Ministering Together
The Interfaith Council
of Contra Costa County
September 2004
Coming Events
 9/11 Observance
combines eclectic spiritual
Saturday, September 11,
practices with discussion and a
12:00 to 1:00 P.M.
warm soup lunch. Call
Walnut Creek Civic Park
925-837-9141 for directions.
Corner of Civic and Broadway
The Interfaith Council and the
 Pathways in the Bible:
 FaithWorks! Annual Plenary
Meeting
Wednesday, September 29,
9:00 to 11:00 A.M.
Location to be announced
Come join the annual reporting
City of Walnut Creek once again
Genesis
session of this organization that
sponsor this gathering at the
An Interfaith Bible Study
links the faith and labor
gazebo to commemorate and
Starting Thursday, September 23
communities throughout the
The Christian Science Reading
county. If you are interested in
explore the ongoing ramifications
of 9/11. Representatives of many
faith communities will speak,
songs will be sung, prayers will
be lifted. Call the office at
925-933-6030 for more information.
 Spiritual Grounding
Thursday, September 16,
9:30 A.M. to 12:00 noon
San Damiano Retreat, Danville
All are invited to this regular
Interfaith Council event that
Interfaith Council of Contra Costa
2004
1
Room
social equity, fair labor practices,
411 Hartz Ave., Danville
the proposed county land trust,
Alma Gardner, Adjunct Faculty at
and other such issues, plan on
Pacific School of Religion, will
attending. Call 925-228-0191 for
present three concurrent
location information and
ten-week sessions of this Bible
directions.
Study. Starting times are 11:30
A.M.,
3:00 P.M. and 7:15 P.M.
Call 925-837-6639 for
registration information. Persons
of all faiths welcome.
 Ending Homelessness , Not
Just Managing It
Friday, October 1,
9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
Hillcrest Congregational Church,
404 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill
MINISTERING TOGETHER
September
The Contra Costa County Home-
divine feminine, spiritual
less Continuum of Care Board
community, bees as teachers,
has recently adopted a
racism and sexism and healing
countywide plan to end
and forgiveness. For more
homelessness in ten years. This
information, call Maureen Allison,
forum will bring the community
at 925-930-5680.
together to learn each of our
roles toward implementation of
the
 Peace in the Family and Local
National Day of Prayer for
plan. The forum is free due to
generous foundation support.
To register, contact
SHELTER, Inc. at
925-335-0698, X106 or
merlinw@shelterincofccc.org.
 CROP Walk
Sunday, October 3
Walnut Creek Civic Park to
Pleasant Hill BART Station and
back
Corner of Civic and Broadway
Join Church World Service and
many of your friends to walk for
the hungry and needy. Proceeds
are distributed both locally and
internationally. Groups and
individuals are welcome. For
more information, contact Polly
Smith-Telfer
Community,
Sunday, October 17, 2:00-5:00
Mental Illness,
Tuesday, October 5
Wherever you are join the
P.M.
Christ the King Catholic Church.
National Association for Mental
199 Brandon Road, Pleasant Hill
Illness in praying for those with
Come to hear speakers of three
mental health issues and the
different faith traditions speak
ability of our society to help and
about practices and scriptures
support them. Learn more at
that encourage peace. You will
www.faithnetnami.org.
receive blessing, understanding
and inspiration.
 The Secret Life of Bees, a
Thich Nhat Hahn said,
AWhere there is compassion,
discussion
Saturday, October 9,
there is understanding. And
Hillcrest Congregational Church
there are no enemies.@
Pastor Laurie Manning will facili-
collected at the door. Call
10:00 A.M. to 12:00 noon
404 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill
tate discussion of this provocative
novel by Su Monk Kidd set
where there is understanding,
Registration of $5.00 will be
925-933-6030 to reserve a
space.
during the Civil Rights Act of
1964. Potential topics include the
at 925-846-0200 or
psmithtelfer@cbre.com.
Interfaith Council of Contra Costa
2004
2
MINISTERING TOGETHER
September
DIRECTOR=S LETTER
Dear friends,
The homeless shelters of the county are at the top of our agenda again this month. I ask your kind
attention to both Part I and Part II of this letter.
PART I:
Task Force has had four meetings by now, and is
The County Supervisors, as was expected, were
well on its way to finding the necessary funding.
required by financial exigency to accept all
In one fell swoop, the First Five Commission
proposed cuts to the Health Services budget as of
(recipients of tobacco tax money) has issued a
July 1. However, the three central county
two-to- one challenge grant of up to $335,000.
homeless shelters in Concord and Martinez, one
SHELTER, Inc. raised $17,000 at a golf
for singles, two for families were given a
tournament. Realtors on the Move has chipped in
three-month extension of funding. This was a
$1,200 in an on-the-spot meeting. Subcommittees
sacrificial gesture from a budgetary standpoint, and
are exploring a general appeal, foundation
we were grateful. During the term of that
funding, large donors and other government
extension, efforts were to be made to find a
funding. The goal is within reach.
provider or providers who could continue operating
Right now, we are waiting to hear whom the
County will choose to operate the shelters on
the shelters.
While those efforts were initially underway,
what basis. The Bay Area Rescue Mission is one
many interested persons, under the leadership of
of the organizations in the conversation. The
the Interfaith Council and Shelter, Inc., convened
county staff have been instructed to make their
an emergency Task Force to Save the Family
selection(s) by August 31.
