TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2023 | |
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SPECIAL VOTE NOTICE
A brief congregational meeting will be held immediately after worship on Sunday, November 26 to elect members of the new Mission Board. Scroll to the Church Business section for more information.
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European Horns Come To Worship |  | |
This Sunday, our worship service will include a special performance of the Trompes de Chasse, European horns that are played every November to commemorate the feast of St. Hubert.
According to ancient legend, Hubert (who lived c. 656–727) was a keen hunter. One day, whilst out hunting, he spied a stag and was about to shoot an arrow when the stag turned around and Hubert saw a vision of a crucifix between the antlers of the stag. The stag told Hubert that he needed to live a more godly life, causing the saint to renounce his wealth, give up hunting, and become a priest and eventually a saint.
In a centuries-old tradition, horn players gather in the fall on St. Hubert's feast day, using rare, traditional 'natural' horns that have no valves or keys and make a very special, ancient sound. Today, St. Hubert is revered as a godly man, but also as the patron saint of the hunt, of horn players, and a general symbol of the autumn season and abundance. - Stephen Main
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Christmas Concert Tickets On Sale
While Shepherds Watch - An Overture to Christmas
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This spectacular evening has become a Christmas favorite, not just for Piedmont Community Church but also for the wider community. The church choir and soloists team with a full symphony orchestra under the direction of Stephen Main to present a very special concert.
Each year, the program incorporates a theme of the Christmas story. This year, the shepherds who experienced the miracle of the angels telling them of the Savior's birth in Bethlehem will be the theme. The music will be both contemporary and from centuries past; it will be medieval, traditional and gospel.
As for past concerts, Stephen has composed some entirely new music, and the entire congregation will get to sing carols with the orchestra. The one-hour concert will be followed by a festive reception in the Guild Hall with delightful savory and sweet treats, wine, coffee and punch.
The dates are Saturday, December 16 and Sunday, December 17. Both concerts start at 7:30pm. Tickets for both the concert and the reception are $50 for general admission seats. Those who want to provide additional support for the concert (orchestras are expensive!) can purchase patron tickets for $150 and receive reserved seating.
Tickets are available online now. Sales also after worship in the Courtyard. Alternatively, you can send a check to the church including which evening you prefer and receive your tickets by return mail or pick them up at Will Call before the concert.
The concert will not be available online.
We are looking for volunteers to help as ushers, front door staff, wine pourers, food preparation and serving and, of course, clean-up. If you have any questions about the event or want to volunteer to help, contact Pat Leicher at patleicher@gmail.com
| Enneagram Workshop Saturday |  | |
Last spring, Piedmont Church hosted an 'Introduction to the Enneagram' workshop. And, over 30 people participated. This month, Kim Watson will guide us on the 'Next Steps' in a workshop to be held in the Chapel in the Christian Education (CE) Building on Saturday November 18 from 9am to 1pm. Light refreshments will be offered.
The focus will be on moving beyond the basic Enneagram model, which helps individuals discover the habitual patterns of outlook and behavior of their type and to grow into their true self. There will be time to hear from each other, learn some tools for growth and share in small groups.
If you were not able to come to the workshop last spring, you can still participate. To orient you, you can purchase the book, The Enneagram Guide to Waking Up, by Beatrice Chestnut and Uranio Paes. Please read the introduction and the chapter on your type before attending the workshop. Kim Watson is a certified Enneagram teacher in the Narrative Tradition. The cost to participate in the Workshop is $15.
To register, please click below. Contact Don Ashburn at Don@PiedmontChurch.org
| You are invited to participate in the Spirit of Christmas Advent Fair held after worship Sunday, December 3 in Guild Hall. We will be making Advent wreaths and crafting. There will be a photo booth and baked goods and items from Needles and Hooks to buy. All are welcome and no charge, but please register so we can estimate food needs. Thank you! | |
CALLING ALL BAKERS
We are looking for items to sell at our Advent Fair. Items should be packaged to sell. All baked goods need to be delivered on Saturday, December 2 or Sunday December 3 before 9:30am. Contact Leslie Quantz at Leslie@PiedmontChurch.org with information about what you are bringing and for more details.
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New Directory Sign-Up
Sign up today to be visible in our new database
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If you haven't yet signed in to our new church directory, please do so today. You decide what information to make public, and which to keep private.
You were sent an email a few weeks ago inviting you to join the new online directory. If you do not have this invitation, or wish to receive one, please write to Connect@PiedmontChurch.org
Please note that your information from our previous database is not visible until you log in and sign up with your updated information.
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On Sunday, November 12, the lives of two new centenarians were celebrated at Piedmont Church. John Becker and Evelyn Edens, born days apart in November, 1923, enjoyed a gathering and stream of well-wishers during the event hosted by their families in Guild Hall.
