March 24, 2011
Friends:
Why do we rush about looking for God – who is here at home with us, if all we want is to be with God? Let us fly to our beloved homeland – from the noise that is around us to the joys that are silent. St. Augustine
Susanna El Mogazi invites you to bring clothes and shoes for the relief of Tsunami victims in Japan to Peace this Saturday, from 9 – 12 or with you to church on Sunday. All sizes are needed. If you can help her transport these items please let her know. There will be a Packing Party at her home on Sunday afternoon April 10 – time to be announced.
The Soul / Food: Earth, Faith and Food Project invites you to attend the next meeting with Rebecca Calahan Klein on Thursday, March 31 at 7:00 pm at Peace. Help us decide how the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) project can be most effective in providing organic food for the families in our Interfaith Community and those living in poverty in our county.
Several weeks ago, my friend Tony Hall told me he felt called to a period of fasting in response to the budget debate that now dominates Congress. I have decided to join Tony—a former member of Congress who now leads the Alliance to End Hunger—in a one-week, water-only fast. I will begin March 28. I invite you to turn to God in fasting and prayer during these weeks before Easter. If you choose to fast—for a week or until Easter—do it in a way that’s right for you. What’s important is that we invite our loving God more fully into our lives and into the life of our nation. The debate about the federal budget is really a debate about national priorities, so we invite God to reshape our personal priorities and the priorities of our nation. Your calls and emails to Congress are a welcomed part of this fast. (David Beckman, President of Bread for the World)
This Sunday we will have a Healing Prayer Service – a time to release the burdens which are too heavy to bear. Invite friends to join you for this service of strengthening and peace.
April is JAM (Jazz Appreciation Month). We will have two additional Jazz Events in April to celebrate JAM. Keith Hines of KCSM Radio will host the Saturday, April 2nd event with EW Wainwright and the African Roots performing “The Social Evolution of Jazz”. Hear the whole evolutionary history of jazz in one evening! Our favorite harpist Destiny Muhammed will be performing that evening as well. Pete Yellin performs for Jazz at Peace on April 10th at 5 pm. Clifford Brown, III performs with his Brewing Company on Saturday, April 30th. The Saturday events are both at 7:30 pm.
Please join us on Wednesday evenings throughout Lent at 6:30 for Soup and Sacrament. Our focus is Jonah: The Comedy of Forgiveness. You will discover yourself laughing at things you never thought funny before.
How is your Unplugging from Technology going? Are you able to slow down, have dinner with friends, enjoy strolls in nature, breathe more easily? Aren’t Lenten disciplines demanding?!
“The wind moves wherever she pleases, you hear the sound but you don’t know from whence or to where the wind is flowing……..and so it is with everyone who is birthed in the Spirit.” – Jesus
Lenten Blessings, Pr. Steve
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March 17, 2011
Friends:
I am the one whose praise echoes on high.
I adorn all the earth.
I am the breeze that nurtures all things green.
I encourage blossoms to flourish with ripening fruits.
I am led by the spirit to feed the purest streams.
I am the rain coming from the dew
That causes the grasses to laugh with the joy of life.
I am the yearning for good. (The Greening God, Hildegard von Bingen)
Lent means Spring and to encourage our Greening like the Spring our Soup and Sacrament Series (6:30 on Wednesdays) will focus on Jonah: The Comedy of Forgiveness. With the overwhelming news in Japan, northern Africa, Haiti and the US Midwest it is clear “our little systems have their day….and cease to be” (see the poem at the end of the Good News). The centering and confidence of our lives must be anchored in the One to whom time and space, life and death belong. Feel like you’re trapped in the belly of a whale? Join us for some refreshing hilarity and insights on the next 5 Wednesdays.
A Healing Prayer Conference held this past weekend was initiated by our friend and mentor Rev. Francis Geddes. At last his book Contemplative Healing has been published. We will have a healing prayer service at Peace on March 27th. We will have a Book Signing Party with Fran at Peace sometime in the not too distant future.
