Monthly Echoes for November 2025

First Congregational Church of Escondido

an Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ

FCCE Mission Statement

Furthering the mission of Christ, Embracing Diversity,

and Serving ALL with Love and Grace

A Message from the Moderator

Giving Thanks! 

This month we celebrate one of my favorite holidays. Thanksgiving is a special time to thank God for all the good things He has given us. It’s a day to gather with family and friends, pray, and share love around the table. This Thanksgiving, I am especially thankful for our church family and God’s plan for our church. I am extremely grateful for our Pastor and his vision for our future, our leaders for their commitment to the hard work they selflessly give each week to support our mission, and to our members and friends who share their gifts.



Thanksgiving is also about traditions. Most of mine are linked to food, family, football, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and sharing around the table what we are thankful for. The menu always includes turkey, mashed potatoes/gravy, dressing, cranberries, pumpkin pie, and yes, that original green bean casserole! What are yours? Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner or joining others, “Let faith be your feast and gratitude your song this Thanksgiving – because every heartbeat is a quiet hallelujah to God’s goodness.”

Deb Pint, Moderator

Reflecting on the Gift of Music in

Our Congregational Life

Why We Should Be Thankful for Music in Worship

by Rev. Jim Duvall, Director of Music Ministries

Transcends barriers—Music has the power to reach across differences in age, background, and experience, uniting us as one congregation in praise and devotion.

Helps us express our faith—Through singing and instrumental music, we communicate our deepest beliefs, emotions, and prayers, often in ways that words alone cannot capture.

Affirms our community—When we worship together through music, we build relationships, foster fellowship, and strengthen the bonds that hold our church family together.

Nurtures our spirits—Music brings comfort, encouragement, and joy. It uplifts our hearts during times of sorrow and celebrates with us in moments of gladness.

Keeps traditions alive—Through hymns and songs passed down through generations, we honor our heritage and remember the faithful who came before us.

Focuses our hearts on God—Music guides our minds away from distractions and centers our worship on the presence and greatness of God.

Unifies us as a congregation—Music in worship aligns hearts, voices, and purpose, creating shared expression, deep connection, and spiritual unity across diverse individuals.

Leads us in worship—Music sets the tone for our gatherings, invites participation, and creates a space where all can encounter God.

As a congregation, we have countless reasons to be thankful for music in worship. It is a gift that draws us closer together and closer to God, enriching our faith and making our praise more joyful and profound.

Treasurer's Report

by Carolyn Hammock

September 2025 Financial Report

Expenses:             $24,913.66

Income:               $31,769.14

Net Income:             $6,855.48

Deficit YTD (Jan-Sep)   -$32,792.90

In September, we were able to keep our expenses down and experienced an increase in our income, resulting in decreasing the yearly deficit. We don't have the final numbers on the outcome of the Best On Broadway fundraiser that was held on October 25th. However, early indications are that it was very successful in reducing the church deficit, as well as reaching out to the community and enjoyed by all who attended.

Year End: The Perfect Time for Giving Through IRA’s Required Minimum Distributions



As 2025 comes to a close, many of us may be thinking about ways to address the pressing financial needs of FCCE, both in the short and long term. We also think about our own financial obligations and how best to put our resources to work. There is a way for individuals over the age of 73 to reduce their own tax obligation and support our beloved FCCE. That is to direct their IRA custodian to make their 2025 Required Minimum Distribution (or portion of) to the church. This allows qualified FCCE donors to give generously without treating the distribution as taxable income. We encourage you to consider this opportunity. Please see Carolyn Hammock or Don Dohanyos for more details.

Commentary on Luke 19:1-10

“A Story of Conflict, Radical Grace,

and Salvation” by Rev. Maureen

This story is only in Luke’s Gospel. It relates a memorable encounter Jesus had with Zacchaeus, a rich, chief tax collector in Jericho, when Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem and the cross. It is a familiar story to many of us and you may even remember a hymn in Sunday School that began, “Zacchaeus Was a Wee Little Man…”

This story has often been over simplified and misinterpreted in that it portrays Zacchaeus as merely a sinful traitor to the Jewish people because he was a rich, chief tax collector to the Roman Empire. But several details of this story paint a different picture. First, he wants to see Jesus so much that he humbles himself by climbing a tree. Second, Jesus tells Zacchaeus to “come down” and invites himself to his house, in spite of the conflict of people grumbling about his sinfulness. Third, Zacchaeus describes what he will do to restore himself: “…half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone, I will pay back four times as much.”   