Photographs by Michael Barber
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November 12 Worship Media | From Last Sunday - Don Ashburn preaches on the Ten Commandments (thou shall not steal). Dottie Hutch leads us in worship and our Handbell Ensemble, led by Stephen Main, provides music. | |
Coming Up This Sunday - It's 'Horn Sunday'. See Top 5, #1. And, we celebrate our Treasures Sale volunteers. | |
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Christmas Eve Service Times
4pm family friendly, 7 and 9pm candlelight
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Christmas Eve provides three opportunities to celebrate at Piedmont Church. At 4pm, we'll have a family-friendly service. Our traditional candlelight services will be held at 7pm and 9pm.
These three services replace our regular 10am Sunday service, and an 11pm Christmas Eve service.
The 4pm family-friendly and 7pm traditional candlelight services will be available to watch LIVE online.
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Little Free Spirit Library | |
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Have you ever read a book that broadened your thinking on a topic, helped change your mind entirely, or even transformed your life and faith? Then that same book spent the next several years collecting dust on your shelf?
Well, now’s a great time to share your spiritually enriching books with our faith community and find yourself a new good read in our Little Free Spirit Library. Come browse our table before and after worship service.
No book donation is required. Contact Suzie Skugstad at suzie@hsdesigneb.com
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Launching Our NEW Giving Platform | |
Along with our new Church Directory and Planning Center App comes three (3) ways to donate to Piedmont Church. Using our website, the Planning Center App or by texting a number on your phone, you're just seconds away from making a contribution. Click below to learn more. | |
If you need to stop other previous reoccurring donations, contact Toni Fischer for information and guidance at (510) 588-1097 ext 102 or Toni@PiedmontChurch.org | |
Clair Whybrew, mother of Jan Crago, passed from this life on October 30. Please keep Jan and her family in your prayers. | |
Alternative Gift Market Dates | |
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This year, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of our Alternative Gift Market with an in-person gathering on Sunday, December 10 after worship.
Come and meet representatives from local and international organizations who are helping those in need. All of the organizations have been vetted by the church mission team.
We have three new groups to support; Prison Fellowship, Children of the Nations and GAIA Global Health.
Upcoming AGM Events
December 3 - We'll have a table as part of the Advent Fair
December 10 - Alternative Gift Market official launch includes representatives from local agencies and special holiday treats in the Courtyard
December 17 - We'll have a table in the Courtyard
Online orders can be made beginning December 3.
| It's Not Easy Being Greened | |
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Greening of the church is a fun and easy process when there are lots of lending hands. The Altar Guild is asking church members to please come and help Saturday, December 2, 9am - 12 noon.
If you can lend a hand, even for just an hour, contact Paul Schroeder, Altar Guild Chair, at pschroeder@slatt.com
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Christmas Courtyard Gathering | |
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We are planning a Christmas Gathering in the Courtyard on Friday, December 8 from 4 - 7pm, or Guild Hall if inclement weather.
Wine, catered hor d’oeuvres and dessert will be served. Cost is $15 per adult in advance or $20 at the door.
Wear a Christmas sweater or casual cocktail attire.
To purchase tickets, click the link below or call Kathy Hurd at (916) 343-1519 by December 4. Last minute registrations will be taken based on availability due to catering cut-off date.
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Deadline for Messenger articles is 12 noon Monday.
Items received after Monday will be considered for the next edition.
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Our first Women’s Retreat since before the pandemic will take place on Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 8:45am -4:45pm (leave and arrive back at church via carpool) at Lenox House, 290 Lenox Avenue, Oakland, just 2 miles from church. There is an internal staircase. Dress comfortably.
The New Year’s theme is Rest and Renew. Leave your busy post-holiday lives for a few hours of peace, exploration and sharing your stories with your church sisters.
We will retreat by easy carpool from the church to Lenox House, which is a lovely old mansion and Christian retreat center just blocks up the hill from Fairy Land. All prayer and practices will be led by wonderful women of the congregation who are willing to share their depth of spiritual wisdom. We will experience ancient and modern practices that calm the body, center the mind, engage the imagination in Scripture and open the heart to the Holy Spirit. The afternoon will end with Communion.
By the grace of God, you will leave with a full heart, feeling refreshed, connected to other women and loved.
Cost is $50, including lunch (specify if vegetarian when registering).
Registration is limited to 25. Contact Julie McDonald at julieemcdonald@yahoo.com, (510) 238-9062 or (510) 388-0481 (text)
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Mexico Mission Trip 2024
Members Apply Now, Non-members Nov 15
| Applications for our annual house building mission trip next April 7-12 will be accepted online November 13-14 for church members, and 15-17 for non-members. | |
Mexico Trip Seeks New Head Chef | |
If you've attended a Mexico Mission trip, you know how much the element of good and healthy food contributes to the success of the project. We are in search of our next Head Chef. To read more about the position and to apply, click the link below. | |
Our High School group having fun and team building while stretching their faith on this past weekend's retreat. | |
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At Piedmont Community Church, we love kids and teens. We are always looking for volunteers to be a part of what God is doing through our ministry. Below is a description of opportunities to serve with the NextGen program.