Mudzunga Farisani and daughters Nzumbu and Ndamu have arrived home safely. Mudzunga sent word of her appreciation for all the love and prayers they received at Peace. She looks forward to the Peace Delegation who will travel to Beuster Parish for the Dedication of their new church in October of 2012. Our thanks to the Partnership Committee, Karl Pfieffer, Chair for their continued support of this ministry at Peace.
The Sound Board has been revamped and is now working perfectly thanks to Josh Camacho. New devices for the hearing impaired will arrive soon. Please let me know if you sit in a spot where amplified sound is not heard well.
Please keep in your prayers: Emily (Linda Hall’s mother), Randy and DeeAnn, Annie, Ralph, John Dahlin, Richard Howell, Bob, Sheila, the tsunami and nuclear reactor victims of Japan, all those advocating for democracy in the Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain, Tunisia, Algeria; for the people of Haiti that they might have elections and a government of their choosing; for the people of Wisconsin and the 16 Midwest States advocating for their livelihoods, the 7 imprisoned Baha’i leaders in Tehran, and our Confirmation Class.
A proposal to create a rotating Spiritual Art Exhibit among several Interfaith Congregations of I-SRV is being examined. If you want to be an advocate for more of the visual arts at Peace please contact me.
Soul / Food: Earth, Faith and Food – the next meeting with Rebecca Calahan Klein regarding our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) project will be at Peace on Thursday, March 31 at 7:00 pm. All interested members are invited to attend.
A disturbing statistical Note: In 2009 U.S. health care spending grew by 4%; yet health insurance premiums in California are set to increase in 2011 by 39% – 59%.
International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 8th – marking its 100th Anniversary. Here are two reasons the celebration and work must continue: 1) In Egypt – not one woman was named to the national committee writing the new Egyptian Constitution, despite the essential role women played in the protests that led to President Mubarak’s resignation.
And 2) Rev. Dr. Elaine Neuenfeldt, the secretary of the LWF Women in Church and Society Program delivered a statement at a UN Member States expert panel discussion on science and technology. She expressed the need for, “women and girls to fulfill the needs that they identify at all levels of science and technology research and development.” Neuenfeldt shared a story of illiterate Mauritanian women from poor communities. Through the support of the LWF’s Department for World Service, the women received training to be women engineers and set up a solar electric system for their rural communities. The new access to solar technology has since provided power for lighting, mobile technology and other electronic devices. This unique “best practice” of empowering the women from rural areas is an example of how opportunities can be created for women and girls to access science and technology that transforms communities.
Our thanks to Sue Field for the gift of a new piano to Peace!
Jazz at Peace will have 3 Special Events in April for JAM (Jazz Appreciation Month). On Saturday, April 2 at 7:30 pm: The Social Evolution of Jazz with EW Wainwright and African Roots. You will get to hear the entire musical history of jazz. April 10 at 5 pm the Jazz Church West will host Pete Yellin. On Saturday, April 30 at 7:30 pm Clifford Brown, III and his Brewing Company will perform their magic. Tickets for April 2 and 30 are $10/person or $25/family. These are all incredible opportunities for inspiration. Please invite friends to join you. (No one present this past Sunday will ever forget the Paul Scheffert jazz of this past Sunday!!)
Please complete the Memorial Garden/Columbarium Surveys of Interest and bring them to church this Sunday.
“Our little systems have their day;
They have their day and cease to be;
They are but broken lights of thee,
And thou, O Lord, art more than they.
We have but faith: we cannot know;
For knowledge is of things we see;
And yet we trust it comes from thee,
A beam in darkness: let it grow.
Let knowledge grow from more to more,
But more of reverence in us dwell;
That mind and soul, according well,
May make one music as before,
But vaster.”
( from Tennyson’s “In Memoriam”)
Lenten Blessings, Pr. Steve
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The homily from this past Sunday, March 13, is now available online for your listening and soul’s pleasure. You may listen or download the this and past sermons by going to the audio sermons online section.
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March 11, 2011
Friends:
Here is the struggle no human presumes to picture….no one wants to face:
In our living and dying – how shall we be rescued from endless dark Shadow?
How break through the coldness of earth and stone, the hardheartedness of a faithless world?
