|
In the Meantime... My summer adventures certainly provided renewing Sabbath time for me - thank you for your generosity of time away! I'd like to share two highlights with you. In July, I traveled to Ann Arbor to visit my close friend Liza while our mutual friend Brita was visiting. We had an amazing time together. Brita, a seminary professor, asked if we would have a modified Quaker form of discernment called a "Clearness committee." We all benefited from the experience so much that we've decided to meet once a year and spend time on each of our lives -- our dreams, where we feel we're being led, and what we're going to work on in the coming year. We decided to call it "Lives in Process Sisters" or LIPS! We all need our own version of LIPS -- people who know us well, encourage us along our way and help us discern our direction and the Spirit’s direction in our lives. That is one thing a community of faith is about - to help guide each other with love along this rocky road we call life. All of our lives are in process, none of us is a finished "product," and this church is a grace-filled place to companion each other in the journey. In August, I enrolled in a workshop at Wellspring Renewal Center entitled, "Developing God’s Healing Gift," and led by UCC minister, Rev. Fran Geddes. What a transforming experience! I'm sure I'll be sharing more with you in the coming weeks and months, but very soon, I hope we'll begin to include healing prayer in some of our services. With a partnership with City of Refuge on the horizon; Barbara Laski's arrival as our seminary intern and Carolyn Collins coming "in-care" with us (each of whom has a strong interest in healing prayer); and Rev. Bob Matthews, a national leader in Spirituality and Health, joining our congregation, I think the Spirit is trying to tell us something, don't you? I look forward to our unfolding adventure together. I continually give thanks for the extraordinary gift that you are in my life! Blessings, Lois P.S. Please read this newsletter carefully. It is chocked full of important information as we begin a new program year together. [back to top] Answering a Wake-up Call Something special about Plymouth Church called to me. Perhaps it is the intimacy of this small congregation… or curiosity about how a small church can make a meaningful difference in its surrounding community … or my common bond with Lois in aging, healing and spirituality. Maybe I will never know what prompted me to pick up the phone and call Lois to inquire about a fall field education. Compelling was Lois' warm, inviting response to creatively structure a challenging learning covenant, which also sweeps in the development of a workshop for Satellite Senior Homes. I have come to appreciate how the unexpected waits for me at every turn and every breath. Indeed, the Spirit continues to shape my life in mysterious ways. To learn and grow, one also must take risk. Three years ago, I left behind a thriving health care strategy firm to follow Christ in ministry. My business career spans thirty years from being the youngest manager in a Fortune 500 company to the highest ranking woman in a twenty billion dollar financial services company. God's calls, though, were both urgent and incontestable. I was to turn all of my activities toward our Creator, immediately. These wake-up calls - giant whacks on the side of my head - occurred after a series of losses in my life, which truly serve as my life teachers. Harold, my husband of twenty-two years, died after eight years of debilitating illnesses that required maximum care and a wheelchair. I, too, have a serious chronic disease - rheumatoid arthritis - that impedes my mobility and I am a breast cancer survivor. Recently, I again served as caregiver to my Mom and best friend in the final stages of their terminal illnesses from cancer. Though suffering is not something we choose, every so often there are gifts to be found in it. I am thankful for my arduous treks through personal outbacks, which only then motivated me to reshuffle my values, transform spiritually and welcome God as the centering force in my life. Today, I am inspired and eager to extend Christ's pastoral care ministry to persons seeking God's healing touch of body, mind or spirit. Such a healing ministry creates safe, sacred spaces that invite people to experience for themselves the potential transforming power of God's love through reconciling, renewing and restoring. Love, meaning and connection are within the grasp of each and every one of us. In December, I will graduate from Pacific School of Religion, continuing on a track to be ordained. I will likely return to my family, home and roots in Connecticut. Nonetheless, the Bay Area's beauty, diversity, climate, vitality and my growing cadre of friends increasingly beckon me to stay. Plymouth Church fills a singularly important gap in my ministry education. Key areas of emphasis are leading worship, conducting prayer, doing several sermons, engaging in fellowship activities, joining meetings and understanding what makes a small church tick. I love the idea of a team-based approach to worship and church activities with Lois and Carolyn. I spent most of my adult life outside of organized church, and my membership experiences have been with large churches. I did, however, just complete a wonderful summer internship with St. John's in San Francisco, which faces some of the same issues as Plymouth Church. I want to know you on a personal basis. Let's share a smile, handshake, hug or cup of coffee. I already know some of you from attending your Congregational Meeting in May on strategic alternatives. The semester will fly by before we realize it. Please stop by and say hello! I also am easily bribed by invitations to partake in food especially since my current living accommodation is a tiny dorm room. I suspect that members of Plymouth Church embrace food, parties and fellowship. I think we will get along just fine. [back to top] From the Religion corner of the Piedmont Post This summer I'm finding renewal by spending time in a variety of outdoor settings - a bountiful organic garden in Ann Arbor, a coastal redwood forest, a hidden beach in Half Moon Bay and soon, at the Deschutes River in Oregon. Each place is teeming with life, and when outdoors, I'm reminded how critical biodiversity is to our ultimate survival. We in the Bay Area are also hopefully aware of how much we are enriched by ethnic and cultural diversity. But there is one type of diversity that most of us don't spend much time reflecting on - intergenerational diversity. Our culture is probably the most age-segregated society ever. Unrelated people of differing generations rarely spend meaningful time together. This unconsciously increases our sense that we have very little in common with each other and can lead to profound alienation between generations. But as the human community, we belong together, not apart. Diversity across the age spectrum gives each generation hope. Children and young people bring older generations a fresh perspective and hope of the possibility of new beginnings. Elders bring young people confidence that they can survive the ups and downs of life and |
the perspective that "this too will pass." Younger generations can affirm that the lives
of their elders have made a difference. Older generations can give children hope that
their world can be trusted and that they are valuable creations of God. Dr. James Gambone, Director of Intentional Intergenerational Ministry, encourages us to tithe our time, so that we consciously spend 10% of our waking hours with people of generations other than our own. Gambone attempts to initiate a meaningful conversation each week with someone from each of five distinct generations. He intentionally seeks out those from other generations in order to hear their perspective, their concerns, and their dreams. In my small, intimate congregation, our most popular and lively gatherings are the ones that are intentionally intergenerational -- an Intergenerational Bible Study in the homes of homebound members, our gospel choir, and in weekly worship, where children lead as well as participate. In each of our lives and in the life of the larger community we can find ways to reach across generational boundaries to provide connection, understanding and hope. In observing the natural world, the beauty and importance of each stage of the life cycle is evident. In the human community each stage of the life cycle has it's own sense of wonder as well. We're always enriched by our interconnections across the generations. Each generation has a gift for the others. Each generation needs the others. And, it is my belief that the Ultimate Source of Life and Love needs us all. [back to top] Intergenerational Bible Study Returns Thursday, September 12,
Our fun and meaningful Intergenerational Bible Study returns on September 12th. We have about 9 enthusiastic participants and
welcome anyone else who would like to join us this year, even if it's only for an occasional visit!
