Aug. 30-Sept. 1: Joyfully Joining Journeys at Camp Tamarack

Posted on by Lisa Bell

Click here to watch a photo slideshow of Camp Tam on our Facebook page.
Hi Everyone!

Though our church is famous for its last-minute commitments, delayed decisions, and late arrivals, we are now at that LAST MINUTE MOMENT, real soon. August is upon us and we now have about three weeks to the deadline for sign-ups.

However, it is a very convenient procedure. Marilyn has copies of the Registration form, which can be picked up in person (in the office) or sent to you electronically. Registrations Forms are also on the electronic message board in the Narthex. Just return it with a check or credit card payment and you’re on the list. JOYFULLY JOINING JOURNEYS, our theme for this year’s camp, will be, well….. JOYFUL!!

It is a wonderful opportunity to get to know each other in new and different ways and to make new friends from our neighboring churches. You’ll will find peace, pleasure, fun, good food, and spiritual enrichment in this lovely place in the Tamarack forest– where the creek bubbles along nearby.

Please come to join us because this is an experience to join that you will not want to miss. SIGN up for the Labor Day weekend or just for the Saturday DAY to attend this GREAT experience that weekend. You will have this weekend to add to your memorable experiences of your lifetime. JOY and Houray!!

Questions? Contact Annie Van Patten, family camp director, at 209.902.2033 or at teechrannie@comcast.net.

Holy Week Schedule

Posted on by Lisa Bell

Palm Sunday, April 14 to Easter Sunday, April 21

  • Palm Sunday Worship at 10:30 a.m., beginning with congregational procession with palms waving. Sermon is the culmination of the Busy series, placing ourselves: mind, body and soul to see the beautiful as life speeds on.
  • Good Friday at noon in the sanctuary, a brief service (less than 30 minutes). Sanctuary open until 3 p.m. for mediation and prayer
  • Easter Morning:
    • Sunrise service by the Fey Peace Garden at 6:15 a.m. (NOTE: This is a different location than in year’s past) On this glorious Easter morning, we’ll come together to share the New Life that Easter celebrates. We’ll gather at the Fey Peace Garden in the semi circle tile bench/patio area just as the sun is rising, as it did on the first Easter morning. We’ll have music with EJ, a reflection by Pastor Ara, communion, and an interactive event that enriches the message of Jesus’ resurrection. Please come attend this unique service. It will nourish your soul and will encourage the SON-to shine through you to others. (Here’s a link to a Facebook slideshow from the 2018 Sunrise service.)
    • Easter breakfast and fellowship from 7:15-10 a.m. in Hayden Hall. A light, delicious breakfast will follow the Sunrise service with leisurely fellowship.
    • Easter worship in Sanctuary at 10:30 a.m. The Sanctuary will be adorned with the beautiful blooms and aroma of Easter Lillies donated by loved ones. White firmaments will float above as we gather to sing familiar songs (and some unfamiliar songs), re-experience the Easter story, share communion and greet one another. It is always an uplifting experience that will nourish your soul. Come join us and depart full of the joy of Easter.
    • Easter egg hunt, children will prepare in Sunday School; the Youth Group will lead the egg hunt immediately after worship (for all ages, especially people under 10 years of age)
    • No Fellowship following 10:30 service (unless there are leftovers from breakfast.)

A sneak peek of Party for Community events and silent auction items

Posted on by Lisa Bell

UPDATED APRIL 10 (new items in bold)

