CUCC Weekly eNews

There are ideas for children, youth and their families, too. We are inviting you during this 21-day journey to choose one thing to watch, listen to, read or do each day from the resources found on this LINK . Faithfully Uncomfortable is an opportunity to learn about racial injustice and imagine racial equity by focusing on reading, watching, and listening to a variety of sources.  You choose the resources that interest you. How to sign up Once you have looked at these resources and decided to participate, please fill out the contact info on the Faithfully Uncomfortable site and   fill out this Google Form or send a message to Megan Fackler Bretz at mfacklerbretz@gmail.com by July 4, 2020.  While you journey - Two opportunities to discuss After worship on July 12 and August 2 you may join others at CUCC who are taking this challenge to discuss what you are learning during your 21 days.  We will send you the Zoom meeting information after you sign up on CUCC's form.

Join host Bill Lamb for a drop in every Friday during July from 1-2PM. This is a continuation of the CUCC Cafes we have been having on Fridays for the past several months.  Let's laugh together, talk about your week, and catch up on news. Contact Bill if you need the Zoom meeting ID (the same one we have been using for the Cafes). william.e.lamb@gmail.com

In a Time of Uncertainty July 4 and 11 11AM-12PM on Zoom Are you new to meditation and want some gentle support and resources? Do you already practice meditation and want to share your experiences? Would you enjoy a small group meditation for a few weeks? Come once to try it, or plan to come each week. Daniel Day, Buddhist and meditation practitioner will facilitate our Zoom gatherings as we explore together the Spiritual Practice of mindful meditation. Contact Santi Matthews with questions or to receive the Zoom meeting information. Śānti will provide the Zoom meeting information.

May we    “visit” your home via Zoom and learn about what you are doing to thrive in this time of exile? If your household would host a 15 minute slot on one of our three VBS Wednesday nights please contact Santi Matthews at education.cucc@gmail.com by Sunday, July 5. How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?  During this time of exile, of COVID, and of racial justice, how have you managed to “sing the Lord’s song?” Have you planted gardens and eaten what they produce? Have you tried a new recipe? Are you seeking the welfare of the city where you are in exile? Have you sewn masks? Have you protested against racism? What are you doing for fun? Are you playing a new game or practicing an artform? How are you nurturing your spiritual growth? Are there lessons or new patterns of living that you want to hold onto and could share with others in our faith community? Please indicate whether your sharing falls most naturally under the category of: Fellowship (games,

Summer brings the annual joy of BYC, the multi-church youth camp which CUCC's youth attend.  This year's camp brings the challenge of virtual gathering, but our youth are undaunted and will attend BYC virtually. Please pray daily for the BYC youth and adult leaders that this be a time of spiritual richness and renewal, of friendship and fun.   Sunday, July 5 through Thursday, July 9 This Sunday, July 5, we will commission the youth and adults from CUCC.  This is what we will pray together; you might use this prayer for them during the week. Prayer Gracious God, we pray that in their BYC camp experience, these 12 youth and adults will create a community of inclusion, hospitality, and hope for all participants to grow in their identity as beloved people of God. We pray that they will have opportunities to open themselves to your presence, to experience you, and to deepen their knowledge of you in their lives. And we pray that they may bring their transformative experienc

Did Pastor Lacey's invitation to "give a cup of cold water" make you wonder how you could do this for folks at CUCC having difficult and joyful times? CUCC's Caring Committee mobilizes us to respond in practical ways to the needs and milestones of CUCCers.  With COVID-19 keeping us physically apart, their work is especially welcome.  If you would like to explore how you might help, come to the Caring Committee Zoom meeting Sunday, July 5, 1-2PM. Contact Robert Parrish to ask questions or to get the Zoom meeting information. RobertCParrish7@gmail.com

Eliseo Jimenez has been in sanctuary at Umstead Park UCC since October 2017!  CUCC members have helped host Eliseo almost since the beginning.  He is a wonderful man in a horrible situation. We now have opportunities to help in two new ways.  Both are in rotations with other committed group: Shop for his weekly groceries.  CUCC can have a slot in the 7 week rotation starting after July 27 to purchase groceries for Eliseo and bring them to him. Drop off a meal or take-out on Saturdays.  This is just starting.  Eliseo’s two children are usually with him on the weekends, so this would provide a lovely meal for the family together. If you are interested in being part of either of these opportunities (or other ways to help Eliseo), please contact Gary Smith (smithgk@mindspring.com) From CUCC's Do Justice Ministry

