Dear Friends,

Miguel de Cervantes, Spanish novelist, poet, and playwright whose magnum opus was Don Quixote, said: “Great persons are able to do great kindnesses.”

Henza and I have discovered those “Great People” here at DCC.

Our move to California meant that for the first time in our lives we did not have our two boys near us. That alone constitutes a huge loss. With my mother’s death last month, a second major loss reminded us of our need of support as we felt again the sting of vulnerability.

Yet God had given us a new church family who turned to us in these days and who embraced us. With your kindness you created for us a new home and a new fortress of safety, of acceptance and of hope. Thank you for the many ways you have reached out to us in this time. You have been a balm of healing to us.

In meeting with church leaders, committees, commissions and individuals, I am convinced that DCC is a faith community filled with opportunity. I have become aware of your witness to the world and I am so deeply impressed by the work you are doing here. I need to express my gratitude to Revs. Alan Kelchner, Laura Barnes Coney and Roberta McReynolds for the work they did in their

different capacities as spiritual leaders of the congregation. The testament to their work is a healthy congregation.

My deepest gratitude to the Search Committee under the able leadership of Tim Seiler for the work they did on behalf of the congregation. They were an absolute pleasure to work with as a candidate and their graciousness was one of the reasons Henza and I had no reservation in accepting your invitation to minister with you here at DCC.

There is so much to look forward to and I intend, with God’s help, to join you as a fellow sojourner on this journey into God’s future always believing that the best is yet to come!

May we always hold onto the words of the prophet Jeremiah, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

We go forward remembering that “…We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that. This enables us to do something, and to do it very well.”*

Grace and peace to all,

*From a prayer composed by Bishop Ken Untener of Saginaw

May 2013

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Church Staff

The Rev. Dr. Anton DeWet, Senior Minister Lydia Mulkey, Director of Children’s and

Youth Ministries Kristin Pankonin, Music Director Angela Borba, Children’s Music Director Lynda Manstrom, Office Manager Kim Michaud, Office Assistant Carrie Gaytan, Nursery Attendant Janice Inman, Preschool Director

Church Officers Betty McCabe, Moderator Syd Dent, Vice Moderator Steve Enochian, Treasurer Gary Dowell, Financial Secretary Karol Mead, Church Clerk

Commissioners

Don Lenhardt, Buildings and Grounds Donna Lenhardt and Anne Seiler, Children’s Ministries Bob and Diane Hardy, Church Family Bette Felton, Faith Journeys Richard Stein, Membership Joy Grant, Outreach Joyce Klassen and Pat McGrath, Stewardship Randy Jang and Becks Salentes, Worship Don Lee, Youth Ministries

Preschool Board Tim Booher, Penny Davis, Charlie Hasselbrink, Kyra Kennedy, Judy Leach, and Trish Moosbrugger

www.danvillechurch.org

www.dayspringpreschool.org

Danville Congregational Church is an Open and Affirming church, welcoming all of God’s children – of diverse race, gender, sexual orientation, family status, economic condition, and physical, mental and emotional ability.

Telephone: (925) 837-6944 Office Hours:

Tuesday - Friday 9AM – 3PM

Worship Sunday at 9:30AM Everyone is welcome!

Prayers of Healing...

Bob Brocklehurst’s father, Bob Sr., recovering from hip replacement surgery

Phebe and Steve Carniglia Charlie Hasselbrink’s father, Ernest, hip surgery Judy Leach's mother, Mary Oswald, recovering from gall bladder

surgery Kristin Pankonin Millie Palmer Vickie Lanini’s sister, Marsha

Sympathy to...

Pastor Anton, his wife, Henza and sons Christiaan and Walter upon the death of Anton’s mother, Aletta, April 17 in South Africa. Our sympathy also to Anton’s father, who mourns the loss of his wife of 60 years, and to his brother and sister

Caryl Krotz, whose sister-in-law, Jean Seidelman, recently died in Florida

Connie Wadsworth and her family upon the passing of her sister, Jennie Marie Brown, in Washington

Prayers of Joy…

Mark Vernon and Jerry Lunsford who recently adopted a baby boy, Matthew

Congratulations…

Bonnie Benedict, who celebrated her 90th birthday April 11

Please remember that the Deacons are available to pray with you or take your prayer request at any time. We can pray individually (privately) or pass your request to the whole Diaconate or the church-wide Prayer Support Team. Please feel free to contact any Deacon with your requests for prayer, or to be a part of the Prayer Support Team.

