Greetings!
Hearing the Gospel is one thing, responding is another... "It's a Calling."Every active minister in our tradition has had to declare their calling in the process of being ordained or commissioned to a representative ministry. While it is the responsibility of every baptized Christian to spread the Gospel, some members are chosen as a community's representative of the Word, transmitting the Christian tradition, interpreting the scriptures, maintaining a company of Christians, strengthening the church in its life and mission, and leading the church's reconciling work in the world.
This work is not an occupation, it's a vocation as
set forth in the scriptures through example and teaching: "It's a Calling."
OCTOBER IS MONTH OF THE MINISTRY!!! How has your congregation expressed it's appreciation, gratitude and love for your pastor(s).
DO NOT LET THIS MONTH PASS BY WITHOUT SOME SPECIAL RECOGNITION OF YOUR PASTOR AND ANY OTHERS IN YOUR CHURCH WHO HAVE BEEN "CALLED" AS MINISTERS. |
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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
As many know, we have now received more than 400 reservations which is the maximum. We are working on all kinds of options, so stay-tuned!
In the meantime, here's what you need to do if you have not made your reservation yet...
Contact Doral Main (510-352-2210) or retirementbb@att.net
Your reservations will be kept on the waiting list. Please do not let this deter you from at least attending the reception beginning approximately at 3:30pm on the 20th. If seating does become available, you will be contacted as soon as possible. (Please do not call or e-mail Quan as she is not taking reservations)
For all the details about this event,
go to: www.ccncn.org
Important 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.
Don't forget...
...We need more home-made cookies fo the reception!
Tell Doral your plans on this.
...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.
...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.
...Child care is available by reservation only for children ages 6 and under.
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FINAL DAYS OF THE 2012
PHON-A-THON ARE HERE!
We're Getting Closer...
Here's the latest update on the Phon-a-thon:
- Total of Pledges and Donations - $28,135
- Total amount received so far - $20,825
- Goal was $25,000
The math is pretty simple - after the remaining $7,310 is received, we will have reached our goal.
This IS outstanding!!! Your generosity is creating a solid financial foundation for our Region as we continue our present ministries and prepare for the future.
Let me repeat...This IS outstanding!!! (But we still have some work to do.)
We really hope to have all pledges completed no later than October 26!
If you haven't sent in your donation to support your pledge, or if you would like to send in a donation, now  would be a great time to do so. 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 with memo: phon-a-thon.
Again, THANK YOU for being so generous and helping us continue 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!
DEADLINE is October 26.
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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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 TOMORROW, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12.
...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
Please contact Sandhya with any questions (please contact her sooner than October 12): sandhya@ccncn.org
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 Regional Disciples Men Retreat Palo Alto First Christian Church
This week-end- October 12-14
Theme "Faith of Our Fathers, Faith of Our Sons"
Questions and further information contact:
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 2012 Regional Unity Festival
10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 3, 2012 United Congregational Christian Church of Lodi What makes Disciples special? Come and see!
Performances. Food. Games. Crafts. Fellowship. Worship.
Join us for a day long, family friendly festival celebrating the cultural and historical diversity of our Region.
...We will have activities for children including a bounce house and a nap room.
...We will have live performances of traditional dance and music.
...We will have arts and crafts and food.
Did we mention food?!?!?
Congregations and Mission Clusters have been invited to host a booth where they can sell items that reflect their cultural heritage. We expect everything from church cookbooks to kim chee. Something for everyone! Support the congregations of our Region by coming, bringing friends and family, and enjoying a day surrounded by the greatness of God's diverse people.
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: Oakdale Christian Church, North San Joaquin Area; Pastor Mark Foglio.
Congregation to pray for this week: First Christian Church, Oakland; East Bay Area; Co-Pastors, Sandhya Jha and Tai Amri Spann-Wilson.
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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ANNOUNCING 2013 SUMMER CAMP DATES
(Note that neither Grandparents and Me Session is over July 4!
Community of the Great Commission Camps
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. 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.
2. 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!"