Shelters. It was our thinking that such a
consortium might have a chance to assemble
$650,000 of annual funding for the family
shelters, but would have a much harder time being
able to cover costs for the single shelter as well.
At the first meeting, Cynthia Belon and
Wendell Brunner, county staff, agreed that their
Meanwhile, the Task Force is initiating its
broader appeal for donations. If you would like
someone to give a presentation about the need to
your congregation or organization, please contact
Tom Conrad at 925-932-4935.
PART II:
offices would advocate for the adult shelter. The
Interfaith Council of Contra Costa
2004
3
MINISTERING TOGETHER
September
The Council=s Executive Committee also gave the
We know that the thought of a temporary
green light for the Homeless Summit to make an-
shelter for families and elders in the middle of
other application to use the old Orinda library for a
Orinda causes some trepidation. But we still
temporary Winter Nights shelter this cold season.
believe that such a facility could be a tremendous
As it turns out, that building, though planned
boon to the persons who are served as well as a
for senior housing in the future, will still be vacant
source of great civic pride for the city and its
come November.
citizens. Yes, this is a one-time shot, since the
We learned many things from last year=s
traumatic process. For one thing, this time the
Homeless Summit will host its own series of town
library will have been sold, torn down and
parceled come the next winter.
But by that time, we hope that another city will
meetings to hear citizen concerns and to
be willing to take up the cause of shelter place-
incorporate them as much as possible into the
ment and community acceptance within their own
program=s business plans, rules and regulations.
borders. We are hoping to initiate, if you will, an
The first meeting is scheduled for Tuesday,
annual rotating shelter among cities, reminiscent
September 21, starting at 7:00 P.M. at Orinda
of the former shelter that rotated weekly among
Community Church (10 Irwin Way). The next
various congregations.
meetings will be on the succeeding Tuesday
nights, again at 7:00 P.M., at two other venues.
Watch for further details.
We will also be starting out with much more
detailed plans that reflect some of the discussions
of last January. We will be convening some
preliminary meetings with important supporters and
organized groups. We will be in contact with local
businesses and the adjacent preschool and the
senior housing complex. AND we are receiving
some very gracious and competent legal help from
For the Winter Nights shelter, we plan not to
need hundreds of thousands of dollars. We will be
relying substantially on volunteer help.
Nevertheless, your generous donations will be
warmly received and used.
We will shortly initiate a new website,
<cccwinternights.org> which will provide timely
information about the developing plans and
information about giving support to the effort.
With you in caring for those in unfortunate circumstances,
some dedicated attorneys at Morrison and
Foerster, who will assist us in not running afoul of
legal or procedural guidelines.
Interfaith Council of Contra Costa
2004
4
MINISTERING TOGETHER
September
Chaplain=s
Corner
to ask if he should accept his classmates= nomination to speak during the ceremony. My
This message comes to you from Cloud
Nine. Cloud Nine is indeed where I find myself
after having the distinct honor and privilege to
attend five high school graduations in a matter of
two weeks. Although this is written in June, and
you shall not read this until late August or
September, I hope to still be under the influence
of this wonderfully natural high!
The first graduation took place at the
Martinez Adult School. The kid there had earned
his GED at the Orin Allen facility in Byron last
year. Upon release from that program, this
determined eighteen-year-old told me he wanted
to complete his high school diploma. Despite not
knowing the whereabouts of his parents, and
having to ride the bus from Richmond to Martinez
daily for several months, he completed the
requirements for his diploma. He plans to attend
Butte College this fall.
When the Martinez ceremony concluded, I
rushed to the Oakland airport where I boarded a
flight to Dayton, Ohio. The next evening, in my
hometown of Richmond, Indiana, I attended the
Richmond Adult School graduation. The youngest
child of one of my cousins finally earned his diploma (he will be twenty-four years old in August).
This young man had his share of difficulties during
response was simple and to the point: AGet in
gear and prepare that speech!@ His talk brought
tears to the eyes of the many, including the
principal, the superintendent and the mayor.
Mere days after my return, I attended
graduations at both Deer Valley and Antioch high
schools. Six of the seven hundred or so
graduates at Deer Valley were kids I worked with
while they were in the system. Several others
were the girlfriends of young men I have known in
the hall and the ranch. Before going to Antioch
High School, I stopped at the home of one of the
graduates where I was invited to open the aftergraduation gathering with prayer. By the time I got
to the commencement at Antioch High School, I
was forced to park almost a mile away from the
school. The walk was worth it; I was able to witness another so-called at-risk kid walk across the
stage.
I was honored to speak at the high school
graduation at the Orin Allen facility in Byron.
Usually no more than one or two kids earn high
school diplomas each year while in custody at that
facility. This year six young men received their
high school diplomas during a ceremony, and
those earning the GED and other awards were
also recognized.
Join me in wishing the very best for and
and after his high school years. He had called me
praying for all these special young people. They
Interfaith Council of Contra Costa
MINISTERING TOGETHER
2004
5
September
accomplished something few thought they would
Rev. Charles Tinsley
or could accomplish. Amen.
Juvenile Detention Chaplain
Congratulations and Best Wishes to the following:
Greater Richmond Interfaith Program (GRIP) which, according to a report in the newsletter of the El
Cerrito United Methodist Church, will begin construction soon on its family shelter building. The permit
has been approved and the state of California has provided a grant of $1 million.
