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Bi-weekly e-news February 14, 2013
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Reflections
What can I say? I am addicted to chai lattes at Starbucks. Many a Lenten "giving up" has been six long weeks without one. Before the sun was up on Easter morning, I was at the door of the Starbucks to break the fast on the way to the sunrise service. Giving up a favored thing in our lives can be a reminder of what's is like to hunger and thirst for God's presence, and sometimes it's a perfunctory act that does nothing to change us. Joel challenges us, underscores hollow practices that stand in the way of going to the deep places:
"Come back to me and really mean it!  Come fasting and weeping, sorry for your sins!"
Change your life, not just your clothes.
Come back to God, your God.
And here's why: God is kind and merciful.
(God) takes a deep breath, puts up with a lot,
This most patient God, extravagant in love,
always ready to cancel catastrophe.
Who knows? Maybe (God will) do it now,
maybe (God will) turn around and show pity.
Maybe, when all's said and done,
there'll be blessings full and robust for your God! Joel 2:12b-14 The Message (MSG)
Change your life: a direct challenge to embrace the Lenten journey as transformative! What if we give up criticism daily and engage in unconditional loving of those God has given us? Might we be more extravagantly gracious persons living into true community on Easter morning? What if we practice releasing scarcity thinking and take on the discipline of blessing pondering? Might we find ourselves embracing a deeper, more abundant spirituality after six weeks? What if we spent Lent praying that our eyes and hearts be opened to perceive what in our lives and communities excludes or leads to oppressing another? Might we come to Easter morning less concerned with our opinions and more filled with Resurrection power to do justice and practice radical hospitality in a new manner?
It only takes six weeks to take on a new habit...interesting that we are given this God-amazing, life changing opportunity every Lent. May the ashes brushed across your forehead create an ache within you for God that loves us enough to ask something great and deep and life changing from us. Jesus in his very being and living gave us an glimpse of such a Holy Presence. No chai latte discipline this year...I want more.
Blessings on your Lenten journey. May you be God-surprised at every turn!
In grateful partnership,
Mary
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REGIONALLY ENDORSED EVENTS AND INFO
A Book of Meditations for Lent
 For Lent this year, our region has produced a Book of Meditations that includes a devotional for each day of the season, starting on Ash Wednesday, February 13th, and ending on Resurrection Sunday March 31st. It's a great way to make our passage through the season together as a common people in our region.
The scriptures are from the Psalms and the books of Job and James. The booklet is now available at www.ccncn.org. If you would like to receive the devotions daily by email, please send an email with the word "Subscribe" in the subject line to michael@ccncn.org.
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ONLY 15 DAYS LEFT UNTIL ANNUAL GATHERING!
UPDATES!! Registrations to date: 193
Do you want to sing your heart out and have fun at the same time? If your answer is YES then the Annual Gathering choir is for you!! Please contact Annual Gathering Choir Director Suzie Agee, and she can tell you about the music and send you a link to the anthems to listen to on-line!
SHOES, SHOES, SHOES! We need YOUR shoes at Annual Gathering! Please help us "set the scene' by adding your shoes to our set design for Annual Gathering! Bring a pair or two of shoes that help you run your race--and drop them off in the Grand Ballroom when you arrive--they will be returned!! Congratulations to the winners of the FREE registration are: Registered before the e-blast: Ivy Chapman, Selma First Christian Registered between 2/6 - 2/10: Debbie Grijalva, United Disciples Fellowship, San Jose
Please note all monies are now due and payable for Annual Gathering. All invoices have been e-mailed or snail mailed.
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HELLO PASTORS AND CHURCH LEADERS!
The deadline for sending your PER CAPITA CONTRIBUTIONS was February 8. 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 subsidize the youth who attend! Thanks so much!
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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 was mailed out to churches in early January, and the information must be turned into the regional office by Feb. 20. Due to staff transitions, we ASK you to fill out your form promptly to alleviate stress. Thank you for helping us out!
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SHARING BRINGS JOY TO US. TO OTHERS. TO GOD.
