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

The Pilgrim - May 30, 2010

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

On the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend, during our prayer time we will once again honor the memories of loved ones who have died.

In my sermon, using references to the movie Patch Adams and imagery developed by novelist Frederick Buechner, I want to look at what Memorial Day might mean to us.

SERMON: A Room Called Remember
The Rev. Jerry Stinson
READING: I Chronicles 16:1, 7-12
LITURGIST: Mr. Clarence Dendy

On June 6, Jerry Stinson’s sermon will be “Searching for Prayer Rooms in Airports.”

 

Music on Sunday

To celebrate Memorial Day, the choir will present Sine Nomine ("For All the Saints") for full choir and organ. This well-loved hymn is just one of over 50 hymns written by William W. How (1823-1897). The music is by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958). As we hold in remembrance our loved ones during the service, I felt it appropriate to sing this joyful song in their honor. While some of the verses will be from this arrangement done in 1951, the last verse you’ll hear is from our New Century Hymnal.

- Tracy Halter-Balin, Interim Director of Music

 

In Sunday School

Theme: Wisdom Calls
Scripture Focus: Proverbs 8:1-4

 

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

We will continue our discussion of religious literacy, based on Boston University Professor of Religion Stephen Prothero’s book, Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know – and Doesn’t (HarperSanFrancisco, 2007). It's not necessary to read the book to enjoy the class. As always, coffee is provided, and you are more than welcome to bring your breakfast. And a friend! Please join us for learning, conversation and community building this Sunday at 8:30 a.m. You’ll be glad you did!

 

 

Young People’s Concert – Sunday, June 13

All members and friends of First Church are cordially invited to attend our annual Young People’s Concert on Sunday, June 13 at 1 p.m. in the lovely sanctuary. This favorite tradition will once again feature all of the youth music groups of the church as well as solo performances by many of our talented youth. It will be followed by an Ice Cream Social put on by DAYS. You won’t want to miss this great event!

If you are a young person who is interested in performing, please contact Tracy Halter-Balin by Sunday, May 30. Hope to see you there!

Tracy Halter-Balin

 

It's Time to Celebrate
"Summer in the City"

Downtown Associated Youth Services (DAYS) is pleased to announce its 40th year providing a free summer day camp to children and youth in Long Beach. DAYS cordially invites you to our annual “Summer in the City” event on Saturday evening, June 19.

To honor the mission of DAYS, this year we are paying tribute to Progressive Dinner Party. Since their first dinner in November 2004, members Cari Marshall, Donna Hilbert, Tere Sievers, Lenore Brown and Eric de Valpine have raised more than $112,000 for non-profits in Long Beach serving children and youth.

DAYS believes that all children and youth ought to have access to programs that create relationships, inspire, awaken imaginations and provide enriching opportunities in a safe space.
With deep appreciation, this year’s "Summer in the City" honors Progressive Dinner Party for their selfless work to make a positive difference in our community.

Join us Saturday, June 19 - 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Hors d’oeuvres at 6 p.m., dinner follows at 6:45 p.m.

Purchase a ticket for $35 or bring a unique item with a retail value of $50 or more to donate to the silent auction. An opportunity drawing for an Apple iPad will also be held. Opportunity drawing tickets are available for $10 for one or $20 for five.

For more information or to RSVP contact Nancy Valencia 562 234-2851 or navalencia@verizon.net.

 

Repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
By Jerry Stinson

Justice and Witness Ministries of the United Church of Christ urges all of us to support of the rights of gays and lesbians to serve openly in the armed forces. We can do so by calling on Congress to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT).

DADT is legalized discrimination. No category of citizens of the United States should be regarded as second class and singled out for discrimination. All should be afforded equal opportunity and equal protection under the Constitution. More than 13,000 gays and lesbians have been discharged under DADT, and an uncounted number of others have left prior to completing full careers due to the pressures imposed by DADT.

Gay and lesbian members of the armed forces pay a terrible personal cost for their service. The continual denial of who they are as persons, maintaining lives of secrecy and separation from their service comrades, not being able to acknowledge their loved ones, and knowing that if they are killed or wounded their loved ones will not be notified nor be entitled to government care or benefits—these are costs borne by no other group.

The General Synod of the United Church of Christ affirmed the full participation of gays and lesbians in the military in a 1993 resolution.

As people of faith, we are called to stand for fairness. You can contact your legislators and urge them to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” by following copying this link into your internet browser:
https://secure3.convio.net/ucc/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=621.

 

Say No to More Funds for War
By Jerry Stinson

We need to remember the great cost of our nation’s current war effort.

On May 30, it is estimated that war spending in Afghanistan and Iraq will reach $1 trillion. $1 trillion could create 20 million jobs at $50,000 a year, which would put all 15.3 million people counted as unemployed back to work, and there would still be money left over.

Last week Congress began the approval process to pay for 30,000 more U.S. troops in Afghanistan. These troops will cost an additional $33 billion.

The “emergency” spending bill that will pay for the escalation combines war costs with funds for earthquake relief in Haiti, FEMA disaster relief, and cleanup efforts in the Gulf.

Those who are committed to peace can say no to more funds for war. Congress should separate war funds from funds for humanitarian emergencies. There should be a separate stand-alone vote on war funding that receives careful consideration. The stakes are too high and the American people deserve to know where their member of Congress stands on the wars.

The Senate will be considering more war funding this week. You may want to write your Senators and ask them to say no to more war spending and make sure the humanitarian emergency funds are approved in a separate bill. One dollar spent on war is too much, and $1 trillion is outrageous.

