I Timothy 6:6-20
 
Last week I preached on First Timothy chapter 2 and struggled with the rigid role assigned to women that is outlined in that epistle. I talked about how we must read scripture in context, understanding more than just the passage itself, but also the intent beneath the teaching and perhaps even the cultural setting which influences the teaching. As hard as parts of First Timothy can be, there are also many redeemable aspects of this concise letter. This Sunday's reading focuses on the last chapter of this letter. Within it are some teachings about basic necessities and money that I find helpful. He reminds us again that being a Christian means having a wise relationship with wealth. There is a reason that a substantial portion of the New Testament addresses money and its influence on us. I invite you to read this chapter of First Timothy and join us in worship on Sunday as we reflect on it together. The church nursery opens at 9:00 a.m. each Sunday for folks who need childcare for choir rehearsal and for those who attend the weekly Bible Study in the church library. Hope to see you Sunday!

 

The Rev. Marlene W. Pomeroy
 
Greeters at the door this Sunday are: Ken and Beth Biery
Ushers greeting you are: Ken Winte, Peter Keller, Marie and Bob Spencer
The acolyte is: Pam Biery
The liturgist is: TBA
Church School teachers are: Krysty Leckrone, Roberta White and Grace Rinck
 
Other opportunities for service, fellowship and prayer this week:
This weekend a great number of church folks will be heading out to our UCC Pilgrim Pines Camp near Yucaipa. We send our blessings of safe travel and fresh mountain air to those heading out.
 
On Sunday after worship we will hold our third round of Stewardship Listening Groups. In these conversations we are asking people to reflect on what "stewardship" means to them, how they would advise a newcomer about making a decision about how much time and money to give to the church, as well as where they would like their abundant giving to be directed in 2008.  We hope you will come out and join the conversation in preparation for our Stewardship Sunday in November. A light lunch and childcare will be provided by the Stewardship Committee and the nursery staff.
 
On Monday, October 1 the Bravo Team will be serving our monthly meal at Union Station. Information has been sent to the Bravo Team.  If you wish to be on the substitute list for our monthly food serving the first Monday of each month, please let Nina in the church office know.
 
The October Newsletter will be coming out early next week. If you have articles to be included, please get them to Nina in the church office by Friday, September 28.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What does "repentance" mean to you?  In my English dictionary it is defined as "remorse or contrition for wrongdoing or sin; compunction."  Scholars of the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament alike inform us that "metanoia" (repentance) in the Hebrew and Koine Greek translates variously as "turn about, turn back, change one's mind, be converted."  Our English dictionary points us toward a feeling, a state of sadness and remorse; when John the Baptist and Jesus speak of repentance it is more likely they were after specific actions:  stop pursuing an image of God as judge or lawgiver...stop acting as though only religious authorities have access to God's love and forgiveness!
 
In worship this week we will consider Luke 15:1-10, two short parables about searching for a lost sheep and a lost coin, both of which refer to God's action in response to one who repents.  In a sermon entitled "About Face" we will ask what it means to turn from the path we have set for ourselves in our life and our faith.  What would it mean, for example, to head in the opposite direction that we are headed now?  If we are earning a living, saving for the future, minding our finances and guarding our time, what would it mean to abandon those practices and turn to another approach in life and faith?  Come join us in the Chapel - worship begins at 10:00 a.m.!

 

The Rev. John H. Pomeroy
 
Greeters at the door this Sunday are:  Glenn & Daniela McLea
Ushers are:  Sandy Biehler, Lurline Brown, Angie Schnapp, and Mel Smith
The liturgist is:  The Rev. Anne Cohen
The acolyte is:  Terry Martin
 
Opportunities for fellowship this weekend:
On Saturday, September 15 the Halogen Fellowship Group at church is having a fall barbecue and fellowship evening.  This group is typically the members and friends who fall into the 30-50ish age group, but is open to all!  This event is a kid-friendly one and you are welcome to bring your children.  There will be a bouncy for them as well as some art supplies on hand.  The evening begins at 6:00 p.m.  Bring something to grill and something to share.  RSVP to Marlene.  At 5:00 p.m. there will be a planning meeting for the November 3 dinner and the December 9 Bake Sale which the Halogens are coordinating.  If you are willing to help out with either of these events, come early!  Call Nina in the church office if you need directions to Krysty or Thom's house.
 
Our first Stewardship Sharing Groups are after worship this Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  There are 15 spaces available so please call the office this week to let Nina know if you will be attending.  A light lunch is provided and childcare is offered in the nursery until 1:00 p.m.  The groups offer those who attend the opportunity to speak about what they value in the life of our church and a chance to listen to comments from other friends and members about stewardship for the upcoming year.  The next scheduled Sharing Group is Tuesday, September 18 at 7:00 p.m.at the church - make sure you sign up on the bulletin board outside the chapel or speak with Nina in the church office.  The groups are limited to seven people plus the facilitators.
 
At 3:30 p.m. on Sunday our youth and advisors are carpooling out to meet with youth from the San Dimas UCC Church for ultimate Frisbee, swimming and a meal together.  Let Jeff Tyler or Marlene Pomeroy know if you plan to attend - we will meet at the church at 3:30 SHARP to drive out.  Parents, please plan to sign the permission slip when you drop your child off.

 

 

In Luke 14:25-33 we are confronted with a difficult challenge - we are asked to renounce all that we have and all that we are in order to be considered worthy followers of Jesus!  The writers of Luke are careful to place this challenge in context however - the opening verse describes a multitude of followers who are not aware that Jesus is on a journey to Jerusalem, where he will confront the Roman authority structure during the festival of Passover - an already tense time and place for Roman governors trying to manage a Jewish population.  We also need to understand that the language of "hating" our fathers and mothers is a fairly commonplace Semitic expression of the time that translates better as "separate oneself from."  Notice that this text then raises different questions - are you sure you understand the cost of coming to Jerusalem?  Can you think of everything else in your life through your relationship with God as the primary lens?
 
In a sermon entitled "Hanging On" we will consider why it is hard for us to commit to a life of faith.  We will look at what we hang onto outside of our relationship with God and how that may "hang up" our personal and collective faithfulness.  Come and join us for worship at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel this Sunday!  Church school for the year begins this Sunday with a new "rotation" curriculum that includes three stations - the parlors, library and historical room - 1st grade through high school students are welcome.  As always, our nursery is open beginning at 9:00 a.m. for infants, pre-K and Kindergarten aged children.  We are also fortunate to have our Chancel Choir return this Sunday under the direction of our Music Director Andy Whitenack.
 
After worship the Stewardship Committee will meet in the co-pastor's office at 11:30 a.m.  Everyone is invited to sign up to attend a Stewardship Discussion in the coming weeks - the sign up sheets are posted just outside the Chapel on a hallway bulletin board.  If you have questions see any of the members of the Stewardship Committee - Marlene Pomeroy, Josh Ashenmiller, Jeff Tyler, Ann Appley, Caroline Andres and Nate Lewis.  These discussions are a time to share what you value about the work of our church and listen to others as they share their perspectives on our collective ministry. 
 
Sunday evening at 4:30 p.m. we are celebrating the beginning of our church program year with a potluck dinner at the Bierys' home.  Bring something to grill and a dish to share - kids are invited to bring swim suits for the waterslide.  Everyone is welcome - please call the church office by Friday to let us know if you are planning to attend!
 
The greeters are: Carol Penn-Romine and Julie McLinnon.
The ushers are: Ron White, Kathie Arscott, Suzanne Burger, Jeff Levison and James Maddox.
The liturgist is Tara Beasley.
The acolyte is Pam Biery
 
The Rev. John H. Pomeroy