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From the FCCA Pastor Dear Friends,

Happy New Year! Blessings for 2018. We are

on the threshold of a new year. From this vantage point, we look back to the year newly ended and we look forward to the year not yet begun.

We are poised between what has been and what is yet to be. Dag Hammarskjold’s words come to mind, “For all that has been – thanks. For all that shall be – yes.”

We can look back to the year just ending and see the

blessings and challenges in retrospect. But the future remains beyond our capacity to see. We may hope and dream and imagine…but we do not know what is in store for us in the coming year.

As people of faith, our challenge is to be able to live

into this unknown new year with peaceful hearts…not because we know it will be a “good” year, but because we know that God is with us throughout whatever the year may bring our way.

“Behold I make all things new.” The promise is that

all life will be renewed. Each of our hearts will be made new, made whole, healed, strengthened….so that whatever happens in the new year, we will have the strength and courage to live into it with patience, grace and love.

And so we pray: As the New Year begins, we give thanks for the past. We welcome the future, yet unknown, which will be woven out of our possibilities and realities, our hopes and our fears. Let us open ourselves to the healing power of Christ’s love…

Both articles continue on page 2…

From the CPC Pastor Dear Friends,

A new year arrives. What a

year the old one’s been. We will be having a Watch

Night Service again on the 31st. If you remember, this service was first created to remember

that night when news of the Emancipation Proclamation was pronounced. African Americans at the end of the Civil War watched together on New Year’s Eve to see if their promised freedom really would come to fruition. There were paintings painted since that era of Black people gathered around a person reading a newspaper, or waiting to hear the news – as their lives really did depend on that freedom. It has since become a tradition in the Black Church to gather on New Years Eve for a Watch Night Service, not only to commemorate their ancestor’s freedom but remembering how God continues to offer the freedom of grace, love and freedom in the present. Perhaps they took something from John Wesley’s Covenant Renewal service. Wesley was one of the founders of the Methodist movement within Anglicanism around the time of the Revolutionary War. His Watch Night Service was about watching the New Year in with a worship service centered on renewing one’s covenants with God. A now famous prayer used in such a service goes:

“I am no longer my own, but yours. Put me to what you will, Place me with whom you will. Put me doing, put me to suffering. Let me be put to work for you, Or set aside for you, Praised for you or criticized for you Let me be full, let me be empty. Let me have all things, Let me have nothing. I freely and fully surrender All things to your glory and service….

Community Presbyterian Church, Pittsburg Sharing Ministry with

First Congregational Church of Antioch

ECSM News

January 2018, Issue 1

Pastor Will continues…

And now, O wonderful and holy God, Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer You are mine, and I am yours. So be it. And the covenant which I have made on earth, Let it also be made in heaven. Amen.

Our calendars were established back in the times of the Roman Empire, and still have the vestiges of many pre-Christian religions, so we know that the happening of the end of our year, with the passing of December to January are merely a part of our traditional year. Still, whenever we come to such a day, it is natural for us to consider what we will keep with us into the new year and what we will leave behind. May you experience your own Emancipation Proclamation in whatever form you need this year. Together we serve.

Pastor Will

Pastor Christy continues…

becoming more whole; praying more faithfully; serving more fully; understanding more completely the meaning of our lives as people of faith. Amen.

(Rex Hunt, adapted)

Let us pray without ceasing as the year turns…as we begin anew. The slate is wiped clean. All is healed. All is made new.

Blessings,

Christy

Dear Friends, Many thanks for the generous Christmas gift. It is so appreciated. 'Wonderful to be sharing ministry with all of you. Blessings for the New Year, Christy

On Saturday, January 20, 2018, First Church is

pleased to offer a day-long training on Companionship, with Craig Rennebohm, author of The Way of Companionship: Welcoming the Strangerand a nationally renowned expert.

Companionship welcomes

the stranger, offering individuals who are isolated, alone and estranged the encouragement of five basic spiritual practices: hospitality, neighboring,

sharing the journey side-by- side, listening, and accompaniment.

The Companionship Training will be held from 9 am to 4 pm in Loper Chapel. This training is offered free-of-charge, with a requested donation of $10 for lunch. RSVP to Robin Kempster, Parish Nurse, by completing this online registration form (http://firstchurchberkeley.org/events/companionship-training-craig-rennebohm)

Contact Robin with any questions at [email protected]. Cost $10 suggested donation for lunch Address 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley CA

http://firstchurchberkeley.org/staff/robin-kempster

https://goo.gl/1JC86f

mailto:[email protected]

FCCA Cabinet will next meet Sunday, January

21st, immediately following worship.

