Bi-weekly e-news - May 2, 2013 (see important publishing information in last article)
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 Worn and well used, my mom's Bible seemed like a treasure trove when I opened it. It contained letters, favorite poe ms, weathered pieces of paper from more youthful days and more. When she died, I found it resting by her bed and overflowing. Upon opening it, a letter I had written to her only a couple months before fluttered to the floor and right behind it came a list of 40 persons or so. Next to each name a phone number was listed. During the next few days as I stumbled through my deep grief, I began to hear from the persons on the list. "The phone rang this morning at the time your mom usually calls me, and then I realized it couldn't be her." "You know, your mom called me every week." "I have a message on my machine from your mom with her saying, 'Hi, darling, no need to call back. I just wanted to tell you that I love you.'" My personal time of transition had communal implications. Transitions have a way of connecting us. How many of you have answered a call from 925-556-9900 and somehow expected to hear Ben's voice at the other end? At Annual Gathering, we named his absence and underscored the Ben shaped hole in hearts even while taking steps along the path of change. We have remembered the covenant we made with him to release him to the new stage of his life. All these things point to the transition we are experiencing. As the Regional Justice Commission met earlier in April, we listened to the voices behind the harvest of words from the Circles of Inquiry that we had at Annual Gathering. Beneath the words of hope and possibility, sadness presented itself. It was about more than the change in one relationship; it hinted of and underscored the change that we are experiencing as communities of faith. When my mom died, the transition was long and hard. Sometimes it wore me down. Sometimes it directed me to the work I still had to do. It took me beyond classes on Death and Dying to learning from the inside out. I realized that until I made the journey into my deep sadness and acknowledged the change and loss, I couldn't receive fully the joy and legacy of her love and life. On May 20-23, the "Transition Van" is coming to a church close to you to invite us as individuals and churches to engage in Circles of Healing. (Watch for an e-vite coming your way.) It is an invitation to use this transition time with care and intention to name the change and engage our grief. To embrace healing hope changes our weariness to energy. Then we can journey toward the legacy of being "wandering followers of Jesus" who are discovering what it means to follow and to answer the call "to love kindness, seek justice and walk humbly with our God" in this time and place. In grateful partnership, Mary |
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 REGIONALLY ENDORSED EVENTS AND INFORMATION
Online Donations
to the Annual Fund
Now Available
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Youth and Adult Camp Information
Chi Rho Mid-Winter Spring Event 2013
We had 12 energetic kids from Chico, Sacramento, Livermore and Lafayette. The weekend was filled with many games, including sardines (which never is dull), some round table talks, and plenty of food provided by Sacramento First Christian Church. New friends were made as well as old friendships renewed. The 6 RYC kids came to help, talk, have fun, and generally gain some experience in what it means to be a leader. They all did a great job. We all attended, some even participated in, the Sacramento Talent Show to help raise money for camp scholarships as well as the worship service on Sunday morning. Look for another event next year.
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Summer Camp Registration EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION DUE MAY 17 Registration after that will be $75 more FINAL DEADLINE IS JUNE 10 NO CAMP REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THAT DATE If you haven't done so already, 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:
559-891-7128, dawnlinhoff@comcast.net. 2. Community of the Great Commission. If you haven't already, 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 has been mailed. Click here to download a copy of the registration packet, including all required forms. Please be advised that there will be no late registrations accepted this year. Please contact Michael Carlson at michael@ccncn.org or your Congregational Camp Registrar with any questions about the registration process.
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Young Adult Work Camp at CGC!! June 6th thru 9th, the young adults will be at CGC to work, play, and attend some of the Adult Camp keynotes and activities. The young adults will stay in their own cabins, and that lodging is free since it's a work camp. There will be work to do that is available for people of all abilities. The plan is also to cook your own meals. That's why the $21 registration fee is the only cost. It pays for food. And you don't have to attend the whole camp to come. Your arrival and departure time can be flexible. Here is a link to the registration form. Fill out the registration form, health form, and turn them in to the camp registrar in your church. if you don't know who your camp registrar is, ask your pastor. If you don't have a pastor or your pastor doesn't know, call Michael Carlson (916-206-2468) or email michael@ccncn.org. Sign up by May 17th if you can! The deadline for registration is May 31st. No registrations will be accepted after that time, to allow time to safely plan for housing, activities, and meals. Thanks! Michael Carlson, Minister for Young Adults
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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. Learn more...
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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.
