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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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| Check out this month's issue of news and ideas, here in PDF format!
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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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Prayers for Friends
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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 family of Esther Rogoff
The Page Family
The family of DENNISE BROWN
The family of BESS BLODGETT
LOU HILDEBRANDT
All who've had surgery recently
THE PEOPLE OF PARIS & FRANCE
THE PEOPLE OF FERGUSON, MO
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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:
FEBRUARY 19
& Fridays Through Lent
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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, FEBRUARY 19 @ 8 pm in the Sanctuary.
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!
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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 Reading
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The time will come
When with elation,
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door in your own mirror,
and each will smile at the other's welcome,
and say, sit here. Eat.
You will love again the stranger who was your self.
Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart
to itself, to the stranger who has loved you
all your life, whom you have ignored
for another, who knows you by heart.
Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,
the photographs, the desperate notes,
peel your own image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING:
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1
 "With authority he taught them" (Mark 1:21-29). What kind of authority does Jesus use in his teaching, in his advocacy for the poor, in his life? What kind of authority does he exercise in your life? Is that a word (authority) we even use anymore? Join us for worship this Sunday, as we dig into the first stories of Mark's gospel and reflect on Jesus' use of authority, power and passion. What do we have to learn from him? What kinds of claims does he make on us? Dave Grishaw-Jones offers some thoughts on the "Authority of Jesus." We're led in worship by Dave Grishaw-Jones, Cheryl Anderson, Vlada Moran, the Chancel Choir and the Jazz Band at Peace United. Join us for a celebration of our faith and God's amazing grace.
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CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY
IN THE 21st CENTURY
2015 Progressive Christian Forum
@ Peace United Church of Christ
Friday, February 6 and Saturday, February 7
 Join us at this year's 5th annual Progressive Christian Forum--an interactive weekend featuring two of the Bay Area's most dynamic Christian voices and congregational leaders. This year's theme is "CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY IN THE 21st CENTURY: CONNECTION & ENGAGEMENT." Karen Oliveto and Bruce Reyes-Chow will offer presentations on Christian spirituality in thriving churches. And they'll invite participants to explore new ways of worshiping, serving and extending the church's mission far into the community. The seminar begins with a Friday night presentation on February 6, 7:30 to 9:00 pm, at Peace United Church in Santa Cruz. It then continues on Saturday, February 7, from 9 am to 3 pm. Along the way, we'll worship and sing together, hear of new initiatives and possibilities in congregational development, and explore the growing edge of progressive Christianity. If you'd like to be part of the Peace United contingent, register by calling Dave Grishaw-Jones (426-2010) or emailing him here. You'll be asked to pay a $50 church member rate for the weekend, but scholarships are available if you ask! |
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YAEL LACHMAN IN TOWN:
FEBRUARY 13, 14, 15
With great joy and eager anticipation, the Church Council and Vision Team have called a Congregational Meeting on Sunday, February 15 after worship in the sanctuary. We'll vote that day to call the Rev. Yael Lachman as our next Associate Minister. Members of the church are urged to attend worship and vote! And everyone interested may certainly attend and sit in and watch the proceedings. Very exciting!  Meet with Yael:
Valentine's Breakfast Meet & Greet
Saturday, February 14, 9-11am
in the Lounge
Join the intergenerational continental breakfast with our candidate for Associate Minister, Rev. Yael Lachman! There will be a light breakfast served, followed by games and activities for all ages.
Valentine's Soiree
Saturday, February 14, 7pm
in the Fellowship Hall (tickets available from Choir)
Yael will attend the Choir's Valentine's Soiree for the first hour in case you don't get the chance to greet her on Saturday morning.
Worship & Congregational Meeting & Coffee Hour Reception for Yael
Sunday, February 15, 10:30pm
Yael will be preaching and leading the children's time at the Sunday service. Immediately following worship, a brief Congregational Meeting will be held in the Sanctuary to vote on calling her to our congregation. A coffee hour reception for Yael will follow.
There will be Sunday School and Childcare as usual during the service. Parents participating in the congregational meeting, may pick children up after the meeting, if they wish.
Youth Meet & Greet
Sunday, February 15, following the Reception
Jr and Sr High Youth and their families are invited to attend a meet & greet with Yael. Snacks will be provided. This replaces our regularly scheduled youth group meeting.
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Lent is a season of reflection, engagement and prayer. Through these forty days and six weeks, we prepare our hearts and community for the joy and new promise of Easter itself. Peace United has an exciting lineup of Lenten classes and small groups...check it out by clicking here or on the picture above. |
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SACRED CIRCLE DANCE
February 4th, 7-9pm
In the Sanctuary
We meet the 1st Wednesday of each month for sacred circle dancing. Dances range from lively to
 meditative, and each is taught before we dance it. Moving together in a circle is one of the oldest ways in which people have celebrated community and togetherness.
Beginners welcome
No partners needed
FREE
Join us!
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VALENTINE COOKIES
SUNDAY SCHOOL: FEBRUARY 8
In celebration of Valentine's Day, we will be decorating sugar cookies during Sunday School! These cookies will be mailed to church members who are not able to come to worship and to those who are away at college.
In order to do this the CYF team is asking for donations of plain, unfrosted cookies. If you are able to help, please bring cookies to the kitchen before church on the morning of the 8th.
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WHAT'S JUST?
An Exploration of
Juvenile Justice Alternatives 
February 13 & 14
Inner Light Center
5630 Soquel Dr, Soquel
FRIDAY PRESENTATION:
Author, Nell Bernstein & Panelists
+Book Signing +Resource Faire
SATURDAY COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Be a part of the conversation
+Organizations, agencies, and individuals
including youth, come together to explore opportunities and alternatives to youth criminal justice. Envision a brighter future - compassionate, empowering, and reconciling.
FREE 2 day event - donations appreciated. RSVP @ InnerLightMinistries.com for Saturday. Lunch available for $10, free for 25 & under. For more information contact Peter Klotz-Chamberlin, 831 423-1626x102.
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IN THANKSGIVING:
FOR THE LIFE OF ESTHER ROGOFF 
A Memorial Service will be held February 15th @ 1:30 in the Fellowship Hall.
Esther Rogoff died quietly on New Year's Eve (December 31) at home, surrounded by family and loved ones. She was 95 years old, lived a generous and energetic life, and she journeyed through these final days in faith. We pray this week for Esther's dear family, especially daughter Barbara and son Jim, and we give thanks to God for her great spirit and friendship. A Memorial Service will be planned soon, and we'll share the date and time when we have it.
Thanks be to God for the life and spirit of Esther Rogoff! |
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 FEBRUARY 14TH PICKS: 
"SELMA",
and
"TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT"
Beverly Brook is our leader and convener, and she welcomes your participation and enthusiasm. Snacks are provided! |
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A REQUEST FROM
OUR GARDENERS
 The garden team is looking for heavy plastic floor/rug protector mats for under office chairs? They are using them under the raised beds in the community garden at church to form a barrier between the weeds and the beds. Perhaps you know of an office preparing to replace their mats which would be willing to donate them to the garden. Liz has collected 4 and is looking for another 10 clear heavy plastic mats.
Thank you!
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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!
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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 I can be helpful to you, I hope you'll give me a call and come in for a cup of tea. It's my 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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