1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

STILL SPEAKING NEWS & IDEAS
1
Still Speaking
News & Ideas
February 2015
WWW.PEACEUNITED.ORG
WELCOMING THE REV. YAEL LACHMAN!
Friends of Peace,
With great joy, we want you to know that the Pastoral Call Committee has selected the
Rev. Yael Lachman as our candidate for the position of Associate Minister at Peace United
Church of Christ! Yael will preach in worship on Sunday, February 15, after which we'll vote
as a congregation to call her as our Associate Minister. She anticipates beginning her
ministry among us around the first of April and being with us for Easter this spring!
As we talked to Yael about our passion for family ministry in Santa Cruz, and as she shared
with us her own commitments and experience, it became clear to us that she'll be an
exciting and energetic presence at Peace United and a wonderful part of our ministry
team. A graduate of the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, Yael was both baptized into
the Christian faith and ordained into the Christian ministry right here at Peace United
Church. Since then, she's served as Pastor at the First Congregational Church (United
Church of Christ) in Bridgton, Maine. In ministry there, she's thoughtfully partnered with
leaders of all ages to bring many generations into meaningful and prayerful community.
Through this process, we've interviewed several outstanding candidates and we're
appreciative of the church's enthusiasm and support for this important work. We sense
the blessing of the Spirit and the delight of God in the choice we've made. And we look
forward to your meeting with Yael the weekend of February 13, 14 and 15. We know you'll
agree! It's an exciting time for all of us, and for the ministries we love, at Peace United
Church of Christ!
With joy,
The Pastoral Call Committee
Sue Robinson
Natalie Blackburn
David Furnish
Mary Male
Ingrid Parker
Stewart Jenkins
Jamie Langley
Doug Owen
Caryl Williamson
Jim Weller
Dave Grishaw-Jones
SATURDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 14
OPEN HOUSE FOR ALL: 9 TO 11 am
FELLOWSHIP HALL
Friends of all ages are invited to join Yael and others
for a continental breakfast and open house—in the
Fellowship Hall on Saturday morning. We’ll have
games and activities for the youngest among us (and
the old ones too)—and we’ll get to know Yael, her
unique spirit and passion for ministry and people!
Bring a friend! Share the excitement! Let’s welcome
Yael back to Santa Cruz!
SUNDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 15
WORSHIP @ 10:30
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
TO FOLLOW
Join the whole church family in worshipping with
Yael on February 15! Worship will be celebration,
Yael will preach and bring the message to Peace
United’s children. What an exciting and new
beginning! After worship, members will remain in
the sanctuary to formally vote to call Yael as our
Associate Minister!
2.15 STILL SPEAKING NEWS & IDEAS
WITNESS & MISSION
2
NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR
MISSION, SERVICE & DISCIPLESHIP
NIGHT
WALK MINISTRY: Responding to the
Compassionate Cities Initiative, members of several faith
communities are exploring a “Night Walk” program, similar to
programs in other California cities. Partnering with police and
neighborhood leaders, we’d walk thoughtfully, creating a
compassionate and resourceful presence in Santa Cruz
neighborhoods at night. Interested? Be in touch with Dave GrishawJones for more information.
The Stations of the Cross:
A Community Art Expression
Station 1. Jesus on the Mount of Olives (Luke 22:39-46).
Station 2. Jesus, betrayed by Judas, is arrested (Luke 22:47-48).
Station 3. Jesus is condemned by the Sanhedrin (Luke 22:66-71).
Station 4. Peter denies Jesus (Luke 22:54-62).
Station 5. Jesus is judged by Pilate (Luke 23:13-25).
Station 6. Jesus is scourged and crowned with thorns (Luke 22:63-65,
John 19:2-3).
Station 7. Jesus takes up the cross (Mark 15:20).
Station 8. Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry his cross (Luke 23:26).
Station 9. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem (Luke 23:27-31).
Station 10. Jesus is crucified (Luke 23:33, 47).
Station 11. Jesus promises his kingdom to the good thief (Luke 23:33-34,
39-43).
Station 12. Jesus on the cross, his mother, and his disciple (John 19:2527).
