A waterfall created after being inspired by Annual Gathering and General Synod
During the hot summer months, we at First Congregational United Church of Christ in San Bernardino move our worship into our fellowship hall to conserve energy usage.
This summer we are focusing on themes of creation and renewal and have adapted the alternate "Season of Creation" lectionary first developed by an ecumenical group of churches in Australia (www.seasonofcreation.com).Those of us who attended the Annual Gathering in Claremont, CA this past June were delighted and moved by Susan Brecht’s beautiful waterfall scene at the altar area.After the inspiration of Annual Gathering and also the “Immerse Yourself” theme and space design from the 27th General Synod of the United Church of Christ in Grand Rapids, a waterfall scene was created in our summer worship space.
In conjunction with our summer worship, the children and youth of our congregation are enjoying a special "Art in Creation" program. Guest artists lead classes each week and guide them in various art projects that tie in with weekly worship themes of earth, humanity, sky, rain, God’s creatures and mountains. The art series will culminate in an Art Show on “Art in Creation Sunday” on September 27th, when we will showcase and celebrate the art that our children and youth have created. (Part of the inspiration for this program came from First Congregational UCC in Santa Barbara and their recent children's art program and show.) We will also be sharing ideas for caring for creation and advocating for environmental justice. After our return to the sanctuary for World Communion Sunday, our congregation will celebrate a blessing of the animals on the afternoon of October 4th, which is also St. Francis Day, to end our Season of Creation.
These are some of the things that are going on in our congregation this summer. We look forward to reading about your church in the new online magazine of the Southern California Nevada Conference.
Blessings and Peace, from the First Congregational United Church of Christ, San Bernardino - Rev. Petra Malleis-Sternberg, Rev. Sally Burton and Cas Mata, Director of Youth and Family Ministries
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by Rev. Petra Malleis-Sternberg, Rev. Sally Burton & Cas Mata
