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Social Justice group discussion of 'American Fiction'
Nov
21
7:00 PM19:00

Social Justice group discussion of 'American Fiction'

  • First Christian Church, Concord (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Oscar-nominated "American Fiction" is a comedy-drama that tells the story of a frustrated African-American novelist-professor who writes an outlandish satire of stereotypical "Black" books, only for it to be mistaken for serious literature and published to high sales and critical praise.

It was named one of the top 10 films of 2023 by the American Film Institute. It also received five nominations at the 96th Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Jeffrey Wright, with Cord Jefferson winning Best Adapted Screenplay. The film is rated R for language throughout, some drug use, sexual references and brief violence.

The Social Justice group will discuss "American Fiction" when we meet online at 7 pm on Thursday, Nov. 21st. Participants are encouraged to watch the movie before the meeting — but everyone is welcome whether they've seen the film or not. The movie is available on several streaming services, including Amazon Prime Video.

If you need access to the film, please contact Pastor Leslie. Funds are available to help pay fees if needed. Social Justice meetings begin at 7 pm, using the worship Zoom link. Contact Meg Sumowiec or Pastor Leslie for more info.

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Hanging of the Greens
Nov
24
11:30 AM11:30

Hanging of the Greens

  • First Christian Church, Concord (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Worship Ministry Team will lead the decorating of our worship space for Advent after worship on Sunday, Nov. 24. If you would like to help make the sanctuary beautiful during this special season, please plan on joining us. The Fellowship Team will provide lunch.

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Harvest Potluck!
Nov
17
11:30 AM11:30

Harvest Potluck!

  • First Christian Church, Concord (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join us for our Harvest Potluck after worship on Nov. 17 — Brook Buck will be serving up prime rib!

This is going to be great! Start planning now for a potluck after worship on Sunday, Nov. 17, in our Fellowship Hall. So many options for what to bring to complement the delicious prime rib... Please let us know what you will bring by contacting the church office.

Lucky Letters returns

It's been a few years since we've done this, so here's the scoop: We will hang letters spelling out a phrase, you buy a letter for $25, and you get a gift card worth that much or more.

Donations needed: If you have a gift card that's been hanging around your house for awhile and you don't plan to use it, please consider donating it to the church for the Lucky Letters wall. Contact Inverleith for details. If you have cards, please drop them at off in the office.

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Trunk or Treat!
Oct
26
1:00 PM13:00

Trunk or Treat!

  • First Christian Church, Concord (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join the fun at this community event

It's time to get into the spirit of Halloween! Our church will host Trunk or Treat for our own kids plus the community again this year.

We’re looking for participants who can decorate their trunks and hand out candy to our costumed guests. It's even more fun when you dress in costume. Please arrive by 12:15 pm on Saturday, October 26, to allow time to decorate. Trunks often are decorated with a theme, such as spooky, superheroes, Disney, or another childhood favorite theme.

The easiest way to distribute candy is to keep your candy in the bag and hand it to children as they come to your trunk. A creative way would be to place the candy in a big bowl and make the candy part of your trunk's theme and display... maybe a candy slide?

To sign up or for more info, please contact Chris Gabe by October 21 so we have an accurate count for planning. Help build excitement for this event by bringing a pumpkin to put on the chancel in front of the communion table after you sign up.

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Save the Date -- it's a Work Party!
Oct
19
8:00 AM08:00

Save the Date -- it's a Work Party!

  • First Christian Church, Concord (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The House and Grounds Committee wishes to invite you to our annual fall "All Hands Work Party" from 8 am to Noon on October 19. This is your opportunity to join with the members of the House and Grounds Committee to prepare our church home for fall and winter as well as the holiday season. It is also a time to see old friends and share a donut and a cup of coffee as you join in to maintain and make repairs all around the campus.

In order to encourage participation, House and Grounds has elected to waive the $10 customary participation fee. The first 50 people to sign-up for this very important event will be admitted at no charge, with the added bonus of morning refreshments and a pizza and salad lunch.

