TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2024

Deadline for Messenger articles is 12 noon Monday.

Items received after Monday will be considered for the next edition.
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2025 Giving Campaign

Commitment Sunday

We had a wonderful Commitment Sunday. It was a meaningful time of worship as we remembered and celebrated God’s faithfulness and how we have been blessed in multiple ways.

We had a joyous response during the service when we were given the 

opportunity to make our financial commitment to the ministries and mission of Piedmont Community Church.

If you were not able to attend and would like to participate in the financial support of our church during the coming year, please click the link below to submit your 2025 commitment. Thank you!

'Together' Video Series Concludes

Piedmont Church's 2025 Giving Campaign themed Together featured four videos containing deeply personal stories from members of our church family. You can watch the films by Michael Barber by clicking below.

Don't Miss A Beat!

Our church calendar is updated almost daily to include all meetings, worship times and special events.

Christmas Concert Sales Begin Nov 1

OVERTURE TO CHRISTMAS



Our 14th annual Christmas Concert and Reception returns on Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8 at 7:30pm. The theme this year is Guided by Dreams, Joseph's Story. The concert will focus on this important but less celebrated figure of the Christmas story. 

Joseph has three dreams that guided him to protect Mary and the infant Jesus and to nurture the young boy as his earthly father while Jesus grew to manhood.

Tickets go on sale Friday, November 1 online and on Sunday, November 3 after worship. Plan now to join this wonderful event.

SPIRITUAL FORMATION

'Experience God' Class Continues

On Sunday, Don Ashburn continues his class on “How to Experience God.” The class meets after worship in the Kettlewell Room , and explores how to know God, both in Scripture and in experience.

The class is open to anyone regardless of previous experience studying the Bible. As a resource, the class will use a booklet entitled Knowing God: Great Themes of the Bible.

Contact Don at Don@PiedmontChurch.org

Online Bible Study

On Mondays at 10am, Don Ashburn is leading a study on the Book of James. To participate fully, no previous experience in Bible study is expected or required. Just come with an open heart and mind and see where the Spirit leads you. 

The Zoom link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83211177073

NEXTGEN

Our NextGen ministry is very active, with lots of events throughout the month. Visit the NextGen web page by clicking below.

Confirmation 2025

We invite 7th graders and above to join our 9-week Confirmation Class, which starts on January 12 and concludes with a special overnight retreat on March 28, 29.

Class Details:

• When: Sundays, from 12-1PM (starting January 12)
• Where: Youth Room, C.E. Building
• Duration: 9 weeks, plus an overnight retreat

What to Expect:

In this class, students will:

• Explore the core beliefs of the Christian faith
• Wrestle with deep questions about life and spirituality
• Craft their personal Statement of Faith as they grow in understanding

At the conclusion of the class, students will have the opportunity to be introduced to the congregation during the Palm Sunday service if they choose to pursue membership with Piedmont Church.

Nursery Help Wanted

We are currently looking for a Nursery/Childcare helper on Sundays from 9:45 - 11:45am. There will be a few evening and weekend events (TBD). Applicants must be over 18 years of age. This is a paid position.

For complete job requirements, description and to send resume, contact Leslie Quantz at Leslie@PiedmontChurch.org

Friendsgiving + Flag Football Sunday

Get ready to celebrate community, fun and friendship at our Friendsgiving and Flag Football event on Sunday, November 3, 11am - 1pm at Piedmont Park.

What to Expect:

• Delicious Dishes: Bring a dish to share and enjoy a potluck-style feast.
• Friendly Competition: Lace up your sneakers for a spirited flag football game. All skill levels are welcome!
• Great Company: Connect with old friends and make some new ones.

Everyone is welcome, so bring your friends, family and festive spirits. Whether you're in it for the food, the game, or a good time, we can't wait to see you there.

November High School Retreat

High school students, welcome to your next adventure - the SEEK GRACE + TRUTH Fall Retreat at a lovely home in breathtaking Yosemite National Park. This isn't just any retreat; it's a journey to God's heart where we will discover how Jesus' character was the perfect balance between grace and truth. Through conversation, journaling, and Scripture study, we'll learn how to follow Jesus' example more closely in our daily lives.

Look forward to a peaceful weekend in nature, reflecting, refreshing your soul and forging lasting friendships. Don't miss out. Register now and secure your spot for this unforgettable journey.

DATES: November 8-10

WHERE: Yosemite National Park

COST: $350/student

We will meet in the church parking lot at 4pm, November 8 and will return at approximately 4pm, November 10.

