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Forgiveness
Broken and Restored Relationship
 "Practicing
forgiveness can produce dramatic transformations in our imaginations
and the psychological, social and political horizons of our lives." - L. Gregory Jones
Forgiveness is a central theme in the teachings of Jesus. It sounds
simple, but it is often very hard. Sometimes courage is required to
forgive in day-to-day conflicts, and in the face of abuse or evil, we
are left wondering both how to forgive and what difference it can make.
The practice of forgiveness is not simply a one-time action or an
isolated feeling or thought. Forgiveness involves us in a whole way of
life that is shaped by an ever-deepening friendship with God and with
other people. The central goal of this practice is not so much to deal
with guilt as to reconcile, to restore communion - with God, with one
another, and with the whole creation.
L. Gregory Jones writes: "Forgiveness works through our ongoing
willingness to give up certain claims against one another, . . . and to
give gifts of ourselves by making innovative gestures that offer a
future not bound by the past."
What part might forgiveness play in breaking cycles of abuse and
violence in our families and communities? How can we be a part of
growing a community of forgiveness?
To read more about forgiveness as a spiritual practice, clickhere. An excellent book for further exploration of forgiveness (especially in complex situations of abuse) is Flora Wuellner's Forgiveness, the Passionate Journey.
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Discernment Continues
Ministries, Missions, Small Groups
 We began with Worship
and Music, and now we continue to define our church by looking at the ministries,
mission, and small groups. We are asking
all members and friends to attend our next discernment meeting on Sunday, Aug. 15,
from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A light
sandwich lunch and childcare will be provided.
Council is already looking at Worship and Music, and begun to sort out what it will
take in time and money to support what YOU have said helps you worship and draw
closer to God. We hope to see everyone
August 15th as we work on the Ministries, Missions, and Small Groups
of the church.
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Worship in the Woods
August 27-29
It's nearly time for our more-or-less annual camp-out! We'll be in Portola
Redwoods Park, at the Hillside group camp, from Friday night August 27 through
Sunday morning August 29. Suggested contribution $20 per person with a maximum
of $50 per family, or what you can chip in. If you'd like to volunteer to
preside over one of the meals, plan Sunday worship, plan games or otherwise be
in on the fun,or if you need to borrow camping equipment please contact me (Susan Hough) by email or at
408-737-8192.
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San Jose Gay Pride
August 21-22
 Once again this year we will have
a booth at San Jose Gay Pride, August 21st & 22nd. We need your help! Both a lead coordinator & volunteers in 2-hour shifts are needed. Be sure to check out the worship service this year at 10 am Sunday! Contact John Rogers for more info.
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Gay Men's Group
Monday, August 2nd, 6:30pm
 The Gay Men's Group will be talking
about Covenant Groups, Accountability Partners, and Prayer Triads in
August. In September, the will be the Harmony of the Gospels. The
Group meets the 1st & 3rd Mondays of the month,
beginning with dinner together. Contact
John Rodgers for more info.
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Restroom Repairs
 Sanctuary Restrooms continue to be under repair. The Courtyard Restrooms are open
for use. Thank you for understanding! |
Servolution
from John Rogers
The Cocoa Men's Group has done 3
Servolution projects this summer so far. In June they went through the neighborhood offering to pull weeds in
people's yard. And in July they took
lunch to the Day Labors. They felt
successful in doing the projects. They
were out 3 hours on each event and as they introduced themselves they said,
"Hi, we're doing a free community service project to show God's love in a
practical way." People engaged them in
conversation as they did the project. The conversations ranged from the weather to getting laid off to church.
You to can do a Servolution
project, for assistance and ideas contact John Rodgers. He will help you with planning, getting
things ready and going out to show the world God's Love in a practical way.
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Upcoming Events
Thu, Jul 29 Church Office Open, 9am - Noon
Food
Pantry Open, 11am - 1pm
Music
Ministry Rehearsal, 7-9pm
Fri, Jul 30 Real
Faith Renewal, 9:30-11am
Sat, Jul 31 Church Office Open, 9am - 2pm
Food
Pantry Open, 10am - Noon
Sun, Aug 1 Worship, 10am
Youth
Band Rehearsal, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Council
Quarterly Business Mtg, 12 - 12:30pm
Merry
Marthas (women's group), 6-8pm
Mon, Aug 2 Christian Gay Men's Group, 6:30-9pm
Tue, Aug 3 Church Office Open, 9am - Noon
Food
Pantry Open, 11am - 1pm
Thu, Aug 5 Church Office Open, 9am - Noon
Food
Pantry Open, 11am - 1pm
Music
Ministry Rehearsal, 7-9pm
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