April 14, 2024 * Third Sunday of Easter

Reflection: “The Job of Witnessing” Rev. Anne G. Cohen

Text:  Luke 24:36b-48 (NRSV)

36b While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." 37 They were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. 38 He said to them, "Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have." 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.

           41 While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate in their presence. 44 Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you--that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled."

           45 Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46 and he said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.”                    

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

“Nothing makes it easier to resist temptation than a proper bringing-up, a sound set of values - and witnesses.”  ~ Franklin P. Jones, American Journalist (1908-1980)

“The writer isn't made in a vacuum. Writers are witnesses. The reason we need writers is because we need witnesses to this terrifying century.”  - E. L. Doctorow, American Author (1931-2015)

We are called to be witnesses. But witnesses to what? What is our job description for this sacred calling? Let's explore this together.

     - Rev. Anne G. Cohen, Sabbatical Minister      

Also on Sunday

Hear the HEAR Center this Sunday!

The HEAR Center, one of our 2023 Outreach Grant recipients, will speak during worship

and join us for coffee hour.

Our grant is in support of their Free Hearing Screening Program primarily serving children ages 0-5 at Head Start programs and other sites that serve children from low-income families in Pasadena and immediately adjoining communities. HEAR Center founder, Dr. Griffiths, promoted the idea that if you place hearing aids on children identified with hearing loss at a young age, the child could have a significantly increased chance of learning to speak normally. For more information about them and their programs visit their website. https://www.hearcenter.org/about-us/#mission

***********

Church School Teachers: Grace Rinck and Jeff Tyler

Liturgist, Josh Ashenmiller

Zoom computer staff,  TBA, ushers, Ron White and James Maddox

If you are a Zoom worshipper, you will be able to access the bulletin through a link when you log onto Zoom on Sunday. (See link at bottom of Touchstone)    

  Music from Connie

This week while Connie is away we will hear Neara Russell’s offerings on keys and vocals. Madeline Rahn will join Neara. We hope to see you.

 Connie Washburn, Music Director

April 21, 2024 * Fourth Sunday of Easter/ EARTH DAY (22^nd)

Reflection: “Garden Shepherds” Rev. Anne G. Cohen

Text: John 10:11-18 (NRSV)

   11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away--and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep.

   14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father."

               SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

“I realized up there that our planet is not infinite. It's fragile. That may not be obvious to a lot of folks, and it's tough that people are fighting each other here on Earth instead of trying to get together and live on this planet. We look pretty vulnerable in the darkness of space.”

~ Alan Bartlett Shepard, Jr. (1923-1998) (Rear Admiral, USN, Ret.) second person/first American in space...later commanded the Apollo 14 mission/ fifth person to walk on the moon

  My father was ahead of his time with his concern about the environment. I grew up turning off the water while brushing my teeth and taking Navy showers. I was known as the "Water Nazi" in my dorm at Oberlin College as I shut off people's water while they brushed their teeth.

  Since those days the earth has reached a crisis of climate and pollution. Let's gather on Earth Sunday to figure out what God might want us to do about it in addition to offering thoughts and prayers.

                    - Rev. Anne G. Cohen, Sabbatical Minister

Also on Sunday

Church School Teachers: Krysty Leckrone and Mary Camacho

Liturgist, Bettie Teel

Zoom computer staff, TBA, ushers, Sandy Biehler and Bob Rinck

If you are a Zoom worshipper, you will be able to access the bulletin through a link when you log onto Zoom on Sunday. (See link at bottom of Touchstone)    

From Ellen:

Circle of Trees Church School Series

In the Bible, our story begins and ends with trees. There’s that tree in Genesis 2 that everyone knows about, but some Bible scholars suggest that there’s a second tree standing just beside: The Tree of Life. The Tree of Life is mentioned again as a metaphor for wisdom and as a symbol of kindness in Proverbs. And as the odd and powerful vision of Revelation ends, the Tree of Life is a physical feature at the center of God’s restored creation, where “the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” In many other religions and traditions, the Tree of Life is an important cultural image. (More info for your background knowledge here.)

In our lives today, we know the importance of all trees. They are essential to life, providing us with oxygen, cleaning our water and air, protecting our soil and giving homes to 80 percent of the plants and land animals on Earth. Even today, scientists are learning about how trees communicate with one another in what some call “The Wood Wide Web.”