FCC Monday Bible Study: We meet at

10:00 am every Monday in the Stoneman Room for an informal time of conversation, prayer & study. We will not meet Monday, January 1st or January 15th.

Tuesday Morning Bible Study: We meet

every Tuesday at 10 am in the Stoneman Room.

Session Meeting: The next meeting will be

Tuesday, January 16, 2018 hosted by Jim Hodges.

Epiphany Party will be Sunday, January 7th

during fellowship hour. Come have some cupcakes & see who will be King or Queen for a day!

Inquirer’s/New Members Class: Sunday, January 14, 2018 immediately

following worship in the Stoneman Room.

The Monthly Fellowship Lunch will next meet Wednesday, January 3rd at 11:30 am at Salsa Cocina Mexicana (3612 Delta Fair Blvd, Antioch). ALL ARE WELCOME!

Fellowship Ministry: Our next meeting will be in

February, after our members couldn’t find a time to meet in January.

Outreach Committee: We will next meet Monday,

January 22nd at 3:00 pm in the Stoneman Room.

Welcome & Marketing Committee:will next

meet January 24th at 11:30 am in the Stoneman Room.

Worship Committee: will next meet Wednesday,

January 10th at 3:00 pm at Ann Custer’s home.

Theology Pub: Will next meet Tuesday, February

27th at 6:30 pm, at EJ Phairs.

Classic Film Night formally LGBTQ Film Night: Will next meet Tuesday, January 23rd at 5:30 pm in the Stoneman Room.

Shared Ministry update: Next Joint CPC/FCCA

Cabinet/ Session meeting is scheduled for February 3rd with the Cabinet/Session/Care team Retreat in the CSR at 9:00 am.

January 21st will be our monthly

Wear something that shines to share the light of Christ. Bring a can of food or a donation for the food banks.

Office Hours: Church Office will be closed Monday, January 1st, 2018 and Monday, January 15th, 2018 in observance of Martin Luther King Day.

Dear ECSM Church Family,

Many thanks for the wonderful end of year gift from you all. From our family to yours, Merry Christmas.

Pastor Will and Becky McGarvey

Happy Birthday! January

2 Bev Preston 3 Margaret Wilcox Pat Vines 4 Sarah Shipe

Gus Broers 5 Teresa Chavez-Sauceda 10 Karen Hastings Flegel Christy Parks-Ramage 11 Tatiana Bellinger 17 Jenny Sears 19 Nora Lynn Buluran (Dwinell) 20 Nate Sears Bob Flegel Joan Taylor 24 Jeremy Flegel Beverly Preston 26 Chidi Umozurike 27 Sophia Hansen 28 Barry Winkler

*Contact Jessica, the Church Secretary, to add your Birthday & Anniversary to our records today!

THE SHARED LIFE OF THE CHURCH

Annual Congregational

Meetings

First Congregational

Church of Antioch

FCCA Annual Congregational Meeting will be Sunday, January 28, 2018 immediately following worship in the Stoneman Room.

All reports due to Jessica by email ([email protected]) by

Wednesday, January 17th.

Community Presbyterian Church

CPC Annual Congregational Meeting will be Sunday, January 28, 2018 immediately

following worship in the Sanctuary.

All reports due to Jessica by email ([email protected]) by

Wednesday, January 17th.

Please contact our Events Coordinator, Jessica Natal for information. Private Rental rates for your friends are based on the number in attendance. CPC & FCCA members get the Church Member rates. Contact Jessica at 925.276.0960 or [email protected]

Martin Luther King Celebration hosted by Social Justice Alliance and the Mt. Diablo

Peace and Justice Center January 15, 2018 at noon

Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church 1801 Lacassie Ave, Walnut Creek

Celebrate Dr. King's Life & Message

"Together We Win with Love for Humanity: The Unfinished Work 50 Years Later”

Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. Charles Tinsley Presbyterian Minister, ICCCC Chaplain at the Juvenile

Detention Center, Martinez With St. Benedict's Gospel Choir (Oakland) & Dwight Stone's piano music. Refreshments & Conversation

following in the Fellowship Hall.

