“An anthropologist proposed a game to kids in Africa. He put a basket full of fruit near a tree and told the kids that whoever got there first won all the fruits. When he said – “Run” – they all took each other’s hands and ran together, then sat together enjoying their treats. When he asked why they ran together, when one could have had all the fruit, they said: ”UBUNTU, how can one of us be happy if all the other ones are sad?”
(Not sure if this specific story is actually true, but like the Italians say “se non è vero, è ben trovato”  - even if it is not true, it is well conceived!)
Thanks to Karl Pfeiffer

It is hard for a Liturgy to be richer than the one we celebrated this past Sunday! How many blessings can you count? Great to hear our Catechumens’ Reflections, congratulations to our Boy Scouts John and Jack, wonderful to see and hear Mudzunga and Ndamu and to learn about We Are All Connected from Thais and Leone, a blessing to Welcome New Members — Mary, Briggette, Thais and family, to embody our Abba-Imma Chi Prayer, and experience such rich music, singing and percussion.

Brunch:  Thanks to Barbara Drohrer-Kline and Thrivent for the delicious Brunch this past Sunday.  Great meal and delightful presenters.  Barb will keep us in the know about Thrivent programs and Choice Dollars which can benefit the ministries of Peace.

Join us for our Father’s Day worship this Sunday!

Justice Advocacy will host our Forum conversation.  Here is an opportunity to learn about and contribute to our Justice Ministries.

Partnership Silent Auction this Sunday:  Our Delegation of Gary, Libby and John Brett will be traveling to Nicaragua in August.  Our Father’s Day Silent Auction Fundraiser will receive Matching Funds from Thrivent.  (See the list of available items at the end of this Good News.) Your support truly encourages our Delegates and makes their journey on our behalf  possible!

Website: Fundraising for our website development continues.  We hope to conclude the campaign by the end of June.  Speak with Dabbie if you have questions.

Beuster Church:  It was wonderful to learn of the progress and see pictures of the construction of Beuster Church which burnt down 2 ½ years ago.   A few ‘unsolicited’ gifts were received this past Sunday.  If you would like to contribute with a special donation please make your check out to Peace and note “Beuster” on it.  We will send the Gift soon.

Ubuntu Definition:  “I am because you are; because you are I am.” Mudzunga Farisani, Provincial Director for Elementary Education in Venda Province, South Africa.

Mask Making Workshop with Elise and Kaleo Ching – Saturdays June 22 and 29: This is an opportunity for youth and adults of all faiths to engage creativity as self discovery and spiritual exploration.  You will learn about Chi Kung energy flow and experience guided imagery; and you will be taught simple but effective art techniques to mold, paint and adorn your own mask.  (Your mask is a powerful gift to children and grandchildren!) Advance registration has begun.  Choose to participate in this delightful and insightful transformative experience!  Fliers available in the Gathering Hall or download a copy by clicking here.

Keep in your prayers:  Joan, Rich, our Partners, Nelson Mandela, our high school Graduates, our new members, the vulnerable children of Ethiopia and the world, our Catechumens, truth-tellers and prophets such as Medgar Evers (who was murdered 50 years ago today).

I am Harvey Milk:  Gary Sponholtz invites us to attend this performance by the SF Gay Men’s Chorus (all 300 members) in the City at the Nourse Theater on Wednesday, June 26 at 8:00 pm.  This year marks the 35th Anniversary of Harvey Milk’s death.  Sign up this Sunday.

Jan and Pr. Margareta remind you that all the members of Peace are invited to Celebrate their 120^th Birthday with a special Jazz at Peace Event on Sunday, June 23 at 5:00 pm.  The Danish jazz violinist Mads Tolling will perform and you will be delighted! Feel free to invite more friends!

“A person with Ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, with proper self-assurance that person knows that he or she belongs to a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, or when they are tortured and oppressed.” Bishop Tutu

Blessings, Pr. Steve

P.S. Here is the list of Silent Auction items for Father’s Day:

$100 gift certificate from Basil Leaf
$40 gift certificate from Esin
$50 gift certificate from Gianni’s Italian Bistro
$100 gift certificate (brunch for 4) from Bridges
Brunch for 2 from Piatti Ristorante
$25 gift certificate from Chipotle
$25 gift certificate from Starbucks
$80 gift certificate from Kaleo Ching for Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage, Hypnotherapy or Medical Qigong
Gift certificate from Master Gardener Ken Budesa for an “on-site consultation”
And the Father’s Day Gift Basket with something for every dad, including–
a large tin of Almond Roca;
a large insulated lunch pack;
Weber 3-piece barbecue tool set;
a heat-resistant barbecue mitt;
an extra-large beach towel;
and both a bottle of wine [Fox Brook Sauvignon Blanc] and
a bottle of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.

