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Dear Friends in faith,
 Do you like songs that ask questions? I do, they immediately invite me into the music and welcome my participation. Not simply to sing along to a predetermined set of answers, but to contribute to the message they offer by encouraging personal reflection, an emotional response, or even a reply more active like, for example, a change of heart, a discussion with others, a spontaneous prayer or the resolve to act upon something awakening within you.
Among the activities of the Advent season that many of us enjoy is the opportunity to sing our favorite Christmas carols. One of my favorites is entitled, What Child is This? I can’t imagine a better question for people of faith than the one this song summons. Of course, the song itself offers several good answers: The babe, the son of Mary,” “The Word made flesh.” “The silent word is pleading.”
Although these lyrics were written over a century and a half ago—just three years prior to the founding of our church—the bold question mark left in the title is timeless. Perhaps, then, the best answer to, What Child is This? may be discovered in the honest response we bring to this question in the present moment. For example, “What child is this, say, in respect to news of a friend’s serious illness, the question of homelessness in Santa Cruz County and our nation, a major life decision faced by a close family member or the unrelenting divisions we see overtaking our country. Add to these your own questions.
Christmas is a time to bring the promise of God’s love, delivered in Jesus birth, to the questions that we share, the challenges we face and the dilemmas we bear among one another and within our own souls. Sometime the best answers don’t come to us in the form of “solutions,” but rather as acts of discovery that remain open but moves our lives forward in a spirit of wisdom. Even so, “The silent word is pleading,” and the response to the question, What Child is This? remains our lasting hope and the source of our greatest joy!
Peace and Merry Christmas,
Mark Fountain
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As I count my blessings, I always include our wonderful church community. How wonderful it is to be part of a family dedicated to sharing God’s Love.
December 1 is the first Sunday of Advent. Our students and their teachers will be participating in the readings and lighting of the candles. I even hear our choir will be singing a special response before the candles are lit. We will also have special activities in Parrish Hall after church. A big thank you to Reverend Patti and the Ministry of Learning and Worship for their work on this project. I know it will be lots of fun.
We are blessed once again to have Reverend Patti lead us in an Advent Bible Study in Parrish Hall on December 2, 9 and 16th at 7:00 pm. It is a wonderful opportunity to share God’s word.
Carols, Cookies and Cocoa will take place on Friday, December 6. The group will carol through the Soquel Village and return to Parrish Hall for Cookies and Cocoa. A big thank you to the Music Committee and Fellowship.
On December 15 our young people, under the direction of Emily Hanson and friends, will treat us to a special play in the sanctuary at 6:30. I even hear we will have a special visitor. Thank you to everyone involved in this special production.
I know the choir is preparing their Christmas music. It is also one of the highlights of the season. We also will have a special Christmas Eve service at 7:30. I know all of the activities and services will be wonderful.
Yes, being part of the Congregational Church is a very special gift that I am so thankful for. Most of all, I am thankful that, that precious little baby, baby Jesus, was born to show us the true meaning of Faith, Hope, Joy and especially LOVE.
I wish everyone a Christmas full of many blessings.
In Christ,
Cindy Boram
Moderator
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Board of Trustees
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
As I write this a few days before Thanksgiving I pause to reflect on all the many blessings of our church and the wonderful support of the good members of our congregation. We have been truly blessed! We look forward to kindling the coming spirit of Advent.
The Board of Trustees continues to address campus facilities issues. You may have noticed the damage to the rosemary bushes in front of the Soquel Drive sound wall across from the sanctuary entrance. This was caused by a hit-and-run automobile collision. There is no accident report so we haven’t determined the identity of the driver. The damage is not permanent. We’ll have to wait for these hardy bushes to regrow and fill in the gap.
We are proud of the new emergency/maintenance contacts binder Steve Gullickson prepared. This red binder contains descriptions and photos of the church’s major utility shutoffs, cleanouts and access panels and provides contact information for all of the church’s maintenance services. It is just what we need when a breakdown occurs and a service call is required. The binder is readily available behind the Office Manager’s desk.
We are conducting a review of the church’s financial accounts as required by our church constitution. Instead of hiring an accounting firm at significant expense to scrutinze our books, we have chosen to have a church member do our own review. Using a 24-item questionnaire borrowed from a neighboring church, we will be performing a in-depth examination of our financial policies and practices. This is intended to confirm how we are meeting generally accepted non-profit organization financial record-keeping standards. We are looking forward to completing this review before our Annual Meeting.
May the love and peace of the Advent Season be with us all!
