Community UCC eNews
Sept. 30, 2021
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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.
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Sunday worship
On Sunday, Pastor Julia Penner-Zook will deliver a sermon titled "Wholly Together" inspired by Hebrews 2:10-12.
Pastor Julia writes: "Cosmic threads run through all of creation, uniting us with everything – everything, in turn, being caught up in the 'Creative Process.' This sounds nebulous, but it has very pragmatic ramifications for today."
We will celebrate Communion this Sunday. At church, we are using individual wafer/juice packets as part of our COVID-19 safety protocols.
If you'll be worshipping online via livestream at bit.ly/cuccyoutube, please remember to have some bread and juice for Communion.
We are working to improve the audio quality so everyone can hear and understand our services. Thank you for your patience.
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No Thursday evening worship this week
Thursday worship will not take place today, Sept. 30, because Robin is on vacation.
It is scheduled to resume at 7 p.m. Oct. 7 on Zoom. If you have questions or would like a Zoom link, contact Robin at faithgrowth@communityucc.com.
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Memorial service for John Donaldson on Saturday
Family and friends of John Donaldson will celebrate his life at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, at Hope Lutheran Church, 364 E. Barstow Ave. John – a longtime member of CUCC, professor emeritus at Fresno State, and former Fresno County Supervisor – died at age 95 in May.
Members of the Fresno Master Chorale and the Fresno Philharmonic will perform, according to an obituary in The Fresno Bee.
John's family says attendees will need to be vaccinated and that masks will be provided.
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Opportunity to learn about protecting Sierra wilderness |
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On Sunday, Oct. 10, we'll have the opportunity to hear Deanna Wulff, chief executive officer of Unite the Parks, a grassroots movement to unite Yosemite and Kings Canyon National Parks.
She will speak during the Call to Understanding. Pastor Julia will deliver the sermon that day.
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Unite the Parks is working to create a national monument on the 1.4 million acres of wilderness between Yosemite and Kings Canyon.
Ms. Wulff is passionate about environmental issues as they intersect with both corporate interests and the need for people to experience nature.
Click here to learn more about the organization.
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Good turnout at CUCC informational meeting
Eleven folks new to CUCC attended a get-to-know-the-church meeting last Sunday, Sept. 26.
"We were honored to host them," says Pastor Julia Penner-Zook. "Some began worshiping with us on Zoom during our lockdown; most have come since July 4.
"Our Extravagant Welcome Team welcomed them with warmth, and we look forward to getting to know each one more."
CUCC member Sarah Fey – who started attending the church in 1969 – shared some history of our congregation at the gathering. She came away encouraged. "I was so interested to hear about the many different life paths taken by people at the meeting and about what they're searching for in a church, as well as how they found us. During these discouraging times, I was struck by feeling hopeful!" Sarah says. "I also am so appreciative of the Communication and Extravagant Welcome teams, and our wonderful staff."
If you missed the meeting, don't worry. We'll have another one soon, says Pastor Julia. Please talk with Donna Wright (donnatwright@gmail.com or 559.917.8979) or Pastor Julia (j.penner.zook@gmail.com or 559.943.0384).
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Praying for Declan Carlson
Please continue to pray for Robin’s grandson, Declan, who suddenly became very ill last week. He is at Valley Children’s Hospital and has begun responding to treatment. The family is appreciative of your prayers.
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Staying vigilant as we work to keep everyone safe |
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Thank you for following our COVID-19 protocols:
- Masks are required in the breezeway as well the sanctuary.
- Social distancing should be observed inside and outside.
- Hand sanitizer is available.
- Do not shake hands or hug.
- Sunday school, nursery care and fellowship after church are temporarily suspended.
In addition, we ask anyone to self-quarantine (not attend church) if they experience symptoms associated with COVID-19:
- Running nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Loss of taste or smell
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Infected people report about 90 less common symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, nervous and hormonal systems as well as skin, ears, eyes, and other organs.
These symptoms include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath, which were the most prevalent symptoms during the early stage of the pandemic.
