Volume XXXVI Number 6

The Spire - June - 2015

Recent Work Day The Trustees want to enthusiastically thank all those

who made our recent Work Day such a success. A special

thanks to Bryan Grady, who was unable to be present that

day, but was a great help with the planning and shopping

for supplies, and to Charles Weidmann, who really coordi-

nated all the detailed planning, did much of the shopping,

supplied many of the tools, and kept everyone busy with a

job. It was wonderful to see Tracy, our beloved custodian,

who stopped by briefly from medical leave to give some

useful advice and wish us well.

Twenty-nine members participated in the Work Day.

They included: Karen Armor, Jack Battad, Zoe Campbell-

Eby, Liz Carey, Howard Cohen, Ellen Cook, Gwen Duffy,

Terry Duffy, Deanne Everton, Joey Gottesman, Will Got-

tesman, Bob Horst, Michael Howden, Austin Kilburn, Dick Kirkpatrick, Mark Knudsen, George Kreider, Brian Link,

Kristin Link, Claire Markus, Jacqui Reed, Mary Rothgeb, Julie Scheve, Marsha Stevenson, Maurice Stevenson, Noel

Tebo, Ruth Tebo, Roger Tricco, and Charles Weidmann.

A wide variety of projects were undertaken, and mostly completed, during the intensive

four plus hours. Among the projects were adjusting two dragging doors (one in the kitchen

and one in the narthex), repairing a door in the Choir Room, removing a damaged backflow

valve cover, cleaning the wood on pews in the sanctuary, an internet fix for the Music Di-

rector’s office, and cleaning light fixture covers in the narthex, the breeze way, Friendship

Room, and the Choir Room. All the light bulbs in the narthex were replaced with LED

bulbs. Several projects in our garden areas were undertaken including removing dead plants

from containers, cutting down a dead tree, removing low hanging tree branches, removing

dead wood from shrubbery, clearing out several feet of Junipers to prepare for a plumbing

project, and clearing out overgrowth in the columbarium area.

An unusual project was rebuilding two dry stacked stone benches near the labyrinth. In

addition, a lot of head scratching was going on among a group of men working on a vexing

electrical problem in two of our Fellowship Hall storage closets. Was it resolved?

Of course, no work day

would be complete without

some painting projects. These

included sanding and painting

a bench at the sanctuary en-

trance and sanding and prim-

ing the light posts and short

protective posts in the east

parking lot. A large project

was cleaning all the debris off

the roofs of the classroom/

office buildings and Fellow-

ship Hall, cleaning all the gut-

ters, and blowing out and

checking the downspouts.

Thanks again one and all.

First Congregational Church of San Jose, United Church of Christ

in Partnership with United Disciples Fellowship

Table of contents Page

United Disciples Fellowship 2

Congregational Meeting 2

Water Shut Off 2

Adult Forum 2

Women’s Fellowship 3

Women of Faith 3

Caregivers Group 3

Blood Drive Information 3

Women’s Retreat Songbook 3

Associate Minister Search 4

2015 Graduates 4

Acknowledgements... 5

Labyrinth Walks 5

Church Council Highlights 5

2015 Spire Dates 5

In Our Thoughts & Prayers 6

Remembering Our Military 6

Sanctuary Improvements 6

Easter Flowers Thank You 6

Children’s Ministries 7

KaBOOM! 7

Youth Ministries 8

NCNC Summer Camp 8

Birthdays & Anniversaries 9

Easter Basket Thanks You 9

90’s Wisdom 9

Cozy Elegant Breakfast 9

FCCSJ Calendar of Events 10

Pastoral Messages 11

Contact Information 12

United Disciples Fellowship Saturday, June 6, 2015 – 6:00pm

“Recovery Café”

Our guest will be Rev. Dana Bainbridge from San

Jose First Christian Church. She will share details

with us about the Recovery Café, which this congre-

gation has begun. All are welcome. Dessert will be

served.

When Saturday, June 6, 2015 – 6:00pm

Where Home of Jim and Debbie Grijalva

2071 Bello, San Jose (408.448.6454)

Page 2 Volume XXXVI Number 6

Congregational Budget Meeting

At our Congregational Meeting on Sunday, June 14, di-

rectly following worship, we will vote on our proposed

budget for our fiscal year 2015/2016, as well as the fol-

lowing by-law amendment regarding Electronic Delibera-

tions and Electronic Meetings.

Bylaws changes for FCCSJ:

ARTICLE XII – PARLIAMENTARY RULES OF

ORDER

Approved at Jan 2015 Annual Meeting:

Section1. Parliamentary Authority

The latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Re-

vised shall be the parliamentary authority for this Church.

