Welcome to our Sunday Celebration! Sundays, 10:30 am Happy New Year! For info about the scriptures for each week, check out www.textweek.com January 6 Epiphany Matthew 2:1-12 Pastor Ama Zenya Potluck Lunch! January 13 The Baptism of Christ Matthew 3:13-17 Pastor Lynice Pinkard New Member’s Sunday January 20 Listening for God John 1:29-42 Pastor Ama Zenya Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday Congregational Meeting following lunch January 27 Following the Light of Love Matthew 4:12-23 Pastor Lynice Pinkard Pledge Sunday Come and be blessed! Vol 4, No 1—January 2008 Our Mission Statement & Special Announcements 2 Pastor’s Letter Pastor Ama Zenya 3 Thoughts on Growth Dr Webb mealy 4 Birthdays & Anniversaries 5 First Congo Happenin’s 5-8 Thoughts on a Sabbatical Kelly Takunda Orphan Martinez 9-10 The Wisdom Blessing Shiloh Sophia McCloud 11 Calendar of Events & Ministry Teams List Pull Out www.FirstOakland.org Inside this issue: January 21, 2008
Transcript
Welcome to our Sunday Celebration! Sundays, 10:30 am
Happy New Year! For info about the scriptures for each week, check out
www.textweek.com
January 6
Epiphany Matthew 2:1-12
Pastor Ama Zenya Potluck Lunch!
January 13
The Baptism of Christ Matthew 3:13-17
Pastor Lynice Pinkard New Member’s Sunday
January 20
Listening for God John 1:29-42
Pastor Ama Zenya Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday
Congregational Meeting following lunch
January 27
Following the Light of Love Matthew 4:12-23
Pastor Lynice Pinkard Pledge Sunday
Come and be blessed!
Vol 4, No 1—January 2008
Our Mission Statement & Special Announcements
2
Pastor’s Letter Pastor Ama Zenya
3
Thoughts on Growth Dr Webb mealy
4
Birthdays & Anniversaries 5
First Congo Happenin’s 5-8
Thoughts on a Sabbatical Kelly Takunda Orphan Martinez
9-10
The Wisdom Blessing Shiloh Sophia McCloud
11
Calendar of Events & Ministry Teams List
Pull Out
www.FirstOakland.org
Inside this issue:
January 21, 2008
News at First Page 2
Our Mission Statement First Congregational Church of Oakland gives glory to God by reaching out to people of all racial, ethnic and economic backgrounds, ages, abilities and sexual orientations, to welcome them into the beloved community, where together we discover our gifts; develop authentic relationships with God and each other; join in passionate, creative, Spirit-led worship; grow in faith, understanding, power, love and service; and respond to the word of life we encounter in Jesus Christ by becoming part of what Spirit is doing to create justice and peace, to heal the earth, and to restore kinship with all creation.
Rev Ama Zenya, Editor
Dawn Raymond, Layout & Design, Editorial Assistance
We welcome your input & feedback! Contact Dawn Raymond, [email protected] or 510.444.8511 x16 with your comments or for submission information.
The work continues… Be part of a prayerful conversation to deepen our understanding and guide our direction for this year and beyond on January 20 1-3pm. Input from January 20 will feed in to our Annual Meeting on February 10, 1-3pm, where we will vote to approve our focus, structure, budget and calendar for the year.
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. ~ Deuteronomy 6:4-5
The call to listen and to hear from God is central to the testimony of scripture. In December, we took time to focus on listening together as a community, and God proved faithful. As my grandmother used to say,
“When people listen, God speaks.”
Here are some of the key themes that we heard…
• We are deeply called to be a truly MULTI-CULTURAL/MULTIRACIAL CHURCH.
• We’re all called to STRETCH beyond our comfort zones.
• Our church is called to be a place for HEALING all kinds of wounding.
• SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES are needed to resource the healing.
• There’s both a HUNGER and LIMITED CURRENT ABILITY in the congregation to hear deeply from God.
• We are called to invest in our capacity to LISTEN to God and each other.
• There’s a READINESS to take on the deeper issues of our community, and a WILLINGNESS to experience intimacy, in all it’s messiness - getting honest, showing we don’t have it all together, going beyond the ‘look good.’
• There’s an ongoing tension that’s part of our particular IDENTITY AS A CHRISTIAN CHURCH that practices the radical hospitality of Jesus by welcoming people of any or no faith/tradition.