Several centuries ago Mulla Nasrudin got word that he had received a special message from the Sheik in Basra.  When he went to pick it up they told him he must first identify himself.  Nasrudin fished in his trousers and took out a brass mirror.  Looking into it he exclaimed, “Yup, that’s me all right.”

Brunch at Peace/Summertime Kickoff:  This Sunday we’ll have lots of music, reflections from our Catechumens and an almost Eagle Scout, new members will join, we get to learn about ‘We Are All Connected’, and a surprise guest from South Africa will be with us!   All this to be followed by a delicious Brunch which Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is providing, courtesy of Barbara Drohrer-Kline.  This should be a relaxing and joyful way to initiate the summer.

What a gift to hear our Godfriends speak about the Catechumens they have been accompanying for this past half year.  What a treasure to have a friend listen to you, pray with and encourage you on a steadfast basis.  Our spiritual path is always filled with surprises.  Way to go Dabbie, Diane, Gary, Jeanie, Jan and Margaret.

We Are All Connected:  This is an organization which Thais Ouzounian has initiated with a few parents locally to support the work of Dr. Rick Hodes in Ethiopia who has been assisting disabled and abandoned children for over 20 years.  Their goal is not only to provide financial support but equally important to raise the consciousness among the children of our community about the critical needs of other children around the planet.  She wants our children to experience that they are all connected and through working together they can make a difference on this world.  Thais and friends will be working primarily through our local schools.   I invite you to join her at her Brunch Table after worship on June 9 – especially the teachers at Peace and anyone interested in learning more.

First Friday Films is happening this Friday night with the showing of ‘The Lathe of Heaven’.  A fascinating film (the first ever shown on PBS).  You will be intrigued by this spiritual classic.   Questions – contact Elana at:  elanao@mac.com.

The Mask Making Workshop with Elise and Kaleo Ching is being offered on Saturdays June 22 and 29.  It is getting good publicity and advance registration is happening.  Choose to be a part of this delightful and insightful transformative experience!  Check out their flier on Sunday in the Gathering Hall or download a copy by clicking here.

Our thanks to the Seminarian Teaching Parish Committee, Chaired by Cindy Townsend who have recently completed their duties in supervising our seminarian John Brett.  Our thanks to the Committee for their dedicated work during this past year.  What a joy to see our seminarians grow in skills, confidence and faith.  PLTS Seminary sends Peace their thanks for our willingness to participate as a Teaching Parish Congregation.  Members of the Committee:  Bill Carmel, Christy Winter, Phil Stanley, Jane Powell, Annie Haines – THANK YOU!

Special thanks also to our Treasurer Diane Kurtz for thoroughly cleaning up our financial records.  While the books have been kept in good shape a variety of items accrue over the years which are obscured by loss of histrorical context or unclear entry titles.  The good news is Diane’s efforts have put us back in tip-top shape — and we are glad!

I am Harvey Milk:  Gary is inviting a group of us to attend this performance by the SF Gay Men’s Chorus in the City on June 27 at 8:00 pm.  Details and sign up will be available this Sunday.

What a surprise to have Gloria Aver drop by last week for a brief visit.  She is doing well in the north country of Vancouver, Washington and she sends her love to the whole congregation!

Jan and Pr. Margareta remind you that all the members of Peace are invited to Celebrate their 120^th Birthday with a special Jazz at Peace Event on Sunday, June 23 at 5:00 pm.  The Danish jazz violinist Mads Tolling will perform and you will be delighted!  (PS – the jazz with Dmitri Matheny this past Sunday was outstanding, the crowd was so energized!)

“Devout Christians of the future will either be mystics…or they will cease to be anything at all.” (Karl Rahner, German theologian)

Blessings,  Pr. Steve

Friends – a poem from Rumi which describes Jesus’ life to me.

Love is recklessness, not reason.
Reason seeks a profit.
Love comes on strong, consuming herself, unabashed.

Yet in the midst of suffering,
Love proceeds like a millstone,
Hard-surface and straight forward.

Having died to self-interest,
She risks everything and asks for nothing.
Love gambles away every gift God bestows.

I hope you experienced our Easter – Pentecost/Trinity Season as a rich one:  Seminarian John’s preaching, (Pancake Breakfast), Earth Day, Pr. Elizabeth preaching on Hospice, Mother’s Day, superb Jazz Celebrations, Pr. Bob Lesher’s 60^th Ordination Anniversary, Gen Estenson’s 90^th Birthday, Pentecost Baptisms and Catechumen Blessings, Bonhoeffer reflections and the Mystery of Trinity Sunday.  Now and then it is important to absorb all the blessings and grace we are receiving, digesting and embodying.

Forum –  Mask Making Slide Show –June 2:  This Sunday Kaleo and Elise will share images from a variety of Mask Making Workshops they have presented.  Many of you have expressed interest and are signing up for the next workshop at Peace on Saturdays June 22 and 29. Engage the Divine beyond, around, and within during these two days of creative exploration and discovery with Kaleo and Elise.  Investigate the manifestations of energy through Chi Kung, discover through guided journeying your own  resources of spiritual inspiration,….and then – create your Mask of Sacred awareness.