7-8:30 p.m. Fireside Room [back to top] What's Happening Rev. Lois had a refreshing experience during her vacation and study leave time. Guest preachers were inspiring (Carolyn Collins, Rev. Bob Mathews, and Rev. Valerie Brown-Troutt of City of Refuge UCC). Worshipful music in July and August continued with Mark Little, David Miotke, Greg Jones, and David Sturdevant led the way supported by a talented choir group and vocal and instrumental soloist. It has been appreciated that more people have been willing to sign-up to bring goodies for the wonderful Sunday Fellowship Hour. We all enjoy the food and love to talk to our friends and get acquainted with new folks, but it's also great for the regulars to have a break from the clean-up chores. Thanks for making this a consideration in your time and talent commitment. The Tailgate Party/A's Game on August 3rd. was its usual fun time, especially with the A's winning. It was a beautiful day all the way around. Thanks to all who joined in to make it a beautiful outing. Shannon Chase and her friends made a cheering section extraordinaire with pompoms. The First Friday night was hosted by the Dabney's in July. In August several from Plymouth attended the VISTA street party on the 1st Tuesday, which is National Neighborhood Night Out all over the nation. There was a write up in the Oakland Tribune which mentioned the VISTA group and the presence of Police Chief Ward. We hold Jean Lindborg in our hearts and prayers following the passing of her beloved brother-in-law. We hold all of our fellow members, friends, youth and the world in their joys and needs. We wish to thank Khoa Hua, our good friend and Plymouth's former custodian -gardener for volunteering his time and talent by removing the unsightly growth on our property along Oakland Avenue. [back to top] Scripture Meditation Resumes Wednesday, September 4th, 1 p.m. Fireside Room If you long for a regular spiritual practice to feed your soul hunger, join us on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. for "African Bible Study." We use a contemplative process developed by African Anglican Bishops for our reflection. You can come any Wednesday. Each week is a separate experience, so you can come occasionally and still fully participate in that session. The "regulars" have missed it over the summer and look forward to weaving it into our week once again. Kate Diepenbrock will be with us on September 4th! [back to top] Oakland Care Center September 28th, 3 p.m.
If you think it's depressing leading worship in a nursing home, think again! Ask any of the participants in our Nursing
Home
Ministry program and they'll tell you some inspiring stories about our services at the Oakland Care Center. You can
join us for the worship time and/or visit residents on your own. See Lois for more information.
3030 Webster St. [back to top] First Friday Night Out September 6th LIVE MUSIC BY
"THE MEDICINE BALL BAND" Sept. 6, 2002 Plymouth United Church of Christ Refreshments, Games Fireside Room & Patio 424 Monte Vista Ave. Oakland Call for more information [back to top] September 11th Memorial Activities Mary Helene Wagner's moving art assemblage, "Mine Eyes are a Fountain of Tears," which she was inexplicably moved to create in August, 2001, will be installed in the sanctuary for our reflection. Sept. 8th - 11 a.m. Our worship service will focus on 9-11 and the aftermath. Sept. 11th - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Plymouth sanctuary is open for prayer and meditation. Sept. 11th - 10 a.m. - Interfaith Prayer Service and Planting of Peace Pole, St. Mary's Center, 635 22nd St., Oakland. Sept. 11th -- 7:30 p.m. - Interfaith Worship Service at the Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California, sponsored by the Oakland Coalition of Congregations. 14th & Madison in Oakland. Parking will be sparse, so carpooling is advised. [back to top] A Poem Heavenly Muse, Spirit who brooded on the world and raised it shapely out of nothing, Touch my lips with fire and burn away all dross of speech, so that I keep in mind the truth and end to which my words now move in hope. Keep my mind within that Mind of which it is a part, whose wholeness is the hope of sense in what I tell. And though I go among the scatterings of that sense, the members of its worldly body broken, rule my sight by vision of the parts rejoined. And in my exile's journey far from home, be with me, so I may return. [back to top] |
In the Meantime... Rev. Lois Mueller