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Touchstone
for
The Fifth Sunday
of Lent
March 22, 2026
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Welcome to First Congregational U.C.C. in Pasadena
"Spirituality, Justice, Welcome"
Our "Interim" Minister, Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice, is here as our partner in searching for a new "Installed" Minister. She will lead us through identity and visioning work, delve into the values and skills we hope to find in our new person. Meanwhile, we hope to see all of you in the days and weeks ahead as we meet the changes and challenges of our community, country and beyond. See below for worship details, service opportunities such as local Protests, stocking shelves at the Food Pantry, preparing Union Station meals, and upcoming events.
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“Caring for others in Pasadena and beyond since 1885."
"Open and Affirming" since 1993.
A "Just Peace" and "Sanctuary" Church.
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Fifth Sunday of Lent * March 22, 2026
Scripture Reading
New Revised Standard Version (Updated Edition)
Ezekiel 37:1-14
1The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2 God led me all around them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. 3 God said to me, “Mortal, can these bones live?” I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” 4 Then God said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. 5 Thus says the Lord God to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. 6 I will lay sinews on you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I am the Lord.” 7 So I prophesied as I had been commanded; and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. 8 I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them; but there was no breath in them. 9 Then God said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.” 10 I prophesied as God commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude. 11 Then God said to me, “Mortal, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely.’ 12 Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: I am going to open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people; and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. 13 And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people. 14 I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act,” says the Lord.
Reflection
“Breath of God”
In our scripture passage for this Sunday, Ezekiel has a macabre vision in which he is led by God into a valley. But this is no ordinary valley. It is filled with bones—dry bones—as far as the eye can see. They’ve been dead for a long time. They are the last vestiges of what was once a people who lived, worked, and loved. But now they are lifeless remains. How did this happen? Why did this happen? Will these bones ever live again? Hardly seems possible from a human perspective. But wait… God has something to say about this. Join us on Sunday as we hear God’s response to the people’s dire situation.
Rev. Scott Furukawa
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Worship Partners
Liturgist: Elizabeth Lanski
Zoom: Michael Hutchinson * Usher: Jeff Tyler
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Music from Connie
In this Lenten service we welcome back violinist Olivia Breidenthal as she joins Connie in Max Richter’s “Mercy”.
There are other musical offerings pondering the resurrection of the desert bones.
We hope to see you Sunday.
Connie Washburn
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NOTE: For Maundy Thursday (4/2) our choir members have been invited to join the Methodist choir. See Connie for the music.
| | 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. | | |
Church School
Jesus Welcomes All and Loves All
(Matthew 5:14-6:34; Mark 10:13–17)
Theme: Jesus includes everyone, especially those left out and those who are hardest to love..
Justice Tie-In: Radical inclusion.
Resources: Growing in God’s Love; A Story Bible (GGL)
Jesus Blesses the Children, p. 340
I Wonder; Exploring God’s Grand Story (IW)
What Jesus Said, p. 126
Strictly NO Elephants by Lisa Mantchev
Storytelling: Read/tell Strictly No Elephants and tie to Jesus’ words in Luke and Mark, and the theme of welcoming all.
Join Neva and Mattias in this interactive storytelling time.
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Worship Partners 2026
March 29: Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice * PALM SUNDAY
Liturgist: Kim Story
Zoom: Jeff Levison * Ushers: Lu Burd and John Gamber-Thompson
April 5: Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice * EASTER
Liturgist: Bettie Teel
Zoom: Wesly Moore * Usher: Aren Burd
April 12: STORYTELLER: Cheryl Farrell (NOTE CHANGE)
Liturgist: Allan Rohlfs
Zoom: John Gamber-Thompson
Ushers: Ron White, Jeff Levison, James Maddox
April 19: Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice
Liturgist: Josh Ashenmiller
Zoom: Kim Story * Usher: Sandra Biehler
April 26: Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice (NOTE CHANGE)
Liturgist: Allan Rohlfs
Zoom: tba * Usher: Jeff Tyler
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Thoughts from Rev. Sandy
This Lent we have been focused on self-care, and ways God restores us when we are weary. FCC has been through many big changes in the last 10 years, and some of those changes leave behind feelings of grief and loss- that we may or may not have tended. In addition- the news is full of war and cruelty and danger and pain. How does the Spirit find us when we are tired, or discouraged, or navigating what feels like a Lenten wilderness?