It is a salvation story because Jesus declares Zacchaeus and his family have been saved and restored to their community. Jesus’ final words explain why: “For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.” This makes this a story of radical grace because Jesus sees the good in Zacchaeus, loves him in spite of his profession and, for us, it is a reassuring reminder that Jesus will call, find and love us, no matter what we have done, who we are, or how lost we may feel. 

We celebrate and honor our saints who have reached heaven. It is a day to pray, reflect, and remember Marilyn Dannenburg, Lorraine Boyce, Dorothy Hall, Ick Choi, Suzi Shutzman, and Jim Talley. May the saints bless and fill your days with peace, grace, and love for Christ!

Welcome New Members!

Last Sunday was Reformation Sunday when we celebrate the beginning of our Protestant tradition with Luther’s 95 Theses nailed to a church door.  One way we mark this is by receiving new members. We covenant together or promise God and one another things basic to our faith and tradition. We affirm or reaffirm our faith in God of love and justice, and we commit ourselves to growing in relationship with God through worship, prayer, study and action.

We covenant to support each other and work together for God’s rule on earth. We covenant to share in the ministry and mission of this congregation in our communities and the world.

Welcome these new members into our covenant and help them get to know us.

Mike and Beth Zeldes – Mike was born in TN and Beth in Washington DC. They were high school sweethearts who share a love of travel and new experiences. Mike’s work in chemical engineering led them to live in 6 different states as well as overseas (India for both; China and Vietnam for Mike alone). Escondido is the first location they chose on their own and they love it here. They have two sons.

Rachel Leslie was born in San Diego and studied Spanish and Math at Ohio Wesleyan University. She is a workers comp underwriter for an Insurance Company, but aspires to be an actuary. She is fluent in Spanish and loves to travel in Latin America (Ecuador, Colombia, Panama and Guatemala). She likes to read, do crossword puzzles and watch Law & Order.

Grace Powell has a biology degree from CSUSM and is looking for a job in conservation, but right now she is making Jersey Mike’s sandwiches. She loves rock climbing, music (plays clarinet), gardening, and various creative endeavors. She’s very passionate about the environment. Rachel and Grace plan to be married next summer.

Beth Kind was born in Indianapolis. Her work experience has been in biotechnology and she retired 2 years ago after selling her small biotech business. She has been active in an Episcopal Church in the past and is very active and president of a Garden Club. Her hobbies include cars, gardening and cooking with her husband. She enjoys entertaining. She has three children and one grandchild.

Will Bayles was born in Indiana and worked in the field of criminal justice including 10 years with the San Diego Police Department. He has 4 children and 4 grandchildren. They previously attended the Methodist Church. Two years ago they helped our ONA Team with our first Pride Event.

Karen Bayles was born in Missouri and worked in public health with San Diego County. She has music background in piano and choir and we’re delighted she’s now singing in our choir. She enjoys reading, crafts, travel and concerts.

Eric Choi is Kim’s son and Holgie’s brother. He grew up in Connecticut and got a degree in fashion design in New York – even designed clothes for Kim Kardashian. He worked for Abercrombie & Fitch. He moved to California to be with the rest of the family. He became a physical trainer with Crossfit, but now manages a Starbucks in Carlsbad.

Best on Broadway

Brings the House Down!

Over 170 people graced our sanctuary on Saturday, October 25 for a late afternoon of incredible musical performances by the Tremble Clefs and the Escondido Chorale and nine solo performers. In the free two-hour show, the audience was treated to some of the biggest and best Hollywood musical hits from over 70 years on the silver screen. And everyone left with a smile on their face and a song or two playing in their head!

Our silent auction of 23 unique and creative items for sale attracted competitive bids. And over 70 people stayed for a wonderful meal and time of fellowship. 

Great thanks go to the team who put it all together:

Jim Duvall, artistic director, Janet Redd, concessions and dinner, Cynthia Poole, planning and ushers, Barbara Haines, Sheree Dohanyos, silent auction.

Many thanks to our generous sponsors:

• Directors ($1000+): Carolyn Hammock, Cheryl Knapp, Ted and Sue Leech, Don and Sheree Dohanyos
• Producers ($500 – 999): Steven and Diane Kirby, Cynthia Poole
• Actors ($100 – 499): Will and Karen Bayles, Kim Choi, Jim Duvall and Margarito Mucino Monroy, Barbara Haines, Judy Sorlien, Jan Steiner, Ginny Thomas, Dr. Kevin A Thomas
• Film Crew (up to $99): Diana Auspurger, Susi Hansen, Louise Phillips

Thanks also to the many members of the congregation who greeted, assisted running the media booth, acted as stagehands, ushered, ran the silent auction and prepared and served dinner and cleaned up afterward!

