What's New at Peace | September 18

Worship This Sunday

September 20, 10:30 am

Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost

Matthew 20:1-16

Artificial Intelligence and the Crisis of Trust

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.

Watch on YouTube

Sunday Bulletin

Watch on Facebook

Download our Fall Brochure

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

Our 2026-2027 Pledge Drive is at $269,698.11!

We are only $301.89 short of meeting our goal of $270,000 and moving forward with a balanced budget!!!

We expect to fill this gap and beyond with the remaining households who have indicated their desire to pledge. If you have intended to pledge, we urge you to do so. If you donate regularly, your donation goes to our general funds. You can turn this into a pledge by sending Devon and email at office@peaceunited.org to let her know in writing.

We are grateful for our Peace United community who has rallied together to fully fund our needs for this year.

In the next Stewardship Zoom meeting on September 22nd at 3:00 pm we have several topics to discuss as we broaden our ministry. (Yes, we are more than the Annual Fund Drive.) We will explore ways to celebrate our success, the Peace Neighborhood Network, and Featured Ministries to name a few. Consider joining this vibrant group. Lend your talent to our Peace UCC community. Contact Tony Augimeri, chair of Stewardship, via email at stewardship@peaceunited.org.

We also continue to honor all the ways/initiatives we move as a community. We are blessed to be able to do so much, beyond our “budget”.

Artwork at Peace

Bob Hughes: The Triptych

Bob Hughes was a devoted member of the church from 1980 until his death in 1995, active in the stewardship committee, men's fellowship, and jail ministry. His career with General Foods took him and his wife Joanna to Modesto, CA, Avon, NY, and Mexico City before they retired to Santa Cruz in 1980.

Bob's love of art began in the 1950s with the Central California Art League in Modesto, and he pursued it throughout his life, working in oils, watercolors, and ceramics. In Santa Cruz, he joined a local watercolor painting group alongside Matt Broadbent, Bess Blodgett, Donna Large, and Hulda McClean.

In the early 1990s, a few years before his death, Bob created this triptych, using acrylic paints, as a gift to the church. He painted it as one continuous landscape that was meant to be hung in sequence. He designed it to bring a Spring and Summer theme to the sanctuary, in contrast to the Advent and Lenten pieces already in place. Working in an abstract style, Bob chose colors and textures meant to evoke a spiritual, emotional, and intellectual experience for those in worship. Though his original concept was more abstract, he incorporated recognizable structures at the suggestion of friends, striking a balance between representation and feeling. The paintings depict no real place — they were created purely to serve the sanctuary and those who sit within it.

(written by Joanna Normoyle, Bob Hughes' granddaughter)

Senior Perennials begins its new season on September 20, 2026

We will begin with a walk through the sanctuary to discover the symbols of faith embedded in the architecture and design of our church. We will also describe how our nearly 170 years old church transformed from the First Congregational Church of Santa Cruz to Peace United Church of Christ. After worship you are invited to gather at the entrance to the sanctuary to begin our mystery/history tour.

This week, meet Jesse. The Vera Taylor Fund is proud to support him on his educational journey through the Rising Scholar Program.

Jesse Tapia — Cabrillo College · Human Services

Jesse is a student at Cabrillo College pursuing an education in Human Services, working toward a career focused on helping individuals who struggle with substance use and mental health challenges. His educational goal is to continue developing the knowledge and skills needed to become an effective human services professional. Jesse hopes to work in substance use treatment, counseling, or case management, supporting individuals and families as they access resources, overcome barriers, and create healthier futures for themselves. Grounded in compassion and a genuine desire to serve others, he is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of people navigating some of life's most difficult circumstances.

