The
Communicator
July 2008
PASTOR’S
PAGE
Sometimes the mixed metaphors/similes of the Bible are
frightening. Matthew 9:35-37 was read
recently in church. It says that when
Jesus saw the crowds they were like sheep without a shepherd. “Then he said to his disciples, ‘the harvest
is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest
to send out laborers into his harvest.’ ”
How do you harvest sheep?
Shearing and butchering are what come to mind. Unfortunately that is what a lot of people
think the church is trying to do in this world; that is take the sheep (people)
for all they are worth. Shouldn’t we be
praying for good shepherds to lead and care for the sheep?
This makes me think about the upcoming elections. Shouldn’t we be praying for good shepherds to
lead and care for the people? My
particular political prejudices can blind me to the faults of “my candidate”
and make the opponent’s very clear. But the media send out (or are hired to
send out in ads) such weird mixed messages, spun messages, and lies that it can
be really hard to judge any candidates. Do we judge them on personal issues,
local issues, national issues, or world issues?
Do we have anything better than a guess as to what they will do once
elected?
So we should think, read, tune out all the ads, listen to
the speeches for ourselves, discuss the pros and cons, and pray. That is, not pray we don’t get fooled again
(apologies to fans of the Who), but that our elected and appointed shepherds
actually care about the people.
Then
do what Matthew really wanted. Get to
work spreading hope. ~ Rolf ~
Environmental Wholeness
Helpful tips for keeping
grease out of the sewer system:
·
Don’t pour or
rinse down any fats, oils or grease in your sink.
·
Wipe pans with
small amounts of leftover cooking oil with a paper towel and throw in the trash
or green cart.
·
You can dispose
of small amounts of oil in a compost able container like a milk carton or ice
cream tub. Freeze it and put in your
green bin for collection.
Maximizing housing resources and eliminating waste is another way of practicing
environmental wholeness. HIP Housing’s provides a way to do that.
(Reprint) Do you have an extra room to rent out? HIP Housing, a non-profit organization with
36 years of housing experience, is reaching out to the community to promote its
home sharing program. In tough economic
times with rising housing, utility, gas and other expenses, home sharing helps
to reduce costs and enables persons to save money. Two types of arrangements are facilitated:
straight rent exchange and service exchange which involves helping with cooking
cleaning, companionship and other basic services in lieu of or for reduced
rent. All clients are interviewed by our
experienced staff and clients are able to interview each other and make their
own decision about selecting housemates.
Resources on how to interview clients, Living Together Agreements,
follow-up support and mediation are also available through this service. And, the home sharing program is free to
For more information contact: Laura Fanucchi, Director of Programs at
(650) 348-6660 x303. lfanucchi@hiphousing.org
Council and Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
May 9, 2008
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Neighbor/In-House News
Pastor Rolf Hansen’s first
born, Jacob Hansen graduated from
U.C. Davis,
Julie Kimura
is comfortably settled in her new Hawaiian home with Grandpa Saito and her Aunt
Kathleen. We hope she misses us as we
and her parents miss her greatly.
During Rolf’s summer leave,
we will have the pleasure of the pulpit
services of Harold Rucker
(7/6), David Sandberg (7/13), Barry Willbanks (7/20) and David Borglum (7/27). Rev.
Michael Hollingshead from
We want to thank Chalice Christian Church for involving
us in their Interfaith Hospital Network old towels collection 6/22. Although there was not enough time for UCCSC
to be participate more fully, we look forward to the next opportunity for joint
ministry.
We want to thank Ms. Michiko
Ibuka, a member of Recalling Spirits
for her donation of four chairs (two with arms, YES!) which happen to match
well with our existing furniture in the Parlor.
Two of the chairs were perfect for what Pastor Hansen needed in his
office.