Larry Berlin 351-8150 Kathie Hixon 804-6948 Dee Brook 846-0789 Randy Jang 837-4218 Peggy Gierke 968-1234 Joyce Klassen 855-0714 Carol Gilliland 519-1263 Betty Leecing 735-2580 Judy Halden 735-8832 Diane Stein 829-5182 Nancy Hill 743-0516 Bob Wilkens 837-1233

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May 1 – Penny Atkin May 2 – Kim Michaud May 6 – Caryl Krotz May 13 – Gail Clark

May 16 – Henza DeWet, Allison Seiler May 18 – Will Kovach

Please enter your birthday and/or anniversary on the calendar in Koinonia Hall if you would like to

be celebrated on your special day!

Stewardship Commission

We are at the important time in DCC’s church life when we kick off our annual Stewardship Campaign. We’ve chosen the theme of “Together, New Beginnings…” as we are so excited that we truly are at a time of new

beginnings, now that Rev. Anton DeWet has joined us!

Watch your mailbox and e-mail in the coming weeks for more details about the campaign, our hopes and plans for the coming year, and campaign events. Review the following campaign schedule and make note of important dates.

We live with hope and expectation that the best is yet to come!

Blessings to all,

Pat McGrath Joyce Klassen Stewardship Co-Commissioners

Outline of Campaign Timeline

Sunday 4/21 Kick-Off 5/3 – 5/11 Circle home gatherings and open

gatherings at DCC Sunday 5/5 Budget Presentation by the Finance

Committee Sunday 5/19 Consecration of Commitments Testimonial Speakers Sunday 4/21 Rachel O’Neal Sunday 4/28 Bob and Diane Hardy Sunday 5/5 Anne Moulds Sunday 5/12 Kim Michaud Sunday 5/19 Larry Berlin Stewardship Circle Gatherings Dates, time and location

Mary Magdalene - Friday, May 3 5:00 PM Hosted by Elke and Walt Torgersen, 700 Palmira Ct., San Ramon

Adam and Lydia - Saturday, May 4 5:00 PM Hosted by Kyra and Pat McGrath, 504 Nugget Ct., Danville Simon - Sunday, May 5 12:00 Hosted by Megan Leich, 142 Verde Mesa Dr., Danville

Barnabas and Eve - Sunday, May 5 4:00 PM Hosted by Judy and Hal Leach, 20 Deer Creek Lane, Danville

Moses - Tuesday, May 7 7:00 PM Hosted by Paul and Polly Smith-Telfer, 3571 Gresham Ct., Pleasanton

Naomi - Friday, May 10 6:30 PM Hosted by Joyce and John Klassen, 2450 Ascension Dr., San Ramon

Rebekah - Saturday, May 11 4:00 PM Hosted by Gary Smith and Betty McCabe, 89 Stowbridge Ct., Danville

Joshua members will attend various other locations. Contact Nancy Halseth for more details.

Alternative dates - open to ALL members and friends who are unable to attend a specific Circle gathering. Child care provided. Kairos Hall - Danville Congregational Church. Saturday, May 4 10:00 AM – Noon Saturday, May 11 10:00 AM – Noon

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Church Family is hosting a potluck lunch for the DCC Annual Meeting, held on Sunday, June 9. During the month of May, we will be accepting signups for salad, dessert or chips and dip to accompany cold cut sandwiches which will be provided. Watch for a clipboard attached to your friendly Church Family representative, and help fill in the

blanks with your delicious contribution. Then, enjoy sharing lunch together on June 9, as we set the stage for a phenomenal year to come.

Photo Directory Available at the Annual Meeting

We had a very good turnout at the Easter Sunday Photo Shoot. Many people took the opportunity to update their photo for the church directory, including entire

families where the children have grown considerably since the previous photos were taken. A few regular visitors got their photos taken for the first time, along with a couple church members who never got around to getting photographed.

The church photo directory is a great way to make a better connection with the people you see on Sunday mornings. Color copies of the photo directory will be available June 9 at the Annual Meeting, for a suggested donation of $5 each (to help defray the costs of color copying). Black and white directories will be available at no cost in the church office.

