This Week at Epworth

THIS WEEK AT EPWORTH

THIS WEEK AT EPWORTH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
“Welcome EVERYONE to the love of God” we sang this morning as the 9th Circuit Court in San Francisco ruled in support of safeguarding the rights of all citizens. Committed marriages and loving families in and beyond Epworth, straight and gay, were all protected when the court ruled with the lower court that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional.  One group of people cannot bar another group of people from claiming the rights and responsibilities of marriage and family. In the words of Dr. King, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
The stay is still in place.  The appeals will continue.
Yet we boldly continue to celebrate abundant life and communities and families of Jesus’ radically inclusive love as we advocate for all God’s children.
Grace and peace.
Odette
Saturday, February 11th  Theater Party 2:00 p.m.
“Counter Attack!” Stagebridge at Ashby Stage
Sunday, February 12th   Worship 10:00 a.m.
Pastor Odette will preach “How Much More?”
Global Warming Preach-in!
Mark 1: 40-45 will be read by Cathryn and Sarah Bruno
2 Kings 5: 1-14 will be read by Cathryn Bruno and Donna Hamilton
Jerry West and Brian Adkins will serve as liturgists
Godly Play: Natalie Stone and Doug Smith
Ushers:  Glenn Eagleson and Joan Mueller
Coffee Hour: Team Sharon

Don’t Forget !! SECOND SUNDAY POTLUCK in Fellowship Hall at 11:15 Bible Institute Begins at 11:45 this week!
11:30  Adult Study (child care provided)
BIBLE INSTITUTE CONTINUES!
Finding Ruth in Matthew
Dr. Tat-siong Benny Liew

12:45-2:45  Prayer Shawl Ministry

SAVE THE DATE:  SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25TH 10-2

Epworth Leadership Retreat: Vision and Goals for Our Future

ALL ARE WELCOME
Winter Bible Card (front)

Winter Bible Card (back)

THIS WEEK AT EPWORTH

Sunday February 5th
10:00am Worship
COMMUNION – QUARTER SUNDAY
Pastor Odette preaching
“Lifted Up”
Isaiah 40: 21-31     Mark 1: 29-39
Liturgists: Brian Adkins
Dianne Rush Woods
Reader: Sally Nasman

11:30am—Fellowship Hall
Epworth Winter Bible Institute
Rev. Dr. Boyung Lee
Finding a Home  Away From Home
For Ruth: An Imigrant Woman
Readings From This Place

THIS WEEK AT EPWORTH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Julian of Norwich (1342-1423) was an English mystic and spiritual writer.  In reading a collection of her writings, drawn from sixteen visions she received at the age of thirty, I am reading morning prayers, evening prayers, and a simple prayer to offer throughout the day.  Three of the through-the-day prayers are below.  May one be a gift to you.

Our spirit is made to be God’s resting place.

When we contemplate God we are made like unto God.

In the end everything will be love.

Grace and peace.
Odette

Tonight, Wednesday, January 25th 7:00 Jammin Methodists
Bring voice, instruments, songs, to meet with Judy Kriege and others to make music….

Sunday, January 29nd   Worship 10:00 a.m.
Brian Adkins will preach
I Corinthians 8: 1-13 will be read by Brandon Williamscraig
Pastor Odette will serve as liturgist
Godly Play: Pat Bruce-Lerrigo and Doug Smith
Greeter:  Judy Cayot
Coffee Team: Chris
Ushers: Carole Klokkevold and Susan Willm

11:30  Adult Study (child care provided)
BIBLE INSTITUTE CONTINUES!
Finding Ruth in Film and Literature
Dr. Linda Rugg

