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Dear CCNC-N Disciples...WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN THIS ISSUE: 
When you go to bed Saturday night, be sure to set your clock one hour forward and your alarm correctly. You do want to "get to the church on time."
...REGISTER NOW for 2012 Annual
Keep those registrations rolling in: 240 registered.
ALL ANNUAL MEETING FORMS ARE NOW IN ONE PLACE - FOLLOW THE LINK ON THE HOME PAGE OF THE REGIONAL WEBSITE! www.ccncn.org
...Please note the deadline for registering to sing in the Annual Meeting Choir and to sign up for the special 2 hour Church Music Reading Workshop is March 21!!
...Silent Auction at Annual Meeting hopes to raise $5,000!
...Check out the flyer for Pre-Annual Meeting Event
...Youth planning to attend...if not staying with your family, you MUST contact Carl Cordes to reserve space in the reserved youth rooms.
...Young Adults planning to attend...you MUST contact Ben to reserve space in the reserved young adult rooms.
SPRING GATHERING IS THIS SATURDAY, MARCH 10....Close to 90 women are registered! Last minute reservations- call Paula at 925-556-9900
...CALLING ALL CLERGY-YOUR YEARBOOK REPORTS ARE DUE...PAST DUE!
According to our records, here are the churches who have completed forms either on-line or hard copy sent to the regional office:
Alameda, Bethel Korean CC...Antioch, FCC...Chico, FCC...Colusa, FCC...Concord, FCC...Concord, La Puerta Abierta...Fremont, FCC...Fresno, Primera Iglesia...Fresno, United CC...Geyserville CC...Lafayette CC...Livermore, United CC...Lodi, UCCC...Loomis, Sierra CC...Merced, FCC...Oakdale CC...Oakland, Mills Grove CC...CC of Pacific Grove...Palo Alto, FCC...Palo Alto, Sinapi Seed Fellowship...Paradise, FCC...Porterville, FCC...Porterville, Iglesia del Pueblo...Redding, FCC...Sacramento, Arden CC...Sacramento, Cottage Way CC...Sacramento, FCC...Sacramento, Fruitridge CC...Sacramento, Revival CC...San Carlos,Chalice CC...San Francisco, Forest Hill CC...San Jose, FCC...San Leandro, FCC...San Lorenzo, FCC...Santa Clara, New Spring Korean...DSanta Cruz, The Circle Church...Selma, FCC...Sparks, NV, FCC...Sunnyvale, Walking Faith Korean-American CC... CC of Vacaville...Vallejo, FCC...CC of Woodland
If your church name is not there, please nudge your pastor or church secretary or church treasurer (whomever is responsible) to GET THIS DONE!
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 2012 ANNUAL MEETINGApril 20-22 New location, Sofitel in Redwood City
PLEASE NOTE ALL FORMS FOR ANNUAL MEETING ARE AT ONE PLACE NOW: www.ccncn.org
Special attention to four of those forms:
1. PRE-EVENT with Jerry Lang of Christian Church Foundation. "Blessing Generation to Generation"
How to help your church educate your membership on ways to encourage bequests, wills, and legacy gifts. Pastors...do you know how to do this???
2. BE PART OF 40 VOICE CHOIR!
AS MUSIC MUST BE ORDERED, DEADLINE IS MARCH 21
Calling all singers to sign up for the Annual Meeting Mass Choir under the direction of Michael Patch, Choir Director at Lafayette CC. Look for the registration forms at www.ccncn.org. We are asking for a $5.00 donation to cover the cost of the music which you will keep for yourself.
3. SPECIAL MUSIC WORKSHOP
AS MUSIC MUST BE ORDERED, DEADLINE IS MARCH 21
Michael will also be holding a special Saturday afternoon 2 hour church reading music workshop. (This is different than singing in the choir) The cost is $16.00 but you will keep the 15 pieces of music that will be used. Minimum for this workshop is 16.
