Council Notes, December 2018

COUNCIL NOTES, DECEMBER 2018

 It is an exciting time in the life of our church.  We are preparing the way for new things to come.  The most significant part of the work has been the progress of our Search Committees in choosing two people to shepherd us. 

We have already welcomed Rev. Dennis Alger, our interim pastor, who began work on December 1.  Dennis will be with us for three months to do the work of transition and prepare us to meet a new pastor.  We’re already enjoying seeing his Arlington Community Church posting every day on Facebook with inspirational news and comments.  Do check out Arlington Community Church, UCC, on Facebook.

The second search committee will be introducing us to Rev. Nate Klug, our candidate for a three-quarter time pastorate.  Nate will lead worship on Sunday, January 27, and we will hold a congregational vote that day after worship whether to call him.  Be sure to come to church on January 27!

Also on January 27, we will hold a brief congregational meeting to finish business continued from last November.  We will vote on the finalized budget for 2019, and we will vote on a by-laws change to move the annual meeting date from November back to January.  Several years ago it was suggested that January was a difficult time to hold the annual meeting because the pastor and church leadership were obliged to prepare for the meeting during the busy holiday season.  We changed the meeting date to November to resolve that problem.  However, our financial reports and budget predictions are not available until after the first of the year.  January is also a better time to transfer leadership duties in Council and on church boards.  On December 12, Council voted to propose a by-laws change moving the date of the annual meeting back to January.

Have a merry Christmas.  See you on January 27!

Advent Greetings to All

Advent Greetings to All

Those of us who remember Don McNeill’s Breakfast Club (on the radio 1933-68 from Chicago) are most likely eligible for AARP programs (and can recite the words to the songs), such as the Driver Safety emphasis—this week’s public service announcement.  I’m currently taking it on line AND will save on our automobile insurance.  Very practical and worth the effort.  Plus, I’m learning things, which is the point after all.

Congregations “promote” special offerings in various ways, so you all know this but I want to add my encouragement.  The Christmas Offering (formerly known as Veterans of the Cross) makes possible special monetary gifts to our most financially-challenged retired clergy and church workers.  For more information consult the ucc.org website.  Thanks for supporting this appeal.

Meanwhile I continue to have conversations with members and am gleaning a lot of useful information.  The goal is to provide the Council and future pastor with some insights into members’ vision for the future in light of current capacities and enthusiasms.  Seek me out when you have time; we will talk…

By the way, last week I mentioned the Facebook opportunity for engaging people.  Arlington has about 100 new “likes.”  One person even wrote to thank me for inviting him; he’s never been to California BUT would come to Arlington if he does.  You never know what will happen if you invite someone—maybe a family member, maybe a neighbor.  More to come…

Admit it, your mind is hearing “Good Morning Breakfast Clubers, good morning to ya; we woke up bright and early just to howdy-do ya…”

Dennis, Interim Pastor

To All Who Consider Arlington Community Church “Home:” Advent Greetings!

To All Who Consider Arlington Community Church “Home:” Advent Greetings!

It has begun, our time together.  You have called me to engage with you for a time of Interim Ministry, a time of exploration, evaluation, recommendation, and relationship-building.  Already individuals have talked with me, often at length, regarding this community of faith in terms of joys and concerns.  Sometime next month I will summarize my learnings into a report to the Council.  That body’s eventual deliberations with the incoming pastor will be informed by that report.

All along the way, I will ask questions, make suggestions and offer observations.  Here is the first suggestion—based upon presentations about social media I’ve attended in recent years: use social media for networking.  I’m a member of Pilgrim UCC in Carlsbad, CA.  Each Sunday someone makes this announcement: “Please silence your cell phones, but feel free to alert your friends on social media that you are in worship at Pilgrim.”  Most who read these words can be social media ambassadors for Arlington. Check it out.

On Wednesday, yesterday, I was given access to Arlington’s Facebook page; subsequently I invited almost all my Facebook friends to “like” the Arlington page; this morning, Thursday, there are about 60 new “likes”.  These persons will not attend services (unless passing through) because they range from the Philippines to parts of Africa.  However, they compose a community of encouragement, information sharing, and advocacy.  I suggest you invite your friends as well; you might get some really good feedback.

Feel free to contact me and share your perspective, insights, excitement and/or frustration.  I already see many great things happening along with ideas for future exploration.  Thanks for inviting me along on your journey.

-        Dennis

Celebrate Christmas with a Poinsettia

Celebrate Christmas with a Poinsettia

During Advent we are filled with joyful anticipation of the birth of the light of God’s hope in our hearts. We tell each other this “old, old story,” as we begin to see the lights and colors of hope in our own lives.

A beautiful tradition at ACC is the display of lovely red poinsettias which decorate the sanctuary for our Christmas worship together.  As in years past, you are invited to donate one or more poinsettias at our cost ($8.00 each), and to dedicate your beautiful flower(s) to a loved one.  You are also invited to take it home to add sparkle to your own celebration following the worship service on Christmas Eve.  On the next two Sundays, December 9 and 16, order forms will be found in your bulletins and Sue Day will be in the Social hall to take your orders and donation.  Checks are payable to ACC (Poinsettia).

