Observations, Experiences, and Learnings

Observations, Experiences, and Learnings

By now many of you have read my report to you all; it is based upon my observations, experiences, and learnings over these weeks together.  If asked to summarize these reflections, I’d offer two words: transparency and hospitality.  Recently I referenced the passage in chapter 1 of the Fourth Gospel where we read about Jesus calling Nathaniel to discipleship.  Jesus says, “This man is a true Israelite.  There is no guile in him.”  We remember that “guile” means “deceit.”  I noted that Sunday that it is a true reflection of our personal character when others perceive no deceit in us.  So, too, our corporate nature is apprehended.  Made the connection, didn’t you?   

A community of faith becomes an aberration when it slips into deceitful modes of being; integrity and authenticity are rooted in transparency.  And this is of a piece with hospitality, which Jesus demonstrates through the calling of Nathaniel (whose name, if my memory of Hebrew is correct, means God’s gift). 

Is it possible to welcome persons in part by recognizing the gifts of God they embody or manifest among us?  Both Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Kathleen Norris remind us to look deeper and thereby recognize Christ.  Easy for me to say, but we know how complicated relationships are.  Nevertheless…

Several times I have been told about “successful” congregations; they seem to have everything going for them (“So what is our problem?” is the subtext).  Let me disabuse us all of any magic formula.  It may be instructive to do a bit of research, as I did recently via face-to-face, on-site visit with the pastor of an energized congregation in another county.  Clearly this congregation shares challenges not unknown to Arlington, but others look at the entirety of the ministry and are impressed.  Alert: it is good to be impressed, not so empowering to be intimidated.  We need to learn from others.

Here is what I learned, by way of further reflection, the congregation moves ahead with confidence in what they are being called to do by God.  How does this translate to Arlington?  I suggest this community not compare itself to anyone else, yet learn from them.  I further suggest that Arlington “own” its authentic sense of self and use its resources from that place of confidence and conviction.  With Nate’s nurture you will do well in that endeavor.

One last word about hospitality: I plan to open the outside doors to the sanctuary for a while every Sunday morning in order to dissipate the buildup of “fragrances” typical of closed spaces.

A Really Good Read: “Unsheltered” by Barbara Kingsolver

A Really Good Read:  “Unsheltered” by Barbara Kingsolver

Suggested by Ruth Robinson

Can a house be a character in a book?  Have you ever thought about what would happen to you if your own home could not shelter you, through fire or earthquake destruction?  Can anything good come from not having shelter?  What if “shelter” was a set of ideas or beliefs? 

Kingsolver’s newest novel takes us to contemporary Vineland, NJ and the same place in 1874.  She weaves the (amazing to us) disbelief in science and especially Darwin’s discoveries against the (frightening to us) prospect that global climate change might leave us all unsheltered. 

If belief in a literal Bible gets shaken up, how similar is that to a shake up in belief that the consumer cry of more-bigger-better might be the end of us all?  The God of wrath seems much like the God or idol of riches. Both loving and very non-likeable characters take us through a creative and clever series of similarities. 

When Willa and her professor husband, Iano, find themselves in a ramshackle house in New Jersey, complete with a very disabled father-in-law, Nick, who insists on top volume talk radio 24/7 blaring out how horrible the Mexicans are, how terrible liberals are etc. etc., we think it can’t get worse.  But wait.  Enter 26-year-old Antigone (Tig), their uber-liberal daughter, and an infant grandson, son of the Harvard economist and Wall Street wheeler-dealer, Zeke, older sibling to Tig.  Whew.  Then their house seems to be about to fall down.  What are they thinking?

Next chapter:  Vineland, NJ, 1874, and Thatcher, high school science teacher, married to Rose (a pain in the you-know-what if ever there was), living in an equally ramshackle house (maybe the same one), and having to support the house, the wife, his mother-in-law (a female equivalent to the modern Nick), and a headstrong teenage sister-in-law, Polly.  Thatcher cannot understand how anyone, especially the principal of his school, could object to using science in a science classroom.  What are they thinking?

