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Worship This Sunday
May 17, 10:30 am
Seventh Sunday of Easter Ascension
Luke 24:44-53
Left behind and it's OK!
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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Welcome to our Annual Fund Drive for the budget year beginning July 2026! Pledges made support our operating expenses and ministries. Meeting our 300K goal would avoid dipping into our reserves altogether… a first in over 8 years. And meeting this goal would support the strength, flexibility, and spiritual health of our congregation.
Please consider increasing your pledge to address the continued increase in expenses. The Finance team hopes to create a balanced budget at our Congregational Meeting on June 28th!
Please let the office know if you did not receive a pledge form. (They were sent out two weeks ago.) We’ve made it easy to fill out; and we need a current one each year. Once completed, you can place it in the offertory basket on Sundays, bring it to the office or mail it in.
Check out the Hot Air Balloon in the narthex to note our progress. To date, we have a total of $87,540 in pledges. An awesome beginning from our early pledgers.
“Together, we soar to great heights!”
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Perennials – May 13 Three Good Questions ???
I have learned that all you need to lead a good discussion, or even a weekend retreat are three good questions, like:
- Why are you here?
- What was meaningful to you?
- What would feed your curiosity?
On May 13, after the church worship service we will meet in the Lounge, gathered around small tables to reflect on the past year’s programs and imagine what more we could explore next year. Come and be part of the discussion, your voice is valuable.
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Please join our Council Meeting next week, via zoom, on Thursday, May 21, at 6:00pm. This is a beneficial meeting to learn more about the current issues and witness the decision making process of our vibrant church community.
For the link, contact Tony Augimeiri at moderator@peaceunited.org
OR
Use the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86505810901?pwd
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Mental Health Awareness Month
The United States has been observing Mental Health Awareness Month during the month of May since 1949. Each year, businesses, organizations, schools, and individuals dedicate this month to acknowledge those affected by mental illness by presenting innovative ideas, events, and programs to support the treatment and prevention of mental illness.
You may know that Lisa Hoesing am a Zentangle teacher. Zentangle is a meditative drawing program. It shows you how to create a beautiful graphic design in a few minutes that can help bring you a moment of relaxation in your day.
The A2A committee, in support of mental health month, announces the Zentangle Mental Health videos. Please join us watching them on YouTube.
For mental health month, Zentangle is releasing free videos every day from May 10 through May 31. You can watch them on YouTube and draw along with the creators of Zentangle. There are suggested supplies but you can use a piece of paper, a pencil and a pen.
These are easy fun 15 -minute videos that might bring you a bit of quiet reflection and relaxation, zen-flow, in your day.
Simple, yet healing.
-Lisa Hoesing and the A2A Committee
Zentangle on YouTube (click here)
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Pride Sunday: June 7th!
Peace United Church of Christ has for decades been an enthusiastic participant in the annual Santa Cruz Pride parade and festival. By our presence at and support for this event, we demonstrate that our Christian faith affirms the beauty and dignity of each person, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community who have suffered and continue to suffer from bigotry and hate masquerading as Christianity.
This year, we need volunteers to help with the following:
- Transport of chairs from church to the interfaith service downtown
- Return of everything to church
- Parade monitors for our contingent
- Organization of signs and banners
If you can help, please add your name to the Sign-up Genius for the event, by
clicking HERE.
Many thanks!
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Game Night & Light Bites- Are Back!!
Memories. Let’s create a memory with Game Night! Come together Friday, May 29th (6:00-8:00) to laugh, to socialize, and to let your playful competitive spirit come out. There is a working theory that Peace Game Night can help to reduce cortisol stress. There is something for everyone: table games and active games; Blokus, Mexican Train, Scattagories, 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.
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The Vera Taylor Scholarship Committee is accepting applications from church members for scholarships for 2026-2027.
You can learn more about the program here: https://www.peaceunited.org/verataylor
Who can apply?
If you are a full-time student or planning to become one, and have been a member of Peace United Church of Christ for at least one year, you are eligible to apply for the Vera Taylor Scholarship.
Qualifications:
Attend a college or university or an accredited vocational school, such as culinary arts, dental hygiene, or the like, in an undergraduate or graduate-level program.
For Mini-grants to learn or enhance skills and strategies for church or community outreach activities by taking training in a program that leads to a certificate or degree for such things but not limited to Hospice, elder care, child care, working with homeless persons or prisoners, crisis hotlines and counseling, English as a second language, and immigration support.
Where can I find an application?
Please contact Tammy at VeraTaylorRep@gmail.com to get a link to the online application.
DEADLINE for applications is WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2026
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Children, Youth, and Families: Hearts on Fire!
This month our theme is "Hearts on Fire!" It is a nod to Pentecost, which comes later this month.
Fire is a metaphor for passion and this month we are exploring what it means to follow our passions with books focused on individuals who have created beautiful lives following their own passions-- sometimes despite odds and nay-sayers!
This week our story is "Beyonce: Shine Your Light" by Sarah Warren. This story tells about the life of Beyonce Knowles-Carter and how her passion for music, singing, and performing led her to a unique and special life. Beyonce followed her passion, worked hard, and was able to create an inspirational, award winning career and legacy.
We can all learn from the life of Beyonce that we should believe in ourselves and our passion, keep learning and giving effort, and to use our success and privilege to shine light on others.
You can find this week's story video by clicking this link!
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Piano by Moonlight: Candlelit Evenings of Rest and Reverie
Solo piano music by our own Aidan Santa Cruz every Tuesday night at 7:00 to 9:00 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 more information please check out the Facebook group linked here and/or contact Aidan directly: 831-428-2368, aidanfpsc@gmail.com
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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 Molly and Chris Ohlsen, and their family, grieving the death of Molly's father, Jim.
- For Marie Grace’s recovery from surgery.
- For Nick Piediscalzi, in hospice care, for Lisa’s grandson Dustin, living with cancer, and Darrell Johnson, in a care home.
- Comfort for Scout’s, Anne’s, Earle’s, Raneta’s, Lynn & Bill’s, 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 courage to oppose wars and leaders motivated by greed and preying on fear.
- For those in mourning for loved ones lost to violence and war.
- For water and 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 our Peace Village housing project for all the good that will come from it when it’s completed.
- For scientific and miraculous healings of bodies, minds and spirits.
- For peaceful protestors all over the country and world.
- For all who give 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).
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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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