Although those lines refer to graduation, they also fit for most of us on our life’s journey.  The past has so much more clarity than the future – especially right now.  The past may seem comfortable and secure, the future can feel scary and uncertain.  And yet, as people of faith we believe that as God has been with us in the past, so God will be with us now and in the future.  

We are leaning into a season of graduation.  Our high school, college and post college graduates are entering an exciting and celebrative time of transition in their lives.  Unfortunately, no one graduating will get to go through a normal graduation – everything will be done remotely and virtually, at least for the Spring.  As part of that, and in some small way of wanting to keep a little normalcy in the midst of the current disruption, we would like to honor our graduates here in the Wave in the coming month.  To that end, we’re asking all graduates (or parents) to send in a photo along with a few lines of where you are graduating from and what your hoped-for next steps are.  Please send your submission to Lauren prior to Friday, May 29. 
 
This coming Sunday is Mother’s Day when we honor the women in our lives who have nurtured us, loved us and blessed us especially during our formative years.  Normally, we would hand out carnations to all the moms in the congregation, but since that won’t be happening this year – let me offer a deep word of gratitude to all who are mothers and who have been like mothers to others.   Having additional time for reflection during these past weeks, perhaps we can all give thanks for those in our lives who have displayed mothering qualities.  And for those who are mothers, perhaps you can be thankful for opportunities to nurture those entrusted to your care.
 
Let’s consider graduates and moms, times of transition and those key people in our lives who have helped shape us along the way - for these are the days the Lord has made and we will be glad and celebrate!
                                                
Appreciatively,

Rev. Dr. David D. Young
Senior Minister

The dictionary definition of the word gratitude is “quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for, and to return kindness.” In this time of dealing with the pandemic that is the coronavirus, it may be difficult for us to have much gratitude and thankfulness. Our world has been turned upside down and our lives completely changed. However, in this time of isolation we have the opportunity to evaluate all aspects of our lives and to intentionally seek just what God given gifts we have for which we are to be grateful and thankful.
 
Important to me is God’s gift of the congregation of the Neighborhood Church. I am so grateful and thankful to have you in my life. And, you are in my life even though we are physically apart. I think of you very frequently. I’ve spoken to, written to or “zoomed” with many of you. I eagerly anticipate the days when we physically worship together and see each other after our service.
 
But we have so much for which we can be grateful even though we are apart. I am very thankful for having to be quarantined in one of the most beautiful places on earth. I am grateful for the gift of God’s love and kindness we see in those around us whether they are loved ones or strangers. That love and kindness seems to be growing through us all in proportion to the hardships we are enduring.
 
I would like us all to take a moment to share the gratitude and thankfulness for something we all have in common. That is the house of God known as our Neighborhood Church and those who are working so hard, despite these times of difficulty, to continue to bring life and well-being to our church. Lauren Hardin, Setta Lytle, Dr. Hyunju Hwang, David Sateren, Ellen Steinmetz, Myra Ghabrial, Kat Corbett, Doug Falzetti and Jose Castro. All of these people are constantly searching for and implementing new ways to accomplish their contributions to our church. They are now working harder than ever to deal with the uninvited changes in our world. 
 
I would like to take this opportunity to thank, on behalf of all of us, one individual of our staff who has shown outstanding leadership and dedication in these trying times, our Senior Minister Rev. Dr. David Young. I have personally watched and experienced all of the time, complete commitment and leadership presence that he gives to the church each and every day. His unflagging energy and creativity are devoted to all of us in finding innovative means by which we can worship God together while maintaining the traditions of our church and its community. He has been available to all of us to offer guidance and comfort in these troubling days. He does deserve our thanks and our gratitude.
 
I believe we do in fact have so very much for which we are to be thankful and grateful. We know that God is with us and has blessed us in so many ways. We know that Jesus Christ can show us the way through this crisis on the path he would have us follow. Always remember that the Neighborhood Church, which is present on a hill, overlooking the sea and through which God’s light shines far and wide is available to us now and evermore. That is a gift for which we are to be truly grateful and thankful to God.

Michael Moorhead
Licensed Minister

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,  

who, though he was in the form of God,    
did not regard equality with God    
as something to be exploited, 
but emptied himself,    
taking the form of a slave,    
being born in human likeness.

And being found in human form,    
he humbled himself    
and became obedient to the point of death—    
even death on a cross.

-Philippians 2: 5-8

In this great hymn to Christ, the early church understood that Jesus gave up the self-centered, ego-centric self to be a servant of God.  So much has either seemed or been empty in the world around us.  Sporting venues, places of business and restaurants to name a few.  And most churches, along with ours have been empty, too.  We are doing our part to support life and the health and well-being of our members and friends.  But I’m not going to lie, it still seems very weird to conduct worship services in an empty sanctuary.  I truly miss seeing all of you!

As I said in our worship video this past Sunday, absence and presence (two seeming opposites) can actually hang together…by faith.  And…so can empty and filled, unfulfilled and fulfilled.  We have seen how empty things are and not just externally with so many places being closed, but also internally as many of our routines and normal activities have come to a screeching halt.  If you’ve been feeling a bit empty lately, you’re not alone.