Week of Compassion Offering - February 17-24
"God knows joy when we take actions that restore the well-being of God's children every where. When we reach out to others with helping hands, we are love and justice with our brothers and sisters with whom we are one." Amy Gopp, Week of Compassion
As you read the prayer celebration from First CC, Oakland Peace Center, you will be reminded of this ministry that God is doing through us as Disciples. Week of Compassion is at work again where there is a need . This time it is in our Region. Every time we have the privilege to be a part of this ministry through our offering we touch lives that have been turned upside down by violence and disaster. We are blessed to be a blessing!
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HOLY WEEK - HOLY WORK
Regional Mission Trip, March 24 - 30, 2013, Joplin, MO
Holy Week 2013 will be our 8th "Holy Week-Holy Work" Region-sponsored Mission Trip. We will travel again to be part of the rebuilding in Joplin. Register and send $50 deposit before March 10. ___________________________________________________________________
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 CCNC-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, Kyung-Min (Daniel) Lee and Charlotte Jackson
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CALLING ALL CLERGY1
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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A WEEK OF GRATITUDE 
Thursday, February 14th to Friday, February 22nd
OK, so we can't count - that's 8 days, not 7. But that's OK, because ...YOU COUNT!
Over the next 8 days, the CCNC-N Regional Staff will be calling our generous supporters who donated to the 2012 Phon-a-thon. Just to say THANK YOU. That's it. Just THANK YOU...because YOU COUNT.
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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. ____________________________________________________________________  TEA FOR THE SOUL"We all have stories to share "Saturday, March 23, 2013, 9:30am-4:00pm Mayfair Christian Church, Stockton, CA A one-day retreat with music, workshops, and community. Keynote: "Diane Wilson - Telling My Story" Space is limited to 45 so follow this link to learn more and register by Friday, March 15, 2013 Contact Leota Lampshire at 916-677-6664. _____________________________________________________________________ FREEDOM SUNDAY, FEB. 17 2013 For a bulletin insert: go to http://www.ccncn.org/dwf.htm. Raising awareness of human trafficking and modern-day slavery is the focus for Disciples Women and a General Assembly resolution from 2011. Freedom Sunday is a day for believers and communities to unite through prayer and worship on behalf of the more than 30 million men, women, and children around the world that are enslaved today. (There are more slaves in our world today than at any other time in history.) It is a day when voices around the world cry out that no one should be for sale .  Freedom Sunday is a platform that provides churches with what they need to become more aware and more active in opposing modern slavery. In 2012, more than 5,300 churches in 45 countries participated. Though your community can host a Freedom Sunday at any point in the year, February 17, 2013, will be the unified rally for change. If you want more information: http://www.freedomsunday.org/about/Freedom Sunday Prayer: Abba, thank you for showing us what we are called to do: act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with You. We pray for boldness and favor as we fight hard against the injustices of this world. Lord, in your mighty power, we ask you to break the chains of bondage and tear down every stronghold physically and spiritually for those who are enslaved, in the lives of the traffickers, and in our own lives. Let us humble ourselves to pursue justice, mercy, love, and above all else, to glorify You. Amen. This prayer and others available at: http://www.freedomsunday.org/downloads/FFF-Prayer-Guide.pdf |
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 began 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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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.
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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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INVITATION FROM PACIFIC GROVE
On Saturday, March 16 Disciples musician Josh Elson will return with his incredible choir from Palisades Charter High School for an evening concert. Also, please plan to participate in a BBQ/potluck dinner prior to the concert that evening.
The following Saturday, March 23 will be their annual Silent Retreat when participants all agree to fast from speaking from 9 am until 5 pm that day.
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SPECIAL REQUEST FROM FIRST SAMOAN CONGREGATIONAL
CHRISTIAN CHURCH IN SACRAMENTO
The construction of our church building has reached the point where we could use some help from our DOC members. We are seeking an Electrical 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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LOMA EAVES, member of Chalice Christian Church and student at Pacific School of Religion, has published a website of Lenten meditations for anyone looking for inspiration. Check it out at http://www.lomaeaves.com/ .
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DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE GOING TO DISCIPLES COLLEGE? GREAT NEWS
The Phillips University Legacy Foundation (Legacy Foundation) is pleased to offer an
undergraduate scholarship program to students who are pursuing a Baccalaureate Degree
and attending a college or university as listed in the current Yearbook & Directory of the
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The purpose of this program is to perpetuate the
mission and the legacy of Phillips University by helping educate students who will be future
Christian leaders.
