| Greetings!
ANNOUNCING- TRANSITIONAL INTERIM REGIONAL MINISTER POSITION IS NOW
OPEN. All information can be found at www.ccncn.org
................................................................................
THE 2012 ANNUAL FUND
PHON-A-THON IS HERE!!!
Sunday, August 26
Monday, August 27
Tuesday, August 28
Calls made from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Last year, in support of the Annual Fund, the generous amount of $24,986 was given during the Phon-a-thon!
OUR GOAL THIS YEAR IS $25,000.
Our 21 volunteer callers will keep these telephone conversations short (no more than 3 minutes) in order to respect your time and contact as many people as we can during the 3 days of the Phon-a-thon. Some 600 advance postcards did go out alerting people of the Phon-a-thon. You can still call the church office (925-556-9900) or e-mail Quan@ccncn.org and request NOT to be called.
The Phon-a-thon Calling Team is ready to go! Thanks to Allen, Ann, Ben, Bill, Carl, Carl (the other one), Carole, Charlotte, Cliff, Daniel, Edgar, Ellie, John, Juanita, Karen, Molly, Nancy, Pat, Paula, Sara, Steve, Sue, and Yolanda, we have a GREAT team of callers. A HUGE thanks goes to them for giving their time.
Hopefully, prayerfully, and thankfully, we anticipate that you will give a little bit of your time also. Our callers will be asking you to support our Region by making a donation which will help us continue offering a wide variety of excellent programs
and ministries.
A NEW option for giving this year!!!
We now have on-line giving capabilities...both by credit/debit card  and "e-check." And, you don't have to wait to be called! If you would like to make a gift now to the Phon-a-thon, you can do so by simply clicking the "Phon-a-thon Donation" button (on both the website at www.ccncn.org and in the e-news) and entering the information. It's easy, safe and very appreciated. Once your gift is completed, your name will be removed from the calling list.
Of course, you can always "snail mail" a check in advance as well!
........................................
WOMEN'S FALL RETREAT
at Mission Springs
September, 14-16, 2012
"Spirit-Empowered Women"
Speaker is: The Rev. Amy Gopp, dynamic Executive Director of Week of Compassion who travels the world on behalf of 3,500 Disciples congregations.
Follow this link for the Fall Retreat schedule www.ccncn.org.
TWO NEW IMPORTANT PIECES OF INFORMATION FOR FALL RETREAT ATTENDEES:
1) OUTREACH MISSION PROJECT for Fall Retreat:
All women are asked to bring any individual items or all items for a full hygiene kit listed below. Items will be given to Santa Cruz Circle Church (Disciples of Christ) street ministries and Church World Service, our Week of Compassion partner.
To assemble a Hygiene Kit you will need:
One hand towel measuring approximately 16" x 28" (no fingertip or bath towels)
One washcloth
One wide-tooth comb
One nail clipper
One bar of soap (bath size in wrapper)
One toothbrush (in original packaging)
Six standard size Band-AidsŪ
Toothpaste and bottles of shampoo can also be included for the Santa Cruz ministry.
Women may also donate self-help and inspirational books for the Santa Cruz ministry.
2) The Regional Women's Ministries Council will be selling coffee and chocolate from the Disciples Fair Trade partner, Equal Exchange. One of our main social justice issues this year is focusing on fair labor and
human trafficking awareness, so we want to support an organization that is committed to fair trade in an industry known for labor abuse and child slavery: coffee and chocolate. Please come prepared to purchase some of
these tasty items and support this vital ministry. For more information on Equal Exchange: www.equalexchange.coop
...............................................
 | |
North American Pacific Asian Disciples |
2012 Woman to Woman Fundraiser
Disciples Women Trip to China.