4. THEMED BASKET SILENT AUCTION
Because there will be no Mission Action Auction Dinners this year, and that raised $10,000 to support our regional budget last year, we plan to have some fun with a minimum of 30 themed baskets for people to bid on throughout Saturday at Annual Meeting. We need churches, women's groups, men's groups, youth groups, etc. to complete the form and bring a fun basket with hopes of raising $5,000 in this way.
(We already have 10 baskets promised-THANK YOU!)
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Our Global Mission Partnership with the Republic of Congo Is Coming Alive! Materials are available at www.ccncn.org
DO NOT MISS the four minute PP about the Republic of Congo produced for us by Chapman Disciple film major student, Paul Hextal! It is great!! Show it at your African Dinner or on a Sunday morning as a Minute for Mission.
The link is: http://vimeo.com/34276649 and will require the password: EDCC (You may ask for a CD to be burned as well)
OUR GOAL: JAN/FEB AFRICAN MEALS IN EVERY CHURCH!
22 CHURCHES PARTICIPATING SO FAR!
Simple menus from Africa and a special PowerPoint we are asking every church in the Region to hold an African meal...you choose the time.
CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARD OUR $16,000 GOAL- $6,339
Did you read or hear about the explosion in the Republic of Congo in their captial city of Brazzaville? Here is a recent BBC news release: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17271667. Week of Compassion funds have already been sent and received there! The report from the former Disciples President is that one of the "mother churches" of the Disciples may be totally gone. Thus far, they know of three Disciples who have died- two of them young people. As the report reads, there may be many more bodies in the devastation. No one thinks this is terrorist related.
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 There's good news and bad news!
The bad news...our Joplin Mission Trip is now closed!
We have reached our maximum of 12 people.
The bad news...OUR SEVENTH YEAR OF SPECIAL MISSION TRIP IS NOW CLOSED! Sorry, maximum has been reached.
THEME: "Holy Week...Holy Work...Holy People"
Dates: April 1-7 with orientation on March 31
Location: Joplin, Missouri- Host Church is South Joplin CC
Cost: $600 (all inclusive of airfare, food, transportation)
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Are you wondering about entering this contest and making a video OR are you sure you just could never do it?? So, the Ministry Council and the Urban Shepherd Christian Church, Modesto, put together this fun video to promote this "Our Church Rocks" Video Contest. Watch, laugh, enjoy and make that video! http://youtu.be/UX0p8SsY3vIhis
1st prize- $250; 2nd prize- $150; 3rd prize-$100
All the details are at www.ccncn.org
If you want to see what we are talking about, take a look at what FCC Selma youth and young adults have done: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzpTeJpdaSQ
We now have our second video entry and here's exciting news about #3 on the way:
Lafayette CC, upper elementary age "Bible Alive Class" is making a video that this church can share with their friends about the depth of their faith and their excitement of being part of the faith community. If they can do this, so can you!!
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 HOT NEWS
CHURCHES TO HOLD IN PRAYER
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Congregation to pray for this week:First Christian Church, Watsonville; Golden Gate to Pebble Beach Area; Pastor, Yolanda Moreno.
Congregation to pray for this week: First Christian Church, Wheatland; Mt. Lassen Area; Pastor Denis O'Connor.
We will feature two congregations in each edition of the eNews. Please pray for their vitality, spiritual and numerical growth, their commitment to serving their neighborhood and their openness to the Spirit of God calling them into ministry in the 21st century.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND THE REGION????
ATTENTION ALL PASTORS...YES, IT'S DISCIPLES YEARBOOK TIME-
44 now completed. We are 2/3 of the way there-gaining on it, but still 25 more to go!!!
1. Attention Men- The Winter Issue of the General Church Men's Newsletter, "New Voice" is now available! https://www.discipleshomemissions.org/files/The_New_Voice_Winter_2012.pdf
In this issue you will read all about: "XTREME FAITH-BOLD ACTION: A Gathering of Disciples Men" is fast approaching!