Station 13. Jesus dies (Luke 23:44-46).
Station 14. Jesus is laid in his tomb (Luke 23:50-54).
WINGS TEAM WITH HOMELESS FAMILIES:
We’re
delighted to announce the formation of a new PEACE UNITED
MINISTRY TEAM—one that will support families and social workers
at the Rebele Family Shelter here in Santa Cruz. The idea is to create
a Peace United team to work collaboratively and supportively with
case workers and their client families: helping with occasional tasks,
networking, and assisting with the search for affordable long-term
housing. Interested? Be in touch with Jim Young at 345-1699.
CARING & VISITATION TEAM:
This team is looking to
grow and involve new members and friends! We gather monthly
(the third Tuesday morning at 9:30) to compare notes, reflect
spiritually and support one another. In between meetings, we
commit to visiting an elderly member or another friend perhaps
unable to attend worship at Peace United. It’s a ministry of
compassion! You’re welcome to meet with us on Tuesday,
February 17 at 9:30 am. Or be in touch with Dave Grishaw-Jones for
more information!
A SACRED CONVERSATION ON RACE: A leadership
team at Peace United is planning a luncheon/workshop on Palm
Sunday, March 29, focusing our congregation’s attention and
energies on race, racism and racial justice in the US. Maybe you’d
like to help with the conception and planning of this workshop? Be
in touch with Robert Valiente-Neighbors (332-5052) or Beverly
Brook (429-1392).
We are the Apostles, falling asleep while Jesus prayed.
We are Judas, in betrayal and sorrow.
We are the Sandhedrin, challenging and accusing.
We are Peter, denying; Pilate, condemning.
But we are also Simon of Cyrene, helping to carry the cross, Veronica wiping Jesus' face,
and we are Mary weeping. We are the good thief.
Which of these steps on Jesus' journey to the cross speaks to you?
Please pray on it, open your hearts to Easter. It is not necessary to be a selfidentified "artist." We welcome all mediums.
We need a solid commitment by February 15, but sooner is better! The art
will be mounted in the Sanctuary for the Maundy Thursday service, and will
be taken down (most likely) the day after Easter.
If you wish to participate, or have any questions, please contact Deb at
[email protected], or 831-332-6079 (please leave a message on my
voice mail if there is no answer).
TENT OF ABRAHAM: JEWS, CHRISTIANS & MUSLIMS
SEEING THROUGH NEW EYES…
All are invited to this interfaith dialog with Jewish, Christian and
Muslim sisters and brothers from 2:00-5:00 pm, Sunday, March
8, at Temple Beth El in Aptos. We will pray together, dialog
together, and of course, eat together. Prayers and discussion will
be led by clergy from all three faiths. Child care will be provided
and a vegetarian meal served. For more information, contact
Rose Ashford at [email protected].
2.15 STILL SPEAKING NEWS & IDEAS
3
VALENTINES SOIRÉE
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14 @7pm
FELLOWSHIP HALL
The FORTY DAYS OF LENT recall Jesus’
forty days in the wilderness, a season of
deep reflection, profound testing and
renewed spiritual practice. Join the
community—in small group settings and
worship—as we puzzle over faith and
wrestle with conscience. It’s a time of
renewal and grace!
ASH WEDNESDAY @ 7:30
We mark the beginning of Lent with
both the jazz band and chancel choir,
exploring the deep meaning of prayer
and tracing the sign of the cross in ashes
upon our foreheads.
FRIDAY NIGHT TAIZÉ SERVICES
The Taizé team invites you to a weekly
service of song and prayer, by
candlelight, throughout Lent. The
service begins every Friday at 8 pm in the
Sanctuary. We begin Friday, Feb. 20.
‘AGE-ING AND SAGE-ING’
Cecile Andrews leads a weekly Lenten
conversation on ‘the making of an elder
culture’—based on the bestselling book
(From Age-ing to Sage-ing) by Rabbi
Zalman Schachter Shalomi. Cecile
Andrews has written in this area,
including the recent Living Room
Revolution: A Handbook for Conversation,
Community, and the Common Good. She
has her doctorate in education from
Stanford and lives in the new Walnut
Commons Cohousing. Join us every
Thursday (beginning 2/19) from 9:30 to
11 am in the Library. Bring your friends!
