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Shell Ridge Community Church

Walnut Creek, California

Rev. Gregory H. Ledbetter, Pastor

Sunday Worship - 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

9:30 a.m. -- Sunday School for all ages

200 La Casa Via , Walnut Creek, CA 94598 (Maps) ~ (925) 935-3250

Listen to "River of Peace," sung by the Shell Ridge Men's Quartet


Maps showing church location ~ Music "River of Peace"

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Pastor Greg's Lenten Devotional (Week 2)



See below to learn more about our Shell Ridge

Lenten Events in February and March

Ash Wednesday (Feb. 17) was observed in a 6:30 p.m. service at Shell Ridge.

Gallery Space Lenten Exhibit (back of Sanctuary) "The Many Faces of Jesus"

On the First Sunday of Lent (Feb. 21), the Adult Forum discussed the meaning of Lent, led by Rev. Rick Mitchell. Following is a summary of the discussion:

Scripture: Luke 4:1-13 (Why was this scripture chosen for the first Sunday of Lent?) Luke recounts the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness during his 40-day sojourn. Lent is the forty days (excluding Sundays) beginning on Ash Wednesday and continuing through the last day before Easter. Originally a shorter period of fasting, Lent was expanded from 36 to 40 days by Pope Gregory the Great in the 6th Century. "Lent... was a tradition practiced by the early church. In the 600s, under the papacy of Pope Gregory the Great, Lent became a 40-day period that helped the church prepare for Easter. It was marked by fasting and by denying oneself of pleasures normally engaged in during the other 325 days of the year. In the early tradition, Christians ate only one meal per day, in the evening. For others [in later years] it was fasting until noon or 3:00 p.m. Most traditions included some form of fasting from meat. During Lent, the early church skipped meat, fish, and animal products. In other words, they went vegan for 40 days." (Tracey Bianchi, Sojourners)

For many, Lent signifies penitence and reflection -- for others it offers an opportunity to seek to "fill the void in one's soul that only God can fill" (Jodie Tooley, United Church, Moscow ID). The class was challenged to consider what Lent and Easter mean to us and to those in our families and neighborhoods. How can we best convey this meaning to others?

The Morning Worship service was led (and sermon delivered) by Rev. Angela Yarber, Shell Ridge's Associate Pastor of Art and Education.




Sunday, February 28 - Second Sunday of Lent


Lectionary: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7; Psalm 32; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11

Children's Fellowship Time - Laura Hindes
Youth - Lenita Shumaker
Adult Forum - Dana Murphy (will meet in Nursery today only)

Morning Worship @ 10:30 am
Sermon: Rev. Greg Ledbetter
Worship leader: Rev. Angela Yarber, Chris Shade
Sunday School - Elizabeth Murphy
Ushers: Jim Eklund, Nick Costa, Keith Brodie, Betty deKat

NOTE: Worship will be held in Rooms 3 & 4 this Sunday (Feb. 28th) so as not to inconvenience our Winter Nights guests, who are using the Sanctuary.




Sunday, March 7 - Third Sunday of Lent

Lectionary: Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5:1-11; John 4:5-42
All Classes meet together in the Patio Room for Sunday School Breakfast and discussion time @ 9:30 (Facilitator: Chris Shade; Breakfast)

Morning Worship @ 10:30 am
Sermon: Rev. Greg Ledbetter
Worship leader: Rev. Angela Yarber, Chris Shade
Sunday School - Elizabeth Murphy
Ushers: Jim Eklund, Nick Costa, Keith Brodie, Betty deKat

Schedules and Topics for Sundays, March 7, 14 , 21, and 28




Why Should I Care about Health Care Reform?


Why should I care about health care reform? After all my coverage is fine, (isn't it?). Well it's fine as long as I don't lose my job and join almost 50 million people without health care coverage in the U.S. It's fine as long as the insurance company that profits from denying health care procedures to me actually agrees to a procedure. It's fine as long as I don't mind paying about twice as much as people in other countries and getting worse results, for example, they live longer.

Okay, so maybe we do need health care reform, what does that mean? Well there's a confusing mish-mash of options out there. Something called universal health care, something about letting everyone fend for themselves, something called Single Payer. Of course we could continue what we are doing and keep bankrupting organizations and individuals.

