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by Pastor Gen Heywood
So, what are you waiting for? Who are you waiting for? Where are you waiting? What are you doing while you are waiting?
From the Gospel of Luke chapter 1:67-79 we hear the words from the mouth of an older priest and new Dad. At the birth of his son John, the Gospel tells that Zechariah broke forth in song.
Luke 1:67-79
Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy:
‘Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has looked favorably on his people
and redeemed them.
He has raised up a mighty savior for us
in the house of his servant David,
as he spoke through the mouth
of his holy prophets from of old,
that we would be saved from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us.
Thus he has shown the mercy
promised to our ancestors,
and has remembered his holy covenant,
the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham,
to grant us that we,
being rescued from the hands of our enemies,
might serve him without fear,
in holiness and righteousness before him
all our days.
And you, child, will be called
the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
to give knowledge of salvation to his people
by the forgiveness of their sins.
By the tender mercy of our God,
the dawn from on high will break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.’
Like Mary’s song earlier in the chapter, Zechariah’s song declares that things have changed. In the tangible, measurable world, nothing has changed. Still, Zechariah declares that in the arrival of this child, God has redeemed God’s people. It is not something that waits for a cross. It is not something that waits for trumpets and clouds. Right now, everything is - IS - redeemed. No more waiting.
This John, this child, will give knowledge of salvation and the tender mercies of our God will break upon us. He will shine light and lead in the way of peace. Is it no wonder that Jesus came to be a student of John? Could it be that God led Jesus to this amazing John so that Jesus could get clear about the love and mercy and light of God?
During this season of Advent, maybe John calls to us again. If Jesus could heed his message, maybe we need to open ourselves as well. John baptized people as a visible, and physical way to make real the experience of washing away that which keeps a person from a sense of God’s vision and the welcoming of God’s love.
This Advent, prepare the way for the Christ Child to be born anew in your life. Whatever is separating you from God, shame, guilt, hard heartedness, success, failure, whatever it is, let it be washed in the Holy Spirit and transformed that there will be space in your heart and your life for this God who IS with us -- now.
Blessings,
Pastor Gen
Movie Night on November 13:
Our meeting room transformed, popcorn galore and $102 raised for the
Children’s Heifer Project!
“Bake Sale and More”
on November 15:
presented by our Women’s Fellowship
Fun and busy preparations at Sue’s house...
...and a record $441 raised!
THANK YOU!!
Impressions from our Thanksgiving Feast
November 22:
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Join Pastor Gen in prayer
for our church
Tuesday mornings
from 9:00-9:30 am.
Take a few minutes for prayer wherever you are
to seek special guidance for our church.
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Needed:
Sunday School Teachers and Assistants
If you think you could possibly help,
please speak with Pastor Gen!
Also Needed:
Additional Member for our Preschool Board
As we are moving forward towards the sale of our Preschool we could use more thinking caps and helping hands! If you have any questions, please speak to Christel, Markus, or Ina
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Join Us!
INTERGENERATIONAL
DRUMMING CHOIR
Drumming and Children's Choir rehearse each Sunday at 10:10 AM with Worship at 10:30 AM - and we welcome all to join us at 10:10 AM.
Sunnyvale FISH, our Food and Clothes Closet, at this time especially asks for donations of
- peanut butter
- cheerios and
- toilet paper
- or money.
THANK YOU!
COMMUNITY
PRE-SCHOOL NEWS
Important Dates
Nov 26 + 27 Thanksgiving Holiday, School closed
Dec 18 last day for Pre-School classes
Dec 23 last day of Full time classes
Jan 4 2010 all classes resume
Jan 18 Martin Luther King Jr. Day, School closed
The families and staff are very concerned about the seasonal and H1N1 flu. I receive daily information from the Santa Clara health department and pass this information on to the parents. We have installed in every room and the office Purell sanitizers at the entrance of each classroom. All parents and children are requested to sanitize their hands before they enter the classroom. We are also asking all staff to stay home if they have a cold or are running a fever. I have passed out to all the families information about our Illness Policy. We hope these measures will ease the concern that the families and staff have about the flu.