Harvest Church of Concord and its pastor, Richard Terherst, in getting approval from the Concord City
Council to convert the Capri Theatre into its place of worship. This matter has taken many years to
resolve, and the Interfaith Council is pleased and assured that Harvest Church will continue to be a
blessing to the citizens of Concord and Contra Costa County.
Loaves and Fishes on the opening in April of the Antioch Dining Room, their fifth site in the county.
Eighty meals a day are being served from the United Pentecostal Church of Antioch.
Singing Messengers
The Singing Messengers (I4C=s outreach choir to nursing homes) is privileged and happy to welcome
Scott Schrader and his beautiful baritone voice as a member of our group.
Scott attended the Conservatory of Music at the University of the Pacific for two years and studied
voice for seven years. As the Assistant Choir Director at the Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church in
Walnut Creek , he occasionally leads hymn hymn sings at church and at some assisted living facilities.
Scott=s talents are many: playing the piano, and guitar, writing music, and occasionally repairing
pianos at local nursing homes. He performs for various groups. We hope to enjoy his beautiful solo
voice long into the future.
YOUR WORDS from the Clergy of Contra Costa County
Abridged editorial, One Country, newsletter of the Baha=i International Community
Interfaith Council of Contra Costa
2004
6
MINISTERING TOGETHER
September
A growing number of people all
ACultural common sense
legitimate the assumptions
over the world believe that
leads many to believe that the
regarding human nature and
powerful global forces have ig-
best way to organize every social
social organization that sustain
nored the well-being of average
institution is in the form of a
the tripartite system. When
citizens in favor of big busi-
contest,@ notes Michael Karlberg
social activists engage in partisan
nesses, transnational corpora-
of Western Washington Uni-
political organizing, they
tions, governmental elites, war
versity. AParadoxically, it also
legitimate the contest models of
machines, ecological destruction,
leads many to believe that the
governance that keep them at a
and other evils. They see their
best way to reform those
perpetual disadvantage.
governments as failing, their live-
institutions is through protest and
Likewise, when social activists
lihoods and ways of life threat-
other adversarial strategies of
engage in litigation, they
ened, andY evidence of social
social change. Protests,
legitimate the adversarial systems
injusticeY
demonstrations, partisan
of jurisprudence that keep them
organizing, litigation, strikes, and
at a perpetual disadvantage.
the best way to move forward.
other oppositional strategies are
Even street protests,
While some advocate the slow
standard methods for pursuing
demonstrations, and acts of civil
route of pursuing reforms within
social change. In more extreme
disobedience legitimate the
existing legal or administrative
cases, violence and terrorism are
underlying assumption that
avenues, others favor direct
also employed.@
contest and opposition are
There is much debate about
action as a faster, more efficient
way to remedy social ills.
Naomi Klein (one of the most
Underlying the various paradigms encompassed by this approach is a long-standing convic-
necessary forms of social
interaction.@Y
For Baha=is, conflicts can
vocal spokespersons for the anti-
tion that attacks on the Aother@
best be resolved--and social
globalization movement) argues
Bwhether governments, corpora-
transformation accomplished--
that Aa new culture of vibrant di-
tions, or institutionsBare the most
through a new paradigm of unity
rect democracy is emerging, one
effective means for accelerating
and cooperation based on the
that is fueled and strengthened
change in societyY
recognition of humanity=s
by direct participation, not
AIf [adversarial strategies]
underlying oneness. It is a vision
dampened and discouraged by
were viable in the past, they now
of human unity that also stresses
passive spectatorshipY@(continued
appear to have reached a point
the importance of humanity=s
page 4)
of diminishing returns,@ writes Dr.
spiritual natureY
Karlberg. AAdversarial strategies
Interfaith Council of Contra Costa
2004
7
MINISTERING TOGETHER
September
The Baha=i view of change
rightness and perfection. Rather,
individualistic agendas or
as organic in nature provides a
qualified individuals must strive
ephemeral political alliances
perspective that allows the com-
by day and by night, using all
common to most protest move-
munity to pursue it through
those means which will conduce
ments cannot lead to lasting
established, lawful channels.
to progress, until the government
change. If, however, change
Just as a human being must
and the people develop along
springs from a conviction that hu-
traverse numerous stages from
every line from day to day and
manity is one, and that both indi-
infancy to adulthood, the political
even from moment to moment,@
viduals and institutions play recip-
world Acannot instantaneously
according to >Abdu=l-BahaY
rocal roles in serving humanity,
evolve from the nadir of
defectiveness to the zenith of
In the end, then, the
then it will endure.
temporary overlapping of
Ven. Jian Hu, Chung Tai Zen Center in Sunnyvale
Q: What is the main teaching in
token of appreciation or
the Diamond Sutra?
recognition in return, then the
with a mind that is immeasurable,
A: The Diamond Sutra is one of
blessing we receive from this
so the merits are also
the most profound and popular
good karma is limited and
immeasurable.
scriptures in Mahayana
impermanent.
Buddhism. It is one of the prajna
Furthermore, because we give
A famous passage from the
However, if we give without
Diamond Sutra is:
paramita scriptures, or Perfection
the concept of Aself@ or
All conditioned phenomena
of Transcendental Wisdom. It
Aothers,@ simply giving because
Are like dreams, illusions,
speaks of the ultimate reality and
it is needed, with no ego
how this reality is not separate
involved, then this ordinary act is
from our everyday life.
transcended into an act of prajna
Like the morning dew or
paramita, an act of wisdom and
flashes of lightning
good deed, but if we give with
compassion that will open the
Thus we shall perceive them.
the idea that AI@ am being kind
gate to our true nature and lead
to Ayou,@ or that I expect some
to liberation.
