TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2024 | |
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Life Groups Begin Thursday |
Life Groups are small groups that gather weekly on Thursday evenings from September 19 through October 24.
The topic for discussion during this session will be the The Sermon on the Mount.
We start with a simple dinner at 6:15pm in Guild Hall. Then, we get together in groups meeting in various rooms at the church at 7pm for sharing, support and study. Any adult is invited to be part of a group, whether you’ve attended in the past or not. The suggested donation for dinner is $5, which can be paid by cash, card or phone.
You can sign up using the link below, or after Sunday worship. Contact Don Ashburn at Don@PiedmontChurch.org
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New Member Classes Begin Sunday | |
You're invited to attend our next Come and See gatherings hosted by Steve Schibsted and Don Ashburn.
We will meet on two consecutive Sundays after worship in Guild Parlor: September 22 and September 29, from 11:30am - 1:30pm. We will share a bit about who we are and what brings us to Piedmont Church and how we can grow together in faith and service. Lunch will be provided.
Childcare is available for younger children by contacting Don Ashburn at Don@PiedmontChurch.org before September 18. Sign up to attend in three ways:
1) In the Courtyard Sunday after worship
2) Call the church at (510) 547-5700, or
3) Use the button below
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Movie Night is September 28 |
On Saturday, September 28, we’ll gather at 6pm for dinner in the Courtyard and watch Cheaper By The Dozen 2 afterwards.
Bring the kids or grandkids. It’s going to be a fun night watching a movie we can all enjoy.
Sign up below or in the Courtyard after worship through September 22. Cost is $15 for adults ($20 at the door) and $5 for kids under 18 ($10 at the door).
Bring outdoor folding chairs or a blanket to sit on the Courtyard grass areas for a picnic-style dinner and movie watching or sit in chairs at tables alongside the courtyard.
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Women Together Hosts Crafts Event | |
Feeling crafty, ladies? Explore your creativity on Saturday, October 12 and November 16, 3-5pm in the Kettlewell room. Enjoy a fun arts and crafts social event with Suzie Skugstad facilitating.
All supplies and light snacks will be provided. Bring only your positive creative spirit.
Sign up on the Church Center app or contact Suzie Skugstad at suzie@hsdesigneb.com
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Don't Miss A Beat!
Our church calendar is updated almost daily to include all meetings, worship times and special events.
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SEPTEMBER 15 MEDIA
Don Ashburn preached, ‘Hunger for Humanness.’ Rev. Nancy Walters led us in worship. Music by Stephen Main, Chancel Choir and Christa Pfeiffer.
WATCH & LISTEN
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Free Film Screening October 25 | |
On Friday, October 25, Piedmont Church will host a showing of the documentary, JOIN OR DIE: A film about why you should join a club. Admission is free.
At a time when American society is more and more fractured – and our politics are increasingly fractious – the need for people to get together with others in face-to-face groups has never been stronger. The film follows the half-century journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking Bowling Alone research into America's decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to our society’s – and our democracy's – present crisis.
The film will be shown in the Sanctuary, 7pm. Contact Don Ashburn at Don@PiedmontChurch.org
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'Experience God' Class Begins Oct. 20 | |
Starting October 20 at 11:15 am, Don Ashburn will be leading a 5-week class on “How to Experience God.” The class will meet in the Kettlewell Room, and explore 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.
Please let Don Ashburn know ahead of time if you’d like him to order a copy for you. The cost is $15, which can be paid once class starts. If the cost is too much, it can be waived. Just let Don know if you want a copy at Don@PiedmontChurch.org
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A Day Away for Men Free to Love, Curse, Lose and Find God | |
Put on your big boy pants and walking shoes, bring a Bible and a notebook. And together, as men, we will explore scripture stories and our own experiences in order to help us be more honest and free in our relationship with God, with one another, with others in our lives and with ourselves.
The place is Lake Merritt United Methodist Church, at 1225 1st Avenue, Oakland. The Retreat will be led by Rev. Jeff Kunkel, a retired pastor, writer, artist and Affiliate Professor at Berkeley School of Theology.
