Sunday morning worship is only one thing we do. We worship and minister in many ways. And we learn, open our hearts, go deeper, shed a few tears, and laugh a lot in the process.
Scripture Seekers Bible Study and Christian History and Context Group
Our Thursday evening "Scripture Seekers" group is not an ordinary bible study. We use scripture as a jumping off point for conversations about context, hermeneutics, and most of all, what it brings up for us in the here and now. We watch videos, and movie clips, we laugh, tell stories, and cry. Most of all, Rev. Jeanne helps us learn how to bring a critical eye to what we are reading so we can be engaged with scripture and can each articulate our progressive values and theology. We are also always on the lookout for how our Still-Speaking God is trying to get our attention. During the pandemic we have also branched out more into conversations about Christian History and Comparative Religion with an eye toward politics, current events, and being rooted in our values. Scripture Seekers meets on the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Thursdays at 5:30 on Zoom. Fill out the Info Box on the Contact Page if you'd like to join us. It's always a lively conversation!
Community Outreach and Justice Seeking
Our desire to be the hands of Christ in our community is in the DNA of UCH. From the beginning in 1959, we've been a source of progressive movement in Hayward.
We are one of the founding congregations of the South Hayward Parish (SHP) and an early supporter of FESCO (the Family Emergency Shelter Coalition). We continue to support the important work of SHP and FESCO with donations and volunteer time; our members serve on boards, show up at city council meetings, and help keep the food pantry stocked. We also support SHP's efforts to develop sustainable solutions for the homeless, and to assist the Family Resource Collective in providing access to healthcare, education, senior meals and more. FESCO provides housing for homeless families and support for them as they move toward self-sufficiency. We also are a member congregation of the Eden Interfaith Council and are especially invested in efforts to support Sikh and Muslim folkx in the community.
We are also supporters of the LGBTQIA+ community and Hayward Gay Prom. UCH has long been a haven for Transfolk. We are also fixtures at community events supporting DACA, anti-racism, and at the annual Hayward Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Rally and Community Walk.
Healing Circle
The UCH Healing Circle is a group of people who gather once a month, via Zoom at this time, to join together to direct healing energy, God’s Love, to those whose who have had their names entered into the Circle and recorded in a running log of names. The Healing Circle has met since October 2003, and is open to anyone, the only requirement being that one is open to the possibilities that God has available to us. The Healing Circle is meant to be a safe and open forum for all, so if you wish to call the Universal Divine Life Energy that propels us through this life by another name, please do so. We are interested in uniting our spirits in a common goal of supporting the healing of the ills of the body, mind, spirit, and world, no matter the terminology one wants to use.
To read more, please go to the Blog Page for a detailed explanation of the Healing Circle.
To receive the Zoom link for the next Healing Circle, or get more information first, please email me at slhly1@aol.com.
Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministry is a one-on-one caring ministry. A Stephen Minister is a congregation member trained to provide a listening ear to someone going through tough times. Our Stephen Minister is Roz McCluney. If you would like more information about this type of care, please call 510-471-4452.
Care Team
The UCH Care Team are the lay spiritual leaders and caregivers of the Beloved Community. They assist Rev. Jeanne in providing care and presence though calls, txts, emails, cards, and check-ins. They also serve as Co-Celebrants of Holy Communion when we have Hybrid worship. Rev. Jeanne asks each of our Care Team members to grow their own Ministries at UCH. Jackie Frietas serves in many roles including community care, and leading worship when Rev. Jeanne is away. Laurie Blue brings visual beauty to our worship spaces on Zoom and in person with inspiring and beautiful worship themed altars and artwork, Steve Holly facilitates the UCH Healing Group as a Meditator and Reiki Practitioner, Diana Schauffler organizes fellowship and organizes our thriving lunch bunch ministry, and Roz McCluney is a skilled, certified, Stephen Minister and has long term check-ins with folks in our extended community. All are integral spiritual community leaders and threads in the tapestry that is United Church of Hayward, UCC.
Lunch Bunch
Our Lunch Bunch Ministry gathers monthly at Hayward's Golf Course Deli. The Deli graciously accomodates our UCH group out on their patio during this time of COVID-19. Lunch Bunch is a gathering filled with conversation, laughter, lightness, table fellowship, and great company. Contact organizer Diana Schauffler, if you'd like more information: 510-471-4452 or fill out the email form on the Contact page and she'll be in touch.
Transitions Group
On the first Thursday of each month our Transitions group gathers on Zoom from 10:30-12:00. We provide a safe place- a circle of love, support, and wisdom for everyone who is in transition. Some of us are in places of not knowing about health and family issues, some are on cancer journeys, some have lost jobs, are having financial struggles, are grieving the loss of loved ones, or just trying to find the ground after the trauma of the pandemic. We have a covenant of confidentiality with one another and use poetry (Currently Jan Richardson's book "Blessings in times of Grief") as a container and talk about how the Divine is present and moving in our lives. And we do it in a very ecumenical openhearted way- so no matter what your spiritual background (or not) you are welcome to join us. Rev. Jeanne leads this group and offers gentle group care and guidance for our conversations. Please contact us via the form on the contact page of the website if you are interested in attending or have questions. We are grateful to have this ministry opportunity to offer the big-hearted journey support that is one of our core strengths at UCH.
P.S. This is safe, welcoming space for lgbtqia+ folkx.
