Sermon Title: “Overwhelmed by Joy”
Text: Luke 1: 46-55
The Good Table United Church of Christ
December 15, 2024
Rev. Dr. Melinda V. McLain
Correction: Day of The Week is Saturday, Not Thursday as the last email announced!
Planting Justice is so excited to host our First Annual Holiday Night Market,
and you’re invited to celebrate with us!
Date: Saturday, December 21st
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: 5166 Sobrante Avenue, El Sobrante, CA
What to Expect
25+ Vendors: Shop from QTBIPOC and women-owned farms, food businesses, artists, and crafters.
Santa Appearance: A special visit from Santa!
Free Hot Apple Cider to keep you warm.
Live Music to fill the night with joy.
Movie Screening to wrap up the evening.
Tree Lighting to brighten the season.
Moment of Silence: Standing in solidarity with those suffering in Palestine.
Why You Should Come
This market is about building community and uplifting small businesses. Just like at our weekly farmers’ markets (Sundays, 10 AM – 2 PM at 5166 Sobrante Ave), vendors keep 100% of their proceeds—no fine print, no fees.
Spread the Word!
Invite your friends, family, and neighbors to join us for this magical evening of shopping, music, and community connection. Let’s celebrate the season together while supporting local, independent creators and small businesses.
In the Kitchen:
“I’ll pass on the turkey, but thanks—more room for pie!”
Thanksgiving is a time for connection, gratitude, and of course, food. For vegans, however, the holiday can present unique challenges, especially when family members may not fully understand or accommodate a plant-based diet. Last year we wrote an article called, Gravy Without the Drama: 8 Simple Tips for Hosting Vegan Relatives. This Thanksgiving we thought we’d write something up from the vegan’s perspective. With a little planning and a positive attitude, you can enjoy a delicious and drama-free Thanksgiving. Here’s how:
Photo source pexels.com by Nicole Michalou
1. Communicate Ahead of Time
Before the big day, let your host know about your dietary preferences. Politely explain what veganism entails (no animal products, including dairy, honey, and eggs), and offer to help in any way you can. This might mean sharing simple recipes or bringing a dish or two of your own to ensure there’s something you can enjoy.
2. Bring a Show-Stopping Dish
Think of this as an opportunity to wow your relatives. Bring a hearty vegan main or side dish that everyone can enjoy—like a lentil loaf, stuffed acorn squash, or a creamy dairy-free mashed potato. Not only will you guarantee something to eat, but you’ll also introduce others to the delicious potential of plant-based cooking. If you’re looking for a great recipe, check this favorite of ours for a Mushroom Wellington that will even have the staunch meat eaters coming back for seconds!
3. Embrace the Sides
Thanksgiving sides are often naturally vegan or can be easily adapted. Green beans, cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables, and salads are your friends. If your family tends to use butter or cream in everything, ask if you can prepare a vegan-friendly version of a classic side dish.
4. Navigate Conversations with Grace
It’s not uncommon for dietary choices to spark curiosity—or even debate. Be prepared for questions or comments about your vegan lifestyle. Instead of getting defensive, use these moments to share your perspective with kindness and humor. “I’ll pass on the turkey, but thanks—more room for pie!”
5. Don’t Forget Dessert
Pumpkin pie, pecan bars, and apple crisps are all easily veganized with substitutions like coconut milk, flax eggs, and dairy-free butter. Bringing a dessert can be a delightful way to share your lifestyle without compromising on flavor.
6. Focus on Gratitude
At its core, Thanksgiving is about togetherness and giving thanks. Remember, the day is less about the food and more about the company. Focus on the laughter, stories, and memories being made, and you’ll leave with a full heart—even if your plate wasn’t overflowing.
7. Use Simple Vegan Substitutes for Classic Sides
Many traditional Thanksgiving side dishes can be made vegan with a few easy swaps. Be helpful in the kitchen, and often you can set aside part of a side during prep to make individual portions vegan. For mashed potatoes, replace dairy butter with vegan butter or olive oil and use plant-based milk (like oat or almond milk) for creaminess. Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth in stuffing or soups, and opt for coconut cream or cashew cream to replace heavy cream in dishes like green bean casserole. These substitutions are straightforward and often go unnoticed, so you can enjoy familiar flavors without compromising your diet.
8. Pack a Few Extra Tasty Vegan Options
If you suspect the spread might be light on vegan-friendly dishes, come prepared with some crowd-pleasing options. Consider a savory mushroom and lentil shepherd’s pie, a hearty wild rice and cranberry salad, or a creamy vegan mac and cheese made with cashews or a store-bought cheese alternative. Portable finger foods like stuffed mushrooms or roasted chickpeas can double as appetizers, ensuring you have something filling to enjoy while also sharing plant-based flavors with everyone else.
By being proactive, flexible, and gracious, you can navigate Thanksgiving as a vegan while fostering understanding and maybe even inspiring a few plant-based converts. Happy Thanksgiving!
