living god’s love, justice, and inclusion · living god’s love, justice, and inclusion august...
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Newsletter Title
Special Events:
Project Share
August 18th
Living God’s Love, Justice, and Inclusion
August 1, 2016
Volume 43, Issue 8
Inside this issue:
From the Pastor 2
Dinner for Eight 3
Scriptures 3
Congregational
Preschool
4
Play Readers Group 4
Prayers 4
Green Justice 5
Rent-a-Youth 6
Birthdays 7
Signposts
On September 11, the Adult Sunday School class will begin using the new UCC
curriculum titled “White Privilege – Let’s Talk. The curriculum is designed to invite
members to engage in safe, meaningful, substantive and bold conversations on race.
The Rev. John Dorhauer, UCC general minister and president of the UCC has stated
that it is time that this still largely white denomination wrestle with its investment in
whiteness, and learn all it can about the manifestations and impact of White
Privilege. "This Curriculum, written by five gifted authors with decades of experience
teaching about race and privilege, is presented to enable such dialogue to take place
at every level of the Church."
The authors of the curriculum are:
The Rev. Traci Blackmon is acting executive minister of the UCC Justice and Witness
Ministries and the first female pastor of the 156-year-old Christ The King United
Church of Christ in Ferguson, MO.
The Rev. John C. Dorhauer is the ninth general minister and president of the United
Church of Christ. He served as the conference minister of the UCC's Southwest
Conference, as associate conference minister in the Missouri Mid-South Conference,
and as a local church pastor in churches in rural Missouri. He has a Master of
Divinity degree from Eden Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree from
United Theological Seminary, where he studied white privilege and its effects on the
church.
The Rev. Da Vita D. McCallister is the associate conference minister for leadership
and vitality in the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ. She is a
mother, ordained minister, entrepreneur, philanthropist, writer and advocate for
youth and young adults.
The Rev. John Paddock is the Rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Dayton, Ohio. He
has a Master of Divinity degree from The Episcopal Theological Seminary in Virginia
and a Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton.
The Rev. Stephen Ray is the Neal F. and Ila A. Fisher Professor of Systematic
Theology at Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL. He is an ordained minister
of the United Church of Christ and has served as pastor of churches in Hartford and
New Haven, CT., and in Louisville, KY.
If you are interested in attending this course, please contact Pat Maben at 504-2466
or pam1246@me .com. Pat will be ordering student books the first week of August.
July 20, 2016
Dear Friends,
Like you, I am dismayed by the persistence of violence in our world and long to be part
of the solution. We are a Peace with Justice Congregation. The United Church of Christ
calls it a justice-doing, peace-seeking church. In what ways are we doing justice and
seeking peace in these difficult days? There are many issues at work and it is our task
to build bridges and deepen relationships so that we can be part of the healing. In the
coming weeks, you will have an opportunity to add your ears, your voice and your heart
to this process. One way is through a study on white privilege published by the UCC.
You can read more about that on the cover. If you have a desire to be part of the
solution, let me know so we can come together as a community of faith.
Beginning this fall, we will add a new element to our worship service. I would like to
invite someone to speak each week. One of the most powerful elements of our life
together is sharing our stories. This will not be a time for people to tell your whole life
story. It will just be a piece of your life that you share in 2-3 minutes. It could be a time
that you saw God at work. It could be a story of how the church has touched you. It
could be something that you are grateful for or someone who has impacted you. It
could be a moment where you learned something that changed you.
We become a community as we share our lives together. This happens in small groups
(as you read in Marcia Harris’ article in this issue on page 3), one on one
conversations, and when we tell our stories to one another. I believe church is the
place where we deepen our relationships and as we do, we get a powerful glimpse of
God’s love. While I don’t pretend to have the solution to all the issues facing our world
right now, I do know that relationships are a good place to start. We need to know our
neighbors, our police officers, those who have different skin colors and backgrounds,
those who share our pew on Sunday morning, those who are older and younger than
we are. When we know each other, we can be God’s people in powerful ways.
If this resonates with you or if you would be willing to share a story in worship, please
let me know. I encourage you to consider joining a dinner for eight as well. God calls us
into relationship with one another and the world around us.
I am grateful to share this journey with you all.
Blessings,
Sue
From the Pastor
Page 2
From the
Pastor
In 15 years as a member here at First Congregational, I have come to know many members and
visitors, and can even share some details about them. Beyond names, I know whether they are
married/partnered, whether they have children, and in many cases what sort of work they do.
I had an experience in one of the Lenten Book Groups which took me way beyond the details listed
above. In our first session and continuing on, I came to really know the seven other participants,
rather than just the details. I learned about our mutual struggles, important parts of our histories,
what makes us laugh and what hurts sometimes. We connected so richly we all quickly agreed
that, “What happens in Book Group stays in Book Group!”
