September 6, 2019Volume 69 No. 9

Sign Up Now for Compassion WeekSeptember 30– October 6

Compassion Week is almost here! The planning team has organized more than 100 projects, offering something for everyone, regardless of age or abilities. Available service projects address a range of local and global needs, including hunger, homelessness, education, environmental preservation, veteran support, and social justice issues. Pick one or more projects to serve September 30 – October 6, then come back to worship and eat dinner together on Sunday, October 6, 5:00–7:00pm, in Creekside. (There will not be morning services that Sunday.)

This year, Compassion Week is presented in partnership with Los Altos Community Foundation, Christ Episcopal Church, St. Nicholas and St. Williams Catholic Parish, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Grant Road. Our partners will be hosting some Compassion Week projects at their sites, in addition to projects held here at LAUMC and at various organizations around Silicon Valley. There are also projects that can be done on your own, either at home or with your small group—look for the projects with “Anytime” in the name.

Visit compassionweeklosaltos.org to check out the projects that are scheduled and sign up. You may also sign up in the Redwood Room this month between Sunday worship services.

FROM THE LOS ALTOS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

by Senior Pastor Kathi McShane

Psychologists and others refer to a mental state they call “flow.” It’s what life feels like when you’re doing something and you are so fully immersed in the activity, so focused and absorbed, so enjoying the thing itself, that you lose even your sense of time and space. The activity takes on a life of its own; it seems to steer you, to carry you forward effortlessly—as though you’ve entered a current. Jazz musicians talk about being “in the flow,” as do entrepreneurs and athletes.

I think it happens also in the life of faith. I have felt “in the flow” in moments when I have been sure God is with us—or more accurately, when we are with God, in the current of God’s hopes and dream for the church, or for the work we’re doing out in the world. Sometimes it happens because of intentional discernment and prayer, and sometimes we seem to just stumble into it. I can’t figure out a formula to make it happen again, or how to live in it permanently. It surprises me every time … which is just one of the ways I know it is God at work.

Last year The Changemaker Initiative felt like we had entered the flow. Even more than we had imagined, the experiences of the Changemaker Fellowship were somehow magnified into life-changing transformation.

I’ve been watching it happen in our youth program, as the inspiration and depth of this ministry’s last chapters have overflowed into a container big enough to hold lots of new people and connections and ideas.

I hear it in the stories Rev. Sam tells about the people she is meeting in Mountain View, and the moments when the invitation to a Front Porch dinner seems to match some longing for a place of acceptance and welcome that they hadn’t even identified yet.

I see it in the way this congregation’s enthusiasm for Compassion Week has become contagious, tipped into an eagerness in other faith communities and organizations to join it—a turn toward the long-time dream of making this a community-wide week of service.

And just now, as we begin to let our new vision statement take hold and guide the church’s work, I sense us entering the flow again, the current that will carry us into the next work that God is calling us to partner in, and the next possibilities of our own transformation.

Connection ~ Compassion ~ CourageThat all may flourish.

So grateful to be in ministry alongside of you,

All-Church Meeting to Consider and Vote Upon the Statutory MergerSunday, September 8, 9:40am, Live Oak Room

A special church conference will be held September 8 to consider and vote upon: the formal, statutory merger of Trinity United Methodist Church with and into LAUMC under California corporate law; the Agreement of Merger to be executed by LAUMC and Trinity UMC and to be filed with the California Secretary of State; and the amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of LAUMC included in the Agreement of Merger to comply with current California religious corporation law.

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Births Zoe WeberAugust 14Parents: Rebecca and Chris WeberGrandparent: Sandy Herman

Sophie Addison PinnickAugust 11Parents: Laura and Jared PinnickGrandparent: Alan Fanning

Jonathan (Nate) Adams PiperJune 24Parents: Emily Adams-Piper and Brandon PiperGrandparents: Marcia and Ted Adams

Death Pat StoutAugust 30Survived by her husband, Gene Stout

Fall Worship InvitationOur worship themes in September and October move from the power of sustained connections to stretching the limits of compassion to the courage to take meaningful risks—all part of a thorough examination of LAUMC’s new vision statement. We will also get to hear two internationally renowned guest preachers share their perspectives on these themes.