Throughout this year, the Junior Matrons have been holding Bunko
parties here in our Parlor or OHLC once a month. People have said that this game is a lot of
fun. Bunko anyone? For information ask Shirley Kershner 650-591-5971
or Linda Westerhouse (Publicity Chairperson) 650-593-4918. We also want to thank them for their recent
generous donation.
On Oct. 18, a group called Country Quicksteppers will be using
Mahany Hall for a line dancing event.
Dancing is good exercise and fun.
If you are curious and possibly want to attend, contact Anni Wunderlich
at 594-4897.
Deacons Fund
Under the
supervision of the Deacons and our minister, we maintain a fund that is to be
used for members of the church and people in the community when they have
financial emergencies. This fund is
supported by the members of the congregation.
Traditionally a basket is made available in the sanctuary the first
Sunday of each month to receive these funds.
Checks should be made out to “Deacon Fund of
We received a letter from Second Harvest Food Bank dated May 2008
thanking us “for our last gift of $408.00 which provided enough food for 816
children………We feed the programs that feed the people: Samaritan House, Shelter
Network, Boys and Girls Club, Ecumenical Hunger Program, and St. Anthony’s
Dining Room.” The letter is also an
invitation to make a follow-up donation.
(See page 9.)
The following is an email
concerning the Spring 2008 Tornadoes and floods sent to Rolf from National
Disaster Ministries. The links are not
live.
Spring 2008 Tornadoes and Floods
In the
wake of devastating flooding and a record number of tornados striking
mid-America this spring, the United Church of Christ has issued a $200,000
emergency appeal (make a secure online donation here) and a call for volunteers (click here for volunteer opportunities) to assist with immediate relief and
long-term recovery.
Communities across
Florence Coppola, executive for UCC
National Disaster Ministries remains in constant contact with Conference Staff
and Disaster Coordinators in the effected areas. Steve Grey,
Indiana/Kentucky Conference Minister, reports that elder church members believe
this years' wide-spread flooding is worse than the historic floods of
1913. Gayle Strickler, UCC Iowa Conference Disaster Coordinator, reports
that many farm families have lost their homes and livelihoods as crops have
been decimated by the wind and flood waters. One Great Hour of Sharing
solidarity grants are now being shared with Conferences and local UCC
congregations to support immediate relief efforts.
Prices for materials to repair damaged
homes and seed and fertilizer to replant crops are increasing steadily.
The UCC has pledged our support to assist in long-term recovery efforts.
Will you please give generously? Donate Now
Volunteer clean up and rebuilding crews
are being recruited (click here for volunteer opportunities). We will continue to update
opportunities for service on the UCC website.
Our heartfelt prayers, service and
generous contributions are needed now to assist our sisters and brothers in
mid-America. Can we count on you? Donate Now
The Rev. Cally
Rogers-Witte Executive Minister, UCC
Wider Church Ministries
Women’s Fellowship is off for the summer and will resume in September.
July Readers Ushers
7/6 Susan Roberts 7/6 John & Siv Nickerson
Beatrice Halaby
7/13 Bev Oldfield 7/13 Larry,Gareth,Abigail Wang
7/20 Robin Hansen 7/20 Bob Black Jeanette Callis
7/27 Beatrice Halaby 7/27 Bill & Dolores Malmborg
Dorothy Day
Fellowship Hour Host – July –Christian Ed
Floral volunteers: Patty Van Der Schoor, Bev Oldfield, Jo Kimura, Dorothy Day
Sunday School Teachers – Olga Hannel and Barbara Fischer
Office Asst. – Alyce
Bishop
Thank you all!
The Deacons would like to wish a Happy Birthday to members and friends
who were born in July. Larkspur is the
flower of the month and Ruby is the birthstone.
Bev Tanner
Alyce Bishop
John Zanardi
Patty Van der Schoor
Dorothy Van Buskirk
Diane Strode
Please contact Bev Oldfield in the Parlor on Sundays
or on her voice mail at 650-340-0202 with your birthday month and day (never
mind the year!) if you think your birthday isn’t on the list.
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