At the same time, the listening sessions conducted as part of the Innovation Lab Pastor Sue and
Anne Marie brought to us indicated that many of us would like to deepen our relationship with
others. We talked about an approach many of our longer-term members may remember – “Dinner
for Eight.” One person agrees to be the host, people sign up to join with that host, and the group
meets for a pot-luck dinner.
We would like to re-start Dinner for Eight, beginning in August. I am looking for people willing to be
hosts. When we have those names, we can start sign-up sheets for each group. We would
encourage groups to decide whether they want to do dinner, or brunch after church one Sunday,
whether in a member’s home or at a restaurant, and how frequently they want to meet. Please
contact me at [email protected] or at church if you are interested in hosting or would like
more information.
Marcia Harris, Moderator
Getting to Know Each Other: Dinner for Eight
August 21—Fourteenth Sunday after
Pentecost
Jeremiah 1:4-10; Psalm 71:1-6; Hebrews
12:18-29; Luke 13:10-17
August 28—Fifteenth Sunday after
Pentecost
Jeremiah 2:4-13; Psalm 81:1, 10-16;
Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16; Luke 14:1, 7-14
August 7—Twelfth Sunday after
Pentecost
Isaiah 1:1, 10-20; Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23;
Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16; Luke 12:32-40
August 14—Thirteenth Sunday after
Pentecost
Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19; Hebrews
11:29-12:2; Luke 12:49-56
Scriptures for August
Page 3
We are collecting for Habitat
for Humanity in July. Bring
your change on Sundays and
put it in the jug in the
Narthex. Change for the
month of August will support
emergency relief for those
who need assistance.
Change for Change
Dear congregation,
Thank you so much for being my church family
these past five years! It has been a joy to be a part
of First Congregational. Although the job situation
has taken me to California, you are all in my heart,
and I hope to be able to visit you next summer.
Thanks, too, for the farewell gifts! Not necessary,
but wholly appreciated. The prayer shawl will
remind me on a regular basis of your kindness.
If you’d ever like to get in touch with me, feel free
to email me at [email protected] I will no
longer use the UNM address listed in the church
directory-- or call me at (717) 683-8489.
Peace to all, Erik Medina
Master Plan—Looking to the Future
Our building was built in 1947 and an addition completed in 1950. We have a list of projects that are
needed and desired to improve our building. Rather than focusing on the crisis of the moment, the
Ministry Leadership Team approved funding to look at the big picture. We put together a team to
consider the ways this building helps and hinders our ministry in the community. Ultimately, all options
are on the table as we ask “Who are we? What are we about? How do we fulfill our mission?” This
building has strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities.
We are considering many possibilities (improve this building, sharing space with other congregations
and groups, selling the property and starting over somewhere else). If you would like to see models of
faith communities sharing space, check out this one in Minneapolis: http://www.springhousemn.org/
the-ecumenical-partnership/ And this one in Omaha: https://trifaith.org
There is no agenda for the group except carefully considering what will allow us to be faithful to God’s
call. We will keep you informed as we go and ask you to be part of the conversation. Team members are
Bill Baugh, Ted Harris, Linda Jones, Frances McCain, Randy Madonna, J.T. Vaughn, and Andy Zawadzki.
Page 4
Krys, Julie, Meth, Spencer, Gizmo, Theresa, Leslie, Craig, Wesley, Glenn,
Danni, Caleb, Mark, Carol, Charles, Inis, Laurie, Cindy, Joe, Mary, Lovely,
Ann and all who mourn.
We Remember in Our Thoughts and Prayers
PLAY READERS GROUP
Congregational Preschool
Did you know we have been being "green" for years? We recycle all ink cartridges and use that money to
buy supplies and help fund scholarships. Watch for our boxes to drop your used cartridges on Sunday or
any other time you are in the church.
We also recycle all kinds of interesting items, toilet paper rolls, egg cartons, wood scraps and many
items you have around the house. Check in with Kris if you have something you are wondering if we
could recycle.
Frances McCain will be forming a play reading group shortly after Labor Day. We will gather to read
plays that provoke discussion on a variety of issues vital to our lives as well as those that entertain us in
the process! It will be a chance for readers to “try on” another’s point of view by reading a character, or
simply sit back and listen in order to participate in the after-reading conversation. We will meet on
Sunday afternoons in the Library. Please speak with Frances if you are interested in joining us. Open to
extroverts and introverts alike! All are welcome!
Can you believe it is time for our preschool to start back up? We are
gearing up for another great year; the first day of school is Monday
Aug 15th.
There are still openings in our classes if you know any 2-5 year olds
who would enjoy learning through play!