ARE YOU GOING TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY? WANT TO HELP?? GA leadership has asked Disciples Women to help at educational workshops. You will be able to help at the workshops you are attending. No need for extra effort. No public speaking is required. You will receive training the day of the event, in advance of the session's start. You will receive an identifying ribbon for your badge. Please email odw@dhm.disciples.org your availability for any or all of the following opportunities: There needs to be two hosts at each workshop. One will assist the speaker with basics, i.e. water, too cold, too hot. The other will be at the door to scan attendees' badges for Continuing Education Credits (in and out scans). Sunday afternoon-only sessions have 30 openings / Monday morning-only sessions have 60 openings / Tuesday morning-only sessions have 80 openings. The Women's Luncheon is on Wednesday. We will not be assisting education session on Wednesday, but you can still volunteer as a hostess for the Women's Luncheon. There are 60 openings. Exhibit Hall - The Women's Boutique, where you will be registering early for QA 2014 to take advantage of the discount and free tee-shirt and where you will be purchasing the new pre-event tote bag could also use some volunteers to assist in general ways around the boutique. Stop by to shop. Stay to help. There are over 230 opportunities for Disciples Women, friends and family, to make a difference. Please email your response to odw@dhm.disciples.org by July 1. Please give this your prayerful consideration ~ Paula
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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.
www.disciples-faithinaction.org
This site was created by our WM Faith In Action Team Leader, Hope Attenhofer and is dedicated to inform and provide resources to our congregations and communities to become aware of and address Human Trafficking.
Take note of the media page where there is a link to the film: Call and Response. Watch the trailer and complete the form of interest (see: Events page) to have the film available within your church community. Also take a look at what community's are doing. See 'Events' and 'Community In Action' tabs.
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October 5, 2013, 9:30am-4:00pm:
Spa for the Spirit: A One-Day Retreat for Women at Elk Grove UCC, hosted by Women of Spirit and Action (DOC/UCC).
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NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGION
Hola!!!
Like this little girl, OUR Regional ALPHA Cluster (Alianza de Líderes y Pastores Hispano Americanos) is standing as a toddler, facing a pretty looong, bare and challenging road ahead of us. As brand new babies in the Region, we are trying to follow the footsteps of our big brothers and sisters in this transition time. We are doing our best to remain not "too bratty, knotty, nor challenging" as a toddler can get to be... But, we are certain we have been called "for such a time like this".
We are inviting you to look forward to our new Alpha web page which is now under construction where we hope to share many things, such as:
1. Calendar of Events - CINCO DE MAYO at TAPESTRY! ALPHA will be visiting and bringing the word of God: May 5 at 5:00 PM - May 18th & 19th at CHICO ALPHA will be meeting a new congregation interested in a working partnership with the Disciples! 2. ALPHA History 3. Cultural Information 4. Basic Spanish Lessons 5. Scripture Meditations from a Latin Context and much more... Stay Tuned, y Ahí nos vemos luego!!! ___________________________________________________________
The Christian Church of Pacific Grove is honored to present Film Star, author, singer-songwriter, Ronny Cox, and his band in ConcertSunday, 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 _____________________________________________________________
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&)
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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: CHAM Deliverance Ministry, San Jose; Golden Gate to Pebble Beach Area; Scott Wagers, Pastor. Congregation to pray for next week: First Christian Church, San Jose; Golden Gate to Pebble Beach Area; Dana Bainbridge, 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's husband, Les, is scheduled to have out-patient surgery May 8 to remove a mass from his throat area. This is not major surgery. His doctor says this will prevent problems down the road and we surely don't want that. The really good news is that the biopsy results of his pelvic and spine shows that he is CANCER FREE. Hopefully, we will now get some relief from all the trauma and drama that has consumed our lives for so long. Praise God. Thank you for all the support and the love you have shown to us during these trying times.
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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: Four new members at First Christian Church, Vallejo; 11 new members at Paradise First Christian.
Gale Tompkins-Bischel will be ordained on Pentecost Sunday, May 19th at Lakeport United Parish at 5 PM.
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Please hold David and Anne James and family in your thoughts and prayers. David's Mother, Virginia James, passed away April 28. This comes only a week or so after the death of Anne's Mother, Hazel James. Virginia's funeral service will be held in Lebanon, Oregon. Cards may be sent to: 19359 Stanton Avenue, Castro Valley, CA 94546.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 remember Diane Burrell and family along with the Redding congregation following the death of Darrell who has been a leader both in the congregational and regional church.
We continue to hold Marge Rushing and family in prayer following the death of her husband, Ben, who passed away suddenly on April 19.
Our prayers are also with Pastor Larry Love, whose brother had a stroke and has been hospitalized in Oregon.
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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
- Lt. MaShon Wilson, serving in Afghanistan, son of Gloria Wilson, Associate Pastor, FCC Alameda.
- Pastor Mark Foglio, Oakdale CC
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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!
May 20-23 - Transition Van coming to a church near you for Healing Circles of conversation. Watch for the e-vite. 2013 SUMMER CAMP DATES June 23-28- South San Joaquin Camp at Camp PacificaCommunity 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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PUBLISHING INFORMATION
This newsletter is published bi-weekly on Thursdays.
Please send short publish ready articles only
(publish ready articles are text only articles without images or formatting).
No flyers or pdf documents which require rewriting will be accepted.
JPG images and links 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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