Taking Care of Ourselves and Our Communities During These Challenging Times (Updated)

Our UCH Transitions Group had a great conversation recently about how we are all managing our stress during these challenging times. Rev. Jeanne took some notes, and we decided at the end of our time together; we would like to share our conversation with the rest of the UCH Beloved Community because we thought it might be helpful. We also want to make sure you‘all know you are invited to join us on the first Thursday of the month from 10:30 -11:45 am on Zoom. Our next meeting is on November 5. Please take care of yourselves and of each other.

—The UCH Transitions Group (and Rev. Jeanne)

1. Being in Community/Avoiding Isolation: Staying in touch with family, and friends. Spending time with family and friends in person or on Facetime, phone, or zoom. Attending church Zooms and being engaged in conversation. Going to women’s groups such as PEO or connecting with sorority sisters. Making a commitment to be in Transitions Group and coming to Bible Study and Worship on Sunday morning. Checking in more often on our neighbors and friends. Sending cards and notes. Listening to Podcasts and learning new things. Making sure I include diverse views in those podcasts. Checking in on neighbors. Finding out what is going on in the community and learning how to help those who are struggling and suffering with time, talent, and treasure.

2. Finding Our Voices: Learning to articulate our feelings about what is going on in the world. Pushing back when people around us say harmful (homophobic, racist, xenophobic things). Realizing that we are upset and angry because we are “rooted in the values of Jesus” (what Rev. Jeanne always says), And that is a good thing. Posting positive things on social media as a counter to negative things. Interacting with folkx in our community in positive ways. Smiling. Being kind. Making eye contact. Being involved in groups such as EAIC, Comida Para Cherryland, or the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity. Not being silent but speaking out about injustices. Attending rallies (Such as the Union City “No Kings” Rally on October 18). Listening to our church podcasts, sharing, following, and liking what we are doing online because we are offering Christianity and Community that are rooted in the values of Jesus. Folkx in the US need to know there are alternatives to “White Christian Nationalism” which is one of our superpowers at UCH.

3. Doing What Gives Us Life (and Letting Go of What Doesn’t): knitting, doing artwork, gardening, singing, playing music, listening to an audiobook, walking, reading, sitting in the yard, watching a show I enjoy, working a crossword puzzle, praying for the others; especially the congregation, and the Council and Rev. Jeanne, noticing flowers and wildlife, being outside in nature, noticing the changing seasons and cycles in nature. Journaling, practicing gratitude, Caring for our pets, or even wild animals or birds in the yard. Doing what gives us energy, and limiting what makes us feel overwhelmed and tired where we can. Spending time with friends and family, volunteering in the community. (See #1, and #2). Setting good boundaries with others and for ourselves.

4. Limiting News and Social Media and Watching and Listening to Things that are More Positive : Find out what is going on in the world and then turning off the computer, radio, or television. Listening to Heather Cox Richardson who always gives positive things we can all do at the end of clearly and understandably explaining things that are happening and talking about historical and political context. Listening to podcasts that are positive and that teach us new things (Including UCH Rebuild on Apple and Spotify). Watching shows that we enjoy. Not watching violence.

5. Being Aware of our Strengths and Limitations: Do what you can. Not everyone can march and protest, but we can support those who can and do. Call our representatives and stand up for our values and the values of Jesus in the ways we can. Put hearts on posts that you love. Post something that supports immigrants or Transfolkx. Ask yourself who you support with your time, talent, and treasure? Even the poor woman, who we talked about in bible study who put her coins in the temple treasury was praised by Jesus because she was doing what she could to make a difference. Tend to your piece of the puzzle (and your community’s piece of the puzzle) not the whole puzzle (See Jane Goodall’s quote above.). That can get really overwhelming.

Welcome to the Egyptian Spice Market and the Istanbul Grand Bazaar

I think we are all aware the election is coming up. And the Lunch Bunch made it clear they wanted to see more photos of my renewal leave adventures. So I wanted to share a joyful memory with you today. Here are some photos from a very well spent afternoon: 

Imagine stepping into a shopping mall built in the 1400s or 1600's. Welcome to the Egyptian Spice Market, and the Istanbul Grand Bazaar, Istanbul’s legendary “covered markets,” where thousands of shops squeeze into a maze of winding streets and alleyways. These two markets host hundreds of thousands of daily visitors, all hunting for treasures, tasting Turkish delights, and looking for a good excuse to bargain for a deal. (Which you know I love). 

We spent the better part of a day exploring these two markets, making new friends, getting addicted to Turkish pomegranate and mango tea, learning about saffron and carpet weaving, enjoying dragee, grilled olives, and fresh pistacios, taking in the colors and energy, and spending a few too many Lira. 

The scent of the spices was otherworldly. And it was great fun. I hope you enjoy the photos.

—Rev. Jeanne

This Sunday: All Saints' Sunday

Joy Harjo writes, "My grandmother exists in me now, just as I will and already do within my grandchildren. No one ever truly dies. The desires of our hearts make a path. We create legacy with our thoughts and dreams." And so today we lift up that legacy as we celebrate our ancestors on this All Saints/All Souls weekend. Join us on Zoom for what is always a powerful worship experience. 

