Bi-weekly e-news - April 18, 2013
(see important publishing information in last article)
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Some images are hard to release, and how I long for their potency to be diminished: - March 2013 - Armed men forcing themselves into the Bishop Patrick and Rev. Francoise Villier's home (mission partners at CONASPEH - National Spiritual Council of Churches of Haiti), taking their son, Demetress, and then a few days later leaving his 12 year old body outside of town.
- December 2012 - Children and teachers in a classroom ripped apart by bullets in Newtown, Connecticut when 154 rounds were fired in less than 5 minutes.
- January 2011 - Three men, two women, Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, whom I had met and whose campaign manager now works for Global Ministries, and 9 year old Christina, friend of my close friends at Desert Dove Christian Church, in Tucson, Arizona lying in a grocery store parking lot.
- December 2009 - Jeremy Reed's body, an 18 year old from our congregation and my daughter's best friend and boyfriend, placed on a gurney in a funeral home after being shot at a friend's house when the friend played with a loaded gun.
And the aching wounds go deep and the words from an old protest song resound through my heart and mind, "when will we ever learn...when we ever learn." I have also wept at the news of persons killed by drunk drivers including our 18 year old neighbor. Their car became a weapon of violence when they chose to drive while intoxicated. When teenagers reach the magical age that allows them to drive, we require that they take some form of drivers' education. Then we ask that they practice driving by being issued a learner's permit waiting for several months before they can take a driving test to receive an official license. In Arizona as well as some other states, that first license is seen as probationary until they are 18, so that certain violations trigger a reason for the license to be revoked. As adults, we are required to register the decision to purchase a car, so that whenever we use it recklessly, either by speeding, by ignoring safety laws or by driving under the influence of anger, tiredness or alcohol/drugs, we are held accountable. It seems to me that we should ask no less than what we require of drivers for something that is created from its inception as a weapon. I grew up around guns used by family for hunting. They were treated as weapons to be handled responsibly with great care and thoughtfulness. As a gun owner and a shooting survivor, Gabby Giffords has credibility in the gun control debate. When asked by CNN about the shooting and whether she is resentful about what happened, she replied, "No. Move ahead. Move ahead" wanting tobe "stronger, better, tougher." It's Eastertide. Let us rush headlong into the good news that violence will not have the final word. That Holy Love will rise up and say "No!" It will take Easter people standing up to the powers that are and asking for changes that could make a difference in the next purchase and use of a firearm. For the sake of God's children, all ages and races and locations, let us prayerfully consider a call to representatives and senators to voice our concerns and hopes. In grateful and hope-filled partnership, Mary |
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 REGIONALLY ENDORSED EVENTS AND INFORMATION
Youth and Adult Camp Information
Chi-Rho (Mid-Winter) Spring EventSpring has arrived, so the Chi Rho Mid-Winter is coming late this year. The dates will be Sat. April 27 @ 2pm to Sun. April 28 @ 1pm, at First Christian Church, Sacramento. This is a one-day event filled with fellowship, food, games, sleep, worship and all that you can expect for a day in the life of a Disciple. The cost is only $15, which includes three meals and great fun! Pass the word around and register now. April 23rd is the deadline. Thanks. Contact Carl Cordes, Director of Youth Ministries, with any questions about the event. ____________________________________________________________________ Summer Camp Registration CAMP REGISTRATION SUNDAY, APRIL 28
Please, Recruit your Congregational Camp Registrar NOW.
1. South San Joaquin Youth Camp at Camp Pacifica! Information, registration, and medical forms are available on the Selma church website. Please take a look and spread the word! Here is the link: http://www.selmadisciples.com/id5.html
NOTE: The South San Joaquin Youth Camp Pacifica 2013 is looking for 2 volunteers to join us the week of June 22-28 (staff dates): Nurse & song leader/counselor (or song leader/CIT). We are paying mileage for anyone out of the SSJ area. Anyone interested, should contact Kathleen Schales, FCC Selma cell: 559-367-7758, kat@schales-r-us.com, or Dawn Linhoff, FCC Selma home:
2. Community of the Great Commission. REMEMBER CAMP REGISTRATION SUNDAY, APRIL 28TH. PLEASE RECRUIT A CONGREGATIONAL REGISTRAR NOW. The Camp Registrar will register youth and adults headed for camp and collect fees. Then ONE check will be sent to the Region with ALL the registration forms. Summer camp information and registration packet will be mailed out soon. Please be advised that there will be no late registrations accepted this year.
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Online Donations to the Annual Fund Now Available
It's here! Actually, over there.... 
Recurring Online Donations
for the 2013 Annual Fund
And why is it here (or there)? It's as simple as 1,2,3...