With so many wonderful things happening at CUCC in July - the 21-day Faithfully Uncomfortable challenge At Home with CUCC (VBS for all ages) Lectionary Lunches with Lacey the Co-Bid 19 Auction BYC Conversation & Meditation Sunday Bible study of the parables - let's take July off and get back together August 4. Jane Smith, Life & Faith time keeper, smithjeg@mindspring.com

We're still figuring out what to include in our carbon neutral goal, how to calculate things, and how to take practical short term steps while aiming big .. which means this is a great time for you to be part of the discussion. July 8, 7:30PM, on Zoom To get the Zoom meeting information, contact Gary Smith smithgk@mindspring.com.

The Southern Conference of the UCC has been offering free, weekly webinars, a prayer line, and spiritual practice ideas on a wide variety of topics, many addressing racial justice and the stresses of living during COVID-19. To find out what is coming up, subscribe to the Southern Conference e-News. For example, free opportunities in this week's email: Celebration of Stonewall and LGBT+Pride:   Monday night, June 29th, at 6:30 PM, Life's Journey UCC will host a special celebration of LGBT+ Pride and of the significance of Stonewall at our Social Justice meeting on Zoom. Conference Call-in Prayer Line is available to ALL weekly :   Beginning April 27, persons can call any of three chaplains anytime on Mondays through Thursdays between 9:00 am and 9:00 pm. America on Fire! A racial equity conversation:   A three-part series led by Rev. LaShauna Austria, Southern Conference Minister for Racial Equity and Justice (available as a recording). Spiritual Practice and Self-Ca

Now that COVID-19 has challenged us to explore all aspects of being the church while being out of the building, our tools for handling donations and payments have blossomed.  Here's a quick review. You can still mail checks to the office toward your pledge, for special service projects, and to pay for things we order for you. Remember to put the purpose of your gift in the memo line.  Mail to:  Assistant Treasurer, CUCC, 814 Dixie Trail, Raleigh, NC  27607 Grab your phone and text to give .   How do we know the purpose of your gift?  You add one of the key words.  Text the amount and a key word to 919-888-4541.  (Example:  Texting 50 pastor begins the process of donating $50 toward the pastor's discretionary fund to assist people experiencing financial hardship. The first time you text to give you will then be asked to add your credit card or bank information.  After that, the processor remembers your information.)  Current key words are: Key words for donations

New opportunities keep popping up every day, so keep checking the CUCC Online Calendar . June 25, 2020 edition Thursday, June 25 CUCC Café –Śānti hosts “Inspired” book study Friday, June 26 CUCC Café   - Bill hosts Saturday, June 27 Braver Angels workshop Sunday, June 28   Taizé worship and fellowship Sunday Morning Bible Study - parables All-ages, traditional worship and fellowship Do Justice ministry with guest Jordyne Krumroy Youth Sunday School Monday, June 29 Monday Lunch Group Tuesday, June 30 Office staff meeting CUCC Café – Bill hosts Wednesday, July 1 Lectionary Lunch with Lacey Confirmation Thursday, July 2 Deacons Ministry   “Inspired” book study Friday, July 3 Retirees’ Café – Bill hosts Current COVID needs in the community What you can do to help now Other important news in this edition What’s up with the parables? What Makes a Sustainable Community and Why It Matters? Faithfully Uncomfortable 21-day journey starts Ju

Ellen's slides to the introductory session Jesus’s parables are both familiar and strange.  If you have ever felt puzzled—even disturbed—by the lectionary reading, take heart:  scholars Amy-Jill Levine and John Dominic Crossan think that Jesus intended his teaching stories to have that effect.  Up for the challenge of engaging these enigmatic stories?  Please join us in the 9:30 Sunday Morning Bible Study Zoom sessions. June 28   Robert Parrish will lead a study on the Parable of the Sower.  The scripture text is Matthew 13:1-23. Here is the outline for the discussion from Robert. I. Description of the Farming Regions of Israel II. Our Formation From Dust (Gen 2:7) III. Reading of Parable (Matthew 13:1-23) IV. Insights and Questions About Parable A. Those who don’t Hear- teachers of the law and religious leaders of Jesus’ time Matthew 13:19)-(Matthew 12:35-42)  (Isaiah 44:18) *Where in our society are the ethics of God not heard or understood?              