Little Free Library

As most of you know we have two Little Free Libraries on the Leland side of the church. These are there for folks to ‘take a book, leave a book’. The idea is to have books available anytime of the day or night. The concept is to take one or two books and bring them back when you have finished and then take more. It seems as though some people don’t understand this idea. There are often times when someone places many books inside the libraries. Like maybe 20 or 30; Too many to make it easy for folks to look for a book even. I often take them out and leave just enough to have a row of books. Those extra books end up in our “book room” which is the room right next to the Camp Stoneman Room on the right side of the hall. That room is often open so if you want to see if there is a book or two in there you’d like to read just go on in and help yourself. But, please don’t add a huge number of books to that space. If it is children’s book though that is fine. There are 2 LFL’s. One for books for adults and one for children. Children’s books are small so it takes a lot of books to fill it up. Any time you have children’s books please donate those. Thank you. That would be appreciated.

ECSM News!

All newsletter articles are due on the 22nd of each month. Please email to Jessica at [email protected].





Fellowship (Coffee) Hour: The 2018 Fellowship calendar is on the bulletin in the fellowship hall. Get the date(s) you want to host reserved before it’s taken! Just add your name to the calendar. The fellowship committee does plan some dates but there are still many dates open and available. Thank you for helping with this. One small thing you can do on a semi-regular basis.

Our committee meets on the first Wednesday of the month. You are welcome to join us and offer your suggestions. Or, talk to me and let me know what those are and I can let you know what is involved to be on the committee.

The dates coming up and what is going on:

January 7—Epiphany Party-Special cupcakes with treasures inside. Those who get those cupcakes get a special role for the day or a task to complete by next year.

January 14—2nd Sunday-Birthday cake provided by the Care Team. To celebrate the January birthdays. Those who have birthdays are invited to provide a snack to share.

January 21—A turkey noodle soup will be provided by Bev Peterson. Want to bring something to add to this?

January 28—Annual Congregational Meetings. Bagels and cream cheese will be provided. This will be offered in the back of the sanctuary.

February 4—Souper/Super Bowl Sunday. Donations are given that go to the local food banks. We have soup! It’s a soup potluck. Bring a pot of soup to share if you would like.

February11—Pancake breakfast provided by the Fellowship committee.

February 18—OPEN February 25—OPEN

Thank you all. Mary Burks 925-852-8392

CPC Treasurer’s Corner: November

Income: $10,817.78 Expenses: $12,737.24

Bountiful Table Free Lunch Program We will be serving a Bountiful Table lunch on Saturday, January 20th at 11:30 am. If you have any extra blankets or towels, we will also be handing them out during the winter months! If you feel you are being called to serve, please come anytime!

Blessings, Bountiful Table

Winter Nights Towel Washing: Winter Nights is a program through the Interfaith Council where churches across the county have homeless families as their guests for 2 weeks. Tents are set up in social halls, gyms, etc. for the families to have a dry, warm place to stay at night. During the day while the children are in school and some parents are working, others spend their time at the Oasis Center which is at the St Vincent DePaul facility on Gladstone in Pittsburg. There they are able to take showers so there are towels to wash. Along with St Ignatius Catholic Church in Antioch we take turns washing these towels. ECSM will be washing towels in January, March and May. The slots for January are filled but we have March and May to cover. Please see Mary or Betsy to sign up. So, how it works is, pick the dirty towels up on Friday afternoon between noon and 4:00 pm and return the clean towels on Monday morning between 9:00 am and noon. Thank you so much for your help with this important program.

CPC Friends and Members

Many of us make our financial contributions monthly, quarterly, or irregularly, leaving many of the boxed contribution envelopes unused and wasted. The envelopes we are now using have dates (Jan 1st Sun, etc.) and for many of us that is helpful. Many of us don't use the envelopes weekly, so we can disregard the printed date and use them until our box is empty. To help the environment and our finances we no longer are routinely giving everyone a box of envelopes every January, as in the past. If you are ready for a new box of envelopes please let me know - we are happy to replenish your supply. There is a sticker on the top of your box with your envelope number - it's helpful if you put that number on your envelope or check.

Per capita time is here again. CPC pays this every February to support the work of the presbytery, synod and PC(USA) denomination. The assessment this year is $36.25 per CPC member. If you are a member, please consider contributing this amount to help offset the expense - your gift is very helpful to our budget.

Thank you to all who so faithfully financially support our church. You are a blessing.

