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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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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:
SYLVIA PREVATELLI
DONNA NATION
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
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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 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.
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 Quote
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The age-old discovery ---
Forgiveness, forgiveness, forgiveness ---
Is the only way
To real happiness.
Sri Chinmoy
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
WORSHIP @ 10:30 am
Forgive, forgive and again, forgive. Jesus is relentless in his instruction to the discipleship community. "How many times?" asks Peter. "Seven times?" "Not just seven times," says Jesus with light in his eye, "but rather as many as seventy-seven times." We'll look at Matthew 18 and this core teaching; and we'll ask how it works for us, in our own lives and relationships.
We're led, in worship this week, by our ministers, our Chancel Choir and our Jazz Band. It's a full and spirited circle of faith! We're always a committed gathering of diversity and curiosity. Help us celebrate "The Freedom of Forgiveness."
JUNIOR YOUTH GROUP @12-2 pm
The Junior Youth Group begins meeting again after our summer break. All youth grades 5-9 are strongly encouraged to come to the youth room after church this Sunday for the kick off to a fun and meaningful year.
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TAIZE:
THIS FRIDAY @ PEACE
Taize is a rich and mystical tradition...sung prayers, offered in a candlelit space...drawing the heart, through repetition, into the grace of God. Join us on the THIRD FRIDAY EVENING of each month, in the sanctuary, for this powerful and tender hour of prayer and stillness.
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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.
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NEXT WEEK
SUNDAY, SEPT. 28 @12pm
Join us on the 28th--after worship--for a fabulous "ALL CHURCH PICNIC"! We'll have tacos, all kinds of drinks and desserts. We'll have a bouncy house for the little ones--and circle dancing and games for all ages. And we'll have a radiant circle of women, men and children--from all walks of life. Help us kick off the fall season! And bring your friends!
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FUN-draising PARTY KICK-OFF!
PARTY PLANNING THRU 9/27
TICKETS ON SALE 10/5
 Our 7th annual PARTY SEASON starts NOW--for parties thrown October 2014 through June 2015. As a host (maybe with your family or friends), you plan and throw a PARTY! Your guests purchase tickets in advance, at church, and ticket proceeds go straight to Peace UCC. You may get a tax deduction, along with the fun.
Past popular party ideas have been...Holiday Parties... Themed Dinner Parties... Garden Teas... Craft Parties... Dance Parties... Bike Rides... Ski Cabin Weekends... Wine Tasting.
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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!
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 TEAMThis 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!  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.
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 OCTOBER 11TH PICKS: "MY OLD LADY", and "THE SKELETON TWINS" (Rental) 
Beverly Brook is our leader and convener, and she welcomes your participation and enthusiasm. Snacks are provided! |
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REQUEST FOR FURNTURE!
Have you ever had the pleasure of attending a meeting in the creatively named "Room 5" in the CE building? Unfortunately, it's not currently the most welc oming space. We'd love to warm it up a bit for small groups who meet there by filling it with some comfortable chairs and couches, a few lamps, and maybe even a lovely wall hanging or two.
Can you help? Please call or email Valerie in the church office if you have something you are willing to donate. We are looking for clean furniture in good condition, so let us know what you have and we will decide if it will fit in the space!
426-2010 or [email protected]
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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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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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