Summertime Kickoff Brunch: On June 9 the Peace Council is sponsoring and Thrivent is hosting a Brunch after Worship.  Barb Drohrer-Kline of Thrivent will share some easy ways in which we can steward our resources toward the support of Peace;  Thais Ouzounian will inform us about “We Are All Connected” an organization which benefits medical work offered to disabled and abandoned children in Ethiopia (teachers and retired teachers are asked to join her table for the brunch); and we will get to enjoy each other’s company as we celebrate the arrival of summer.

Please keep in your prayers:  Lori (Lois’ daughter), Steve Jessup, Kirk Bielke (Bev’s cousin), all the children in need of food, education and health care, for those seeking work, those with dementia or Parkinson’s and their caregivers, for spiritual wisdom and the courage to act in ways that will heal our world.

A word from Laurel Galan:  We had a fun and lively celebration in Laurel Galan to celebrate Mother’s Day. We started with a chicken lunch, and then shared songs (Eduardo brought the guitar), poems, games, and did a card exchange among the members. We also gave each of the Mothers a small bouquet of silk flowers. We then shared Peace Lutheran’s card, and our next trip out will be June 20th. You can see pictures of the event here:  Mother’s Day pictures
Con amor, Amanda

June 16 – We will have a fundraising  Father’s Day Basket and Silent Auction Gift Certificates on Father’s Day.  If you would like to contribute items to make these gifts more enticing – please feel free.  The monies raised will benefit our Partners in Nicaragua.

Logic from an Uncluttered Mind….thanks to Jody Larson:

The children were lined up in the cafeteria of a Catholic elementary school for lunch. At the head of the table was a large pile of apples. The nun made a note, and posted on the apple tray:   ‘Take only ONE. God is watching.‘  Moving further along the lunch line, at the other end of the table was a large pile of chocolate chip cookies.
A child had written a note, ‘Take all you want. God is watching the apples….’

Trinity Blessings,  Pr. Steve

“We don’t see God — we see everything through God.”

Was Pentecost fiery enough for you?  We were reminded of why it is the Third High Feast Day of the Church Year!  How wonderful to bathe in all the languages – it was the music of heaven.  The baptisms of Rose and Lewis were such a joy.  How deeply our lives are touched by the immersions of the little ones in God who is the Source and Completion of their life’s journeys.  May the Spirit deepen our understanding of the Holy One who is truly Uncontainable and beyond our imaginations!

This Sunday is Trinity Sunday – a celebration of the Mystery and Compassion who shapes our lives in freedom and justice.

Summertime Brunch – June 9: The Peace Council invites you to Kickoff your Summer with friends at Peace and a Brunch after worship on June 9.  Thrivent will help provide the food for the day and we will get to learn about ‘We Are All Connected’.

This Saturday is the Abba/Imma Chi Kung Lord’s Prayer Retreat at San Damiano.  Contact me promptly if you want to participate.  It will be a marvelous day with Kaleo and Elise and myself leading the way.  Lunch is included in the day.

Judy Warner sends this greeting from Virginia:  Just wanted to let you know that the Warner Family is as busy as ever and doing well in Virginia.  We’ll be thinking of you this Sunday in particular as Lia is confirmed at our church, St. Michael Lutheran Church, in Virginia Beach.  So many of you had a hand in helping her grow in many ways and I thought you might like to know that she’s reached this point in her Faith Journey.  Nargiz will be watching Lia closely and anxiously waiting for her turn in the limelight in a couple more years, and Graham will probably be trying to sneak extra cookies and seconds on cake at Fellowship.  We won’t have the bowls of flames (one of my favorite things at Peace) but I know it will be a wonderful day in its own way.  I hope you know that my time spent with you at Peace holds a special place in my heart.
Pentecost Blessings to each and every one of you!  Judy, Steve, Lia, Nargiz and Graham, too.

Please keep in your prayers: Lori – Lois McGee’s daughter who is recovering from an appendectomy; Arlene’s son-in-law Steve who is experiencing severe joint pains; our friends in Laurel Galan and Lwamondo Parish; those who feed the hungry, educate our children, and care for the sick; those imprisoned unjustly, our Catechumens.

Louise Bourassa, Executive Director of CCIH/Contra Costa Interfaith Housing, will be our Forum Presenter this Sunday.  The Justice Advocacy Committee asks you to come and learn about the realities of homelessness in our County and how we can assist families in need.

Labyrinth Walk:  35 students from a class at Las Positas came to walk our labyrinth as part of their studies in learning about spirituality.  What a gift to meet them and see them experiencing a labyrinth for the first time in their lives.

Speaking of special meetings – I got to meet Rhodes Baker for the first time this week. What a joy to meet someone who has barely been on our planet for 3 weeks.  Continued blessings to parents Toni and John Baker as well!

