First Congregational Church of Pasadena

United Church of Christ

Touchstone

for

August 2, 2026

Communion Sunday



Tenth Sunday

After Pentecost

“Caring for others in Pasadena and beyond since 1885."

"Open and Affirming" since 1993.

A "Just Peace" and "Sanctuary" Church.

NOTE: Don't miss a thing! If the Touchstone is longer than a few pages, there will be this note at the bottom of your email:

"[Message clipped] View entire message". If you click on that note you will be able to see the entire Touchstone online.

During the month of August the United Methodist Congregation will worship in the Chapel at 10am

to make use of the air conditioning. The choir and musicians will rehearse in the First Floor Lounge.

The Chapel will be clear for our use by 11:15am.

August 2, 2026 * Tenth Sunday After Pentecost

Scripture Readings

New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition

Matthew 14:13-21

13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. 15 When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 17 They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” 18 And he said, “Bring them here to me.” 19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and blessed and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 And all ate and were filled, and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. 21 And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Reflection

“Leftovers”

The Real Work

It may be that when we no longer know what to do

we have come to our real work,

and that when we no longer know which way to go

we have come to our real journey.

The mind that is not baffled is not employed.

The impeded stream is the one that sings.             

- Wendell Berry

Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice

Worship Partners

Liturgist: Allan Rohlfs

Zoom: Mike Hutchinson * Usher: Aren Burd

If you are a Zoom worshipper, you will be able to access the Bulletin through a link when you log onto Zoom on Sunday. The worship link is near the bottom of this Touchstone.

Childcare on Sunday Mornings

During the Summer, we have trained staff providing Childcare during the service with crafts, games and snacks.

Come for the fun!

Stay for the friends!

Yellow Highlights indicate the need for a

particular worship partner.

Email churchoffice@uccpasadena.org with the dates and positions you wish to serve.



Worship Partners 2026

August 9: Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice

Liturgist: Josh Ashenmiller

Zoom: tba

Ushers: Ron White, Jeff Levison, James Maddox

August 16: Rev. Charles Svendsen

Liturgist: Elizabeth Lanski

Pastoral Prayers: Carolyn Olney

Zoom: Bettie Teel * Usher: Sandra Biehler

August 23: Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice

Liturgist: Cheryl Farrell

Zoom: tba * Usher: Jeff Tyler

August 30: Rev Dr. Rebecca Prichard

Liturgist: Josh Ashenmiller

Zoom: tba

Ushers: Lu Burd and John Gamber-Thompson

+ + +

September 6: Rev. Andy Schwiebert

Liturgist: tba

Zoom: tba * Usher: Aren Burd

September 13: Rev. Scott Furukawa

Liturgist: tba

Zoom: tba

Ushers: Ron White, Jeff Levison, James Maddox

September 20: Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice (Outreach Lunch)

Liturgist: tba

Zoom: Bettie Teel * Usher: Sandra Biehler

September 27: Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice

Liturgist: tba

Zoom: tba * Usher: Jeff Tyler

+ + +

October 4: Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice * World Communion

Celtic Worship * Special Offerings

Liturgist: tba

Zoom: tba * Usher: Aren Burd

October 11: Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice

Liturgist: tba

Zoom: tba

Ushers: Ron White, Jeff Levison, James Maddox

October 18: Rev. Scott Furukawa

Liturgist: tba

Zoom: Bettie Teel * Usher: Sandra Biehler

October 25: Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice * Dias de los Muertos

Liturgist: tba

Zoom: tba * Usher: Jeff Tyler

More Losses in our Church Community

NevaJoy Orr's mother, Mattias' grandmother, Warlita Garcia, died suddenly last week. They will be making arrangements through Rose Hills and Neva's parents' faith community. A link to information from Rose Hills is below.

Prayers for the Orr family as they navigate this season of grief.

For those who knew Marilyn Rovick

Marilyn passed away April 21st during surgery. Prayers and condolences for her family and friends.

Love, Roberta White

From Bill Root

We have scheduled [my wife] Jennifer's funeral mass for Friday August 21 at 11a.m. at St Clare's Catholic Church in Canyon County. There will also be a viewing the day before at Eternal Valley.

In lieu of flowers we have have set up Campership Endowments in memory of Jennifer with Girls Scouts of Greater Los Angeles, Boy Scouts of Western Los Angeles County Council, and Catalina Sea Camp. (No links for these yet.)

Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center (who worships in the same space we do until they rebuild)

was destroyed in the Eaton Fire.

Last week their mural of hope was vandalized.

Here is a message from a member of the Temple.

"This is the second time this year that our temple has been targeted with antisemitic vandalism. Today, someone painted swastikas and anti-Zionist graffiti across the mural at Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center, a mural created after our synagogue burned down and intended to represent hope, healing, and togetherness. My teenage daughter was one of the many volunteers who helped paint it.

