September 11, 2001 is a date that will be remembered for generations yet to come. It is a date that Americans consider (one) of the most significant in the nation's history. It is a date associated with other epic historic events such as the founding of the United States, the end of the conflict between the North and the South, the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the end of World War II. It is a date that challenged the freedom of a free people. “Nine-eleven,” as many call it, is a day a free nation became even more resolute in its desire for freedom for all people --people of all races, creeds and colors.

September 11th, 2001, was also a date that challenged the grace of forgiveness that we who claim to be Christians have been told by our Lord Jesus Christ to offer, even to our enemies. Life itself is sometimes not easy! And forgiveness is not an easy gift to give! Yet, for our own health, it is necessary.

Jesus once answered Peter's question, ”How often do I have to forgive?” with, “Not seven times, but I tell you seventy-seven times.” For the last several years - beginning even before 9/11 - the world has been faced with great outbursts of hatred, bitterness and anger; and with the desire of various groups and individuals to cause harm to others. Often these actions are done “in the name of God.” But the God I believe in is not a God of hatred. Our God is a God of unquenchable love.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, retired Anglican South African Bishop and formerly chairman of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, says to forgive goes beyond the unselfish devotion to the cause of others. For him, forgiveness is a process that does not exclude hate and anger. These emotions are all part of being human. He explains that you should never hate yourself for hating others who do terrible things; for Tutu the depth of love is shown by the extent of anger. Only as we forgive are we able to move on and become the more Christlike person that God has called us to be.

Whether it is the act of hateful people who killed thousands on that fateful morning of September 11th, 2001 in Washington, D.C., New York and the fields of Pennsylvania; we need to reach out to a loving God and ask God to walk with us as we struggle with the need to forgive. There is a great need to forgive in our individual lives, and in the life of our nation.

Grace and Peace,

          Rev. Wilfried
          Rev. Wilfried Glabach
          minister@sanfranciscoucc.org

Following is a note sent by Mrs. Mary Lou Kettering of Concord, N.H.  As requested, it was read to the congregation on Sunday, August 28th:
   
“This note is to let you know that you have a wonderful minister leading your people in your First Congregational Church of San Francisco.  On July 7th, 2005, the Rev. Wilfried E. Glabach received a frantic phone call from a 17 year old boy who lived in Plainfield, Illinois.  He was calling for his grandmother who was vacationing in San Francisco, California, with her husband, the Rev. Neil L. Kettering, who was a retired United Church of Christ minister.  They were washing clothes at a laundromat, when Neil suddenly had a massive and fatal heart attack. My grandson, Ryan Thomas Kettering, called and talked to Rev. Wilfried E. Glabach, seeking someone who would have the compassion to come out to the laundromat to have prayer with his grandmother.  Well, your minister, the Rev. Wilfried E. Glabach, not only had a series of prayers with me, but provided solace and companionship at a very difficult time in my life.  He went out of his way to help a woman in distress.  We had dinner together that night, and he even drove me to Oakland Airport that night at 10:30 p.m. to pick up my son, David, who was flying in to San Francisco, California from Plainfield, Illinois.  He certainly went the Second Mile, and displayed the true spirit of what a true Christian really is, by carrying on God's work here on earth to a fellow minister's family.   We just wanted you to know that your Minister is a wonderful example of God's work on earth, and is certainly a good example of the true ‘Good Samaritan.’   He could have hung up the phone, and turned to other pressing matters, and ignored the pleas of a 17 year old boy to find help for his grandmother.  But, instead, he chose to answer God's call, and turned out to be the best friend a 68 year old woman ever could have had.  Our family was so very grateful for the help that the Rev. Wilfried E. Glabach gave to their mother and grandmother on that fateful July day.  Rev. Glabach should be praised for the work he performed that day, and for going out of his way to help one of God's People in Distress.  What better people to tell than the very church he serves in San Francisco, California.  Please read this letter to the congregation, so that they, too, will be aware of what a gem of a minister they  have in their midst.  Life has been hard in the last month as I adjust to a different kind of life.  Thus, the delay in writing this Thank You note.  Again, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for sharing your minister that fateful July day.  May God bless you and your minister.”

    Sincerely yours,
   The Family of The Rev. Neil L. Kettering

 
  Before leaving, our former Music Director, Kelly Crandell, left the following message of farewell and gratitude:
   
“My short two-and-a-half years at First Congregational Church San Francisco have been calm and easy. With the support systems in place it was easy to get everything done to have music for Sunday mornings. Crucial aspects of that support system were the wonderful Steering Committee proving it's commitment to music in worship by providing funds to keep things going, the wonderful singers, the listeners and, importantly, Ken Tipton, Robert Huber, Brenda Bonhomme and Jonathan Russell, without whose help the music program would suffer greatly.
   
