Trusting Jesus during his public ministry seems fairly easy to the disciples as Jesus feeds the multitudes, cures the blind, heals the sick – things are going well. And then - Wham! One fine Friday their entire world turns upside down! Their perspective is thrown out of whack.
Read MoreWe are the ones for whom we have been waiting.” Hopi Elders
Think about that for a minute…….
Read MoreOur five year old is getting really good doing mazes and puzzles. One of his favorites is “connecting the dots.” He starts with the first dot and then moves to the next and the next until a pattern emerges. The trick for him developmentally is to slow down and make good choices, but to keep moving to the next dot so he can see what is emerging and color the picture.
Read MoreHave you ever prayed for someone or something, only to feel thwarted? Have you begged God so hard and long about something that you’re too weary to even trying again?
Read MorePut your values into action by supporting South Hayward Parish this Lent. Feed the hungry, comfort the homeless and fight for social justice!
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Frank Leber was a shy and humble man. He and his wife Rosemarie were UCH members and regular attendees to worship services in the 1990’s and early 2000’s. Frank had an unforgettable deep imposing baritone voice that I can still hear in my mind although he has been gone more than 10 years
Read MoreWe all have work to do when it comes to believing that God is in us and in all that we do. Letting go of hurt, being lost, anger, the dark part of us, and choosing to allow ourselves to see the Light, to find joy, love, compassion, life, and God (No matter what name you may use for the Divine), is an ongoing work. What we need to learn is that all of these are choices.
Read MoreHave you noticed how it’s not the big things that trip us up, but the little things such as waiting in line or encountering other unwelcomed time-consuming events? The other day I hurriedly starting transferring a load of sweats and dark socks from the washer to the dryer only to discover – you guessed it – the clothes were speckled with remnants of tissues I had forgotten to remove from my pocket.
Read MoreI became a conduit for the Lord to fill the hearts of people around me.
Read MoreBest wishes for a wonderful Christmas. May the peace of God be with you and may past memories bring you comfort and warmth this Holiday Season. -- Bill
Read MoreAs the Visioning Team met in Laurie’s dining room yesterday morning, I started thinking about how important tables are in our lives. I found myself really enjoying sitting around the table with Laurie, Jackie, Chris, and Roz, sipping coffee, and talking about worship and vision.
Read MoreDid you know that in the late 19th century for a few coins you could ride a trolley all the way from Oakland down East 14th Street (now Mission Blvd.) to rural Hayward? Or take a horse drawn railcar from the Patterson Ranch (now Ardenwood) to Centerville? Or take a train ride to Niles Canyon for a pleasant picnic along Alameda Creek and listen to the sounds of John Philip Souza’s band?
Read MoreI had known for a few weeks that I was going to speak on stewardship last Sunday. I prayed about it, I pondered what stewardship meant to me and what it might mean to others in the congregation.
Read MoreI am exhausted by all of what is going on in the world right now.
Read MoreThe harvest has passed the summer is ended. And we are not saved. -Jeremiah's Lament.
Beloved Community,
Like you, I awakened to the shocking news that the largest mass shooting in American history occurred last night at a concert in Las Vegas. As the chaos unfolds around this attack on social media, in the news, and as the numbers of injured and deceased climb- I want to invite you in my role as Spiritual Navigator of our journey to remember what we have been reflecting on as we journey together.
Read More"It is here, in that darkness, that the apocalypse washes over us. It is here that we are decentered. It is here that the (sometimes barely) hidden will be revealed and we will become aware of what others have long experienced and known. It is here that the loving voice of our Still-Speaking God unveils our Shadow and invites us to a deepening spiritual journey of life, death, and resurrection."
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“The monastic life is like digging into a well: over the years you dig deeper and deeper in your understanding of things, until the day arrives that you reach the waters that connect us all.” Brother David
Read More“By their fruit you will recognize them.” -Jesus in Matthew 7:16
Last Sunday, I participated in the interfaith counter-protest of the planned white supremacy rally in Berkeley. After what had unfolded in Charlottesville, VA a few days before there was a lot of nervousness about this counter-protest. And yet the need for our presence as clergy, as peaceful marchers, and as people of faith was very clear. As our Conference Minister, Diane Weible wrote to us recently, “Silence is not an option” in the face of this evil. As I shared with you last week in my sermon, I deeply agree.
Read MoreIt is Sunday afternoon and I am sitting here listening to some beautiful music and I have a cat in my lap that is happy as long as I let her rest her head on one of my hands. Of course, this makes typing somewhat difficult, but it’s a dance we do often if she wants a soft place to nap.
Read MoreThe United Church of Hayward is an open and affirming church that serves the Bay Area community.
We are glad you’ve found us!
When the Israelite people were in the wilderness, Moses invited everyone whose "hearts were stirred and spirits were willing" to offer their gifts, time, and talents so the people could gather, worship God and serve the community. They discovered they had everything they needed and then some! Is your heart being stirred to support our UCH ministries in the Hayward area? Click here to make a difference!