"If you’ve ever wondered whether antisemitism is still a real problem, please look at this photo (below).

I hope our non-Jewish neighbors will reach out to the Jewish people in their lives and let them know they are not alone. And I hope my fellow Jews recognize that these incidents are not isolated, they are a reminder that antisemitism is real, and we cannot afford to ignore it. Hate directed at any community should concern all of us. I hope our neighborhood will stand together in condemning this."

Last week five of us (plus FJC) attended the opening night of Cinderella produced by the FUMC Summer Theatre group. It was magical!!!

On Saturday, Varnell Lewis Celebrated her 92nd birthday (7/30) surrounded by

church friends at The Only Place in Town in Sierra Madre.

Congratulations and Happy Birthday, Varnell!

(Photos by Roberta White who organized the event and Anne Cohen who showed up.)

Meet Our Members * A Social Media Project

Char Komin has done amazing work this summer updating our Website and Facebook page, and she has reclaimed our Instagram page which has been lost for about a year. (She also designed our new logo!) She has a project aimed at sharing our love for this congregation through social media - with the intention of attracting new families and young people of all ages. Below is a link to a form for you to fill out online and submit if you are willing to participate.

***

Meet Our Members

We’re updating our website and social media pages to help make our congregation more visible online. As part of this effort, we’d love to highlight the people who make our community so special. If you’d like to participate, please complete the form below.

Here are the questions:

1. How long have you been a member of FCC Pasadena? Or what year did you join?
2. Why FCC Pasadena? In other words, what makes this congregation special to you?

There is also a way to upload your favorite photo of yourself so we don't use one that Anne took when you weren't looking.

We encourage you to participate and have fun with the project!

Who knows what new folks may show up to experience this loving community?

Just click the button below.

Celebrate the Ministry of Rev. Mitchell Young This Sunday August 2 * 3pm

144 S. Greenwood Ave., Montebello

Join the congregation of Montebello Plymouth Congregational Church as we honor and celebrate the faithful ministry of Rev. Mitchell Young and give thanks for his years of service as he enters retirement.

A special Retirement and Farewell Celebration will be held on Sunday, August 2, beginning with a 10:00 a.m. Worship and Communion Service officiated by Rev. KarenFay Ramos-Young, followed by a 3:00 p.m. Celebration of Ministry and Service of Release led by Conference Minister Rev. Rachael Pryor. A reception will follow the afternoon service.

All clergy, church members, friends, and colleagues are warmly invited to attend as we celebrate Rev. Young’s ministry and offer our blessings for this new chapter.

RSVP by July 12, by signing up in Mori Hall or emailing RSVP@montebelloucc.org

Remember to send Photos of your Flat Jesus in fun places for the Touchstone!

churchoffice@uccpasadena.org

May it be a restful, fun, beautiful Summer for all!

Flat Jesus and Henry at Friends In Deed

Flat Jesus and Tim from Friends In Deed

If you forget Flat Jesus at home, make your own!

Thank you Sandy!

Flat Jesus driving up the California coast with

Rev. Sandy and Rev. Tom

Flat Jesus with Dan and Caleb at the

Church Pool Party last Sunday

Flat Jesus with Sandy and her besties from childhood (in church in No. CA)

Nurture Your Body & Soul

These are ongoing ways to participate in things that nurture your spirit.

SoulCollage® is a practice that helps us express our inner life by using images from magazines, photos, the internet and more. It is deeply intuitive as you put together certain images that you are drawn to. Join us for creativity and community each month. Learn more at https://soulcollage.com/

The next SoulCollage® retreat is Saturday, September 26, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00p.m. in person and on Zoom.

[The August event is cancelled as Anne will be in Portland with her sister.]

Contact facilitator Rev. Anne for questions or to be added to the monthly email list: acohen99@sbcglobal.net

For an album of cards made by this group go to: Cards

Future SoulCollage® Retreat Dates in 2026

All Saturdays 10am-12pm

Oct. 24, Nov. 21, Dec. 12

We continue to offer occasional 

Table Gatherings 

modeling after Jesus who gathered with folks around tables to share food and drink.

We invite folks to open their homes/yards for a meal. It’s a chance to have a potluck together, connect, and catch up on a meaningful level. If you wish to host one, please reach out to our Membership Chairperson Josh Ashenmiller at jashenmiller@gmail.com



Tangible Ways To Support Community Outreach

Here are some hands-on ways to get involved with helping others.



Friends in Deed

Lu Burd who coordinates our outreach with Friends in Deed is in touch with them about additional volunteer needs. We currently stock shelves in the Food Pantry on the

2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month

from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Please contact Lu at luburd@gmail.com 

if you want to volunteer.