Spiritual Touchstone:
“On All Saints' Day, it is not just the saints of the church that we should remember in our prayers, but all the foolish ones and wise ones, the shy ones and overbearing ones, the broken ones and whole ones, the despots and tosspots and crackpots of our lives who, one way or another, have been our particular fathers and mothers and saints, and whom we loved without knowing we loved them and by whom we were helped to whatever little we may have, or ever hope to have, of some kind of seedy sainthood of our own.”
– Frederick Buechner
Growing up Presbyterian, I wasn't very familiar with the concept of All Saints Day, even though I did love the Ralph Vaugh Williams hymn "For All the Saints", I mostly remember singing it at funerals, not on a particular Sunday. So, All Saints Day was something that was celebrated by Catholics, but not us. Fortunately, my horizons were broadened over the years and now it is one of my favorite church feast days because I now understand that we are all saints-in-the-making who can be inspired by the stories of saints from the past.
As some of you know, I am an oblate at the Monastery of Christ in the Desert and when you take vows as a Benedictine oblate, you also choose a saint name. I chose to become Sister Hildegard in honor of Hildegard of Bingen, the early medieval abbess, herbalist, and musician who is not only a saint, but has been named a Doctor of the Roman Catholic Church.
Ironically, or perhaps providentially, the day that I took my vows at Christ in the Desert was the feast day of St. Gregory of Nyssa, the patron of St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church in San Francisco, one of my favorite churches. St. Gregory’s is also the location for the most magnificent depiction of the community of saints you can imagine.
From their website, The Dancing Saints icon is a monumental, surprising and powerful statement of faith for the ages, created by artist Mark Dukes with the people of St. Gregory’s. Completed in 2009, it wraps around the entire church rotunda, showing ninety larger-than life saints, four animals, stars, moons, suns and a twelve-foot tall dancing Christ. The saints—ranging from traditional figures like King David, Teresa of Avila and Frances of Assisi to unorthodox and non-Christian people like Malcolm X and Anne Frank —represent musicians, artists, mathematicians, martyrs, scholars, mystics, lovers, prophets and sinners from all times, from many faiths and backgrounds.
May all the saints pray - and dance - with us. Amen.
Sermon title: The Wisdom of Trees
Text: Daniel 4: 10-12
The Good Table United Church of Christ
October 13, 2024
Rev. Dr. Melinda V. McLain
In the Kitchen:
As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, it’s time to embrace the hearty and rich flavors of fall. This recipe for Shredded Fall Greens with Sherry Thyme Vinaigrette & Hazelnuts is the perfect way to celebrate the season. The dish is both vibrant and nourishing, offering a delicious balance of earthy, nutty, and tangy flavors. It’s not only vegan but also packed with nutrients, making it a wonderful addition to your autumn table.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
2 cups shredded kale (Tuscan or curly)
2 cups shredded Brussels sprouts
1 cup radicchio, thinly sliced
1 small apple, thinly sliced (optional for a hint of sweetness)
1/3 cup toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional for added color and sweetness)
For the Sherry Thyme Vinaigrette:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp sherry vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
1 small shallot, finely minced
1 clove garlic, finely minced
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tsp maple syrup (optional for a touch of sweetness)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Greens: Start by prepping your fall greens. Rinse the kale, Brussels sprouts, and radicchio thoroughly. Pat dry with a towel. Using a sharp knife or food processor, shred the kale and Brussels sprouts into thin strips. Thinly slice the radicchio and apple (if using). Toss all the greens together in a large mixing bowl to create a colorful base for your salad.
2. Toast the Hazelnuts: Toast the hazelnuts to enhance their natural flavor and crunch. Heat a small, dry skillet over medium heat. Add the hazelnuts and toast them for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Once they’re fragrant and lightly browned, remove from heat, let cool, and roughly chop them. Set aside.
3. Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, sherry vinegar, Dijon mustard, thyme leaves, minced shallot, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a slightly sweeter dressing, add the optional maple syrup. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
4. Dress the Salad: Pour the sherry thyme vinaigrette over the shredded greens. Toss well to ensure all the leaves are evenly coated. The vinaigrette should help soften the kale and Brussels sprouts slightly, making them more tender without losing their fresh crunch.
5. Add the Toppings: Top the dressed greens with the toasted hazelnuts, dried cranberries, and apple slices for extra texture and flavor. The hazelnuts add a delightful nuttiness that pairs perfectly with the earthy greens, while the cranberries and apples provide a touch of sweetness and tartness.
6. Serve: Serve immediately for a crisp and fresh salad, or let it sit for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the greens to soften further. This salad makes a great side dish for a cozy fall meal or can be enjoyed as a light, satisfying lunch.
Pro Tips:
Make it a meal: Add some protein like roasted chickpeas or grilled tempeh to make this salad a more substantial main course.
Storage: If you’re making this ahead, keep the dressing and greens separate until just before serving to maintain their crispness.
Nut alternative: If you’re allergic to hazelnuts, swap them out for toasted almonds or walnuts for a similar crunchy texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad is the epitome of autumn in a bowl. The combination of hardy greens with the sweet and nutty vinaigrette creates a dish that is packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor. The kale and Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, while the hazelnuts provide healthy fats and protein. The sherry thyme vinaigrette ties it all together with its herbaceous, tangy, and slightly sweet notes.
Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or just craving a healthy and delicious meal, this Shredded Fall Greens with Sherry Thyme Vinaigrette & Hazelnuts is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Looking for some fresh locally sourced ingredients to take this recipe to the next level? Visit the Planting Justice El Sobrante Farmer’s Market open every Sunday from 10 AM - 2 PM!
In the Community:
Voting Our Values
by Rev. Dr. Melinda V. McLain
While many of our Good Table Mates are not religious or even spiritual, some of you have told me even though I am an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, that "I'm not like them", a comment that always makes me chuckle a little because of its understatement. Nope, I'm not. The incredibly loud voices of evangelical Christians are often the only ones quoted by the media, although they are NOT the majority of people who attend church on any given Sunday and they don't speak for me in any way. And frankly, someone like me - an out lesbian minister - does not even exist in their world because most of those churches bar women from ordination and leadership positions and they certainly have no respect for my marriage to a woman. Plus, none of their congregations are open and affirming of LGBTQ+ folkx , nor would those congregations have eagerly signed up to be the fiscal sponsor for our beautiful and first ever El Sobrante Pride celebration that occurred on Sept. 22nd.
Another important difference occurs in the area of civic engagement. When I first had my first background check (it is required because we want to do our best to protect the vulnerable people we often serve) I was a bit embarrassed to admit that I have never been arrested for civil disobedience. It wasn't from a lack of trying. I've attended a number of protests that included civil disobedience over the years, especially when I was an HIV/AIDS chaplain, but I always seem to get chosen by the group to hold the bail money instead of getting zip-tied!
This sort of civic activism by clergy might seem to be a violation of the separation of church and state, an important tenet of our Constitution that I support whole-heartedly! But as a representative of a religious institution I am called to speak on issues of importance to the community I serve and to bring my values and beliefs into the marketplace of ideas. At the same time, as nonprofit organizations, we are prohibited from engaging in electoral politics such as endorsing a particular candidate.
Less than five weeks out from Election Day, it seems our political systems have become increasingly unresponsive to the will of the people. As lawmakers fail to address the biggest questions of our time, those same questions split our communities apart. In some cases these divisions are driven by radical religious agendas that may make both non-religious and folks like me cringe. And it can make us feel as though our vote, and our voice, does not matter. But even in this political climate, our voices and votes impact our world and whether you are a person of faith or not, I encourage everyone to make a plan to vote today.
There will be ballot initiatives in various states alongside the Presidential, House, and Senate candidates. This includes state measures to ban slavery, protect voting rights, raise the minimum wage, support veterans, protect same-sex marriage, fund public education, increase public safety, and protect abortion. By voting on these initiatives, you could significantly impact the laws in your community. Voting is essential to the functioning of a democracy and every eligible voter should have the same access to the ballot regardless of where they live. We still must advocate for full restoration of the Voting Rights Act.
Voting in this year’s elections will have international implications. As the world roils with conflicts in many places such as Gaza, Haiti, Lebanon, Israel and Sudan, eyes around the globe are on the United States. The U.S. history of international involvement is impossible to disregard. The international community awaits to see which path the U.S. will take over the next few years. For the sake of our friends in the Congo, the Philippines, and Ukraine, we must not let our democracy fail in the face of cynicism and apathy, and instead use our vote as an act of hope.
This year’s Our Faith, Our Vote campaign, sponsored by the United Church of Christ, asks voters to answer the call of 1 John 3:18 to “let us not love with words or speech, but in action and in truth,” by “voting with love.” Vote with love for creation, for our neighbors both here and abroad, for a just peace, for repair and reconciliation of the brokenness of our nation. And encourage your family, friends, and community to do the same. As people of faith and/or conscience, it is our duty to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves”, for the rights of all who are destitute. Let us use our precious right to vote to protect and provide for those around us.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Meet Amy Ukena! Amy shares her excitement for what TGT will bring to El Sobrante and her love of the success of The Planting Justice El Sobrante Farmer's Market taking place every Sunday from 10AM-2PM. Special thanks to Pastor Melinda for conducting the interview and Jacob Day for editing.
Click HERE to watch the complete interview!
Join us for our next Work + Fun Day!
When: Saturday, September 28th from 12-3 PM
Where: 5166 Sobrante Ave, El Sobrante 94803
Sat. September 28th will be our next Community Work + Fun Days @ 5166 Sobrante Ave, 12- 3p. Wear sturdy shoes and clothing and bring work gloves and favorite gardening tools. And please bring a good quality mask so we can all stay safe from COVID and construction dust.
Help us share the Good word by following us on Facebook and Instagram
Visit the Planting Justice El Sobrante Farmer’s Market Every Sunday to hear great local musicians like Amy! Open every Sunday from 10 AM - 2 PM!
Title: Grace Giving Community
by Rev. Dr. Melinda V. McLain
The Good Table United Church of Christ. El Cerrito, CA
Text: Ephesians 4:25 - 5:2
Date: August 11, 2024