Dear Family and Friends of The Neighborhood Church,

This is my invitation to you to lay aside time for extra worship in the Holy Week that lies ahead. Even consider taking in the entire journey from the parade of Palm Sunday, to the Last Supper and Betrayal in the Garden, to the Cross, to the Grave, and finally to an empty tomb! If you’ll take it all in, I can promise that it will lead to a most meaningful Easter.

Now, that’s a lot of worship for most folks. But I’m thinking that it just may bless your life of faith and walk with God to take in the full story of our salvation. Lot’s of people will be putting in lots of work in making it all happen, and I am so grateful for them. I hope you will make every possible attempt to join us as often as you can…

• Palms and Passion Sunday….10am, March 24th

  We begin with a parade of praise, and move towards pondering what God promises lies ahead. A great kick-off to a very meaningful week!

• Maundy Thursday…7pm, March 28 th

  This worship focuses on the Last Supper, the events in the garden of Gethsemane that night, and features an experience of Holy Communion—the only opportunity for such during this Holy Week.

• Good Friday Service of Shadows…7pm, March 29th

  This is a first for many of you—an evening of classic hymns, special music, prayers, and lessons featuring the seven last words of Christ. The worship eventually descends into increasing darkness, and ends in silence as the Christ Candle is carried out of the sanctuary. The service ends in darkness and silence. Most worshippers say it is one of the most profound worship experiences of which they’ve been a part. Don’t miss this…

• Easter Sunday Morning Sunrise…6:30am, out on the ocean patio, March 31st

  We return to experience the first light of dawn and the discovery of the empty tomb. Complete with special musical accompaniment, the Easter Gospel, a special sermon, this early morning worship promises to bless! Bring a blanket and a friend. A special continental breakfast for those who worship at this service immediately follows in the Fellowship Hall! Join us, please!!

• Easter Sunday Morning Festive Worship…10am, sanctuary, March 31st

  Featuring classic hymns, brass instruments, choir, children’s sermon and gifts, the Easter Gospel, and a special Easter message by Pastor Rick, this worship pulls out all the stops and Alleluias! It may mark the return of our beautifully renovated and restored organ as well.

• Easter Sunday Egg Hunt for Children…11:15am, near the labyrinth by the sea wall

  Coffee and goodies for the adults will be out there as well! Children will hunt for eggs, and return them for a special Easter Goodies bag. What a great way to punctuate our Easter morning—smiling children’s faces, terrific ocean view, and the great company of one another!

Hope to see you all week long!

Pastor Rick

Intentional Interim Minister

Dear Family and Friends of The Neighborhood Church,

Happiest of New Year days to you and yours! I’m not much of a poetry kind of guy. Oh, I put in my required time in on such during my college days, and I’ve tried to get into it at various times in my life—attending readings, mulling over books of it that people have “gifted” to me, even wrote some myself when I needed song lyrics to go with some new tune in my brain. But, all in all, I’m not much for it. But, I do remember one poem—it stands out as one from which I gleaned a life lesson in my early college years and adopted it as a sort of credo for my life. In fact, a whole school of thought and psychology emerged from it. You probably know it, too: “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost.

“Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same.

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.”

For the next couple of Sundays, we will be considering the calling of the first disciples of Jesus. The calling was Jesus’…but the choice was theirs.

To say “Yes!” was to ponder leaving behind the familiar, the meaningful, the establishment, the culture. But ultimately, one answers this invitation to follow Jesus with one’s feet—you finally step away from some things and towards something new. It’s not a bad place for us to begin as we enter this newest year that God has given us. We answer with our feet—stepping out onto the path, the road, less traveled. It’s a road that does not promise to be easy, but full of purpose and meaning. This business of answering with our feet—stepping out and into the world for the cause of Christ—sets us onto a road that makes a difference.

Yes, we answer that invitation to follow with our voice. But, in order to get going, you get up and move forward. Happy New Year, and many happy new roads as we venture into God’s marvelous future!

Pastor Rick
Intentional Interim Minister

Dear Family and Friends of the Neighborhood Church,

We’re now into the 6th month of our time of Intentional Interim Ministry, and I am simply loving our time together. Thank you for your positive and prayerful support, encouragement, and participation. I hope you’re enjoying it too! I thought it might be a good time to update where we are at, where we are going, and what and when you can expect things to be happening along the way through our process.

We had almost 90 individuals participate in our Listening Sessions. Much was shared and learned there, as well as new acquaintances made. Your Transition Team is analyzing and interpreting the findings, as well as moving further with the conversations had there. A report and summary of findings from those get-togethers will be offered soon.

This crackerjack team will also be exploring ideas, suggestions to be considered, and will help in the development of the online survey. This confidential online survey should be available sometime early in December, and each individual will be invited to get online and take it.  This survey will dive deeper and in more detail into your thoughts, preferences, and opinions about our life together and the pastoral candidate that will eventually be called to serve at TNC. For those who do not do computers or do not have access to one, hard copies of the same will be available and members of the Transition Team will input them online for you so that ALL can be included in the findings.

In the meantime, your Search Committee is hard at work developing the Congregational Profile that will eventually be used in the posting of the open position of Senior Minister. They meet almost every 2 weeks, and their writing work comes to an end once the findings from the survey are in and shared with the entire congregation. The job description for the position will be developed as well in the New Year.

All of this comes together at least right after Easter (beginning of April 2024) and results in the churchwide (UCC) posting of the open position. Candidates will submit resumes and paperwork to be considered in the weeks following.

I expect that by the end of June, the Search Committee will have determined who it is they’d like to explore further and begin to interview the candidates. The first round will likely be online, with a usual 2nd and 3rd round to follow in person and on site with those the Committee chooses to move further with. There could be some visits at various sites should the Committee choose to do so. I expect that the initial round of interviews will be completed before the end of summer.

If all goes well, sometime in October of 2024, we will have experienced the clarity and work of the Holy Spirit among us, voted as a congregation and issued a call. Plans will be underway at that point for the beginning of the next chapter at the Neighborhood Church. The plan is to have our new Senior Minister among us by Advent (December) of 2024.

That’s the update! Pray with me that God will continue to bless our time together, and that we remain open to the Spirit’s prompting and leading us through this process.

In the meantime, signs of life and activity are happening all around us. I hope to see you around the place as you are able…

Pastor Rick
Intentional Interim Minister

Dear Family and Friends of The Neighborhood Church,

These are stewardship days for our congregation—days when we’re asking you to be thinking about what you intend to share with your church in 2024 as a means of expressing to God your gratitude and faith. I’ve discovered through the years that there are very few people who don’t like the idea of generosity. We are indeed a species that loves to help others and confront needs when we see them. Unfortunately, there are also very few people who are content with the level of generosity in their lives. Most people I know wish they were able to give more. And while there are a number of reasons that this may be the case… sometimes the best solution may be the simplest.