Download a list of School Supplies Here------------->

Back to School Supply Distribution

Back To School distribution at Friends in Deed will take place on Saturdays, Aug 1 & 8.

August 1: 8:30am to 12:00pm - 7-8 people; 

12:00p to 2:30p - 5-6 people (includes clean up)

August 8: 8:30am to 12:00pm - 7-8 people; 

12:00p to 2:30p - 5-6 people (includes clean up)

As always, they like to make sure we have veterans on each day, especially at the beginning. Mixing in new people is great. 

If there are going to be young kids coming, don't count them in the "7-8" number for the morning and "5-6" number in the afternoon.

To volunteer email Lu Burd at luburd@gmail.com

Invite Friends!!!

Union Station Homeless Services

We have been serving meals monthly at Union Station in Pasadena for decades. We prep and serve dinner the 1st Monday for nine months each year. (We donate a Smart & Final gift card for January, May and September.)

If you are interested in being on a team or subbing, please contact Lu Burd at luburd@gmail.com

Your Ministerial Search Committee

Heather Bland, John Gamber-Thompson, Jeff Levison, Bob Rinck, Allan Rohlfs

"Let us do together what we cannot do alone." Prayers Welcome. Questions not so much.

Current Staff 2026

The Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice is our Interim Minister for a season at 3/4 time.

The Rev. Carolyn Olney is partnering with Rev. Sandy for Pastoral Care.

The Rev. Anne Cohen is serving as Acting Office Associate.

The Komins have volunteered to be Web Persons! Thank you!

Carly Wendt has accepted the permanent position and is now our Hospitality and Events Coordinator.

Upcoming Events for your Calendar

July 19-August 1: Rev. Sandy on vacation

August 1: School Supply Distribution at Friends in Deed

August 2: Farewell to Rev. Mitchell Young (3pm) Retiring from Montebello UCC

August 3: Prep and Serve Dinner at Union Station

August 3-5: Anne Cohen on a getaway with John

for our Anniversary

August 8: School Supply Distribution at Friends in Deed

August 11: Church Council (7pm Zoom)

August 13: Food Pantry Volunteers (2-3:30pm)

August 16- 22: Rev. Sandy away

August 16-23: Anne Cohen in Portland, OR

[August 22: SoulCollage® **Cancelled**]

August 27: Food Pantry Volunteers (2-3:30pm)

August 30-September 14: Rev. Sandy away

September 7: Union Station Donation for Dinner

September 10: Food Pantry Volunteers (2-3:30pm)

September 15: Church Council (7pm Zoom)

September 20: Outreach Grants Luncheon

(12:30-2pm)

September 20: Rev. Andy Schwiebert's Installation @

Immanuel Presbyterian Church

September 24: Food Pantry Volunteers (2-3:30pm)

September 26: SoulCollage® (10am-12)

October 4: World Communion Sunday

Special Offerings * Celtic Worship

October 5: Prep and Serve Dinner at Union Station

October 8: Food Pantry Volunteers (2-3:30pm)

October 13: Church Council (7pm Zoom)

October 18-24: Rev. Sandy away

October 22: Food Pantry Volunteers (2-3:30pm)

October 24: SoulCollage® (10am-12)

October 25: Dias de los Muertos Halloween Party

October 31: Halloween

November 2: Prep and Serve Dinner at Union Station

November 3: ELECTION DAY

November 6-8: Women's Retreat @ Pilgrim Pines

November 10: Church Council (7pm Zoom)

November 11: VETERAN'S DAY

November 12: Food Pantry Volunteers (2-3:30pm)

November 22-28: Rev. Sandy away

November 26: THANKSGIVING DAY

[Food Pantry Closed]

November 27: BUY NOTHING DAY

Previous Sunday

A Zoom recording of the July 26 Worship Service can be found at the link to the right. Passcode:  =?3qgy#h

Emails for Church Staff

Interim Minister, Rev. Sandy Tice: SandyTice@uccpasadena.org

Treasurer, Mary Camacho: fcctreasurer@uccpasadena.org

Bookkeeper, Arcel Clementson: bookkeeper@uccpasadena.org

Hospitality and Events Coordinator, Carly Wendt: eventscoordinator@uccpasadena.org

Office Associate, Anne Cohen: churchoffice@uccpasadena.org

Please add these to your contacts and use them as much as possible for church business.

This will ease future transitions!

Office Hours

Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice

Sandy is typically in the office from

9am-1pm on

Tuesdays and Thursdays

Please email Sandy at

sandytice@uccpasadena.org

You may also leave a message

at 626.795.0696

Office Hours

Anne Cohen

Anne is typically in the office from

9am-1pm on

Tuesdays and Thursdays

Please email Anne at churchoffice@uccpasadena.org

You may also leave a message

at 626.795.0696