eNews                                                                                                                                                                     April 26, 2012 

DEVOTIONAL- REFLECTIONS ON 2012 ANNUAL GATHERING

"To Sofitel or Not to Sofitel- That Was the ????"

 

After some 40 years at Asilomar Conference Center, 2012 Annual Gathering made the big move to Sofitel Hotel in Redwood City. Who knew what would happen????

Our theme seemed to catch the attention of everyone- TELL IT!

"Cultivating Disciples of Christ to be dynamic 'evangels,' sharing the good news of God's transforming love."

UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS

We do not put the dates of local church

events here as we never could get them

all and we would always miss some!    

MAY

2- Regional Training and Care Commitee- Berkeley

12- Do-Able Evangelism  FCC Sacramento 8:30-4:00

12- Human Trafficking Awareness Forum- Oakland Peace Center 9:00-4:00

15- Regional Recognitiona dn Standing Committee 9:30-3:00 Regional Office

15- Serra Center Board Meeting  6:00 pm

19- Justice Commission 9:00-1:00

19- Ad-Ministry Council and Regional Resources Committee

19- New Church Commitetee

19- Do-able Evangelism United CC, Fresno 8:30-4:00

23- Regional Staff  10:00-1:30- Regional Office

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CELEBRATIONS & PRAYERS

CELEBRATIONS

Thanks to the many congregations and some individuals who brought 33 amazing Themed Baskets to Annual Gathering for the Silent Auction. Additional thanks for the special gifts of 4 dozen cream puffs (Ann Lore from FCC San Lorenzo) and 4 tickets and parking to a SF 49'ers game (Gideon Yu, President and Co-Owner of the 49'ers who is a Disciple!), for the LIVE AUCTION. Together, this special fun and fund-raising effort, totals $4,331.69.

Is this a celebration or not?? It is for Pastor Steve Kindle!

Rev. Kindle announces retirement
Pastor Steve informed the Cabinet that he wishes to retire by December 31, 2012. A group of members is being selected, under the direction of the Cabinet, to determine the job description of his replacement.  Should a proper candidate emerge before the end of the year, he is willing to step aside then.  Both the Conference and Regional Ministers have been informed of his decision and will assist us in this transition.  Pastor Steve remarked that he and Diane are filled with split emotions,
as our love for this church is great, yet after 41 years since he was ordained, it's
time to let go.  

Congratulations to The Very Most Rev. Charles Blaisdell, immediate past CCNC-N Regional Minister-President, who has been named a 2012 Honorary Degree Recipient at Christian Theological Seminary. This honor will be given on May 12 in Indianapolis. You can send a note of congratulations to Chuck at: FCC, 16 East Platte Avenue, Colorado Springs, 80903.

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CONCERNS

As was announced in a special e-card last week and then at Annual Gathering, we mourn the loss of Pastor Nordean Baxter, Raynor Park CC, Sunnyvale last week. Funeral services will be held this Friday, April 27 at 11:00 a.m. at Raynor Park CC, 1515 Partridge Avenue, Sunnyvale, 94087. Cards can be sent to Gloria and family at: 6163b Joaquin Murieta, Newark, CA 94560.

We are very sad to announce that the bone marrow treatment for Teresa Fraticelli, Lafayette CC, has failed and she entered hospice care earlier this week and is not expected to recover.  Her father, Disciples clergyman, Ben Fraticelli, former CCNC-N Regional Staff and family will appreciate your cards of prayer and care: 4102 Moller Drive, Pleasanton, 94566.

Our prayers for Pastor Jim Mitulski, New Spirit Community Church, Berkeley:
"My mother, Jacqueline, died Sunday, unexpectedly, and though there is no easy way-
she was 87 and in perfect health- she died peacefully, in her new chair, in her living room in the house she loved,  The house is a veritable chapel full of  markers of her Catholic faith- statues, crucifixes, religious pictures, flickering candles- and it was the place she would have liked to be.  I know that death just knocked on the door, and off they went-  and that she was perfectly comforted by her faith, as am I." (It happened that Ben's flight to Indianapolis immediately following Annual Meeting, was the same flight on which Jim Mitulski was flying to Detroit to be with his family. My brief conversation with him was one in which I could view how deep is his faith).

Our further prayers for New Spirit Community Church during this time, as their
Assistant to the Pastor, Disciples ordained, Shayne Flowers, has been battling
pneumonia herself. She was ill all of Holy Week and had a slight set-back last
week-end. We pray for her strength as she seeks to be available to the congregation
during Jim's absence.

Prayers are requested for Kandance Quigley, Treasurer at FCC Corning, who
underwent colon surgery last week at Enloe Medical Center in Chico. She is doing well. Candance and her sister, Karen Burnett, who is Moderator of the church, and their family have been a God-send to this congregation who have lost so many members in the last two years to death. They have stepped up to important leadership
positions including continuing the Wednesday night free dinner for those in the
community in need of a really good meal. You can send cards to Kandace at: FCC, PO Box 473, Corning, 96021.

From Pastor Cherie Marckx, FCC Ukiah
FCC Ukiah reports the loss of one of our saints this past week.  Lorena Ford passed away at the age of 93.  She and her brother Arthur Church, who passed last year, were life-long members of FCC Ukiah.  Lorena had served as Sunday school teacher, choir member, soloist, CWF officer, deaconess, reader, and was still serving as Board Secretary at the time of her passing.  She was also the first women ever
called as an Elder at the Ukiah church.  We rejoice she was with us for so long.

Pastor Taulau Tupua, Via Dolorosa Samoan Congregational Christian Church of Modesto, has now begun a second complete round of chemotherapy in dealing with his lymphoma leukemia. The good news is that he is feeling stronger in this second series of treatments and has been able to preach each Sunday. The Tupua family and Via Dolorosa congregation appreciate prayers greatly. You can send cards to: 2329 Senimi Circle, Ceres, 95307.

Barbara Wikoff, musician at Oakdale CC, and husband Bob, Chair of our Regional Resources Committee had great news late last week with test results showing that the chemo treatments are working! in prayer.  She and Bob deeply appreciate all the prayers and ask that you keep them coming. Cards can be sent to: 941 Terrace Court, Oakdale, 95361.

This word from Dick and Doris Lauer, former CCNC-N Regional Minister on the progress of their daughter Karen:

"Greetings: So far so good!  55 days following the stem cell transplant and doing good!  All counts are up in the normal range and holding.  She just got back from the clinic and the doctors are pleased.  No complications yet.  Red cells a little sluggish but happens and they take longer some times to come in strong.  she is getting a little stronger and her head is more clear, etc.  Still about six weeks of close watch to go.  We are so thankful and thank God each minute.  and thanks for your prayers and thoughtfulness. Keep them coming. We are going to get through this; with love to all.          

Our prayers continue for the following who remain in need of our support and concern: 

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