Back and forth, 2016 to 1874, and you’ll discover some history you may not have known.  Mary Treat, 1874 biologist, did indeed live and work in New Jersey.  She is the next-door neighbor to Thatcher and family in the book. 

Much to think about, especially as the theme of becoming unsheltered goes throughout the book.  What else can we do, as concerned citizens, and whom do we learn from?  How is justice woven throughout the book?  The 1874 chapters are easy to tsk-tsk about, but the 2016 ones sting a little too close to home.  Sometimes shelter can be more of a prison that comfort; when to let go, when to move on.

Preparing for a New Minister

Preparing for a New Minister

Thanks to all who attended the lively Spectrum Sunday the 30th and again on the 6th - discussing the focus of the ministry our proposed Designated Term Minister who will be giving his Candidate Sermon January 27. There were lots of great questions and it was exciting to see the Congregation looking ahead to a new ministry.

A key part of the focus for the next couple of years will be deepening our commitment and finding specific practices for living out the ACC Covenant for Life Together: We, the members and friends of Arlington Community Church, are called to be stewards of creation and to build a just society based upon the inspiration of our faith.

Read the Entire Covenant for Life Together by clicking here

This, you may recall, was a product of the New Beginnings process and small group discussions toward the latter months of Tony's ministry.   From this Covenant emerged the proposal to seek Creation Justice Church status from the wider church (September Congregational Meeting).      

Linda Young 

- for the Search Committee

Council Notes, December 2018

COUNCIL NOTES, DECEMBER 2018

 It is an exciting time in the life of our church.  We are preparing the way for new things to come.  The most significant part of the work has been the progress of our Search Committees in choosing two people to shepherd us. 

We have already welcomed Rev. Dennis Alger, our interim pastor, who began work on December 1.  Dennis will be with us for three months to do the work of transition and prepare us to meet a new pastor.  We’re already enjoying seeing his Arlington Community Church posting every day on Facebook with inspirational news and comments.  Do check out Arlington Community Church, UCC, on Facebook.

The second search committee will be introducing us to Rev. Nate Klug, our candidate for a three-quarter time pastorate.  Nate will lead worship on Sunday, January 27, and we will hold a congregational vote that day after worship whether to call him.  Be sure to come to church on January 27!

Also on January 27, we will hold a brief congregational meeting to finish business continued from last November.  We will vote on the finalized budget for 2019, and we will vote on a by-laws change to move the annual meeting date from November back to January.  Several years ago it was suggested that January was a difficult time to hold the annual meeting because the pastor and church leadership were obliged to prepare for the meeting during the busy holiday season.  We changed the meeting date to November to resolve that problem.  However, our financial reports and budget predictions are not available until after the first of the year.  January is also a better time to transfer leadership duties in Council and on church boards.  On December 12, Council voted to propose a by-laws change moving the date of the annual meeting back to January.

Have a merry Christmas.  See you on January 27!

Advent Greetings to All

Advent Greetings to All

Those of us who remember Don McNeill’s Breakfast Club (on the radio 1933-68 from Chicago) are most likely eligible for AARP programs (and can recite the words to the songs), such as the Driver Safety emphasis—this week’s public service announcement.  I’m currently taking it on line AND will save on our automobile insurance.  Very practical and worth the effort.  Plus, I’m learning things, which is the point after all.

Congregations “promote” special offerings in various ways, so you all know this but I want to add my encouragement.  The Christmas Offering (formerly known as Veterans of the Cross) makes possible special monetary gifts to our most financially-challenged retired clergy and church workers.  For more information consult the ucc.org website.  Thanks for supporting this appeal.

