TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2024

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A Day Away for Men October 19

Free to Love, Curse, Lose and Find God

Put on your big boy pants and walking shoes, bring a Bible and a notebook. And together, as men, we will explore scripture stories and our own experiences in order to help us be more honest and free in our relationship with God, with one another, with others in our lives and with ourselves. 

The place is Lake Merritt United Methodist Church, at 1225 1st Avenue, Oakland. The Retreat will be led by Rev. Jeff Kunkel, a retired pastor, writer, artist and Affiliate Professor at Berkeley School of Theology.

The retreat is Saturday, October 19, 10am - 3pm. The cost is $50, with refreshments and lunch included. Register by Friday, please. Contact Don Ashburn at Don@PiedmontChurch.org

2025 Giving Campaign

Commitment Sunday is October 27

Commitment Sunday is earlier than in recent years. After adjusting our operating campaign due to the 2020 pandemic, we have returned to a fall campaign for 2025. 

On Sunday, October 27, we will have the opportunity to come together as a community of faith to support our church during worship by submitting our Commitment Cards. Those worshipping online will be asked to visit a page on our website to make their commitments electronically.

Your financial commitment in advance of the 2025 fiscal year is essential to the organizational planning necessary to continue our trajectory of vibrancy and renewal. 

We ask you to consider Piedmont Community Church first when planning your giving to all the organizations you support. 

Don't Miss A Beat!

Our church calendar is updated almost daily to include all meetings, worship times and special events.

SPIRITUAL FORMATION

'Spirited Lunch' October 13

Women Together will host a 'spirited lunch' on Sunday, October 13 from 11:15am-12:30pm in the Kettlewell Room. This will be a time for women of the church to gather for a scriptural reflection, led by Nancy Walters, followed by prayer and a time for conversation and lunch. You will provide your own lunch (either brown bag it or order from Mulberry’s to pick up after worship) and we will provide the spiritual 'food' to encourage your relationship with God and one another. 

October’s reflection will focus on gratitude using two stories from the Gospels of women who exhibit extravagant gratitude.

'Experience God' Class Begins Oct. 20

Starting October 20 at 11:15am, Don Ashburn will be leading a 5-week class on “How to Experience God.” The class will meet in the Kettlewell Room, and explore how to know God, both in Scripture and in experience.

The class is open to anyone regardless of previous experience studying the Bible. As a resource, the class will use a booklet entitled Knowing God: Great Themes of the Bible.

Please let Don Ashburn know ahead of time if you’d like him to order a copy for you. The cost is $15, which can be paid once class starts. If the cost is too much, it can be waived. Just let Don know if you want a copy Contact Don at Don@PiedmontChurch.org

Free Film Screening October 25

On Friday, October 25, Piedmont Church will host a showing of the documentary, JOIN or DIE: A film about why you should join a club. Admission is free.

At a time when American society is more and more fractured – and our politics are increasingly fractious – the need for people to get together with others in face-to-face groups has never been stronger. The film follows the half-century journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking Bowling Alone research into America's decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to our society’s – and our democracy's – present crisis. 

The film will be shown in the Sanctuary, 7pm. Contact Don Ashburn at Don@PiedmontChurch.org 

Online Bible Study

On Mondays at 10am, Don Ashburn is leading a study on the Book of James. To participate fully, no previous experience in Bible study is expected or required. Just come with an open heart and mind and see where the Spirit leads you. 

The Zoom link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83211177073

NEXTGEN

Our NextGen ministry is very active, with lots of events throughout the month. Visit the NextGen web page by clicking below.

A NextGen Event Open to All - Come on out for an evening of music, fall treats, games, food and more. While you're there, don't forget to snap a photo at our Fall Wall photo moment. Friends are always welcome. Sign up today to save your spot.

November High School Retreat

High school students, welcome to your next adventure - the SEEK GRACE + TRUTH Fall Retreat at a lovely home in breathtaking Yosemite National Park. This isn't just any retreat; it's a journey to God's heart where we will discover how Jesus' character was the perfect balance between grace and truth. Through conversation, journaling, and Scripture study, we'll learn how to follow Jesus' example more closely in our daily lives.

Look forward to a peaceful weekend in nature, reflecting; refreshing your soul; and forging lasting friendships. Don't miss out. Register now and secure your spot for this unforgettable journey.

DATES: November 8-10

WHERE: Yosemite National Park

COST: $350/student

We will meet in the church parking lot at 4pm, November 8 and will return at approximately 4pm, November 10.

NextGen Dad's Group Kickoff

All NextGen dads are invited to our NextGen Dad's Fellowship Group Kickoff at 6:30pm Monday, November 4. This group is great for NextGen fathers to find new friends, experience care and prayer in a safe, authentic community and to have fun. Contact Matt Webster at cwebster44@gmail.com

FELLOWSHIP

Women Together Hike October 23

You're invited to participate in a Women Together hike on Wednesday, October 23, at 9:30am at the Redwood Bowl parking lot.

We look forward to hiking and fellowship in the Redwoods. Our group will depart from the lot by 9:40am. This hike is for all levels and will be an out-and-back hike, making it a 2-mile hike.

We recommend wearing sunscreen, good walking shoes, an extra layer and bringing a bottle of water.

We'll meet at the Redwood Bowl Staging Area parking lot, located 1.3 miles from the intersection of Joaquin Miller and Skyline Blvd. It's on the right just before Chabot Space and Science Center.

