TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2020
HIGHLIGHTS
  • An Overture to Christmas, December 5, 6 at 8 PM
  • Introducing Kai Esainko, singing Pie Jesu
  • Pledging Updates
  • Virtual Fellowship Time Every Sunday, 10:30 AM
  • Advent Wreaths for All Families
  • Advent Class with Rev. Jeff Kunkel
  • Reopening Update
  • Mexico Mission Update
Annual Christmas Concert Goes Online For 2020

8 PM Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6

We won't be able to gather in the sanctuary or feast together in the Guild Hall this year, however, we are excited to share with you news that there will be an online Christmas concert to kick off the holiday season - and you will be able to enjoy it in your own home.

We chose the theme Candle in the Darkness because of its three different meanings: a light in this dark time of year; hope in the Covid era, and the birth of our Lord bringing light into the world.

The concert will include reprisals of some music from earlier concerts, some new music by Dr. Stephen Main and a carol for you to sing at the top of your lungs at home. All of this will be woven together by Steve's entertaining commentary.

The concert airs On Our Website, and on our YouTube Channel on Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6 at 8 PM. 
MEDIA
Introducing Kai Esainko

This week, we have the pleasure of introducing 11-year-old singer, Kai Esainko, son of musicians Becca Burrington (Piedmont Church soprano) and Kymry Esainko. He sings Pie Jesu, from the Requiem by composer Gabriel Fauré.

Pie Jesu, Domine, dona eis requiem, sempiternam requiem. 
"Blessed Lord Jesus, grant them rest, eternal rest."

Dr. Stephen Main accompanies Kai on organ and harp.
This Week in Worship

Dr. Stephen Main preaches a memorable and impactful sermon on a familiar Bible verse. Dr. Don Ashburn leads our worship, we sing a Thanksgiving hymn and enjoy a special musical presentation.
Piedmont Church Media Time
(Last 28 Days)

Facebook
36 Hours
Down 56% from previous period

YouTube & Website
212 hours
Up 4 hours from previous period

248 HOURS VIEWED
601 AUDIO DOWNLOADS
TOP VIDEO
O Promised Land
1,407 Views - The Piedmont Community Church choir, led by Dr. Stephen Main, performs an eloquent and deeply moving rendition of 'Shenandoah.' - WATCH VIDEO
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PLEDGE CAMPAIGN
Pledging
Curbside

Last Sunday, members of the stewardship team were on-hand to receive pledges from congregants as they safely drove to the front of the church to deliver their pledge cards.
Our pledge is a reflection of God’s blessings to us. By returning a percentage of our income for His work, we express gratitude.
WEEK 1 TESTIMONIAL
Life-long church member Zookie Todd kicks off our 2021 pledge campaign with her personal story of inclusion, engagement and inspiration.
WEEK 2 TESTIMONIAL
Piedmont Community Church stewardship committee co-chair Susan Butenhoff shares her faith journey as part of our 2021 pledge campaign, 'Forward in Faith'.
WEEK 3 TESTIMONIAL
Piedmont Community Church member John Chiang shares his testimony as part of our 2021 pledge campaign, 'Forward in Faith'.
WEEK 4 TESTIMONIAL
Church members Jeff Leiberg and James Ramos give testimony, along with their pup, Keliki, in support of the 2021 pledge campaign.
Advent In A Box

We have assembled a limited number of Advent in a Box gifts for Piedmont Community Church members and families.

Since we are doing more at home we want everyone to have materials for Advent.

Included in the box is a 10" wreath, candles, votive candle holders, weekly prayers and a calendar of activites. 


Be ready to light your Advent candle as you watch the weekly online worship program during Advent, which begins November 29.

There are a limited number of boxes available. Contact Leslie Quantz at [email protected]

There are boxes still available. Boxes will be delivered prior to November 28.
Advent with the
Serenity Prayer
A Three-Session Class with
Rev. Jeff Kunkel

Sundays 5 - 6 pm, December 6, 13 and 20

The Serenity Prayer, first written in the 20th century, has become one of the most popular prayers for Christians and those of other faiths. The prayer is at its best when it is USED as a spiritual tool in discernment. 

Participants will learn the background of the prayer, memorize the prayer, and practice ways to use the prayer to reckon with confusion, resentment, stress, loss, and joy.

Session 1: "Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change..."
Session 2: "The courage to change the things I can..."
Session 3: "The wisdom to know the difference."

Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 837 3391 9415
Passcode: 517131

Jeff Kunkel is a local United Methodist pastor, faculty member at Berkeley School of Theology, and widely published writer.  
Reopening Update

Recently, the Board of Trustees approved a handbook developed by the Reopening Task Force with procedures for how to reopen our facility once we are able to do so. The staff has also been trained to implement it. 

However, as of November 17, Alameda County has reentered the highest tier of the State’s restrictions for dealing with COVID. As a result, we will not be holding indoor or outdoor worship services at the church until at least the first quarter of 2021.

This is disappointing, as we’re all looking forward to getting back together. Yet, it’s also necessary, to keep each other safe. As we continue to go through this difficult time together, may we have patience and perspective, relying on the healing and hope we have in Jesus.