Friends:  I hope you will join me on June 30 at 6:30 PM for a meeting with Interfaith Creation Care of the Triangle of which CUCC is a part.  The discussion sounds good.  Read more about the June 30 event here I am most excited that Jarred White is on the panel.  He is a young man trying to increase the connection of black farmers with customers and churches.  I hope he gets the chance to discuss it. The event will be a discussion on how we can all work together to make our communities more sustainable in the long term and resilient in the face of both natural and economic disasters. The discussion will center on sustainability in a community context, how it affects people, the climate, and the economy, and why it is the best approach for our long term wellbeing as interdependent individuals and communities. An important question for the evening is “How can we use principles of sustainability to foster environmental justice and the wellbeing of all?”  Contact Gary Smith for

Starting July 1 our mid-day drop ins are getting a make over. Here is the new line up. Monday - Monday Lunch Group , 12:15 to 1:30 MLG welcomes new people who are interested in developing deep friendships and learning together over time (in other words, not a drop in).  Meetings begin with a time of intercessory prayer for those on CUCC's prayer list and additional prayers requested by those who have gathered.  The group then moves into a time of learning and discussion.  Through most of the summer, they will discuss A Year of Miracles by Marianne Williamson.  If you would like to learn more, contact Ann Retzer. aretz46@aol.com Wednesday - Lectionary Lunches with Lacey ,  1-2 Whoever shows up has an opportunity to read and discuss the Bible readings for the upcoming Sunday.  No homework.  If you would like to learn more, contact Pastor Lacey.  lacey.cucc@gmail.com  Read more here Friday - Retirees' Cafe , 1-2 You don't have to be a retiree to drop in to this cafe

Dear Congregation, From the bottom of my heart - thank you! Everyone has been so kind and supportive during this time of transition. Jordyne and I find ourselves overwhelmed by your thoughtfulness and generosity.  On our first morning in our new home, church members surprised us with chocolate croissants, fresh bread, colorful flowers, a handmade "welcome home" sign, and homegrown tomatoes. The welcome basket was full of gift cards to local restaurants, grocery stores, and coffee shops.  After a morning of carrying boxes and heavy furniture, we were so exhausted we could barely stand and another church member showed up with fried chicken, cold beer, and chocolate chip cookies! The comfort food has been amazing but it is also comforting to know that you are just a phone call or text message away should we need anything. You live up to your name: Community UCC. You certainly act in accordance, welcoming all and creating a genuine, heartfelt community.  We l

What will you donate? If you have an item to donate to the auction, contact Merrilee Jacobson at mkjacobson123@gmail.com. Questions and ideas are always welcome. PS  Make sure you have the auction kick off party on your calendar:  July 11, 8PM.

The June 27 Property Ministry work day has been cancelled for safety reasons, but volunteers are still needed to keep up with a wide variety of weeds in every part of our church grounds.  If you can take on an area, please let me know.  Many thanks to those who have already tackled this “growing” problem! There are also indoor painting projects available, if you’d prefer a cooler job.  I’ll be glad to provide more information as well as all of the supplies. Together, we’ll make sure that our church buildings and grounds are in good shape when the time comes to safely reopen! Merrilee Jacobson, chair of CUCC's Property ministry 919-274-4539

In an effort to curtail the spread of COVID-19, the City of Raleigh’s State of Emergency now includes the mandatory use of face coverings within the City, effective Friday, June 19, at 4:00 p.m. For more information, please visit raleighnc.gov/masks . - submitted by Carol Clark, Office Manager

If you missed Robert Parrish's storytelling performance in #TheBounceBackRDU, you can view it here.  Monday Lunch Group had invited us to join them at this virtual performance last Friday. Robert was one of eight African American storytellers who told about a time that had fallen down and bounced back.  This evening was produced by Alexus Rhone , who worships with us on occasion at Taize'.

If you lost your keys in the CUCC parking lot, contact the Santi Matthews at education.cucc@gmail.com.