We will soon be launching our brand new secure online church directory! Members will have 24/7 access to an up-to-date directory via the web or iPhone app. We’ll be

sure to let you know when it’s ready!

Faith Journeys

Second Hour Schedule in May

May 5 Budget Presentation by the Finance Committee

May 12 Commission meetings May 19 A discussion with Pastor Anton May 26 Vacation Bible Camp Kick-Off Party

Worship Commission

What in the World is Progressive Christian Worship Music?

Seven DCC members, including Pastor Roberta, attended a seminar last November on the book, The 6 Marks of Progressive Christian Worship Music, written and led by Bryan Sirchio, a UCC minister who began a freelance itinerant musical ministry in 1987,

Crosswind Music. He writes worship music and travels the country offering concerts of his original music, leading worship services, offering retreats, providing musical workshops, and delivering keynote speeches for regional and national denominational events.

Returning from the seminar, the Worship Commission held a series of well attended second hour programs, the first session brainstorming the attributes of the worship music we enjoy and value at DCC (11/11/2012), and the second and third sessions conducting music talkbacks (1/27/2013 and 2/24/2013), led by Kristin, to try out some new progressive worship music to determine what we liked and what we didn’t like. Many thanks to those who attended and provided their feedback. In the future, you’ll probably see and sing some of those new songs and other music that we liked.

What are the six marks that more or less characterize progressive Christian worship music according to Sirchio? Some of these are very familiar to us, such as inclusive language, and some are familiar when we think more about them. Here are the six marks that Sirchio discusses.

1. Praise, justice, and the fullness of human experience.

2. Inclusive language. 3. Progressive theology. 4. An emphasis on both the individual and the

community. 5. Emotional authenticity. 6. Fresh images, ideas, and language.

We learned a lot about what constitutes progressive Christian worship music, including some informal rules, such as a.) No Bloody Jesus, b.) No Rambo Jesus, and c.) No Boyfriend Jesus (i.e., no love songs to Jesus). Several key points were that progressive Christian worship music is music that helps us to worship God together. Bryan

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noted that there’s a deep hunger to bring the head and the heart together in worship. Depth of content is important, including both head and heart. We don’t glorify God by dumbing down our giftedness, Bryan noted. Progressive Christian worship music uses language that opens up something new to us in what we thought we already knew. Bryan also noted that if we’re going to use lyrics that repeat (think Taize), the lyrics must “bear the weight of repetition”, having layers of meaning that open up to the listener/singer each time the lyrics are repeated.

Often when we think of contemporary Christian worship music, we think of praise music. “It’s not about putting that music down”, Sirchio noted. “It’s about shifting the conversation so that we’re not just complaining about what we don’t like about contemporary praise and worship, and getting clear about the kind of music and messages we’re really longing to bring into our congregations.”

Reading the book, we also discovered that there’s a very good discussion on progressive theology and what it has evolved into. It is consistent with what we’ve heard from the pulpit in recent years. For those new to the UCC and/or progressive churches, it’s a good summary of progressive theology, or at least those areas where

people agree. Some topics include inclusive language and penal substitutionary atonement and how progressives view those topics.

If you’re interested in more information on progressive Christian worship music, Wilson Jackson has several copies of the book that he’ll be happy to loan you, or you can purchase a copy through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or your favorite local bookstore. The Worship Commission is also thinking about launching a book discussion group on this topic sometime in the future.

Bryan Sirchio will be the keynote speaker at the NCNC Conference meeting in Redwood City from May 2-5, so this would be an opportunity to learn more.

The DCC Handbell Ensemble plays throughout the year during Sunday morning worship and for special services such as Taize and Holy Week. Rehearsals are on Sunday nights from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Every 4-6 weeks we begin working on music for the next performance date; some musicians play every module and some take a “leave” when they have other commitments and travel. If you can read music, and enjoy playing on a team (handbells are the ultimate team instrument) we’ll teach you all you need to know so you can be part of this unique musical ministry. We play with four octaves of Schulmerich handbells and two octaves of chimes. We recently joined the Handbell Musicians of America. Through the generosity of the Ed Evans Memorial Fund we are now able to purchase new music and supplies and give Tom Sonnemann the go-ahead to redesign our storage closet in the music room. Several of our musicians will receive scholarships to attend the Zephyr Point Handbell Conference at Lake Tahoe at the end of July. Last February we gathered in Koinonia Hall for a Saturday handbell workshop led by clinician Tess Houston. She introduced us to ergonomic ringing and other techniques such as playing with 2 bells in each hand. She returned a few weeks later to coach us all (including the conductor) during Sunday night rehearsal. The two pieces we were preparing were “Joy” and “Let There Be Peace On Earth” which were performed on April 14, Pastor Anton’s first Sunday. Beginners are encouraged, and so are non-church members. Contact Mary Deauclaire, Director of the DCC Handbell Ensemble, at deauclaire@comcast.net.

