Bi-weekly e-news
June 13, 2013
|
|
REFLECTIONS
My daughters, Lindsey and Erin, couldn't wait until they were old enough to go to camp. They begged every year until we could finally fill out the registration form. Then they packed their bags and rolled up their sleeping bags, and there was great joy in Jacobsville.
We didn't just sign up our children. We signed up every child and youth we could when we were co-pastors at Desert Dove CC in Tucson. Well, actually we still do. During a week of camp, adults, children and youth get a glimpse of what it might have been like to be with Jesus in that tight, inner circle of followers.
Around campfires and under the shade of trees, the disciples sat with Jesus and grappled with how to love God and to accept God's love. They explored what it meant to live compassion. They discovered that justice wasn't just what might happen politically but also how they lived their own lives. They talked about how to include the persons on the margins, how to love their enemy and who was truly a neighbor. Jesus came face to face with two brothers who wanted special privileges, and he showed them how to be servant leaders when he knelt to wash their feet. "My people do not lord it over others." He gathered together men and women who didn't share the same understandings, level of education, political views or theological perspective, and he created a holy experiment in being God's beloved community.
For a week, we attempt to do the same. We sit in the shade of trees and around campfires, and we wonder about God. We struggle with differences and how to express our authentic selves without doing harm to another. We share life, our questions and our quirkiness for 24 hours a day for 6 days. Then like those disciples, we leave the mountaintop, and the mandate becomes: how do we express this kind of community back in our congregations and families and schools and work? Camp is a glimpse of how we are called as Jesus people to show up...seek justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God.
 In grateful partnership, Mary |
|
More about Summer Camps
Safety to and from Camp:
A recommendation from our Insurance Company - Heffernan Insurance
It is our recommendation that drivers going to church/regional events should be between the ages of 25-65 years old. Philadelphia Indemnity, the insurance company, specifically discourages anyone under the age of 21 from driving to or on behalf of church/regional events. Driving laws vary from state-to-state, however California prohibits sixteen year old drivers from driving during certain time frames and with any passengers. We strongly encourage churches to abide by these guidelines for the safety of their drivers and congregation.
Michelle Salow, CISR, Heffernan Insurance
Account Manager - Church Unit
Phone: 925-295-2562 / Fax: 925-934-8278
License #0564249
Safe and Sacred Space at Camp: Practicing Loving and firm boundaries
We want the camps to be a safe and sacred space for all. Monday, June 10 was the final deadline to register for camp. Any person arriving at camp without having registered by the deadline will not be allowed to stay. We will by that time, have already determined and have on hand the number of counselors needed for the camps, and we cannot add campers on the day camp begins without possibly creating an unsafe space. Campers and staff in all camps...CGC or Camp Pacifica will be held accountable for their words and behavior that might harm whether it is physical, spiritual or emotional harming. No bullying, no hurled hateful words, no disrespect, no personal unsafe behavior with substances or personal hurting. Crossing of boundaries can lead to a call that has parents or pastors coming to pick up campers.
|
 WOMEN'S MINISTRIES
Women's Fall Retreat at Mission Springs, Fri. Sept 13, 7pm-Sun. lunch, Sept. 15 "Living in the Light" with the Rev. Dr. Mary Donovan Turner. Costs will range from $185-265, depending on your housing choice for the full 2 nights, 6 meals. There will also be a commuter and Sat. Only option available. Limited scholarship will be available. Registration and full information will be available late June. ATTN: Women Pastors! Receive a 20% discount on your full registration with each woman from your congregation that submits a full registration. Pay your $50 deposit and the rest could be covered! Call or email Paula with questions. ___________________________________________________________________ Human Trafficking Awareness--The Super Bowl comes to Santa Clara in 2016--and along with it comes around 30,000 thousand trafficked humans! Help us be ready to Respond! "Call and Response" Movie available for showing to your group! Women's Ministries has purchased the public showing license for this 2-hour film bringing awareness to the fact that there are more people enslaved today than anytime in history, and we must respond as modern-day abolitionists! Go to http://www.disciples-faithinaction.org and click on "Media" to see the trailer or email Hope Attenhofer, faithin2action@gmail.com to apply to host a movie screening at your church or community. ___________________________________________________________________ International Women's Quadrennial Assembly, June 24-29, 2014, Atlanta, GA! "I See You" Can CCNC-N "See" at least 40 women going?? Let's imagine it! https://www.discipleshomemissions.org/dhm/dhm-ministries/disciples-women/quadrennial-assembly-home-page/ Registration will open at General Assembly in July. Sign up there, or online during that week, for a special discount. Want more information? Go to: https://www.discipleshomemissions.org/dhm/dhm-ministries/disciples-women/quadrennial-assembly-home-page/ or our QA coordinator Margie Brown at himargieb@sbcglobal.net ___________________________________________________________________ ARE YOU GOING TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY? WANT TO HELP?? Please email odw@dhm.disciples.org your availability for any or all of the following volunteer opportunities: ** hosting workshops ** volunteer as a hostess for the Women's Luncheon Wednesday. ** Exhibit Hall - The Women's 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. ___________________________________________________________________ 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" and a link to the QA hope page; along with Bible studies on Human Trafficking and Environment; subscription and leader/study guides to the official Resource for Disciples Women, "Just Women" quarterly magazine; Tools for Leadership guide--over 100 pages of models, information and programs for Women's groups and ministries. ___________________________________________________________________
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).
