Pastoral Piece: February 24, 2023

As we start Lent 2023, I’d like to share a few thoughts about the Black Wealth Builders Fund.  I am aware that my co-founder, Susan Russell will also have an article in the ParishScope, and I’m hoping that hearing about it twice will catalyze a deeper reflection.  Susan and I have been working diligently on this project, Susan with some very generous organizations and I with churches.  Over the last two years I have experienced what many others have experienced; Donation Fatigue.  My mailbox is jammed with solicitations for a great many good causes, and a few charlatan ones, as well.  I made a personal decision that I would use the bulk of my personal giving to two organizations; ACC and the Black Wealth Builders Fund.  I support five other organizations, but that’s it.  But here we are, Susan and I are asking you as a congregation to again use the Lenten offerings to resupply the Black Wealth Builders Fund.  We are asking that you consider providing additional funds for this important work.  Here are two considerations that I offer you.

 

1.     This is reparations work, and the work of reparations will take generations to complete.  Not only has there been only a slight dent in the need to heal the wounds of slavery and racism, but many of the practices that have kept our Black brothers and sisters unable to afford the purchase of a home still persist today.  Just this week I read an article that said that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has significantly underfunded Black farmers.  The death of Tyre Nichols reminds us that we still live in a country where abuse of power toward Black people is rampant.

2.     We need to move away from a sense of giving out of our generosity towards a sharing of some of what white privilege has afforded so many of us.  Yes, it’s tax deductible, but I don’t consider my monthly donation to the Black Wealth Builders Fund a gift, but rather a repayment. My hope is that the members of ACC will prayerfully consider making support of the Black Wealth Builders Fund a permanent project; part of who we are, not just what we do.

As some of you know, ACC has entertained the idea of becoming a sister church with McGee Avenue Baptist Church.  The pandemic, as well as pastoral changes has slowed this process down, but I’d love to see us move forward with this idea.  If it’s one thing I’ve learned from being a pastor, a counselor, and a affordable housing executive working with the U.S. government ---- It’s ALL about relationships. 

Blessings, Barry.

Looking for an Interim Pastor

Our congregation is small, but the energy is good, and we enjoy being together.  We are called to build a just society based upon the inspiration of our faith and to be stewards of creation.  In that spirit, we are an Open and Affirming Church, a Jubilee Congregation, and a Creation Justice Church.   We are looking for an interim or designated-term pastor who will engage with us to set a course for the future, help us deepen our spiritual lives, and be a resource for the community.  The pastor will plan, preach and lead worship each week; provide spiritual guidance for members; reach out to homebound members; attend monthly Council meetings; and help the congregation update the church profile and determine priorities in their search for a settled pastor. The pastor will help us maintain a sense of continuity, stability and community during this time of transition.  

To learn more and get in touch with Our Search Committee please Contact Our Office.

Farewell from Pastor Celeste

My beautiful friends,

Our final worship together has arrived so quickly. I have spent the week looking at my service with you from the view of last things and what we have accomplished together.

I spent my last Checking In/Reaching Out on Tuesday. My last Wednesday preparing the Wednesday update and my last Friday working with Jacob in the office on the bulletin. My last pastoral care visit. This Sunday will be my last Sunday worshiping with you. The grief for you and I will continue as the reality of my not being at ACC becomes real by my absence.

This week I went back into the YouTube worship videos and watched the worship service from January 2nd, the Sunday before my first Sunday leading worship. I listened again to Revs. Barry and Julie's message to me of an extravagant welcome and your hopes. I watched it with tears in my eyes, especially when Rev. Julie said, "We love you already." And it has been mutual. In that, your hopes became mine. Some of the stated hopes, we were able to accomplish together and some you will see happen this year.

Rev. Julie said you hoped for ACC to be a vibrant community, standing at the door, and giving people an extravagant welcome. You hoped we would restart the chapel meditation. Your desire was to be the presence of God in this place. You hoped for an all-day retreat. Let’s live the questions program. You hoped to explore the beginnings of the universe and talk about science. Aid in dying, renovating the sanctuary, restarting the carillon, as a message to our community. Please keep up the carillon. The sisters at the monastery love it!

Rev. Barry asked the question, what is ours to do? He said, "In a perfect world we would accomplish all those hopes." Remember, these are your hopes. All it takes is what Barry said, "...what is ours (ACC) to do? To have a courageous faith that is inside and shows up outside. Yes!

Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Your faith is built upon the invisible. Remember, God's presence, even when it doesn't feel like it or even when you doubt, is surrounding you and assuring you, I am with you, and you have everything you need. It has always been there and always will be. Be courageous!

We will need courage to separate cleanly. On Sunday, I will be released from serving as your pastor. I honor and follow the ethics set by the denomination that holds my credentials and in my relationship with God. I know, it's difficult to not have any contact with your former pastor and vice versa, especially when our faith is connected by an ethos of relationship. But this way of being allows you and your next pastor(s) to build a strong relationship without me in the way. 