Marvelous to have our former Seminarian Emily Weller with us this past Sunday.  She shared exciting news:  She and husband Dan will be moving to New York City for her year’s internship beginning this Fall.  She was glad to see so many friends and grateful for all that she learned at Peace.

Our own Mackie Dobson has prepared a petition advocating significant financial support for education in California. Please sign on if you agree with her!

First Friday Films is coming up on June 7 at 6:30 pm.  The Lathe of Heaven will be shown and you won’t want to miss it.  Invite friends to join you.

Short, Sweet and Cute….Logic from an Uncluttered Mind:

A little girl was talking to her teacher about whales.
The teacher said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because even though it was a very large mammal its throat was very small.
The little girl stated that Jonah was swallowed by a whale.
Irritated, the teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow a human; it was physically impossible.
The little girl said, ‘When I get to heaven I will ask Jonah’.
The teacher asked, ‘What if Jonah went to hell?’
The little girl replied, ‘Then you ask him’.

Pentecost Blessings,  Pr. Steve

“The only thing children want to hear from their parents is,  ‘We are so proud of you.’   The only thing parents want to hear from their children someday is, ‘Thank you for everything you did for me.’  (And neither group gets to add the word – BUT.)  However, for most families I call these ‘Fantasy Conversations’ because they so rarely occur.” 
      Mary Ellen Nowel, our guest musician for Mother’s Day 

Pentecost is the Third High Feast Day of the Church Year and it will be celebrated with Baptisms, Catechumen Blessings, joyous music, exotic languages and Eucharist this Sunday at 9:30.  Imagine if everyone came as on Christmas and Easter!   Spread the word – invite family and friends to join you.  WEAR RED! 

Congratulations to Thais Ouzounian who won our Mother’s Day Basket!  Thanks to all the members of Peace for supporting our Partnership Committee and the Delegation which will be visiting Laurel Galan, Nicaragua in August.

Abba/Imma Lord’s Prayer and Chi Kung:  Speaking in chorus with the utterance of the Lord’s Prayer and moving in harmony with the ancient practice of Chi Kung, you will be invited to experience the wisdom and compassion of this prayer practice with Pr. Steve, Kaleo and Elise Ching at San Damiano Franciscan Retreat Center in Danville.  9 am – 4:30 pm on Saturday, May 25.  The cost is $60 which includes lunch.  Sign up today: http://sandamiano.org/retreats-programs/retreat-registration Deepen your prayer practice.

Contra Costa Interfaith Housing (CCIH) Executive Director Louise Bourana will lead our Forum on Sunday, May 26 with a presentation about Homeless Families in Contra Costa County and how we can assist with tutoring and other encouraging skills.  The Justice Advocacy Committee urges you to attend.

Our Youth Group had a fine Yoga for Teens workout last Saturday.  We are discussing ways to keep this practice sustained at Peace.

Pick up a Leaf to support our Website Giving Tree and make a pledge to support our improved website and website presence!

The Pacific Choir (who rehearses at Peace on Sunday evenings) under the direction of Hyunjung Choi will present a Vivaldi Concert on May 25 at 7:00 pm at the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church.  You will find this very moving.

May/ June Schedule

May 21—Church Council meets
May 23—Columbarium meeting at 4 pm
May 25—Abba-Imma: The Lord’s Prayer and Chi Kung at San Damiano with Pr. Steve and Kaleo and Elise Ching   (Fliers in the Gathering Hall.)
May 26—Forum: Contra Costa Interfaith Housing
May 29—Orientation  for Nicaragua Delegation by Newell Hendrick  (with Between Cultures)
June 2—Partnership meeting
June 7—First Friday Films:  The Lathe of Heaven at 6:30 pm

Pentecost Blessings,  Pr. Steve

Questions:  Why do all silkworms live so raggedly? 
Why did cheese decide to perform heroic deeds in France?
Why don’t the poor understand as soon as they stop being poor? 
Where does the rainbow end, in your soul or on the horizon?  (Pablo Neruda)

Happy Mother’s Day!  We will celebrate with joy and delight this Sunday.  Plus – Partnership Fundraiser on Mother’s Day:  Raffle tickets will be on sale Sunday for a fabulous Gift Basket for Mom’s Day – soaps, fragrances, an ornate picture frame, a Gift Certificate to a local restaurant and more!  You don’t have to be present to win but you do have to buy a ticket!  Proceeds will support our Delegation visiting Nicaragua in August. 

Thanks to Pr. Elizabeth and Bev for preaching and the Hospice Forum this past Sunday.  It was a powerful and insightful morning.  We will have future sessions with them as well.