If you can't make it on the 19th but want to help, contact Bill Bush and he will set you up with a solo or team job that you may undertake at a day and time that you find convenient. The same goes if you have some spare time on your hands, just contact Bill.

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Social Justice Book Study: Healing the Heart of Democracy
Oct
17
7:00 PM19:00

Social Justice Book Study: Healing the Heart of Democracy

  • First Christian Church, Concord (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join our Social Justice group as we do a deep dive into Parker Palmer’s Healing the Heart of Democracy beginning July 18, This online book study will look at how we can restore civil discourse, focus on shared values, and reach understanding despite our differences.

Palmer urges us to resist the policies of divide and conquer and writes about how to hold elected officials accountable. We hope to learn how to have respectful conversations about difficult topics and be in community with those we disagree with.

Each session will cover one chapter and feature short videos as well.

We will use the 2024 edition of Healing the Heart of Democracy and book scholarships are available. Contact Pastor Leslie for book funds.

  • July 18: Intro, Prelude, Chapter 1: Democracy’s Ecosystem

  • August 1: Chapter 2: Confessions of an Accidental Citizen

  • August 15: Chapter 3: The Heart of Politics

  • August 29: Chapter 4: The Loom of Democracy

  • September 5: Chapter 5: Life in the Company of Strangers

  • September 19: Chapter 6: Classrooms and Congregations

  • October 3: Chapter 7: Safe Space for Deep Democracy

  • October 17: Chapter 8: The Unwritten History of the Heart

All sessions will use the worship Zoom link. Contact Meg Sumowiec or Pastor Leslie for more information.

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Blessing of the Animals & Service of Remembrance
Oct
6
3:00 PM15:00

Blessing of the Animals & Service of Remembrance

  • First Christian Church, Concord (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

We hope you'll join us on Sunday, October 6th at 3pm for an outdoor Blessing of the Animals & Service of Remembrance. You can also join us on Zoom using the normal worship link.

It's a wonderful chance to give thanks for the special animals in your life. Our cats and dogs, reptiles and horses, fish and birds that grace our homes are among God's greatest gifts in our lives.

Come join us as we celebrate God's creation of animals as we gather together to bless, and remember our favorite furry and feathered friends!

We are asking everyone to bring their own folding chair and we will meet in the courtyard where we will be able to be together with our animals. We will have a memorial table as well as a time during the blessing to speak the names of pets who have crossed the rainbow

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Oct
6
10:00 AM10:00

Reconciliation Sunday -- Special Offering

  • First Christian Church, Concord (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Reconciliation Ministry Special Offering will be received this year on September 29* and October 6th (in solidarity with World Communion Sunday). Funds generated by this special offering are used throughout the year to provide grants to ministries and congregations actively developing and implementing programs that promote our denomination’s Pro-Reconciliation and Anti Racist identity. These programs and efforts seek to reveal, re-educate, and remove systemic and structural barriers in our communities that serve to deny the image of God and human thriving based on race.

Your gifts to Reconciliation Ministry strengthens our Church's witness to God's unending love for all of humanity. With your generosity, leaders, communities, and our congregations are being equipped to witness to God's love and justice in all times and in every season. The time is always ripe to stand up for justice to ensure that all of God's children are treated equitably. Thank you for joining us on this journey through your generosity.

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Social Justice Book Study: Healing the Heart of Democracy
Oct
3
7:00 PM19:00

Social Justice Book Study: Healing the Heart of Democracy

  • First Christian Church, Concord (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join our Social Justice group as we do a deep dive into Parker Palmer’s Healing the Heart of Democracy beginning July 18, This online book study will look at how we can restore civil discourse, focus on shared values, and reach understanding despite our differences.

Palmer urges us to resist the policies of divide and conquer and writes about how to hold elected officials accountable. We hope to learn how to have respectful conversations about difficult topics and be in community with those we disagree with.

Each session will cover one chapter and feature short videos as well.

We will use the 2024 edition of Healing the Heart of Democracy and book scholarships are available. Contact Pastor Leslie for book funds.