• There is a tension in our understanding of what it means to live in God’s ABUNDANCE – including both the recognition of the costs to the earth of the ‘American lifestyle’, and the desire to open fully to the power to do what God calls us to do.
• People love the BUILDING/CAMPUS/HISTORY/LOCATION/LINK TO UCC and feel called to be here, and yet many have not really counted the cost or stepped up to what it will take to make it sustainable.
• SPIRITUAL FORMATION needs to under-gird all that we do as a church, including our individual areas of service.
If a key group of people take on the spiritual work before us, it will serve as LEAVEN for the whole - as we saw beautifully in the overflowing worship service on the final Sunday of the discernment time.
The Process Design Team met this month to reflect together, and to propose ways for our congregation to ‘give legs’ to what we heard.
We have some tough questions to reflect on over the coming weeks as we determine how to respond to our current financial realities and create long-term sustainability for our congregation.
At the same time, we can trust in the God who is still speaking—the God who has called us in to messy love-making together—the God who has a purpose and a plan for this church—the God who calls us to listen, and who gives us ears to hear.
In God’s Love,
News at First
Page 4
Thoughts on the Significance of Growth Dr Webb Mealy
Someone once said that a church is a river, not a fish tank. That’s a deep insight. Most people’s default thinking mode is about “getting more folks in here”, as though collecting a certain number of human be-ings in one place gave you points in some game. But in the business of spiritual life—in God’s world—there are no points for having more people. Numbers do not mean success. That much is very clear when we consider the individualistic “I got mine” religion that’s typically being sold by some burgeoning megachurches. Sell a product that’s a hit on the American market, and you’ll have success in American terms. Big money, big sense of importance. But what is success in God’s terms, and how does that lead to—or not lead to—the growth of spiritual community?
I believe that the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Life, desperately wants to introduce people to the good things of God that are made available through Jesus Christ. In the center of these things are forgiveness and amnesty for life’s failures, reconnection to God and to each other, and a common life that is character-ized by the “Wind Power” of the Holy Spirit. Honestly, I don’t think the Holy Spirit has any interest in fortressing more and more people in the same place. But that isn’t the same thing as saying God doesn’t want us to grow.
When looking at the challenges that face our world, Pastor Lynice likes to say that it’s not that God doesn’t have enough power to address the needs—it’s that God doesn’t have enough friends. If we are willing to be God’s friends—to be a place where people (including ourselves) find for-giveness, healing, newness and empowerment in God through Christ—then God has many, many people to send us. But it won’t be to get a “bigger and bigger thing” going. We will become an organic factory that puts people back together again and shows them what life in healthy commu-nity can look like. Then they’ll be equipped so the Holy Spirit can send them out to do more of the same thing!
Jesus says that the growth of God’s reign happens on “the yeast principle”. He says, “Heaven’s Reign is like yeast that a woman took and kneaded into three measures of flour, until it was all leavened”. Jesus is as-serting that people who are truly bought into God’s reign are the yeast of the world—their presence changes the whole character of the human race. And their numbers do increase: their community is a liv-ing, growing thing, powered by the life-principle of the Holy Spirit. But when a community grows with the Holy Spirit’s life, it doesn’t just get bigger and bigger—the Spirit “kneads” its members out into other parts of the dough of humanity. The wholeness and life of God is too precious to fortress—it has to be passed on, in the form of ourselves being willing to move around as directed by the Spirit. So the most vibrant spiritual communities are going to have a lot of turnover. God will draw people to them to be healed, rec-onciled, empowered, and trained—then God will send most of those powerful people out to do the work of spiritual renewal elsewhere.
Of course, that ideal process pattern raises the question, “Why do people leave us?” Certainly if we provide a unique place where people can get a taste of the life of God in community, there will be many people who come and take a taste and then wander off. Not everyone likes the taste of life—but it’s God’s style to offer it to people, and it’s not our burden to make sure no one spits it out. Jesus’ parable of the Sower (Mk 4:1-20) illustrates this. Turnover is inevitable, and all the more so if we are passionately following the Spirit of Life. But if people are coming and then leaving because they are being ignored, or because they don’t find life with us, or because they are treated badly, those are things to grieve over and to pray for grace to change. It is a terrible thing for God to send us someone that God wants to heal, and for us to treat them in such life-contrary ways that they withdraw.
