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Weekly e-news January 30, 2013
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 Reflecting on Passages
I hope you didn't miss last week's e-news too much, and you may have received a couple of postcards as we iron out the kinks of moving to a bi-weekly schedule. Thank you for your patience! This is the last time Sandhya will be serving as co-editor with Quan (the staff nicknamed our editorial team "Quandhya," and it was a pretty seamless relationship!). Your next e-news will be coordinated by Transitional Interim Regional Minister Mary Jacobs with Quan.
The theme of our regional gathering at Sofitel in Redwood City at the beginning of March will be "Passages." How appropriate for the region, but how appropriate for us as congregations and individuals, too. Paula likes to quote a tee-shirt that is black with two eyes peering out. The words underneath are something to the effect of, "I know when God closes a door, God opens a window. But MAN are these hallways a pain!" We're always being told transitions are where we grow, and most of us, looking back, remember that the times we felt closest to God were in times of transition. That certainly doesn't mean we seek them out--those passageways are dark and scary and unknown. But they are inevitable, they're how we get unstuck, and very often they're where we deepen our relationship with God. (I think of another tee-shirt: it's twins in a womb, and one says to the other, "Do you believe in life after birth?" They're clearly in no rush to go anywhere, but obviously there are more and bigger things for them on the outside. Plus--imagine poor mom if they decided to stay put!)
I pause today to lift up a prayer for all of us in the region going through transitions that are painful but that may be places to go deep with the Savior we love. I hope to delve into this theme with you March 1-3, and I hope that we can all remember the wisdom of scripture during all passageway times in which we find ourselves:
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. -Joshua 1:9
Peace,
Sandhya
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CHURCHES TO HOLD IN PRAYER
Please consider incorporating these congregations into your congregational prayers each week during worship or in your newsletter, so we can grow together in prayer.
Congregation to pray for next week: Arden Christian Church, Sacramento; Greater Sacramento Area; Sr. Pastor Michael Hamm; Laura Pierson, Minister of Education and Nurture.
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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 REGIONALLY ENDORSED EVENTS AND INFO
HAVE YOU REGISTERED FOR THE 159TH ANNUAL GATHERING MARCH 1-3, 2013?
Have you been waiting for the 49ers to win or the inauguration to be over? Well, both have happened, so it is time to register for Annual Gathering 2013!! IT IS TIME!!
Please register NOW and make your hotel reservations as well. Registration forms are on-line at www.ccncn.org or in your church office. You call Sofitel directly to make your hotel reservations 650-598-9000. Our contract is for 270 room nights with Sofitel by February 7th--so please call now!
You won't want to miss this gathering--great music--DAN PAUL!! Great worship, great food and accommodations and a chance to meet our Transitional Regional Minister, Mary Jacobs! And hear her preach and hear Mary Donovan Turner! Hear the voices of folks in our region as they share their journeys with us!
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HELLO PASTORS AND CHURCH LEADERS!
About a week ago you received a letter regarding PER CAPITA CONTRIBUTIONS. If you have not already done so, it is time to send those contributions into the Regional Office! Your gifts help with expenses for Annual Gathering and to subsidized the youth who attend! Thanks so much!
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CYF FebCamp 2013, Grades 9-12
Deadline approaching!!!
"Feb Camp 2013 will again be held at Camp Tuolumne Trails in Groveland. Rev. Jesse Kearns will be our keynote speaker this year. Good fun, good friends, good talks, good music and who knows maybe some good snow. Invite your friends. Registrations are due on February 9, 2013. If you would like more information, just let me know."
--Carl Cordes, youth ministries,
cccrafting@comcast.net.