For example, charity is a
bubbles, and
shadows;
Rev. Jane Holt, The Center for Positive Living, Concord
Sometimes the most difficult part
mind treatment work (affirmative
feel impatient B to keep looking to
of being a Religious Scientist is
prayer) and its outer
see where Ait@ is B to keep waiting
living through that period of
demonstration in the physical.
and wondering how long it will take
earthly time between our spiritual
There is often the tendency to
to get here.
Interfaith Council of Contra Costa
2004
8
MINISTERING TOGETHER
September
While this can be a common
Our job is to claim our good
our good from appearing. An
reaction, we must remember
through spiritual mind treatment,
attitude of expectancy, however, is
we=re dealing with Spirit and
to keep our attention on that
an entirely different thing and acts
Law. Our work (treatment,
good, and to trust God/Law to
as a magnet to our good.
directed thought) is done at the
bring it into form. Part of that
level of the invisible that knows
trust includes listening within to
wondering when your demonstration
no time or space. When we
follow any intuitive direction we
is going to show up, treat until you
know, in the here and now, the
receive. Aside from this, the
feel yourself one with what you are
Truth of our treatment for
period of earthly time between
claiming; until you are so convinced
ourselves or others, we feel it as
our treatment and the result
that your word is complete in Spirit
so B as already complete in
showing up is none of our
that you can let it go and get on
Spirit; then it has no choice but
business.
about your life, trusting that in the
to show up as an outer
Continuously looking for the
So if or when you find yourself
perfect timing and under the perfect
demonstration because the Law
results to appear and/or
conditions you will see in your
which brings about our word is
wondering if they=ll show up
outer world what you know as
automatic.
displays a lack of trust B a non-
already so in Spirit.
belief B and only delays or stops
The Rev. Tim Mooney, Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church
I received a call asking me if I
AGreat,@ I thought. AI won=t
meeting, I found that I could not
would be the designated pray-er
have to pay attention to any of
go with the same resistance.
for that evening=s Presbytery
the budget stuff.@
Even before I got there I found
meeting.
But as I drove into the city to
ASure,@ I said. AWhat do I
myself praying, asking that
Calvary Presbyterian Church on
God=s Spirit would enliven,
Fillmore Street, I noticed a large
guide, and be present with the
attitude adjustment happening
gathered body of diverse Presby-
Presbytery, come to the pulpit,
within me. I=ll admit I sometimes
terians.
and the Moderator will drape a
resist going to Presbytery
stole over your neck, [you] then
meetings. Too often they get off
myself still hearing and following
return to your seat and pray for
track, blow up over the least little
the course of the agenda, but
the meeting until we=re through.@
thing, or pass over significant
soon the specifics faded into the
things without a thought. But as
background, and a sense of the
the one called to pray for the
spirit of the meeting came into
do?@
AAt the beginning of
Interfaith Council of Contra Costa
2004
9
As the meeting began I found
MINISTERING TOGETHER
September
focus. I felt called simply to hold
Session meetings! We=ll get out
Lord@ as our closing prayer, I
the body in prayer, hold it in the
in an hour!@ We laughed. But
stopped praying, removed the
light of God=s grace, as one
as the meeting resumed, and the
stole from around my neck, and
agenda item faded into the next.
next agenda item droned on and
immediately knew that I would
on, my prayer deepened to hold
never attend a Presbytery
meeting was flying by and we
the community no matter how
meeting, or any meeting...,
were way ahead of docket, a rare
long the meeting went or whether
without remembering what a
thingY at San Francisco
I heard joy or conflict in what
difference it makes to be one
Presbytery meetings! So we
was said. I found I could now
who prays for the meeting rather
sang two hymns and took a
both pray and follow the agenda
than one who simply attends a
break. During the break I told the
at the same time.
meeting. I invite you to do the
To everyone=s surprise, the
Stated Clerk, AMy prayers are
working! I must try this for our
After the Calvary choir sang a
same.
beautiful rendition of APrecious
Imam Dr. Amer Araim, Dar-ul-Islam Mosque, Concord
The Disgraceful and Shameful Attacks Against Christianity in Iraq
As a Muslim imam and represen-
image about the relations between
the authorities (particularly the
tative of the Muslim community to
Muslims and Christians, despite
religious authorities) as well as
the Interfaith Council, I wish to
the fact that these communities
the people in general to vehe-
express my profound sorrow and
have always lived in peace and
mently condemn what happened,
dismay at the attacks against
harmony in Iraq. Though the
and to take action to prevent its
churches in Baghdad and Mosul in
identity of the perpetrators is not
repetition.
