Guest Preacher: Rev. Ben Groth on Sunday, July 26
Rev. Ben Groth is the pastor/redeveloper of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in New Orleans, LA. He is also a PhD student in the History Department at Tulane University studying the relationship between Christianity and white supremacy. He and his wife Chloe, a violinist and Suzuki Violin teacher, are thrilled to be living in New Orleans along with their two toddlers. Previously, Ben …
Become a Blood Donor
Have you ever considered donating blood? This is a great time to do it, because there is a shortage of all blood types. Accidents and surgeries have not taken a holiday because of the pandemic. Claudia Bubeck donated for the first time at the start of the pandemic and has continued to donate. This month she got her Wonder Woman t-shirt …
Get Your Disability Pride On! Celebrating 30 Years of the ADA
In July, we joyously celebrate Disability Pride Month and this year, the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law July 26, 1990. Yes, our hard work has paid off. This landmark Civil Rights Law, the ADA, provides all citizens who have a disability or become a person with a disability equal access to public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and …
Results of Pandemic Engagement Survey
Last month, we invited the congregation to participate in a Pandemic Engagement Survey, in hopes of evaluating how we’re doing as a church serving the spiritual needs of our community, and how we might continue to adjust and experiment in the days (weeks, months, years?) ahead. We received 78 responses, and lots of thoughtful feedback – which we are still …
Accompaniment Team Urgent Needs
Our Accompaniment Team has been following up every lead possible looking for housing for Melissa and her family. Every time we ask her what her top goal is, she says “a stable place for my children to live.” Because of your generosity, we have $4000 available for her to move in to a room or shared house. We imagine this …
YSA Fence Picket Painting and Tent Drive
Young people are about to start moving into the Tiny House Village we have helped build with Berkeley-based Youth Spirit Artworks! Members and friends of First Church have lovingly created 28 twin-size quilts for the residents that we will bless in worship on August 2. You are invited to come to the church lawn for a COVID-safe socially-distanced painting party …
Blessing Homeless Youth Quilts
In conjunction with members of East Bay Heritage Quilters and staff and customers of New Pieces Quilt Shop, nine First Church members are providing 28 twin-bed-size quilts for Youth Spirit Artworks’ soon-to-be Tiny House Village for homeless youth. First Church participants who provided materials, pieced quilt tops, and/or sewed on the binding included Ann Jensen, Becky Wright, Janet McDonald, Jonell …
Rev. Kit on Parental Leave August 3-December 13
Associate Minister Rev. Kit Novotny and her family are looking forward to welcoming their second child at the beginning of September (due date September 2)! Kit’s last Sunday with us this summer will be August 2. Her Parental Leave will begin on August 3 and extend through December 13 (supplemented with some remaining sabbatical leave). During her leave, Kit’s roles …