‘MID-WEEK RENEWAL’
Marie Grace Brook is leading a series of
spiritual practice classes every
Wednesday during Lent, beginning
Wednesday, February 18. Included our
sections on yoga, centering prayer, tai
chi and lectio divina. Classes will meet in
the sanctuary, mid day hours. See the
details elsewhere in this edition of Still
Speaking.
For the 14th year the choir will hold their
Valentine’s Soirée. Enjoy an evening of
Champagne, dessert, an auction and, of course,
MUSIC under the direction of Cheryl Anderson!
Tickets can be purchased from choir members or
at the door for $20. The Soirée benefits the
Peace UCC music program.
SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING
JR. YOUTH GROUP
Did you know we have a dynamic and active
youth group at Peace for youth in grades 59? We meet on the first and third Sundays,
September through May in the youth room
from 12 to 2pm with Jamie Langley and Lilly
Thomas. We have a great time together,
playing games, engaging in Bible study,
crafts, and fellowship. We also go on field
trips for fun and service, and provide delicious
meals for the congregation like our annual
Easter breakfast! For more information
contact Lilly @ [email protected] or
239-7510.
SENIOR YOUTH GROUP
Hello Senior High Youth Group and Families!
Youth Group will be hosted on the third
Sunday of the month and will run from 2:15 4:15pm in the youth room.
Please contact Lilly Thomas at
[email protected] or by phone at
831-239-7510
Volunteers are needed to help in Sunday
School. If you would like to be a part of this
important ministry to children, and can
commit to helping in the classroom once
every month or two, please be in touch with
Kristen at [email protected], or our CYF
Chair, Natalie Blackburn at
[email protected].
VALENTINE’S COOKIE DECORATING
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8
DURING SUNDAY SCHOOL
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, we will be
decorating sugar cookies during Sunday
School! These cookies will be mailed to church
members who are not able to come to worship
and to those who are away at college.
DONATIONS OF UNFROSTED COOKIES NEEDED!
PLEASE BRING COOKIES TO THE KITCHEN BEFORE
CHURCH ON THE 8TH
FOR THE LIFE OF ESTHER ROGOFF
FELLOWSHIP HALL
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15 @ 1:30 pm
Join the Rogoffs and the wider church family as
we give thanks to God for Esther’s long and
wonderful life.
RECEPTION INTO
THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
THE COMMUNITY CHURCH OF THE
MONTEREY PENINSULA (CCMP)
4590 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8 @ 3 pm
All are invited to celebrate as CCMP formally
joins the United Church of Christ in a festive
worship service on Feb. 8. Dave Grishaw-Jones
and others will be participants as the progressive
Christian movement grows…
ALL CHURCH WORKDAY
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH
9am – 1pm
We have painting, clean up and organizing to do,
maybe even some sewing. We’ll have food, fun
and fellowship as we work together to get the
Christian Education Building (and a few other
spots) ready for our new Associate Minister! Sign
up for a specific project or just show up and help
where needed. The CYF team will have a table
for sign-ups at church on Sundays in February.
WHAT'S JUST? An Exploration of
Juvenile Justice Alternatives
FEBRUARY 13 & 14
INNER LIGHT CENTER, 5630 SOQUEL DR, SOQUEL
FRIDAY: Author, Nell Bernstein & Panelists,
Book Signing, Resource Faire
SATURDAY: Community Engagement,
Organizations, agencies and individuals,
including youth, come together to explore
opportunities and alternatives to youth criminal
justice. Envision a brighter future compassionate, empowering, and reconciling.
FREE 2 day event - donations appreciated. RSVP
@ InnerLightMinistries.com for Saturday. Lunch
available for $10, free for 25 & under. For more
information contact Peter Klotz-Chamberlin, 831
423-1626x102.
2.15 STILL SPEAKING NEWS & IDEAS
PROGRESSIVE
CHRISTIAN FORUM
4
CORE VALUES
HOW ABOUT
GETTING
CONNECTED?