|
NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGION
First Christian Church of Oakland will celebrate Sandhya Jha's seven years of ministry there during her last Sunday as their pastor on Sunday, June 30, with a taco salad bar to follow. If you would like to attend (and contribute to the potluck), please email Cindy Manly Fields ( bustersdream@gmail.com), who is coordinating the lunch. Worship is at 11 at 111 Fairmount Ave., Oakland, CA 94611. While Sandhya's last day as official staff for the CCNC-N is also June 30, she will continue to consult with the region through the end of the year on missional and reconciliation projects. The region will celebrate her ministry in December (details to follow).
_____________________________________________________________
Don't miss this free webinar from Hope Partnership THIS MONDAY AT 10AM Pacific!!! OR TUESDAY AT 12PM Pacific!!! Has your church ever done strategic planning that didn't lead anywhere? Does it feel like your church's vision statements don't result in anything new? Join us for one of our free, 45-minute webinars about the common "visioning" pitfalls made by congregations - and learn how to lead your church in a different direction.
Hope Partnership for Missional Transformation has worked with hundreds of congregations on the transformational journey. We've learned from these courageous leaders how to plan for the future in ways that inspire people to new action, unleash creativity and strengthen congregations for God's mission. During the webinar, participants will also be invited to explore Mission Pathways - Hope Partnership's ministry planning resources for the 21st century. This session will be offered twice: Monday, June 24 at 1pm ET and Tuesday. June 25 at 3pm ET. REGISTER for the Monday webinar: https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/registrations/new?cid=rzsscbdy3jm0 REGISTER for the Tuesday webinar: https://cc.readytalk.com/r/6y91tm5ao7za&eom
_____________________________________________________________
Semi Annual Yard Sale going on June 22nd from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm in the parking lot of First Christian Church, 15661 Washington Ave, San Lorenzo California. In addition to the space rental to the community in the area we will have items from our Sanctuary that are in need of a good home. We have a couple hundred Hymnals from 1964 plus Choir robes in Teal and Burgundy. Those items plus a lot more will be in one of our classrooms as there is a lot to drag out to the parking lot. Any questions you can contact Cindy Walter cell# 925/487-7679 or e-mail address is cindy.walter06@gmail.com. Hope to see you there.
_____________________________________________________________Pastor Su Schlagel, retired pastor from Vacaville Christian Church has put her retirement to good use. After over 300 funerals, most for those who do not have a pastor, she ministered to their most often asked question. Sometimes it was in their words but often only in their eyes: "Where is my loved one now? The answer, always, "With God, by His Grace." Conversations brought forth stories and the stories are now a wonderful book Pastor Su Shares: Blessed Assurance True Accounts given to the grieving from their loved ones. They are: Well now, Whole, now, Home now. Available on Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble and Nook. Pastor Su is available for speaking engagements for large or small groups with book sales and signings at discount prices. PastorSuShares.com 707-448-8766 _____________________________________________________________
Renowned speaker Fr. Tom Weston will be giving a talk on "Clean and Sober Living" on Saturday afternoon, June 15 at 3 PM. at Fruitridge Christian Church of Sacramento. Noted author and lecturer on alcoholism and addiction, he has been leading retreats for people in recovery from alcoholism and addiction and their families and friends full time since 1984. His inspiring words have touched the lives of author Anne Lamont of "Traveling Mercies" and "Help, Thanks, and Wow" in which Fr. Tom is mentioned several times. Fruitridge Christian Church is located at 4445 Fruitridge Rd., Sacramento, 95820 and the church phone is (916) 456-4700. Refreshments are provided following the talk. The event is free. Everyone is welcome.