There is this idea that we can have contact after one year. It's really longer. It is one year plus, out of respect for my colleagues. It is complicated with my serving as associate conference minister. The details of this relationship will be determined by the conference minister in collaboration with your pastor(s). I will not seek you out in any form, including social media.

Please know this, although you are out of my presence, you are still in my heart and in my prayers.

God bless you. God keep you. God loves you.

Many blessings,

Pastor Celeste 

Search for Director of Music

We are searching for a Director of Music for an average of 10-15 hour per week.

The Director of Music is a contracted position where the director will be responsible for providing leadership, vision, and planning of the music for worship. They will be responsible for conducting the ACC vocal and bell choir.  In addition, they will lead us in an innovative, artistic, spiritually relevant, heart-moving music and worship experience for those worshipping in person, and online. The director will promote the spiritual life of the congregation and its members through music ministry and coordinate the planning and implementation of a comprehensive music ministry for the congregation and community.


Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in music (Master’s preferred);

Minimum five years’ experience preferred in church-related setting.

We are located in the hills of Kensington between Berkeley and El Cerrito Hills. If you would like more information, please contact our committee chair at (510) 685-4394.

The Short & Long Story of ACC's Parking Lot Issue

Dear Friends, 

Arlington Community Church has been asked if we would consider selling, or possibly leasing, our share of the parking lot across the street from the church.  We actually own the north end of the parking lot, starting approximately just north of the stairs, about 13 parking spaces.  The south end is owned by Kensington Police Protection and Community Services District (KPPCSD). 

The Short Story

There is a whole story behind this request, and we’ve written it further down in this letter, but the short version is this . . .

Last May, Church Council was approached by KPPCSD, just to “test the temperature” of the church about selling the parking lot.  The police department needs a new administration building.   At the time, there were several locations under consideration, and Council encouraged KPPCSD to look elsewhere.  We began to hope the question had gone away.  However, we had another zoom meeting with KPPCSD President Sylvia Hacaj and General Manager Tony Constantouros on October 19.  They assured us at that meeting that there was no “priority list,” that no selections had been made.  Our parking lot was not a priority choice.  They were just gathering information.  Several days after that meeting, Kensington residents received the November edition of the “Kensington Outlook,” with a large article titled “Options to House Police Narrowing Down:  Parking Lot Now Top Candidate.”  And there were six architect’s drawings of various ways the police department could position a building on the parking lot, with or without our half.  We on Council were stunned and upset.

On November 10, KPPCSD appointed General Manager Constantouros to be the chief negotiating agent for the specific purpose of “negotiating for the sale or lease of the northern portion of parking lot on the east side of Arlington Avenue between Arlmont Drive and Kensington Road.”

What do you want to do?  Do you want to hear what KPPCSD is willing to offer, or do you want to say no right now?  Council needs to hear from you.  There will be a Spectrum session after worship on a Sunday in the next few weeks.  And of course we are happy to talk to you any time.  

The Longer Story

 For about 50 years, the Kensington police department and the fire department have shared space in the Public Safety Building at 217 Arlington Avenue.  Several years ago a seismic study determined that the building is not safe in an earthquake, and there is strong likelihood that critical emergency personnel could be killed or injured if the building collapsed.  Plans were made to retrofit and improve the building.  The fire chief and police chief were in agreement that the building was not big enough to properly house both departments.  The fire department must be centrally located; the police administration office can be located anywhere.  (The police officers are expected to be out of the office doing their jobs.)  The fire department proceeded with developing remodeling plans, getting bids and permits, etc. From the full debris box outside the building and the temporary fencing around the public safety building, it appears the work has already started. The police department moved to temporary quarters in El Cerrito and is looking for a permanent new home.

KPPCSD, through their General Manager(s), has identified and evaluated a number of possible locations for the police department.  Their various reports are available if you look through the minutes on the website KPPCSD.org.  At this time, out of maybe a dozen possible locations, only a few remain on the list.  They do continue to look.  The parking lot at the library is one, and they have chosen to begin negotiating with ACC to see what happens.

I think we can describe Council’s position so far as “neutral, leaning toward ‘No.’” Up to now, KPPCSD has not made any proposals, so we haven’t answered any. We have been very helpful to them, enthusiastically pointing out as many possible alternatives as we could think of. Now that we know they have appointed a negotiator for the purpose of proposing to buy (or lease) our parking lot, it’s time to clarify our position. What do you want to do?

Sara Laferte,
ACC Council Secretary

The Responsibility of Stewardship

The Responsibility of Stewardship

This year’s stewardship theme: “Stretching our Imagination for What’s Possible in 2023” calls out the importance of considering how we support the life of ACC.  We continue to live in immensely challenging times, but we are blessed to have ACC in our lives through weekly worship services, events, and community outreach.

Our church boards and the Council were asked to stretch their imagination to consider ACC’s budget priorities as to where and how to move forward with developing a budget for meaningful programs, building our choirs with a new Music Director, and providing salary increases for our full time Pastor, and staff.  This has resulted in our “Asking Budget”.  After receiving pledges from our members and friends, the actual budget will be developed and voted on by the congregation at the Annual Meeting in January.