ON THE WEB:
Look for us online at www.peaceunited.org.
ON FACEBOOK:
Find us and LIKE US at “Peace United Church of
Christ, Santa Cruz.”
WEEKLY E-NEWS:
We have a weekly e-newsletter that goes out on
Once again, Peace United Church is
honored to host this year’s Progressive
Christian Forum: featuring two inspiring
San Francisco pastors and in-depth
discussion of “Christian Spirituality in the
21st Century.”
Thursday with news for the coming weekend
and week. You can find it and sign up to receive
it by clicking on ENEWS on the main menu on
our website. Or call the office at 426-2010.
The forum will be held Friday and Saturday,
February 6 and 7. The registration cost for
Peace United friends is $50. Scholarships
are available.
See Dave Grishaw-Jones for more or check
us out at www.ticketriver.com. (See:
CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY IN THE 21st
CENTURY). We want you to be involved!
Keynoters will be the Rev. Karen Oliveto (of
Glide Memorial Church) and the Rev. Bruce
Reyes-Chow (of 7th Avenue Presbyterian).
DAVE GRISHAW-JONES:
Dave’s blog is “Valley Rise Up” at
www.valleyriseup.blogspot.com.
Over several months in 2012 and 2013, members
and friends explored our shared traditions, our
particular passions and our theological heritage.
In all that, we discerned eight ‘core’ or
‘motivating’ values—values that infuse our
ministries with purpose and energy. Take a look
at the eight…and get involved in a class or small
group to see how it all plays out in YOUR life.
PEACE UNITED’S STAFF:
Senior Minister:
Dave Grishaw-Jones
426-2010 / [email protected]
Parish Administrator:
Brooke Graff
426-2010 /
[email protected]
Receptionist/Program Assistant:
Valerie Friend
426-2010 / [email protected]
Sexton:
Roger Erickson
426-2010 / [email protected]
Chancel Choir Director: Cheryl Anderson
Organist: Vlada Volkova-Moran
Jazz Band Directors:
Lori Rivera
Art Alm
Sunday School Teacher: Kristen Kovaletz
Childcare Coordinator: Jenny Ohlsen
2.15 STILL SPEAKING NEWS & IDEAS
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SPIRITUAL
PRACTICE
JUSTICE &
PEACEMAKING
All relationships require commitment,
discipline and love! Cultivate your
relationship with the Divine as you grow in a
daily spiritual practice. You’ll find support,
friends and encouragement here at Peace
United Church. Feel free to talk with a
pastor—or check out one of our
opportunities for spiritual growth in small
groups!
More than dogma, beyond doctrine, Jesus
calls us to discipleship, peacemaking and
service. In a world fractured by war and aching
in poverty, Christians are moved to creative
expressions of generosity, solidarity and love.
Be curious. Take a risk. If you don’t see
something here—see a church leader or
pastor! Let’s make it happen together.
YOGA @ PEACE UNITED
COPA: ORGANIZING FOR JUSTICE
THURSDAY MORNINGS
8:30 to 9:30 in the SANCTUARY
with Sarah Zell (278-2426)
COPA is Communities Organized for Relational
Power in Action–and Peace United works sideby-side with synagogues, labor groups and civic
organizations for affordable housing, health
care access, immigration reform and economic
opportunity. Our COPA CORE TEAM meets
once a month to coordinate, learn and
strategize together. Call Elizabeth Schilling for
more at 475-3852.
“How do you cultivate mindfulness and
balance in daily life?” Friends, neighbors and
members are invited to this yoga class—every
Thursday in our glorious and inspiring
sanctuary. Our teacher is Sarah Zell, trained
and experienced and ready to help us with a
practice that inspires wholeness and depth.
Call her for more information.
MEDITATION & CENTERING
TUESDAY & THURSDAY MORNINGS
8:20 to 8:50 in the LIBRARY
This is a simple half-hour of silence and
stillness. A chance to practice centering prayer
together. It’s as easy as sitting in silence,
paying attention to the gift of breath. All are
welcome to drop in any time! Dave GrishawJones is our host.