 You care. Your amazing support for the ministries of CCNC-N enables our region to be...well, amazing! People from all walks of life, with diverse backgrounds, lifestyles, attitudes and understandings - gather together to grow, serve, fellowship, and find ways to proclaim a vision of God's abundance and acceptance. So many ways we work, worship, learn, play, and care...it's amazing!
We care. As CCNC-N, we continue our mission to speak to a world in need of hope and to find new life through a deepening relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Our combined voices proclaim a bold vision of wholeness and dignity for all through the variety of ministries we offer. Oh, so much is yet to be done, but together we are shaping and re-shaping lives.
 Together, we share. The new recurring online donation process allows you to have flexibility in your donations. How much, how often, when, how (check, debit or credit), and even to support a specific ministry - it's all a part of the process. And, yes, it's easy. Just click on the Donate Now! button and you will go directly to the donation page. From there, you choose how you would like to support the ministries of CCNC-N.
If you have any questions about the online recurring donation process, please contact Mary Jacobs, Regional Interim Transitional Minister (mary@ccncn.org) or Bill Garrett, Minister of Faith and Giving (bill@ccncn.org).
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Disciples Men Want to have some fun?
We've got a party boat rented for May 4th. We'll cruise the Delta and maybe the Bay. We will be in touch or you can contact us right now if you like: Arne Larsen - 415-994-7095.
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 WOMEN'S MINISTRIES
Save the Dates
Registration for Quadrennial Assembly will begin at the Orlando General Assembly in July. If you are going to 2013 General Assembly sign up for the Disciples Women's luncheon.
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Women's Fall Retreat: September 13-15, 2013 Mission Springs Conference Center in Scotts Valley
Speaker: Mary Donovan Turner (Carl Patton Professor of Preaching and Dean of the Disciples Seminary Foundation's Berkeley Campus) . 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
NOTE: The Disciples Home Missions Green Chalice Conference/Retreat has been postponed.
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World-renown pianist Daniel Glover will be playing a benefit concert at Forest Hill Christian Church this Sunday, April 21, at 6:30 pm in the Sanctuary. Suggested donation for this special concert is $15 but any amount will be appreciated and no one will be turned away. A reception will follow with an opportunity to meet and talk with the artist and share fellowship. Donations from this concert will not only help support our weekly Sunday evening Concert Series that showcases some of the finest talent in our area but help us purchase a grand piano. Please come and enjoy a beautiful evening of classical music._____________________________________________________________ The Christian Church of Pacific Grove is honored to present Film Star, author, singer-songwriter, Ronny Cox, and his band in Concert Sunday, May 5 at 2:00 PM The Christian Church of Pacific Grove 442-Central Ave
Pacific Grove Cost: $20 at the door Call 372-0363 for reservations. Go to these URLS for more information:
http://www.ronnycox.com www.pacificgrovechurch.org _____________________________________________________________ What a great event last Sunday at Arden Christian Church for the Easter/Spring Music Extravaganza. Thank you for your congregation's participation in the worship service. We want to express our appreciation to all the musicians, choir directors, choirs, and accompanists that participated in the worship service. No one was counting the attendance at the service, but a safe guess was that there was over 200 people in attendance. The Arden money counters, Paul and Paula Radar, told me that a total of $1,403.04 was given in the offering for Kelsey Warren's family at the First Christian Church of Hanford. Thanks again for your participation. May your coming Sunday be blessed, Mike Carlson & Larry Love_____________________________________________________________
Two Disciples students at Chapman University win Fulbrights.
The prestigious international graduate grant has gone to two Disciples students at Chapman University. CCNC-N's Erika Sanders of First Christian Church, Redding, CA and Cambria Findley-Grubb of First Christian Church, Fullerton, CA. Both are set to graduate in May, 2013. In all, Chapman students won four Fulbrights for 2013. Congratulations, Erika and Cambria!
Erika will spend the upcoming school year in Fulbright's English teaching program and she will be serving in Bulgaria, the country that she chose for her study abroad experience during her Chapman years. Findley-Grubb will be in Halifax Nova Scotia at St Mary's University. Her research emphasis will be comparative impact of education policy on Native American populations, particularly researching Mi'kmaq tribe which straddles both the US and Canada
_____________________________________________________________ San Lorenzo FCC is "cleaning house" and has 1964 hymnals and two different color choir robes (Burgundy and Teal) probably about 20 - 25 each. If anyone is interested in these items, contact Cindy Walter.