So do I think God wants this spiritual community to have robust growth? Absolutely. If we can give God full permission to form us into a vessel that can contain the regenerative life-power of Christ and the Holy Spirit, then I’m convinced that God has many people to pour into our community. A question for us, as we enter our discernment time is, where do we ‘leak’, individually, and as a community? What steps are we called on to take to shore up the leaks? And are we willing to take those steps together?
News at First Page 4
COMMUNITY POTLUCK LUNCH Sunday January 6, following Worship First Sunday of every month. Bring your favorite dish to share!
FCCO BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETINGS Sunday January 13 & 27, 1-3pm 1/13 Agenda items include :
• Board 2007 year end financials. • 2007 attendance update. • Consider new draft goals/structure/initial budget planning.
1/27 Agenda items include : • Draft final budget for congregational approval at February 10 Congregational Meeting.
Board meetings are open except during times of executive session concerning personnel or otherwise confidential issues.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Sunday January 20, 1-3pm This meeting (we will not be voting, just discussing) will focus on financial issues to inform the budget process in light of our discernment process.
ANNUAL MEETING Sunday February 10, 1-3pm Plan to take part in our Annual Meeting, where we will decide on our key areas of focus for 2008, and approve a structure, budget and calendar for the year.
TRAVELING Anyone up for having a party in January or February? The potluck is an occasionally occurring informal gathering hosted by rotating First Congo households. All members and friends are welcome. Host provides beverages. Guests bring a dish or beverage to share. Please keep dietary needs in mind (vegetarian, vegan, and non-allergic options are appreciated). Questions? Contact Paul if your interested & he’ll make sure folks find out 510.385.1507, [email protected]
LET’S GET COOKING! Sunday Food Fellowship Ministry needs your help! If we want to have lunch available after service, we really need cooks to sign up for the next couple of months—just doing one Sunday is a big help. We can almost always use extra hands to help out in the kitchen—just show up at 9am on Sundays. For more information contact Jane Kilmer, 510.238.9249, [email protected]
DEACON’S SERVICE On Duty in January: Marcia Lovelace & Dennis Fagaly The Deacons are available after service on Sundays to provide prayer support and to assist people in need.
Congregational Life Coming together
with openness & respect
First Congo Happenin’s All events are at First Congo unless otherwise noted.
Page 5 Vol 4, No 1—January 2008
What felt the worst about not getting a newsletter out in December, was missing the acknowledgement of folks’
Birthdays & Anniversaries—so I decided to include them in this month’s issue, because it’s never too late to celebrate!
January Birthdays 1—Nasim Uddin 1—Robin Kinney 3—Amelie Hansen 10—Cody Sorlie 16—Richard Page 23—Rebecca Faith 24—Darren Bondy 24—Jody Kim 26—Trisha Robinson-Shabazz
January Anniversaries 6—Erica Britton & Gwen Bikis
Please let us know when your birthday or anniversary is so that we can send blessings. Contact Dawn, 510.444.8511 x16, [email protected]
CAP TEAM Tuesday January 15, 7-8:30pm Brainstorming ways to build our capacity as a community, to be informed by and feed into our congregational discernment process. All are welcome.
OAKLAND LAUGHTER CLUB Tuesday January 15, 7:30-8:45 BIG NEWS! The Oakland Laughter Club will now meet TWICE a
month—1st and 3rd Tuesdays—double the fun! Sharing laughter is good for the soul, mind and body. Laughing together sparks
positive connections and promotes peace. Medical studies show that laughter relieves stress, improves
circulation & digestion, AND strengthens your immune system. Please wear loose comfortable clothes for easier laughing. No
mats or yoga experience needed. Suggested donation of $12 (8-20 happily accepted). Led by Annie Goglia, Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher, Life Coach & Storyteller. For more info & to RSVP contact Annie, [email protected], 510.655.1433
POSITIVE CONTACT Thursday January 10, 7-9pm Positive contact is based in the knowledge that human touch is a powerful tool for healing. In this class we will work on ourselves and others, practicing how to give and receive touch, sooth our sore spots, and feel better in our bodies! This class is for all ages, races, genders and body types. All massage will be done over clothes, so wear something you will be relaxed and comfortable in. Donations are greatly appreciated. This class will be held the 2nd Thursday of every month. For more information call Eve Campaign, 510.529.1571
THE AKIWA PROJECT PRESENTS TWO WORKSHOPS Saturday February 9, 1-3pm, "Free Up Your Love": Tips for Recognizing Healthy Relationships
Saturday February 23, 1-4pm, "Reclaim Your Flow": Recognizing & recovering from burn out & compassion fatique
Each workshop is $25 and includes one free private consultation on the topic of the workshop, workshop materials and light refreshments. For more information contact info: 510.465.TALK (8255)
YOUTH/CHILDREN’S MINISTRY See Kid’s LIFE in the Spirit-Led section on page 8 for Great News about our Kid’s Ministry.
