ACC is offering a 6-week series to reflect more deeply on Richard Rohr's book, The Tears of Things each Wednesday, 6:30-7:30 PM on Zoom from Wednesday, September 24th through Wednesday, October 29th. 

Aaron Bolerjack will provide a contemplative reading or prayer at the beginning of each session to center the group. The Reader's Guide created by Rohr's Center for Action and Contemplation will provide the structure for the series, and Rachel Sing and Susan Frances will facilitate. Folks will be told the relevant chapters of Rohr's book to review (optional) for each week, along with the relevant segment of the Reader's Guide. 

Folks are encouraged to attend weekly, but travel, family obligations, etc. can arise and weekly attendance is not requisite. We hope that you will be able to join us! The Zoom link will go out in the weekly ACC Links email. 

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86990478956?pwd=kJ3QlM6OehBo6E7v2697BrlalDx93m.1

Meeting ID: 869 9047 8956

Passcode: 165366

One way of keeping our congregation strong is by staying connected. You are invited to join us every Tuesday morning from 11:00 – Noon for an hour of checking in, sharing, listening and prayer. No experience necessary. Come as you are.

Discussion Topic:
"In one of his last writings, Martin Luther King Jr used the metaphor of a "World House" to describe our global connections. He wrote, “This is the great new problem of mankind. We have inherited a large house, a great ‘world house’ in which we have to live together — Black and white, easterner and westerner, gentile and Jew, Catholic and Protestant, Muslim and Hindu — a family unduly separated in ideas, culture and interest, who, because we can never again live apart, must learn somehow to live with each other in peace.” Exploring this metaphor, how connected do you feel to other members of the "world house," and what kind of role do you play in the household? What are some changes we could make to help the household function more peacefully?"


Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89247387537?pwd=ks6ngwCn6V4eLax4onWBiBWJ7GcEMQ.1

Meeting ID: 816 6234 5620

Password: NONE

ACC CHOIR

The ACC Choir rehearses Mondays from 6:00pm - 7:00pm in the Sanctuary.

BELL CHOIR

The ACC Bell Choir rehearses from 7:15pm - 8:00pm in the Sanctuary.

Interested in joining our choir? Contact our Music Director, Jeffrey Frederic Paul, to learn more!

On October 5, at 4 p.m., talented local musicians and church choirs will present music in a variety of styles in an afternoon concert at Arlington Community Church. Admission is free; we are asking for donations to benefit the Black Wealth Builders Fund. This fund provides down payment assistance to first-time Black homebuyers in the form of zero-interest loans to be paid back when the property is refinanced or sold. The fund began in 2021 at Arlington Community Church, and has thrived with the support of many other local churches, East Bay Realtors Association, and generous individuals. The fund has made 46 loans, and there is a waiting list of applicants.

 The Black Wealth Builders Fund is a way to help make long-lasting systemic change in the way Black communities can build real wealth and pass it along to their heirs. Come and enjoy great music, greet your neighbors, and support this effort.

Preview The Concert Program by Clicking HERE!
Begin The Live-Stream by Clicking HERE!

 We hope to see you on Sunday, October 5, at 4:00 p.m. There will be refreshments after the concert.  Arlington Community Church, 52 Arlington Avenue, Kensington

Featuring:

Vocalists: Martin Bell, Rita Lily, Mae Mars, Susan Russell, Pastor Jen Chapman, Leslie Ogar, Shakema Snow, Jonathan Leavy, Joe Pratt, Elena Caruthers , Anthony Knight, and Rev. Russell Baker.

Pianists: Jeffrey Frederic Paul, Tim Murphy,  Frederick Hodges, and Brian Young.

Violin: Bertrand Tuan

Saxaphone: Gavin Halloran

Banjo: Rev. Russell Baker

Guitar: Anthony Knight
and other special guest artists!

The Epworth United Methodist Church Choir!

The Arlington Community Church Choir!

