| Greetings!
Important Sundays coming soon:
 September 30 and October 7-
October 7- World Communion Sunday. |
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A CELEBRATION OF BEN'S MINISTRY
Retirement after 46 years of ministry
Saturday, October 20
1:00-5:00 pm
California High School in San Ramon
This event is FREE! To see the full invitation materials go to: www.ccncn.org
Important New Information on Parking:
As you come in the main entrance, keep going straight ahead to the parking lot in the back (Be sure to stop at the stop sign!) For those who have trouble walking, once in the main entrance, take a quick left and you can be dropped off there close to the theater.
1. Seating is limited to 400 and will be available on first come, first serve basis. Doors open at 12:15 and program begins promptly at 1:00 with Samoan dancers from our new Sacramento Samoan church. At this time, over 250 reservations have already been made! Don't wait! (Whether than give your name to your church to send in, why not make your own reservation??)
2. You must RSVP to attend the program and the reception but this does not guarantee any specific reserved seating for the program. If less than 400 respond, you can count on a seat somewhere depending on when you arrive. (see above).
Kindly RSVP by October 8 to Doral Main (510-352-2210) or retirementbb@att.net
3. There is a bulletin/newsletter insert in the invitation with information to share with the congregation.
4. Bring lots and lots of home-made cookies to share for the reception- tell Doral your plans on this.
5. Ben has requested that in lieu of personal gifts, an offering will be received for the newly created "Ben Bohren Camp Scholarship Fund." Gifts are also welcome if you are unable to attend or want to send a gift prior to the event.
6. A Book Bash and Browsing of dozens of Ben's books from 46 years of ministry will be set up in the reception hall. Take them! Donations of any size will go to the Camp Scholarship Fund.
7. For those traveling from some distance, a list of local hotels is provided in the invitation.
8. Child care is available by reservation only for children ages 6 and under.
PASTORS....it is your job to get this information out to the congregation.
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We've (almost) Done It!!!
Over the last few weeks, we've been watching (with GREAT appreciation) how YOU have opened your hearts (and pockets) to help our Region successfully exceed our goal for the Phon-a-thon.
With a goal of $25,000, the latest figure of Pledges and Donations is....$26,650!
And here's some other really great news. YOU have already given $18,001 toward this total amount. OUTSTANDING!!!
This, of course, simply means that now we need for everyone who has made a pledge or is thinking about making a pledge to send in your donation. Our goal is to have received the full amount of $26,650 (and still growing) by October 15th. The math is pretty easy - we still need $8,649 to actually be able to say we are finished.
If you haven't yet made your donation, you can either go online (see button, click button, make donation) or send in your check to the Region office: 9260 Alcosta Blvd., C-18, San Ramon, CA 94583.
Again, THANK YOU for being so generous and helping us continue to support the ministries of CCNCN Region.
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Ministerial Annual Standing Review Form
It's that time of year again for ALL Commissioned and Ordained Ministers (including retired) who have Standing with the Northern CA- Region to check in with the Recognition and Standing Committee. Completion of this form IS REQUIRED in order to maintain Standing!
Here's the good news; two ways to complete the 2012 Form:
1. Online. Simply go to: https://ccncn.webconnex.com/2012minstanding
2. A Hard copy will be snail-mailed to you this week. Complete it and snail-mail it back. Be sure you sign it requesting Standing again; and having read the
Ministerial Code of Ethics and the Regional Ethical and Sexual Conduct document.
THE DEADLINE FOR COMPLETION IS OCTOBER 26
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"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-soul-reg-flyer-2102.pdf
Please note the deadline for registration is September 28, tomorrow!
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TIME-SE NSITIVE: Deadline approaching for the MLK scholarship for college students and for nominations for the region's annual MLK awards: APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS ARE DUE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12. [Please disregard information in the applications with an October 15 date.]
...To apply for the MLK Scholarship, please fill out the form from this link: http://ccncn.org/mlk-scholarship-app-2012.pdf
...To nominate an individual from this region for the MLK Award, fill out the form from this link: http://ccncn.org/MLK-Award-Nomination-09.pdf
(Former MLK award winners have included Robert Lemon, Carl and Esther Robinson, Sandy Perry, JoAnne Kagiwada and Clarence Johnson.)