Saturday, February 16 @ 10am-Monday - February 18 @ 11am Camp Tuolumne Trails
22988 Ferretti Road, Groveland, CA Cost: $160.00 youth; $140.00 adult Keynoted by Rev. Jesse Kearns Directed by Carl Cordes Registrations and Medical Forms available
online at www.ccncn.org/youth
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Please send in your Yearbook forms:
Please be aware that you should have received Yearbook forms at your church by now. Each year we must submit specific information to the general church for publishing in the general church yearbook of standing. This form will be mailed out to churches in early January, and the information must be turned into the regional office by Feb. 20--so be sure to get your 2012 records in order now to hit the ground running when the form comes! Due to staff transitions, we PLEAD with you to fill out your form promptly to alleviate stress. Thank you for helping us out!
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WHAT A YEAR FOR GLOBAL MINISTRIES! (Please send us pictures to prove it!)
NOTE: The previous version of this article had the wrong e-mail address. If you sent Gerry pictures, we apologize for the inconvenience, but please send them again to the address posted here.
Yes, in 2012 CCN C-N had the privilege of visitations by 2 of our missionary families and the exciting, wonderful, spirit-filled visit by our GM partners from Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. Now, at Annual Gathering, we want to share with everyone some of the excitement of being with the Millers, the Morses, and the Ngokas. So, please email to gerry@foster-brague.net any pictures you have from the visit by any of these people to your home, your church, your community, the Community of the Great Commission, or an excursion to see the beauty of our area. We need to celebrate and give thanks for the unbelievable opportunities we had in 2012 as we plan and look forward to what we hope to experience in 2013 and beyond. Gerry will be putting together a power point so all of us can enjoy seeing some of what we accomplished in 2012. Please send the pictures as soon as you can, and add any notes or explanations you would like.
Thanks so much.
Your CCN C-N Global Ministries Interpreters - Gerry Brague, Daniel (Kung Ming) Lee and Charlotte Jackson
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Calling All Clergy!
The A.C.T.S. Program (Academy of Christian Training and Study) was launched three years ago by CCNC-N to provide quality instruction to support the lay ministry of the local churches. Over those three years, top notch instructors have presented a wide variety of courses that have been offered in an equally wide variety of formats. The ACTS team brought you courses that galloped you through the Bible, strengthened your spiritual practice, developed your Ad-Ministry muscles, and equipped you for evangelism. These courses have been offered in a classroom format, online, in Geographic area groups, single day workshops, and weekend retreats. In all, the A.C.T.S. curriculum has served an estimated 500 participants throughout the Region.
In order for this program to offer the most useful courses for your congregations, please take five minutes for five questions. It's simple. Set your timer and visit: https://ccncn.webconnex.com/acts to complete your survey. Your valuable input will help the A.C.T.S. team assess the needs of the local churches and help us determine the proper curriculum to support you!
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2012 Phon-a-thon Update
We Did It!
A few months ago the 2012 Phon-a-thon began. With the exceptional help from 23 callers, a whole bunch of calls were made over a short period of time. And then we made a few more calls and sent out reminder letters, as well as weekly updates in the e-news. We were overwhelmed by the generosity of those who said "yes" to making a pledge, as well as some who were never contacted who gave anyway.
So....here it is...the final tally for the 2012 Phon-a-thon:
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224 donors (some making multiple donations)
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$26,395 donations received (goal was $25,000)
It has been a remarkable experience as YOU have shown your belief in the ministries of CCNC-N. YOU have recognized not only the value of the past ministries, but also the promise of the future of CCNC-N.
So, on behalf of the staff and all who benefit from the ministries provided through all of our collective efforts, the only comment I have at this point is...
THANK YOU!!!
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 WOMEN'S MINISTRIES
Save the Date: April 20, 2013 Spring Gathering of Women: "Connecting in Christ" at Palo Alto First Christian Church. Hosted by the women of Sinapi Seed Fellowship and Palo Alto First Christian Church. Just a reminder of resources available from www.discipleswomen.org
Disciples Women General Programs 2013 are available as a free download. You will find new programs covering Installation, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Stewardship; a special Quadrennial activity to introduce the theme of "I See You"; along with Bible studies on Human Trafficking and Environment.
Just Women 2013 Bible Study Pre-orders are now being processed. Orders placed before March 15, 2013, will cost $10 per copy. After March 15, the cost will be $12 plus $3 S&H per copy for all non-subscription orders. Order your extra individual copies today to avoid the shipping and handling charges. Look for the green 'sale' button toward the bottom of the page.