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Outreach Commission

Thanks to the Congregation for their generous donations to the Easter Offering. We were able to raise $2,430 which will be divided between Shelter, Inc. and Stand!

On April 28, we heard a Second Hour Presentation from the Bay Area Crisis Nursery. Sister Ann Weltz made a presentation and DCC/Outreach was also able to provide a $125 donation. Many of us heard what wonderful service they provide to children, parents and the community as a whole. Thanks for joining us for the presentation.

Two Cans Make a Difference - our monthly (third Sunday) food drive for canned items and non-perishables will take place on Sunday, May 19. Our food bins are always available if you want to make a donation on another Sunday or even drop off items during the week.

Check out the OUTREACH TABLE for activities scheduled in May, such as an opportunity to participate in providing dinners at Shelter, Inc.’s Mt. View House emergency family shelter in Martinez from Monday, May 27 through and including Friday May 31. You can cook a dish, or join us at the shelter to help serve, or BOTH! Sign up during May at the OUTREACH TABLE.

Dust off that tool belt! Habitat for Humanity will be pouring foundations at their new "Pleasant Creek" project in Walnut Creek in May and

DCC has openings for five volunteers (ages 16 and up) to participate in a Faith Partners Build Day on Saturday, June 1, 8:30AM - 4PM. This project is just across the freeway from the Walnut Creek BART station and will include 10 new homes, including an "All Faiths House" funded by Faith Partner donations and built largely by Faith Partner hands. Habitat for Humanity will be assigning "work days" to the Faith Partner congregations on Saturdays and Thursdays in July and August, and we anticipate some slots for DCC volunteers on Thursday, July 18 and possibly Saturday, July 20 or 27. See Doug Leich or check the OUTREACH TABLE for further information. DCC will also coordinate with Habitat a day when we can provide breakfast and lunch for the workers. Joy Grant will lead this breakfast/lunch activity. Donations are welcome for the food/coffee/refreshments. See Joy for details.

Youth Ministries

Youth Events

Pentecost is the day we celebrate the Holy Spirit. We celebrate the day the disciples heard something like a rushing wind and felt their tongues burning in their mouths like flames. They were no longer disciples, but apostles; ready to spread God's love to every corner of the earth! We'll celebrate the flames of Pentecost, and our ability to spread God's love with a cook out and game night on May 19 from 6-8PM here at church. Bring your friends!

Car Wash and Bake Sale: June 16 Our youth are headed out on a mission trip to Long Beach, CA at the end of June. Lives are sure to be changed. Here's how you can help! Mark your calendar for June 16 and come to church with your

car dirty and your stomach empty! Youth will be selling baked goods and washing cars as you leave the parking lot that day. Here's the other way you can help! Pray for our students and chaperones as we prepare for an incredible trip.

High School Mission Trip: June 26 - July 1 Have you signed up for the mission trip yet? You better hurry! The longer you wait, the higher the price. Go to ncncucc.org and click on camps and events to register!

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Children’s Ministries

4th Grade Bible Breakfast: 8:30AM May 19 We will present all 4th graders with their own Bibles on Sunday, May 19. The day begins at 8:30AM in Koinonia Hall. Pastor Anton will join our 4th

graders and their parents for a delicious breakfast. Bibles will be presented during the worship service at 10:30AM. Parents may RSVP to Lydia at lydia@danvillechurch.org. Anton looks forward to meeting and eating with these developing church leaders. Vacation Bible Camp Kick-Off Party

Vacation Bible Camp is just around the corner on August 5-9, 2013! Lydia has hung a poster in front of the church and we are officially advertising this week of fun. Our DCC website has been updated with online registration. WOW WEE! Mark your calendars for Second

Hour on May 19 and attend our BIG Kick off Party. All potential youth and adult volunteers will start getting PUMPED and prepared for leading another successful VBC. It's the Everywhere Fun Fair and you won't want to miss it! If you have ever thought about volunteering to help with VBC in any way, this kick-off party is for you!