Registration is quick and easy (www.gathering2012.org). You can also download the form and mail it in and just for registering, you get a FREE T-SHIRT! Be there as we worship the Lord in song and kick off the Gathering with special musical guests: STEPHEN DANIEL KING & ANDRA MORAN from Nashville, TN. XTREME FAITH-BOLD ACTION WE'RE READY,
2. OLD FASHIONED RUMMAGE SALE
This Saturday, March 10 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Good, clean clothing, household items, books, music, etc. etc.
Conducted by Tapestry Ministries, Berkeley and First Christian Church of Oakland
Held at First Christian Church of Oakland, 111 Fairmount Ave., Oakland
10% of proceeds given to Regional Church
(You are also welcome to donate items and bring them that day).
3. Sparks FCC is very excited about their upcoming All Church Family Retreat, at the Community of the Great Commission May 4-6, 2012. They are excited to welcome Disciples from across the Region to join them for a weekend of fun, community and learning (Discover your Spiritual Gifts)! There will be activities for kids as well as adults. If interested email Sandy Siever at rosebg@charter.net for more information or you can find a registration form: http://www.sparksfirstchristianchurch.org/SpecialEvents2.html
4. LOOKING FOR FALL STEWARDSHIP MATERIALS???
The new "Giving" Annual Stewardship Emphasis resource is now available from the Ecumenical Stewardship Center. This year, the theme is "Abundant Joy, Overflowing Generosity". Your congregation can get a free copy by contacting the Disciples Center for Faith and Giving. The resource includes an annual stewardship campaign and articles that can help your church interpret its mission so as to inspire generosity. Visit the Center for Faith and Giving website http://www.centerforfaithandgiving.org/ for more information to order yours today
5. Applications for Regional Youth Council Being Accepted
RYC is the primary planning, leadership training, spiritual development group offered by our region to 8-12 high school youth and 2-4 adults. It is an excellent experience for
the youth of your church. Please print out the material about this leadership program
and give to a few of the youth in your church who you think could benefit from this
experience as well as bring gifts and talents to RYC. Note that all applications and
reference letters must be to Carl Cordes no later than March 16...absolute deadline! Information at: www.ccncn.org.
6. Make plans now for a really BIG Work Weekend at Community of the Great Commission, April 13-15.
We could always use help with a variety of projects. We will join the hard working folks from the Music Camp and another new camp to make for significant work being done! Contact Tina Heck at 530-265-6636.
7. Announcing 2012 Summer Camp Dates
(All camps will be held at CGC except SSJ which will be at Camp Pacifica)
Cost of camps will be announced by next week!
- Adult Camp June 7-10
- ChiRho/Junior Camp June 24-30
- CYF July 1-7, 2012
- Grandparents & Me I June 30-July 2
- Grandparents and Me II July 4-6
- South San Joaquin June 24-29
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| REGIONAL STAFF NEWS
Many people have been asking about some kind of Celebration of Ben's Ministry. Our Regional Executive Committee would like to ask you hold the date of Saturday, October 20. Time and place to be announced later.
Sandhya has been away all week on a writing assignment taking previous Stewardship materials written by our own Regional staff and preparing it for publication.
Ben will be gone next Monday to southern CA for a special meeting with key Pacific Southwest Region leaders concerning a joint coopertive in addressing property management for our church buildings.
Regional Staff will hold their bi-monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 14 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Should you call during that time, you may get only voice mail.
Check out the fun and educational promotion video on making videos for 2012-The Year of Evangelism! Prepared mostly by Molly Carlson with assistance from our new Ministry Council and members of one of our newest congregation, Urban Shepherd CC, Modesto
HELP! HELP! As many of you may have read a few weeks ago, Yolanda had her car broken into a few weeks ago, while it was in the church parking lot! (True, nothing is sacred these days!) The main thing she lost was her laptop and she just learned that the insurance will not pay for it. If anyone has a second laptop sitting around (yes, there are actually some people who got a new one and have not disposed of their old one), please contact Yolanda@ccncn.org
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UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
Per requests around the region,
here is a listing of regional meetings
and events over the next 30 days or so.
