Annual Meeting to Celebrate a New Year at First Church
2012 begins with a flurry of activity as the church prepares for a new year. One of the highlights of this process will be the 138th Annual Meeting of the church on Sunday, February 5. We will have one worship service at 10 am in the Sanctuary and gather for a delicious meal in the Large Assembly immediately afterward.
At the meeting we will celebrate those who have served in various official roles in 2011 and vote in new officers and committee members. We will celebrate our current Moderator, Scott Sporte, and welcome in 2012 Moderator Hanneke Jansen. We are also expecting special guests, including our UCC Conference Minister Phil Hart, entertainment and other surprises.
The meal will be served by members of Winthrop, the senior high youth group. Contributions toward the meal will help fund their summer work camp.
UC Scholar to Reflect on 400 Years of the KJV
On Sunday, February 19 at 10 am, author and scholar Dr. Robert Alter will share reflections on the King James Version of the Bible. Alter in a professor of Hebrew language and comparative literature at UC Berkeley in the Near Eastern Studies Department. His twenty-two published books include two prize-winning volumes on biblical narrative and poetry and award-winning translations of Genesis and of the Five Books of Moses.
He is also the author of Pen of Iron: American Prose and the King James Bible in which he explores how American authors have been influenced by the content and style of the KJV. He shows how this version of the Bible permeates our thoughs and speech even as literacy and religiosity have changed.
The King James Version of the Bible celebrated its 400th Anniversary in 2011.
Mardi Gras & Ash Wednesday Begin Lent 2012
“Matters of Life & Death” is this year’s theme for the season of Lent. Two events lead us toward this powerful season—All-Church Mardi Gras (February 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm) and Ash Wednesday (February 22 at 7:30 pm). Lent is the season in the Christian calendar that leads up to the powerful events of Holy Week and Easter. It marks a time of 40 days that Jesus spent praying in the wilderness. It is traditionally a time of humility and reflection, both an acknowledgement of our humanity and a celebration of Jesus’ triumph over death.
Mardi Gras is the last day before Lent begins where we “live it up” and celebrate with a festive, child-friendly event with pancakes, costumes, masks, games, crafts and live Dixieland music. Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, follows immediately. It begins a more introspective period as we consider the events of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. We mark Ash Wednesday with candles, communion, Taizé chants and the simple ritual of receiving ashes on our foreheads. An opportunity to walk the labyrinth will also be offered the hour before the Ash Wednesday service from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.
Join us for these great opportunities to gather! Watch for news of the rich variety of ways that we will be marking the season of Lent at First Church, marked in red on the First Church events page.
“Secrets of Life and Death” Film Series During Lent
As part of the observance of Lent, The Ministry of Education is pleased to present an award-winning three-part film series, Secrets of Life and Death on three Tuesday evenings in March. The series was created by Dr. Michelle Peticolas, a grief and death counselor, filmmaker and long-time student of Sufism. She teaches seminars on end-of-life at JFK University and leads film screening/workshops for churches, libraries, cancer organizations and hospices throughout the Bay Area.
Facing Death . . . with open eyes will be shown March 13, Caring for Dying: the art of being present on March 20, and The Heart of Grieving on March 27. Screenings will take place in the Large Assembly at 7 pm.
As First Church looks at “Matters of Life & Death” as our Lent theme, we have a perfect opportunity to explore topics that we might find uncomfortable or difficult to confront, but which affect each of us deeply. Whether we are looking at issues of living and dying right in the face or if they seem far off and distant, our faith story gives us an opportunity to find full life by opening ourselves to the conversation.
The suggested donation is $10 in advance or $25 for the series (students: $8/$20 series). At the door donation will be $12 for everyone. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
You can read more about the films and see film trailers at www.secretsoflifeanddeath.com.
Rita Brock & Occupy Wall Street
Author, activist and theologian Rita Nakashima Brock will shared her experiences with the Occupy Movement, including her participation in a group of interfaith leaders responding to the issues of economic justice raised by the movement during the Learning Hour at 10 am on Sunday, January 29 at First Church. A large group attended to hear her stories and to learn more about how the movement started.
Religious and spiritual communities and their leaders have been part of the Occupy Wall Street Movement since it began in September. In many ways, this young and deeply moral movement has already succeeded beyond anyone’s expectations. In this Learning Hour, we’ll go over the basics about what OWS means, how it works, what it has revealed about the current state of American society, and where it may go next. We’ll also discuss criticisms of it, our own responses to it and ways people can get involved.
Some additional resources about the Occupy Movement:
Rita Brock’s theological reflections on the Oakland Occupy events of January 28.
Some balanced coverage of the Occupy Oakland events on Saturday, January 28, 2012 from a reporter for the UK Guardian.
“The Obama Legacy at Occupy Oakland”—an early piece that Rita wrote for the Huffington Post.
“The Big Interfaith Tent at Occupy Oakland: Faithfully Engaging the 99%” —written by UCC minister Rev. Laura Rose (Alameda) for the Huffington Post.