Directed by Scott Jespersen and Jeffrey Frederic Paul 

Plus members and soloists from St. Columba Roman Catholic Church Choir, Skyline United Church of Christ & First Congregational Church Berkeley & Alameda Choirs! 

Free Concert!

Donation Only!

Learn More: arlingtoncommunitychurchucc.org/bwb

On this World Communion Sunday we'll celebrate our unity with Christians all over the world and look to our ancestors in the faith for encouragement as we navigate challenges both global and domestic. We'll cry out, "how long?" with the prophet Habukkuk, hear the Psalmist's reminder not to fret, and consider Paul's encouragement to Timothy to "rekindle the gift of God" within him.

Rev. Jen Chapman will lead the service and Faith Abel will serve as liturgist. We'll enjoy special music this week from Russell Baker, Tim K. Murphy, and our choir, directed by Jeffrey Frederick Paul. 

Childcare will be available during the service for children ages 2 and up.

Click HERE To Preview This Week’s Bulletin!
Click HERE To Begin Live-Stream Worship!

If you are unable to attend today's in-person service, simply visit our YouTube channel and look for the Live Stream video link at the top of our page..

Starting promptly at 10 am you'll see the top video as a Live-Stream. Click on the video and you will be able to enjoy the service as it is happening live at ACC! You may need to refresh the page a few times before the live video becomes active.

Visitors, please check in with us at:

https://www.arlingtoncommunitychurchucc.org/virtual-visitor

Online giving is easy at:

https://www.arlingtoncommunitychurchucc.org/online-giving

ACC is offering a 6-week series to reflect more deeply on Richard Rohr's book, The Tears of Things each Wednesday, 6:30-7:30 PM on Zoom from Wednesday, September 24th through Wednesday, October 29th. 

Aaron Bolerjack will provide a contemplative reading or prayer at the beginning of each session to center the group. The Reader's Guide created by Rohr's Center for Action and Contemplation will provide the structure for the series, and Rachel Sing and Susan Frances will facilitate. Folks will be told the relevant chapters of Rohr's book to review (optional) for each week, along with the relevant segment of the Reader's Guide. 

Folks are encouraged to attend weekly, but travel, family obligations, etc. can arise and weekly attendance is not requisite. We hope that you will be able to join us! The Zoom link will go out in the weekly ACC Links email. 

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86990478956?pwd=kJ3QlM6OehBo6E7v2697BrlalDx93m.1

Meeting ID: 869 9047 8956

Passcode: 165366

How many hearts does an octopus have? In golf, what name is given to a score of three under par on a single hole? What is the only food that never spoils? What movie features the song “My Heart Will Go On?”

We have questions; do you have answers? Bring your best team (3-5 people recommended) to Tuesday Trivia Night or join a team when you arrive. Our host John Chapman will keep the evening lively and fun. Adults, teens, and older children are welcome. There will be pizza, beverages, snacks, and prizes.

One way of keeping our congregation strong is by staying connected. You are invited to join us every Tuesday morning from 11:00 – Noon for an hour of checking in, sharing, listening and prayer. No experience necessary. Come as you are.

Discussion Topic:
"TBA…”


Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89247387537?pwd=ks6ngwCn6V4eLax4onWBiBWJ7GcEMQ.1

Meeting ID: 816 6234 5620

Password: NONE

ACC CHOIR

The ACC Choir rehearses Mondays from 6:00pm - 7:00pm in the Sanctuary.

BELL CHOIR

The ACC Bell Choir rehearses from 7:15pm - 8:00pm in the Sanctuary.

Interested in joining our choir? Contact our Music Director, Jeffrey Frederic Paul, to learn more!

This Sunday we'll close out the Season of Creation and begin the Blessing of the Animals with a pet-friendly "chapel service," in Social Hall, thanking God for the creatures of the earth and observing American Indian Ministry Sunday. The service, led by Rev. Jen Chapman will be short (30 minutes), followed by a time of fellowship as we welcome people and pets from our wider community. The actual "Blessing" will take place at 11am, when we gather outside on the patio to share about our beloved pets. The event will conclude around 11:30am. 