The retreat is Saturday, October 19, 10am - 3pm. The cost is $50, with refreshments and lunch included. Registration deadline is September 30. Contact Don Ashburn at Don@PiedmontChurch.org
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'Women Together' Hike October 23 |
You're invited to participate in a Women Together hike on Wednesday, October 23, at 9:30am at the Redwood Bowl parking lot.
We look forward to hiking and fellowship in the Redwoods. Our group will depart from the lot by 9:40am. This hike is for all levels and will be an out-and-back hike, making it a 2-mile hike.
We recommend wearing sunscreen, good walking shoes, an extra layer and bringing a bottle of water.
We'll meet at the Redwood Bowl Staging Area parking lot, located 1.3 miles from the intersection of Joaquin Miller and Skyline Blvd. It's on the right just before Chabot Space and Science Center.
Cell reception at the lot may be spotty. Contact Virginia at (415) 385- 6538 or Cathy at (925) 667-8244
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On Mondays at 10am, Don Ashburn will be 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
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High school students gathered on Sunday afternoon for a colorful, fun-filled celebration of friendship during a game of color tag at Piedmont Park. Photo by Kerry Persichitte | |
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
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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
Friday or Saturday, September 27, 28
Lesher Center, Walnut Creek
Smuin Ballet “Dance Series 1"
Friday, October 4, 7 pm
Berkeley Playhouse
”The Prom"
Wednesday, October 9, 7 pm
Berkeley Rep - “Mexodus”
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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
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Garfield Elementary Clean Up | |
On Saturday morning, October 26, from 9am - 12pm, we will be working at Garfield Elementary School to help clean and fix up the school as part of a Project Peace workday. Garfield Elementary School is one of the schools [WHERE] that many church members have tutored at as part of the Children Rising tutoring program.
Children Rising mobilizes community support for struggling elementary school children living in Oakland’s lowest-income neighborhoods. They concentrate efforts on three programs that provide individualized reading and math support from trained, caring volunteer tutors and support from the community.
Children Rising is one of three Piedmont Church Mission Partners.
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Refugee Task Force Meeting Sept. 29 | |
The Refugee Task Force (RTF) is gearing up to adopt another family of immigrants. It's been said that "Many hands make short work," and refugee support is exactly this situation. The good news is that most everything newcomers face you also have experienced before and in your native language.
To get involved, please consider joining the conversation Sunday, September 29 after worship in the Clara Barton Room. We'll have 30 minutes of material, including education and discussion.
Contact Judy Wright at (510) 325-3083 or Kirk Miller at (510) 717-4377
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Food Angels Needs a Leader Thank you Linda Rice for 19 years of service | |
For 22 years, our volunteer Food Angels have brought home-cooked dinners to ailing or grieving church members. The ministry has been an important blessing to so many people during hard times in their lives.
We have been extremely fortunate that Linda Rice has served as Food Angel Coordinator for more than 19 years. Thank you, Linda, for your loving service. And thank you as well to the dozens of angels who have cooked and delivered food and caring to those in need.
If a food ministry is to continue, it needs re-envisioning under a new leader or a team. If interested, contact Don Ashburn at Don@PiedmontChurch.org
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Children Rising Seeks Coordinator | |
[THE FONT FOR THIS TEXT DIFFERS FROM THE REST OF THE COPY. CONSIDER A CHANGE?]Are you ready for an inspiring, part-time role that will give children in Oakland a chance to rise to their God-given potential? Children Rising is looking for a caring, encouraging, detail-oriented Family Engagement Coordinator (FEC) to join our FamilyBridge team. This is a unique opportunity to change the trajectory of the lives of eager young children. | |
Piedmont Community Church President Paul Schroeder shares his thoughts on the upcoming program year. | |
'Breathe' Wednesdays, 1:30pm
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
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Pickleball
Sundays, 1-3pm
We play on Sundays from 1-3pm in the indoor gym, second floor of the Christian Education Building. All are welcome. Equipment is provided and no experience is required. Contact Lucille Yee at lucilleyee@gmail.com
See you on the court!
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Seniors Gather
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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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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For your convenience, we now accept Venmo mobile for making donations using your phone.
We are @PiedmontChurch
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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 Tuesday, 12pm
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
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