2006 e-ChurchNotes Archive

2003 e-ChurchNotes

2004 e-ChurchNotes

2005 e-ChurchNotes

December 28, 2006

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Gail Doering

The Lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore. -- Psalm 121:8

This is such a short and simple promise from the Psalmist. I find much solace and comfort in realizing that there is nothing I can do, no where I can go or no time in my life that I can ever be far away from God. That assurance is truly astonishing, mysterious, exhilarating, frightening and allows me to choose to live a life free of worry and stress, but it is a choice. On my bad days, I choose to fret and stress and look for other things to watch over me or fill my life. I forget that the entirety of my life is covered by one constant - the consistent, ever-present love and grace of the Lord - the one who is and was and who is to come - Alleluia!

Happy New Year!
Gail

KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • This Sunday, December 31st at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. - First Sunday in Christmas. Gail Doering preaching on Isaiah 65:17-25 and Revelation 21:1-5, "Something New"
  • Next Sunday, January 7th at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. - Epiphany Sunday - Communion. Shel White preaching
  • Christmas Joy Offering - The Christmas Joy offering was received during morning services on December 24, and we will be happy to receive them through the end of the year. This is one of the three denominational offerings authorized by Session and administered by the Church in the World commission. The offering gives support to our retired pastors and their families whose pension amounts are inadequate to support modest cost of living, and also supports Presbyterian-founded colleges that support racial ethnic education. Please consider this in your charitable giving and stewardship planning. We will provide envelopes in the Sunday bulletin, or simply make a note on a check or envelope saying "Christmas Joy Offering."
  • Please turn in your pledges for 2007 Operating Budget and Building campaign as soon as you can.
  • NEW! Deacons Update Due to the holiday schedule and the Presbytery meeting scheduled for January 9th, the Deacons will meet on Thursday, January 11th at 7 p.m. in Room 1. Please bring a wrapped gift that costs less than $5 or is something you are "re-gifting." We will be celebrating Epiphany and the new year and appreciating one another for the care that you provide to the congregation. To the Congregation: By the way, if you are reading this, and are not sure what Deacons do or have not received a call from your Deacon and would like one, please call Pastor Gail or Moderator Beth Ward and we will be sure to provide you more information or get you connected to your Parish Deacon!
  • Kid’s Pajama Party on January 12th! Please come and join us for a pajama party with a movie, snack and fun on Friday, January 12th from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.! Come in your pj’s and bring your most comfortable blanket, sleeping bag and stuffed animal for a night of fun. Sign up in Crothers Hall! Questions? Call Laurie Cloward (356-6874). Hope to see you there!
  • NEW! Screening of “An Inconvenient Truth” January 19th at 7:00 p.m. - Location TBD (if you have a large screen, dvd player and willingness to host a group, please contact June Mellish, 510-724-7507 or Pastor Gail, 925-783-4726 or gail@doerings.org. Sign up on the round table!

December 21, 2006

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Gail Doering

Why do children get all the good stories?

“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.” ~ Dr. Seuss

It means so much more....as Paul wrote to the Philippians,

“Christ was truly God. But he did not try to remain equal with God. Instead he gave up everything and became a slave, when he became like one of us. Christ was humble. He obeyed God and even died on a cross. Then God gave Christ the highest place and honored his name above all others. So at the name of Jesus everyone will bow down, those in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. And to the glory of God the Father everyone will openly agree, "Jesus Christ is Lord!"

Gloria in excelsis deo,
Gail

KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • This Sunday, December 24th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. ­ Fourth Sunday of Advent. Bring your favorite crèche (nativity scene) to share with the congregation. Lessons and Carols. Special Music: Joffria Whitfield, Harp
  • Christmas Eve Service, 7:00 p.m. Choirs, Candles & Drama
  • Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service, 11:00 p.m.
  • Monday, December 25th, Christmas Day Service, 10:00 a.m. Communion Around the Table
  • Sunday, December 31st at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. - First Sunday in Christmas. Gail Doering preaching on Isaiah 65:17-25 and Revelation 21:1-5, "Something New"
  • Christmas Crèches - I have been collecting crèches or nativity scenes for a number of years, but never really bothered to explore their history. I am particularly fond of non-traditional sets or scenes from other cultures. My husband David has an Italian set from his grandfather that dates around the time of WWII. My latest representation of the holy family is a stuffed ornament set that hangs in my office just in reach of Carson Miller (Jennifer and Jeff Miller’s one year old son!). On Christmas Eve morning at the two worship services, I would very much like to have you bring a nativity or crèche that has particular meaning for you. It does not have to be a happy or joyous memory either! We will sing carols and learn a bit of the history and share with one another the true meaning of Christmas….journeying to the pla ce of our Savior’s birth! - Gail Doering
  • NEW! Christmas Joy Offering - The Christmas Joy offering will be received during morning services on December 24, and we will be happy to receive them through the end of the year. This is one of the three denominational offerings authorized by Session and administered by the Church in the World commission. The offering gives support to our retired pastors and their families whose pension amounts are inadequate to support modest cost of living, and also supports Presbyterian-founded colleges that support racial ethnic education. Please consider this in your charitable giving and stewardship planning. We will provide envelopes in the Sunday bulletin, or simply make a note on a check or envelope saying "Christmas Joy Offering."
  • NEW! Please turn in your pledges for 2007 Operating Budget and Building campaign as soon as you can.
  • Kid’s Pajama Party on January 12th! Please come and join us for a pajama party with a movie, snack and fun on Friday, January 12th from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.! Come in your pj’s and bring your most comfortable blanket, sleeping bag and stuffed animal for a night of fun. Sign up in Crothers Hall! Questions? Call Laurie Cloward (356-6874). Hope to see you there!

December 14, 2006

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Shel White

Rev. Buechner, a Presbyterian pastor and prolific writer remarks:

"Once they have seen him in a stable, they can never be sure where he will appear or to what lengths he will go or to what ludicrous depths of self-humiliation he will descend in his wild pursuit of humankind.... And this means that we are never safe, that there is no place where we can hide from God, no place where we are safe from his power to break in two and re-create the human heart, because it is just where he seems most helpless that he is most strong, and just where we least expect him that he comes most fully."
“Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast.” (Psalms 139:7-10 NRSV)

Prepare the way of the Lord,
Shel

KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • This Sunday, December 17th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. ­ Third Sunday of Advent Preacher: Shel White on Luke 3:7-18, “Unreal Christmas Expectations” Drama with Shel and Stu & Sue McPherson Special Music: Kingdom Ringers, Children’s Choir & Chancel Choir Christmas Joy Offering
  • Next Sunday, December 24th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. ­ Fourth Sunday of Advent Bring your favorite crèche (nativity scene) to share with the congregation. Lessons and Carols Special Music: Joffria Whitfield, Harp
  • Sunday, December 24th Christmas Eve Service, 7:00 p.m. Many choirs and candles and drama
  • Sunday, December 24th, Candlelight Communion Service, 11:00 p.m.
  • Monday, December 25th Christmas Day Service, 10:00 a.m. Communion around the table
  • Advent Adult Education "The Stories of Christmas" led by Rev. Bill Nebo ~ last one this Sunday at 9:00 a.m. in Room One This seminar will look at the way each of the gospels starts its story of the life of Jesus. Two of the gospels thought it important to discuss his family and birth in that beginning. Two did not. Our study will end with John’s account.
  • Advent Vespers at St. Andrew's on December 17 at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary -- "My Soul in Stillness Waits" - a time to pray, sing, and meditate upon the coming Birth of Christ in candlelight and sacred space. Come as you are.
  • NEW! Christmas Crèches I have been collecting crèches or nativity scenes for a number of years, but never really bothered to explore their history. I am particularly fond of non-traditional sets or scenes from other cultures. My husband David has an Italian set from his grandfather that dates around the time of WWII. My latest representation of the holy family is a stuffed ornament set that hangs in my office just in reach of Carson Miller (Jennifer Cross-Miller’s one year old son!). On Christmas Eve morning at the two worship services, I would very much like to have you bring a nativity or crèche that has particular meaning for you. It does not have to be a happy or joyous memory either! We will sing carols and learn a bit of the history and share with one another the true meaning of Christmas….journeying to the place of our Savior’s birth! - Gail Doering
  • NEW! Kid’s Pajama Party on January 12th! Please come and join us for a pajama party with a movie, snack and fun on Friday, January 12th from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.! Come in your pj’s and bring your most comfortable blanket, sleeping bag and stuffed animal for a night of fun. Sign up in Crothers Hall! Questions? Call Laurie Cloward (356-6874). Hope to see you there!

December 7, 2006

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Gail Doering

Dear friends,

I have been collecting crèches or nativity scenes for a number of years, but never really bothered to explore their history. I am particularly fond of non-traditional sets or scenes from other cultures. My husband David has an Italian set from his grandfather that dates around the time of WWII. My latest representation of the holy family is a stuffed ornament set that hangs in my office just in reach of Carson Miller (Jennifer Cross-Miller’s one year old son!). On Christmas Eve morning at the two worship services, I would very much like to have you bring a nativity or crèche that has particular meaning for you. It does not have to be a happy or joyous memory either! We will sing carols and learn a bit of the history and share with one another the true meaning of Christmas….journeying to the place of our Savior’s birth!

Prepare the way of the Lord,
Gail

KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • This Sunday, December 10th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. ­ Second Sunday of Advent. Preacher: Gail Doering on Luke 1:68-79, “The Journey: Guide Our Feet in the Way of Peace” Special Music: Harmonikos Bell Choir and Danielle Mitchell Solo, “Travelers from Nazareth” Baptism of Michael James Wray
  • Next Sunday, December 17th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. ­ Third Sunday of Advent. Preacher: Shel White on Luke 3:7-18, “Unreal Christmas Expectations” Special Music: Kingdom Ringers, Children’s Choir & Chancel Choir. Christmas Joy Offering
  • NEW! "Inspiring!" "Fabulous!" "Magical!" "Wonderful!" "Awesome!" "Very cool!" "Get there early to get a good seat!"* Tapestry Handbell and Vocal Concert at St. Andrew’s ~ Tapestry, combining the Canto Bello Handbell Ensemble with Heartsong women's chorus, directed by Cindy Krausgrill, will present a concert at St. Andrew's on Friday, December 8th at 7:30 p.m. with a reception following. Our very own Patti TenBrook plays with Canto Bello. A free-will offering will be taken. Half of the proceeds will go to support Canto Bello's concert tour of England in July 2007 and half will go directly to the Isubilo AIDS resource center in Zambia. While in England, Canto Bello will collect free-will offerings at each concert and all proceeds will go to the Isubilo community. Come and enjoy an evening of great handbell music to enhance your Advent experience while supporting an important mission. If you have any questions, contact Patti TenBrook at 925-672-3658. (*Reviewed by C, C, J & C Mizutani and E & O Armand based on a "full-sanctuary" performance at Clayton Valley Presbyterian on 12/3/06)
  • Advent Adult Education: "The Four Stories of Christmas" led by Rev. Bill Nebo ~ Dec. 3, 10 and 17 at 9:00 a.m. This seminar will look at the way each of the gospels starts its story of the life of Jesus. Two of the gospels thought it important to discuss his family and birth in that beginning. Two did not. We will explore what it means that the four stories of Jesus' beginning start so differently and discuss the questions of how the beginnings of each of these gospels relates to the entire message the writers wanted to convey. Our study will begin with Mark, continue on to Matthew and Luke, and end with John.
  • Don’t Forget to Turn in Your Angel Tree Gifts this Sunday by 10:00 a.m.!
  • Children’s Christmas Pageant: The annual children’s pageant will be held on Sunday, December 10th at 7:00 p.m. If your children are interested in participating, please sign up in Crothers Hall today! Rehearsals will take place on December 2nd and December 9th, both at 10:00 a.m. Please contact Sandy Ravazza for more information.
  • Advent Vespers at St. Andrew's on December 17 at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary -- "My Soul in Stillness Waits" - a time to pray, sing, and meditate upon the coming Birth of Christ in candlelight and sacred space. Come as you are.
  • Sunday, December 24th: Contemporary Worship, 9:00 a.m., Traditional Worship, 10:30 a.m., Christmas Eve Service, 7:00 p.m., Candlelight Service, 11:00 p.m.
  • Monday, December 25th: Christmas Day Service, 10:00 a.m.