We do not put the dates of local church
events here as we never could get them
all and we would always miss some!
MARCH
10- Women's Gathering- Mills Grove CC, Oakland
10- CGC Facilities Committee at CGC 10:00
13- PRC United CC, Livermore
13- Serra Center Board 6:00 pm
14- Regional Staff at Regional Office 10:00-2:00
17- New Church Committee-Regional Office
17- Annual Meeting Committe at Sofitel 10:00
19- Resources Committee 9:30-1:30 MMManor, West Sacramento
23 & 24- RYC CC of Woodland
31- Joplin Holy Week Mission Trip Orienation
AFRICAN DINNERS ALL AROUND THE REGION IN EVERY CHURCH
DATE SET TO MEET YOUR CHURCH'S CALENDAR
APRIL
1- Palm Sunday and Holy Week begins
5- Maundy Thursday
6- Good Friday
7-Holy Saturday
8-EAster Sunday
11- Annual Meeting Committee FCC Vallejo 6:00 pm
12- Serra Center Board Meeting FCC Fremont building 6:00
20-22 - Annual Meeting- Hotel Sofitel
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GUEST DEVOTIONAL
"I Confess My Sins" by Staci Imes
(This writing appeared recently in an e-release by Pastor Dan Paul, CC of Pacific Grove. Permission was given by the author to include it in our e-news).
Staci is a third year M.Div. student at Pacific School of Religion. She is in care for ordination with the Milwaukee Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church (USA). In addition to her seminary studies, she is a writer, singer, activist, and a regular participant in the worshiping community of Tapestry Ministries (DOC) in Berkeley. Staci wrote this reflection relating to the PSR chapel's Lenten theme "Speaking of Sin".
"I Confess My Sins: A testimony for the first week of Lent"
by Staci J. Imes
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I confess my sins because I believe sin is real.
I believe sin is the real brokenness of relationship with others, with the earth,
with myself, with God.
I confess my sins because I participate in systems that break people.
I participate in systems that break our environment.
I participate in systems that break our relationship with the Holy.
And, yet, I believe sin is more than passive participation in systems.
I confess my sins because, consciously and unconsciously, I cause brokenness.
Sometimes, I sin because the choice I've made seems to be the lesser of evils.
But sometimes I sin because I'm just selfish, jealous, lazy, proud, impatient, scared
...or just too tired to care.
I confess my sins because that act of confession-that act of prayer-calls me to accountability and reminds me that I am not just a sinner.
I am also a reconciler,
a peacemaker,
a healer.
And I have the responsibility to try to heal what I have broken
...which is often really hard to do, and that's why...
I also confess my sins to remind myself that I can't do it on my own.
I need help.
I need grace,
and community,
and God.
I confess my sins to be honest before God about who I am.
And that honesty reminds me that God made me this way.
It reminds me that God loves me this way.
God made me whole-not perfect but whole.
My light
and my darkness
are part of my wholeness.
And so I confess my sins,
not to make myself feel guilty,
not to put on the sackcloth and cover myself in ashes...
I confess my sins
so that I can learn to love myself in all my wholeness,
so that I can learn to love others in all their wholeness
like God loves us.
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CELEBRATIONS & PRAYERS
CELEBRATIONS
What an exciting second meeting of our new Ministry Council this last Saturday, March 3 at United CC, Livermore, with 18 people present and Janet Hecker, Moderator and Sara Steenhouse, Vice Moderator, leading the meeting. The group officially approved 11 Mission Clusters across the Region who are committed to specific mission and ministry in covenant with the Region You will soon being seeing news and information on www.ccncn.org website. The group spent morning time helping to detail promotion for 2012-The Year of Evangelism and then in the afternoon, began to envision what God might be calling our Region to be and do in 2013 which will be a time of transition with a Transitional Regional Minister and the search for our next Six Year Term Regional Minister. Thanks again to Hazelee Jaberg, who donated all the food for the day and asked that the $10.00 per person go toward Young Adult Ministry. Bless you, Hazelee.