12:30     Youth Council Meeting in Youth Room

DATE CHANGED!! NOW SET FOR SATURDAY,

FEBRUARY 25TH 10-2

Epworth Leadership Retreat: Vision and Goals for Our Future

ALL ARE WELCOME

THIS WEEK AT EPWORTH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Today… right now… I invite you to be an evangelist…
Invite others via email to a progressive postcolonial Bible Study series led by scholars of faith within our community!
Email this message to ten people who might want to learn what it means to take the Bible seriously. Below is the schedule of scholars and titles.
The five-week one-hour classes will be 11:30-12:30 in Epworth’s Fellowship Hall.
I look forward to seeing you there.
Grace and peace.
Odette
Sunday, January 22nd   Worship 10:00 a.m.
Pastor Odette will preach “The Journey is Home”
Judges 21: 25 and Ruth 1: 1-18 will be read by Eda Naranjo
Brian Adkins will serve as liturgist
Godly Play: Stephanie Sisk-Hilton and Susan Jardin
Greeters:  Judy Kriege and Connie Adachi
Coffee Team: Don
Ushers: Dolores Bibb and Becky Wheat
11:30  Adult Study (child care provided)
BIBLE INSTITUTE Begins!
READING THE BIBLE FROM THE MARGINS:
FINDING A HOME FOR RUTH
the Rev. Dr. Steed Davidson
12:30     Church Council Meeting in Room 29

DATE CHANGED!! NOW SET FOR SATURDAY,

FEBRUARY 25TH 10-2

Epworth Leadership Retreat: Vision and Goals for Our Future

ALL ARE WELCOME
“At times we may feel that we do not need God, but on the day when the storms of disappointment rage, the winds of disaster blow and the tidal waves of grief beat against our lives, if we do not have a deep and patient faith our emotional lives will be ripped to shreds.  There is so much frustration in the world because we have relied on gods rather than God.”
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
This Sunday we celebrate Human Relations Day.  Special music, liturgy, and a fascinating book group conversation.  We will take a special offering to support the ministries of community developers across the country.
On Monday Berkeley will hold the First Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Awards and Prayer Breakfast at 7:00 a.m. at Hotel Shattuck.  At 3:00 Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church in Oakland will host it’s 14th King Day celebration with Linda Tillerary and the Cultural Heritage Choir.
Interested in the 2012 Compact?  Find out more on Sunday.
Grace and peace.
Odette
Sunday, January 15th   Worship 10:00 a.m.
Pastor Odette will preach “Follow Me”
John 1: 43-51 will be read by Carole Klokkevold
Dianne Rush Woods and Mikko Jokela will serve as liturgists
Godly Play: Becky Wheat and Susan Jardin
Greeters:  Clark and Christina Kellogg
Coffee Team: Jerry
Ushers: Glenn Eagleson and Joan Mueller
11:30  Adult Study (child care provided)
Book Group – Dianne Rush Woods will lead a conversation on the fascinating and powerful book,  The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot on behalf of Epworth’s Building Beloved Community Ministry

SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY, JANUARY 28TH 10-3, EPWORTH PARLOR

Epworth Leadership Retreat: Vision and Goals for Our Future

ALL ARE WELCOME
THIS WEEK AT EPWORTH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Katie Johnson sent me a message that reminded me that less than a block from my home is a special tree.  From its branches dance notes of gratitude and hope.  There also are markers and extra cards and posted questions such as, “What are you grateful for?” “What do you hope to change in 2012?”
How lovely if every tree were a call to prayer, a call to gratitude, a call to hope.
What are the things, the places that you encounter every day that invite you to reflect in the midst of your day, “What are you grateful for?”  ”What do you hope to change in 2012?”  How can gratitude reshape our daily lives?
Interested in the 2012 Compact?  Find out more on Sunday.
Grace and peace.
Odette
Sunday, January 8th   Worship 10:00 a.m.
Pastor Odette will preach “I Know Who You Are”
Genesis 1: 1-5 and Mark 1: 4-11
will be read by Charley Lerrigo
Susan Willm and Brian Adkins will serve as liturgists
Godly Play: Becky Wheat and Susan Jardin
Greeter:  George Billing
Coffee Team: Dianne
SECOND SUNDAY POTLUCK LUNCH!!
11:30  Adult Study (child care provided)
ASHBY VILLAGE find out about the Village movement that connects community members and assists seniors in living healthy, independent and interdependent lives.
Greeter
12:45  Prayer Shawl Ministry at Nancie Hughes’ home
3:00   Baby Shower for Carolyn and Lisa and Twins!
Contact Margot Hanson for more info margothanson@yahoo.no

