A Liberal Church, Welcoming of All, Passionately Committed to Social Justice

The Pilgrim - January 17, 2010

Sunday Celebration Notes from Jerry Stinson
Celebrating God’s Love Every Sunday at 10 am.

This Sunday will be our annual celebration of the life and witness of Martin Luther King, Jr. This is always a very special Sunday in the life of our congregation. Our hymns will all come from the civil rights era. Our liturgy will be taken, in most cases, from Dr. King’s words. The soloist this week will be Lisa Bode Heard.

There will also be the presentation of the Aaron and Maycie Herrington Award to members of the committee that established the original “Getting to Know You” groups that resulted in First Church becoming an Open and Affirming congregation.

The Herrington award was established two years ago in recognition of Aaron and Maycie Herrington’s pioneering decision in 1951 to become the first African American members of the First Congregational Church of Long Beach and in recognition of the leadership they have provided to this congregation over many years. The award honors those who follow in the Herringtons’ footsteps, blazing trails into unexplored regions as they lead this church into creative new paths of ministry and service.

Most of you know about Martin Luther King’s passion for justice and his dramatic preaching about for equality. We know about his leadership in the civil rights movement. But we don’t know much about his actual theology – his view of God, his understanding of Jesus and his attitude toward other religions. In my sermon, I want to look at new scholarship about Dr. King’s theology – it may surprise you.

Following the service, there will be a baked potato luncheon in the Dining Room to raise money for the Worship and Arts Ministry Team and for our participation in the Pride Parade.

The luncheon will include a special program. We will begin by showing a film prepared by one of our high school students, Kathryn Boyd-Batstone. Here is what she wrote about it: "Last year as an end of year project for my AP US history class, we were assigned to do a project on an event in America’s history. I chose to focus on the Tuskegee Airmen and their influence on gaining more rights for blacks in United States. To add to my presentation, I interviewed Maycie Herrington, who worked as a secretary at the Tuskegee Air Base and whose husband trained with the Tuskegee Airmen. Maycie Herrington has been a member of First Congregational Church for many years. With help from her interview, I created a video of the Tuskegee Airmen."

Following the 10-minute video, I will moderate a panel discussion among those members who are present who were part of the group organizing the original “Getting to Know You” groups: the Rev. Mary Ellen Kilsby, Margaret Jacoby and Bill and Betty Cole. We will talk about the journey made by members of First Church to create our first Open and Affirming Declaration.

Don’t miss this Sunday – it will be a very special day!

SERMON: King’s God – The Unknown Faith of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Rev. Jerry Stinson, preaching
LITURGISTS: The Rev. Libby Tigner

Next week Libby Tigner will be preaching.

 

Music on Sunday

For MLK Sunday, the choir will sing an arrangement of “There Is a Balm in Gilead” by Carol Sams, the daughter-in-law of Lowell Johnson, and sister-in-law of Kathleen O’Neal. A composer of all media, operatic, orchestral, chamber and choral, Carol Sams has crafted a beautiful setting, using the lower voices as an accompaniment under the tune, but in such away that this accompaniment stands alone. The choir will reprise this work for Lowell’s memorial service in the afternoon. Our alto soloist, Lisa Bode Heard, will offer the special music, singing “True Colors.” See you in church.

- Dr. Leland, Vail, Minister of Music

 

In Sunday School

Theme: Extravagant Sign
Scripture Focus: John 2:1-11

 

In Adult Education
Sundays at 8:30 am in the Klar Rooms, upstairs in Pilgrim Hall

Throughout January we are exploring the “Eight Points of Progressive Christianity.” Using a study guide from The Center for Progressive Christianity, we are fleshing out what each of these points might mean for us as individuals and as a congregation.

The class meets at 8:30 a.m. in the Klar classrooms. Coffee is provided, child care is available, and you are welcome to bring your breakfast and a friend!

 

Parent Book Study Continues

The Parent Book Study will meet at 9 a.m. in the Pownall Room to discuss Making a Home for Faith: Nurturing the Faith of Your Child, by Elizabeth Caldwell. The book study will meet each Sunday through February 21. All parents and those interested in children's faith are invited. Childcare provided in the nursery.