New opportunities keep popping up every day, so keep checking the CUCC Online Calendar . June 18, 2020 edition Thursday, June 18 CUCC Café –Śānti host “Inspired” book study Friday, June 19 CUCC Café   - Bill hosts #TheBounceBack "field trip" Saturday, June 20 Final day to register for Braver Angels workshop Sunday, June 21  Last day to volunteer a virtual visit to your home  (VBS) Taizé worship & communion and fellowship Sunday Morning Bible Study   - parables All-ages, traditional worship and fellowship - Rev. Mandy England Cole preaching Youth Sunday School What's next after the Assembly & Moral March? Monday, June 22 Monday Lunch Group Tuesday, June 23  Office staff meeting CUCC Café – Bill hosts Wednesday, June 24 CUCC Café – Bill hosts Confirmation Thursday, June 25 CUCC Café –Śānti host “Inspired” book study Friday, June 26 CUCC Café – Bill hosts Current needs in the community What you can do to help now

On a regular basis, Council Moderator Megan Fackler-Bretz will answer your questions about CUCC’s ongoing response to the pandemic and share emerging guidance from the “Path Forward” taskforce.  This week, I’m focusing on issues raised at the June 7 congregational meeting.  Please send new questions and suggestions to mfacklerbretz@gmail.com so that I can address them in future postings. What metrics are we following to assess when we can again meet in-person? The “Path Forward” taskforce has recommended that we continue with online worship services and events until COVID-19 infections have dropped steadily for 30 days in the Triangle. You can check on the state’s progress here . Are outdoor services and/or events a safe possibility? Currently, outdoor events are limited to 10 people who wear masks and practice social distancing. When the 30-day metric is met, the taskforce will look at options for expanding in-person meetings.  Are we in touch with people who have not joined

We are taking a two week break in our Saturday morning practice of conversation and meditation. Not meeting June 20 June 27 Meeting July 4 July 11 Consider coming for the first time on July 4; beginners welcome. Here is a description of Saturday Conversation & Meditation . Questions or for the Zoom information - Śānti Matthews, Youth and Adult Education Coordinator. education.cucc@gmail.com

We will celebrate communion at all-ages, traditional style worship Sunday, July 5, at 10:30 am worship.  Bring wine and bread - whether grape juice or Merlot, a slice of whole grain or a gluten-free cracker - to worship services.  Pastor Lacey will bless the bread and wine, and we will join in Christ's meal together. Email the office to get the Zoom meeting information.  office.cucc@gmail.com.

We welcome Rev. Mandy England Cole to the pulpit this Sunday, June 21, while Pastor Lacey is moving. Mandy lives in Richmond, Virginia with her husband and their three sons.  She enjoys baking, being outdoors, and playing ukulele.  Professionally, she spends energy writing educational resources for Shine (a Mennonite publication), and, serving as a guest preacher and teacher.  She served as Senior Pastor of Ginter Park Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia from 2013 through 2018.  Those years were challenging and meaningful as she led them through significant transitions including the sale of their property and the relocation of the church.  Before this, she served as one of the pastors of Sardis Baptist Church in Charlotte and as seminarian at Grace Baptist Church, Richmond.  She is a graduate of Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond and of Meredith College. 

Next week Ellen Beidler is going to start us off in examining the use of parables. Be thinking about your favorite parable and leading the discussion for a week! Thanks again to Bill Gretsch and Robert Parish for leading our study of the Book of Acts. The Zoom meeting information is in the Saturday email, or you can contact Bill Lamb william.e.lamb@gmail.com.

Dear CUCC friends, I planted the children's  Plant a Row for the Hungry  garden over Memorial Day weekend. The children and their families are taking turns tending the garden and there are a few more weeks available for anyone who would like to sign up (schedule below). You and your family can sign up to tend the garden for a week or more this summer. This will include watering, picking the veggies, delivering them to Logan's and emailing me the total pounds. I will post the schedule and update everyone as we add to our total pounds.  Get directions to Logan's I am excited that we can stay in touch by working together to continue our efforts to feed the hungry through  Plant A Row for the Hungry . Email me to sign up and I will add you to the calendar.  annebailey@mindspring.com When you deliver the veggies to Logan's just take them to the cashier and tell them they are for  Plant a Row  from CUCC. They will weigh them and give you the total whic

