• Thanks to Anita for the wonderful brunch today!
• Jazz at Peace was wonderful. Dave Rocha will also be with us for worship this next Sunday as we celebrate the culmination of our ~50th Anniversary Year~.
• The Thanksgiving Banquet begins at 5:00 pm. Notify Raddi El Mogazi, Mark Miller or Caroline of your Silent Auction gifts.
• The Gallery of Dreams Opening was excellent. Those present were moved by Kersti’s artistic work and a powerful story. The Reception with piroshkis (Maili’s Estonian specialty) was delicious.
• The “Who is my Neighbor?” class with Rabbi Dan and myself begins Monday, 7:00 pm at Beth Chaim. I hope we will have a large turnout to deepen the friendships which have evolved over the years and in order to see the new synagogue.
• The kids had to do some more coloring in worship today on our Christmas Candle when Christy announced that we now have received more than $80,000 in gifts or Planning Cards for our Debt Retirement Campaign. Can you believe it? Every gift counts and the generosity of Peace members is fantastic!

Photos from Sunday Morning

Here is a message from Lori Eickmann and Holly Musta with details concerning our Winter Nights Program. Your participation is desired and will give you a unique Advent Gift. Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007

Lutheran and several interfaith partners are partcipating in the Winter Nights program the week of Nov. 26-Dec. 3, to provide overnight shelter in the Peace sanctuary for several homeless families. The purpose of the program is to provide emergency housing to working families who are trying to stabilize their housing needs and get into transitional and permanent housing.

The families arrive at the host church in the evening at 5:30-6 p.m. and are served dinner by volunteers who also clean up and socialize with the families after, perhaps offering homework help or playing games with the children. Also in the evening the families make bag lunches for themselves for the next day, with lunch items provided by volunteers. Then, at least two volunteers spend the night with the families to be available if anything is needed. The next morning, the families eat breakfast, provided by volunteers, and must be out of the building by 7:30 a.m. (The restrooms must be cleaned by volunteers before the preschool students arrrive at 8 a.m.) The families are gone all day working, going to school, or meeting with social workers about permanent housing and other needed services. The families return to the church where they are staying for the week. We are expecting 20-30 people as our guests for the week.

Volunteers are needed to set up the area where the families will sleep on Nov. 26; make, serve, and clean up the dinner each night; coordinate the families to make lunches for the next day; socialize with the families as needed; and stay overnight with the families. Each morning volunteers supervise and clean the restrooms before the preschool students arrive at 8 a.m. Volunteers provide all food for the week’s meals. Volunteers also are needed to wash and pack up the sleeping linens the final day.

Peace is being joined by the LDS church, Islamic Center, Beth Chaim, and the Baha’i Assembly in hosting the families for the week. Each of these organizations will cover one night’s meals, and Peace members will cover the other 3 nights. A schedule circulating online with the interfaith partners hopes to ensure a variety of healthy meals.

We have many of the dinners covered, and some folks have signed up to donate food and spend the night. But we still need donations for more breakfast and lunch items, people to clean the restrooms, donate toiletries, set up and take down the sleeping set-up, and spend the night. Please contact Lori Eickmann at 925-551-7585 or Holly Musta at 925-683-4050 to volunteer.

Thanks to all who are participating in this opportunity to serve God’s people!

Blessings, Pr. Steve

Click on image above to view more photos from All Saints Sunday 

The congregation gathered this morning to remember the saints who have gone on before us over this past year and to affirm again our own baptism. Our special guest was artist Richard Caemmerer who had several of his painting on exhibit throughout the narthex with his painting “Baptism” gracing the center of the Peace cross in the sanctuary. If you live in the local area, you are invited to stop by the church to view Richard’s paintings throughout the month of November or to view his works online go to the Art-Exchange.

Click on image above to view additional painting by Richard Caemmerer

And finally, we were happy to welcome Jennifer Mitchell with us to facilitate the completion of the final section of the Mosaic Community Project.

Click on image above to view more photos from the Mosaic Community Project 

Jennifer Mitchell is a Mosaic Artist who has guided the process for our 50th Anniversary Commemorative Art Mosaic Project. Please contact Jennifer about her work or previous accomplishments by emailing jmitchelldesign@yahoo.com.

Click the image above to see more images from our Mosaic Community Project

A labyrinth is a pattern with a purpose, an ancient tool that speaks to a long forgotten part of us. Lying dormant for centuries, labyrinths are undergoing a revival of use and interest. They offer a chance to take “time out” from our busy lives, to leave schedules and stress behind. Walking a labyrinth is a gift we give to ourselves, leading to discovery, insight, peacefulness, happiness, connectedness, and well-being.