  • July 18: Intro, Prelude, Chapter 1: Democracy’s Ecosystem

  • August 1: Chapter 2: Confessions of an Accidental Citizen

  • August 15: Chapter 3: The Heart of Politics

  • August 29: Chapter 4: The Loom of Democracy

  • September 5: Chapter 5: Life in the Company of Strangers

  • September 19: Chapter 6: Classrooms and Congregations

  • October 3: Chapter 7: Safe Space for Deep Democracy

  • October 17: Chapter 8: The Unwritten History of the Heart

All sessions will use the worship Zoom link. Contact Meg Sumowiec or Pastor Leslie for more information.

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Sep
29
10:00 AM10:00

Reconciliation Sunday - Special Offering

  • First Christian Church, Concord (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Reconciliation Ministry Special Offering will be received this year on September 29th and October 6th (in solidarity with World Communion Sunday). Funds generated by this special offering are used throughout the year to provide grants to ministries and congregations actively developing and implementing programs that promote our denomination’s Pro-Reconciliation and Anti Racist identity. These programs and efforts seek to reveal, re-educate, and remove systemic and structural barriers in our communities that serve to deny the image of God and human thriving based on race.

Your gifts to Reconciliation Ministry strengthens our Church's witness to God's unending love for all of humanity. With your generosity, leaders, communities, and our congregations are being equipped to witness to God's love and justice in all times and in every season. The time is always ripe to stand up for justice to ensure that all of God's children are treated equitably. Thank you for joining us on this journey through your generosity.

View Event →
Social Justice Book Study: Healing the Heart of Democracy
Sep
19
7:00 PM19:00

Social Justice Book Study: Healing the Heart of Democracy

  • First Christian Church, Concord (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join our Social Justice group as we do a deep dive into Parker Palmer’s Healing the Heart of Democracy beginning July 18, This online book study will look at how we can restore civil discourse, focus on shared values, and reach understanding despite our differences.

Palmer urges us to resist the policies of divide and conquer and writes about how to hold elected officials accountable. We hope to learn how to have respectful conversations about difficult topics and be in community with those we disagree with.

Each session will cover one chapter and feature short videos as well.

We will use the 2024 edition of Healing the Heart of Democracy and book scholarships are available. Contact Pastor Leslie for book funds.

  • July 18: Intro, Prelude, Chapter 1: Democracy’s Ecosystem

  • August 1: Chapter 2: Confessions of an Accidental Citizen

  • August 15: Chapter 3: The Heart of Politics

  • August 29: Chapter 4: The Loom of Democracy

  • September 5: Chapter 5: Life in the Company of Strangers

  • September 19: Chapter 6: Classrooms and Congregations

  • October 3: Chapter 7: Safe Space for Deep Democracy

  • October 17: Chapter 8: The Unwritten History of the Heart

All sessions will use the worship Zoom link. Contact Meg Sumowiec or Pastor Leslie for more information.

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Sep
8
10:00 AM10:00

Homecoming Sunday

  • First Christian Church, Concord (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join us after worship to help joyfully launch our fall programming year!

Brook Buck will prepare tri-tip, to be accompanied by potluck side dishes we bring. Please send an email/text to Inverleith to sign up!

There will also be sign-up events and some silent auction items, so bring your checkbook or credit card also!

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Social Justice Book Study: Healing the Heart of Democracy
Sep
5
7:00 PM19:00

Social Justice Book Study: Healing the Heart of Democracy

  • First Christian Church, Concord (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join our Social Justice group as we do a deep dive into Parker Palmer’s Healing the Heart of Democracy beginning July 18, This online book study will look at how we can restore civil discourse, focus on shared values, and reach understanding despite our differences.

Palmer urges us to resist the policies of divide and conquer and writes about how to hold elected officials accountable. We hope to learn how to have respectful conversations about difficult topics and be in community with those we disagree with.

Each session will cover one chapter and feature short videos as well.

We will use the 2024 edition of Healing the Heart of Democracy and book scholarships are available. Contact Pastor Leslie for book funds.