Your Financial Secretary,

Myrdell

925-858-7752

Equal Exchange: Coffee, tea and chocolate bars are

available. The cart is out on Sundays during the Fellowship Hour. Give the money to Mary or Ann. Checks made payable to CPC. Thanks.

January 7th Epiphany Sunday

Communion Sunday Rev. Christy Parks-Ramage

January 14th 2nd Sunday after Epiphany

New Way MLK Sunday 1 Sam 3:1-10, (11-20); Ps 139:1-6, 13-18;

1 Cor 6:12-20; Jn 1:43-51

Rev. Will McGarvey

January 21st 3rd Sunday after Epiphany

Sparkle Sunday Rev. Christy Parks-Ramage

January 28th 4th Sunday after Epiphany

Deut 18:15-20; Ps 111; 1 Cor 8:1-13; Mk 1:21-28

Rev. Will McGarvey

Souper Bowl Of Caring: Sunday, February 4th, Super

Bowl Sunday, our youth will be collecting donations to tackle hunger in our communities.

New Way Schedule for January 2018:

1/14 9:00 am - warmup 10:00 am - worship service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 11:45 am -rehearsal

Let’s talk together of a time when we will share a feast where pride and power kneel to serve the lonely and the least and joy will set the table as we join our hands to pray, singing welcome, welcome to this place you’re invited to come and know God’s grace, all are welcome, the love of God to share ’cause all of us are welcome here, all are welcome in this place.

(Words by Laurie Zelman and Mark Miller, 2007)

And all are welcome to sing with New Way. Please consider joining our music ministry.

JANUARY CELEBRATIONS

WORSHIP LEADERS

January 7th Liturgists Betsy Sullivan Ushers Chris and Cherie Persing

Greeters Jim and Janie Hodges

January 14th Liturgists Mike Sullivan Ushers Jim and Janie Hodges

Greeters The Umozurike Family

January 21st Liturgists Lucas Stuart-Chilcote Ushers Dave and Letha Arms Greeters The Sullivan Family

January 28th Liturgists New Way Ushers George and Jude Stephens

Greeters Roberto and Nora Buluran

February 4th Liturgists George Stephens Ushers Umoz Umozurike and Gayle Namanny

Greeters Chris and Cherie Persing

Ushers: Please let Janie Hodges know by the Friday before your Sunday If you cannot make it on the

date/date’s above. You may contact her at 925-368-5797 or [email protected]. If you have any questions or would

like to become an Usher, please email or call her.

Care Team offering

The first Sunday of each month has traditionally

been Deacons' Sunday at Community Presbyterian Church – it will now be Care Team Sunday at ECSM.

The Care team has a special fund for persons in

need who come to our church looking for emergency support. The fund has been used to provide housing, food or gasoline to help families who find themselves in difficult circumstances.

Special envelopes are available in the pew racks for

those who wish to help the Care Team provide support for those in need coming to our church seeking help.

The Care Team thanks everyone for their continued

support.


PRAYER PAGE

January Prayer Families & Churches

January 7 Cheryl Schram

First Presbyterian Church – Alameda Margaret Wilcox

First Congregational UCC – Murphy’s

January 14

Deborah Scott Calvary Presbyterian Church – Berkeley

Donita Young Grace Community UCC – North Fork

January 21 The Shipe Family

First Presbyterian Church – Berkeley Joe Zamora

Bay View Samoan CCCAS UCC – Oakland

January 28 George and Jude Stephens

St. John’s Presbyterian Church – Berkeley Pamela Amison

City of refuge Community UCC – Oakland Prayer cards are located in the Narthex by the Guest Book

Prayers of Healing

Renée Moore, Virginia Devens, Reggie Washington, Starr Lieber, Dorothy Shipe, Lucille Corzine, Elaine Grothmann, Anne Cakebread, Betty LaMar, Margaret Wilcox, Paul Telfer, Betty Rexroth, Mary Vargo, Patsy Nash. Elwin, Bev Peterson’s husband. Carol Krishnan’s sisters. Grace, Donald Lang’s grandmother. Hanby & Greenwood Families (Betsy Sullivan’s Family). Deborah Scott (with many health issues right now). Catherine Hewitt, Mary Burks cousin who is battling cancer. Kahli Davis. Pastor Will. Jerry Castleberry and Richard James. Betty Brown, Carol Czarnowski. Lucille Brautigam. Letha Arms.