This is a fund-raising event. We as a team of the Regional NAPAD are raising funds to send Joy Wu to China. With the favorable recommendation of Rev. Paula Pociecha, Regional Minister for Women's Ministries. Joy is one of 13 women selected from among all the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) churches in the United States and Canada. Joy is the wife of Pastor John Wu of Sinapi Fellowship Church (Disciples of Christ), a fast-growing Mandarin worship service which meets Sunday afternoons at FCC Palo Alto at 2890 Middlefield Rd. More about the church can be found at www.sinapiseed.org
The Woman to Woman Worldwide (WWW) trip is part of a program directed by International Disciples Women's Ministries, Office of Disciples Women and Global Missions of the general church. For more information go to www.discipleswomen.org.
WHEN: Sunday, September 9, 2012, 6-8 p.m.
WHERE: Fellowship Hall, FCC, Palo Alto
WHAT: Program Schedule: Welcome and Classic live Chinese music; NAPAD video; Info about Global Missions and WWW trip; Delicious dinner, beverages and desserts
COST: $20 per adults, $5 children. Tickets Sales at Church office or will be mailed or will call at door. Generous Donations also welcome. Make checks out to Sinapi Seed Fellowship. .......................................................
 2012 Regional Unity Festival
"In Essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, charity" ~ Augustine (and later, Alexander Campbell)
Mark your calendars NOW for our first ever CCNC-N Unity Festival. To be held on Saturday, November 3rd from 10-5 at United Congregational Christian Church of Lodi - as central a location as we could find! Enjoy food, games, worship and performances that celebrate the cultural diversity of our Region.
Sign up today for booth space to showcase your ministry and even raise a little money!
...Do you have a great church cookbook to sell?
...Are handcrafts your thing?
...Does your church make a mean roast pig?
...Do you have a connection with a great fair trade coffee?
...Is there someone who makes the very best KimChee?
What is it that you could bring to share with the rest of the Region at our first ever Unity Festival? Every church - new and old - has something special to share. Sign up today for your booth space and plan to participate on November 3rd.
Every local congregation and/or mission cluster is invited to create a booth space that celebrates their ministry, history and culture. Click here for more information and booth registration forms: www.ccncn.org.
Back to top THE DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATIONS IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER...SEPT. 1! $50 scholarships are still available. Register at www.ccncn.org.
|
 |
|
|
 HOT NEWS CHURCHES TO HOLD IN PRAYER
Congregation to pray for this week:
United Christian Parish, Lakeport; Redwood Area; Pastor Shannon Kimbell-Auth.
Congregation to pray for next week: United Christian Church, Livermore; East Bay Area; Pastor Marty Williams
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.
.............................................
Regional Events Not To Be Missed
 The Regional Executive Committee has asked that you save the date of Saturday, October 20 for a Celebration of Ben's Ministry. Time is now set for 1:00-5:00 p.m. Location is California High School, San Ramon. It offers a beautiful, tiered 400 seat auditorium for programming and very large reception hall for informal interaction, fellowship and food service. Ben's retirement date is November 1, 2012. Invitations will be sent out soon- one to every church with the planning committee asking that the total congregation receives the invitation. RSVP will be very important for food and space. ....................................................... 1. Special Workshop for Ministering to Children in the midst of Disaster
Modesto, California October 5-6, 2012
Modesto Church of the Brethren- 2301 Woodland Ave
Cost is $75
Disciples Week of Compassion is supporting this event and hopeful that Disciples will be in attendance.
Either Contact Diana Messamer - e-mail DMessamer@comcast.net 209 601-1070 (c) or
you can register online: http://www.brethren.org/cds/training/dates.html
Background Information: Since 1980 Children's Disaster Services has been caring for children after disasters in shelters and assistance centers by providing volunteers
specially trained and certified to care for children who have experienced a disaster. Using techniques that utilize toys that encourage expression, volunteers provide a calm safe and reassuring presence in the midst of the chaos created by a disaster. Although we are part of Church of the Brethren Disaster Ministries, our workshop is open to anyone over the age of 18. Please visit our website for more information. www.childrensdisasterservices.org 2. "Tea for the Soul" A one-day women's retreat with Diane Wilson and other fabulous women leaders. Sat. Oct. 6, 9:00am-3:00pm
Sierra Christian Church in Loomis. $25 includes lunch.
