The Nugget

First Congregational Church of Murphys

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

THE Nugget

NOVEMBER 2018 Volume 16 Issue 11

Ordinary time continues until Dec. 2nd, and the color is green.

Celebrating Our Stewardship

Come on Sunday, November 4th, ready to celebrate

in worship and fellowship

Bring a salad, your pledge card

and a commitment to celebrate and share in this

time together!

Advent Workshop

At Family Night, Tuesday, December 4th at 5:30 pm

Come for family fun, a potluck meal, crafts, fun,

and worship

to celebrate the beginning of Advent.

2

We Worship Together

Dearly beloved, what a great time to celebrate Chelsea and Marcus! I am using my pastor’s space

to call our attention to the journey that Chelsea is on and also call attention to our own ministry.

While Chelsea continues to do the hard work of preparation for pastoring and parish ministry

leadership, I have learned from her that ministry is about each of us!

Even before she decided to answer God’s call to

pastoring, she and Marcus were already living out God’s

call to service. They have had a plethora of experiences

where they have shared mercy and grace with others –

from the Catholic Worker’s Farm to many events for

justice. Chelsea carefully listens and touches us through

her gentle personality. Marcus is inspirational in his

untiring work for many in our society.

You too are called! At this time of year, when we turn in our monetary pledges for 2019, I invite you to look at your whole life. “Being” a disciple of Christ is just that! – Being, not necessarily “giving” or “doing!” In the UCC we are great doers and we often jump on the band wagon of the latest cause; nothing wrong in that, unless it leaves us bereft of the abundant spirit of Jesus that allows us to love, forgive, listen, worship and pray. Your presence on Sundays encourages me and strengthens my resolve to serve Jesus even more fully. The Healing Meditation classes where we listen for God invigorates and renews us, all while sitting still and being quiet! As you get ready to pledge, yes indeed, give as much monetarily as you are able, but also remember that each day, your life is the gift, to God, to me, to others.

Revel in that knowledge and be grateful, as I am dancing in the Holy Spirit because you bless me,

Pastor Bonnie

Ring the Bell for Peace

Gather with us in the sanctuary

to pray for peace.

Tuesday noon, November 6th

Healing Meditation Continues…

...every Thursday at 3:30 pm

in the Eastman building.

The Nugget 3

Treasurer’s Report - September, 2018 Income - September $ 9,853.00

Year to Date $ 178,196.31

Expenses – September $ 21,285.40

Year to Date $ 160,570.29

Fundraising - Year to Date $ 9,930.52

Checking Acct Balance $ 15,885.68

Liabilities $ 1,956.93

Restricted Fund Balance $ 11,896.67

Total Endowment Funds $ 329,131.21

TOTAL ASSETS - LIABILITIES $ 345,016.89

If any of the team or committee chairs have not yet submitted your budget worksheet,

please call me if you need any help. These were due in by 10/21/18.

Thank you, Patty Haskell, Treasurer

Vice Moderator’s Musings - Introducing Aly Bradley

Aly is a senior at Bret Harte High School and has replaced Emma Olivas, whose last day as our childcare employee was August 30. Aly lives in Murphys near the Red Apple with her grandparents. She is still getting to know us and the children but is as happy to be working here as we are to have her. She has been trained in CPR, has a food handler’s license and completed a course in advanced childcare training. One of her school electives is as a teacher’s aide at Mark Twain Elementary School in the KinderCare program.

Aly was born in Modesto but grew up in a small farming town in Yolo County. She spent lots of time at her aunt’s cabin in Arnold and was on the Bear Valley Devo Ski Team. She has been a ski instructor at Bear Valley and hopes to be again this winter on Saturdays and after church on Sundays. She spent her freshman year of high school in Japan and is grateful for that amazing experience. It is not surprising that she loves everything sushi.

With eight younger cousins, Aly has seen first hand that people can have the most lasting impact when interacting with young children and that is why she intends to pursue early childhood development courses when she graduates from Bret Harte.

Please give Aly a warm First Congregational UCC welcome whenever you see her.

Mandy DeSmidt, Vice Moderator

From Mara Rosenhart’s Facebook Page after the Fire, 10/28

“Please share this morning that we and our animals are all physically fine. The emotional sadness is beginning to flood in for me. We have our RV now to live in. On the land, making decisions as to our next step. Have the items we need right now to amazing generosity. We thank everyone who has been so generous in prayer and donations. We will be ok.”

If you wish to help her with what she may need either in the immediate or longer term future, please see her Facebook page or call her.

4

We Build Sacred Community

Here it is November already. Before we know it, Advent will be here. Advent is assuredly

my most favorite church season, starting right with the hymns: Page 1, in the Episcopal Hymnal,

or #122, in the New Century Hymnal:

“Come thou long expected Jesus, Born to set thy people free; From our fears and sins release us,

Let us find our rest in thee.”

Every year when I arrive at the beginning of Advent, I REALLY need it. We are told Advent is

intended to be a time of prayer, of anticipation, and of hope. This year, once again, I need it all.