December 1, 2006

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Shel White

Advent is a time where God calls us to be fully awake. We are to sit up and take notice of the incomplete but profound presence of God. The complete presence of God would be too much for us in this world. Ron Hansen grabs the essence of this process:

“God gives us just enough to seek him, and never enough to fully find him. To do more would inhibit our freedom, and our freedom is very dear to God.”
“Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. {14} Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NRSV)
“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 4:2 NRSV)

Peace and grace and freedom,
Shel

KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • This Sunday, December 3rd at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. ­ First Sunday of Advent. Preacher: Shel White on 1 Thessalonians 3:9-4:2, “God’s Wake up Call” Holy Communion. Special Music: Cantabile Bell Choir
  • Next Sunday, December 10th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. ­ Second Sunday of Advent. Preacher: Gail Doering. Special Music: Harmonikos Bell Choir and Danielle Mitchell Solo
  • Sunday, December 17th: Advent Vespers, 7:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, December 24th: Contemporary Worship, 9:00 a.m., Traditional Worship, 10:30 a.m., Christmas Eve Service, 7:00 p.m., Candlelight Service, 11:00 p.m.
  • Monday, December 25th: Christmas Day Service, 10:00 a.m.
  • Advent Adult Education: "The Four Stories of Christmas" led by Rev. Bill Nebo ~ Dec. 3, 10 and 17 at 9:00 a.m. This seminar will look at the way each of the gospels starts its story of the life of Jesus. Two of the gospels thought it important to discuss his family and birth in that beginning. Two did not. We will explore what it means that the four stories of Jesus' beginning start so differently and discuss the questions of how the beginnings of each of these gospels relates to the entire message the writers wanted to convey. Our study will begin with Mark, continue on to Matthew and Luke, and end with John.
  • Advent Ecumenical Choir Concert: This marvelous concert will take place at Christ the King Catholic Church. This is a wonderful afternoon of listening to the local church choirs sing and ring, and then joining in as everyone sings old familiar carols. For this we need folks who are willing to bake cookies for the reception afterwards. Please bring them to the Social Hall at Christ the King before the concert begins.
  • The Mission Work Trip team and youth groups have been in conversation about the possibility of doing a mission trip in the Gulf Coast area (probably New Orleans ) next summer. The School of Urban Missions has been sponsoring groups there since shortly after Hurricane Katrina hit the a rea. Mark Tilton, a member of Walnut Creek Presbyterian and Vice President of Development and Resources will be at St. Andrew's on Wednesday evening, Dec. 6 and 7 p.m. to show a video and talk about the opportunities and answer questions. The meeting will be held in the Youth Room. If you are interested in this ministry, please come to hear what Mark has to say! Questions, call Peggy Luna , Terry Neidlinger , or one of the pastors.
  • Children’s Christmas Pageant: The annual children’s pageant will be held on Sunday, December 10th at 7:00 p.m. If your children are interested in participating, please sign up in Crothers Hall today! Rehearsals will take place on December 2nd and December 9th, both at 10:00 a.m. Please contact Sandy Ravazza for more information.
  • If you would like to be an Angel Tree Helper, there is a sign-up sheet on the round table in Crothers Hall. We need assistance making the tags, decorating the tree and helping the congregation select tags from the tree, recording each tag in a book. None of these jobs requires more than an hour or two of your time--some, considerably less--and your help will be greatly appreciated! The sign ups are for the next four Sundays. Check it out!
  • Advent Vespers at St. Andrew's on December 17 at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary -- "My Soul in Stillness Waits" - a time to pray, sing, and meditate upon the coming Birth of Christ in candlelight and sacred space. Come as you are.

November 23, 2006

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Gail Doering

A Thanksgiving Prayer by Samuel Pugh:

"O God, when I have food,
help me to remember the hungry;
When I have work,
help me to remember the jobless;
When I have a home,
help me to remember those who have no home at all;
When I am without pain,
help me to remember those who suffer,
And remembering,
help me to destroy my complacency;
bestir my compassion,
and be concerned enough to help;
By word and deed,
those who cry out for what we take for granted.
Amen."

May this be our prayer in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow, in weariness and in rest ­ in all times and all ways and all places ­ let us give thanks to the Lord, our God!

Peace and grace,
Gail

KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • This Sunday, November 26th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Guest Preacher: Rev. Bill Nebo on "Principles of Principalities"
  • Next Sunday, December 3rd at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. ­ First Sunday of Advent Preacher: Shel White Communion
  • Candy Overload!Thank you to everyone who dropped off candy for the CARE packages! We received a LOT! So now, the Deacons will package them up for our college students and military personnel, but they were hoping to add some other useful (and healthy) goodies as well. We will gladly accept any donations of snack items, such as granola bars, microwave popcorn, crackers, etc., plus other practical gifts such as notepads, pens, pencils, and gift cards to coffee bars, bookstores and restaurants. Thank you for helping us minister to those who are studying and serving our country! Everything’s being packed up this Sunday, the 26th and will be mailed out next week!
  • Advent Craft Faire & Hanging of the Greens ­ This Sunday, November 26th at 3 p.m.Join us as we decorate the Sanctuary by hanging the greens in preparation for the Advent Season. We’ll then continue the fun in Crothers Hall by making some wonderful crafts to take home or give as a gift! Bring the whole family and invite a friend! Volunteers are needed for this event. Please contact Marlene Maksel or Alison Armand.
  • Advent Adult Education "The Four Stories of Christmas" led by Rev. Bill Nebo ~ Dec. 3, 10 and 17 at 9:00 a.m. This seminar will look at the way each of the gospels starts its story of the life of Jesus. Two of the gospels thought it important to discuss his family and birth in that beginning. Two did not. We will explore what it means that the four stories of Jesus' beginning start so differently and discuss the questions of how the beginnings of each of these gospels relates to the entire message the writers wanted to convey. Our study will begin with Mark, continue on to Matthew and Luke, and end with John.
  • Advent Ecumenical Choir Concert This marvelous concert will take place at Christ the King Catholic Church. This is a wonderful afternoon of listening to the local church choirs sing and ring, and then joining in as everyone sings old familiar carols. For this we need folks who are willing to bake cookies for the reception afterwards. Please bring them to the Social Hall at Christ the King before the concert begins.
  • The Mission Work Trip team and youth groups have been in conversation about the possibility of doing a mission trip in the Gulf Coast area (probably New Orleans ) next summer. The School of Urban Missions has been sponsoring groups there since shortly after Hurricane Katrina hit the a rea. Mark Tilton, a member of Walnut Creek Presbyterian and Vice President of Development and Resources will be at St. Andrew's on Wednesday evening, Dec. 6 and 7 p.m. to show a video and talk about the opportunities and answer questions. The meeting will be held in the Youth Room. If you are interested in this ministry, please come to hear what Mark has to say! Questions, call Peggy Luna , Terry Neidlinger , or one of the pastors.
  • NEW! Children’s Christmas PageantThe annual children’s pageant will be held on Sunday, December 10th at 7:00 p.m. If your children are interested in participating, please sign up in Crothers Hall today! Rehearsals will take place on December 2nd and December 9th, both at 10:00 a.m. Please contact Sandy Ravazza for more information.
  • If you would like to be an Angel Tree Helper, there is a sign-up sheet on the round table in Crothers Hall. We need assistance making the tags, decorating the tree and helping the congregation select tags from the tree, recording each tag in a book. None of these jobs requires more than an hour or two of your time--some, considerably less--and your help will be greatly appreciated! The sign ups are for the next four Sundays. Check it out!

November 12, 2006

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Shel White

Sometimes we Presbyterians work so hard to keep our faith under control that we lack passion about our devotion to our Lord. We are to love God with more than our intellect ­ also our heart and soul and strength as well.

C.S. Lewis in Screwtape Letters encourages the young devil apprentice to get the Christian to lose his faith by aspiring to “moderation in all things.” “A moderated religion is as good for us as no religion at all…”

“So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:17-21 NIV)

May your faith grow in passion as you make room for God,
Shel

Key Upcoming Events:

  • NEW! Candy Overload! Thank you to everyone who dropped off candy for the CARE packages! We received a LOT! So now, the Deacons will package them up for our college students and military personnel, but they were hoping to add some other useful (and healthy) goodies as well. We will gladly accept any donations of snack items, such as granola bars, microwave popcorn, crackers, etc., plus other practical gifts such as notepads, pens, pencils, and gift cards to coffee bars, bookstores and restaurants. Thank you for helping us minister to those who are studying and serving our country!
  • Are You Busy? Stressed? No Time for Faith or Meetings or Classes? If this describes you, then you are too busy NOT to attend the second Sunday Symposium, hosted by St. Andrew’s. “Busyness, Balance and the Life of Faith” is coming on Sunday, November 19th at 11:30 a.m. It is the perfect way to begin thinking about how you will approach the Advent and Christmas season. Our speaker/presenter is Rev. Ray Campton, MFT, an ordained Presbyterian pastor. He has a counseling practice, has led a number of retreats and classes for other churches, and is a compelling speaker for all generations. He brings humor, biblical insight and wisdom to his classes. Bring a bag lunch, sit back, relax and listen. Your life and faith may depend on it!
  • NEW! Thanksgiving at St. Andrew’s. If you are going to be alone for Thanksgiving, please join us for a Deacon-served Thanksgiving meal at St. Andrew’s. Please call the church at 685-4720 or sign up in Crothers Hall.
  • NEW! Advent Craft Faire & Hanging of the Greens. Join us as we decorate the Sanctuary by hanging the greens in preparation for the Advent Season. We’ll then continue the fun in Crothers Hall by making some wonderful crafts to take home or give as a gift! Bring the whole family and invite a friend! Volunteers are needed for this event. Please contact Marlene Maksel or Alison Armand.
  • NEW! Advent Adult Education. "The Four Stories of Christmas" led by Rev. Bill Nebo ~ Dec. 3, 10 and 17 at 9:00 a.m. This seminar will look at the way each of the gospels starts its story of the life of Jesus. Two of the gospels thought it important to discuss his family and birth in that beginning. Two did not. We will explore what it means that the four stories of Jesus' beginning start so differently and discuss the questions of how the beginnings of each of these gospels relates to the entire message the writers wanted to convey. Our study will begin with Mark, continue on to Matthew and Luke, and end with John.
  • NEW! Advent Ecumenical Choir Concert. This marvelous concert will take place at Christ the King Catholic Church. This is a wonderful afternoon of listening to the local church choirs sing and ring, and then joining in as everyone sings old familiar carols. For this we need folks who are willing to bake cookies for the reception afterwards. Please bring them to the Social Hall at Christ the King before the concert begins.
  • NEW! The Mission Work Trip team and youth groups have been in conversation about the possibility of doing a mission trip in the Gulf Coast area (probably New Orleans) next summer. The School of Urban Missions has been sponsoring groups there since shortly after Hurricane Katrina hit the area. Mark Tilton, a member of Walnut Creek Presbyterian and Vice President of Development and Resources will be at St. Andrew's on Wednesday evening, Dec. 6 and 7 p.m. to show a video and talk about the opportunities and answer questions. The meeting will be held in the Youth Room. If you are interested in this ministry, please come to hear what Mark has to say! Questions, call Peggy Luna, Terry Neidlinger, or one of the pastors.
  • NEW! If you would like to be an Angel Tree Helper, there is a sign-up sheet on the round table in Crothers Hall. We need assistance making the tags, decorating the tree and helping the congregation select tags from the tree, recording each tag in a book. None of these jobs requires more than an hour or two of your time--some, considerably less--and your help will be greatly appreciated! The sign ups are for the next four Sundays. Check it out!

November 2, 2006

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Shel White

This Sunday is All Saints Sunday - the great memorial day of the church. It is good and right to remember our indebtedness to those who have gone before us and to once again say thanks for their gifts which have made us who we are. Sometimes we remember just the injustice and forget the good. Sometimes we focus on just the good and block out the injustice. I believe remembering and forgetting requires conscious work. As we involve our Lord in that process, it can become a profound and vital spiritual experience.