PASSAGE MEDITATION
TUESDAY EVENINGS
with Forest Monsen
Forest invites interest and practice around
“passage meditation”—a dynamic practice
involving focused attention and ancient texts.
Call Forest for more information at 469-3095.
SACRED CIRCLE DANCING
1ST WEDNESDAY IN THE SANCTUARY
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Beginners welcome
FREE again on FEBRUARY 4TH
We trace simple folk dances and newlychoreographed dances to beautiful music from
around the world. Dances range from lively to
meditative, and each one is taught before we
dance it. Dancing in a circle is one of the oldest
ways in which people celebrate community.
Contact Donna Davis for more information:
831 566-3365 or
[email protected].
RESOURCE CENTER FOR NONVIOLENCE
The RCNV is a local peace and justice center
founded in 1976. Working with a diverse
community of allies, the RCNV provides
community leadership around a range of
interests: from the culture of war to immigration
justice, from peacemaking to economic justice
for all. You can find more at www.rcnv.org or by
seeing church member Peter Klotz-Chamberlin
(251-4833), who is also a staff member at RCNV.
HELP WITH OUR VEGE GARDEN
We garden together in our own vegetable
garden on the 1st Saturday of the month, from
4-5:30 pm. Meet and work in the garden (below
the lower parking lot). Bring gloves, water
bottle, a trowel and a snack to share.
Occasionally the date is switch, so please contact
Liz Klotz-Chamberlin for more at 251-4330.
GREEN TEAM
Peace United’s GREEN TEAM helps the church
keep faith with commitments to ecological
justice. Contact Caryl Williamson at 706-0709.
SHELTER FOR HOMELESS FRIENDS
HOLY CROSS FOOD PANTRY
Peace United joins with friends from other Santa
Cruz churches to offer a nightly shelter for
families who find themselves without shelter.
Peace United takes responsibility for Sunday
evenings—and hosts a community of 15-20
every Sunday night. Contact Pegatha Hughes at
440-9018 for more on volunteering, cooking
meals and creating a ministry of hospitality.
The Holy Cross Food Pantry is running short of
volunteers. Several Peace United members
volunteer there now. We’re asked to serve one
or two 2-hour shifts per month (10-12 or 12-2) on
Wednesdays or Fridays. If you’d like more
information, email director Irene Lennox at
[email protected] or call her at 831-4572690.
WINGS: ADVOCACY MINISTRY
PROPHETS OF HOPE
WINGS is a partner ministry with Peace United,
training a caring group of advocates to support
individuals in their walk out of homelessness and
despair. We’re developing a new team to work
in partnership with friends at the Rebele Family
Shelter downtown. Contact Peggy Benedum for
more at 566-3738.
Peace United has a lively network of ministry
teams doing compassionate ministry in local jails
and juvenile halls. We have a men’s team and a
women’s team at the County Jail, a new team
serving at the Blaine St. Women’s Facility, and
one serving the youth at the County’s Juvenile
Hall. Interested? Call Beverly Brook for more at
429-1392.
SH/OP: SUPPORTING HEALTH WITH
ORGANIC PRODUCE
PROGRESSIVE CHRISTIAN FORUM
FIRST WEDNESDAYS @ 1 pm
Sponsored by Chadeish Yameinu, this is a weekly Call DARRELL YEANEY for LOCATION
FREE organic produce distribution for those with Are you eager to see more weekends like the
Dianna Butler-Bass weekend at Peace United
cancer or HIV. Saturdays @ 2pm at Trinity
Church? Would you serve on a planning team for
Presbyterian Church.
next year’s event? We’re looking for a couple of
For more information or to volunteer:
Peace United friends to join the planning team!
[email protected]
Call Darrell Yeaney at 713-7589. We need you!
VETS 4 VETS
FIRST TUESDAY @ 6 pm
1658 SOQUEL DR., SUITE B
New volunteer opportunities in our community
to support veterans in a multitude of ways! See
Stoney Brook or David Davis for more
information or call 477-7515.