Please contact Sandhya with any questions (please contact her sooner than October 12): sandhya@ccncn.org
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 Regional Disciples Men Retreat October 12 -14 at Palo Alto First Christian Church
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.
You can register and pay online! Follow this link: Men's Retreat Make your check out to CCNC-N with the memo: "Men's Retreat" and send your check to CCNC-N, 9260 Alcosta Blvd, Suite C-18, San Ramon, 94583 You may be able to attend the full Retreat for $45!!
If you commute or sleep over at the church your registration fee is $85. If you qualify for a discount (student or first-time-attender) you save $20. If you qualify for a scholarship you save $20. That leaves $45. Don't let money keep you away! We've got more Good News on the Retreat! ...Saturday afternoon activities for half-price: San Jose Tech Museum or Golf.
...Save on housing - stay at the church in the Fireside Room (sounds nice!) Bring your own sleeping bag or air mattress. ...The hotel is amazing: A tropical setting (in Palo Alto), artifacts from around the world, and beautiful rooms. And here are the details: Full Range of Housing Options: ...Dinah's Garden Hotel, about 2 miles from the church. Go to their website for more information: www.dinahshotel.com ...You can commute from home if you like. ...or just stay at the church Your registration will include all 5 meals no matter where you stay (4 if you register for one night only) - and they will be great!
...Discounts in the amount of $20 are available for students and first-timers.
...Limited scholarships are also available. ...Here's the Fee Schedule
Full Retreat (Friday dinner through Sunday worship)...
Shared room at hotel $225
Private room at hotel 325
Commuting 85
Staying at church 85
Staying one night only...
Shared room at hotel $135
Private room at hotel 185
Commuting 75
Staying at church 75
The hotel has decided that since they cannot guarantee an exact number of rooms in advance they will put our rooms on courtesy hold. In other words, you can guarantee your room by registering now, but later on...maybe not. (If you have to cancel later we will not be penalized, so register now.)
 Our leader will be Roger Jenks, Senior Pastor at Grace Community Christian Church in Aurora, IL. He is an amazing presenter whose experience includes retreat/conference leader, author, news correspondent and tennis pro. He has published Biblical curriculum and music.
Questions and further information contact:
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 2012 Regional Unity Festival 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.
..."Everyone should attend this event" ~ Jim
..."Other than Ben's retirement festivities - this will be the best party of the year." ~ Sue
..."Lodi is just beautiful that time of year" ~ Mike
..."I wouldn't miss if for the world." ~ Karen
If the experts say it is the place to be, it must be true! Load up the car, bring out the family - heck, why not bring the whole church? It's one day of fun, culture, faith and friends. What could be better?
We're still accepting booth registration forms - so if you or your church wants to have a little fund raiser, put together a plan and share your ministry with all of us! For more information, go to www.ccncn.org. Or, you can register and pay by mail
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 HOT NEWS CHURCHES TO HOLD IN PRAYER
Congregation to pray for this week: The Urban Shepherd, Modesto; North San Joaquin Area; Pastor, Molly Carlson; Michael Carlson, Minister of Music and Worship.
Congregation to pray for this week: Via Dolorosa Congregational Christian Church of Samoa; North San Joaquin Area; Pastor Taulau J. Tupua.
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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HELP NEEDED
First Samoan Congregational Christian Church of Sacramento (that 30 voice magnificent choir who sang to open Saturday morning at Annual Gathering), is beginning the final building work on their new 350 seat sanctuary!! Their Church Extension loan has been approved and they are so excited!! Here's how you can help?? They would love to hire Disciples to head the electrical work and the landscaping!!
If you are interested call, Pastor Sal:
Rev. Salesa Fatu Fa'alau, FS
First Samoan Congregational Christian Church in Sacramento
(916) 922-2220 Office
(916) 642-0501 Mobile
www.efkaslaumua.org
Closing Service for Galt Christian Church Announced-Sept. 30 at 4:00 p.m.
After 157 years of ministry, the remaining members of Galt CC have made the difficult decision to close the worship and gathering ministry of this congregation.
