Notes from the Pastor

“Like a sculptor, if necessary, carve a friend out of stone.

Realize that your inner sight is blind and try to see a treasure in everyone.” – Jalaluddin Rumi

Beloved Community,

It is finally spring and joy is springing all around. Sadly, and despite the best efforts of Easter, tragedy continues to

dominate the headlines and despair still poses a mighty threat. For this month’s newsletter article, I am sharing an

experience that Kate Munger (founder of the Threshold Choir) and several singers had when they recently made a visit

to a local Mosque as a sign of solidarity with people of all religions after the tragedy in Christchurch, New Zealand. It

was not long ago we were gathering with Congregation Shir Shalom in mourning for the lives lost in the Tree of Life

Synagogue in Pittsburg, and April in Alabama saw three historic African American churches burned to the ground in

what police are calling a hate crime.

Christianity’s message of resurrection is not a panacea to ward off pain or heartbreak. It is, however, a promise that

heartbreak can give way to miracles. In the midst of forces that seek to divide us may we experience a renewed

commitment to unity. May the universal Christ be with us and in us all the days of our lives.

Rev. Curran

“The deepest level of communication is not communication, but communion. It is wordless…beyond

speech…beyond concept.” – Thomas Merton

“Reaching out isn’t that hard. It does take flexibility though.”

A true story from Kate Munger:

This story has to start with gratitude to the stalwart singers who stood up, stood down, stood up and then again stood

down for this event. I do know that our work of singing at bedsides is a lot of gearing up, getting ready, and accepting

what is. All good skills to have and sometimes not so easy to pull off.

So, after a month of ups and downs, very sketchy communication and waiting and hoping, six of us arrived at the

Mosque in Petaluma. Angela, Kay, Krisli, Linne, Marti, and I were the merry band. A lovely group and not a soprano in

the mix.

We were warmly welcomed when we entered the main floor of the very plain and almost disheveled building. The

interior revealed a lot more care, a beautiful rug that showed each member where to pray, fresh paint and racks for our

shoes. The Imam asked us to go downstairs, join the women as they prayed. Each and every woman was delightfully

warm and genuine and made us feel so at ease.

Volume 39 Issue 4 May 2019 Rev. Dr. Curran Reichert, Minister

The Grapevine

Newsletter of the First Congregational Church of Sonoma

United Church of Christ

Each one was wearing traditional dress and most of the fabrics were gorgeous. We sat in chairs along the wall along

with the elder gals while the majority of the women prayed standing and kneeling over and over while the Imam said

the prayer over a speaker from the floor above. I had a feeling of admiration for a people who go through so much

hassle, who choose to wear emblems of their faith and thus, endure such danger because of their religion. I don’t

see these folks walking the streets, but here, gathered together, they were a graceful force.

I also wonder about how people who look so different in their dress and style can sometimes be invisible in society.

“The Other” can be “not seen” I think. After the prayer, a lovely young handsome man motioned me out of the

praying room. He said that singing wasn’t part of the “etiquette” of their religion. I said, “Of course, no problem, we

are here to show our respect for your religion, whatever it is.”

They handed me a microphone which connected the men upstairs with the women downstairs in the basement

(don’t get me started). I identified us, said we were here to apologize to them and to offer prayers for

understanding, respect and safety for ALL people, no exceptions. We said our goodbyes downstairs, re-shook the

women’s hands, walked through the men’s big prayer room, got our shoes and left.

The same gals who were our closest connections downstairs met us on the sidewalk outside and said they would like

to hear us sing. We gathered them in our circle and sang “You Are Not Alone” (I was the soprano…don’t ask). To

me, that they saw us, knew we had come to sing, were willing to risk who-knows-what to ask us to sing on the

sidewalk…that was the frosting on this one.

The “cupcake" was seeing their beautiful community, feeling their solidarity and love for each other and their

traditions and beliefs, their letting us come as close as we had, their willingness to be vulnerable, to receive our

feelings and ideas. I was happily surprised by their welcome and their friendliness. One of my colleagues said, "I

would only add the feeling of presence and serenity that I felt during the meditation portion of the prayer ceremony.

I'm glad I was there."

We are all just walking each other home.

MESSAGE FROM THE MODERATOR – Susan Kelchner

Isn’t God’s world a magnificent wonder? I hope you are getting outside in the warm air and allowing the breezes to

lift your energy and your spirits. Easter Sunday at our spiritual home certainly affirmed that life is abundant and that

unexpected resurrections, large and small, happen around us. We only need to be alert and open to the gifts that

appear seemingly out of nowhere. As the level of activity increases with the warm weather, I hope you will

remember to take time to nourish your soul. Your presence with us on Sunday mornings is a blessing for each

person you greet and for yourself.

West Wing Refresh Update

Lots of updates have already happened in the West Wing restrooms and in the Courtyard restroom.

We have new lighting, new fans, new paper and soap dispensers, a diaper changing station, and a hook for your

purse or jacket. And you can “see” in the West Wing with new hallway and kitchen lighting.