 

Join in the Fun at the Wrigley River Run!
By Terry McKiernan

Spirited Parenting invites everyone in the congregation to join them at at the Third Annual Wrigley River Run 5K/10K and Tadpole Trot (fun run for children 10 and under), which will be held on Saturday, June 12. All proceeds from the event will be used to support programs and scholarships for economically disadvantaged youth in Long Beach. Registration forms and more information on the event are available at www.wrigleyriverrun.com. If you’re interested in participating, please let Terry McKiernan know (terrymck14@hotmail.com). Walkers, runners, and wheelchair participants of all ages and abilities are welcome! If you don’t want to register as a participant, you can always serve as a volunteer to help out at the event. So, please mark your calendar, sign yourself up, and come on out to enjoy a wonderful community event while supporting a great cause!

 

Beautiful New Photographs of First Church

In April, photographer Doug Santo took pictures of the sanctuary at First Congregational Church for his upcoming book on historical churches in southern California. He graciously gave us prints of two of the photos, which are on display in the Koinonia Room. He also gave us electronic copies of 17 images, and you may see these gorgeous pictures of the church on our website; click here to see the Santo photographs. When the book is published, we will put the information in The Pilgrim.

 

Calling All Graduates!
By Libby Tigner

We want to honor YOU! If you are graduating this spring or summer (or already graduated since last summer) from high school, college, graduate school or a vocational program, we want to celebrate with you. Please notify Wally Hoeger by Friday, May 28 if you are or you know of a church member who is a graduate. We will determine which Sunday in June the most of our graduates will be in attendance and honor you all together.

 

Meet the Candidate for Conference Minister

Three events are planned in Southern California to give congregations opportunities to meet our candidate for Conference Minister, Felix Villanueva, before the Annual Gathering votes on his nomination, June 12 at First Congregational Church, Santa Ana. You are invited to attend any location that meets your schedule.

Thursday, June 3, 10 a.m. - 12 noon, First Samoan Church of Los Angeles, 1749 W. 125th St, Los Angeles, 90047 Hosts: the Rev Sepulona Tanuvasa and Foai Tanuvasa. First Samoan Church of Los Angeles will provide a light lunch after the meeting. Please RSVP to 323-754-6869.

Saturday, June 5, 3 - 6 p.m., First Congregational Church of Bakersfield, 5 Real Road, Bakersfield, 93309 Hosts: Marty Steinman and the Rev. David Stabenfeldt.

Wednesday, June 9, 7 - 9 p.m., United Church of Christ of Redlands, 168 Bellevue Ave, Redlands, 92373. Hosts: the Rev. Sharon Graff and Jeanne McAnespie.

 

Prayer for Global Oneness
By Tim Graves, Member of the Global Mission Organizing Committee

Creator God, thank you for freedom. Thank you for the freedoms we live with here in this place. Thank you for freedom from hunger, malnutrition and starvation. Thank you for water that flows from a tap that is free from bacteria and disease. Thank you for free education. Thank you for a health care system here that has completely eradicated many diseases that still cripple and kill millions of people elsewhere every year.

Thank you for this faith community that allows us the freedom to travel on differing paths peacefully, even lovingly, as we seek to know who and what you are, but still to journey together. For those of us who believe that you are still speaking, whisper into our spirits and guide us as we move globally to share all of these freedoms and your radically inclusive love, that one day, all will be one. Amen.

 

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.

 

 

June Birthdays

1 Bob Womack
2 Dorothy Baker, Gavin Dendy, Grant Nichol
3 Jacob Adajian
4 Randy Brouwer, Jim Snelling, Nate Stoutemire, Lori Wilkinson
5 Walter Miller
7 Mike Buhrmester, Cara Varnell, Rick Wilmouth
8 Ashley Bobo, David Earl-Itoga
10 Phyllis Boucher, Ed Reeves, David Schnur
13 David Fisher, Kayla Sutton
15 Rico Tamayo, Nancy Valencia
16 Amanda Bobo, Joan Greenwood
17 Agnes Herbst
18 Hunter Knap, Amos Marshall
19 Jennifer Mack
20 Debbie Bond, Mary Ellen Kilsby
22 Norma Esqueda
23 Timothy Sinclair
24 Christine DeBruyn, Jerry Kulhavy
25 David Humme
26 Scott McClain
27 Bill Peck
28 Jose Sanchez-H.
29 Maxine Cadwell, Georgette DeBruyn
30 Christopher Bobo, Charlotte Llewellyn

 

June Anniversaries

1 Terry and Gavin McKiernan, 8 years
5 Robert and Lynette Northcutt, 33 years
9 Sam and Sue Johnson, 20 years
10 Stephen and Heather Chambers, 32 years
12 Richard and Grace Moore, 59 years
13 David and Cheryl Fisher, 12 years
14 Robert and J. J. Halter, 32 years
15 Ed and Judy Allen, 40 years
15 Jim and Marilyn Miech, 52 years
16 Bob and Patricia Kalayjian, 42 years
18 Bill and Betty Cole, 60 years
22 Veronica E. Bloomfield and Miguel Canales, 8 years
22 Brad and Donny Lara-Gagne, 7 years
24 Jerry and Joyce Cannon, 50 years
25 Kim DeVane and Michael Orlito, 21 years
26 Ruth Keller and Larelle Hendon, 11 years
27 Bruce and Jessie Woods, 28 years
28 Ed and Judith Reeves, 40 years
30 Paul and Nancy Boyd-Batstone, 26 year

 

Parish Concerns

Your thoughts and prayers are requested for Beverly Batchu (Jim Snelling's aunt), Jen Uplf (Lisa Bode Heard's co-worker), and Hilda Williams (Howard Williams' mother).

In the armed forces: 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 the 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.

 

To place an ad in this newsletter, please contact Ruth Warkentin in the church office.

 

Please reply to this email to be removed from our mailing list.

 

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