Proposed additions to Article XII:

Section 2. Special Rules of Order

A. Electronic Deliberations

Face-to-face deliberations are the preferred method of

decision making in this Church. Electronic delibera-

tions (making motions, discussions, and voting) are

not permitted for meetings of the Church Member-

ship. Electronic deliberations are permitted, however,

in the Church Organization (Church Council, Boards,

and Committees), when circumstances require them,

subject to the following conditions, and any Church

Council Policies governing electronic deliberations.

1. There shall be no electronic deliberations on a)

matters that control future decisions or actions, or

b) expenditures that are not covered by previously

approved budget allocations.

2. Electronic deliberations are permitted when a de-

cision is required prior to the next regular meeting

of the decision-making group, and a special meet-

ing is impractical.

B. Electronic Meetings

Electronic meetings (such as telephone conferences or

videoconferences) are not permitted for meetings of

the Church Membership. They may, however, be used

by the Church Organization (Church Council, Boards,

and Committees), when circumstances require them,

subject to any Church Council Policies governing

electronic meetings.

Water Shut Off

Scheduled Campus-wide

On Thursday the 11th of June, we will be shutting off wa-

ter supply to the FCCSJ campus in order to repair a pair

of major water leaks. There will be no water on cam-

pus from 10:00am – 5:00pm, Thursday the 11th of June.

No bathrooms, no water fountains, no kitchen. No wa-

ter. The FCCSJ office will be closed on Thursday the

11th. We strongly recommend that you not be on site on

Thursday the 11th.

Once the leaks are repaired we expect our water usage to

drop by as much as 60%. This reduction will allow us to

exceed the Santa Clara Water District usage reduction of

25-30%. It will also allow us to strategically water se-

lected lawns such as the Courtyard lawn and the three

small lawns located between the

Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall.

Please feel free to contact Bryan

Grady, FCCSJ Property Manager

with questions or comments.

Introduction to Celtic Christianity

The Adult Education offering for June 28, 2015 will be a general intro-

duction to the history and development of the Celtic Christian tradition. Celtic Christian thought, as opposed to the more

Augustinian approach common in the Western Church, has a story grounded in the practices of the ancient Celts who

held much less hierarchal and paternalistic views, as well as a more inclusive spirituality and creation friendly approach

to theology and worship. Rev. Tom Gough will offer up this brief introductory talk with an eye toward a more in depth

exploration later in the year.

Page 3 Volume XXXVI Number 6

Women of Faith

All women are invited to attend our Women of Faith

Groups. We meet monthly for discussion of a theme and

loving support for one another. You are welcome to join

either or both groups.

Morning Women of Faith

Meets the 4th Monday at 10:00 am each month. Our next

meeting is June 22. All women are welcome to this time

of mutual support and caring conversation. Please join

us!

Evening Women of Faith

Meets 3rd Wednesday at 7:00 pm. Our next meeting is

June 17. All women are welcome to this time of mutual

support and caring conversation. Ask Jennifer Busam or

Karen Winchester for more details.

Women’s Fellowship Circle Meeting

Deborah Circle will meet for a Pot-luck

luncheon on June 3rd at 11:30 am. Nancy

Kell’s friend will present our program shar-

ing her interests in antiques and fostering

kittens. If you need a reminder as to what

food you signed up to bring, please call

Betsey. We hope to see all of you at our last

meeting of this year.

Caregiver Support Group Our next meeting is April 18, 2015, noon - 2 p.m. in the

Friendship Room. If you are in the position of being a

caregiver or support person (long distance, or nearby),

and would like to connect with others experiencing the

same kind of challenges, this is the group for

you. Whether you are caring for a parent or a spouse,

sibling or neighbor, you are wel-

come to join us. We meet on the

third Saturday of each

month. Each meeting we have a

time of check in, and then explore a

topic related to caregiving.

Bring a dish to share for our

monthly potluck.

THE WOMEN’S RETREAT

SONGBOOK REVISION Our committee has started reviewing all the songs in the

present songbook. Some are old favorites (“Weave”) and

some seem so unfamiliar that many of us don’t even

know the tune (“This Life’s A Celebration”).

Our goal is to create a good collection of songs with all

the notes to allow accompaniment on the guitar, piano,

etc. And we will be looking for music to some of the

songs that we currently have only the words.

We also would like to add a few new songs to the list; so

if you have some favorites that would be suitable for our

retreat songbook, please send your suggestions of song

name and words to Ruth

Tebo by June 30th. If you

can include sheet music,

that would be even better!

Of course, the committee

will also have to verify that

we have legal permissions

& copyrights before we

publish.