*Save the Date! Saturday, January 28th 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Epworth Leadership Retreat: Vision and Goals for Our Future
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NEW YEAR’S EVE AND DAY
AT EPWORTH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
The point of the gospel is not simply to have one’s needs met, but to have one’s needs met so that one can meet the needs of others.
These words of M. Douglas Meeks in God the Economist do not diminish the grace and gifts we receive, but remind us to keep the gifts circulating… thereby living lives of abundance!
Begin New Year’s Eve celebration at Epworth’s 5:00 p.m. Jazz and Poetry service with the Dan Damon Trio.
Begin 2012 with Sunday Morning Worship and Celebration of Communion.
Interested in the 2012 Compact?  Find out more on Sunday.
Grace and peace.
Odette
Saturday, December 31st
New Year’s Eve
5:00 p.m. JAZZ AND POETRY SERVICE
Dan Damon Trio, poetry reading and Kwanzaa celebration
by Dianne Rush Woods, Vivian Chavez, Pastor Odette
sing and listen to jazz and blues of Christmas
Sunday, January 1st
New Year’s Day
Pastor Odette will preach “Where is the Child?”
Celebration of Communion
Special Presentations
Covenant Renewal
Matthew 2: 1-12
Don Arreola-Burl and Erin Adachi-Kriege will serve as liturgists
Communion music: Judy Kriege
Children’s Time:  Natalie Stone
Ushers: Carole Klokkevold and Susan Willm
Greeter:  Becky Wheat
* Next Sunday Special Adult Study:  Ashby Village- Find out more about the Village movement that started in 2002 in Boston that connects community members with the goal of helping seniors stay in their homes and live independent and interdependent lives.
*Save the Date!  Saturday, January 28th 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Epworth Leadership Retreat: Vision and Goals for Our Future

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AT EPWORTH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Yes, Epworth Community, there will be worship on Christmas Day!  Come just as you are to services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  Make room to welcome Christ.
Grace and peace.
Odette
Tomorrow, Wednesday, December 14th  6:30 – 7:15 pm
CENTER POINT :  MidWeek Music and Poetry for the Soul
*Final in series
poems by Michael McVey, Caroline Lee, viola, Arie Lee, piano, silent Communion, Odette Lockwood-Stewart, celebrant
Saturday, December 24th
CHRISTMAS EVE
5:00 p.m. Children’s Service for All Ages!!
candles, carols, costumes, adventure in telling the story
10:30 p.m. Epworth Christmas Ensemble
11:00 p.m.  Service with Choir, Candles, Carols
Christmas Meditation
Sunday, December 25th
CHRISTMAS DAY
Pastor Odette will preach
Communion
Isaiah 52: 7-10 and John 1: 1-14 will be read by Liz Pruess
Susan Willm and Brian Adkins will serve as liturgists
Godly Play:  Laura Jokela
SPECIAL CHRISTMAS OFFERING will go to Berkeley Organizing Congregations for Action and Berkeley/Nueva Guinea, Nicaragua Partnership between Epworth and Ruben Dario High School of 1000 students.
Ongoing Advent collections:  Health Kits for Haiti; Food for Food Bank; unwrapped new Toys for children of West Oakland; new scarves and hats and gloves for neighbors in need; children of families devastated by murder — adopt a child for Christmas gifts….