We'll be exploring Exodus 13, and the odd revelation that as the Israelite people journey in the wilderness, they are carrying the bones of their ancestor Joseph with them. Why Joseph? Is it just about lugging his bones around, or is there something deeper going on here?  Don't forget to bring your photos, mementos, and stories to share about your own ancestral legacy (acknowledging that sometimes that legacy is for better or worse).

I look forward to being with you for Creating A Legacy With Our Thoughts and Dreams: A Celebration of Ancestors, Bones,( עַצְמוֹת/etzemot) and Journeying. — Rev. Jeanne

Scripture Seekers (Bible Study) Overview

In our last session, we decided to wait until everyone is settled, back from travels, and ready to begin this new study. So I am excited to report that this coming Thursday, October 29, we are getting into it!

Our new study is called "Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner's Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven."  Dr. Amy Jill Levine will lead us on a 6-week deep dive into Matthew 5-7, focusing on how these passages would land with Jewish listeners. She will take us up through mid-Advent. The book we will be using can be found online here. You can also order the book at your local independent bookstore (like Books on B, in Hayward). And it also comes in e-book and audio format (on Audible.) 

The format of this study will be similar to our last. We will study the scripture together, discuss the corresponding (short) chapters of the book, and view and discuss video reflections from Dr. Levine. With everything going on in our nation, reviewing these key teachings and values of Jesus seems timely.

Here is the promo video and an outline of our sessions:

• The Beatitudes | October 29 (Intro and Beatitude Chapter in Book): We will examine the opening "blessed are" statements, looking at concepts like being poor in spirit, meekness, and peacemaking.

• The Extensions | November 5 (Extensions Chapter in Book): We will analyze Matthew 5:17 and how Jesus's "you have heard it said... but I say to you" statements function as deep extensions or intensifications of the Torah rather than rejections of it.

• Practicing Piety | November 12 (Practicing Piety Chapter in the Book): We will be exploring traditional Jewish expressions of devotion, charity, prayer, and fasting.

• No Scripture Seekers | November 19: Council and PPRC

• No Scripture Seekers | November 26: Thanksgiving

• Our Father/Lord’s Prayer December 3 (Corresponding Chapter in the book): We will unpack the historical and cultural significance of the Lord’s Prayer for Jesus's first-century Jewish audience.

• Finding Your Treasure and Living Into the Kin(g)dom | December 10 (Corresponding Chapters in the Book): We will look at material wealth, anxiety, and the final passages of the sermon.and concluding with practical applications for daily living and the Golden Rule.

We meet on the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Thursday evenings at 5:30 PM Pacific on Zoom. 

What Can We Do?

As “Seekers Embracing the Journey” foremost we value the scripture-rooted activity of loving God, our neighbors, and ourselves. We remain committed to growing spiritually and in relationship with each other and to embodying the presence and actions of Jesus Christ in the world. In doing so, we resolve to stand firmly in our values--even if those values come under duress in coming days. — United Church of Hayward, UCC Values Statement

Since I have returned from renewal leave, several of you have said things to me like, “With all the chaos around us, it is extremely easy to get overwhelmed. What can we do?”

Here are six things we can do: six ways to get involved, amplify information, and review our resources for these challenging times. The organizations and events listed here provide ways for us to live into our United Church of Hayward, UCC Values Statement and embody Jesus's values in our communities. I highly recommend #1, and #3 if you are feeling helpless or overwhelmed. And here is something to add to your playlist when you are feeling down and the going gets harder.  

— Rev. Jeanne

1. Review Our UCH Values Statement. United Church of Hayward's Values Statement — United Church of Hayward

2. Vote. Get Your Ballot in the Mail Now. Show Up at the Polls. Get it done.

3. Join the United Church of Christ “40 Days of Prayer Leading Up to the Midterms” Information is here: ‘Pause our doom-scrolling. Quiet our hearts’: Resources offer prayer and care at height of election season - United Church of Christ

4. Download the Five Calls App: Here is the non-profit organization I have mentioned where you can find updated pressing legislative issues, contact information, and phone scripts to call representatives in your location to advocate for our UCH values. The Five Calls app is also available in the Apple and Google Play/Android store for your smart phone. If you are unable to rally or attend events, this is something you can do in your living room chair. It’s also a great antidote for feeling helpless and isolated.

5. Support The Eden Area Interfaith Council represents diverse religious organizations in the East Bay that promote respect for all faiths and human rights for all. EAIC is a collective of religious groups in the Eden Area of Northern California's East Bay, including Hayward, Castro Valley, San Leandro, and San Lorenzo. EAIC plans local events and vigils and decorates city hall in a way that honors all traditions during the holidays. UCH is a faith community member. 

6. South Hayward Parish Food Pantry has unfortunately closed. But there are ways to help the hungry in our community. And it is more important than ever with SNAP benefits disappearing and groceries getting ever more expensive. The need is tremendous: Comida para Cherryland at Eden UCC is distributing food every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm, or until food is gone. If anyone needs emergency food on non-comida days, please call the Eden Office Manager at (510) 582-9533, to schedule an appointment to pick-up a food bag from Monday - Friday between 9-4pm. 

Scripture Seekers Resumes: New Study!

