November 30, 2018

Emmanuel God With Us: Waiting at the Threshold(s) of Advent

November 30, 2018/ Rev. Jeanne Loveless

Advent (which in Greek means “appearance or coming”) is a liturgical time we prepare and wait for the Light of Christ to come into the world on Christmas. It’s a time of light, shadow, candles, pondering, reflection, and prayer. It’s a time to notice the seasonal summer light fading and winter darkness rising. On each of the four Sundays of Advent we will light a candle in our Advent altar wreath to mark the coming of the light of Christ. (There is no Christ candle during the Advent season- Paradoxically, Jesus is present and also not born yet).

November 23, 2018

Gratitude or Thanks

November 23, 2018/ Chris Leahy

We have been talking about Gratitude a lot recently. When I listen to what Jeanne and others say, I wonder if I am always grateful, or am I just thankful. I know for some, these two things are the same thing, but that is definitely not my understanding.

November 10, 2018

Sagebrush Days

November 10, 2018/ Bill Ralph

I was born in Burbank, California about where the airport is now. When I mentioned this to a Montana neighbor she said “Forever more! Why were you born there?” “Because I wanted to be near my mother” I replied.

October 18, 2018

On the Lighter Side

October 18, 2018/ Jackie Freitas

Stress brought on by dealing with difficult situations, disappointments and loss can leave you feeling physically drained. Furthermore, the old “guilt trip” sneaks in telling you that since you are in the midst of the “serious stuff” there is no room for the lighter side of laughter. Nothing could be further from the truth. Scientists tell us that “laughter is the best medicine.”

October 13, 2018

Walking the Walk, Talking the Talk

October 13, 2018/ Chris Leahy

Often many of us think and/or act as if the place where we find God is the Sanctuary.

October 06, 2018

"And Everywhere there will be a Feast" (World Communion Sunday)

October 06, 2018/ Rev. Jeanne Loveless

What does Communion mean to you? What does it mean to us at UCH and in the United Church of Christ? I invite you to give that some thought before you dip your bread in the cup on Sunday and are blessed by that holy act.

September 29, 2018

"H"

September 29, 2018/ Bill Ralph

My dad was a Farmer. That is, during the 1920’s he was a Hayward High School “Farmer” (Actually a tool and die maker for Caterpillar Tractor Company for 47 years). Founded in 1892, Hayward High is one of the oldest high schools in the San Francisco Bay Area.

September 20, 2018

Journey Markers

September 20, 2018/ Jackie Freitas

Mementoes - tangible reminders of special occasions - bring back memories and a variety of feelings.

September 15, 2018

More of Who You Are

September 15, 2018/ Chris Leahy

How long before the pain that you carry inside becomes more than you can bear?

September 07, 2018

Memories

September 07, 2018/ Bill Ralph

Sandy and I were surprised with the closing of Dicky’s BBQ and Applebee’s in Fremont’s Pacific Commons shopping complex this past week. These closures join Toy’s R Us, Orchard Supply and New Park’s Sears store as recent victims of the evolving retail scene in our region.

August 24, 2018

Everyday Miracles

August 24, 2018/ Jackie Freitas

Whatever happened to those 12 baskets of fragments the disciples gathered after feeding the multitude?

August 23, 2018

The One We Are Waiting For

August 23, 2018/ Chris Leahy

Hopi Elders say “We are the ones we have been waiting for.”

July 27, 2018

Waiting Rooms

July 27, 2018/ Bill Ralph

One of the lessons that I have learned over past months is that It’s more difficult

dealing with the unknown than it it is to face reality and to realize all of the many the options that may

be ahead for us.

July 21, 2018

Disparate Observations

July 21, 2018/ Bill Ralph

There are no easy or quick solutions to providing livable wages and affordable housing to everyone seeking them . . .

July 13, 2018

Success and Joy

July 13, 2018/ Chris Leahy

I enjoy games, but it is real life and my awareness that the Lord is taking me on a journey toward greater successes than I’ll ever have with games, that brings me joy. I’d rather be caught up in that joy than in any other kind of success.

July 06, 2018

Still Grounded

July 06, 2018/ Jackie Freitas

Pharaoh certainly had a lot going for him financially with the enslaved Israelites doing Egypt’s manual labor – that is– until Moses, a man who stuttered, came to him saying, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘Let my people go.’” (Exodus 5:1)

June 21, 2018

A Case of the Blahs

June 21, 2018/ Chris Leahy

I was wondering just where my life was going, and maybe if it was going anywhere at all.

June 09, 2018

Disconnected?

June 09, 2018/ Chris Leahy

What I know is that it is good for me to pray even when it makes no sense to me. I need to reach out with thoughts and words even if they feel disconnected with what I am feeling.

June 05, 2018

Give Thanks in All Things

June 05, 2018/ Rev. Jeanne Loveless

“Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all things; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – Paul in I Thessalonians 5: 16-18

May 25, 2018

Greetings!

May 25, 2018/ Bill Ralph

A thoughtful greeting and acknowledgment of those around us certainly won’t solve the world’s problems, but it could be a small beginning

Dispatches from the Journey