To that end, I believe there are a number of simple steps that we can take to make generosity more intentional in our lives. If you have never given away much of any of your money or time, these are a few ways that can help you to get started (no matter what your current economic situation is). On the other hand, if you are just hoping to raise the level of generosity in your life, you may find some of these simple steps to be relevant and helpful.

1. Consider the benefits of generosity. Here at the Neighborhood Church, the simple truth is: If we have more, we can do more! Generous people report being happier, healthier, and more satisfied with life than those who don’t give, or give little. Generosity produces within us a sense that we are capable of making a difference in the world, that we are actively addressing the needs of those around us, and that we are shaping our faith community into a healthier one. 

2. Embrace gratitude. Make a list of the things in your life for which you are grateful. Your list doesn’t have to be long. It won’t take much time. Heck, it doesn’t even have to be a physical list (in your head will be completely sufficient). Sometimes, the most important step you can take to become more generous is to spend more time thinking about what you already possess and less time thinking about what you don’t. Once you start intentionally thinking that way, you may be surprised just how good you already have it… and become more apt to share your life with others.

3. Start really small. If you’ve never given away money, start by giving away a few bucks. Of course, the point of this exercise is not to report a $1 tax deduction on your year-end tax return. The point is to get started. No matter what dollar amount you choose, jump right in with something small. You can afford it… and that little push can help build momentum in your life towards generosity.

4. Give first. When you receive your next paycheck, make your first expense an act of giving to your church. Often times, we wait to see how much we have left over before we determine how much we can give away. The problem is that most of the time after we start spending, there is nothing left over. The habit of spending all of it is too deeply ingrained in our lives. To counteract that cycle, give first. Every payday, do the same. You just may be surprised how you won’t even miss it.

5. Divert one specific expense. For a month, divert one specific expense to the ministry at the Neighborhood Church. You may choose to bring a lunch to work, cook in instead of eat out, or give up Starbucks on Thursdays. Calculate the money you’ll save and then redirect it to your faith community.

6. Spend time with people in need. One of the most effective antidotes for non-generosity is to make space in your life for those who actually need your help. After all, it is a very small step to go from knowing somebody in need to helping somebody in need. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to volunteer one meal at your local homeless shelter, or Family Promise. Most shelters readily accept volunteers and have systems in place to get you started. And rubbing shoulders with the poor just may change your impression of them forever.

7. Spend time with a generous person. One of the most life-changing conversations I’ve ever had about generosity occurred when I found the courage to start asking specific questions of the right person. I remember starting with, “Have you always been generous?” And immediately followed with more: “When did you become so generous? How did it start? How do you decide where your money goes? What advice would you give someone who wants to get started?” It was life-changing. And the other guy paid for the meal… go figure.

Just a few things that have been helpful to me along the way. The leadership of NCPVE is hoping that 2024 will be the most exciting year ever for ministry here. With the startup of some new community partnerships, the calling of a new Senior Minister, and growth in our funding of ongoing ministry initiatives it can be. And your generosity will make it all possible.

Think on these things…pray your way to generous living and giving. God will surely bless our best efforts. After all, even giving is a matter of faith.

Pastor Rick
Intentional Interim Minister

We are proud to share the impact of your recent support of Family Promise of the South Bay, as depicted in their latest monthly report. Christian Action Ministry extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who generously donated a total of $1,380 to Family Promise in August. We are immensely thankful for your contributions, and we invite you to explore the inspiring stories that showcase the tangible results of your generous support.

Current updates:

• Shelter Family Housed: 1 

• New Shelter Family: 1 single mom and 3 year old son

• Transitional House: 1 new single mom and 10 year old son

• ICMS Housed: 9

• Car Donation matched: 1

• Current shelter waitlist: 180 families

  • 28 families on waitlist enrolled in Paramount/Shelter/Prevention/Diversion Program

Naomi:

We are excited to share that Naomi has exited our shelter program and is getting ready to move into her new home! For those who have been following her journey in our past emails, her life has been changing quickly over the past few months. Thanks to our incredible faith-based communities and connections, she is now a proud owner of a Buick, and recently secured a three bedroom apartment in Bellflower. We are grateful for all of the ways her case manager, Kris, was able to guide and advocate for her in this journey. Naomi is now connected to our Stabilization Program which will continue to guide her in sustaining housing stability and independence. For everyone who has participated in the Sunday Family Picnics and volunteered with Summer Camp and has served Naomi's family, we send our sincerest gratitude for the impact you have made.

Kimiya: Recipient of car donation

Kimiya was raised in New Mexico by a single father; her mother was an addict that abandoned her at three years old. She’s a mother of four; two boys ages ten and eight, and two daughters ages two and four. The father of the two boys was abusive to her. The first time he hurt their son she left.
She began services with Family Promise in March 2022 while she was at a homeless shelter called Lydia’s House in Long Beach.  We supported her with housing navigation and advocated on her behalf to her current landlord.  We were able to get her successfully housed in spite of several barriers including a low credit score, and lack of sufficient income. 
She is currently attending Long Beach Community College to get her Associates Degree, with a long term goal of getting a Bachelors in Psychology.  We referred her to the work program with Pacific Gateway, and she has a job interview this week. She is a very sweet, kind and responsible person who is reaching for the stars to better her situation for herself and her children. We are grateful for the support and guidance of her case manager, Iris.

Please see photos of car donor Kerry and Kimiya below. 

We are so grateful for all of our community partners!

Dear Family and Friends of The Neighborhood Church,

As many of you have discovered, I enjoy a good laugh. And I enjoy helping others around me to laugh. I have long believed that it is good for one’s soul. It’s funny—no pun intended—where I discover something that makes me smile or outright crack up. I suppose it comes from a sense that God’s still remarkably in charge of this world, that we’re in God’s good hands, and that ultimately all will be well.

In the quest for things that might make us laugh, we have seen plenty of bad comedians along the way. But one I loved was George Carlin—he was brilliant, and often had a keen insight into the human condition, told things the way they really were, and still managed to evoke major laughs out of me—even if his humor was a bit “off-color”. He could also cause me to ponder things. 
George Carlin’s wife died early in 2008 and George followed her, dying in July 2008. It is ironic George Carlin – comedian of the 70’s and 80’s – could write something so very eloquent and so very appropriate, humorous, and wise for today as this essay I share in part: 

Something to Ponder
by George Carlin

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, yet more problems; more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.  We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life. We’ve added years to life not life to years. We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We’ve done larger things, but not better things.