In the spirit of stretching ourselves to meet the “Asking Budget”we ask you to consider what you want our church to be in 2023.  How will you support ACC with your time, talent, and treasure?  We’re asking all who are able to increase their pledge amount, or to pledge for the first time to ACC.  All gifts are confidential, only one person (Financial Secretary) sees your pledge card, and our goal is 100 % participation.

A mailing next week will include a pledge card as well as a narrative version of the “Asking Budget”.

Thank you for your support and help in continuing to build a caring church community that is a vital part of all our lives.

With deep appreciation,

Faith Abel, Moderator

Stewardship Committee:  Ruth Robinson, Linda Young, Elena Caruthers, Randy Laferte, Dudley Thompson, Pastor Celeste, and Faith Abel

Shanti's Retirement Party Message to ACC 

Dear Arlington Community,

The biggest challenge of writing a "Thank You" note to Arlington Community Church is the possibility of forgetting even one person who took part.  This was a well organized  operation starting with the poignant  service that flowed into a meaningful and fun retirement party.  This will certainly be one of the high points of my life, this day of celebrating my time as music director of ACC!

There are many  people that stood out that day - from the behind the scenes to the preaching, the blessings, the sharing of remembrances,  the delightful music, the special decor, the delicious food,.  Yes,  it takes a well-oiled village to make this happen!    Everything flowed seamlessly because of the care that went into this event. 

In my mind, I see a pyramid, with Pastor Celeste and  Elena Caruthers at the top.  Elena, fiercely visionary, immensely capable, and very determined to make this a great "send off" and   Pastor Celeste with her great enthusiasm and motivational skills. Her  fiery, passionate sermon felt very personal and moving.  Other torch bearers added to the celebration. Thoughtful words from  Faith Abel, Sara La Ferte, and  Ruth Robinson. Great help Nina Harmon and Jaima Roberts. 

Behind the scenes  , I see Joe Pratt, Chieko Chambers, Tim Murphy, planning the music offerings and putting together rehearsals for choir and  Bell Ringers, All musicians were  practicing weeks in advance.  This was the broadening the of the pyramid. I loved the music selections. The choir's  "I Believe" touched my heart like no other piece.  "Place in the Choir" was a fun treat.  Every musician and group was at their best and "had a place"..... 

At the sturdy base of this "pyramid" I see "the village";  people preparing a feast, preparing dishes at home and picking up Sushi and such.  I see a team of organizers setting up chairs and putting up  water decorations.  BTW "Water" is  my favorite element!   I see many people stepping forward to offer money to the stunning retirement gift that pretty much left me speechless.   I see  Elena Caruthers working tireless hours on the "one of a kind" framed calligraphy circle, executed with precision and artistry.  I see sweet gifts:   pillows, books, knitted warmer,(even a little lighthouse from Linda Jones) and thoughtfully written cards.  Countless names of helpers could be engraved on the pyramid.

A thousand Thank You's to each and every person who was part of this very successful    "Pyramid Scheme"  After all, the "A" in ACC kind of looks like a pyramid!  

Arlington COMMUNITY Church is the home of the good hearted, intelligent and loving people, each different but tied together from these noble traits. I thank you from my heart.

Shanti

Council Votes on Restroom Remodel Project

Your Council met on Tuesday, Sept. 6 to consider the input from the Congregation on the proposed Restroom Remodel Project. We considered and appreciated comments, questions, and opinions expressed at the two ‘town halls’ held on Zoom as well as other preferences and questions relayed to committee members (Linda Young, David Hertzer, and Eleanor Crump) or to Pastor Celeste.

Council first voted whether to proceed with the proposed project, and then voted on which plan to pursue. Plan BALT won the vote. Plan BALT is the plan that uses both the current restroom space and the cloak room. This combination will provide three toilets for women and one for men in addition to a larger, single-user, handicap-accessible, ADA-compliant, unisex restroom which can be used by anyone.

The concern about how the project would be financed was addressed, and we were assured that the money in the Capital Campaign plus funds from Endowment (which are available for projects not covered in the Annual Budget) are adequate to cover the project. Council and the Endowment Trustees are committed to being good stewards of ACC’s monies.

Next steps include development of working drawings, review of the working drawings by the Sanitary District, and permitting by Contra Costa County. The Committee will then solicit construction bids and select a contractor who can meet our design, budget and timeline requirements. Actual construction will likely begin late May or June of 2023 and likely last about two months. In the upcoming months the Restroom Committee will be looking into decent porta potties for our use during the construction period, working with the schools to minimize disruptions, and continuing to seek input from the congregation, via small focus groups, on details of preferred fixtures, paint colors, countertop materials and other fun stuff.

Council and the Restroom Committee are very grateful for the Congregation’s thoughtful comments, questions, suggestions and concerns.

Faith Abel, ACC Moderator