Hello, everyone! Scripture Seekers Bible Study has resumed and now meets on Thursday evenings at 5:30 PM Pacific (except 3rd Thursdays). We’re starting an exciting new study, Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner’s Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven. Dr. Amy-Jill Levine will lead us on a six-week deep dive into Matthew 5–7 that will take us through mid-Advent.

You can find the book online here.

You can also order it from your local independent bookstore (like Books on B in Hayward), and it’s available as an e-book and an audiobook (on Audible). The format of this study will be similar to our last one. We’ll study the scripture together, discuss chapters of the book, and watch and discuss short video reflections from Dr. Levine.

Here is the promo video and an outline of our sessions.

Session 1: The Beatitudes (October 22)

Examines the opening “blessed are” statements, looking at concepts like being poor in spirit, meekness, and peacemaking.

Session 2: The Extensions (October 29)

Analyzes Matthew 5:17–48 and how Jesus’s “You have heard it said… but I say to you” statements function as deep extensions or intensifications of the Torah rather than rejections of it.

Session 3: Practicing Piety (November 5)

Explores traditional Jewish expressions of devotion: charity, prayer, and fasting.

Session 4: Our Father/Lord’s Prayer (November 12)

Unpacks the historical and cultural significance of the Lord’s Prayer for Jesus’s first-century Jewish audience.

Session 5: Finding Your Treasure (December 3)

Looks at material wealth, anxiety, and the final passages of the sermon.

Session 6: Living into the Kingdom (December 10)

Concludes with practical applications for daily living and the Golden Rule.

I’m looking forward to getting back into scripture seeking with y’all as we begin this new conversation. Here is the Zoom info for convenience:

To join ALL UCH Zoom meetings:

Meeting ID: 424 325 0026
Passcode: weloveUCH

This Sunday: Blessing of the Animals

One of our Turkish guides, Atilla, shared a legend with us: While the Prophet Muhammad was praying, a poisonous viper slithered up behind him and prepared to strike. A household cat leaped to his aid and killed the snake. Atilla said that is one of many reasons Turkish folkx love cats so much! He also told us cats are believed by Muslims to possess barakah, which refers to a blessing power that flows through those who are spiritually closest to God.

There were cats everywhere in Turkey, especially in Istanbul. I think Clive stopped to pet most of them (which foreshadowed his future as a cat dad). And the cats in Turkey are remarkably loved and well taken care of by the community. There are non-profit catch-and-release programs for spaying/neutering and veterinary care. There are even automated cat care stations where you can put in coins of any denomination to dispense food and water. I don’t think we ever saw one empty. I was deeply touched by this kindness toward our four legged friends. They really are considered part of the community. We can learn a lot about cat care from our siblings in Turkey.

This Sunday, October 11, in honor of the Feast Day of St. Francis, we will be honoring and blessing our animal friends that bless us so deeply in return. Feel free to bring pictures and stories about how the animals in your life have given you joy. You can also bring your actual creature- if they feel like attending worship. And don’t forget the wild creatures in our lives- we will bless them too.

Ironically, Zoom worship is a great place to bless our animal friends who may be skittish, or who may not be feeling the ride in a carrier to the church. I look forward to being with you for this beloved celebration. And I’m excited it will be Olive Apollo’s first blessing!

See you and your beloved and blessed creatures on Zoom! — Rev. Jeanne

A New Scripture Seekers Bible Study

On Thursday, October 8, Scripture Seekers Bible Study will resume at 5:30 Pacific time with an exciting new conversation called "Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner's Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven" with Dr. Amy-Jill Levine.

This is the book we will be using: Sermon on the Mount. You can find it online, or order it at your local independent bookstore. It also comes in e-book and audio form (on Audible.) We will also be using short audio introductions with Dr. Levine, our experience, and our bibles.

If not everyone has the book by the first meeting, we will be working with Matthew 5-7.

I'm looking forward to getting back into scripture with you'all as we begin this new fall conversation. See you on Zoom. -Rev. Jeanne

This Week in Worship—Meeting in Person!!

We are welcoming Rev. Jeanne back from sabbatical this week in worship. We will be celebrating in person at the William Cann Neighborhood Park in Union City. The theme of the service is "Going Forward, Renewed." This will be a time to begin sharing with Rev. Jeanne some of what you have been up to while she was away, as we reflect on what the Summer of Renewal has meant for us. Kristina will be leading the service. This is also a time to celebrate and say goodbye to Rev. Kathy — it will be fun and a little bittersweet. After the service, we will be sharing lunch together.

In Gratitude for our Summer of Renewal

by Rev. Kathy Cramer

Our Summer of Renewal is winding down, and I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all of you for making this such a positive experience. As I mentioned last Sunday, I have seen the Spirit moving through you during this time. It has been evident in the Sunday services, in your sharing, and in the way things have flowed. It has been a time of renewal for me as well, as I have enjoyed working with everyone and have tried some new things. Interestingly, since our theme is "What Makes Your Heart Sing," one of the new things for me was discovering songs and vocalists — I had a lot of fun picking many of the prelude and interlude pieces for worship. Another new thing was the Summer Renewal Group; I hadn't tried that format before, and it turned out to be very meaningful. I am so grateful for your support this summer.