We are still working on the final financial numbers from the show. Indications are that we generated a nice return for the church that will have a very positive impact on our budget.

Click the button below for a photo gallery of the 2025 Best on Broadway!

It's Sack Lunch Sunday!

We will prepare sack lunches this Sunday! This may become even more important with the government shut down as more people are facing food insecurity. Sack lunches are prepared the first Sunday of each month,

the same day as a church we take part in Communion.

The MSJ team thought it was appropriate to help feed those in need on the same day we

eat from our Lord’s table.

If you can, please join us in the Fellowship Hall immediately following church services to take part in this mission project.

1st Wednesday Circle 

Last month we met in Plymouth House for a potluck and brought all the hygiene items we had purchased to donate to Interfaith Community Services (ICS) for hygiene packs. Barbara Galyean took all of our donations and spent money from the Circle's savings to arrive at enough items to fill 36 hygiene packs. When we meet on Wednesday, Nov. 5th at 10:00am in Plymouth House, we will prepare the 36 packs to donate to ICS. Barbara Galyean and Carol Vasbinder will be our hostesses for the "fun" exercise! Please join us for refreshments and an opportunity to reach out to the community.  

News from Your Delegate to the Southern California Nevada Conference, UCC by Dana Stevens

FCCE was honored to host the Southern Association of our SCNC on Sunday (10/26). The meeting was facilitated by Stephen Colon (Kensington UCC) the Association Moderator and Rev. Phiwa Langeni, Associate Conference Minister. Rev. Phiwa discussed how the Conference is reorganizing into four Teams that will be staffed by Associate Conference Ministers & by Rev. Rachael Pryor. The Teams will focus on 1: Members in Discernment, 2: Authorized Ministers moving in/out of the Association, 3: Local Church support and 4: Training. The meeting was very well attended by about 22 (in person) and about 20 people on-line.

Many thanks to FCCE members Deb Pint, Susi Hansen, Claire Dyekman, Rev. Maureen & Jim Gates, Sheree Dohanyos along with Pastor Holgie and me. Guests were dazzled by special treats made by Claire along with veggies and fruit.

Love Knows No Borders: UCC Conference Ministers Gather in Washington D.C.

Conference Ministers joined together on Capitol Hill yesterday to share a prayer before meeting with congressional leaders. They were also there to bear witness at the "Love Knows No Borders" vigil, where they sang, prayed and spoke out against the violence of white supremacy and Christian nationalism. Please hold them in your prayers as they continue to advocate for a #JustWorldForAll.

So thankful to be represented by Rev. Rachael Pryor at this day of action! You can learn more by clicking the button below.

Tuesday, November 4, 2025 is Election Day!

If you have not yet mailed in your mail-ballot its time to do so, otherwise make a plan to vote in person on 11/4/2025.

Did you know, our own Susi Hansen is a volunteer with the San Diego County Registrar of Voters! She helps distribute and collect voting booths and materials to various polling locations. Thank you Susi!

Learn more about this election and where and how to vote by visiting https://www.sdvote.com/.

Let's Spruce Up the Church for the Holiday Season!

Saturday, November 15, 9 AM – 1 PM

That’s our goal as we come together for our fall clean-up. Inside work will include cleaning the pew cushions, dusting, cleaning windows and organizing spaces. Outside we’ll be cutting back landscaping, cleaning rooftop drainage areas and spreading wood chips in front of the sanctuary. 

Thanks to those who have already signed up to help. If you haven't already done so and want to lend a hand, a sign-up list is available in Fellowship Hall each Sunday. 

We will have some supplies and tools available to use, but you are encouraged to bring your favorite materials as well. We have one portable steam cleaner to use on the pews but could a couple of machines to make things go faster (and clean more cushions!). If you have a steam cleaner and can bring it, please call Valarie in the office to let her know. We hope to have tasks assigned ahead of time so you’ll know what to expect (but please be flexible). 

If you have any questions, please check in with Don Dohanyos.

Tenting coming

We have discovered termites in the roof of our sanctuary! As a result, we have contracted to have the sanctuary tented December 29 – 31. We have been awarded a grant by the UCC that will defray about half of the cost for this work. The remaining cost is an unplanned expense but needs to be done to protect our structure. Some of the work we will be doing during the clean-up will be preparing for the tenting.