Soon it will be Thanksgiving. The children will make a snack to share with another class. They will have time to talk to their friends and listen to a story about sharing and caring for each other. The children will have an opportunity to contribute canned foods for the Sunnyvale Community Services’ Thanksgiving Food Program.
One day when it was so cold, Theresa , our cook, made lentil soup for the staff, and fixed bread pudding for the children to have for snack. We are very fortunate to have the a kitchen for the teachers to prepare special cooking projects with the children. This part of our program is a major selling point to many
perspective families. Theresa and Karen plan the menu, keeping in mind that the children need
to have protein, carbohydrates and fruits and vegetables. Many of the families are vegetarian, so we offer a vegetarian alternative for these children. These personal touches are what the families value in our program.
The Men’s Shelter will be arriving on December 5th. Judy Hobart and our Handyman will be busy the week before boxing up all of the music books, CD’s and instrument, some will be stored in the Shephard Hall and some will go in the office. Judy will be doing her music in the classrooms. Judy and the teachers have been very understanding about not being able to use Room 2 during the month of December. I am pleased that we have staff that can be flexible and understanding of the church’s mission.
The children in chapel enjoyed listening to the the Christmas Story and seeing the animals in the manger scene. I know that the parents from our school will enjoy seeing their children participate in the Christmas Pageant.
We hope to start preparing our new Parent Brochures come January. I have been assured by the Council that a qualified buyer will be found before time for registration for 2010. We look forward to hearing information about the perspective buyer and how it will impact staff, parents, and the children. I know that the Council will find a buyer that will provide the same winning program and see the value of our talented, dedicated staff.
I will be going on vacation from December 11 to December 30. Linda Medwin will be in charge of the daily operations of the school.
I wish all of you a warm and peaceful Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Barbara Steinmetz
(Director, Community Pre-School)
Men’s Rotating Shelter: Dec. 5 - Jan 2
November 12, 2009
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
It is cold weather again in Sunnyvale/Cupertino area as we are approaching the month of December. This means that the Congregational Community Church of Sunnyvale will be once more hosting the Rotating Shelter as we have done for many years.
I am writing you this letter in the hopes that, besides gaining your understanding about the importance of this mission for our community, you might also help us in this specific ministry.
For those who were at the church on Stewardship Sunday, November 8th, you have heard the message from Tonya Clarke, Program Coordinator of West Valley Community Homeless Services. She brought us her testimony of how we as a church have contributed to the Rotating Shelter program and made difference for many lives. Many brothers and sisters also gave their testimonies of how their participation in the Rotating Shelter program has helped on their faith journey.
The Rotating Shelter program is sponsored and managed by West Valley Community Services and the Faith in Action. Our role as a church in this program is to
1) provide shelter for the time period of December 5, 2009 through January 2, 2010;
2) purchase food for their breakfasts and lunches;
3) provide dinners on those needed days (posted on the bulletin in the Shephard Hall); and
4) greet and welcome our guests each evening.
You can help by being a shopper, who will shop twice a week, funds are provided by our church. Or you can help by providing a dish or a meal on the days needed. Or you can simply show up at 8 p.m. and extend your warm welcome and greetings. Donations, such as shoes, interview clothing, sleeping bags, blankets, toiletries, medical/dental services, haircuts, or monetary donations are welcome.
The 15 men and one night supervisor will be on the church grounds from 8 p.m. to 6:45 a.m. each day of their stay with us. The church facilities impacted during their stay are primarily room 2 and our sanctuary. Their belongings, refrigerator, sleeping gear, etc., are stored in room 2 and they sleep in the sanctuary. They shower at the Cupertino YMCA and use the handicap bathroom next to room 1 for their toilet needs. The sanctuary will be restored to its original condition before the men leave every morning.
