vol 3, no 4 april 2007 resurrection season! at first/0704 naf.pdf · the resurrection beautifully...

Resurrection Season!Resurrection Season!Resurrection Season!Resurrection Season! For info about the scriptures for each week, check out textweek.com

Sunday April 1, 10:30 a.m. Palms and Passion Service

The Face of Evil Pastor Ama Zenya

Sunday April 8, 7:00 a.m. Easter Sunrise Service with New Revelation Church

He is Not Here Rev. Ama Zenya and Rev. Donna Allen co-preaching

Special Music from Rev. Lynice Pinkard Continental Breakfast following worship – tea, coffee, fruit and rolls

Sunday April 8, 9 am Easter Morning Bible Study

Dr. Webb Mealy: Why did Jesus die? Was it necessary?

Sunday April 8, 10:30 am Easter Resurrection Service

The Resurrection will Not be Televised Pastor Lynice Pinkard

Special Kids Time with musician Asheba Easter Potluck Feast and Easter Egg Hunt at noon

Sunday April 15, 10:30 am Global Generosity Sunday

Dr. Webb Mealy Sponsored by the Network of Spiritual Progressives

Presentation by TALE (Teen Arts and Leadership Ensemble) of First Congo Security Through Generosity: A Teach-In with Rabbi Michael Lerner, 2pm

Sunday April 22, 10:30 a.m. Breakfast on the Beach

Pastor Ama Zenya John 21:1-19

Sunday April 29, 10:30 am Lives Speak Louder than Words

Pastor Lynice Pinkard Psalm 23, Rev 7:9-17, John 10:22-30

Vol 3, No 4 April 2007

A Letter from Pastor Ama 2

Becoming the Light: An Easter Prayer 3

Global Generosity Sunday 4

Congregational Happenin’s 5-9

Birthdays & Anniversaries 9

Health Corner Rebecca Faith, RN NP 10

2007 Goals Overview 11

Calendar of Events & Ministry Teams List

Pull Out

Inside this issue:

About News at First

Rev Ama Zenya, Editor

Dawn Raymond, Layout & Design, Editorial Assistance

We welcome your input & feedback!

Contact Dawn Raymond, [email protected] or 510.444.8511 x16 with your comments or for submission information.

News at First

A Letter from Pastor Ama

Earth breaking open with new green life. Sky breaking open and the sun stepping through. The thin little stump I put in the ground last summer breaking open into its first pink apple-tree blossoms. It’s spring! It the season of resurrection – of death breaking open and giving way to new life.

Where are you being broken open?

For this past month since the weather’s warmed up, I’ve been gratefully well, with enough energy to make it through the day. I can feel the baby moving in my belly, and it’s the strangest, most wonderful thing. All the physical challenges of this pregnancy have slowed me down to a pace that

begins to prepare me for this new life.

And I’m getting ready to break open to provide passage into the world for this new little being. One of my dearest High School friends–who is also pregnant!–said that her birthing preparation instructor told her to gleefully say, “I’m gonna get this big!” and make a baby’s-head size circle with her hands.

And I’m getting ready for my heart to be broken open too. Each time I worry about the baby, or the birth, I remind myself that this is just the beginning of a lifetime of loving someone I can’t protect from every harm and hurt – a lifetime of surrender to the vulnerability of love.

In the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he says, “Love never fails.” I pondered that in preparation for a wedding sermon one year, thinking, ‘What the heck does he mean? Love fails all the time. Look at the divorce rate, the rate of domestic violence, the rate of young people who get in trouble despite the love of their parents. Look at the crucifixion.’ And sure, with the crucifixion you can point to the resurrection and say it was a success, but if I’m standing at the cross with my heart breaking, it doesn’t make sense.

Then in my musing, I received this inspiration: Love never fails because love is about the process, not the outcome. No matter what happens, if we love, we have succeeded.

When I see this about love, even the crucifixion is a success – the victory of one who chose not to retaliate with violence, who walked the way of love ‘til the end.

Then the resurrection is God’s blessing on top of the victory, God’s icing on the cake, God’s flowers appearing on the green stem that has worked it’s way though the hard rock into the sunlight.

The resurrection beautifully affirms the victory of Love – the victory that it is every time we love, every time – given all the options of retaliation or resentment or withdrawal – that we choose to love.

As we enter this season of new life, may we allow ourselves to be broken open by love and for love.