The heavy work begins on May 20th with interior painting and new flooring, followed by new kitchen counters and

re-facing of the kitchen cabinets. Old Adobe School will be moving into the south end of Burlingame Hall while this

work is happening. Please be mindful of their presence Monday – Friday, 8:00 to 5:30. For the protection of

everyone, no one except Old Adobe School personnel is allowed to enter Burlingame Hall during those hours. Even

the restrooms will be off-limits. Please use the Courtyard restroom.

ENDOWMENDOWM

EARTH CARE – Jackie Steuer and Virginia Bertelesen

HOSPITALITY – Linda States and Kathleen Gray

The Events Checklist is now available in the church office and on our website. Please use this checklist for the next

event that you or your team are planning on church campus.

Hospitality wants to thank everyone who brought Easter food. We had a joyous morning and all of your treats

contributed to that. Here is the Fellowship Team List for May and June:

MAY

5 Team One: Ellen LaBruce, Janice Mattison, Janet Volkman, Sara and John Donnelly

12 Team Two: Alexanne Bassett, Pat Noel, Randy and Linda States, Gitte Cochrane

19 Team Three: Margie Mitchell, Bev Pearson, Bill and Jane Hutchinson, Elizabeth and Bob Griego

26 Team Four: Patricia Henley, Taras and Diane Lumiere, Kathleen Gray, Jackie Steuer

JUNE

2 Team Five: David and Susan Berry, Lory and Gene Campagna, Kim Pack, Mary Beth Halsey

9 Team Six: Elizabeth Palmer, Lori Barron, Dotty Abbott, Marge and Todd Evans

16 Team Seven: Cozette Shenks, Kit and Vic Conforti, Kathy Jewell, Lori Anderson, Cheryl Franzini-Pegan

23 Team Eight: Joan Howarth, Nancy Ladd, Jan Edwards, Alan and Susan Kelchner, Lois Chambers

30 Team One: Ellen LaBruce, Janice Mattison, Janet Volkman, Sara and John Donnelly

ENDOWMENT COMMITTEE – Katherine Fulton

Endowment Fund Committee now accepting proposals

Do you or your committee have a good idea about how to enhance the mission and ministry of our church? If so,

please consider making a proposal by June 10 for funding from this year’s endowment distribution. The budget is

$6,000, and applications can be for all or part of this amount.

Our church bylaws specify that the endowment income cannot be used for regular operating expenses, but instead

for special projects and programs that have one of the following four purposes:

1) The development of new, or the enhancement of existing, programs of the First Congregational Church

of Sonoma.

2) Outreach in the community.

3) Buildings and grounds improvements or the reduction of related debt.

4) The wider mission of the church at home and overseas.

The full application guidelines are available in the church office and the back of the Sanctuary. Soon they will be

accessed on our website. We also encourage you to speak to a member of the Endowment Fund team: Chair,

Katherine Fulton (knfulton@gmail.com), Alan Kelchner, and Ellen LaBruce.

Monthly Hint from the Earth Care Committee

Use glass as much as possible to store food and drinks. Glass is non-reactive, so nothing seeps

into your food. Plastic storage containers can transfer plastic molecules into your food/drinks

even if the plastic is BPA-free. Plastic can act as a xenoestrogen, mimicking the estrogen

hormone and throwing your natural hormone balance out of whack. (From Elizabeth Rider, a

certified health coach.)

If you know of a birthday that isn’t listed,

please let Angela know.

Happy May Birthday

CARING FRIENDS – Jan Edwards

Consider this second verse (of four) of Marge Piercy's poem To Be of Use:

"I love people who harness themselves, as an ox to a heavy cart,

who pull like the water buffalo, with massive patience,

who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward,

and do what has to be done, again and again."

As members of the FCC community, our covenant asks us to do what has to be done...again and again. Thank you

for responding.

Please remember in prayer: Veda Lewis, John Donnelly, Bev Pearson, Jackie Steuer, Katie Morrison, Natalie

Conforti, Mary Cort, Doris Hansen, Pat Larson, Bob and Helen Rowntree, and Mary Wimberley.

And finally, in the words of the iconic Dr. Seuss, "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going

to get better, It's Not!"

MEMBERSHIP – Gitte Cochrane

It is time. Time to have fun and get to know each other better. How can that happen? With Circles of 8. Join a

group, meet for dinner, attend an activity, watch a movie and gather after to visit. The possibilities are endless.

Sign up for June through August and/or September through November, using the sign-up sheets at the back of the

Sanctuary and in the Community Room. Or you can call, text, or email me at 415-577-1418, Suec_472@yahoo.com.

Looking forward to getting together with you.

SOCIAL ACTION – Dotty Abbott

Thanks to your generous donations on March 31, we collected $515 for One Great Hour of Sharing.