How shall we birth breath and heartbeat to walk this world with joy and freedom and dignity….A world filled with open wounds and anguish?
The Spirit streamed through every cell of Christ’s body (the Transfiguration tells us);
If mortal sight could bear to perceive it, we would see His mortal flesh was lit from within.
And he is aching to bring us home …..in the company of friends and the mystery of ourselves.
A second piano was received as a gift from Sue Field this past Sunday. It offers additional musical opportunities. We are thankful.
The Transfiguration painting in honor of Judy Collins was also unveiled. Our thanks to the Collins Family here and across the country who have blessed Peace with this gift. We pray it will be a light pointing to the Light.
Members of the Healing Prayer Team will be attending a Healing Prayer Conference this weekend which is initiated and sponsored by our good friend and mentor Rev. Francis Geddes. Pr. Margareta and I will be presenting a workshop on Healing Prayer in Congregational Life.
The Archives Committee will meet this Thursday at 1:15 pm.
Congratulations to Betty and Ted Schwann on their 67th Wedding Anniversary! And to Lois and Bob McGee on their 57th Wedding Anniversary!
Blessings, Pr. Steve
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March 3, 2011
Friends:
I was thinking how often and how many of us feel unloved, and unwanted on many occasions during our lives – all the misunderstandings there are in families, even between husband and wife. We all want heaven here and now, no patience, no waiting. Don’t think I don’t understand how you feel, because I have felt the same many a time. How many times I have felt even a wall of hatred and resentment around me – sometimes over little things and also over the big ones…..sometimes I never want to see people again. But then I remember St. John of the Cross saying, ‘Where there is no love, put love, and you will find love.’ And I can breathe again. When it comes down to it, even on the natural plane, it is much happier and more enlivening to love than be loved. Dorothy Day
A blessing to have had Mudzunga, Nzumbu and Ndamu Farisani with us this past Sunday. Mudzunga is encouraging all of us to participate in a Delegation to attend the Dedication of the new church at Beuster – probably in 2012! Partnership Ministry can seem a baffling proposition until the heart to heart connection of our faith reveals our common humanity and what we are capable of together. We need each other more than we can comprehend. We will continue to share our prayers and stories and grow in the faith which is mutually ours. Keep the people of Lwamondo Parish in Venda, South Africa and Laurel Galan, Nicaragua in your prayers.
Karl and Grace Pfeiffer hosted a wonderful Partnership Meal with the Farisanis on Tuesday evening. You will be learning about future ways to nourish our ministries together in future weeks and months. All of you would have enjoyed Natalie’s table prayer!
The Crab Feast is this Saturday at 5 pm. Thanks to Julie and Robert for coordinating this annual tradition, to Michael Valenta for his kitchen magic, to all who are volunteering – the youth and otherwise, and to Mark and Lisa for organizing the Silent Auction. More Silent Auction gifts are welcomed!! This year we will also have beautiful music to accompany your dining pleasure. Bring your friends to this tasty celebration!
You can expect Two Special Surprises on Sunday – just in time for Transfiguration. Look for them.
Ash Wednesday worship will be at 7:30 pm on March 9th. This service will initiate the season of Lent.
Tamara Bohlin, our occasional guest cellist, invites you to a Gold Coast Chamber Players Concert on Sunday at 2 pm at the Community Hall: Lafayette Library. A flier is posted on our Kiosk.
Happy Birthday to John McVicar who recently celebrated his 91st birthday. Many blessings, John!
Hopefully you have no more worries after last Sunday’s worship. Keep gazing on the blossoms.
Epiphany Blessings, Pr. Steve
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Pastor Steve’s homily from this past Sunday, February 27, is now available online for your listening and soul’s pleasure. You may listen or download the this and past sermons by going to the audio sermons online section.
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February 25, 2011
Friends:
“Love your enemies…….If you want to see yourself don’t look in a mirror; look in our neighbors eyes to see what they see.”
