Olive Branch June/July 2017 Peace United Church of Christ 1503 2nd Ave NE Rochester, MN 55906 507-282-6117 ~~~~~~~~ www.peacechurchucc.org www.facebook.com/peaceuccrochester An Open and Affirming (ONA) Congregation Vision: A safe and inclusive church living God’s radical message Paul Bauch, Senior Pastor pastor@peacechurchucc.org (on Sabbatical) http://www.facebook.com/paul.bauch Beth Rogers, Associate Pastor ypastor@peacechurchucc.org http://www.facebook.com/rev.rog The deadline for the bulletin is Wed at 9am every week. The deadline for PowerPoint announcements are Thursdays at Noon. Please submit all articles for the next issue of the Olive Branch by the 15th of the month to the Church Office or email to aoffice@peacechurchucc.org. SUMMER SUNDAYS Communion the first Sunday of the month 8:30am Tradition Worship 11am Contemporary Worship Nursery care available 2nd Service NOTE: 1st Sunday of Summer Month One Service @ 10:30am Coffee hour prior June 4th July 2nd August 6th September 3rd PONDERINGS OF PASTOR BETH As the seasons turn over into summer and our plans take us away from our routine, we think of the ways that our faith goes with us on our journey. This month we will celebrate another wonderful year in the conference as a few of us travel to the Annual Meeting to be renewed on our journey, and find new ways to be church.  Immediately following, we will celebrate the summer with Vacation Bible Camp here at Peace, in cooperation with The Congregational Church.  The summer fun is just getting off to a start as we celebrate our community through fellowship picnics, Pridefest, and engage ourselves with the continuing work on understanding our immigrant neighbors and the Sanctuary movement throughout the summer.  Then, in August our youth will journey to Pilgrim Point to engage in Youth Mission Week.  And we will begin to prepare for a new year of Faith Formation, including the return of Our Whole Lives, Confirmation, and Workshop Rotation Faith Formation classes for Preschool to 5th grade.  Throughout all of this fun, fellowship and faithful activity this summer, it can be a struggle to see the spirit moving in and amidst the busy-ness, or the business of life.  So even through the vacations, added responsibilities or other things that summer might bring for you, I challenge you to make a space for your faith lives to cultivate a seeking mind that strives to follow Jesus on the path to share God’s love with the world. This summer we are on a sabbatical of our own as Pastor Paul engages in the reflection and recharge of his sabbatical, we engage in our own parallel journey of re-engagement.  This time provides us the space to grow and develop new ideas for how to be Peace church as Paul finds new ways to be the Pastor of this motley crew of amazing people.  How will you find ways to recharge your spiritual batteries this summer?  What areas are calling out to you for attention? I invite you to start thinking of that this summer, whether you are here at church with us each Sunday or you are outside in the sunshine.  This is a time to take a deep breath, look at the big picture and see what is tugging on your heart.  As you go about this summer of investigation, think about taking Peace church on the way with you.  Somewhere on the way, wherever you find yourself, stop and find in that place, something that reminds you of us here at the church, or of your faith and capture it.  If it is something you can take, like a shell, or a rock, or a flower, bring it back with you. And if not, take a photo, or draw the moment on paper and bring it back to church. There will be a space to display this evidence of our faith in action during worship starting June 18th. Help us to see the Spirit of the divine in the flow of summer wherever you are. In Peace, Pastor Beth June/July Happenings Come, relax and enjoy the fellowship . . . WEDNESDAYS 6-8:30pm SUMMER EVENING PICNICS June 7 - Mohn Park, 2995 Avalon Cove Ct NW June 14 - Watson Field; 1000 Essex Pkwy NW June 21 - Quarry Hill, 9th St and 19th Ave June 28 - Soldier's Field, 244 Soldier's Field Dr SW July 5 - McQuillan Park, 1655 Marion Rd SE July 12 - Fox Valley - 957 Foxcroft Circle SW July 19 - Parkwood Hills, 2232 Parkwood Hills Dr NE July 26 - Slatterly Park, 950 11th Ave SE Everyone welcome. Bring your own meal and tableware. If you would like an email reminder, sign up at : www.SignUpGenius.com/go/4090D4BAEAC2CA0FA7-wednesday JOIN US FOR ONE SERVICE @ 10:30am EVERY 1ST SUNDAY THIS SUMMER June 4th July 2nd August 6th September 3rd Summer Sunday Morning Book Discussion Begins Sunday, June 11 9:45am in the Peace Room Cost of book:  $13.00  The challenges we face can be difficult to even think about.  