A must-see video about the social conditions that are behind the Occupy Movement and its revolutionary energy.
“Where Were You When They Crucified My Movement?” written by Chris Hedges for Truth Out.
A video on sacred economics.
A Journey to India
First Church members Alice Clark and Charles Taylor will be traveling to India for six weeks. Their departure was blessed by the congregation at the 11 am service on Sunday, January 8. Both have a long experience with the country and have traveled there several times. They will be meeting with scholars, religious leaders of various parts of the Christian world (Jesuits, Franciscans, Thomas Christians, protestant Christians from the ecumenical Church of North India, etc.) as well as Hindu and Muslim leaders. They will also be meeting with scholars of India at a conference on Gujarat as well as people involved in the business world.
First Church supports connections with other parts of the world in its commitment to global citizenship. It also encourages the sharing of insights and experiences gleaned from international travel with other members of the congregation. They are chronicling their trip on their 2012 India Trip Log. Check in there for updates on their experiences.
Plans for Plymouth House
On Sunday, January 22, the congregation took the final step to approve plans to renovate and rent Plymouth House, the 3-story portion of our building to the north of our Sanctuary. Over the next few months, the space will be renovated to house a new tenant, the East Bay School for Boys. New bathrooms will be created, some rooms will be reshaped and modernized, and an elevator will be installed. The first phase of construction will begin late spring or early summer. The school hopes to move in at the beginning of 2013. The plan was developed the Church Council, Long Range Planning Committee (LRP) and Ministry of Stewardship, Finance and Administration (SFA).
The document providing full details of the project and “frequently asked questions” is available in the church office or download the full report “A Future for Plymouth House” here.
Christmas Offering Benefits Three Local Agencies
This year’s Christmas Offering brought in $12,332.67! Each Advent season, the Ministry of Outreach, Mission and Service chooses organizations and agencies that will receive the benefits of the offerings taken at our two Christmas Eve services. This year OMS chose three local groups: Berkeley Food Pantry, the Suitcase Clinic and YEAH!. First Church has long-standing ties with each of these three agencies.
The Berkeley Food Pantry is a cooperative effort with other churches and synagogues in the East Bay and with the Alameda County Community Food Bank. The Pantry makes regular food distributions to local households with incomes at or below the poverty line. UC Berkeley Public Health students run the Suitcase Clinic operates three weekly multi-service drop-in centers: a general clinic, a women’s clinic and a youth clinic from a site on Channing Way. Youth Engagement, Advocacy and Housing (YEAH!) offers shelter to youth who would otherwise be on the streets, many of whom are victims of abuse or neglect.
Did you miss this opportunity in the pre-Christmas rush? You can still donate online. Write “Christmas Offering” in the “Other” box.
“Gifts for the World” Catalog Raises $5805!
This year’s “Gifts for the World” Catalog was a wonderful success, raising $5805 as of the end of the year. It benefitted a number of local and international service organizations. 2011 version of this alternative holiday gift catalog featured 11 different organizations that one could donate to on behalf of friends and relatives. Special thanks to Annis Kukulan and Freddie Bungie for organizing this helpful resource.
First Church Celebrates UCC Mission: 1 Campaign
On Sunday, November 13 First Congregational Church of Berkeley celebrated it’s participation in the United Church of Christ Mission: 1 campaign for food justice by stacking most of the 1200 food items members and friends collected for local food banks by the communion tables in each of the two worship services.
Over 60 folk also volunteered at local food-related agencies, many attended two special Learning Hours about food issues and the congregation donated over $4800 to be split between US based food relief and famine relief in East Africa.
The UCC campaign, which ran officially between 11/1/11 and 11/11/11, was the first time the entire denomination came together in one mission project. As of this week, 1,282,157 items of food were collected, 35,618 letters were written to members of government to advocate for food justice, $92,411 was donated to US-based food programs, and $94, 716 was donated to African relief.
On Saturday, November 5, about 25 First Church members volunteered at the Alameda County Community Food Bank. They sorted food that will serve a large population of East Bay residents who don’t have enough to eat.
Read more about this campaign and how First Church participated...
Stewardship Invites Support for Ministries that are “Changing Lives”
The first results are in for the “Changing Lives” stewardship campaign. As of the end of the end of 2011, we have received 203 pledges for total of $593,630.
First Congregational Church of Berkeley has been “Changing Lives” for years and years both here and far beyond our walls. Has your life been changed? Have you seen changes in others? Do you have a story to tell?
If you haven’t made your pledge, you may still bring it to church on upcoming Sundays or send it to 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley, CA 94704.
Listen to some stories from the First Church community:
Occupy America: A Voice for the 99%
Across the country people are gathering to add their voices to the protests that began as “Occupy Wall Street” in New York City. Economic justice is a primary theme in this spontaneous and grass roots campaign.