2.15 STILL SPEAKING NEWS & IDEAS
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EXTRAVAGANT
WELCOME
FINDING
COMMUNITY
As an OPEN & AFFIRMING CONGREGATION
of the United Church of Christ, we’re
passionate about the extravagant welcome
extended to each and every child of God. In
1997, our ‘open and affirming covenant’
made it particularly clear that gay, lesbian,
transgender, bisexual and questioning
friends were ‘extravagantly welcome’ at the
very heart of this Christian community.
We’re committed to demonstrating what
truly inclusive and healing Christian
fellowship looks like and how we can grow in
faith together.
Small groups of all kinds offer a place for
exploration and support. Your life here will
deepen in spirit and connection as you
participate in some kind of small group. Give
one of our leaders a call, have tea, and see
where these ministries lead you!
PFLAG
PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of
Lesbians and Gays) of Santa Cruz County meets
the second Tuesday of every month from 7 – 9
pm right here at Peace United Church. Find
support and friendship. Help us make the world
a better, safer place for all. Contact us:
[email protected] or www.pflagscc.org or
831-427-4016.
LUNCH BUNCH
“Lunch Bunch” is a warm fellowship meeting in
the Lounge for lunch and conversation on the
first Tuesday of each month, beginning at 12
noon. Our food is prepared by Chris and Molly
Ohlsen of OHLSEN FOODS (and of Peace United
Church!) or you may bring your own.
MARCH 3RD – Stoney Brook: Walking the
Camino
VETERANS GROUP
RSVP by FEBRUARY 26TH to the church office –
426-2010 or [email protected].
Contact David Davis @ 566-2471.
The Veterans Group meets for food, fun and
socializing throughout the year. All veterans
and their families are welcome.
THE CINEMATIC SALON
JACOB’S LADDER: MEN’S GROUP
THE SECOND SATURDAY OF THE MONTH
FEBRUARY 14TH, from 3:30 to 5:00 pm
IN THE LIBRARY, SNACKS PROVIDED!
Contact Doug Owen @ 425-1351.
This Men’s Group meets one Thursday night
each month from 7 to 9 pm. Men find space for
exploration, friendship and spiritual growth.
Come, join the “Cinematic Salon” for lively and
spirit-filled conversation about contemporary
films. Each month, we select for the following
month films currently playing in nearby theatres
or as rentals. See one or more and join our
DOMINICAN OAKS COMMUNION
conversation! Just like at the end of great
A monthly hour of prayer and communion with sermon, or after a good or bad film, one’s desire
Dave Grishaw-Jones—at Dominican Oaks
is to go out with friends and discuss what you’ve
COMING UP:
Retirement Community (3400 Paul Sweet Road experienced. The “Cinematic Salon” is just such
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10TH
behind the Hospital). We usually meet there on a place. Beverly Brook is our leader and
UPPER ROOM, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
the last Friday of the month at 10:30 am. All are convener, and she welcomes your ideas and
Beautiful Love Stories Need To Be Told Twice welcome as we worship with our church friends enthusiasm.
With guest speakers Ann & Nancy Frosberg
at Dominican Oaks. Our next date is 2/27. See
FEBRUARY’S FILMS TO WATCH:
When Nancy and Father Larry Forsberg were Dave for more.
married in 1973, they vowed to stay together
“SELMA”
through all of the changes in life. They both knew
SARAH’S
CIRCLE:
A
Women’s
Group
and
that nobody stays the same, and either you grow
Contact Barbara Baker @ 429-6213
together, or you grow apart. Over 41 years, they
“TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT”
All women are welcome to join us for friendship,
have raised two children, and two of their five
spiritual support, and discussion. We meet at
grandchildren together.
7pm on the second Wednesday of the month in
When Ann (Father Larry) began to show subtle the Jr. High Room.
signs of change over 20 years ago, Nancy knew
that she needed to understand and make FRIDAY MORNING GROUNDS
changes of her own for their marriage to survive. Contact Bill Walton @ 600-7343.