Cell reception at the lot may be spotty. Contact Virginia at (415) 385- 6538 or Cathy at (925) 667-8244

Women Together Hosts Crafts Event

Feeling crafty, ladies? Explore your creativity on Saturday, October 12 and November 16, 3-5pm in the Kettlewell room. Enjoy a fun arts and crafts social event with Suzie Skugstad facilitating.

All supplies and light snacks will be provided. Bring only your positive creative spirit.

Sign up on the Church Center app or contact Suzie Skugstad at suzie@hsdesigneb.com

Experience the magic of live theater together. We are a very casual group. Someone makes plans for an event and others may decide to join - sometimes with dinner out ahead of the event. Do you know of something upcoming we can add?

If you’d like to be notified of upcoming shows (theater, musicals, ballet, etc), please go to our Church Center app and add your name, or contact Linda McClain at lindamcclain@me.com or Judy Wright at rbwright1@me.com 

Friday, October 4, 7 pm

Berkeley Playhouse

”The Prom"

Wednesday, October 9, 7 pm

Berkeley Rep - “Mexodus”

Our FREE adults Game Night is now quarterly with the next one on Friday, November 1, 6:30-9pm in Guild Hall. Snacks, dessert and drinks will be served. Enjoy Poker, Mexican Train, Rummikub, Scrabble and more. Bring your favorite game or puzzle if you’d like. 

Register below or sign up in the Courtyard after worship. Contact Kathy Hurd at (916) 343-1519

SERVICE

Garfield Elementary Clean Up

On Saturday morning, October 26, from 9am - 12pm, we will be working at Garfield Elementary School to help clean and fix up the school as part of a Project Peace workday. Garfield Elementary School is one of the schools where many church members have tutored as part of the Children Rising tutoring program.

Children Rising mobilizes community support for struggling elementary school children living in Oakland’s lowest-income neighborhoods. They concentrate efforts on three programs that provide individualized reading and math support from trained, caring volunteer tutors and support from the community.

Children Rising is one of three Piedmont Church Mission Partners.

Food Angels Needs a Leader
Thank you Linda Rice for 19 years of service

For 22 years, our volunteer Food Angels have brought home-cooked dinners to ailing or grieving church members. The ministry has been an important blessing to so many people during hard times in their lives.

We have been extremely fortunate that Linda Rice has served as Food Angel Coordinator for more than 19 years. Thank you, Linda, for your loving service. And thank you as well to the dozens of angels who have cooked and delivered food and caring to those in need.

If a food ministry is to continue, it needs re-envisioning under a new leader or a team. If interested, contact Don Ashburn at Don@PiedmontChurch.org

Children Rising Seeks Coordinator

Are you ready for an inspiring, part-time role that will give children in Oakland a chance to rise to their God-given potential? Children Rising is looking for a caring, encouraging, detail-oriented Family Engagement Coordinator (FEC) to join our FamilyBridge team. This is a unique opportunity to change the trajectory of the lives of eager young children.

BUILDINGS & GROUNDS

The Buildings and Grounds committee is happy to report that the painting of the entire campus is complete. There are a few specialty items that are being addressed that will enhance our campus for years to come. 

Starting this week, the Christian Education Youth Room roof will be replaced along with rotten gutters/downspouts, missing or broken tiles and grout work to ensure that the tiles are all secure. 

In the coming weeks, we will start the exterior lighting project that includes the full replacement and redesign of the lighting on the campus. This is a large undertaking of the upmost importance. 

We are very excited to start these projects and continue to maintain our church. - Jay Foreman

WEEKLY REMINDERS

Staying Well While Gathering

Although many of us have begun to travel and widen our social lives in the past months, COVID and other respiratory infections have kept up with us, as you may have noticed in recent months.  We have learned a lot since 2020 about the consequences of these infections, which continue to impact the health of the most vulnerable and those we love.

To keep everyone we love well when gathering, we should take advantage of multiple effective strategies developed since 2020: 1) get updated COVID, influenza, and RSV vaccines that strengthen our individual and community immunity;  2) use rapid home antigen tests that are now free and available again by mail from the USPS; 3) take Paxlovid and other early antiviral treatments to reduce the risk of severe complications; 4) mask to protect yourself and prevent transmission; 5) use proper hand hygiene; and 6) ensure good ventilation wherever you gather.  For more information here are trusted sources:

Updated Vaccines: 

https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html

Free tests:

https://aspr.hhs.gov/COVID-19/Test/Pages/default.aspx

Messenger and Bulletin Deadlines

The Messenger

Piedmont Church’s online newsletter, The Messenger, is the primary source of communication. The Messenger is published digitally and distributed via email weekly.

Deadline for Messenger articles is 12 noon Monday

Michael Barber edits copy and designs the layout of each Messenger with careful consideration of article placement. Placement is determined based on relevance to the congregation and the wider community. 

Sunday Bulletin

Sunday bulletin and worship announcements are decided by Michael based on Tuesday discussions with Staff and lay leadership.

Print deadline for Sunday Bulletin is Tuesday, 12pm

Church Calendar

All information regarding the church calendar, including event dates, setup times and meetings, should be sent to Jay Foreman at Jay@PiedmontChurch.org

Please consider making an online offering by clicking below, or give while watching Sunday services on our website.