The songbook committee -

Peggy Charlesworth, Carol

Hagler, Judy Stevens, Ruth

Tebo

Our next Blood Drive

July 18, 2015

If you plan to donate you must not give blood else-

where after June 1st. Many of you are faithful donors so

this notice gives you a reminder to save the date.

There is a popular belief in Japan that a person’s

ABO type is predictive of his/her personality. Traits are

listed below. Does yours match up? Type A: sensible,

patient, reserved. Type B: active, creative, passionate.

Type AB: sociable, idealistic, indecisive. Type O: confi-

dent, unpredictable, intuitive.

The drive will be from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. I

will have sign ups after church starting in late June. You

can also register online at bloodcenter@standford.edu.

Helen Battad, Community Service

Page 4 Volume XXXVI Number 6

Formation of the

Associate Minister Search Team

The Staffing Task Ministry Team, appointed by Church

Council, has been assessing our current staff require-

ments. One outcome from their work is a job description

for Associate Minister that has been submitted to Council

for approval. A copy of this will be made available once

approved. Our next step is to begin the formation of the

Associate Minister Search Team. The Executive Com-

mittee of Church Council is now soliciting names for, and

will begin solidifying members of, the Associate Minister

Search Team. This Team will consist of 5-7 members.

Their work should take as much as 6-9 months.

Who makes a good search team member?

Someone who…

Has the trust and respect of the congregation.

Is able to keep the confidences within the group.

Has the ability to listen, to participate in a group,

and come to a consensus.

Understands and can articulate what the church

needs and what the vision for this position is.

Has a good level of trust in God’s working in and

through the process.

Is willing to make this responsibility a high priority

in his or her life.

Is open to all persons to whom God might be call-

ing without regard to age, race, gender, physical

handicap, sexual orientation or marital status.

You are invited to submit names in writing, with a brief

description of the reasons why that person would be an

asset to the search team, to Moderator, Deanne Everton at

everton@pacbell.net by July 1. You may submit your

own name or that of another member. All Search Team

members do need to be members of the church.

After July 1, the Executive Committee will consider the

names submitted, discuss expectations with recommended

nominees (not all nominees will be selected) and obtain

their commitment, and then recommend the slate to

Church Council for approval.

If you have any questions about the

Search Team selection process, don’t

hesitate to contact anyone on the Ex-

ecutive Committee:

Deanne Everton, Roger Tricco, Liz

Carey, Brenda Eberle, Laurel Eby,

Rev. Tom Gough, & Rev. Lois Mueller

2015 Graduates Emily Cox

Notre Dame High School

Attending UC Berkley in the Fall majoring in

Environmental Science

Daughter of Brad and Elizabeth Cox

Kris Eckhardt

Associate of Arts in Social & Behavior Sciences

DeAnza Junior College

Oldest son of Cindy Eckhardt

Rebecca Heberling

Harbor High School

Attending Cabrillo College in the Fall

Cousin of Marlie Heberling

Allie Kerkhoff

Notre Dame High School

Attending Willamette University in the Fall

Daughter of Peggy Doyle and Uwe Kerkhoff

Marisa McCann

Oregon State University, Corvallis

Granddaughter of Leta Shattuck

Joey Rothgeb

Prospect High School

Post secondary program at Campbell

Community Center.

Mary Rothgeb

Bachelors of Arts Communication Studies

San Jose State University

Career goal is grant writing for nonprofit.

Tammy Rystrom

Bachelors of Science Business Management

Friends University, Wichita Kansa

Tyler Vandiver

Branham High School

Attending UC Santa Cruz in the Fall

Dylan Zhang

Bellarmine College Preparatory

Attending New York University in the Fall

Son of Sally Guan

Is there a graduate in your household not listed here? Please call

(377-7121 ext 107) or e-mail (office@firstccsj.org) and let us know!

May Church Council Highlights

Appreciative Inquiry – The Open Table – Rev. Tom

Gough

1. Currently planning a 4-week forum series in June

featuring Second Harvest, Garden to Table, Val-

ley Verde and a permaculture expert.

2. The Open Table Advisory Council will meet June

7th to plan next steps. Team is made up of volun-

teers from the various interest groups from our

last large-group Inquiry meeting. We expect to

meet quarterly.

Staffing Task Ministry Team – Rev. Tom Gough

1. The team has studied budgeting, the church’s pro-

gram needs, current staffing patterns. Spent time

studying the principal functions and how they can

be grouped, where was overlap, etc. Looking to-

wards the associate position as a “Minister of

Family Life” with responsibilities for children’s

ministry, coordination with Youth program and

developing Young Adults and Young Family pro-

gramming. Most of our recent growth lately has

been young families so need to develop this area

further. The team hopes to present the plan to

council for a vote in June and then move forward

with a search.