Climate change, the depletion of oil, economic upheaval, and mass extinction, together create a planetary emergency of overwhelming proportions.  Active Hope shows us how to strengthen our capacity to face the crisis so that we can respond with unexpected resilience and creative power.  This book discussion, led by David Rebstock, will begin on Sunday, June 11 (9:45 - 10:45am) and continues throuh Sunday, July 16 (taking a break on Sunday July 2).  Refer to our on-line with sign up (goo.gl/jVJfQO ) or call the church office (282-6117) . PRIDEFEST Saturday, July 22nd Looking for volunteers for Vendor Market Square watch for additional sign up information ADULT GATHERING Friday, June 9th 6:30pm ~ Fellowship Hall Movie & Discussion: “A Girl in a Café” Berne Wood – Fired Pizza Summer Concert Series Zwingli United Church of Christ in Berne, MN Pizza is served every Wednesday in June, July, and August from 5-8pm Two bands also perform each week at 5:15pm and 6:30pm July 5th LP & 45’s (Sara Schliep’s Band) Bringing your lawn chairs, yard games, and good company. Golf Classic Monday, June 19th Help Support with: Silent Auction Donations Golf in 4 person scramble Attend Dinner Cash Donations Call the church office (282-6117) for details Upcoming Summer Events Peace Lantern Ceremony Remembering the 72nd anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, with music, crafts, and reflection. Since 1985 Rochester has commemorated these events in an annual Peace Lantern Floating Ceremony. We remember those days and renew the message that promoting peace in the world is as important as ever. Come enjoy a summer evening of community starting with music and brief speeches, followed by a time for the whole family to make lanterns to float on Silver Lake at dusk.  WHERE: East picnic shelter at Silver Lake (In case of rain, the event will be held at Peace in the Social Hall)  WHEN: Wednesday, August 9th 6:30 pm: Gather to make lanterns; materials and instructions for making lanterns will be provided 7:15 pm: Ceremony followed by lantern floating at sunset SPEAKERS: Mayor Ardell Brede and others TBD MUSIC: DKM and Omni Drummers Youth Mission Fundraising: $3000 left to go! 18 of our youth will be attending Youth Mission Week this coming August and we need your help to get them there! Look for dates and opportunities to add to their fund and get all our youth onto the mission. OUTDOOR WORSHIP SUNDAY August 27 @ 10:30 am FAMILY CAMPING WEEKEND August 25—27th COMING IN JUNE.... Graduation Recognition Sunday June 4 Note: ONE Service @ 10:30am We will be recognizing all those in our church family who will be graduating this year, whether it be from high-school, college, vocational school, or a master’s program. It’s our way to say CONGRATULATIONS for a job well done! Coming this Fall! Faith Formation Workshop Rotation Do you have gifts for science, cooking, drama, art, or leading games? Sign up to serve as a short term rotation leader and spend a few weeks with our kids and youth. Share your faith and help build tomorrow’s leaders! Watch for more information coming soon! ADULT GATHERING Friday, June 9th 6:30pm ~ Fellowship Hall Movie & Discussion: “A Girl in a Café” Vacation Bible School June 12 - 15 9:00am - 1:00pm @ Peace UCC Calling all Super Heroes!  Vacation Bible School returns in June! June 12th to 15th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.  This year we will celebrate how heroes find strength in God, and how we can too.  Through science, crafts, games, music and stories, we will learn, play and explore the world as we seek to “Do good, seek peace, and go after it!” Psalm 34:14b. Snacks and supplies are provided, cost $30 per child.  