OCTOBER EDITION | page

MINISTER’S MESSAGE

Peoples Prodder October Edition

Peoples Congregational United Church of Chris t

4704 Thirteenth Street , NW

Washington, DC 20011

Rev. Brandon Harris Senior Minister

Rev. Mahogany S. Thomas Executive Minister

Worship Service Each Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

Holy Communion First Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

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Wednesday Word 7:00 a.m.

Wednesday Prayer

12:00 Noon

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Bible Study Each Thursday at 6:00 p.m.

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202-829-5511

www.peopleschurchucc.org

Follow us on Twitter @PeoplesCongUCC

Dear Church:

Psalm 136:1 declares, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.”

Gratitude can be a difficult emotion to summon when it seems as if so, much in our world is influx. Rev. Thomas reminded us a few weeks ago that so often we focus on what we do not have, or what we lack, or what we are missing. At the heart of our Christian faith is gratitude. To live with gratitude is to live with an openness to the blessings great and small we encounter. Gratitude reminds us that we do not own or control this world or this life. We are recipients of grace and all that we are and all we experience is a gift from God. M. Craig Barnes, President of Princeton Theological Seminary writes, "When you are grateful that means that you have done the hard work of attending to what God is doing in your life." As we enter into a new month, I invite you Church to pay attention to what God is doing in your life and in our Church.

There is much to give God thanks and praise for. The turning of leaves and the crispness of the air. The ability for us to still worship together virtually and reach people we’ve never encountered before. The gift of a hot cup of coffee or zoom calls with family members. Pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and thank God.

The spiritual discipline of gratitude slows us down. It turns us from ourselves and attunes our hearts to the goodness of God. Galen Guengerich, Minister of the All Souls Church in New York writes, “The discipline of gratitude reminds us how utterly dependent we are on the people and world around us for everything that matters. From this flows an ethic of gratitude that obligates us to create a future that justifies an increasing sense of gratitude from the human family as a whole.”

What are you grateful for? May we be known as a community of faith that lives with gratitude at its core.

Blessings,

Rev. Brandon C. Harris

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During September, I preached a sermon entitled 'A Little More Grace' focusing on Acts 4:32-36. The scripture reads: Acts 4:32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners

of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Beloved, the New Testament, more specifically the life and ministry of Jesus, models to us what it means to be a community that operates with grace, love, and compassion. The passage outlines what it looks like to be a community attentive to the needs of those around them and one who voluntarily shares what they have. In my preaching, I suggested this passage of scripture allows us to ask a few questions: 1) How do we choose to show up to our community? And 2) What do we bring to the table? As I journeyed deeper into the Acts passage, I found one of the answers to those questions suggested that we have the option to show up with traits that align with the heart of God in all that we do. Therefore, instead of always bringing our fears, complaints, doubts, and frustration to the table or to our community, instead, we could make a new commitment. A new commitment to voluntarily bring a little more grace, love, compassion, pa-tience, and care for those around us. This revelation is imperative to our leadership and identity as a church. No longer can we be an institution that sabotages our communal healing because of how we choose to show up. The scriptures suggest that we have a communal responsibility to care and love one another in all that we do. That responsibility is to interact from a place of love in all that we do. This new commitment then challenges us to have more grace, in every meeting both virtually and physically, on every zoom call, in every email, in every phone conversation. As we draw closer to the election on November 3, 2020, this understanding of grace is imperative. We live during a time where leadership lacks empathy, and the results are both negligent and catastrophic. Every time we turn on the news or read the newspaper, we are reminded of the evils of this world around us in one way or another. Therefore, as a church, we have a responsibility to always lead from a place of love and share the heart of God with everyone with whom we interact. The Good News is that the Gospel demonstrates how when we operate with the spirit of God in all that we do, there is always enough love and grace to go around. So, may we all bring a little more grace, knowing that even the smallest amounts of grace can yield great grace.

LECTIONARY READINGS for October 2020

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost,

October 4 Old Testament: Psalm 19

Gospel: Matthew 21:33-46

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Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost,

October 11 Old Testament: Psalm 106:1-6,19-23

Gospel: Matthew 22:1-14

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Twentirth Sunday after Pentecost,

October 18 Old Testament: Psalm: 99

Gospel: Matthew 22:15-22 †

Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost,

October 25 Old Testament: Psalm 90:1-6,13-17

Gospel: Matthew 22:34-46

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Prayers of the People: Wednesdays at Noon Join Minister Hudson every Wednesday at noon for prayer, scripture, reflection, joys and concern and hymns! Call-in Number 515-604-9545 ID 659959#

Join Rev. Brandon Harris for Bible Study Every Thursday at 6 p.m. virtual bible study is held via Zoom and Dial In Dial-in# +1 301 715 8592 US Meeting ID: 992 6852 3678 Password: 784420 Join Zoom Meeting: Click on link below: https://zoom.us/j/99268523678?pwd=NFZrUzNlUXBXczJkMWVxZ1VZclU5UT09 Meeting ID: 992 6852 3678 Password: 784420 The Scholarship Committee will begin accepting college book grant applications on October 12, 2020. Applications may be obtained from the church website. If hard copies of the application need to be retrieved from the church building, please email scholarship@peopleschurchucc.org Please note, the due date for applications and any supporting documentation is Friday, December 4, 2020 at before midnight. Thank you. "