June 11 – 14 Annual Gathering – Roger Tricco

1. MOTION: Roger Tricco moved that Howard

Cohen, Marilyn Cohen and Ellen Cook are nomi-

nated to be our delegates to the NCNCUCC An-

nual Gathering. SECOND: Mark Domnauer. Mo-

tion carries.

2. Cost to send all 3 for the entire event is $1,275.

Council approves this expenditure for our repre-

sentatives.

If you would like a full copy of the Church Council Minutes please

email: office@firstccsj.org or call the office: 408-377-7121.

2015 SPIRE DATES

Month Deadline Mailing

January Mon. Dec. 15 Fri. Dec. 26

February Mon. Jan. 19 Wed. Jan. 28

March Mon. Feb. 16 Wed. Feb. 25

April Mon. Mar. 16 Wed. Mar 25

May Mon. Apr. 20 Wed. Apr. 29

June Mon. May 18 Wed. May 27

July Mon. June 15 Wed. June 24

August Mon. July 20 Wed. July 29

September Mon. Aug. 17 Wed. Aug 26

October Mon. Sept. 21 Wed. Sept. 30

November Mon. Oct. 19 Wed. Oct,. 28

December Mon. Nov. 16 Wed. Nov. 25

Acknowledgements,

Celebrations and

Thank You’s:

Many thanks to 18+ members of the church who

helped out with the Rebuilding Together Day on

April 25th.

Special thanks to Howard & Marilyn Cohen, Austin

Kilburn, George Kreider for additional assistance in

the post-Rebuilding Day work.

To all who assisted in preparation of the food for the

Climate Conference (Kristin Link, Jan & Paul Hey-

mann Julie, Scheve, Karen Armor, Sue Clayholt,

Cindy Eckhardt)

To all the youth and parents who came for the Youth

Room clean up and especially Karen Armor who con-

tinues to help us keep things organized.

To the Fellowship Board for all their help on Easter

Sunday when the dishwasher broke down.

To Sue Fettchenhauer, again.

To the Stewardship Committee for the Sandwich Pot-

luck that was enjoyed by all.

Page 5 Volume XXXVI Number 6 Page 5 Volume XXXVI Number 6

Labyrinth Walks

Summer Solstice Walk: 8:15am – 9:15 am Sunday

June 21, Father's Day. Summer solstice – our longest

day and shortest night – will be June 21. On that day all

over the Northern Hemisphere of Earth, the sun appears

to stand still. Throughout the ages, this event has been

seen as a marker in the year, a time for plans, for envi-

sioning. On solstice we acknowledge the sun, the giver of

life and energy, quickening all living things on earth.

Walking the labyrinth, we will contemplate what we our-

selves give our own light and energy to. How will we

enlighten ourselves and brighten our world in the coming

year? Please join us for the 8:15am opening ritual, the

walk, and a closing ritual.

Journey to the Center of the Labyrinth: 4th Satur-

day of the month at 4:00 pm. The next date is June 27 -

Opening the labyrinth begins at 4pm. Walking with a

group is a different experience from walking alone. It’s

been said that a labyrinth is not a place to lose yourself,

but rather a place to find yourself, through meditation,

reflection and/or prayer. A labyrinth is universal and we

are fortunate to have one in our back yard!

Page 6 Volume XXXVI Number 6

REPORT FROM

SANCTUARY IMPROVEMENT

MINISTRY TEAM

The Sanctuary Improvement Team continues to meet

once a month. We meet on the first Monday at 7:00pm in

Rev. Tom’s office; anyone desiring to sit in on one of our

meetings is invited to do so. Here is our report of where

we are right now.

We have set our Goals for improving & updating the

Sanctuary. They are:

1. Create a sanctuary space that demonstrates an ex-

travagant welcome to all by making the chancel area

accessible to persons of all abilities.

2. Enhance the liturgical flexibility of the chancel/choir

area.

3. Develop a better visual connection between the sanc-

tuary and the surrounding garden areas.

Deficiencies that must be addressed are:

1. Limited accessibility of the Altar/Chancel area

(ADA regulations)

2. Replacement of worn Dorsal Cloth and Organ Pipes

coverings

Next Step: We are now in the first stage of contacting

local architects with experience in updating sanctuaries in

the light of current 2015 building codes [our 1965 Sanc-

tuary building was constructed to the codes of fifty years

ago].

A Request for Proposal and Qualifications will be sent to

local architects that have been recommended to us. We

are trying to find an architect with the appropriate experi-

ence that is willing to work with us to explore ideas and

possible design options that we might pursue. No deci-

sions on what changes to the Sanctuary, if any, will be

made at this step in the process.