*Even if you don't have a pet of your own, this is a wonderful opportunity to connect with our wider community! All ACC members should think of themselves as hosts, welcoming our guests warmly and helping them feel at home!

Click HERE To Preview This Week's Bulletin!
Click HERE To Begin Live-Stream Worship!

If you are unable to attend today's in-person service, simply visit our YouTube channel and look for the Live Stream video link at the top of our page..

Starting promptly at 10 am you'll see the top video as a Live-Stream. Click on the video and you will be able to enjoy the service as it is happening live at ACC! You may need to refresh the page a few times before the live video becomes active.

Visitors, please check in with us at:

https://www.arlingtoncommunitychurchucc.org/virtual-visitor

Online giving is easy at:

https://www.arlingtoncommunitychurchucc.org/online-giving

Join us for a screening of Dances with Wolves, the Academy Award–winning epic directed by and starring Kevin Costner. The film follows Union Army lieutenant John Dunbar, who is assigned to a remote frontier outpost and gradually forms a deep bond with the Lakota Sioux people, ultimately questioning his own identity and loyalties. Celebrated for its sweeping cinematography and respectful portrayal of Native American culture, the film remains a landmark in cinematic history and a turning point for Westerns.

Please plan to arrive at about 1:30 to allow time to grab your popcorn and settle in before we start the film at 1:45, and, if your schedule allows, linger for a few minutes after to discuss the film.

ACC is offering a 6-week series to reflect more deeply on Richard Rohr's book, The Tears of Things each Wednesday, 6:30-7:30 PM on Zoom from Wednesday, September 24th through Wednesday, October 29th. 

Aaron Bolerjack will provide a contemplative reading or prayer at the beginning of each session to center the group. The Reader's Guide created by Rohr's Center for Action and Contemplation will provide the structure for the series, and Rachel Sing and Susan Frances will facilitate. Folks will be told the relevant chapters of Rohr's book to review (optional) for each week, along with the relevant segment of the Reader's Guide. 

Folks are encouraged to attend weekly, but travel, family obligations, etc. can arise and weekly attendance is not requisite. We hope that you will be able to join us! The Zoom link will go out in the weekly ACC Links email. 

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86990478956?pwd=kJ3QlM6OehBo6E7v2697BrlalDx93m.1

Meeting ID: 869 9047 8956

Passcode: 165366

One way of keeping our congregation strong is by staying connected. You are invited to join us every Tuesday morning from 11:00 – Noon for an hour of checking in, sharing, listening and prayer. No experience necessary. Come as you are.

Discussion Topic:
"Those who attended the Focus Retreat on Saturday, Sept. 20th, will share with those who weren't able to be there."

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89247387537?pwd=ks6ngwCn6V4eLax4onWBiBWJ7GcEMQ.1

Meeting ID: 816 6234 5620

Password: NONE

ACC CHOIR

The ACC Choir rehearses Mondays from 6:00pm - 7:00pm in the Sanctuary.

BELL CHOIR

The ACC Bell Choir rehearses from 7:15pm - 8:00pm in the Sanctuary.

Interested in joining our choir? Contact our Music Director, Jeffrey Frederic Paul, to learn more!

An exciting Congregational Meeting is coming up on Sunday, September 21st, the day after our Saturday Focus Retreat.

You may recall that on July 1, 2023, we called Pastor Jen to a Designated Term of three years, which will end in July of 2026. In the two years she has been with us, there have been many positive changes, and we have all felt the energy of her ministry. Many of us have been saying, “I hope she stays.”

In July, Pastor Jen shared with the Council that she would like to be our Church’s Settled Minister, which means she would be with us on a permanent basis with no plans to leave.

On August 20th, the Council voted unanimously to recommend to the Congregation that Pastor Jen be called as our Settled Minister; Council also approved some minor changes to her Call Agreement which we will go over in the Congregational Meeting. So, mark your calendars and plan to attend the Congregational Meeting immediately following Worship on Sunday, Sept. 21st.