September 8: The Thing About Vines: They Cling

September 15: “It is in the shelter of each other that the people live.” Pádraig Ó Tuama, guest preacher; Bobby Jo Valentine, guest musician

September 22: Picking Up Pennies

September 29: How to Live Forever

October 6: Lead With Your Left FootCreekside Crossings service only, celebrating Compassion Week

October 13: Faith Seeking Action: The Seventh StoryBrian McLaren, guest preacher

Digital Communications UpdateHello friends! I am Nadine Damonte, and I am excited about my new role here at LAUMC as the digital communications coordinator. You will notice some changes in how we display and present some of our digital graphics and promotions in worship and on our social media channels. My hope with this new position is to capture and present the flourishing life of this

church. You will be seeing me around worship, special events, and just hanging out taking photos and videos to use in our communications. You can contact me with any questions or concerns at images@laumc.org. And if you haven’t already, follow our social media channels (Instagram: @losaltosumc and Facebook.com/LosAltosUnitedMethodistChurch) so you can be up to date with the life that is flourishing at LAUMC!

Thank-You NoteDearest LAUMC,

Thank you SO much for the incredible farewell dinner. I was deeply moved by the overflowing love I felt from you all. LAUMC has been my ministry and career for 19 years, but it has been my home since I was a 12-year-old kid who needed something more in her life. I came to LAUMC because my friend took the risk and invited me. I encourage all of us to do more of that, because there are so many more people out there who need to find this home, too. I will miss everyone so dearly and have been honored to be in ministry together with you through the years. There are exciting things in store for LAUMC in the years ahead, and I cannot wait to see what God has planned!

With love and deepest gratitude,Cindy Golden

School of Christian Living BeginsBeing part of a community and connecting with our faith regularly is so important that we want to do it on more than just Sundays. You are invited to share a meal and engage in enriching topics with others to gain respite in the middle of your week. Each Wednesday, dinner begins at 6:00pm in Creekside and class offerings start at 7:00pm. Dinner costs $10/adult, $5/child, up to $25/family. Youth are encouraged to participate in dinner after/before youth choir rehearsals, too. The course offerings for September are Four Jesus Stories/Four Spiritualities with Senior Pastor Kathi McShane, Anchored in Spiritual Habits with Robert Wigington, and Understanding Changemaking with our Changemaker Fellows.

Please register at laumc.org/school-of-christian-living for classes and dinner so that the organizers can adequately plan for meals and room space. The next session will begin Wednesday, October 9. For more information, contact Director of Discipleship Kim Jones (kimjones@laumc.org).

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Youth’s Ministry UpdateThe Youth’s Ministry Kick-Off Fiesta was an amazing success! More than 120 people came to the kick-off, and more than 65 youth stayed for the first meeting of Mosaic (high school youth group) and Journey (middle school youth group) that evening. The groups have started the first series on “Stories—The Parables.” Over the next five weeks, the youth groups will dive into the power of stories in the Bible, the reason Jesus used stories as teaching tools, and how we begin to see our own stories intertwining with God’s stories. Youth are welcome every Sunday at 7:00pm: middle schoolers in Room 7 for Journey and high schoolers in the Youth Room for Mosaic.

The next combined youth event will be on Sunday, September 22, 6:30–8:30pm. It will be a progressive dinner: an adventure through a meal, with different stops for different courses that will ultimately finish back at LAUMC. This will be for both youth groups together!

In addition to the general Compassion Week activities taking place September 30 – October 6, there will be special youth projects on Saturday evening, October 5, and Sunday morning, October 6. Full details will follow. Please reach out to Sam Pompei (pompeisamuel@gmail.com) with any questions or to join the Youth’s Ministry email list. Contact Nadine Damonte (info@compassionweeklosaltos.com) with questions about the youth Compassion Week projects.

Celebrating Carol DamonteSunday, September 29, all services

This month we will have a very special moment—don’t miss it! On Sunday, September 29, we will celebrate and honor and thank Carol Damonte, as she formally transitions from her role as Director of Music and Ministries for Youth to her new position of Director of Sacred Spaces. All alumni and families of LAUMC’s youth ministries are especially encouraged to be part of this important day.

