Worship This Sunday

November 24,10:30 am

Twenty-seventh Sunday after Pentecost

Reign of Christ


John 18:33-37

Thy Kin'dom ComeThy

Sermon by Rev. David Pattee


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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Use this link to view the most recent Prophets Of Hope Newsletter

Pastor Note:

from the Rev. David Pattee


Share This!

                        

After more than a decade of significant gains in civil rights and equal justice for LGBTQ+ people, there is a powerful backlash surging, hand-in-hand with authoritarian political and religious movements. Queer youth are feeling especially vulnerable and, clearly, Trans people have been targeted. Many are afraid and don’t know how to reach out for help.


The Trevor Project is an American nonprofit organization, founded in 1998, offering mental health services and committed to advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth. Trained counselors are available 24/7/365 by telephone [866-488-7386] , text [START to 678-678], or online [TrevorChat.org].


Share this, please!

Kaffee Klatsch


Please join us for conversation about Planned Giving and Legacy Gifts led by Mary Lois Comesky and Cathy Sarto after church this Sunday in the Fellowship Hall.


As we build the foundation of a legacy giving program, please gather as we reflect on how a planned Gift of Faith can provide resources to future generations of members.


Elizabeth Schilling shares her story here: "About 20- 25 years ago, tiny conversations about this topic at church inspired Ken and me to make a will/trust. We put Peace UCC into it and we frequently enjoy knowing this piece of our spiritual future is set. Plus, it has allowed us to use it as a cornerstone when speaking to our girls not only about what they might inherit, but also about our values around giving to our church. This intention of providing for our spiritual home has also served as a kind of “North Star.” It helps us live into our intention we have set on a day-to-day basis."


Mary Lois, Cathy Sarto and Pastor Dave will briefly kick off the meeting. We'll share our own stories, and gather a list of questions for Dorothy Thompson, Peace member and estate planning attorney, who will provide a presentation on January 26, 2025.

Wow!! Harvest Celebration in the Sanctuary Chancel has grown! You are invited to join in gratitude for God's bounty by bringing shelf-stable food on our last collection day, this Sunday, November 24.


There will be a large basket for your donations  in the narthex as you enter the church. Beginning Monday all food contributions will be donated to the Gray Bears Healthy Food Program. Please join us in delighting in and sharing God's gifts.


Examples of shelf stable foods valued by food banks are:


  • canned, powdered or unrefrigerated cartons of milk
  • peanut butter
  • canned beans, soups, fruits, veggies (pop tops help!)
  • canned proteins like SPAM, tuna, salmon, chicken, ham
  • dried whole grain pasta
  • pasta sauce
  • plastic jars of applesauce
  • small plastic containers of cooking oil
  • crackers
  • granola bars
  • instant mashed potatoes
  • whole grain cereal




Peace United Friends & Family Game Night and “Lite Bites”


Join us TONIGHT, November 22nd from 6:00 to 8:30.

Bring your family & friends.


We will have “lite bites” there to munch on while you cheer with the joys of play.


Bring a game you like. Help with set-up and/or clean-up. 


For more information contact Tom Postlewaite at tapostlewaite@icloud.com or text 831.325.4235.

The Christmas Project

Overwhelming Generosity



In only two weeks, we have found a "friend" for 99 Christmas Project Angels. Absolutely amazing! We have only 11 left.


For those new to this program, at this time of year we work with other community groups to provide holiday gifts for farmworker families in Pajaro Valley – at a time when the farming season is on a bit of hiatus and therefore revenue is low. One of the highlights of my holiday season is participating in delivering the gifts to the families. It’s a wonderful time of community.


If you would like to join us, we will help deliver gifts on Sunday, December 15. The timing is always a bit sketchy, but we will meet at the San Andreas Community, 295 San Andreas Road, Watsonville at 1:00. Two large trucks will bring the gifts and after five minutes of orientation we take large gift bags to each family. Don’t be surprised if you are greeted with a plate of tamales or dessert pastries. After we finish at San Andreas, the next spot will be Murphy’s Community. This place is special because our gifts usually go to these families. At each place there might be a lunch gathering at their community room, so don’t have a hearty breakfast. To facilitate carpooling, we will have a sign-up poster on Sunday.


Anna Hackenbracht at koohack@comcast.net

Introducing, New Member: Debby Carroll


New member of our congregation, Debby Carroll, is a Central Coast native and Capitola resident, with family here and in Utah and Las Vegas.


We met as caregivers, Debby for Francine, her beloved of 30 years who passed in 2020. Kerry Skyles was in the support group, too, and introduced Debby to Peace. Debby felt the need for a spiritual home with open and affirming fellowship.



Debby decided to join as a way to solidify her commitment to our congregation. Retired, she commits her time and talent here at Peace as a member of the Extravagant Welcome team, taking over Sunday Social setups frequently, and gives Lois a ride to church. She also serves with St. Francis soup kitchen. Debby shows up “wherever there’s food, to prepare and serve.”