We’ve cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We’ve conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We’ve learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.  These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big people and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships…

Remember to spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.  Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.  Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart, and it doesn’t cost a cent.

Remember, to say, ‘I love you’ to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.  Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.  Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

And always remember, life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by those moments that take our breath away.

After all was said and done, the Psalmists wrote as their final word: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” (Ps.150:6) Laughter is one of the ways we do that, and I believe it’s good medicine.  If God can use even Mr. Carlin to make us smile, and make us think, perhaps God can use us too…enjoy, and let’s laugh it up!

Pastor Rick
Intentional Interim Minister

There is a source of inspiration that I have repeatedly turned to over the years. 

It is frequently called the “Irish Blessing.” In fact, there is not just one Irish blessing but many. Most of them are very ancient. Over the years, I have made an amalgamation of some of them that helped me when I felt I needed to hear their calming yet motivational words. I offer them to you now, and I hope you find them as moving and soothing as I do. 

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields,
May peace and plenty bless your world
With a joy that long endures
And may all life's passing seasons
Bring the best to you and yours.

May your troubles be less and your blessings be more,
And nothing but happiness come through your door.

May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow.
May the soft winds freshen your spirit.
May the sunshine brighten your heart
May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you.

May you always have walls for the winds,
A roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
And all your heart might desire.

May you get all your wishes but one
So you always have something to strive for.

May the friendships you make,
Be those which endure,
And all of your grey clouds
Be small ones for sure.
And trusting in Him
To Whom we all pray,
May a song fill your heart,
Every step of the way.

May you see your children’s children
May you be poor in misfortunes
Rich in blessings

May blue be the skies above you
May pure be the joys that surround you
May true be the hearts that love you
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward

And, until we meet again,
may God enfold you in the mantle of His love.
And hold you in the palm of His hand.

God’s blessings to you all.

Michael Moorhead
Licensed Minister

Dear Family and Friends of The Neighborhood Church,

Struggle and conflict—we are all too aware of the resulting tragedies of generational hate, fear, jealousy, and domination. Our friends and global neighbors in the Middle East have lived with those realities for centuries—since Biblical times, really.  And, of course, there are rippling effects and consequences for our friends and neighbors who are Jews and Palestinians here in our own country and city. 

Our faith directs that we must pray for peace, and healing, and stand by those afraid and on guard because of the times in which we live. So, we will. It’s a human tragedy, isn’t it? And nothing short of terrorists are the bad actors on the scene, causing havoc and distrust and further violence here and abroad.

People want to know what is going on, and why this is happening. In short, from a theological perspective, sin. Sin moves us off our values and priorities, and causes fear, distrust, and ultimately tragedy. Sin takes its toll on us, especially in the arena of human relationships. To watch and hear of it erupting in the world and even here in our own city is both frightening, disheartening, and a vivid reminder of the human condition and our great need of saving.

It seems to me that there’s no way to justify the bad behavior the human family that God created and designed for love. And, for me, it seems there’s only one explanation for it: sin. It is a battle inside of us that we are not wired to win on our own.  Thus, Christ; the One who comes to save us from our very selves, and this sin within…to mend our brokenness…to bridge human division, and to restore us to wholeness and peace. This is, as Scripture describes a “peace which passes all understanding, that will keep and guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, our Lord.” (Philippians 4:7) We need a good dose of it right now.

Kids take the edge off things sometimes—at least, it’s been that way in our house. Reminding us that there’s a little sin that is in our nature, and is at work even as we watch siblings and families navigate life. Kris, our oldest son who is now a husband and dad himself, grew up in a church context where that scriptural blessing was spoken regularly at the end of every worship—so much so, that one evening at the dinner table, this 2-year-old asked us to pass him “the peas that passeth all understanding”.  Hah—out of the mouth of babes!

I smile remembering that comment. I needed that happy memory in the midst of the surrounding bad news this morning—this reminder that it is still God’s world, God is still large and in charge, and that Christ was given as “salve” ( = “salvation”) for all that ails us and trips us up. Today, we could use a “peace that passes human understanding AND guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus”. I find myself wondering: could it be that simple?

Pastor Rick
Intentional Interim Minister

Dear Family and Friends of The Neighborhood Church,

As I write this blog of sorts, we have just completed the final Listening Session. This always is an important part of the Intentional Interim process—a very important step in the process. We have reached almost 90 folks in this way, and have spent time listening to one another—gaining understanding, insights, and opinions as to our past, our present, and our future at TNC. It has been a delightful series of get-togethers, and the joy, energy, and passion for this place has been readily apparent. You really showed up for these, and so many of you have told me just how good it felt, and how much it meant, to be able to get together with others who care about this place and our life together and talk…but most especially, be listened to.

So, now what?  There is more listening and sharing to be had via an online and hard-copy survey that will be available later in November—hopefully we will reach even greater numbers and ask you to reflect on even more detailed possibilities, vision, and ideas for our future path. There is more to be learned, concluded, and acted upon in order that the search process will be a good one, and just the right candidate for your next Senior Minister can be discovered.

My grandma used to remind me that we have two ears and only one mouth for a reason—that we should be doing about twice as much listening as talking. I’ve grown up to appreciate that truth of nature, especially when it comes to our relationship with God. Lots of listening goes a long way! 

But eventually, action must flow from what has been learned, shared, and discovered. And through it all, we must spend time listening ALSO to God through prayer, the study of scripture, worship, and service to our communityand neighbors. The writer of the NT Book of James seems to agree:

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a person who looks at their face in a mirror, and after looking at themselves, goes away and immediately forgets what they look like. But the person who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this not forgetting what they have seen and heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.”

Wow—doesn’t get much plainer than that! There are decisions to be made…suggestions to consider…further consideration of the way things are and could be need be had.

Of this I am sure: If we will continue to listen and learn from one another and God, we will move ever more faithfully into the marvelous future that God is setting out before us! Will you join in making this journey one for the ages?

Pastor Rick
Intentional Interim Minister

Dear Family and Friends of The Neighborhood Church,

Yet another glorious day that God has given us to enjoy, and to make use of, for God’s purposes in the world! This week’s Gospel text coming to us Sunday is from Matthew 21, where Jesus tells a very simple, yet profound, story.

There is a father who has two sons. The father asks them to go out and work in their field. One of the two sons, in rebelliousness and disregard, says “No, I won’t go!”.  A little later, the father looks up from whatever he’s doing and there is his son, working out in the field—doing the very thing he said he would not do, but the father desired.

His other son, when asked to work, said politely: “Father, nothing would please me more than to go out and work in the field for you!”  Two hours later, the polite, docile, ever-pleasing obedient son is still lying on the sofa streaming Netflix.