NEW FCCO CHURCH DIRECTORY IS AVAILABLE! A new directory is available for members and friends of First Congo, pick one up at the church or let us know if you’d like copy sent to you. To update or
add your contact information contact Dawn Raymond, [email protected] or 510.444.8511 x16
FIRST CONGO WEBSITE: WWW.FIRSTOAKLAND.ORG We’re working hard to make our website a contribution to the community, both internally and at large. Send submissions and/or suggestions to Jon “Moses” Jackson, [email protected]
ELDER MINISTRY Home visits, singing, birthday and holiday card making are just some of the ways we are going to involve the elders of our community. Be a part of a new and growing ministry and get back as much as you are giving; be a part of Elder Ministry today! If you would be willing to offer your time or talents to the Elder Ministry, please contact Meghan Bean-Smith, [email protected], 510.648.4475
SERVE ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE! Your help is needed to maintain this community of service.
Sign up for Sunday Hospitality (set-up, clean-up, cook, bring food) with Jane Kilmer; 510.238-9249, to welcome our guests and friends with Jade Sasser, 510.451.2747, or to give a reading with
Happenin’s, Con’t All events are at First Congo unless otherwise noted.
News at First Page 6
Community Events On First Congo Campus
Come to a Festive Concert & Support our Sunday Kids’ Ministry!
Oakland Youth Orchestra Winter Concert
Sunday January 27, 3pm @ First Congo
We have tickets for OYO’s Hot Winter Concert, featuring
Mozart’s Overture to the Magic Flute, R. Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, and N. Rimsky-Korsakov’s Dance of the Acrobats from Snow Maiden. Buy a ticket and 100% will go to supporting our Kids’ LIFE program. $12 for adults; $8 for seniors & students—but don’t let money be an object if you’d like to see the concert! Tickets are available on a sliding scale from the Church office see Dawn Raymond after worship or call 510.444.8511x16
News at First Page 6
Happenin’s, Con’t All events are at First Congo unless otherwise noted.
THE SONGBIRD SESSIONS Monday January 7, 7-9pm This Arts First Oakland sponsored evening is hosted by Andrej
Hostynek and happens the 1st Monday of every month. Join the group as they explore the magic of both directed and improvisational singing, toning, sounding, and rhythm. Taking inspiration from Bobby
McFerrin's Circlesong format, you are invited to co-create a tapestry of sound. Bring an open mind and together we will open hearts and voices.
Donations accepted to cover costs.
RHYTHM STUDIO/BODY MUSIC W/ EVIE LADIN Wednesday January 9, 7-8:30pm Percussive gathering held the 2nd Wednesday of every month, using the oldest instrument on the planet—the human body. A useful tool for musicians & movers of all kinds. Please wear comfortable clothing & sneakers or jazz shoes. No experience necessary. $10, no-one turned away due to lack of funds. More info: Eve, 510.444.8511x15, [email protected]
CIRCLE-SINGING—LEADER TBA Wednesday January 16, 7pm A style of singing with lots of room for beginners and experienced singers alike—it's a great chance to stretch your vocal wings with a gifted & generous leader, to create a group sound that inspires & refreshes. Donations greatly appreciated. Check out www.artsfirstoakland.org or contact Eve, 510.444.8511x15, [email protected]
PROJECT WRITERS UNITE! Monday January 21 7-10pm This Arts First Oakland sponsored evening happens the 3rd Monday of every month. Writers in all disciplines are invited to join this ongoing group—share your work and get feedback in a supportive environment. Donations accepted to cover costs. For info: James Brown Jr, 510.568.6968. For a glimpse of the group's activities check out www.angelfire.com/ultra/projectwritersunite.