As Christians we are called to visit and bring good news to the captives and to welcome the stranger.  Currently CUCC’s Do Justice Ministry is working toward these goals on immigration, especially visiting with Eliseo who is in Sanctuary at Umstead Park UCC, and on prison reform, especially to have bail bond reform. We were elated to learn that our new pastor’s partner Jordyne Krumroy has extensive experience with immigration captivity at Stewart Detention Center in Georgia. Jordyne has agreed to join us at our next Do Justice meeting on June 28 to tell us of her experience and to begin to see how working together, CUCC can be even more faithful and effective. Join us in our Zoom meeting at Noon on June 28.  Contact Gary Smith for Zoom details (smithgk@mindspring.com). You can learn more about the detention center here . For Do Justice, Gary Smith

Join Pastor Lacey on Wednesdays in July at 1:00pm for Lectionary Lunch July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 What is the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL)? The RCL is a three-year cycle of weekly Bible selections. The selected readings are built around the seasons of the church year. Right now, we are in ordinary time (the Season after Pentecost). Every week, there are four l ections: a reading from the Hebrew Bible, a Psalm, an Epistle, and a Gospel Reading.  Click here to see the readings for July.  On Wednesdays, in July we will meet on Zoom at 1:00pm to explore the Bible readings together. We welcome your questions, insights, worldly wisdom, and doubts. No preparation is necessary. Simply come as you are. These discussions are open to the community.  Email Pastor Lacey to sign up: lacey.cucc@gmail.com

Join Community UCC for the “Co-Bid 19” Zoom Auction Kick-off party — Saturday, July 11 at 8pm Since life has slowed down, now is a great time to indulge in a few more “must-haves” offered by church friends. It all adds up to 19 fabulous items, lots of fun and continued support for CUCC.  The Zoom link to the kick-off party will be emailed on July 11 with the auction website revealed and available for bidding during the party. Bidding stays open until July 17 at 8pm, and winners will be announced after the service on July 19. If you have an item to donate to the auction, contact Merrilee Jacobson at mkjacobson123@gmail.com. Questions and ideas are always welcome. See you at the “Co-Bid 19” auction as we continue to be the church! Your auction organizers, Tim Jensen Merrilee Jacobson Carol Clark Susan Atkinson

As we seek to enrich our worship together, CUCC's worship team is exploring more ways for us to interact during worship.  One possibility is to add the option for members to sign phrases or songs from the culture of American Sign Language. To do this respectfully and well, we are seeking a member of the congregation who knows ASL to advise us from time to time.  If you are willing, please contact Amanda Jost ajost07@gmail.com. Thank you.

Deacons' outreach efforts in this time of COVID 19 continue with another devotional for our collective reflection, offered by our very own Jim Smith. Also, please remember that if you need support or assistance, then please don’t hesitate to call or reach out to one of us. We are happy to receive your prayer requests. We are also able to contact pastors or church staff on your behalf, should you require their support. We will strive to help any way we can.  You can find contact information for CUCC's deacons by looking in the Deacons tag on Breeze. Thank you for being in community with us. May we remain unified, loving, passionate and compassionate during this difficult time. Peace be with you! ******************** A devotional for your reflection: I don’t know about everyone else, but between Covid 19, the recent brutal killings of unarmed black men and women and the loss of respect for the Constitution and the Citizenry that is reported, I have been feeling a lot of

Sample walkway In an effort to get us to the fundraising “finish line,” three CUCC members have offered $900 in matching funds for donations made by June 30 to install a walkway in the Memorial Meditation Garden (MMG).  Donations in increments of $100 will be recognized with an engraved paver in the walkway. To make a donation, you can: ·        Text 919-888-4541 with an amount and the letters “MMG.” ·        Visit communityucc.org, click on “Donate/Pledge” and select “MMG” from the pull-down menu. ·        Mail a check (with “MMG” in the memo line) to the church office at 814 Dixie Trail, Raleigh 27607. For more information about the walkway project, please contact Property Ministry chairperson Merrilee Jacobson at 919-274-4539 or mkjacobson123@gmail.com.  Thank you!