3. Ministry with the Differently Abled:
An Invitation to Beloved Community
19 percent of the population of the United States has a
disability, is this reflected in our congregations? Why not?
Come join us for a conversation about our call as Christian community to be in ministry with people with disabilities as well as practical discussion on accessibility and worship.
When: Saturday, November 10
Time: Noon to 3:00 pm.
Lunch of soup and a salad will be served.
Where: Forest Hill Christian Church
250 Laguna Honda Blvd. San Francisco
Phone: (415) 566-1414
Cost: $10 suggested donation, but all are welcome
regardless of ability to pay.
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Begins Saturday, November 10, 1:00 p.m. and ends Sunday, November 11 after worship (about noon)
Where: Christian Church of Woodland
Cost: $30.00 PLUS three cans of food
This is an overnight event so registration and medical forms must be completed.
For all information and forms go to: http://www.ccncn.org/fallfestregpkt-2012pdf.pdf
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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
Paula's plans for her visit to Colorado to support her mother have changed again. Because there has been a delay in her mother's release from rehab to home, she will now be out of the office October 24-November 6.
The Pociecha Family is definitely facing challenges these days as Micheal just flew to San Diego to be with his 87 year old mom who was admitted to the hospital there on Tuesday afternoon. Tests are being run. Please keep Micheal and Paula in special prayers.
Cliff continues on vacation until 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.
Congrauatlions to Sandhya on her official welcome as the new Director of Interfaith Programs for the East Bay Housing Organization this past Wednesday morning at their Annual Breakfast Event. She continues in her Regional Staff position and as Co-Pastor at FCC Oakland.
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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DEVOTIONAL
On a weekly basis, I receive an electronic article from The Alban Institute. These deal with a very wide array of religious...church...spiritual issues. This one came last week and seems especially timely and helpful to both pastors and lay persons. I trust it will help your discernment about preaching and politics.
Blessings, Ben
Preaching and Politics by Ronald D. Sisk
Interim election, November 2006, the state of South Dakota.
Petitions successfully force a statewide vote on a new antiabortion law passed earlier by the state legislature. The law would have forbidden virtually all abortions in South Dakota, except where necessary to save the life of the mother. Pro-choice and pro-life groups in the state, both extremely religious, square off, each prepared to argue that their position represents the will of God. Those on the "Yes on 6" side, which is the pro-life side, blanket the state with blue-and-pink placards, many of them appearing on the lawns of the state's churches. Pro0choice pastors preach pro-choice sermons. Pro-life pastors preach pro-life sermons. The law itself, and the question of whether it was appropriately written to solve problems rather than causing more, tends to get lost in the rhetoric.
In this atmosphere, the Jones family went to church that Sunday morning not really expecting to hear the sermon they heard. Their tradition trumpeted the idea of separation of church and state. They themselves were very conservative on the abortion issue but questioned whether this was something that should be regulated by legislative fiat. It seemed to them to be much more a personal moral issue. But the pastor felt differently. He talked for half an hour about the sanctity of life, working up to his climactic statement. "Now we're Baptists, and I can't tell you how to vote," he said. "But let me make one thing clear. Abortion is sin."
Sunday dinner at the Jones house was a troubled affair that day. "How could he say that?" Sally fumed. "Doesn't he know he's not supposed to tell people how to vote?"
"But he didn't," John answered. "In his mind, I think he was playing by the rules."
"Well, he pretty much said if you vote against this law, you're a sinner," Sally shot back. "Just because it's antiabortion doesn't make it a good law."
"I know," John answered. "I wonder why he felt he had to preach on this subject anyway. He knows plenty of people in the church are on both sides of the issue. All this does is create conflict. Why didn't he just leave it alone?"
"I guess," Sally reflected, calming down, "that he thought this is the type of Christian moral issue where we have to be a witness in the public arena. But I've known too many women who've gone through this. I know these decisions are never easy. I wish Jesus had just told us clearly what to do!"