Meanwhile I continue to have conversations with members and am gleaning a lot of useful information.  The goal is to provide the Council and future pastor with some insights into members’ vision for the future in light of current capacities and enthusiasms.  Seek me out when you have time; we will talk…

By the way, last week I mentioned the Facebook opportunity for engaging people.  Arlington has about 100 new “likes.”  One person even wrote to thank me for inviting him; he’s never been to California BUT would come to Arlington if he does.  You never know what will happen if you invite someone—maybe a family member, maybe a neighbor.  More to come…

Admit it, your mind is hearing “Good Morning Breakfast Clubers, good morning to ya; we woke up bright and early just to howdy-do ya…”

Dennis, Interim Pastor

To All Who Consider Arlington Community Church “Home:” Advent Greetings!

To All Who Consider Arlington Community Church “Home:” Advent Greetings!

It has begun, our time together.  You have called me to engage with you for a time of Interim Ministry, a time of exploration, evaluation, recommendation, and relationship-building.  Already individuals have talked with me, often at length, regarding this community of faith in terms of joys and concerns.  Sometime next month I will summarize my learnings into a report to the Council.  That body’s eventual deliberations with the incoming pastor will be informed by that report.

All along the way, I will ask questions, make suggestions and offer observations.  Here is the first suggestion—based upon presentations about social media I’ve attended in recent years: use social media for networking.  I’m a member of Pilgrim UCC in Carlsbad, CA.  Each Sunday someone makes this announcement: “Please silence your cell phones, but feel free to alert your friends on social media that you are in worship at Pilgrim.”  Most who read these words can be social media ambassadors for Arlington. Check it out.

On Wednesday, yesterday, I was given access to Arlington’s Facebook page; subsequently I invited almost all my Facebook friends to “like” the Arlington page; this morning, Thursday, there are about 60 new “likes”.  These persons will not attend services (unless passing through) because they range from the Philippines to parts of Africa.  However, they compose a community of encouragement, information sharing, and advocacy.  I suggest you invite your friends as well; you might get some really good feedback.

Feel free to contact me and share your perspective, insights, excitement and/or frustration.  I already see many great things happening along with ideas for future exploration.  Thanks for inviting me along on your journey.

-        Dennis

Celebrate Christmas with a Poinsettia

Celebrate Christmas with a Poinsettia

During Advent we are filled with joyful anticipation of the birth of the light of God’s hope in our hearts. We tell each other this “old, old story,” as we begin to see the lights and colors of hope in our own lives.

A beautiful tradition at ACC is the display of lovely red poinsettias which decorate the sanctuary for our Christmas worship together.  As in years past, you are invited to donate one or more poinsettias at our cost ($8.00 each), and to dedicate your beautiful flower(s) to a loved one.  You are also invited to take it home to add sparkle to your own celebration following the worship service on Christmas Eve.  On the next two Sundays, December 9 and 16, order forms will be found in your bulletins and Sue Day will be in the Social hall to take your orders and donation.  Checks are payable to ACC (Poinsettia).

In the event you cannot be present to take your flower home Christmas Eve, please let us know when you reserve it, as we may be able to arrange delivery after the Christmas Eve worship service.

Sue Day  will be confirming ACC’s final order on the 17th. Her contact information is: 705-1885 -- sueday6@comcast.net

In the event you cannot be present to take your flower home Christmas Eve, please let us know when you reserve it, as we may be able to arrange delivery after the Christmas Eve worship service.

Please make checks payable to “ACC Poinsettia”

Interfaith Power and Light

Interfaith Power and Light – a remarkable organization that you might not know about

Ruth Robinson

We hope you will take a moment to become familiar with this multi-faith, multi-state organization.  Its work is vital to the planet. The final paragraph in the Mission statement is right in line with Person of the Planet’s goals.

History:

Interfaith Power & Light effort began in 1998 with Episcopal Power & Light and the support of Grace Cathedral as a unique coalition of Episcopal churches aggregated to purchase renewable energy. In 2000, this Episcopal effort broadened its focus, brought in other faith partners, and California Interfaith Power & Light was born. California IPL developed a successful organizational model that engaged hundreds of congregations, educated thousands of people of faith about the moral and ethical mandate to address global warming, and helped pass California’s landmark climate and clean energy laws. Building on California’s success, this model has now been adopted by 40 state affiliates, and we are working to establish Interfaith Power & Light programs in every state. 

