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Touchstone
for
July 5, 2026
Sixth Sunday
After Pentecost
Communion
Sunday
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All are Welcome here at 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 Settled Minister. She is leading us through identity and visioning work, delving into the values and skills we hope to find in our new Settled Minister. We have a Search Committee! Our actual search has begun!
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.
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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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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.
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July 5, 2026 * Sixth Sunday After Pentecost * Communion Sunday
Scripture Reading
New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition
Matthew 22:15-22
15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. 16 So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one, for you do not regard people with partiality. 17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” 18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. 20 Then he said to them, “Whose head is this and whose title?” 21 They answered, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” 22 When they heard this, they were amazed, and they left him and went away.
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Reflection
This week in worship we will be talking about America’s 250th anniversary.
No doubt you have been inundated with images, celebrations, parties and all manner of observances. On Sunday we will wonder together, what do we, as members of Christ’s Church, bring to the conversation about what ‘Makes America Great’?
We will reflect on some words of Jesus when his patriotism was called into question, and we will consider what is good and holy and beautiful about the American Experiment.
Hope you will be there to sing, celebrate, and listen for a word from the Spirit.
Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice
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Worship Partners
Liturgist: Josh Ashenmiller
Zoom: tba * 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!
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Yellow Highlights indicate the need for a particular worship partner.
Email churchoffice@uccpasadena.org with the dates and positions you wish to serve.
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Worship Partners 2026
July 12: Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice
Liturgist: tba
Zoom: tba
Ushers: Ron White, Jeff Levison, James Maddox
July 19: Rev. Charles Svendsen
Liturgist: Carolyn Olney
Zoom: Bettie Teel * Usher: Sandra Biehler
July 26: Cheryl Farrell Storyteller
Liturgist: Anne Cohen
Zoom: tba * Usher: Jeff Tyler
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August 2: Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice (Communion)
Liturgist: tba
Zoom: tba * Usher: Aren Burd
August 9: Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice
Liturgist: Josh Ashenmiller
Zoom: tba
Ushers: Ron White, Jeff Levison, James Maddox
August 16: Rev. Charles Svendsen
Liturgist: 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
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Thoughts from Rev. Sandy
Well, friends- many of you know firsthand that the work of this interim time is now WELL underway. The writing team is writing, replying, collaborating, etc. the Search Committee will meet this week for a first orientation for their important work.
It is not just these special teams who have work ahead- this season belongs to the whole community. This is a time of change- but also a time of preparation for even more change- and congregations who work at their connection, their resilience, and their love for one another are better equipped for the changes when (not ‘if’!) they arrive.
What can you do to make FCC stronger? I mean, you personally? Can you increase your regular financial giving? Can you check in on someone you haven’t seen in a while? Can you express appreciation to someone who is doing good work, or who has helped you see evidence of God’s Spirit in our midst? Where is there an area you might volunteer? These are things no Interim Minister, no matter how clever, will be able to do!
Each of us has some idea about what we love best about this congregation- where we see its inherent strength, beauty, uniqueness. Can you keep putting that into words and speaking about that goodness when we are together? All these things strengthen the fabric of connection that makes FCC resilient and hopeful and flexible.
Let’s lean in to the work now, since this interim time will not last forever! Now is the moment to love one another!
I have every confidence that the grace you need for this next year will be provided for you.
Sandy
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Summer Pledge Reminder
“Summertime and the living is easy…” (or so we hope), but don’t forget the church!
Our mission does not stop; the work of the church is not on hold for vacations. Connie continues to inspire us with music, Carly nourishes us, Sandy and our clergy team feed our souls, we all nurture and support one another, and care for our neighbors continues.
Our community exists because you are present and care enough to keep us alive. We count on your pledge, on your regular giving, to keep us in the black and support the programs that strengthen us for the journey and the outreach that changes lives.
Rejoice in what we can do together and be a part in continuing to make that possible!
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Invitation from First United Methodist (FUMC)
All-Church Picnic
Join us for food, games, and fun at our annual all-church picnic at Eaton Blanche Park (located at 3100 East Del Mar Boulevard) on July 12 after 10am worship! We will have a food truck with burgers and hot dogs (including vegetarian options) provided by Street Food Catering Co.
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Remember to send Photos of your Flat Jesus in fun places for the Touchstone!
Those of you who have colored your Flat Jesus Companions, take photos of them with you and anyone or anything when you are in an interesting or beautiful or random place. send it to
churchoffice@uccpasadena.org for the Touchstone.
May it be a restful, fun, beautiful Summer for all!
| | Flat Jesus visiting First Congregational UCC Los Angeles | | Flat Jesus with our friend, Rev. Paul Tellstrom. | | Flat Jesus with Virginia Arroyo, our UCC Conference Office Angel of Everything. | | Flat Jesus fellowshipping with FCC members. | | | |
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, July 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
July 25, Sep. 26, Oct. 24, Nov. 21, Dec. 12
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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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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.
| | 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 and Web Person. | | Carly Wendt is serving as our Acting Hospitality and Events Coordinator. | | | | |
Upcoming Events for your Calendar
June 28-July 4: Rev. Sandy away
July 1: Search Committee Meeting (7pm Zoom)
July 6: Prep and Serve Dinner at Union Station
July 9: Food Pantry Volunteers (2-3:30pm)
July 14: Church Council cancelled unless needed
July 19-August 1: Rev. Sandy on vacation
July 23: Food Pantry Volunteers (2-3:30pm)
July 25: SoulCollage® (10am-12)
July 25 or 26: All Church Pool Party
August 3: Prep and Serve Dinner at Union Station
August 11: Church Council (7pm Zoom)
August 13: Food Pantry Volunteers (2-3:30pm)
August 16- 22: Rev. Sandy away
August 22: SoulCollage® (10am-12)
August 27: Food Pantry Volunteers (2-3:30pm)
August 31-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 24: Food Pantry Volunteers (2-3:30pm)
September 26: SoulCollage® (10am-12)
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Previous Sunday
A Zoom recording of the June 28 Worship Service can be found at the link to the right. Passcode: Dzd+o9!?
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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
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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