In Jesus’ name,

Courage by Shiloh McCloud


Becoming the Light:Becoming the Light:Becoming the Light:Becoming the Light: An Easter PrayerAn Easter PrayerAn Easter PrayerAn Easter Prayer

Is yours the light I see… when the sting of friend’s betrayal bleeds? Remembering your smile saw the deed as you drank from the cursed cup of greed. Is it yours the light I see… When the weight of expectations keep haunting me? Remembering your cries and prayers for our care as they hung you from the wooden tree so bare? Is it yours the light I see… When the pain and dread seems to bury me? Remembering your thorned face forlorn a searing clothed blessed and scorned. Is it yours the light I see… When my fears and trepidations peak to grief? Remembering your eyes so tired and worn but full of the gifts GOD given humanity born. Is it yours the light I see… When my prayers turn into pleas? Remembering your fear surrounded last moments although not quite sure you succumbed not to the torments Is yours the love I see… when the hope of your salvation leads? As I remember the part of Christ that’s me into your hands I commit and I will yield. by Phyllis Woolley-Roy An Excerpt from Prayer Poems for Life’s Journey’s © 2007

Security Through Generosity:

A Teach-In

On April 15, 2007 the national Network of Spiritual Progressives launches its first national campaign with Generosity Sunday. FCCO’s local chapter of the NSP will create the worship service that day focusing on creating a paradigm shift

around national security—from domination and empire to interconnectedness and generosity.

Join us in reaffirming that our security comes from God rather than stockpiling weapons and waging “pre-emptive” wars. What if our national budget reflected our values? What if we committed (with the rest of the wealthy nations of the world) to end poverty here and abroad over the next twenty years through a Global Marshall Plan? What if Tax Day was a day of celebration?

We will also host the national NSP’s teach-in at 2:00pm that afternoon. Rabbi Michael Lerner and a representative of the European Union will speak about the Global Marshall Plan. Please contact Julie Merrill, 510 482 2820 or [email protected] if you would like to help.

Join us on April 15 to begin building the world that will welcome the Reign of God.

Don’t miss it!

Global Generosity Sunday April 15

10:30a Worship with preacher Dr Webb Mealy

2:00p Teach-In with Rabi Michael Lerner

Global Generosity Sunday Sponsored by the Network of Spiritual Progressives

Nichola Tibbett, Director of National Programs for the Network of Spiritual Progressives, gives an answer to this question: The day after April 15, what do you hope will be accomplished? What are some concrete things that will happen after Global Generosity weekend?

The Network of Spiritual Progressives is first and foremost a consciousness-raising movement, our primary hope for April 16 is that people go back to their lives sensitized to all of the ways in which we rely on domination in order to feel safe--in our personal lives, at work, in our communities and as a nation--and committed to experimenting with generosity and care as an alternative approach. We hope that Generosity Sunday sparks thousands of conversations about the possibility of security through generosity rather than domination. We understand that in order to change the minds of politicians, we must first move the hearts and minds of the American people they represent.

We will also post a list of concrete follow-up activities that we'll be encouraging people to commit to at their Global Generosity Sunday events. These include getting faith communities and organizations to endorse the Global Marshall Plan (GMP), visiting members of Congress to discuss the GMP, pursuing city council resolutions supporting the GMP, drafting and supporting platform resolutions about the strategy of generosity as we move into political convention season.

News at First

COMMUNITY POTLUCK LUNCH Easter Potluck—Sunday April 8, following worship Next month we’ll be back to the First Sunday of every month. Bring your favorite dish to share!

BOARD OF TRUSTEES – SPRING MEETING SCHEDULE Sunday April 1, May 6 & May 20, 1:15 – 3:15 pm Visitors are always welcome. Agenda is posted on the bulletin board outside the church office. Note: No June Meeting!

MINISTRY COUNCIL MEETING Sunday April 29, 1:15-2:45p, Pastor Ama’s office The Ministry Council has been set up by our congregation to: 1. Assess the needs and opportunities in the congregation and

surrounding community in light of our values, mission, and goals.

2. Cultivate leadership to engage the gifts of our members and friends to meet the needs and opportunities identified.

3. Oversee our ministry programs, keep abreast of the congregational calendar, and support the accountability of members to follow through on agreed-upon programs.

For more info, contact Council Chair Laurel Sterling, 510.552.7542

DINNER WITH OUR NEW MEMBERS-TO-BE Saturday May 5, 5:30 pm All are invited to come and feast with those who’ll be joining the church. Please bring your favorite dish to share! RSVP to Pastor Ama, 510.444.8511x11

RECOVERY ANONYMOUS Sundays, 1-2:30pm in the Covenant Room This ministry is for everyone who wants to become more fully alive! An all inclusive 12 step recovery meeting for people who wish to share and explore recovery, deepen serenity and grow spiritually in solidarity and fellowship. Wherever you are on life’s path, you are welcome to come and check it out. You need not identify as an addict to participate. For more information contact Pam Curtis-Horton 510-932-1964, [email protected]

DEACON’S SERVICE On Duty in April: Marcia Lovelace & Dennis Fagaly The Deacons are available after service on Sundays to provide prayer support and to assist people in need.

