THE ART OF IMPROVISATION
Have you ever wondered how this time of pandemic is going to end?
Dr. Stephen Main suggests there are ways to guide an improvisation, both in music and in life.
Video by Michael Barber
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2019-20 ANNUAL REPORT
The people of Piedmont Community Church have been very busy this year doing God's work, spreading the good news of His unconditional love and grace for all. Reports from clergy, staff, boards and committees provide reflection of this work and excitement for what is yet to come.
Your 2019-20 Annual Report is ready to read. Download your copy today and be prepared for our June 7, 11:30 AM online Annual Meeting.
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Our annual meeting will be held online Sunday, June 7 at 11:30 am. Please watch for an upcoming email for directions on how to join.
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REV. KAIL COURTYARD MESSAGE
Almost weekly, Rev. Scott Kail records a brief message for Piedmont's youth and their families. Inspiring, down to earth and inspirational, his videos are highly anticipated.
Videos by Michael Barber
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HELLO, FRIEND!
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
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LOVE IS KIND
By Dr. William McNabb
Some pastors, and even the president, are urging the quick opening of churches for public worship. They are demanding their First Amendment rights to the freedom of assembly and worship. Other voices are urging churches to exercise restraint to prevent the further spread of Covid-19 in their communities. My friend Dr. George Cummings pastor of our sister church Imani shared with me a statement that reads….”
Restraint and good judgment means that we do what is best for the most vulnerable in our communities, follow the guidelines of health officials and use common sense over the advice of politicians who are weaponizing this pandemic”
(Rev. Iva Caruthers).
Those pushing for a quick reopening are contradicting a fundamental tenet of the Christian faith – to love your neighbor as yourself. Rev. William Barber pointed out “It’s a violation of loving your neighbor as yourself to do something that you know could put your neighbor in harm’s way.”
Rev. Jim Wallis of Sojourners magazine called on people of faith to stay home “until it is healthy and safe to gather again.” Like Barber, Wallis said that this was a way to live out Jesus’ teaching to love your neighbor. We all want to go back to our corporate church gatherings – but only when that is safe, being very careful not to infect each other or our neighbors.
Last week in my pastoral letter I pointed out that St. Paul in giving his definition of love wrote….”
Love is patient
”. He also wrote…”
Love is kind
”. Kindness requires us to prioritize other vulnerable people’s right to be safe and healthy over our rights of worship and assembly.
“Love doesn’t just think of itself”
Paul says.
So, while I will be so happy when we are finally able to gather together in worship, it seems wise to continue to follow the advice of the state government and the medical officials to proceed cautiously as we make preparations to reopen.
We are in the process of procuring the sanitizing and cleaning supplies we will need and putting together a reopening plan that will meet the state guidelines. We don’t have a date yet, but I look forward to that happy day of reunion.
Yes, love is kind. And in this case, it takes patience.
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TRANSITIONAL MINISTER POSITION
The Transitional (Interim) Minister Nominating Committee has posted the position to various websites, including our own.
The committee is charged with conducting the search for an experienced Transitional Minister to assume leadership of Piedmont Community Church following the retirement of our Senior Minister, Dr. William McNabb, at the end of September.
In addition to providing solid, inspirational leadership to the church during this period of transition, the Transitional Minister’s overarching responsibility will be to prepare the congregation to attract and receive a new Senior Minister. This effort will build upon the background work, recommendations and ongoing programs of the Engagement Process, together with evaluation of the evolving world around us, to position the strengths, capabilities and character of Piedmont Church to have maximum impact in carrying out our church’s mission.
Transitional Minister Nominating Committee
Chairperson: Rich Thompson
Trustee Member: Dani Montague
Congregational At-large Members: Eric Behrens, John Chiang
and Ann Lin
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TAKING IT OUTSIDE
As we work to provide you with weekly worship experiences online, this week, we shake things up a bit and take the service to the great outdoors.
Our service will be filmed in the courtyard, providing a summertime feel with a more casual approach. Don't miss seeing the service this Sunday, beginning at 9 AM PST on our website and Facebook page.
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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.
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SUNDAY WORSHIP
Our worship services are enjoyed by many each week, with an average 1,800 views. If you missed last week's service, or wish to see it again, please click the button below.
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We are happy to provide online gathering opportunities as we remain 'sheltered in place.'
VIRTUAL GATHERING
Join Dr. Don Ashburn for an informal online virtual gathering Wednesday evening, May 27, at 7 pm. We’ll discuss how our faith connects to what’s going on in our lives right now. We'll reflect on scripture and pray together too. This meeting is by ZOOM, and is open to anyone. Here’s a link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/92473375810
Meeting ID:
924-7337-5810
Phone: +1-669-900-6833
MORNING PRAYER
Dr. Don Ashburn will lead a brief service of prayer at 9 am on
Friday, May 29. There will be scripture readings, a time of meditation and prayer. This meeting is by ZOOM, and is open to anyone. Here’s the link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/91986506151
Meeting ID:
919-8650-6151
Phone: +1-669-900-6833
CHILDREN'S STORY TIME
Every Tuesday and Thursday at 4 pm we will be gathering via ZOOM to listen to a story and keep in touch with our friends. Here is the link:
Meeting ID: 426 177 425
Password: 312356
ZOOM KIDZ CLUB
Meeting ID: 823 1208 5855
Password: 208707
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Dear Sunday School Families,
I plan to send out lessons each Sunday, and I will send out some supplemental coloring pages/activities during the week. -
Leslie Quantz
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Shop online to donate much needed supplies including:
Toilet Paper, Shampoo, Bars of Soap, Feminine Products, Razors, Deodorant, Toothpaste & Toothbrushes, Wet Wipes/Baby Wipes,
Diapers (sizes 4, 5, 6), Hand Sanitizer, Cleaning Supplies, Tents & Tarps
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THE LORD'S WORK CONTINUES ONLINE
The church may be closed, but the good work of Piedmont Church continues in a variety of ways:
- Sunday worship services are posted weekly on our website
- Church staff now meets online each Tuesday at 11 am
- Jean Leahy is available to answer your calls weekdays from 10 am - 12 Noon (otherwise, voicemail
- Lay leaders continue to meet online and by phone
- Livewire and Rock meet online
- Many small groups have arranged for video meetings
- Sunday school lessons are posted to our website and emails are sent inviting parents to participate with their children
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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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