Jazz Church West hosted a Grand Celebration for Rev. Bob Lesher on his 60^th Ordination Anniversary.  John Calloway and Efrain Toro percussively accompanied Pr. Ruth Lesher as she gave a heartfelt tribute to her father.  Because of John’s fine Latin Jazz Quintet – Clave Unplugged – and Bob’s playful spirit, many guests expressed pure surprise and delight at being honored to participate in such a rare and joyful celebration.  And the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta which followed was devoured promptly.  Congratulations, Bob! 

Shelter, Inc. Project:  Please bring your household items, bedding and food to support Jackson Kaplan’s Project in support of homeless families to church this Sunday.  They will be delivered next week.

John Hickman is working and his God and Me scouting badge.  Please offer him your prayers and encouragement.

Eagle Scout Project:  Soon we’ll hear a report from Jack O’Neil about his Eagle Scout Project in support of our Lwamondo Parish Partners.

Abba-Imma/The Lord’s Prayer and Chi Kung:  Kaleo and Elise Ching and I will be leading this one day workshop at San Damiano on Saturday, May 25 from 9:00 – 4:30 pm.  Speaking in chorus with the utterance of the Lord’s Prayer and moving in harmony with the ancient practice of Chi Kung, you will be invited to experience the wisdom and compassion of this prayer practice.  The cost is $60 for the day which includes lunch.  Please spread the word and invite your friends to join you!  Fliers available in the Gathering Hall.

Website Tree:  Pick a leaf this Sunday to support the development of our new website.  Speak with Dabbie, Pat or Jeanne for more information.

Tables of Interfaith Understanding:  Sign up this Sunday to participate in the Dinner Series with I-SRV Friends.  There will be 4 meals together during the next year, with rotating hosting and meal responsibilities.  A great opportunity to deepen interfaith friendships!

Pentecost is May 19 – WEAR RED!

Our Forum on May 19 will host Louise Bourassa, the Executive Director of Contra Costa Interfaith Housing.  Deacon Cindy Townsend and the Justice Advocacy Committee hope you will make it a point to attend.

Please keep in your prayers:   Gail, Miki, Melinda, Rhodes, Rose, all the musicians making such beautiful music at Peace these days for their Recitals, moms around the earth especially those living in poverty, as immigrants and refugees and in war zones.

Martha Mantei and the Broadway Chorus invites you to a Broadway Bash – May 10, 11 and 12:  Amador Theater,  1155 Santa Rita Road in Pleasanton.  Tickets available at:  462-2121 or www.broadwaychorus.org. 

Easter Blessings,  Pr. Steve

“Scatter your seeds of compassion as far and wide as possible for…. We must live by the love of what we may never see.”

“Humility is true self-knowledge. God is your being and who you are, you are in God. Self-knowledge does not stop in the mere awareness of our faults and failings; rather our self-awareness must open onto God. Perfect humility is receiving and accepting the unfathomable love of God, the ground of our being, into whom we can release our faults and failings.” (The Cloud of Unknowing)

Happy Birthday, Gen! What a marvelous Party was thrown in Honor of Gen’s 90th this past Saturday. And thanks to her marvelous family for their generosity in creating this lovely occasion. And what a great turn out from friends at Peace!

Congratulations to Toni and John Baker on the birth of Rhodes Patrick Baker last Sunday morning! Everyone is healthy and happy. God’s blessings always!

First Friday Films (FFF): This Friday evening at 6:30 Babette’s Feast will be shown in our Youth Room. This is a superb film about a small community being liberated by the tasteful, graceful cooking skills of a French Chef who ends up in their midst. A true treasure. Invite friends to join you.

Steward – ING: Hope you appreciated the Gratitude/Pride List in our bulletin last Sunday. Additions have been offered and included. The biblical understanding of Stewarding is: Taking responsibility for the world and earth our children’s children shall inherit. How shall we as a community of faith most wisely contribute to this intention?

Preaching and Forum – “Adventures of a Hospice Chaplain”: Hear Pr. Elizabeth preach and lead our Forum which will focus on ‘end of life issues’ and support for caregivers. If we are lucky Bev Harms may contribute too.

“Requiem for a Heavyweight” by Rod Serling: Was great to see the Role Players production of this fine piece in which our own Allison Winter is Stage Managing. What an array of talents our Youth Group has!

Education Committee/Sunday Salon – Bonhoeffer: Our Sunday Salon concluded our reading of the Dietrich Bonhoeffer book (Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy) this past Sunday……all 7 Sessions! A powerful read about one of the true witnesses of the Christian Faith – for all times and most remarkably in Nazi Germany during the 30’s and 40’s. (One copy remains available for anyone interested in obtaining it.) Our thanks to Deacon Linda Benatar for her leadership and the Committee (Charlene, Maili, Libby, and Lynne) for sponsoring quality education events at Peace.

Suggestions are emerging for an ongoing Book Club at Peace. Are you interested? Notify Linda or the Church Office so arrangements can be made.