Big Time. And from past experience, I KNOW that Jesus will hold up his end of the bargain. I

know that if I can focus on the expectation of his coming, I will find the hope I need. Then I have

time to think about my own preparation. This year, what gift will I bring?

Yes, these thoughts are being brought to you by your Stewardship

Team. At this point you may well have already filled out your pledge

card. You may have even turned it in, but no, it isn’t all over for the

year. Come Christmas, we will all have the figurative opportunity to

show up at the manger with our gifts for the Christ child. It doesn’t

matter whether we show up as a wise man or a drummer boy. The

baby Jesus will greet each gift with delight and Jesus is not the one

who has to decide. We get to decide. We get to look at all of our own

life and ask, “What gift is worthy for the child who turns my despair into hope once again? May

you each have a blessed Advent. Alan

MEN’S FELLOWSHIP CONTINUES…

...every 2nd

and 4th

Thursday at 8 am over breakfast, in the

Eastman building. Come on down and join this friendly,

fun and stimulating group!

W h a t ’ s N e w w i t h S m a l l G r o u p s ? ? ? We’ve left the Book of James to begin with another look at the rewards and joys of discipleship. We’ll be studying Christian teachings on community, stewardship and our care of the earth. There is a lesson guide but never “homework” and discussions take a form unique to each group. Some share meals, others have coffee and a snack together. There are openings in meetings at various times of day, morning, afternoon and early evening. Currently there are 42 people participating in the regular groups and an additional 12 — 20 in the two groups associated with the family night program on the 3rd Tuesday of each month..

Come join this rewarding time of fellowship, once a month. It’s a time to visit, share and perhaps ask hard questions. You may contact Faye Morrison at 890-7466, or Marilyn Baisel at 729-8098.

The Nugget 5

Please join the Anderson, Jackson and Chesnut

families in

the Celebration of Life for their mother,

Melva Anderson.

Saturday, November 3, 2018, 3:00 pm

Reception to follow in the Social Hall

Thanksgiving Dinner Is Coming

On Thursday, November 22, time to be announced, a Thanksgiving

Dinner for members and friends will take place in the FCCM Social

Hall, just like last year, where a good time truly was had by all. This

year’s event is sponsored by the Outreach & Social Justice and

Membership & Calling Teams, and leading the effort again this year

are gracious hosts, Celine and Bobby Breen. Of course, help is

needed in all areas to make the event a success: set-up, food items

and clean-up. Please see the sign-up in the Social Hall. Questions?

Call Celine at (209) 206-5257.

6

We Study and Grow Together

THE NEW AMERICANS IMMIGRATION SERIES IS FINISHED!!

In the beginning, all the participants were very honest about how little we

knew about the history of, or requirements for, immigration in our own

country. By the final session we had learned so much about our own

families’ immigration journeys, as well as the motivation, determination and

courage of the immigrants in the films we viewed , as well as what it takes to

become a US citizen. The two women who sat on our panel, Gity from Iran

and Ilona from Canada, put a face on the stories with their gracious

explanations and answers to our many questions.

From the beginning, two of our goals were: 1) To fulfill the mission statement

of the Outreach & Social Justice Team by “welcoming the stranger in our midst”, and 2) to share

some of what we learned with the wider FCCM congregation.

In our final session, each participant shared how their awareness, attitudes and behaviors had been

altered by this important series. This article is the first of several allowing us to share our

experience and knowledge with each of you. As a start, the graphic below illustrates how

immigrants contribute significantly to the California economy. Carolyn Anctil and I, Wendy Black,

were truly blessed, individually and within the group while facilitating this series!

Quilters - 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 9:00 am in Eastman

Bring your current project or ideas for a new one. If you have a project needing to be pinned or basted, we can set up the big tables and make quick work of it together. Come and check our ever growing fabric stash or make arrangements with Paula to see what we have stashed in her garage. Do join us on Wednesdays!

The Nugget 7

Knitters & Hookers

Meet at Liz Tussey’s house

on Thursday, November 8th,

11:30 to 1:30. Bring a sack lunch if you wish.

Chelsea’s Ecclesiastical Council , October 27

Chelsea and her Discernment Committee pray together:

left to right, Pastor Bonnie, Barbara Olivier, Dodi Horvath,

Pat LaMont, Alan Horvath

Rev. Carol Barriger of the Northern California Nevada

Conference congratulates Chelsea when the votes are in!

Now Chelsea will await a call to her new church, at which

time she will be ordained.

Pastor Bonnie celebrates Chelsea’s

accomplishments as she has completed her studies

and internship with devotion and persistence.

8

We Reach Out to the Community and Beyond

A Thank You from Sierra Hope

Does FCCM have an impact in the community? Read this recently received note from Sierra Hope: “We at Sierra Hope appreciate your support at our Aids Walk. We sincerely appreciate all you do to support us. From all of us at Sierra Hope.” (emphasis added by them)

The FCCM Outreach & Social Justice Team each year budgets funds for FCCM to be a sponsor of the Walk, and church members both make and serve sandwiches during the Walk every year. Good job, everyone!