THE WEEK AT EPWORTH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Is it enough to pray for those who have no place, who search and move in terror and uncertainty?… God comes to us as an unknown child, unexpectedly taken to a strange land.  A refugee.
I hope you will immerse yourself in community, worship, devotion, spiritual songs, light and darkness, just action, compassionate care of others and of yourself over the next two weeks. Savor these days filled with many opportunities for meditation and movement, songs and stillness, wild pageants, jazz, poetry all to the Glory of God.  May this season call us to live our prayers throughout the year.
Grace and peace.
Odette
Tonight, Wednesday, December 14th  6:30 – 7:15 pm
CENTER POINT :  MidWeek Music and Poetry for the Soul
poems by Ron Parker, solo organ music by Jerry Asheim, silent Communion, Jim Lockwood-Stewart, celebrant
Sunday, December 18th WORSHIP 10:00 am
Pastor Odette will preach “Generation to Generation”
Fourth Sunday in ADVENT!
Luke 1: 26-38 and Luke 1: 46b-55 will be read by Vivian Chavez
Chat Hull and Brian Adkins will serve as liturgists
Greeter: Linda Rugg
Ushers:  Carole Klokkevold, Susan Willm
Godly Play:  Janelia Thurman, Susan Jardin
Youth Class:  Sara Billing, Andrea Ruiz
Coffee Hour:  Team Jeff

Joanna Poz-Molesky will dance as the Choir sings Chanticleer’s Ave Maria

11:30 THREE Advent Spiritual Growth Groups for one more week!
FACES OF JESUS – Meditation and sharing
led by Brian Adkins – in the Chapel
LIVING THE QUESTIONS:  SAVING JESUS REDUX
Short DVD and conversation Circle
led by Doug Smith and Charley Lerrigo in the Adult Study Room
2012 COMPACT – Sharing, Support, Discernment
Epworth Individuals and Families Tackle Their Own Consumption
led by Barb Wenger in the Library
Ongoing Advent collections:  Health Kits for Haiti; Food for Food Bank; unwrapped new Toys for children of West Oakland; new scarves and hats and gloves for neighbors in need; children of families devastated by murder — adopt a child for Christmas gifts….

This Week at Epworth

THIS WEEK AT EPWORTH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

December 5th through 11th, 2011

During Advent, we are called to worship turning toward the light.   As we turn to the Light of the World, as we turn to our center, we turn face to face to each other.
This coming weekend, at last count, 93 people will gather for deepening fellowship, face to face, sharing a meal, host, guest. Taking time to be with each other is not easy, challenging to organize, and some future meals will be one-to-ones, or where two or three are gathered. I pray that each and all of these gatherings at table will be communion and will strengthen our souls and our community.
Grace and peace.
Odette
Tomorrow, Wednesday, December 7th  6:30 – 7:15 pm
CENTER POINT :  MidWeek Music and Poetry for the Soul
poems by Vivian Chavez, solo bassoon music by Jim Lockwood-Stewart, silent Communion, Pastor Odette, celebrant
Sunday, December 11th WORSHIP 10:00 am
Pastor Odette will preach “Facing John”
Third Sunday in ADVENT!
Isaiah 61: 1-4, 8-11 and John 1: 6-8, 19-28 will be read by Nancy Pullen
Clark Kellogg and Brian Adkins will serve as liturgists
Greeter: Linda Rugg
Ushers:  Glenn Eagleson, Joan Mueller
Godly Play:  Doug Smith, Susan Jardin
Youth Class:  Sara Billing, Andrea Ruiz
Coffee Hour:  Team Christina
11:30 THREE Advent Spiritual Growth Groups for Two more weeks:
FACES OF JESUS – Meditation and sharing
led by Brian Adkins – in the Chapel
LIVING THE QUESTIONS:  SAVING JESUS REDUX
Short DVD and conversation Circle
led by Doug Smith and Charley Lerrigo in the Adult Study Room
2012 COMPACT – Sharing, Support, Discernment
Epworth Individuals and Families Tackle Their Own Consumption
led by Barb Wenger in the Library
6:00 p.m.  CHRISTMAS CAROLING AT MEN’S SHELTER
join members of the choir and the Second Sunday Shelter Dinner Team to bring holiday cheer to the men at the Berkeley Veteran’s Building.

