sierra christian church · 04/04/2020 · june 27-june 29 joy camp, (formerly grand-parents and...
TRANSCRIPT
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Sierra Christian Church An Open and Affirming Congregation
April 2020
Covid-19 & Our Response
2. The church will be utilizing Zoom. With it, virtual
meetings of varying sizes can be held, including wor-
ship, which we held successfully last Sunday, March
29. Zoom allows visual interaction for those with cam-
era-equipped computers, as well as participation with-
out the camera. You can call in, because with Zoom-
Pro (courtesy of Dick Reed), there is also a call in num-
ber allowing you to participate without a computer if
need be.
Zoom will allow our reading group, Books That Bind,
to continue to meet—virtually—and the men can still
dribble their eggs down their chins from the comfort
of home but in full view of one another, starting Satur-
day, April 4 at 9 am.
To learn more about Zoom and Sierra Christian’s
link, an email will be forthcoming with log-in infor-
mation and FAQs. Also, see the box below.
The church’s absence, its literal emptying, can
function as a symbol of its trust in God’s ability
to meet us regardless of the location. The
church remains the church, whether gathered
or scattered. It might also, indirectly, remind
us of the gift of gathering that we take for
granted.
Saturday, April 4—Men’s Fellowship Breakfast 9 am
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/722944620
1-669-900-6833
Meeting ID: 722 944 620
Sunday, April 5—Palm Sunday Worship 10:30 am
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/4690047249
1-669-900-6833
Meeting ID: 469 004 7249 (Elders meeting to follow)
Sunday, April 12—Sierra Christian Worship 10:30 am
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/4690047249
1-669-900-6833
Meeting ID: 469 004 7249
Thursday, April 16—Books That Bind 7 pm
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/324517152
1-669-900-6833
Meeting ID: 324 517 152
Upcoming Zoom Gatherings
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Hartmire’s challenge to all of us is to embrace,
the beautiful truth that everyone is always wel-comed at Jesus’ table.
As I write this , I am filled with joy. I know, joy, at a time like this; but let me explain. I have recently been
gifted the opportunity to talk with many of you as well as the hospice patients and families I serve. While the
conversations have varied, each time I was reminded of God's creative, restoring and renewing presence, and as
we fully engage in the Easter season, how can joy not be a product of our lives together.
Being reminded how a simple phone call, text or email can help remove physical distance, I was tickled by
the willingness of our very own board as they stumbled through hosting our first board meeting via a conference
call. A smile warmed my heart a few weeks ago as I listened
to Steve, Cliff and John chatting
using Zoom, and trying to figure
out ways we can worship togeth-
er virtually (which they did!). I
was touched by calls from Elders
asking for phone numbers and
checking in to see if there was
anything they could do. Recently,
our neighbor sent us a video of
her newborn, Oliver, laughing in
his sleep.
Last week, I talked with the
daughter of a patient who
acknowledged her fear that she
might not see her father again
because visitors were not al-
lowed in the facility where he resides. The next day, I grieved
with a spouse whose wife is actively dying, holding his anger
as he was told that her funeral/viewing would have to be lim-
ited to 10 people. In both of these situations, I was unable to
change the circumstance and remove the pain—God knows I
wanted to—but I can share what did happen. While talking
to the daughter about not being able to see her dad, we ex-
plored ways she might be able to connect, and the excite-
ment that filled her voice was contagious when she realized
she could arrange to have her dad brought to his bedroom
window so she could see him from the other side of the glass.
And the husband, accepting the limitations before him, has
worked with his kids to create a virtual viewing and service of
celebration for his beloved.
Pastor’s Pitch: Still, and Always, Joy Will Win Out
Do you see now, what I mean about being filled with a
sense of JOY. You can't help but be moved by God's cre-
ative, restoring and renewing presence.
Disciples Summer Camp Schedule
June 4—Jun 7 Adult Camp https://ccncn.org/ministries/Outdoor_Ministries/Events/2020/Summer_Camps/Adult_Camp_2020_Packet.pdf Tina Heck, Director and Dan Paul Keynoter
June 21—27 Junior Camp https://ccncn.org/ministries/Outdoor_Ministries/Events/2020/Summer_Camps/Junior_Chi-Rho_CYF_2020_Packet.pdf
Kathleen Schales and Zena Steti, Co‐Directors
Chi Rho Camp
2020 Junior Chi Rho Packet Directors - TBD
June 27-June 29 JOY Camp, (Formerly Grand-parents and Me) Sarah Steenhouse, Director
June 28—July 4 CYF Camp Haley Monachello and Mike Hecker, Co-Directors
July 14-20 UCC Camp Tamarack Grades 4-6
July 21—27 UCC Camp Tamarack Grades 7— 8
July 28—Aug. 3 UCC Camp Tamarack Grades 9-12
Below is the link to the 2020 Complete Camp Packet (includes forms for the church registrar) (you may have to copy and past in URL)
https://ccncn.org/ministries/Outdoor_Ministries/Events/2020/Summer_Camps/2020_Camp_Packet-Online_Hard_Copy.pdf
The following link takes you to the Disciples Camping site.
https://ccncn.org/Regional_Calendar.php?action=display&event=329
Please see Pastor’s Pitch, next page
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Do you see now, what I mean
about being filled with a sense of
JOY? You can't help but be moved by
God's creative, restoring and renew-
ing presence.
