Friends, 

Once, in a bible study we were asked, “What title do you think Jesus would have liked to be called? Messiah? Christ? King? Shepherd? Prophet?” The group I was with came to a conclusion that I have always agreed with:  Rabbi. The word had many meanings in that time, as it does today, but more then anything, in the time and place that Jesus lived, Rabbi meant teacher.  Jesus was a teacher, and, I believe, he calls us not only to listen to his lessons, but to take them and teach others.  To be teachers ourselves. 

A year ago this month, I walked through the doors of our Polk Street worship space for the first time, and into the arms of this supportive community.  It is with regret that I come to the end of my time serving as your intern, but as I look back on the year, I see many happy memories, and many things I will carry with me throughout my ministerial career. 

I was speaking to someone at FCCSF recently who thanked me for ‘teaching her so much.’ I was honored and touched by her statement- but more then anything I found it ironic because I would say the same of this community.  FCCSF is truly a teaching church, from which I have learned so much.  If I have any final words for you all as my internship comes to an end, it is to thank you for your role as teachers, and to urge you to continue. 

Continue to teach pastors.  To teach Wilfried, and to teach the next intern who comes to serve with you.   Continue to teach the UCC, both on a local and a national level, about what it means to be an urban church, and how a church can rebuild like a phoenix.   Continue to teach the Christian community what it means to live out Christ's call to justice and compassion for all Gods people, especially the least of us.   Continue to teach our neighborhood and our city about the role that a liberal Christian community can play in the social fabric of a community. Continue to teach each other. 

One of the things I was most struck by from the first time I walked through the doors was the diversity among this community.  Our members span generations, orientations and backgrounds, and include life long UCCers, members from other churches, and people for whom FCCSF is their first spiritual home in decades if at all.  I have seen us learn from each other, be it through formal bible study or chatting over coffee. 

In this church, we are all students. And we are all teachers.  And I hope you all continue this ministry of teaching and learning in the years ahead. 

In closing I wish to thank all of you who have taught me, and in particular to thank and honor the memory of Janet Farmer, who taught me what it means to be a Shepherd. 

 Peace and Blessings, 

Matthew
Matthew Davis Fox 

August is the month to say “good-bye” to Matthew, and “auf wiedersehen” to Ulrich.  Matthew's internship ended at the end of May, but we were glad that he stayed with us during the summer.  Matthew will preach on August 15th, which will be a Country Western Service.  Afterward we will wish him “farewell.”

Thank you, Matthew, for everything that you have done for us during this last year.  For me it was a challenging and inspiring time.  Blessings on your further journey, Matthew.

Ulrich's internship will also be over in August.  It was a wonderful experience to have him at First Congregational Church.  Like his wife Annegret, he was a great asset to all of us.  Thank you for your music in the nursing homes and in worship during the time of Kelly's absence in July, your sermons and your presence in our meetings.  Hopefully, we will stay connected with you and Annegret. 

Auf Wiedersehen, Uli, and gute Heimreise! (Good-bye and good journey home.)

Rev. Wilfried
minister@sanfranciscoucc.org

Thanks in advance.

Rev. Wilfried
 

The Postage Stamp Office, which provides  employment for 125 people, is one of those programs.   The abundant 
selection of canceled stamps has earned an excellent reputation among stamp collectors. 

“Don't throw  postage stamps away; please cut them out for Bethel!”  Many companies, broadcasting stations, private persons and government offices and agencies worldwide have been responding to this appeal.  The canceled stamps help Bethel to raise money for several mission projects in Africa, and most importantly, to give work to the residents of Bethel.

Every stamp is important.  Please don't throw stamps away. 
 For more information, you can check www.bethel.de.  Thanks.

Rev. Wilfried
 

SENIOR SERVICES FOR AUGUST AT COVENTRY PARK
Gather at 3 PM on Wednesday, August 4th at Coventry Park, 1550 Sutter Street.  All are welcome to attend.  For more information, please contact Wilfried at (415) 441-8901 or e-mail at minister@sanfranciscoucc.org.
 

THURSDAY CIRCLE 
Thursday Circle will meet on August 5th in the Third Floor Meeting Room at 11:45 AM.   Please bring a sandwich or lunch; coffee and a light dessert will be served.

AUF WIEDERSEHEN, ULI 
Rev. Ulrich Holste-Helmer will preach  on Sunday, August 8th, his last day with us before his departure back to Germany.  We will give him a little “send-off” after worship.  Come and say “Auf wiedersehen” to Uli.

RAINBOW 
Dorothee Vogt will host Rainbow on Sunday, August 8th at 6:30 p.m. with a pot luck and farewell party for Ulrich. Bring a pot luck dish to share.  Contact “Doro” for directions to her home and the theme of the evening, or contact Rev. Wilfried at (415) 441-8901 or e-mail at minister@sanfranciscoucc.org.

Y'ALL COME NOW!
Cowboys and cowgirls, don your jeans, 10 gallon hats and boots or prairie dresses and bonnets on Sunday, August 15th for our annual Country Western service. 

Matthew Davis Fox will lead our service for his last time with us as intern.  After worship, join us in thanking Matthew for all he has done, and wish him “Godspeed.”

CONGRATULATIONS, TEMENOS!
Temenos Catholic Worker will celebrate its 10th Anniversary on Saturday, August 21st at Noe Valley Ministries.  Opening Reception begins at 5 PM, followed by dinner, with closing celebration about 9 PM.

RSVP at temenos@sbcglobal.net or mail to: 
                Fr. River Sims 
                1550 California Street
                San Francisco, CA 94109

Come even if you don't RSVP.

COUNCIL
Council will meet on Sunday, August 22nd at 12:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room.   Contact Moderator Nancy McManus to place items on the agenda.

SENIOR SERVICES FOR AUGUST AT EDEN VILLA
Gather at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, August 24th at Eden Villa, 2750 Geary Boulevard.  All are welcome to attend.  For more information, please contact Wilfried at (415) 441-8901 or e-mail at minister@sanfranciscoucc.org.

WORSHIP AT POLK STREET
 Join us for worship at 1302 Polk Street on Sunday, August 29th at 
11 AM. 
 

4th:  Service at Coventry Park -- 1550 Sutter Street 3 PM

5th:   Thursday Circle -- Urban Life Center Third Floor 11:45 PM

8th:  NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
          Worship -- Urban Life Center Auditorium 11 AM  Wilfried Glabach Preaching
          “Auf Wiedersehen” for Ulrich -- Urban Life Center Auditorium 12:15 PM
          Rainbow Fellowship -- Urban Life Center 6:30 PM

91th:  Lower Polk Neighbors -- 3 PM

15th:  TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST/COUNTRY-WESTERN SUNDAY
         "God and the World" -- Pastor's Office 10 AM
         Worship -- Urban Life Center Auditorium 11 AM  Matthew Davis Fox Preaching
         "Farewell” for Matthew -- Urban Life Center Auditorium 12:15 PM
        Council -- Urban Life Center Fireside Room 12:30 PM

16th:   Columns DEADLINE 

18th:  Service at Bridge Point -  1601 19th Avenue 3 PM 

22nd: ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
         "God and the World" -- Pastor's Office 10 AM
          Worship -- Urban Life Center Auditorium 11 AM Wilfried Glabach Preaching

24th:   Service at Eden Villa -  2750 Geary Boulevard 3 PM.

29th: TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
         Worship -- 1302 Polk Street 11 AM  Wilfried Glabach Preaching