Mission:

The mission of Interfaith Power & Light is to be faithful stewards of Creation by responding to global warming through the promotion of energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy. This campaign intends to protect the earth’s ecosystems, safeguard the health of all Creation, and ensure sufficient, sustainable energy for all.

Global warming is one of the biggest threats facing humanity today. The very existence of life – life that religious people are called to protect – is jeopardized by our continued dependency on fossil fuels for energy. Every major religion has a mandate to care for Creation. We were given natural resources to sustain us, but we were also given the responsibility to act as good stewards and preserve life for future generations.

For two decades, IPL has been helping congregations address global warming by being better stewards of energy. The campaign has a track record of tangible results: shrinking carbon footprints and educating hundreds of thousands of people in the pews about the important role of people of faith in addressing this most challenging issue.

In addition to practicing energy stewardship in our facilities, IPL brings the voice of the faith community into the policy-making arena. We know that our actions alone cannot stem the tide of climate change – we need to enact public policies to advance clean energy and to limit carbon pollution. IPL is working to support policy change at the local, state, and national levels.

As people of faith, our mission includes being advocates for vulnerable people and communities that are the most heavily impacted by climate change. From air pollution to droughts to rising seas, it is poor people who are being hit first and worst by global warming. Our goal is to ensure that climate policies provide adaptation and mitigation support for communities domestically and internationally whose health and survival is at stake. We also aim to make sure that all people can participate in and benefit from the growing clean energy economy.

Camp Fire Survivors Need Help – Here’s What You Can Do.

Camp Fire Survivors Need Help – Here’s What You Can Do.

There are a myriad of opportunities to assist the survivors of the Camp Fire in Butte County, the nation’s largest fire in over 100 years. 

1.    There is al elementary school teacher who has started a drive to provide ukuleles to the children in his school and elsewhere who have lost everything.  These ukuleles will not belong to the school, but to each child, so that they can keep it.  He is coordinating with Music Connection of Chico, www.musicconnectionchico.com, for ukuleles, and a gig bag (padded storage), with strings and a tuner for just under $65.  All you have to do is call them at 530-898-0110 and ask for the Paradise Package.  They’ll do the rest.  If you want to contact Tim Hull, the teacher, you can call, 530-680-5786.

2.    The Northern California Conference of the United Church of Christ is working with the UCC Disaster Relief Ministries to provide aid to individuals and families affected by the Camp Fire.  You can write a check to ACC and mark it UCC Fire Fund and we’ll get the check to the right folk.  The Conference has already been sending funds to our UCC churches in the affected areas who are doing direct service.

Donations for Fire Victims

Donations for Fire Victims

Thank you so much for your quick and generous response to a request for clothes and blankets for the victims of the Camp Fire. We sent a packed carload of warm coats and jackets and blankets to Chico on Wednesday afternoon. And we have even more clothing and shoes still here at the church.

I have been asked not to drive another carload of clothing to the Chico area. They are presently saturated with clothing donations. The blankets and warm jackets were very welcome, but we have been asked to give the remaining clothing to the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, or Goodwill. These organizations will get the clothing to areas most in need, including those impacted by other fires and hurricanes. I was told that Goodwill and Salvation Army will give (rather than sell) items to people from disaster areas.

The Rev. James Peck, a UCC minister from Chico, took our blankets and jackets back to Chico with him today. We talked briefly about the fact that in a week or three the main part of the fire drama will (hopefully) be over. But the work of putting lives back in order will only be starting. There may be other opportunities for Arlington Community Church to support the Paradise community. If so, we can be sure that ACC will respond with full hearts. To echo Rev. Susan Meeter's sermon last Sunday, we will be "all in." Thank you, everyone.

- Sara Laferte