As Jackie often says, "It takes a village." Much of this summer's success is thanks to the preparation completed before it began. I am deeply grateful for all the work that went into planning worship participation: to Rev. Jeanne for her input on guest preachers; to Kristina for following up with them throughout the summer; to Laurie for recruiting worship participants; and to Steve for organizing the list of available hymns and music. Rev. Jeanne also sent me a detailed explanation of each part of the service, which was very helpful. I am grateful to all of you who participated in worship throughout the summer. Special thanks to Jennifer, Steve, and Jackie, who led during the sermon time. Also, thanks to Steve for his instruction and patience in helping me with music sharing, and for sharing the music during service, and to Kirk, who filled in when Steve was away. And it was a joy to work with Jackie each week on the Order of Worship — I am always so impressed with the way she finds graphics and pictures to match the message in each part of the service.

It was great working with the Council; Kristina was able to keep us all on task. And it was so helpful meeting with the Pastoral Relations Committee — I really appreciated Kristina, Laurie, and Jackie making the time to meet with me. I also enjoyed being able to participate in the Healing Circle and Lunch Bunch during the summer — I am very grateful to Steve and Roz for keeping those groups running. Throughout the summer, everyone has been open to helping me and responding to questions. It was great to work with Ashley on the Updates and some technical questions. She was such a trooper this summer, as she was on the road for most of it. No matter where she was, she was there on most Sundays to host our Zoom services. She met with the Tech Team from all over the East Coast, from her son's camp, and from a variety of coffee shops. We did increase the Updates schedule a little this summer, and she handled it without a glitch. I know she also did a lot of social media work that, frankly, I'm not that knowledgeable about, which kept our online followers engaged.

I hope that you all found this to be a time of renewal for yourselves as well. Please remember to fill out the survey that was sent out earlier this week, as this information will be helpful in planning what comes next.

I wish you all the best in your journey ahead. I know that you have many resources in your community and trust that you will continue to make renewal part of your rhythm in the time ahead. Blessings to all of you.

This Coming Sunday

Sunday, Rev. Kathy will be preaching on the familiar story of the woman at the well. Jesus tells her and us that he can provide "living water" so that we will not thirst. Of course, there are times that we feel spiritually thirsty. As the Psalmist says, "As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God" (Psalm 42:1-2a). How do we access that living water that Jesus also tells us flows from our hearts? We will be looking at water as a symbol of renewal, as the source of what makes our hearts sing. We are about to enter the final week of our renewal summer, which provides us with an opportunity to look back and reflect on what we have experienced and heard over the summer.

Read the story here, and join us Sunday to talk about it.

'Tis a Gift to Be Simple

The farmer, author and poet Wendell Berry passed away this past week at the age of 92. Mr. Berry was an intriguing man. He was a prolific author, having written a number of both fiction and nonfiction books along with over 25 books of poetry. He lived on a farm in Kentucky, and his work often explored the benefits of a simple, land-centered life, which is how he lived most of the time, balancing his farming life with his teaching life at the University of Kentucky. He was an advocate for small farmers and the environment and spoke out against agribusiness and the economy that supported it. In 2011, President Barack Obama presented him with a National Humanities Medal.

I became acquainted with Wendell Berry through his poetry. For years he wrote a series of Sabbath poems that grew out of his practice of walking and paying attention to the natural world. We are going to be reading one of his poems this coming Sunday in worship, The Peace of Wild Things. When I first began attending Circle of Trust groups twenty years ago, one of my favorite poems was The Wild Geese. It includes the closing lines "And we pray, not for new earth or heaven, but to be quiet in heart, and in eye clear. What we need is here." (Full poem is below.)

What we need is here. It is so true and yet so easily forgotten in our consumer culture. But it is how Wendell Berry lived his life. One of the things I find most amazing is that he wrote most of his books in a cabin in Kentucky, by hand and candlelight when light was needed. His wife typed his finished manuscripts on a standard typewriter. He refused to have a computer and did not own a television set. He could have lived anywhere, but in 1964 he and his wife bought a 125-acre farm and started raising sheep, corn and grain crops. The farm he bought was next to his childhood home, which is where he and his wife lived.

Mr. Berry said that returning to the land was a way to ensure he was bound to the truth: "It made a permanent connection between me and my native place," he said. "The landscape was there to check me if I was wrong. I could never go away and make up stuff at cocktail parties about the backwoods of Kentucky. I worked with people here in all walks of life and learned from them. It's been a very rich experience."

What we need is here. We know this. We know that we are fortunate in having safe homes, plenty of food for our tables, solid friendships and strong faiths. I am grateful for the abundance in my life, and other times I struggle to really trust that what I need is here. I confess that before starting this sabbatical fill-in position, I went a little crazy buying books. Now, I have plenty of books. I have a library cart filled with Bibles and commentaries and books from my seminary days. I have poetry books and inspirational essay books. Still, I felt I "needed" more: another few commentaries, some books on spirituality and nature, some books on the dangers of Christian Nationalism, some books on possible Bible studies, some books on staying hopeful in challenging times… some more books. And yes, I did use some of them, and yes, most of them are sitting on the shelf, unopened or merely glanced at.

