What's New at Peace | Mar 7

Morgan Friend, Molly Ohlsen, Taylor Friend, Anna Aiono, Angelica Sarto, Marjorie Webb Appleby, Ann Rupert, Levi Mulder, Evelyn Monsen, Anika Monsen, Darrell Johnson, Pat Lindstrom, Mia Furnish, Yemi Akintude, Susie Land, Deborah Haughey, Audrey Sarto, Jeanne Shada, Michal Stachnick, Pegatha Hughes, Jan Graff, Kathy Erickson, Grant Erickson (103!!!), Jeanette Moretti, Pat Moretti, Shuyun David Lo, Nathan Bush, Sandy Schuller, Rev. Suzanne Semmes

Second Sunday Student Lunches

March 9, right after worship, we will hold our monthly luncheon for college students and young adults (18-26). Free food, friends, music and games sometimes, and always a good time. We’ll get started around Noon in the “Upper Room” of the Education Building.

For additional information, contact PastorDave@PeaceUnited.org.

Wednesday Evening Lenten Services

We who aspire to a world of love and justice must cultivate hearts animated by love and justice. –Rabbi Sharon Brous

Wednesday evenings in Lent, March 12 through April 9, we’ll gather in the sanctuary, 7:00 to 7:59pm for a weekly Service of Reconciliation and Healing. There’ll be music, scripture, guided meditation, and a chance to share, culminating with prayers for healing. Along with these traditional elements of the Lenten spiritual journey, our gatherings will be informed by the wisdom of Rabbi Sharon Brous and her 2024 book, The Amen Effect (Avery/Penguin Random House) which you are encouraged to read. It’s readily available in local bookstores and online through bookshop.org.

Perennials and All Members

If you are concerned about the current climate/situation affecting our community and want to know what you can do, please join us in the lounge after church on Sunday, 3/16. ( Remember to get your coffee in paper cups so we don’t hold up the kitchen crew. )

We will have Dave Pattee, Cathy Sarto, and hopefully some other guests to discuss issues such as Rapid Response to ICE raids, What We CAN Do—helping families prepare, and what it means to be a Sanctuary church. Our agenda is still evolving but we wanted to let you know that this will be an important meeting with information for all of us—not just Perennials! We hope you can join us!!

Contact: Lynn Walton lwalton@rawbits.com

Transformation

The metamorphosis of a butterfly is a profound symbol of transformation, perfectly mirroring Lent's spiritual journey. It begins with a tiny egg, hidden and still, much like the seed of faith within us, waiting for growth. From the egg emerges the caterpillar, a creature of hunger and purpose, consuming and preparing for change. This phase reflects our human journey—our struggles, desires, and the need to nourish our spirits with God’s grace.

As Lent calls us to reflection and renewal, the caterpillar enters the chrysalis, a place of mystery and transformation. Hidden from the world, it undergoes a miraculous change, surrendering its former self to become something new. This mirrors the call of Lent: a season of prayer and reflection as we enter into our own inner "chrysalis," letting go of conflict and embracing humility.

Finally, the butterfly emerges—delicate, radiant, and free. Its beauty speaks of resurrection, hope, and the new life promised. The butterfly’s flight symbolizes our renewal at Easter, soaring into a life transformed by grace, love, and joy.

This journey of metamorphosis reminds us that Lent is a sacred process of becoming—an opportunity to emerge renewed, with hearts and souls aligned to God’s eternal promise.

As the season of Lent begins please observe the transformation of the branch in front of the Sanctuary.

the Floral Committee

Lenten Banner

As we enter the 40-day season of Lent, we are reminded to pray, fast, give, and prepare for the celebration of the Resurrection.

Our Lenten banner in the narthex was made from last year’s prayer strips. This is a symbol of the weaving of our family life, work life, political life and spiritual life into a fuller life in reflection of God’s love.

Featured Ministry: March

Silent Retreat, with Lanakila Iesu

To be forever doing, constantly taking in more experience, without ever stopping to sit with what we have already taken in, is like eating without digesting. We don't get to integrate what is there to nurture us, and it's hard to sort out what it might be time to let go of. We become uncomfortable in our own skins and, despite a richness of everyday activity and interaction, sometimes we find that we are undernourished by it all.