Now, think hard, says Jesus—which son do you think pleased his father more?  The one who said no, but then sprung into action? Or the one who politely said yes, but did nothing?

Will you agree with me when I say that there are some things in this life—often the most important ones—which you cannot know except by doing them? For example, I learned from watching my young daughters that dancers must understand that you can’t really know the dance just by hearing some talk on it—even a very good lecture on dance cannot replace joining the dance! You must feel the moves, letting the rhythm take over your body. 

It occurred to me again this week, in preparing for Sunday, that the Christian faith is just this way. It is why Jesus told this story. Faith is something caught, not taught. Not merely expressed but lived out. Jesus was not a philosopher who laid out a new system of ideas that were to remain in the head. Jesus’ movement in the world was to capture the heart, hands, feet, and voices of people as well.

Jesus was a teacher, whose very life activity taught what he preached. We love and follow Jesus not simply because of what he said, but because of the way he lived, died, and was resurrected. Did you notice that Jesus did not ask us to agree with him, but to follow him? The very proof of our faith is action. Our faith is to change us…challenge us…grow us into something, someone, that we’re not yet!

The world is watching us, not listening, mostly. Actions DO speak louder than words. This means that it matters how we live and treat one another in our homes, at church, in the workplace. Our actions as Christians are to shout out to the world that Jesus Christ is Lord of our life! God grant that our “yes” to Jesus would mean “yes, in-deed”… See you Sunday in worship and study.

Pastor Rick
Intentional Interim Minister

Dear Family and Friends of The Neighborhood Church,

It was so cute—that moment last Sunday when the 3rd graders were presented with a Bible from their home church family. They seemed so proud to be standing there in front of people who love and support them and are cheering them on! One little girl even had a tear in her eye, and it was trickling down her cheek. Kind of choked me up, watching children teaching us about treasuring the promises of our Creator, and the hope that is ours in Christ, simply by holding their new Bibles so carefully and close to their bodies. Could you see them beaming up there?

I had signed the inside of each and inscribed a message reflecting on one of my favorite verses regarding the written Word of God: “Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and light unto my path.” (from Psalm 119) In other words, the writer recognizes the value of a word from God which lights up the dark places in our lives…the unknown…that which is yet unseen, or yet to be discovered. And what better news is there for children who are growing up in a world where the going gets rough sometimes (as it always has and always will, by the way), and with this treasure of a life that God has blessed them. The ‘good news” of a Savior who loves them, and stands ready to illumine every dark place and corner that may threaten on their path that lies ahead—it doesn’t get any better than that, does it?

This insight is not simply given to little children, though. God’s Word can do the same for us, if we will spend time with it, read it, take it in, consider what it says and promises and hopes. So, how important might it be for us to have our noses stuck in the written Word as often as we can? To learn it, recite it, remember it?

Perhaps you’ll consider committing to the 3 Biblical overview studies I will be teaching entitled “Bible Basics 101”—they begin this Sunday, the 24th, and are only from 11:15am-Noon. This could be a good jump start for developing a habit of reading a piece of Scripture at the outset or ending of each day. Or maybe you’ll consider the discipline of reading the entire Bible in a year—we’ll provide the daily texts that will get you there if you ask us.

Whatever it may be, think again about those kiddos…what a gift they are in our midst. Even, unintentionally, teaching us big folks something about the Word of God which can light our paths moving forward, and illumine the dark places along the way.

Take it in however you can—you will not be disappointed.

Pastor Rick
Intentional Interim Minister

Dear Family and Friends of The Neighborhood Church,

As the songwriter put it: “Love is in the air!”. Not a bad way to capture the energy and momentum of these days as we re-enter the regular year of ministry and programs here at NCPVE. In addition to all that is kicking back into gear these days in terms of our life together, we have added Listening Sessions to the mix—a time for everyone to reflect on the gift that NCPVE is in their lives, what is working and what is needed here, and some sense of what God might be calling us to moving forward. So, far, over 60 voices have been heard in small group sessions and in individual conversations! 

It's not too late to participate! As you receive this note, there are 4 Listening Sessions that remain (2 with childcare provided). Just call the church office at 310-378-9353, OR, drop Lauren (our Office and Communications Manager) a note to reserve a place! OR, simply show up—we’ll make room for you!

• Thursday evening, September 21st, 6:30pm-8pm, with desserts

• Saturday morning, September 30th, 10am-11:30am, with donuts (childcare provided)

• Sunday afternoon, October 1st, 3pm-4:30pm, with snacks (childcare provided)

• Wednesday morning, October 4th, 10am-11:30am, with donuts

One thing, so far, has been made very clear: People at NCPVE have a love for this ministry, this setting, and the people who are part of it. Now, “love” is a complicated thing as we all know and have likely experienced—it does NOT mean that there are no issues, no need for changes or additions to what we are or what we do, no room for improvement and excellence. It DOES mean that we’re in it—maybe even all the way! Love means that we want to be part of what lies ahead and are willing to be involved and engaged in shaping our future and making it even better.

So don’t let love pass you by.  Jump into one of these Listening Sessions and spend a couple hours sharing and dreaming about what God is up to here.  You have something valuable to bring to the table—your thoughts, impressions, insights, and imagination that will be coupled with others and bear fruit at The Neighborhood Church. Your voice will only add to the richness of what is being discovered.

I hope that many of you join me in being excited about what God is doing here. I, too, can sense that love is in the air. I hear you speak of it as you share stories that bring it to life. Your passion will ignite our future, and I can’t wait to see what God will be up to among us!

See you at worship, at the adult Bible Study, and at one of the Listening Sessions…

Pastor Rick
Intentional Interim Minister

Dear Family and Friends of The Neighborhood Church,

In the face of recent maladies and tragedies, I have been reminded once again of our use of the term “blessing”—as in, “We were really blessed by avoiding catastrophe when that tropical storm blew through…”. Others said, in the aftermath of an event: “At least we have each other. We were really blessed.”One woman, freshly plucked from disaster, proclaimed: “We’re so blessed!”

And, of course, all of this is true.  But what of those who lost their lives? Or had their livelihoods and/or homes destroyed or ravaged? What about the families that were broken—even, destroyed? Does that mean that they weren’t “blessed”, but somehow cursed?  Were they bad?  Did they live wrong? It could come off that way if we use the term too loosely.

And what does that communicate to the world who may or may not be connected to God? Because our use of the term “blessing” most often means the recognition of a Divine Benefactor—a God of providence and mercy, who generously grants us life and all that we need from day to day. For others, it’s simply an expression—almost as if to use “blessed” as a nice sounding replacement for “lucky”.  Just doesn’t sound so Las Vegas-ish.