ELDER MINISTRY Home visits, singing, birthday and holiday card making and so much more are just some of the ways we are going to involve the elders of our community in the new year. Be a part of a new and growing ministry and get back as much as you are giving; be a part of Elder Ministry today! If you would be willing to offer your time or talents to the Elder Ministry, please contact Meghan Bean-Smith, [email protected], 510.648.4475

YOUTH/CHILDREN’S MINISTRY ADULT LEADERS WELCOMED! Work with teens or with our younger kids in creative, faith-building time. For more info, contact Allison Kenney, 415.378.0731, [email protected]

SERVE ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE! Your help is needed to maintain this community of service. Sign up for Sunday Hospitality (set-up, clean-up, cook, bring food) with Robin Kinney 510.847.9030; or to welcome our guests and friends with Amelie Hansen 510.759.2918, or to give a reading with Charley Lerrigo [email protected]

CHURCH DIRECTORY— New Edition coming out April 29 REALLY! Dawn Promises :-) To update or add your contact information for the church directory, contact Dawn Raymond, [email protected] or 510.444.8511 x16

Community Coming together

with openness & respect

Congregational Happenin’s All events are at First Congo unless otherwise noted.

FCCO MINISTRY LEADERS & EVENT PLANNERS

Don’t forget: to book rooms for groups and events, you must contact Arts First Oakland at (510) 444-8511x15. They book all the space usage here at First Congo, and it’s a busy campus, so please don’t publicize an event until you have confirmed the space availability with AFO!

A Baby Celebrat ion! Shower Craig & Jenn

with love and blessings!

Jenn & Craig Breismeister's families invite you to a party on

Saturday, April 21 in honor of their baby-to-be. Everyone is invited to

write down a blessing for the baby or the new parents to share at the party. Those who want to bring gifts could either bring children's books (in English or Spanish) or use Craig & Jenn's baby registeries: Babies R Us, Pottery Barn Kids, Waddle & Swaddle (Berkeley).

RSVP by Wednesday, April 11 to Jenn's sister Karen,

[email protected]. RSVPs are necessary for planning.


THE SONGBIRD SESSIONS Monday April 2, 7-9pm This Arts First Oakland sponsored evening is hosted by Andrej Hostynek and happens the 1st Monday of every month. Join the group as they explore the magic of both directed and improvisational singing, toning, sounding, and rhythm. Taking inspiration from Bobby McFerrin's Circlesong format, you are invited to co-create a tapestry of sound. Bring an open mind and together we will open hearts and voices. Donations accepted to cover costs.

RHYTHM STUDIO/BODY MUSIC W/ KEITH TERRY Wednesday April 11, 7-8:30pm Percussive gathering held the 2nd Wednesday of every month, using the oldest instrument on the planet—the human body. A useful tool

for musicians & movers of all kinds. Please wear comfortable clothing & sneakers or jazz shoes. No experience necessary. $10, no-one turned away due to lack of funds. For more info about Keith Terry, visit

www.crosspulse.com. More info: Eve, 510.444.8511x15, [email protected]

YOGA OF SOUND WITH CAIT MCWHIR Thursday April 12, 7-9:15pm Based upon a 3000 year old system of using the voice to connect with the Divine, the Yoga of Sound is a transformative and dynamic way to explore the power of the voice in the context of different forms of chant originating from India. No experience necessary! $12- $14 donation. For info:[email protected], 510.531.9252

PROJECT WRITERS UNITE! Monday April 16, 7-10pm This Arts First Oakland sponsored evening happens the 3rd Monday of every month. Writers in all disciplines are invited to join this ongoing group—share your work and get feedback in a supportive environment. Donations accepted to cover costs. For info: James Brown Jr, 510.568.6968. For a glimpse of the group's activities check out www.angelfire.com/ultra/projectwritersunite.