Bob Weers
Chairman, Board of Trustees
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Board of Fellowship
On November 10th Stewardship Sunday, the Fellowship Board hosted Second Sunday Brunch and served up some yummy savory and sweet pies, a feast that we all look forward to each November.
Yes, it’s Carols, Cookies and Cocoa time again! December 6th is the date and the Fellowship Team will be providing hot beverages and holiday cookies in Parrish Hall when carolers return from their walk through the neighborhood.
Holiday Blessings,
Kathy & Steve Gullickson
Judy & Rick Peretto
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Ministry Associate
November is the month for Thanksgiving and counting our blessings, and we have many here at Congregational Church of Soquel. First, we have a wonderful group of talented children who are willing to lead us in worship to lift our spirits and give us joy. In costume or in music, in mission and service or just every Sunday in our learning groups, they remind us of the love that Jesus shares through their smiles and hugs. What a gift!
Second, we have a generous, giving Congregation – always willing to help, the best cooks around, in prayer for all of us, working on budgets and stewardship, all worshipping together to honor God. It is a privilege to work with you and to be blessed by you all – I am so thankful!
I am also thankful for our Lord who is our Healer, and for the good results from my cancer treatments and the continuing healing of other issues. As a matter of fact, I am celebrating all this with a vacation cruise through the Panama Canal, so unfortunately I will be absent for much of November. You will be in my thoughts and prayers while I am away.
And remember that right after Thanksgiving, we will be moving into Advent with many opportunities to share in the journey to Bethlehem and Christmas. On November 30, the church will be decorated with the Hanging of the Greens, and on December 1 we will celebrate the First Sunday of Advent with special Candlelight Service during Worship and an all-church Intergenerational Advent Project during Fellowship time. I will be looking forward to this on my return. We will also begin again our Advent Bible Study on Monday nights starting December 2 at 7 pm. Our theme this season will be “Trusting God for the Journey” as we explore different journeys of faith. Hope to see you all. I give thanks for You.
Blessings, Rev. Patti
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Learning Coordinator
We are so happy to be participating in the Advent readings this year. It is a very special opportunity to help us prepare our hearts and celebrating the birth of Our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Our students are busily getting ready for their Christmas Pageant which takes place on Sunday, December 15 at 6:30 pm in the sanctuary. I know it will be wonderful. A special visitor will be joining us. Thank you to Emily and friends for all of your hard work on this special production.
We are also collecting food for Second Harvest Food Bank. The food drive ends on December 15 so there is plenty of time for you to bring in a few items to help those needing a little help.
On December 22 we will have breakfast and doing some fun activities. It will be a fun way to celebrate Jesus’ birthday.
A very special thank you to our teachers, Reverend Patti, nursery team and the Ministry of Learning and Worship for all their love and support of our Christian Education program.
Wishing everyone many blessings,
With God’s Love,
Cindy Boram
Learning Coordinator
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Ministry of Learning and Worship
What a wondrous Advent we're having! It started with the lighting of our first Advent candle during Sunday service, and then we made Advent chains & Christmas cards during Fellowship – so much joy! Next there was Bible study on Monday evenings: "Trusting in God for the Journey" with Rev. Patti Haaheim guiding us on our own spiritual journey toward Christmas. Carols, Cookies and Cocoa on December 6th – as a write this, it's looking like rain, but who knows? It's always an uplifting time, raising our voices to praise Him in all kinds of weather, whatever comes our way.
The Christmas play on December 15th is such a magical event put on by our youth. It's followed by cookies & hot beverages – and it's a final opportunity to help fill those 2nd Harvest Food barrels for those in need.
Then we move to the great music for our final Sunday before Christmas, and a special Christmas Eve service. What a glorious time of year, a time where we celebrate Jesus' coming into our lives & hearts. It is a blessing that we can all share together, and pass to others in love.
Respectfully submitted by
Gloria Wells, Ministry of Learning and Worship
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Ministry of Missions & Service
Associated Faith Community Shelter Program: As you know, every Friday evening our church hosts 10 to 15 homeless people in Parrish Hall. Participants get a hot meal and a safe dry place to spend the night. We hope to expand this program to include one Saturday night each month as the AFC is trying to secure shelter seven days a week. Currently there is no shelter provided on Saturday and Sunday nights. As part of this program CCS provides meals on the first and fifth Friday of each month. If you would like to help by preparing one of these meals, please contact Jeannie Land or Scott Hamby.