Today they have a thriving partnership, and This group of men and women get together most
know that they would not want to wake up in the Fridays from 9 am to 12 pm, working to the
morning without each other.
beautify church ‘grounds’ and care for other on-
ALL KINDS OF WEDDINGS
PEACE IS THE PLACE FOR LOVE,
UNION AND GETTING MARRIED!
Dave Grishaw-Jones welcomes the opportunity
to speak with couples considering marriage! As
an OPEN & AFFIRMING
CONGREGATION, Peace
United celebrates marriages
between men, between
women, and between men
and women! All shapes and sizes fit here! We’ve
got a great community, wonderful musicians
and a beautiful facility. It’s a great place to
begin a new chapter of love and marriage! Be in
touch with Dave for more information.
site projects. After some work around campus,
they sit down for coffee, doughnuts and warm
conversation. All are welcome!
TIME TO JOIN PEACE UNITED CHURCH? TIME FOR MEMBERSHIP?
This spring, we’ll once again welcome new members into the life and heart of the Peace United
community! You can join the church, as a member, on Easter Sunday: by baptism on the beach
at 7 am or in our Easter Celebration in the sanctuary at 10:30 am.
Peace United is a dynamic and committed community—and your curiosity and passion add to
the spirited service we offer to diverse city. Join us! Grow with us!
A two-week class for those joining will be held on Sundays, March 15 and 22, from 4 to 5:30 pm
in the Library. See Dave Grishaw-Jones or give him a call (426-2010) for more information!
2.15 STILL SPEAKING NEWS & IDEAS
ALL KINDS
OF FAMILIES
All kinds of families find welcome and spirit
here at Peace United Church of Christ. Know
that you’re welcome—whatever your
situation or generation—to join in the spiritlifting ministries of our expanding program
for families, children and youth.
SUNDAY SCHOOL @ PEACE
SUNDAY MORNINGS
During the 10:30 am Worship Hour
SUNDAY SCHOOL CONTINUES THROUGH
THE WINTER AND SPRING SEASONS.
Children are invited to join the congregation
during the first part of worship, and then
continue on to Sunday School with our lead
teacher, Kristen Kovaletz. For more
information, contact Kristen @
[email protected] or 714 501-5230.
CHILDCARE @ PEACE UNITED
SUNDAYS FROM 9:30 am to 1 pm
We have a warm and friendly childcare
program for small children every Sunday. You
can drop your children/toddlers off on the
lower level of the CE building—before you head
for worship, or at any point during the service.
It’s up to you! See Jenny Ohlsen, our Childcare
Coordinator, for more information @
[email protected] or 295-2681.
YOUTH GROUP @ PEACE UNITED
JUNIOR YOUTH GROUP
Junior Youth Group is open to all youth from
4th to 7th grade. We meet on the 1st and 3rd
Sundays of the month, directly after church in
the Youth Room: for games, Bible Study, crafts
and fun! Contact Lilly Thomas @
[email protected]
or 239-7510.
SENIOR YOUTH GROUP
If you have a teenager in high school who
might be interested in joining our senior youth
group, please contact Lilly Thomas @
[email protected] or 239-7510. The Sr.
Youth meet on the 3rd Sunday of the month
from 2:15 to 4:15. All are welcome!
DIAPER CHANGING STATION
We have changing tables for parents and their
babies, located now in the “Brides Room” off
the Narthex as well as in the unisex bathroom
next to the Lounge. Please note, as well, that
there are highchairs available in the Fellowship
Hall closet, when needed.
7
MINISTRY TEAMS
THESE MINISTRY TEAMS ARE HOPING
YOU’LL JUMP IN—AND LEND YOUR
ENERGIES TO THEIRS.
ONGOING
STUDIES
WORSHIP & ARTS TEAM
Is helping to integrate visual arts, spoken word
arts and others into the vibrant life of our
congregation. Are you passionate about the
arts? Contact Dave Grishaw-Jones or Deb
Culmer for more.
MISSION & FORMATION TEAM
Is working to build our church’s vital witness of
compassion in the community beyond our doors,
and well beyond. We’re thinking about
ministries with those without homes, ministries
in prison and institutional settings, prophetic
action for peace and justice. To join the team or
learn more, be in touch with Ken Thomas (4753852).