This 5-week series of lessons starting April 7^th will focus on trees as important symbols in history, and life- giving elements of our lives.

Co-Pastors’ Sabbatical Begins

Part of our relationship with our Co-Pastors is a three-month sabbatical away from church work each five years of service. Beginning next week, Marlene and Jake will be away for three months for a period of rest, reflection, education, and retreat. This sabbatical will include some visits to colleagues and friends, time for further professional reading and online education, a few retreats and some extended self-care. Sabbatical leave provides an opportunity to look at the work of our church in a new light, with fresh resources and an important break from the day to day demands of pastoral leadership and pastoral care. The Pomeroys are grateful for all of our Ministry volunteers, paid staff and Rev. Anne Cohen and Rev. Scott Furukawa for covering the work of the church while they are away from April 9^th through July 8^th.

Sabbatical Pastor Coverage

The Rev. Anne G. Cohen served 36 years in various ministerial settings, mostly as a Professional Transition Specialist (PTS) aka Interim Minister serving UCC Churches in the Southern California Nevada Conference. She retired about 6 years ago and covered for the Pomeroys' last Sabbatical. Our monthly SoulCollage workshops are designed and led by Anne, a trained facilitator. She is married to John Dobbins and mother to Peter HM Cohen Dobbins. Pasadena UCC has been her home church since 1969. Anne will be working just under 20 hours per week during the 12 weeks.

You may contact Anne at agcohen99@gmail.com or catch her Sunday mornings!

Scott is a third generation Japanese American originally from Hawaii. His grandparents immigrated from Japan at the turn of the 20^th Century to pursue a “better life.”  Scott started his first career as the Hawaii branch manager of a large Wall Street investment corporation. In his fifties, he chose to pursue a vocational call to church ministry. Scott served as Director of Community Outreach, serving homeless communities on the island of Oahu. After graduating with honors from Vancouver School of Theology in British Columbia, he went on to serve as pastor to several churches in Hawaii. In 2020, Scott and his wife, Christy, moved to Pasadena. Once here, Scott was called to serve as interim minister at Woodland Hills Community Church in 2022 which ended in January 2024.

Christy, Scott, and their daughter, Claire, live in Pasadena. Claire is a senior graphic designer to an ecommerce corporation. Christy is a former pediatric nurse practitioner, who currently expresses her love and expertise of wines by working part-time at a wine bar/olive oil shop. Christy and Scott are members of First Congregational Church of Pasadena. Scott will be working a couple hours each week reaching out to folks and meeting people for coffee or a meal.

You may contact Scott at scott Furukawa smfurukawa@gmail.com

Save the date of April 21^st for Two Important Events

On Sunday, April 21, the Rev. Dr. Timothy Murphy will be joining us after worship to share his illustrated children's book entitled Jesus Learns to Glow. Rev. Murphy was formerly a member here as part of (a)Spire Ministry and currently is on sabbatical as senior pastor at Plymouth Congregational Church of Fort Wayne in Indiana. The presentation will include a reading, discussion of the illustrations, and book signing for any who would like to purchase one afterwards. Books are $15 and can be paid by cash, check, or Venmo.

Here's a summary of the book: over the course of one night, Jesus of Nazareth goes on a journey, making friends with a mushroom, a firefly, algae, and a jellyfish, before learning to glow like they do. Sprinkled throughout are science facts about the creatures, as well as subtle biblical references for those familiar with the gospel story. Through rhythms and imagery, readers encounter a relational worldview that reminds each of us to seek wisdom in surprising, and illuminating, places.

Four Ways to Nurture Your Body & Soul

1. Monthly SoulCollage Workshop led by the Rev. Anne Cohen - a chance to do some soulful creating together in community with others. Join us on April 27 and May 25,10-12, at Anne’s house in Pasadena or via Zoom. Contact Anne to be placed on her email list and receive the link: acohen99@sbcglobal.net 

3.     FUMC has a first-class concert program on the 3^rd Saturday of the month. The next concert is “Paris in Pasadena” on Sat. April 20^th at 4:00 p.m. The concerts are held in the Sanctuary and are free (they also encourage donations to continue these wonderful concerts). read about all of them at: https://www.thirdatfirst.org

All Church Camp

All Church Camp is confirmed for El Capitan on the weekend of October 4/5/6. We have 1 King cabin, a few bunk cabins and a few yurts. Please let Anne know of your 1st and 2nd choice. Marlene will be finalize rooms late July when she returns and release any cabins/yurts we don’t want. Use this link on our website to make your $100 deposit to secure your spot for your family or group: https://secure.myvanco.com/YMEK/campaign/C-13KH5

Outreach Opportunities 

for your hands-on involvement

Friends in Deed 

We stock shelves and work as needed on most Thursdays

(not the 1^st one) from 2-3:30.