Please Join Us

Our friend and Pastor at Ramona Community Church, UCC, Dr. Wes Ellis be at FCCE for a very special event!

Foundation Matthew 633 Closes Food Distribution Program at FCCE

In a letter dated August 21, 2025 to Pastor Holgie and other church leaders, Foundation Matthew 633 CEO Patricia Taylor announced the closure of the food distribution program on the FCCE campus on Mondays and Fridays. The final distribution will be on November 21, 2025 with plans to vacate Plymouth House by the end of the year. Patricia indicated that she plans to spend time growing her organization beyond the food distribution component. We thank Patricia for her partnership and wish FM633 success in the future. For the past 7 years, the program has literally served thousands of individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Partnerships with FCCE, Kingdom Builders Foundation, North County Food Bank, local grocery stores, as well as resources from the USDA and other donors have kept the program vibrant all these years.

FCCE and other community volunteers have worked tirelessly over the years to support this much-needed program, from picking up the food to packing grocery bags to distribute to over 200 families each week. Click the button below for a list of alternative nearby food distribution programs. FCCE will continue to embrace the food distribution program as a ministry. Plans are being discussed to determine next steps in the process. The distribution model may change, but we will keep the congregation informed.



Free Meals for Seniors

A free meal box for seniors ages 60+ is offered at the Ed Brown Center for Active Adults. Participants receive seven frozen meals and assorted breakfast or lunch items. Sign up for Tuesday pickup at the Center (between noon and 1pm) or Monday for home delivery. Meals are provided by Serving Seniors. Pre-registration is required. For details, call 858-487- 9324 or stop by the center at 18402 W. Bernardo Drive in the Rancho Bernardo Community Park.

November Fellowship Hour

This month, the Congregational Life Ministry Team is hosting Fellowship Hour. Members of the team include Rev. Maureen Gates, Diane Kirby, Janet Redd, Susi Hansen, Rev. Diana Augspurger, and Pastor Holgie Choi. Don’t miss it!

FCCE Happenings

Saturday, Nov 1 - Choir Practice 1 - 3pm

Sunday, Nov 2 - Communion Sunday, all are welcome at our table.

Sunday, Nov 2 - Sack Lunch Sunday

Sunday, Nov 2 - All Saints Day

Tuesday, Nov 4 - Election Day! DOn't forget to vote.

Wednesday, Nov 5 - 1st Wednesday Circle @ 10am in Plymouth House

Friday, Nov 7 - Choir Practice 2 - 3:30pm

Sunday, Nov 9 - Stewardship Sunday

Friday, Nov 14 - Choir Practice 2 - 3:30pm

Saturday, Nov 15 - Campus Cleanup Event 9am - 1pm

Sunday, Nov 16 - UCC Table Talk during Fellowship Hour

Friday, Nov 21 - Choir Practice 2 - 3:30pm

Saturday, Nov 22 - Presentation / Book Launch with Dr Wes Ellis from UCC Ramona in Fellowship Hall 11am - 1pm

Thursday & Friday, Nov 27 & 28 - Church Office Closed

Saturday, Nov 29 - Hanging of the Greens

Sunday, Nov 30 - Blessing Jar Sunday

November Anniversaries

Raif & Kathy Henry 25

Stan & Romaine Yoder 30

November Birthdays

Eric Morse 6

Luke McCollom 7

Lana Kay Garcia 8

Kathy Henry 8

Stan Yoder 10

Carol Durney 21

Verlene Van Amber 25

Support Group Meetings at FCCE

Monday

• AA Morning Meeting- 7-8 am -Fellowship Hall
• NA Meeting- 7-8 pm - Fellowship Hall

Tuesday

• AA Morning Meeting - 7-8 am Fellowship Hall

Wednesday

• AA Morning Meeting- 7-8 am -Fellowship Hall
• AA Wednesday Meeting - 7-8 pm - Fellowship Hall

Thursday

• AA Morning Meeting- 7-8 am -Fellowship Hall

Friday

• AA Morning Meeting- 7-8 am -Fellowship Hall
• NA Meeting- 6-7 pm - Fellowship Hall

Saturday

• AA Morning Meeting- 7-8 am -Fellowship Hall
• AA SYOA meeting- 10-11 am -Fellowship Hall
• AA meeting 7-8 pm -Fellowship Hall

Sunday

• AA Morning Meeting 7-8 am - Fellowship Hall

First Congregational Church of Escondido

1800 N. Broadway, Escondido, CA 92026

760-745-3320 | fcceonline.org | fcce1800@gmail.com