The Crab Feast is coming!! Saturday – March 5 at 5pm our Annual Crab Dinner and Silent Auction is happening. The best crab of the season will be presented to you as is our tradition. Julie and Robert Arnone ask you to Sign Up this Sunday at church or notify the office. Silent Auction gifts/baskets are needed. Thanks to all the volunteers who are stepping forward. Invite your friends!!
Mudzunga, Nzumbu and Ndamu Farisani will be with us for worship this Sunday – it may be there only Sunday with us. Please come and welcome these dear friends. As details of their schedule emerge I will get them published so you can have further conversation with them. The Partnership Committee and Confirmands are two groups who will have additional time with them. Powerful and delightful people (the girls are now in their 20’s) you will experience the vitality of our shared faith and partnership.
The Sunday Salon group will meet this Sunday at 1:00 pm at Jeanie Locklear’s home. This is an opportunity for small group faith reflections to be shared….plus some good food and coffee always emerges. Join in – directions available on Sunday.
Our thanks to the Collins Family for the Memorial Gift of the Transfiguration Painting given in honor of Judy.
Please keep in your prayers: all those engaged in the transforming struggles of this time….the people of Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Bahrain, Wisconsin, Indiana and Ohio.
Epiphany Blessings, Pr. Steve
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Pastor Steve’s homily from this past Sunday, February 20, is now available online for your listening and soul’s pleasure. You may listen or download the this and past sermons by going to the audio sermons online section.
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February 18, 2011
Pastor Steve’s homily from this past Sunday, February 13, is now available online for your listening and soul’s pleasure. You may listen or download the this and past sermons by going to the audio sermons online section.
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Friends:
“What would happen if we would say what we mean and mean what we say? We would speak a whole lot less and say a whole lot more.”
The whole congregation is encouraged to read the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5 – 7) during these final 3 weeks of the Epiphany Season. Read it multiple times if possible. This stunning text has inspired St. Francis, Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi and many, many more. You will meet the brilliance and the challenge of Jesus head on.
The Crab Feast is happening on Saturday, March 5th at 5:00 pm. This annual celebration will provide the high quality meal and Silent Auction you are accustomed too. Robert and Julie Arnone are coordinating if for us this year. Please sign up this Sunday or notify the office. Invite your friends to this delicious evening!
At our Congregational Meeting this past Sunday the Memorial Garden/Columbarium Ministry was given the “go ahead approval”. Research, design proposals, financing will continue and be presented to the congregation when each stage is accomplished.
Mudzunga Farisani and daughters Nzumbu and Ndamu will arrive next week for a visit with their friends at Peace and in the Bay Area. The Farisani family first came to us after father Rev. Tshenu Farisani’s experience of imprisonment and torture and the family’s subsequent banishment into exile from South Africa because they had been such outspoken critics of apartheid. Their presence at Peace launched the Partnership Ministry with Lwamondo Parish in Venda, South Africa. We have exchanged delegations during the past 15 years. Mudzunga has been working with the Education Department of Venda for many years now. This is a great opportunity to renew our friendship and partnership in the Gospel.
The Church Council and Clergy of Peace will be on Retreat this Saturday. Please keep them in your prayers as they seek to discern and envision God’s direction for Peace.
Clairdee presented the Premiere Performance of ‘Sing Out – Jazz Vespers’ for Jazz at Peace this past Sunday. It was very well received and has been recorded for our Jazz Church West Celebrates CD. What precious gifts we have received from all these remarkable artists over the years.
Epiphany Blessings, Pr. Steve
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February 10, 2011
Sunday’s homily from February 6, is now available online for your listening and soul’s pleasure. You may listen or download this and past sermons by going to the audio sermons online section.
Friends:
I have not the shadow of a doubt that any man or woman can achieve what I have, if he or she would make the same effort and cultivate the same hope and faith. – Gandhi
The Small and Tall Family Service is always such a great joy. Our thanks to the Young Ones prepared prayers and lead our worship; to the Youth Group for their Noah and the Ark puppet story, to Pastors Margareta and Anita for creating the service, and to a Pair of Jeans (Jean and Jeanie) for their musical leadership. We will continue to have more family services in the future.