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SERRA CENTER, a non-profit organization and partner in care with CCNC-N, provides living skills support and training to adults with developmental disabilities since 1975, is seeking a seasoned professional to serve as our Human Resources Manager.
Please visit http//:www.serracenter.org for a complete job description and submit your resume with salary requirement and reference for full-time or part-time to humanresources@serracenter.org.
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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: Cottage Way Christian Church, Sacramento; Greater Sacramento Area; Pastor Neal Kentch. Congregation to pray for next week: First Christian Church, Sacramento; North San Joaquin Area; Pastor Ted Firch. 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 STAFF UPDATES Who's around and when
Quan Walker, Ministry Associate,
thanks you for your support and prayers. Her husband, Les, is showing great progress and gradually returning to normal routines.
Prayers of celebration and support for our Transitional Interim Regional Minister, Mary Jacobs
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: One new member at Cottage Way Christian Church, Sacramento; One new member at First Christian Church, Sacramento.
Cause for Celebration:
Some of you have heard about the tragic break-in to the Oakland Peace Center / First Christian Church of Oakland, which impacted five different non-profit organizations working to end violence in the community. Several people from within this region (and from neighboring Oakland churches) donated directly to FCC Oakland to help, and as soon as Week of Compassion learned of the break-in, they contacted Sandhya (pastor at FCC Oakland and director of the OPC) to pay for the $1,000 insurance deductible. God is good! The organizations that make up the Oakland Peace Center gathered on Monday night to discuss what needs to go in place in order for them to be able to stay and feel safe as they do their work, and it will not be cheap. But what was striking about that gathering is that the leaders, some from religious organizations and some from secular, agreed that the community needs their joint efforts, and that the people who broke in and did so much damage are in some ways worse victims because they are clearly in need of love and the awareness of God in their lives. That meeting closed with these organizations, diverse in purpose and usually only united in discussing the building, praying together for the spirit of God to pervade the building and the lives of those who damaged the building. Good is emerging from tragedy.
Hold all youth, adult leaders, keynote speaker- Rev. Jesse Kearns, and Carl Cordes, Director of Youth Ministries in prayer as they participate in the CYF FebCamp, Feb. 16-18, at Camp Tuolumne Trails in Groveland.
Please keep Bill and Nancy Garrett in your prayers as they travel again to Texas to be with family on receiving news of the death of Nancy's sister's husband, Jimmy. They only recently returned from being with family following 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.
Continue to hold Pastor Mark Foglio, Oakdale CC,in God's healing care. He is mobile, but still regaining strength following surgery in late January. 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:
- Pastor Taulau Tupua, Via Dolorosa Congregational Christian Church of Samoa
- 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 18 - Regional Office is closed in honor of President's Day
February 16-18 - FebCamp for high school youth, Camp Tuolumne TrailsMarch 1-3 - Annual Gathering at the Sofitel Hotel in Redwood City March 23 - Tea for the Soul, Mayfair CC, Stockton April 20 - Women's Spring Gathering, Palo Alto FCC April 26, 27, 29, 30 - Healthy Boundary Training, Places to be announced 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
All you folks working with young adults --
Disciples Home Missions is soliciting applications for summer mission interns, and we need your help. This is such a great program for leadership development as well as summer adventure! But among our biggest challenges is getting the information into the hands of potential applicants. We've attached a brochure here that describes the program and gives links to the on-line application, deadlines and other such. Can you share this with young adults you could imagine serving in this summer ministry? Short answers to the most frequent questions:
- Minimum age is 20
- Application deadline is March 1
- and yes, you get paid.
If you have other questions not answered in the brochure, feel free to call one of us; we'll help however we can.
Thanks for your partnership. Without you in the trenches, so much gospeling would go undone.
Best,
Josh Baird, Disciple Volunteering
Deb Conrad, Intern Coordinator
www.discipleshomemissions.org/mission-internships/
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In recognizing the blessings we have received, let us remember we are blessed to be a blessing to others!
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