Community UCC eNews
Aug. 19, 2021
|
Community UCC is an inclusive and progressive Christian Church doing social justice, environmental faithfulness, interfaith collaboration and spiritual formation to help ourselves and others grow in faith, hope and love.
SO MUCH GOOD NEWS! — If it says "[Message clipped]" at the bottom of your eNews, that means you're not seeing everything. Click the link next to that to view the entire newsletter.
|
Sunday worship
On Sunday, Aug. 22, Pastor Julia Penner-Zook will deliver a sermon inspired by Psalm 84.
We had another wonderful worship service last Sunday. You won't want to miss our in-person gatherings. But if you're not able to make it, you can watch the livestream at 10:30 a.m. at bit.ly/cuccyoutube.
We are working to improve the audio quality so everyone can hear and understand our services. Thank you for your patience.
Sunday worship begins at 10:30 a.m.
|
|
|
Second COVID case at CUCC
An individual who came to the Aug. 15 Sunday service has tested positive for COVID-19. That person wore a mask and spoke to only a few people.
We have notified those people who had contact with this individual.
“While another positive COVID test has been identified, we as church leadership continue our commitment to everyone’s safety. We value your prayers," Pastor Julia Penner-Zook says.
|
|
Update on first COVID case at CUCC
The person who came to the Aug. 1 Sunday service – and later tested positive for COVID-19 – has tested negative after quarantining at home.
Furthermore, none of the three people who had direct contact with the person at church on Aug. 1 have COVID-19. All wore masks and had been fully vaccinated. Two of the three got tested with negative results. The third individual had no symptoms and quarantined for 10 days.
In addition, 12 church members and staff later had contact with two of the individuals mentioned above. Five of the 12 got tested with negative results. None of the 12 have had any COVID-19 symptoms.
“I’m grateful that our collective vigilance, along with transparency of our members, have paid off,” Pastor Julia Penner-Zook says.
|
|
Sunday school on hold until mid-September
The Faith Education Team has made the difficult decision to suspend Sunday school until Sept. 12. Our nursery already made this move some weeks ago.
We appreciate the vigilance of the team and Robin to prioritize safety for children and teachers during the increased risk of the Delta variant.
Sunday school teachers are needed for the fall. If you're interested, please contact Eileen White at eileenewhite@icloud.com.
|
|
For everyone's safety and health
Please be mindful that we are prioritizing the safety and health of everyone by continuing to wear masks – indoors as well as when speaking with each other in the breezeway.
Other safety protocols:
• Hand sanitizer is available.
• Social distancing continues in the sanctuary. Families, of course, can sit together.
• Do not shake hands or hug.
• Please observe social distancing outside.
• No food or drinks will be provided in the breezeway during fellowship. Please bring your own drinks to stay hydrated.
We continue our utmost caution for the sake of our children, our elders, those who have not been vaccinated, and those who are health compromised. Thank you for your understanding.
|
|
Thursday evening worship on Zoom
Thursday evening worship is at 7 p.m. on Zoom. If you have questions or would like a Zoom link, contact Robin at faithgrowth@communityucc.com.
|
|
Yaqui event this Saturday; all welcome
The Yaqui Tribe will host a meet-and-greet from 11 a.m. to and 4 p.m. this Saturday, Aug. 21, at the Frazier Gardens and Clubhouse, 1745 N. Cornelia Ave. in Fresno.
This event will include the traditional Yaqui Deer Dance, the tribe’s sacred dance. Children's games also will be available.
Tribal and non-tribal members are welcome. Please note: no videos, photos, or sketching allowed during the ceremonial dance; also no alcohol, drugs or pets allowed.
For more information please contact Diana Alvarez (559.878.8452) or Felicia Rocha (559.284.9921).
|
|
All-Church Family Camp canceled this year
Annie Van Patten, director of our All-Church Family Camp at Camp Tamarack, has made the difficult decision to cancel this year's camp. Annie took this action two weeks ago as she and the church Council talked through the increased threat of the Delta variant in our area.
We are saddened by this and already look ahead to next year when we hope this wonderful experience can resume.
Please remember to thank Annie and Jack Van Patten for their hard work preparing for this year's camp, which had been scheduled for Labor Day weekend.
|
|
Women's Book Discussion Group
The Women’s Book Discussion Group continues at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24, via Zoom. The group is reading "The Truths We Hold, An American Journey" by Kamala Harris.
|
|
Adult Education
Adult Education continues at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 25, via Zoom. The group will discuss Chapter 4.