Celebrate Fall at the Harvest Craft FaireSaturday, October 19, 9:00am–4:00pm, Creekside

Come socialize, see many new and familiar artisans, shop, enjoy a delicious lunch, and do good while you have fun! All proceeds from the United Methodist Women’s Harvest Craft Faire go to support families in need in our community and beyond. This year’s highlights include artisans from several different cultures; a garden shop offering live plants and succulents; gourmet delights such as canned jams and jellies; and hand-crafted items such as jewelry, glass pumpkins and gourds, hand-sewn bags, aprons, must-haves for pets, and much more. Pastor Potter Mark Bollwinkel will display his latest creations and provide a live demonstration of his art. A beekeeper will bring an observation hive and answer your questions. Live music will be playing. Lunch will be offered 11:30am–2:00pm, and coffee/lattes and snacks are available all day.

Middletown Fire Recovery TripOctober 20–25

The Valley Fire in 2015 killed four people, burned 76,000 acres, and destroyed 1,300 homes. Additional fires have continued to impact the area, including the Mendocino Complex Fire in 2018. LAUMC is sending a work team to help rebuild homes in a community where the need is great. This trip is open to adult members of LAUMC as well as the general community. Some construction experience is desired but not mandatory. The team will be assigned to assist with helping rebuild one or two of the houses that are currently under construction, under the supervision of Hope City construction staff. The group will sleep in dormitory-style facilities with bunk beds and showers that have been set up in Middletown. The registration cost of $225 per person includes lodging, food, insurance, and a t-shirt. Bring additional money for fast-food stops on the way up and back. If you are interested, contact Trip Leader Bob Lee (genrlrel@pacbell.net or 650-468-1612) for the required registration and release forms. There will be a trip orientation meeting on October 7, 7:15pm in the Garden Room.

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Senior Ministries OpportunitiesThe Senior Ministries Group had a wonderful time last month viewing the spectacular stained-glass windows at Christ Episcopal Church, followed by lunch at Pasta Market in Los Altos. Check out some upcoming opportunities below.

Senior Ministries Monthly GatheringThursday, September 12, 1:00pm, Live Oak RoomMegan Carroll Allende will share her wedding photos; come and celebrate with her. This is a good opportunity to meet people and make new friends.

Senior Ministries Movie GroupFirst and third Tuesdays, 1:00pm, Live Oak RoomSeptember 17: Dumbo (2019) | October 1: YentlMovie choices are subject to change; refer to the Sunday bulletin for the current movie.

Creative Aging Program LaunchSaturday, October 12, 8:30–11:30am, CreeksideIs there something new about growing older? Can we prevent the symptoms of dementia? At the official launch of Bill Buchholz’s Changemaker project Creative Aging, Dr. Grace Nadolny, a geriatric psychiatrist, will discuss the latest research on how simple lifestyle changes can significantly diminish the chances that Alzheimer’s will affect the mind and limit life. Through his Creative Aging events, Bill wants to help seniors explore—and change—beliefs about old age so they are empowered to grow older gracefully and not just get old. This program is for everyone, regardless of age, who wishes to keep on having happy birthdays.

Save the Date: Thursday, October 24Bus trip to tour the John Steinbeck Home in Salinas

Volunteers in Mission OpportunitiesVolunteers in Mission (VIM) teams can go nearby or around the globe to address a wide variety of needs, such as disaster recovery, medical, justice, construction, Bible study, and more. Here are some upcoming VIM opportunities:

Middletown Fire Rebuilding: October 20–25 (see separate article on page 4)

VIM Leader Training: Saturday, October 26, 9:00am–3:00pm, Youth Room. Learn how to prepare and guide a team to work with the hosting community to address the community’s needs as well as create the most meaningful experience for your team. Contact Steve Elliott (sae612@msn.com or 925-640-9797) for more information.

Puerto Rico Hurricane Rebuilding: February 14–22 (ages 18+). Contact Leslie Carmichael (carm-lee@pacbell.net or 650-468-7890) for more information.

Women’s Build Mexico House-Building: June 13–20 (ages 14+). Contact Leslie Carmichael (carm-lee@pacbell.net or 650-468-7890) for more information.