Portable Shower Program: The portable shower program takes place every Saturday and staffing is shared by members of the Mid County Homeless Coalition (MCHC), of witch CCS is a member. CCS is signed up to staff the shower on January 25, February 29 and March 28 of 2020. The time commitment is approximately 11am to 3pm. If you would like to help please contact Scott or Laura Hamby.
Mission Sunday: Our congregation really came through for this year's Mission Sunday raising over $500 for Coastal Kids Home Care (CKHC)! Combined with $500 matching funds from Missions and Service we were able to send a check for $1,012.35 to CKHC. CHC cares for children with illness and disabilities to provide healthcare to children and support to parents, by registered nurses, in the comfort and convenience of their own home. Thank you for your support!
November Mission of the Month - Pan American Institute Christmas Baskets: As with Mission Sunday, you all came through again in support for Christmas baskets for the students at the Pan American Institute (PAI) in Tijuana. $633 was collected and sent to the PAI! Each gift basket costs only $50.00 and contains pinto beans, rice, wheat flour, sugar, salt, canned tuna and vegetables, margarine, cereal, cooking oil, tomato sauce, cookies, pastas, gelatin, jelly, toilet paper, soap, tooth brushes and paste. Thank you!
See you at church!
Scott Hamby
Ministry of Missions & Service
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Board of Deacons
Deacons met November 19, 2019. As part of our devotion, we discussed the CCS Mission Statement and Statement of Faith. We discussed these from the perspective of reaching people beyond our doors. An article was distributed that challenged us to consider what our church will look like in 20 or 30 years. The article was also shared at Church Council.
We reviewed our responsibilities for Hanging of the Greens, Communion, Deacon Offering envelopes, updated Guest Cards, and submitting our 2020 budget request. The Deacon’s Benevolence Fund has an acceptable balance and will not incur any bank fees.
Mark reported that he has contacted several members and written notes to people who are unable to attend church or have had recent health setbacks. He also labeled the hymnals #1 and #2 for ease of identification.
Deacons reported contacts each of us have made and shared concerns of people we would like to contact before our December meeting.
In preparation for a new member class, Mark has written a letter to invite friends of the church to learn more about becoming a member. If you are interested in becoming a member, please see Mark or contact the church office.
In an ongoing effort to provide support for folks unable to attend church, we have started to video Mark’s sermons. Two sermons have now been posted on FaceBook. The next step is to start a video account (Vimeo?) where we can post sermons and other events. Mark is also willing to share his written sermon with folks that experience hearing loss. He is currently doing this with one member. We also discussed the need to address ADA audio access and wheelchair space in the sanctuary.
Upcoming Called to Pray Tuesdays: January 7, and February 4, 5:00pm. We look forward to Called 2 Pray Tuesdays, a time for the purpose of prayer. We pray, Called 2 Pray, will be for you.
Looking forward to seeing you at church this Sunday!
Peace and Grace,
Laura Hamby
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Ministry of Music
Advent is upon us! Our beloved church is adorned with advent decor, and seasonal music is in the air! If you've been able to attend one of our services in the past few weeks, you've heard the Choir perform lovely and thought-provoking advent anthems so far. More to come, I assure you! Along with weekly anthems, the Choir is hard at work on our Annual Christmas Choir Service which will take place Sunday, December 22nd during the 9:30 a.m. service. Throughout the service the Choir will share five anthems sure to augment your Christmas spirit. We hope you enjoy this special service!
Our 9th Annual CAROLS, COOKIES & COCOA event took place Friday, December 6th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Festive singers a'plenty gathered in their holiday sweaters, mittens, hats & warm coats to spread Christmas cheer throughout Soquel Village. Carolers returned to Parrish Hall for cookies and cocoa, provided by the Fellowship and Music Teams. My sincere gratitude goes to Bill Abraham and Lynette Hamby who led the enthused group in song, to the Fellowship Team and to Jeannie Land for publicity.
The Music Team's official "Replace the Organ Chimes" hymnal supplement dedication campaign has concluded. That being said, there are still lots of hymnals in our church pews just waiting to be dedicated to a loved one. Please see Sue Cellarius or Juli Sanderson after one of the services, should you wish to purchase a dedication at only $25.00 per hymnal.
Christmas Eve service 2019 at Congregational Church of Soquel is shaping up to be quite a memorable musical event! So far, we have the following groups lined up: a special multi-family song with accompaniment, (2) piano/cello duets, guitar/vocals, and likely (2) vocal duets with piano. Should be a multi-generational evening you won't want to miss!
Wishing my church family a magical Christmas season and a peaceful 2020!
Musically yours,
Juli Sanderson
Music Team Chairperson
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