You are invited to this special Closing Service to be held at the Galt Historical Society Building at 555 C Street in Galt. All former members and friends of this congregation are welcome. Regional Minister, Ben Bohren will preach the concluding service and former pastor, Josh Wilson, current Commissioned Minister, Jimmie Hollingsworth, and Regional Elder, Diane Wilson will be among the participants. Please contact Chair of the Board, DonnaFletcher, if you plan to attend: donnafletcher732@aol.com
 ANNOUNCING 2013 SUMMER CAMP DATES
(Yes, you have them already!!)
Community of the Great Commission
June 6-9- Adult Camp
June 23-29- Junior and ChiRho Camps
June 29-July 1- Grandparents and Me Session 1
June 30- July 6- CYF Camp
July 1-3- Grandparents and Me Session II
South San Joaquin-TBA
UPCOMING REGIONAL EVENTS
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. 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.
3. Bread for the World Sunday
Vince Mezzera, former moderator at FCC Vallejo, now working for Bread for the World in Washington, DC, has a challenge for CCNC-N:
"Bread for the World is a collective Christian voice urging our nation's decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad. We have thousands of member congregations joining us in our efforts to change the policies, programs, and conditions that allow hunger and poverty to persist. Yet I have been surprised at how few Disciples congregations are among them. But we can change that, and Bread for the World Sunday (on October 21 or another date this fall) is the perfect time to start! This is a chance to join with Christians nationwide as we lift up our voices together in prayer and worship on behalf of poor and hungry people. Participation could be as simple as a few prayers about hunger during worship--nothing complex necessary; we would just love to have as many different churches as possible participate in some fashion. You can see the resources I have helped put together for this event at www.bread.org/sunday - please take a look and prayerfully consider whether your congregation can participate!"
4. South San Joaquin Churches Host Bible Study
"Is Homosexuality a Sin?" - A Serious
Question Only the Church Can Answer
Fri., Sept. 28 6:30-8:30 - Sat. Sept. 29 9-4
First Christian Church, Selma
Disciples are welcome to participate in this engaging study led by Rev. Dr. Sharon Warner, Retired Dean & Adjunct Faculty, Lexington Theological Seminary, as we explore the Bible references often (and sometimes not so often) connected to the question, "Is homosexuality a sin?" The purpose is three-fold 1) Give grounding in the Bible for those who know what they believe. 2) Give a discernment process for those who do not know what they believe by which one may see what God is saying. 3) Hear and understand a position not our own which will deepen and strengthen our own faith through humility. Free registration is available by contacting FCC Selma at 559-896-2691 by Monday, Sept. 24.
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The First Christian Church, Concord is seeking a dynamic, spiritual, energetic and enthusiastic Director for their Youth Ministry Program who:
...loves kids, understands teenagers and communicates well with all ages;
...is deeply committed to helping youth deepen and enhance their relationship with God;
...will develop meaningful relationships with each of our existing youth;
...will develop and motivate a youth program that is spiritual, social, fun and meaningful; one that keeps our youth connected with God, our church community, and the world;
...has a vision for youth ministry that aligns with ours, and can develop and execute a plan to grow our youth ministry from a one-on-one relational style to a larger youth group style over the course of two to three years.
This is a part-time position of 10 hours per week. Additional time will be required for a week-long mission trip during the summer, as well as a weekend youth
retreat in January or February. To apply or for more information, contact Russ Peterman at russ@concordfcc.net
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REGIONAL STAFF NEWS
Ben had a wonderful visit last week from some very dear friends of our Region! Former Regional Minister and wife, Dick and Doris Lauer, were passing through and the three had lunch together. They look great; feel great and are very grateful for all the prayers for their daughter, Karen, who is doing great.
Paula began vacation September 25 and will be out of the office until October 3. She and Micheal will be camping so no communications- that means no voice mails or e-mails!! From October 6-15, she will be in Colorado to support her mother as she is moved from the rehab center to home.
Welcome to Michael Carlson, Disciples Minister of Worship at The Urban Shepherd, Modesto, who joins the Regional Staff on October 1 as Director of Young Adult Ministries.
