Pastor Lynice's Last Sermon Before Her Upcoming Sabbatical this coming Sunday, Sept. 27:

The last Board of Trustees meeting before Pastor's sabbatical will follow the service at 1:15 p.m.

Dearest Members and Friends of First Congregational Church of Oakland,
 
This email is to let you know that Pastor Lynice Pinkard will be on sabbatical beginning October 1, 2009.  She will return  in mid-January following 3 months of sabbatical time and having used the remainder of her 2009 vacation days.

As most of you know, Pastor Lynice was our Associate Pastor for seven years prior to being called last November as our Senior Pastor.  She is more than due this time off.

The Board of Trustees and a newly-formed Sabbatical Committee will be directing full attention to ensuring that the life and ministry of First Congo will continue to flourish in the Pastor's absence.  As a congregational church, this provides us with a great opportunity to allow God to empower our individual and collective gifts and graces for the good of our whole church.

You will hear more from the Pastor, Board and Sabbatical Committee in the service tomorrow [Aug. 23] and throughout the coming weeks and months..

I am profoundly grateful for your presence among us,

Pat Bruce-Lerrigo
Moderator, First Congregational Church of Oakland Board of Trustees
United Church of Christ

Blessings, all!

Starting this Sunday, September 6, we will gather after worship on every first Sunday of the month for a potluck meal.

Please bring a dish to share, if you can, and plan to stay for food and fellowship.



Love,
Pastor Lynice