The Village – Back by Popular DemandSunday, September 87:00–8:30pm, Resource Center

The Village is a group for parents of teens, gathering for inspired and inspiring conversations about this stage of the journey. Participants share, get real, and discover ways to be intentional about empowering youth to thrive (and the parents grow, too!). This year the meetings will include an exciting new video-based curriculum with time for meaningful reflection and discussion. The group gets together once a month on Sunday evenings (during Journey and Mosaic youth groups). The meeting dates are September 8, October 13, November 3, December 8, January 12, February 9, March 8, April 5, and May 3. Contact Kim Jones (kimjones@laumc.org) for more information.

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Book GroupThursday, September 197:30pm, Garden Room

The Thursday Night Women’s Book Group will discuss Shipping News by Annie Proulx. All women are welcome to participate. Contact Sandy Montoya (smsmontoya@gmail.com) with questions.

New Name, New Vision for Senior Adults GroupSome of you recognize the name Living Gospels, which has been the name of LAUMC’s ministry for senior adults. The group has changed to a simpler name, Senior Adult Ministry. Seniors and the congregation as a whole are all invited to dream God’s dream and envision what seniors can do in LAUMC’s life and community. Here are the vision and mission statements of Senior Adult Ministry.

Vision: A church community that encourages seniors and sustains connections with God, self, and neighboring communities, where all may flourish in the bold spirit of borderless compassion and audacious acts of courage.

Mission: To foster positive, constructive, and transformative thoughts about the later stages of life, promoting well-being and building a connected community that includes those who are isolated and lonely and that reaches out to both active and homebound church members and neighbors.

Seniors are encouraged to reimagine their future by redefining how they view wholeness and integrity in relation to their sense of life purpose, health, faith, and spiritual well-being. The hope is that senior adults will use their wisdom and creativity to form a connected community, not only with others at LAUMC but also with people in the neighboring communities. The Senior Adult Ministry team will make an effort to explore opportunities to foster intergenerational activities and relationships and empower participants to be Christ’s disciples. No matter what age you are or what stage of life you are in, God calls you to live your life well, do well together (not alone), and be a blessing for others. If you have any questions, contact Associate Pastor Jeong Park (jeongpark@laumc.org or 650-948-1083 x114), the pastor in charge of Senior Adult Ministry.

New Church Photo Directory The Radical Hospitality team is planning to print a new photo directory using the information in the church’s online directory and pictures taken by volunteers. Since this is a new way of producing a directory, they plan to do it in two phases. First, they will print a preliminary draft version of the directory and ask everyone to confirm or update their information (contact details, listing preferences, and photos) between church services. At the same time, they will ask for $5.00 from anyone who wants to reserve a printed copy. The second phase will be delivery of the final printed copies around the end of October with everyone’s updated information.

As a reminder, the online contact directory with the most current information is always available for members and constituents to securely access. On the LAUMC website, go to the menu to access the directory: About > Our Congregation > Online Directory and log in. If you have questions about how to access it online or update your own information, contact Kyle Aiken-Forderer (info@laumc.org).

Mass Incarceration and the Church’s ResponseSaturday, September 21 10:00am–3:00pm, Willow Glen UMC, San Jose

If you’d like to learn more about our country’s prison system and why the Church needs to respond, you are invited to attend a workshop called “Introduction to Racial Injustice, the Prison Industrial Complex, and Mass Incarceration and the Church’s Response.” The workshop is designed and led by Sophia Jackson, a formerly incarcerated person who recently graduated from Pacific School of Religion. Lunch is provided, and a donation of $10–20 is suggested. Register at urbansanctuarysj.org if you plan to attend.

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Children’s Ministries NewsOur Children’s Ministries team has a few paid and volunteer posts open this fall. Check them out below and contact Director of Children’s Ministries Michelle Caudle (650-964-1083 x153 or michellecaudle@laumc.org) if you are interested in these positions.

LAUMC is hiring two to three part-time nursery care workers on Wednesday mornings twice a month. This is a fun, rewarding position working with children ages 3 and younger. The pay is $15/hour.

Are you interested in sharing your love of Jesus with young people? Do you want to learn more about the Bible? Children’s Ministries is looking for three to four adults in the congregation to serve as Sunday school teachers! No experience with children is necessary—just a willingness to be present, have fun, and share your experiences living out your faith. The commitment is every other month: one month in the classroom, one month off—and you ALWAYS have a teaching partner to rely on. The congregation makes a joyful promise during each baptism to surround our children with a community of love and forgiveness, so that they may grow in their trust of God. What better way to live out those vows than through volunteering in Sunday school!