For me, taking time out of a life rich with multiple jobs, multiple ministries, and other commitments has proven essential. The stillness of a quiet day in community finally fills up the empty places that all the activity, meaningful and joyful though it may have been, has not fulfilled.

That's why I continue to offer days of quiet retreat on our campus. Ever since I first attended one around the same time I joined the church, it has helped me to feel that I have a spiritual home and a congregation - a family - that supports me in taking the time I need. The seemingly constant demands of life ebb away and I'm free to tend my own need for silence, balance, nurturance.

CYF Family Stories for Lent

For the season of Lent, the CYF committee is offering YouTube videos. Each video will feature a storybook that can help children and families think about listening for and experiencing God!

Lent is a time for all of us to think about the world, our place in it, and how God calls us to listen for the spirit of transformation. How does God call us to participate in our broken world so that we might help repair it? How do we hear and experience the "still small voice" of God in our noisy world? We hope these videos can help you think about God and discuss the divine presence in your lives!

Save the dates:

Our next Kids’ Night Out is Friday, March 21 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Please remember to RSVP if you expect your child(ren) to attend. Register if you have not already done so for the year.

Also remember that we’ll have fun kids’ activities planned for Family Worship Sunday, March 23.

Families are invited to join us for Game Night on Friday, March 28, 6:00 to 8:30 in the Fellowship Hall.

The National Prayer Shawl ministry started more than 27 years ago. You can look it up online. They also have eight or so books available with different patterns in them.

Shawls symbolize shelter, peace, and spiritual sustenance.

The Busy Hands Group is looking for volunteers who like to knit or crochet. Supplies can be provided. We want to have some shawls available in the sanctuary for when people feel the need to wrap up; for warmth or comfort in any way. Please contact me,

Lisa Hoesing for a pattern, knitting needles and yarn if you need them.

email: pastmoderator@peaceunited.org.

Comprehensive Campaign - A Place for Peace

We are announcing our new structure for stewardship at Peace United Church of Christ. This plan that we call the Comprehensive Campaign – A Place for Peace, is an invitation to the congregation to support the church’s mission in three important ways.

Capital Funds are for deferred maintenance and improvement of our facilities with a Goal of $500,000. Donations are payable over three years.
Annual Funds are pledged each year and are used for operating expenses including staff wages, all our programs, insurance, utilities and financial participation with mission partners like Prophets of Hope, COPA, AFC and UCC missions.
Legacy Funds come from your designation of Peace United Church of Christ as a beneficiary in your will/estate plan and are used for projects that you designate or new initiatives such as upgrading AV technology.

You will receive a trifold pledge brochure to use for your pledges and donations. More information about the three ways to support Peace UCC will be announced at church and in the newsletter.

Save The Date

Saturday, March 22nd

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, March 22nd 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!

Loving God, keep us in the Amazing Grace that is ours through Jesus Christ, in whose Holy Name we pray

Continuing prayers for USAID workers and their recipients suddenly without food.
For federal government workers and the vital programs they support.
For all who experience being the “least, lost, victimized and targeted.”
For immigrants and their families.
For the LGBTQ+ community, especially trans people.
For those without housing in the richest country in the world.
For the people of Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza and Israel, and all under threat of violence.
Continuing prayers for Sophie Ross and Leo, for Colleen Fleming’s son Anthony, for the safe return home of Noah Bassi.
For Kathy Fahl, Pegatha Hughes, and Melissa Mahoney, recovering from surgery.
For Stephanie Lynch’s sister-in-law, Lisa Johnson’s 16 year old grandson Dustin, and Philip Spradling’s friend David Zink, all in cancer treatment, and their families.
For Lynn and Bill Walton’s son Johnnie, needing heart treatment to get back on the kidney transplant list, and in need of new housing.

Prayers of gratitude

For new church members Jaren Hohmann, Jeanie Trigg, and Jessica Arnold Hinkel.
For courage in the face of fear, hope in the face of despair, and faith in times of darkness.
For our church members and friends who persist in peace and justice making.

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.