Miroslav Volf: “No final reconciliation will take place with out the redemption of the past, and the redemption of the past is unthinkable without forgetting. Indeed, only those who are willing ultimately to forget will be capable of remembering rightly.”
“I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints.” (Ephesians 1:16-18 NRSV)

Making room for God,
Shel

KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • This Sunday, November 5th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. ­ All Saints Sunday ­ Communion Sunday Preacher: Shel White on Revelation 21:1-6, Mark 12:28-34, “With All Your Mind” Special Music: Harmonikos & other instruments - “When the Saints Go Marching In” All Saints Sunday is the day that we remember those who have gone before us.
  • Next Sunday, November 12th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.Preacher: Shel White on Mark 12:38-44, “Making Room for God in our Decisions”
  • Are You Busy? Stressed? No Time for Faith or Meetings or Classes? If this describes you, then you are too busy NOT to attend the second Sunday Symposium, hosted by St. Andrew’s. “Busyness, Balance and the Life of Faith” is coming on Sunday, November 19th at 11:30 a.m. It is the perfect way to begin thinking about how you will approach the Advent and Christmas season. Our speaker/presenter is Rev. Ray Campton, MFT, an ordained Presbyterian pastor. He has a counseling practice, has led a number of retreats and classes for other churches, and is a compelling speaker for all generations. He brings humor, biblical insight and wisdom to his classes. Bring a bag lunch, sit back, relax and listen. Your life and faith may depend on it!
  • NEW! Advent Adult Education "The Four Stories of Christmas" led by Rev. Bill Nebo ~ Dec. 3, 10 and 17 at 9:00 a.m. This seminar will look at the way each of the gospels starts its story of the life of Jesus. Two of the gospels thought it important to discuss his family and birth in that beginning. Two did not. We will explore what it means that the four stories of Jesus' beginning start so differently and discuss the questions of how the beginnings of each of these gospels relates to the entire message the writers wanted to convey. Our study will begin with Mark, continue on to Matthew and Luke, and end with John.
  • NEW! Care Packages If the trick-or-treaters left you some Halloween candy or you have extra, please drop it off in the office and the Deacons will include it in the CARE packages sent to our young people who are away from home. This is an annual Deacon project. Do you have family members away from home in the military, Peace Corp, or at college? Would they enjoy a holiday CARE package from St. Andrews? Just give the name and address to the office manager, Sandy Cross, and a box of thoughtful items will be sent to them in November by the Deacons to remind them that they are not forgotten.

October 19, 2006

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Shel White

Eugene Peterson says:

“The work of spirituality is to recognize where we are ­ the particular circumstances of our lives ­ to recognize grace and say, “Do you suppose God wants to be with me in a way that does not involve changing my spouse or getting rid of my spouse or kids, but in changing me, and doing something in my life that maybe I could never experience without this pain and this suffering?”

Most of the time we work hard to avoid the pain and savor the pleasure. Perhaps we are missing out a lot in life by not savoring the pain as well?

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. (Romans 12:12-15 NRSV)

Together making room for God,
Shel

KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • This Sunday, October 22nd at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Preacher: Shel White on Mark 10:35-45, “Wishing We Didn’t Understand” Special Drama during Sermon. Special Music: Children’s Choir and the Chancel Choir. 2 Cents a Meal Offering Received
  • Next Sunday, October 29th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Preacher: Gail Doering on Job 42:1-6, 10-17, “Making Room for God in Our Sufferings” Special Music: Both Children and Youth ring bells and the Chancel Choir
  • Town Hall Meetings - Our building projects have a new challenge for us as we look at significant cost increases. We have an exciting vision for our future; let us explore together how we can meet this challenge. Two more meetings to choose from, plus two opportunities to attend short, informative meetings after Sunday worship. We hope you can attend one of the meetings to discuss our building project and ask any questions you have.
    • Thursday, October 19, 7 p.m.
    • Sunday, October 29, 10:10 a.m. Right after first service
    • Sunday, October 29, 11:40 a.m. Right after second service
  • Trunk-or-Treat! Halloween is creeeeping up on us, and that means that it’s almost time for Trunk-or-Treat! All ghouls, ghosts, and candy-seekers are invited to wear their scariest, wackiest or silliest costumes and join Kid’s Kingdom on Wednesday, October 25th. A costume parade will start at 6:30, which will be led around the parking lot to collect goodies from obliging trunks. Adults, that’s where you come in! Bring your car and pass out candy to our trunk-or-treaters! The more trunks, the merrier! If you’d like to come a little early, you are also welcome to share dinner with Kid’s Kingdom at 6:00. This is a terrifically fun (and funny) opportunity to see our children parade in their finest imaginative costumes! If you’d like to join us that evening for dinner/parade/trunk-or-treating, please let us know! Call Courtney at 671-0767.
  • Chamber Music Recital - Sunday, October 29th at 3:00 p.m. is the date and time for the next in the series of the St. Andrew’s Chamber Music Recitals. The recital will be in the Sanctuary, with exciting performances by solo harpist, Joffria Whitfield and violinist Tyler Lewis. The Arensky Piano Trio will be performed by Nancy Rude, Ariel Witbeck and Margaret Thornton. The recitals are presented at no charge to the congregation and community. A freewill offering will be donated to the Contra Costa Interfaith Housing Project.
  • All Church Fellowship Planning Party - Please come join us in planning and organizing potlucks, barbecues, girls-nights-out, camping, educational workshops, movie nights, or whatever else you might think is a good way for members and friends of St. Andrew’s to 1) continue to participate in their spirituality with their Christian family, and 2) welcome new members and people interested in becoming members of the St. Andrew’s community. We will have a Fellowship catered dinner at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 29th in Crothers Hall for $7 per person. We hope everyone will suggest different ways in which we can make the 2006-2007 year at St. Andrew’s rich for all of us. Please sign up in Crothers Hall or contact Jennifer Cross Miller by Sunday, Oct. 22nd. Thank you and we hope to see you there!

October 12, 2006

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Shel White

In an effort to control our world, we often try to control God ­ to manage God. When we do this we miss out on the power and majesty of God. I think we find better comfort in a God who is way beyond what we can comprehend.

Kathleen Norris says it well:

“One so often hears people say, ‘I just can’t handle it,’ when they reject a biblical image of God as Father, as Mother, as Lord or Judge; God is lover, as angry or jealous, God on a cross. I find this choice of words revealing, however real the pain they reflect: if we seek a God we can “handle,” that will be exactly what we get. A God we can manipulate, suspiciously like ourselves, the wideness of whose mercy we’ve cut down to size.”
“Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel; and whose power is in the skies. Awesome is God in his sanctuary, the God of Israel; he gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God!” (Psalms 68:34-35 NRSV)
“Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.” (Ephesians 6:19-20 NRSV)

Making room for God,

Shel

KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • This Sunday, October 15th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Guest Preacher: Rev. Pierre Mopendo from the Democratic Repoblic of the Congo Special Music: Carolyn Moeller and Chancel Choir
  • Please help welcome our guest preacher! On Sunday, October 15th, St. Andrew’s has the honor of welcoming International Peacemaker Rev. Pierre Mopendo, an ordained pastor from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to preach at both services. Following the second service, we will have an opportunity to provide him with St. Andrew’s hospitality and he will be able to answer questions and to speak in more detail about his ministry in the Congo. Please join us that day (after the second service) for a reception to be hosted by the Deacons. Any freewill offering donations will be gladly accepted. Meet Rev. Mopendo and enjoy a great lunch! We hope to see you there!
  • Town Hall Meetings Our building projects have a new challenge for us as we look at significant cost increases. We have an exciting vision for our future; let us explore together how we can meet this challenge. Two more meetings to choose from, plus two opportunities to attend short, informative meetings after Sunday worship. We hope you can attend one of the meetings to discuss our building project and ask any questions you have.
    • Sunday, October 15, 2 p.m.
    • Thursday, October 19, 7 p.m.
    • Sunday, October 29, 10:00 a.m. (Short Meeting)
    • Sunday, October 29, 11:30 a.m. (Short Meeting)
  • Next Sunday, October 22nd at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Preacher: Shel White on Mark 10:35-45, “Wishing We Didn’t Understand” Special Music: Children and the Chancel Choir
  • Come to the Newcomers Lunch...and stay for Inquirer’s! Join us on Sunday, October 22nd at noon for our Newcomers Lunch! Get to know each other and the church while enjoying yummy food. Afterwards, if you’d like to know even more about the church or are interested in membership, you can then join us for the three Sundays following that (October 29th, November 5th and 12th) from 2 to 4 p.m. for our Inquirer’s Class.
  • NEW! Trunk-or-Treat! Halloween is creeeeping up on us, and that means that it’s almost time for Trunk-or-Treat! All ghouls, ghosts, and candy-seekers are invited to wear their scariest, wackiest or silliest costumes and join Kid’s Kingdom on Wednesday, October 25th. A costume parade will start at 6:30, which will be led around the parking lot to collect goodies from obliging trunks. Adults, that’s where you come in! Bring your car and pass out candy to our trunk-or-treaters! The more trunks, the merrier! If you’d like to come a little early, you are also welcome to share dinner with Kid’s Kingdom at 6:00. This is a terrifically fun (and funny) opportunity to see our children parade in their finest imaginative costumes! If you’d like to join us that evening for dinner/parade/trunk-or-treating, please let us know! Call Courtney at 671-0767.
  • NEW! Chamber Music Recital Sunday, October 29th at 3:00 p.m. is the date and time for the next in the series of the St. Andrew’s Chamber Music Recitals. The recital will be in the Sanctuary, with exciting performances by solo harpist, Joffria Whitfield and violinist Tyler Lewis. The Arensky Piano Trio will be performed by Nancy Rude, Ariel Witbeck and Margaret Thornton. The recitals are presented at no charge to the congregation and community. A freewill offering will be donated to the Contra Costa Interfaith Housing Project.
  • NEW! All Church Fellowship Planning Party Please come join us in planning and organizing potlucks, barbecues, girls-nights-out, camping, educational workshops, movie nights, or whatever else you might think is a good way for members and friends of St. Andrew’s to 1) continue to participate in their spirituality with their Christian family, and 2) welcome new members and people interested in becoming members of the St. Andrew’s community. We will have a Fellowship catered dinner at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 29th in Crothers Hall for $7 per person. We hope everyone will suggest different ways in which we can make the 2006-2007 year at St. Andrew’s rich for all of us. Please sign up in Crothers Hall or contact Jennifer Cross Miller by Sunday, Oct. 22nd. Thank you and we hope to see you there!

September 30, 2006

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Shel White

I’ve been thinking about different dimensions of prayer and my pastor friend Geoff Nelson sent this out in his e-ChurchNotes the following that I thought was quite helpful:

Corinne Ware, author of "Connecting to God," from Alban Institute Publications, 1997, she makes this observation about prayer:

"Prayer can be as natural as breathing. We forget that praying is not so much a wordy address as it is . It may, indeed, be quite formal, as we experience in public places when someone rises to give verbal expression on behalf of the group. It can be as private as feeling the closeness of God during a walk in the woods. Some people pray by repeating a phrase. Others pray by stilling the mind and body. Still others like to pray with mental images or with the written word. So long as one is faced Godward and intends to connect with the Holy, prayer is taking place. As we pray, we make contact. We might just as well call it "exchange" or "interaction."
“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.” (Romans 8:26 NRSV)

May you find yourself faced Godward today in all that you do.

Making room for God,
Shel

KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • This Sunday, October 1st at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. ­ World Communion Day. Special Music: Chancel Choir. Preacher: Shel White on Mark 9:38-50. Message: “Making Room for God in Our Goals”
  • October 1st is World Communion Sunday, the day of the Peacemaking Offering. Let us give generously from our abundance. So God’s peace may abound!
  • Next Sunday, October 8th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Preacher: Gail Doering. Group Worship at Westminster Woods
  • Town Hall Meetings - Our building projects have a new challenge for us as we look at significant cost increases. We have an exciting vision for our future; let us explore together how we can meet this challenge. We hope you can attend one of the three Town Hall meetings to discuss our building project and ask any questions you have.
    • Wednesday, October 11, 7 p.m.
    • Sunday, October 15, 2 p.m.
    • Thursday, October 19, 7 p.m.
  • NEW! Please help welcome our guest preacher! On Sunday, October 15th, St. Andrew’s has the honor of welcoming International Peacemaker Rev. Pierre Mopendo, an ordained pastor from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to preach at both services. Following the second service, we will have an opportunity to provide him with St. Andrew’s hospitality and he will be able to answer questions and to speak in more detail about his ministry in the Congo. Please join us that day (after the second service) for a reception to be hosted by the Deacons. Any freewill offering donations will be gladly accepted. Meet Rev. Mopendo and enjoy a great lunch! We hope to see you there!
  • NEW! Come to the Newcomers Lunch...and stay for Inquirer’s! Join us on Sunday, October 22nd at noon for our Newcomers Lunch! Get to know each other and the church while enjoying yummy food. Afterwards, if you’d like to know even more about the church or are interested in membership, you can then join us for the three Sundays following that (October 29th, November 5th and 12th) from 2 to 4 p.m. for our Inquirer’s Class.