These are some fundamental principles that should be part of a good healthcare system:

o Everybody is in, nobody is out

o It's portable if I change jobs

o I can access many skilled health care providers

o It's sustainable with administrative costs about one fifth of our current insurance bureaucracy

o Nobody is bankrupted by health care costs


Single Payer is the only approach that does this. It's a highly efficient way of paying for health care through a single organization. With the Single Payer approach health care continues to be delivered through multiple providers; it provides broad choice about where services are received. In terms of coverage, everybody is in; nobody is out, even when between jobs. Nobody is made bankrupt by health care expenses. I remember now seeing that experiences in other countries show the Single Payer approach is more effective in delivering better health care outcomes, for example people live longer. Sometimes we are given a remarkable gift and it is hard to see it. Single Payer health care is such a gift. It benefits each of us and our economy. I can see why we can and should implement Single Payer health care as soon as possible. Mark Leno's bill, SB 810, will provide Single Payer health care in California. There are other national bills, for example John Conyers, HR 676 that are similar. Let's get this done.

SICK AROUND THE WORLD

On Sunday, February 1, a group of members and visitors viewed and discussed the FRONTLINE video, "Sick around the World," that examines how other capitalist democracies deliver healthcare and what we might learn from them.
Click to see a 6-minute preview of the video at the YouTube site.


Forty seven million people in the US were without health coverage in 2006. Four in five Americans say the US healthcare system needs fundamental change. In 2007 and 2008, Ron Elsdon led seminars on health care needs and the proposed universal health care plan in California. The video "The HealthCare Solution: California OneCare" was shown in addition to slides accompanying Ron's own presentation.

(See a summary provided by Ron, and view the video, "The Healthcare Solution - California OneCare," in
22 minutes or
3 minute summary

NOTE: The above link leads to an off-site location for which Shell Ridge Church has no control and takes no responsibility. At the YouTube site, click on the little box at the bottom right-hand corner of their video screen to expand to full-screen size on your computer.




Shell Ridge is an officially welcoming and affirming congregation.

On Sunday, January 25, 2009, the following affirmation was approved by the congregation:

As a diverse body of Jesus' followers, we affirm:

+ that every person is made in God's image, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and heterosexual and that every person's sexual orientation is a gift from God, a critical part of one's personal identity, and should be a non-factor in regard to sharing in the full life and ministry of our church;

+ that in the Spirit of love, openness, and inclusiveness, we welcome and affirm all, without regard to their sexual orientation;

+ that as agents of peace and justice, we seek to support all who suffer discrimination, injustice or inequality of any kind;

+ that we will continue to appreciate more fully our differences and gifts and that by God's grace our love for God and each other may flourish;

+ the need to seek to fully live out and continue to deepen the welcome and affirmation of all by the grace and strength of God and;

+ that we will seek to remain in loving dialogue and fellowship with those who are in dissent with our decision.

Therefore:

Believing that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender persons have a place in the full life and ministry of the local church, Shell Ridge Community Church shall officially be known as a Welcoming and Affirming congregation.
[Approved January 25, 2009, by 96.4% of members present and voting.]

WELCOME BACK TO ALL FRIENDS, VISITORS, AND MEMBERS FOR THE
2010 WINTER AND SPRING SEASONS AT SHELL RIDGE!

Welcoming and Affirming of All People
including Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People


SPECIAL PROGRAM EMPHASES



IF YOU MISSED THE VIDEO, "WHO IS OUR NEIGHBOR: IMMIGRATION," you can VIEW IT NOW! (Click here, runs 6 minutes)
Produced by Gerson Sanchez, a member of our congregation.


HAVE YOU SEEN THE DOCUMENTARY VIDEO, "FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO"? (Click here to see video trailer at YouTube site).
This is an excellent and highly recommended review of current biblical scholarship and human experience that offers healing, clarity
and understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity.

Two DVDs of this video were circulated among members of our congregation for viewing prior to the vote for the church on January 25, 2009 to officially become an Open, Welcoming & Affirming church, accepting of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons into our membership. The policy was approved by a 96.4% vote of members present and voting. Although this has been the church's practice for many years, a majority felt it was important to take an official position on this question. Please let Sandy Mitchell or Pastor Greg Ledbetter know if you'd like more information or wish to view the video.