NextGen Dad's Group Kickoff Monday

All NextGen dads are invited to our NextGen Dad's Fellowship Group Kickoff at the Paulista Cafe, 4239 Park Blvd, 6:30pm Monday, November 4. This group is great for NextGen fathers to find new friends, experience care and prayer in a safe, authentic community and to have fun. Contact Matt Webster at cwebster44@gmail.com

FELLOWSHIP

Our FREE adults Game Night is now quarterly with the next one on Friday, November 1, 6:30-9pm in Guild Hall. Snacks, dessert and drinks will be served. Enjoy Poker, Mexican Train, Rummikub, Scrabble and more. Bring your favorite game or puzzle if you’d like. 

Register below or sign up in the Courtyard after worship. Contact Kathy Hurd at (916) 343-1519

Christmas Gathering Dec 13

You are invited to a Christmas Gathering cocktail reception fireside in Guild Hall on Friday, December 13 from 5-8pm.  

Wine, hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps, catered heavy hors d’oeuvres and dessert will be served. Wear a Christmas sweater or casual cocktail attire.  

Sign up below or in the Courtyard after worship by Sunday, December 8. Last minute registrations will be taken only if space is available.

Cost is $15 per person. Adults only, please. Contact Kathy Hurd at (916) 343-1519

Experience the magic of live theater together. We are a very casual group. Someone makes plans for an event and others may decide to join - sometimes with dinner out ahead of the event. Do you know of something upcoming we can add?

If you’d like to be notified of upcoming shows (theater, musicals, ballet, etc), please go to our Church Center app and add your name, or contact Linda McClain at lindamcclain@me.com or Judy Wright at rbwright1@me.com 

Monday, November 11, 11am

Kettlewell Room, Piedmont Church

Subject to Flooding, a very staged reading, 

with our own Suzanne Latham and 22 other actors

RSVP:  suzlatham3@gmail.com

Wednesday, November 20, 7pm

Berkeley Rep

The Matchbox Magic Flute

SERVICE

Garfield Clean Up Saturday

A group of Piedmont Church volunteers descended on Garfield Elementary School Saturday to help clean and fix up the school as part of a Project Peace workday. Garfield Elementary School is one of the schools where many church members have tutored as part of the Children Rising tutoring program.

Mini Retreat at Harbor House

Join friends from Piedmont Church for a Mini Contemplative Retreat on Saturday, November 9, 9am - 1pm. Sponsored by the Fuller Center for Spiritual Formation and led by Pastor Ashly Nation, the retreat will offer space for contemplation, reflection, and prayer as we spend guided time drawing closer to God individually and in community.

The retreat will be held at Harbor House Ministries in Oakland, a mission partner of our church. 

Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Gifts for Harbor House Christmas Store

Harbor House, one of our three Mission Partners, puts on a Christmas Store to allow Harbor House families to purchase gifts at very low cost for their children, with all proceeds from the store used to support families with urgent needs. 

Information about the Christmas Store is on their website, including the Amazon Wish List  link that you can use to order gifts. And, if you're interested in volunteering at the store, you can fill out the Christmas Store Volunteer Form to work on either Friday, December 13 or Saturday, December 14. Contact Mike Bandrowski at mike.bandrowski@gmail.com

BUILDINGS & GROUNDS

We are happy to report that repairs to the roof over the Youth Room are almost complete. The entire flat roof has been replaced and the gutters are being built. Next, the roofers will address the Sanctuary leak. 

Also, the handicap walkway bollards are installed and operating. If you have a chance, come by at night and see them!

-Jay Foreman B&G

WEEKLY REMINDERS

Staying Well While Gathering

Although many of us have begun to travel and widen our social lives in the past months, COVID and other respiratory infections have kept up with us, as you may have noticed in recent months.  We have learned a lot since 2020 about the consequences of these infections, which continue to impact the health of the most vulnerable and those we love.

To keep everyone we love well when gathering, we should take advantage of multiple effective strategies developed since 2020: 1) get updated COVID, influenza, and RSV vaccines that strengthen our individual and community immunity;  2) use rapid home antigen tests that are now free and available again by mail from the USPS; 3) take Paxlovid and other early antiviral treatments to reduce the risk of severe complications; 4) mask to protect yourself and prevent transmission; 5) use proper hand hygiene; and 6) ensure good ventilation wherever you gather.  For more information here are trusted sources:

Updated Vaccines: 

https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html

Free tests:

https://aspr.hhs.gov/COVID-19/Test/Pages/default.aspx

Messenger and Bulletin Deadlines

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 Messenger articles is 12 noon Monday

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 12 noon Tuesday

Church Calendar

All information regarding the church calendar, including event dates, setup times and meetings, should be sent to Jay Foreman at Jay@PiedmontChurch.org

Please consider making an online offering by clicking below, or give while watching Sunday services on our website.