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Touchstone
for
June 28, 2026
Fifth Sunday
After Pentecost
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All the Time...
All Year 'Round!
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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 Settled Minister. 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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June 28, 2026 * Fifth Sunday After Pentecost
Scripture Reading
New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition
Matthew 10:40-42
40 “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous, 42 and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”
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Reflection
“Holy Rewards for Being Welcoming”
Rev. Eric H.F. Law, Guest Preacher
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From Rev. Sandy about Eric Law
This Sunday I will be away again, as is our practice. In this case I will be preaching at the 25th “ordiversary” of a friend’s ordination to ministry in Northern California. She was once the stellar student in a youth group of 150 that I served in the late 1980’s.
Your preacher this week will be Eric H.F. Law. Eric is an Episcopal Priest and the founder and creative director of the Kaleidoscope Institute, which has provided comprehensive and transformational training and resources for thousands of mainline churches (and other groups) for more than 35 years. His vision is to move groups toward true inclusion, sustainability, and respectful communication. He is the author of more than 10 books, a musician, and a visual artist.
He has been a beloved friend and mentor to me and is now my neighbor at Monte Vista Grove here in Pasadena.
Come and hear him share his unique and lively perspective on the text. You will be so glad you did!
See you next week,
Rev. Sandy
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Worship Partners
Liturgist: Carolyn Olney
Zoom: Anne Cohen * Usher: Jeff Tyler
| | 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
Starting this coming Sunday, for the Summer, we have trained staff providing Childcare during the service with crafts, games and snacks.
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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 5: Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice (Communion)
Liturgist: Josh Ashenmiller
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: Bettie Teel * Usher: Sandra Biehler
July 26: Cheryl Farrell Storyteller
Liturgist: tba
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 Svendson
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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Notes from Rev. Sandy on our new Search Committee
In my sermon on Sunday June 21, 2026, I spoke about the congregational meeting to elect a Search Committee for a Settled Minister. Here is an excerpt:
…What you do today, in electing this Search Team and telling them you SEE THEM, is a logical extension of baptism. Scripture says “Everyone is given a gift by the Spirit to use for the common good.” We see their gifts. We believe the Spirit is calling them. We say “I see you”-and those who hear God’s call (through the voice of this congregation) say, “Here I am!”
We set them apart for a particular time to do a particular work among us.
And we pray for them to have the strength and wisdom and creativity of the Living God as they do that work.
Now you, who will elect them: I have 3 vows I would like to ask of you!
- Be PATIENT - this is mysterious process. There are steps & best practices, and they will do them all, but there is no timeline. Searching takes the time it takes… and you do NOT want to be in a hurry and then ‘marry the wrong person’.
Repeat after me: We will be patient!
- Do not ask them ‘How’s it going?’ (You can ask ‘how are YOU doing?’, let them know you care, you appreciate the real work they will undertake… but I PROMISE they will tell you when there is news! They will want to tell you more than you want to hear it!
Repeat after me: We will not ask how it’s going!
- Do not ask them for information about candidates, gender, geography, age-and-stage of persons, or any other thing! Ministerial Search is a confidential process, and harm is done when that confidence is breached. People get disappointed, people expect it should have been done differently, people get compared to one another. It is damaging to people and it is dangerous for a congregation’s wellness.
Repeat after me: We will not ask for confidential information!
I hope all of you will join me in praying for Allan, Heather, Jeff, Bob, and John as they embark on this work, and that you too will work at being patient, not asking how it's going, and not asking for confidential information. This will be a significant season!
Blessings, Sandy
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Invitations from First United Methodist (FUMC)
Pride Shabbat
The Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center has invited us to join them for a special Pride Shabbat service on June 26 at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel. A representative from a local LGBTQIA+ center will be speaking. For more info, email jedi@pjtc.net.
Pride Themed Movie Night
On Movie Night, Sunday June 28 at 5:30 p.m., FUMC will have a special screening of Sally! and a Q&A with the co-director Ondine Rarey.
Sally Gearhart was a lesbian-feminist firebrand, professor, and fantasy author who spearheaded the 1970s and 80s US lesbian feminist movement. Although she made an incredible impact, many have never heard of her. This film sheds light on an overlooked icon of queer rights. Supper will served at 5:00 p.m. To reserve a plate, please email Priscilla Baca.
Third@First Presents Organist Christoph Bull and Performance Painter Norton Wisdom
On Saturday, June 20 at 4:00 p.m., join us for the season finale of Third@First. World-renowned organist Christoph Bull will play an eclectic program ranging from the classics to new works to the cinematic. Performance painter Norton Wisdom will interpret the music through painting in real time.
Church and Society Sunday Conversation with John Thompson Parker - “Defend the Voting Rights Act”
Church and Society Committee welcomes John Thompson Parker, social justice advocate, as speaker on Sunday, June 28 at 11:30 a.m. in the Church Lounge. He will speak about the Supreme Court’s recent overturning of the Voting Rights Act and how racial gerrymandering has disenfranchised Black communities. Parker is committed to building a powerful movement for voting rights and civil rights and has been working with St. Mark UMC in South LA. All are welcome for this important discussion.
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!
| | Elizabeth Lanski and Flat Jesus on their way to Colorado to stay with a friend for a few weeks. | | Flat Jesus with Heather Bland, Ron and Roberta White and their friend, Jerry Arca, in Denver, CO. | | Flat Jesus with the Blands and Ron White @ HopDoddy Burger Bar in Denver, CO. | | |
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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 this 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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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
| | | 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. | | |
Descanso Gardens: Ancient Forest got Loose
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Upcoming Events for your Calendar
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 June 21 Worship Service can be found at the link to the right. Passcode: R%XLV7=^
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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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