In recent weeks we have considered lifting our eyes to the hills (Ps 121) and remembering where Help has come from in the past. We have recalled God’s promise to give us Living Water (John 4) and we splashed around in God’s abundant goodness when we baptized Caleb. We remembered that Christ called himself the Good Shepherd, and that we have had faithful guidance in the past & green pastures/still waters inviting us to rest in the present. We studied FCC’S history and considered our own experiences of the Shepherd’s faithfulness to us.
All of this is worthy work! for 3 reasons: it creates space and pathways for the Spirit to restore us; it reminds us of ways we have seen and known God’s presence, and it reminds us that although we do not know what the future holds, we know Who holds US as we face the future. We continue our pilgrimage through Lent in hope, knowing that though suffering may come, we are people of Resurrection Hope!
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Your Church Council
As your interim pastor, I enjoy getting to know your leaders at monthly Council meetings. At their recent meeting, the council discussed investments, bank accounts, curriculum for our smallest members. They considered crafts for celebrations, how and when to constitute a Search Committee, how to pay staff fairly, and what things might be briefly put on hold (or ‘sabbatical’) during a year when many leaders will be involved in searching for your permanent pastor.
Any one of these things might be considered anxiety-producing, but your leaders are steady, they are kind to one another, they are flexible, and they get things done. Not only do they discuss sensitive and challenging matters and take necessary action, they also laugh and encourage one another and express kindness. Your leaders speak of the deep goodness of this place, of how FCC lives its Core Values. This gives me bright hope for your future: that it will be filled with transformation and vitality and joy. If you get a chance, thank a member of the council for their good work on your behalf! (Council for 2025-2026)
Moderator Jeff Tyler
Vice Moderator Krysty Leckrone
Clerk Grace Rinck
Treasurer Mary Camacho
Council Members-at-Large Anne Cohen
Elizabeth Lanski
Membership Ministry Josh Ashenmiller, Chair
Worship Ministry Neva Orr and Wes Moore, Co-Chairs
Discipleship Ministry Lu Burd, Chair
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HISTORY WORKSHOP
Last Sunday we gathered to explore the history of FCC UCC, discover patterns and connections, ask questions and tell our stories. The conversation isn't over and over the next few months we will add to our "Timeline" - delve more deeply into the last few decades of our ministry - and discern what our history can tell us about our identity and where we are going. It was a wonderful morning. Thank you all for being so very present and contributing from your hearts.
Gratefully, Anne and Sandy
| | | | To download a summary of FCC UCC History based on Kept By Grace (Randi Walker) and many other sources, click on the button below. | | | | |
2026 Easter Lilies Order Form
Please help the Chapel look glorious with the purchase of one or more plants in honor or memory of a loved one. We will list all remembered persons in our Easter bulletin.
Dedications must be emailed to Anne at: churchoffice@uccpasadena.org no later than Monday March 30th to be included in the Easter bulletin.
Click image to the left to download an Order Form.
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Women's Scholarship
This Month Only
Access the Application on
the church website.
Link is below.
Deadline is March 31st
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No Kings 3.0
March 28 @ 11:00 am - 1:30 pm
This will be the largest nonviolent protest in American history.
We will march together from Pasadena City College to City Hall.
We are showing up together again on March 28.
When our families are under attack and costs are pushing people to the brink, silence is not an option. We will defend ourselves and our communities against this administration’s unjust and cruel acts of violence. America does not belong to strongmen, greedy billionaires, or those who rule through fear. It belongs to us, the people.
THE DETAILS: March 28
11:00 AM – Gather at Pasadena City College Quad
- Park at Student Parking Lot 3 or Garage 4
- 1401-1609 E Del Mar Blvd Garage
March to Pasadena City Hall
12:00 PM – Rally at City Hall with music
12:30 PM Speakers Start
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Those who choose not to march can assemble directly at the City Hall Garfield steps. The area between Euclid and Ramona is not available for parking. The Park and Walk 171 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103 is 1/4 mile from City Hall.