Council is excited about the future of Arlington Community Church, UCC as we work together for the Church and the Community as the hands, feet and voice of Christ.      

Nina Harmon, Moderator President
Arlington Community Church UCC 

The primary item of business for Sunday’s meeting will be the vote on extending Jen’s ministry from her status as a “Three Year Designated Term Minister” to becoming designated as our “Settled Minister” which has no defined ending date. The settled ministry can last as long as the minister and the congregation wish. There will be a motion presented, discussion, and a paper ballot vote.

For members who are viewing the service on You Tube: The streaming will continue after the service is done so please STAY TUNED IN! You may SEND YOUR VOTE in a text to Linda’s phone.

 I vote _____ to Call Rev. Jen Chapman to be our Settled Minister at ACC. I suggest you prep your text during the meeting so you can send it even a bit early – to make sure it reaches the meeting on time.

(If you put into the chat it is not confidential)

Hope this works for members who can’t physically be with us. You are still part of the congregation.

Linda Young, Recording Secretary

On this Just Peace Sunday we'll look at the intersection of climate justice and social justice in the global debt crisis. We will listen to prophetic words from Amos 8 and Luke 16, consider our relationship to wealth, and have an opportunity to respond, joining with our Christian siblings around the world as part of the Season of Creation. Rev. Jen Chapman will preach and lead the service. Tim K. Murphy will lead the ACC Ensemble for this week’s Special Music offerings. Linda Young will serve as this week’s Liturgist.

Click HERE To Preview This Week’s Bulletin!
Click HERE To Begin Live-Stream Worship!

If you are unable to attend today's in-person service, simply visit our YouTube channel and look for the Live Stream video link at the top of our page..

Starting promptly at 10 am you'll see the top video as a Live-Stream. Click on the video and you will be able to enjoy the service as it is happening live at ACC! You may need to refresh the page a few times before the live video becomes active.

Visitors, please check in with us at:

https://www.arlingtoncommunitychurchucc.org/virtual-visitor

Online giving is easy at:

https://www.arlingtoncommunitychurchucc.org/online-giving

ACC is excited to host this event by Indivisible Kensington. Learn more below!

Join us at a community roundtable to discuss the right to free speech in America.

We'll hear from three community leaders on current threats to freedom of speech, and ways to counter these threats. Panelists include:

• Catherine Lhamon, now at Berkeley Law, formerly Chair of the Civil Rights Commission in the Obama administration, and Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights in the Education Department in the Biden administration

• David Snyder, former journalist and lawyer and now the Executive Director of the First Amendment Coalition

• Dorothy Lazard, award‑winning author, historian, and former Oakland librarian

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, Sept 18, 2025

• Time: 7-9pm

• Location: Arlington Community Church

• Organized by Indivisible Kensington

Come prepared to engage, listen actively, and respect differing opinions.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of an enriching discussion.

One way of keeping our congregation strong is by staying connected. You are invited to join us every Tuesday morning from 11:00 – Noon for an hour of checking in, sharing, listening and prayer. No experience necessary. Come as you are.

Discussion Topic:
"TBA…”


Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89247387537?pwd=ks6ngwCn6V4eLax4onWBiBWJ7GcEMQ.1

Meeting ID: 816 6234 5620

Password: NONE

ACC CHOIR

The ACC Choir rehearses Mondays from 6:00pm - 7:00pm in the Sanctuary.

BELL CHOIR

The ACC Bell Choir rehearses from 7:15pm - 8:00pm in the Sanctuary.

Interested in joining our choir? Contact our Music Director, Jeffrey Frederic Paul, to learn more!

Somehow September always feels as though it should be the start of the year, not just the school year.  Kids are back in school, college campuses are buzzing with hopes and fears and we imagine some trepidation for classes.  Recently, Rev. Cameron Trimble wrote:

“(Students) don’t need us to be perfect. They need us to be anchored—not in our opinions, but in our capacity to love. They don’t need us to have all the answers; they need us to be willing to stay with the questions.