NOTE: The above link leads to an off-site location for which Shell Ridge Church has no control and takes no responsibility. At the YouTube site, click on the little box at the bottom right-hand corner of their video screen to expand to full-screen size on your computer.



The story of the Good Samaritan



Our Pastor's Messages to the People

Click here to read some of Rev. Greg Ledbetter's recent sermons.

Our 'Reaching Out Ministries (ROM)'

Click here to see some of the church's current outreach activities.

VIDEO: Who is our Neighbor: Immigration, presented by Reaching Out Ministries (ROM),
Produced by Gerson Sanchez, gsicongraph at yahoo.com.

Our 'Koinonia' Ecumenical Fellowship

Click here to see some of Rev. Rick Mitchell's recent columns from the "Ridge Runner" newsletter.

Click here to read more about the 'Koinonia' Fellowship group.




Our Church's New Ministry Center Plans

Shell Ridge Community Church has voted to add a much-needed Ministry Center, and it will soon be time to build! The new Ministry Center will enhance our ministry -- including outreach, senior, youth, social, and other programs. The church is continuing to accept donations and pledges to complete funding for this building project.

The Ministry Center will include a 2,400 square foot multi-use room and fellowship hall with seating for up to 200 for dining and up to 270 for theater style seating. A new kitchen will be attached to the new hall, as well as classrooms for senior high and middle school youth. New restrooms with showers will also be included.

The Ministry Center will allow use of the church sanctuary and fellowship hall simultaneously. In the new building we can shelter homeless guests and offer laundry and shower facilities. It will provide recreation and gathering space for our children and youth, and reception space for weddings, funerals and special church events, which may include fairs, rummage sales, concerts, community gatherings, movie nights, conferences, and so forth.

These improvements will relieve overcrowding of the Patio Room, sanctuary, LOGOS and youth facilities
and accommodate and support future growth of the church.



For more information or to make a donation, contact Moderator Karen Duran or Church Treasurer Dick Shumaker through the church office
(by emailing lura at shellridge.org).





Join us for worship each Sunday at 10:30 a.m.


Pastor Greg Ledbetter preaches most Sundays, and the congregation celebrates Communion on the first Sunday of each month.
All are welcome to come and participate.






Check out the new VIDEOS section to view the church's participation in the annual Walnut Creek Peace March
with music by the Shell Ridge Ramblers.

NOTE: The above link leads to an off-site location for which Shell Ridge Church has no control and takes no responsibility. At the YouTube site, click on the little box at the bottom right-hand corner of their video screen to expand to full-screen size on your computer.





"To be agents of change in the lives of people. To lift up the fallen. To encourage the failing. To strengthen the weak. To provide a gentle push to the timid. To evidence kindness, concern, caring. To bring out the best in people. To set persons free to be all that they can be."
-- Ray Jennings

Shell Ridge is a liberal Christian Church
in the American Baptist Tradition

We are a community of Christian persons called together to worship God, follow Jesus and serve the world. We are spiritually warm, theologically progressive and socially active. We are an inclusive church welcoming all who seek to join us in our common life and purpose.

So, what is Shell Ridge all about?

Click here for some different perspectives on
what Shell Ridge is all about
Leave a Message on our Feedback Form

Listen to "River of Peace," sung by the Shell Ridge Men's Quartet (with Doug Brown, Tim Michelson, the late Elden Ellingson, and Rev. Gregory H. Ledbetter, as recorded on the album, "Let Peace Fill the Earth", Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County, 2001)


At Shell Ridge. . .

We strive to be inclusive in our worship and community life. We also strive to be aware and respectful of the past, joyfully engaged in the present, and mindful of the future into which we seek to grow. We make every attempt for our worship language to model our inclusivity and our respect for our heritage. . .

-- Rev. Greg Ledbetter, Pastor


HOME PAGE | SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES | CONTACTS
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS WE SUPPORT | VIDEOS

Shell Ridge Community Church of Walnut Creek
200 La Casa Via , Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Phone: (925) 935-3250 Fax: (925) 935-3281