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NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGION
"The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness does not overcome it."
(John 1:5)
Please join Mills Grove Christian Church for the presentation of "The Shadow of the Cross," a contemporary Tenebrae service-including communion-composed and arranged by Lloyd Larson. The service walks us through the final hours of Jesus' life, including his crucifixion.
The program takes place at 7:00 p.m. on Good Friday, March 29, 2013 at Mills Grove Christian Church (DOC), 5410 Fleming Avenue, Oakland 94619.
We welcome anyone who would like to be part of the choir for this event. So far we have participants from First Christian Church Alameda, First Christian Church Oakland, and others from the community. Rehearsals will begin on Thursday February 7 at 7:00 p.m.
For further information please call Mills Grove C.C. at (510) 534-4722.
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The Circle Church in Santa Cruz invites you to an event they are co-sponsoring: The SUBVERSIVE WAY of Jesus
A Two-Day Workshop
Featuring: Dr. Robin Meyers
Author of The Underground Church
Sponsored by: The Progressive Christian Forum
of Santa Cruz
Friday, February 8, 2013
(Calvary Episcopal Church)
Saturday, February 9, 2013
(First Congregational Church)
For more information (and registration materials) contact pastor Steve DeFields-Gambrel, pastor@thecirclechurch.org. ____________________________________________________________________ Celebration of Ministry for FCC San Leandro February 10
The First Christian Church at 1190 Davis St. in San Leandro has announced they will hold their final service on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013 at 2:00pm. The church invites members of the community and fellow Disciples congregations to attend the Feb. 10 service, which will include the Rev. Dr. Paula Pociecha representing the Disciples of Christ Regional Office and Rose Johnson, representing the Davis Street Center. Refreshments will follow the service. The church instigated many community programs and established the Davis Street Community Center in 1972, offering food and housing programs, an ecology center, and later that year the first of many child care programs. Rev. Homer Richardson retired in 1988, but he has served as Interim Minister on three different occasions. In 2003 the church building was purchased by the Community Center, which had incorporated separately and later relocated their central programs as the Davis Street Family Resource Center located at 3081 Teagarden St. in San Leandro. It continues to be a strong and vital ministry in San Leandro and beyond. We hope that other Disciples East Bay congregations will join in the celebration and honor this long-time ministry in this area.
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The Christian Church of Vacaville will hold a 24-hour Prayer Vigil beginning Tuesday February 12 at 7pm, ending at 7pm Wednesday the 13th with our Ash Wednesday Service. You are invited, with a challenge to pray at a time you normally would be doing something else, and/or for a longer time than "usual." Please call 707-448-8778 for more information.
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CONCERT - DAN PAUL AND FRIENDS Sacramento First Christian Church invites all of our regional friends to a concert on Saturday, February 23. "Songs of Faith and Witness," with Dan Paul and friends. The time will be 7:00 p.m. Suggested donation is $10. Benefit for the Week of Compassion and the Dan Paul Peace Mission to Israel. First Christian is located at 3901 Folsom Blvd. in Sacramento. Childcare will be provided. Contact Ted Firch 916-600-5875 for more information. ____________________________________________________________________
A job opportunity from ministry partner Christian Church Homes
CCH is seeking a part time database and website contractor. CCH's longstanding relationship with the region means it would be great to see members of CCNC-N congregations applying for this position! Please click on the following link for more information: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/web/3580071204.html
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Special request from First Samoan Congregational Christian Church in SacramentoThe construction of our church building has reached the point where we could use some help from our DOC members. We are seeking an Electrician Contractor or Private party with a license that we could discuss the project. We are also in need of a contractor for the Air Condition Installation. We are reaching out to our members who might be interested in doing this work for us. We hope some of our members know of someone who could fulfilled our need. Many many Thanks George/Secretary-FSCCC in Sacramento
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 REGIONAL STAFF UPDATES Who's around and when
Quan Walker, Ministry Associate, is back in the office. Please continue to pray for Quan and Les, who is recovering at home from his most recent stint in hospital. Whoopee! Now at home with a visiting nurse service, he seems to be making improvement. Thank you for your support and prayers. Get well cards may be sent to: Les Walker, 9182 Tangerine St., San Ramon, CA 94583.