JOHN SEELEY ART GALLERY
We’re looking for artists with paintings, photographs, or any other type of artwork that can be exhibited hanging on a wall. Contact DJ, 510.444.8511 x18, [email protected]
COMMUNITY ART SALON Monday January 28, 6-9pm This Arts First Oakland sponsored event is held the 4th Monday of every month. Share creative space & community. You can bring any kind of project of your own to work on/play with. We have plenty of collage materials. Light refreshments. Dawn, 510.625.1209, [email protected]
ARTS FIRST OAKLAND VOLUNTEER OPS Arts First Oakland (AFO), our own in-house arts collaborative, has a number of ways you can support the creative work at First Congo! See page 10 for an update on the organization. Please call the office if you would like to help out— Eve Lindi, 510/444.8511x15, [email protected]
GENESIS “COME & SEE EVENT” Saturday January 26, 9am-3pm St Augustine Episcopal Church, 525 29th Street, Oakland Everyone is welcome to this Introduction to a Community Organizing model that strengthens congregations and communities and creates justice and equity. We encourage you to attend as part of a team from your institution. This training will help us to understand ways in which community organizing can strengthen our congregation or organization and our commitment to social justice. The Gamaliel Foundation, www.gamaliel.org, is providing the training at this event. A $10.00 donation will be requested to cover the cost of morning refreshments and lunch. To help us better plan for lunch, please register with Dawn, 510.444.8511 x16 or [email protected]
GENESIS Genesis is group of clergy and laity on it’s way to becoming a region-wide collaboration of congregations, labor unions, universities, seminaries, and other organizations empowered to enact change. We are gearing up for a founding event on March 30, 2008 at which we will gather 1,000+ people to present our requests on issues including health care, jobs, housing, and education to our governmental representatives on the city, state, and national levels. To get involved or for more information contact our First Congo representative Laurel Sterling, 510.552.7542 or email [email protected].
NETWORK OF SPIRITUAL PROGRESSIVES Bring our spirit-led values to bear on the needs of our souls, our communities, and our world. To find out more about our local group contact Dennis Fagaly or Marcia Lovelace, 510.465.7192
Page 7 Vol 4, No 1—January 2008
Peace & Justice-Making Living our values & building
a just society
Arts Positive Sharing our gifts & ourselves
CONTEMPLETIVE PRAYER WITH CHI-SING ENG Friday January 25, 6:30 pm Chi-Sing brings a Pentecostal love for Jesus to a practice trained by Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh. An evening of deep refreshment. No experience necessary. For more info, contact Grant Kinney, 510.292.6758, [email protected]
KIDS’ LIFE HAS STARTED UP! Every Sunday, the children are invited to join in a Joyful Noise processional, following the praise and welcome time. Kids’ LIFE (Living in Faith Everyday) Time includes music, body prayer, bible stories, creative reflection and snacks together. They will come back in to the sanctuary and rejoin the whole congregation for the closing circle and song. Parents and friends of kids are needed to bring snacks and assist or Kids’ LIFE leader, Julie Froehlig (see inset), by being a second adult in the room with the kids. If you’d like to take part with the Kids’ Ministry on one Sunday, contact Mandolin Kadera-Redmond, 510.393.1270 , [email protected]
Happenin’s, Con’t All events are at First Congo unless otherwise noted.
LIFE (LIVING IN FAITH EVERYDAY) GROUPS New LIFE Groups beginning in February!! LIFE Groups are a way to cultivate spiritual friendship and to grow in faith. LIFE Groups meet weekly for practices that help us to become who God is calling us to be. To become part of a LIFE Group, fill out the LIFE Group form that will be passed out in worship (and mailed to all members and friends that we have addresses for) If you need a form, contact Dawn, 510.444.8511 x16, [email protected]
ALTAR GUILD FORMING A Guild is an association of creative workers. If you would like to learn or deepen the spiritual work of creating an altar, and share that gift with our worshipping community, speak with Pastor Ama on Sunday or by calling 510.444.8511x11
FAT SUNDAY CELEBRATION Sunday February 3, 10 am Lent, the forty-day season of prayer and preparation for Easter, begins on February 6—Ash Wednesday. Sunday February 3 is the last Sunday before Lent, and we celebrate with a Mardi Gras-style (Dimanche Gras P) processional through our neighborhood. Meet in the front lobby of the sanctuary at 10 a.m. in your finest Mardi Gras regalia. Bring instruments! We’ll process through our neighborhood and back to the church in time to sing “O When the Saints Come Marching In” as we begin worship at 10:30 am
FREEDOM TRAIN FOR NEW MEMBERS Next Class will be in February If you’d like to join First Congo as an active, voting member of the community, join Pastor Ama and other First Congo folks for a two-day ride through our faith journeys, church history, membership agreements and exploration of our gifts. All are welcome! To sign up, please contact Pastor Ama, 510.444.8511 x11
HOLY COUNSEL OF WOMEN VISION CIRCLE In the past this has been a gathering of women to explore the Feminine Divine and Women in the Bible. If you are interested, please contact Rev Shiloh McCloud, 415.306.4927 or [email protected] for details.