Consider the word of God as shared with God’s people by the writer of the Book of Deuteronomy: “Behold, I set before you today life and death—blessings and curses. So, choose life so that you and your children may live!” (Duet. 30:19)

It’s not our use of the term “blessings” that’s a bother. But in Scripture, “blessings” are always found in people, a sense of well-being, our profound and grateful understanding that God cares, and that God provides. NOT material things. NOT treasure. NOT power and might. And understanding that our good God is behind, before, and beside us can happen in the face of the most mundane things in life. or during calamity, or when experiencing great relief and joy.

BUT, the opposite is NOT true. People who suffer, seem defeated, have life turned topsy-turvy are not cursed—God did not make that happen. Or somehow miss them when the blessings were handed out. It is weather, bad actors, sin, and even evil that curse our lives.  And as the verse says, even in the face of the tough stuff of life and in death, we can choose to see God’s blessing activity, and choose to live in it! Scripture calls this real living…abundant living…well-being.

Here at The Neighborhood Church, we have so very much to be thankful for—beautiful location and unique facilities, wonderful Spirit-filled leadership, marvelous people, and all of the resources we need to be the people of God in this place and time. We simply lack nothing! We are truly blessed, and you are a living, breathing blessing to others. And if things change, fall apart, come undone, disappoint we can still regard ourselves as “blessed”.  According to God’s word, it’s a choice we make. Because we have faith in a great and amazing God—shown to us in Jesus, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we believe it to be so.

Several of the latest and greatest blessings in my life as your Intentional Interim Pastor come in the shape of people who have agreed to say yes to the call to serve as the Transition Team—good and gifted people who will work closely with me in gathering, processing, and interpreting information and input about TNC from all of you over the next few months via Listening Sessions, conversation, and written surveys. Members of your Transition team are:

        Lara Curtis    Tom Gates    Melessa Humiston    Jeff Johnson
    Phil Kassouf        Michael Moorhead        Mari Poturica
    June Spilburg        Karen Tucker

Thank them for their service, and feel free to share with any of them your questions, needs, hopes, and concerns. Together, we will hopefully all be about the Biblical business of “choosing life’—abundant, joyful, and grateful. Perhaps these attributes will be the hallmark and legacy of this place. It’s our choice, you know?

Pastor Rick
Intentional Interim Minister

Dear Family and Friends of The Neighborhood Church,

I was reminded this week of Mark Twain, who was known to have said: “The only person who likes change is a baby with a wet diaper.”  I can attest that, for some babies, even that kind of change is not welcome! Their screams of protest and/or pain are evidence of that fact. Why, this week, did this catch my eye? Because it reminds me a bit of what we’re experiencing at The Neighborhood Church in these months of transition.  The “C” word: “change”.

We all realize, of course, that all things change, or they eventually die. Our skin cells, for example, are constantly changing—dying, sluffing off, and new ones growing in their place. In times of transition, things do not always stay the same or even tidy. Change can be messy (back to a baby’s diaper?), and it may seem to some around here to be the case—it may be that way for a while. We’ll try new things, explore some different paths, and ponder our choices at a few proverbial forks in the road along the way. 
Being human, there may be times when this is uncomfortable, and some may even get discouraged or fussy about it. Such is the nature of change, and our response to it.

I bring up all of this only to let you know that I am very encouraged, hopeful, and positive about what is transpiring around TNC. Though I can’t say that this is my experience in every congregational setting in which I have served in the past 40 years or so, it seems that something good and powerful is afoot here these days. As some of you have mentioned to me—and I have experienced this sense too—that the Spirit of God is on the move in this place! There’s an energy and an enthusiasm as we come together that makes me very excited to see just what comes next. I hope you find it compelling as well, and that it does not send you scurrying off.

Allow me to tell you my top four reasons for my optimism and excitement:

1. Above all, I know that our God is in charge, even of change. And that God’s providence will suffice. Need I say more?

2. The Council has appointed a very gifted and talented Transition Team to work closely with me in the months ahead. Their insight, analysis, Spirit-attentiveness, and passion for this place will bring about good things.

3. So many of you have expressed your deep and abiding love for TNC, and have such deep hopes for our future! I believe this can be contagious…keep it up.

4. We will be soliciting your thoughts, hopes, and dreams for TNC in the coming months. Many of you have reserved a place at a Listening Session—we still need many more voices to join in, and you are promising me that you will.  Please do so.

God spoke through the prophet Isaiah, recorded for us in the 43rd chapter: “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth. Do you not perceive it?” That’s what we’re up to these days: listening, pursuing, striving to see what God wants has in store for TNC. Will you join us?

Pastor Rick
Intentional Interim Minister

Dear Family and Friends of The Neighborhood Church,

This week, as I prepare for this coming Sunday (the week AFTER the historical storm), our Gospel lesson captures a scene in which Jesus does some inquiry and research among those closest to him.  He asks some key questions about the “buzz” out there regarding perceptions of him and his message. Jesus then takes the question to a more personal level, asking his disciples: “Who do YOU say that I am?” It seems that even Jesus is interested in the current state of affairs for the movement he is leading, and the Good News he bears and embodies for the world.
One of the convictions of an intentional interim process is that there need be a time of reflection, evaluation, and interpretation of our past, our present realities, and some energy spent on imagining and tuning into God’s preferred future. We will do this together in a series of Listening Sessions—opportunities offered at a variety of times and days from which you can choose one to attend and participate in. In these sessions, I will guide you into some storytelling, sharing, and discerning about our life and ministry here at TNC. You will hear other’s perceptions and stories and come to a deeper appreciation for the many and various ways people have come to this place. All will have an opportunity to share our personal take on our life together, where we’ve been, are, and where we should be heading. This is a time for all to be heard AND listened to—to share loves, disappointments, concerns, hopes, and dreams for our ministry here.
Here are the 6 Listening Sessions as currently scheduled—the same format will be used for each, and our new Transition Team that is soon to be appointed by the Council will help me facilitate, as well as listen and analyze what is shared. We can make space for you at any session but invite you to attend ONLY ONCE.  We’d ask you to reserve your space by emailing Lauren or calling the Church Office at (310) 378-9353. If calling outside of office hours, please leave a message. If something comes up, and you need to switch sessions, please feel free to do so.

• Sunday, September 10, 11:15am-1pm…in the Fellowship Hall, with light lunch provided, and childcare

• Wednesday, September 13, 9:30am-11am…room TBD*, with donuts

• Thursday, September 21, 6:30pm-8pm…room TBD*, with desserts and childcare

• Saturday, September 30, 10am-11:30am…room TBD*, with donuts and childcare

• Sunday, October 1, 3pm-4:30pm…room TBD*, with light snacks and childcare

• Wednesday, October 4, 10am-11:30am…room TBD*, with donuts

*For all room TBD meetings, please plan to gather in the Fellowship Hall. We will then move to the meeting room that best suits our group size.

