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Worship This Sunday
August 16, 10:30 am
Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost
Matthew 15:21-28
Entitlements
Sermon by Pastor Dave
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For those unable to join us in person, there will be a live videocast of the worship service at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays.
Go to the church's website, or use one of the links below.
If you miss the live service, you can find it archived on YouTube.
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Peace Village News Flash!
On Tuesday, August 11, the Santa Cruz City Council voted unanimously to approve Envision Peace Village’s proposal after a vigorous vetting of the application. The major modification of the previous proposal eliminates the “V”-shaped footprint that had one wing going up the hill to the north and it increases the the number of apartments to 47. City Council approval creates project “entitlement” to move forward. The developer will now proceed to attract and negotiate agreements with investors while moving ahead with construction drawings necessary to obtain a building permit.
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Meet A New Member: Mary!
A Peace-Extravagant-Welcome to Mary Coneway, who joined our Church in June! Mary has been attending long enough to have helped with Sunday Socials clean-up, to have enjoyed Welcoming Tables suppers, as well as frequenting Sunday worship services.
Mary moved to Santa Cruz from her family home in Texas to be closer to her son and daughter-in-law here in Santa Cruz. She happily resides at Dominican Oaks.
While visiting her son Casey and wife Kate at UCSC faculty housing, Mary overheard Eli Gilbert practicing his clarinet. She asked Ingrid Parker (Eli’s mother) where she could hear more, so Ingrid steered her to 900 High Street!
Mary grew up attending Pilgrim Congregational in Milwaukee, so felt at home with our church culture. As a retired Occupational Therapist, it seems fitting that Mary enjoys participating in a wide variety of activities. She especially enjoys groups offered by our public library system, such as arts and crafts, computers, museum excursions and jazz. When asked what inspires her about our church, she was quick to respond, “I love the Welcoming Tables. I see wonderful things happening in them.” Mary also enjoys living here: “Santa Cruz is the most wonderful city I’ve lived in as an adult.”
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Our total for our goal for the 26-27 Annual Drive continues to grow incrementally. Thank you for your pledges.
We have reached out to members and friends who have yet to pledge. We have identified about 15 households who have indicated that they expect to pledge.
To date, we have received 71 household pledges for a total of $255,338. We are less than $15K away from our goal of $270K for our balanced budget. Yes, a balanced budget, the first in over 8 years. Help us reach this goal.
Our follow up calls have highlighted some clarifications which may be helpful. We do need a new pledge form every year. If the form is not filled out completely, it will delay your pledge. If using a check, please write in the memo your intentions, especially for which year you would like your pledge to be applied to. If using PayPal, please select Annual Fund on the drop down menu. If you are able, adding the additional charge on PayPal or credit card, will support that your full amount is applied. Yes, you can place your pledge form in the offertory basket, bring it to the office or mail it in. Please reach out if you have any questions.
We recognize that many give of their time and talent which adds substantial savings to our expenses.
We trust that as the Stewardship Committee reaches out to the current yet pledging friends and members, we will reach our current goal of 270K. Thank you for your generosity.
“Together, we soar to great heights!”
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Calm in the Storm
The start of a new school year is a busy time filled with new relationships and requirements. Beginning these new routines can feel stormy—exciting, worrying, stressful, and busy all at once.
This week, we are reading A Voice in the Storm by Karl James Mountford. In this story, Rat feels stormy inside, which mirrors an actual storm she tries to navigate. While Rat initially tries to run and hide from her emotions, she discovers with the help of friends that talking about her feelings helps her feel better. She also learns that her friends care about her and worry when she is struggling.
Putting anxious, stormy feelings into words can be difficult. This book beautifully illustrates how challenging these emotions can be and how allowing friends to support us helps everyone.
You can find this week's story video here: https://youtu.be/NlKwoe1kkJ8
Please note the following upcoming dates:
-August 21: Kids' Night Out (6 - 8 p.m.)
-August 23: Sunday School
-September 6: Sunday School
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Kids' Night Out returns August 21!
Join from 6-8 p.m. for pizza, stories, and fun!
Sunday School will follow on Sunday, August 23.
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Piano by Moonlight: Candlelit Evenings of Rest and Reverie
Solo piano music by our own Aidan Santa Cruz every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:30-9:30 at Peace United. Aidan is heart centered and plays free improvisations inspired by classical, jazz and spiritual traditions.
Come to meditate, relax and let go...on pillows, on the floor, or seated. All are welcome. Suggested Donation - $15-25
For updates and more information(like cancellations!) please check out the Facebook group linked here and/or contact Aidan directly: 831-428-2368, aidanfpsc@gmail.com
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Save the Date!