WORSHIP INPUT & PARTICIPATION WELCOME! The First Congo worship team is open to lay input and participation in the worship services for Sundays. If you are interested, contact Pastor Ama, 510.444.8511 x11
ALL CHURCH RETREAT April 25-26, 2008 Mark your calendars now for our all-church retreat at Marin Headlands!
News at First Page 8
Spirit-Led Opening to healing & growing
in power & love
MEET JULIE FROEHLIG!
Our new Kids’ LIFE leader, Julie Froehlig, has picked up with the creative, playful, spiritual program that Allison Kenny developed last year. Pastor Ama has known Julie for
over ten years—they met in seminary! Julie is a middle school teacher who is currently getting her PhD in Science and Religion at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. She is an Interplayer (a dance improviser) and she loves children. We are blessed to have her working with our precious young members of the church.
News at First Page 8
“Take time to let your soul be still. Still waters run deep. Be still and know I am God.
Sing me back to Zion, walking down this holy road, one step towards home.”
I feel honored that I have been given a sabbatical for the month of January. I am returning to a familiar cycle of life. The ebb and flow of life’s challenges and joys brings me back to the place of stillness and silence. It is time to stop and listen. It is time to rest. It is time to take stock and ask God for direction, discernment and God’s will. It’s also a time to let go of so much work and play!
2007 has been an amazing year of change in my life. Marriage tops the list of biggest shift. My work at First Congo has also changed. In my fifth year of sharing the music ministry position, I became the solo music minister. The change has meant that I have been solely responsible for the musical elements of our eclectic repertoire of music and styles, and coordination of a variety of musicians on a weekly and monthly basis. What was once a “tag team” teaching effort with the choir (shared for four years with veteran music minister Trente Morant), now became my full responsibility. And, while I miss the collaboration deeply, there’s a way that doing it ‘solo’ challenged me to step more fully in to my role, And I was deeply gratified by the fruits of my labor with the choir—and their labor with me!—at our anniversary celebration and Christmas Eve Candlelight service.
So, I feel incredibly honored that the leadership at our church decided it was time for me to have a break. I feel seen in terms of my work at the church, and I am so grateful that I am still called to be part of this amazing community.
What will I be doing in January?
First just giving myself some space to breathe, relax, pray and praise daily and write music and ask for new vision. Secondly, I will be exercising and taking time for my health & body & play too!
Thirdly, I will attend a number of churches, to see what they do, and how they do it-I really want to attend churches that have small choirs such as ours, and see how they do things.
I still have to work a couple days a week, but for the most part, I am deeming this time
“Operation Love on Kelly!”
Page 9 Vol 4, No 1—January 2008
Thoughts on a Sabbatical Kelly Takunda Orphan Martinez
Excerpts from Psalm 119
Be generous with me and I’ll live a full life;
Open my eyes so I can see what you show me of your miracle-wonders.
I’ll run the course you lay out for me if you’ll just show me how.
God teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course.
I’m homesick-longing for your salvation; I’m waiting for your word of hope.
My eyes grow heavy watching for some sign of your promise; how long must I wait for your comfort?
Oh, love me-and right now!—hold me tight!—just the way you promised.
Now comfort me so I can live, really live; your revelation is the tune I dance to.
I set your instructions to music and sing them as I walk this pilgrim way.
I meditate on your name all night, God, treasuring your revelation, O God.
Let your love God, shape my life with salvation, exactly as you promised.
THANKS FOR THE THANKS! November 4th Celebration Reflection
News at First Page 10
I spent New Year’s Day exactly how I’d like to spend every day: in prayer and praise, vigorous exercise, socializing and music-making with musician friends, and ending with coming home to have some snuggle time with my partner. Lastly, I think it was a God-thing that I received recognition in the San Francisco Chronicle on New Year’s Day (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f= /c/a/2008/01/01/DD1MU6FHI.DTL)
My goal is to return in February refreshed, renewed, restored and lighter-in body, mind and spirit! Thank you church, I am truly blessed!