Cliff will be on vacation September 26- October 17. He and Connie will be in New England enjoying the fall colors and will spend time with Sue Bowman, retired Disciples minister and former CCNC-N Interim Regional Minister and local pastor.
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).
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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!
SEPTEMBER
27- Regional Resources Committee- West Sac.
30- FCC Merced 100th Anniversary
30- Galt CC Closing Service- 4:00
OCTOBER
3- Training and Care Committee-PSR
6- Regional Executive Committee- Livermore
6- Tea for the Soul
13- Justice Commission- Livermore
13- ACTS Team- Vacaville
12-14- Regional Men's Retreat- FCC Palo Alto
19-20- Regional Elders Retreat- "Amazing Grace"
20- Celebration of Ben's Ministry
24- Regional Staff 10:00-1:30
27- Regional Ministry Council
30- Serra Center Board Meeting- Fremont
NOVEMBER
3- Unity Festival UCC Lodi
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CELEBRATIONS & PRAYERS
CELEBRATIONS
FCC Merced is holding their Centennial Celebration- 100 years of serving the Merced community in God's work! Two special events: Centennial Dinner and Program on Saturday, September 29 at 6:00 p.m. (catered meal) and Centennial Worship on Sunday, September 30 at 10:30 (Old Fashioned Worship Service-wear Centennial 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 209-383-1442. All are invited.
In Indianapolis this week, September 24-28 for HOPE Partnership Leadership Academy, are:
...Pastor Sal and wife Temu Fa'alua (First Samoan Congregational Christian Church of Sacramento); ...Pastor Iopa and wife Meaalofa Amosa (First Samoan Congregational Christian Church of Reno-meeting at FCC Sparks);
God-speed to them for safe travel and exciting learning, inspiration and leadership training.
New members as reported: Cottage Way CC, Sacramento (1 adult transfer); Mayfair CC, Stockton (3 adult transfers); Oakdale CC, (1 adult transfer)
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We send out special prayers for Kathy Smith, who served FCC Sacramento in numerous ministry positions over many years. Following her recent colon surgery, she received news that the growth was cancerous. Her spirits and faith are still strong as she recovers and makes decisions about treament. Cards can be sent to: 2809 14th Street, Sacramento, 95818
Our prayers for Alma Hernandez, wife of Pastor Kilo Hernandez, Iglesia del Pueblo de Porterville (Disciples of Christ) meeting at FCC Porterville.
Alma has been suffering for some time from extreme fatigue, partial paralysis on right side, and fainting spells. The doctors have not been able to find the exact cause and this is very discouraging and depressing for all the family. Please send cards to : Alma Hernandezx 1020 North Prospect Street, Porterville, 93257
Our prayers for Bruce Kieft, who has recently been diagnosed with stomach cancer and underwent major surgery this week. Bruce is the Moderator of FCC Fremont and Chair of the Construction Committee with Niles Discovery Church (Niles Discovery is the merger of FCC Fremont and Niles UCC). He also chairs the Serra Center Board as one of the five Disciples serving in leadership for that ministry. Cards can be sent to:41204 Thurston Street, Fremont, 94538
Rev. Kay McFarland, retired Disciples minister, is recovering from double knee surgery. She has also been suffering with Shingles since March of this year. Your prayers are much appreciated. Cards can be sent to: 2091 Strobridge Ave., Castro Valley, CA 94546.
Our prayers continue for John Grose, key leader and former Moderator at FCC Vallejo as he continues in a five month round of chemotherapy. We send out prayers for healing and strength to John and wife Beth.
Latest update on Pastor Taulau Tupua, Via Dolorosa Samoan Congregational CC of Modesto who is beginning another three month series of chemotherapy, once a week. This series is making him quite ill. All of this is in preparation to 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 continue to keep Pastor Mark Foglio, Oakdale CC in our prayers. Mark is about to get the second series of deep injections to address herniated disks in his back and neck. 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 Lt. MaShon Wilson, serving in Afghanistan, son of Gloria Wilson, Associate Pastor, FCC Alameda Wanda, daughter of Gloria Baxter of Raynor Park CC
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