We will leave the Jones family there. Their story is fictional, but the facts of the South Dakota election in 2006 are not. Nor is the fact that the churches and the pulpits of South Dakota got heavily involved in that election. Nor is South Dakota's experience by any means unique. Throughout the history of the republic, preachers have sought to influence local, state, and national policy from their pulpits. On issues from alcohol to Sunday closing of liquor stores, from gambling to civil rights, from war to welfare, from tax exemption to school vouchers, the preachers of America have weighed in time and time again in the national debate.
Sometimes preachers have successfully drawn a distinction between partisan politics and issues. J. Philip Wogaman, longtime professor of Christian ethics turned United Methodist pastor, draws what I believe to be the correct distinction. Preaching on issues is fine. Preaching partisan politics, advocating voting for one party or candidate over another, is not.1
Sometimes preachers have confined their "political preaching" to instruction about what it means to be a good Christian citizen. More often though, I at least end up feeling that whenever the conservatives have been trying to affect national policy, liberal preachers have argued that the church should stay out of politics, and whenever the liberals have been trying to change national policy, conservative preachers have argued that the church should stay out of politics. Neither, in fact, has done so. All of which leaves us with the question for this chapter: what are the ethics of preaching about political issues?
Deciding When to Preach Politics
What can happen to preachers caught up in dealing with issues is what happened in South Dakota in 2006. An issue comes along in the political arena that also engages Christian values, and the preacher is faced with the dilemma of whether to address it. Before we jump in, we must ask whether in a particular case it is wise. That can be a difficult decision.
...Sometimes an issue is so hot, so divisive, that any attention from the pulpit would only ignite further controversy.
...Sometimes, as in the civil rights struggle in the South, the gospel runs so contrary to public opinion that the preacher must decide whether the risks to life, limb, family, and job are worth it.
...Sometimes an issue is too new, too unformed, and attempting to stake out an ethical position from the pulpit would be premature. Some issues are simply better dealt with in formats other than proclamation.
...Sometimes the larger agenda of the church is so focused in other directions that the preacher may decide that dealing with a particular issue presents an unacceptable distraction from the church's mission.
The preacher needs to ask him/her self questions like: Is there a clear biblical word with regard to this issue? Will dealing with this issue from the pulpit help members of the congregation in their Christian growth? Can I be fair to both sides?2 What would be the consequences of not preaching on this issue? Is this a transient tempest, or is there an enduring Christian value at stake here? Must I do this as a matter of faithfulness to Christ? Not every political subject rises to the level of a faith issue. Only when the preacher is convinced that she/he has something important to say, that more good than harm can be done by saying it, and that people will both be able to hear and to learn from her approach should she/he move forward to the next step in the process.
1. J. Philip Wogaman, Speaking the Truth in Love: Prophetic Preaching to a Broken World, (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press), 1998, 58.
2. See Adam Hamilton, Confronting the Controversies: A Christian Looks at the Tough Issues (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2001)
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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!
OCTOBER
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
21- Annual Gathering Committee
24- Regional Staff 10:00-1:30
27- Regional Ministry Council
30- Serra Center Board Meeting- Fremont
NOVEMBER
3- Unity Festival UCC Lodi
7- Training and Care Committee
10- CGC Facilities Committee
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CELEBRATIONS & PRAYERS
CELEBRATIONS
Women from around our Northern California Region, both Disciples and UCC, enjoyed a retreat-ful experience at the Tea for the Soul event at Sierra Loomis. we sang, shared stories, listened and ate with each other, walked the Labyrinth and enjoyed a creative art experience. Of course we drank tea and consumed many sweets and cakes. it was a beautiful fall day and a leisurely time to be together in the Spirit! Our "Dream Team" from WOSA (Women's Ministries) did an awesome job! thanx to Leota, Lani, Mary, Barb, Melanie, Janet, and Kathy!
Your Regional Executive Committee plus Regional Staff met last Saturday, October 6, at United CC, Livermore for their final gathering of the year. This is a very committed group, 17 members strong, as elected by Annual Gathering 2011. A special time of prayer occurred when the Executive Committee surrounded the Regional Staff and "layed hands on them" and covered them in prayer.Then Regional Staff surrounded the Executive Committee with the same gift. The spirit and passion of this group of leaders to lead CCNC-N into this time of transition is exemplary.