Spiritual Grounding was initiated this past Monday at Peace with an Organic Meal shared among 7 of our Interfaith (I-SRV) Partners and Sunol Farmers. The Greening Committee will provide you with a report and further information about how Peace may become involved with a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). Funny isn’t it, we know our bankers, doctors, teachers even baristas, but we don’t know the farmers who feed us.
Bible 365 keeps growing! At least 25 people are participating now. No one will be excluded. See you at 11:30 on Sundays!
Congratulations to Heather and Dixon – and proud grandmother Charlene McPherson – on the birth of Rae Lee! Everyone is healthy and happy. Thanks be to God.
And thanks to Susanna El Mogazi for the wonderful pregnancy announcement this past Sunday. So many blessings surround us!
If you are looking for further resources on Mohandas Gandhi you may wish to read the biography by Geoffrey Ashe or Gandhi the Man by Eknath Easwaran or Gandhi’s autobiography, My Experiments with Truth. On Martin Luther King, the biography by Jeffrey Oates is outstanding.
Our annual Congregational Meeting will follow worship this Sunday, February 13th. Your presence and participation is appreciated.
What would Jesus cut? Right now Congress is considering a budget plan that would make a 9 percent cut in discretionary spending while giving a 2 percent increase for military spending. This would be devastating for domestic programs that provide basic nutrition, health, and opportunity to poor children and international aid programs that save lives every day. Military and defense spending make up over half of the federal discretionary budget. If instead of a 2 percent increase the defense budget took a 2 percent cut, it would save almost $10 billion this year. The biblical prophets make clear that a nation’s righteousness is ultimately determined not by its GNP or military might — but by how it treats its most vulnerable people. Jesus says our love for him will be demonstrated by how we treat the “least of these.” As we have all learned from the Great Recession, our economic choices matter. We must make financial decisions based on our values and not just short-term goals. Remind Congress of this.
Valentine’s Special: Vocalist Clairdee sings for Jazz at Peace on February 13th. Her song “Jazz Vespers” was specially created and recorded for our new Jazz Church West Celebrates cd. Having performed in Tokyo, Paris and New York, and with Count Basie, Boz Scaggs and Nancy Wilson….Clairdee finally feels she is prepared to sing at Peace in Danville. Invite your friends to join you for this Lovefest!
The Women’s Group will meet at Gun Johnston’s home next week.
Seminarian Emily Weller is back with us after her January Term. She and I are teaching the Confirmation Class which is in full swing.
Pray for the people of Egypt – for those risking their lives in this nonviolent revolution for democracy; for those who have lost their lives; and for our government that we may act proactively, as Martin Luther King said, “in the global revolution of values.”
A quote from Gandhi made after the bombing of Hiroshima. “In this age of wonders no one will say that a thing or an idea is worthless because it is new. Things undreamt of are daily been seen, the impossible is ever becoming possible. We are constantly being astonished these days at the amazing discoveries in the field of violence. But I maintain that far more undreamt of and seemingly impossible discoveries will be made in the field of satyagraha (nonviolence).”
In the spirit of our Small and Tall worship: Kindness in words creates confidence; Kindness in thinking creates profoundness; Kindness in giving creates love. Lao Tzu
Epiphany Blessings, Pr. Steve
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January 27, 2011
Pastor Steve’s homily from this past Sunday, January 23, is now available online for your listening and soul’s pleasure. You may listen or download the this and past sermons by going to the audio sermons online section.
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Friends:
It is necessary to work patiently with others all the time. This is what I do with my friends and co-workers: I never give up on them. No matter what problems they face I still say the same thing – just keep going. If you have patience with people they slowly change. You do have an effect on them if you are radiating your sanity. They will begin to take notice, although of course, often people don’t want to let anyone else know. They might even say, ‘Nothing has changed, I still have the same problems going on all the time.’ But don’t give up on them anyway. – Chogyam Trungpa
Bible 365 is off to a great start! 22 people attended the initial session and several more promising to join in next week. The class begins at 11:30 on Sundays (listen for the bell) and will meet in the Art Room. This is a rare and splendid opportunity to immerse yourself in the Scriptures. Each week’s readings will be posted in the bulletin.