In the event you cannot be present to take your flower home Christmas Eve, please let us know when you reserve it, as we may be able to arrange delivery after the Christmas Eve worship service.

Sue Day  will be confirming ACC’s final order on the 17th. Her contact information is: 705-1885 -- sueday6@comcast.net

In the event you cannot be present to take your flower home Christmas Eve, please let us know when you reserve it, as we may be able to arrange delivery after the Christmas Eve worship service.

Please make checks payable to “ACC Poinsettia”

Interfaith Power and Light

Interfaith Power and Light – a remarkable organization that you might not know about

Ruth Robinson

We hope you will take a moment to become familiar with this multi-faith, multi-state organization.  Its work is vital to the planet. The final paragraph in the Mission statement is right in line with Person of the Planet’s goals.

History:

Interfaith Power & Light effort began in 1998 with Episcopal Power & Light and the support of Grace Cathedral as a unique coalition of Episcopal churches aggregated to purchase renewable energy. In 2000, this Episcopal effort broadened its focus, brought in other faith partners, and California Interfaith Power & Light was born. California IPL developed a successful organizational model that engaged hundreds of congregations, educated thousands of people of faith about the moral and ethical mandate to address global warming, and helped pass California’s landmark climate and clean energy laws. Building on California’s success, this model has now been adopted by 40 state affiliates, and we are working to establish Interfaith Power & Light programs in every state. 

Mission:

The mission of Interfaith Power & Light is to be faithful stewards of Creation by responding to global warming through the promotion of energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy. This campaign intends to protect the earth’s ecosystems, safeguard the health of all Creation, and ensure sufficient, sustainable energy for all.

Global warming is one of the biggest threats facing humanity today. The very existence of life – life that religious people are called to protect – is jeopardized by our continued dependency on fossil fuels for energy. Every major religion has a mandate to care for Creation. We were given natural resources to sustain us, but we were also given the responsibility to act as good stewards and preserve life for future generations.

For two decades, IPL has been helping congregations address global warming by being better stewards of energy. The campaign has a track record of tangible results: shrinking carbon footprints and educating hundreds of thousands of people in the pews about the important role of people of faith in addressing this most challenging issue.

In addition to practicing energy stewardship in our facilities, IPL brings the voice of the faith community into the policy-making arena. We know that our actions alone cannot stem the tide of climate change – we need to enact public policies to advance clean energy and to limit carbon pollution. IPL is working to support policy change at the local, state, and national levels.

As people of faith, our mission includes being advocates for vulnerable people and communities that are the most heavily impacted by climate change. From air pollution to droughts to rising seas, it is poor people who are being hit first and worst by global warming. Our goal is to ensure that climate policies provide adaptation and mitigation support for communities domestically and internationally whose health and survival is at stake. We also aim to make sure that all people can participate in and benefit from the growing clean energy economy.

Camp Fire Survivors Need Help – Here’s What You Can Do.

Camp Fire Survivors Need Help – Here’s What You Can Do.

There are a myriad of opportunities to assist the survivors of the Camp Fire in Butte County, the nation’s largest fire in over 100 years. 

1.    There is al elementary school teacher who has started a drive to provide ukuleles to the children in his school and elsewhere who have lost everything.  These ukuleles will not belong to the school, but to each child, so that they can keep it.  He is coordinating with Music Connection of Chico, www.musicconnectionchico.com, for ukuleles, and a gig bag (padded storage), with strings and a tuner for just under $65.  All you have to do is call them at 530-898-0110 and ask for the Paradise Package.  They’ll do the rest.  If you want to contact Tim Hull, the teacher, you can call, 530-680-5786.

2.    The Northern California Conference of the United Church of Christ is working with the UCC Disaster Relief Ministries to provide aid to individuals and families affected by the Camp Fire.  You can write a check to ACC and mark it UCC Fire Fund and we’ll get the check to the right folk.  The Conference has already been sending funds to our UCC churches in the affected areas who are doing direct service.

Donations for Fire Victims

Donations for Fire Victims

Thank you so much for your quick and generous response to a request for clothes and blankets for the victims of the Camp Fire. We sent a packed carload of warm coats and jackets and blankets to Chico on Wednesday afternoon. And we have even more clothing and shoes still here at the church.

I have been asked not to drive another carload of clothing to the Chico area. They are presently saturated with clothing donations. The blankets and warm jackets were very welcome, but we have been asked to give the remaining clothing to the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, or Goodwill. These organizations will get the clothing to areas most in need, including those impacted by other fires and hurricanes. I was told that Goodwill and Salvation Army will give (rather than sell) items to people from disaster areas.

