Campbell United Church of Christ

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Campbell UCC -- Real Faith for Real Life
July 29, 2010
In This Issue

Forgiveness
Discernment Continues
Worship in the Woods
San Jose Gay Pride
Gay Men's Group
Restroom Repairs
Servolution
Quick Links
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Rainbow Jesus fish

Forgiveness
Broken and Restored Relationship

Forgivness"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, click
here.  An excellent book for further exploration of forgiveness (especially in complex situations of abuse) is Flora Wuellner's Forgiveness, the Passionate Journey.
Discernment Continues
Ministries, Missions, Small Groups

fork in roadWe 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.

Worship in the Woods
August 27-29
Portola Redwoods Park
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.
San Jose Gay Pride
August 21-22

rainbow gay pride flagOnce 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.
Gay Men's Group
Monday, August 2nd, 6:30pm

Gay coupleThe 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.
 
Restroom Repairs

Happy and Holy ChristmasSanctuary 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.

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