Sponsored by Women of Spirit and Action (DOC/UCC Women Partnership)
For more information: http://www.ccncn.org/tea-for-the-soul-2012.pdf 3. Regional Disciples Men Retreat
October 12 -14 at Palo Alto FCC Theme "Faith of Our Fathers, Faith of Our Sons"
Men of faith can learn a great deal from each other. Much of the work of growing in faith happens in personal contact with men in the church. This type of interaction can transcend generations and cultures and build relationships of friendship and mutual benefit. All men of all of our churches are invited to attend and bring along a friend, a son, a father, a cousin. You will find each one has something to gain and something to offer.  Our leader will be Roger Jenks, Senior Pastor at Grace Community Christian Church in Aurora, IL
. He is an experienced Disciples pastor who has also served the church in other interesting ways. He was developer of the Summit Youth Assembly in the Illlinois/Wisconsin Region, and of the Pastor's Academy, also in CCIW. One of his passions is biblical literacy so he has written a number of adult curriculum studies and developed "Sprint Through the Bible" (a telling of the Bible story in one day) to help people learn to live and think biblically. His biblical literacy program is being used in churches of twelve denominations. Through Grace Institute, a teaching arm of Grace Community CC, he has led workshops and done consultation for pastors and church leaders from Hawaii to Tennessee. He also served as religion correspondent for a CBS affiliate, has published music compositions and was a teaching tennis pro. Current focus areas for his ministry include leadership development and spiritual
nurture. He comes to us with high recommendations".
If you have any questions contact Arne Larsen at RevLarsen001@aol.com or 415-587-0881.
4. Spiritual Retreat for Chaplains and Spiritual Caregivers "Creating Sacred Space For Ourselves"
An afternoon retreat...Friday, October 26, 2:00-6:00 pm Sierra CC, Loomis Includes Interactive Presentation, Labyrinth Walk, Music and Light Supper Cost: $35.00 Registration materials available soon. Contact Diane Wilson, dianewilson2008@hotmail.com. 5. FCC Redding is seeking an Interim Senior Pastor to begin January 1, 2013. Their beloved Senior Pastor of 19 year, Heather Hennessey is retiring. This person must have training with the Interim Ministry Network and at least 5 years as a Senior Pastor, experienced with multi-staff. The person must also have entered official Disciples Search and Call process. For more details, contact the Interim Search Committee Chair, Patrice Hanso: patricehanson1@gmail.com 6. Niles Discovery Church (the merger of FCC Fremont and Niles Congregational (UCC) announces the opening of the position of Associate Pastor. This is a one year position, 20-25 hours a week with emphasis on Spiritual leadership, teaching, evangelism and outreach, social concerns, congregational transition and administration. This person would join Senior Pastor, Jeff Spencer on the ministry team. We invite profiles (or as close to full profiles as possible) Please send them to: Valerie Parker, Search Chair, Niles Discovery Church, PO Box 2265, Fremont, CA 94536 7. Dear Friends, Once again, Chalice Christian Church is having our annual fundraising event, the Taco Party, Sept. 8 st 5:30 pm at the home of Bruce and Ann Willard. For those of you who don't know, this party has been an annual event for Chalice for many years. We have reached out to friends a little further this year because all of the money we raise at this event will go to support our very own PSR student, Loma Eaves. Many of you know Loma, and many of you, because you have been there yourselves, know first hand what a financial challenge graduate school can be. Loma is beginning her third year this fall, working toward a Master of Divinity. Chalice is very proud of her and wants to support her in this way, but we are, as you know, very small. So we are soliciting your help and also hoping to enjoy your company by inviting you to join us at our party.
Please also invite other members of your church or friends. Nothing to bring except yourselves and your wallet or checkbook. PLEASE RSVP TO ANN BY SEPTEMBER 3, annwillard1@comcast.net or 650-851-3096 and directions will be provided.