International Care Ministries Philippines

We packaged 10,000 meals on February 9 at the Rise Against Hunger event. The meals went to ICM’s ministries

serving families living in poverty across the Philippines.

Thanks again for your efforts to help end world hunger.

Last month’s Earth Care guided nature walk at Bouverie

Preserve. Keep an eye out for information on future walks.

Happy May Birthday!

4 – Katie Morrison

4 – Elizabeth Palmer

5 – Carolyn Osburn

6 – Eugene Campagna

7 – Janet Volkman

10 – Katie States

10 – Doris Hansen

12 – Randy States

14 – Margie Mitchell

15 – Judy Liese

17 – Bill Harris

21 – William Woods

22 – Angela Ljung

23 – Tyler Huffman

PRIDE PARADES – Save the Dates!

Once again we will bear radical witness to the rights of all by marching as the Church

Ladies & Gents for Gay Rights in two events in June. All are welcome to participate.

Saturday, June 1, 2019: Sonoma County Pride Parade & Celebration: For the

second year in a row we will join forces with the UCC churches in Santa Rosa and

Sebastopol to march in the 11 a.m. parade. The Sebastopol church is also coordinating a

festival booth (noon to 6 p.m.) in Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa, if anyone is interested

in helping staff the booth.

Sunday, June 30, 2019: San Francisco Pride Parade. We will once again be marching

with the United in Spirit group. There’s also an opportunity to ride on the United in Spirit

trolley instead of walking, but we need to reserve spots soon.

Please join us! Both events will be fun, while making a strong statement. An informational

meeting will be held Sunday, May 5, after the 10:30 a.m. service. For more details or to sign up, contact Patricia

Henley (patriciasonoma@gmail.com) or Ellen LaBruce (elabruce@sonic.net)

Say HELLO to one of our newest members…

SUSAN BASSETT

I am so happy to have discovered this church; the 8:30 a.m. service is a touchstone to Sundays and my life. Bless you all!

First and foremost, I’m a Californian, born in San Francisco.

Being raised in the Central Valley of California imprinted me into a

land-based spirituality of life. Influenced by a grandmother who

sang to cows, much of who I am today was born on her farm.

Raised Catholic, during my days in Berkeley I explored a wide

range of spiritual philosophies which continue today. If the Central

Valley was my roots; Berkeley was my earth. Prayer is central to

my life, whether in meditation or movement.

I am the proud mother of Laura, a Landscape Designer (From the

Ground Up!) here in Sonoma. Three rescued cats are also family members. Defense of animals of all genre brings out

the fierce warrior in me. I take care of two rescued pigs, Ms. Petunia and PigPig.

My career has spanned over four decades. My Passion? Training! One of my most heart-felt career moves was

working with newly laid off employees globally to rebuild their careers (and lives)! My most awe-inspiring moments

came in publishing five very significant life transition books as part of a Design Team. And, somewhere during those

years, obtaining a M.S. in Organization Behavior from the California School of Professional Psychology in Berkeley.

My practice, Bassett&Friends, was created to support projects that include convening groups. I co-create projects

using my expertise with my client’s experience. My clients include entrepreneurs, trainers and healers. Pet project of

my Own? Exploring combining issues of aging with improv.

I believe we have all been designed by Spirit to make an impact – both on our community and the world around us. I

look forward to offering my gifts as I become a member of this church community.

June Grapevine submissions will be accepted until noon on

Thursday, May 23.

Say HELLO to our other newest member…

ANNE MASON

Hello fellow seekers:

My name is Anne Mason, and I am delighted to be

joining this wonderful, eclectic church in this amazing,

beautiful town. I am new to Sonoma, having lived my

whole life in and near Washington, D.C. My husband,

Will, died a year and a half ago, and our son, Zach,

lives in Spain with his wife and daughter. So I am here

now, making a new life for myself and my little dog,

Bodhi.

I was baptized into the Episcopal Church on Maundy

Thursday, 1953, but my family was proudly agnostic.

In my youth, I lacked the faith and structure of religion,

but was free to explore Eastern spirituality in its many forms. I immersed myself in a Sufi group for ten years, but left,

dejected and confused.

In 1984 I experienced a life-changing conversion, and Jesus was born in my heart. I studied, received training, and

began to practice my vocation as a pastoral counselor, spiritual guide, and Reiki healer. I have loved my work and

hope to start up again in Sonoma. With others, and for myself, I seek a more authentic life, a more compassionate

heart, a less anxious mind and a less lonely suffering. Influences on my life and work range from existential

Christianity to Jungian Psychology-- from the writings of the mystics, to the great literature of the ages.

Social justice has been very important to me; I participated in the civil rights and anti-war movements in my youth. As

life proceeded, I became more apathetic about political and social action. I hope that the focus of this church on

outreach will help me to rediscover my voice as a citizen of our world, even as I yearn for God’s kingdom to be

realized on our endangered and spectacular planet.

I feel blessed to enter into this community with you and am grateful for the warm welcome that I have received here.