Quarterly candlelight labyrinth walks are held to acknowledge the equinox and solstice seasons. Guest musicians and artists complement the walks. Light refreshments follow these celebrations. Dates and times of these events are posted when firm arrangements are made.

The labyrinth at Peace is located outside the church at the north end of the sanctuary. It is open for use any time weather permits. The labyrinth is lit at dusk until midnight for those wishing to walk in the evening.To learn more about the global labyrinth movement, please visit www.labyrinthsociety.org.

The Construction of the Interfaith Mosaic Panel Labyrinth

In January 1999, approximately 40 individuals from Resurrection Lutheran Church in Dublin, CA, ranging in age from 2 to 62, came together to create a ½ scale 11-circuit Chartres Labyrinth modeled after the labyrinth laid in the floor of the cathedral of the same name in France. The project took six months to complete. Walking a labyrinth can model the classical three-fold spiritual path encompassing three states of awareness: Purgation, Illumination and Union with the Divine.

This mosaic panel labyrinth is made up of 25 four foot ¼ inch masonite panels mounted on ½ inch sub-floor panels to preserve the integrity and longevity of each panel. “Sacred Geometry” formulas were used to calculate the proper dimensions before drawing out the design with permanent black ink markers. The mosaic pattern was achieved by recycling donated magazines and tearing primary colors into 1 inch “tiles” which were glued on the path. The base color, which is white, is made of torn “word” tiles representing language and communication through sacred texts. All the colors together represent the diversity of humanity and the “Rose,” completed in red, represents the blood of Christ shed for us all. In the very center of the Rose a white dove resides representing the symbol of hope and peace. Upon completion of all panels, the entire labyrinth was sealed with three coats of verathane.When viewing this labyrinth, the interfaith component comes through. There are illustrations from all faith traditions present throughout the labyrinth as well as earth-based spirituality including numerous insect and animal life interpretations. Contemporary objects, artistic interpretations, and whimsical placement of tiles invite the viewer to contemplate a deeper meaning for life’s journey. A now retired labyrinth, it is “laid out” for viewing on special occasions at Peace Lutheran Church in Danville usually by the Peace Pole near the outdoor labyrinth.

Labyrinth Facilitator/Artist, Kathy Westley and Paula Povilitas, Artist/Educator and Labyrinth Maker, collaborated to create the final design. Darren and Beverly Townsley, Engineer and Family Ministry Associate respectively, were instrumental in the sacred geometry modified calculations that produced the working pattern. Additional enthusiasts and supporters of this project were Rev. Dr. Lauren Artress, founder of Veriditas and the World-Wide Labyrinth Project located at Grace Cathedral, San Francisco; Dale and Jan Sollom-Brotherton, former pastors of Resurrection Lutheran Church in Dublin and the Art Department of San Francisco State University whose students undertook a similar project in 1997.

 Click here to view additional images from the Peace labyrinth

“There will be no peace among the nations without peace among the religions”- Hans Kung

The motivation for the day in 2005 an amazing convergence of diverse and sacred holy days: Ramadan (Islam), the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (Christian), Rosh Hashanah (Jewish), the Anniversary of Gandhi’s birth (Hindu), and World Communion Sunday (Protestant Christian). In celebration of this historical date, the public was invited to experience interfaith prayer, rituals, meditation, dialogue panels, dance, Labyrinth walking, food and craft booths. There was also an incredible array of music including African drumming, Hindu and Buddhist chant, Sufi Universal Dances of Peace, Gospel music, a Jewish cantorial quintet, Korean violinists, classical Persian music from Bahai friends, and symphonic gongs and singing bowls. A special Blessing of the Animals was offered by a Franciscan priest.

The day concluded with over 200 people from several Christian churches (UCC, Methodist, Episcopal. Catholic), the Islamic Center, Christian Science, Zen and Tibetan Buddhists and all the above mentioned groups participating in a closing prayer and blessing in the sanctuary. The open-heartedness and visible caring for one another created a profound moment of light and hope.This remarkable day was a gift from Beyond and the I-SRV community intends to have future interfaith celebrations together.

Click here to view photo images from Holy Convergence I (2005) and Holy Convergence II (2007)

Interfaith work at Peace begins by acknowledging that all people belong to God, belong to each other and belong together on this earth. It is the common threads of compassion and wisdom found in all religious traditions that must be nurtured today. Any religious belief that negates the dignity of another human being must be discarded. At Peace we have welcomed friends for interfaith prayer, dialogue, community celebrations for peace, solstice markings and for inclusion in our Sunday worship.