New opportunities keep popping up every day, so keep checking the CUCC Online Calendar . June 11, 2020 edition Thursday, June 11 CUCC Café –Śānti hosts Path Forward taskforce “Inspired” book study Friday, June 12 CUCC Café   - Bill hosts Carbon Neutral CUCC Saturday, June 13 Conversation and Meditation Sunday, June 14    Taizé worship and fellowship Sunday Morning Bible Study - Acts All-ages, traditional worship and fellowship Caring Committee Youth Sunday School Monday, June 15 Monday Lunch Group NCCC hymn premiere watch party Tuesday, June 16  Office staff meeting CUCC Café – Bill hosts Auction team meeting Wednesday, June 17 CUCC Café – Bill hosts Confirmation Choir Thursday, June 18 CUCC Café –Śānti host “Inspired” book study Friday, June 19 CUCC Café – Bill hosts #TheBounceBackRDU  Current needs in the community during COVID-19 What you can do to help now Other important news in this edition The Church is open; the buildi

Due to the current pandemic, our church building remains closed but we, the congregation of Community United Church of Christ, remain open – open to those who are looking for a home. Our vital ministries remain focused on the needs of our congregation, our community, and all humankind. Church services will continue online through Zoom until such time as we can meet in person. Small groups of no more than 10 people can gather on the church grounds. Please wear masks and practice social distancing. Path Forward Taskforce's presentation at the June 7, 2020, congregational meeting The “Path Forward” taskforce will continue to monitor the latest recommendations from the CDC, the State of North Carolina, and the UCC denomination. Follow the church newsletter for updates. Please contact Mike Cline (mecline6@gmail.com or 919-986-9440) or Merrilee Jacobson (mkJacobson123@gmail.com or 919-274-4539) regarding any questions. Path Forward Taskforce Mike Cline, Merrilee Jacobson, Mike S

At 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 15th, Zoom in to hear “God of the Movements and Martyrs."  This hymn was commissioned to commemorate the NC Council of Churches’ 85th anniversary and is to be performed in various settings from folk and bluegrass to choir, organ, and even orchestra.  Following the 5:00 program, our group will gather on Zoom at 5:30-6:15 to discuss the different versions of the hymn and possible use in our church.  The watch party uses two Zooms - at 5PM to join people from across North Carolina for the premiere performance of the hymn, then at 5:30PM to join CUCCers as we celebrate and to talk about it together. To receive the Zoom information, look in the Saturday worship email.  Or, you may contact office.cucc@gmail.com.

Monday Lunch Group invites you to join them at the free, online performance of #TheBounceBackRDU.  Our own Rev. Robert Parrish is one of eight African Americans sharing stories about a time they fell down but didn’t stay down - they bounced back. When:  June 19 - Juneteenth, 7PM No registration required. Free. Where:  online.  Two ways to attend this streamed event:    www.youtube.com/user/alexusrhone and www.facebook.com/authoralexusrhone/ . Event producer (and CUCC friend) Alexus Rhone says, "If [my] highest hopes are met, ... everyone who virtually attends #TheBounceBackRDU will do three things: 1. Receive each story openly. 2. Suspend what they think they know about the lived realities of black people. 3. Carry the stories of #TheBounceBackRDU as proof that resilience is part of the hope- chest for humanity. #TheBounceBackRDU is a co-production of Truth Meet Story, LLC, and Raleigh Arts and SEEK Raleigh.  This event is in celebration of "Juneteenth, or Ju

Religious Education Ministry is offering a Braver Angels Workshop via Zoom on Saturday, June 27, 9:00-11:30a.m. This workshop will be led by a Braver Angels facilitator who will teach us skills to help bridge differences and depolarize conversations. The Depolarizing Within workshop will help us think differently about those across the political divide. The strategies we learn will help us to bridge every divide: theological, racial, etc. Register by June 20: Santi Matthews, education.cucc@gmail.com Braver Angels does not charge for their workshops and relies solely on donations. We suggest a $20 donation to CUCC earmarked Braver Angels. CUCC will cut one check to Braver Angels upon completion of the workshop. However, please don’t let money keep you from participating; no one should feel they can’t attend for financial reasons.  (Donate on our website , check mailed to the office (memo:  Braver Angels), or text to give 919-888-4541, keyword is Angels.)