Scholarships are available.  Volunteers are needed! Contact Associate Pastor Beth Rogers for questions, ypastor@peacechurchucc.org Refer to our on-line sign up to register your child/children. Race Forward Rae and I attended the 18th Annual White Privilege Conference in Kansas City, MO, April 28-30. Their mission is “to empower and equip individuals to work for racial equity and justice through self and social transformation.” Many sessions are geared to teachers but everyone can benefit. We spent three days from 9-5 with keynote and break-out sessions covering many aspects of this work. One keynote speaker (Glen Singleton) spoke to the historical influence of white women on television and their potential for help in creating racial equity. He observed that white women are a large group with great potential power if they would exercise it to fight racial inequality. The question he posed, “What payment are white women accepting for their silence about white privilege and white supremacy.” Could it be that we don’t recognize how racism hurts all of us? Are we too comfortable and afraid to rock the boat? We also had keynotes from a woman of Asian descent and Native American. It is very revealing to hear from their own experience how white supremacy affects their lives. Michael Eric Dyson, a college professor and pastor, also spoke very eloquently in an interview style talk. He has written a new book, Tears We Cannot Stop, A Sermon to White America. I am finding this book a must read for white people. One benefit of doing national conferences is that one hears from the “pioneers” in the field. I attended a workshop by Robin DeAngelo who coined the phrase white fragility. White fragility is a state in which even a minimum amount of racial stress becomes intolerable and triggers a range of defensive moves and feelings of being attacked and not feeling safe. Uncovering this perspective is needed for white people to build their racial stamina and create more racially just norms.” Robin DeAngelo. There were well over 100 break-out sessions to choose from. I guess the experience can be best summarized for me this year, “To help participants think more about their relationships to oppression and white supremacy and how they are subordinated or sustained by racism.”by Tanya Williams. A group of us are doing this work in the Race Forward group which meets twice monthly the 2nd and 4th Tuesday in the Dwelling (resuming in Fall). Everyone is welcome to attend. Doing this work is long overdue and an integral part of our welcoming all. I am happy to discuss the conference with anyone at any time. Ruth Larson ONGOING PEACE GROUPS.... Tuesday Morning Men of Peace Group @ 7am - Peace Room (All men are invited to join us for fellowship and discussion which generally focuses on the upcoming worship scriptures.) Tuesday Morning Women’s Group @ 10am - Peace Room (All women are invited to join us for fellowship and discussion.) Resuming in the Fall. Tuesday Beverage & Bible @ 5pm - Glynner’s Pub (Tuesdays, from 5-6pm at Glynner’s Pub [1643 Broadway Ave N] & we’ll gather for fellowship and discussion.) Thursday Morning Women’s Group @ 7am - Peace Room (Reading and discussing “The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer.”) Twice Monthly Race Forward - The Dwelling (Everyone is welcome to attend this group as we explore our blind spots and open up the uncomfortable discussion of race and privilege. Currently reading and discussing “Underground Railroad”.) Resuming in the Fall. Miriam Ministry @ 9:30am - Peace Room (ALL WOMEN are welcome to attend on Wednesday, May 26 for fellowship. food, and a special presentation by Laurie Gilseth) Resuming in the Fall. Infant / Toddler & Caregivers Lunch Bunch @ 11:30am - 1:30pm, Every Monday & Wednesday Peace Church offers a weekly lunch bunch group for young kids (3 and under) and their caregivers.  So if you are a Parent, grandparent nanny, babysitter, care giver of any type, you are invited to drop in Mondays and Wednesdays from  11:30am - 1:30pm. We 'eat in Room 105 and then go to the Nursery to play. Come when you can, leave when you need to.  