 

 

Help Represent First Church in the 22nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace and Unity Parade
By Brad Stevens

The 22nd Annual Long Beach Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace and Unity Parade will take place on Saturday, January 16. First Congregational Church will again be participating. Join us in celebrating Dr. King’s message of peace, justice and equality. Please help us demonstrate First Congregational Church's ongoing commitment to peace and social justice. The parade is scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m. Once the parade begins, the marching takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The parade ends across the street from Long Beach City College-Pacific Coast Campus, located at 1305 East Pacific Coast Highway. A shuttle will be available to transport you to the registration table on Martin Luther King Avenue. We will not know until the morning of January 16 where our place in the parade will be. If you plan to participate, meet at Martin Luther King Avenue and Tenth Street between 9:45 – 10 A.M. A member from the Board of Outreach will be there to greet you and to let you know where we are in line. My cell phone number is 562-230-0573. If you have trouble finding us, please give me a call.

 

HOW NOW
By Alison Mitchell

You've volunteered through the WOO WHO bulletin board and contributed to the WHAT IF Stewardship Campaign, so to continue on our journey together please come to the

ALL CHURCH
HOW NOW (Hour-or-so) of POWER
Sunday, January 24, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Downstairs Dining Room

Our time together will include "Everything You Always Wanted to Know about First Congregational Church But Were Afraid to Ask," the well-loved First Congregational Trivia Game "Are You Smarter Than the Moderators?" and the popular party conversation mixer "From Stressed to Blessed." Light snacks will be served, and OF COURSE there will be lovely PRIZES. Child care for kids.

Don't miss out! Please tell Alison or Ruth that you will come.
Alison Mitchell: 562-493-8565, alison123@earthlink.net
Ruth Warkentin: 562-436-2256 x221, office@firstchurchlb.org

 

DAYS Fundraiser January 14 at Designing Whims
By Nancy Valencia

The Downtown Associated Youth Service (DAYS) Committee would like to invite you to DESIGNING WHIMS FRIENDLY FUNDRAISER, Thursday, January 14 starting at 6:30 p.m. For $25 we will be treated to chocolate martinis, wine and appetizers, cooked from their beautiful studio kitchen. Join DAYS as we celebrate the New Year with old friends and new friends. We do not think you will want to miss the opportunity to experience the warmth and comfort of the beautiful whimsical studio, the yummy treats and reconnecting with friends. Feel free to invite your friends and family.

Designing Whims is hosting the event, with all proceeds going to the DAYS free six-week Summer Day Camp, celebrating its 40th year serving the children and youth in Long Beach. Aegean Designing Whims is a full service interior design showroom, specializing in kitchen and bath remodeling, window coverings, and floor coverings. You may visit their studio at www.designingwhims.com.

Please RSVP to Nancy Valencia navalencia@verizon.net or 562 234-2851 before Wednesday, January 13.
Time: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, January 14
Location: Aegean Designing Whims (3782 Cerritos Ave, Los Alamitos, CA 90720; 562-430-2969)

 

Church Vitality Event at First Church February 19-20
Can You Help Host?

The Southern California Nevada Conference of the United Church of Christ will hold its annual Church Vitality event in Long Beach at First Church on February 19 and 20. Designed to motivate and provide resources for ministers, lay leaders (officers, board and ministry team members and volunteers), worship planners and musicians, the event will draw about 150 from all around the conference to our campus. This is a great opportunity for us to shine!

We need about fifteen people who can be hosts for the weekend. We need help with registration and greeting, ushering and assisting the workshop leaders. If you are a volunteer, you will also be able to attend the event free of charge.

Just to entice you a bit further, the keynote speakers are the Rev. Michael Piazza, Dean of the Cathedral of Hope, a congregation of the UCC, known as the world’s largest liberal church with a predominantly LGBT membership, and the Rev. Anthony Robinson, president of Congregational Leadership Northwest, an ecumenical education and resource group (Rev. Robinson led us through our Imagining Tomorrow Together process five years ago). Additionally, workshops on a variety of topics will be offered.

For more information about the event, go to the Conference website at scncucc.org, where you can download a brochure. To volunteer to be a host, please contact Libby in the church office at 562-436-2256, ext. 224, or via email at ltigner@firstchurchlb.org. Whether you can help for a few hours or for both days, your presence will be greatly appreciated!

 

Chimamanda Adichie's Lecture Online

Jerry Stinson’s sermon last Sunday quoted extensively from a lecture by Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Adichie about “The Danger of the Single Story.” For those who would like to view that entire lecture, it can be found on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg.

 

A Special Thank You from DAYS
By Nancy Valencia

The Downtown Associated Youth Service (DAYS) Committee with the help of First Church assembled and delivered over 65 gift baskets the week before Christmas. The baskets contained the donated food and gift items, grocery gift cards and various other gift cards collected in December.

