TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2020
Piedmont Community Church stewardship committee co-chair Susan Butenhoff shares her faith journey as part of our 2021 pledge campaign, Forward in Faith.
2021 Pledge Campaign Continues

It's a New Day at Piedmont Community Church

And, while this era is very exciting, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed.

That’s why, together, we’re moving Forward in Faith.

Faith that the ministry God called us to more than 100 years ago is more vital than ever.

Faith that our leadership will continue to inspire us to serve one another and our global community in new and impactful ways.

Faith that we as individuals, and as one body, will realize lives of goodness, beauty, strength and peace.

Your financial pledge to the 2021 campaign, Forward in Faith, represents more than an offering. It’s a promise to support your church beyond the challenges of the current day. 

To provide the resources and energy needed to deliver God’s message of unconditional love and grace at a time when it’s needed most. To faithfully serve God and one another.

When you participate in the 2021 Pledge Campaign, your commitment enables everything we experience at Piedmont Church including: 

• Worship & Administrative Staff
• Christian Education
• Pastoral Care
• Music
• Media
• Facilities Maintenance
• Local and Worldwide Missions
• Social Outreach Programs 
This year has brought unprecedented challenges to our community and our world, and we know that you may be facing new hardships. Recognizing this new reality, we want you to know that your ongoing financial support is deeply appreciated. 

Our church is also facing new challenges as we go through a major transition. Your gift helps ensure our ministry and programs continue.
  
For guidance on what you might contribute, we ask that you prayerfully consider pledging at least 5% of your after-tax income. And, if possible, 
please consider increasing your gift over last year. 

Above all, please know that whatever you choose to give is tremendously 
appreciated. We’ve included a giving chart to help you determine your support level for the church in 2021. 

Please return your pledge card, or pledge online, before October 30. 
 
From a grateful church, we acknowledge and appreciate your continued 
commitment to our ministry.

Your 2021 Stewardship Committee,

Dani Montague, Susan Butenhoff, Paul Schroeder, Lisa Fuller, 
Steven Thorne and Dr. Don Ashburn
WEEK 1 TESTIMONIAL
Life-long church member Zookie Todd kicks off our 2021 pledge campaign with her personal story of inclusion, engagement and inspiration.
NEWS
Task Force To Explore Clergy Compensation Disclosure

By Jan Wolfe, Piedmont Church President

In an effort to explore the potential for increased transparency in our church’s finances, seven members of the Board of Trustees have been called to form a task force. Their charge is to consider the possibility of changing the church’s current policy regarding non-disclosure of minister’s salaries and compensation.

There are many issues to be considered, including laws and statutes of the State of California, before the recommendation is made to the Board of Trustees for a vote in 2021. 

As Head of Staff through December, Dr. Don Ashburn will be working with the task force, as will Transitional Minister Dr. Steve Schibsted when he joins us January 1.
MEDIA
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Piedmont Church Media Time
(Last 28 Days)

Facebook
117 Hours
Up 61% from previous period

YouTube & Website
345 hours
Up 191 views from previous period

462 HOURS VIEWED
737 AUDIO DOWNLOADS
CHILDREN & YOUTH
Confirmation Mentors Needed

Our Confirmation class is underway for this fall with a fantastic group of 14 eager 8th-grade students. As in years past, we like to pair each student with an adult mentor to come along side the student in their journey. You don’t need to be an expert in anything or even worry about teaching anything. We simply ask the mentors to meet with the students 2-3 times in the next 6 weeks, get to know them and share some of your journey with them. Contact Rev. Scott Kail at [email protected]
Time To Dig In

Welcome to our new 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]

CONNECTIONS
Where's Dr. McNabb Now?

Bill and Maureen McNabb have moved. They have a new address and phone number they would like to share with you.

New Address: 510 Wesley Ave. Oakland, CA 94606
New Phone: (510) 388-8875
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
Wednesday Morning Bible Study

Please Note: No Bible study October 14

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
Our next Virtual Fellowship Time will happen Sunday, October 18 at 10:30am. 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] 
SERVICE OPPPORTUNITIES
Members of the Fazli family, friends and church members gather at Bob and Judy Wright's home for a farewell party.
Photo courtesy Bob & Judy Wright
Refugee Task Force Update
Fazli Family Needs Your Help

By Scott Willis

The Fazlis, our refugee family, are moving!

Over the last year, the Fazlis (all 7 of them) arrived in America from Afghanistan and settled in San Leandro. Mahmood, the father, has worked at several jobs but was not able to successfully transition to long-term employment.  

While the family likes their apartment, the rent is not affordable based on their current income. Through a variety of personal relationships, self-initiated contacts and two in-person trips to Detroit, Mahmood received two solid job offers to work as an electrician. He also scouted out new living accommodations that cost one-third of his current apartment rent. Mahmood’s brother, Farid, (family of 5 who lives in Oakland) will also make the move to Detroit.  

This is a wonderful development and we are happy to support their initiative to find a place in America where they can establish roots and thrive.

The challenge now is getting the family moved to and setup in Michigan.  

The brothers have friends in Detroit and access to a community of Afghans who will help their transition. We are working with two primary aid agencies in the Detroit area (Jewish Family Services and Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services) for initial housing, as well as school and benefits signups. 

Please consider how you can help the Fazli’s in one of these three areas:

1)    Automobile Donation – The Fazlis need a car that is large enough to carry 7 people – a large SUV or a van.  Would you be able to make this type of donation?

2)    Food Support –In Michigan, it will take 40 days for new arrivals to qualify for the federal food support program. Based on the two family’s current food consumption, they will need an estimated $2,400 to bridge this timeframe.  

3)    Church Family – Many of us have gained much joy working quietly to support the Fazlis over the last year. We are looking for a church in the Detroit / Dearborn area who would “adopt” these two families and support them in this transition. Could you initiate contact between us and a Detroit church?

The Fazlis are departing mid-October. If you can help, please reach out to Scott Willis (510) 409-2832, Bob Wright (510) 333-3165, or Kirk Miller (510) 717-4377
The Lord's Work Continues

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