September 30, 2006

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Shel White

I’ve been thinking about different dimensions of prayer and my pastor friend Geoff Nelson sent this out in his e-ChurchNotes the following that I thought was quite helpful:

Corinne Ware, author of "Connecting to God," from Alban Institute Publications, 1997, she makes this observation about prayer:

"Prayer can be as natural as breathing. We forget that praying is not so much a wordy address as it is . It may, indeed, be quite formal, as we experience in public places when someone rises to give verbal expression on behalf of the group. It can be as private as feeling the closeness of God during a walk in the woods. Some people pray by repeating a phrase. Others pray by stilling the mind and body. Still others like to pray with mental images or with the written word. So long as one is faced Godward and intends to connect with the Holy, prayer is taking place. As we pray, we make contact. We might just as well call it "exchange" or "interaction."
“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.” (Romans 8:26 NRSV)

May you find yourself faced Godward today in all that you do.

Making room for God,
Shel

KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • This Sunday, October 1st at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. ­ World Communion Day. Special Music: Chancel Choir. Preacher: Shel White on Mark 9:38-50. Message: “Making Room for God in Our Goals”
  • October 1st is World Communion Sunday, the day of the Peacemaking Offering. Let us give generously from our abundance. So God’s peace may abound!
  • Next Sunday, October 8th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Preacher: Gail Doering. Group Worship at Westminster Woods
  • Town Hall Meetings - Our building projects have a new challenge for us as we look at significant cost increases. We have an exciting vision for our future; let us explore together how we can meet this challenge. We hope you can attend one of the three Town Hall meetings to discuss our building project and ask any questions you have.
    • Wednesday, October 11, 7 p.m.
    • Sunday, October 15, 2 p.m.
    • Thursday, October 19, 7 p.m.
  • NEW! Please help welcome our guest preacher! On Sunday, October 15th, St. Andrew’s has the honor of welcoming International Peacemaker Rev. Pierre Mopendo, an ordained pastor from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to preach at both services. Following the second service, we will have an opportunity to provide him with St. Andrew’s hospitality and he will be able to answer questions and to speak in more detail about his ministry in the Congo. Please join us that day (after the second service) for a reception to be hosted by the Deacons. Any freewill offering donations will be gladly accepted. Meet Rev. Mopendo and enjoy a great lunch! We hope to see you there!
  • NEW! Come to the Newcomers Lunch...and stay for Inquirer’s! Join us on Sunday, October 22nd at noon for our Newcomers Lunch! Get to know each other and the church while enjoying yummy food. Afterwards, if you’d like to know even more about the church or are interested in membership, you can then join us for the three Sundays following that (October 29th, November 5th and 12th) from 2 to 4 p.m. for our Inquirer’s Class.

September 23, 2006

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Gail Doering

Swords into Plowshares

"In days to come
the mountain of the Lord’s house
shall be established as the highest of the mountains,
and shall be raised above the hills;
all the nations shall stream to it.
Many peoples shall come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob;
that he may teach us his ways
and that we may walk in his paths."
". . . He shall judge between the nations,
and shall arbitrate for many peoples;
they shall beat their swords into plowshares,
and their spears into pruning hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more."
(Isaiah 2:2­4)

October 1st is World Communion Sunday, the day the Peacemaking Offering is usually received by Presbyterian churches. The theme, “Swords into Plowshares: Living the Ways of Peace,” is taken from the great vision of peace found in Isaiah 2:2­4, when the peoples of the world stream to the mountain of the Lord and learn from God how to live in peace. What they learn from God leads them to action: they change swords and spears, instruments of war that are no longer needed, into plowshares and pruning hooks, implements used in the peaceful work of producing food for people.

What a profound way of making room for God! I hope you will pray and give generously from your abundance.

Making room for God,
Gail

KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • This Sunday, September 24th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. First Service Only: Baptism of Carson Gabriel Miller. Special Music: Chancel Choir. Preacher: Gail Doering on Mark 9:30-37. Message: “Making Room for God in our Humanity”
  • Next Sunday, October1st at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. ­ World Communion Day. Special Music: Chancel Choir. Preacher: Shel White on Mark 9:38-50. Message: “Making Room for God in Our Goals.” Peacemaking Offering Received.
  • We’re Back for Fall!Several St. Andrew’s programs and classes have started back up for the fall. If you’re interested in joining, please call the church office!
    • Cantabile and Harmonikos, our two fantastic adult bell choirs started up last week. Cantabile will meet from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., and Harmonikos will meet from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. For more information on these choirs or to join, please contact Patti TenBrook at 672-3658.
    • Our adult voice choir, the Chancel Choir, also began rehearsing last week. Please bring a friend and join us!!!
    • The seminar, “Jesus, the Bible and History,” led by John Shumway, will return to St. Andrew’s this Tuesday, September 19th at 9:30 a.m. in the library. Please join us!
    • "Scrapbooking with the Lord", a ChristCare group combined with scrapbooking, will start meeting again Sunday, September 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Room 1. ChristCare groups include fellowship, Bible study, worship and a mission project. New members are welcome; you do not need to be an experienced scrapbooker to join us. We will decide on future meeting dates at our first meeting. Contact Marcia Murray, 229-3295 for more information.
    • NEW! Disciple classes are forming! We’ll have exact dates and times by the end of the month! Stay tuned!
  • THIS SUNDAY! Sunday Symposium - "An Inconvenient Truth" - Sunday September 24th - 12 to 1:30 p.m. Bring your own bag lunch to Crothers Hall and come and join the discussion about climate change! Our Earth is changing. In California, summers are getting hotter and there are more wildfires. Scientists predict that if things continue as they are, by the end of this century, our planet may be as much as 10ºF warmer. Climate Change, or global warming, affects the poor and the most vulnerable first of all. Remember those images of hurricane Katrina? Add to that more hunger and thirst for the people of Africa, drowning of Bangladesh and Pacific Islands, and our cities too hot and too polluted for people to breathe the air. None of us wants this. Perhaps you saw the recent film by Al Gore, An Inconvenient Truth? Come and discuss the film and learn how you can take action to prevent this catastrophe. From fluorescent light bulbs and planting trees to lobbying, you can make a difference. Discussion led by Nicola Swinburne, Ph.D. Dr. Swinburne is an environmental educator and community organizer. For more information visit www.ecoethics.us.
  • SIGN UP TODAY! Westminster Woods Weekend ­ October 6-8, 2006 ­ “Narnia: Step Inside the Story" Everyone in our church community is invited to spend a weekend in the woods for fun, fellowship, worship and an encounter with C.S. Lewis' story, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." There will be activities and discussions for all ages. We will once again join with our friends from Heritage Presbyterian in Benicia and First Presbyterian of San Leandro. Youth will have the opportunity to experience the ropes course, and all of us will be able to hike and relax in the coastal redwoods of Sonoma County. You will find registration forms enclosed in the July edition of the Network). If you have questions, please contact Pastor Gail, gail@doerings.org or Eleanor Manley, ERManley@juno.com, or simply call the church office for more information.
  • Building Campaign Updates. Please plan on attending one of the Town Hall Meeting dates and find out more about our upcoming projects and ask questions:
    • Wednesday, October 11, 7 p.m.
    • Sunday, October 15, 2 p.m.
    • Thursday, October 19, 7 p.m.

September 14, 2006

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Shel White

Reinhold Niebuhr gives us perspective on life and the importance of healthy dependency on God and others:

“Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime; therefore we must be saved by hope. Nothing which is true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history; therefore we must be saved by faith. Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore we must be saved by love.”

We are important part of God’s work, but we are not intended to do this important work by ourselves. Thankfully we are part of God’s world that is larger than our own.

“Yet, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8 NRSV)

Making room for God together in love,
Shel

KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • This Sunday, September 17th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Special Music: Chancel Choir. Preacher: Shel White on Mark 8:27-38. Message: “Making Room for God is Hard Work!” 2 Cents a Meal Offering Received
  • Next Sunday, September 24th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Special Music: Chancel Choir. Preacher: Gail Doering on Mark 9:30-37. Message: “Making Room for God in our Humanity”
  • Computer Safety Seminar ­ Are you and your children safe on the internet? Safe Computing for Your Kids and Family ~ September 17th at 7 p.m. ~ There will be great tips from the Contra Costa Sheriff’s department (our own Kelly Challand) on identity theft and internet fraud, general internet safety to include specific websites to use caution on, and lastly, a discussion on pedophiles and how they connect to underage persons on the internet. We also have a computer expert, Sam Ashoo who can address technical questions. Pleasant Hill Officer Tim Chon will also be here to talk about how children and youth can interact safely on the internet. Don't miss out on vital information everyone should know. Tell your friends!
  • NEW! We’re Back for Fall! Several St. Andrew’s programs and classes have started back up for the fall. If you’re interested in joining, please call the church office!
    • Cantabile and Harmonikos, our two fantastic adult bell choirs started up last week. Cantabile will meet from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., and Harmonikos will meet from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. For more information on these choirs or to join, please contact Patti TenBrook at 672-3658.
    • Our adult voice choir, the Chancel Choir, also began rehearsing last week. Please bring a friend and join us!!!
    • The seminar, “Jesus, the Bible and History,” led by John Shumway, will return to St. Andrew’s this Tuesday, September 19th at 9:30 a.m. in the library. Please join us!
    • "Scrapbooking with the Lord", a ChristCare group combined with scrapbooking, will start meeting again Sunday, September 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Room 1. ChristCare groups include fellowship, Bible study, worship and a mission project. New members are welcome; you do not need to be an experienced scrapbooker to join us. We will decide on future meeting dates at our first meeting. Contact Marcia Murray, 229-3295 for more information.
  • Sunday Symposium - "An Inconvenient Truth" - Sunday September 24th - 12 to 1:30 p.m. Bring your own bag lunch to Crothers Hall and come and join the discussion about climate change! Our Earth is changing. In California, summers are getting hotter and there are more wildfires. Scientists predict that if things continue as they are, by the end of this century, our planet may be as much as 10ºF warmer. Climate Change, or global warming, affects the poor and the most vulnerable first of all. Remember those images of hurricane Katrina? Add to that more hunger and thirst for the people of Africa, drowning of Bangladesh and Pacific Islands, and our cities too hot and too polluted for people to breathe the air. None of us wants this. Perhaps you saw the recent film by Al Gore, An Inconvenient Truth? Come and discuss the film and learn how you can take action to prevent this catastrophe. From fluorescent light bulbs and planting trees to lobbying, you can make a difference. Discussion led by Nicola Swinburne, Ph.D. Dr. Swinburne is an environmental educator and community organizer. For more information visit www.ecoethics.us.
  • Westminster Woods Weekend ­ October 6-8, 2006 ­ “Narnia: Step Inside the Story" Everyone in our church community is invited to spend a weekend in the woods for fun, fellowship, worship and an encounter with C.S. Lewis' story, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." There will be activities and discussions for all ages. We will once again join with our friends from Heritage Presbyterian in Benicia and First Presbyterian of San Leandro. Youth will have the opportunity to experience the ropes course, and all of us will be able to hike and relax in the coastal redwoods of Sonoma County. You will find registration forms enclosed in the July edition of the Network). If you have questions, please contact Pastor Gail, gail@doerings.org or Eleanor Manley, ERManley@juno.com, or simply call the church office for more information.
  • NEW! Building Campaign Updates - Please plan on attending one of the Town Hall Meeting dates and find out more about our upcoming projects and ask questions:
    • Wednesday, October 11, 7 p.m.
    • Sunday, October 15, 2 p.m.
    • Thursday, October 19, 7 p.m.