Prayers of Concern

Those affected by the recent violence here and abroad. Those affected by the natural disasters in Texas, the Caribbean – St. Martin, St. Barts, Antigua and Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Turks and Caicos, Miami, Cuba, Mexico, Nepal, Northern & Southern California, the Philippines, Japan. Safety for all in Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, Egypt and Sudan. California Public Schools and teachers. The economy, and those laid off or in need of employment. Those living without shelter, experiencing any form of mental illness and those without healthcare. Betty Pankey. The family of Forrest Brown.

Prayers For Our Mission Partners

Prayers for the ministry of Let’s Feed the Kids, Friends Feeding Friends, Habitat for Humanity, the Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County, Loaves and Fishes, P.I.C.E.S., the Antioch Ministerial Food Bank, the Literacy Project in Pittsburg, the Presbytery of San Francisco, the Bay Association of the Northern California-Nevada Conference, UCC, Westminster Woods, Camp Cazadero, Rev. Charles Tinsley at the Juvenile Detention Center, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Winter Nights Rotating Shelter, Shelter Inc., Shepherd’s Gate, Heifer International, and the Al-Basma School and Program in Beit Sahour, Palestine, Joining Hands – Bolivia, Hesperian International, the Keep Hope Alive Program, and Minar and Milad Vosqueritchean in East Jerusalem with their after school peace school and music program.

Prayers for Sisters & Brothers

Around the World

The Conflict in the Middle East; Darfur, Sudan; East Congo, Bolivia; Colombia; Venezuela; Lebanon, Israel-Palestine, North Korea, and Mumbai, India. Long term aid to Haiyan victims; children in Hurricane areas; those affected by earthquakes, and the unrest in Pakistan. For those who serve in the Armed Forces. For those who suffer from hunger and thirst; loneliness; illness; malnutrition; ageism. For those who are excluded; homeless; friendless; the underemployed and jobless. For those affected by hurricanes and fires and violence.

COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Minutes for Regular Stated Meeting of Session December 19, 2017

Called to order at 6:31 p.m. at the home of Betsy Sullivan by checking in. Elders present: Ruling Elders: Dave Arms, Mary Burks, Betsy Sullivan, Jim Hodges and Teaching Elder/Moderator: Rev. Will McGarvey. A quorum was present. Elders excused: None. Visitors: Clint, Amanda and Olivia Grace Bishop and Nolan and Katie Bishop. Mission statement was read by all and meeting opened in prayer by Moderator Will McGarvey. Docket was read and approved. MSC to approve minutes of November 21, 2017 Regular Stated Meeting of Session as corrected by the following items: The reference to PWC should have read PWCL (Pittsburg Women’s Community League) and the minutes should have included that the CPC minutes for both 2016 and 2017 were reviewed and accepted at the November 14th presbytery meeting in Concord. Minutes of the December 3, 2017 Joint Cabinet/Session meeting were accepted. Consent Calendar items approved:

• Joint CPC-FCCA annual congregational meeting to be together, and to separate only for discussion of the separate congregational budgets and pastoral terms of call.

• Joint Session/Cabinet/Care Team meeting Saturday February 3, rather than as previously stated after church on Sunday, February 4.

• Pastor Will’s Missional Leader’s Retreat on January 17-18 in Capitola. We will request Cherie to send Presbytery a check for $250.00 from the Study Leave account.

• Winter Nights donations for Christmas will go to Parking Lot Program and any excess will go to Winter Nights.

SPECIAL REPORTS: Clerk of Session: Annual Clerk’s Questionnaire was submitted 11/29/2017. Correspondence: Expressions of thanks were sent to PWCL for their contribution of $300 for a table for Fellowship Hall and to FCCA for their paying 50% of the Office computer replacement cost. Pastor's Report: Regular committees and study groups. World AIDS Day Vigil. Student’s ordination at Grace Cathedral. Advent Party. Worship leaders lunch. Parking Lot Program meeting. Pastors lunch. Meeting with Jim on bylaws, etc. Jessica’s annual review. Presbytery Meeting report: No Meeting. The next meeting will be Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church. Treasurer's Report: Report emailed by Cherie Persing 12-19-17. Care Team: Minutes update emailed by Chuck Dybdal 12-10-17. Event Coordinator: No report. Nominating Committee: No further report, emailed from last month. Two possible candidates are still considering their decision. Will to discuss with one candidate options of elder or deacon. Personnel Committee: Report emailed by Mary Burks 12-18-17.