I’d like to propose that this dynamic and tension we’re going through now is not new, but has simply been exacerbated and brought to light as a result of the pandemic.  To be human is to be both fulfilled and unfulfilled.  Can a single one us say that we have always been one way or the other – all the time?  Different times and circumstances bring different feelings.  And different parts of ourselves can even feel differently at the same time.  You may be fulfilled in one part of your life but not in another.  And just because there was a time when our lives were filled with all kinds of activities it doesn’t mean our lives were filled with meaning.  And just because our minds and hearts are filled with many things it doesn’t mean we always feel fulfilled in the deepest chambers of our souls.  

At times we live out the beauty of who we truly are and at other times, not so much.  At times we feel we are fulfilling our destiny and at other times not as much.

“At a time such as this, we are afforded the opportunity to slow down and remember who we are why we are here.”

At a time such as this, we are afforded the opportunity to slow down and remember who we are why we are here.  We can take the time to remember how much God cares for all of us and struggle with God’s hopes and dreams for us.  And maybe, just maybe – by the grace of God - we will feel more fulfilled in our unfulfillment.  And yes, this could well be a time for our own mini- resurrections as we blossom more and more into the beautiful people we are created to be.

And never forget the strange truth, your faith is founded on an empty tomb!

Wishing You Fulfillment and Easter Blessings,

Rev. Dr. David D. Young
Senior Minister

“ Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” Some of the other disciples said to him, “We will go with you. They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.”

— John 21:3

This account occurred in the days immediately following Jesus’ death and resurrection.  They may have still been in shock and grief over the loss of their teacher and master.  Surely there were parts of themselves that felt helpless and aimless in the wake of such tragedy.  We know how the story ended…they did not.

I can’t speak for you, but there have been times in recent days when I have felt helpless in the face of this current pandemic.  There have been times when I have felt bored and yes, a bit aimless.  These are part of the human condition when events and things happen to us that are out of our control.

The disciples didn’t exactly know what to do following Jesus’ death, so they went back to what they knew how to do – fishing.  Sometimes that’s all we can do when feeling helpless and with lack of purpose – we keep putting one foot in front of another as we try to make it through another day.  I would add that being overinformed about problems we can do little about exacerbates feelings of helplessness and hopelessness - and that over time such feelings may weaken our immune system.   It’s hard to measure these things, but I believe our attitudes, perspectives and feelings play an important role in our overall health and well-being.

The beauty of Easter is the gift of resurrection and new life.  In the midst of all that sets us back in life – all the challenges, all the discouragements, all that hurts us and even death itself – nothing can separate us from the presence and goodness and love of God in Jesus Christ (Romans 8:39).  Friends, that is Good News!  And that is the deep joy of Easter even in the midst of current sadness.  The disciples eventually came to know that truth and left their fishing enterprises a second time to serve tirelessly in the ongoing ministry of Christ as the early church began to get established.

We too, will have our momentary periods of sadness, helplessness, hopelessness and aimlessness – but when we allow resurrection light in, the darkness and shadows fade – and new life and purpose are possible.

A poem and prayer by Jo Winkowitch:

                        Lord, today I feel like…
                                 a used firecracker,
                                    a balloon with a hole it,
                                    a dried-up pen,
                                    a worn-out shoe,
                                    a crumpled up, yesterday’s newspaper.

                        Sometimes, I feel worthless,
                                    Lord, and it seems I can’t do
                                                anything right.
                                    Please close my mouth
                                                when I need to listen. 

                        Refill this empty shell with
                                    Your Presence, Lord.
                                    Remind me that I’m special
                                                because you love me. 

                        Recycle me into something
                                    that will be used for your purposes
                                    as You pick me up with
                                    Your Resurrection Power
                                    along the highway of Your
                                    promised New Life. 

During this strange time when we cannot be together physically, may you know the Presence and Joy of God’s resurrection power in Jesus Christ – and in your own life – as we live into an uncertain future…yet strangely knowing by faith…how the story ends. 

Together in the Spirit of Christ,

Rev. Dr. David D. Young
Senior Minister

We are excited to share that the next phase of our 5x5x5 program will be coming soon! Called 5x5x5 Community, this will be a virtual space to come together to discuss the readings of the week as well as learnings we have for our strange and uncertain world. The first session will be held Saturday, April 18 at 10AM. 

We'll be utilizing a platform called Zoom-- you may have heard of it, or perhaps even used it for work or your child's school classes. Zoom is a free platform that allows for video conferencing, and we'll be using it to host live discussion hours each week, led by Rev. Dr. David D. Young and Michael Moorhead. You can use Zoom on your desktop computer or laptop if it is equipped with a camera and microphone, or on a smartphone. 

These strange and challenging times call us to bear fruit of the spirit.  The world needs more patience, kindness, generosity, gentleness and love.  And I don’t know about you, but I see more of these things now than I did a month ago. Not sure if that reflects more on the world around me or on my changed perspective.  But from where I live these days, there can never be enough kindness as we traverse the uncertain terrain that lies before us in the coming weeks and months.
 
