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Touchstone for
April 6, 2025
5th Sunday in Lent
Communion
Sunday
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We continue to seek ways to remember and support those affected by the fires in LA. See below for ways to get involved and find support or comfort. Please contact the pastors at fccrevs@yahoo.com if you would like a pastoral call or visit. Most importantly, stay connected with loved ones. We continue to worship weekly at 11:30 a.m. both in person and via live Zoom. (See link at very bottom) We also have a weekly yoga class, regular ways to volunteer, a Lenten Book Study, and monthly Soul Collage. Details about the Hands Off March Saturday and Holy Week Schedule are below. Join us!
- Pastors Marlene & Jake Pomeroy
“Caring for others in Pasadena and beyond since 1885”
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Scripture Reading:
Isaiah 43:16-21
Thus says our God, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down; they cannot rise; they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: Do not remember the former things or consider the things of old.
I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.
Reflection
Rev. Erin Beardemphl
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Music from Connie
In this week’s Lenten service, in addition to our special guests, the Peppermint Ridge Choir, our own Madeline Rahn will offer a vocal solo, with Connie on piano. Also, we will join to sing psalms and hymns together. We hope to see you Sunday morning.
Connie Washburn, Music Director
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Also on Sunday April 6th
Peppermint Ridge Choir
We are fortunate this Sunday to receive a visit and a performance in worship from the Peppermint Ridge Choir! Rev. Erin Beardemphl – a colleague and a friend – will offer a brief reflection before Communion and introduce us to this wonderful group. Peppermint Ridge was founded in 1959, and has been at the forefront of providing unparalleled care and support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Corona, California, and beyond. At the heart of Peppermint Ridge lies their unwavering dedication to a mission – to enrich the lives of individuals with IDD by providing compassionate care, fostering independence, and promoting inclusion within their community.
From humble beginnings, Peppermint Ridge has grown into a dynamic organization with a network of 12 residential homes, offering a range of personalized services and supports to their residents. We are grateful for their visit this Sunday!
We will gather in the Great Hall for bagels and other snacks and coffee after worship.
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Liturgist: Cheryl Farrell
Zoom computer staff: Lu Nguyen Ushers: Aren Burd, Brian Brandenburg
Church School Teachers: Neva and Kim
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Easter Lily Order Form
Easter is coming up in just a few weeks. Please order your lilies on-line (or in person Sunday) and then email Yvette in the office at yvetterfcc@gmail.com to let her know of the dedication you wish to be placed in the Easter bulletin.
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From Ellen
This week in church school, our kids will consider these words from Parker J. Palmer, the author of Healing the Heart of Democracy, who says: “There are many ways to plant and cultivate the seeds of community in our personal and local lives. We must all become gardeners of community if we want democracy to flourish.” It’s true! Our picture books this week will show us ways of building community. Take a look at Last Stop on Market Street for a preview.
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If you are a Zoom worshipper, you will be able to access the bulletin through a link when you log onto Zoom on Sunday. (See link at bottom of Touchstone.)
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Book Discussion Continues | Our Lenten book discussion continues with Pastor Jake. Folks will meet after the coffee hour this Sunday. Please read chapters 5 & 6 and let Pastor Jake know if you can attend at fccrevs@yahoo.com |
Lent Continues
This is the 5th Sunday in Lent – only a few more to go till Easter! It’s not unusual to get weary at this stage in your Lenten journey. Find a way to persevere with your chosen practices or try a new version these final weeks!
1. Fast from taking in too much news either via TV or any other social media. For sure, keep up with what is happening, but fast from hours and hours of taking in news.
2. Nurture your relationship with God through spiritual practices. Read something, take walks in nature daily, breathe, write down what you are grateful for every day, join the Lenten book group, find some quiet time to be still each day, etc.
3. Devote some time weekly to some action – help someone, get involved in a movement of justice, make phone calls to your representatives and make your views known about justice and compassion; show up for public witness that is happening all over the country this Saturday to speak up about loss of jobs, targeting of LGBTQI folks, threats to Medicaid for the most vulnerable, and other acts of violence and threats to our freedoms (check out the public gathering in Pasadena on April 5th DETAILS HERE), contribute to a justice organization. Shop locally. Buy your fresh food at the farmer’s market. Look for ways to preserve the earth.
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4. Practice joy. Knowing that we are justice seekers for the long haul, pace yourself and take time to laugh, play, enjoy a nice meal with others, etc.