COMMITTEE/MINISTRY REPORTS: Building & Grounds: No report this month. See below for several items Christian Education: No report this month. Sunday school class was held December 17th with 5 in attendance. Fellowship: Minutes emailed by Mary Burks 12-13-17. Outreach: Betsy reported that we had a good response to the alternative gift fair., raising $610 for Heifer, International, $245 for Habitat for Humanity, and $225 for Shepherd’s Gate. Stewardship & Finance: Proposed 2018 Budget sent by email from Cherie Persing 12-19-17. See below. Welcoming & Marketing: Minutes emailed by Elaine Palmer 11-16-17 and included in last month’s docket. No December meeting. Worship: Minutes emailed by Ann Custer 12-15-17.

NEW BUSINESS:

• Report by Will and Jim on bylaws changes needed to dissolve the Board of Deacons, and allow members and non-members of either congregation to serve if interested. No change in bylaws required, only Policies and Procedures Manual affected.

• MSC to recognize the March 21, 2017 Decision of Session to formally dissolve Deacons and relegate permission to do home communion to CPC and FCCA members serving on the ECSM Care Team. The Pastors shall provide training to all Care Team members on how to serve home communion. Jim and Will to meet early in January to go over the full extent of changes needed to the Manual to cover dissolution of Deacons (and replacement by Care Team) and will present draft to January Session meeting.

• MSC to revise Policies and Procedures Manual to read session is composed of the moderator “and at least four and no more than nine active ruling elders duly elected by the congregation”.

• MSC to NOT add this item to next year’s budget. Presbytery’s Request for Salary Supplement Fund at February Presbytery meeting ($40 for teaching elder and $40 for each ruling elder commissioner). Conversation to be considered again next December.

• Discuss list of annual items for annual Congregational meeting for Session approval. Nothing unusual, just committee reports. There will be one joint annual report for all ECSM committees, since all committees are joint committees now.

• MSC to appoint all ruling elders as commissioners and the first two to sign in at Presbytery meetings will be the official commissioners at that meeting.

• MSC to revise Policies and Procedures Manual to add the following sentence to the paragraph “Cash Payments.” All deposits for facilities rentals must be paid only in the form of money order, cashier’s check or check made payable to Community Presbyterian Church-Pittsburg.

• Personnel Committee Action items from Jessica’s review were discussed. Jessica has concerns about security. Perhaps a camera in the office with a video link to her phone would give her more security. That could be costly. We will call Lyn about her offer of donating four cameras. Dave suggested signs in strategic spots, warning, “Smile, God is watching you and She will keep track of what you are doing,” or some such wording.

• MSC to give Jessica a $0.50/hour raise, with $0.25 to come from FCCA, effective January 1. Jim will send that change on to Cherie.

• MSC to approve proposed budget with one change, to give Jessica a raise.

CONTINUING BUSINESS:

• Project: Bill Dexheimer rented a trailer and the crosses have been moved to the Stoneman Room for temporary storage, Dave Arms is getting a bid on ideas for lengthening the crosses to allow embedment into foundation, and Chris Persing is looking for someone to drill the foundations. Thanks to these three for bringing the crosses to the church.

• Joint Cabinet Session meeting items. FCCA Lawn mower has been sold, and proposal for bell to be donated to the Antioch historical society will be voted on by their congregation at the annual business meeting on January 28, 2018.

• The Chapel Improvement Fund & “Hearing loop": No update

• Continuing the conversation with the pastor: Update. Health is good.

• Holiday Tea Fundraiser: Net Proceeds $917.50. Gross received $967.50, less donation of $50/00 to Pittsburg Historical society for use of 13 matching card tables. 41 tickets sold and 40 attended. Cherie Persing and Myrdell Dybdal donated the cost of the food, décor and raffle baskets. Many thanks to Cherie and Myrdell for a job well done.

• Met with Clint and Amanda Bishop and Nolan and Katie Bishop about baptism of Clint and Amanda’s daughter Olivia (6 months old) and Nolan and Katie’s children Jacinta, Emily and Alecia (ages 3, 2 and 1). Baptisms were approved for Sunday, December 31. Will to work out liturgy for the service with the parents.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30p.m., with prayer by Jim Hodges. Next Session Meeting: January 16, 2018 hosted by Jim Hodges. Sandy Henry is scheduled to prepare January communion. Next Joint CPC/FCCA Leadership meeting rescheduled for a Joint Cabinet/Session/Care Team meeting on February 3rd (rather than the previously scheduled February 4th following worship).

