First Congregational Church of Pasadena

United Church of Christ

Touchstone

for

September 13, 2026



Sixteenth 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.

September 13, 2026 * Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost

Scripture Reading

New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition

Romans 14:1-12

1 Welcome those who are weak in faith but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions. 2 Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables. 3 Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgment on those who eat, for God has welcomed them. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on slaves of another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make them stand.

5 Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds. 6 Those who observe the day, observe it for the Lord. Also those who eat, eat for the Lord, since they give thanks to God, while those who abstain, abstain for the Lord and give thanks to God.

7 For we do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. 8 If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11 For it is written,

“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,

  and every tongue shall give praise to God.”

12 So then, each one of us will be held accountable.

Reflection

"What I Believe"

“Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.”

—Leonard Cohen

After this reflection you may never want me in the pulpit again. Then again, my experience here is that varied voices are welcome. And sometimes I've found kindred spirits by saying aloud what I believe. My beliefs line up with a number of religious traditions - Jewish Mysticism, Christian Jesus Movement, Unitarian Universalism, Panentheism, with bitts of Buddhism and Hinduism. As a Judeo-Christian-Very-U.C.C. Minister this may be shocking. But then I'm old and retired and have fewer filters - so forgive me! Please stay for fellowship hour - I look forward to hearing about what you believe.

Rev. Anne Cohen, Pulpit Supply

Worship Partners

Liturgist: Elizabeth Lanski

Zoom: tba

Ushers: Ron White, Jeff Levison, James Maddox

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 is Back



Krysty Leckrone will be providing curriculum for our "one room school house."

This month our focus will be on

"Our Common Prayer."

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.

OR GO TO SIGN-UP GENIUS BELOW AND ADD YOUR NAME!

Worship Partners 2026

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

Liturgist: Christy Furukawa

Zoom: tba * Usher: tba

September 27: Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice

Liturgist: Cheryl Farrell

Zoom: tba * Usher: Jeff Tyler

+ + +

October 4: Rev. Dr. Rebecca Prichard [NOTE CHG.]

World Communion

Celtic Worship * Special Offerings

 including Celtic music group “Stepwise”

Liturgist: Elizabeth Lanski

Pastoral Prayers: Carolyn Olney

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. Dr. Sandy Tice

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

SIGN UP to BRING FOOD or serve as a WORSHIP participant on our new SIGN-UP GENIUS PORTAL!!!!

Our Grants Change Lives!

Come and hear more in worship and at lunch September 20th

Meet and engage with representatives of our 2025 Outreach Grant Recipients:

Five Acres

Friends in Deed

Planned Parenthood San Gabriel Valley

Villa Esperanza Services 

Young & Healthy

Don't worry, you'll have time to get to Andy Schwiebert's Installation after the lunch!

Elizabeth Lanski...

And from your Interim Minister.....

Fairytales, Treasure and Eye Contact

Many ancient tales tell of treasure: lost treasure and hidden treasure, pirate treasure and a goose that lays golden eggs. One of the themes of these ancient tales is the unrecognized treasure - the hoard hidden under the floorboards, the box buried under the tree. It was there all the time, but the protagonist did not know it was there, or couldn't find it, or didn't believe the legend, or lost the map. 

FCC has that kind of treasure, I think. Do you know how rich you are? 

I think you know (and are proud of) the fact that you give wildly generous financial grants to local partners that you believe are continuing the kinds of work Jesus did. 

But do you know how lives are changed? Can you name a staff person who tears up at the thought of your generosity? Do you understand how you are blessing and healing and providing in God's Name? 

In an era where all manner of cruel things are being done in the name of Christianity, it seems important to me that we know the details about the treasure 'hidden in your attic' - the actual lives impacted by the Outreach Grants. 

You have read that the annual Outreach Grant lunch is coming soon. In addition, we will make the treasure of these partnerships visible in worship that day. Please make an effort to join us on Sept 20^th to look into the eyes of leaders whose life-changing work you have been part of ! 

How many children have received health care because of FCC, and how do you suppose their parents feel about that? How many young people have received support? How many staff people who do their holy work within nonprofit budgets get to see their efforts multiplied - because of this congregation? 