Donna Lenhardt, Lydia Mulkey and Anne Seiler Children’s Ministries

May Godly Play Schedule

May 5 Work Day — extra time to work with the art materials

May 12 Family Worship — Spring Pageant May 19 Mystery of Pentecost May 26 Holy Family

Spring has finally sprung at Dayspring! In addition to learning the letters Rr and Ss, the character trait was “I Am Reliable” and our theme for April was “Bugs, Bulbs, and Blooms.” The curriculum included lessons on the parts of the flower, eggs, new life of the season (including butterflies, bunnies, and other animals), and insects. The children dyed eggs and made wonderful springtime art and crafts, including wreaths, cupcake daffodils, and other fun projects that brighten our bulletin boards! Their best works of art will be displayed in our Dayspring Art Exhibit, and our DCC friends are invited to view them after worship on May 26. Children in all of our classrooms learned about gardening and growing. They planted morning glories, marigolds, lima beans, green beans, squash, lettuces, watermelon, and other veggies! They love watching their seeds and seedlings sprout and grow, and they will taste the results in the coming weeks. The children have also enjoyed learning about helpful insects in the garden, and observed ladybugs with magnifying glasses in a ladybug habitat. They named the ladybugs, watched as one lit on a friend's nose, then set them free outside to help our gardenbox crops. The children also learned about earthworms, rainforest, and rainbows this month. We celebrated Earth Day on April 22. The children planted grass in eggs shells and discussed nature, how to care for the Earth, and the best ways to Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle. Other special days during April included Pet Day, when each child was able to bring a favorite stuffed animal to school and a photo of their pet(s) at home. They enjoyed a Sacred Story from Lydia, and a presentation all about the spine from one of our parents (a chiropractor) during “Ss” week. Our parents enjoyed their second quarterly “Coffee and Chat” get together, hosted by room parents. As always, we conducted our monthly safety drills. To read more details of exciting things happening at Dayspring, please visit the Dayspring page, www.dayspringpreschool.org. Click on the “Newsletters” tab for our monthly Newsletters!

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2013 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 NCNC Annual Gathering 2:00 PM Spiritual Formation Group #3 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal

3 NCNC Annual Gathering

4 NCNC Annual Gathering 9:00 AM Stewardship Event

5 Communion Sunday NCNC Annual Gathering 9:30 AM Worship and Godly Play 11:00 AM Second Hour Budget Presentation 11:00 AM Spring Pageant Rehearsal

6 7 1:15 PM Spiritual Formation Group #1

8 7:00 PM Finance Committee

9 Ascension Day 8:30 AM Diaconate Meeting 2:00 PM Spiritual Formation Group #3 6:30 PM Spring Pageant Dress Rehearsal 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal

10 11 9:00 AM Stewardship Event 9:30 AM Spring Pageant Dress Rehearsal 2:00 PM Margaret VanVactor Memorial Service

12 9:30 AM Worship (Children's Spring Pageant) 11:00 AM Commission Meetings

13 14 1:15 PM Spiritual Formation Group #1

15 16 2:00 PM Spiritual Formation Group #3 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal

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19 Ingathering Pentecost Sunday 9:30 AM Worship and Godly Play (Pentecost/Consecration Sunday) 10:30 AM Congregational Meeting 6:00 PM Youth Fellowship

20 7:00 PM PFLAG

21 1:15 PM Spiritual Formation Group #1 7:00 PM Council Meeting

22 10:00 AM Prayer Shawl Ministry

23 Dayspring Parent Spring Event Art Show 2:00 PM Spiritual Formation Group #3 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal

24 Dayspring Parent Spring Event Art Show

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26 Trinity Sunday 9:30 AM Worship and Godly Play 11:00 AM VBC Kick-Off

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28 1:15 PM Spiritual Formation Group #1

29 30 2:00 PM Spiritual Formation Group #3 4:00 PM OLLI Great Discussions 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal

Calendar Notes: There will be a brief Congregational Meeting on May 19 following worship to elect our new slate of officers; Lynda Manstrom will be on vacation May 29