Jazz Church West/Cinco de Mayo:  Another outstanding jazz event awaits you this Sunday at 5:00 pm with John Calloway and Clave Unplugged.  Of course this is Latin Jazz at its best with a Fiesta Celebration afterwards in Honor of Rev. Bob Lesher on the occasion of his 60^th Ordination Anniversary.  Don’t we have cool clergy at Peace—especially when they want to celebrate lifetime achievements by getting down and dancing in the spirit of jazz!

Please keep in your prayers:  Karin Shepanek who mourns the death of her stepfather Vince; our Sunday School, Council and Catechumens, the people of Dacca, Boston, Syria, and Yemen.

Aren’t our newly planted Entrance Beds and Triangle beautiful?  How lovely to watch everything grow in the Spring.  Thanks to our Landscape Committee (Ken, George and Libby) for their efforts.

Tables of Interfaith Understanding:  Please sign up this Sunday if you wish to participate in the 4 Dinner Rotation with interfaith friends from the I-SRV congregations.  Details are available on the fliers in the Gathering Hall.  These are guaranteed to bring joy and insights to your life!

Request to Borrow Rototiller – from Bill and Elana:  Ours went bust and getting it fixed is of no avail. Does anyone have a rototiller we could borrow for 2 – 3 days? We really need to break up the heavy clay soil to get all the vegetables we have grown from seed into the ground. We will come and pick it up and return it at your convenience – we live in San Ramon.  Your Reward: Weekly Fresh Vegetables, Herbs, Fruit & Flowers (of your choice) – throughout the Summer!!!

Torah Celebration:  Last Saturday Beth Chaim celebrated the return of their repaired Torah.  The repair/ mending is an arduous process requiring special skills and organic materials including an ink which is 200 years old.  It is one of the 1,564 Torahs miraculously saved from Czechoslovakia after the German Invasion during WWII.  It was scribed nearly 300 years ago and as Rabbi Dan said,”  It is a vital reminder of the Jewish people who perished in the Shoah (Holocaust); it is a direct connection to a deep and mysterious great luminary of our tradition.”  Our congratulations to the members of Beth Chaim on the return of their Torah to its home.

Partnership fundraiser for Mother’s Day!  Raffle tickets are now on sale for a fabulous gift basket for Mother’s Day:  soaps, fragrances, an ornate picture frame, a hot/cold spa neck pillow, a decorated plate/ cup set,  a gift certificate to a local restaurant (and more)! Tickets are only $2 each or 6 for $10.  You do not have to be present to win. Proceeds will support the delegation to Nicaragua leaving August 12.

PARAPROSDOKIANS:   (Winston Churchill loved them) are figures of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected frequently humorous.  (Thanks to Martha for these.)

1. Where there’s a will, I want to be in it.

2. The last thing I want to do is hurt you, but it’s still on my list.

3. Since light travels faster than sound, some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

4. If I agreed with you, we’d both be wrong.

5. We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.

6. Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

7. They begin the evening news with ‘Good Evening,’ then proceed to tell you why it isn’t.

8. To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.

9. I didn’t say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.

10. A clear conscience is the sign of a fuzzy memory.

11. I used to be indecisive. Now I’m not so sure.

12. Nostalgia isn’t what it used to be.

Easter Blessings,  Pr. Steve

“Christ did not come into the world that we might understand him, but that we might cling to him; that we might let ourselves be swept away by him into the immense energy of the resurrection.  The Christian hope for resurrection differs from mythological hope by directing humans in a totally new and even more intense way to our life on earth.  The Christian is not excused from earthly tasks and difficulties so that we can escape into eternity.  We must completely engage our earthly life like Christ and only by doing so is the crucified and resurrected Christ with us.”
(Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

The Pancake Breakfast was a tasty success. The congregation unanimously voted to have Pete and Everett prepare breakfast every Sunday!

The Forum presented by  Dabbie on Connections and our new website development was very much appreciated.  You will be learning much more in the future.

Earth Day Forum – Ro invites:  Please join us Sunday, April 21st for an enlightening Earth Day Program with a timely presentation entitled “Climate Reality:  An Unstoppable Force, or a Tool for Change?”  Speaker Shelly Ryan has spoken to many churches about the climate change issue and those little, pain-free things we can do as a spiritual community to make a positive changes!  She will speak directly after Hospitality, and again for the Interfaith Community & Public at 4pm, just before Jazz at Peace.  Refreshments provided at both.

Thanks to those who have purchased Plants for our Entrance Way and Triangle beds.  Additional donations can be received this Sunday for Earth Day.

Last Sunday we shared a marvelous Evening Dialogue with members of the Baha’i Community which nourished spiritual understandings and friendships.  We also viewed the powerful film ‘Education under Fire’.   The group has decided to meet again on May 19 and the invitation is open to more friends to join us.

It is Gen Estenson’s birthday soon and all of us are Invited to her 90^th Birthday Party on Saturday, April 27 from 11 – 3 pm at the Alamo Women’s Club at 1401 Danville Blvd.  Your RSVP  to Pat Thergesen will be appreciated.