Friends, in my humble opinion you should know this and rejoice in it every day! God is speaking to you about your purpose and impact in the world - and rejoicing over you! So come if you can, make eye contact with these leaders (who are your partners!) - and feel in your heart the joy of making a difference! You are sharers of the abundance of God's unfailing love - rich indeed.

I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Expectantly, Sandy 

PASTOR VACATION

 Tom and I are on a trip with our daughter Bethany and her partner Eddie to Copenhagen and Norway (Bergen). I will be back in the office on 9/14, and appreciate you looking after one another and the ministry we share while I

rest and recharge.  Sandy

Union Station Homeless Services is thrilled to invite you to Volunteer Appreciation 2026!

We are excited to celebrate another year of incredible service with all our amazing volunteers! Volunteers truly are the backbone of the organization and we are absolutely honored to highlight your continuous and unwavering support.

We invite you to join us for this evening of celebration and connection as we enjoy a delicious Mediterranean style buffet from Eden Garden Bar & Grill and recognize our outstanding volunteers. Don't miss a chance to meet your fellow volunteers and the opportunity to win amazing prizes from our raffle. 

Volunteer Appreciation Details:

Date: Wednesday, September 16th * 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM 

Where: Eden Garden Bar & Grill * 175 E. Holly Street, Pasadena, CA 91101

 RSVP HERE! 

All attendees must be at least 13 years old. For volunteers under the age of 16, they must be accompanied by a chaperone. Please note that space is limited for the event. We kindly request you refrain from bringing additional guests. If you are a part of a volunteer group and would like to RSVP for additional members, please contact us at volunteer@ushs.org. Last day to RSVP is September 8th.

For any questions or concerns, please contact Audree Ho at aho@ushs.org or (626) 715-5004. We look forward to celebrating another year of service with you!

All the best, USHS Volunteer Team

volunteer@ushs.org * (626) 715-5004

USE OF LIKENESS CONSENT

In order to send out our Local Church Profile (which includes photos) we are legally obliged to have consent forms for using your likeness. To "clean up our act" on the home front, we are requesting the same consent forms for use of your image on the website and in the touchstone.

If you agree to have your photo used, please fill out and return this 2-sided form (which you can download below) to the church office or give to staff on Sunday morning.

Many thanks for helping us abide by the law!

Gratefully, Anne

The service of installation for Rev. Andy Schwiebert will be September 20 at 3PM

Immanuel Presbyterian Church

3300 Wilshire Blvd

Los Angeles CA 90010

Our vision is to grow, learn, and build a multi-cultural community of spiritual seekers guided by God’s Word.

We share our gifts by –

• Welcoming all people into an experience of mystery and healing through God’s Spirit.
• Serving the varied needs of the people of Los Angeles and the world.
• Striving for justice, while building bridges of peace

I would love to have FCC folks come celebrate with us!

Andy

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.

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

Sept. 26, 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.

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

Pasadena Area CROP Hunger Walk * October 11, 2026 * Fighting Hunger Globally and Locally

Starting 1:30 p.m. (Check-in begins at 12:45)

First United Methodist Church

2-mile loop along Colorado Blvd. between Lake Ave. and Fair Oaks Ave.

To sign up see Lu Burd.

Non-perishable food items may also be donated on the day of the walk to be distributed to local food pantries.

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.]

Carly Wendt is our Hospitality and Events Coordinator.

Stay Cool! Hydrate!!!

Upcoming Events for your Calendar

August 31-September 14: Rev. Sandy away

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 (3pm)

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

September 26: SoulCollage® (10am-12)

October 4-10: Rev. Sandy away [NOTE CHANGE]

Study Leave

October 4: World Communion Sunday

Special Offerings * Celtic Worship

 including Celtic music group “Stepwise”

October 5: Prep and Serve Dinner at Union Station

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

October 11: CROP Hunger Walk (1:30)

October 13: Church Council (7pm Zoom)

October 18: Rise Against Hunger (12:30pm FUMC

Great Hall)

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 September 6 Worship Service can be accessed clicking the button to the right.

Password: ESkA%4#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