Prayers of celebration and support for our Transitional Interim Regional Minister, Mary Jacobs, who hit the ground running. She left Tuesday, Jan. 22 for Women's Staff Fellowship conference in Atlanta and will return Jan. 31. (Mary also serves as President of International Disciples Women's Ministries.)
Paula is in the office this week after spending last week at the same conference as Mary along with the staff of women's ministries all around the denomination.
Sandhya is on vacation (except for the e-news) this week and next week. She is grateful for a region that supports her getting time for rest and restoration!
All other staff remain hard at work to help the CCNC-N be the body of Christ in its many forms.
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JOYS AND CONCERNS AND PRAYER NEEDS
We seek to update these prayers appropriately, knowing that the region lifts them up to God with great reverence. Please email enews@ccncn.org with any prayers you would like to make sure are included or continued next week and beyond. Particularly, please e-mail the names and addresses of new members so we can celebrate them here and also send them a letter of welcome from the region! New members: Cottage Way (1), FCC Sacramento (1 baptism).  Please keep Bill and Nancy Garrett in your prayers as they travel to Dallas, TX to be with family on the death of Nancy's mother. Bill serves on regional staff and Nancy serves on the Regional Women's Ministries Coordinating Council. Notes can be sent to bill@ccncn.org We received word that Martha Stump passed away after a very full, blessed life. Martha was the mother of Don Stump, President and CEO of Christian Church Homes and member at Lafayette Christian Church. Her passing marks the end of an important chapter for CCH's ministry since it was Don's father, Verlin, who was called as the first President 50 years ago. UPDATE! We've been praying for Pastor Mark Foglio, Oakdale CC, for months now. He had surgery Thursday afternoon and is resting well at Kaiser Hospital in Sacramento. You may send cards to 985 Terrace Drive, Oakdale, CA 953610. Our prayers continue for the following who remain in need of our support and concern:
- Bill Shive, FCC Oakland and Tapestry Ministries
- Bea Tiffee, FCC Dos Palos
- Lt. MaShon Wilson, serving in Afghanistan, son of Gloria Wilson, Associate Pastor, FCC Alameda.
- Alan Hillberg, Sierra Christian Church, Loomis
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 REGIONAL CALENDAR 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!
February 16-18 - FebCamp for high school youth, Camp Tuolumne TrailsMarch 1-3 - Annual Gathering at the Sofitel Hotel in Redwood City April 20 - Women's Spring Gathering, Palo Alto FCC 2013 SUMMER CAMP DATES (Grandparents and Me Sessions will not be held on 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 June 23-28- South San Joaquin at Camp Pacifica July 13-17 - General Assembly, Orlando, FL Sept. 13-15 - Women's Fall Retreat with Mary Donovan Turner October 18-20 - Men's Retreat
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 AN INSPIRING WORD FROM THE GENERAL CHURCH
Former U.S. president, Disciples dedicate hospital wing in Nanjing
A delegation of Disciples joined President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter in Nanjing, China to unveil a statue of Dr. Edward Macklin and dedicate a new wing at the Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. Dr. Macklin was a Disciples missionary from Canada, starting schools and providing medical care in the Nanjing area. The Drum Tower Hospital began as an opium addiction clinic
in 1892 with an initial gift of $5,000. Today, the hospital has over
3,000 doctors and nurses, 3,000 beds and is the leading teaching hospital
of Western medicine in China.
In his remarks, Carter praised the Christian mission personnel who opened
the hospital, while also honoring the nine Disciples' mission personnel
who remained on the ground during the Japanese invasion, December
1937-January 1938.
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May you experience God's love today that you might also share it
with the world!
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