Please come to one of these—it is your opportunity to offer your perspective and to hear others. In addition to listening to each others, it will be important for us to be listening to God.

So, this Fall, we have planned a couple of Sunday morning Bible Studies for adults that I will teach. We will gather from about 11:15am-Noon in the Fellowship Hall, and there will be usual coffee hour refreshments and goodies on the patio AS WELL AS on the tables in the Fellowship Hall. Childcare and programming will be offered throughout. The first 3 sessions of study will begin late in September and will be “Bible Basics 101”—we will look at just what the Bible is, how it came together, its components, translations vs. paraphrases, groupings of books, flow, and a host of other basics for those who are looking at Scripture. The second offering will begin in late October, 5 sessions long, and be an overview of the “Gospel of Mark: The Secret Gospel”, since beginning in Advent, our Gospel texts in Sunday worship will begin to come from Mark’s gospel. Stay tuned for more specific dates and information coming soon.

Plans are underway, as you can see! Please participate in the life of TNC as you can—every time you choose to be involved or engaged, you and this community of faith are blessed. Thanks for your partnership in this time of transition, and enjoy!

Pastor Rick
Intentional Interim Minister

Dear Family and Friends of The Neighborhood Church,

In recent weeks, the O.T. scripture readings chosen for us in worship have us meandering through chapters 37ff, recounting the story of Joseph and his dysfunctional family. This is not the first nor last account in our Sacred Writings of a broken and busted family system, and what God is able to make of it. There should be some comfort in knowing that such a phenomenon is not a recent social development, but a problem that is as old as sin, and “twice as dusty”, as my old friend Pete used to say. I haven’t preached this great story yet, because it’s a story that seems to preach itself—and the Gospel texts assigned are also very compelling. Do yourself a favor and read once again on your own this great family story beginning in Genesis 37—it will make you hopeful about your own family and set you imagining about what God can do with the messes we make—a theological word for this is “redemption”. Such hope is a precious commodity these days in my view.

As an aside: I want you to know that most weeks, our Bible readings and source for preaching come to us via the Revised Common Lectionary—thus putting us in sync with much of Christendom around the world, who utilize the discipline of assigned readings as a way of making our way intentionally through the Bible, and not just our favorite verses or stories we like.

It’s difficult right now, as I write, to think of much else than the pain, destruction, catastrophe, systemic failure, and human need that emerge in the wake of the fires that raged through Lahaina.  As have many of you who have also been there know, this lovely and quaint “garden spot” in God’s creation, and the beloved people of that area, now are host to one of the fiercest “natural” disasters in American history.  I, too, grieve for those who lost loved ones, their belongings, their work and their livelihoods.

Grief is a good thing—it connects us with one another, and with the world-garden God has given us to tend. And so, respond we must! As you’ll see in this issue of the WAVE, the UCC (our denominational church home) is actively working, feet on the ground, on developing long-term resources that will minister to the needs of folks there for the longer haul—when other relief organizations have long disappeared. We at TNC will likely make a concerted effort to offer funding for this cause soon. In the meantime, if you are so moved, you may choose to immediately push the “DONATE NOW” button, sending money to the fund that has been created. Do so confidently, assured that 100% of your gifts will go directly to the people whose lives have been ripped apart by this firestorm, with no overhead removed. God will surely bless our giving and bring about something good out of this mess too, as always!

See you soon in worship I hope…

Pastor Rick
Intentional Interim Minister

The message below was sent by the UCC  on Tuesday, August 15. We are sharing it here so that you are aware of the UCC's response to the fires and how you can contribute to relief efforts.
 

On August 8, the people of Hawaii woke to high winds from Hurricane Dora blowing across their islands. Little did anyone know that within hours those winds would turn deadly, fanning wildfires among the islands, leaving behind smoldering buildings and lost lives. As I write to you, the death toll is up to 99 and still rising. 

The United Church of Christ holds all who are affected in prayer. Through Wider Church Ministries, the UCC also has issued a special appeal to provide essential items and long-term support to those impacted by the fires. 

The island of Maui was hardest hit, where the fires quickly consumed the historic city of Lahaina. Located on northwestern Maui, the once whaling center is home to 13,000 people and attracts 2 million tourists yearly. What is left now is more than 2,170 charred acres and the ruins of more than 2,200 homes, businesses, schools, and churches. If you have seen any of the news footage, you will agree with me that the destruction is unbelievable and heartbreaking. 

I am reminded of a time when Elijah had an encounter with the Holy in the wilderness (1 Kings 19). Winds roared, the earth shook, fire raged – and in the aftermath, God was present. God came to Elijah in what is variously translated as the sheer silence or gentle whisper that followed. Friends, we have an opportunity to share the presence of the Holy in the aftermath of these destructive forces.

Already, local congregations are providing resources including clothing, food, and shelter. The Hawaii Conference is active, and the United Church of Christ’s Global H.O.P.E. team is working with Hawaii Conference Disaster Coordinator Danny Tengan, in consultation with Hawaii Conference Minister Rev. Dr. David Popham and other leaders, to assess the situation and walk alongside them.

You can help as well. Your donation to the Hawaii wildfires appeal helps the United Church of Christ increase support to immediate relief efforts and enables us to be present for the journey ahead, assuring long-term aid for persons who require assistance with their recovery.

Blessings and peace,

Rev. Josh Baird

Team Leader, Global H.O.P.E.

It is no secret that our location is one of the many blessings that we have at the Neighborhood Church. Wherever you look, you are greeted by lush gardens, vibrant roses, and a breathtaking panoramic view of the Santa Monica Bay. This is no accident; the Haggarty Estate was originally landscaped by the Olmsted Brothers, who spent more than two decades landscaping much of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. From the nearly 100-year-old olive trees that dot the property to the fragrant rose and jasmine bushes, our garden has long beckoned visitors, families, and wedding couples from the South Bay and far beyond. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our gardens suffered as our grounds were closed to the public. Lee Jester, a longtime dedicated member of the Neighborhood Church, lent his considerable talent and knowledge to reviving the gardens and nurturing the roses that grace the church grounds. In this interview, Lee shares his background in gardening, his family's connection to the Neighborhood Church, and his passion for gardening. Join us on a journey through horticulture and history as we explore the revival of our seaside gardens.

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Lee Jester standing in the Shirley Yang Memorial Garden. Lee regularly trims back the bushes and plants in this area and waters the potted plant multiple times per week.