They need grown-ups who can co-regulate with the chaos—who can model how to feel fear without becoming cruel, how to face uncertainty without giving up, how to be human without abandoning the sacred.”

For this month’s discussion, let’s consider the following:
”Who were the grown-ups in your life that gave you a sense of safety and orientation? What qualities did they carry?”

 Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81633461467?pwd=lb13Pcf5itgdVejsQOGbXtl98YlTAU.1

Meeting ID: 816 3346 1467

Passcode: 641006

This Sunday we'll continue celebrating the Season of Creation with an interactive service on "Peace with Creation." Rev. Dorothy Streutker and Ruth Robinson will lead the service and Nick Crump will serve as liturgist. We'll enjoy special music from guest violinist, Bertrand Tuan, Music Director Jeffrey Frederic Paul, and the Prelude and Postlude from pianist Tim K. Murphy. 

Please Note: Childcare will NOT be available this Sunday, but will resume the following week. 

Click HERE To Preview This Week’s Bulletin!
Click HERE To Begin Live-Stream Worship!

If you are unable to attend today's in-person service, simply visit our YouTube channel and look for the Live Stream video link at the top of our page..

Starting promptly at 10 am you'll see the top video as a Live-Stream. Click on the video and you will be able to enjoy the service as it is happening live at ACC! You may need to refresh the page a few times before the live video becomes active.

Visitors, please check in with us at:

https://www.arlingtoncommunitychurchucc.org/virtual-visitor

Online giving is easy at:

https://www.arlingtoncommunitychurchucc.org/online-giving

One way of keeping our congregation strong is by staying connected. You are invited to join us every Tuesday morning from 11:00 – Noon for an hour of checking in, sharing, listening and prayer. No experience necessary. Come as you are.

Discussion Topic:
""When have you felt the closest to and the furthest from God?"


Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89247387537?pwd=ks6ngwCn6V4eLax4onWBiBWJ7GcEMQ.1

Meeting ID: 816 6234 5620

Password: NONE

ACC CHOIR

The ACC Choir rehearses Mondays from 6:00pm - 7:00pm in the Sanctuary.

BELL CHOIR

The ACC Bell Choir rehearses from 7:15pm - 8:00pm in the Sanctuary.

Interested in joining our choir? Contact our Music Director, Jeffrey Frederic Paul, to learn more!

On Sunday, Sept. 7th, we will kick off the Season of Creation with an all church picnic at Arlington Park. We'll begin with a brief service around the picnic tables at 11 AM, and then enjoy fried chicken and potluck sides as communion. Bring a side or dessert to share! If you want to help with extras like plates and drinks.

Click HERE To Preview This Week’s Bulletin!

Click Here To Watch a Recording of
This Week’s Special Service!

If you are unable to attend today's in-person service, simply visit our YouTube channel and look for the Live Stream video link at the top of our page..

Starting promptly at 10 am you'll see the top video as a Live-Stream. Click on the video and you will be able to enjoy the service as it is happening live at ACC! You may need to refresh the page a few times before the live video becomes active.

Visitors, please check in with us at:

https://www.arlingtoncommunitychurchucc.org/virtual-visitor

Online giving is easy at:

https://www.arlingtoncommunitychurchucc.org/online-giving

One way of keeping our congregation strong is by staying connected. You are invited to join us every Tuesday morning from 11:00 – Noon for an hour of checking in, sharing, listening and prayer. No experience necessary. Come as you are.

Discussion Topic:
"Music that Moves You: On Sunday we shared favorite hymns, but there are many styles of music that move us. Share a song with the group, secular or sacred (but not a hymn!) that has spiritual meaning to you. Plan to read your favorite section of the lyrics, or play your favorite section of the song (maybe see if you can find it on YouTube, and cue it up to your favorite spot)."


Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89247387537?pwd=ks6ngwCn6V4eLax4onWBiBWJ7GcEMQ.1

Meeting ID: 816 6234 5620

Password: NONE

This Sunday we're singing favorite hymns of the congregation! Rev. Jen Chapman will lead the service, Jeffrey Paul will play piano, and Tom Dean will serve as liturgist.
Childcare will be available for children ages 2 and up. 

If you would like to bring a hymn for everyone to sing, please be prepared to share a few sentences about why the hymn is special to you, and choose up to three verses of the hymn to sing. Also, please determine if your selection is a hymn of praise, a hymn of prayer, or a hymn that moves us out into the world. 

Click HERE To Preview This Week’s Bulletin!
Click HERE To Begin Live-Stream Worship!

If you are unable to attend today's in-person service, simply visit our YouTube channel and look for the Live Stream video link at the top of our page..

Starting promptly at 10 am you'll see the top video as a Live-Stream. Click on the video and you will be able to enjoy the service as it is happening live at ACC! You may need to refresh the page a few times before the live video becomes active.

Visitors, please check in with us at:

https://www.arlingtoncommunitychurchucc.org/virtual-visitor

Online giving is easy at:

https://www.arlingtoncommunitychurchucc.org/online-giving

One way of keeping our congregation strong is by staying connected. You are invited to join us every Tuesday morning from 11:00 – Noon for an hour of checking in, sharing, listening and prayer. No experience necessary. Come as you are.

Discussion Topic:
"TBA…”"What do you know about Confucianism or Buddhism? What have you learned from our recent interfaith conversations? Are there any particular pieces of wisdom you think will stay with you?"


Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89247387537?pwd=ks6ngwCn6V4eLax4onWBiBWJ7GcEMQ.1

Meeting ID: 816 6234 5620

Password: NONE

This Sunday will be the last in our Justice and Mercy series as we discuss justice and mercy in Confucianism. Pastor Jen will interview Dr. Jianbao Wang, a scholar in Confucianism and a regular attender of our congregation. We will enjoy special music from Susan Russell and Rita Lily, and our Music Director, Jeffrey Paul, will be joining us as a musician this week, playing the piano and organ. Sara Laferte will serve as liturgist.

Childcare will be available during the service for children ages 2 and up.

Click HERE To Preview This Week’s Bulletin!
Click HERE To Begin Live-Stream Worship!

If you are unable to attend today's in-person service, simply visit our YouTube channel and look for the Live Stream video link at the top of our page..

Starting promptly at 10 am you'll see the top video as a Live-Stream. Click on the video and you will be able to enjoy the service as it is happening live at ACC! You may need to refresh the page a few times before the live video becomes active.

Visitors, please check in with us at:

https://www.arlingtoncommunitychurchucc.org/virtual-visitor

Online giving is easy at:

https://www.arlingtoncommunitychurchucc.org/online-giving

Join us Friday, August 22 as we view The Most Reluctant Convert: The Untold Story of CS Lewis. An elder C.S. Lewis looks back on his remarkable journey from hard-boiled atheist to the most renowned Christian writer of the past century. “…It was more like a man after long sleep, has become aware, he is now awake.” This is C. S. Lewis’s spiritual journey. The story invites us to consider what our own spiritual journeys have awakened us to. And then to consider why, in this secular and fallen world, The Most Reluctant Convert was so immediately popular when it was released in November 2021. Join us in viewing and discussing this beautiful film.

Please plan to arrive at about 1:30 to allow time to grab your popcorn and settle in before we start the film at 1:45, and, if your schedule allows, linger for a few minutes after to discuss the film.

One way of keeping our congregation strong is by staying connected. You are invited to join us every Tuesday morning from 11:00 – Noon for an hour of checking in, sharing, listening and prayer. No experience necessary. Come as you are.

Discussion Topic:
"TBA…”


Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89247387537?pwd=ks6ngwCn6V4eLax4onWBiBWJ7GcEMQ.1

Meeting ID: 816 6234 5620

Password: NONE