Jack O’Neil’s Eagle Scout Project (collecting Educational Games and Soccer balls and shoes/shin guards for our Partners at Lwamondo Parish) is in full motion.  If you have items to contribute please bring them to Peace by this Friday afternoon.

Congratulations to Allison Winter on being nominated and chosen as a Student of Excellence by ROP of Contra Costa County.  She has been an outstanding student in her theatre production classes – exemplifying responsibility, focus and ambition.  Aren’t her parents proud too!!  Congrats, Allison! 

PS – Allison is Stage Managing the play Requiem for a Heavyweight at the Danville Theater.  The Youth Group – and any other interested adults – are intending to see this play on its Opening Night, April 26.  Notify the Office if you are interested in attending.

Keep in your prayers:  Toni Baker (who is soon to give birth), Janine and Phil, Gail, Joseph, the people of Boston, Miki, Fidel and Heidi, Louise, Spoon, those searching for work.

JAZZ CHURCH WEST presents:   MAD DURAN and THE SAXOPHONISTAS - This Sunday, APRIL 21 at 5:00PM.  4 of the Finest Female Sax Players including:  KASEY KNUDSON, MARCIA MIGET AND MARY FETTIG!  2 SETS WITH RECEPTION – $20.  (STUDENTS – High School Women who wear their Sax Neck Straps get in for Free – & SENIORS $10/Family Discounts too.)  Nobody turned away!   Come and enjoy JAM/Jazz Appreciation Month with this Unique Group of Artists!  Invite Friends!!  (Jim Bennett of “In the Moment” will be Recording this Concert for future air play in the Bay Area and beyond.)

Tables of Interfaith Understanding:  The Dinner Proposal details (4 dinners with Interfaith Friends during the course of this next year) will be available to you on Sunday.  Folks can sign up at Peace.  Arrangements will then be made to match folks from 4 different congregations to enjoy Interfaith Conversations.  A great opportunity!

For those of you who are still holding everyone you meet in Positive Regard (your Easter Exercise) – you are now released from this assignment.  I would hate for you to overdo it.

“Do you love me……feed my sheep.”

Easter Joy,  Pr. Steve

 “The resurrected one stepped into the midst of fearful disciples and said, “Peace be with you.”

 So many beautiful opportunities blossoming around us with the energy of Spring Time and Easter Visions:
This Sunday our Pancake Breakfast (you may contribute a donation to purchase plants for our parking lot entrance way too).  In addition to fine cuisine including Kielbasa and Linguica you get to enjoy the company of good friends.  See you anytime after 9 am.

 Our worship this Sunday will include reflections from Dietrich Bonhoeffer who was killed on April 9, 1945.  He is a true saint and inspiration for the church.

Forum – Connections:  Dabbie Bowron will share with us the evolving shape of our website, internal support and external outreach.  The Council encourages you to attend.

Our Baha’i Friends have requested a gathering with 8 – 10 of us in order to deepen our friendships and the awareness of future opportunities to work together as spiritual people.  We have shared several classes in the past.  I am appreciative of their desire to ‘not let our friendship disappear’.  We meet from 5 – 6:30 pm on this Sunday, April 14.  No heavy agenda – simply time given to relax and enjoy one another’s company.  Chris Palmer and I will provide topics for focusing our conversations.  Choose to join in.

 The Council shared a fine Retreat together last Saturday.  Please check in with them about what they experienced and what they are dreaming.

 Two special events are coming your way for Earth Day.  On April 21 for our Forum and at a 4:00 pm Community Event Shelly Ryan will speak on Climate Reality:  Unstoppable Force or Tool for Change?  You will find this a constructive approach to ways in which spiritual communities can make healthy changes.  Also on April 24 at 7:00 pm Michele McGeoy of Solar Richmond will give a book talk at Peace (sponsored by I-SRV) entitled:  Turning Over the Money Tables – The Economy, Green Jobs and Congregations.  Fliers for both of these events are available in our Gathering Hall.

 Jazz Church West:  The Saxophonistas on April 21 at 5:00 pm…. a Jazz Concert so unique it has never happened before!  Mad Duran lead a Women’s Sax Summit (4 superb Sax Players:  Mad Duran, Mary Fettig,  Kasey Knudsen and  Marcia Miget) celebrating JAM (Jazz Appreciation Month).  Plus there are 4 more players in the Rhythm Section.  This will be a blow out!  And High School Women who wear their Saxophone Strap – will get in free – because we want our youth to hear the best!  To download a copy of the flyer for this special event click here.

Keep in your prayers:  Miki and Justin on the death of Jonathan. 

AFSP [American Foundation for Suicide Prevention]– our thanks to Martha Mantei for making fine presentation to the leaders of I-SRV this week on the resources that are being made available to families and friends when they experience the pain of suicide.