September 8, 2006

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Gail Doering

Now and then, I take time to write a poem or reflection. I never know whether I should share these with anyone else, or just keep them to myself. Anyway, here is a prayer I wrote some time ago that seems to still speak to me of our present times and my own small-world concerns. While this is an individual prayer, I can also envision it being applied to a church, a denomination or warring nations:

God, In the pit of my nervous stomach
You are there
In my fear and my doubt
You are there
In my ego-driven pride
You are there
In my selfish ambition
You are there
In all of who I am
In all of who I am not
In what I am becoming
In what I have been
You are there
In the dark night of the soul
In the lightness of my being
I am searching for
You are there
I pray in the name of our
You-are-there God, Jesus Christ. Amen!

Making room for God....inch by inch!
Gail

KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • This Sunday, September 10th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. ­ Followed by Parish Picnic! Special Music: Nancy Grabow, Preacher: Gail Doering on Mark 7:24-37, Message: “Making Room for God in our Needs”
  • Parish Picnic! The annual Parish picnic will be Sunday, September 10th following the 2nd service. All members, families and friends are welcome. Deacons will be calling their parish members to get a count. Please let your deacon know if you are coming or call the church office by Sept. 5th. It’s a fun event: barbequed chicken and hotdogs, drinks, salads and desserts. It’s a great chance to get to know others in your parish and just visit. There is no charge, but a free will offering box will be available. If you are not in a parish, PLEASE come anyway! We would love to include you in this fun event!
  • Kid's Kingdom Registration is this Sunday after the Parish Picnic. Please join us in Room 1 at 1 p.m. to learn more about the Kid's Kingdom Wednesday Blast for children K-5th grade. This afternoon program includes games, Bible Study, music, play, dinner, and story telling. Please contact Courtney Mizutani if you have additional questions, or check out the website!
  • Next Sunday, September 17th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Special Music: Chancel Choir, Preacher: Shel White on Mark 8:27-38, Message: “Making Room for God is Hard Work!”
  • Come join us! - It’s time to pull out your scrapbooks! "Scrapbooking with the Lord", a ChristCare group combined with scrapbooking, will start meeting again Sunday, September 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Room 1. ChristCare groups include fellowship, Bible study, worship and a mission project. New members are welcome; you do not need to be an experienced scrapbooker to join us. We will decide on future meeting dates at our first meeting. Contact Marcia Murray, 229-3295 for more information.
  • Computer Safety Seminar ­ Are you and your children safe on the internet? Safe Computing for Your Kids and Family ~ September 17th at 7 p.m. ~ There will be great tips from the Contra Costa Sheriff’s department (our own Kelly Challand) on identity theft and internet fraud, general internet safety to include specific websites to use caution on, and lastly, a discussion on pedophiles and how they connect to underage persons on the internet. We also have a computer expert, Sam Ashoo who can address technical questions. Pleasant Hill Officer Tim Chon will also be here to talk about how children and youth can interact safely on the internet. Don't miss out on vital information everyone should know. Tell your friends!
  • Sunday Symposium - "An Inconvenient Truth" - Sunday September 24th - 12 to 1:30 p.m. Bring your own bag lunch to Crothers Hall and come and join the discussion about climate change! Our Earth is changing. In California, summers are getting hotter and there are more wildfires. Scientists predict that if things continue as they are, by the end of this century, our planet may be as much as 10ºF warmer. Climate Change, or global warming, affects the poor and the most vulnerable first of all. Remember those images of hurricane Katrina? Add to that more hunger and thirst for the people of Africa, drowning of Bangladesh and Pacific Islands, and our cities too hot and too polluted for people to breathe the air. None of us wants this. Perhaps you saw the recent film by Al Gore, An Inconvenient Truth? Come and discuss the film and learn how you can take action to prevent this catastrophe. From fluorescent light bulbs and planting trees to lobbying, you can make a difference. Discussion led by Nicola Swinburne, Ph.D. Dr. Swinburne is an environmental educator and community organizer. For more information visit www.ecoethics.us.
  • Westminster Woods Weekend ­ October 6-8, 2006 ­ “Narnia: Step Inside the Story" Everyone in our church community is invited to spend a weekend in the woods for fun, fellowship, worship and an encounter with C.S. Lewis' story, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." There will be activities and discussions for all ages. We will once again join with our friends from Heritage Presbyterian in Benicia and First Presbyterian of San Leandro. Youth will have the opportunity to experience the ropes course, and all of us will be able to hike and relax in the coastal redwoods of Sonoma County. You will find registration forms enclosed in the July edition of the Network). If you have questions, please contact Pastor Gail, gail@doerings.org or Eleanor Manley, ERManley@juno.com, or simply call the church office for more information.

August 31, 2006

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Shel White

Most of the time we strive to be in control. We like to think we can shape our own destiny. Then there are times when we work to place blame on someone or some circumstance to explain why we are not doing well. We are often in control when we choose to think we are not. I sometimes ponder the following quotes:

“Suffering is inevitable, misery is optional”
“Life diminishes you, but only of course with your permission.”

Sometimes we are in control when we like to think we are not. How much is God part of how you approach life?

“… the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.” (Galatians 5:22-23 NRSV)
“If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25 NRSV)

Joy and Grace,
Shel

KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • This Sunday, September 3rd at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. HOLY COMMUNION, Special Music: Patti & Warren TenBrook, Preacher: Shel White on Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, Message: “Holding On To Tradition”
  • Next Sunday, September 310th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Parish Picnic after second service! Special Music: Nancy Grabow, Preacher: Gail Doering on Mark 7:24-37, Message: “Making Room for God in our Needs”
  • Parish Picnic! The annual Parish picnic will be Sunday, September 10th following the 2nd service. All members, families and friends are welcome. Deacons will be calling their parish members to get a count. Please let your deacon know if you are coming or call the church office by Sept. 5th. It’s a fun event: barbequed chicken and hotdogs, drinks, salads and desserts. It’s a great chance to get to know others in your parish and just visit. There is no charge, but a free will offering box will be available. If you are not in a parish, PLEASE come anyway! We would love to include you in this fun event!
  • Come join us! - It’s time to pull out your scrapbooks! "Scrapbooking with the Lord", a ChristCare group combined with scrapbooking, will start meeting again Sunday, September 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Room 1. ChristCare groups include fellowship, Bible study, worship and a mission project. New members are welcome; you do not need to be an experienced scrapbooker to join us. We will decide on future meeting dates at our first meeting. Contact Marcia Murray, 229-3295 for more information.
  • Computer Safety Seminar ­ Are you and your children safe on the internet? Safe Computing for Your Kids and Family ~ September 17th at 7 p.m. ~ There will be great tips from the Contra Costa Sheriff’s department (our own Kelly Challand) on identity theft and internet fraud, general internet safety to include specific websites to use caution on, and lastly, a discussion on pedophiles and how they connect to underage persons on the internet. We also have a computer expert, Sam Ashoo who can address technical questions. Pleasant Hill Officer Tim Chon will also be here to talk about how children and youth can interact safely on the internet. Don't miss out on vital information everyone should know. Tell your friends!
  • Sunday Symposium - "An Inconvenient Truth" - Sunday September 24th - 12 to 1:30 p.m. Bring your own bag lunch to Crothers Hall and come and join the discussion about climate change! Our Earth is changing. In California, summers are getting hotter and there are more wildfires. Scientists predict that if things continue as they are, by the end of this century, our planet may be as much as 10ºF warmer. Climate Change, or global warming, affects the poor and the most vulnerable first of all. Remember those images of hurricane Katrina? Add to that more hunger and thirst for the people of Africa, drowning of Bangladesh and Pacific Islands, and our cities too hot and too polluted for people to breathe the air. None of us wants this. Perhaps you saw the recent film by Al Gore, An Inconvenient Truth? Come and discuss the film and learn how you can take action to prevent this catastrophe. From fluorescent light bulbs and planting trees to lobbying, you can make a difference. Discussion led by Nicola Swinburne, Ph.D. Dr. Swinburne is an environmental educator and community organizer. For more information visit www.ecoethics.us.
  • Westminster Woods Weekend ­ October 6-8, 2006 ­ “Narnia: Step Inside the Story" Everyone in our church community is invited to spend a weekend in the woods for fun, fellowship, worship and an encounter with C.S. Lewis' story, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." There will be activities and discussions for all ages. We will once again join with our friends from Heritage Presbyterian in Benicia and First Presbyterian of San Leandro. Youth will have the opportunity to experience the ropes course, and all of us will be able to hike and relax in the coastal redwoods of Sonoma County. You will find registration forms enclosed in the July edition of the Network). If you have questions, please contact Pastor Gail, gail@doerings.org or Eleanor Manley, ERManley@juno.com, or simply call the church office for more information.

August 24, 2006

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Gail Doering

Dear friends,

Greetings from Decatur, Georgia. I have been busy on this study leave, but also contemplating my sermon for this coming Sunday. A few weeks ago I preached about the heart of worship, and following the 2nd service John Shumway said it was a "fine sermon" but that he really wanted me to preach about the "why" of worship. So, I decided to take him up on the challenge! Why do we do it in the first place? Well, I am attempting to sort that out both biblically and theologically as well as from the lens of our Reformed tradition. It is interesting that almost every book or article I pick up on the subject of worship jumps quickly if not immediately to the subject of how to worship or what constitutes worship with the why we worship part brushed aside as an assumption. I have asked a number of people why they worship or why they think it is important to worship and gotten a variety of answers, but nearly all of them good ones. Perhaps our worship would be more rich, more meaningful and we would more fully attend to the act of worship if we merely prepared by considering why we offer our praise and worship to God.

In spirit and truth,
Gail Doering

KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • This Sunday, August 27th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Special Music: Patti TenBrook. Preacher: Rev. Gail Doering
  • Next Sunday, September 3rd at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Special Music: Warren TenBrook. Preacher: Shel White
  • Fourth Friday Flick Flack ­ Change in Host! ­ August 25th at 6:30 p.m. Watch a video at home and gather over a salad potluck to discuss it. This month, Flick Flack will meet at Jim and Margi Alkire’s home, 51 Rolling Green Circle in Pleasant Hill. Please RSVP to them at 827-2940. The movie to preview is 2005 Best Picture "Crash," with Matt Dillon and Don Cheadle.
  • Computer Safety Seminar ­ Are you and your children safe on the internet? Safe Computing for Your Kids and Family ~ August 27th and September 17th at 7 p.m. ~ We are planning a workshop for the community on computer safety for Sunday, August 27th at 7 p.m., and repeated again on Sunday, September 17th at 7 p.m. There will be great tips from the Contra Costa Sheriff’s department (our own Kelly Challand) on identity theft and internet fraud, general internet safety to include specific websites to use caution on, and lastly, a discussion on pedophiles and how they connect to underage persons on the internet. We also have a computer expert, Sam Ashoo who can address technical questions. Pleasant Hill Officer Tim Chon will also be here to talk about how children and youth can interact safely on the internet. Don't miss out on vital information everyone should know. Tell your friends!
  • Parish Picnic! The annual Parish picnic will be Sunday, September 10th following the 2nd service. All members, families and friends are welcome. Deacons will be calling their parish members to get a count. Please let your deacon know if you are coming or call the church office by Sept. 5th. It’s a fun event: barbequed chicken and hotdogs, drinks, salads and desserts. It’s a great chance to get to know others in your parish and just visit. There is no charge, but a free will offering box will be available. If you are not in a parish, PLEASE come anyway! We would love to include you in this fun event!
  • Come join us! - It’s time to pull out your scrapbooks! "Scrapbooking with the Lord", a ChristCare group combined with scrapbooking, will start meeting again Sunday, September 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Room 1. ChristCare groups include fellowship, Bible study, worship and a mission project. New members are welcome; you do not need to be an experienced scrapbooker to join us. We will decide on future meeting dates at our first meeting. Contact Marcia Murray, 229-3295 for more information.
  • Our First Sunday Symposium - "An Inconvenient Truth" - Sunday September 24th - 12 to 1:30 p.m.Bring your own bag lunch to Crothers Hall and come and join the discussion about climate change! Our Earth is changing. In California, summers are getting hotter and there are more wildfires. Scientists predict that if things continue as they are, by the end of this century, our planet may be as much as 10ºF warmer. Climate Change, or global warming, affects the poor and the most vulnerable first of all. Remember those images of hurricane Katrina? Add to that more hunger and thirst for the people of Africa, drowning of Bangladesh and Pacific Islands, and our cities too hot and too polluted for people to breathe the air. None of us wants this. Perhaps you saw the recent film by Al Gore, An Inconvenient Truth? Come and discuss the film and learn how you can take action to prevent this catastrophe. From fluorescent light bulbs and planting trees to lobbying, you can make a difference. Discussion led by Nicola Swinburne, Ph.D. Dr. Swinburne is an environmental educator and community organizer. For more information visit www.ecoethics.us.
  • Westminster Woods Weekend ­ October 6-8, 2006 ­ “Narnia: Step Inside the Story" Everyone in our church community is invited to spend a weekend in the woods for fun, fellowship, worship and an encounter with C.S. Lewis' story, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." There will be activities and discussions for all ages. We will once again join with our friends from Heritage Presbyterian in Benicia and First Presbyterian of San Leandro. Youth will have the opportunity to experience the ropes course, and all of us will be able to hike and relax in the coastal redwoods of Sonoma County. You will find registration forms enclosed in the July edition of the Network). If you have questions, please contact Pastor Gail, gail@doerings.org or Eleanor Manley, ERManley@juno.com, or simply call the church office for more information.

