First Congregational Church of Pasadena

United Church of Christ

Touchstone

for

October 11, 2026



Twentieth 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.

October 11, 2026 * Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost

Scripture Reading

New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition

Philippians 4:1-9

1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. 2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my coworkers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 As for the things that you have learned and received and heard and noticed in me, do them, and the God of peace will be with you.

Reflection

"Always?!"

“The compassionate life is a grateful life, and actions born out of gratefulness are not compulsive but free, not somber, but joyful, not fanatical but liberating. When gratitude is the source of our actions, our giving becomes receiving and those to whom we minister become our ministers." -from the Presbyterian Foundation

Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice

Worship Partners

Liturgist: tba

Zoom: Anne Cohen

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 Notes

Lachlan Ashenmiller is our New Church School Teacher! He will be using curriculum from "Illustrated Children's Ministry."

........

Come for the fun!

Stay for the friends!

Worship Partners 2026



October 18: Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice

Liturgist: tba

Zoom: tba * Usher: Jeff Tyler

October 25: Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice * Dias de los Muertos

Liturgist: tba * Zoom: tba

Usher: Sandra Biehler

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November 1: Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice

Liturgist: tba * Zoom: tba 

Usher: Aren Burd

November 8: Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice

Liturgist: tba * Zoom: tba 

Ushers: Ron White, Jeff Levison, James Maddox



November 15: Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice

Liturgist: tba

Zoom: Bettie Teel * Usher: Sandra Biehler

November 22: Rev. Scott Furukawa

Liturgist: tba * Zoom: tba 

Usher: Jeff Tyler

November 29: Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice (Advent 1)

Liturgist: tba * Zoom: tba 

Ushers: Lu Burd, John Gamber-Thompson

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



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December 6: Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice (Advent 2)

Liturgist: tba * Zoom: tba 

Usher: Aren Burd

December 13: Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice (Advent 3)

Liturgist: tba * Zoom: tba 

Ushers: Ron White, Jeff Levison, James Maddox

December 20: Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice (Advent 4)

Liturgist: tba

Zoom: Bettie Teel Usher: Sandra Biehler

December 24: Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice (Christmas Eve 7pm)

Liturgist: tba * Readers: tba * Zoom: tba 

Ushers: tba

December 27: Sing-Along Pajama Sunday

Liturgist: tba * Zoom: tba 

Usher: Jeff Tyler

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Email: ChurchOffice@uccpasadena.org

or use SignUp Genius below...

From Rev. Sandy

I want to thank you for granting me vacation time - it was lovely! I had never been anywhere near Scandinavia before, but we went to the land of Vikings and cardamom buns and fjords- and it was glorious!  We did a great deal of walking, which has inspired me to want to log more steps in my ‘real life’. Bethany and her partner Eddie are great travel companions, who regularly amaze us with how they can navigate unfamiliar cities & help us make decisions. Copenhagen is glorious, Bergen also spectacular. London at the end was nothing but fun!  Jet lag is harder to recover from the older I get, but so worth it!

Photos:Forest in Bergen, Beer fest in Copenhagen, Jesus by the lake, top of red bus in London….

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Last Saturday and Sunday I took part in a weaving workshop as study leave. I learned a weaving technique called Overshot. Am a bit intimidated, but super-excited. One of the things I love is the rhythmic nature of weaving, and how it requires some of my attention - but often ushers me in to a ‘flow state’, where part of my brain is relaxed and can receive creative solutions to complex problems, or remember a great idea for the coming sermon. I am hoping this new technique (which uses 2 shuttles!) will not be too hard for me. But this is how we grow, right? Trying new stuff. 

Photos: Overshot weaving technique

I look forward to returning to FCC well-rested and fully engaged next Sunday! - Rev. Sandy

We celebrated a wonderful Celtic World Communion Sunday with a celebration of music, homemade bread and a reminder that we are part of ALL of Creation - ALL of which God has made and continues to remake.

Thank you Rev. Dr. Rebecca Prichard for your presence, words and wisdom!

Celtic World Communion Sunday



Meet Our Members * A Social Media Project

Char Komin has done amazing work updating our Website and Facebook page, and she has reclaimed our Instagram page which has been lost for about a year. (She also designed our new logo!) She has a project aimed at sharing our love for this congregation through social media - with the intention of attracting new families and young people of all ages. Below is a link to a form for you to fill out online and submit if you are willing to participate. (We've had 3 submissions so far...)

