This is where Pastor Tracy Barnowe shares her thoughts on our church life together. Think of it as a sort of on-line coffee hour. If you want to add a comment or ask a question, just click “View Post” then scroll down to the comment box below the post and start typing.

Pirates Invade!

On December 8, our Creative Writing Lab students (AKA the Budding Bloggers) paid a visit to The Pirate Store in Oakland.  This store is a clever disguise for 826 Valencia, a terrific nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting under-resourced students ages six to eighteen with their creative and expository writing skills. They also have a range of programs to help teachers inspire their…

Miles is Coming, by Mercy – 6th Grade

The Pines family bought a new house in a lovely neighborhood. The town was normal but not the house. Tommie, a 9-year-old boy moved into the house with his little sister, 6-year-old Elly and his mom and dad. They had been in the car for seven hours and were exhausted. When they arrived, Tommie got goosebumps going all through his body. They…

Colors of Nature, by Ruth – 5th Grade

Orange fire, dancing in the wind. Blue sky, joy inside. Salty ocean breeze, relaxed and calm. Swaying trees, in peace with the earth. Sparkling geode, loved and valued. Flying birds, freedom and happiness. Running water, playful and cold. Pictures in clouds, imagination runs free and wild. Pale moon, safe place to curl up. Yellow gold sun, warm inside.

Speak Up! By Ruth, 5th Grade

Black. White. Muslim. Latino. Asian. Korean. Haitian. African. Or whatever. We’re all people no matter what. You can look different, act different, but we’re all still people. You’re extraordinary by being yourself. Being yourself is better than not being yourself. When you’re pretending to be someone you’re not, you feel empty, sad, and hollow. When you are yourself you feel joyful inside.…

The Orobom, by Danielle – 3rd Grade

Chapter 1 Olivia was an ordinary girl. She lived with her baby brother, big sister and big brother and Mom and Dad. She had black eyes and black hair and she loved purple. It all began when her friend Genesis’ planet got destroyed and she was sent to Olivia’s planet where it was safe. Genesis…

Gathering Stones

Colleen Beery shared recently a ritual of gathering stones from the places we go on travels during the summer. In the fall, we all bring together our own individual stones and varied waters to the altar, and we create something natural and beautiful. When I watch how FCC San Rafael moves within its community, I…