We are also looking for energetic and enthusiastic teachers, so
please get the word out and like us on Facebook. Call Kris Nolan at
265-5749 or email her at [email protected]
Page 5
GREEN TIP FOR AUGUST
WANTING TO GET OUT ON A WARM SUMMER NIGHT FOR A WALK OR A CONCERT BUT DON’T WANT TO BATTLE THE PESKY MOSQUITOS WITH CHEMICAL DEET?
Try REPEL lemon eucalyptus spray available at Big 5 sporting stores, Target, and other stores in the area. It smells great and offers an alternate to spraying chemicals on your skin and in the atmosphere.
TAKE ACTION TO REDUCE METHANE GAS--TAKE A MOMENT AND SIGN A PETITION AUGUST 21 or 28
This past spring First Congregational sent dozens of postcards to the
EPA/Bureau of Land Management urging them to adopt their first-ever
standards to limit industrial methane pollution. Because of the pressure
they did pass regulations, but now we need to urge them to add specific
language to strengthen these new rules.
On August 21 and 28 we will have petitions to sign during Fellowship
Hour urging the EPA to enact a new source rule that will require natural
gas companies to find and fix methane gas leaks at all their facilities on a
quarterly basis. Methane gas speeds up climate change—such as the
prolonged hotter temperatures associated with unhealthy levels of ozone
pollution.
JOIN US AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
SAVE THE DATE! SEPTEMBER 18 TOM SOLOMON will speak after church in the Library
about ways in which we can make changes in our policies and our lives so that we can fulfill
the Paris Agreement and reduce our carbon footprint. Tom, a retired INTEL engineer after a
34 year career, is now a full-time environmental activist and co-coordinator of 350.org of
New Mexico.
JOIN THE GREEN TEAM! The Team meets once a month after Church to plan actions, educationals, and share
information. In the next few months, we will be doing follow-up on our work as a Green Justice Church, looking into solar energy possibilities for First Congregational, offering actions to improve our environment, maintaining our butterfly gardens, and holding Adult Forums and film showings on ecological issues.
To read more about our activities, check out the Green Justice Bulletin Board in Fellowship Hall.
OUR NEXT MEETING will be Sunday, August 14 after church. For more information, contact Joyce Overton at
Habitat for Humanity
Some Nob Hill churches came together to explore
working as a team on a Habitat for Humanity
house. If you have interest in helping with
construction (you don’t need to be a construction
worker to help), providing a meal, or volunteering
in some other way, please let Sue know.
Border Immersion Opportunity
Recently, a group of us met with Kathleen
O’Malley to talk about a Border Immersion
Experience. This would be an opportunity to
learn about the plight of immigrants first hand:
to see where they seek shelter, to hear their
stories, and to learn from others who are
offering compassionate ministry to those who
seek a better life. If you have interest in a trip
to learn more about the plight of immigrants,
please let Sue know. We need to select a date.
Cost for the weekend would be around $230
per person.
Page 6 RENT-a-YOUTH
Do you have a room you need help cleaning out? Do you need a face painter for a birthday party? An
extra set of hands? You need to "Rent-a-Youth"!!
The Youth Group is raising funds for their mission trip to Chicago as well as other activities throughout
the year.
Please contact Paul Hook, 505-573-9465/[email protected] or Beth Benderman, 505-263-
6884/the [email protected] to schedule to time and rates (rates vary by job & number of youth
needed).
Anniversary Dinner and Auction
Mark your calendars now for our anniversary dinner and auction on Sat. Oct. 15 at 5 pm. This is a super
fun event! We have some wonderful items to auction and we are still collecting items. If you would like
to contribute something, please contact Steve Winton at 554-2008 or [email protected].
If you are interested in helping with the dinner, please let Sue know. This is a great event to invite
friends and family to. Online bidding for the auction will be available again this year.
COUNTDOWN TO HOSTING THE UCC SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE ANNUAL MEETING - 9 MONTHS
Our Time, our Talent, our Treasure, our Vehicles
We received another car donation from One Community Auto. Each of these donations comes from
members or friends of the church. It is an easy way to give. Gary Peterson will pick up your vehicle
(whether it runs or not). He will take cars, boats, campers, anything and prepare it to sell. If it can’t be
sold, he will sell the parts. The church gets 60% of the proceeds. This has been a great program for
our church! It is an easy way to give. Contact Sue or Gary Peterson 379-3432 for more information.
Back to School Cookies!
While we are in the middle of summer, school
administration and staff are preparing to return
to work. We are going to take cookies to
Jefferson Middle School staff on August 10. You
will hear more about this in the mid-week
message over the next few weeks. All cookies are
welcome! Let’s tell the Jefferson staff how much
we appreciate them.
charity. Thereafter, ALWAYS enter (or better yet,
bookmark) smile.amazon.com in your browser
before your purchase, and our church gets the
percentage. No effect on rebates, purchase price,
or gift card eligibility! Please register for this
simple, easy (and FREE) fundraiser.
