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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:
DOROTHY HEAL in journey
BESS BLODGETT on her 104th b-day
LOU HILDEBRANDT
SYLVIA PREVATELLI
DONNA NATION recovering from surg.
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 Prayer
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Be blessed today.
Be blessed in all you do. Be blessed by those who stand beside you, by those far away, by those you hold in memory.
Be blessed by the prayer you never hear, but that speaks your name.
Be blessed by these words as they carry the Word to find your faith unfailing.
by Beverly Brook
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28th
WORSHIP @ 10:30 am
Fall is in the air: the changing of leaves, the gathering of students and teachers, the turning of our lives to new rhythms. Join us in worship this Sunday as we mark the changing of our lives and the changing of community life.  This week, we say farewell and wish godspeed to the Rev. Cordelia Strandskov, as she and Bea prepare for their next adventure on the road to the East Coast. Help us share our gratitude and extend God's blessing to her--as we give thanks for her four years of ministry among us.
ALL CHURCH PICNIC
FOLLOWING WORSHIP
Join us 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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SECOND HARVEST FOOD BINS
HERE @ PEACE UNITED
September 23rd to October 6th
Chadeish Y ameinu has Second Harvest Food bins at Peace UCC during the Jewish High Holidays, and they invite us to help fill them to support the Second Harvest Food Bank. The Food Bank's mission is to end hunger and malnutrition here in Santa Cruz County.
Look for specially marked bins in the Fellowship Hall.
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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
 Beginning Sunday, October 12, 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.
CONFLICT & CRISIS IN ISRAEL-PALESTINE
TUESDAYS, 6 to 7:45 pm, at UCSC
 This Cowell College course is open this fall on Tuesday evenings. We'll 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 000-0000. 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--and the fun begins Sunday, October 5.
THURSDAY BIBLE STUDYTHURSDAYS, 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!
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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!
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 call. This 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 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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FUN-draising PARTY KICK-OFF!
PARTY PLANNING THRU 9/29
TICKETS ON SALE 10/5
 Our 8th 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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OCTOBER 1 @ 7-9pm
in the Sanctuary
We trace simple folk dances and newly-choreographed steps to beautiful music from around the world. Dances range from lively to meditative, and each one is taught before we dance it. Moving together in a circle is one of the oldest ways in which people celebrate community and togetherness. Beginners are welcome and it's FREE!
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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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