THE BYLAWS WORK GROUP has completed discussions with the Church Council on the proposed amendments to the by-laws. They are in the process of further editing to reflect the results of discussions with the Church Council. The next phase is to make this document available to the full governing body (the congregation) for at least a 45-day review period. Because of Covid 19 protocols, the Work Group will announce a process for members of the congregation to raise questions and get responses from the Work Group. We hope to begin this phase mid-October. Members of the Work Group: Pat Ellis, Lead; Robert Hendricks, Imme-diate Past Moderator; Brenda V. Smith, former Moderator; Brenda Ewing, Church Treasurer; Marie Whitaker, President, Council of Circles and Clubs; and Esther Williams, At-Large Member, Church Council. The current Moderator and Moderator-Elect are inte-gral in the process. Questions/Inquiries: Info@peopleschurchucc.org MEMBER CHECK-IN CALLS/TECHNOLOGY SURVEY is completed. Nineteen Church volunteers combed through a list of approximately 500 members to confirm contact information and to gauge effectiveness of Church communications during this peri-od of Covid 19 protocols. The volunteers completed a sheet for each person reached. They were able to confirm contact information with 242 members (47.5 percent of the list). The remainder of the list were invalid numbers and unresponsive, and a few no longer members. Deceased members numbered 25 (5 percent of the list). If there are members who were not contacted, please be in touch with Pat Ellis at Info@peopleschurchucc.org We want to be sure everyone is counted! Thank you.

Leaders of Church Organizations, the Church Calendar is now available on the Church web site for your use. You are encouraged to use it to announce your scheduled meetings. For meetings you want to have listed please provide the date, the start and end time of your meeting and contact information for the person who called the meeting. Also indicate if this is a recurring meeting so the calendar can be updated to reflect your meeting times based on the intervals that your group meets. If you have any questions call the church office at 202-829-5511 and speak with a staff member or email Marie Whitaker at info@peopleschurchucc.org

Announcements

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Greetings Peoples Church Family

Although the pandemic has changed our ability to worship in our

Beloved Sanctuary physically, God has kept our Community of

Faith connected via our Virtual Services every Sunday. Our virtual

gathering has extended beyond our congregation; and we have

attracted fellow believers from around the world to pray and wor-

ship with us. We are sharing our viewing analytics from several so-

cial media platforms; so that you will know that "God is doing a new

thing" at Peoples Church and beyond.

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The Hospitality Circle

It gives the Hospitality Circle great pleasure to inform you that the 2020 Rupert Clark Service Award was presented on September 27, 2020 to Ernestine Blackwell, known to all of us as Tina and to Jackie Greene. As you may recall Tina was more than instrumental in getting our "Take a Seat" project started and she worked diligently with the BOT to bring about the successful completion of the project. Thank you Tina for all you did to make the "Take a Seat" project a huge success and we thank you for your continued work with the "Funeral Repast Committee", the Ushers and Greeters, the Food Pantry and the team that prepares the sanctuary and the pews for Sunday worship. Thank you Jackie Green for your amazing vision to provide "Live Streaming" of our church services even before the COVID Pan-demic eliminated our ability to worship in the sanctuary. This is a mighty task that requires technological knowledge in an evolving science. we appreciate all the volunteer hours you put in researching solutions to problems that arise and your bartering skills that allow us to purchase more equipment at better prices. You and the team you brought together keep us connected for worship service, special Jazz services, church meetings, Vacation Bible School and even virtual funerals. We appreciate you both very much and just wanted to let you know what a special blessing your gifts are Peoples Church Family. The Hospitality Circle salutes you!!

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Vaster Bridgewater

Passed on January 10, 2020

Derek Jones Passed on February 27, 2020

David Driskell Passed on April 1, 2020

Ebena Sims Passed on April 21, 2020

Dr. James Jones Passed on June 19, 2020

Presley Reed, Sr. Passed on July 17, 2020

Onra Dillard Passed on July 30, 2020

Josephine Wulu Passed on August 18, 2020

,

Frank Love Passed on August 21, 2020

Orren Cohill

Passed on September 5, 2020

Melvin Calhoun Passed on September 5, 2020

Margaret Askew Passed on September 18, 2020

In Memoriam For members who transitioned January 2020 − October 2020

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2020 MONTHLY

January: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

February: “Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” (Proverbs

16:3)

March: “I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continuously be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1)

April: “So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17)

May: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

June: “I can do all things through Him (Jesus Christ) who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

MEMORY VERSES

July: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

August: “The prayer of the righteous is power-ful and effective.” (James 5:16)

September: “What no eye has seen, or ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

October: “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness, come into His presence with singing. (Psalm 100:1-2)

November: I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)

December: “She will bear a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

Since we closed on March 12th our staff has been working non-stop to keep us up and running. We want to thank them for their work and let you know the hours that they are available.