August 17, 2006

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Gail Doering

“’Consider the lilies’ is the only commandment I ever obeyed.” -- Emily Dickinson

CONSIDER THE LILIES OF THE FIELD

by: Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)

FLOWERS preach to us if we will hear:--
The rose saith in the dewy morn:
I am most fair;
Yet all my loveliness is born
Upon a thorn.
The poppy saith amid the corn:
Let but my scarlet head appear
And I am held in scorn;
Yet juice of subtle virtue lies
Within my cup of curious dyes.
The lilies say: Behold how we
Preach without words of purity.
The violets whisper from the shade
Which their own leaves have made:
Men scent our fragrance on the air,
Yet take no heed
Of humble lessons we would read.
But not alone the fairest flowers:
The merest grass
Along the roadside where we pass,
Lichen and moss and sturdy weed,
Tell of His love who sends the dew,
The rain and sunshine too,
To nourish one small seed.

Practice noticing the way God's creation preaches to us each and every day. Then, come to worship on Sunday to praise God for such preaching. We welcome Bill Nebo to our pulpit this Sunday. Shel and I will both return to worship on Sunday, August 27!

Peace and blessings,
Gail Doering

KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • This Sunday, August 20th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Special Music: Juanita Machado & Joseph Henry. Guest Preacher: Rev. Bill Nebo
  • Next Sunday, August 27th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Special Music: Preacher: Rev. Gail Doering
  • Security Reminder! For those of you who have not yet heard, there was a break-in last Thursday that was the result of an unlocked Crothers Hall door from Wednesday night. And just this last Sunday, someone left a door wide open that leads from Room 4 to the backyard, and it was not discovered until Monday afternoon. And these aren’t the only incidents like this ­ it seems almost weekly that we find an unlocked door. Because there are often so many people milling about, it’s too easy to think to ourselves that “someone will lock the door after me.” Obviously, we all need to be much more careful from now on. Please, please, please, close and lock all doors after you leave a room or the main building. If you don’t have a key, please don’t assume someone else will come by. Instead, please find someone who does and ask him or her to check the doors. Together, we can all be good stewards of our church by each assuming responsibility for its security.
  • Fourth Friday Flick Flack ­ Change in Host! ­ August 25th at 6:30 p.m. Watch a video at home and gather over a salad potluck to discuss it. This month, Flick Flack will meet at Jim and Margi Alkire’s home, 51 Rolling Green Circle in Pleasant Hill. Please RSVP to them at 827-2940. The movie to preview is 2005 Best Picture "Crash," with Matt Dillon and Don Cheadle.
  • Computer Safety Seminar ­ Are you and your children safe on the internet? We are planning a workshop for the community on computer safety for Sunday, August 27th at 7 p.m., and repeated again on Sunday, September 17th at 7 p.m. There will be great tips from the Contra Costa Sheriff’s department (our own Kelly Challand) on identity theft and internet fraud, general internet safety to include specific website to use caution on, and lastly, a discussion on pedophiles and how they connect to underage persons on the internet. We also have a computer expert who can address technical questions. We’re also looking for someone who can talk with children and youth about internet safety. Tell your friends!
  • NEW! Parish Picnic! The annual Parish picnic will be Sunday, September 10th following the 2nd service. All members, families and friends are welcome. Deacons will be calling their parish members to get a count. Please let your deacon know if you are coming or call the church office by Sept. 5th. It’s a fun event: barbequed chicken and hotdogs, drinks, salads and desserts. It’s a great chance to get to know others in your parish and just visit. There is no charge, but a free will offering box will be available. If you are not in a parish, PLEASE come anyway! We would love to include you in this fun event!
  • NEW! It’s time to pull out your scrapbooks! "Scrapbooking with the Lord", a ChristCare group combined with scrapbooking, will start meeting again Sunday, September 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Room 1. ChristCare groups include fellowship, Bible study, worship and a mission project. New members are welcome; you do not need to be an experienced scrapbooker to join us. We will decide on future meeting dates at our first meeting. Contact Marcia Murray, 229-3295 for more information.
  • Our First Sunday Symposium - "An Inconvenient Truth" - Sunday September 24th - 12 to 1:30 p.m. Bring your own bag lunch to Crothers Hall and come and join the discussion about climate change! Our Earth is changing. In California, summers are getting hotter and there are more wildfires. Scientists predict that if things continue as they are, by the end of this century, our planet may be as much as 10ºF warmer. Climate Change, or global warming, affects the poor and the most vulnerable first of all. Remember those images of hurricane Katrina? Add to that more hunger and thirst for the people of Africa, drowning of Bangladesh and Pacific Islands, and our cities too hot and too polluted for people to breathe the air. None of us wants this. Perhaps you saw the recent film by Al Gore, An Inconvenient Truth? Come and discuss the film and learn how you can take action to prevent this catastrophe. From fluorescent light bulbs and planting trees to lobbying, you can make a difference. Discussion led by Nicola Swinburne, Ph.D. Dr. Swinburne is an environmental educator and community organizer. For more information visit www.ecoethics.us. P.S. If you'd like to see the movie for free, check this out....http://inconvenientchristians.org/
  • Westminster Woods Weekend ­ October 6-8, 2006 ­ “Narnia: Step Inside the Story" Everyone in our church community is invited to spend a weekend in the woods for fun, fellowship, worship and an encounter with C.S. Lewis' story, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." There will be activities and discussions for all ages. We will once again join with our friends from Heritage Presbyterian in Benicia and First Presbyterian of San Leandro. Youth will have the opportunity to experience the ropes course, and all of us will be able to hike and relax in the coastal redwoods of Sonoma County. You will find registration forms enclosed in the July edition of the Network). If you have questions, please contact Pastor Gail, gail@doerings.org or Eleanor Manley, ERManley@juno.com, or simply call the church office for more information.

August 3, 2006

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of David TenBrook

In Paul Rusesabagina’s autobiography, An Ordinary Man (upon which the movie Hotel Rwanda is based), he has this to say about dealing with people who disagree:

“I met many people in Rwanda whose racial ideology I couldn’t stand, but I was unfailingly polite to them, and they learned to respect me even though our disagreements were obvious. This led to a priceless realization for me. Someone who deals can never be an absolute hard-liner. The very act of negotiation makes it difficult, if not impossible, to dehumanize the person across the table from you. Because in negotiation you will never get 100 percent of what you want. You are forced to make a compromise, and by doing this you are forced to understand, even sympathize with, the other person’s position.”
Romans 12: 14-18: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not think you are superior. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Supporting one another in Love,
David TenBrook

KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • This Sunday, August 6th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Special Music: Juanita Machado (9:00) & Singing Messengers (10:30) Guest Preacher: David TenBrook
  • Next Sunday, August 13th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Special Music: Decky Thornton, Preacher: Gail Doering
  • NEW! Security Reminder! For those of you who have not yet heard, there was a break-in last Thursday that was the result of an unlocked Crothers Hall door from Wednesday night. And just this last Sunday, someone left a door wide open that leads from Room 4 to the backyard, and it was not discovered until Monday afternoon. And these aren’t the only incidents like this ­ it seems almost weekly that we find an unlocked door. Because there are often so many people milling about, it’s too easy to think to ourselves that “someone will lock the door after me.” Obviously, we all need to be much more careful from now on. Please, please, please, close and lock all doors after you leave a room or the main building. If you don’t have a key, please don’t assume someone else will come by. Instead, please find someone who does and ask him or her to check the doors. Together, we can all be good stewards of our church by each assuming responsibility for its security.
  • NEW! Fourth Friday Flick Flack ­ Change in Host! ­ August 25th at 6:30 p.m. Watch a video at home and gather over a salad potluck to discuss it. This month, Flick Flack will meet at Jim and Margi Alkire’s home, 51 Rolling Green Circle in Pleasant Hill. Please RSVP to them at 827-2940. The movie to preview is 2005 Best Picture "Crash," with Matt Dillon and Don Cheadle.
  • Computer Safety Seminar ­ Are you and your children safe on the internet? We are planning a workshop for the community on computer safety for Sunday, August 27th at 7 p.m., and repeated again on Sunday, September 17th at 7 p.m. There will be great tips from the Contra Costa Sheriff’s department (our own Kelly Challand) on identity theft and internet fraud, general internet safety to include specific website to use caution on, and lastly, a discussion on pedophiles and how they connect to underage persons on the internet. We also have a computer expert who can address technical questions. We’re also looking for someone who can talk with children and youth about internet safety. Tell your friends!
  • Our First Sunday Symposium - "An Inconvenient Truth" - Sunday September 24th - 12 to 1:30 p.m. Bring your own bag lunch to Crothers Hall and come and join the discussion about climate change! Our Earth is changing. In California, summers are getting hotter and there are more wildfires. Scientists predict that if things continue as they are, by the end of this century, our planet may be as much as 10ºF warmer. Climate Change, or global warming, affects the poor and the most vulnerable first of all. Remember those images of hurricane Katrina? Add to that more hunger and thirst for the people of Africa, drowning of Bangladesh and Pacific Islands, and our cities too hot and too polluted for people to breathe the air. None of us wants this. Perhaps you saw the recent film by Al Gore, An Inconvenient Truth? Come and discuss the film and learn how you can take action to prevent this catastrophe. From fluorescent light bulbs and planting trees to lobbying, you can make a difference. Discussion led by Nicola Swinburne, Ph.D. Dr. Swinburne is an environmental educator and community organizer. For more information visit www.ecoethics.us. P.S. If you'd like to see the movie for free, check this out....http://inconvenientchristians.org/
  • Westminster Woods Weekend ­ October 6-8, 2006 ­ “Narnia: Step Inside the Story" Everyone in our church community is invited to spend a weekend in the woods for fun, fellowship, worship and an encounter with C.S. Lewis' story, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." There will be activities and discussions for all ages. We will once again join with our friends from Heritage Presbyterian in Benicia and First Presbyterian of San Leandro. Youth will have the opportunity to experience the ropes course, and all of us will be able to hike and relax in the coastal redwoods of Sonoma County. You will find registration forms enclosed in the July edition of the Network). If you have questions, please contact Pastor Gail, gail@doerings.org or Eleanor Manley, ERManley@juno.com, or simply call the church office for more information.