The Sunday Salon will meet this Sunday, January 30th from 4 – 6 pm at Jeanie Locklear’s home. The focus for Sunday is: “What does faith have to do with my life?” This is an opportunity for small group reflection about the intersection of faith and our lives. All are welcome to join us. Directions are available after worship on Sunday.
The next Small and Tall Family Service will be on February 6. Please bring all your children and grandchildren to this joyful service of encouragement for the young ones!
Spiritual Grounding: The Greening Committee invites you on Monday, February 7th at 6:30 pm at Peace –to join a community meeting of Interfaith Partners and Farmers from Sunol will share an organic dinner and conversation about creating a CSA (Community Sustained Agricultural) Project. Rebecca Calahan Klein will be our guest speaker. This is already stirring enthusiasm among several of the interfaith congregations. Your RSVP to the church office is necessary.
Keep in your prayers: Fred Garrity (who broke his clavicle), Rosalie, Marianna, Kersti Malvre, Randy and DeeAnn/Anita and Dana, Ki Altemus, Sheila Mason, Ruth (Pr. Margareta’s mother), Heather (McPherson) and Dixon – soon to give birth to their second child, Fidel Taylor – recovering from surgery, Wendy, Robert and Jada Jones, Dave and Wara Alexander, Matthew Pontious, the people Haiti, Tunisia, Egypt.
The California Association of Professional Music Teachers (CAPMT) – of which Sue Fields is President – had an incredible 8 Recitals at Peace this past Saturday. In all, about 220 students performed throughout the day in Eight Recitals and over a 1,000 guests passed through the doors of Peace to enjoy these wonderful emerging artists. A unique gift was given by 5 Chinese American students who played 5 marimbas as they performed Bach’s Toccata & Fugue in D minor – amazing. A letter of thanks from CAPMT for the hospitality of Peace has been posted on our Kiosk. Our thanks to Sue for organizing and hosting this delightful event.
Encouraging News: A few weeks ago after a bomb exploded at a Christian Coptic Church in Egypt thousands of Muslims offered their bodies as “human shields” for the evening Mass, making a pledge to collectively fight the threat of Islamic militants and towards an Egypt free from sectarian strife. “We either live together or we die together”, they chanted. “This is not about us and them,” said Dalia Mustafa, a student who attended mass at Virgin Mary Church on Maraashly Street. “We are one. This was an attack on Egypt as a whole, and I am standing with the Coptic Christians because the only way things will change in this country is if we come together.” There is hope!
Two weeks ago “our own” Cindy Carroll met with her Candidacy Committee and was approved for ordained ministry in the ELCA. Cindy has been a member of Peace in the past and did some of her seminary training work with us at Peace. Congratulations, Cindy! We will be sure to celebrate with her when the appropriate day arrives!
Clairdee performs for at the Jazz Church West on February 13. It will be a Valentine’s Celebration. You will get to hear her sing “Jazz Vespers” which she composed for our Jazz at Peace CD.
Epiphany Blessings, Pr. Steve
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To view a few photos from the recent Mask Making and Totem Animal Workshop with Kaleo and Elise Ching, please click here to visit the online photo album.
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January 14, 2011
Pastor Steve’s homily from this past Sunday, January 9, is now available online for your listening and soul’s pleasure. You may listen or download the this and past sermons by going to the audio sermons online section located on the website under the “Explore Peace” tab on the top navigational bar or simply following the link located in the right column of the main page under “Sunday’s Sermon.”
If you know someone who didn’t get to church on Sunday or could use a little encouragement, inspiration, or challenge in their week, pass the word and the link along!
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January 13, 2011
Friends:
“Arise, shine your light has come.”
Keep in your prayers: Ki Altemus, Randy and DeeAnn, Rosalie (who will have surgery on Friday), Ruth, Edith, Bob, Sheila, Lisa, Fidel Taylor, Kersti, Liu Xiaobo and all political prisoners, those seeking employment, the community of Tucson, members of the Youth Group and Confirmation Class, and the Bible 365 Class.
