Worship This Sunday

November 30th,10:30 am

First Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 2:1-5

Keep Calm and Carry On

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.

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Sunday Worship Bulletin

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

Download Our 2025 Advent & Christmas Brochure

Pastor Note: from the Rev. David Pattee

Happy Thanksgiving!

There's something wonderful in all of the holidays, but the one in which I've always found the most relaxed and refreshing pleasure is Thanksgiving.

The best of our Thanksgiving traditions call up a deeper meaning and purpose that make it a truly holy day for people of different faiths, and people who wouldn't think of themselves as religious at all. When we gather and connect to name our blessings out loud, to celebrate generosity and to care for those who are hungry or lost or alone, when we remember our elders and dote on our children, grateful for the goodness we share and renewing our identity in God's will for justice and peace... when we do these things we enter a sacred time and space of joy in which God is truly praised. That's a Happy Thanksgiving!

The very best we have begins with a gift fulfilled in the sharing: our lives, the creation of which we are a part, and the love that makes it all good! Revel in the gift. Be grateful. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Informational Meeting, December 7, after worship:

Bridging the Gap:

PUCC’s Financial Health for the next 4 years.

Dear members and friends of Peace United Church of Christ:

The finance team, church council, and the Peace Village Housing Management Committee invite you to an important presentation after worship on Sunday, December 7. The topic will be the current status of our finances and the outlook for the next 4 years.

Recently, the Peace Village Housing Management Committee hosted an informational gathering to update the congregation on the timeline for breaking ground and completing Peace Village. Guest Sibley Simon, the Managing Director of Envision Peace Village LLC, the tenant and official developer of the project., presented the current state of progress for this project, which, you may recall, has been in the works for close to ten years.

While we were assured that Peace Village remains the top priority for Sibley and his crew at WorkBench, many were disheartened to find out that the project would not be complete until sometime in 2028, with income for our church coming in at the earliest in 2029.

We will present to you a current and future picture of our financial outlook for the next few years, as we "bridge the gap" until Peace Village begins to generate income for our church. If you have questions or ideas, bring them to the meeting, or send your questions in advance to: moderator@peaceunited.org.

In community,

Tony Augimeri, Moderator

Tom Postlewaite, Treasurer

Welcome new member

Valkyrie Quest

Valkyrie Quest (she/her) lives in Bonny Doon and was baptised at Natural Bridges on Saturday, Oct. 25 before formally joining the church on Sunday, Oct. 26. There were huge waves. This was a 3rd reaffirmation for Valkyrie. God has always been her companion. The bulk of her relationship with God began in 2010 when Valkyrie was in a severe car accident in which she received multiple near fatal injuries and CPTSD, to which her survival would not have been guaranteed without the intervening hand of God.

As a trans woman, she was delighted to learn about Peace United Church of Christ through Lanakila and be welcomed into the community.

Valkyrie is an artist, musician and activist. She grew up in a family owned and operated art gallery in Stowe Vermont. She also pursued her degree across multiple majors including Video Game Design, Creative Writing, and Media Arts, She was ranked among the top 100 sales associates in the world at VF Nautica during her early 20s, she garnered over 6 Million viewers on Unsplash during her time as an indie model and IMDb Credited Actress between 2017 and 2020, and eventually Valkyrie worked for NetFlix’s historic DVD chapter as a Customer Service Representative before she moved to Santa Cruz in 2021 until in 2022 when Valkyrie began her deep dive into Activism, Art, and Music full time.

Right now she is happy to be a member and part of the community and feels so welcome. She chose to have her picture taken in front of the Welcome sign in the Narthex so she can share her story of her welcoming church with the trans and LGBTQ community.

She is looking forward to finding ways to use her skills as a member of Peace and has already come to the Thursday morning poetry and meditation group.

Welcome, Valkyrie! “

Susie Land

More Missing Juniper!

Our Buildings & Grounds sawzall queen, Natalia Duarte, attacked another area of juniper by the sidewalk to the office. With the help of Larry Kistner and Roger Erickson, they hope to have it all gone by this weekend.

The B&G crew meets every Friday morning after 9:00 to perform landscape tasks such as pruning back shrubs, raking up leaves, and getting rid of juniper! And next week we start decorating the church for Advent, with trees and lights. Come join us and enjoy a cup of coffee and a donut at 11:30, donated by Jan Graff and Bill Walton.

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 6th 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: GIVE THANKS!

Hi Peace families! Our theme for November is GIVE THANKS!