July 27, 2006

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Shel White

Many difficult experiences in life, besides death, can be grief experiences. For example, all the various forms of loss can cause us grief. Rachel Naomi Remen in her book “My Grandfather’s Blessings,” says it well:

“Every great loss demands that we choose life again. We need to grieve in order to do this. The pain we have not grieved over will always stand between us and life. When we do not grieve, a part of us becomes caught in the past…. Grieving is not about forgetting. Grieving allows us to heal, to remember with love rather than pain. It is a sorting process. One by one you let go of the things that are gone and you mourn for them. One by one you take hold of the things that have become a part of who you are and build again.”
“We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13 NRSV)

Supporting one another in Love,
Shel

KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • This Sunday, July 30th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Special Music: Men’s Choir. Preacher: Shel White on Genesis 33:21-32, “Looking For Blessings in All the Wrong Places”
  • Mission Work Trip Celebration Lunch­ July 30th Join us on Sunday, July 30th after the second service to celebrate the two St. Andrew’s mission work trips to Tijuana in June. There will be a make-your-own-taco lunch, and lots of pictures and stories from our wonderful missionaries!
  • Next Sunday, August 6th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Special Music: Juanita Machado. Preacher: David TenBrook
  • Come Play BELLS.....even if you have never tried! - Bell Clinics with Patti TenBrook Jump in for the last one this Monday, July 31st from 7 to 8 pm. Meet in the Sanctuary.
  • Next Habitat Work Day on August 5th
  • Computer Safety Seminar ­ Are you and your children safe on the internet? Great tips from the Contra Costa Sheriff’s department (our own Kelley Challand) and others who will give us technical advice. Tell your friends! Offered twice: Sunday August 27 and Sunday September 17 at 7 p.m.
  • Our First Sunday Symposium - "An Inconvenient Truth" - Sunday September 24, 12 pm to 1.30. Bring your own bag lunch to Crothers Hall and come and join the discussion about climate change! Our Earth is changing. In California, summers are getting hotter and there are more wildfires. Scientists predict that if things continue as they are, by the end of this century, our planet may be as much as 10ºF warmer. Climate Change, or global warming, affects the poor and the most vulnerable first of all. Remember those images of hurricane Katrina? Add to that more hunger and thirst for the people of Africa, drowning of Bangladesh and Pacific Islands, and our cities too hot and too polluted for people to breathe the air. None of us wants this. Perhaps you saw the recent film by Al Gore, An Inconvenient Truth? Come and discuss the film and learn how you can take action to prevent this catastrophe. From fluorescent light bulbs and planting trees to lobbying, you can make a difference. Discussion led by Nicola Swinburne, Ph.D. Dr. Swinburne is an environmental educator and community organizer. For more information visit www.ecoethics.us. P.S. If you'd like to see the movie for free, check this out....http://inconvenientchristians.org/
  • Westminster Woods Weekend ­ October 6-8, 2006 ­ “Narnia: Step Inside the Story" Everyone in our church community is invited to spend a weekend in the woods for fun, fellowship, worship and an encounter with C.S. Lewis' story, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." There will be activities and discussions for all ages. We will once again join with our friends from Heritage Presbyterian in Benicia and First Presbyterian of San Leandro. Youth will have the opportunity to experience the ropes course, and all of us will be able to hike and relax in the coastal redwoods of Sonoma County. You will find registration forms enclosed in the July edition of the Network). If you have questions, please contact Pastor Gail, gail@doerings.org or Eleanor Manley, ERManley@juno.com, or simply call the church office for more information.

July 20, 2006

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Gail Doering

Worship is central to the congregation's life. It happens every week at least twice. All of us have some idea of what we believe this worship should be about and many of us have attended countless numbers of worship services. But despite this, Christian worship is often not well practiced. As Annie Dillard quips, “you’d think we’d be able to get it right after 2000 years of practice.”

What does it mean to "get it right?" What is the heart and core and essential content of worship? Is it a verb or a noun? Is worship an experience or event? Is it active or passive? Does it require our best or can we simply show up and spontaneously worship God by letting the Spirit move us? So many big questions and so few answers. The late 20th century found churches fighting internally and with other churches about this question of what real and right worship is. Even the so-called experts have a variety of ways to characterize worship:

“The worship which directs itself toward God as our good regards him either as he is ours at present, in faith, or as he is to be ours, in hope.” - William Ames
“And what greater calamity can fall upon a nation than the loss of worship” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Remember that God will not be mocked; that it is the heart of the worshiper which He regards. We are never safe till we love Him with our whole heart whom we pretend to worship.” - Bishop Joseph Henshaw

Come to worship and bring your joy, your praise and your desire to meet the living God.

Seeking God's face,
Gail

KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • This Sunday, July 23rd at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Special Music: Danielle Mitchell. Preacher: Pastor Gail Doering
  • Next Sunday, July 30th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Special Music: Men’s Choir
  • Come Play BELLS.....even if you have never tried! - Bell Clinics with Patti TenBrook. Jump in whenever you can on Mondays 7 to 8 pm until July 31st ­ meet in the Sanctuary.
  • Mission Work Trip Celebration ­ July 30th (New Date!) Join us on Sunday, July 30th after the second service to celebrate the two St. Andrew’s mission work trips to Tijuana in June. There will be a make-your-own-taco lunch, and lots of pictures and stories from our wonderful missionaries!
  • Next Habitat Work Day on August 5th
  • Computer Safety Seminar ­ Are you and your children safe on the internet? Great tips from the Contra Costa Sheriff’s department (our own Kelley Challand) and others who will give us technical advice. Tell your friends! Offered twice: Sunday August 27 and Sunday September 17 at 7 p.m.
  • NEW! Our First Sunday Symposium - "An Inconvenient Truth" - Sunday September 24, 12 pm to 1.30.Bring your own bag lunch to Crothers Hall and come and join the discussion about climate change! Our Earth is changing. In California, summers are getting hotter and there are more wildfires. Scientists predict that if things continue as they are, by the end of this century, our planet may be as much as 10ºF warmer. Climate Change, or global warming, affects the poor and the most vulnerable first of all. Remember those images of hurricane Katrina? Add to that more hunger and thirst for the people of Africa, drowning of Bangladesh and Pacific Islands, and our cities too hot and too polluted for people to breathe the air. None of us wants this. Perhaps you saw the recent film by Al Gore, An Inconvenient Truth? Come and discuss the film and learn how you can take action to prevent this catastrophe. From fluorescent light bulbs and planting trees to lobbying, you can make a difference. Discussion led by Nicola Swinburne, Ph.D. Dr. Swinburne is an environmental educator and community organizer. For more information visit www.ecoethics.us. P.S. If you'd like to see the movie for free, check this out....http://inconvenientchristians.org/
  • Westminster Woods Weekend ­ October 6-8, 2006 ­ “Narnia: Step Inside the Story" Everyone in our church community is invited to spend a weekend in the woods for fun, fellowship, worship and an encounter with C.S. Lewis' story, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." There will be activities and discussions for all ages. We will once again join with our friends from Heritage Presbyterian in Benicia and First Presbyterian of San Leandro. Youth will have the opportunity to experience the ropes course, and all of us will be able to hike and relax in the coastal redwoods of Sonoma County. You will find registration forms enclosed in the July edition of the Network). If you have questions, please contact Pastor Gail, gail@doerings.org or Eleanor Manley, ERManley@juno.com, or simply call the church office for more information.

July 13, 2006

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Shel White

We do not need to look very far to find something that can cause us fear and anxiety. Glance at the newspaper, look around at what some of our friends are facing or even places where our minds easily wander. What does the Apostle Paul mean when he says: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives our fear…”? The cure for fear is not a change in circumstances, but a deep grounding in the love of God. Getting grounded occurs when we focus on our true identity: à discovering who we are and whose we are.

Our prisons are sure places for us to experience fear ­ but not for Paul.

“I want you to know, beloved, that what has happened to me has actually helped to spread the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to everyone else that my imprisonment is for Christ; and most of the brothers and sisters, having been made confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, dare to speak the word with greater boldness and without fear.” (Philippians 1:12-14 NRSV)

Support each other in love,
Shel

KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • Sundae Sunday! ­ July 16th, worship outside for the 9 a.m. service, and then from 10 to 10:30, everyone is invited to make your own ice cream sundae at our Sundae Sunday! Stay after the first service or come early for the second service ­ either way it adds up to great flavors, fun and fellowship! Special Music: VBS Children Sing! Preacher: Pastor Shel White on Mark 6:14-29, “What’s this World Coming To?” 2 Cents a Meal Offering Received
  • Next Sunday, July 23rd at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Special Music: Danielle Mitchell. Preacher: Pastor Gail Doering
  • Come Play BELLS.....even if you have never tried! - Bell Clinics with Patti TenBrook. Jump in whenever you can on Mondays 7 to 8 pm until July 31st ­ meet in the Sanctuary.
  • Mission Work Trip Celebration ­ July 30th (New Date!) Join us on Sunday, July 30th after the second service to celebrate the two St. Andrew’s mission work trips to Tijuana in June. There will be a make-your-own-taco lunch, and lots of pictures and stories from our wonderful missionaries!
  • Next Habitat Work Day on August 5th
  • Westminster Woods Weekend ­ October 6-8, 2006 ­ “Narnia: Step Inside the Story" Everyone in our church community is invited to spend a weekend in the woods for fun, fellowship, worship and an encounter with C.S. Lewis' story, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." There will be activities and discussions for all ages. We will once again join with our friends from Heritage Presbyterian in Benicia and First Presbyterian of San Leandro. Youth will have the opportunity to experience the ropes course, and all of us will be able to hike and relax in the coastal redwoods of Sonoma County. You will find registration forms enclosed in the July edition of the Network). If you have questions, please contact Pastor Gail, gail@doerings.org or Eleanor Manley, ERManley@juno.com, or simply call the church office for more information.
  • Computer Safety Seminar ­ Are you and your children safe on the internet?Great tips from the Contra Costa Sheriff’s department (our own Kelley Challand) and others who will give us technical advice. Tell your friends: Offered twice: Sunday August 27 and Sunday September 17 at 7pm

July 6, 2006

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Shel White

My cousin Mike died last week. All in my family will miss him greatly. It was a treat to listen to his answering machine because he always left a thought for the day. I called his number a couple of days ago to talk to the family. The answer machine came on with his voice saying his last quote for the day, this one by George Santayana:

“There is no cure for birth and death, save to enjoy the interval.”

Mike sure did.

“You have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.” (Acts 2:28 NRSV)
“…I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10 NRSV)

Shel

KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • This Sunday, July 9th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Commission VBS Leaders. Special Music: Juanita Machado. Preacher: Pastor Shel White "Caller I.D." Mark 6:1-13
  • Bike Ride to San Francisco -- Sunday, July 9th. Join in on the fun! Bike - BART - Ferry. Meet at the church at noon. Bring a lunch; we will eat together and then take off to P.H. BART. From the Embarcadero station, we will ride over the Golden Gate Bridge and ferry from Sausalito back to Embarcadero, take BART to Pleasant Hill, and then ride back to the church. The biking portion is around 20 miles. Some of the hills are a bit strenuous, but hey, if Shel can do it, so can you! What to bring: your helmet (safety first!), sunscreen, a bag lunch with some to share (yum!), money for BART and ferry ($8.90 + $6.45), a water bottle, and of course, your bike. This is a great opportunity for fresh air, fellowship and good exercise! Have questions? Call Steve Zimmerman or e-mail him at zimzims58@yahoo.com.
  • Ay Caramba! -- Vacation Bible School -- July 10th ­ 14thSign up your child, grandchild, neighbors and friends! Also, VBS is looking for a leader for GRANDE GAMES! Supplies, instructions and awesome teen helpers provided. Please contact Elaine or Rachel Rios at 372-6522 if you're "game" for some fun this summer!
  • Supplies Needed for VBS!You can help our VBS team keep our costs low by providing some of these needed items. Please mark your “returnable items” with your name and phone number. Contact Elaine Rios at 372-6522 if you have any questions. To be used completely: Unbleached muslin (4 to 6 yards). To be borrowed and returned to you: Wooden oars, Wooden boxes, Any props to suggest first-century fishing, Fishing net(s) ­ large decorator type, String style hammock, Pool Noodles, Mexican Style Blankets (washable), Goldfish in fish bowl. THANK YOU! Gracias!
  • Next Sunday, July 16th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Special Music: VBS Children Sing! Preacher: Pastor Shel White 2 Cents a Meal Offering Received. Join us for Ice Cream Sundaes between services!
  • Sundae Sunday! ­ July 16th On July 16th, worship outside for the 9 a.m. service, and then from 10 to 10:30, everyone is invited to make your own ice cream sundae at our Sundae Sunday! Stay after the first service or come early for the second service ­ either way it adds up to great flavors, fun and fellowship!
  • Mission Work Trip Celebration ­ July 30th (New Date!)Join us on Sunday, July 30th after the second service to celebrate the two St. Andrew’s mission work trips to Tijuana in June. There will be a make-your-own-taco lunch, and lots of pictures and stories from our wonderful missionaries!
  • Westminster Woods Weekend ­ October 6-8, 2006 ­ “Narnia: Step Inside the Story" Everyone in our church community is invited to spend a weekend in the woods for fun, fellowship, worship and an encounter with C.S. Lewis' story, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." There will be activities and discussions for all ages. We will once again join with our friends from Heritage Presbyterian in Benicia and First Presbyterian of San Leandro. Youth will have the opportunity to experience the ropes course, and all of us will be able to hike and relax in the coastal redwoods of Sonoma County. You will find registration forms enclosed in the July edition of the Network). If you have questions, please contact Pastor Gail, gail@doerings.org or Eleanor Manley, ERManley@juno.com, or simply call the church office for more information.