“Preach at all times. When necessary use words.”
(St. Francis)

This whole month of October as part of our ~50th Anniversary~ we will look at and celebrate “What being a Lutheran Means.” As part of a church body which has made significant historical contributions to the Western World, we’ll examine what have been our core beliefs; how do we understand God; what dynamics will shape our future; and how shall we make a difference in God’s world. Can we take pride in our tradition without living as exclusionary people? What makes this a joyful inheritance? The month will culminate with our Reformation Service on October 28. The original put-down name for Lutherans 500 years ago was “Free-Thinkers.” Are we living up to our reputation?As part of our God as Creator Celebration this Sunday we will bless our animals. Bring your furry, feathery, scaly friends to worship with you this Sunday. You can invite two-legged friends as well.

The Holy Convergence was an amazing event! Thanks to the Council Members and Youth Group members who “personed” our Peace Table, to Rich and Judy Collins for the banners, to Pr. Margareta for coordinating the schedule, to Everett Sylwanowicz for the tear down and to Gen Estenson – oldest member of Peace who has participated all 3 years! What a joy and picture to see all of the Sikhs leading chant with us. The Mosaic Table buzzed with activity. A member of Beth Chaim wept several times as friends from Beth Chaim assembled their Medallion – a Star of David with the word Shalom on it. She was moved by the power of their tradition and the inclusion of their community in our Commemorative Mosaic Project. At one of the Panel Conversations a Baha’i person said: Many congregations have slogans but Peace lives what their banner says – they are a House of Prayer for All People.

Those interested in serving on the Property Committee are asked to connect with me after worship this Sunday or email me your response. Everett Sylwanowicz is anxious to coordinate a skilled committee of volunteers.I hope you will open the attachment from Justice Advocacy about Friends Outside. Marlene Garrity has worked with FO for many years in their work to assist the families of incarcerated people. Members of Peace can assist in a variety of ways. Thank you.

Our Schedule for the Month is incredible!
Oct. 7 – Blessing of the Animals
Oct. 13 – OKTOBERFEST with Blues N’ Jazz, Noon – 5. Invite friends to this fundraiser for Peace and Lutheran Social Services.
Oct. 14 – Jazz at Peace begins its Third Season at 5 p.m.
Oct. 21 – St. Luke’s Healing Prayer Sunday – We will get to sing a variety of Taize chants!
Oct. 28 - Science and Religion Symposium – “Must Science be Atheistic?”
Nov. 4 – Art and Faith and Cosmos with Richard Caemmerer.Be sure to invite friends to join you for these quality events!

Blessings,Pr. Steve

“an hour of spiritual reflection and rejoicing”

Jazz at Peace is based upon the Jazz Vespers series founded in New York City in 1961 at St. Peters Lutheran Church. Designed by and performed for jazz musicians – the public is invited.

Click to view Jazz at Peace Schedule, Fall 2007- Spring 2008 (PDF Format)

Click to view photo images of past and future guest jazz musicians

Join a small group (4-6 persons) to explore thinking styles that influence our lives. The group will learn patterns of thought that create negative views that might be influencing our moods. Where do these thoughts come from? How have they become a part of us? We will practice techniques to enable us to look with alternative vision at life situations. Participants will begin to experience the freedom of choosing responses to situations rather than automatically reacting.

The group will run for 6 Monday evenings, beginning when 4 or more people register.

Safe. Confidential. Professional.
925-648-7003 ext. 2
Judy Collins, MFT (#36340)

More Than Whistling a Happy Tune:
Exploring ways out of worry, fear and anxiety

You want to experience more joy and serenity. You know worry is useless and even damaging. You are tired of being fearful. Join a small safe group to uncover causes of our sometimes less-than-calm reactions to life situations. Together we will learn and practice skills to shape ‘mountains down into mole hills’ without denying our intuition and experience. If you have ever experienced phases of worry and fear or even feel that anxiety has always been with you, this group experience may be the beginning of a whole new life.

Call Peace Counseling Center at 925-648-7003 ext.2
and speak with Judy Collins, MFT,
to see if this group might be right for you.
Some homework will be required.

Lowlights

What is depression? When does being ‘down in the dumps’ become a condition that needs to be addressed with professional help? There is so much on TV and in newspapers about depression. It is difficult to determine what is a ‘normal’ low mood, and what is a type of depression. Join a 2 week group workshop to explore what depression is and is not. Whether you experience low moods yourself or love someone who does, this may be a place for you to gain further understanding of the situation.

Phone 925-648-7003 ext. 2. Judy Collins, MFT (#36340)Workshop will begin late March.

Sliding Scale Fees