Back to top |
|
|
REGIONAL STAFF NEWS
It is a very tough time for Nancy Lee, wife of Kyung-Min Daniel Lee, our Regional NAPAD Minister.
Following the death of Nancy's father two weeks ago, and with her mother, Soon Ah Kim, in critical condition in ICU in Redding, the family did decide to remove all life support early last Friday morning at which time she passed away. The funeral service for her will be held at Hall Brother Corning Mortuary. The address is 902 Fifth St. Corning, CA 96021. The service is Friday, August 24 and starts at 12:30pm and the burial service at 2:00pm at Oak Hill at Red Bluff Cemetery District Cemetery Lane, Red Bluff, CA 96080.
Paula had good news about her mother, Bessie, who fell last week shattering her shoulder. Following successful surgery, her mother has now been moved to rehab for a couple of weeks. The family is splitting up their visits and Paula will go later in the year.
Ben is in Indianapolis for four days attending his final College of Regional Ministers meeting.
From Cliff: Please continue to keep our grandson, LaFrance Cole, in your prayers as he has been deployed to Afghanistan in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Clearance Unit).
Sandhya left last Monday for two weeks out of the country. One week with Global Mission Partners in Nicaragua and one week with parents also out of the country. PLEASE no e-mails or voice mails during this time. When she returns, she will begin her new half time position with East Bay Housing Authority and will be cutting her Regional position to 15 hours a week and one day in the office.
Back to top |
|
DEVOTIONAL
by Sue Tarleton
 Recently the Music Circus in Sacramento did a production of Fiddler on the Roof. Although I was not able to see it, songs from the production have been going through my head for days! The most prominent was been Tradition! So, because of the song I have been thinking about traditions.....what are they, what do they mean to me.
One of the definitions I have seen says that a tradition is a ritual, belief or object that is passed down and still maintains value today. I am sure we all have traditions, some we are happy to have and some we are really ready to give up!
Fireworks and apple pie on the 4th of July and turkey on Thanksgiving-national traditions celebrated by many.
This last week was the Yolo County Fair in Woodland. I have friends who go to the fair every day-it is a family tradition. Something that is fun and special-and has been for years and I am sure for many years to come!
Traditions for me include writing letters, sending written thank you notes and sending birthdays cards-something that was passed down to me from my Mother. I love this tradition. Other traditions include giving thanks before a meal and saying I love you to my daughter whenever we end a conversation on the phone or e-mail. Having potato soup for dinner on Christmas Eve and biscuits on Christmas morning. Traditions that are filled with wonderful, special memories.
The most meaningful tradition for me happens every Sunday in worship (and other times when we gather as Disciples of Christ). The focus of worship for me is the communion table. A place where we can be who we are-where Christ tells us it is okay to be who we are-a place of healing, forgiveness and grace. A place where we can share with others and experience the family we are. A place where we can celebrate and remember the meaning of Christ in our lives. A tradition that humbles me each and every time I celebrate the Lord's Supper. Tradition-it is a good thing!
Back to top |
|
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!
AUGUST
25- Justice Commission Training United CC Livermore
26-28- Annual Fund Phon-a-thon
31 thru Sept 2 - RYC Meeting and Outing at Magic Mountain with FCC Selma youth
SEPTEMBER
5- Training and Care Committee -PSR
7- Christian Church Homes Annual Dinner Celebration
8- New Church Committee
8- Outdoor Ministry Committee
9- Special Fund-Raiser for Joy Wu's trip to China
14-16- Mission Springs Women's Fall Retreat
18- Recognition and Standing Committee- RO
21-23- Playing with Fire Missional Event in southern CA
22- Regional Ad-Ministrative Committee- RO
22-23 - RYC meeting at FCC San Lorenzo
OCTOBER
3- Training and Care Committee-PSR
6- Regional Executive Committee- Livermore
12-14- Regional Men's Retreat- FCC Palo Alto
20- Celebration of Ben's Ministry
NOVEMBER
3- Unity Festival UCC Lodi
Back to top |
|
CELEBRATIONS & PRAYERS
CELEBRATIONS
Thanks to Nancy and Marc Bingaman, CC of Pacific Grove, our young adults across the Region enjoyed a second week-end together...this time on a boating outing to Lake Oroville.