What we need is here. Wendell Berry is not really talking about material things; he is talking about our emotional needs and our connections with one another. Still, the focus on acquiring more can take our attention away from paying attention to those more important connections in our lives. There is that Shaker song, 'Tis a Gift to Be Simple; its opening line is: "Tis a gift to be simple, tis a gift to be free." The more we have, the more energy we expend taking care of it. This means that sometimes we miss the beauty and connections that surround us.

The good news is that we can always stop, pause and notice. We can laugh at ourselves and forgive ourselves for sometimes going a little overboard (speaking for myself here). Yes, there is more and more darkness in our world. And at the same time, what we need is here. Let's remember that.

In gratitude for our shared ministry.

The Wild Geese
by Wendell Berry

Horseback on Sunday morning,
harvest over, we taste persimmon
and wild grape, sharp sweet
of summer’s end. In time’s maze
over fall fields, we name names
that went west from here, names
that rest on graves. We open
a persimmon seed to find the tree
that stands in promise,
pale, in the seed’s marrow.
Geese appear high over us,
pass, and the sky closes. Abandon,
as in love or sleep, holds
them to their way, clear,
in the ancient faith: what we need
is here. And we pray, not
for new earth or heaven, but to be
quiet in heart, and in eye
clear. What we need is here.

Why Giving Feels So Good

by Rev. Kathy Cramer

This week I was the recipient of an unexpected gift, which brought a spark of joy into my day. One of the great things about giving is that it is a joyful experience for both parties—the giver and the receiver. It is fun to be able to give a gift, to know that you are making someone happy. And, of course, it is also great to receive a gift. This got me to thinking about both giving and the many gifts that come our way all the time.

Gifts come to us in many forms: physical gifts, emotional support, compassion and forgiveness. This week several of us received the gift of hospitality and connection as we met for Lunch Bunch. We shared our time, attention and stories as we gathered around the table together. Having opportunities to share strengthens our communal ties and lifts our spirits.

I began to wonder why giving feels so good. Scientists suggest that this has to do with our brain chemistry, which releases chemicals associated with pleasure and happiness. They even call it a "helper's high." Research also shows that giving improves our physical health. Studies show that generosity can lower blood pressure, improve immune function and even increase longevity. It appears that our biological system is designed to support giving.

I am currently reading a book called Restoring the Kinship Worldview: Indigenous Voices Introduce 28 Precepts for Rebalancing Life on Planet Earth. The book is a series of dialogues with Indigenous leaders in various fields about the differences in the world view between the dominant Western paradigm and Indigenous beliefs. One of the themes running throughout the book is that Indigenous perspectives grow from a deep connection with the natural world. One of the chapters in the book is about generosity. The authors note that "Giving and receiving emulate the central animating dynamic of life itself."

In general, our culture views generosity as a virtue; it is a good thing to do. For the most part, we tend to give from our abundance: I have enough money to live on so I can donate to causes I care about; I am heading that way so I can give you a ride. We enjoy being generous. While all of this is good, in an Indigenous worldview it would likely be considered the tip of the iceberg. They see generosity as a way of life; it is ingrained into their culture. They give from a sense that it is just part of living. One example of this is that if you were visiting someone and admired one of their possessions, they would probably give it to you.

In many tribal cultures, giving things away is a way of life, one that creates powerful social bonds. And yes, it is not easy; it involves sacrifice. Generosity comes in many forms. To be patient, to listen, to share a smile, a joke or even a tear are powerful gifts. Martin Brokenleg from the Lakota society notes, "The highest expression of courage is generosity, such as when children learned to show compassion for others and to give a higher priority to relationships rather than possessions." In these cultures, sharing is just what is done. It is not about how much you have or don't have; all is to be shared.

While the culture that surrounds us may not value compassion and generosity in the same way as Indigenous cultures, we still have a biological makeup that rewards us when we are generous. It releases those chemicals that make us feel good. And as faithful in people we know the value in sharing and giving. We know that sharing with one another strengthens the bonds of our community. We experience this every Sunday as we come together for worship, sharing our thoughts, our joys and concerns. We have been experiencing this throughout our Summer of Renewal as we have heard a diversity of voices from those leading worship reminding us that our commitment to caring for the world is connected to our commitment to ourselves.

It is interesting to reflect that one of the foundational aspects of our religion is hospitality: welcoming the stranger and sharing what one has with another. We heard about this last Sunday as Rev. Dr. Torgerson talked about the directive in Deuteronomy (15:11): "There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land." Rev. Torgerson also talked with us about sharing what we can in the moment. The gift that "Petra" brought to anoint Jesus was valuable and she gave it away with an open heart. May we continue to show this level of generosity in our world, after all, it is the natural way.

Words of Wisdom from St. Mary Magdalene

by Rev. Kathy Cramer

Yesterday, while scrolling through Substack, I came across an article by Jennifer Butler. Its message was not to let the chaos in our country make us angry, but to focus instead on what we can do. Butler described an experience she had a few years ago in Oxford, England. She was meeting with a group of religious leaders strategizing about how to counter Christian Nationalism. One afternoon, when she was feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world, she went for a walk and found a church named for Saint Mary Magdalen. In the church was a statue of Mary holding a jar for anointing. It was a reminder that Mary was the first witness to the resurrection—she showed up even amid her fear to do what she could: anoint the body of Jesus. What she found was the risen Christ.

