The world lost a bright light yesterday morning. I received the following note from Mary Oliver’s Facebook page:
“Mary Oliver, beloved poet and bard of the natural world, died on January 17 at home in Hobe Sound, Florida. She was 83….
Read MoreWe all experience them – moments when we stand nose to nose with a fear – knowing we need to step into the experience and walk through it. Fear can appear when we need to speak in public, change jobs, face unexpected medical issue, loose a loved one, move to a new location, and other situations only you can name.
Read MoreFrom our living room window in Fremont we can see a large portion of the panorama of the rolling hills stretching from the “Niles” hillside sign down to Mission Peak, Mount Allison and Monument Peak. It’s not a completely unobstructed view due to trees and neighboring houses, but pleasing enough to be able to enjoy the fresh green tinge that is beginning to appear and the brilliant glow of winter sunsets.
Read MoreEvery year, we gear up for this huge Christmas celebration. Try as we might to get into Advent and prepare for the rebirth of the Lord in our lives, we all get caught up in the sharing of gifts, the joy of the Season, the worry about who will do or say something to upset the “family celebration”, enjoying the music we have listened to and sung for most of our lives, and trying to figure out how we are going to get it all done, get to Worship, and not lose our sanity.
Read MoreAdvent (which in Greek means “appearance or coming”) is a liturgical time we prepare and wait for the Light of Christ to come into the world on Christmas. It’s a time of light, shadow, candles, pondering, reflection, and prayer. It’s a time to notice the seasonal summer light fading and winter darkness rising. On each of the four Sundays of Advent we will light a candle in our Advent altar wreath to mark the coming of the light of Christ. (There is no Christ candle during the Advent season- Paradoxically, Jesus is present and also not born yet).
Read MoreWe have been talking about Gratitude a lot recently. When I listen to what Jeanne and others say, I wonder if I am always grateful, or am I just thankful. I know for some, these two things are the same thing, but that is definitely not my understanding.
Read MoreI was born in Burbank, California about where the airport is now. When I mentioned this to a Montana neighbor she said “Forever more! Why were you born there?” “Because I wanted to be near my mother” I replied.
Read MoreStress brought on by dealing with difficult situations, disappointments and loss can leave you feeling physically drained. Furthermore, the old “guilt trip” sneaks in telling you that since you are in the midst of the “serious stuff” there is no room for the lighter side of laughter. Nothing could be further from the truth. Scientists tell us that “laughter is the best medicine.”
Read MoreOften many of us think and/or act as if the place where we find God is the Sanctuary.
Read MoreWhat does Communion mean to you? What does it mean to us at UCH and in the United Church of Christ? I invite you to give that some thought before you dip your bread in the cup on Sunday and are blessed by that holy act.
Read MoreMy dad was a Farmer. That is, during the 1920’s he was a Hayward High School “Farmer” (Actually a tool and die maker for Caterpillar Tractor Company for 47 years). Founded in 1892, Hayward High is one of the oldest high schools in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Read MoreMementoes - tangible reminders of special occasions - bring back memories and a variety of feelings.
Read MoreHow long before the pain that you carry inside becomes more than you can bear?
Read MoreSandy and I were surprised with the closing of Dicky’s BBQ and Applebee’s in Fremont’s Pacific Commons shopping complex this past week. These closures join Toy’s R Us, Orchard Supply and New Park’s Sears store as recent victims of the evolving retail scene in our region.
Read MoreWhatever happened to those 12 baskets of fragments the disciples gathered after feeding the multitude?
Read MoreHopi Elders say “We are the ones we have been waiting for.”
Read MoreOne of the lessons that I have learned over past months is that It’s more difficult
dealing with the unknown than it it is to face reality and to realize all of the many the options that may
be ahead for us.
Read MoreThere are no easy or quick solutions to providing livable wages and affordable housing to everyone seeking them . . .
Read MoreI enjoy games, but it is real life and my awareness that the Lord is taking me on a journey toward greater successes than I’ll ever have with games, that brings me joy. I’d rather be caught up in that joy than in any other kind of success.
Read MorePharaoh certainly had a lot going for him financially with the enslaved Israelites doing Egypt’s manual labor – that is– until Moses, a man who stuttered, came to him saying, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘Let my people go.’” (Exodus 5:1)
Read MoreThe United Church of Hayward is an open and affirming church that serves the Bay Area community.
We are glad you’ve found us!
When the Israelite people were in the wilderness, Moses invited everyone whose "hearts were stirred and spirits were willing" to offer their gifts, time, and talents so the people could gather, worship God and serve the community. They discovered they had everything they needed and then some! Is your heart being stirred to support our UCH ministries in the Hayward area? Click here to make a difference!