By Anne Rogers, Debby’s “Peace bridge”

Senior PerennialsOur “over 55” group meets on the 3rd Sunday of the month from about 11:45 (after church) until 1 PM. Please get your coffee and then join us –usually in the Lounge. We welcome others to drop in if the topic is of interest.

 

December 15th—Matt Broadbent will facilitate our time of sharing our favorite Christmas carols and their history. We will be in the Fellowship Hall so that we can have the piano to accompany us as we sing them.

 

We have suggestions for 2025 but could use some help! Please contact Lynn if you’d like to assist with planning.

Contact: Lynn Walton:  lwalton@rawbits.com

 

We hope to see you at these final 2024 meetings!

Lynn & Lote

Featured Ministry: November

Introducing Our Floral Committee


This committee, like the others, stays busy!


During Advent, we decorate the sanctuary with greens and flowers appropriate to the season. Traditionally, many from the congregation have donated money to remember or honor a loved one with a poinsettia plant.


During Lent, we celebrate the Easter Festival with a huge display of colorful spring plants in flower. Again, members can donate to a remember a loved one and help us purchase spring plants.


One of our members prepares a monthly schedule indicating the person responsible for the flower arrangements each week.


Our members include Crissy Brewer, Karen Cozza, Lynette DuClos-Adelson, Pat Lindstrom, Suzanne McLean, Elizabeth Schilling and Lote Sanderson who makes those beautiful leis for special events.


Our Committee met at Suzanne McLean’s Garden in July for tea and scones and to plan for the holidays. It is a fun group that delights in sharing God's beauty. We will meet again in Mid-January to plan for Lent and Easter.


If you enjoy arranging flowers we'd love to have you join us! If you have extra flowers in your garden to share for our arrangements we'd love that, too!


Just contact Lynette Duclos Adelson at mlette117@gmail.com.

A long-time member of our congregation is looking for a ride to church on Sunday mornings. She lives on the Westside, not far from West Cliff Dr. If you can help out once or consistently, please let us know!


Email us at office@peaceunited.org

CYF Month of Gratitudes 


How has being attentive to gratitude made an impact in your day to day? What have been some of your daily gratitudes? Please share them with others as this brings a rich voice to us all as the children showed us last Sunday in worship with their examples of gratitude and enthusiasm in song!



We will continue with our theme of Gratitude with song, craft, and sharing. If you have not picked up a booklet to write daily gratitudes, please do so. (They are in the Narthex.) They include “thank you” stickers to give to others. (The booklets are primarily for our youth, however, we have extras so please pick one up for yourself if you are young at heart.)


Please RSVP to cyf@peaceunited.org if you plan to have your child(ren) participate. Contact the office if you have yet to register for this year.

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, December 7th 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


Prayers of healing

  • Prayers for Jane Heyse’s sister Chris, now in Hospice care, and for Nick Piediscalzi’s move to assisted living.
  • Prayers for Lynn & Bill Walton’s son Johnnie, having an adverse reaction to new medication, and for Lynn’s friend Sharon, whose mother just died, father and niece have terminal cancer and son is struggling with autism.
  • Continued prayers of healing for Lisa Johnson, David Zink, and Mike Speckman, and strength and courage for Sammi Oestereicher.
  • Prayers for immigrants and transgender people.
  • For family and friends dealing with physical and mental illnesses, addictions, and disabilities.
  • For the many who grieve losses: departed loved ones, health problems, lost dreams.
  • For people worldwide affected by natural disasters.
  • For victims of gun violence and for those who fight against it.
  • For those who are incarcerated and their families, and for all without housing.
  • For the people of Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, and Ukraine.


With gratitude

  • For new members of our congregation: Dan and Danielle Carlin, Debby Carroll, and Lois Lawson.
  • For the Association of Faith Communities, providing shelter and hope for unhoused people.
  • For veterans and active duty military and their families.
  • For hope in the face of despair, faith when there’s doubt, and light dispelling the dark. 
  • For all who speak God’s message of justice and all who choose to act with love.


Thank You, in Jesus’ Holy Healing Name, Amen!  

 

You may request prayers by emailing Prayers@PeaceUnited.Org,

calling Lynn Walton (600-7343), or calling the church office (426-2010).

We are thrilled to anounce that the Vera Taylor team has put together an informative web page. Please go to:


https://www.peaceunited.org/verataylor


Information here allows everyone at Peace to learn about the requirements for the Scholarship and the Mini Grant.


Thanks to the Vera Taylor Team: Chris Wellens (Chair), Karen Cozza, Tom Postlewaite, Christy Hightower, Mary McGranahan, Azra Simonetti, and Tammy Simo.


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.

Watch Out For Scammers


Peace United staff and leaders will never solicit you by e-mail, 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.


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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.

Small Groups and Ministries of Outreach

Use this link to find information about our various small groups and

ministries here at PUCC.

Peace UCC Facilities Calendar
To view our availability or request space on our campus click here!
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1320 Willow Pass Rd., Suite 600, Concord, CA 94520

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