The people of CUCC celebrate the life of member Judy Smallwood who passed away June 9, 2020. Judy was an active member of CUCC since she joined United Church (our predecessor) in 1952 with her husband, Chuck.  She served in many leadership roles throughout her years at CUCC.  Even after she moved to Chapel Hill, she continued to check in on the congregation, appearing at special celebrations and gatherings.  We will miss her smile, her enthusiasm for life, and her friendship. We offer our condolences to her family.  Please keep them in your prayers. Read Judy's obituary here

The second half of our Saturday email will include the prayer requests from the previous week’s Prayers of the People, as well as additional requests that come to the office or Pastor Lacey.  The Saturday email which includes the Community Prayers is sent only to active people at CUCC. If you know a prayer request that needs to be updated, or of any new prayer requests, please send an email to office.cucc@gmail.com or lacey.cucc@gmail.com, with PRAYER CONCERN in the subject line. Likewise, if you have, or know others who have specific needs for food, supplies, a phone call, or a word of encouragement, please alert the Caring Committee by emailing Robert Parrish (robertcparrish7@gmail.com). Your church staff and deacons want to provide continuing pastoral care, even if we may not be able to see you in person. Those who meet 'virtually' for Monday Lunch Group offer prayers using the Community Prayers list as well.

Did you know that an AA group has resumed meeting outside at CUCC?  They have discovered the welcoming space that the youth created under the Pilgrim House deck.  This space provides them with shelter from the elements for their early morning gatherings.  They are following our distancing and mask requests. The ministry of space is one of our ministries that we don't think about much.  By offering the hospitality of a place to meet, CUCC provides community groups a resource they need to do their work.  For people who attend groups like AA, especially people new or returning to recovery, a meeting can save their life. A participant sent CUCC members this message:  "CUCC is making a difference in the Lives of Others.  We are Grateful." A special thank you to CUCC's youth for imagining the potential of this space.

Rev. Cally Rogers-Witte Our congregation has collected $1,100 to be contributed in support of the United Church of Christ’s Global Ministries   in memory of Rev. Cally Rogers-Witte. Cally served as pastor at CUCC for 18 years before moving to Phoenix in 1995 to become the Conference Minister of the UCC's Southwest Conference.  Cally retired from ministry in 2011 after serving as the national executive minister for Wider Church Ministries and co-executive of Global Ministries, a common overseas ministry of the UCC and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). A check is being sent this coming week.

At the suggestion of Pastor Lacey, and with Council’s whole-hearted approval, the church sign was recently updated with CUCC’s web address.  That portal offers a glimpse of the wide variety of programs our congregation either leads or is involved in.  The new lettering was paid for by the Welcoming & Fellowship Ministry as a way of connecting with the wider community.

Mid Year Giving Statements will be sent soon.  We will send it out to you via email.  If you want a printed copy, please email Jeanne Ledbetter, Assistant Treasurer, at atreas.cucc@gmail.com. At any time you can check your donations and pledge by looking in the Contributions section of your Breeze profile. We know life circumstances change.  If you find you are unable to complete your pledge, contact Jeanne confidentially.

The opportunity to learn and to ask questions continues with week 2 of 3 sessions.  Come even if you missed session 1. Topic:  America on Fire!  A racial equity conversation Thursday, June 11 and 18, 2020, 6:00 pm  (ET)   On Zoom:  Contact Jane Smith for the link.  No registration required. Featured Presenter:  Rev. LaShauna Austria is the Southern Conference Minister for Racial Equality and Justice Presented by the Southern Conference of the UCC as part of their Educating, Equipping and Empowering series. Bill Lamb, Jane and Gary Smith and perhaps others from CUCC attended session 1 and can answer questions.

... or peace... or a blessing to those you greet. The UCC is selling masks which allow you to do just that.  Proceeds from sales support the mission of the United Church of Christ and fund the National Setting’s ability to continue to respond to the ongoing needs of the church in these times of pandemic. If you are interested, fill out this order form .  Deadline for ordering:  June 15. Pay for your mask here (select "Give to UCC face masks) Order your mask by June 15. Masks cost $10.00 Keep yourself and loved ones safe during the COVID-19 pandemic with UCC face masks. Masks are constructed of two layers of lightweight moisture-wicking polyester fabric with elastic ear loops and a pocket for a removable filter (not included) to keep yourself as safe as possible from the virus. A HEPA filter would work well. Washable with filter removed. Hang to dry. Very stretchy and fits most with ease. These are non-medical grade masks. We may have to wear masks, but we don