Disciples two Northern Nevada churches are alive and thriving!! Wednesday evening, October 2, FCC Sparks and Samoan CC, Reno (which worships at FCC) held a joint worship service to celebrate Ben's ministry. The sanctuary was nearly full! Our newest Samoan church awed the group with 10 of their young members offering traditional Samoan dancing. FCC had prepared a special blessing for Ben and beautiful cake. Ben led the group in communion and both churches presented generous gifts to the Ben Bohren Camp Scholarship Fund.
New members as reported: FCC Eurkea (1 adult transfer); Mayfair CC, Stockton (1 adult transfer); FCC Concord (1 adult transfer and 1 adult confession of faith); Fruitridge CC, Sacramento (1 adult transfer)
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Mills Grove CC has lost a long time member and friend. Elder-Emirata Irma Jones, who slept peacefully away last Thursday evening October 4, 2012, with her family and minister by her side. Sister Irma Jones has worked faithfully in our region at the Asilomar, the Women's Gathering, and Mission Springs. She serve as president of our Christian Women's Fellowship, church Board Chair, Treasurer and gave of her voice singing in the Inspirational Choir.
The viewing /quiet hour will be at the Chapel of the Chimes on Thursday October 11, 2012 from 5-8 on Piedmont Avenue, Piedmont. Her Funeral services will be Friday October 12, 2012 , 11:00 a.m. at Mills Grove Christian Church (DOC) 5410 Fleming Avenue Oakland, CA. Rev. Clarence L. Johnson officiating. For further information you may call church office at 510-534-4722
It is with a very sad heart that we share the news of the death of Gary Hall, in early September, at the age of 71. Gary is survived by his three sons, David and Tim Hall, and James Allan and their families. Gary is also survived by his former wife and great friend Peggy Allan and her husband Don. Gary was a long standing member of the Northern California Disciples, he served as clergy in the region at the Lodi and Vacaville churches in the late 1960's and early 1970's, and he was a big supporter of gay rights in the region. All who knew and loved Gary are welcome to join his family to celebrate his beautiful life on Saturday, October 13, at 10:00am, at the Aids Memorial Grove in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.
We are pleased to report that Vi Spencer, retired Disciples minister and active leader at Disciples of Christ Visalia had successful knee surgery this past Monday in Visalia. She expects to be released from the hospital soon. Cards can be sent to: 20200 Avenue 352 #D, Woodlake, 93286.
Good news for Bill Shive, musician for FCC Oakland and leader at Tapestry Ministries, Berkeley, who experienced a mild heart attach a week ago. He is now home recovering after doctors determined his condition could be treated with appropriate medication, and monitor him instead of open heart surgery. Cards can be sent to: 7856 Ney Avenue, Oakland, 94605
We continue 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 treatment. 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 last week. He is home and recovering well and gaining weight and strength in preparation for chemo. 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. The experts say she is progressing very well. She's up and walking around, sometimes with a walker, but still in physical therapy. Kay 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 still having some really good days, but anxiously awaiting an upcoming test to determine if her treatments are diminishing her cancer. 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:
Bea Tiffee, FCC Dos Palos
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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FINAL WORD
These are exciting times for First Samoan  Congregational Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Sacramento as they watch their new 350 seat sanctuary rise before them! Pastor Salesa Fa'alua and congregation have been dreaming of this time for several years. Disciples Church Extension is a key
participant in this project by providing the loan needed to finance the building. If you want to see the building effort, drop by the church at 251 South Avenue, Sacramento.
You will remember this congregation from the highly spirited singing of 35 members at the Saturday morning opening at 2012 Annual
Gathering. Their Samoan
dance team will open Ben's Retirement Party on
October 20. Be sure you are in your seat by 1:00 pm so you will not miss a moment of this inspiring Call to Worship.
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