Iraq. Such action cast a negative
known, it is the responsibility of
The tradition of Prophet Muhammad called for harmonious
relations with people of the
the Scripture having a covenant
They raised their voices against
with the Muslims.
the Iraq War. I recall the efforts
Iraqi Christians inside Iraq are
of an American-Iraqi Christian
Scripture. The Prophet said,
an integral part of the Iraqi people,
friend living in our area. He
AWhoever has animosity against a
and their huge contribution to
appeared on different television
dhimi (non-Muslim living in a
society is widely recognized.
shows opposing the war, and
Muslim country) has animosity
Iraqi-American Christians continue
participated in collecting
against me.@ The same saying
to maintain contacts with their
assistance to the Iraqi people.
was narrated by using the term
relatives in Iraq as well as with
He helped an Iraqi family who
mutahid, which connotes people of
Iraqi Muslims in the United States.
came to our area because their
Interfaith Council of Contra Costa
2004
10
MINISTERING TOGETHER
September
child was hit by shrapnel in the
the war began, churches contacted
me to express theirdeep regret for
war.
me to arrange a project to help
the immoral actions taken against
Iraqi children. Many churches and
Iraqi prisoners.
The majority of Christians in
America opposed the war. A big
mosques cooperated and collected
Statements by the Muslim
demonstration by almost five hun-
seven thousand school and health
leadership in Iraq B both Sunni
dred clergy and other church
kits, which were sent to Iraq.
and Shiite B in condemning these
workers crossed the Golden Gate
Other churches invited me to
attacks against churches are
Bridge in San Francisco, saying
speak to them about Islam and the
important and highly appreciated.
very loudly, ANo to the War
plight of the peoples of Iraq and
Against Iraq!: The media in the
Palestine. Many Christian friends
paign to encourage mutual
Bay Area broadcast the event.
continue to contact me, asking if I
respect and understanding
Many churches in their services on
have received news from my
between all communities in Iraq,
Sunday urged the worshipers to
family and friends in Iraq. After
with special emphasis on the
pray for peace in Iraq and to raise
the scandal in Abu Ghraib prison,
inviolability of places of worship.
their voices against the war. After
many Christian friends contacted
What is needed now is a cam-
Mary Alice O=Connor, Minister at Large, Unity of the Spirit, Orinda
Proposed Department of Peace
I hope that the idea of a
of Peace Idea to your congre-
and international use. From
Department of Peace in our
gation, please let me know.
international conflicts to domestic
government excites you as much
The Department of Peace (HR
issues such as gang, school and
as it does me. If we get enough
1673) was introduced into the
domestic violence, the Department
congressional co-signers
House of Representatives by Con-
of Peace would systematically root
nationwide, peace can be part of
gressman Dennis Kucinich and
out the underlying causes of
the ongoing discussion of every
currently has 49 congressional co-
violence in our culture.
cabinet level government meeting.
sponsors. Rep. George Miller has
If your congregation is in
signed the bill, but Rep. Ellen
Peace is worthy of our collective
Congresswoman Tauscher=s
Tauscher has not. The bill
support. Over the course of
district and you wish to collect
establishes nonviolence as an
history, people have dreamed of
signatures, use contact information
organizing principle of American
peace, but we never had a broad-
below. If you want someone to
society, providing the U.S.
reaching, well-funded, systemic
come and present the Department
President with an array of peace-
structure to help make it a
building policy options for domestic
reality. Now is the time that we as
Interfaith Council of Contra Costa
2004
11
We believe the Department of
MINISTERING TOGETHER
September
a nation must cultivate a real and
!
lasting peace. The consequences
and democratic principles to
mental organizations.
of not doing so are almost too
expand human rights.
!
difficult to imagine. The Depart-
!
ment of Peace legislation provides
of peacemaking.
substance and meaning to the
!
political yearnings of our
violence, divert from armed
gays and lesbians, and police-
generation.
conflict, use field-tested programs,
community relations disputes.
The Mission of the Department
of Peace is:
!
Hold peace as an organizing
principle in our society.
Endeavor to promote justice
Strengthen non-military means
religious groups and nongovernDevelop new programs that
relate to the societal challenges of
school violence, guns, racial or
Work to create peace, prevent
ethnic violence, violence against
Call Jeanelyse Doran at the
and develop new structures in
nonviolent intervention, mediation,
Mt. Diablo Peace Center (925-
and peaceful resolution of conflict.
933-7850) or Mary Alice
!
Encourage the development of
initiatives from local communities,
The Rev. Valerie Valle, St. Alban=s Episcopal Church, Brentwood
O=Connor (925-937-1636) for
petitions to send to Rep. Tauscher.
AGod Willing@
How many times have you heard
really mean it? Let me tell you a
someone say AGod willing?@
story I once heard.
How many times do you think they
Years ago there was a Rabbi
who lived in a repressive country.
Every day he would leave his
every morning you cross this
am here in jail. Only God knows
square and go to the synagogue.
what will happen.@
Now tell me, where are you
Since only God knows what will
home, walk across the square and
going?@ Once again the Rabbi
happen in our lives, it makes
go to the synagogue. Every one
answered, AOnly God knows.@
sense, whenever we make a plan,
in the town knew of his daily walk
This irritated the soldier, for he felt
whenever we say we will do some-
across the square. One day a
that the Rabbi was being disre-
thing, to say with conviction, AGod
soldier who wanted to give him a
spectful, so he arrested him and
willing.@ But most of us forget and
hard time stopped him and asked
took him to jail. The Rabbi just
think we are in charge of what we
him where he was going. His
looked at the soldier and said,
are going to do.
response was AOnly God knows.@
ASee, I got up this morning and
The soldier said, AWhat do you
mean? Everyone knows that
Interfaith Council of Contra Costa
2004
12
One of the gifts of my illness is
thought I was going to the
that I really mean it when I say
synagogue, but you can see that I
AGod willing.@ You see, my
MINISTERING TOGETHER
September
problem is a mild seizure disorder.