Background in Horticulture

Lee Jester's journey in horticulture began in his early 20s when he started working at the Rolling Hills/Airport Nursery in Torrance. Over the years, he gained valuable experience in various professional roles, including positions at the Miraleste Park District and parks administration for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. Lee's expertise as a certified nurseryman at the Palos Verdes Begonia Farm further solidified his passion for plants and gardens.

A History Rooted at the Neighborhood Church

Lee's connection to the Neighborhood Church runs deep. His father, Ralph, lived in Palos Verdes before World War II, and his parents returned to the area after they married in 1945. His parents became members in 1948, and Lee himself was baptized here in 1950. 

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The original chancel, including the stained glass windows designed by Ralph Jester.

When the Church bought the Haggarty estate in 1950, Ralph was very involved in the early struggles to have the City of Palos Verdes Estates allow occupation for church use, since the zoning at the time was residential. After much back and forth, the church received a Conditional Use Permit and was finally able to begin transforming the Haggarty living room into the sanctuary that we have today. Ralph designed the original chancel, which included the pulpit, lectern, and altar. Some of these pieces are now in the Narthex and the side chapel. In 1953, Ralph designed the round stained glass windows that are on either side of the organ. Lee’s mother, Lois, was active in the Women’s Fellowship, the Flower Guild, and helped with the Christmas Pageant. She was an active member until she passed away in 2021, shortly after her 100th birthday. 

In his over 20 years of membership, Lee has actively participated in various ministries, including Music Ministry, Christian Action Ministry, and the Nominating Committee. He currently serves as one of our Docents, leading monthly tours of the building and grounds. He has assisted with numerous Christmas Pageants, regularly calls on older members of the congregation, and is never far away when help is needed. Since the Church reopened after the pandemic, Lee has spent considerable time working in our gardens to provide an extra level of care and attention.

Reviving the Gardens

While the church was closed during the pandemic, the grounds were neglected and the irrigation was reduced. Although our landscape maintenance company keeps the grounds neat, there is always detail work that needs to be done. In the spring and summer of 2022, Lee began to prune, water, and fertilize each rose bush by hand. He worked closely with the contractors who installed our new artificial turf to relocate irrigation lines. Though most of the roses are now on a timed drip irrigation system, Lee was coming to the Church multiple times per week to water our over 75 rose bushes. When we asked Lee how long he thought he’d spent working in the gardens he said:

 “I don't keep track of the time I spend on the grounds because it's a pleasure to be here. Sometimes I go down to the Seacliff Memorial and reflect on my family and our involvement with the church over the years. What better place to spend an afternoon looking out over the ocean?”

In addition to caring for the roses, Lee regularly walks the property, noting areas that need attention. He has added plants to the Shirley Yang Garden east of the front entrance as well as the large pots directly across from the front doors. Several years ago, he removed all of the dead ceanothus bushes near the east parking lot. More recently, he thinned the Aleppo pine by the stairs to the Seacliff Memorial, and then Travers Tree Service completed the job.

The Roses of the Neighborhood Church

Our gardens at the Neighborhood Church boast a variety of roses, including hybrid tea, floribunda, Grandiflora, and climbing roses. The use of roses and other flowers is connected to the original Olmsted Brothers’ garden plans from 1928 when the Haggarty villa was built. The rose garden extended behind the villa and greenhouse eastward along the cliff until Dennis Smith Hall was built in 1958. The size of the rose garden was reduced for the addition of the Sunday School building.

1950s

Many of these roses were transplanted elsewhere on the property when the patio and Fellowship Hall were built

1950s

This photo shows the rose garden and greenhouse on the back of the garage that is now the Fellowship Hall

1957

This photo, taken from the tower, shows the groundbreaking ceremony for the Sunday School building in 1957.

Again the rose garden changed when the Fellowship Hall was built under the existing villa roofline with the reallocation of space inside. Some of the rose bushes were moved over by the pond and west parking lot along the wall to provide space for the Beth Maher Patio and fountain. A smaller area of rose bushes decorates the area in front of Dennis Smith Hall. The additional replacement bushes and new gardens along the sidewalk on the west side of the church continue to enhance the beauty of our special church home.

We asked Lee if he had a favorite, and he was quick to answer— The Double Delight Rose located outside the church office. 

Lee pictured with his favorite rose— the Double Delight.

The Double Delight Rose. According to Lee, it is the perfect rose in shape, color, and fragrance.

Lee's advice for aspiring gardeners is simple yet profound: embrace the hard work, relish the time spent outdoors, and appreciate the fruits of your labor. Gardening is a rewarding endeavor that allows individuals to connect with nature and witness the beauty that unfolds through their efforts.

The Bohannon Memorial Garden, which was installed in 2023. Lee helped with many stages of this project and continues to care for the plants and flowers in it.

Lee Jester's dedication to reviving the gardens at the Neighborhood Church is a testament to his love for gardening, our Church, and God’s natural beauty. Through his expertise and passion, the roses have flourished, and our garden has once again become a serene place to reflect on the wonders of God’s earth. We invite you to visit us this summer! Our grounds are open Tuesday thru Thursday from 1-4 PM, and Sunday from 8 AM-12 PM. Enjoy our quiet garden, breathe in the ocean air, and yes— stop to smell the roses. You just might see Lee while you’re here!

A special thanks to Fran Bock, our Historian, who consulted on this article. Fran provided the historical photos of the roses as well as information about when and where they were moved.

In times of adversity, communities reveal their true spirit by coming together to support those in need. As a family of faith at the Neighborhood Church, we frequently support the less fortunate through special offerings, relief efforts, and collection drives like our recent Backpack Drive. We partner with international, national, and local organizations to provide aid from the furthest corners of the globe to right here in our community. While Christian Action Ministry (CAM) handles most of our organizational partnerships and outreach initiatives, each of us has the opportunity to make a difference— big or small. Through the efforts of a few dedicated Church members and with the support of CAM, we recently had a behind-the-scenes opportunity to provide aid to people closer to home than ever before.

On July 10, a landslide destroyed a swath of homes on Peartree Lane in Rolling Hills Estates (RHE). Twelve homes were red-tagged as unsafe, and families were given twenty minutes to gather what they could and evacuate. By Monday, most of these homes had slid into a nearby canyon-- fracturing ceilings and collapsing walls along the way. In the immediate aftermath of the landslide, these families found themselves displaced from their homes and were forced to move into a nearby hotel.