Please contact coordinator Lu Nguyen at luburd@gmail.com if you want to volunteer.

The food pantry could use some food! You may drop off a bag of food to them during the week or use this link to purchase what they need to be sent directly to them.

https://friendsindeedpas.org/programs/the-food-pantry/

Tuesday Morning FUMC Social Services hands out food, clothing, and hygiene items weekly. If you wish to volunteer any Tuesday between 9:45-noon, please use this FUMC sign-up link:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0445acaa2aa1f58-food#/

You may also make a donation – FUMC has a list of items needed. 

1st Mondays Union Station Teams shop/prep/serve a meal the 1st Monday of most months (9 per year). The other months we send a donation so that food can be purchased. If you wish to be on a team or be a sub, please contact Nina in the office at fccmonina@gmail.com or our FCC Coordinator Lu Nguyen on Sunday or via email: luburd@gmail.com 



Spotlight on Partnership Organizations: Friends in Deed

Friends In Deed has been a fixture of the Pasadena community for more than 125 years – nearly as long as the Rose Parade has been celebrated! Through the support of neighbors, churches and businesses, Friends In Deed turns resources into lives changed and a community strengthened. Their programs include: Food Pantry, Women's Room, Bad Weather Shelter, Street Outreach and Housing, and an Eviction and Rental Assistance Program. 

FCC Pasadena has been actively involved with FID for decades volunteering in the following ways: Monthly in the Food Pantry - packing bags, restocking shelves, and collecting food donations.

Helping with FID's annual School Supplies Distribution and collecting donations of backpacks and other school supplies for local PUSD schools.

Participating in their annual Christmas gift distribution, and purchasing gifts for children in the community.

We have budgeted donations in support of the Bad Weather Shelter, two fundraisers (in 2023), and for general operations, and we plan to continue this support and Outreach in our 2024 Budget.

We awarded one of our 2023 Outreach Grants to Friends In Deed’s Street Outreach and Housing Program to provide immediate temporary housing assistance to families in need, by providing safe and clean motel rooms while their teams work to identify longer-term solutions to the family’s housing crisis and connections to additional resources.

Both of our Senior Pastors have served on the Board of FID, off and on, for several years, and continue to be actively involved in this important work!

For more information: Friends in Deed - Friends In Deed

Sermon Podcast: 

Did you miss a worship service and want to hear the sermon? Please visit uccpasadena.org and select 'podcasts' from the menu on top of the home page or click below

https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/uccpasadena

Listening Sessions on Building Choices

In the past two weeks we held three Zoom sessions to invite persons to share their experiences of our current leased spaces and to ask if there was a desire to find or purchase our own building for our church. No one attended the first session, five Council members attended the second and one Council member attended the third session. Here are the highlights…

·       Everyone loved being in a leased space and no one desired to have our own building or purchase our own space

·       Persons valued being able to pay staff just wages, to increase our outreach giving and to have some shared programs with the FUMC community

·       Persons pointed out that we have wonderful cameras and sound equipment that we share with FUMC that allow us to build an audience online with members and newcomers

·       Persons liked the simple access to the Chapel from the parking lot and pointed out that our leased space is more accessible than our original building

·       Persons noted that we have access to a number of spaces around FUMC as part of our lease and that those spaces suit us well

·       With the stability of our finances and the needs of FUMC we are in a position to ask for a longer term lease in our current space that might not be available elsewhere

If you were unable to attend any of these session online and want to share your views, please contact our Moderator Jeff Tyler at jhosfordtyler@yahoo.com to schedule a conversation.

Our congratulations to Adi and Adam on their wedding this week!

Sunday Worship Zoom Link

The Rev. Anne Cohen is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Times: Sunday, April 14 and 21, 2024, 11:30 AM – all on Pacific Time (US and Canada)

       Every week on Sun, until Jun 30, 2024, 52 occurrence(s)

 April 14 Bulletin link  

April 21 Bulletin link

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85764926605

Meeting ID: 857 6492 6605