I don=t lose consciousnessYbut
Sunday School program, and I
my current medication will eliminate
can write a letter for the
them completely.
when I am having a seizure, I am
newsletter. I can make plans to
I hope I will keep the sense
unable to do anything else. These
meet someone, but only if I don=t
that all my plans, all my intentions,
episodes are absolutely
have a seizure, so I add AGod
are AGod willing.@ Only God knows
unpredictable. Sometimes they
willing.@ I can intend to come to
what will happen to each and every
are in the morning, sometimes in
church, but if the morning is
one of us today or in the next few
the afternoon, sometimes in the
difficult, I won=t show up. So if
minutes. Y I hope to see you at
evening. They happen when I am
someone says they will see me at
church, AGod willing.@
under stress, and when I am on
church, I respond AGod willing.@
vacation. Between the seizures I
As I have been working with the
feel perfectly fine. I can talk on
medication, my seizure episodes
the phone, I can do the laundry, I
are less often, and AGod willing,@
Note: Rev. Valle=s seizures are
currently under control, and she
intends to return full-time to work
on September.
can discuss how to develop our
Faithful Citizenship: A Catholic Call to Political Responsibility
(Father Brian Joyce of Christ the King Catholic Church in Pleasant Hill selected the following highlights
from the recent statement by the U.S. Bishops.)
A Catholic moral framework does
person, whether they protect the
Politics in this election year
not easily fit the ideologies of
poor and vulnerable and advance
and beyond should be about an
Aright@ or Aleft,@ or the platforms
the common good
old idea with new power B the
of any party. Our values are often
Politics cannot be merely
not Apolitically correct.@ Believers
about ideological conflict, the
question should not be, AAre you
are called to be a community of
search for partisan advantage, or
better off than you were four years
conscience within the larger soci-
political contributions. It should be
ago?@ It should be, AHow can
ety and to test public life by the
about fundamental moral choices.
>we= B all of us, especially the
values of Scripture and the
How do we protect human life and
weak and vulnerable B be better
principles of Catholic social teach-
dignity? How do we fairly share
off in the years ahead? How can
ing. Our responsibility is to mea-
the blessings and burdens of the
we protect and promote human life
sure all candidates, policies,
challenges we face? What kind of
and dignity? How can we pursue
parties, and platforms by how they
nation do we want to be? What
greater justice and peace?@
protect or undermine the life,
kind of world do we want to
dignity, and rights of the human
shape?...
Interfaith Council of Contra Costa
2004
13
common good. The central
MINISTERING TOGETHER
September
National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding October 5, 2004
All people of faith are urged to participate in the
The prayers and actions of faith communities and
National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery
secular organizations (e.g. NAMI, NMHA, DBSA,
and Understanding: God's Ministry for Mental Well-
OCF, ADAA, etc.) are needed to restore mental
ness, on October 5, 2004.
wellness in America. We all need each other. A
Because millions of Americans have a mental
illness and are in need of love, prayers, and actions,
all people of faith are asked to be "seed plant-
single branch is broken easily, but many branches
bound together have great strength.
Prayer works. We all will benefit from prayer,
ers." We ask individuals and committees within con-
whether or not we have a mental illness. Observing
gregations and mental health networks to spread the
this day of prayer will remind our nation that we
word so that all in their community may recognize
serve a God who is available and loving. The faith
and prepare for this day. Individual prayers, notices
community is called on to replace misinformation,
in faith bulletins, inclusion in Mental Illness Aware-
blame, fear, and prejudice with truth and love, which
ness Week activities, media articles about mental
will open doors to recovery and understanding. Pray-
health and recovery, web page notices with links to
er is the first step. With God's help, what initially
mental health information, and inclusion in
might seem impossible is possible.
community calendars are examples of what will
make this day a success.
Social Justice Alliance Page
#Care Collaborative program works to provide
(1) Invite a resident or recent graduate to
housing for emancipated foster care youth. 150
speak on the subject of homeless youth. The
leave foster care each year. Half of those are
expected to be homeless in two years.
Speakers
Bureau number is 925-957-2418.
(2) Help find housing near transportation and a
community college, or a landlord willing to work
What can faith congregations do to help this
with the Care Collaborative. Contact: Ruben
program?
Garza at 825-8550.
Interfaith Council of Contra Costa
2004
14
MINISTERING TOGETHER
September
#Promote Good Citizenship
Register to Vote: Congregations are urged to
hold voter registration drives. Materials and brief
training can be obtained from the League of
membership continues to grow. September will be
a key time to finalize plans for a night shelter for
homeless families and frail elderly this winter.
The Mission Commission of the First
Women Voters of Diablo Valley, 500 St. Mary=s
Presbyterian Church of Concord granted Winter
Road #14, 283-2235 or Gwen Watson, 930-
Nights over $3,000 to help support the shelter
9965.
this winter. St. John Vianney=s Small Church
The LWV will be registering voters at many area
Community contributed $950. The next meeting
Safeway stores until midnight on the last day to
is Monday, September 13, 9:00 A.M., at St.
register, October 18.
Monica=s Parish, 1001 Camino Pablo at Canyon
Road in Moraga. ALL WELCOME.