Register for updates and instructions - click button below.
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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® workshop is Saturday, April 25, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00p.m. in person and on Zoom. 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
April 25, May 23, June 27
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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
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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.
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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
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Volunteer in the FUMC
Community Pantry
Volunteering is a wonderful way to participate in the ministry of First United Methodist Church and give back to the community. One of our most impactful services is our Community Pantry.
The pantry is open every Tuesday from
10 a.m. to noon
@ 500 E. Colorado Blvd.
Our volunteers typically serve between 40 to 50 of our neighbors here in Pasadena who are experiencing food insecurities. It would not be possible to help so many people without our dedicated volunteers.
There are a number of ways you can help with the mission of the pantry.
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Hand out food on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. until noon.
- Run our coffee cart and chat with our clients during distribution.
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Reset our pantry inventory on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
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Share your ideas: If you see an opportunity to help in a different way, share your ideas with our pantry manager: Suzi Lohr
Click HERE to sign up for a volunteer slot.
No experience volunteering is required. We will help you learn all you need to know. Volunteering at the pantry is a rewarding experience and a blessing to those who benefit from your generosity.
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Current Staff 2026
The Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice is our Interim Minister for a year at 3/4 time.
The Rev. Carolyn Olney will continue to partner with Rev. Sandy for Pastoral Care.
The Rev. Anne Cohen will continue to serve as Acting Office Associate and Web Person.
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When possible please use the church email account for Rev. Sandy:
sandytice@uccpasadena.org
(note that there is no ‘dot’ between Sandy and Tice).
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Upcoming Events for your Calendar
March 21-27: Anne in Portland visiting her sister
March 22-28: Rev. Sandy away
March 26: Food Pantry Volunteers (2-3:30pm)
March 28: NO KINGS PROTEST (11am-1pm)
March 29: Palm Sunday Festival
March 31: Women's Scholarship Deadline
April 2: Maundy Thursday with FUMC (7pm)
April 5: Easter Sunday
April 6: Prep and Serve Dinner at Union Station
April 9: Food Pantry Volunteers (2-3:30pm)
April 12: Rev. Sandy away at memorial service
April 14: Church Council (7pm Zoom)
April 23: Food Pantry Volunteers (2-3:30pm)
April 27-May 1: Rev. Sandy away (Note change)
April 25: SoulCollage® (10am-12)
May 2: Women's Scholarship Tea (Midday)
May 12: Church Council (7pm Zoom)
May 17: Celebration for Sallie McNair (12:30-2)
May 23: SoulCollage® (10am-12)
May 25-31: Rev. Sandy away
May 31: Celebrate GRADS! (12:30-2)
June 7: Spring Business Meeting (after worship)
in the lounge beyond the kitchen
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Previous Sunday
A Zoom recording of the March 15th Worship Service can be found at the link to the right. Passcode: 3fu$f.q5
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Sunday Worship Zoom Link
You are invited to a scheduled Zoom meeting Sunday mornings at 11:30a.m. Pacific Time (US and Canada).
A link to the worship bulletin will be available in the chat after you log on.
Join Zoom Worship
https://zoom.us/j/94621786057?pwd=YncmXYBX006gfBTBPuYP6HVSOBdeI2.1
Meeting ID: 946 2178 6057
Passcode: 982594
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Office Hours
Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice
Sandy is typically in the office from
9am-1pm on
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
Please email Sandy at
sandytice@uccpasadena.org
You may also leave a message at 626.795.0696
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Office Hours
Sallie McNair
Sallie is typically in the office from
8am-12pm on
Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Please email Sallie at salliefcc@yahoo.com
for more specific hours.
You may also leave a message at 626.795.0696
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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
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We worship at 11:30 a.m.
in the Chapel of First Methodist Church each Sunday and also via Zoom.
We are the First Congregational Church
of Pasadena,
United Church of Christ
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Our offices are located
upstairs at
500 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91101
Telephone: (626) 795-0696
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