Reflection for Worship. . .
"And the Table Will Be Wide
"
A Blessing for World Communion Sunday
And the table will be wide. And the welcome will be wide. And the arms will open wide to gather us in. And our hearts will open wide to receive.
And we will come as children who trust there is enough. And we will come unhindered and free. And our aching will be met with bread. And our sorrow will be met with wine.
And we will open our hands to the feast without shame. And we will turn toward each other without fear. And we will give up our appetite for despair. And we will taste and know of delight.
And we will become bread for a hungering world. And we will become drink for those who thirst. And the blessed will become the blessing. And everywhere will be the feast.
Bible Text for Sunday
: Mark 6:34-46
This Sunday many Christians around the globe will be observing Worldwide Communion Sunday, a day when we remember and honor the grand diversity and connection we have with other Churches. We also continue to widen the circle of connection as we partner with folks who are in other faith traditions. How fitting that we will participate in putting together food packages for those in need alongside other Christians and Muslims after worship this Sunday.
In worship we will be guided by one of the miracle stories of the feeding of the multitude, a story of Jesus guiding disciples in his day to share widely with friends and strangers.
We hope you will join us for worship and then stay for the
Rise Against Hunger
event. Lunch will be provided in the Fellowship Hall and the event will take place across the Cloister in the Great Hall.
Communion will be served in worship and you are invited to bring a non-perishable food item for the Friends in Deed Food Pantry, as well as a donation for our Good Samaritan Fund or the UCC Neighbors in Need offering which will be collected this week.
Let us share our abundance! Hope to see you Sunday.
-Rev. Marlene W. Pomeroy
Also on Sunday:
In worship this Sunday we will hear Dr. Linda Zoolalian on piano, our choir singing its anthem, and Brian Langr singing at the piano.
Neighbors In Need Offering
Our church participates in all five denominational offerings in the United Church of Christ - we are a proud five for five church! This Sunday we invite donations for Neighbors In Need, an outreach offering of the UCC that provides important funds for relief efforts in communities where UCC churches are actively involved in providing wellness and support. Envelopes will be provided in worship, or you may send your check to the church office, with a note explaining you are supporting the NIN Offering. For more information about how the funds are invested, please see the tab on
UCC.org
Social Media Connections
Did you know that we have a Facebook (First Congregational Church of Pasadena, United Church of Christ) account and an Instagram (fccpasadena) church account? You will find weekly updates and inspirational articles that profile our church each week. Please pull up these accounts and follow us! Let’s get the word out about what great things we are doing here at FCC Pasadena.
Interested in a Spiritual Practices Group?
Are you looking for a faithful place to connect with others, quiet your mind and nurture your faith through mindful spiritual practices such as: breathing, restorative yoga, prayer, journaling, meditation, etc.? Please let Pastor Marlene know of your interest in attending a group such as this. It would be helpful for her to know what your particular needs are, how often you would plan to attend, and a couple of times during the week that you would be able to attend a 75 minute meeting at the church. If we have enough interest we will proceed with some dates this Fall. Contact Marlene via
fccrevs@yahoo.com
Join Us For these Fall Events! Details will be forthcoming in future Touchstones.
Sun. Oct. 6th
- Rise Against Hunger Food Preparation Event
Sat. Oct. 12th
- Aid Africa Walk for Water
Sat. Oct. 19th
-
Fruit Pick 10:00-11:30 a.m. (details tba)
FUMC Mozart Requiem Concert 7:30pm.
Sun. Oct. 20th
-
Rev. Anne Cohen's Retirement Party
following worship with catered luncheon.
Sun. Oct. 27th
-
Halloween Party and lunch following worship.
Sat. Nov. 2nd
-
Aid Africa Fund-Raiser on-site in Fellowship Hall
Sun. Nov. 3rd
- Pasadena CROP Hunger Walk
From Connie, our Music Director:
As we look forward to October 19, the glorious Mozart Requiem will be brought to life by several local church choirs, including members of FCC UCC choir joining the FUMC choir in the FUMC sanctuary. We hope you’ll mark your calendars!