CARING & VISITATION TEAM
GROWING IN SPIRIT AND FAITH
BROWN BAG BIBLE STUDY
THURSDAYS
IN THE LIBRARY AT PEACE UNITED
12:30 pm to 2:00 pm
Brown Bag Bible Study will resume in
September, every week, beginning 9/4. Join us
for an informal, lively 90 minutes—of study and
sharing around the texts we read in worship each
week. You can drop in, come weekly, or come as
you’re able! You’ll find a friendly and curious
crowd of seekers! Dave Grishaw-Jones is our
host.
Offers friendship to members and friends unable
to attend church regularly. Team members call
on these folks once a month and maintain
contact by phone. Interested? Call leader Dave
Grishaw-Jones at 426-2010 for more.
OPEN HEART PRAYER TEAM
Prays weekly for the requests and concerns of
teens and adults visited by our Juvenile Hall
and Jail Ministry Teams. Each week, inmates
ask us for particular prayers: family members
in crisis, lonely children, personal hopes for the
future. Team members receive a weekly
EMAIL—and are asked to pray around these
requests each day. For more, or to get on the
team list, call Beverly Brook @ 429-1392.
Financially $peaking
How are we doing with our pledged income?
Report for JULY thru DECEMBER, 2014
Pledges received July thru December*
$ 160,085.51
Budgeted pledged support for 6 months
$160,359.00
$
(273.49)
* Includes pledges that have been paid in full (i.e., for 12 months)
2.15 STILL SPEAKING NEWS & IDEAS
8
SING, SING, SING!
AT PEACE UNITED
THE CHANCEL CHOIR
Is a community of members and friends dedicated to great music and lively
participation in Sunday services. Led by Cheryl Anderson and accompanied by
Vlada Volkova-Moran, the Choir draws from the great choral tradition of
progressive Christianity and the evolving choral repertoire as well. It rehearses
every Monday in the Music Room at 6 pm. If you’re at all interested, see Cheryl
or give her a call at 277-9017. She’ll share ways for you to get started.
THE SANTA CRUZ COMMUNITY GOSPEL CHOIR
Includes singers from many faith communities and traditions across Santa Cruz
County. Led by David Wells, the gospel choir rehearses twice a month here at
Peace United: on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday evenings, in the Music Room,
beginning at 7 pm. They sing from a rich tradition of gospel music. You can
simply come to a Tuesday rehearsal or contact Raneta Pomeroy at
[email protected].
WORSHIP THIS FEBRUARY
SUNDAY FEB 1
@ 10:30 am
Dave Grishaw-Jones, Preaching
With the Jazz Band & Chancel Choir
SUNDAY FEB 8
@ 10:30 am
With Dave Grishaw-Jones
And the UCSC Dreamweaver Students
With the Jazz Band & Chancel Choir
SUNDAY FEB 15
@ 10:30 am
Yael Lachman, Preaching
With the Jazz Band & Chancel Choir
WEDNESDAY, FEB 18
@ 7:30 pm
ASH WEDNESDAY:
Service of Ashes and Prayer
FRIDAYS, FEB 20 and 27
@ 8:00 pm
TAIZÉ HOUR OF LENTEN PRAYER
SUNDAY FEB 22
NO ONE IS ALONE
A fundraiser for Lori’s
seminary education
March 21st 7 pm
In Peace United
Fellowship Hall
DID YOU KNOW THAT LORI’S GOING TO SEMINARY? She starts THIS
MONTH at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley. Join Lori Rivera for an
evening of song, story and treats. She’ll be singing songs from musical theater,
the Great American Songbook and originals designed to touch the heart and
tickle the funny bone. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Or you
can sponsor a table of 8 for $150. Gold Circle seating (includes appetizers,
dessert and a glass of wine) $50 or a whole table for $375. Appetizers, dessert
and wine bar also available for individual purchase provided by Chocolate
Restaurant. Celebrate the beginning of Spring with an evening not to be
missed! Ticket available at brownpapertickets.com.
@ 10:30 am
Stew Jenkins, Preaching
With the Jazz Band