What's New at Peace | Jan 30

Worship This Sunday

February 1,10:30 am

Fourth Sunday After the Epiphany

Micah 6:6-8, Matthew 5:1-12

Walking Humbly

Sermon by Pastor Dave

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.

Watch on YouTube

Sunday Bulletin

Watch on Facebook

Visit our website for more information about what's happening at PUCC

Are you ready? Called?

Church membership means something… affirming your faith, covenanting with a community of faith, sharing a ministry of service in witness to a loving God. In these chaotic times especially, church membership is bold and important.

The next occasion for our church to formally receive and welcome new members is during the 10:30am worship service on February 15, Transfiguration Sunday.

Usually, it’s a small group of folks who join in winter, people who’ve been participating with us for quite a while as they consider whether they’re ready to accept the invitation and make the commitment to membership. If you’re thinking about it and maybe ready to join, please check in with Pastor Dave after worship this Sunday, February 1 and/or next Sunday, February 8.

Young and old, variously gendered, singles and families, gay and straight, different colors and backgrounds, we are an Open & Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ, and we invite people of good will to enjoy our Christian fellowship, services and programs. You don’t need to be an official member of the church to be a part of things, but we do invite you to explore church membership as a way of growing in your relationship with God and neighbor.

Whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome here.

Join the audio/video tech crew!

If you have ever had interest in learning how to run a sound board or stream online, now's the time! The Peace Tech Crew is recruiting new members to assist our A/V staff. We're looking for people who would learn how to set up the mics for the service and run the soundboard, or how to set up the cameras and run the streaming, or both! On Sunday, February 1 before and after worship, Luke Shepherd will provide an overview and training for those who might want to learn more.

Contact Cathy Sarto at catherinegracesarto@gmail.com.

Game Night & Light Bites- Are Back!!

After the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays Game Night is back! Being

together to laugh, socialize, and let your playful competitive spirit come out, can help to reduce cortisol stress. Join us TONIGHT, JANUARY 30TH from 6:00 to 8:00.

There is something for everyone: table games and active games. corn hole, ping pong, Blokus, Mexican Train, Scattagories, and Backgammon, Cornhole and JAZZminton!!

If you’d like, bring a game or a snack(not required). There will be others there to play with you. Help with set-up and/or clean-up. For more information contact Tom Postlewaite at tapostlewaite@icloud.com or text 831.325.4235.

WHAT'S HOT AND NOT ON BROADWAY?

Luke Shepherd, music director and member of our church, will be the presenter for Perennials, Sunday, February 15, meeting in the fellowship hall, right after worship. He'll review the latest trends and hits on Broadway, telling us about what he's seen recently, what he'll be seeing in New York in March, and shows that are likely to come to our area on tour. Join us.

Save the Date!

Friday February 13th. Second Annual Santa Cruz High School's Vocal Department presents A NIGHT ON BROADWAY, 7 PM. Also featuring student soloists, Jazz choir and UCSC student soloists. Suggested donation $20, proceeds to go to high school choir programs. Music directors Jorge Torrez & Luke Shepherd.

Friday February 20th. Peace United is putting together a Chili team for the Great Chili Cook Off. Fundraiser for the mid county faith communities shower trailer program for unhoused neighbors. This year's chili cook off will be at Twin Lakes Church. More info to follow.

For both of these events please contact Lisa Johnson if you are interested in helping. 831-430-6511 or lisajohnsonsantacruz@gmail.com

Save The Date!

Saturday, February 21st

How does some peace and quiet sound right now? Could you use some dedicated time to do the nurturing things you love, and feel the support of your community? Is there something you need to let go of, or something new you're contemplating? Saturday, February 21st will be a wonderful day of quiet retreat here at Peace, with the company of friends to warm your heart as you tend to the needs of your spirit.

We'll have optional times of prayer and music in the sanctuary, a morning expressive arts class for those who would like to join in, lunch and dinner to enjoy in stillness, and plenty of time and space for everyone to nurture themselves. Bring what you need for whatever your planned activities are - your pillow to nap in the lounge, your yoga mat to stretch out, those art supplies that have been collecting dust, or that book you've not found time to finish reading.