THIS WEEK AT EPWORTH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

This will be the Second Sunday in Advent, the season of four weeks in which we prepare for the birth of new life and light in the world.

Take the risk of joining a small group for conversation and reflection;
Take the risk of accepting an invitation for a FACE TO FACE meal with members and friends of Epworth.
Take the risk, the Adventure of welcoming life and light.

Grace and peace.

Odette
Sunday, December 4th WORSHIP 10:00 am
COMMUNION
I will preach “What Shall I Cry?”
Second Sunday in ADVENT!
Isaiah 40: 1-11 and Mark 1: 1-8 will be read by Charley Lerrigo
Jerry West and Brian Adkins will serve as liturgists
Godly Play:  Janelia Thurman and Pat Bruce-Lerrigo
Acolytes: Graham Adachi-Kriege, Ceci Rubens
11:30 THREE Spiritual Growth Groups for THREE weeks:
FACES OF JESUS – Meditation and sharing
led by Brian Adkins – in the Chapel
LIVING THE QUESTIONS:  SAVING JESUS REDUX
Short DVD and conversation Circle
led by Doug Smith and Charley Lerrigo in the Adult Study Room
2012 COMPACT – Sharing, Support, Discernment
Epworth Individuals and Families Tackle Their Own Consumption
led by Barb Wenger in the Library
12:30 EPWORTH ANNUAL CHURCH CONFERENCE! Rev. Andrea Davidson will preside!  Vote on Candidates for Ministry and Lay Speakers!
See images of the last year of mission and ministry!  Enjoy fellowship, refreshments!  Elect leadership and officers!  Vote on compensation for Pastor Odette! Learn about mission and goals in ministries, and receive Church Conference book!  Pray for new members!

    • THIS WEEK AT EPWORTH

      THIS WEEK AT EPWORTH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH This Sunday is a wondrous Harvest of Gifts Celebration. Lunch will be provided (no need for potluck contributions) and we will be able to explore the world of gifts of time and talent donated by members of the community! All donations support Epworth's ministries. Harvest of Gifts organizers, Chris Baetge and Nancy Pullen explain: This coming Sunday, November 13, right after worship, come to Fellowship Hall. Lunch will be served (no potluck this Second Sunday!) and the walls will be lined with many, many auction items – all gleaned from the gifts and talents of the Epworth community. It’s the easiest, most low-key auction ever. Eat and bid, bid and eat. How simple is that? Attached to this message is our Harvest of Gifts Catalogue so far! That is right... if reading through this catalogue inspires you to donate -- music, carpentry, lessons, food, babysitting.... if you want to donate a bit of time or talent, email Connie Adachi at connie.ada...@gmail.com.... Also, look through the catalogue and see what you might want to bid on! While it is a "silent" auction, trust me there will be sounds of community and friendship. Grace and peace. Odette THIS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH 6:00 P.M. TO 9:00 P.M. EPWORTH WORK NIGHT! want to give an hour or three to spruce up Epworth this week? Pizza and salad and good friends will be here..... Thanks to members of the Trustees for organizing this..... Projects small and large! THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13 WORSHIP 10:00 I will preach, "Awake or Asleep" I Thessalonians 5: 1-11 Dianne Rush Woods and Brian Adkins will serve as liturgists and readers We will celebrate the baptism of Jim Harrison and receive Jim into membership. If you are ready to be received into membership, please contact me by email revode...@lmi.net or telephone 524-2921 Ushers: Glenn Eagleson and Joan Mueller Godly Play led by Doug Smith and Pat Bruce-Lerrigo Youth Class led by Sara Billing and Andrea Ruiz Greeters: Kathleen Rose and Becky Proehl Lunch by Harvest of Gifts Team with help from Team Don 11:30 HARVEST OF GIFTS!!! LUNCH PROVIDED!!! ENJOY EXPLORING THE GIFTS AND TALENTS OF THE EPWORTH COMMUNITY!! 12:45 Prayer Shawl Ministry meets in the Parlor

    • THIS WEEK AT EPWORTH

      THIS WEEK AT EPWORTH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH


      God of all,
      within the bounds of your gracious community,
      You transform us
      from strangers
      into friends.
      Strengthen 
      the ties
      that bind us.
      Guide us 
      as we walk
      together
      in faith.

