This Sunday during morning Celebration at 10:00 a.m., we’re off to the ancient city of Corinth to learn from that early community of faith. Like many diverse communities, the Corinthian church struggled to find common ground and to continue to welcome more and more members. They also developed divided loyalties to different teachers. Of course, we never worry about such things in Oakland . . . Our service will also feature musical selections from french horn soloist Avery Hawthorne.

Are you a “salt of the earth” type of person? Would others say that you “bring light” into dark places? We’ll take a look at these famous phrases from the gospel of Matthew and see what wisdom we can extract. Leave your bushel baskets at home and come join us for Celebration this Sunday, February 9th at 10:00 a.m.

In Celebration this Sunday, we will honor the life and legacy of Pete Seeger by singing a rousing version of “I Had a Hammer” for our closing song. So tune your guitars, ukes, banjos, harmonicas, and mandolins, or shake the dust from your tambourines and then bring them at 9:45 a.m. for a quick run-thru. We’ll play it in G and click through to practice the harmonies with Peter, Paul and Mary. At the core of Pete Seeger’s remarkable life was the notion that everyone can participate and everyone can make a difference in the world. He often spoke of himself as a “song leader”, but not a performer because his goal was to get everyone singing, not just listening to him.

Throughout the season of epiphany (which lasts until Ash Wednesday, March 5) we will be exploring the wisdom of Jesus while developing our own abilities to be wiser and more loving people. Our text this week is Matthew 4:12-23, the story of Jesus calling a bunch of fishermen to be disciples. Wise or not wise? Join us during weekly Bible study on Wednesdays from 12 noon – 1:30 p.m. and at Celebration on Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

In our Sunday Celebration this week we will remember the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Chestnut Choir will be singing “Precious Lord” and everyone who wants to sing should simply show up at 9:15 a.m. Pastor Melinda’s sermon will be focused on Matthew 5: 43-45. Please join us at 10:00 a.m.

For the early church, eating meals together was an important part of their identity and activity as a spiritual community. This is a part of the Christian tradition that we LOVE! During Celebration this Sunday, January 12th at 10:00 a.m., join us as we explore our collective wisdom and share the sacrament of communion with one another. And the Intermezzi of Pacific Boy Choir will be on hand to provide beautiful music for our service!

Calling all Youth Group Alumni! Whether you just went off to your first year of college, or whether you remember youth group before Susan Hunn arrived, you are ALL invited to our 2014 Reunion! Come regale us with stories of the past, catch up with old friends, and share your wisdom with the new youth group members…

Plan now to attend our child-centered Christmas Eve Service on Tuesday, December 24th at 5:30 p.m. We will build the Christmas creche, sing carols by candlelight and enjoy hot cider and treats following the service. Perfect for all ages and all are truly welcome!

Please join us this Sunday, December 15th at 10:00 a.m. Our choir will be singing beautiful music of the Renaissance and Pastor Melinda will preach a sermon entitled “The Holy Way” based upon the beautiful poem found in Isaiah 15: 1-10.

Plan now to attend our child-centered Christmas Eve Service on Tuesday, December 24th at 5:30 p.m. We will build the Christmas creche, sing carols by candlelight and enjoy hot cider and treats following the service. Perfect for all ages!