Featured Ministry: AFC
Association of Faith Communities

Faith Community Shelter (rotating shelter)

Submitted by Lisa Johnson

Peace United is in its 13th year as a Sunday night host site for the Association of Faith Communities nightly rotating homeless shelter, the Faith Community Shelter. Lynette DuClose-Adelson and friends have faithfully prepared and served a group of 6-12 unsheltered neighbors every first Sunday of the month since 2021 (some ups & downs and creative sheltering through the pandemic). Peace UCC members have also prepared and served on the fifth Sundays of the month since 2021. Both Christ Lutheran and St Andrews Presbyterian had been serving 2nd and 3rd Sundays but have had to stop; we are so grateful for their volunteers and serving in this mission. Chadeish Meinhu continues to serve on the 4th Sunday at our host site.

AFC also provides the following services within both the North County of Santa Cruz and now the South County of Santa Cruz:

SPIN: Socks For People In Need member churches donate socks, clothes and food

Safe Parking Program: Santa Cruz County’s largest Safe Parking Program for folks living in their vehicles. Serves up to 77 participants, providing case management, restrooms/showers /wi-fi and a dinner.

Shelter: Faith Community Shelter which Peace UCC is a host site. Provides transitional housing seven nights a week at different host sites. Guests are vetted and receive case active management while in the program. Host site members provide volunteers who prepare and serve dinners and fellowship.

Peace UCC also participates in The Mid County Homeless Coalition of Faith communities Shower the People program. The largest and only fund raising event is the Chili Cook Off held at Resurrection Catholic Church in Aptos once a year.

Shower the People is seeking another church/organization/volunteer looking for a a wonderful ministry to serve in the Shower the People program. Presently Twin Lakes Church, Congregational Church of Soquel, Resurrection Catholic Church and St John’s Episcopal all participate and share a Saturday shift. If anyone is interested or would like to visit a shower site please let me know. I will get you in contact with the shower trailer team.

Thank you,

Lisa Johnson, volunteer

Kids' Night Out is tonight, Friday, September 18 from 6 - 8 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. We will make personal pizzas, play games, do a craft, and read a story!

If your kiddos would like to join us, RSVP to Joliene at cyf@peaceunited.org

This month we'll be focusing on our theme of....

Generosity!

This month we are focusing on a parable in Matthew 20. Jesus tells a story of laborers working in a field and how the landowner was generous with the workers. We will explore this story in Sunday School KNO by reading stories that can help us think about generosity!

This week's story is Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller. In this story book, Tanisha spills grape juice all over herself at school! What can we do to help Tanisha feel better? Throughout the story, a little girl thinks of how she can help cheer up her friend. Should she give her a sweater? Should she spill juice on herself, too?

The little girl discovers that while she can't undo or fix what happened to Tanisha, she can be generous and kind to her friend. She paints her a picture of purple flowers to show that she cares. How can we be generous?

You can find this week's story video below.

Please, Read this Book!

These are especially challenging times for Transgender people who have been made a contentious topic in our culture wars, often talked about but not so often listened to. Nico Lang’s book, American Teenager: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy In A Turbulent Era (Abrams Press, 2024) tells the story of eight trans youth, with extensive quotations from them and contextual narrative that helps us to hear and understand.

Pastor Dave will be leading a small group, Thursday evenings in October (1st through the 22nd) to discuss this book and to pray together, listening for ways that we might be more open and supportive.

January 19, 2027 we will host a public event with the author here at our church. Nico Lang is an award-winning reporter and editor. They are an LGBTQ+ correspondent for VICE and a frequent contributor to NBC News and Xtra. Their work has been featured in the New York Times, Rolling Stone, Esquire, Harper’s Bazaar, Washington Post, Vox, BuzzFeed, Jezebel, The Guardian, Out, The Advocate, and the L.A. Times.

Check out our Fall Brochure!

Download our new brochure and take a look at what's happening this season at Peace UCC!

Download the Fall Brochure

Festival Sundays! Senior Perennials events! Book discussion group! FallFest! Activities for Children, Youth, and Families! Check it out now :)

We’re throwing a party, and we’d love for you to join us for our Peace Village FallFest!

On Saturday, October 17, from 11am to 3 pm, we’re celebrating Peace Village, a community of service and ministry groups, musicians, dancers, and clubs that enjoy Peace United Church of Christ’s 900 High Street campus in Santa Cruz.