Another thing I’ve been thinking a lot about lately is control.  I’ve quickly learned there is so much right now that is completely out of my control.  For starters, my schedule and use of time are so different than they were just a month ago.  With all the walks we’ve been taking lately, I remembered a cute story about a father out walking his very young son in a stroller (before social distancing).
 

The child was crying quite loudly and the father said quietly, “Easy now, Robert, control yourself, keep calm.”
 Another cry rang out.  “Now, now, Robert,” the dad murmured, “watch your temper.”  A young mother passed by and was impressed with what she observed. She remarked, “You are an amazing dad, you know just how to talk to babies – calmly and gently.”  As the child had just quieted down, she reached down and patted the little boy on the head and said, “What’s bothering you, Robert?” “No, no,” cried the father, “his name is Jacob.  I’m Robert!”

Let’s add humor as a fruit of the spirit – or at least consider it an important ingredient for surviving this period of staying home.
 
As much as we might like to think we are in control, this year’s season of Lent has reminded us that we are not in control of very much.  Our common humanity with others around the globe – touched by a tiny virus - is reminding all of us that control often diminishes just when we need cooperation and more of the fruits of the spirit.  Not everyone sees it.  Even some churches continue to gather in crowds with no respect for physical distancing.  It’s frustrating to see people who don’t see the bigger picture (precisely when they think they do).  Humility and recognizing that none of us are in charge of the universe reminds us that we need to take better charge of ourselves.  
 
Winston Churchill, commenting one day on a dictator and tyrant, observed:
 

“There, but for the grace of God, goes God.”

By the grace of God, we can grow the fruit of the spirit, perhaps beginning with self-control and discovering more and more what we can control and what we cannot.  We can control our attitude and how we treat others (albeit for many from a distance).  We can control how we choose to spend our time and on what.  In a word, we can control living out “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” For as Paul concludes that verse from Galatians, “There is no law against such things.”
 
During this time of isolation, rather than lament all that we cannot be doing and “controlling,” let’s grow these wonderful fruits of the spirit that over time this world of God’s might be a more beautiful place.
 
In Growth and Love,

Rev. Dr. David D. Young
Senior Minister

Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life,
what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body,
what you shall put on. Is not life more than food,
and the body more than clothing?

                                                            Matthew 6:25

Not sure about you, but as of late I haven’t been worrying about the second part of that teaching – I haven’t been shaving, showering or putting on nice clothes nearly as much as I normally do…what’s the point?  But the first part of the teaching, well that’s been a different story.  I was at the grocery store yesterday for the first time in a week and a different mantra took over that I was not accustomed to.  It said, “get extra of this and get plenty of that…and be sure to load up on more of this because they might not have any left the next time you come and you’ve got to be sure to have enough for a long time.” 

When I re-read these words of Jesus for the 5th time, I take some deeper breaths, calm down and realize he knew what he was talking about.  Here was our Lord, who often literally didn’t know where he would sleep for the night or where his next meal would come from, telling us to stop obsessing and worrying and trust God.

Isn’t that really the mantra we should let play over our whole life.  But sometimes, it’s easier said than done.  I think the point is not to give up being concerned about food all together.  But neither is it to let fear, panic buying and hoarding take over either.

And when it all comes down to it, I wonder if it’s death we’re ultimately afraid of.  Our anxiety calls attention to the fact that not all of what we need for life is in our hands at all.   To insist on a completely predictable, manageable life is one that has little need for God.  When anxiety is overcome by faith, we can discover grace and goodness even in the midst of struggle and tragedy. 

The opposite of faith is not unbelief – it is fear and anxiety.  And when we have faith and trust in God and know that we belong to God and that God loves us, then anxiety dissipates and a deeper identity arrives.  And so, as theologian, James Fenhagen observes,

The deeper answer to anxiety does not lie in increased certainty,
but in the courage to live creatively in the midst of ambiguity and
paradox.  This is what faith is all about.

“The opposite of faith is not unbelief— it is fear and anxiety”

As we live through these days of uncertainty, strangeness and sadness, let us hold onto our faith – trusting that no matter what happens to us – God always loves us and cares for us…no matter what.  Jesus tells us later in verse 27 that none us can add a minute (let alone years) to our life by being anxious.  And then in verse 34 he concludes this teaching saying,

Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be 
anxious for itself.  Let the day’s own trouble be sufficient for the day.

Friends, may the spirit of Christ guide you during these days we are physically apart, so that we can all be comforted in knowing that God holds all of us…and the whole world…in God’s hands.

I hope and pray we will all be reunited in the not too distant future.  In the meantime, be strong in faith, be safe, and be well.

In God’s Love,

Rev. Dr. David D. Young
Senior Minister

One of our characteristics as The Neighborhood Church is that we seldom have uniform opinion on matters of real significance.  Uniformity of belief and behavior are not highly valued in a church such as ours which celebrates a rich variety of backgrounds, traditions and understandings.  A trait which is important is that we do work together out of a mutual concern.  That’s exactly why we can still be the church while we are apart.  The Apostle Paul encourages us in our concern through:
 
                                the body of Christ.”
                     up of
 “…the building
 
With all our differences, our oneness in Christ can make a difference if we are willing to let our mutual concerns pull us together rather than letting the ideologies of the culture around us push us apart.  Day by day, we are seeing the world get smaller and smaller and how the web of life connects us all as God’s children.  Now is a time to come together even though we are apart.