CIRCLE-SINGING W/ BRYAN DYER Wednesday April 18, 7-9pm A style of singing with lots of room for beginners and experienced singers alike—it's a great chance to stretch your vocal wings with a gifted & generous leader, to create a group sound that inspires & refreshes. Donations greatly appreciated. Check out www.artsfirstoakland.org or contact Eve, 510.444.8511x15, [email protected]

FIRST CONGO WEBSITE www.firstoakland.org We’re working hard to make our website a contribution to the community, both internally and at large. Keep watch for changes, submit pieces for the "Personal Stories" part, give us some new ideas or feedback. See the UCC website, www.stillspeaking.com/about/stories.htm for inspiration Submissions and/or suggestions can be sent to Jon “Moses” Jackson at [email protected]

FOOD FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY Thanks to everyone who signed up to host Sunday Fellowship for the last several months. See the calendar pull-out for the April schedule of cooks. As of March 31 here are our May Cooks!

May 6 Community Potluck May 13 Craig & Jenn Breismeister May 20 - NEED A COOK!! May 27 - NEED A COOK!!

To sign up to cook in the future or for more information, contact Robin Kinney, 510.847.9030, [email protected] We can always use extra hands to help out in the kitchen. Just show up at 9am on Sundays.

Happenin’s, Con’t All events are at First Congo unless otherwise noted.

Food Fellowship Ministry in Need of Help

FCCO is in need of a group of people (2-3) to lead the Food & Fellowship Ministry starting April 22.

This group will help shape the future of the Food and Fellowship Ministry here at First Congo.

For more information please contact former FFM Coordinator Robin Kinney

[email protected] or 510-847-9030.

SHOWER OF BLESSING FOR PASTOR AMA

As Pastor Ama goes out for maternity leave and sabbatical, we will join together to give her a blessing.

Mother’s Day, Sunday May 13, 1:15 in the Angel Room after fellowship.

All are welcome – it’s co-ed!

Cupcakes provided! For more info or to help in preparations, please contact Shiloh McCloud, [email protected] or 415-306-4927.

News at First

Arts Positive Sharing our gifts & ourselves


COMMUNITY ART SALON Monday April 23, 6-9pm This Arts First Oakland sponsored event is held the 4th Monday of every month. Share creative space & community. You can bring any kind of project of your own to work on/play with. We have plenty of collage materials. Light refreshments. Dawn, 510.625.1209, [email protected]

TEEN ART & LEADERSHIP ENSEMBLE (T.A.L.E. OF FIRST CONGO) Thursdays, 6-8:00pm Youth ages 11-18 are invited to participate as artists and leaders in this service ensemble. We share our gifts and rehearse for our role in Sunday worship celebrations. The interests/ talents of the group will lead the way for us to become leaders in our church

community. Allison Kenney, 415.378.0731, [email protected]

JOHN SEELEY GALLERY ART EXHIBIT Thru 6/21, Bloom: Botanical Images, photos by Venėe Call-Ferrer Venėe does many of the fabulous altars we see every year at Singing for Your Life. Gallery is open for viewing whenever you’re at the church! All art is available for purchase. For questions about the exhibit 510.444.8511 x15.

SING WITH VOICES OF PRAISE Our own First Congo’s Voices of Praise welcomes new singers. We particularly need sopranos and basses. We rehearse every Thursday night, 7-9pm and Sunday mornings. If you'd like to be part of Voices of Praise, contact Kelly Takunda Orphan, 510.893.4875 or [email protected]

ARTS FIRST OAKLAND VOLUNTEER OPS Arts First Oakland (AFO), our own in-house arts collaborative, has a number of ways you can support the creative work at First Congo! Please call the office if you would like to help out—Eve Lindi, 510/444.8511x15, [email protected]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASSATA! W/ ANGELA DAVIS Friday April 27, 6-9 pm On July 16th, Assata Shakur turns 60! Join us to celebrate. The evening will feature Angela Davis and special invited guest: Goapele! Performances, Art, Music, and Assata's Birthday Card! Free… donations accepted www.happybirthdayassata.org

PUBLIC FORUM WITH JEREMY SCAHILL Saturday April 28, 8:00pm Join us for an evening with Jeremy Scahill, author of the new book, BLACKWATER: The Rise of the World’s Most Powerful Mercenary Army. Tickets $10 in advance, $15 at door, available at independent bookstores, at 415.255.7296 X253, or at www.globalexchange.org/events/blackwater

AN EVENING WITH MICHAEL PARENTI Thursday May 3, 7pm Political Perception & Deception: How to Think about Empire. Sponsored by Middle East Children's Alliance, 510.548.0542, www.mecaforpeace.org