Do you wonder sometimes: what do those folks in the regional office really do?
(Come spend a day with us sometime and you will be amazed!)
Last week we reported on the completion of the Annual Standing Report for all clergy with Standing in our Region. We processed 182 persons. Due, also last week, was the Northern CA-NV Regional Report to the General Board which expresses how our region is addressing the Four Priorities of our denomination: www.disciples.org
New Members as reported: Cottage Way CC, Sacramento (1 adult transfer);
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CONCERNS
Good news for Teresa Fraticelli, Lafayette CC, who has now completed her bone marrow transplant at Stanford Hospital and is in the long waiting stage of several weeks for the transplant to provide the health expected. Her numbers at up and she was able to get outside of her room for the first time in weeks! She was able to ride in a wheelchair outside, enjoy the
gorgeous weather, flowers, special time with family. Keep the prayers coming. For now, cards of prayer and care can be sent to 4102 Moller Drive, Pleasanton, 94566.
An update on Pastor Taulau Tupua, Via Dolorosa Congregational CC of Samoa in Modesto, who has been diagnosed with lymphoma leukemia. The doctors believe that they caught this early and he has now completed a full round of chemo. The good news is that his numbers are doing much better...but the doctors recommend a second complete round of chemo which he starts this week. The Tupua family and Via Dolorosa appreciate prayers greatly. You can send cards to: 2329 Senimi Circle, Ceres, 95307.
Do keep Barbara Wikoff, musician at Oakdale CC, and husband Bob, Chair of our Regional Resources Committee in prayer. Barbara has a few more chemo treatments-just to be on the safe side! This has been a little discouraging, but hopeful Cards can be sent to: 941 Terrace Court, Oakdale, 95361.
Prayers are requested by Pastor Yolanda Marquez-Lucar and Primera Iglesia Cristiana (PIC) de Fresno, for Carla Garcea, treasurer at PIC, and her family. Her brother Eric was in a horrible motorcycle accident in Dallas this week and is in extremely critical condition. Carla has been one of the very strong young adult leaders in this new congregation.
This news from former Regional Minister and wife, Dick and Doris Lauer concerning their daughter, Karen, who was diagnosed with acute myloid leukemia. A stem cell donor has been found and they were flown for the surgery yesterday. It's like a blood transfusion. This is very exciting news, but please keep the family in your prayers. You can send a card to Karen Bissonette, 7495 49th Court, Portland, OR 97219. If you wish to send a card to Dick and Doris: 56404 McKenzie Highway, McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413.
Our prayers continue for the following who remain in need of our support and concern:
Darrell Burrell, FCC Redding
Bea Tiffee, FCC Dos Palos Violet Fields, FCC Oakland Darla Foglio, Oakdale CC Agnes Sours, Arden CC, Sacramento Wanda, daughter of Gloria & Nordean Baxter, pastor at Raynor Park CC
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FINAL WORD- WEEK OF COMPASSION IS THE BEST OUTSTRETCHED ARM AND HEART EVER!
When tradegy of any kind strikes around the corner or around the world, Disciples of Christ are there within hours through Week of Compassion and the incredible network of relief agencies with which they work.
Tornadoes in the South and Mid-west...
Explosion in Republic of Congo...
As you read above, when a munitions storage facility in Brazzaville, ROC, exploded early this week killing over 200 and destroying dozens of homes and businesses, Disciples were there right away with food and water and shelter and first aid.
Check out the Week of Compassion website and you will be amazed at how much is done all across our nation and the globe. If you want to be sure that your money is getting to the place you want it to go...WoC is the best "bang for your buck" ever! It is also the "bestest" way ever to show God's love in the flesh...people show up too! www.weekofcompassion.org
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Sincerely,
Ben Bohren
Regional Minister and Newsletter Editor
Christian Church of Northern California-Nevada
925-556-9900
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