      This Sunday, November 6th we will celebrate ALL SAINTS DAY in worship.
      Please bring photos, objects, remembrances of those persons you would like to honor in worship.  There will be a special time to bring them forward to the altar.

      Grace and peace.
      Odette
      P.S. remember time change this Sunday (see below!)


      THIS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH  EPWORTH RUMMAGE SALE!!  9:00-1:00!!
      *right now you can bring bags and boxes of good things to sell to the church fellowship hall
      *beginning tomorrow, Thursday, you can drop off large items
      *volunteers are still needed especially  Friday, 1-3 and 7-9 p.m., OR, on Sunday help box leftover items (that will be picked up on Monday)
       Remember:  this rummage sale helps underwrite Epworth's All-Church Retreat (*Next Retreat:  May 4-6, 2012!)
      If you can help out, or have questions, email Michele Arreola-Burl burle...@yahoo.com


      THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH WORSHIP 10:00 A.M.  CELEBRATION OF ALL SAINTS' DAY!
      *Bring photo, objects, remembrances of those persons you wish to honor at a special time in worship
      COMMUNION SUNDAY
      Baptism of Rosalie Victoria WilliamsCraig
      I will preach, "So Great A Cloud of Witnesses"
      Kathleen Rose will read Matthew 5: 1-12 and Hebrews 11:32 - 12:2
      Susan Willm and Brian Adkins will serve as liturgists
      Godly Play:  Doug Smith and Becky Wheat
      Youth Class:  Sara Billing and Andrea Ruiz
      Greeter Becky Wheat
      Coffee Hour:  Team Jerry

      11:30  Adult Study:  "DE COLORES" presented by Epworth's Reconciling Ministry and Building Beloved Community

      "De Colores" is a 28 minute bilingual documentary about how Latino families are replacing the deep roots of homophobia with even deeper roots of love and tolerance.
      Through moving personal stories we learn how families are breaking cultural barriers and how love prevails.

      A moderated discussion will follow the film.

      1:00 p.m.  Epworth Young Adult Group Gathering at Pastor Odette's Home
      Contact Gail Poust gailk...@gmail.com or Margot Hanson margothan...@yahoo.no for more info


       

    • THIS WEEK AT EPWORTH

      October 27, 2011 Lockwood-Stewart Odette
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    • Compact 2012

      October 22, 2011 Lockwood-Stewart Odette
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    • THIS WEEK AT EPWORTH

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      THIS WEEK AT EPWORTH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Who is God? God is the giver of bread. God give a strange kind of bread, a bread that is not a commod…

    • THIS WEEK AT EPWORTH

      October 12, 2011 Lockwood-Stewart Odette
      THIS WEEK AT EPWORTH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH The theme for Epworth's Stewardship Campaign for 2012 is Loaves, Fishes, and Stone Soup. Children, yo…

    • THIS WEEK AT EPWORTH

      October 5, 2011 Lockwood-Stewart Odette
      THIS WEEK AT EPWORTH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH I hope that you will bring beloved animals of every kind to Epworth's Sanctuary this Saturday, Octobe…

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      September 28, 2011 Lockwood-Stewart Odette
      THIS WEEK AT EPWORTH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH World Wide Communion Sunday is this coming Sunday. It will be a special day. Worship will be filled …

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      September 22, 2011 Lockwood-Stewart Odette
      THIS WEEK AT EPWORTH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Kate Braestrup serves as chaplain to the Maine Warden Service and to Maine search and rescue teams. …

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      September 14, 2011 Lockwood-Stewart Odette
      THIS WEEK AT EPWORTH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH The best prayer is to rest in the goodness of God knowing that goodness can reach right down to our l…