KCC Notes and News for the week of May 2, 2016

Dear KCC Members and Friends,

On Sunday, we said prayers for Sue McCoy in church and on Monday we learned of her passing.  What a gift she was to our congregation -- a leader, a caring and active member, and a friend to so many of us.  Together with Sue Crockett, she founded Women of the World (WOW) and was instrumental in keeping it going, even when membership was low.  Think of any committee or look at photo albums of church activities and you'll see Sue -- right there in the thick of things.  People with Sue's knowledge, vision, and commitment are very special, and we were lucky to have her with us.  She will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.

On the calendar--

THIS SUNDAY, May 8, is Mother's Day and we will celebrate regular worship services at 10:30 a.m.   The Chorale Ensemble of the First Presbyterian Church, Santa Rosa, will be our Guest Choir.  Instead of our regular Second Sunday Potluck, we'll be treated to a Mother's Day Brunch.  Please also remember to bring canned goods and/or gently used clothing to be distributed by Sarah Lee and Henry to F.I.S.H. (Friends in Sonoma Helping).

Thursday, May 12, the Board of Deacons will meet at 11 a.m. at Dorothy's home.

Sunday, May 15, we will celebrate regular worship services at 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday, May 18, Women of the World (WOW) will hold their annual potluck 'tea party.'  Ladies, this is a fun and not-to-be-missed event!  Please sign up in the Fellowship Hall.

Saturday, May 21, the memorial service for Barbara Parsons will be held at 2 p.m. in the park, with a reception following at the KCC Fellowship Hall.

Sunday, May 22, we will celebrate regular worship services at 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday, May 24, the Board of Trustees will meet at 3:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

Sunday, May 29, we will celebrate regular worship services at 10:30 a.m.


Birthdays--

Happy Birthday to our members and friends with birthdays coming up (or just past):

May 6 - Kay
May 14 - Anne
May 16 - Gil
May 27 - Dave
May 28 - Marianne


Other news of the church--

Please remember the following church members and friends in your prayers:

Josi
Sue
Ceal
Pam
Donna
Henry
Frank and Michael
Dale McCoy and family
Eleanor
Ed and Karen
Nora
Earla
Spence
Bruce
Mary Alice
Donna
Preston and Donna
Donna


A prayer for recovery from sickness:
Almighty and merciful God, you are the only source of health and healing; you alone can bring calmness and peace. Grant to us, your children, an awareness of your presence and a strong confidence in you. In our pain, our weariness, and our anxiety, surround us with your care, protect us by your loving might, and permit us once more to enjoy health and strength and peace; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.


Happening now (or recently)--

From the Moderator--
​
This is a tough week to write and share a message of relevant meaning. We have lost a stalwart in Sue McCoy and we grieve her passing. At the same time, we gather together to seek comfort in each other and in our faith, to listen to beautiful music, and to celebrate Mother’s Day.

Life goes on and so we are compelled to ask, “What would Sue do?”  Certainly she would mourn with us. But Sue also would celebrate with us, urging us to hold both emotions in each of our palms. It is the stuff of life and it is the essence of being mortal. It speaks to the core of who we are and to the challenge of what we strive to believe.

Gratefully,
Tim


From the Pastor--

One of the benefits/blessings of life within a congregation is that we are brought face to face with our own mortality, our own passing, our own death.  It is easier to avoid this final event in our lives if we never think about it.  A congregation, with people being born and dying, brings us face to face with our own mortality.  (No wonder many want nothing to do with the church since death is at the core of the Christian message.)

Sue McCoy was a saint of our congregation.  I will miss her; we will miss her.

I hope this classic, centuries-old hymn from Norway, written by Hans Broson 300 years ago, is sung at my funeral.  It is 'Who Is This Host Arrayed in White' and I share it with you, having Sue McCoy in mind.

O blessed saints now  take your rest; 
A thousand times shall you be blest; 
For keeping faith firm unto death 
And scorning worldly trust.  

For now you Live at home with God
And harvest seeds once cast abroad; 
In tears and signs. 
See with new eyes the pattern in the seed. 
 
The myriad angels raise their song. 
O saints, sing with that happy throng; 
Life up one voice; 
Let heav'n rejoice 
In our Redeemers song!

Bless you all,
Pastor Jim


Guest Chorale Ensemble on Mother's Day
Sunday, May 8 (Mother’s Day), Chorale Ensemble of the First Presbyterian Church, Santa Rosa, will be Guest Choir. The twelve-member ensemble is directed by Mr. Bob Brazeau and is accompanied by Ms. Norma Doyle.  The Choral Ensemble began as a quartet in the mid-1990's and over the years developed into an auditioned ensemble. They perform a cappella and accompanied music, often in eight-part harmony and in a variety of musical styles. Bob Brazeau is in his 27th year as Music Director at FPC.


Women of the World (WOW) Annual Tea Party
Ladies, it's that time of year!  Flowers are blooming, spring is in the air, and it's time for the annual Women of the World (WOW) tea party.  Bring your hat (if you'd like) and come join us on May 18 at noon for this potluck 'tea style' luncheon.  Sign ups will be in the Fellowship Hall--think sweet or savory bite-size food.  Our lunches are always delicious and the fellowship is always terrific.  This is our last meeting of the year and it's one of the best.  See you there!


Have a wonderful week, and we hope to see you in church soon.

Jim Fish
Pastor

Timothy Dorman
Moderator

Linda Salomon
Contributing Member

Cathy Valerga
Secretary