About 40 people, including a large contingent from FCCB, gathered in the Large Assembly on Thursday, October 13 to respond to the Occupy America movement. The group was a collection of lay people, clergy and seminarians who see that the movement resonates with them from a progressive Christian point of view. The group brainstormed about possible actions, shared news about upcoming local Occupy events and made plans for future actions and events. In the photo you will see the group reviewing a long list of creative ways to respond. The event was organized by FCCB seminary intern Sam Rennebohm, FCCB member, theologian and activist Rita Nakashima Brock, PSR student Kit Evans and PSR professor Boyung Lee.
Several members of FCCB attended a march in downtown Oakland which was part of the Occupy America movement. A reported 2,500 attended the march and rally that converged on the plaza near Oakland’s City Hall where tents have been set up. In the photo are FCCB interns Sam Rennebohm and Andrew Greenhaw. Sam’s sign reads ”Debt Relief: It’s in the Bible.” More photos from the event taken by Rita Brock.
Watch for upcoming details if you are interested in being involved.
Read “Adding Our Voice to the 99 Percent” by Sam Rennebohm on the First Church blog.
Check out Occupy America events in Berkeley, Oakland and San Francisco.
Changing Lives at First Church
First Church can change your life. Join us as we feed our souls, support one another, celebrate life and serve in a challenging world. As the fall church season began, the church returned to its two-service Sunday morning schedule.
We celebrate with a casual 45-minute service at 9 am in the Large Assembly and a classic service in the Sanctuary at 11 am. From 8:30 am on, there will be yummy and nutritious food served in the FCCB Cafe. At 10 am a Learning Hour will offer a range of opportunities for both adults and children. This “in-the-middle” hour will also be a wonderful opportunity for fellowship and connection with those worshiping early and those coming later.
More about Sunday Mornings at First Church...
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!
Cellar Thrift Shop Spreads the Love Around
Most popular items to donate to the Thrift Shop.
The Cellar Thrift Shop is an FCCB institution that first opened in 1986. It offers a wide range of attractive bargains that anyone could afford. It is open on Wednesday from 10 am-4 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm, and before and after the Sunday morning worship service which is at 10 am. The Shop is staffed by a helpful and committed group of volunteers who sort, price and display thousands of items each month. Each quarter the proceeds of the Cellar Thrift Shop are given away: more than $1,500 a month goes to outreach projects, more than $300 a month goes to the church’s operating budget, and over $1000 goes to special projects. A few of the organizations that have benefitted from Cellar Thrift Shop donations are Berkeley Emergency Food and Housing, Berkeley Chaplaincy to the Homeless, the Haiti Food Program, and Berkeley Free Clinic.
You can help this effort by checking out a list of popular items that you might donate. Donations can be brought to the church during regular business hours.
More about the Cellar Thrift Shop and other First Congregational Church Ministry Teams.
Exciting Video Spot: “Uniquely UCC”
The United Church of Christ has created a video called “Uniquely UCC” that was launched through the internet. It dynamically captures the vision of our progressive denomination. The ad was first distributed through the UCC email newsletter, website and Facebook page. UCC members and friends then passed on the message “virally”. In only a week almost 40,000 people had viewed the ad.
Watch the video, share the word and invite your friends to church!
Read more about the United Church of Christ.
Inspiring UCC Ad!
The Language of God from United Church of Christ on Vimeo.
Watch the powerful United Church of Christ’s StillSpeaking Ministry video spot which was launched on the internet in 2010. At first, the video message was delivered to tens of thousands—by email, thorugh internet ads, and posts to social networks. From there we all pitched in to link to the ad on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, LinkedIn, myUCC, our blogs or any other places where people will see it.
Sign up on the UCC website to get UCC news and events.
FCCB Actively Promotes Marriage Equality
Read more stories on the Marriage Equality Newspage.
First Congregational Church took a firm stand in favor of Marriage Equality, based on a 1994 decision to become and Open and Affirming church welcoming lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. The church voted as a congregation to oppose California State Proposition 8 which would deny the right to marry to same-gender couples. It was the first time that the congregation had taken a congregational stand on a political issue.
Read more about the church’s powerful and transforming journey as it engaged this controversial topic in 2008 and 2009 on the Marriage Equality Newspage.
Want to Get Married?
First Congregational Church of Berkeley welcomes all couples who wish to marry, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or heterosexual. Our ministers have performed several weddings for same-gender couples over the past decade, and will continue to do so. Please contact the church office at 510/848-3696 or info@fccb.org for more information or to set up a meeting with one of our ministers.
Audio of Codys@FCCB Presentations Still Available Here
For over three years First Congregational teamed up with Cody’s Books to present wonderful authors reading from their works and discussing new ideas for our times. When Cody’s closed that series ended, but a new one is beginning.
Although the series has ended, you can still listen to audio presentations of Codys@FCCB events featuring Wangari Maathia (pictured), Parker Palmer, Paul Hawken, Michael Eric Dyson and John Dean.
More About Us
- Read a “Seekers Statement” recently composed by members of this community
- Read our statement of inclusive community (Open and Affirming)
- Read about some of the courageous actions of FCCB and the United Church of Christ