Thanks.
Amazon user?? Did you know our church is eligible
for 0.5% of nearly every purchase you make on
Amazon? Registration is EASY. Type
smile.Amazon.com in your browser. Find and select
First Congregational Church, Albuquerque as your
Amazon Smile
Altar Flowers
Sunday Altar Flowers
If you’d like to contribute flowers for the altar, please sign up on the
calendar in Fellowship Hall. All Sundays in August are available.
If the altar flowers are left behind after worship, you are welcome to take
them to someone who needs a pick-me-up.
June
Tyler Jewell-Roth
Roxanne Sikes
Jade Pugatch
Debbie Good
Steve Herrera
Sue Baugh
Carol Bush
Carolyn Winton
Page 7
August
Richard Frederiksen
Marilyn Toler
Marsha Baum
Janet McHard
Rachel Minnaar
Marcia Schreiner
Linda Pokluda
Shanta Hanish
David Zawadzki
Lois Harwick
Joe Dooley
July
J. T, Vaughn
Iris Castagna
Marcia Harris
Peggy Warner
Paul Hook
Vera Rice
Eva Zawadzki
Mark Walker
Alex Martin Westerhold
Elise Klingler
Amanda Klingler
Frances McCain
Grace Hibbs
Leadership
Marcia Harris
Moderator
Paul Hook
Vice-Moderator
Janet McHard
Treasurer
Shawn L. Penman
Secretary
Rev. Gail Joralemon
Covenantal Partner in Ministry
Rev. Susy Gaffney
SWC Mission Board Delegate
Ted Harris
Building & Grounds
Pat Maben
Faith Development
Pastor & Staff
Rev. Sue Joiner
Senior Minister
Kris Nolan
Director of Congregational
Preschool
Paul Morbitzer
Administrative Assistant/
Bookkeeper
Tim Beach
Building Superintendent
Ruth Striegel
Director of Music
Russ Parker
Organist
Venessa Vogel
Nursery Attendant
Max Bode
Nursery Assistant
Danny Eitingon
Congregational Life
Laura Hanish &
Frankie Johnson
Social Justice &
Outreach
Ann Fenton
Preschool Committee
Spencer Hatcher
Web Master
God is Still Speaking.
2801 Lomas Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM
87106
Phone: 505-265-5749
Fax: 505-265-5740
E-mail: [email protected]
First Congregational
United Church of
Christ
An Open and Affirming,
Peace with Justice and
Green Justice
Congregation
Living God’s Love,
Justice, and Inclusion
As our parking lot fills up, we are
inviting you to park in the Jefferson
Middle School lot across the street. If
you are able to do so, please park
across the street and make room in the
church lot for visitors and those who
need to park close to the building.
First Congregational United Church of Christ
Electronic giving available on our
website: http://firstuccabq.org
Page 8
August 2016
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28
29 30 31
Pastor’s Day Off
8 am Fitness Class 9 am Ministry Team Orientation
6 pm Fitness Class 6:30pm Line Dancing
7:30 am Meal Prep 5pm Meal Serving
Project Share
6pm Preschool Committee 10:30 am Text Study
6 pm Fitness Class 7 pm Meditation Group
6:30 pm Ministry Teams, Executive Committee
1 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry 6 pm Fitness Class
1 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry 5 pm Finance 6 pm Fitness Class
Potluck Lunch
Congregational Life, Faith Development, Social Justice and Outreach
Sunday School for Adults 9:30 am Sunday Worship 10:30 am
Pastor’s Day Off
Pastor’s Day Off
Pastor’s Day Off
6 pm Fitness Class 6:30pm Line Dancing
6 pm Fitness Class 6:30pm Line Dancing
6 pm Fitness Class 6:30pm Line Dancing 7 pm Preschool Parent Orientation
10:30 am Text Study 6 pm Fitness Class 7 pm Meditation Group
10:30 am Text Study 6 pm Fitness Class 7 pm Meditation Group
10:30 am Text Study 6 pm Fitness Class 7 pm Meditation Group
Youth Group
Green Justice Meets
Deadline for Signposts Articles
4:30pm Progressive Christianity
Communion in Chapel
12 pm Buildings & Grounds Committee
8 am Fitness Class
8 am Fitness Class
8 am Fitness Class
6 pm Fitness Class
6 pm Fitness Class
6 pm Fitness Class
10:30 am Text Study 4 pm Stewardship 6 pm Fitness Class 7 pm Meditation Group