  • July 18: Intro, Prelude, Chapter 1: Democracy’s Ecosystem

  • August 1: Chapter 2: Confessions of an Accidental Citizen

  • August 15: Chapter 3: The Heart of Politics

  • August 29: Chapter 4: The Loom of Democracy

  • September 5: Chapter 5: Life in the Company of Strangers

  • September 19: Chapter 6: Classrooms and Congregations

  • October 3: Chapter 7: Safe Space for Deep Democracy

  • October 17: Chapter 8: The Unwritten History of the Heart

All sessions will use the worship Zoom link. Contact Meg Sumowiec or Pastor Leslie for more information.

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Social Justice Book Study: Healing the Heart of Democracy
Aug
29
7:00 PM19:00

Social Justice Book Study: Healing the Heart of Democracy

  • First Christian Church, Concord (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join our Social Justice group as we do a deep dive into Parker Palmer’s Healing the Heart of Democracy beginning July 18, This online book study will look at how we can restore civil discourse, focus on shared values, and reach understanding despite our differences.

Palmer urges us to resist the policies of divide and conquer and writes about how to hold elected officials accountable. We hope to learn how to have respectful conversations about difficult topics and be in community with those we disagree with.

Each session will cover one chapter and feature short videos as well.

We will use the 2024 edition of Healing the Heart of Democracy and book scholarships are available. Contact Pastor Leslie for book funds.

  • July 18: Intro, Prelude, Chapter 1: Democracy’s Ecosystem

  • August 1: Chapter 2: Confessions of an Accidental Citizen

  • August 15: Chapter 3: The Heart of Politics

  • August 29: Chapter 4: The Loom of Democracy

  • September 5: Chapter 5: Life in the Company of Strangers

  • September 19: Chapter 6: Classrooms and Congregations

  • October 3: Chapter 7: Safe Space for Deep Democracy

  • October 17: Chapter 8: The Unwritten History of the Heart

All sessions will use the worship Zoom link. Contact Meg Sumowiec or Pastor Leslie for more information.

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Social Justice Book Study: Healing the Heart of Democracy
Aug
15
7:00 PM19:00

Social Justice Book Study: Healing the Heart of Democracy

  • First Christian Church, Concord (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join our Social Justice group as we do a deep dive into Parker Palmer’s Healing the Heart of Democracy beginning July 18, This online book study will look at how we can restore civil discourse, focus on shared values, and reach understanding despite our differences.

Palmer urges us to resist the policies of divide and conquer and writes about how to hold elected officials accountable. We hope to learn how to have respectful conversations about difficult topics and be in community with those we disagree with.

Each session will cover one chapter and feature short videos as well.

We will use the 2024 edition of Healing the Heart of Democracy and book scholarships are available. Contact Pastor Leslie for book funds.

  • July 18: Intro, Prelude, Chapter 1: Democracy’s Ecosystem

  • August 1: Chapter 2: Confessions of an Accidental Citizen

  • August 15: Chapter 3: The Heart of Politics

  • August 29: Chapter 4: The Loom of Democracy

  • September 5: Chapter 5: Life in the Company of Strangers

  • September 19: Chapter 6: Classrooms and Congregations

  • October 3: Chapter 7: Safe Space for Deep Democracy

  • October 17: Chapter 8: The Unwritten History of the Heart

All sessions will use the worship Zoom link. Contact Meg Sumowiec or Pastor Leslie for more information.

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Social Justice Book Study: Healing the Heart of Democracy
Aug
1
7:00 PM19:00

Social Justice Book Study: Healing the Heart of Democracy

  • First Christian Church, Concord (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join our Social Justice group as we do a deep dive into Parker Palmer’s Healing the Heart of Democracy beginning July 18, This online book study will look at how we can restore civil discourse, focus on shared values, and reach understanding despite our differences.

Palmer urges us to resist the policies of divide and conquer and writes about how to hold elected officials accountable. We hope to learn how to have respectful conversations about difficult topics and be in community with those we disagree with.

Each session will cover one chapter and feature short videos as well.

We will use the 2024 edition of Healing the Heart of Democracy and book scholarships are available. Contact Pastor Leslie for book funds.

