 Strategic Plan Teams Report Apr 26 Comida para Cherryland Apr Stewardship Pledge Drive Begins May 7 Confirmation Class May 9 ESLO Meeting May 10 Comida para Cherryland May 13 Rowell Ranch Parade May 14 Youth Sunday May 14 Festival of the Christian Home 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.

7 The Chimes Volume 21 No. 2 Page 7 February 2017 Duty Roster Date Feb 5 Feb 12 Feb 19 Feb 26 Liturgical Day Fifth Sunday after Epiphany Sixth Sunday after Epiphany Seventh Sunday after Epiphany Transfiguration Scripture Isa 58:1-9a & Ps. 112:1-9 & 1 Cor. 2:1-12 & Matt 5:13-20 Deu. 30:15-20 Or Sir. 15:15-20 & Ps. 119:1-8 1 Cor. 3:1-9 & Matt 5:21-37 Lev. 19:1-2, 9-18 & Ps. 119:33-40 & 1 Cor. 3:10-11, & Matt. 5:38-48 Ex. 24:12-18 & Ps. 2 or Ps. 99 & 2 Pet. 1:16-21 Matt 17:1-9 Preacher Pepper Swanson Arlene K. Nehring Pepper Swanson Arlene K. Nehring Liturgist Dianne Dorn Debby Andrade Herb Graw Daniella Prym Loving Arms Nursery 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 Jan Bass & Suzie Hasselkuss, K-6 Keith Smith & Rozetta Walth, 7-12 Athena Malloy & Jana Aloo, K-12 Suzie Hasselkuss & Theressa Collier, K-5 Pepper Swanson & Bob Turner, 7-12 Greeters Dianne Dorn Miriam Hutchinson & Isabel Walth Stephanie Spencer 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 Counters Sally Kusalo Mary Bradford Rozetta Walth Margo Health Dave Wallace Debby Andrade Daniella Pym Alliene Turner Trustee on Duty Daniella Prym Bob Turner Bill Adam Russ Newman Fellowship Hour Captains Pat Payne Jacob Smth Jan Bass Pat Payne Nursery care is available at any time during worship for children age five and younger.

8 The Chimes Volume 21 No. 2 Page 8 February 2017 Calendar Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Fourth Sunday after Epiphany 9a Music Rehearsal 11:45a Single Women s Group 11:30a ESLO 5p Confirmation Class a Music Rehearsal 10a Bible Study 1p Computer 7p Church Council 1:30p Comida a Music Practice 2p Eden Interfaith Annual Meeting 19 9a Music Rehearsal 10a Bible Study 7p Bible Study 20- President s Day (Campus Closed) 10a Staff Meeting 7p Trustee Meeting p Computer :30p Comida a Music Rehearsal 10a Bible Study 11:45a Single Women s Group 5p Confirmation Class 7p Bible Study 7pm Ash Wednesday Service *Cherryland Computer Open Hours are subject to change*