Peggy Charlesworth, Brad Cox, Deanne Everton, Becky

Lake, Mark Knudsen, Anne Swanson, Ruth & Noel Tebo,

and Rev Tom Gough.

Remembering Our Military Please send updates when possible.

Army Greg Smith,

Prayers requested by Katie Brown

Carl Blöm,

Prayers requested by Billie and Hal Cole

Rob Flournoy, David Christopher and

Luke Groeninger,

Prayers requested by Jacqui Reed

Nicole Brookwell,

Prayers requested by Donald and Eugenia Allen -

Egbert

Isaac Swiftbird,

Prayers requested by Lorraine Casto

Marines Uriel Huizache,

Prayer request by Susan Price-Jang

Brad Flournoy,

Prayers requested by Jacqui Reed

Navy Travis Hamilton

Prayers requested by Patrick Campbell and

Laurel Eby

All Military active duty and all Veterans; May we be a welcoming congregation for all

those who have served (and their families) in the

Armed Forces

Prayers requested by Rev. Penny Phillips

In Our Thoughts and Prayers

Eleanor Tibbetts .

Hal Cole back at home.

Tracy DeCaires recovering at home.

All those who are recipients of hospice care.

The women at Elmwood Jail.

THE ALTAR ON EASTER SUN-

DAY WAS BEAUTIFUL. Thank you to

all who donated flowers for our Easter Sunday celebra-

tions. Many thanks to Carla Murakami and Nancy Dom-

nauer who created the gorgeous arrangement. Also

thanks to members of the Caring Ministry Team and Sa-

cred Space Ministry Team who delivered the flowers to

our shut-ins.

Ruth Tebo, Sacred Space Ministry Teams

Page 7 Volume XXXVI Number 6

Spiritual Formation for Children

(5th Grade and Younger)

Please contact Michal Stachnick, Director of Children’s

Ministries, cmdirector@firstccsj.org or call the church office if

you have any questions about our children’s program.

All Children

Godly Play: If you are interested in becoming a Godly Play storyteller or door person in the fall, please speak to

Michal Stachnick.

Summer Church School: We are still looking for volunteers to help with our summer church school program. If you

have a hobby, craft, or activity to share with the children, please let us know. We also need volunteers just to be present

and assist with the activities. Contact Michal Stachnick to help out – cmdirector@firstccsj.org.

Thank You Church School Teachers!

The Board of Children’s Ministries would like to extend our most grateful appreciation to our faithful church school

teachers. This year we moved to a new curriculum – Godly Play – and you all stepped into the role with enthusiasm and

care. Our children are fortunate to have you!

Cynthia Alldridge Norma Brynsvold Maryann Coole Lorraine Casto

Dennis Noren April Whalen Zoe Campbell-Eby Thomas Schweizer

Susan Price-Jang Katie Brown Kayla Knebel Audie Campbell-Eby

Tara Neis Tara Everton Michelle Durbin Traci Caton

The Miracle at

Leigh and Fruitdale Avenues

A playground for neighborhood children arose Friday morning, May 15th, in a lower-income neighborhood without

a park at the corner of Leigh and Fruitdale avenues a mile north of our church. I am proud to say that a good share of

the work was done by volunteers from our First Congregational Church. Made possible by the partnerships of

KaBOOM! (KaBOOM.org), the San Jose Sharks Foundation, the San Jose Parks Foundation, and the Campbell Union

School District, the park represents the work of about 40 volunteers doing prep work on Wednesday, and 229 volunteers

doing construction/assembly the following Friday, May 15.

Kudos to Jack Battad (Wed.), Jennifer Busam, (Wed.), Nichol Chontofalsky (Fri.), Deanne Everton (Wed.),

Pam Flournoy (Fri.), Julie Horst (Fri.), Victor Jang (Fri.), Dennis Noren (Wed. & Fri. and who needed a massage in

between), David Proulx (Fri.), and Tony Ruiz (Fri.). Church volunteers cut lumber, water proofed wood (“I’ve seen

lattice from both sides now” paraphrasing Joni Mitchell), picked

up donated food and coffee (endured coffee donation misunder-

standings - “$95 please”), served hungry volunteers, constructed

benches, assembled play structure modules, met new people,

strained muscles, danced to the latest hits, drank lots of water,

cleaned up, AND MADE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES

OF LOCAL CHILDREN who otherwise would have no place to

play. If you were there and you don’t see your name here, con-

tact Susan Price-Jang immediately (408 425-7830 or

sleeprice66@gmail.com) so that she can beg forgiveness

(seriously!). Many, many thanks to all!!

Page 8 Volume XXXVI Number 6 Page 8 Volume XXXVI Number 6

“We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be

to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.”