Respectfully submitted, Jim Hodges, Clerk of Session

Continues on page 9

Facing Racism: A Vision of the Intercultural Community A Churchwide Antiracism Policy As Approved by the 222nd General Assembly (2016)

The following are excerpts from this excellent resource for all Presbyterians. It can be found online at: http://bit.ly/2gNah4W ..

From the Introduction “This is not a time for timidity. The current struggles over racial justice in the United States mark a kairos moment. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has long held strong convictions regarding the sinfulness of racism and the need to struggle against it. Speaking our own convictions now, with clarity and power, could make a tangible difference in the current struggle.”

Vision Statement The Bible insistently reveals that God loves diversity and justice. This is seen in the wide variety of creation in which God delights. It is heard in the words of the prophets, who reject oppression and commend justice as true worship. It is embodied in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, who resists the power of empire and values all persons, regardless of status, as children of God. Jesus gathered a community of people around him that crossed over every social and cultural boundary. Those who had been set apart were brought together: poor and rich, male and female, gentile and Jew, centurion and tax collector, Canaanite, Galilean, and Syrophoenician. Jesus called this community together in anticipation of, and participation in, the coming of the new creation.

Presbyterian theologian Letty Russell says that in Jesus we see what God intends for all humanity. The compassion, hospitality, justice, and love of others that we see in Jesus indicate what God wills for us. Russell says that Jesus is “a memory of the future” (Russell, 1979, 157). While redemption and salvation are the work of God, we are invited to participate in moving toward this eschatological vision of a new creation. As our Brief Statement of Faith proclaims, “In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit, we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks and to live holy and joyful lives, even as we watch for God’s new heaven and new earth, praying, ‘Come, Lord Jesus!’” (Book of Confessions, 10.4, Lines 72–76). We are blessed to be drawn into the very movement of God. Therefore, discipleship requires our efforts to act in accordance with God’s love of justice and diversity.

Racism is the opposite of what God intends for humanity. It is the rejection of the other, which is entirely contrary to the Word of God incarnate in Jesus Christ. It is a form of idolatry that elevates human-made hierarchies of value over divinely-given free grace. Through colonization and slavery, the United States of America helped to create and embrace a system of valuing and devaluing people based on skin color and ethnic identity. The name for this system is white supremacy. This system deliberately

subjugated groups of people for the purpose of material, political, and social advantage. Racism is the continuing legacy of white supremacy. Racism is a lie about our fellow human beings, for it says that some are less than others. It is also a lie about God, for it falsely claims that God favors parts of creation over the entirety of creation.

Because of our biblical understanding of who God is and what God intends for humanity, the PC(USA) must stand against, speak against, and work against racism. Antiracist effort is not optional for Christians. It is an essential aspect of Christian discipleship, without which we fail to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.[...]

While recognizing that racism victimizes many different racial ethnic groups, we acknowledge its unique impact on the African American community. Given the particular forms that anti-black racism has taken in the United States of America both historically (including slavery and Jim Crow) and today (including mass incarceration, disproportionate policing, economic inequality, and continuing acts of racially oriented violence and hate), we state clearly: GOD LOVES BLACKNESS. Too many have denied this basic truth for too long. Our choice to align ourselves with love and not hate requires both a rejection of racism and a positive proclamation that God delights in black lives.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we stand against racism in all its myriad forms. As Presbyterians, we have specific resources in our tradition that can be useful in turning away from racism and towards the diversity and justice that God desires. In particular, we have received wisdom regarding sin, confession, and repentance. [...]White people in the United States of America continue collectively to reap the benefits of white supremacy, even when they individually believe in the equality of all people. Our theological heritage regarding sin makes it possible for Presbyterians to acknowledge the complex realities of racism instead of moving to defend an illusion of individual innocence.

Finally, as Presbyterians we know something about work. While aspects of the Protestant work ethic may be problematic, to the degree that it signifies our determination, persistence, and stubborn strength, we embrace it in this regard: we commit ourselves to DO THE WORK of countering racism in our witness to the Gospel. In our affirmation that God loves difference, we will honor diversity as a good in which God delights. In our conviction that God desires justice, we will learn from others to broaden our understanding of equality. In our humility as sinful people, we will listen openly to diverse voices regarding how racism functions in our society. In our gratitude for God’s grace, we will turn again and again towards the vision of whole community found in the Word of God. In our joyous response to God’s love, we will love one another.

http://bit.ly/2gNah4W

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

December 31 9:00 am New Way warm up – Sanctuary

10:00 am New Way Worship Service in the Chapel 4-7 MC - Sanctuary & classrooms

January 1 OFFICE CLOSED

New Year’s Day!