Katherine Beeler with the assistance of 5 Teens has launched our Peace High School Youth Group. They will be meeting every other Sunday. Details about future events, connections, journeys will be published in a timely manner.
The second Kids Night In/Parents Night Out was hosted at Peace by our own Jeanne and Peter Kaplan. What fun for the kids and what joy and relaxation for the parents of our Middle Schoolers. These gatherings will normally take place on a monthly basis.
Grace Cavallaro sends an invite:
The National Charity League is a unique charitable organization for mothers and their daughters in grades 7 through 12. New members are admitted up to grade 9, as space is available. Grace would be glad to serve as an application sponsor and provide more information as needed. The mission of the NCL is to foster the mother-daughter relationship in a philanthropic organization committed to community service, leadership development and cultural experiences. Grace and Elisabeth had many great experiences while being members until Elisabeth’s graduation. For more information: http://www.nationalcharityleague.org/AboutNCL/tabid/3621/Default.aspx
Our next Family Service with special attention on the younger ones will be on February 6. It will be a service of pure joy!
It’s almost here…the Bible 365 Class with Pr. Elizabeth Chandler Felts begins after worship on January 23rd. Don’t miss out!
Spiritual Grounding: On Monday, February 7 at 6:30 Peace will host a dinner for representatives from several interfaith congregations and farmers from the Sunol area to discuss creating a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) project. The Greening Committee invites interested members of Peace to join them for an Organic Meal (provided by the farmers) and a conversation with Rebecca Calahan Klein about the opportunities for honoring health, farmers and the earth through Spiritual Grounding. RSVP to the office.
Martha Mantei asks you to join her in supporting AFSP (American Foundation for the Prevention of Suicide): AFPS would not function if not for the efforts of its volunteers. This is truly an organization that was created and managed by people who want to make a difference in the way we all look at suicide and mental health. We’d like the opportunity to show you how you can help AFSP grow and help us take our events and message to the next level. We’re ramping up our volunteer efforts in the coming year and we’d love to have more hands involved! Come join us on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at the University of Phoenix in Oakland to find out how you can contribute your talents to AFSP!
The Lectors had another fine training session this past Sunday. Creative contributions will continue to emerge through this ministry. If you would like to join the Lector Group please speak with Libby Flynn or myself.
Sunday Salon: On a monthly basis members of Peace will gather for reflections/conversations on Spiritual Themes in a small group setting. The next one will be on Sunday, January 30th from 4 – 6 pm at Jeanie Locklear’s home. You are invited.
From the Interfaith Council:
Our modern world occupies both sides of the divide between sectarian hatreds and mutual appreciation. We struggle with the pre-diluvian situation of “all against all.” And we are also familiar with the temporary solution of “all against one.” What is aching to emerge within the cosmos, and which we pray must be involved in any concept of Intelligent Design or evolution or God’s will, is an era of “all for all.”
When incidents such as the church killings in Ethiopia or murders in Tucson occur, we must not revert to accusations or suspicion, but keep moving toward reconciliation and trust, else we become hostage to the most violent among us. We must also be careful about our own language, and be honest about our own fears. And we must not be delinquent about meeting with one another, or listening to each other’s perspectives. For some of us, that might mean changing our television station or news source every once in a while. Not a bad resolution for the new year. Rev. Brian Stein-Webber
The Mask Making and Totem Animal Workshop with Kaleo and Elise Ching is quite amazing. They are so well organized, grounded in their leadership, and creative with their artistic and poetic resources. The Archives Committee is providing Current History Images (this Sunday from the Mask Making Workshop) during the Hospitality Hour. Look for the looping lap top near all the good food. Hopefully Elise and Kaleo will be able to offer us this workshop again in the future!
The Gerry Grosz Jazz Kitchen was utterly amazing. Such creative compositions (two of them premiered for the first time for Jazz at Peace)! In such a tough world we need the healing wisdom and flowing music of these Jazz Church West evenings.
The Wise Ones became wise because they were willing to re-Orient themselves toward surprise, the unexpected Mystery and God. Please do the same.
Epiphany Blessings, Pr. Steve
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