- Your Pastors Jake & Marlene Pomeroy
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Artist Visit Last Sunday
Last Sunday we hosted Altadena artist Christopher Wesley to our church. Chris shared his story of losing his home in Altadena during worship and then stayed and visited with folks over lunch. His Anthrotonik art piece pictured below was raffled off and received by Barbara Klein. Christopher really appreciated his time with us and felt very cared for by our community. If you wish to learn more about his Ashes to Ember collection which he has created since the Eaton Fire, you can use this LINK
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Women's Scholarship 2025
Our 10th Anniversary!
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Applications have been received for the 2025 scholarships and the committee will meet this Sunday after coffee hour to do their initial review of those that we have received. They will interview finalists in the coming weeks and make their selection in time for the luncheon on May 3rd at 11:00 a.m. Please RSVP for the luncheon now, and if you wish to support the scholarship, use this link: SUPPORT
RSVP to Yvette in our church office at yvetterfcc@gmail.com no later than April 20th. The $20 cost per person for lunch will be collected at the door. Please keep the WSF Committee in your thoughts and prayers: Grace Rinck (Chair), Mary Camacho, Krysty Leckrone, Neva Orr, Bettie Teel and Pastor Marlene.
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Youth News
Peter Cohen-Dobbins will be in the Pasadena high school play "Bye, Bye Birdie" Thurs. April 17th 7pm, Friday April 18th 7pm, Saturday April 19th 2pm and 7pm. Tickets will go on sale sometime in early April. Peter plays the role of the Father.
Mattias Orr will be in the play Mamma Mia at Blair High School for two weekends Friday/Saturday April 25-26 and May 2-3. He plays the role of Sam. Tickets may be purchased at: https://ovations.ludus.com/index.php
Got some youth news? Send along to Pastor Marlene for her to share. We love to see all our youth and young adults succeed in various endeavors.
| | My Refuge House News and Invitation | | |
Friday April 11th from 7-9 p.m.
Kathryn Hutto (a retired Marengo social worker here in South Pasadena) is hosting an evening of drinks and desserts at her home to connect more deeply with My Refuge House, an anti-trafficking organization in the Philippines. Heather Bland, the CEO and an FCC church member, will be sharing about the incredible work they’re doing. It’s shaping up to be a really special night of community, conversation, and inspiration—I’d love for you to come!
Here’s the event page where you can RSVP or learn more: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/2ccbfi/event/buildingforimpact1/
Hope you can make it! 💛 - Heather
| | We continue to receive money to support relief efforts nearby. We will send all monies that come in directly to local folks and organizations. At this point over $5,000 has been sent to us to help others. If you have folks asking how they can help, urge them to donate on our website to the link dedicated to support those affected by the Eaton fire. DONATE HERE | |
Three Ways to Nurture Your Body & Soul
These are ongoing ways to participate in hands-on outreach work and things that nurture your spirit. Join us! Details below.
1. SoulCollage® is a practice that helps us express our inner life by using images from magazines and 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 Sat. April 26th, 10:00 a.m - 12:00p.m. in person and remotely.
Contact leader Rev. Anne for further details and the zoom link: acohen99@sbcglobal.net
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2. Weekly Monday Yoga Class led by Darby Orr – we meet in the FUMC cloister or the Fellowship Hall (UCC) from 12p.m - 1p.m.
The next class is April 7th.
NOTE: Darby is a skilled and wise teacher who offers ways to nurture your spirit. He also teaches online classes if you cannot make this one.
Check them out and sign up at: https://www.bhavanaflowyoga.com
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3. 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.
– Pastors Jake & Marlene
-Friends in Deed
Lu Nguyen who coordinates our outreach with Friends in Deed is in touch with them about additional volunteer needs. For now we will stock the shelves on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month from
2:00 p.m. -3:30 p.m. Please contact coordinator Lu Nguyen at luburd@gmail.com if you want to volunteer.
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-Union Station Homeless Services
We have been connected to this organization and serving a monthly meal for decades. We serve a meal the 1st Monday for nine months each year. If you are interested in being on a team or subbing, please contact
Lu Nguyen at luburd@gmail.com
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Sunday Worship Zoom Link
The Revs. Pomeroy are inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting Sunday mornings at 11:30a.m. Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Topic: FCC Worship
Time: This is a recurring meeting
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85764926605
Meeting ID: 857 6492 6605
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Office Hours
(Sallie)
Sallie is typically in the office from
8:30am-12:30pm 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
(Yvette)
Yvette is typically in Tuesdays, Wednesdays from 3:30pm-6:30pm and Thursdays from 10:00am-2:00pm.
Please email Yvette at yvetterfcc@gmail.com if you need any assistance.
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 at
500 E. Colorado Blvd.,
Pasadena, CA 91101
Telephone: (626) 795-0696
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