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Touchstone
for
June 7, 2026
Second 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 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.
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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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Notice of Congregational Meeting
Our Spring Business Meeting will be held THIS SUNDAY
June 7, 2026 after worship
in the Lounge (beyond the kitchen)
The Agenda will include Annual Reports from all ministries and staff, financial reports,
election of a Ministerial Search Committee, and the Installation of Officers for 2026-27.
The Zoom link for this meeting is the same as our worship link:
https://zoom.us/j/94621786057?pwd=YncmXYBX006gfBTBPuYP6HVSOBdeI2.1
Meeting ID: 946 2178 6057
Passcode: 982594
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June 7, 2026 * Second Sunday After Pentecost
Scripture Reading
New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition
Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26
9 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax-collection station, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him.
10 And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with Jesus and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when he heard this, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
...18 While he was saying these things to them, suddenly a leader came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” 19 And Jesus got up and followed him, with his disciples. 20 Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from a flow of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, 21 for she was saying to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well.” 22 Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that moment. 23 When Jesus came to the leader’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, 24 he said, “Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. 25 But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. 26 And the report of this spread through all of that district.
Reflection
"Believe, Behave, Belong"
"The first ministers were the twelve disciples. There is no evidence that Jesus chose them because they were brighter or nicer than other people. In fact the New Testament record suggests that they were continually missing the point, jockeying for position and, when the chips were down, interested in nothing so much as saving their own skins. Their sole qualification seems to have been their initial willingness to rise to their feet when Jesus said, “Follow me.” As St. Paul put it later, “God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.” (1 Corinthians 1:27)"
- Frederick Buechener, Wishful Thinking: A Theological ABC
The Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice
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Worship Partners
Liturgist: Christy Furukawa
Zoom: Michael 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. | | |
Church School
Pentecost and What Happened Next
(Acts 2:1–12; Acts 9-122; 16:13-15)
Theme: God’s Spirit unites diverse people.
Justice Tie-In: Celebrating diversity.
Resources: Growing in God’s Love; A Story Bible (GGL)
Can You Say Peace? By Karen Katz
What Is Love? By Mac Barnett
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● June 7, 2026 Jeff and Mary– Story & Wondering: Read/tell the story. Hear the Pentecost story; wonder about different gifts. Drama & Music: Read Can You Say Peace? and have kids practice words for peace. Create a readers theater skit using excerpts
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Yellow Highlights indicate the need for a particular worship partner.
Email churchoffice@pasadenaucc.org with the dates and positions you wish to serve.
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Worship Partners 2026
June 14: Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice
Liturgist: Cheryl Farrell
Zoom: Michael Hutchinson
Ushers: Ron White, Jeff Levison, James Maddox
June 21: Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice * FATHERS' DAY
Liturgist: Allan Rohlfs
Zoom: tba * Usher: tba
June 28: Rev. Eric H.F. Law
Liturgist: Carolyn Olney
Zoom: tba * Usher: Jeff Tyler
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July 5: Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice (Communion)
Liturgist: Elizabeth Lanski
Zoom: tba * Usher: Aren Burd
July 12: Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice
Liturgist: tba
Zoom: tba
Ushers: Ron White, Jeff Levison, James Maddox
July 19: Rev. Charles Svendson
Liturgist: Carolyn Olney
Zoom: tba * Usher: Sandra Biehler
July 26: Cheryl Farrell Storyteller
Liturgist: tba
Zoom: tba * Usher: Jeff Tyler
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YOUTH NEWS
What a wonderful Celebration of our High School Graduates last Sunday.
Thank you Lu, Carly (those cupcakes!), Madison, Hailey and Mason!
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The last Sunday of Regular Church School is June 14
After that, for the Summer, we have staff providing Child Care during the service with crafts, games and snacks.
Meanwhile, the kids have colored in their Flat Jesus Companions. When they are in an interesting place, we hope they will take a photo and send it to us for the Touchstone. If any adults wish to have their own Flat Jesus, let Anne know and she will give you a template. Anne has already gotten started, as you can tell!
May it be a restful, fun, beautiful Summer for all!
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"We Are the Ones We've Been Waiting For!"
SCNC UCC ANNUAL GATHERING...
Happened Friday and Saturday at First Congregational UCC in Los Angeles. We had 4 delegates: Carolyn Olney, Elizabeth Lanski, Stacy Thomas and Anne Cohen. Our Conference Minister, Rachael Pryor, spoke movingly about being "...more committed to the church of our children than to preserving the church of the past." Our own Cheryl Farrell did a workshop that beautifully explained how Storytelling and hearing each other's back stories can enhance community and reduce conflict. (That woman is talented!) We learned that First Congregational UCC Pasadena is 1 in 5 churches giving over $20,000 to Our Church's Wider Mission (OCWM). And we are the 5th highest in giving per capita. The music was spectacular and many familiar faces were greeted and hugged.
For a description of the event, leaders, workshops - and to download the reports from the meeting, click here: https://www.scncucc.org/annual-gathering-2026/
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ALTADENA COMMUNITY UCC HAS A NEW MINISTER!
The Installation Service was held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Sunday afternoon. What a glorious celebration! Welcome to the neighborhood, Rev. Michael David Lewis!!!
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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, June 27, 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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On June 21st at 1:30 p.m. Anne is hosting an "Intro to SoulCollage®" for the Jewish Center
and other interested parties. It will be in the Church Office - just come on up!!
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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.
| | 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 until mid-June. | | The Rev. Anne Cohen is serving as Acting Office Associate and Web Person. | | Carly Wendt is serving as our Acting Hospitality and Events Coordinator. | | |
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Upcoming Events for your Calendar
June 7: Spring Business Meeting (after worship)
in the lounge beyond the kitchen
June 11: Food Pantry Volunteers (2-3:30pm)
June 16: Church Council (7pm Zoom)
June 21: SoulCollage® (1:30) Intro to SoulCollage® for
Jewish Center (in Church Office)
June 25: Food Pantry Volunteers (2-3:30pm)
June 27: SoulCollage® (10am-12)
June 28-July 4: Rev. Sandy away
July 6: Prep and Serve Dinner at Union Station
July 9: Food Pantry Volunteers (2-3:30pm)
July 14: Church Council (7pm Zoom)
July 19-August 1: Rev. Sandy on vacation
July 23: Food Pantry Volunteers (2-3:30pm)
July 25: SoulCollage® (10am-12)
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 May 31st Worship Service can be found at the link to the right. Passcode: #wCthY2g
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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 and Spring Business Meeting
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, Wednesdays 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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