“We can believe that God is present and still be either six feet  away or in the safety of our homes on Sunday morning.  The church will always be the church no matter how physically  close its members are. God isn’t just found in the confines of  a physical church building — God meets us where we are.” 
                                                                             - Miguel Petrosky

As we continue to be church, let me suggest three things we can be doing daily to express our mutual concern.  First, let’s pray for each other.  Second, let that prayer extend to the wider community and world around us as we pray for the harmony and healing so desperately needed for everyone.  And third, reach out and do one thing for others.  It can be a phone call or email to someone feeling especially isolated, helping a neighbor with some physical task, giving blood, making a donation to a worthy organization.
 
Such efforts will not heal the world, but we will be putting our prayers in practice and taking one step closer to a world in which God’s reconciling and healing purposes are at work.  As Abraham Heschel said after marching in one of the civil rights marches with Martin Luther King, Jr.,

“I felt as though my legs were praying.”

May God’s spirit of love and healing continue to work through our hands and hearts, our legs and lives – as we seek to build up the body of Christ and the entire world that God created-- even as we are apart.

Shalom,

Rev. Dr. David D. Young
Senior Minister

5 minutes. 5 days a week. 5 ways to dig deeper. Join us as we embark on a journey to read the entire new testament in one year.

We're excited to begin this journey through the New Testament together! Here's how to get started:

1. Before Monday, download the 5x5x5 reading guide. Both regular and large print versions are available below. We recommend printing the guide and keeping it alongside your Bible so you can check each day off as you go. 

2. The front page of the guide details the program and has helpful tips, but it's simple--  read for five minutes a day, five times a week. The weekends are marked for reflection. 

3. The date and Book are on the left column under each month, and the chapter for that day is on the right. 

Need a Bible? We recommend the following:

• The New Revised Standard Version (The version we use during worship)

• The New Interpreter's Study Bible

• The Access Bible (A Study Bible) 

• The Message (Eugene Peterson)

• The New King James Bible (New Testament)

We’re beginning this program now during a period of self-isolation and social distancing, but look forward to adding in-person group discussions and events once our operations have returned to normal.

The following was shared by Rev. Dr. David D. Young during our first online worship experience on March 22, 2020. It was written by Brother Richard, a Franciscan Priest and Friar in Ireland.

Yes there is fear.
Yes there is isolation.
Yes there is panic buying.
Yes there is sickness.
Yes there is even death.
But,
They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise
You can hear the birds again.
They say that after just a few weeks of quiet
The sky is no longer thick with fumes
But blue and grey and clear.
They say that in the streets of Assisi
People are singing to each other
across the empty squares,
keeping their windows open
so that those who are alone
may hear the sounds of family around them.
They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland
Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound.
Today a young woman I know
is busy spreading fliers with her number
through the neighbourhood
So that the elders may have someone to call on.
Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples
are preparing to welcome
and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary
All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting
All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way
All over the world people are waking up to a new reality
To how big we really are.
To how little control we really have.
To what really matters.
To Love.
So we pray and we remember that
Yes there is fear.
But there does not have to be hate.
Yes there is isolation.
But there does not have to be loneliness.
Yes there is panic buying.
But there does not have to be meanness.
Yes there is sickness.
But there does not have to be disease of the soul
Yes there is even death.
But there can always be a rebirth of love.
Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now.
Today, breathe.
Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic
The birds are singing again
The sky is clearing,
Spring is coming,
And we are always encompassed by Love.
Open the windows of your soul
And though you may not be able
to touch across the empty square,
Sing.

Richard Hendrick, March 13, 2020

The following is the first in a series of weekly devotionals prepared for our Church community while our office and grounds are closed due to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. These are sent as an email each Wednesday— if you don’t receive our emails but would like to, you can sign up here.

God is our refuge and strength,
                 a very present help in trouble.
            Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
                 though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
            though its waters roar and foam,
                 though the mountains tremble with its tumult.

                                                                                    Psalm 46:1-3

Dear Members and Friends of the Neighborhood Church,

The world is changing faster than any of us could have ever imagined just a week ago.  Daily life has been disrupted – both on the work and the home fronts.  So many places and activities are no longer available to us.  Things have been changing almost hourly.  Our church is participating in the wide spread effort to minimize the spread of COVID -19 by closing our building and grounds for the indefinite, near future. 

As we consider our faith at a time such as this, let’s remember this isn’t simply about us.   We are keeping distance, changing our behavior, and learning new ways to live for the well-being of our neighbors and the healing of our world.  As things and the world around us keep changing, I believe we must change too.  I hope this weekly communication will be a positive way for us to stay connected as a community of faith.  Community can strangely be built and nurtured over the short term even when we cannot be together physically.  Beginning this weekend, we will post an abbreviated worship service online.  Over the coming weeks we hope it will develop more closely into what you’ve been used to in the past.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.

