Sunday services are broadcast by video in a comfortable room for families whose babies become uncomfortable during services, and after each service, coffee and tea are served in adjacent rooms for all to enjoy. Once a month communion is celebrated within both Sunday services. No matter which you attend, the atmosphere is always infused with warmth and good feeling. True to the founding creed, PCC liturgy and preaching remain liberal and undogmatic. We believe there are many paths to God and seek only to reach out and warmly welcome those looking for a church family. New members come from a variety of denominations and we regularly offer new members classes to help orient anyone who would like to know more about the church.

Nicholas Baz; ©2008

Holidays

At Piedmont Community Church are celebrated according the liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent. There are often retreats that coincide with these special times for reflection and additional worship services to mark the passing of the days. A special highlight of these seasons are "Choir Sundays," where orchestral players in conjunction with the Chancel Choir present specially planned, unique programs of sacred music during the 10 am worship service.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND -- THE ALTERNATIVE GIFT MARKET! Jesus said: "I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in . . . I was sick and you looked after me . . . Whatever you did for one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did also for me (Matthew 25:35-36,40).

The Alternative Gift Market benefits a wide variety of worthy projects around the world and purchasers of donations get a handsome gift card for their loved one, describing the donation within. The AGM is set up in Guild Hall after worship services in late November and early December. Online catalog details are also available around that time. Don't miss this unique chance to get an early start on Christmas shopping and at the same time support various life-giving projects from around the world and near to home. You will be able to purchase food for the hungry, care for the sick, shelter for the homeless, renewal for our planet and much more - truly meaningful alternatives to the usual holiday gifts - in honor of your family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and children's teachers. For more information, contact Rev. Don Ashburn at (510) 547-5700, ext. 3, or don@piedmontchurch.org.

For Christmas, PCC hosts an evening of Christmas Caroling after the lighting of the Piedmont Tree to which all members of the local community are invited. An event treasured by all who witness it year after year is the children's Christmas Pageant, followed by the Advent Dinner. The Salvation Army Band plays while the children sing, act out the traditional roles, and usher at the event. Special community service projects such as the packing and delivery of holiday food boxes for those in need are carried out enthusiastically by members of all generations. The Altar Guild decorates the church with greenery and poinsettias are purchased from donations given in memorial or honor of loved ones.

Just as winter finally settles in, preparations for Lent begin with an Ash Wednesday church dinner and worship service where ashes are distributed. As Holy Week draws near, members donate Easter lilies that will be used to decorate the sanctuary for Easter and then delivered to elderly or home bound members who were unable to attend Easter Services. Palm Sunday features a procession of the Church School children carrying palms.

A focus for a lot of energy at this time of year is the high school mission trip to Mexico. Fundraising, planning, and more planning require the support of the whole congregation, and all look forward to Youth Sunday when the youth lead Sunday worship and share stories from their recent experience helping to build houses in Mexico.