_____________________________________________________________ Position Opening: Associate Chaplain for Religious & Spiritual Life at Texas Christian University TCU invites applications for a full time, year-round position of Associate Chaplain. This position supports the Office of Religious & Spiritual Life (RSL) and the Division of Student Affairs, reports to the Minister to the University and works collaboratively with chaplains, campus ministers, religious life staff, student affairs professionals, student organizations, faculty, staff and members of the university community. The individual in this position will be able to assist students in exploring and articulating their own beliefs and values, help students develop an understanding and respect for the traditions of others, encourage students to identify their own spiritual needs and support students in making connections between faith, action and everyday life. This position will work with the RSL team in providing leadership for the religious and spiritual life on the campus. The department's work includes, but is not limited to 1) overseeing student religious organizations, campus ministries and affiliated staff; 2) addressing matters of faith and spirituality through co-curricular programs, resources, presentations; 3) providing pastoral care, crisis response and worship to the campus as a whole.
In particular, this position is responsible for the support, development and administration of student religious organizations. This includes providing mentoring, leadership development, program assistance as well as advising the RSL Council of presidents, made up of representatives from over 23 organizations. In addition, this individual will oversee work with RSL programs including but not limited to faith-based social justice and service initiatives and coordinate university worship services on special occasions. This position also collaborates with divisional and university initiatives and the schedule will involve evening and weekend work in accordance with activities and programs of the University.
Qualifications: Two years experience with ministry in higher education or with young adults is required. Ideal candidates will have the ability to establish strong rapport with students of all faith perspectives and an ability to help others discern and articulate their beliefs and values. A successful candidate will also be able to help students engage in the spiritual and intellectual explorations of their own religious traditions as well as others and also have an appreciation for the connections between faith and social justice. Candidates should also understand the process of college student development with special attention to its moral and spiritual aspects and be able to provide pastoral care to a diverse population of students, faculty and staff. Very strong administrative, organizational, communication and interpersonal skills are necessary as well as demonstrated programmatic experience. Candidates should be able to work self-directed with deadlines, but also as part of a team. Successful candidates will hold a Masters in Divinity from an accredited institution and ordination or licensure from a recognized denomination.
TCU is located in Fort Worth, Texas just three miles south of downtown in a city of over 750,000. With an enrollment of over 9,000 students, a student/faculty ratio of 14:1 and over 118 areas of undergraduate study, TCU is committed to creating a world-class, values-centered university experience. Located on 272 acres, the residential campus boasts 13 residence halls and state-of-the-art sports and recreation facilities as well as access to NCAA Division I competition, right on campus. TCU is the largest of 17 colleges, universities and theological institutions associated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), a denomination committed to demonstrating true community, deep Christian spirituality and a passion for justice. More than 60 religious affiliations are represented in the student body and there are over 23 recognized student religious organizations on campus, including groups for Christian, Jewish and Muslim students. TCU is an EEO-AA Employer.
Inquiries: Resumes with cover letters and a list of references will be accepted until the position is filled and should be submitted online through Human Resources at the link below once the position is posted. Applicants must upload a cover letter and resume after submitting the online application. The anticipated position posting will be late spring and the start date will be during mid to late summer. (https://tcu.igreentree.com/CSS_External/CSSPage_SearchAndBrowseJobs.ASP?T=20130311113340&) _____________________________________________________________
PART-TIME WORSHIP MUSIC LEADER POSITION AVAILABLE AT FCC PALO ALTO
FCC Palo Alto is seeking a qualified candidate for a part time Worship Music Leader Position to help us to revitalize our worship service through contemporary music and a diverse variety of music styles. The candidate is expected to work 20 hours per week, including Sunday mornings. If you share a passion for God through music, contact us at jobs@pafcc.org.
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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 this week: Forest Hill Christian Church, San Francisco; Golden Gate to Pebble Beach Area; Susan Parsley, Pastor. Congregation to pray for this week: CHAM Deliverance Ministry, San Jose; Golden Gate to Pebble Beach Area; Scott Wagers, Pastor.
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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 REGIONAL STAFF UPDATES
Who's around and when. . .
Prayers of support for our Transitional Interim Regional Minister, Mary Jacobs and all the Regional Staff.
Yolanda Marquez-Lucar writes: Please continue to keep Miguel's Mother in your thoughts and prayers.
Quan Walker's husband is scheduled to have out-patient surgery May 8. Please keep us in prayer for the surgery and also as we wait for the results of a biopsy taken from his pelvic bone.
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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!
Cause for Celebration and Prayer: 
New members: First Christian Church of Vallejo has 4 new members by confession of faith and one new associate member.
Gale Tompkins-Bischel will be ordained on Pentecost Sunday, May 19th at Lakeport United Parish at 5 PM.
Please surround Kelsey, Tom and Shellie Warren
with your love and prayers as the long process of healing for Kelsey begins following her accident. We offer our gratitude that Kelsey's prognosis is good following her surgeries and CT. Thanks be to God!
Kelsey's new address is:
TIRR Memorial Hermann
Kelsey Warren, 613B
1333 Moursund
Houston, TX 77030
Please keep Rev. Moon Il Lee, Bethel (Korean) Christian Church in your thoughts and prayers as he has been infected by the poison oak and is having a hard time.