Joan Chow (Chair), Don Ashburn, Steve Senter, Randy Litteneker, James Ramos, Kristin Johnson, Leslie Quantz, Jay Foreman, Toni Fischer, Nick Baz, Jeff McClain and Tom Walter. 
Altar Guild Update

The Altar Guild is pleased to announce that, in spite of there being no in-person services during the holidays, the church sanctuary and grounds will be decorated in a somewhat limited fashion. This décor will facilitate the occasional visitor to our courtyard and filming of our online worship services.

We are sorry to announce that this year, we will not be having the Holiday Bake Sale. With the COVID-19 issues affecting so many aspects of our interactions, we did not see how to accomplish the creation and then the distribution of the goodies, with complete safety. Also, we will not be purchasing poinsettias for the church. 

We truly hope that our longstanding traditions will resume next holiday season. 

-  Respectfully, Paul Schroeder and the 2020-21 Altar Guild
CHILDREN & YOUTH
Student Ministries Mexico 2021 Missions Trip

We are currently holding online registration for our mission trip we hope to make this coming April. Registration ends Monday, November 30. 

At this time, the registration is limited to those that were a part of the 2020 trip that had to be canceled due to COVID-19. Amor Ministries, who we partner with, has issued a re-opening plan in case there is a vaccine available that would allow trips to happen safely.

We have already appointed, and have been meeting with, student leaders and adults that would help lead the trip as part of our preparation.

Please join us in prayer with us for the possibilities to serve those in need in Mexico.
Welcome to our Sunday school program, Digging into Foundations of Faith.

We will be learning what it means to be a Christian. We will explore what the Bible reveals about who God is and how God sees us, how we fit in God’s family, and how we live the Christian life. As we study core concepts of Christianity, we will gain a solid framework for our own relationship with Jesus.

Some of the lessons include: Moses and the Burning Bush (Exodus 3:1-4:17), God Tells Job About His Creation (Job 38-39; Psalm 8), and Jesus Feeds 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21).

Please look for the links to weekly lessons in The Messenger and in Leslie's weekly emails. 

Contact Leslie Quantz at [email protected]

OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE
Join Adopt-A-Child Effort

CityTeam Ministries serves the poor and homeless in the Bay Area. They have identified children in the Oakland area who are in need of Christmas gifts (the price range is $25 - $50 per child). Each child has a profile, identifying the age and gift ideas. 

If you would like to participate in this program by purchasing a gift for one of these children, just send an email to Janet Peterson at [email protected] and our team will send you the pertinent information about your child and the drop-off location for gifts.

Contact us by December 1, and make a child's Christmas special!
CONNECTIONS
Hello, Piedmont Community Church!

The church office is open weekdays from
10 am to 12 noon, and Jean Leahy is available
to receive your phone calls in person.

Otherwise, voicemail is available at all times and is checked throughout the day. Call (510) 547-5700
ONLINE OPPORTUNITIES
Now Meeting 10:30 am Every Sunday

We’ll gather online, starting together in one large group. Then, we will split up into smaller breakout groups, to connect with old friends and meet some new ones. 

To participate, please use this Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81952726275

You can connect to Zoom using your computer, tablet or smartphone. The Virtual Fellowship Time is also open to call-in participants using the following phone number and access code: 1-669-900-6833; Access Code: 81952726275#. 

Contact Dr Don Ashburn at: [email protected] 
Wednesday Morning Bible Study

Join DR. DON ASHBURN for a study of the New
Testament Gospel of Mark. We’ll meet weekly online from 10 - 11 am. We’ll be using the Zoom online platform. 

In the study, we’ll read the text out loud and then discuss its meaning, its original context as well as how it relates to our lives today. 

To participate, you’ll need access to a computer or mobile device with audio and visual capabilities. You can have your own copy of the Bible, or read the text as it’s shared onscreen. There’s no homework, and no expectation that you’ve studied the Bible before. 

Just join us, and invite your friends! Contact Dr. Ashburn at [email protected]. The link for joining the Bible Study online is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82910582013. It’ll be the same link each week.
We are happy to provide online gathering opportunities as we remain 'sheltered in place.'

Morning Prayer

Dr. Don Ashburn will lead a brief service of prayer at 9 am each
Friday. There will be scripture readings, a time of meditation and prayer. Communion is celebrated at each service. So, please have a cup of wine or juice and a piece of bread available.This meeting is by Zoom, and is open to everyone. Here’s the link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/91986506151
Meeting ID: 919-8650-6151
Phone: +1-669-900-6833

Zoom Kidz Club
Kidz club is meeting every Friday at 3:30 pm to have fun and fellowship. As a reminder Kidz Club is for all 4th,5th and 6th graders.  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82312085855?pwd=am5RK1BpQVJONGp6S1hQeEpoVlhkZz09

Meeting ID: 823 1208 5855
Password: 208707
Please consider making an online offering by clicking below, or give while watching Sunday services on our website.
Phone: (510) 547-5700