_____________________________________________________________
Mark your Calendar/Save the date
First Christian Church of Concord will be hosting its 2nd Annual Hawaiian Luau and Auction
This will be a fun-filled evening with great food, fellowship,music, and of course, everything Hawaiian.
_____________________________________________________________Save this Date: Christian Church Homes, Annual Fundraising Celebration, Friday September 6, 2013, 6:30 PM Marriot City Center, 1001 Broadway, Oakland _____________________________________________________________
Lizzy Beach, native CCNC-Ner, life-time CGC camper, PSR graduate, and recent Global Ministries long-term volunteer will be speaking at 2 churches (sermonizing!) in the Bay Area on Sunday, June 23rd - sharing stories, songs, and good times from her experience serving with mission partner Kukhany'okusha Zion Church, in Swaziland, Africa. Come listen, learn, and laugh! Come share the spirit of UBUNTU!
SUNDAY, JUNE 23rd @ 10am:
First Christian Church, Concord
3039 Willow Pass Road, Concord, CA
SUNDAY, JUNE 23rd @ 5pm:
Tapestry Ministries (meeting in the PSR Chapel)
1798 Scenic Ave, Berkeley, CA
Lizzy lives and works in Los Angeles full time since returning, and can't easily make it up to Nor Cal. Please come hear her speak!
WEMUKELEKILE!
(weh-moo-geh-leh-gee-lay)
You are welcome - all are welcome! Hope to see you!
|
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: First Christian Church, San Lorenzo, East Bay Area; Cindy Walter, Correspondent Congregation to pray for next week: New Spring Christian Church (Korean Language); Golden Gate to Pebble Beach Area; Pastor Hai Nam Seo
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.
|
|
Prayers of care for Sandhya Jha as she moves toward a time of transition in her ministry with the Region and FCCO.
All other staff remain hard at work to help the CCNC-N Region be the body of Christ in its many forms. We invite your prayerful support.
|
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: Selma First Christian Church welcomed two new members. Arden Christian Church has welcomed one new member. Fruitridge Christian Church, Sacramento celebrated two baptisms. Woodland Christian Church, welcomed five new members.
We congratulate Pastor Natalie Chamberlain for receiving the Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno's (ICCF) "Spirit of Abraham Award" (SAA) for the year 2013 for fostering understanding across different ethnic, religious and cultural groups.
We celebrate with Pastor Taulau Tupua and his family and the faith community of Via Dolorosa CCC the news that the doctors have described him as "cancer free." Thanks be to God!
Those attending Adult and Young Adult Camp, June 6-9, got face to face time with Kelsey Warren via Skype on Sunday morning. It was truly a delightful time!
________________________________________________________
 We hold the Linhoff family and FCC, Selma in our prayers after receiving the news that Scott Linhoff died this week. We especially are surrounding Dawn and the children with our care.
Jim Blaisdell and his wife, Linda Blaisdell (Jim is brother of former Regional Minister-President Chuck Blaisdell, and brother-in-law of former Concord FCC Senior Pastor Barbara Blaisdell) were in a car accident in Lakewood, Colorado, on Saturday, June 1. Linda suffered several fractured ribs and is painfully recovering, but Jim had very severe and extensive injuries including fractured ribs and broken hip and pelvis, plus other very serious issues. He remains in extremely serious condition in a local hospital's Trauma ICU. You can email Chuck at chuck@blaisdells.net or Barbara at barbara@blaisdells.net
Please surround Dwight Carlson in prayer as he suffered a stroke on May 21st, and is weakening following additional complications following the stroke. He is currently in the hospital in Visalia. Prayers are requested for Dwight, his wife Virginia, and all his family, including Michael and Molly, part of the Regional staff. Cards can be sent to the Carlson's home at 1629 E. Sunnyview, Visalia, CA 93292.
Your prayers are requested for the safety of former Regional Minister, Chuck Blaisdell and First Christian Church in Colorado Springs and for those who have lost homes in the fast-growing Black Forest fire just north of Colorado Springs. For updates you may go to:
https://www.facebook.com/chuck.blaisdell
https://www.facebook.com/firstchristiancos.org Eileen Duddy has been released from the hospital and she is delighted to be home (or, at her office!) The doctors decided that any procedure needing done could be done on an outpatient basis. Keep the prayers coming - they really do help and are greatly appreciated.
Pastor Mark Foglio underwent successful surgery on May 24th to remove a squamous cell cancer on his left hand. On, May 24th he underwent a skin graft and while it heals, his hand will be immobilized. Pastor Mark is left-handed and he is already feeling the frustration of not being able to use his dominate hand. Please keep him in prayer (Darla too) as he recovers.