And now… Easter
When we examine the story of
Jesus’ death and the mystical experi-
ence of resurrection in metaphorical
terms, we can see in the story of the
crucifixion the very human nature of
Jesus: we see suffering, pain, doubt,
and death itself—the inevitable con-
ditions of being human. It is in the
story of the resurrection, however,
that we learn that this human condi-
tion is not the conclusion — hope
exists for all of us. Behind life’s
sufferings there lies a power: the power of existence itself, eternal and infinite, a power that “conquers death”
because it is the source of life.
The enduring message of Easter becomes, for us, one of light and hope—just as Jesus was able to tap into this
power and just as Jesus’ life was centered on the power of the divine in each and every one of us. He radiated it,
and Easter reminds me that we, too, can do the same. We can also experience that divine spark within ourselves
and within all of creation.
So amid the uncertainty and fear of these
times, of the COVID-19 and what it is doing to
our lives, Easter comes to remind us of our di-
vinity as Jesus taught us, and that if we choose
it, every day we are on the journey deeper into
the fullness of God’s love. That is Easter!
It is not a singular event that happened
some 2000 years ago. It is not one day of the
year. It is our lives, unremittingly, because res-
urrection happens every day all the time. It is
our journey into the heart and soul of God.
And here is the most beautiful part of this
journey. It is the surprise! We get to be open
to being surprised by God in strange places, in
ways we never imagined we’d experience, in
conversations we had not prepared for, in peo-
ple we never thought we would meet.
Happy Easter!
Sierra Christian News & Notes Saturday April 4, 9 am, Men’s breakfast, via Zoom!
Sunday, April 5, 10:30 am Palm Sunday Service via
Zoom! (Elder’s meeting following worship)
Thursday, April 9, 7 pm. Maundy Thurday Prayer and
Reflection, via Zoom
Sunday, April 12, 10:30 am EASTER Service via Zoom
April 12 is Gabby Hines’s birthday
Thursday, April 16, 7 pm, Books That Bind, via Zoom!
April 24 is Cliff Cole’s birthday!
Please note the following Directory Corrections
John Hartmire’s email should be, [email protected]
Dick Reed’s email should be, [email protected]
Pastor’s Pitch The First Easter morning...
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Sierra Christian Church…
April 2020
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Men’s Breakfast 9 am via Zoom
Palm Sunday Worship at 10:30
via Zoom
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Maundy Thursday
Service 7 pm via Zoom
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Easter Sunday
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Books That Bind 7 pm via Zoom
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Worship at 10:30
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Worship at 10:30
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An Opportunity!
At this time of increased online shopping,
we have a chance to help the church. Ama-
zon will donate to Sierra Christian Church
0.5% on purchases through amazon.smile.
Simply visit amazon.smile and type in Sierra
Christian Church and shop! Shop! Shop!
The Sierra Christian Church Board of Directors for 2020
Chair: Gary Weatherly Directors-at-large:
Secretary: Cliff Cole Janet Peck CFO: Karen Steinke Constance Cole
Check Page 1 for our Zoom links—both Internet and phone in.
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An Open Letter That’s Worth Remaining Open
March 2020
Dear Sierra Christian Community,
The members of the Board and our Elders have given significant thought and time to our response to the Coronavirus pandemic. Following the recommendations of health and community officials, Sierra Christian Church decided to take the prudent steps of suspending worship and in-person church-related activities until the end of March, at which time we would re-visit the decision and again measure our decision against the ever-changing situ-ation. (It is now April and the coronavirus is showing no signs fo slowing down. The shelter-in-place orders remain in effect.
I know it seems strange that at a time when we should be drawing closer as a community we asked for distance. It’s a physical distance, however, not a spiritual or emotional one.
Back on Wednesday, March 18th, the Board met electroni-cally to continue our discussion on how best we can serve one another in light of the situation. We explored ways we could continue to worship as a community, ways we could stay close to one another offering support and fel-lowship, and ways we could grow spiritually together in our faith and love. (See Page 1)
Also, please remember, that even when we are not gathering physi-cally, church staff and others continue to go about the work of the church, which means Sierra Christian still needs your support. Please consider mailing your offering to the church during this period of time.
These are not the simplest of times. Schools have closed, and John and I can attest that it’s not easy balancing work expectations and the sudden demands of having children at home instead of in the classroom. Many of our congregants are at a higher risk with re-spect to COVID-19 and it can be frightening. The precautions our lo-cal leaders are encouraging us to adopt can feel daunting because, I think, all this reminds us of our frailty and how precious life is. But none of us have to walk this alone. Our Elders are available to talk. I am available to meet in person as needed and speak by phone.
Please know I am here for any pastoral needs and our congregation remains committed to one another.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Together in service,
Pastor Christine
A Sierra Christian Church sunset
Sandy Collins, our ageless maestro of the children’s hour, is not one to let an op-portunity pass by. She got on her iPhone and read the story of the Good Samaritan to the Boutwell clan, to J and Connor Coe, and to Daven, via the technology of FaceTime. No virus can keep a joyous child of God down…
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Prayers & Celebrations
Representing the Christian
Church (Disciples of Christ) in Loomis, Rocklin, Roseville and surrounding areas, we are a mem-
ber of the Christian Churches of Northern Welcome and
Nurture all people as We Become more Faithful Together in a Loving Relationship with God.
For more information, or to
Our website is www.sierrachristian.com
Sierra Christian Church
5645 Rocklin Rd. 95650