The group is reading "Seculosity: How Career, Parenting, Technology, Food, Politics, and Romance Became Our New Religion and What to Do About It" by David Zahl. These times of learning and discussion are valuable, and we encourage everyone to consider joining in. Please contact Robin at faithgrowth@communityucc.com for more details.
|
|
From Pastor Julia . . .
"What’s our response to Code Red on climate change and in the midst of a raging global pandemic? Hope can give us stamina to stand firm in the midst of crisis, helping us to find the will to face reality but also rest when we need to."
|
|
Extra! Extra!
eNews back to weekly publication
eNews is back to weekly publication after taking off part of July and August.
|
|
On Sunday, Aug. 15, Pastor Julia Penner-Zook delivered a sermon titled "Hope In Code Red" inspired by Ephesians 5:15-20. Click on the triangle above to watch and hear the sermon. |
|
Marilyn's office hours
Marilyn is in the office Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Friday, she is on call at home from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
|
|
Contacting Pastor Julia at church; her vacation begins Aug. 23
Pastor Julia will be in the office Thursday mornings and can be reached by phone, text, e-mail or Facetime other days of the week as well. E-mail her at j.penner.zook@gmail.com.
Pastor Julia will be on vacation beginning Aug. 23. On Sept. 5, the Rev. Norman Broadbent will give the sermon and lead us in celebrating Communion. On Sept. 12 – Kick Off Sunday – Kyle Carlson, staff director at Break the Barriers, will share how the ministry there pivoted and continued during the pandemic. We will receive a special offering for Break the Barriers that Sunday.
|
|
In each week's eNews, we include a news article from our larger denomination, the United Church of Christ, to show the faithful work being done in other places.
|
|
Gary Walker teaching Osher class at Fresno State
CUCC member Gary Walker will present “The Evolution of American Political Parties: 1789-1989” in November through Fresno State’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
Gary’s presentations will be in person at Fresno State and online on Zoom from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays, Nov. 3, 10 and 17. Cost is $30.
The Osher catalog describes Gary’s course this way:
“This course will start with a review of how Washington’s Federalist Party became Whigs, and eventually, Republicans, while Jefferson’s Democratic Republicans became Democrats under Andrew Jackson. We will follow with the analysis of the era of Republican domination, with only two Democrats elected President over this 65-year period and we will finish with a look at a more liberal Democratic Party, with five presidents, and a more conservative Republican Party, with four. Third parties will also be discussed, including Know-Nothings in the 19th Century, and in the 20th Century, Progressive and Socialist parties.”
|
|
UCC Officers: We must not turn on our back on Afghanistan
As he came near and saw the city, Jesus wept over it, saying, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.” (Luke 19:41-2)
We write with profound grief at the news of the Taliban takeover of Kabul and fall of the Afghan government. Images like those of people clinging to U.S. planes are haunting, and they point to the desperation and fear of our Afghan siblings. After 20 years of military intervention, it is clear that U.S. and international approaches have not brought about a Just Peace for the people of Afghanistan. Continue reading at UCC.com
|
|
August Birthdays and Anniversaries |
|
 |
August Birthdays
9 — Helmut Kloos and John Moseley
11 — Landry Reynolds
12 — Devon Wright
16 — Ron Perry
17 — Samantha Earl
19 – Linda Baird
20 — Tess Hayden
|
|
|
|
22 — Sally Hoagland
24 — DayJu Ramirez
25 — Arville Earl
28 — Ellie Kilburn
29 — Sally Garcia
August Anniversaries
14 — Sue and Spence Hipp
26 — Eileen and Sib White.
|
|
|
|
eNews deadline is 10 a.m. Wednesdays
CUCC eNews is a weekly publication distributed every Thursday. Deadline for submitting announcements is 10 a.m. Wednesdays (and earlier is appreciated). Send your announcements to both Lisa Boyles Bell and Doug Hoagland. Doug is now the primary newsletter designer, but Doug and Lisa collaborate on its production. Emails: lisamboyles12@gmail.com and doughoagland@att.net.
|
|
Our Joyful Giving page reflects the many ways members can help support our Church's missions and operations, especially needed in these critical and uncertain times.
|
|
Phone:559.435.2690
Email: office@communityucc.com
|
|
Follow us on social media: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