I’d like to leave you with 2 songs. One is a variety of excerpt from Psalm 119 (see previous
page). I chose to put them in this order, as a prayer. The second (to the right) is the lyrics of a tune I wrote over the summer—identifying heavily with Martha, and wanting to learn how to be Mary-an olive tree growing green in God’s house. I hope they are a blessing to you.
Kelly Takunda Orphan Martinez
I AM AN OLIVE TREE By Kelly Takunda Orphan Martinez
(Inspired by Ps. 52:8-9 & Luke 10:38-42)
I am an olive tree, Growing green in God’s house, I trust in the mercy of God Then & now
I get worried And pulled by many things I find it hard to be still and Enjoy the beauty of my life.
Duty has my hands blistered & dry, Duty has me working day & night, Duty made me forget what is essential.
But now I remember the better part To hang on every word You, my Beloved impart To sit at your feet And receive your Spirit
This will not be taken away… In the presence of your people I claim your good name…
Thank you so much for all of you who attended our incredible Anniversary Celebration on Sunday evening, November 4th! We had some seriously incredible praise music, a wonderful band (thank you Peter, Sam & Silvestre!) and an uplifting time of giving thanks to all of YOU who work so hard making this church what it is! Rainbeau's dance made me cry and Louis' booming bass voice gave new meaning to the "Creation" poem! Another highlight for me was singing the new salsa-praise song "Cantemos al Senor!" The Choir sounded incredible and we truly have a latin/gospel praise going on at FCCO!
Also a big big thanks to Cassandra, Lynice's partner who met with me for many hours, helping me plan the meal, ordering the food from Cafe La Mediteranee, and going to Costco (not once but twice!), and decorating Reidenbach Hall with the help of Jorge & Juan, my good friends who know how to work a party!
Thanks to the generous support of Whole Foods Market who donated an incredibly beautiful vegan chocolate mousse sheet cake (complete with "Happy Anniversary FCCO") that was so incredibly tasting, that we nearly ate the whole thing by the end of the night, despite how big it was !
Lastly, thanks to my planning team who helped make the event a success: Pastor Lynice, for her incredible work on the appreciations (Lynice, you made a great game show host!) and thanks to Paul, Erica, Jon, Dawn and Webb.
Blessings, Kelly Takunda Orphan Martinez, Minister of Music, FCCO
News at First Page 10
Page 11 Vol 4, No 1—January 2008
The Wisdom Blessing Shiloh Sophia McCloud
May you choose outrageous actions that challenge who you are
and encourage who you are becoming.
May you take one step, however small, towards that which you have always longed for.
Now is the right time!
May you recognize the unique and powerful contribution that you bring
to the people whose lives you touch.
May you be as large and wonderful as you really are, and do things because you want to,
not because you should.
May you celebrate your creativity and find peace and purpose and passion amidst the chaos.
May you reach towards the Spirit with a longing that keeps you awake to the miracles available
all around you.
May your faith move any mountains that stand in your way and may your heart be awake and open.
May wisdom be your guide and may love be at the center of all your choices.
Page 11 Vol 4, No 1—January 2008
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Blessings to:
First Congregational Church of Oakland 2501 Harrison St. @ 27th Oakland, CA. 94612
To g e t h e r We C a n !To g e t h e r We C a n !To g e t h e r We C a n !To g e t h e r We C a n ! Our discernment time powerfully deepened our understanding of who God is calling us to be—and our willingness to get messy in building our love for each other. Pledge giving frees us from fear, and roots us in the Spirit which makes us powerful, loving, disciplined—and our pledge giving makes possible what God is seeking to do in and through this community!
Pledge SundayPledge SundayPledge SundayPledge Sunday—January 27, 2008January 27, 2008January 27, 2008January 27, 2008 All members and friends will be invited to bring our pledge cards forward to the altar as a means of making our commitment to God and each other.
Don’t miss our Congregational Meeting, Jan 20, 1-3pm Find out more about and give input for our 2008 Budget which will be approved at our Annual Meeting, Feb 20, 1-3 pm
“For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-discipline.”