While in the chapel, Jennifer said that the image that came to her was "water." She writes: "Water does not stop to despair over a boulder in a stream. It moves over it, around it, and—given enough time—through it. Water does not need to pretend the boulder is not there. It simply refuses to let the boulder determine where the journey ends. … It is easy in a moment like ours to freeze—to stare endlessly at the boulder or retreat into an upper room. But if we become like water, we can keep moving. We can do the next faithful thing."

The common myth about Mary is that she was a prostitute, but there is no evidence of this, and the Catholic Church officially affirmed this in 1969. In fact, Mary is known as the Apostle to the Apostles. Scholars believe that she held a leadership position in the early church. There is also a non-canonical gospel attributed to her—the Gospel of Mary Magdalene. The full gospel was never found, only fragments of it. I realized I had a copy sitting on my bookshelf and was inspired to find it. Here is a reading from it:

"Attachment to matter gives rise to passion against nature. Thus trouble arises in the whole body; this is why I tell you: 'Be in harmony…' If you are out of balance, take inspiration from manifestations of your true nature. Those who have ears, let them hear."

The opening verse invites us not to get attached to things, or to outcomes. The concept of detachment is difficult to grasp because it seems to mean not caring about anything. In fact, detachment is more about realizing what we are not in control of, rather than manipulating a situation or trying to influence an outcome. One definition of detachment is "loving deeply without needing to possess, control, or cling." Instead, we can focus on what we can do, be like water, and do the next faithful thing.

Another invitation in the text is to "take inspiration from manifestations of your true nature." That is also a little difficult to grasp, but I think it is about reconnecting with ourselves, with what we value, and with the Holy within. I am reminded of the meditation that Steve Holly led this past Sunday, connecting with the "kingdom of God within." I think Mary is inviting us to focus on the gifts we have received from God: the talents, abilities, and perspectives that help us feel joyful—the things that make our hearts sing—and to take inspiration from those things.

We have a choice: freely loving and acting faithfully, or being controlled by fear, attachment, and resentment. If we let ourselves be like water, we can keep moving, keep flowing, and keep sharing. In her article, Jennifer Butler suggests that "the stone is not always rolled away at once. Sometimes it moves one determined inch at a time. But it is moving." She says, "Mary Magdalene did not arrive at the tomb carrying a strategic plan for transforming the Roman Empire. She carried a jar of ointment. She went to perform the next faithful act available to her."

May we all be like water. May we remember what gives our lives meaning. May we celebrate the gift that we are, and find our next faithful act.

This Coming Sunday

This Sunday, Rev. Dr. Marvin Lance Wiser will be in the pulpit. He will be speaking to us about Sabbath. He says, "In the Bible, God consecrated not a place first, but time." Our culture values staying busy, striving for more, and being all you can be. It may seem incongruous to dedicate time to rest and renewal, but one of the commandments asks us to do just that. Rev. Wiser will discuss how Jesus embodied rest and how we can integrate this practice into our daily lives. His sermon title is "The Rhythm, Not the Reward."

Rev. Dr. Marvin Lance Wiser serves as Senior Minister and Executive Director at Eden United Church of Christ in Cherryland, CA, where he leads a vibrant, bilingual congregation deeply engaged in community-based ministry, migrant empowerment, and faith-rooted justice work. Pastor Marvin also teaches at Berkeley School of Theology and lives in the Eden Area with his bicultural, intergenerational family. He is also a coffee roaster who enjoys travel and jazz, and holds a deep appreciation for Mexican culture and cuisine. In 2024, he and Eden Church received the Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Grant.

This Coming Sunday

This Sunday, our own Steve Holly will be in the pulpit. He will be doing a meditation on getting closer to the Divine that dwells within each of us. He says:

If we are God’s creations, this life is a gift of love from the Creator.  Each breath taken is a renewal of that Divine love deserving of thanks for the blessing it is.  Let this gift, the breath, lead us into our bodies to set aside the thoughts of our minds and get closer to the internal Divine spark that animates our lives, the source of calm, peace, and joy, on which we can call at any time. 

Steve will be using a text from Luke reminding us that  “the kingdom of God is within you” and a poem by Rumi. 

As you know Steve leads a monthly Healing Circle group and is a Reiki practitioner. He has been very involved with our summer renewal services, organizing and playing much of the music as well as serving as liturgist. This Sunday, he will be inviting us to reflect on the Holy within and to let go of our thoughts that we are not capable or talented enough. (Note that the Joseph poem reflects this theme as well—yet another visible example of the Spirit moving with us). 

Be sure to be there on Sunday.

No Bad Child

by Rev. Kathy Cramer

The last time I wrote to you, I was talking about Artificial Intelligence; this time I want to talk about Native Intelligence.

I was watching a YouTube documentary by Tommy McGee. He was talking with people inside what has been called the most violent Native American reservation. It was a sobering situation with many of the young men in gangs, rampant drug abuse, broken down neighborhoods and violence. Tommy was interviewing one of the Lakota Native American Elders who said: “There’s not a bad child, there’s just one who hasn’t been reached.”