July 2, 2006

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Gail Doering

Dorothee Soelle, a liberation theologian, said that...

"Once after a lecture I experienced something very beautiful. An elderly woman came to me and embraced me saying, 'You touched me, and I want to touch you.' I do not know whether that was a healing, but in any case a power was at work, something of the life-giving power, the dynamic, that the woman with the flow of blood aroused in Jesus."

We will have the opportunity to see, hear, touch and experience Jesus' summons to the Communion table and bring our own prayers for healing and transformation. Come to worship this Sunday....stay in touch!

Gail

KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • This Sunday, July 2nd at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. ­ Communion Sunday. Preacher: Pastor Gail Doering on Mark 5:21-43, “Who Touched Me?" Celebration of the Lord's Supper
  • Next Sunday, July 9th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Preacher: Pastor Shel White
  • Bike Ride to San Francisco -- Sunday, July 9th Join in on the fun! Bike - BART - Ferry. Meet at the church at noon. Bring a lunch; we will eat together and then take off to P.H. BART. From the Embarcadero station, we will ride over the Golden Gate Bridge and ferry from Sausalito back to Embarcadero, take BART to Pleasant Hill, and then ride back to the church. The biking portion is around 20 miles. Some of the hills are a bit strenuous, but hey, if Shel can do it, so can you! What to bring: your helmet (safety first!), sunscreen, a bag lunch with some to share (yum!), money for BART and ferry ($8.90 + $6.45), a water bottle, and of course, your bike. This is a great opportunity for fresh air, fellowship and good exercise! Have questions? Call Steve Zimmerman or e-mail him at zimzims58@yahoo.com.
  • Ay Caramba! -- Vacation Bible School -- July 10th ­ 14thSign up your child, grandchild, neighbors and friends! Also, VBS is looking for a leader for GRANDE GAMES! Supplies, instructions and awesome teen helpers provided. Please contact Elaine or Rachel Rios at 372-6522 if you're "game" for some fun this summer!
  • Supplies Needed for VBS! You can help our VBS team keep our costs low by providing some of these needed items. Please mark your “returnable items” with your name and phone number. Contact Elaine Rios at 372-6522 if you have any questions. To be used completely: Unbleached muslin (4 to 6 yards). To be borrowed and returned to you: Wooden oars, Wooden boxes, Any props to suggest first-century fishing, Fishing net(s) ­ large decorator type, String style hammock, Pool Noodles, Mexican Style Blankets (washable), Goldfish in fish bowl. THANK YOU! Gracias!
  • Sundae Sunday! ­ July 16th On July 16th, worship outside for the 9 a.m. service, and then from 10 to 10:30, everyone is invited to make your own ice cream sundae at our Sundae Sunday! Stay after the first service or come early for the second service ­ either way it adds up to great flavors, fun and fellowship!
  • Mission Work Trip Celebration ­ July 30th (New Date!)Join us on Sunday, July 30th after the second service to celebrate the two St. Andrew’s mission work trips to Tijuana in June. There will be a make-your-own-taco lunch, and lots of pictures and stories from our wonderful missionaries!
  • Westminster Woods Weekend ­ October 6-8, 2006 ­ “Narnia: Step Inside the Story" Everyone in our church community is invited to spend a weekend in the woods for fun, fellowship, worship and an encounter with C.S. Lewis' story, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." There will be activities and discussions for all ages. We will once again join with our friends from Heritage Presbyterian in Benicia and First Presbyterian of San Leandro. Youth will have the opportunity to experience the ropes course, and all of us will be able to hike and relax in the coastal redwoods of Sonoma County. You will find registration forms enclosed in the July edition of the Network). If you have questions, please contact Pastor Gail, gail@doerings.org or Eleanor Manley, ERManley@juno.com, or simply call the church office for more information.

June 20, 2006,

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Gail Doering

"We cannot abandon life because of its storms. The strongest trees are not found in the safety of the forest, rather they are out in the open spaces - bent and twisted by winds of all seasons. God provides deep roots when there are wide-spreading branches." - Tammy Felton

What scares you? There is much in the world to fear, but even in the presence of a powerful storm, Jesus tells the disciples and/or the storm, to silence and be still. This familiar passage still rings true for us today. Bring your fears and your faith to worship this Sunday!

Gail

KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • This Sunday, June 25th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Preacher: Pastor Gail Doering on Mark 4:35-41, “Why Are You Afraid?”
  • Next Sunday, July 2nd at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. ­ Communion Sunday. Preacher: Pastor Gail Doering on Mark 5:21-43, “Who Touched Me?”
  • Celebrating Joy Crocker’s Life ­ June 24th. This Saturday, there will be a memorial service celebrating the life of Joy Crocker. The service will be held at Plymouth Church in Oakland at 4:30 p.m. For directions, please visit www.plymouthoakland.org. (Plymouth United Church of Christ, 424 Monte Vista Avenue in Oakland, (510) 654-5300).
  • Chamber Music at St. Andrew’s -- Sunday, June 25th at 3:00 p.m. You are cordially invited to attend the second in the St. Andrew’s Chamber Music Series. The recitals are offered at no charge. Donations will be accepted to benefit the Contra Costa County Interfaith Housing Garden Parks Apartments Community. The program consists of Clarinet/Piano Sonata Op. 120, No. 2 by Johannes Brahms, Cello/Piano Sonata Op. 5, No. 2 by Ludwig von Beethoven, and String Quartet Op. 171, No. 2 by Franz Joseph Haydn. Please contact Decky Thornton at 228-7731 or deckyt@comcast.net for more information.
  • Bike Ride to San Francisco -- Sunday, July 9th. Join in on the fun! Bike - BART - Ferry. Meet at the church at noon. Bring a lunch; we will eat together and then take off to P.H. BART. From the Embarcadero station, we will ride over the Golden Gate Bridge and ferry from Sausalito back to Embarcadero, take BART to Pleasant Hill, and then ride back to the church. The biking portion is around 20 miles. Some of the hills are a bit strenuous, but hey, if Shel can do it, so can you! What to bring: your helmet (safety first!), sunscreen, a bag lunch with some to share (yum!), money for BART and ferry ($8.90 + $6.45), a water bottle, and of course, your bike. This is a great opportunity for fresh air, fellowship and good exercise! Have questions? Call Steve Zimmerman or e-mail him at zimzims58@yahoo.com.
  • Ay Caramba! -- Vacation Bible School -- July 10th ­ 14thSign up your child, grandchild, neighbors and friends! Also, VBS is looking for a leader for GRANDE GAMES! Supplies, instructions and awesome teen helpers provided. Please contact Elaine or Rachel Rios at 372-6522 if you're "game" for some fun this summer!
  • Supplies Needed for VBS!You can help our VBS team keep our costs low by providing some of these needed items. Please mark your “returnable items” with your name and phone number. Contact Elaine Rios at 372-6522 if you have any questions. To be used completely: Unbleached muslin (4 to 6 yards). To be borrowed and returned to you: Wooden oars, Wooden boxes, Any props to suggest first-century fishing, Fishing net(s) ­ large decorator type, String style hammock, Pool Noodles, Mexican Style Blankets (washable), Goldfish in fish bowl. THANK YOU! Gracias!
  • Sundae Sunday! ­ July 16thOn July 16th, worship outside for the 9 a.m. service, and then from 10 to 10:30, everyone is invited to make your own ice cream sundae at our Sundae Sunday! Stay after the first service or come early for the second service ­ either way it adds up to great flavors, fun and fellowship!
  • Westminster Woods Weekend ­ October 6-8, 2006 ­ “Narnia: Step Inside the Story" Everyone in our church community is invited to spend a weekend in the woods for fun, fellowship, worship and an encounter with C.S. Lewis' story, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." There will be activities and discussions for all ages. We will once again join with our friends from Heritage Presbyterian in Benicia and First Presbyterian of San Leandro. Youth will have the opportunity to experience the ropes course, and all of us will be able to hike and relax in the coastal redwoods of Sonoma County. You will find registration forms enclosed in the July edition of the Network). If you have questions, please contact Pastor Gail, gail@doerings.org or Eleanor Manley, ERManley@juno.com, or simply call the church office for more information.

June 16, 2006

MEDITATION ­ From the Desk of Gail Doering

"Sometimes, the places where God’s effective or actual rule is not yet carried out...lie within the lives and little kingdoms of those who truly have been invaded by the eternal kind of life itself." ­ Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy

A homiletics professor is quoted as saying that for a sermon to be any good, the preacher had to have a wrestling match with the scripture, and that the preacher had to lose. Consider me defeated for now! What exactly is the Kingdom of God? Jesus never totally defines it, but uses all sorts of parables and illustrations and what-ifs to describe it......one must become as a child to enter the Kingdom, the Kingdom is at hand, the Kingdom of God is within you, and this week’s lectionary passages about a seed growing wit no tending or being like a mustard seed that grows to a great bush. If nothing else, it seems that Jesus wanted the listeners of his day and us to recognize that the Kingdom of God is not necessarily what WE would define it to be.

Come to worship on Sunday and wrestle with me!

Gail

LATEST CHURCH NEWS - KEY UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • This Sunday, June 18th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. ­ Father’s DayPreacher: Pastor Gail Doering on Mark 4:26-34, “Faith and the Kingdom of God” 2 Cents a Meal Offering Received
  • Next Sunday, June 25th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Preacher: Pastor Gail Doering on Mark 4:35-41, “Why Are You Afraid?”
  • Celebrating Joy Crocker’s Life ­ June 18th and 24thNext week, there will be two celebrations of the life of Joy Crocker. The first is a memorial concert Sunday afternoon (June 18th) at First Presbyterian Church in Oakland at 3:00 p.m., featuring organist Ron McKean and four church choirs. There will also be special guest soloists and music by Laramie Crocker (First Presbyterian Church, 2619 Broadway in Oakland -- For more information visit www.JoyCrocker.com). Next Saturday, June 24th, there will be a memorial service at Plymouth Church in Oakland at 4:30 p.m. For directions, please visit www.plymouthoakland.org. (Plymouth United Church of Christ, 424 Monte Vista Avenue in Oakland, (510) 654-5300).
  • Chamber Music at St. Andrew’s -- Sunday, June 25th at 3:00 p.m.You are cordially invited to attend the second in the St. Andrew’s Chamber Music Series. The recitals are offered at no charge. Donations will be accepted to benefit the Contra Costa County Interfaith Housing Garden Parks Apartments Community. The program consists of Clarinet/Piano Sonata Op. 120, No. 2 by Johannes Brahms, Cello/Piano Sonata Op. 5, No. 2 by Ludwig von Beethoven, and String Quartet Op. 171, No. 2 by Franz Joseph Haydn. Please contact Decky Thornton at 228-7731 or deckyt@comcast.net for more information.
  • Bike Ride to San Francisco -- Sunday, July 9th Join in on the fun! Bike - BART - Ferry. Meet at the church at noon. Bring a lunch; we will eat together and then take off to P.H. BART. From the Embarcadero station, we will ride over the Golden Gate Bridge and ferry from Sausalito back to Embarcadero, take BART to Pleasant Hill, and then ride back to the church. The biking portion is around 20 miles. Some of the hills are a bit strenuous, but hey, if Shel can do it, so can you! What to bring: your helmet (safety first!), sunscreen, a bag lunch with some to share (yum!), money for BART and ferry ($8.90 + $6.45), a water bottle, and of course, your bike. This is a great opportunity for fresh air, fellowship and good exercise! Have questions? Call Steve Zimmerman or e-mail him at zimzims58@yahoo.com.
  • Ay Caramba! -- Vacation Bible School -- July 10th ­ 14thSign up your child, grandchild, neighbors and friends! Also, VBS is looking for a leader for GRANDE GAMES! Supplies, instructions and awesome teen