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Worship This Sunday

November 15, 10:30 am

Twenty-fifth Sunday After Pentecost

Matthew 25:14-30

Digging Up Buried Treasure

Meditation 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.

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

Download our Fall Brochure

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

Farmworker Families at Perennials Gathering

This Sunday we welcome special guests who are, if you think about it, with us every day… at least every day we have something to eat!

The Center for Farmworker Families (CFF) organizes to raise awareness about the challenging circumstances of farmworker families, advocates for the improvement of their financial stability, physical heath and overall well-being, and provides direct support through several assistance and empowerment projects. (Our church has long participated in the Holiday Gift Drive for Children.) Linda Bravo, Community Engagement Leader for CFF, joined by others from the farmworker community will be at Peace UCC this Sunday, with a Mission Moment during the 10:30am worship service, then giving a fuller presentation with a chance for dialogue at the Perennials gathering after worship.

Brewery Group!

The PUCC Brewer group is meeting this next Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 6:00PM at Woodhouse Blending & Brewing, 119 Madrone St, Santa Cruz. It’s a week earlier than usual. Come to enjoy good company and conversation as well as food and beverage of your choice.

You may have heard about the formation of the Peace Neighborhood Network. Its mission as approved by the council last month is: To build and maintain regular communication within neighborhood groups of Peace members and friends, so that all feel connected to and cared for by the church body.

Here are some of its goals:

For leaders to connect with each group member for two-way communication on a regular basis, either in person, by zoom, email, or phone call
To provide a contact person (the pod leader) when a group member has a need for support, including practical support for those who are ill or bereaved, including contacting the Pastor. (Pod leaders will usually check in monthly.)
To regularly provide updates about what’s going on at church as needed

We are in the process of identifying pod leaders as well as dividing our directory in geographical groups of 10 to 12 households. If you are interested in being a pod leader and have yet to be asked, please let one of us know. (See list in signature below). We expect a time commitment of about 3-4 hours a month.

If you’re not in the directory and would like to be included in a pod, again, please contact someone in the list below. You will only be contacted in your preferred time frame, including frequency.

Faithfully,

Maryse Postlewaite, Anne Rogers, Cathy Sarto, Lynn Walton

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The Worship Enhancement Committee is hoping that you have noticed the growing Harvest Celebration on the Sanctuary Chancel. You are invited to join in the celebration of God's bounty by bringing shelf-stable foods on any or all of the Sundays in November. There will be a large basket for your donations in the narthex as you enter the church. The Sunday after your generous donations you will find your gifts woven into the growing chancel display. All food contributions will be donated to the Gray Bears Healthy Food Program. Please join us in delighting in and sharing God's gifts. With the government shut down and the pulling of funds from non-profits, the need is especially great this year so, please, dig deep and be the generous congregation you are.

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

Gratitude

Our theme for the month of November is GRATITUDE! This month we will be sharing stories that help us think about how to be grateful as we move into a season of giving and celebration.

This week we are sharing We Are Grateful by Traci Sorrell. This lovely picture book shares a perspective on gratitude from the Cherokee people, offering ways to be grateful throughout the year. As we explore the seasons and learn new words, we'll think of ways to be grateful all year long!

We hope you enjoy this week's online storytelling video.

Kids' Night Out is Next Friday!

Friday, November 20 will be our next Kids' Night Out! We invite kids to join us from 6 - 8 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall for pizza, crafts, and story! We'll be making a poster to display in the Narthex and talking about gratitude!

RSVP to cyf@peaceunited.org.

The Center for Farmworker Families Holiday Gift Drive for Children

Thanks to those of you who have already signed up to provide a special holiday gift to the children of farmworker families in Santa Cruz County.

All gifts should be age-appropriate, gender-neutral, engaging, and approximately $50 in value. Gifts should be donated UNWRAPPED, in a bag or box. Gifts should be delivered to Peace United Church of Christ by Friday, December 4. For any questions, email Tony at pastmoderator@peaceunited.org.

Thank you!

Church members will be on hand after worship with sign-up sheets and more information. For a complete description of the Center's holiday gift drive, view a short slide presentation by clicking HERE.

Some gift ideas:

Creative Kids	STEM Explorer	Movie Night
Coloring books or sketchbooks	STEM experiment kits	Movie gift card
Colored pencils or markers	Building sets	Blanket
Art kits	Small puzzles	Stuffed animals
Small craft projects	LEGO® sets	Popcorn and snacks
Creative activity kits	Engineering or science kits	Cozy movie-night accessories

You can also sign THIS FORM, scan or take a photo of it and return by email to pastmoderator@peaceunited.org

Piano by Moonlight: Candlelit Evenings of Rest and Reverie

Solo piano music by our own Aidan Santa Cruz every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:30-9:30 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 updates and more information(like cancellations!) please check out the Facebook group linked here and/or contact Aidan directly: 831-428-2368, aidanfpsc@gmail.com

Did you know that by following Peace on social media and interacting with our posts (liking, commenting, and sharing) you can help other, like-minded people find Peace? You can also find information about events, fun glimpses of things happening at Peace, worship videos, and other news!

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 Cathy Sarto and her family, grieving the loss of her mother, who passed at age 94.
For I's family, especially her son.
For Lisa’s grandson Dustin, living with cancer, and Darrell Johnson, in a care home.
For Joyce Cunningham, recovering from a heart attack and surgery.
For Mary Male's son Johnathan Barclay, hospitalized with stage 4 cancer. May he be comfortable and find peace.
For Kwok's mother-in-law living with dementia, and his sister-in-law going through cancer treatment.
Prayers for Jane's niece, Clara, and her adult children, Akiah and Ike, as Clara begins a challenging transition into a recovery center in Kansas City. May she adjust well and find hope in her new surroundings.
Prayers for Lynn, Doug, Gina & little Maya Walton, all with RSV.
For Lisa and her family, especially her son, his partner, and their three little children, including Harmony.

Prayers for our Communities, Country and the World

For an end to the violent conflicts that plague our world. May leaders and peoples open their hearts to peaceful resolutions and transformative justice.
For those being targeted by ICE and for all those frightened by ICE presence in our community. May all be safe from unjust persecution.
For immigrants and their families, everyone in custody, and those experiencing being targeted, oppressed, and dealt with unjustly. May we see God's love flowing through all people and protect our communities.
For all new representatives who will head into the Senate and Congress next year. May they serve us well and with honor.
For all who experience housing insecurity and limited access to resources, especially as the weather cools and the seasons change. May all be warm and sheltered during this season.

Prayers of Gratitude

For Tony and Jane, who identified ICE in Santa Cruz and notified YARR so that members of our community could observe and resist.
For everyone who voted!
For the passion and commitment of children and youth, who inspire all of us to pursue a better world and open our hearts and minds to different ways of being and pursuing reconciliation, justice, joy, and peace.
For those who dare to speak truth to power and defy unjust systems. May we all find the bravery to resist injustice and amplify voices that are unheard. Gratitude for people who speak out despite risks to their livelihood and comfort.
For those who make space for difficult conversations and disagreements in our increasingly polarized environment.
For new and old faces in our community. May we continue to walk our spiritual journeys together and support each other on our path.
For those who give of their time and resources to this church and its many programs. We are the hands, feet, and face of God!

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).

Find Friends and Activities @ Peace!

At Peace United, there are many opportunities for fellowship, spiritual growth, helping with events and socializing. To help you find a group that you might be interested in joining, our Ministries, Committees, and Groups booklet has been updated. It describes each group and lists the chairperson and their contact information and members. Everyone is welcome so come join us....

You can download our updated booklet HERE.

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
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.