MOTHER’S MORNING/MOURNING Saturday, May 12, 9am at 20th & Harrison at Lake Merritt Gather in solidarity with Oakland mothers and families who have lost loved ones to violence. We’ll chant, set our intention, and process in silence to the beat of a drum to City Center on 12th St. for a time of community healing, including music, testimony of mothers, and an interfaith communion ritual. If you are moved to volunteer to help on the day of the event or to contribute towards costs of staging the event, contact Gina, [email protected]

NETWORK OF SPIRITUAL PROGRESSIVES April 15 Global Generosity Sunday—See page 4 for details Bring our spirit-led values to bear on the needs of our souls, our communities, and our world. To find out more about our local group contact Dennis Fagaly or Marcia Lovelace, 510.465.7192

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Peace & Justice-Making Living our values & building

a just society


SPIRITUAL CINEMA Sunday April 15, 1:30 All are welcome to spend the afternoon at Ann's after lunch for a movie and lively discussion afterwards. This month we will be watching The Mission. Please RSVP if you can to get directions, and so I will know if I need to borrow chairs. Tissues will be provided. Ann Estrada, 510.350.8848

HOLY COUNSEL OF WOMEN VISION CIRCLE Sunday May 6, 6:30pm Join Rev Shiloh Sophia McCloud and Pastor Ama Zenya for an evening of powerful conversation and chocolate cake communion! With so much talk of manifestation and attraction principles in the popular media, where do we stand as women of faith? How do we surrender our will to the will of God, and yet still stay focused on our unique life ministry? Each of us has a call to answer, let's create space for that CALL to come through!

FREEDOM TRAIN FOR NEW MEMBERS Saturday May 5 & May 12, 1:30–5:30 pm followed by Potluck Dinners If you’d like to join First Congo as an active, voting member of the community, join Pastor Ama and other First Congo folks for a two-day ride through our faith journeys, church history, membership agreements and exploration of our gifts. All are welcome! To sign up, please call Pastor Ama, 510.444.8511x11 or [email protected].

UCC ANNUAL MEETING May 17-20 at Asilomar Conference Center Great speakers, workshops and Northern California United Church of Christ Conference business – all by the beach in


Monterrey. Keynote from Rev. Kenneth Samuel. Cost for room and board reduced for early sign-up. To sign up, speak to Pastor Lynice, [email protected]

CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER Sundays 1-2:15pm in the Choir Room This contemplative time incorporates simple movement, prayer, check-in time and a brief teaching or reflection. Everyone is welcome. No experience necessary. For more info contact Grant Kinney, 510.292.6758, [email protected]

KIDS LIFE Sundays 11-12pm, during worship, for kids ages 3-10 A creative, faith-building and friend-making time for kids! Kids LIFE happens every Sunday following the Praise Time in worship, and continues thru the end of the worship celebration. Allison Kenney, 415.378.0731, [email protected]

STORY TELLING MINISTRY Tuesday evenings, 7-8:30pm, starting in February If you’d like to learn more, contact Ly Franshaua, 510.219.8073

WORSHIP INPUT & PARTICIPATION WELCOME! The First Congo worship team is open to lay input and participation in the worship services for Sundays. If you are interested, contact Kelly Takunda Orphan, 510. 893.4875 or [email protected] or Pastor Lynice, [email protected] or 510.444.8511x12.

LOVING INTO NEW COMMUNITY (LINC) TEAM If you’d like to be part of strategizing for growing our community with love, plan to be there! Speak to LINC Coordinator Grant Kinney, 510.292.6758, [email protected]

LIFE GROUP LEADERS MEETING June 5, 6:30-8:30pm Note: LIFE Groups will not meet individually that week.

LIFE (LIVING IN FAITH EVERYDAY) GROUPS LIFE Groups are a way to cultivate spiritual friendship and to grow in faith. LIFE Groups meet weekly for sharing, prayer and conversational scripture study. If you are interested please contact Pastor Ama, 510.444.8511 X11

Spirit-Led Opening to healing & growing

in power & love

Sharing by Shiloh McCloud

News at First

JOIN FIRST CONGO! You are welcome and invited to become an active, voting member in the life of this church. To take part in the next New Members Class, contact Pastor Ama,

510.444.8511x11, right away, and we’ll set the date according to what works for the

most people.