EVENTS

  • Liberian Dinner – hosted by Elizabeth Davis-Russell and Thomas Russell, May 24,       6 guests, $35
  • Spa Day – hosted by Amy & Carol Kilburn, June 1, includes 50-minute massage,            4 guests, $40
  • Chris Sorensen’s Studio Tour – hosted by Janet Capella, 2223 S Van Ness Ave, June 8, includes art activity, 8 guests, $10 – child appropriate
  • An Evening of Women’s Spiritual Creativity – hosted by Robin Carlson, at church, June 11, 10 guests, $20
  • Virginia is for Lovers Dinner – hosted by Sue and Spence Hipp, June 22, 10 guests, $35
  • Icelandic Dinner #1 – hosted by Kristi and Terry Cole, August 10, 6 guests, $30
  • Glassblowing with Ballis Glass – hosted by Amy and Carol Kilburn, 2888 N Sunnyside #104 Fresno, date in early September to be announced, includes make-your-own heart ornament, 6 guests, $45 – children 10 and up
  • Icelandic Dinner #2 – hosted by Kristi and Terry Cole, September 7, 6 guests, $30
  • Movie Under the Stars Dinner- hosted by Sharon Powers and Mike Smith, September 13, 12 guests, $35
  • Game Night Dinner – hosted by Nancy and Clay Pressley & Jacque and Bob Garcia, September 28, 8 guests, $35
  • Tasty Burgers Dinner– hosted by Nancy and Clay Pressley & Vicky and Roger Wall, at church, November 10, 40 guests, $12 – child appropriate
  • Bunko Party with heavy appetizers – hosted by Patty and Nancy Parks, date to be determined, 16 guests, $35
  • Fantastic Fondue Fandango Dinner – hosted by Annie and Jack Van Patten, date to be determined, 8 guests, $35
  • Alla’s Armenian Restaurant Dinner – hosted by Sally and Doug Hoagland, 3051 E Ashlan, Fresno, followed by dessert at the Hoagland’s, date negotiable, 6 guests, $25
  • Proofreading – offered by Julia Penner-Zook, 3-250 words (1 page) at $6, 2-1,000 words at $20, 2 Resume (2-4 pages) at $20, 3 Blogposts (500 words) at $10
  • Fresno Chaffee Zoo Insider’s Tour – donated by Sharon Powers, includes entrance fee, 3-hour tour and lunch, date negotiable, 8 guests, $30
  • Garden Tour – donated by Eileen White & Ron Vivian – details to come

SILENT AUCTION ITEMS

  • Shaver Lake 4th of July week at the “cabin,” 6 bedrooms, 4 ½ baths, sleeps 18, donated by Marie and Steve Edwards – child appropriate
  • Pick a Sermon topic to be delivered by Ara Guekeujian
  • Pies – 6 pies/1 a month or delivered at one time, baked by Rod Zook
  • Personal Assistant – up to 6 hours for driving, running errands, organizing, shopping etc. (anything you need except house cleaning), donated by Bonita Earl
  • Fresno State basket – Includes theatre tickets for the 2019-20 season for two, apparel, sports tickets and more (details to be finalized soon), donations solicited by Lisa Boyles
  • Ray Wicks original wood design – donated by Lisa Wicks
  • Jewelry
    • Pink and White Zirconia Ring – Celebrity Style by Charles Winston
    • Amber and Silver Pendant and Ring from Poland
    • Amethyst Pendant with Silver Chain
    • Brass and Bead Necklace & Earrings

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

CUCC’s Party for Community — Coming of Age Celebration

Posted on by Lisa Bell

April 27, 2019

YOUR CHANCE — YOUR OPPORTUNITY — YOUR MOMENT

I bet you’ve realized what a diverse, interesting and talented group of people attend CUCC. But did you know how much fun they are?? Plan to attend the CUCC Party for Community on April 27 and you’re practically guaranteed to enjoy yourself and learn more about your church family.

We’ll be celebrating 21 years as an Open and Affirming church.  Tickets will be available soon.  Bring your family, your neighbors and your friends to the party for great food, great company and great opportunities.  

Have even more fun when you purchase one of the many set priced future events or bid on special silent auction goodies.

TO HELP

We hope to raise over $10,000 for the operation of the church with part of the proceeds going to missions. This is a service project for all of us and there are many ways you can make it a success.

  1. Buy Tickets for $25 and invite your friends.
  2. Donate an EVENT that you will host sometime in the coming year.  Decide what you want to do, how many guests you can host (we suggest 4-12), set a date (or offer to negotiate that with your guests), and tell Sue Hipp or Nancy Pressley what you are generously offering to do.  We will set a per person price for your event. Think of providing a dinner or lunch in your home or your favorite restaurant, a guided tour to your special spot, a chance to share a Valley experience: Be creative.  