There is *no cost to participate* - your presence is your best contribution. If you'd like to attend, please contact Lanakila (lanakila@lanakilamusic.com). We're also looking for folks who would take joy in preparing simple vegetarian-friendly dishes for our communal lunch and dinner, so if the kitchen is your happy place, let Lanakila know!

CYF Theme: Epiphany

Hi Peace families,

This week, we are reflecting on Micah 6:8: "Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God." Our featured book celebrates historical figures who lived out this calling, serving as examples for us as we contribute to the ongoing work of civil rights.

In honor of Black History Month, we are sharing "The Beatitudes: From Slavery to Civil Rights" by Carole Boston Weatherford. A prolific author of children's books focused on Black history, Weatherford highlights the stories of African American icons—including MLK, Barack Obama, Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges, and Harriet Tubman—through the framework of the Beatitudes from Matthew 5. These figures exemplify the mission of justice and equity for Black Americans.

Let us all look to the examples of greatness from history to inspire our work going forward.

You can find this week's story here: https://youtu.be/S_olMOyS3_c

Blessings,

The CYF Team

The 2026 concert season is almost upon us! The Festival will open this year with a fundraising concert on January 31, and the concert series starts on February 8 with a solo organ recital by Jörg Reddin.

See the schedule below for times and dates for the season. Tickets are available online at Instant Seats, or by phone at 831.457.9693, or by mail at P.O. Box 482, Santa Cruz, CA 95061. Check the website for more information, and if you have questions please email

manager@santacruzbaroquefestival.org.

Fundraiser: Musical Stories of Brass and Organ

Saturday, January 31, 4:00 pm

Calvary Episcopal Church, 532 Center St, Santa Cruz

Concert I: Themes and Variations

Sunday, February 8, 4:00 pm

Holy Cross Church, 126 High St, Santa Cruz

Concert II: Baroque Songs and Arias

Saturday, February 21, 7 pm

Calvary Episcopal Church, 532 Center St, Santa Cruz

Concert III: Baroque Festival meets Family

Sunday, March 1, 4 pm

Peace United Church, 900 High St, Santa Cruz

Concert IV: Secular and Sacred Vocal Music

Saturday, March 7, 6 pm

Peace United Church, 900 High St, Santa Cruz

Concert V: All Bach Solo Violin

Saturday, April 25, 7:30 pm

Calvary Episcopal Church, 532 Center St, Santa Cruz

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 Nick Piediscalzi, nearing his transition and hospice care, his wife Sibyl and their family.
For Bonnie & Bob, and all with the flu.
For Paula’s broken ankle, for Anne’s brother Conrad, in cancer treatment, for Suzanne’s friends Deb and Gordon, recovering from his stroke, for Lisa’s grandson Dustin, living with cancer, for Suzanne’s daughter Allison, in cancer treatment, Devon’s mom Steacie, recovering from cancer surgery, and Darrell Johnson, in a care home.
Comfort for Lynn & Bill’s family who lost son Johnnie, and for Nancy’s, Kwok’s, Aidan’s, Susie’s, Nancy’s and Ken’s families and for all of us who grieve lost family and friends.

Prayers for our Communities, Country and the World

For Melodee’s cousin Kari, a Seattle pastor who has travelled to Minneapolis in their support.
For the people of Minneapolis.
For courage to oppose wars and leaders motivated by greed.
For those in mourning for loved ones lost to violence.
For food, healthcare and housing for all.
For immigrants and their families, everyone in custody, and those experiencing being targeted, oppressed and dealt with unjustly.
For all affected by natural disasters and human violence, terror, war and displacement, especially the children.

Prayers of Gratitude

For gifts multiplied by passing them forward.
For healing of bodies, minds and spirits.
For all volunteers giving their time and talent to our church, community, and world.
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.

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).

We Want to Hear Your Voice

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.

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.

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, the Rev. David Pattee - pastordave@peaceunited.org
Facilities Manager, Aaron Abeyta - facilities@peaceunited.org
Office Manager, Devon Obert - office@peaceunited.org
Bookkeeper, Susan Robinson - bookkeeper@peaceunited.org

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.