THIS WEEK AT PEACE   
 August 8-10, 2014 
 

   

In This Issue
Who Are We?
This Week's Poem
'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.
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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

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 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.

Taize Prayers  
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!


 
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 Poem

  

DAWN

 

Stars sparkle

with diamond light

against changing

shades of summer night;

sapphire,

navy,

deepest midnight black,

charcoal,

granite gray,

ivory white of

daybreak rays.

Promise beckons,

upward, on.

Bright morning star

divines dusty dawn

illuminating earth,

a new beginning

pure as virgin birth.


 

by Sharon R. Chace
fromPortfolio of Painterly Poems

      A Pilgrim's Path to God

 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 10

WORSHIP @ 10:30 am 


 

Join us this week as Kristen Kovaletz offers the morning message. Kristen has been an active part of the Peace United community since coming to UCSC four years ago. We are lucky presently to have her serve as our Sunday School teacher and coordinator.

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! 

 

 We Mourn

 

 

   

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

meditation in sunset
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. 
 

   

   


 Please join the Jail Ministry Team on Wednesday, August 20th  @7pm in the lounge.  Our guest will be Sarah Emmert, Community  Coordinator for the Youth Violence Prevention Task Force for  Santa Cruz County.  Sarah will be sharing information regarding the  work of the Task Force and suggesting ways that faith communities  can help reduce youth violence in our community.  This is an  excellent opportunity to receive first-hand information on the issues  facing our youth.

 For information contact Beverly Brook (831) 429-1392  or beverlyfbrook@gmail.com

 

   

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!

   

   

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


 

   

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! 

 

 

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