We are the church – a people filled with faith, hope, compassion and love.  And we can be church in times of hardship and sacrifice and in times of abundance and joy.  Suspending worship in our building won’t stop us from being the church.  We have a calling in these days – to do what we can to make a difference and to reach out in compassion by sharing our resources where and how we can with others in need as the needs of others becomes greater and greater.  As people of faith, let’s control what we can and leave the rest to God.  And hopefully, this immediate threat will dissipate in the not too distant future and we will be reunited again.

In the mean time, please join me in continuing to pray for all those people who are being impacted by the coronavirus and let’s join hearts and minds in changing behaviors – all for the healing of our world.  Stay safe, be healthy and may it be well with your soul.

As Jesus said to his disciples and to us today:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” 

John 14:27 

Peace and love,

Rev. Dr. David D. Young
Senior Minister

Stream the weekly Sermon on your phone, download for offline listening and get notified when the audio file is posted each week.

We’re excited to share that we’ve recently been approved as a podcast in the iTunes store! What does this mean? You can listen to the weekly sermon each week on your iPhone or any device with iTunes— it’s easy, free, and you can even get notified when the sermon is uploaded each week. (Usually Monday or Tuesday). 

The best way to ensure you don’t miss a sermon is to subscribe to our podcast and enable notifications. You’ll only get a notification each time a new episode becomes available, so no need to worry about unnecessary notifications on your phone. Below are instructions and screenshots for how to find us in the iTunes store, available on your desktop, iPhone or iPad. 

You can find us by searching “Neighborhood Church” in the Podcasts app on your phone, or by clicking this link. See the images below for further instructions on how to subscribe to our podcast! Be sure to subscribe, rate us (this helps increase our visibility on Podcasts) and share with friends! 

Step One

Ensure you have the Podcasts app on your phone— it comes standard on iPhones. Enter the link above in Safari. Click “Open” when the pop-ups appears

Step Two

Click the purple “Subscribe” button. You can customize settings by clicking the purple button with three dots to the right of “Subscribe”

Step Three

We recommend using the settings above to hear the newest sermon first and be notified each time a new one is uploaded

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Article from Palos Verdes Peninsula News, February 13, 1977 announcing Becky’s hire at the Neighborhood Church. (Click photo to enlarge)

The music ministry and familiar presence of Rebecca “Becky” Ogle as organist for forty-two years at The Neighborhood Church are extraordinary.  How and why?

Becky nurtured her love of music during childhood piano and organ lessons in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she grew up.  She discovered the power of musical expression through performances on the piano and the organ at Will Rogers High School and Tulsa University.  One can see how proud Becky is of her life’s work as an organist when she described this part of her life:  “I’d like people to know that I’ve been a church organist since my high school days (in Tulsa, Denver, and CA) for 63 years now (not just the past 42 years here at Neighborhood Church).”

After moving to California, Becky embraced the myriad challenges of offering private piano lessons, directing a church choir, teaching public school music classes and playing organ at weddings, including The Neighborhood Church.   

When Becky accepted the position as church organist in January, 1977, her music ministry began to flourish.  Within two months she performed The Passion According to St. John by Johann Sebastian Bach with the Covenant Choir and orchestra.  With the support of Gene, her husband, and Daniel, her son, each week she brought to the Thursday evening and extra Saturday morning choir rehearsals, Sunday worship services, Vesper services, Christmas Eve services, weddings and memorial services her kit of musical tools to promote an environment of joy, meditation, friendship, gratitude and creativity.  She expressed her love of musical expression to cultivate an appreciation of music in others through a weekly exposure to the most meaningful examples of original organ music written by the great composers or hymn transcriptions by prominent contemporaries.  Becky, as mother, cultivated loyal friendships with choir members and parents, and later, as a grandparent, swapped stories.

With her contagious smile, humble manner and fierce pursuit of excellence, she worked cooperatively with six music directors:  Don Whitsitt, Randy McChesney, Vince Cole, Buddy James, Craig Fentor and David Sateren. 

Highlights of her tenure at The Neighborhood Church illuminate her versatility and talent.  She sang the alto part in a popular quartet during the 1980s along with Ruth and Chuck Hattersley and Bob Tomlinson.  In major works she sang the alto part with the Covenant Choir when there was no organ part in the accompaniment.  She traveled to Germany in 1998 to provide input for the construction of the new Glatter-Götz organ.  As Chair of the Organ Committee, she led the effort to enhance the community’s exposure to our unique tracker organ and to world-class organists and organ repertoire by hosting an annual winter organ concert.  In 2000 the committee selected her to play in one of four inaugural-year concerts.  Her stellar, hour-long program showcased her exceptional talent and playful use of various new organ sounds. In 2011 the Women’s Fellowship and in 2017 the congregation gave Becky special recognition for her dedication to providing a personal, meaningful worship experience.