This year Barton Wilson and I will be coordinating the program again. So, please contact me at 650-965-2338 or Barton at 408-225-1089 with any further questions you might have, or if any issues or concerns arise during the time period the men are with us.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Mei Wang
About the Charter for Compassion
by Mary Ruth Green
In 2008 Karen Armstrong, the author of about 20 books on the major world religions, received the Canadian TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) Award. She used her prize money to bring together about 15 leaders of different faiths to compose the Charter for Compassion, based on the 'golden rule.' The charter was unveiled November 12, 2009. It challenges each of us to bring forth the best in ourselves and others and to teach this way of action to the generations that follow us.
More information about the charter, Karen Armstrong, and TED can be found at www.charterforcompassion.org.
CHARTER FOR COMPASSION
The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and spiritual traditions, calling us always to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves. Compassion impels us to work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of our fellow creatures, to dethrone ourselves from the centre of our world and put another there, and to honour the inviolable sanctity of every single human being, treating everybody, without exception, with absolute justice, equity and respect.
It is also necessary in both public and private life to refrain consistently and empathically from inflicting pain. To act or speak violently out of spite, chauvinism, or self-interest, to impoverish, exploit or deny basic rights to anybody, and to incite hatred by denigrating others—even our enemies—is a denial of our common humanity. We acknowledge that we have failed to live compassionately and that some have even increased the sum of human misery in the name of religion.
We therefore call upon all men and women
~ to restore compassion to the centre of morality and religion
~ to return to the ancient principle that any interpretation of scripture that breeds violence, hatred or disdain is illegitimate
~ to ensure that youth are given accurate and respectful information about other traditions, religions and cultures
~ to encourage a positive appreciation of cultural and religious diversity
~ to cultivate an informed empathy with the suffering of all human beings—even those regarded as enemies.
We urgently need to make compassion a clear, luminous and dynamic force in our polarized world. Rooted in a principled determination to transcend selfishness, compassion can break down political, dogmatic, ideological and religious boundaries. Born of our deep interdependence, compassion is essential to human relationships and to a fulfilled humanity. It is the path to enlightenment, and indispensible to the creation of a just economy and a peaceful global community.
Recipe Corner
This Month:
From Sue and Barton’s Kitchen
- Hearty Meat Pie -
Serves 6
Shopping List:
1 1/4 lb Ground Beef
1/3 cup Onion - finely chopped
1/4 cup Green Bell Pepper - finely chopped
8 oz can Tomato Sauce
1/4 tsp Cumin - whole seed
1/4 tsp Garlic Salt
1/2 tsp Salt
1 can Crescent Rolls
2 cups Cheddar Cheese - grated
1 Egg - lightly beaten
Paprika
Cooking Directions:
Brown Ground Beef then drain off juice.
Add to Beef:
Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Tomato Sauce, Cumin, Garlic Salt, Salt
Simmer for 20 Minutes.
Make pie crust from Crescent Rolls.
Mix 1 cup Cheese and lightly beaten Egg, spread over crust.
Add meat mixture.
Top with remaining Cheese.
Sprinkle with Paprika
Bake at 375∞C for 20-25 minutes.
Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
- Taco Soup -
1 batch, 4-6 servings
Shopping List:
Ground beef 1 pound
Onion 1 small, diced
Green Chili Peppers diced
1 small can Taco Mix, dry, 1 envelope
Original Ranch Dressing, dry, 1 envelope
Stewed Tomatoes chopped 3 cans
Pinto Beans 1 can
Kidney Beans 1 can
Hominey (corn) 1 can
Grated Cheese
Fritos
Cooking Directions:
Brown ground beef, add and brown onion, drain fat if excessive.
Mix in envelope ingredients. Mix in canned ingredients, do not drain first, include all liquid.
Add up to 1.5 cups water gradually.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer 30 minutes.
Serving Directions:
Ladle to bowls. Top with Fritos and grated cheese.
And from Mei’s Kitchen
- Split Pea Soup -
Serves 8
Ingredients:
1 meaty ham hock
2 quarts water
1 1/2 cups dry split peas
3/4 cup diced carrots
1 1/2 cups diced celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon thyme
1/4 teaspoon pepper
salt and more pepper, to taste
Cooking Directions:
Cover the ham hock with 2 quarts cold water.
Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 1 hour.
Take the bone from the pot, remove all meat from the bone, and cut the meat into small pieces. Return meat to the pot.
Add dry split peas, carrots, celery, onion, bay leaf, thyme, and pepper to the pot. Cover and simmer 45 minutes, or until the peas are tender. Longer cooking will give a creamier texture. (Remove bay leaf before serving)
Add salt and pepper, to taste
 Looking Ahead
- Please Mark Your Calendars!
OUR WORSHIP SERVICES
DURING
ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS SEASON
December 6 - Second Sunday of Advent
Peace - Luke 3:1-6
December 13 - Third Sunday of Advent
Joy - Christmas Play
December 20 - Fourth Sunday of Advent
Love - Choir and Hymn Sing Sunday
 THURSDAY, December 24,
Christmas Eve
7 PM: Candle Light Service
for all Generations
Followed by Cookie Potluck - Warm Apple Cider and Hot Chocolate Provided!
(Please call the office if you would like a ride!)
January 3: Epiphany
Morning Worship at 10:30 am
The Magi brought gifts for Baby Jesus -
so do we!
Please bring to church diapers, blankets, nonperishable food, and baby and kids items to benefit children through FISH.
And then, afterwards, it is time to undecorate the sanctuary...!
UCC Women’s Network & the Disciples women
present
Winter Spiritual Retreat
January 29–31,
Friday through Sunday
(Saturday only is available)
For more information, please check NCNCWOMENSNETWORK.ORG
From time to time each of us needs to retreat from the noise, worry and rush of daily life, free ourselves from our everyday problems and get in touch with our deeper self. Especially during the end or beginning of the year, we need to reflect and gain insight and perspective on our lives as an individual and as a community.
So, this year, give yourself a different type of gift. Come to join women from our NCNC and Disciples of Christ, and spend a weekend at the beautiful setting at Mercy Center in Burlingame. Come, feed your soul with living water, nurture your spirit, and have fun, too.
Please mark on your calendar: Saturday, Feb. 27th, 2010
is our 1st time ever
Church Whale Watch Day!! Prepare for listening to Jonah’s story – a thrilling tale for all ages
and for all times!!
Communicator Deadline
Deadline for the February 2010 edition of our Communicator is Tuesday, January 26, 2010.
We accept submissions of texts, photos & graphics at our office, 1112 S. Bernardo Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94087 or via e-mail (conglchurch@earthlink.net).
Office Hours: Tuesdays - Fridays 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Gabriel’s Trumpet
10:30 AM for Sunday Worship Service and Sunday School
Children’s Sunday School begins after “Children’s Time” with the Pastor
11:30 AM – Fellowship (approximate time)
Chapel for Preschoolers Wednesday mornings 10:00 - 10:30 AM. Come join us!
December 2009 &
January 2010
Calendar
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Worship & Fellowship
Every Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
(nursery & childcare provided)
Adult Bible Study, Wednesdays at 6:30 PM
Choir Rehearsal, Wednesdays at 7:45 PM and Sundays at 9:30 AM
Children’s Choir and Drum Choir, Sundays at 10:10 AM
Sunday, November 29
First Sunday of Advent
Saturday, December 5
Move-In of Rotating Shelter
Sunday, December 6
Second Sunday of Advent
Sunday, December 13
Third Sunday of Advent - Christmas Play
Sunday, December 20
Fourth Sunday of Advent -
Choir & Hymn Sing Sunday
Thursday, December 10, 4:00 PM
Finance & Personnel Board Meeting
Wednesday, December 16, 11 AM
Women’s Fellowship Christmas Luncheon
(Meet at church and carpool to restaurant)
Thursday, December 17, 5 PM
PreSchool Board Meeting
Christmas Eve,
Thursday, December 24, 7 PM
Candlelight Service for all Generations
Sunday, January 3
Epiphany - Baby Shower for Baby Jesus
Wednesday, January 20, 11 AM
Women’s Fellowship Salad Luncheon
(Meet at church and carpool to Sue’s house)
All other meetings for December and January: tbd
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