The South Bay community immediately responded, with restaurants providing donated meals, local businesses extending gifts and services, and even L.A.F.D. bringing an emotional support dog to the families. The City of Rolling Hills Estates contacted faith organizations on the Peninsula, asking them to provide a dinner for an evening. A special thanks to longtime Church member, Alexa Davis, who serves as Assistant City Manager for RHE and suggested our church as a possible donor. In late July, we were contacted by an RHE Community Liaison with a request to provide a warm, home-cooked meal for some of the families impacted by the landslide. Karen Tucker jumped at the opportunity to help.

Karen has been a Church member for over 22 years. She has led Christian Action Ministry and Worship Ministry, has served on both the Board of Trustees and Church Council, and was integral in our Church becoming a support congregation for Family Promise of the South Bay. She served on the Search Committee that called Pastor Rick, has served on the Executive Board of the Southern California Nevada UCC Central Committee, and received the Good Shepherd Award in 2017. Additionally, she makes the soup every year for our Maundy Thursday Soup Supper, (15 years and counting!), and started both the Good Neighbor Network and the Good Neighbor Prayer Network. In short— she is no stranger to helping those in need.

Within 24 hours, Karen had secured a $750 allocation from Christian Action Ministry and $500 in private donations from Church members. Just three days later, Karen and her husband Chuck used a portion of those funds to provide an Italian-themed dinner for 20 of our neighbors impacted by the landslide. 

The Tuckers prepared and delivered a salad bar, lasagna, meatballs in marinara sauce with brioche slider buns, pasta, and cheese bread. Karen used two recipes from the Neighborhood Church Women’s Fellowship Cookbook to bake a fresh chopped apple cake and a devil's food chocolate cake. The remaining funds will be donated to the Rolling Hills Estates Rotary Relief Fund for all families impacted. If you would like to make a donation to support those impacted by the landslide, you can find more information on how to do so here.

The dinner prepared by the Tuckers wasn’t just a home-cooked meal; it was an opportunity for community and togetherness that brought the families closer. As they gathered around the table, sharing stories, laughter, and experiences, the hotel transformed into a space of belonging and support. Through the simple act of preparing and sharing a meal, the Tuckers served as an example of Jesus’ healing love. They helped offered a sense of belonging, hope, and a reminder that, even in the darkest times, there are those who stand ready to help. 

Dear Family and Friends of The Neighborhood Church,

I am already into my 3rd month among you!  Have I told you just how much I enjoy it here, and you?  Well, I do. I love being your Senior Pastor, the lovely staff team you’ve assembled, the leadership core here, our enthusiastic and beautiful worship life, and the ministries and activity of this place. Remember that a part of our life together these days is to have life as a congregation move along, perhaps even creating a sense of a “new normal”—it feels as if God’s Spirit is moving within and about in our life together!

We have also covenanted to walk together through this time of transition, to enjoy and fully engage in these 18 months or so that we DO have together, and to work through an intentional process that will help prepare things for the calling of your next settled Senior Pastor. If we do this work well, I anticipate God’s marvelous future will begin to unfold, and we will have had a wonderful time getting there!

I thought it might be interesting to lay out the path ahead in some broad strokes so that you know what to look forward to—your participation, positive and honest approach, and serious reflection will be key to making this time of transition useful and productive. First, by the end of summer, a “Transition Team” will have been created to work closely with me in listening, praying, discerning, analyzing input, interpreting, planning, and sharing discoveries, ideas, and suggestions for TNC. This crackerjack team will meet often, and work closely and intently with me, behind the scenes for the most part, for about 7 months, helping to get things ready for the Search Committee’s reading of resumes and interviews that will lead to the calling of your next Senior Pastor.

While I have been engaging in personal conversations, and learning some things from and about you already, I have also been busy joining in the life of this place. I have quickly felt a part of the community—your welcome and strong participation in the life at TNC are affirming, exciting, good momentum, and a blessing to me! 

In September and early October, there will be several Listening Sessions offered—these will be small group conversations, hosted by the Transition Team and myself. There will be a variety of times to choose from, and I hope you’ll choose to be a part of one. At these sessions, we will do some reflecting on our past, our present, and sharing some hopes and ideas for God’s preferred future for TNC.

By year end of 2023, there will be a confidential online survey (and hard copies for those who “don’t do online”), helping you to honestly and individually reflect on your experience and thoughts about TNC, and to have input into the search for your next Senior Pastor. In the early part of 2024, the results and analysis of those surveys will be utilized and shared. By February or March, the ministerial position will be posted, resumes will start to be received, and choice candidates closely considered.  If all goes well, in the Fall of 2024, you will have experienced the work of the Holy Spirit among us, issued a call, and plans will be underway for the beginning of the next chapter at The Neighborhood Church perhaps by December 2024 days of Advent.  That is when my time among you is scheduled to come to an end.

Thanks, in advance, for being part of this place. Please sign up and show up with gratitude, excitement, and hope for the various discoveries and sharing opportunities that lay ahead, as well as for our dynamic ongoing ministries and worship life.  God is, indeed, good—all the time.

Pastor Rick

Intentional Interim Minister

Dear Family and Friends of The Neighborhood Church,

Two of my favorite girls arrived this week: my wife, Kristen, and our youngest, Lucy. We’ve been praying about, and working towards, this move for this chapter of our lives for a couple of years now. And it’s finally here! I would love to introduce them to you this coming Sunday in the worship service and as we enjoy afterwards a time of fellowship and special refreshments out on the patio area.

As many of you know, Kristen is also a pastor, rostered with the UCC, and has been called as Senior Pastor to serve one of our sister congregations here in Southern California, First Congregational Church (UCC) of Riverside.  It is an urban congregation and has been in the heart of the city for many decades of ministry—with obvious gifts and passion for meeting the human need and services which abound on the streets of most all cities today. She is excited to lead and serve there and begins August 1.

Lucy is our swimmer, committed to the University of California at Santa Cruz where she will begin her first year of collegiate studies in Marine Science and compete for the Banana Slugs swim team. She loves her distance swimming, has long had a great passion for the ocean and its creatures, and has been aiming for such a place for a long time. Soon, in about a month and a half, this adventure will begin for her, and we, too, are excited for what lies ahead.

Change is exhilarating, challenging, exhausting, and full of hope, promise, and discovery. Change is inevitable—whether you choose it, work it, or if it simply happens in your life. Kristen, Lucy, and I are in the thick of it right now and wonder what new “normal” will arise in the wake of such changes. As a congregation in transition, The Neighborhood Church is amid change as well. Walking alongside of you for a while, helping you to reflect, celebrate, consider, and enjoy this time of life as a congregation is what I love to do. I hope you share some sense of God being up to something here, with a marvelous future in store.

Next week, I plan to share with you a snapshot of where we’ll head with our process so that you can anticipate the next steps in our journey together. Until then, see you in worship!

Pastor Rick
Intentional Interim Minister