Will Rogers High School, Tulsa, Oklahoma

1977 Church Directory, Ogle family

Becky playing organ during a Sunday worship service

Jo McCaman, Church Wedding Coordinator, visiting with Becky Ogle before a wedding ceremony

Thursday evening choir rehearsal with choir members Joan Thomas-Spiegel and Joanne Clapp and Buddy James, Music Director

Becky with grandson at the organ in June, 2011

Becky as guest organist in 2000

Danny, Becky and Gene at the Women’s Fellowship luncheon honoring Becky in July, 2011

Danny, Becky and Gene at the church reception honoring Becky in February, 2017 

After listening to the music flow seamlessly through the service, it would be easy to take the organ music for granted, especially after more than four decades.  However, the effect of Becky’s extraordinary music ministry can described with a quote about Becky’s selection of music and performance by one of the members of the congregation following a Sunday service recently:  “Despite society’s turmoil, nature’s destruction, life’s changes, when I listen to Becky play, I feel that ‘All’s right with the world’ and I always leave feeling better and happier.”

Author: Fran Bock , Friend for forty years

All Photos Courtesy Neighborhood Church Archives / Fran Bock, Historian

If you’ve been to our Church, you’ve seen and most likely heard our Organ. It’s one of our most significant and distinct treasures and is our own “little gem” amongst the Glatter-Götz organs of the world. Although many have seen and heard our organ, few know the story behind it. Luckily, Ruberta Weaver is here to share the story with us all! Below, Ruberta shares a recounting of the story of how our organ came to be...

What’s so special about the organ?  It’s just a church organ, isn’t it?

Well it IS a church organ, but let me tell you about it…

A very lovely lady wanted to make a gift that would honor the long, faithful service her husband had given to Neighborhood Church, and she wanted the gift to be something she could see.  Rev. Dr. Karl Johnson, Senior Minister at the time, was aware the ancient organ that our long-time organist, Rebecca Ogle, had to play was inadequate, so he suggested to the lovely lady and her husband, “What about a new Organ?”  

Well, that started it.  The Trustees formed a committee who in time hired a consultant knowledgeable about organs: Ladd Thomas of Pasadena.  Thomas had just completed the purchase of an organ for the UCC Church in Claremont, California, and in fact the organ builder was in town seeing to the installation. Caspar von Glatter-Götz, from a long recognized firm of organ builders, came to Neighborhood Church and the result was a contract pleasing to all, and especially to the lovely lady and her husband, Sandy and Barney Barnett.

Workers begin construction on the organ at the Glatter-Götz workshop in Owingen, Germany.

But that wasn’t all.  The Chancel would have to be redesigned. Pipes would need to be fitted into the sanctuary, which had been the living room for a classic Italian-styled Renaissance home.  The Scottish firm of Campbell and Arnott from Edinburgh was commissioned to make a design which was compatible. The sweeping scallops of their design for the organ façade beautifully fit the large instrument into the sanctuary.b

From a Fireplace to an Organ

Before the organ was installed, the front of the Sanctuary featured a fireplace original to the Haggarty home

The Process Begins

Scaffolding was erected at the beginning of a project that, all told, took almost two and a half years to complete

Progress is Made

Heinz, Ekki and the carpenters installing the organ in the Sanctuary

Pipes, Pipes and more Pipes

You can see many of them today, but not all— our Organ features 1900 pipes! Here, some of the organ’s hundreds of pipes are visible prior to installation

Look Familiar?

With the skeleton constructed, the carpenters begin installing the organ’s massive façade

Up Top and Down Below

Ladders were never far from this project. Here, Heinz installs the continuo glass shutters near the top of the organ

Pipes and All

The now-familiar organ begins to take shape, with some of the façade pipes installed

A Little Gem Indeed

Our Organ took four men over two months to install, features 1900 pipes and weighs over 5 tons. It is called a “little gem” among the famed Glatter-Götz organs of the world.

Once installed, the pipes needed to be voiced. Voicing is a meticulous process where each pipe is individually adjusted to produce the best tone quality, or timbre, possible. Luckily for us, Manuel Rosales, master voicer, was right here in Los Angeles to do this over a nine-month period. Manuel was also part of the design team from the beginning, and created the tonal design of the instrument,  The instrument took a year to design and build in Germany and another four months to construct the chancel to house the 1900 pipes of the “tracker” organ which mechanically links the keys to the air valves for responsiveness and compact design. It took four men over two months to install the five-ton organ, and nine months to voice; about 2 and a half years all together…but what a treasured result.  We call it a “little gem.”  It is the best organ money could buy and it is the baby sister of the massive Disney Hall organ which was built and voiced by the same firms.

So yes.  It’s JUST a church organ but since Easter Sunday, 1999, there’s never been another like it.

Becky Ogle, seated, surveys the new organ in its “birthplace” in Owingen, Germany, shortly before it was disassembled and shipped to the U.S. Behind her are owner, Caspar von Glatter-Götz (left) and his partner, Heinz Kremnitzer, who headed up the installation of the organ once it arrived in Palos Verdes.

Now that you know the story, want to hear our organ in action? Join us February 17, 2019, for our annual Organ Concert featuring renowned organist Adam J. Brakel!