– 2 Timothy 1:7
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
3 Voices of Praise Choir Rehearsal
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5
6 10:30a Worship, Communion Sunday 12p Lunch—Potluck 1-3pm CAP Team Meeting
7 7-9 Songbird Session
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9 7pm Rhythm Studio/ Body Music w/ Keith Terry
10 Muharram
Islamic New Year 7pm Positive Contact 7:30 Kids’ Ministry Meeting No Choir Rehearsal
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12
13 10:30a Worship New Members Sunday 12p Lunch 1-3pm Board Meeting
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15 7:30 Oakland Laughter Club 7-8:30 CAP Team Meeting
16 7pm Circle Singing
17 Voices of Praise Choir Rehearsal
18 February News at First Deadline
19
20 Baha’i
World Religion Day 10:30a Worship MLK Jr Sunday Life Group Sign-up 12p Lunch 1-3 Congregational Meeting
21 7-10 Project Writer’s Unite
22 6:30pm GENESIS Planning Meeting
23 7pm Pastoral Relations Committee
24 Voices of Praise Choir Rehearsal
25 6:30pm Contempletive Prayer w/ Chi-Sing Eng
26 10am-3pm GENESIS “Come & See” Event @ St Augustine’s Church, 29th St & Telegraph
27 10:30a Worship Pledge Sunday Life Group Sign-up 12p Lunch 1-3pm Board Meeting
28 6p Community Art Salon
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31 5-7 Finance Committee Meeting Voices of Praise Choir Rehearsal
Get ready for FATFATFATFAT SUNDAY February 3, 10am
See First Congo Happenin’s for Event Details This Month’s Deacons on Duty— Marcia Lovelace & Dennis Fagaly
January 2008
WORSHIP—Loving God with all we are
Worship Team Pastor Ama, 510.444.8511 x11 Music Ministry Kelly Takunda Orphan, 510.444.8511 x17 Readers Coordinator Rev. Charley Lerrigo, 510.531.5539
FELLOWSHIP & DISCIPLESHIP—Building authentic relationships and growing in God’s Love Children’s Ministry—Sunday Kids’ LIFE time Julie Froehlig, [email protected] Community Care—for members & friends Pastor Lynice, 510.444.8511 x12 Computer/ Internet Tech Team— Paul Vollmer, 510.357.1505 Nasim Uddin, 510.759.1175 Contempletive Prayer Group— Grant Kinney, 510.292.6758 Decorations Coordinator— for fellowship & special events Nan Lim, 510.635.6744 Elder Care— Megan Bean-Smith, 510.648.4475 Health & Wellness— Rebecca Faith, Parish Nurse, 510.444.8511x14 Hospitality Team (Food!)—Shopping, cooking, set up, clean up for fellowship meal Jane Kilmer, 510.238.9249 Frank Waters, 510.483.6122 Living in Faith Everyday (LIFE) Groups— Pastor Lynice, 510.444.8511x12 Robin Kinney, 510.847.9030 “Freedom Train” New Members Class—
Meghan Bean-Smith, 510.648.4475 Women's Ministry/Holy Council of Women—
Board of Trustees— Pat Bruce-Lerrigo, 510.531.5539 Campus Care Anthony Maples, 510.444.8511 x20
Generous Giving Team Pastor Lynice, 510.444.8511 x12 Dawn Raymond, 510.444.8511 x16
MISSION—Living our values in the public sphere
Arts First Oakland—An interfaith collaborative of artists and art-lovers at First Congregational Church of Oakland. Eve Lindi, 510.444.8511x15 GENESIS—Building leaders to strengthen congregations and transform communities. Laurel Sterling, 510.552.7542
Network of Spiritual Progressives—Brings our spirit-led values to bear on the needs of our souls, our communities, and our world. Marcia Lovelace, 510.465.7192 Open & Affirming (ONA) Ministry—Increasing awareness & supporting the needs & issues of the LGBT community Erica Britton, 510.331.4849 Share First Oakland—Feeding the hungry in our community Ryan Baum, 510.444.8511x22
EVANGELISM—Sharing the message of God’s love.
LINC Team—”Loving Into New Community” Grant Kinney, 510.292.6758 Web Servant Jon “Moses” Jackson, 510.757.3839 Welcome Team—Greeting & follow up with visitors Jade Sasser, 510.451.2747
Blessings to you...Blessings to you...Blessings to you...Blessings to you...
Ministry Teams at First Congo Here’s who to contact to get involved, or find out more about what’s going on...