Meet Our Members

We’re updating our website and social media pages to help make our congregation more visible online. As part of this effort, we’d love to highlight the people who make our community so special. If you’d like to participate, please complete the form below (or ask an usher for a paper copy).

Here are the questions:

1. How long have you been a member of FCC Pasadena? Or what year did you join?
2. Why FCC Pasadena? In other words, what makes this congregation special to you?

There is also a way to upload your favorite photo of yourself so we don't use one that Anne took when you weren't looking.

We encourage you to participate and have fun with the project!

Who knows what new folks may show up to experience this loving community?

Just click the button to the left.

CROP Hunger Walk This Sunday * 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.

For More Information:

Rise Against Hunger on Sunday, October 18

We will have our annual Rise Against Hunger food packing event at FUMC in the Great Hall on Sunday, October 18 from 12:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Rise Against Hunger is an organization that aims to end hunger by providing food and nutritional supplies to people in need around the world. Come volunteer and help us pack food for those in need.

Click on the button to the left to register.

Registration Deadline: October 16th!!!

Dias de los Muertos

On Sunday October 25th we will celebrate Dias de Los Muertos (and Halloween) We will set up our ofrenda for two Sundays, 10/25 and 11/1.

An ofrenda is a decorated home altar or offering display created during Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) to welcome, honor, and nourish the returning souls of deceased loved ones.

The word ofrenda translates from Spanish as "offering". Rather than being a place of worship, it serves as an inviting bridge of love and memory between the living and the dead.

Every item placed on an ofrenda represents a specific purpose or one of the four natural elements:

·      Photographs: Placed prominently to identify and welcome the specific deceased family member or friend.

·      Marigolds (Cempasúchil): Their vibrant color and strong scent are believed to create a fragrant path that guides spirits back to the living world.

·      Candles: Represent fire and are lit to illuminate the path home for the wandering souls.

·      Water: Offered in a cup to quench the thirst of the spirits after their long journey.

·      Pan de Muerto: A traditional sweet bread symbolizing the continuous cycle of life and death.

·      Papel Picado: Fragile cut-tissue paper decorations that sway in the air, representing the element of wind and the fragility of life.

·      Food and Drink: Favorite dishes, fruits, or beverages previously enjoyed by the deceased are served to nourish and welcome them with happiness.

·      Copal Incense: Burned to cleanse the sacred space and ward off negative or evil spirits.

You are invited to bring any of the above, but especially PHOTOS of deceased loved ones. There will also be cards for writing prayers and memories to leave on the altar.

Much Ado for Freedom

Benefit for My Refuge House

November 19, 2026 * 7-9pm

Woman's Club of South Pasadena

Improvised Shakespeare Company in the house!!!

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3 Free Tickets left available from the Church Office.

**

Heather Bland is CEO of My Refuge House.

Joey Bland is a Troupe Member of Improvised Shakespeare Company.

To Purchase Tickets:

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, October 24, 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

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



Your Ministerial Search Committee

Heather Bland, John Gamber-Thompson, Jeff Levison, Bob Rinck, Allan Rohlfs

Meeting every other week. 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 are our volunteer Web Persons.

Carly Wendt is our Hospitality and Events Coordinator.

Upcoming Events for your Calendar

October 4-10: Rev. Sandy away * Study Leave

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 1: Daylight Savings Time ENDS

(Fall back 1 hour)

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 19: Much Ado for Freedom (7-9pm)

Benefit for My Refuge House

November 22-28: Rev. Sandy away

November 26: THANKSGIVING DAY

[FID Food Pantry Closed]

November 27: BUY NOTHING DAY

December 6: Advent Festival (Great Hall)

December 7: Prep and Serve Dinner at Union Station

December 10: Food Pantry Volunteers (2-3:30pm)

December 24: Christmas Eve Service (7pm)

December 27: Sing Along, Pajama Sunday

December 27-January 2: Rev. Sandy away

January 1: NEW YEAR'S DAY 2027 * ROSE PARADE

Previous Sunday

A Zoom recording of the October 4 Worship Service can be accessed clicking the button to the right.

Password: 26ET+x&N

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