- T.S. Eliot

The school year is finally coming to a close and I feel as if I can hear the col-

lective sigh of relief from both youth and parents. I myself am feeling the ex-

citement as we gear up for a summer of adventures!

This summer the youth and I will be having loads of fun (as we always do!)

participating in camp and our service trip, as well as some fun youth group

events here and there. Summer is always a busy time so we do not have a

regular Sunday evening meeting, but we will have fellowship opportunities

throughout July and August.

In June all the youth and their families will be celebrating our junior high and

high school graduates with an end-of-the-year dinner on June 7th. Please be

sure to check your weekly e-blast for more information on that.

I will be on vacation June 15th -July 4th and will not be checking my e-mail

during that time. If you need anything from me during that time, please be

sure to let me know prior to me leaving. I look forward to a period of rest and

reflection and to returning energized for the summer months!

-Marlie Heberling,

Director of Youth Ministry

YOUTH MINISTRIES

NCNC SUMMER CAMP

One of the greatest opportunities that kids and youth

have through the Northern California Nevada Confer-

ence is our Outdoor Ministry program. I hope all the

kids and youth of our church take advantage of it!

This summer we are learning about doing kindness

by following Jesus’ example. Youth will enjoy fellowship, games, crafts, swimming,

and lots of fun all while talking about Jesus: The Man, The Myth, The Legend.

There is scholarship money available…please contact Marlie for more info. If you

are interested in participating in a carpool, please e-mail Marlie.

Visit www.ncncucc.org/outdoor-ministries to register.

SENIOR HIGH CAMP AT CAZ, July 12-18,

$470 (Marlie will be on staff)

Youth currently in grades 8-11

JUNIOR CAMP AT CAZ, July 19-25, $470

Youth currently in grades 8-11

JUNIOR HIGH CAMP AT CAZ, July 26-

August 1, $470

Youth currently in grades 2-5

OFFERED PROGRAMS

AXIS (Grades 6-12)

Sunday, 10:00 - 11:15 AM

Youth leave after the sermon

time. (No AXIS on the first Sun-

day of the month)

ON HIATUS THROUGH

THE SUMMER

VORTEX (Grades 6-8)

Sunday, 5:00 - 7:00 PM

Youth meet in the Youth Center.

Dinner is included.

FLUX (Grades 9-12)

Sunday, 6:00 - 8:30 PM

Youth meet in the Youth Center.

Dinner is included. One the 1st

Sunday FLUX ends at 8 PM for

Youth Leadership Team.

STAY UP-TO-DATE

Visit our website at

www.firstccsj.org/youth.html

Sign up to receive our e-

newsletter

Read this page in The Spire

each month

Like us on Facebook

Check out our bulletin board

in Fellowship Hall

Contact: Marlie Heberling,

youthdirector@firstccsj.org

Cozy Yet Elegant Breakfast

for a Good Cause.

If you are looking for a homey breakfast served on

fine china and linens in a knotty-pine wood paneled room

before church, come to the Willow Glen American Le-

gion Post #318 located at 1504 Minnesota Avenue on the

first Sunday of each month. A traditional breakfast of

coffee/tea, eggs, bacon, pancakes, toast is served starting

at 8:30 AM till 11 AM, all for only $6.00. Food is pre-

pared by supervised young members of the Campbell Un-

ion High School District’ ROTC (mainly from Del Mar

High). This is a fundraiser for the post, a great way to

dine, and to meet others, in a cozy setting. Victor and I

always go, hope to see you there. Susan Price-Jang

THANK YOU TO ALL who filled

Easter Baskets for Star House. You filled 37 baskets with

wonderful gifts and treats. The baskets were very much

appreciated by the young men &

women who received them. Thank

you again for thinking of youth in our

community.

