THIS WEEK AT PEACE   
 August 29-31, 2014 
 

   

In This Issue
Who Are We?
This Week's Prayer
This Sunday at Peace United
September for Families
Get Involved
Young Adults & Students
Serving the Poor
'Like' Us on FACEBOOK
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.
Like us on Facebook
Have You Visited Recently?
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.

potter's hand

Prayers for Friends
You're encouraged to make daily prayer a vital part of your spiritual practice.  This week, we hope you'll keep these friends in your prayers:

THE TONEY FAMILY
THE BRANDALISE FAMILY
All who've had surgery recently
All who are giving birth this summer
THE PEOPLE OF FERGUSON, MO
THE PEOPLE OF THE UKRAINE
Who We Are...
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.
  Jesus 106

Quick Links
Taize Songs & Prayers
TAIZE describes a way of worship that invites simple song and contemplative prayer.  Our own TAIZE service moves now to the THIRD FRIDAY EVENING of each month.  It runs about an hour, a simple and peaceful way to end your week.

Join us as for a gathering of chant, song and prayer--by candlelight.  We continue on Friday, September 19 at 8 pm.

Taize Prayers  
It's a soulful way to connect with your Spirit, and a great way to lean graciously into the weekend.  We gather in the sanctuary at 8.
 
Mystics of all ages are welcome!


 
Wider Church Community
Looking for more about our wider church community?

You'll find out more about the

And, the UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST website is a great place for inspiration and connection too!

This Week's Prayer

  

DOGSOLOGY


 

From all that dwell below the skies

Let songs of hope and faith arise

Let peace, goodwill on earth be sung

Or barked or howled by every tongue!


 

by Rev. LoraKim Joyner

 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 31

WORSHIP @ 10:30 am 
dog

Our annual "Blessing are the Animals" is a feast for all the senses...and a celebration of the creativity of God! 

You're invited to bring a pet (dogs, cats, lizards, goats: we've seen it all); a stuffed animal; or a picture of an animals you've loved and lost.  In a festive circle of blessing, our pastors will offer a prayer of gratitude for each and every one.

And we'll have communion--TOGETHER!

We're always a spirited gathering of diversity and curiosity.  Join us for communion and summer refreshment!

 

   

THIS SEPTEMBER @ PEACE
This September, we welcome back all kinds of families for a fall program of fun, faith, friendship and service.  Check in with Natalie Blackburn or Cordelia Strandskov for more information on Peace United's offerings for you, for your children and for your family!

   

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! 

RACE: THE POWER OF AN ILLUSION

Peace United friends have been asked to participate in a community-wide conversation around race and racism in America.  In this summer of turmoil across the nation, many are concerned that we come together to think and act.  Several Peace United friends will be attending a meeting at the Santa Cruz Public Library (downtown) on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 6:30 pm.  If you're interested, contact Dave Grishaw-Jones.

PARISH VISITATION TEAM

This team, here at Peace United, offers friendship to members and friends unable to attend church regularly.  Team members call on these folks once a month and maintain contact by phone.  It's a key part of our life together in the body of Christ.  Interested?  Call leader Dave Dodson at 459-9968.

SING, SING, SING!

choir graphic Once again the Chancel Choir invites members and friends to consider singing a ministry...and join the choir!  Under the direction of Cheryl Anderson, the choir rehearses each Monday evening at 6 pm in the Music Room at Peace United.  Be in touch with Cheryl if have any questions at 277-9017.  
 

   

MOSAIC:
YOUNG ADULTS @ PEACE 

Just moving to Santa Cruz for school or work?  Are you a returning student this fall?  MOSAIC is a Peace United community of students and young adults.  If you're looking for a community of support and spiritual encouragement, a group to hang with and growth with, join us for MOSAIC this fall.  Our leader and host is Dave Grishaw-Jones, and he welcomes you and your curious spirit!  Give Dave a call with questions (426-2010) or join MOSAIC in September and October on Sunday afternoons.  

   


 

   

SEPTEMBER 13TH PICKS:

"CALVARY", 

and 

"LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON" (Rental)  

 

 

   


 

Beverly Brook is our leader and convener, and she welcomes your participation and enthusiasm. 

 

  Snacks are provided! 

 

 

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

   

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.

hands on sea 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,
Dave Grishaw-Jones
Cordelia Strandskov
Ministers at Peace United Church