Learn about the Issues: Invite speakers to meet-
How On Earth Do I Make Peace On Earth?
ings at your congregations in October. The
On Monday, September 20, 7:00 P.M. Christ the
LWVwill provide nonpartisan speakers on the Pros
King Adult Education Committee will host Tom
& Cons of the State Ballot Measures. Call 947-
Gumbleton, Roman Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of
0755 to arrange for a presentation. To educate
Detroit and world-renowned peacemaker, for a
your congregation about the health care crisis and
Proposition 72 on the ballot, contact
carolbeen@aol.com
Earth?@ Gumbleton has been a leader in the
Catholic Peace and Justice movement for over 50
Volunteer: The County Elections Department is
short of poll workers and sites for Election Day,
November 2. They even offer half-day
opportunities for poll workers. Call (925) 6464163 to offer your services. (Poll workers are paid
a stipend.)
years, traveling to over 20 countries on peace
and human rights missions.
Admission is free; donations accepted to
benefit Pace e Bene Nonviolence Service=s
peacemaking programs. See
<www.paceebene.org>
For Non violence Training through Pace e
Bene, call (510) 268-8765.
#Winter Nights
As fall approaches, the pace of preparing for the
Winter Nights program will quicken. The Homeless
Summit has met monthly since January, and its
Interfaith Council of Contra Costa
2004
talk entitled AHow on Earth Do I Make Peace on
15
#Street Safe Kids Mini-Grants
Available
MINISTERING TOGETHER
September
Street Safe Kids of Oakland is giving mini-grants
members of the clergy are mandated to report
to Bay Area groups, organizations and
reasonable suspicion of child abuse to Child
congregations with the goal of teaching Asafety
Protective Services and/ or the local police or
and healthy choices awareness@ to high-risk kids
sheriff's departments. Call Donna Chestang Jack-
in their respective communities. Each $500 grant
son at (925) 946-9961 to schedule a workshop
entitles three persons to receive workshop leader
for your staff and/or congregation.
training, after which five or more children will be
led through the program for ten hours. For
information call 510-530-1319.
Cost Of War
The Cost of War in Iraq Calculator is set to reach
$135 billion on September 30, 2004.
#It Shouldn't Hurt to be a Kid
The Child Abuse Prevention Council of Contra
Costa County believes that every child should be
protected from abuse and mal-treatment. Our
agency's Community Education Program conducts
free child abuse prevention presentations and
Instead, we could have
$insured 6,286,520 California children for one
year;
$provided 209,520 housing units in California;
$paid for 2,073,584 children in California to
attend a
year of Head Start;
Mandated Reporting Workshops throughout Contra
$provided 372,009 students
Costa County.
$4-year scholarships to CA public universities.
Mandated professionals
include teachers, health care providers and animal
control officers, just to name a few. As of 1997,
Transitions
   
Contra Costa Welcomes Clergy
#The Very Rev. Dr. Lawrence Scott Hunter will be
especially good with youth and young families, Fr.
the fifth rector of St. Stephen=s Episcopal Church in
Larry is a true shepherd who knows, tends and
Orinda. He comes from St. John=s Episcopal Church
cares for his flock.
in La Verne, California. After graduating from the
University of Washington, he had a successful career
in salesand marketing for fifteen years. He entered
seminary at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific
in 1989. Following ordination, Fr. Larry served as
curate at St. Wilfrid of York in Huntington Beach.
Known as a leader, builder and manager who is
Interfaith Council of Contra Costa
2004
16
#The Rev. Will McGarvey, is the new pastor at the
Community Presbyterian Church in Pittsburg. Will is
a recent graduate of San Francisco Theological
Seminary and a native of Salt Lake City. He
writes, APart of our journey together will be through
MINISTERING TOGETHER
September
the scriptures as we follow the life and teachings of
OTHER CHANGES IN THE CLERGY
our Lord. Other parts will be through the liturgical
#The Rev. Linda Vogelgesang is the new
seasons. Still other parts of our journey will be
experienced in our lives together in service to one
another and the community. One of the things I am
most excited about is getting to know and to hear
your life stories B your hopes and your disappointments, your joy and your pain B knowing that God is
with us through it all.@
#The Rev. Robert Kirk is the new pastor of Concord
United Methodist Church. He writes, ABefore I was
ordained, the ordination committee [asked me] about
my conversion. This was a challengeY, because like
many people, I can=t point to any one moment and
say, >Aha, that=s when I became a
Christian!= Rather, IYexperienced the development of
my faith as a journey in which I am consistently and
gently led towards God. Ysome people feel hopeless
about life [because] they lose sight of this bigger
picture : Life is a process of soul-making, and God is
going to rework us and rework us until we=re just
right.@
#Jennie Chabon, has begun as the new cantor at
Congregation B=nai Tikvah in Walnut Creek. Cantor
Chabon grew up at Temple Beth El in Berkeley, and
wasnvested as a cantor at the Jewish Theological
Seminary in May. She received her BA in
anthropology fromColumbia University and then spent
two years living and studying in Israel. She spent the
last two years as the cantor of Congregation Shomrei
Emunah in Montclair, New Jersey.
Associate Pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran
Church in Concord, She joins Senior Pastor Eric
Strom. Linda comes from Resurrection Lutheran
Church in Dublin. She will specialize in youth
ministry, evangelism and social ministry.
#Welcome back to the Rev. Greg Ledbetter,
pastor of Shell Ridge Community Church in Walnut
Creek. He returns Sept.12 from a four-month
sabbatical.