Having worked for seven different churches as Music Director so far, I'm only beginning to get a feel for what the inside workings of a church are about. Needless to say, I've worked with some very difficult pastors and some very easy pastors, but none as warm, loving and intelligent as Wilfried. FCC-SF will be the most memorable church experience I've every had.
   
The only feelings I leave the church with are gratitude. The community is a model of kindness and spirituality mixed with inclusion and progressiveness.  What a rare find for me!   Even though FCC-SF is small, there is a unique balance and standard that will be hard to find again.
   
If I could, I'd give a personal thank you to every person at the church for including me, respecting me, helping me find what inspires you, and most of all, for the warmth and affection.”

           Thank you!
        Kelly Crandell

 
Recently, the Steering Committee established an Enhancement Fund which will be used for finishing details in the new church building, which otherwise may not be affordable.
   
We have started to receive donations in various amounts, including Marion Monismith's Bequest.  Whether it is a one-time or periodic gift, both are welcome and currently being received.
   
We invite you to consider donating to the Enhancement Fund and would be happy to talk with you about any specific designation. For further information, please refer to the April, 2005 Columns issue or talk to Rev. Wilfried, Joe Story, Ken Tipton or Nancy McManus.    
 

• One week stay at a Sierra Cabin
• One night stay at Inn at the Tides in Bodega Bay
• One night stay at the Argent Hotel in deluxe accommodations
• One night stay at Half Moon Bay Lodge
• 125,000 miles on United Airlines
• Tour for six of the Filoli Estate
• Private dinner for 8 by Small Potatoes Catering
• Four Giants tickets on AAA level
• San Francisco Ballet - two complimentary Orchestra seats for Program 2 or 3 in February

• 6:30-8 PM    Silent auction and hors d'oeuvres
• 8 PM             Dinner, music and live auction

SEPTEMBER 11th -- A BUSY DAY
The day starts with the Rev. Wilfried Glabach and the “God and the World” discussion group from 10 to 10:45 AM, then worship at 11 AM.
 
A short Informal Meeting follows worship and coffee hour, to discuss where we will worship when our building is demolished.
 
The Steering Committee will meet after the informal meeting to decide our next worship space, based on suggestions proposed by the congregation.
 
Rainbow will meet at 6:30 PM at 1323 Polk Street.   We will watch a DVD of the July 2005 General Synod in Atlanta.
   
Bring a pot luck dish to share.  Contact Rev. Wilfried or Joe Story for further information.
 
LOWER POLK NEIGHBORS
Lower Polk Neighbors will meet on Monday, September 12th at 3 PM at the Cathedral Hill Hotel. 

SENIOR SERVICES FOR SEPTEMBER:

• September 7th:  Eden Villa -- 2440 Geary Boulevard 3 PM     (Entrance on Wood Street)
• September 8th:  Coventry Park -- 1550 Sutter St. 11 AM 
• September 20th:  Sunrise (formerly Bridge :Point) --  1601 19th Avenue 3 PM

4th:  SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
        "God and the World" -- 1323 Polk Street 10 AM
        Worship -- 1302 Polk Street 11 AM Wilfried Glabach Preaching
        Coffee Hour -- 1302 Polk Street 12:15 PM

5th:   Labor Day -- Office Closed

7th:  Eden Villa Service -- 2750 Geary Boulevard 3 PM
        Wednesday Night Worship and Prayer -- 1302 Polk Street 7 PM

8th:  Coventry Park Service -- 1550 Sutter Street 3 PM

11th:  SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST/ DAY OF 9-11 REMEMBRANCE
          "God and the World"-- 1323 Polk Street 10 AM
          Worship -- 1302 Polk Street 11 AM Wilfried Glabach Preaching
          Informational Meeting -- 1302 Polk Street 12:30 PM 
          Steering Committee Meeting  -- Urban Life Center Fireside Room  1 PM (after previous meeting)
          Rainbow Fellowship -- 1323 Polk Street 6:30 PM

12th:  Lower Polk Neighbors -- 3 PM

14th:  Book Study -- 1323 Polk Street 7 PM

15th:  Columns DEADLINE

18th:  EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
          "God and the World"-- 1323 Polk Street 10 AM
          Worship -- 1302 Polk Street 11 AM Wilfried Glabach Preaching
          Preview Party -- 1302 Polk Street 12:30 to 4 PM 

20th:  Sunrise (formerly Bridge Point) Service -- 1601 19th Avenue 3 PM

25th: NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST/CHRISTIAN EDUCATION WEEK
          "God and the World"-- 1323 Polk Street 10 AM
          Worship -- 1302 Polk Street 11 AM Mary Susan Gast Preaching
          Coffee Hour -- 1302 Polk Street 12:30 to 4 PM 

28th:  House Meeting -- Rev. Wilfried's Home 6:30 PM