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Touchstone for
July 13, 2025
| | | This month the General Synod (GS) of the United Church of Christ (our denomination) is meeting in Kansas City from July 11th-15th. Our very own Cheryl Farrell is a Synod Delegate, and she will join thousands of delegates and visitors at this biennial meeting of our denomination. Click on this LINK to hear a heartfelt letter that Cheryl shared at the Southern California Nevada Conference (SCNC) in June. Cheryl offered a powerful and faithful witness to the work of the church and the movement of the Spirit in her life as well as ours. This is the second time that Cheryl is attending GS and representing our SCNC conference. Please keep Cheryl and all of the delegates to GS in your prayers. | | “Caring for others in Pasadena and beyond since 1885” | | |
Scripture Reading
Luke 10:26-37
An expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he said, "what must I do to inherit eternal life”? Jesus said to him, "What is written in the law? What do you read there?" He answered, "You shall love God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and your neighbor as yourself." Jesus said to him, "You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live." But wanting to vindicate himself, he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and took off, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came upon him, and when he saw him he was moved with compassion. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, treating them with oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, 'Take care of him, and when I come back I will repay you whatever more you spend.' Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed him mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
Reflection
"The Other Sock"
This story is striking because a Levite and Samaritan were from communities that sworn the other off – they were taught from a young age not to interact. So ignoring all the dangers of helping a stranger, we must add the fact that this Levite was prohibited from helping by culture and tradition! Ever lose a sock in the wash…it may or may not show up – maybe when you move house and the dryer gets loaded on the moving van – or when you move the dirty clothes bin to sweep the floor – or maybe never? We expect our lives and choices to line up – to “pair” with our expectations – but those expectations sometimes cross with our faith and prevent sharing our gifts! Join us for worship online or in person so we can sort out how to let go of some of our obsession with finding the lost socks of our lives!
-Rev. John H. Pomeroy
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Music from Connie
This week’s service will feature songs and hymns about being compassionate and kind to our neighbors, strangers, and friends alike. Gerald Washburn, Grace (formerly Madeline) Rahn, and Pamela Connor will offer music, with Connie on piano. We hope you can join in.
Connie Washburn, Music Director
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Also on Sunday July 13th
Liturgist: Josh Ashenmiller
Zoom computer staff: Tara Bernard Usher: James Maddox, Jeff Levison, Ron White
Summer Childcare/time with youth continues each week in the Summer. Typically our Building Manager and Special Events Coordinator Sallie will have two staff available each Sunday to be with any children and youth who wish to take a break from worship. This week the room will be staffed by church members Josh Ashenmiller and Kim Story. Feel free to bring any games your child or youth likes to play. Staff will have games and snacks and will meet in the Bride’s room, adjacent to the Chapel. Church School resumes September 7th.
Coffee Hour will take place between the end of worship and the beginning of the Memorial for Chuck Lanski (see below) in the FUMC lounge, located just beyond the kitchen.
| | 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.) | | |
Memorial for Chuck Lanski
Sunday July 13th we will have a Memorial Service and Time of Fellowship for Chuck Lanski at 1:30p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Please plan to join us on
July 13th to honor Chuck. There will be a live Zoom for the gathering (same link below as we use each Sunday). It would be appreciated if you would RSVP to Elizabeth Lanski at elizabethlanski@gmail.com.
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Saturday July 12th Summer Pool Party at Pomeroys to be held at their home Saturday July 12th from 3:00p.m.-6:00p.m. Please continue to RSVP and plan to come out, swim, visit and enjoy some snacks and smoothies around the pool. You may drop in for some or all of it!
Please contact Josh Ashenmiller, Chair of Membership for more details and to Pastor Marlene to RSVP fccrevs@yahoo.com
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Summer Listening Group with Pastor Jake
meets for the final time on Sunday July 20th after worship.
No book to read, no homework, simply a chance to be present to one another for an hour and listen to sharing. Each person will have the chance to share for 3-4 minutes and invite the next person to share - the question is something like “how are you doing?” or “what is in front of you just now?” We are asked not to fix, prescribe or comment - simply listen and offer our presence. If we mind our time with a bit of care, there is always time for follow up questions and check in.
Come join us at a table or quiet corner of the room we are assigned for Coffee Hour that Sunday. All are welcome.
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ANNUAL FID
2025 BACK-TO-SCHOOL
BACKPACK & SCHOOL SUPPLIES PROGRAM
Once again, FCC Pasadena is partnering with Friends In Deed to volunteer on behalf of local students and their families in need of school supplies!
SIGN UP NOW to help out on these dates and use the link below to make donations for supplies (we will purchase whatever FID needs with your donations.)
SAT. AUG. 2 & SAT. AUG. 9
*BACKPACKS PREPARATION (adult and responsible teenagers preferred)
- Filling backpacks, coordinating names and items, etc.
- August 2: 8:30a to 12:00p - 7-8 people needed; 12:00p to 2:30p - 5-6 people needed
- August 9: 8:30a to 12:00p - 7-8 people needed; 12:00p to 2:30p - 5-6 people needed
*BACKPACKS DISTRIBUTION (all ages welcome)
- Setting up/taking down, helping families through the lines, restocking shelves, etc.
- Aug 2 & Aug 9: 10am-2pm
*BACKPACKS & SCHOOL SUPPLIES DONATIONS
If you can't make it in person, but would like to support this program, please donate online using this LINK
Please send your preferred times you can help to Michael Hutchinson at mthutch@gmail.com
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Sunday July 20
Come Celebrate with us Christmas in July! What’s that? It’s a chance to revel in the themes of Christmas without the stress of the season, lines at the mall, pressure to buy gifts, or difficulty arranging childcare. We will explore the story of Jesus’ birth as he brought hope to a weary world long ago, sing some carols, and well, just have some fun. Ho ho ho…
| | 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. | |
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. July 26th, 10:00 a.m - 12:00p.m. in person and remotely. Please note that we will have our occasional potluck on this date so if you RSVP to Anne please let her know what you are planning to bring. Contact leader Rev. Anne for questions: 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 July 13th.
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.
Our next Membership Sponsored Gathering is a Pool Party at the Pomeroy’s Saturday July 12th from 3:00p.m. - 6:00p.m.
Drop in for a little bit or the entire time. RSVP to Pastor Marlene at fccrevs@yahoo.com. Save the date – details to come!
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. We currently stock 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.
-Annual Summer Backpack/School Supplies Drive (see article above for details)
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-Union Station Homeless Services
We have been serving meals monthly for decades. We prep and 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
| | Dana, Bettie, Lu and Mary serve our June meal | | |
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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