#Katie Hines-Shah, who has been serving Spirit of
Hope Lutheran Church in Concord, has received
and accepted a call to serve as pastor of Shepherd
of the Hills Lutheran Church in Berkeley. Best
wishes!
#Farewell to the Rev. Chuck Blaisdell, who served
as denominational executive for Disciples of Christ
congregations in our area. He and his wife
Barbara (who was Senior Pastor at First Christian
in Concord before retiring for health reasons) are
moving to Hilo, Hawaii, where Chuck has been
called as pastor of the Hilo Coast United Church of
Christ.
#We also acknowledge the unusual transfer of one
of our clergy between congregations. Fr. Jim
McGee has bid farewell to St. Bonaventure
Catholic Church in Concord and is now serving
Christ the King Catholic Church in Pleasant Hill. He
is no stranger to his new parish, having served as
their weekend associate while doing graduate studies
in psychology and spirituality.
TV Film Wins Award
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI ) selected People Say I=m Crazy, for its Outstanding Media
Award for the best television documentary of 2004. NAMI gives national media awards annually in recognition of
outstanding works that focus on mental illness with accuracy, fairness and compassion, and contribute to broad
public education. Sharing in this year=s honor are director John Cadigan, who lives with schizophrenia, and
producers Katie Cadigan and Ira Wohl.
"People Say I=m Crazy is anYimportant and moving film," said NAMI national board president Margaret
Stout. "It will touch millions of people, welcoming them into the mind of a talented artist with aYsevere mental
illness and the love of a family who have stood by him. It should inspire Americans to demand that our society
invest in a mental health care system that supports recovery." People Say I=m Crazy focuses on John Cadigan=s
own experiences since the onset of his illness in college. It is the first major film directed by a person with
schizophrenia. Producer Katie Cadigan is his sister. Although the movie premiered August 18, check the TV
listings for reruns. Read more about the movie on the Cinemax web site.
Health and Faith-in-Action Report
A AYES@ vote on PROPOSITION 72, a critically
important proposition, is a vote to retain and implement the California Health Insurance Act (CHIA). A
Ano@ vote would nullify the Act. As people of faith,
we urge voting YES to support employees and
their families who currently suffer from lack of
health insurance and care.
CHIA mandates that employers provide health
insurance coverage to more than 1 million uninsured
Californians. It also provides security to workers in
danger of losing their current coverage, or of facing
premium increases too high to pay. The legislation
caps the employee=s share of premiums at 20%, or
5% for low-wage workers. Currently, seven million
of us are uninsured, and as a result live sicker, and
die younger
Only 2.5% of California employers face new
costs since many large employers already provide
health insurance, and very small employers
would not be affected. Employers of more than
50 workers could buy coverage directly, or pay
into a statewide buying pool that would work to
get the lowest rates. Employers of more than
200 workers are required to provide family
coverage as well. As a result, the competitive
position of employers who already provide
coverage will be enhanced, as the playing field
is leveled. The outcome is being watched
nationally, and policies may be affected by what
the voters of California decide to do.
Prop 72 is supported by the California
Medical Association and other health care
professional groups, the California Labor
Federation, and Health Access California, a
consumer advocacy coalition. Opposition to the
bill is being organized by employers such as
Walmart, Macy=s and MacDonald=s, large
corporations that do not cover many of their
workers.
New Book by Local Author
Douglas H. Johnson, who suffered with chronic
pain for fifteen years, has published his book,
Life=s Little Lessons: Baby Steps of Hope.
Johnson is a trauma interventionist with emergency services in Contra Costa County. After he
lost his wife and child to a house fire eight years
ago, he went through tremendous pain and grief.
This book is a distillation of the wisdom he was
granted during his recovery. You can find the
book in Martinez at the 7/11 store on Morello
Ave., or at Char=s Florist on Main St., or
Amazon.com
Thank you, dear volunteers,
for collating, folding, and labeling our June
newsletter. We appreciate Hal Foster, Jane Orr,
Jan Ledbetter, Edith Reed, Dorothy Vance and
Dick Shumaker. (We still need more volunteers. Call Lenita at 672-1053 if you can help.)
Please Pray for:
Victims of the storms in Florida
Agencies assisting the victims
The people of Sudan
Families affected by violence
First Congregational Church, Antioch
St. Joseph Catholic Church, Pinole
Contra Costa Interfaith Council will be
initiating a new website this month
www.interfaithcouncilofccc.org.
Next Deadline: September 15, 2004
Please send copy marked of the attention to:
Interfaith Council Newsletter, 1543 Sunnyvale Avenue, Walnut Creek CA 94597-1903
PH: (925) 933-6030
FAX: (925)952-4554
E Mail: <eye4cee@aol.com>
The Interfaith Council
of Contra Costa County
1543
Sunnyvale
Avenue
Walnut Creek CA 94597-1903
Ministering Together is published nine times a
year by the Interfaith Council of Contra Costa
County, a non-profit organization.
All address changes and voluntary
subscriptions should be sent to the above
address.
Council President. . . . .Rev. Dr. David
Sammons
Executive Director. . . ..Rev. Brian SteinWebber
Chaplain. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . Rev. Charles
Tinsley
Singing Messengers. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jackie Wan
Office Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nora
Chuch
Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lenita
Shumaker
Layout, copy editing. .. . . . . . .. . Beverly
Bortin
Non-profit Org
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