Saturday, October 17 will be Peace Village's inaugural FALL FEST! This event will celebrate the community we build here at Peace and invite others to join in! We'll have live music, performances, vendors, food, games, and other fun, seasonal activities!
Mark you calendars so you don't miss it!
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Did you miss last week's sermon?
You can find sermons and full worship videos on our Peace UCC YouTube Page. Follow us on YouTube so you're always up-to-date!
Dave's sermon from last week is below:
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Did you know that by following Peace on social media and interacting with our posts (liking, commenting, and sharing) you can help other, like-minded people find Peace? You can also find information about events, fun glimpses of things happening at Peace, worship videos, and other news!
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube!
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Holy One, keep us in the Amazing Grace that is ours through the spirit of Christ, in whose Loving Name we pray
Prayers of Healing and Faith and Continuing Prayers for our Community
- For Lisa’s grandson Dustin, living with cancer, and Darrell Johnson, in a care home.
- For Kwok's mother-in-law living with dementia, and his sister-in-law going through cancer treatment.
- For our family members, friends, and loved ones who are incarcerated. May they find hope and may our system move toward transformational justice.
- For each of us having all manner of health challenges. May there continue to be research that helps cure and alleviate the health problems that continue to challenge our world today.
- For those struggling with mental health issues and addiction. May resources be made available and affordable so that people can get the help they need.
- For D's sister, who is facing challenges right now.
- For the families of those who are incarcerated. May they know that they are cared for and seen on their journey.
Prayers for our Communities, Country and the World
- For immigrants and their families, everyone in custody, and those experiencing being targeted, oppressed, and dealt with unjustly. May we see God's love flowing through all people and protect our communities.
- For all affected by natural disasters and human violence, terror, war and displacement, especially the children.
- For those traveling to foreign places to build a future. May we create a world where people can thrive in their communities and in which immigration is not criminalized.
- For an end to violence and war. May our country and leaders choose the path of peace and nonviolence. May those in mourning for loved ones lost to violence and war find comfort.
Prayers of Gratitude
- For all who give much of their time and talent to our church, and for those who pledge.
- For trust in God and each other, courage when facing fear and injustice, hope in times of darkness, and for the Light of Christ in our hearts and minds.
- For those who dare to speak truth to power and defy unjust systems. May we all find the bravery to resist injustice and amplify voices that are unheard.
- For the good things happening in this church and our wider communities. Gratitude for those who bring hope and chart better paths forward.
- For peaceful protestors all over the county, country, and world. May we continue to stand up for our values.
In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen!
You may request prayers by emailing Prayers@PeaceUnited.Org,
calling Lynn Walton (600-7343), or calling the church office (426-2010).
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Find Friends and Activities @ Peace!
At Peace United, there are many opportunities for fellowship, spiritual growth, helping with events and socializing. To help you find a group that you might be interested in joining, our Ministries, Committees, and Groups booklet has been updated. It describes each group and lists the chairperson and their contact information and members. Everyone is welcome so come join us....
You can download our updated booklet HERE.
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We Want to Hear Your Voice
Sign Up to Be A Liturgist!
We would love to have you as a liturgist (reader) in one of our Sunday morning worship services. It's a wonderful way of serving!
Sign up for a Sunday to read live and in person and we'll connect with you by e-mail on the Tuesday prior, sending all the information you'll need for getting ready.
If you'd like to give it a try, click on this link to choose a date.
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Watch Out For Scammers
Peace United staff and leaders will never solicit you by e-mail or text message, asking you to purchase or send gift cards or electronic funds for any purpose. Contact the church office if you have any concerns about emails you may receive.
Read More
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Office Hours!
Monday through Friday, from 9 am - 2 pm staff are in the office, attending to the business of our church: monitoring e-mail, answering telephones and/or responding to messages, working on the dozens of different projects and connections that keep our ministry moving forward.
If you plan to come into the office, please call ahead to schedule a time when we know someone will be in to assist you. You can reach us by e-mail using the list below or by phone, 831-426-2010.
Pastor Dave works from the church office, Monday through Thursday, and most weeks will have office hours on Saturday too, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday is his day off. In case of emergency, the pastor is available by cell phone, 773-255-8095. If you would like to schedule a meeting or would like to "drop by", please contact us via email using this link to make an arrangement.
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Small Groups and Ministries of Outreach
Use this link to find information about our various small groups and
ministries here at PUCC.
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Peace UCC Facilities Calendar
To view our availability or request space on our campus click here!
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Our conference staff and the offices have
moved to a new address. The new address is
1320 Willow Pass Rd., Suite 600, Concord, CA 94520
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Find out more about global ministries here.
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Get a daily devotional here.
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