This week we're reading a book by Cherokee author Traci Sorell called "We Are Grateful." As Traci tells us in an author's note, "Cherokee culture places a strong emphasis on expressing gratitude to unelanvhi (oo-NEH-la-nuh-hee), literally 'the one who provides all,' or God. We also show gratitude for one another, animals, birds, plants, fish, the cosmos, water, and land. Cherokee people believe that recognizing and honoring the ways that the sacred and the duties of daily life are interwoven requires effort, ritual, and awareness, but above all, gratitude."

This week, we share this story about gratitude in all seasons as Sorell teaches us some Cherokee words and ways to be mindful of our blessings all year round.

You can find this week's story here: https://youtu.be/7WALFnVRf-w

December 7: Family Worship/Sunday School and Intergenerational Ornament crafting after church

December 16: Christmas Caroling party

December 18: Family Worship/Sunday School

Blessings,

The CYF Team

The Christmas Project

Making a Difference for Farmworker Families

Each year, the PUCC community joins other churches and nonprofits to support farmworker families in Pajaro Valley who do the hard labor to provide fruits and vegetables for our table.

Early winter is a particularly difficult time as agricultural activity is a bit quiet such that income for farmworker families is pretty low.

For decades, we have participated in the Christmas Project which works to provide some holiday cheer to families. Many of you know the Christmas Project, but if you don’t it’s very simple. We have “angels” that include a name, age, and a gift wish. You choose one or several angels, shop for the gift, and bring it wrapped to the church.

We will be tabling throughout November at the Sunday Service. Please stop by the table and make your selections.

Anna Hackenbracht and Mira Haslam, Christmas Project Co-Chairs

Christmas Poinsettias for our Sanctuary

Let's celebrate! You are invited to donate toward poinsettias, other flowers and greenery that will be used to decorate our sanctuary for the Advent and Christmas seasons. If you would like to designate your gift in honor or memory of a loved one, we will print those designations in the Christmas bulletin.

You can send donations 2 ways:

-By check sent to the office

· Please include "Memorial/Milestone Fund" in the memo line and a note about who or what is being remembered or honored

-Through our PayPal (linked here)

· Please select "Memorial/Milestone Fund" from the drop-down menu

· After entering your donation amount, choose "Write a Note" and enter the details about who is being remembered or honored. Your words will be printed in the bulletin

The Worship Enhancement Committee

Faith & Family Night

at SC Warriors Arena!

Join us on December 28th at 6 p.m. at Kaiser Permanente Arena for a special Peace United Church outing at the Santa Cruz Warriors Faith & Family game!

There is a section of seating reserved for Peace United members, friends, and families - be sure to grab your seats by November 29th and use the link below to ensure you're seated with the rest of the group. Enjoy an evening of family fun and basketball with your local Peace United community as we take on the Oscelea Magic!

The first 1,000 fans in attendance with receive a SCW Hat!

Use the link below to purchase your tickets!

https://www.gofevo.com/event/Peaceunitedd

Writing As a Spiritual Practice

& an Invitation

Anna Citrino

Please join me for a reading from my new book, Stories We Didn’t Tell, Saturday 5 December, London Nelson Center, Room 1, 5:30 to 6:30pm.

There also will be an author interview conducted by Tom Postlewaite and guitar music with Lanakila Iesu. Books will be available for signing.

Families are struggling right now. But there is tangible hope!

COPA trains and develops the next generation of leaders to make Monterey Bay a better place for families.

When you give to COPA, you are investing in our future. Donate today through MC Gives! And even better news. When you give through MC Gives! your gift will be increased by about 18% through the matching fund.

If you want to know more about our work this past year including our action in Sacramento, please visit our website.

"In normal life we hardly realize how much more we receive than we give, and life cannot be rich without such gratitude,” Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Holy One, keep us in the Amazing Grace that is ours through the spirit of Christ, in whose Holy Name we pray

Prayers of Healing and Faith and Continuing Prayers for our Community

For Lynn & Bill’s son Johnnie, still waiting for a kidney transplant.
Comfort for Kwok’s, Aidan’s, and Susie’s families and for all who grieve lost family and friends.
Healing and health for Lynn, Lisa’s grandson Dustin, for Suzanne’s daughter Allison, Devon’s mom Steacie, Gretchen’s sister-in-law Janet and aunt Martha, Nick Piediscalzi, and Philip’s friend David.

Prayers for our Communities, Country and the World

For food aid restored and affordable healthcare, for federal workers and public servants.
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 hunger, especially the children.

Prayers of Gratitude

For UCC ministers and peaceful protestors, standing up to oppression.
For all volunteers giving their time and talent in our church and community.
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.