Bring a lunch and meet someone new!  Questions can be directed to Pastor Beth (ypastor@peacechurchucc.org). Resuming in the Fall. Quilter’s Group—Thursday @ 10am-3pm & 1st Saturday of Month 10am-11:30am in Room 104 (For additional information contact Mary Karlstad) April Financial Update Please continue to honor the pledges made for the year.  Anything extra is certainly welcomed to help cover our deficit. Summer months tend to see a drop in pledges – be sure to stay on top of yours.  A good way to do this is by using eGive.  This is also the preferred method of payment for the office or contact the office for assistance.   April YTD Pledges Budgeted $35,416 $141,667 Actual Pledges received $34,321 $134,683 Difference -$1,095 -$6,984 Facilities Update Construction on the addition is complete. We have moved into the new Church office space / Welcome Desk! There are a few things left to do outside.  Dirt was installed in the planting areas and final grade done behind church. Nothing will be planted until at least June as our Groundskeeper is on a much needed vacation. Thanks Scott! JUNE SUNDAY SEVICES SUNDAY SERVICE COUNCIL IN CHARGE MUSIC FELLOWSHIP LUNCH 4 with Communion ONE SERVICE 10:30am Mark Wieland Peace ONEVOICE   11 8:30am Mark Wieland Wieland Boys     11:00am Mark Wieland Joy ONEVOICE Potluck Lunch 18 8:30am Tonia Ely Special Music     11:00am Tonia Ely   Peace ONEVOICE 25 8:30am Tonia Ely Special Music     11:00am Tonia Ely  Joy ONEVOICE Birthdays 2 Dave Paul, Schalleen Nelson, Elyse LeQuire  3  Everal Gilbertson  4  Cheryl Winters, Arlene York, Andrew Cada, Dessie Siewert  5  Julie Timmerman  6  Bob Beaulieu  8  Linda Frost  9   Irene Fisher  10  Sheila Cada, Ida Brakke  11  Justin Morbeck 12  Sam Leof, Haylee Carlson, Jude Smith, Landon Winter  13  Dean Alcock, Adelyn Leof, Sarah Keehn  14  Jaeden Edmonds  15  Mary Smith, Dustin Molitor 16  Marlys Peterson, Judy Hensel  19  Teresa Waldof, Beth Franks  20  Joe Hensel, Riley Hansen, Jessie Neher  21  Charli Bentz, Diego Lopez  22  Mark Petit, Doug Rock  23  June Franks  25  Ed Rust, Sydney Simcox, Stephanie Hensel 26  Bev Morton, Renee Springer, Lynn Alcock, Nate Basballe 27  Jennah Hawkins  28  Glen Holland 29  Brian Trachsel,  Doris Reuter, Garrett Johnson  30  Brian Winters, Adam Bowe   JULY SUNDAY SEVICES SUNDAY SERVICE COUNCIL IN CHARGE MUSIC FELLOWSHIP LUNCH 2 with Communion 10:30am ONE SERVICE Deb Guenthner Special Music 9 8:30am Tonia Ely Special Music 11:00am Tonia Ely Joy ONEVOICE Potluck Lunch 16 8:30am Deb Guenthner Special Music 11:00am Tonia Ely Peace ONEVOICE 23 8:30am Deb Guenthner Special Music 11:00am Tonia Ely Joy ONEVOICE 30 8:30am Deb Guenthner Special Music 11:00am Tonia Ely Peace ONEVOICE Birthdays 1  Sarah Wilder, Collin Winters, Jacob Morbeck 2  Louis Ohly, Lou Anne Meyer  4  Bev Farlow, Bruce Tointon, Daniel Karau  5  Roger Timm, Meg McCamish  6  Don Sagdalen, Nicholas Giere  7  Beverly Gauthier  8  Rebecca Kruetzfeldt  10  Mabel Wagner, Steve Kloempken, Tom Neher, Moriah Keehn, Austin Hollar  11  Katie Lenz  12  Ruth Bakken  13  Kevin Pollock, Darren Knoepke, Julie Winters  14  Peter Oetliker, Hannah Paul 15 Griffin Ramaker 17  Ann Vangalis, Peter Haug 19  Jerry Floden, Diane Pollock  20  Penny Ross, Kelly Meinhardt  21  Ann Lennington,  Clair Ewert, Zack Johnson, Emma Theuer, Loreli Bentz 22  Betty Meyer, Dawn Bradley  23 Ione Kloempken 24 Morgan Soto 25 Rudy Ramaker 26  Mary Peterson, Kendra Trachsel  28  Nancy Knoepke, Owen Wilder 29 Jax Allen 31  Megan Page, Adele Bauch  PEACE CHURCH SUMMER SUNDAY POTLUCKS Join us, once a month, for potluck luncheons after the 2nd Service,in Fellowship Hall. June 11th A-H Bring Main Dish I-P Bring Side Dish Q-Z Bring Dessert July 9th A-H Bring Dessert I-P Bring Main Dish Q-Z Bring Side Dish Please see Laurie DeYoung for Time and Talent contribution opportunities: Adult Gathering Coordination Welcome Center Faith Formation Church Directory REMINDERS!! JOIN US FOR ONE SERVICE @10:30am Coffee Hour Prior EVERY 1ST SUNDAY THIS SUMMER June 4th July 2nd August 6th September 3rd