TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2022

MASK POLICY REVISED

The Reopening Task Force has endorsed, and the Board of Trustees has voted on a revision of the church’s mask policy from ‘required’ to ‘strongly recommended’ for all group meetings with more than 25 in attendance, including worship.

The decision is in line with the policy set forth by Alameda County. The policy will be revisited should COVID-19 conditions change.

Masks will continue to be available at the Sanctuary entrances and in other gathering areas of the church.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 WORSHIP MEDIA

Watch It Again, Or For The First Time

We begin the new program year with the return of the Chancel Choir. Steve Schibsted preaches and Don Ashburn and Scott Kail lead our service.

COMMISSIONING BOARD MEMBERS

This Sunday, September 18 we will introduce the members of the Boards of Trustees, Deacons and Christian Education during our worship service. Then, we will commission them, with God’s blessing and the support of our congregation, for the important work they have ahead.

LIFE GROUPS RETURN OCT 6

Life Groups are small groups that gather weekly on Thursday evenings from October 6 through November 10 for dinner starting at 6:15pm and conversation at 7pm. Everyone is invited to be part of a group, whether you’ve attended in the past or not. 

You can sign up to be part of a Life Group in the Courtyard after Sunday worship, or by clicking this link: https://piedmont.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/44/responses/new

Contact Don Ashburn for more information at: [email protected]

YOU ARE INVITED TO SERVE

By Paul Schroeder

You are invited to participate in a meeting this Sunday, September 18, at 9am in the staff workroom to help serve Altar Guild. Our group creates a warm and inviting place to worship and serve.

Thanks to our volunteers, we have been able to cover most of the needs over past two years, but we really look forward to expanding our numbers. Please consider attending this meeting to learn more about serving Altar Guild.

UPCOMING CLASS ON GIFTS AND CALL

On Sunday, October 2, and continuing each Sunday in the month, you are invited to explore how God has uniquely called and gifted you to grow and to serve in community. God has designed each of us wonderfully and uniquely! And, joy is ours when we respond to God’s call and serve God and others in accordance with our unique design.  

In this class you will explore both God’s call on your life and your inner design - your spiritual gifts, personality, passions and experiences. We ask that you can commit to at least 4 of the classes. If not, no worries, this class will be offered on a regular basis. 

Each week, we’ll meet from 11:15 am to 12:15 pm in the Kettlewell Room (located beneath Guild Hall). Contact Steve Schibsted or Don Ashburn.

To sign up for the class, please use this form: https://piedmont.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/49/responses/new

MONDAY BIBLE STUDY

Don Ashburn teaches an online Bible Study on Zoom each Monday, 10am. We are studying the Book of Colossians. 

Here is the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83296269401

YOUTH MINISTRY UPDATE

Youth Pastor Scott Kail shares his excitement about Youth Ministry as it gears up for another year at Piedmont Community Church.

CALL FOR AUDITIONS

Piedmont Church is excited to announce the formation of Chrysalis Choir, a new vocal ensemble for youth grades 8-12.

This group will rehearse Wednesdays 5-6pm, and will focus on creating high production-value music videos as well as live performance. Basic music-reading skills are preferred.

Interested singers should contact Music Director Stephen Main at [email protected] for more information and to schedule an audition.

REFUGEE TASK FORCE

Progress in the Works

By Scott Willis

Our attention to the Putrenkov family is focused, low-key, and constant. Over the last several months, we've accomplished a lot and we'll share that activity. However, let's start with the really great news!

Work Permits

After months of waiting the family just received their official SSN's and work permits. This is wonderful news and opens the door for them to move forward. We have a Work team that is engaged with both Alex (mechanical engineer) and Maryna (bookkeeper) to sort out professional opportunities. Over the next couple months it is likely jobs will materialize (we are prayerfully optimistic), triggering the church to move into a transition phase. In transitioning, we will help establish an apartment near work, move school for Vlad (1st grade), and consider ways to further extend our support.

ESL

We continue providing ESL support to all members of the family. Maryna is quite conversational now, Alex is improving, and Vlad is only testing the waters in English.

Driving

Alex has had a drivers license now for a couple months. Maryna has passed the written test and is practicing for the driving portion. Team members meet and take her out driving in Piedmont then swing by Wildwood and pick up Vlad. We are arranging a professional driver trainer to help with getting on/off the freeway.

Car Donation

We are truly grateful for the donation of a used car for the family. It was quite a process to get it retitled (twice) and ready. Alex and Maryna are enjoying the freedom this gives the family. Thank you to Listers for this important gift.

Asylum

The ongoing pro bono efforts of the Wilmer law firm successfully expedited the work permits. We are so grateful for Wilmer's efforts. There is an ongoing element to support official asylum and citizenship that will unfold over the next 2-3 years.

Benefits

It's taken a while but the family is hooked up with MediCal, CalFresh and CalWork. Their medical provider is settled for now (until employment changes that) and they are receiving services as needed. 

All this work wouldn't be possible without the generous time commitments made by so many. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Helping refugees to America "land well" is valuable and meaningful work for everyone involved. It's an opportunity to be God's hands and see the results for yourself. If you're interested, get involved! Reach out to [email protected] to discuss opportunities.

OUR 'HOMECOMING' PICNIC

On Sunday, September 11, Piedmont Church ushered in the 2022-23 program year with a Homecoming Picnic at Piedmont Park following worship. Hosted by the Christian Education Board, the event featured live music, great food and fun. Photographs by Michael Barber

VIEW PHOTO GALLERY: https://www.piedmontchurch.org/homecoming-picnic-2022/

891 VIEWS, 30 DAYS

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