Kids LIFE Spring Schedule Kid's LIFE begins in worship with a "Joyful Noise Processional." Kids and their teaching ministers for the day join together with shakers and bells at the front of the sanctuary and then process to the gallery for a spiritually enriching time of games, movement, stories and creative play. They re-join the worship service in the sanctuary just before the closing circle. MAR 25 Jenn & Dennis "Creating a

Covenant" APRIL 1 Allison, Karen, Vivian "Creating a

Covenant" APRIL 8 EASTER, Guest Artist, Harvey Rabbit,

"Bunnies, Eggs...and Jesus! Creating Easter Stories" TALE (Teen Arts & Leadership Ensemble) leads Easter Egg Hunt after church

APRIL 15 Claudine, Amelie, Chris & Matt "Jesus is Alive! Transformation"

APRIL 22 Jenn, Kira "Thomas Asks Questions" APRIL 29 Lynn, Inge "Thomas Asks Questions" MAY 6 Dennis, Veronica - "Thomas Asks

Questions" MAY 13 MOTHER'S DAY- Harvey Rabbit for a

special Mother's Day celebration MAY 20 Kira, Lynn "Peter Learns" MAY 27 Amelie, Inge "Peter Learns" JUNE 3 LAST DAY, PARTY! Allison, Dennis "B-

day of the Church" 3:30-4:30 KIDS LIFE MINISTRY TEAM

MEETING to debrief process 4:30-6:00 FAMILY DINNER &

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION


April Birthdays 3—Frank Waters 5—Jackie Gamble 10—Daniel Estrada 10—Liam Kharb 14—Rashida Jacques 18—Marisa Pugliano 23—Charley Lerrigo 24—Dennis Fagaly 26—Ryan Baum

April Anniversaries None on record...

Please let us know when your birthday or anniversary is so that we can send blessings. Contact Dawn, 510.444.8511 x16, [email protected]

First Congo Seeks Event Staff

First Congregational Church is home to a growing arts-positive, multicultural, peace-and justice-making community center. We are a progressive Christian church building a strong interfaith community committed to the social and spiritual well-being of the city. Our campus–an historic treasure–houses Arts First Oakland, Oakland Youth Chorus, JFK Counseling Center, and many other nonprofits. We seek an experienced, warm and capable Event Staff to host contracted events—days ,evenings, and weekends—throughout the year.

Job Description: Event Stall will use building maintenance skills to maintain safety and effective functioning of the facility during rented events. They will work with and report to the Operations Manager, Assistant Maintenance Manager, and/or Event Manager. The job involves Hosting & Hospitality skills as well as Security and Janitorial tasks.

If you are interested or would like a more detailed job description please contact Operations Manager Anthony Maples, 510.444.8511 x20, or [email protected]


onsider the story of Jesus and the Bleeding Woman, which is related by Mathew, Luke and Mark; but told with the most detail by Mark. Jesus is teaching in a crowd that is jostling to be near him. A woman who has suffered 12 years of bleeding works her way toward Jesus. We infer from the story that her bleeding is menstrual because she is described as unclean to touch. She is suffering. She is surely anemic and fatigued and she may have cramping and pain. Her suffering is both physical and social; because she is considered unclean she cannot be touched by others and is therefore lacking affection. She is likely barren and cannot attain the social prestige and security that motherhood and marriage confer. She has been the victim of fraud as many quacks have promised her healing, stolen her money and given her nothing. Now she works her way toward Jesus. Her journey through the pressing crowd is treacherous because if she bumps the wrong person she could illicit anger or even violence. She touches Jesus’ hem which is even riskier because Jesus is seen as a great profit, the messiah, who is pure and not to be contaminated. A miracle occurs; one that Jesus himself is surprised by. Energy is drained from Jesus to the Bleeding Woman, her bleeding stops and she is healed.

Healed! This story is only one of countless stories relating Jesus power to heal. He is called the great physician. A quick survey of the book of Mathew illustrates how powerful Jesus’ healing ministry is. Early in Jesus’ ministry he “went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News of him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various disease, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures and the paralyzed, and he healed them (Mathew 4:23-24.)” Mathew traces Jesus ministry as he travels east to Tyre, North to Capernaum, South to Jericho and Jerusalem and in each instance he is met first by the ill and infirmed who have heard of

his miraculous healing and who are the first to rush out and meet him. Jesus’ crowd-gathering fame in fact is largely due to his healing ministry.

As Jesus’ fame grows conflicts with the Pharisees deepen and a point of contention becomes that Jesus violates Jewish law and heals on the Sabbath. Why is the act of healing so central to the work of Christ? Disease is universal to the human experience; A condition known by all. What can we learn from Jesus healing ministry that will help in our experience of illness today? Look here in the next coming months for discussion on the healing ministry of Jesus.

Health Corner Parish Nurse Rebecca Faith, RN NP

News at First

C

‘07 Focus Goals Notes from 2006/2007 Who’ll report to the Board?

