Berkeley Chinese Community Church

Three Congregations Observe Ash Wednesday

Three UCC congregations — Sycamore Congregational Church, Berkeley Chinese Community Church, and Arlington Community Church- gathered in person and online for a shared Ash Wednesday service held at Sycamore led by pastors of Sycamore and Berkeley Chinese Community Church, UCC: Lay Pastor Tomoko Murao-Fuse (Zooming from Japan), Rev Kathryn Schreiber, Rev Dr Sharon Thornton, and Rev Rodney Yee.

In addition to many UCC church members, also present were four other UCC clergy. From Arlington: Lead Pastor Rev Jen Chapman, retired pastors Rev Russell Baker and Rev Julie Stokstad. From Sycamore: Rev. Deborah Lee, Executive Director of Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity.

The service acknowledged this moment in our nation's history from the perspective of two NCNC UCC PAAM churches. All present prayed, asked for God's guidance, and committed to work together for the well-being of the larger community.

This is the third Ash Wednesday Service Sycamore and BCCC have held together.

Photos by Reiko Kamala. Event flyer.

Group photo, L to R: Rev Deborah Lee, Rev Dr Sharon Thornton, Rev Rodney Yee, Lay Pastor Tomoko Murao-Fuse (on screens), Rev Kathryn Schreiber, and Rev Jen Chapman.

Kung Hei Fat Choy 恭喜发财

We welcomed the Year of the Fire Horse today at the Dorothy C Wong Senior Center. Lily L Chen delighted us with stories of CNY traditions from her childhood in Sacramento, teaching us about the symbolic meanings of food and numbers, and tales of her rich life. After the program, we enjoyed fellowship over a CNY lunch of fish, long-life noodles, veggies, and treats!

Lily will return in April to speak on floral arranging. To receive Dorothy C Wong Senior Center monthly updates, please email: [email protected]

Our Annual Joint Ash Wednesday Service will be at Sycamore UCC this year. Plan to join us at 3pm, 1111 Navellier Street, El Cerrito, CA * Dorothy Wong Senior Center friends -- we're offering a simple meditation/prayer time and imposition of the Ashes after lunch on this Tuesday, 2/17, in the Sanctuary. 🙏❤🙏

2026 BCCC Care Updates and the Next Few Weeks

Hello Dear Ones,

As I write there are gentle sounds of roofers at work, crows chatting, and a very slight rustle of wind in the trees. The sky is blue and the mug of tea beside me is warm. It is GOOD to dwell in a state of blessing and peace. I hope you have such moments, too.

And, we carry within us that which is not at ease. We should never “be at peace” with anyone’s suffering, including our own. On top of national events, we are holding a shared, communal pain – the tragic car accident that wounded our dear Vicky and niece, and took the life of our dear friend Roger. We are grieving. So is the family.

l close with a quote I came across today, “We are here to awaken from our illusion of separateness.” – Thich Nhat Hanh.

May we be woven together through God’s Big Love. And, maybe, I’ll see you tomorrow at BCCC for 11am worship. It is always good to be together.

In the Big Love/Gra Mor,
Pastor Kathryn

*Care for Vicky and Family Update*
Dear Ones, the immensity of this tragedy is very much with us, but more so for Vicky and her family. Let us surround them with Big Love as they heal. Let us, also, take care of each other as we grieve.

Vicky is healing and needs a great deal of rest and privacy. At this time, she is not reading emails and texts or taking calls. However, she deeply appreciates your prayers and cards. Vicky is not receiving visitors, except for family. Please do not visit or encourage others to do so. Thank you very much.

You are most welcome to send healing wishes cards to Vicky via BCCC.

As memories and thoughts of Roger arise, please write them down and save photos to share with the family later on. Thank you. A Celebration of Life for Roger will be held at BCCC sometime in the future.

*The Next Few Weeks at BCCC*
JAN
25 - 3 Epiphany. 11am Worship. “Make it Plain” Casting a vision for this time: Ian P, Carlton Y, Pastor Kathryn.
26 – Pastor’s Sabbath
28-Feb 5 – Pastor away/Vacation. Pastoral need? Contact Council officers David L, Carlton Y, Diane H, or Debbie S.
FEB
1 - 4 Epiphany. 10am. BCCC worshipping at Arlington Community Church, UCC. 52 Arlington Ave, Kensington, CA 94707. No Service at BCCC.
8 - 5 Epiphany. 11am Worship. Holy Communion. Sermon: “Righteousness” Getting back on track. Ian P, Cedric Y, Pastor Kathryn
10 – Pastor’s Sabbath
14 – Pastor’s Sabbath (for 2/16)
15 – Transfiguration Sunday. 11am Worship. Sermon: “Which Fast? Preparing for Lent with God’s help. Lenten devotionals available.
16 – President’s Day; BCCC Office Closed.
17 - DW Senior Center. 10:30am to 2pm. Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall. ([email protected]). Theme: CNY.
17 – Ash Wednesday (on Tues) Prayer and Ritual. After DWSC luncheon. Meditative, short service with Imposition of the Ashes ritual. ALL are welcome.
18 – Ash Wednesday. Lent begins. Joint service at Sycamore UCC. TIME TBA

*Contacting Pastor Kathryn*
Public Work Hours:
10am to 6pm Tues-Sat
10am to 5pm on Sun
Monday is my Sabbath Day (day off)
See BCCC Calendar for adjustments/additions

Please limit calls and texts to Public Work Hours (above), unless you have a pastoral emergency. You’re most welcome to email anytime. Email messages are checked on Public Workdays. Thank you VERY much.

photo: card produced by Sagrada. art: Sandra Bierman, used by permission.