Here are some ideas:

  • Tuscan Dinner Dessert Extravaganza
  • Kings Canyon Day Trip and Picnic Forestiere Underground Gardens
  • Tea Party Holiday Craft or Cookie Party
  • Halloween Party Madera Wine Country Tour
  • Brunch in the Garden River Rafting or Kayaking
  • Stargazing Mystery Dinner
  • Bike Tour and Picnic Papermaking Party
  • Hawaiian Luau ETC.

Another way you can help is to donate a Silent Auction item – these will be physical things, destination trips or events that would be better purchased by one rather than many.  Perhaps a week in Santa Cruz or Hawaii, a lovely piece of jewelry, a special bottle of wine or a commissioned piece of art.  We’ll set the minimum bid and bid increment for each item.

To donate or ask questions, please contact Sue Hipp (435-7153, sueandspencehipp@gmail.com)

Baking bread in Lent

Posted on by Lisa Bell

On Sunday, March 10, congregation members baked dozens of loaves of bread. Some of the loaves tantalized us with their comforting aroma during worship as bread machine timers punctuated the service.

Each participating baker took one loaf home, one loaf to give to someone within 24 hours. Dozens of loaves will remain refrigerated/frozen at the church for Week 2’s activity and for communion throughout the Lenten season and Holy Week.

Thanks to all who participated!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Coming of Age Celebration: CUCC’s Annual Party for Community

Posted on by Lisa Bell

Coming April 27!!   Our biggest fundraiser of the year!!!!!  It’s been 21 years since CUCC voted to become an Open and Affirming church – this is cause for celebration and a reason to bring back our Party for Community!!

There will be a festive atmosphere with dinner, entertainment, and the chance to bid on silent auction items and to sign up for parties, events and services scheduled for later in the year.

Tickets for the party will be priced at just $25/person with wine and beer available for purchase.  A percentage of the profit will be used for local and global missions.

Start thinking now of an event you could offer or help sponsor – how about a dinner party, tea, wine-tasting, winery tour, riverside picnic, evening at the opera or Philharmonic, brunch, spa experience, class or outdoor activity?   

Be creative. We want to provide a year full of congregating possibilities, chances to have fun and get to know each other. Each event offered will have a limited number of participants at a set price per person. You’ll be able to buy an individual spot at an event or you can purchase all the reservations and invite your friends!!

Offering an event at the April 27 fundraiser is a wonderful way to share your talents and treasure with your church family.

We also need silent auction items. We’re looking for high-value items worth over $50 or items that can be combined to create a unique offering.  

Do you have something special that needs a new home? Do you have contacts in the community you can ask for gift certificates and donations?

A donation letter to give community vendors is available in the Narthax and the church office. Silent Auction donations can be dropped off at the church office.  Any donation not used for the party will be offered at an upcoming raffle.

If you have questions or want to commit to offering an event ☺ talk to Sue Hipp (sueandspencehipp@gmail.com or 435-7153) or Nancy Pressley (npressley1944@gmail.com or 312-8621).

Put April 27 on your calendar and plan to come and Party for Community with your CUCC friends.  We promise you an evening of fun and the chance to participate in A Year of Congregating Opportunities.

Sue Hipp and Nancy Pressley – Event and Silent Auction Coordinators

 

Family bingo night March 16

Posted on by Lisa Bell

The Faith Education Team will host a Bingo night fundraiser from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, March 16, in Hayden Hall. Tickets are: $5 for ages 5-11, $10 for ages 12 and up, $25/household, free for ages 4 and under.

Ticket price includes dinner (grilled cheese, soup and dessert) and bingo prizes. Contact anyone in Faith Education for more details. A portion of the proceeds will go to Marjaree Mason Center to purchase snacks and art supplies for children there.

Karri Jones or Eileen White can answer questions.