Folk Dance July 7

LAGUNA FOLKDANCERS
INVITE YOU TO CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE!
Sunday, July 7
6:30-10:00PM
Neighborhood Congregational Church, Bridge Hall
 Come to dance or come to watch
LIVE MUSIC from MADISON AVENUE FOLK
with a sampling of dances from many countries
Fee:  $5
REFRESHMENTS ~ Bring finger food to share!

SUPPORT YOUR CHURCH IN 2013

Neighborhood Congregational Church provides pastoral care, spiritual guidance, and tangible support to members, visitors, friends, homeless visitors, transient and vacationing neighbors all year long.  Many who receive our services have no means of financial support, but many of us do.  Your gift helps us help others, allowing us to continue with all our minesterial work, near and far: supporting our members, our local charities, and our friends in need; here in Laguna, as well as Los Angeles, and well beyond our borders.  Your gift, no matter how large or small, will make a significant impact in the lives of others. We now have a ‘donate’ button at the bottom left hand side of the main page.  Thank you for making a difference in the lives of so many others!   Continue reading →

Dealing with Issues – Thoughts from The Rev.

DEALING WITH “ISSUES”

Back in Gig Harbor, Washington, Master Ludke often warned our Tae Kwon Do class to shape up or we would have “issues.”  Nobody wanted “issues” with Master Ludke so discipline and order were quickly reestablished.  Things are simpler in the martial arts than they are in the church, as the church frowns on thinly veiled threats to keep people in line.  So, just how does the church properly respond when “issues” arise?  In an age of almost instant communication, it’s tempting to contact as many people as possible and lobby them to our side.  Jesus, however, has other advice.  Consider what he says in Matthew 18:15-17.

“If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone.  If the member listens to you, you have regained that one.  But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses.  If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.”
Continue reading →

ONA-Open & Affirming-All are Welcome!

All are welcome at Neighborhood Congregational Church, without regard to lifestyle, theological stance, race, gender, economic status, creed, or any of the many other barriers that sometimes separate humans from one another.  In the United Church of Christ, we call this inclusive attitude “Open and Affirming.”  We strive to be open to any and affirming of all!  See our connection to the Open and Affirming Movement at this link!