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Touchstone for
March 9, 2025
1st Sunday in Lent
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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 11:30a.m. both in person and via live Zoom. (See link at very bottom) We also have a weekly yoga class, have regular ways to volunteer, a Lenten Book Study, and monthly Soul Collage. Lent begins this week and we urge you to observe this season. Details and info below. Join us!
- Pastors Marlene & Jake Pomeroy
“Caring for others in Pasadena and beyond since 1885”
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Turn your clocks forward one hour Saturday night | |
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Scripture Reading:
Luke 4:1-13
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tested by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, "If you are the Child of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread." Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone.'" Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the realms of the world. And the devil said to him, "To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours." Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'Worship God, and serve only God.'" Then the devil led him to Jerusalem and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, "If you are the Child of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, 'God will command the angels concerning you, to protect you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'" Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'Do not put God to the test.'" When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.
Reflection
“Don't Kick the Dog”
It is easy for us to blame others – those around us, those in the news, those in our past – for the struggles we carry each day. This temptation story for our worship this week calls us to take responsibility for claiming our own needs and faults – and have the courage to ask for what we need in our relationship with God. What would that look like for us – being vulnerable about our shortcomings and strong enough to ask for help? Join us for worship at 11:30AM online or in the Chapel as we explore the balance in our faith of honesty and courage!
The Rev. John H. Pomeroy
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Music from Connie
In our first Lenten Sunday, we’ll hear our singers offer a song of hope, as well as an arrangement of Lonesome Valley. We hope to see you!
Connie Washburn, Music Director
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Also on Sunday March 9th
We will have a church school class this week and after worship we will gather in the Fellowship Hall for coffee and light snacks. Any women of the church are invited to join us in the corner of the Fellowship Hall to have a meeting of the Women’s Legacy Fund.
Liturgist: Tara Bernard
Zoom computer staff: Kim Story ; Ushers: Ron White, Jeff Levison, James Maddox
Church School Teachers: Krysty and Mary
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Women's Legacy Fund to Meet This Sunday
In the early 1990’s the once vibrant FCC Women’s Fellowship disbanded, leaving an ongoing legacy of almost $10,000 to the women of the church. These funds have been invested as the Women’s Legacy Fund and had almost $14,000 at the end of 2024. We meet every year or two to hear an update on the amount of the fund and to decide how to disburse any part of it. In the past few years we have given money from the fund to: Elizabeth house (a domestic violence shelter), Door of Hope (which offers transitional housing for families) as well as our FCC Women’s Scholarship Fund.
It is a tribute to the FCC women of the past who left this legacy to continue to support underserved women in our community. They loved and served our church for many years and their gift continues to benefit women now and into the future. Thanks to Sandy Biehler and Heather Bland for agreeing to serve as conveners of this meeting which will be held after worship and is open to all FCC Women.
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From Ellen
During this season of Lent, kids and teachers in church school will be sharing the congregation’s focus on “Habits of the Heart.” This week, we’ll remember that we’re all in this together as we read a couple of fun stories and play some cooperative games. Enjoy a sneak peek at our books: for our older kids, Stone Soup and for all ages, Bear Came Along.
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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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Women's Scholarship 2025
Our 10th Anniversary!
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Our Women’s Scholarship Committee has challenged us to raise an additional $10,000 to be used to support women this year. We are excited to report that $6105 has been raised so far. We are getting there! We are planning to offer at least one scholarship to a woman whose life has been affected by the Eaton Fire. We invite you to join us in our challenge to raise $10,000 to support the fund during the month of March. Use this dedicated link to support the Women’s Scholarship Fund: SUPPORT
The application is on the website and the deadline for completed applications is March 31st. Please urge women of all ages who are attending college or trade school in the Fall to find the application on our website in early March. We will be offering five scholarships of at least $5,000 each in 2025. This is the link to the application: https://www.uccpasadena.org/womens-scholarship-application
And please save the date of Saturday May 3rd at 11:00 a.m. for the Annual Scholarship luncheon and 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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Lent Begins
Lent is a time when folks traditionally fast from something and embark on a journey of faith for the 40 days between now and Easter. We invite you to explore ways to make this time meaningful that will deepen your faith, soothe your spirit, while still offering something to others. In a recent sermon we invited you to observe Lent in four areas:
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, 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 a public witness, write a check to support an organization. Shop locally. Buy your fresh food at the farmer’s market. Look for ways to preserve the earth.
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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Lenten Book Discussion
Healing the Heart of Democracy
Join us in reading a book for Lent - Healing the Heart of Democracy is a
re-release of a title by Parker J Palmer, PHD Sociologist and writer from UC Berkeley. Copies of the book are available at church on Sunday or from Amazon at $13 each. We will meet after worship at a table in the Fellowship Hall on the second Sunday of Lent for the first session - we will also have a couple of Zoom sessions too in the ensuing weeks. Discussion questions and a link to access videos are listed in the back of the book. Hope you can start reading soon - see you March 16th.
The Rev. John H. Pomeroy
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Fun was had at our Shrove Sunday Waffle- fest! Royalty was conveyed on Anne and Helen!!
Kim won the cake walk and received the King Cake as a prize.
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We continue to collect money to support relief efforts nearby. We will send all monies that come in directly to local folks and organizations. To date we have sent out over $3000 of aid.
Pastor Marlene reports that the previous church where she served in Massachusetts has just sent a check
for $400 to be passed on to the Jewish Temple and Center to support their rebuilding process as related to education. Marlene will deliver the check along with cards from their church school children offering prayers and support.
In addition her friend’s church in New Hampshire has sent $1,000 to be used to help others. Our Discipleship Ministry is exploring possible ways to use this money. At this point almost $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
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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. Weekly Monday Yoga Class led by Darby Orr – we are back at FUMC in the cloister or the Fellowship Hall (UCC) from 12p.m - 1p.m. The next class is March 10th.
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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2. 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. March 22nd,
12:30 p.m - 2:00p.m. in person and remotely. Contact leader Rev. Anne for further details and the zoom link: acohen99@sbcglobal.net
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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
As things get back to normal for some of us, others are still displaced or permanently without a place to live. Life will not get back to normal for some folks for a very long time. Sometimes just reaching out to a friend or inviting someone to share a simple meal and providing a listening ear is greatly appreciated. Just select something that works for you. If you would like a pastoral visit or call just reach out to us at fccrevs@yahoo.com and one of us will respond. Here are two ways to be hands-on in 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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