All photos in this post Courtesy of Neighborhood Church Historical Archives / Fran Bock, Historian

You could ask just about anyone in our congregation about Ruberta Weaver and their response would probably be a mix of admiration, amazement and gratitude. After all, it’s not every day that you meet a 102 year old woman who Ubers to choir practice every Thursday and Church every Sunday. But that’s Ruberta— over one hundred and still singing in the choir, active in the Church and community, and reading scripture passages once a month on Sundays. She has a famously warm and engaging speaking voice, and earlier this year agreed to record a Bible passage of the Christmas Story to be shared with our Church family and friends.

We hope you enjoy Ruberta’s reading of The Christmas Story and share it with someone this Christmas season. You can listen below or check us out on iTunes (link below)!

Ruberta, thank you for sharing your many gifts with us every Sunday! We are grateful for your love and service and blessed to have you as a part of our Church family.

The Shepherd Scene from the Christmas Pageant, where our actors get a little help from some furry friends!

Plans for the 65th Annual Neighborhood Christmas pageant began in January 2018 as the group of organizers convened to discuss what worked well for the 2017 pageant and how it could be improved in 2018. We were excited about how well the pageant was received by the community with wonderful crowds of young and old walking the grounds and taking in with awe the inspiring story of the birth of Jesus Christ.  Yet, we knew there were areas that could be improved and discussion focused on how to make the 2018 Pageant outstanding for the 65th time!

The plans that are laid out for this year’s pageant are focused on looking at the pageant as one of our church’s ministries of telling our Christian Story in a heartfelt way that gives all who attend the hope that God is with us on our journey today just as God was with Jesus and his parents on their journey. We hope that each scene that is depicted will be relevant to today and will share that hope and love. 

• The Annunciation scene recognizes the fear of the unwed mother and her trust in God that she is in God’s care.

• The Departure scene portrays the obedience to the laws of the land as Mary and Joseph prepare to depart. 

• The Shepherd scene (which always seems to be the children’s favorite) will once again have the 4-H club tending their animals as the shepherds gather around the fire in awe of night.

• The Inn is a wonderful visual of how we need to welcome strangers and provide comfort and safety for those in need.

• The Magi scene on the bridge over the pond shows us how educated people study and learn and had hopes for a just and loving leader.

• King Herod’s Court depicts a party focused on Herod. It looks like great fun if you are Herod but what about the people he is ruling and the decrees he makes when having all male babies killed.

• And finally we are taken to the Manger scene as we approach in awe and hope in EVERY child’s birth and life.

We at Neighborhood Church are opening our doors to all who wish to join us on this journey to learn and grow in God’s love. A recent Affirmation of Faith from “World Call” states it so clearly:

We believe in the church of Jesus Christ:
The church of the warm heart, of the open mind, of the adventurous spirit.
We believe in the church that cares, that heals hurt lives, 
That comforts old people,
That challenges youth; 
That knows no divisions of culture of class or race,
No frontiers, geographical or social;
The church that looks forward as well as backward. 
We believe in the church of the people,
High as the ideals of Jesus, Low as the humblest human;
A working church, a worshipping church;
A church that interprets the truth in terms of truth;
That inspires courage for this life and hope for the life to come,
A church of courage, A church of good people and sinners,
The church of the living God. 

Whether you join us as a cast member, an usher, a singer, a director, a stage hand, costumer, makeup artist, a photographer, a publicity guru, or kitchen crew your presence and support will make this year’s pageant a success for the 65th time!  Thank you to the over 125 people who were part of making last year’s pageant so meaningful and thank you in advance to all who answer the call and say YES to joining this year for another opportunity to share our Christian Story with the community.

The season of Advent in the Church is once again upon us. The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus which means “coming towards.” It is a season of the church that is celebrated on the 4 Sundays before Christmas. Advent is viewed by many as a time of anticipation and expectation of the coming of Jesus. But it’s meaning is so much more than that.

 One needs only to look at symbolism of the four Advent Candles to see a broader meaning for the season. One of the candles is lit during each worship service on the four Sundays. There is also a fifth candle lit in the Christmas worship service. These candles may have different meanings to different congregations.

The most common Advent candle tradition is that the first candle is the candle of hope. It represents the prophets of the old Testament waiting in hope for the coming of the Messiah. The second candle represents faith, especially the prophet Micah who foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, the city in which King David was born. The third candle symbolizes joy which comes from the great joy of the shepherds when the angels announced that Jesus came for all people including humble and societal outcasts like them. The fourth candle represents peace that calls us to remember that Jesus came to bring peace by bringing all people close to God and to each other. The fifth candle represents light and purity and is called Christ’s candle to symbolize the light and the purity Jesus brought to the world. 

 I think that during this Advent season our world needs much more hope, faith, joy, peace and the light of Jesus Christ. Let us all do what we can to make that happen. 

Michael Moorhead, Licensed Minister  

A collage of some of the leaves of gratitude that were presented by our congregation on November 18, 2018.

