News from Our Wider Church
Northern California-Nevada Conference (NCNC)
United Church of Christ

Vandalism in the Murphys Church
Our prayers go out to the people of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Murphys. A vandal threw a concrete block through a stained-glass widow in the sanctuary. As Pastor Bonnie Hollinger reports, “ It just breaks my heart to see this beautiful window so devastated. I do not understand people who do these sort of things, but I do know that Jesus requires a response of  a response of mercy and grace. While indeed our anger at such an incident is appropriate, it is my prayer that we will be generous in our forgiveness and mercy.” Our Murphys church is part of the Mountain-Valley Association of six congregations, which includes our own church.

NCNC Annual Gathering
The Annual Gathering of churches in our regional Conference will take place at Sonoma State University on June 16-19. The gathering includes workshops, worship, and fellowship. Pastor Michael will be attending Annual Gathering through June 18. The Conference includes 118 local churches and about 383 ministers, from Eureka to Tulare, from Monterey to Reno, and everywhere in between.

Your Help Needed
The Executive Council of our six-church Mountain Valley Association needs an at-large representative from our church. The Executive Council coordinates Association gatherings, guides the ordination process of ministers in our Association, and oversees the calling of ministers in our churches. In addition to our own church, the Mountain Valley Association includes the following churches: United Congregational Christian Church, Lodi; First Congregational Church, Stockton; First Congregational Church, Ripon (seeking full standing in the MVA); Union Congregational Church, Angels Camp, and First Congregational Church, Murphys.

Save the Date! MVA Meeting at First Congregational, Murphys
Our Association’s Annual Meeting will take place at First Congregational Church, Murphys on Sunday, September 18. The meeting includes worship, a meal, and fellowship. In attendance will be Conference Minister Diane Weible and Associate Conference Minister Davina Jones. The members of all six churches in our Association are encouraged to attend. Please join Pastor Michael in representing our own church. More information TBA.