If you experience any of these symptoms and have interacted with worship service or church members or personnel, please inform Marilyn in the church office.
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Women's Book Discussion Group resumes Oct. 5
The Women’s Book Discussion Group will resume on Tuesday, Oct. 5. The group is meeting on Zoom to discuss "Dusk Night Dawn, On Revival and Courage" by Anne Lamott.
Here is the schedule:
• Oct. 5: Chapters 4 and 5
• Oct. 12: Chapters 6 and 7
• Oct. 19: Chapters 8 and 9; Coda: Big Heart
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Adult Education
Adult Education continues at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6, via Zoom. The group will discuss the "Conclusion: What To 'Do' About It" in the book "Seculosity."
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Lonely Places
by Pastor Julia Penner-Zook
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It’s not the paved highway,
the one conveying the most traffic
or claiming the shortest route,
nor the one boasting cloudless skies
and shimmering wildflowers,
or the one highlighted
in tourist guides,
promising glorious vistas
with high-end bistros
at the end of a mountain hike
that brings most joy to the heart.
It is the modest,
gravelly, brush-lined trail
devoid of travelers, never
showcased by those striving
to become influencers on Instagram —
it is the unpretentious, quiet way
that breathes life into the shallow place
depleted by soul’s drought,
slowly revealing the trace
of light that once gleamed,
mouth pulled into gentle smile,
worry lines fading from anxious face.
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Photo Credit: Julia Penner-Zook
Without effort these hidden roads
lift invisible loads from those stooped,
exchanging them for weightless
memories, dreams of what can yet be.
She who finds a lonely path finds treasure.
Take me to places where shoes are scuffed
and laces attract dust,
where distractions are few
and visions abound.
© Julia Penner-Zook
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On Sunday, Sept. 26, Pastor Julia Penner-Zook delivered a sermon titled "Pass the Salt, Please" inspired by Matthew 5:13-16. Click on the triangle to watch and hear the sermon. |
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Marilyn's new schedule begins Oct. 1
Effective Friday, Oct. 1, Marilyn is reducing her hours. She will continue to work in the church office Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. But she will be off on Friday; she previously was on call at home that day. Marilyn requested the change, and the Council approved it at its Sept. 2 meeting.
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Contacting Pastor Julia at church; Robin on vacation
Pastor Julia will be in the office Thursday mornings and can be reached by phone, text, email or FaceTime other days of the week as well. Email her at j.penner.zook@gmail.com. Robin will be on vacation from Sept. 29 through Oct. 4.
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UCC artist to display work in North Fork exhibition |
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Mary Beth Harrison, an artist and member of Grace Community UCC in North Fork, is participating this week in an art exhibition in North Fork. The exhibition will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1, and Saturday, Oct. 2, outside the Hot Shot Coffee Shack. One of her pieces is pictured at left.
Mary Beth writes: “My art is all about local color and joy. Please come by and let me share that joy with you!”
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n 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.
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A United Church of Christ camp in Wisconsin has taken a new name. Church leaders say it’s one step toward lifting up Indigenous voices and owning the damage done by colonialism.
A ceremony on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Oct. 11, will rededicate the former Pilgrim Center as Daycholah Center.
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October Birthdays and Anniversaries |
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Birthdays
1 — David Contreras and Jess Garcia
2 — Lauren Booker
3 — Adrian Ramirez and Nayele Wall
5 — Joe Mack
6 — Dena Reynolds
8 — Cristi Newport and Chad Hayden
12 — Sarah LeBeau
14 — Jim Nelson
25 — Nancy Pressley and Dru Ramirez
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27 —Debra Westhaver-Church
28 —Nanete Maki-Dearsan and Boone Watkins
31 — Maddie Kilburn, Claire and William Knapp
Anniversaries
2 — Lynn Samuelian and Ruben Fernandez
6 — Charlene Toews and Michael Dillahunty
8 — Annie and Jack Van Patten
26 — Kelli and Alan Chaffin
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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.
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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.
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Phone:559.435.2690
Email: office@communityucc.com
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