Church World Service (CWS) and CROP Walk

Now that our 2018 CROP Walk is finished and successful(!!) here

are some things that happen throughout the year that CWS and the

funds from CROP Walks everywhere help people with tragedies.

For families hit hardest by Hurricanes Florence and Michael, CWS

was able to provide over $2 million in relief efforts. For our

neighbors in Indonesia who

were hit by the deadly

combination of an earthquake and resulting tsunami, CWS

is providing clean water, supplies and shelter to survivors.

When a powerful earthquake hits Haiti CWS helps families

build new, sturdy homes that will withstand future storms,

and quakes.

FREE CONCERT

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Most of us know Sammy Leverone as part of the wonderful

Magnolia Rhythm Trio, but not as many have experienced the

delight of this “flip side” to her and her combo, Almost Blue”.

Drawing from the music genre currently called The Great

American Songbook, the group performs the soft rhythms of

classic jazzy, swinging tunes that have survived the test of

time. They particularly enjoy performing in the sanctuary due

to the outstanding acoustics that FCCM’s old walls provide.

Come and enjoy a mellow afternoon, free, compliments of

Almost Blue! All age groups are welcome.

The Nugget 9

Taizé

~ A service of quiet, prayers, meditation and song ~

Come join us Wednesday, November 7th at 7 PM

~ A time to refresh mind and spirit ~

The Lord is my song, The Lord is my praise:

All my hope comes from God.

CHESS!

Second & fourth Mondays, 6:00—8:00 pm in the FCCM Social Hall

Please call either Alan Horvath or Bobby Breen if you do plan to attend.

Women’s Fellowship

At our last meeting, Todd Peterson, left, president of the Habitat for Humanity Board, provided us with many statistics on the plight of the homeless in our area, including the fact that 27% cannot afford the average rent in our county. He told us how Habitat gives a “hand-up”, not a “hand out.” Chosen participants must join volunteers in adding their own “sweat equity” to build their new home and repay a modest mortgage to Habitat for ownership of their home. Many residents live on a narrow margin and Habitat can assist them to become residents and home owners. Habitat has

have ambitious plans for the future as building sites may become available.

Join us on Thursday November 1st for lunch at Columbia Kate’s. It’s a special

lunch to honor Vee Domazlicky, our office Administrative Assistant, tireless resource and friend. We will meet in the church parking lot at 10:00 am and car-pool to Columbia.

Women’s Fellowship Invites You…

Come and join in a lovely, free luncheon on Thursday, December 6th, at 12:00 pm in the FCCM

Social Hall. This invitation is Women’s Fellowship’s Christmas gift to the church, to all members

and friends — yes, gentlemen, you are very welcome to this event!

So that they know how many plates to prepare, WF asks that anyone who would not usually

attend a Women’s Fellowship event to please sign up for the luncheon in the Social Hall. Look

for the sign up sheet decorated with poinsettias. It promises to be a delicious and enjoyable day!

10

Prayers Answered

The scriptures tell us: “Do not worry about

anything, but in everything by prayer and

supplication with thanksgiving, let your

requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6

Recently we have witnessed the stories of how God

has answered our prayers!

God hears our cries and answers them. Let us pray daily for the following members or friends of our

community in your prayers:

Marleen Breen, Bobby Breen’s mother

Carol Burton

Connie Cameron, Christine Mongsene’s mother

Diane Campana and Family

Susan Chadwick

Jara and Max Clark

Susana Crow and Sadie

Andy Glessman

Tara Glessman

Patti Hennessee

Teddie Jackson & Tami Chesnut & Families

The Family of Jane Lang

Hilary Oldenkamp and Family

Family of Mary Shanley

Shirley & Fred Soderer

Margaret White and Family

Gail Withuhn

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

Margaret White 1

Olivia Friend 2

William Rosenhart 8

Sanders LaMont 9

George Glessman 11

Vienna Watkins Colodzin 12

Hiro Phillips 14

Sharon Grassmyer 17

Evelyn Betts 21

Joe Silva 23

Shannon Ryan 30

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First Congregational United Church of Christ, Murphys

Staff

Pastor Rev. Dr. Bonnie Hollinger

Music Director Dr. Daryl Hollinger

Administrative Assistant Vee Domazlicky

Custodian George Glessman

Officers Moderator Barbara Olivier-Leigh

Vice Moderator Mandy DeSmidt

Clerk Joe Silva

Treasurer Patty Haskell

Financial Secretary Shad Sundberg

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, MURPHYS MISSION STATEMENT

We believe that all people are beloved by God and we strive to serve as a welcoming and nurturing church

community to discern the Bible with insight for today and to live out Christ’s teachings.

The Nugget Committee invites you to submit articles of interest and wishes to stress that the deadline

is always the 3rd Monday of each month. The Committee reserves the right

to edit submissions for length and content.

www.ucc.org

THE NUGGET

First Congregational Church of Murphys

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

PO Box 48

509 N. Algiers Street

Murphys, CA 95247

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

DATED MATERIAL— DO NOT DELAY

NOVEMBER 2018

Phone: 209.728.3141

Email: nugget@fccmurph.org

Webpage: www.fccmurph.org