THIS WEEK AT PEACE   
 October 31-November 2, 2014 
 

   

In This Issue
Taize First Fridays
Who Are We?
This Week's Poem
This Sunday at Peace United
Serving Peace
Harvest Madrigal Dinner
'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
Check out this month's issue of news and ideas, here in PDF format!
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

Taize Songs & Prayers:
NOV 21

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, November 21 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!


 
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 family of DOROTHY HEAL
BESS BLODGETT
LOU HILDEBRANDT
DONNA NATION recovering from surg.
THE TONEY FAMILY
THE BRANDALISE FAMILY
ANDREA LOSEE recovering from surg.
ANN RUPERT recovering from surg.
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
UCC Daily Devotional
Start your day off right. Sign up to receive The United Church of Christ's Daily Devotional, delivered each morning to your e-mail inbox and check out the other resources they offer to help 'Feed Your Spirit'. 
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

 
 


 

"The Servant Song"


 

Brother, sister let me serve you.
Let me be as Christ to you.
Pray that I might have the grace

To let you be my servant, too.


 

We are pilgrims on a journey.
We are brothers on the road.
We are here to help each other

Walk the mile and bear the load.


 

I will hold the Christ-light for you
In the night time of your fear.
I will hold my hand out to you;

Speak the peace you long to hear.


 

I will weep when you are weeping.
When you laugh, I'll laugh with you.
I will share your joy and sorrow

Till we've seen this journey through.


 

When we sing to God in heaven,
We shall find such harmony
Born of all we've known together

Of Christ's love and agony.


 

Brother, sister let me serve you.
Let me be as Christ to you.
Pray that I might have the grace

To let you be my servant, too.


 

Richard Gillard of New Zealand

1976-77


 

To listen the Richard Gillard sing his song click here:

The Servant Song
 


 


 

 

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2nd
WORSHIP @ 10:30am 
(DON'T FORGET TIME CHANGE!)
Taize

We will be worshiping together this Sunday in the spirit and style of the Taiz� community-a form of worship developed over many decades to encourage meditation, stillness and mystic connection to the divine. We're led today by members of the Taiz� Worship Team.

As always, the church is dynamic, inclusive and full of spirit! Join us for communion, prayer and song!   



   

   



INVITE FRIENDS, FAMILY AND NEIGHBORS! AND
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!



   


 

A MEDICAL MISSION TEAM 

NEEDS SUPPLIES:

 

 Once again, friends of the church are traveling to Uganda,  this January, with medical expertise and  supplies. Four  friends of our own Brooke Graff are on  the team this time  around.

 Brooke invites Peace United friends to donate supplies  for  this medical mission. Last year, the team gave away a huge  amount of medicines...making a real difference in real lives.

 

 What's needed this time?

     - Acetaminophen  (Tylenol)

     - Ibuprofen  (Advil)

     - Naprosyn (Aleve)

     - Omeprazole  (Prilosec)

     - Children's and Adult Multiple Vitamins

     - Tums

     - Antifungal creams

     - Hydrocortisone cream

     - Sunscreen (we saw several albino patients last year)

     - Bar soap, shampoos and lotions (motel size)

     - Pencils, crayons

     - Coloring books

     - Notebooks

 

 A basket will be on hand the next two Sundays (November  2  and 9) in the sanctuary. You're also invited to bring  items to  the church office. The final  delivery of items collected will  be made after worship on  November 9. Call  Brooke for  more info at 426-2010.

   

 MEAL TRAIN FOR KAYLA, JAMES AND  BABY DON

 We have a new young family in our church. Kayla, James and  baby Don. They could really use some help with meals for a  while. There is a great web site called MealTrain that has  been used to set up a way for folks to sign up to provide  meals. 

 Click to go to MealTrain

 

 If you don't want to use a  computer, just call Peggy Kelly  at 423-1268 and she will handle  the scheduling and give you the  details. It is also possible to  order meals delivered from a  restaurant if you are not up to  cooking.

 

 Thanks for your help!


 

   

 MULTIFAITH THANKSGIVING
 A Service of Gratitude, A Gathering of Traditions 
 Wednesday, November 26th, 
 6pm to 7pm in the Peace United Sanctuary

Friends from a variety of faith traditions and backgrounds will gather to celebrate THANKSGIVING together. Leaders from Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, Native American, Unitarian and Quaker traditions will offer prayers and music in their own  language and style -- creating a celebration of our  diversity and a deepening of compassion among  us. Thanksgiving is a unique opportunity to express our  gratitude to one another--for the rich and wonderful  ways we express our faith, our passion, our courage  and our beliefs.

 A special free-will offering will be received for the  work of the SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK in Santa  Cruz County.

   

AMOS AWARD NOMINATIONS
Peace United Church of Christ presents the annual Amos award every year on Martin Luther King weekend and is looking for nominations. The Amos award is presented to a faith based community member, not necessarily from Peace United, who we feel has contributed exemplary service to the community. Past recipients from Peace United have been Elizabeth Shilling for her work with Live Oak Community center and Peter Klotz-Chamberlain for his work with Resource Center for non-violence. If you have a nomination, please submit it to Ken Thomas -

   

FALL CLASSES
We're delighted to offer these two unique classes to all members and friends this fall.  You'll find contact information below.

SPIRITUAL PATHS TO HEALING 
SUNDAYS, 5 pm to 6:30 pm in Fellowship Hall

blind healing Continuing Sunday, October 26, this 8-week series offers an extended conversation around the arts and practices of healing and wholeness.  Each week, we'll welcome a practitioner from a particular spiritual tradition (from Judaism to Buddhism, from Islam to Christianity).  And that practitioner will help us understand the tradition's commitments and practices around health and well-being.  For more information, contact the office at 426-2010 or see the October edition of "Still Speaking."