Bees are buzzing and birds are tweeting happy “welcome to school” messages on the bulletin boards at the Children’s Center. In August, the CC Staff spent several weeks cleaning and prepping their classrooms—creating a warm, welcoming, playful space for the children. It is always fascinating to see the children starting school full of enthusiasm and anticipation. The CC staff nurtures all of the children and makes them feel so welcomed, important, loved, and supported. Feel free to visit the Children’s Center—and share the sunshine!

The Children’s Center is pleased to be able to support not only the parents of students, but also any interested community members, by offering a variety of free resources: parenting education presentations, coffee talks, book clubs, family fun activities, and an extensive borrowing library. To kick off the school year, the Children’s Center’s Family Resource Center welcomes you to participate in the following. Please register at childrenscenterpreschool.org for any of these events.

Book Group: Siblings Without RivalryAn informal book group featuring Adele Faber’s Siblings Without Rivalry will take place every other Wednesday, September 18 – November 20.

Pediatric First Aid/Infant-Child CPR ClassWednesday, September 25, 6:00–9:00pm, Children’s Center MultiHas “take an infant/child CPR course” been on your to-do list ever since you became a parent? No need to put it off any longer! In just one evening, you will learn all of the skills associated with assessing a victim, performing CPR, stopping choking, controlling bleeding, and managing shock. Register online and then bring a check for $45 made payable to CPRescue to the CC Office.

Speaker Event: Screen Time & Young ChildrenThursday, October 17, 9:00–10:30am, Live Oak RoomExplore the pros and cons of young children’s use of technology such as TV, video games, tablets, phones, and computers. Discussion will include information about development in the early years in relationship to screen time. Strategies for using technology in healthy ways will also be shared. All are welcome and the presentation is free, but registration is requested.

Children’s Center NewsCreekside Kids ChoirWednesdays, 5:00–6:00pmLive Oak Room

Calling all 1st through 5th graders: A new season of Creekside Kids Choir is ready to begin. Join us! Come celebrate God’s love for us through music, friendship, and fun. The choir meets on Wednesdays, 5:00–6:00pm, starting on September 11. If you have any questions, email Casie Walker (casiewalker@yahoo.com). She is looking forward to seeing you!

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GOOD NEWSLos Altos United Methodist Church655 Magdalena AvenueLos Altos, CA 94024-5297(650) 948-1083 www.laumc.org

DATE MAILED: September 6, 2019NEXT GOOD NEWS DEADLINE: October 7, 2019WORSHIP SERVICES: Sundays 8:30am, 10:00am & 5:00pm

Change for ChangeSunday, September 22, all services

The New Covenant Choir invites everyone to participate in its annual “Change for Change” collection. Bring your spare change to church on September 22 and drop it in the collection bucket in the Narthex. The collected change will go to Salinas First UMC’s prescription medicine program, which helps homeless clients afford medications that are critical to maintaining their health.

Special Offering: Peace With Justice SundaySunday, September 29, all services

On September 29 we will take a special offering in worship for Peace With Justice Sunday, one of the offerings we share with United Methodists all around the world. Because of the Peace with Justice Sunday offering, the people of The United Methodist Church are able to make a difference together by sowing seeds—and yielding fruit!—of peace. When you give to this special offering, you are combining your resources with those from around the church to make a lasting difference in the world. Recent projects span from exonerating the wrongfully convicted in the U.S. to working for peace in Palestine. Special offering envelopes will be in the bulletin, or you can give online at https://laumc.onlinegiving.org or text PEACE and your donation amount to 650-229-5200. Please give generously to this fund, just as you give generously to so many other important parts of God’s work in our community and in the world.

September Outreach Connection: Community Services AgencySunday, September 8, all services

This month’s Outreach Connection featured agency is Community Services Agency (CSA). Come hear a program director talk about services offered to individuals and families on low or fixed incomes, to those who are homeless, and to seniors ages 60-plus. CSA’s goal is to provide basic necessities of life to those in need, including assistance with homeless prevention, food, and health checks for the elderly. You can give generously to support CSA’s services to our community in church on September 8, online at https://laumc.onlinegiving.org, or by texting OUTREACH and your donation amount to 650-229-5200.