NO FCC Bible Study

January 2

10:00 am Bible Study – CSR

PCT – 6:30 – 9:30pm - SH

January 3

11:30 am – Monthly Fellowship Lunch PCT –6:30–9:30pm -SH

7:30 – 9 PM Ministerio Cristiano - CSR

January 4

PCT –6:30–9:30pm -SH

7:00 – 8 PM Ministerio Cristiano BAND REHEARSAL - Sanctuary

January 5 7:30 – 9 PM Ministerio Cristiano Sanctuary & 2 class rooms

January 6

2 pm – 6 pm – Private event - SH

7

10:00 am Worship Service in the Chapel

Epiphany Party!

4-7 MC – Sanctuary & classrooms

PCT – 4:30 – 8:30pm – SH

8

10:00 am FCC Bible Study – CSR 6:30 pm Venture Crew – CSR 7:30 pm Boy Scouts – SH PCT –6 – 10 pm – Chapel

9

10:00 am Bible Study – CSR PCT – 6:30 – 9:30pm - SH

10

3:00 pm – Worship Meeting – Ann’s home. PCT – 6:30 – 9:30pm - SH 7:30 – 9 PM Ministerio Cristiano - CSR

11 PCT –6:30–9:30pm -SH


12 7:30 – 9 PM Ministerio Cristiano Sanctuary & 2 class rooms

13 12 pm – 8 pm – Private event - SH

14 8:30am Care team mtg. – CSR 9:00 am New Way Warm up

10:00 am Joint Sunday Service in the Chapel

11:45 am New Way Rehearsal – Chapel 11:45 am – Inquirers Class – CSR

4-7 MC – Social Hall

15 OFFICE CLOSED – MLK Day

No FCC Bible Study 6:30 pm Venture Crew – CSR 7:30 pm Boy Scouts – SH PCT –6 – 10 pm – Chapel

16

10:00 am Bible Study – CSR PCT – 6:30 – 9:30pm - SH

6:30 pm Session Meeting

17

PCT – 6:30–9:30pm -SH


18

PCT –6:30–9:30pm -SH



20

Bountiful Table – 11:30 am – 12:30 pm – SH

21

10:00 am Christmas Eve Service – Chapel 11:45 am FCC Cabinet Meeting – CSR

4-7 MC – Social Hall

22 *February

newsletter articles Due to the

Church Office today!

3:00 pm – Outreach Meeting – CSR 6:30 pm Venture Crew – CSR 7:30 pm Boy Scouts – SH

23


5:30 pm – Movie Night – CSR

24

11:30 am – Welcome & Marketing – CSR


25



27 2 pm – 6 pm – Private event - SH

28

10:00 am New Way Worship Service in the Chapel

ANNUAL MEETINGS following worship CPC – sanctuary FCCA – CSR 4-7 MC - Sanctuary & classrooms

29

10:00 am FCC Bible Study – CSR 6:30 pm Venture Crew – CSR 7:30 pm Boy Scouts – SH

30


31


February 1


February 2 7:30 – 9 PM Ministerio Cristiano Sanctuary & 2 class rooms

February 3

ECSM Leadership Retreat 9am – 2pm – CSR

JOINT CALENDAR OF EVENTS JANUARY 2018

A monthly newsletter of the Community Presbyterian Church and First Congregational Church of Antioch 200 East Leland Rd, Pittsburg, CA 94565 Phone: (925) 439-9361 or (925) 757-4094

ECSM News January 2018 Issue 1

TIME DATED MATERIAL

Return Service Requested

January Events at ECSM Epiphany Party

Sunday, January 7th after church during Fellowship Hour. Come have some cupcakes & see who will be King or Queen for a day.

Interfaith Dr. King Event Monday, January 15th at noon at Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church

(1801 Lacassie Ave., Walnut Creek). Rev. Dr. Charles Tinsley is the keynote speaker.

Bountiful Table - Free Lunch Event

January 20th 11:30 – 12:30 pm in the Social Hall.

Annual Congregational Meetings

FCCA’s Annual Meeting will be Sunday, January 28th after church in the Stoneman Room.

CPC’s Annual Meeting will be Sunday, January 28th after church in the Sanctuary.

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