  • July 18: Intro, Prelude, Chapter 1: Democracy’s Ecosystem

  • August 1: Chapter 2: Confessions of an Accidental Citizen

  • August 15: Chapter 3: The Heart of Politics

  • August 29: Chapter 4: The Loom of Democracy

  • September 5: Chapter 5: Life in the Company of Strangers

  • September 19: Chapter 6: Classrooms and Congregations

  • October 3: Chapter 7: Safe Space for Deep Democracy

  • October 17: Chapter 8: The Unwritten History of the Heart

All sessions will use the worship Zoom link. Contact Meg Sumowiec or Pastor Leslie for more information.

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Social Justice Book Study: Healing the Heart of Democracy
Jul
18
7:00 PM19:00

Social Justice Book Study: Healing the Heart of Democracy

  • First Christian Church, Concord (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join our Social Justice group as we do a deep dive into Parker Palmer’s Healing the Heart of Democracy beginning July 18, This online book study will look at how we can restore civil discourse, focus on shared values, and reach understanding despite our differences.

Palmer urges us to resist the policies of divide and conquer and writes about how to hold elected officials accountable. We hope to learn how to have respectful conversations about difficult topics and be in community with those we disagree with.

Each session will cover one chapter and feature short videos as well.

We will use the 2024 edition of Healing the Heart of Democracy and book scholarships are available. Contact Pastor Leslie for book funds.

  • July 18: Intro, Prelude, Chapter 1: Democracy’s Ecosystem

  • August 1: Chapter 2: Confessions of an Accidental Citizen

  • August 15: Chapter 3: The Heart of Politics

  • August 29: Chapter 4: The Loom of Democracy

  • September 5: Chapter 5: Life in the Company of Strangers

  • September 19: Chapter 6: Classrooms and Congregations

  • October 3: Chapter 7: Safe Space for Deep Democracy

  • October 17: Chapter 8: The Unwritten History of the Heart

All sessions will use the worship Zoom link. Contact Meg Sumowiec or Pastor Leslie for more information.

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Jun
2
11:15 AM11:15

Congregational Meeting

This meeting will be in the sanctuary as well as on Zoom. During this meeting the congregation will vote on a new slate of officers, elders and deacons.

A detailed letter with ballots was sent to the congregation via email; for those without email, a hard copy was mailed at the same time. Emailed ballots can be returned to ballots@concordfcc.net, or can be printed, signed, and mailed to the church office.

All ballots must be received in the church office no later than June 5th.

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Books & Brew!
May
9
6:30 PM18:30

Books & Brew!

Calling all readers of books, consumers of beer, and all those who just want to hang out!

Come and hear about the latest books folks are reading and if you aren't currently reading anything, it's not a problem. The more, the merrier!

Where: Calicraft Brewery 2700 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek When: Thursday, May 9th, 6:30pm

Feel free to bring some nibbles to share.

FYI: Pizza is available for purchase at the site.

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Apr
19
to Apr 20

Regional Gathering at FCC Concord

  • First Christian Church, Concord (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

We will be hosting the 170th CCNC-N Annual Gathering at First Christian Church, Concord April 19-20, with Clergy Day on April 18. Our keynote speaker will be Rev. Dr. Kelly Cowell, co-Senior Minister of FCC Berkeley. The theme of the weekend is “New Wineskins: Inspiration, Imagination, Innovation” and the scriptures are Joshua 9:12-14 and Matthew 9:16-18.

You can register by clicking here.

If you can help get spaces ready for our guests, serve as a host throughout the meeting to answer questions and help people find what they need, serve as an usher or parking lot attendant, or just help throughout the time, please let Pastor Leslie or Andie know.

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Mar
30
2:00 PM14:00

Help needed for Community Easter Egg Hunt!

  • First Christian Church, Concord (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

We need candy for the Community Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 30. If you would like to donate candy, please deliver your small, individually wrapped candy to the church office by Sunday, March 24.

We also need volunteers to fill the eggs the week of March 24. You can do this at home or at the church, whichever works best for you. The filled eggs need to be returned to the office by Thursday, March 28.

Be sure to come and enjoy watching the children hunt for eggs at 2pm on Saturday, March 30!

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