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'Like' Us on FACEBOOK
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You can 'like us' on FACEBOOK and get connected to all kinds of news and ideas at Peace United Church of Christ. Even more, you can use FACEBOOK to connect friends with the interesting ideas and great events at Peace United every week.
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Have You Visited Recently?
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If you have, your visit matters to us. It's often strange to visit a church for the first time: to see new faces, hear old words spoken in new ways. We appreciate your trust, and we eagerly await the chance to see you again.
When you return, there will likely be a name-tag with your name on it, a chance for us to greet you more personally. Always, your questions and your curiosity thrill us. Return with these, return with your whole selves...
And know that you are God's blessing.
Every day.
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Who We Are...
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We're an OPEN & AFFIRMING congregation of the United Church of Christ--which means we take diversity seriously and we welcome all God's children as full and beloved members of our community.
We're part of COPA (which stands for COMMUNITIES ORGANIZED FOR POWER IN ACTION)--and in that way we work in solidarity with peoples of many traditions, bringing justice and decency to public life on the Central Coast.
We're decidedly CHRISTIAN, and in the most inclusive, generous way possible. We believe that--at its core--the gospel is a call to compassion. And that's what we try to be about every day, every week.
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Taize Songs & Prayers
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TAIZE describes a way of worship that invites simple song and contemplative prayer.
Our own TAIZE service runs about an hour and is moving to the THIRD FRIDAY evening of each month. We will be taking a break over the summer.
Join us as we resume on
SEPTEMBER 19th, for a gathering of chant, song and prayer--by candlelight.
It's a soulful way to end a busy week, and a great way to lean graciously into the weekend. We gather in the sanctuary at 8. Mystics of all ages are welcome!
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Wider Church Community
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Looking for more about our wider church community?
You'll find out more about the
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This Week's Poem
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I love you, gentlest of Ways
who ripened us as we wrestled with you.
You, the great homesickness we could never shake off,
you, the forest that always surrounded us,
you, the song we sang in every silence,
you dark net threading through us,
on the day you made us you created yourself,
and we grew sturdy in your sunlight...
Let your hand rest on the rim of Heaven now
And mutely bear the darkness we bring over you.
from Rainer Maria Rilke's "The Book of Hours: Love Poems to God"
English translation by Anita Barrows and Joanna R. Macy
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SUNDAY, AUGUST 3
WORSHIP @ 10:30 am
 Do you wrestle with God? Are there times when it seems you struggle mightily with the Spirit and her intention for your life? Join us Sunday as we gather in a Beloved Community: to reflect on all the ways we wrestle with faith, with Spirit, with God. Dave Grishaw-Jones offers reflections on the story of Jacob, the one who learns that wrestling often leads to blessing. We're blessed in worship by all kinds of great music, including the Jazz on High Band and Summer Choir. And we're always a spirited gathering of diversity and curiosity. Join us for communion and summer refreshment! AID FOR FAMILIES @ THE BORDER  PLEASE HELP FAMILIES AT THE BORDER WHO ARE FLEEING VIOLENCE IN CENTRAL AMERICA!
A growing coalition of unions and churches--in cooperation with Working Partnerships USA in San Jose--is collecting material aid for the women and children being held in 'holding centers' on the US-Mexican border. The coalition is seeking donations of: -- women's and children's underwear and socks (new, all sizes);
-- soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes;
-- feminine hygiene products (tampons, menstrual pads);
-- monetary contributions to purchase other items as needed.
Checks can be made out to "Santa Cruz WILPF" (Women's International League for Peace and Freedom).
We'll be COLLECTING THIS SUNDAY (August 3)...On August 4, the aid will be shipped to holding centers for distribution by Working Partnerships.
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SERVING PEACE
If you're intrigued or curious, give us a call and see what might be possible. Serving Peace is a great way to grow your faith and extend the common good!
YOGA MINISTRY
 Sarah Joy Zell is looking forward to restarting her Thursday morning Yoga group here at Peace United. She's also looking for a partner in this ministry, someone with whom to teach and lead hour-long yoga classes at church. If you're interested in working with Sarah, you can email her for more information.
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Peace United is at the dynamic heart of all kinds of community events and gatherings. You can click through to links for these events here; and let us know what's cooking in your neck of the woods!
MUSICAL EVENTS
LECTURES & READINGS
CHILDREN'S & FAMILY EVENTS
SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS
INTERFAITH EVENTS
LGBT EVENTS
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CIRCLE DANCE 
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6TH
IN THE SANCTUARY
You don't have to bring a partner because everyone in the circle is your partner. You don't need any dance experience because each dance is taught before we do it. You don't need to bring a donation because it's free! Just bring an open heart and a love of music and movement. We'll be dancing simple traditional dances from Greece, Israel, Bulgaria, and Brittany and newer dances to music from Finland and Pakistan.
Come join for community and fun!
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 AUGUST PICKS: "BOYHOOD", and "THE FACE OF LOVE" (Rental) 
Beverly Brook is our leader and convener, and she welcomes your participation and enthusiasm. Snacks are provided! |
With 18 graduates on July 3, Gemma marked the completion of the 31st class of women's Day Program and the 8th class of men's RISE Day Program. Keynote Speaker, State Assembly-member Mark Stone, gave his congratulations to the graduates and presented each with a certificate of acknowledgement for their accomplishment. The audience was filled with  supporters, family, and friends all gathered to celebrate the graduates achievement and the considerable work they have put in to change their lives.
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 SYRIAN CRISIS: THREE YEARS ON [May 18 @ 7 pm @ RCNV]
Three years after the Arab Spring protests began across the Middle East, violence in Syria has caused the deaths of tens of thousands of Syrians and created millions of Syrian refugees. In spite of calls by politicians and pundits, the majority of Americans have continued to oppose US military intervention in Syria. Stephen Zunes and Paul Larudee will discuss the roots and history of the current crisis in Syria and suggest possible resolutions. For more, go to www.rcnv.org.  2014 SUMMER CAMPING FOR ALL AGES
Register your your friends for summer camping programs through the Northern California Nevada Conference (UCC). You can find out more at www.ncncucc.org. "The earth is God's and everything that's in it!"~ Book of Psalms
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NOW THAT YOU'VE FOUND US. . .
We hope you'll join us for a Sunday service sometime soon. There's a place for you, and a welcome table for you, at PEACE United Church of Christ. Our values are inclusive and expansive, and we perceive in faith a chance to change the world for the good. With compassion.
 In the meantime, if one of us can be helpful to you, we hope you'll give us a call and come in for a cup of tea. It's our joy to serve this community and to extend God's welcome and affirmation to you.
Wherever you are on life's journey, you're welcome at PEACE United!
Sincerely,
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