Thank you for donating food, gifts and for wrapping the presents. DAYS is grateful to Linda Plexico, Janice Walters, Bruce Adams, Alima Sherman, Adreana Langston and members of the community for giving up their day to wrap all the presents. A special thank you to all those who delivered the baskets: Steve Schatz, Cara Varnell, Mary Flynn, Lisa Davis, Linda Plexico, Adreana Langston, Randy Nielson, Lisa and Clayton Heard, Ginger Heil, Larry Monahan, Janice and Jerry Walters, Brad, Katelyn and Patrick Wells. Due to the enormous support of First Church members, the holidays were a little brighter for the recipients of our Gift to the Manger baskets. The children were overwhelmed with excitement and clearly grateful for their gifts. All of us who delivered were moved by the expressions of happiness on the children’s faces and words of appreciation by the parents/guardians.

DAYS is grateful for your generosity, trust and, most importantly, your commitment to serving the underprivileged children in our community. Happy New Year.

 

CHANGES: Bereavement Education and Support for Children and Teens

CHANGES is a grief support program of Pathways Volunteer Hospice which combines a unique team of grief professionals and volunteers to help children and teens realize that their experiences are normal. During CHANGES meetings, family members get support from peers and learn new tools and strategies to cope with all the changes that come about after a loved one dies. The next group begins January 19. Advance registration is required. For more information and registration, please call Pathways Volunteer Hospice at 562-531-3031.

 

Volunteers Needed by Companion Hospice Care

Companion Hospice Care is recruiting volunteers for an upcoming training program. Volunteers can become a needed friend to someone during the last part of their journey or relieve tired caregivers for short periods of time, or help with errands and shopping. Each applicant receives 16 hours of orientation and training. Classes begin Saturday, February 27. Help is also needed in the Downey office. To learn more, contact Deanna, Coordinator of Volunteers at 562-944-2711 or deannam@companionhospice.com.

 

Pilgrim Deadline

The deadline for submitting items for inclusion in the newsletter is Friday at 12 noon for the email going out the following week. Due to the email format, it is no longer necessary that items be submitted as attachments; they may simply be included in the text of your email.

 

 

The Church Mouse has heard ...

... Cynde Soto was recently awarded the Spirit of Advocate Award and the Southern California Advocate of the Year Award by her peers at Independent Living Centers.

... Lee Vail has recently heard from Megan Berti, formerly our soprano soloist:

I hope you are well. I just wanted to send a hearty hello to you and everyone at CSULB and First Congregational Church. I am about to embark on my second semester at Eastman, and I am really enjoying it here (even the snow, which is just beautiful! Although driving in it is quite a pain ... but I guess you can't win on all counts). I really like my teacher, my coaches, and the opera directors, and it's a great musical environment. I have a church job singing alto at a Baptist church, which is quite an interesting switch from FCC. It's taken some getting used to, to say the least, especially since the music is not of the same caliber as you programmed at FCC, but at least I can keep my sight-singing up to par. :-) Do say hello to FCC for me, and let them know that I miss them!

 

Parish Concerns

Your thoughts and prayers are requested for Jackie Grover; Maycie Herrington; Leonard Larson (Richard Berryman's friend); Casey Ramsdell (Joanne Paine's son-in-law); Gary Shelton and Janet Rhodes upon the death of their father; Wilma Boese (Harold Sutherland's greataunt); Don Donan upon the death of his mother; Maycie Herrington; and Janet Wiscombe upon the death of her mother.

In the armed forces: Daniele Ware (Karen Miller’s granddaughter, stationed in Iraq) and Laura Anderson (Kathy Young's niece, stationed in Bahrain).

Names on the Parish Concerns list appear in two consecutive editions of the newsletter. Those in the armed forces serving in combat zones are listed until they come home. To put someone on either list, put a note on the Parish Concerns board on the Third Street landing or contact Ruth Warkentin in the church office.

 

Becoming a Member of First Church

Whether you have been attending for a few weeks, a few months or several years, we would like you to consider becoming a member of First Church. When you are ready to take that step, please call or email Rev. Jerry Stinson at 562-436-2256, ext 230 or revjstinson@verizon.net.

 

Online Calendar

Don’t miss out! Check the online church calendar at www.firstchurchlb.org/calendar.html for details about all church events. You can use the online calendar to email invitations to friends to church events and to set up emailed reminders to yourself. Just click on any event to see information about it.

 

 

 

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First Congregational Church - 241 Cedar Avenue - Long Beach, California 90802
562-436-2256 - Fax: 562-436-3018 - E-mail: office@firstchurchlb.org