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, Room 610
1333 Moursaund
Houston, TX 77030
In order to work on Kelsey's mental acuity, she was encouraged to plan an event for patients at TIRR--a first-ever happening! A few people began to arrive just before 1:00, and Kelsey was excited that at least a few people came....and then more came at 1:00, then more at 1:05, and because it's TIRR and things just take longer than expected to get from one place to another on time, more arrived still until the smallish, long & narrow room was not just full....but packed with patients, family members and therapists! There ended up being around 30 people in all who attended this trivia event that was planned and presented by a young woman who, just 11 weeks ago wasn't even able to breathe on her own..... How Great is Our God! Please visit and "like" Kelsey's Facebook page and read it daily for inspirational, faith building posts!
Our prayers for Rev. Kay McFarland of Niles Discovery Church who fell and shattered the bones in one of her hands as well as many bruises over other areas. She is on the mend and ask for your prayers as she recovers.
______________________________________________________________
Our prayers continue for the following who remain in need of our support and concern:
- Barbara Wikoff, Oakdale CC
- Lt. MaShon Wilson, serving in Afghanistan, son of Gloria Wilson, Associate Pastor, FCC Alameda.
|
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!
2013 SUMMER CAMP DATES
- June 23-28- South San Joaquin Camp at Camp Pacifica
Community of the Great Commission Camps
- 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 includes a CCNCN Reception with other Western Regions, July 16, 9 PM in room W222A at the Orange County Convention Center
"Let's Talk", ACTS Event with Hope Partnership, August 9 at Cottage Way CC and August 10, FCC, Merced
August 16-18 Young Adult Pro-Reconciling-Anti-Racism Training at Westminster Retreat
August 26-27, 11AM - 2PM, San Damiano Retreat Center, Clergy Retreat 1 geared toward clergy who are retired and/or may be reinventing themselves in a new stage of life
September 7, CCNC-N NAPAD Convocation
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
November 8-10 Pro-Reconciling-Anti-Racism Training for Regional and Congregational leaders
November 15-16, 11 AM-2PM, San Damiano Retreat Center, Clergy Retreat 2 geared for clergy serving in pastoral ministry or specialized ministries
|
Disciples Women is looking for a qualified African-American woman who is called to the ministry of Program Director - Merger Staff. Interested applicants, both clergy and non-clergy, should apply through Search and Call. If you have any questions concerning Search and Call, please call Warren Lynn at 317-713-2652. https://secure.disciples.org/jobcenter/postings/ViewCat.aspx?id=2
Pat Donahoo
Disciples Women
Oficina de Mujeres Discípulos
|
A NOTE FROM ALPHA
Feliz Dia del Padre
In a couple of days we'll be celebrating Father's Day, a holiday that began some time back in the early 20th century with Sonora Smart Dodd who, in the event of her father's death she decided to honor his dedication for rearing his children after he widowed. She decided to celebrate his effort and commitment to his 6 children in June (his birthday). Her initiative inspired the then president Calvin Coolidge to proclaim the third Sunday of June as Father's Day. Did you know that Father's Day is also celebrated in Spain and it's known as El dia del padre, celebrated on St. Joseph Day, observed on March 19? St. Joseph Day is a Roman Catholic feast designated to commemorate the life of the patron saint of the carpenters-Joseph- who set the example of fatherhood as the foster father of Jesus and good husband to Mary. El dia del padre is very much connected to a religious tradition. Until recently, Father's day was a non-working holiday in Spain. Family acknowledged father's contribution and effort by coming together in lively celebration. Fathers and father-figure in the family are showered with gifts not to mention jamon or cured ham. Children hand-craft cards weeks prior to the celebration. In some parts of the country (especially in Valencia and surrounding towns) the family attends the 5 day fiesta of Las Fallas (in Valencian) or the fires where processions with ninots or life-like puppets are paraded on the streets during the evening hours. This gran celebration is loud, smoky, high-spirited fiesta which seems to set the city ablaze. There are fireworks everywhere, the night becomes alive with people from all walks of life sharing a great time together. Family forgets the burdens of the day and come together in celebration. Countries celebrate Father's Day on different dates, Spain as in the majority of the European countries observe the event on March 19. On the other hand, Latin American countries follow the American tradition. The manner of celebration and dates may vary, but the spirit of the event is the same. It grants the opportunity to express in whatever form appropriate, our feelings and stories.
|
|
PUBLISHING INFORMATION
This newsletter is published bi-weekly on Thursdays.
Please send short text only articles only...
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:
June 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)
________________________________
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.
| |
|
|
|
|