STRENGTHEN EVANGELISM: Share the

good news and Grow our worshipping congregation

In 2006, we celebrate that we received 17 new members, a 30% increase in active members, and that our worshipping congregation grew by about 20% (60 to 72). For 2007, we’ll power up our congregation with a workshop on Re-visioning and Reclaiming Evangelism, and we’ll strengthen our Welcome and Follow Up structure with Sunday visitors.

Charley

Lerrigo

STRENGTHEN DISCIPLESHIP: equip

members and friends as powerful, creative, spirit-

led leaders through bible study, classes and

workshops.

In 2006, we deepened discipleship through a great retreat, a new Foundations Theology Class, and in LIFE Groups. In 2007, we will strengthen Biblical nurture, literacy and joy through developing an Adult Sunday School; equip members for intercultural relationality though a great retreat; and strengthen the discipleship and nurture of our kids and youth through our new Youth Ministry.

Webb Mealy

STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY CARE:

Develop a Culture of and Infrastructure for

Community Care

In 2006, we celebrate the AMAZING work done in this area, as we trained and ordained our first cadre of deacons in remembered history, and developed LIFE Groups that involve over 50% of our members. For 2007, we will strengthen the systems for our diaconate and LIFE Group Leaders in nurturing a culture of community care.

Rebecca Faith

MAINTAIN WORSHIP: Maintain

passionate Spirit-led worship

In 2006, we were blessed with passionate, creative worship, nurtured by the gifts of our music ministers, choir, preachers (including lay and guest preachers), readers, altar-creators and everyone! In 2007, we will look to hire a new co-minister of music, and to maintain Spirit-led worship.

Jose Ruiz

MAINTAIN PROPHETIC PUBLIC

MISSION: actively address issues of peace and justice

in our community

In 2006, we celebrate the success we had in the areas of affordable housing, our participation locally and nationally in the Network of Spiritual Progressives, our stand for equal justice for GLBT folks, and our development of prophetic leaders (7 who we sent to National Leadership Training.) In 2007, we will continue to be a center for Peace-and-Justice making as we grow.

Soo Hyun Han

with Craig Breismeister

MAINTAIN “COMMUNITY CENTER”/

CONGREGATIONAL TRUSTEESHIP: Steward

our Community Center toward sustainability

In 2006, we recognize the strengthening infrastructure and coordination of our community center with the work of our staff, and the rental coordination by Arts First Oakland. For 2007, we will maintain and deepen systems for effective functioning.

Pat Bruce-

Lerrigo

STRENGTHEN CONGREGATIONAL

STEWARDSHIP: Strengthen Financial

Sustainability

In 2006, we celebrate that we increased our congregational giving by 30%. In 2007, we will deepen systems for supporting joyful, disciplined personal stewardship.

Dawn

Raymond

STRENGTHEN ORGANIZATIONAL

INFRASTRUCTURE: Build Effective Org.

Infrastructure for Congregational Life

In 2006, we celebrate the AWESOME work done in this area, as we developed and approved new bylaws, and instituted the Ministry Council. In 2007, through website, newsletter and database, and with the work of the Board, Ministry Council and Pastoral Relations Committee, we will strengthen communication and accountability amongst all our ministry areas.

Paul Vollmer

First Congo 2007 Goals Overview

Note: The current draft of our 2007 Goals is based less on what came up at our community Goals Discernment Gathering in January, and more on what came up in the ensuing weeks. Current goals reflect the people power – both lay and pastoral – to move them forward, given Pastor Ama’s sabbatical and maternity leave, and members’ expressed areas of readiness to lead.


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To the Beloved:

What If Tax Day… Were a Celebration?

What if paying taxes felt like an expression of love?

What if we shifted how we think about national security to focus on solidarity

with all of the peoples of the world, rather than domination of them?

Come help us celebrate the compassionate potential of our taxes and learn

how to advocate for the Global Marshall Plan, a project through which our

tax dollars would make a substantial contribution to eliminating poverty, at

home and abroad, and solving the environmental crisis.