What a wise and powerful statement! I wish it was the motto of our country. I am always impressed by how connected Native elders are with wisdom and with nature. In this case, they were able to see through all the devastation to the core of the issue: We need ways to reach those on the borders, those we call outcast, those who feel hopeless.

I am particularly sensitive to this issue having read many of the stories of people killed by ICE, those who were shot for essentially no reason and the many more in detention centers where their medical issues were overlooked or ignored.

This week one of the lectionary readings is the familiar story of Joseph—of the “many colored coat” fame. At least that is the story I heard in Sunday School. Yes, his brothers take his coat and throw him in the well, but it all works out in the end. It is a story of how God keeps working in our lives and it is also a sobering and brutal story. 

Steve Garnaas-Holmes, a pastor, musician and poet sends a poem out every day.  And this week he wrote one about the Jospeh story in it are these lines: (full poem below)

The one we would dismiss,
the one we would be done with,
is our sibling.

Yes, our hearts are breaking from the violence and hate and plain meanness we see all around us. And yes, we know we are called to find ways to reach those we might call “other.” It feels overwhelming, and so we pause and breathe and pray.  One thing we can do is to be kind to those we encounter each day. 

This week, I also noticed that the National United Church of Christ is supporting a movement called the United States of Kindness campaign. The concept is simple: To celebrate America’s 250th birthday, do 250 acts of kindness. There are ways to sign up and share online—or we can also just do it!  Let’s be inspired to do what we can to share kindness and compassion in our world.

There is much to grieve in our world, but remember, There’s not a bad child, there’s just one that has not been reached.

In gratitude for this community,
Rev. Kathy

Joseph

The saga of Joseph and his brothers
is not just about an ancient family.
They are us.

The one we would dismiss,
the one we would be done with,
is our sibling.

The enslavers are never the good guys.
The one sold, the one enslaved,
is the story's hero.

                   •

And within: where is my Joseph,
the excellence I'm afraid of,
the grace I seek to banish?

I may sell it away, but it will prevail,
first shame and then tame me,
and save me in the end.

by Steve Garnaas-Holmes

August Observances

Playfulness and humor are essential to renewal.  Below is a list of celebrations for each day of August.  May the list encourage you to find joy, love, and outreach within "ordinary living" which is how the Holy One radiates through us!

Some August Observances

• August 1: National Mountain Climbing Day, Homemade Pie Day, National Water Balloon Day

• August 2: Dinosaurs Day, Sandcastle Day 

• August 3: National Watermelon Day, National Friendship Day

• August 4: National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, Assistance Dog Day, 

• August 5: Blogger Day

• August 6: National Root Beer Float Day, Wiggle Your Toes Day, Farmworker Appreciation Day

• August 7: National Lighthouse Day, National Raspberries and Cream Day

• August 8: International Cat Day, International Infinity Day, National Pickleball Day

• August 9: Book Lovers Day, International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, Garage Sale Day

• August 10: Smithsonian Day, National S’mores Day, World Lion Day

• August 11: Play in the Sand Day, National Face Mask Day, National Hip Hop Day

• August 12: International Youth Day, National Middle Child Day, National Vinyl Record Day, World Elephant Day

• August 13: International Left-Handers Day, World Calligraphy Day

• August 14: Love Your Bookshop Day, World Lizard Day

• August 15: National Failures Day, Chant at the Moon Day, National Relaxation Day, National Lemon Meringue Pie Day, National Back to School Prep Day,

• August 16: Tell a Joke Day, National Roller Coaster Day, National Authenticity Day, National Hawaiian Shirt Day, National Bratwurst Day, World Honey Bee Day* (third Saturday)

• August 17: National Black Cat Appreciation Day, National Nonprofit Day, National Thrift Shop Day

• August 18: Helium Discovery Day, National Couple's Day, National Fajita Day,

  National Ice Cream Pie Day

• August 19: World Photography Day, Orville Wright's Birthday, National Aviation Day, World Humanitarian Day, International Orangutan Day

• August 20: Virtual Worlds Day, National Lemonade Day, National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day

• August 21: Poet's Day, National Spumoni Day, National Senior Citizens Day

• August 22: National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day, National Tooth Fairy Day 

• August 23: Ride the Wind Day, National Sponge Cake Day, Buttered Corn Day,  Hug Your Sweetheart Day, National Cuban Sandwich Day

• August 24: Strange Music Day, National Waffle Day, National Peach Pie Day

• August 25: National Banana Split Day, National Park Service Day, National Secondhand Wardrobe Day

• August 26: National Dog Day, National Women's Equality Day

• August 27: National Just Because Day, World Rock Paper Scissors Day

• August 28: National Red Wine Day, National Bow Tie Day, National Cherry Turnover Day

• August 29: Individual Rights Day, National Chop Suey Day, More Herbs, Less Salt Day

• August 30: National Beach Day, National Toasted Marshmallow Day, International Whale Shark Day

• August 31: National Trail Mix Day, Eat Outside Day, World Distance Learning 

This Being Human

by Rev. Kathy Cramer

I spent a few of my early childhood years in Hazelwood, Missouri.  We moved to California when I was 9 and one of the things that I remembered about being from Missouri was that it was the “show me State.” I took great pride in this—it was a way of saying “you can’t fool me.”  I was probably reacting to being the “new kid in the class.”  But it was something that stuck with me—I never wanted to be gullible or be fooled or taken advantage of.  I am sure that we all feel that way.  I thought that as I got older and wiser, it would be easier, but these days it is a challenge to find accurate information, especially with the sophistication that artificial intelligence brings to the table.  It can even create a video that claims not to be AI.