The Rev. James Peck, a UCC minister from Chico, took our blankets and jackets back to Chico with him today. We talked briefly about the fact that in a week or three the main part of the fire drama will (hopefully) be over. But the work of putting lives back in order will only be starting. There may be other opportunities for Arlington Community Church to support the Paradise community. If so, we can be sure that ACC will respond with full hearts. To echo Rev. Susan Meeter's sermon last Sunday, we will be "all in." Thank you, everyone.

- Sara Laferte

2018 NORTH RICHMOND CHRISTMAS

2018-NORTH RICHMOND CHRISTMAS

People have dignity when they can purchase gifts/food for their own families.

Families of North Richmond are very grateful for the partnership that ACC has had with the Neighborhood House of North Richmond since 1960’s.  Our ACC Christmas project is part of our partnership.  Thank you for your generosity of past years and we invite you to extend the same this year from November 11th through November 25th. 

FOOD MAX GIFT CARDS FOR FAMILIES

You will not need to purchase any food.  Please purchase 1 or several gift cards for the minimum amount of $25.00 at “FOOD MAX”.  It’s the nearest place for the families to purchase their own food.  No limit on the number of cards you can purchase.

PLEASE WRITE THE AMOUNT OF GIFT CARD ON THE CARD!

“TARGET” GIFT CARDS FOR INDIVIDUALS

·       For children and young adolescents from 0-15 yrs. get a $25.00 gift card.

·       For ages 16-18, get a $30.00 gift card.

·       For the Head of Household and SENIORS, get a minimum $30.

·       PLEASE WRITE THE AMOUNT OF GIFT CARD ON THE CARD!

CHECK GIFTS FOR ANY AMOUNT

Please make checks to Arlington Community Church (ACC) and on memo line write North Richmond Christmas.

STEPS FOR CHRISTMAS GIFTS

1      PLEASE WRITE THE AMOUNT ON THE GIFT CARD ON THE CARD!

2       Place gift cards and checks in a separate envelope that will be provided for you.  Put them in the offering plate at the time during service on Sundays between the dates of November 11th through Nov. 25th.

3       NOTE:  During the first week of December we will deliver the gift cards and a check for $800 to use toward the purchase of Christmas protein (chickens or turkeys).

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT

BMSJ--Concha Delgado Gaitan  (510) 812-4278 conchadg@inreach.com

Rev. Charles DENNIS Alger Interim Minister

Rev. Charles DENNIS Alger

Interim Minister

Dear Members and Friends of Arlington Community Church,

The Interim Minister Search Committee placed a brief note in last week's Parishscope and an announcement was made in church last Sunday. We would like to take this opportunity to share more about Rev. Charles DENNIS Alger. (He prefers being called Dennis.)

Dennis has had a very interesting and diverse career. He has served in interim capacities and spent 23 years as a Hospice Chaplain. He has spent most of his time in Oregon and Hawaii. Dennis has very strong convictions about churches being involved with justice ministries.

He and his wife have two adult daughters and he resides in Southern California near Carlsbad. They have two dogs who make sure he has daily exercise. His post graduate degrees are from the University of Hawaii (Political Science) and San Francisco Theological Seminary.

Dennis has a great sense of humor, which we experienced during his interviews. His references had great praise for him, both written and telephone interviews.

When reading his profile, we knew we had been blessed with a great match.

Dennis will begin Advent with us on December 2nd. We will have a special Coffee Hour for him after church and on Thursday, December 6th, our First Thursday will be a Potluck Dinner with him. (Please put these dates on your calendar.)

He will reside in a studio apartment near the church and we may call on the Congregation to help furnish it.

We know you have loads of questions, please do not hesitate to contact anyone on the Interim Search Committee.

Sincerely,

Anita Baker, Ruth Robinson, Linda Young        

Creation Justice Congregation Designation

Creation Justice Congregation Designation

Ruth Robinson

We are proud to announce that the United Church of Christ national office has approved our application to become a Creation Justice Church. This was approved by your vote in September, and the Mission Statement affirmed earlier this year also by congregational vote.

The designation is not given to a relatively small group who are supporting Person of the Planet, but to the entire congregation. One of the unique features of Person of the Planet is that all individuals who feel called to be a "voice for this planet" can be part of this mission, regardless of religious affiliations.

What does that mean, really? It means that our work for social and environmental justice is shown to be a shining light to congregations both part of the UCC and other faith communities; it means that ACC is one of the first in the nation to achieve this. And as such, it put us in the "early adopter" category and places us in a leadership role for our larger community.

Many of us have been on the sidelines supporting a smaller group. Now is the time, really the responsibility, for all of us to lend our presence, our voices and our talents in concert with others to show courage and the faith needed to continue this work.

Here's a suggestion: sign up for the Pollinator email newsletter, from UCC: www.ucc.org/pollinator_sign_up 

Make sure you're reading the weekly blog from Person of the Planet. You will find inspiration and ideas how to help our Mother, the Earth, and your neighbors.