Sunday, April 15

Global Generosity Service, 10:30am

Security Through Generosity:

A Teach-In, 2pm

Food �� MUSICMUSICMUSICMUSIC �� CCCCONVERSATIONONVERSATIONONVERSATIONONVERSATION �� InspirationInspirationInspirationInspiration

Celebrate with The Network of Spiritual Progressives

www.spiritualprogressives.org

First Congregational Church of Oakland 2501 Harrison St. @ 27th Oakland, CA. 94612 Phone: 510.444.8511

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 10:30a Worship, Communion Sunday 12p Lunch—Amelie & Inge Hansen 1-2:30 Rec. Anon. 1-2:15 Prayer 1:15-3:15 Board Meeting

2 7-9 Songbird Session

3 LIFE Groups

4

5 6pm TALE 7pm Voices of Praise rehearsal

6

7

8 HAPPY EASTER! 7a Sunrise Service 9a Adult Sunday School 10:30a Worship 12p Lunch POTLUCK! 1-2:30 Rec. Anon. 1-2:15 Prayer 2p Teach In

9

10 LIFE Groups

11 7pm Rhythm Studio/ Body Music w/ Keith Terry

12 6pm TALE 7pm Voices of Praise rehearsal 7pm Yoga of Sound

13

14

15 10:30a Worship 12p Lunch—Laurel Sterling 1-2:30 Rec. Anon. 1-2:15 Prayer 1:30 Spiritual Cinema @ Ann’s

16 7-10 Project Writer’s Unite

17 LIFE Groups

18 7-9 Circle Singing w/ Bryan Dyer

19 6pm TALE 7pm No Choir Rehearsal

20 May News at First Deadline

21 Baby Shower for Jenn & Craig at Allison & Lynn’s House

22 10:30a Worship 12p Lunch—Frank Waters 1-2:30 Rec. Anon. 1-2:15 Prayer Last day to update your info for the new Church Directory

23 6-9 Community Art Salon

24 LIFE Groups

25

26 6pm TALE 7pm Voices of Praise rehearsal

27 6pm Happy Birthday Assata! w/ Angela Davis

28 10a-4p UCC Forum Making Dreams Real through Stewardship 8pm Public Forum w/ Jeremy Scahill

29 10:30a Worship 12p Lunch—We need a cook!!! 1-2:30 Rec. Anon. 1:15-2:45 Ministry Council Meeting

30

April 2007

See Congregational Hap- April Deacon’s on Duty—Marcia Lovelace & Dennis Fagaly

WORSHIP—Loving God with all we are

Worship Team Pastor Lynice, 510.444.8511 x12 Music Ministry Leaders Kelly Takunda Orphan, 893.4875 Readers Coordinator Rev. Charley Lerrigo, 510.531.5539

FELLOWSHIP & DISCIPLESHIP—Building authentic relationships and growing in God’s Love Children & Youth Ministry—Sunday children’s time and special events for youth, kids & families Allison Kenney, 415.378.0731 Community Care—for members & friends Pastor Lynice, 510.444.8511 x12 Computer/ Internet Tech Team— Paul Vollmer, 510.357.1505 Nasim Uddin, 510.759.1175 Contempletive Prayer Group— Grant Kinney, 510.292.6758 Decorations Coordinator— for fellowship & special events Nan Lim, 510.635.6744 Elder Care— Megan Bean-Smith, 510.648.4475 Health & Wellness— Rebecca Faith, Parish Nurse, 510.444.8511x14 Hospitality Team (Food!)—Shopping, cooking, set up, clean up for fellowship meal Robin Kinney, 510.847.9030 Frank Waters, 510.483.6122 Living in Faith Everyday (LIFE) Groups— Pastor Ama, 510.444.8511x11 New Members Class— Pastor Ama, 510.444.8511x11

STEWARDSHIP—caring for what God has given

Board of Trustees— Pat Bruce-Lerrigo, 510.531.5539 Campus Care Anthony Maples, 510.444.8511 x20 Generous Giving Team Pastor Lynice, 510.433.0906 Ministry Council Laurel Sterling, 510.552.7542

MISSION—Living our values in the public sphere

Arts First Oakland—An interfaith collaborative of artists and art-lovers at First Congregational Church of Oakland. Eve Lindi, 510.444.8511x15 Network of Spiritual Progressives—Brings our spirit-led values to bear on the needs of our souls, our communities, and our world. Marcia Lovelace, 510.465.7192 Open & Affirming Ministry—Increasing awareness & supporting the needs & issues of the LGBT community Erica Britton, 510.331.4849

EVANGELISM—Sharing the message of God’s love.

LINC Team—”Loving Into New Community” Grant Kinney, 510.292.6758

Web Servant Jon “Moses” Jackson, 510.757.3839 Welcome Coordinator— Greeting & follow up with visitors Amelie Hansen, 510.759.2918

Blessings to you...Blessings to you...Blessings to you...Blessings to you...

Ministry Teams at FCCO Here’s who to contact to get involved, or find out more about what’s going on...

vol 3, no 4 april 2007 resurrection season! at first/0704 naf.pdf · the resurrection beautifully...

Documents