Ruth Tebo, Community Service

Page 9 Volume XXXVI Number 6

June Birthdays Peggy Charlesworth 6/1

Brad Cox 6/1

Joanna Scoggins 6/4

Connie Woodward 6/5

Jake Charlesworth 6/6

Tate Warner 6/6

Carey Nelson 6/7

Ariana Cesare 6/7

Paul Heymann 6/8

Hal Cole 6/9

Shelley Neis 6/9

Kathleen Busse 6/11

Norma Olavarri 6/11

Marjorie Adcock 6/12

Rachel Hendricks-Key 6/14

David LaVoy 6/20

Marsha Stevenson 6/20

Darrrell Grey 6/21

Liz Carey 6/22

Lydia Tan 6/24

Chuck Reed 6/25

Eric Stachnick 6/25

Norma Brynsvold 6/26

Steven Caton 6/29

Chris Kirkpatrick 6/30

June Anniversaries Dorothy & Bob Hamilton 6/3

Pat & Bob Meyer 6/6

Norma & Glen Brynsvold 6/7

Mariel & John Oliver 6/8

Kristin & Brian Link 6/9

Bonnie & Mac McClung 6/9

Peggy & Michael Charlesworth 6/10

Ruth & Noel Tebo 6/16

Aileen & Allen Daily 6/18

Kathy & Carl Cilker 6/22

Nancy & Mark Domnauer 6/24

Cynthia & Gary Eckhardt 6/24

Katie Brown & Michael Lipman 6/25

Eugenia Allen-Egbert & Donald Egbert 6/27

Jan & Paul Heymann 6/27

Billie & Hal Cole 6/28

Lisa Young & Reeta Whitney 6/28

Carlyn & Dennis Grantham 6/29

90’s Wisdom

NORMA OLAVARRI

From Maywood, California

Was a nurse, helped her husband establish a

thriving Pest Control Business.

Norma & Phillip met on a blind date

and were married for 67 years.

They had one son and two daughters.

Norma’s Wisdom ~

Only Worry on Wednesdays!

BOARD/COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Church Council 1st Tues. 7:30 pm Friendship Rm.

Diaconate 2nd Mon. 6:00 pm Sr. Min. Office

Outreach 2nd Tues. 7:00 pm Friendship Room

Children’s Mnst. 2nd Tues. 7:00 pm Room 14

Trustees 3rd Tues. 6:30 pm Friendship Room

Fellowship 3rd Tues. 7:30 pm Room 14

Youth Ministries 2nd Sun. 11:30 am Youth Center

Stewardship As Needed

Adult Learning As Needed See Calendar of Events

Special Gifts As Needed for date and time.

Pastoral Relations As Needed

Personnel Policies As Needed

ONGOING WEEKLY EVENTS.

Sun. 10:00 am FCC Worship Sanctuary

11:00 am FCC Fellowship Fellowship Hall

11:30 am Adult Forum Friendship Room

Mon. 12:15 pm Dream Group Friendship Room

7:30 pm Bell Rehearsal Sanctuary

Tues. 3:30 pm Wake Up & Knit Friendship Room

Wed. 10:00 am Staff Meeting Rv. Tom’s Office

12:30 pm Spiritual Practice Rv. Tom’s Office

Thur. 7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal Choir Room

Sat. 10:00 am Organ Practice Sanctuary

3rd 10:00 am Dream Group Friendship Room

Page 10 Volume XXXVI Number 6

June2015 Calendar of Events

Monday 6/1 11:30 am Dreamers Choice Lunch Sanctuary

6/1 7:00 pm Sanctuary Improvements Committee Meeting Sanctuary

Tuesday 6/2 7:30 pm Church Council Meeting Friendship Room

Wednesday 6/3 11:30 am Women’s Fellowship Circle Luncheon Fellowship Hall

Saturday 6/6 6:00 pm United Disciples Fellowship Meeting Fellowship Hall

Sunday 6/7 10:00 am Baccalaureate Sunday, Teacher Appreciation Sunday Sanctuary

6/7 11:30 am Adult Learning Committee Meeting Friendship Room

Tuesday 6/9 7:00 pm CSMT Meeting Youth Center

Wednesday 6/10 11:30 am Women’s Fellowship Cabinet Luncheon Off Site

6/10 2:30 pm Personnel Policies Meeting Friendship Room

Thursday 6/11 — 6/14 NCNC Annual Gathering Sonoma

Saturday 6/13 9:00 am Pick a Party — 3D Articulated Doll Party Fellowship Hall

Sunday 6/14 10:00 am Music Appreciation Sunday Sanctuary

6/14 11:00 am Special Congregational Budget Meeting Sanctuary

Monday 6/15 Spire Articles Due Church Office

Wednesday 6/17 7:00 pm Evening Women of Faith Off Site

Saturday 6/20 9:00 am Pick a Party — 3D Articulated Doll Party Fellowship Hall

6/20 12:00 pm CareGivers Support Group Friendship Room

Sunday 6/21 8:00 am Summer Solstice Labyrinth Walk Friendship Room

Monday 6/22 10:00 am Morning Women of Faith Labyrinth

Tuesday 6/23 9:00 am Spire Folding Fellowship Hall

Saturday 6/27 4:00 pm Labyrinth Walk Labyrinth

Sunday 6/28 11:30 am Adult Forum — Introduction to Celtic Christianity Friendship Room

