TCC News

A Joyful Day of Worship was had by all as we gathered to celebrate the father and son baptisms of Keenan and Fox Colditz.  Baptism is always joyful, but there is something extra special about baptizing a baby. One day, Fox will hear the story about sleeping through his baptism.  Thank you Keenan and Alex for sharing Fox with us.

Sixteen  of us gathered on January 18th at the Prime Bar and Grill for a lively session of Women Who Wine, including Wayne and Robyn!  Actually, Wayne and the guys sat at a separate table, but we enjoyed his company.  WWW welcomes all women of Tehachapi.

Last Sunday was a truly amazing day for Tehachapi Community Church, United Church of Christ. We began with the celebration of Peace as the theme for the second Sunday of Advent. We then welcomed four new members into the life and mission of TCC through covenantal promises to work and care for one another as we seek to care for the world at large — Paul Dluzak, Alex Cline, Janet Lowery, and Terry Papac. And through the sacrament of baptism, Paul expressed his desire to follow in the way of Jesus as made known through the Gospels. The voices of the congregation rang out as we closed worship with Let There Be Peace On Earth. If you have not already done so, please take time to get to know each of our new members.

The benediction was not the end of the day. A large crowd gathered around the new Blessing Box as we blessed the box and the surrounding community and dedicated this new ministry to the service of anyone who may be hungry. The Called to Care team added the first cans of food before the children eagerly lined up to finish filling it. Thank you again to everyone who helped to bring this ministry to life. Called to Care will be distributing a list of suggested food donations for those who want to support this effort.

I look forward with enthusiasm, expectation, and much hope for what this congregation is yet to do on this beautiful mountain. Today, I describe TCC as 105 years young!

Blessings on your continued journey,

Pastor Keslinn

by Phyllis Belcher

Tehachapi Community Church members are grateful to all who donated towards the fund to repair and upgrade the oldest sanctuary in this area. TCC was established in 1920 and the sanctuary was built in 1928. People who have benefited in any way from TCC or appreciated its historic significance were willing to contribute.

It all began when Lynne Bauer offered to donate one of the quilts she had made as the momentum for giving. The quilt selected was a “Bee Quilt,” and it created quite a buzz with its message of love and kindness. The winner of the quilt, Kalah Kohfeld-Stout, was revealed when the ticket she purchased was drawn at a special Friendsgiving meal after the Sunday service.

An additional quilt was donated by Joanne Childress who had attended TCC during her youth. It was an old-fashioned tied quilt. The winner of it was Anne Pear. The congregation applauded the winners and all those who supported the fundraising event.

The church, located at the corner of Green and E Streets, has the motto “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.” Services are held Sundays at 10:30.

Picture: Hannah helps Phyllis Belcher draw the winning name for the Bee quilt.

Our annual lake service was held last Sunday at 4-Island Lake in Bear Valley Springs.  A large gathering of both members and visitors alike attended the inspirational waterfront service that included a baptism (in the lake,) a potluck, and picnic games.

Planning the redesign and refresh of the narthex,  stairways, and the stained glass window wall began in July 2024.  After many generous contributions to the Capital Campaign, a beautiful, safe, and welcoming worship space became reality exactly one year later.  Our church leadership and all those who helped to bring about this transformation thank everyone for their support and appreciation.

Now, on to the next exciting project–Phase 2, the sanctuary itself.

A rummage sale was held on August 2nd, to help raise funds for the church’s Capital Campaign.  Approximately $1000 was raised to help repair and refurbish the church.  Thanks to all those who donated items and volunteered their time to assist.

(Some of the volunteers who helped with the sale.)

Every summer, TCC friends meet in BVS for a friendship dinner at the Mulligan Room patio.  This year, 25 of us met on July 16th for an early dinner in the cool breezes off the golf course on the patio.  We TCC’ers always enjoy a chance to be together!

by Phyllis Belcher

The pews in the sanctuary of Tehachapi Community Church (UCC) last Sunday, were all covered with quilts. It was quite a surprise to see so many beautiful quilts on exhibit. These Comfort Quilts had been placed there by Tehachapi Mountain Quilters. Pastor Rev. Keslinn Kohfeld-Stout learned about the group since they meet the 3rd Monday of each month from 10:00 until 2:00 in the church’s Friendship Hall. She invited them to share their mission of quilting with the congregation because it demonstrates love and caring for others.

Cheryl Johnson, spokesperson for the group, explained it is a teaching guild which donates completed quilts to various places.  While they always try to donate in Tehachapi first, their donations reach out to many as they give to veterans, children, and others who are ill or hospitalized. Often quilts are given to bereaved parents. The Tehachapi Mountain Quilters have found that the quilts provide warmth and security; they send the message that those who are suffering are not alone.

The Guild has been donating quilts to Los Angeles Children’s Hospital for over 20 years. They estimate they have given about 3,000 quilts within that time period. After quilts are finished, they must be washed, placed in plastic bags, and delivered to Los Angeles. Members of the guild work together to complete this process.

Rev. Kohfeld-Stout spoke about the need for providing for children. She cited incidents, even in Tehachapi, where children do not have adequate food and care. She praised the work of the Tehachapi Mountain Quilters and urged those in the congregation to find ways they can show love and concern for children.

Tehachapi Community Church, located at 100 East E Street, worships Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Their motto is, “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.”