This week's FallFest organizing call - Food prep and service

In this week's worship announcements, you'll hear a call to set up, serve, and clean up our delectable lunch and baked goods offerings. If you'd like to offer an hour or two of hands on help, please contact catherinegracesarto@gmail.com so we can slot you in.

Food, Friends, and Fellowship

Sign ups for Welcoming Tables will begin this Sunday, September 20, following worship. Welcoming Tables meet every/other month from October through June to share a meal and conversation. Joining a Welcoming Table group will give you an opportunity to build relationships and meet people in the congregation with whom you may never have spoken.

Sign ups will continue until October 4.

Contact Mary Lois Comeskey maryloisc@gmail.com for more information.

Hello Peace Family!

Some of you know my story, I'm on a path of intense growth in order to become the man I want to be, living in love and gratitude, giving back, and making a positive impact on the world. I've been taking great strides in this direction, and next month I have an opportunity for one of the biggest healing experiences yet. I'm asking for help getting there. If you are willing to share my card with your network, or friends, anything and everything is greatly appreciated! As you can see from my business card, I'm quite versatile and can surely help with any project you'd like to get done. Thank you so much!

Walking with you in Beauty,

-Kevin Altenberg

From the Worship Enhancement Committee

Thank you! Thank you! The Worship Enhancement Committee was delighted by the eager generosity of our congregation in providing beautiful, creative, meaningful arrangements for the sanctuary during the summer Sundays. You shared your loving memories, birthday and anniversary celebrations and gratitude for the people God has blessed you with in glorious ways. If, throughout the year, you'd like to contribute an arrangement just contact Lynette to get it on our calendar. Worship is made sweeter when God's creations are brought inside!

Lynette (mlette117@gmail.com) for the Worship Enhancement Committee

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 Fernando, who may face deportation in the coming months, and for his family and community. Prayers for his attorneys as they try to ensure that Fernando can remain with his family in the U.S. and continue to build his life here.
For Kwok's mother-in-law living with dementia, and his sister-in-law going through cancer treatment.
J prays for more volunteers to come to the jail and bring incarcerated people a message of hope and revitalization.
For our family members, friends, and loved ones who are incarcerated. May they find hope and may our system move toward transformational justice.
For Mary Male's son Johnathan Barclay, hospitalized with stage 4 cancer. May he be comfortable and find peace.
For the Perez and Guardian family.
Prayers for Deborah's grandson and her son's sobriety. May all struggling with addiction be able to break the cycle and know that they are loved.
For Jane Heyse, recovering from a serious flu and asthma-related illness, and for her spouse, Bob, who was also recently ill. May they recover well and fully.
Prayers of strength and courage for R as she pursues her sobriety. May she also find support, resources, and structure for her journey.
For those struggling with mental health issues and addiction. May resources be made available and affordable so that people can get the help they need.
For Cathy Sarto's mother, who is 94 and was recently hospitalized.
For D and S's families.
For I's family, especially her son.
For Lisa’s grandson Dustin, living with cancer, and Darrell Johnson, in a care home.

Prayers for our Communities, Country and the World

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 affected by natural disasters and human violence, terror, war and displacement, especially the children.
For the people of Nepal in the aftermath of terrible flooding.
For those traveling to foreign places to build a future. May we create a world where people can thrive in their communities and in which immigration is not criminalized.
For an end to the national and international conflicts that continue to take lives. May leaders and peoples pursue peace and transformative justice.
For pregnant people struggling to find ethical care in states with severe restrictions on reproductive rights and procedures. May they be safe, healthy, and find the care that they need.

Prayers of Gratitude

For peaceful protestors all over the county, country, and world. May we continue to stand up for our values.
For all who give much of their time and talent to our church, and for those who pledge.
For Fernando's attorneys, family, and community as they support him and each other during these uncertain times.
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 new and old faces in our community. May we continue to walk our spiritual journeys together and support each other on our path.

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.