Page 11 Volume XXXVI Number 6

Message from Rev. Tom Dear Friends,

As we head into another summer season, I just want to take the opportunity to say thank you to all

of you who have worked so hard to make our “liturgical” season such a special and spiritually en-

riching time. From Advent through Easter the Church hums with the energy of you all striving to

add so much to our community and worship life. You teach and lead our children and youth, mak-

ing sure that their experience of the Church is positive, creative, and joyful. You sing, you play

bells, you come to rehearsals, you love and support one another, while providing the musical set-

ting for our worship services, and making worship come alive for us all. You pray, you read scrip-

ture, you greet friends and strangers alike. You engage in creative beautification of the worship

space, you light candles, you take part in plays, you make everything special. Sometimes you

spend countless hours in the kitchen, setting feasts before us so we can celebrate. Maybe you work

behind the scenes, cleaning up after the rest of us, or setting up before us, making sure everything

works from the sound to lights to the bulletins and newsletters, making sure it all goes as smoothly

as possible, whatever it happens to be. You bring us programs to stimulate our minds, to deepen

our sense of scripture, or our sense of spirit. You attend meetings and make decisions and lend a

hand and get things done. You sign up and show up and give your best, and our church is a blessed

community because of it. So thank you. For everything you do, for all the ways you support this

special community, thank you.

And may God bless your summer season with rest, and grace, and beauty.

Tom

Beloved Community,

What were your summers like as a child? My summers included hot Sacramento afternoons when the pavement

could fry an egg. If we didn’t go to a public swimming pool or air conditioned public library in the heat of the day,

we would usually stay inside, longing to be released into the cooler evening air.

When the day finally began to cool down, we would run outside to find the few other neighborhood children for

outdoor games – Red light, Green light; Ditch; and a number of original fantasy games. Our absolute favorite game

that we played all year long was Hide and Go Seek.

Home base was always the magnificent elm tree in our front lawn. We would hide our eyes on the scratchy bark

and count to twenty while everyone hid. The goal was to run to the tree, touch it and scream “Safe!” without getting

tagged first. If there was a straggler that was impossible to find we would shout out, “Olly, Olly, oxen free.”

I loved that beautiful elm tree. It was a strong, silent witness to my childhood. Sometimes I would stand next to

it, pick at the bark and simply day dream. I might lie in the grass and look up through the beautiful pattern of large

leaves. Its extended branches gave a great canopy of shade in the summer. And, of course, it was home base.

Remembering my elm tree on my little block brought a few questions:

What is home base for me now? Where do I go to be “safe”?

What is the canopy that I can play under now?

Where do I do my best daydreaming?

What bears witness to this time of my life?

I think these are good summer questions. They are questions that don’t necessarily have answers; but they may

prod us into further reflection on our soul’s health and our life with G-d.

Happy Summer! Be safe. Play. Love a tree.

Rev. Lois

First Congregational Church of San Jose

United Church of Christ

Church Office: (408) 377-7121 Fax: (408) 377-3812 www.firstccsj.org

Rev J. Thomas Gough, Senior Minister, ext. 111, revtom@firstccsj.org

Rev. Lois Mueller, Interim Associate Minister, ext. 112, revlois@firstccsj.org

Rev. L. Arthur Domingue, Minister Emeritus

Marlie Heberling, Director of Youth Ministries, ext.114, youthdirector@firstccsj.org

Michal Stachnick, Director of Children’s Ministries, ext.113, cmdirector@firstccsj.org

Kristin Link, Director of Music, ext. 115, music@firstccsj.org

A. William Ferguson, Organist, awfe88@hotmail.com

Mindy Flatow Dickens, Joyful Noise! Director, note@mindymusic.com

Cindy Eckhardt, Church Office Manager, ext. 107, officemanager@firstccsj.org

Laurel Eby, Webmaster, webmaster@firstccsj.org

Mark Domnauer Treasurer, markdomnauer@yahoo.com

Jan Heymann, Financial Secretary financialsecretary@firstccsj.org

Kadie Eckhardt, Nursery Attendant, ext. 428, nurseryattendant@firstccsj.org

Bryan Grady, Property Manager, 408-309-5363, bryan_grady@att.net

Noel Tebo, Audio Visual Team Manager, 408-446-1030, tebon@pacbell.net

Tracy DeCaires and Kalani DeCaires, Custodians

Mission Statement: To understand and live out Jesus' vision for a just and loving world.

1980 Hamilton Avenue

San Jose, CA 95125-5638

CHURCH Summer OFFICE HOURS WORSHIP TIME - SUNDAY AT 10:00 A.M.

9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Monday - Friday) Children’s Church School and

Nursery Care are available.

We are an Open and Affirming Congregation!

Following the example of Jesus Christ, we affirm that we are all children of God and choose to be known as a wel-

coming, diverse and accepting place of worship. We declare ourselves to be an Open and Affirming church, welcom-

ing all into our community of faith in the assurance that we are all created by God, reconciled by Christ, and empow-

ered by the grace of the Holy Spirit.