The Pilgrim - November 6, 2016

It's the first Sunday of the month - time again for First Church Café, from Karen Cannon of Stars Catering. The cost for lunch is $9 for adults and $4 for children 10 and under.

All are welcome. If you or your family need financial assistance to be able to enjoy lunch, vouchers are available. A number of our boards will meet after lunch, but lunch is not just for board members. Here is the menu:

It is a common custom within Christianity to call out the names of the faithful who have died since the last All Saint’s Day. At First Church, we will read the names of those members and friends who have passed since November 1, 2015, but would also be honored to include close friends and relatives of our community, as well. Simply email office@firstchurchlb.org with the name and date of death, and it will be included on November 6. Please contact the office by 5 pm on Thursday, November 3.
 

You know you want to see it! Go online here to buy your tickets. Call Ruth Warkentin, the office manager, for sales of 10 or more tickets.

 

By Pamela Chapin for the Capital Campaign Committee
 

As you ponder your gift to the Preserving Our Legacy Capital Campaign, some of you might have jewelry that you no longer wear or wish to keep.  Proceeds from the sale of jewelry is one way to make a gift to the campaign.  The Capital Campaign committee has contacted Mark Schneider, Designers of Fine Jewelry, and Mark has offered to evaluate jewelry for possible purchase.  He specializes in diamonds and gold jewelry.  If you are interested in the offer, his jewelry store is located at 245 Promenade N. (on Third Street west of Pine Ave.), 562-437-0448  x109.
 

By Nancy Valencia, Executive Director, DAYS Long Beach

Join DAYS Long Beach in celebrating the holiday by attending Winterfest followed by a Sparkling Reception on Sunday, December 4, at 4 pm at First Congregational Church. We will ring in the holiday season with the assistance of more than 200 California State University Long Beach singers as they perform some of our favorite carols, songs, and classical pieces. You will not want to miss handbells, vocal jazz, and the breathtaking combined voices of all seven CSULB choirs.

The concert will put you in the holiday spirit and the reception will be a lovely way to entertain your friends and family. For more information or to reserve your tickets send an email right now to nancy.valencia@dayslb.org or call 562-234-2851. We look forward to sharing this lovely holiday concert with you and your family.

 

By Arlene Mercer, Executive Director

Both Patterson Hall and the parameters of the patio under the eaves were full as the drizzle didn’t stop for most of the day. That didn’t stop us from providing free phones, signing people up for dental care and medical insurance, holding a clothing give away, giving out hygiene items, providing our computer lab, and helping build some resumes there.

One lady made and brought to us soft cozy scarves with different patterns on them. There were some for the little girls with pink lady bugs on them and action figures for our little boys. Our volunteer coordinators loved being able to give those to the children and see their eyes light up. Adults received various plaid pattern scarves.

Our guests were especially thankful. A small group respectfully waited till I was done interviewing people and then told me how thankful they were for the good food and gifts of support we were giving. Even after 4 pm when we had to close our doors, a few people stayed out front of the church and worked with the woman assigning free phones. Everyone made extra efforts to brighten the dreary day for our guests.

We have a little three-year-old boy who starts learning in a safe place today at Children Today. His mother had visited there to pick up the forms to fill out after we had referred her last week. She said tears were streaming down her face when she saw how beautiful it was and that her son could go there to day care and to learn. We just might be teaching a future doctor, business man, or president when they have the right opportunities! His mom has been hired by LAUSD, and now without the little guy with him all day, his dad can take the resume we built and look for work too.

We have a mom and her three children still homeless though she has had First Five Assistance available for months. So far no apartment. Also have another family with a six-month-old baby with commitment of assistance from Rapid Rehousing. No apartment. There are not enough affordable apartments to be had in Long Beach! So landlords are very skeptical about taking third-party checks, though they will come in regularly.

We have a young mom in her apartment, but she’s been very sick with pneumonia and emotionally drained since she worries about not being able to work and support herself and her child.

Please say some prayers and send your positive thoughts for these discouraged young people who are trying so hard. I’ve brought them along as far as I can except to pray for them to get the apartments and good health they need. May you have a blessed week.
 

 

The deadline for submitting items for inclusion in the Sunday service bulletin and for the newsletter is Tuesday at 1 p.m. The Pilgrim is emailed every Wednesday.