There are many concerns about AI:  the jobs it will eliminate; the impact of data centers on a community’s water supply; the reliability of the information it provides—these are just a few.  A few months ago, I was in a restaurant and the people at the table next to me were talking about using one of the AI programs.  It provided some information that the person knew was inaccurate, so they typed that into the program and the response—“I was just fooling you to see if you would notice.”  “Yikes” was what I was thinking—how can you trust that?  It is a question that we will be grappling with for quite a while.

I have been wanting to write about AI, but it is overwhelming, so here are a few things to begin the conversation.

In May, Pope Leo issued his first Papal encyclical which was focused on safeguarding humanity in the age of artificial intelligence.  It is titled “Magnifica Humanitas” or “Magnificent Humanity.”  I have only read about it, but it outlines many of the concerns and impacts that AI will have on people.  He makes several specific recommendations and talks about the need for us to retain our humanity, in the best sense of that word.  He said:

“Humanity— in all its grandeur and woundedness— must never be replaced or surpassed. We can embrace the technological progress that alleviates suffering and unlocks new possibilities, provided that we do not abandon the very essence of our humanity, namely the capacity for relationship and love.”

A couple days ago I saw a post from Krista Tippet, the host of On Being.  She had recently attended a conference entitled, “Trust in the Age of AI.”  One of the realizations she took away from that conference was “we humans will no longer be the most intelligent force on the planet.” She went onto talk about how AI is not just a tool but has “agency”—aspects of it are unfolding in ways that are mysterious to even its makers.  She suggests that in response, we, as humanity are being called to rise to our “most mature selves.”

When I first read this, my heart sank, because we are far from that now.  One of the points Tippet makes is that we have been focused on “survival of the fittest.”  She says: “We have not tended to the whole nature of reality which is becoming even more demonstrable in this age: a web of interactivity, entanglement, and mutual dependency. What if our technologies are calling us to nothing less than a greater understanding of the deepest meaning and purpose of human intelligence?”

This message of our interconnectedness with one another and the natural world has been a consistent theme in the messages we have been hearing on Sunday mornings.  We have talked about: our connection with nature; the ways in which we can reduce stress; our ability to maintain vision and stay hopeful in difficult times; conversation as a metaphor of connectedness; the importance of supporting one another; the language of everyday inspiration. And the conversations continue.

Yes, AI is a big and complicated topic that will be garnering more and more of our attention in the years ahead.  Yes, we will need to learn more about it and at the same time, we know that our call is to keep sharing the themes we have been hearing and to focus on being the best humans we can be.  Stay hopeful, stay connected.

Coming This Sunday: Finding Inspiration

This Sunday, our own Jackie Frietas will be preaching.  You may know that among her many talents, Jackie is a poet and this Sunday she will be sharing a few of her poems with us.  The theme of the service is “Inspiration is Everywhere.”  Jackie will be sharing some of the ways she finds inspiration and encouraging us to consider what we find inspiring.  As she says:  “Life needs inspiration along the way as we journey through various experiences.”  One of the texts she will be using talks about God kindling a light in our hearts.  Allowing that light, or inspiration, to shine through us reveals the glory of God.

Speaking of being inspired, I was inspired to share this post by Carrie Newcomer that was inspired by a picture she saw on a fence in Florida:

Carrie shared a story about a young boy who drew a picture of his mom. She explained that often kids tend to go through stages in their drawings of people.  One of those stages she calls the “blobby-guy” phase, (like the drawing in the photo above.)  The boy she was talking with had drawn a picture of his mom in that style: a blobby middle, stick legs and arms and long hair. She asked him about the picture and he began to tell her about his mother and he began talking about all the things she did for him, make his lunches, comb his hair, work in the garden and then his eyes lit up and he said with excitement, “My mom has fingers” and drew some stick fingers on his picture.

Carrie says:

“What a beautiful moment of wonder and realization. How exciting to see him notice and register something that he hadn't really thought about much— his marvelous mother, who did all kinds of amazing, clever, caring things—had marvelous fingers. Maybe that is why I often comment to people I meet on something I find extraordinary about them or something I really appreciated about how they were interacting with me. I guess I just like to be with the person I am encountering. I love to notice what is marvelous about them because there is always something marvelous about every single person I meet. It is nice to let a person know they are appreciated and it creates in me an ongoing feeling of wonder and revelation— kind of like that little boy who became so alive when he noticed something and then drew his mother's beautiful fingers on his blobby-mom picture.”

When we discover things, when we notice the beauty that is always there, when we pay attention to the moment, that light of God awakens within us.  Carrie reminds us that the good is there, we just need to look for it and to be grateful for the marvelous people in our lives. 

Be sure to join us this Sunday, and if you missed last Sunday, be sure to check out Rev. Gaffney’s sermon from last week where he talked about the challenges we face in seeing the good in others.