What fun!
Mayfair Christian Church, Stockton, is thrilled to announce that The Rev. Darrin Harvey begins serving our congregation as Associate Pastor for Youth Ministry on September 1st. As the title suggests, his primary ministry will be with children and youth though he will be bringing his talents to all areas of the pastoral ministry and care of the congregation. Darrin will join Senior Pastor, Norris Palmer, as part of this ministry team.
Exciting news also for FCC Colusa, where Darrin Harvey has been serving as pastor. He will continue to do so, but because of his ministry with Mayfair CC, FCC Colusa will no longer meet for worship at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday but will gather at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. There is great hope that this new time will allow new people on the community to becoe part of their fellowship.
FCC Merced is holding their Centenniel Celebration- 100 years of serving the Merced community in God's work! Two special events: Centenniel Dinner and Program on Saturday, September 29 at 6:00 p.m. (catered meal) and Centenniel Worship on Sunday, September 30 at 10:30 (Old Fashioned Worship Service-wear Centenniel clothing) followed by catered lunch at 12:00 noon. Ben will be preaching at the Sunday morning service. Reservations for both meals are requested no later than September 9. Please phone the church office at 209-383-4442. All are invited.
New Members (as reported): FCC Redding (2 adult transfers); Cottage Way CC, Sacramento (2 adult transfers); FCC Porterville (1 confession of faith)
..................................................
Our prayers continue for John Grose, key leader and former Moderator at FCC Vallejo:
"Well, another mountain to climb. My cancer is much larger so I start the next round of chemo next week. The doctor gives this round a very high probability of knocking the cancer down. It is a 5 month process." We send out prayers for healing and strength to John and wife Beth.
Pastor Taulau Tupua, Via Dolorosa Samoan Congregational CC of Modesto is about to move to the next critical stage for the treatment of his lymphoma leukemia. As soon as paperwork and an opening is available, her will undergo a bone marrow transplant at Stanford Medical Center. Fortunately, his older sister is a perfect match! Your prayers are deeply appreciated. Cards can be sent to: 2329 Senimi Circle, Ceres, 95307.
We are so pleased to say that Hazel James, who was placed in hospice care a month ago, is now, up and around and getting stronger and stronger! Hazel is a member at United Disciples Fellowship, San Jose, and for years a member at FCC San Jose and very active in regional leadership and programming. Our prayers of love and care continue.
This request from FCC Alameda, Associate Pastor, Dr. Gloria Wilson: Please add my son for prayers:
Lt. MaShon M. Wilson
B/4-319 AFAR, 173d ABCT
FOB Airborne, Afghanistan
APO, AE 09364
Our prayers continue for Marlene Elliott, who along with her husband Bill, are decades long members and key leaders at FCC Corning, and both have several terms on the Regional Board. This past Monday, Marlene had her third of six chemo treatments for lymphoma. She deeply appreciates the prayers of so many. Send cards to: PO Box 474, Corning, 96021.
We continue to keep Pastor Mark Foglio, Oakdale CC in our prayers. Mark is now working with his doctors to make decisions about how to address herniated disks in his neck, which have been the cause of numbness and heart challenges. Cards of support can be sent to: Oakdale CC, 330 Maxwell Avenue, Oakdale 95361.
Barbara Wikoff, musician at Oakdale CC, and husband Bob, Chair of our Regional Resources Committee is having some really good days right now following test results showing that the chemo treatments are working! 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.
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 John Grose, FCC Vallejo Wanda, daughter of Gloria Baxter of Raynor Park CC
Back to top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