Beth Chaim invites you to a special Shabbat Service on Friday evening.   A half hour service of Nigguns (wordless melodies) begins at 7:00 pm followed by a Hospitality time.  Then at 8:00 pm the Cello Street Quartet will present an hour long concert.  They will knock your socks off – if you wear them.  All this is free.

•  April Schedule
• April 14 – Pancake Breakfast/Connections Forum  at 9 am
•                 Sunday Salon/Bonhoeffer Group from 3-5 pm
•                 ‘Education Under Fire’ with Baha’i Friends at 5 pm
• April 21 –Earth Day/Presentation by Shelly Ryan: Climate Reality– 
                       Unstoppable Force or Tool for Change? at 4 pm
•                      JAM (Jazz Appreciation Month): The Saxophonistas at 5 pm
• April 24 – Michele McGeoy on Sacred Acts: Congregations Protecting Earth’s Climate  at 7 pm
• April 27—90th Birthday party for Gen Estenson  11 am-3 pm at AlamoWomen’s Club
                        1401 Danville Blvd   Alamo   RSVP to Pat Thergesen
• April 28 – Stewarding Celebration

Aren’t we glad for all the musical opportunities (musicians, artists, 2 year old drummers and concerts) that Gary brings us?  Aren’t we happy when Elizabeth Hunter sings to us?  Aren’t we delighted that John Brett is our Teaching Parish Seminarian?  How the blessings flow.

Easter Joy,  Pr. Steve

“This life, therefore, is not godliness but the process of becoming godly, not health but getting well, not being but becoming, not rest but exercise. We are not yet what we shall be, but we are on the way.  The process is not yet finished but it is actively going on.  This is not the goal but it is a true path. At present everything does not gleam and sparkle but everything is being cleansed.” (M. Luther)

What a Blessed Holy Week:
Passover Seder:  A Liberation Meal of Transcendence and Transformation of our World.
Good Friday: A stark reminder of the Anguish Christ suffers with all of God’s People.
Easter Vigil: The Night of Mystery, Presence in the Stillness, Joyous light in the Darkness.
Easter Day: The Grace and Delight of Friends, Music, Choir, ‘Pie Jesu’, Trumpet, Children’s Time, Preaching and Sacrament.  Hopefully Noah will drum all of us into Heaven!

First Friday Films – This Friday, April 5 at 6:30 pm:  Elana and Seminarian John Brett are initiating a Monthly Film Evening for members and friends of Peace.  It is an opportunity to enjoy great films and share reflections with friends…..along with pure relaxation and fine popcorn.  This Friday we get to see As It Is In Heaven, a Swedish film about a famous conductor who after a tragedy must return to his home village….where he ends up leading the church choir!   You will love it – especially on the 42” Flat Screen TV in our Youth Room.  Spread the word, invite your friends.  To download a copy of the flyer for this special event click here.

Jazz Church West:  This Sunday a long time friend of Jazz at Peace – Anton Schwartz – will return with Will Blades playing the B-3 Hammond Organ.  You will be surprised and enlightened by the mastery of these incredible musicians.  Send your jazz loving friends to church…it will be good for them!  To see the artists who are playing for the remainder of our 8^th Season’s Spring Schedule click here.

Baha’i Friends invite friends from Peace to join them for a viewing of the film ‘Education Under Fire’ on Sunday, April 14 at 5:00 pm in the Peace Youth Room.  This is a continuation of the dialogue that was initiated with the book study Destiny Disrupted.  It is an occasion to deepen our mutual understanding and commitment to living as spiritual people in God’s world.  There will be a reception and we will conclude by 6:30.

The Sunday Salon continues with the Bonhoeffer book  (Chapters 16 – 22) this Sunday, April 7 from 2 – 4 pm (note the special time).  All are invited to experience this incredible story of faith, commitment, challenge, choice and grace.

Please keep in your prayers:  The Church Council, who will be on Retreat this Saturday; Ceil, on the death of her father; Melinda, Jonathan, our Catechumens, the people of Syria, those who prayed with us on Easter Sunday, and all those who found Easter Eggs.

The Women of Peace will meet next Wednesday, April 10 from 10 – Noon.

A fantastic Pancake Breakfast is coming our way on Sunday, April 14 starting at 9:00 am….for the pure pleasure of it!  Don’t miss out.

Hospice of the East Bay is in need of Volunteers who are licensed in hair care or massage.  If you know hair care specialists or massage therapists who would be interested in volunteering for HEB, please have them contact Elaine Lasack at 887-5678 x1074.  Thank you, Bev Harms

BJ asks: ” If you know anyone with short-term rental space – for me and/or my stuff – please let me know asap.”  BJ is moving and doing a little “Transition Dance”.  Contact the church office if you have space for her temporary need.  Thank you.

“The Lord has written the promise of the resurrection in every leaf of springtime.” Luther

Joyous Easter,  Pr. Steve