This exciting multifaith course is sponsored by Chadeish Yameinu Jewish Renewal Community and Peace United Church of Christ. This week's speaker is Dawood Yasin, Dean of Student Life at Zaytuna College.  Dawood will be speaking on Muslim perspectives on healing and wholeness. 

CONFLICT & CRISIS IN ISRAEL-PALESTINE 
TUESDAYS, October 7-December 2, 6 to 7:45 pm
at UCSC

This Cowell College course is open this fall on Tuesday evenings.  We have a carpool leaving from Peace United Church at 5:30 pm each Tuesday night.  From 6 to 7:45 each week, a special lecturer will offer perspective on the region and the conflict.  From 8 to 9, church folks are invited, if able, to participate in a discussion of the material presented.

For information on the carpool, call Carol Trabing at 951 250-0429.  For more about the course and its schedule, contact Dave Grishaw-Jones at the church.

MOSAIC: FOR YOUNG ADULTS, STUDENTS
SUNDAYS, 4 pm to 5:30 pm in the Library

Dave Grishaw-Jones hosts a weekly gathering of students and young adults--those of us interested in exploring faith and questioning life and experiencing prayer and communion.  All young adults are welcome--including college students on the local scene.  We meet in the library just off the main office.

THURSDAY BIBLE STUDY

THURSDAYS, 12:30 to 2 pm, every week

Again this fall, Dave Grishaw-Jones welcomes members and friends to a mid-week bible study, each Thursday afternoon in the library.  We gather to share scripture and reflect on its meaning in our lives.  And we always enjoy new epiphanies and good friends.  All are welcome! 

   

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! 

SHELTER SPONSOR COMMITTEE 
Peace United is one of several churches participating in a rotating shelter program for local homeless families.  We host the shelter in our CE Building every Sunday night.  A "Sponsor Committee" of church representatives gathers monthly to oversee the project and advance its mission of compassion and care for families.  If you're interested in representing Peace United on the Committee, email Dave Grishaw-Jones or give him a callThis is an important ministry in compassion and encouragement!

MISSION TEAM 
The Mission Team helps our church follow through on our commitments to compassion and justice--in Santa Cruz County and around the world.  In particular, we help connect Peace United's people to the many opportunities around for service, advocacy and public witness.  Would you like to join us?  Contact Ken Thomas for information on upcoming meetings.
 
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.

   

   

 HARVEST MADRIGAL DINNER
  Sunday, November 9
  6:30 pm
  in Fellowship Hall


 Come enjoy the Chancel Choir    and Children of the Musical  Mondays program under  the direction of Cheryl Anderson. It all supports the  music  program at Peace.

 Tickets are $40 adults / $20 children and must be  reserved or purchased in advance (vegetarian option  available).

 Call the church office @ 426-2010.

   


 NOVEMBER 23rd 
 Immediately after church in 
 Fellowship Hall

 Mark your calendar and plan to stay after church
 for an All-Church Congregational Gathering and  Meeting.

   

 

 It's our 25th season of Supper Club and we want  everyone to be part of this fun group.  There are many  benefits to being a Supper Clubber but, put simply, it  provides us a wonderful opportunity to get to know  each other better in a social setting.   So, how does  Supper Club work?  

 

 Supper Club is divided into a number of smaller groups  each consisting of six or eight people (made up of  couples, or a mix of singles and couples).  The  individual groups usually meet in each other's homes  three or four times during the year to share a meal  provided by its members-you may be asked to bring an  appetizer, salad, or dessert while it's likely the  host/hostess will provide the main entr�e.  While  most  groups hold dinners in members' homes, we also  have  a restaurant group for those who prefer to eat  out. 

 It's easy to be a Supper Clubber!   

 

 Just contact:

 Joanna Hildebrandt, 438-7874 johilde@comcast.net    OR

 Sue Robinson, 429-1597, suelloyd@cruzio.com

 

   

REV. DR. JOHN R. MABRY

Saturday, November 8
Peace UCC @ 7:30
CHRISTIAN MYSTICISM:
GROWING INTO GOD

Sunday, November 9th
Trinity Presbyterian @ Noon
CHRISTIAN MEDITATION:
A PRACTICUM

Rev. Dr John R. Mabry is a United Church of Christ minister, and currently pastor at Grace North Church in Berkeley. He teaches world religions and spiritual direction at the Chaplaincy Institute in Berkeley, and is an adjunct professor at Santa Clara University in the Pastoral Ministries Department. His most recent books include A Christian Walks in the Footsteps of the Buddha: Faithful Generations: Effective Ministry Across Generational Lines, and Growing Into God: A Beginner's Guide to Christian Mysticism. 

   

NOVEMBER 8TH PICKS:

"PRIDE", 

and 

"MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN

  


 


 

 

Beverly Brook is our leader and convener, and she 

welcomes your participation and enthusiasm. 

 

  Snacks are provided! 

 

 

MISSION TRIP OPPORTUNITY TO CUBA

Global Ministries of Southern California, which is a joint offering between the UCC and DOC (Disciples of Christ), has openings for its mission trip to Cuba from Feb 2-13. Cost is $2300. If interested, contact Quinn Wildman at qwildman@yahoo.com or (831)227-0538. Quinn has gone on mission trips to Latin America every year since 2007, and went to Cuba with the same group in 2010. A work project is planned as part of the trip but no specific skills are required.

   

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.

dave gj 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,
Dave Grishaw-Jones
Senior Minister at Peace United Church