Many of these positions do not require much time or an every week commitment. Please consider becoming a part of our team.
Operations Team Members
These individuals help keep our ministry safe, welcoming and running smoothly.
- Welcome + Check-in Team – Sundays from 9:45am-10:10am
- Helpers - Sundays during worship service. Individuals will help in the classrooms as needed.
- Nursery/Toddler Caregivers: Provide care for our littlest kids.
Pre-K/K, Elementary & Student Programs
- Large Group Teachers - These are individuals with the gift of creative communication. The Large Group teachers rotate and serve about once every 3 weeks during the worship service.
- Life Group Leaders - These leaders help kids foster community and reinforce the Large Group lesson through conversation, games and activities. They are with children every Sunday.
Contact Leslie Quantz at Leslie@PiedmontChurch.org
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Online Bible Study Mondays | |
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The Online Bible Study will not meet on Monday, November 20. And, our last meeting for this year is on Monday, November 27. We will start meeting again weekly on Monday, January 8, when we’ll be studying the Old Testament book of Jonah.
Contact Don at Don@PiedmontChurch.org.
Here is the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83767472723
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Help bring joy to Oakland families this Christmas season by supporting our partner Harbor House with their Christmas store for families. You can help by purchasing gifts for the Christmas store
through the Amazon wish list link Amazon Wish List or by volunteering at the store Volunteer Registration Link
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We have some dates for Fall events and would love to add your ideas as well. We are a very casual Shared Interest Group: someone makes plans for an event and others may decide to join - sometimes with dinner out ahead of the event. Here’s what we have so far:
November 17 - Altarena Playhouse - Christmas at Pemberton
November 18, 19 - Lesher Center - A Christmas Ballet
November 29 - Berkeley Rep - Bulrusher
December 13 - Berkeley Rep - Harry Clarke
Please send your ideas for other fall events to Linda McClain at lindamcclain@me.com and Judy Wright at rbwright1@mac.com. And let us know if you’d like to be added to our Theater Group notifications. Looking forward to some fun Fall outings!
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Pickleball Sundays, 1-3pm | Join in on the craze that's sweeping the nation: pickleball! We play on Sundays from 1-3pm at the indoor gym, second floor of the Christian Education Building. All are welcome. Equipment is provided and no experience is required. Contact Maureen Recker at maureenrecker@gmail.com with questions. See you on the court! | |
'Breathe' Wednesdays, 1:30pm | |
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Join with others who seek the refreshment of meditation and the opportunity to enhance their spiritual growth through the concept of sangha or sitting in silence within a group.
Sit tall, take a breath and find your path. Contact Sara Hirsch at sara1.hirsch1@gmail.com
| Seniors Gathering Opportunity | |
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Seniors Seeking Conversation and Coffee meet on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month in Guild Parlor, 9:30-11am.
All seniors, aged 65-110 years, are welcome. Contact Ann Chandler at
(510) 444-0280
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November 26 Congregational Meeting | |
There will be a congregational meeting after the November 26 Sunday service. We will vote to approve the members of the Mission Board as nominated by the Nominating Committee.
Class of 2024
Jeff McClain
Class of 2025
Mike Bandrowski
Katherine Bergen
Mary Fielder
Judy Wright
Class of 2026
Suzanne Latham
Ryan McCorvie
Shannon Peloquin
Janet Peterson
Contact Ann Lin at annlinca@gmail.com
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Download The Church Center App | |
The Church Center App is the fastest way to get information about your church, check-in your family for events, give donations, browse and join groups, register for events and get involved throughout the week.
Go to your mobile App store and download 'Church Center' App.
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The church office is now open Monday through Thursday, 11am - 1pm. | |
For your convenience, we now accept Venmo mobile for making donations using your phone. We are @PiedmontChurch | |
'MESSENGER' & BULLETIN DEADLINE | | |
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The Messenger
Piedmont Church’s online newsletter, The Messenger, is the primary source of communication. The Messenger is published digitally and distributed via email weekly.
Deadline for articles to appear in The Messenger is 12 noon each Monday. Articles submitted after deadline will be considered for the following week.
Michael Barber edits copy and designs the layout of each Messenger with careful consideration of article placement. Placement is determined based on relevance to the congregation and the wider community.
Sunday Bulletin
Sunday bulletin and worship announcements are decided by Michael based on Tuesday discussions with Staff and lay leadership.
Print deadline for Sunday Bulletin is Tuesday, 12pm.
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2 - Search ‘piedmont community church.’
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Please consider making an online offering by clicking below, or give while watching Sunday services on our website. | |
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