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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, who had a bone marrow transplant on March 15th.
- Vi Spencer, Visalia
- Janet Chapman and family and FCC, Selma
- Barbara Wikoff, Oakdale CC
- Darrell Burrell, FCC, Redding
- Lt. MaShon Wilson, serving in Afghanistan, son of Gloria Wilson, Associate Pastor, FCC Alameda.
- Pastor Mark Foglio, Oakdale CC
- Sharon Greaser, First Christian Hanford
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Bea Tiffee, FCC Dos Palos
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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!
April 20 - Women's Spring Gathering, Palo Alto FCC
April 27-28 - Chi Rho Mid-Winter (Spring) Event
April 26, 27, 29, 30 - Healthy Boundary Training: Sierra CC, Loomis; Niles Discovery Church, Fremont; Fresno, United CC; Vacaville CC
2013 SUMMER CAMP DATES
June 23-28- South San Joaquin Camp at Camp Pacifica
Community of the Great Commission Camps
June 6-9- Adult Camp
June 23-29- CCF/Junior and Chi Rho Camps
June 29-July 1 - Grandparents and Me Camp Session 1
June 30- July 6- CYF Camp
July 1-3- Grandparents and Me Camp Session II (Grandparents and Me Sessions will not be held on July 4!)
July 13-17 - General Assembly, Orlando, FL
Sept. 13-15 - Women's Fall Retreat at Mission Springs with Mary Donovan Turner
October 18-20 - Men's Retreat at Vacaville Christian Church with Christian Piatt
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 Request for prayers for Korea
Dear Church,
Recently we have been hearing some disturbing threats emanating from North Korea: threats of war-even a nuclear war-toward South Korea and USA. These threats have been unsettling especially to those of us not familiar with North Korea's brinkmanship diplomacy. These threats, we are aware, were provoked (at least in part) by massive military exercises that are now taking place in South Korea, conducted jointly by American and South Korean troops.
We long for a day when neither the threats nor the exercises would ever be associated with the Korean peninsula. Arrival of such a day may very well begin with our envisioning it and our praying for it. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." This was a message Jesus gave to the world when the world was not at peace-a world not unlike ours. Let us envision and pray that in the Korean peninsula, peace and wholeness will soon prevail.
- that North and South Korean governments make the welfare of their citizens their foremost concern,
- that North Korean leaders stop making threats with their nuclear weapons,
- that the people of South Korea show more patience and compassion toward their brothers and sisters to the north,
- that the governments of the United States, China, Japan, and Russia come to regard the Korean peninsula not primarily as a place of strategic interest but as a place where they would like to serve as peace makers.
"The LORD will judge between the nations, and will render decisions for many peoples; And they will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, and never again will they learn war." (Isaiah 2:4)
May God bless us with God's peace in our prayers!
Jongkook Hong
President of Korean Disciples Convocation
Jinsuk Chun
Executive Pastor, North Amer. Pacific/Asian Disciples
Read more...._______________________________________________________________ DISCIPLES HOME MISSIONS PROVIDES ELDER EMERITUS PINS The Office of Christian Vocations has purchased all remaining stock of Cokesbury's Disciples Elder Emeritus lapel pins. Cokesbury has notified us they will no longer stock this item. Due to limited quantity at this time, these gold pins with red chalice will only be resold in orders of two or less. The cost is $10 per pin, including shipping. The pins currently come in a gray felt jewelry box. You can order them through the Office of Christian Vocations; ask for Anne Marie Moyars. Disciples Home Missions is currently seeking a new long term producer/supplier of the Elder Emeritus lapel pins. Once a new supplies is secured, pricing will be re-evaluated and the quantity order limits well be removed. Our hope is to continue to serve our Disciples congregations by making sure these Elder Emeritus pins remain available.
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PUBLISHING INFORMATION
This newsletter is published bi-weekly on Thursdays.
Always send your news articles to enews@ccncn.org
(they may not be included if not sent to this email box)
Please send short publish ready articles only.
No flyers or documents which require rewriting will be accepted.
JPG images should be submitted as a separate attached file and
not embedded in the body of a document.
ALL news articles should be sent to enews@ccncn.org no later than the Tuesday before publication.
Publishing schedule for balance of 2013:
May 2, 16, 30
June 13, 27
July 11, 25
August 8, 22
September 5, 19
October 3, 17, 31
November 14, 28 (Thanksgiving - no publication)
December 12, 26 (Christmas - no publication)
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This communication is made possible by generosity expressed through giving to Disciples Mission Fund!
Christian Church of Northern CA-NV
The CCNC-N is the presence of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
in the northern half of the states of California and Nevada.
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