Here at the Neighborhood Church, two seasons go together at this time of year – Stewardship and Thanksgiving.  Harvest Sunday was held November 18th when we had the ingathering of our pledged intentions for the financial support of our ministries during the coming year of 2019.  The symbolism is strong as we bring together the fruits of our labors monetarily for the sake of our community of faith.

“...let your living spill over into thanksgiving”

— Colossians 2:7

On November 25th we will celebrate Thanksgiving Sunday, giving thanks for all the blessings in our lives.  Not only are these two Sundays tied together with Thanksgiving in between – but on the 18th our congregation presented leaves on which were written personal expressions of gratitude when they also brought forward their pledge cards during a time of offering and dedication.  Those leaves will be hung on trees in the sanctuary for worship on Thanksgiving Sunday as our Trees of Gratitude compliment all the Thanksgiving decorations and theme.

Here you will find pictures of some of those leaves.  Please note the variety of expressions from some of our youngest members and youth to our more mature in years.  These special Sundays provide everyone a way to offer gratitude and gifts – as part of the receiving and giving - that make up the rhythms of a faith-filled life.

In his book, Haircuts and Holiness, Louis Cassels writes,

“it is indeed good to give thanks to God.  For thanksgiving is the other face of faith.  You can’t have one without the other.”

 And as our Pilgrim ancestors sang before us and so we will sing on Thanksgiving Sunday,

Come, ye thankful people, come,
Raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in
Ere the winter storm begin;
God our maker doth provide
For our wants to be supplied;
Come to God’s own temple come,
Raise the song of harvest home.

Thankful for all the blessings of our life together as the family of faith at the Neighborhood Church!

Rev. Dr. David D. Young
Senior Minister

Since 2015, the Neighborhood Church has partnered with Family Promise of the South Bay to help transform the lives of homeless families and children in our community. This partnership has taken many forms as it has grown throughout the years-- we’ve supported them through seasonal offerings, hands on volunteer projects, special events, and collection drives. Last year, Women’s Fellowship donated significant funds that allowed Family Promise to purchase a new van for transporting their guests. In 2017, we began serving as a support congregation, providing hot meals and care to families who are guests in the program. The hardworking members of our Christian Action Ministry are always working to find new ways to support Family Promise, and this summer, our congregation had an opportunity unlike any other. 

Earlier this year, Family Promise of the South Bay signed a lease on a three bedroom house to be used as interim housing for families in their program. Together, our Neighborhood Church Family came together with Family Promise volunteers to refurbish the home and turn it into a warm, welcoming and safe place for Family Promise guests.  

The project took place in many phases over the summer months, beginning in August with a painting and cleaning day. Almost a dozen church members showed up in their painter’s best and helped paint the bedrooms and living room and cleaned out the kitchen. New flooring was installed along with new kitchen appliances including a refrigerator and dishwasher.

In September, more Neighborhood Church members helped set up the home and make it move in ready, assembling eight (!) beds and dressing them in new sheets and blankets to get them ready for families. Curtains were hung and the kitchen was stocked with utensils and cookware through generous donations that members made through a Bed Bath and Beyond registry.

“Together, our volunteers donated almost 200 hours of their time and dedication to the Family Promise Interim Housing Project”

A special thank you to all of our church families who supported this exciting new project in any way, and to those who have supported Family Promise of the South Bay in the past. Together, our volunteers donated almost 200 hours of their time and dedication to the Family Promise Interim Housing Project! Our Women’s Fellowship and Christian Action Ministry donated a combined $5,500 to the project which was instrumental in getting the house ready for families to move in earlier this Fall.

On behalf of the two families who have felt the love and dedication that went into this project and who cried tears of joy upon seeing their new home, thank you for support. You can learn more about Family Promise of the South Bay and their interfaith network of support and host congregations on their website at www.familypromiseosb.org

Photos courtesy of Doreen Wright

Coastal Cleanup Day 2018 was a huge success! Below are some photos and words from our Christian Action Ministry’s John Readyhoff:

Dear Neighborhood Church Congregation, Christian Action Ministry, Co-Captains and Coastal Clean up volunteers…

Hi All, 

Wow what a great day today at Rat Beach! !This Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday 15th September went way beyond expectations--it was quite simply a mind-blowing success!

First of all I thank you Neighborhood Church CAM Team for making it a success and the support from Heal the Bay Co-Captains and the City of Palos Verdes Estates.  None of it would have been possible without you. 

We had an incredible turn out and lots of trash was collected. Over 500 people took part in the Beach Cleanup, including 300 from the Buddhist Monastery in Hacienda Heights and 50 Girl Scouts! Together, we collected more than 120 pounds of all sorts of trash that doesn’t belong in our oceans and waterways, including a car tire.

Thank you to everyone who came out and showed just how much they care for their creeks and their beaches and their favorite parks.

-John Readyhoff

About Coastal Cleanup Day: Coastal Cleanup Day is an annual Los Angeles County event sponsored by the Heal the Bay Foundation. Together, volunteers across LA County come together to clean up our beaches and remove trash and debris from our sands and shores. For several years, the Neighborhood Church Christian Action Ministry has co-sponsored the Malaga Cove/RAT Beach Cleanup, providing volunteers and administrative support to help facilitate the event.