Ms. Yvette Hunter, Operations Specialist

Monday − Friday 8:00 a.m. − 5:00 p.m. Ms. Donika Palmer, Administrative Assis-

tant

Monday − Friday 8:00 a.m. − 5:00 p.m.

MAINTENANCE Mr. Akien Ingram and

Mr. Lawrence McDaniel Please note that Mr. McDaniel will be out of

the office for a few weeks.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

CHOIR REHEARSALS

Voices of Peoples Fellowship Choir Rhythmic Choir Chancel Choir Men’s Chorus Peoples Children and Youth Choir

Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Saturday Saturday 1st and 2nd Saturday

6:30 p.m.—8:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.—8:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.—7:30 p.m. 11:00 a.m.—12:30 p.m. 10:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m.—10:00 a.m.

CHURCH BOARDS MONTHLY MEETING SCHEDULES

Church Council Board of Trustees Board of Christian Social Action Board of Christian Education Board of Deacons

1st Wednesday 2nd Wednesday 3rd Wednesday 4th Wednesday Saturday before the 1st Sunday

6:45 p.m. 6:45 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m.

SUNDAY

Worship Service Each Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

Holy Communion First Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

Adult Church School Each Sunday at 9:00 a.m.

Nursery available during 10:00 a.m. service

WEDNESDAY

Wednesday Word 7:00 a.m.

Wednesday Prayer 12:00 Noon

THURSDAY

Bible Study Each Thursday at 6:00 p.m.

Ministers Email Administrative Staff

Rev. Brandon Harris, Senior Minister seniorminister@peopleschurchucc.org

Ms. Yvette Hunter, Operations Specialist, yhunter@peopleschurchucc.org

Rev. Mahogany Thomas, Executive Minister executiveminister@peopleschurchucc.org

Ms. Donika Palmer, Administrative Assistant dpalmer@peopleschurchucc.org

Maintenance Staff

Church Moderator email address: moderator@peopleschurchucc.org

Mr. Lawrence McDaniel Mr. Akien Ingram

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MULTI-MEDIA COMMUNICATION PLATFORMS: Our website address is www.peopleschurchucc.org. The website is constantly being updated, so click the refresh button when you visit. Our Twitter handle is @PeoplesCongUCC. You do not need a Twitter Account to follow Peoples Church.

NO PHOTOGRAPHS, VIDEO, OR AUDIO RECORDING: This policy has been adopted to protect the musicians and speakers who are a part of the worship services and special events at the Church. The cooperation of the congregation is essential to the observance of this policy by visitors and guests. Photographs and CD recordings of worship services and other events are available as produced by the designated Church photographers and the Sound Engineer. Please contact the Church office to request specif-ic photographs and/or recordings. Thank you. PLEASE NOTE: By attending Worship Services and other liturgical services at Peoples Church, your image may appear on camera during the transmission of live streaming.

THE PRODDER

The Prodder and Multi-Media platforms exist to further the social connection with the membership of Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ and with the community to promote outreach and notices of important Church events. The social networking tools are designed for easy mass communication and media sharing. Through the Website, members and users can access the Online Giving page to donate to the General Operating Fund and purchase tickets for Church events and fundraisers. Members/users can view the Events Calendar to participate in the life of the Church. Members can advertise Church events through the Website, Facebook Fan Page and Twit-ter. Members/users can view live streaming of Church Worship Services and other special liturgical services from the Website on Facebook Live. The Website is the “New Front Door of the Church,” and allows members/users to interact, communicate and connect to foster connectivity and community.

Prodder Guidelines

All announcements and flyers must be submitted by the third Tuesday of the month by 12:00 Noon. Announcements and flyers can be emailed to in-fo@peopleschurchucc.org,. Do not mail information. Announcements should be no more than 50 words and should be informational about Peoples Church events or members and their families. Announce-ments may be edited.

FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ALTAR

To order a designer floral arrangement to remember your loved one or recognize a special day, contact Vernandi Richardson, (202)829-5511 or Diane Miller for additional information.

FACILITY RESERVATIONS

If you wish to reserve space for an event and/or activity, please contact Ms. Yvette Hunter, Operations Specialist, at the church office on (202) 829-5511 or email yhunter@peopleschurchucc.org to complete a reservation contract. Facility reservations can also be made online through the church’s website: www.peopleschurchucc.org. Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis; however, religious events and funerals take precedence. Peoples Church is a multi-use venue so reservations are necessary Member and non-member reservation fees apply.

FIRST AID KITS

First Aid Kits have been placed in the Main Office and the Fellowship Hall/Kitchen area.

Incident Reporting Forms are also available in the Main Office for completion. All incidents must be reported on the forms, regardless of how small the incident. The completed forms should be given to any member of the office/volunteer staff. .

MORE GENERAL INFORMATION