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Bi-weekly e-news - August 15, 2013

REFLECTIONS

 

Mary Jacobs

Rumblings of the heart! Musings of the mind! Ponderings of the Spirit! Whatever we call them, they stir our imagination and cause us to long for something more. Our biblical ancestors share that agitating, exhilarating sense with us through their stories. They speak of how God's vision becomes grounded in community and in mission. They were willing to uproot themselves and go to new places. They were prepared to risk life and reputation to go toe to toe with injustice (even when it took a nudge or two). They were even inclined to look their own failings in the eye, seek forgiveness, release shame and guilt and start anew. God had need of persons willing to go in a new direction, but found they were not of much use when they wallowed in the muck and mire of self-importance or self-doubt. It's still true.

In the book, Redeveloping the Congregation, the authors call us as church to develop a sense of inward-fueled, outward-focused holy urgency. It is a deeper urgency than what needs fixing; it comes from beneath what might be possible. It rises up from the profound sense of what is life-giving in our lives and leads us to where God most needs us to be in ministry. It connects us across our independence to each others ministry. What are the courageous conversations we need to be having as people of God that may get sidetracked... by independent huddling and fears? The who's right and who's wrong debate? The entitled and the overlooked struggle? The dismissive attitude and the overwhelming uncertainty?  

 

Today I want to claim the connectedness of this holy urgency as followers of Jesus. I invite you to join me. I celebrate that Elizabeth Eaton has been elected as the first woman to be Presiding Bishop in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. That took place in Pittsburgh this week.   AMEN!

 

I am grateful that FCC, Watsonville plans to provide welcoming hospitality to those on an Immigration Pilgrimage from San Jose to Bakersfield. AMEN! The walkers make this journey to point to  needs for immigration reform due to exploitation of undocumented persons which leads to:

  • Continued use of under-aged labor
  • Rape of both women and girls
  • Abduction of women and children--at illegal border crossings as well as from fields--into avenues of sex trafficking

Because of such abuses, I rejoice in the boldness of Disciples Home Missions in calling Tana Liu-Beers to a ministry as the Disciples Immigration legal counsel. She's been working on behalf of undocumented Disciples. Only this week, she took on the case of one of our CCNC-N pastors to help him navigate the maze of immigration documents. Then we as a church are invited to help him find the resources which can add up to $3000-4000 to make it possible to receive the appropriate documents to work here in the United States.

 

Holy urgency takes us beyond concern just for ourselves and our congregation to focus on each other and those around us. We discover again that we are stronger when we connect with each other. We are stronger when we pray for and consider the welfare of each other.

 

I am so thankful for each and all the ministry that comes from that holy urgency in you as CCNC-N from Sparks to Porterville, from Eureka to Pacific Grove, from Redding to Santa Cruz and everyone in between. Blessings on you all.

 

In grateful partnership,

Mary

 

 

Note:

Next week in the afternoon, Quan will be working on the new CCNC-N website. If you are unable to reach anyone, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible.

 

 

Update on Regional Minister Search Committee

Please hold in your prayers the following persons who have been confirmed to serve as

members of the Regional Minister Search Committee: Clarence Johnson, Chair; Sara Steenhouse, Charlotte Jackson, Larry Love, Reuben Negron, Vy Nguyen, Lonora Graves, Janet Chapman  Alternates: Salesa Fa'alua, Katy Valentine, Sandy Berry

 

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2013 Phon-a-thon....it's almost here!


"Let me know how I can help."

 

All of us have said this statement with sincerity at one time or another. Maybe someone is moving. Or getting ready for a wedding. Or suffering from a loss. Or pondering over a question. Or....the list goes on. And because we care for this person, we offer to help. It's just what we do.

 

So, here's a suggestion on how you can help CCNC-N. The 2013 Phon-a-thon will be held August 25, 26, and 27. That's when our volunteers will be calling with an invitation to make a donation to support the ministries of our region. In the previous Phon-a-thons, our regional family has responded with generosity and gratitude. This year promises to be the same as our collective and shared ministries continue to touch peoples' and congregations' lives. For this to happen, though, we need your help. Therefore the "how can I help?" suggestion is this: Heart Donation Button

  • You don't have to wait to be called - you can donate now. In fact, some peoplehave already made their donation to the Annual Fund. You can too. You can send a check to the regional office (with Annual Fund in the memo), or you can go online (just click the Donate Now button in the enews or on the CCNC-N website). 
  • Not everyone in the region will receive a call - way too many people to call who are connected and supportive of the region. If you don't receive a call and you would like to donate, we would greatly appreciate it. Same as above - send it in via mail or go online.
  • If called, you can graciously answer the telephone call from the volunteer. We all know how irritating it is to be called by a solicitor for magazines, time-sharing properties, or other requests - so quite often we don't answer the phone if we don't recognize the phone number. During this time, please be brave and answer your phone. IF it isn't a volunteer from CCNC-N for the Phon-a-thon and you don't want to listen to the person's once-in-a-lifetime proposal, simply say; "Thank you, but I'm waiting for a call from my church and I have to say goodbye to you now."

The Annual Fund is a significant source of support for the ministries of CCNC-N. The Ph  on-a-thon goes a long way in helping us reach our goal for the Annual Fund. Please help. It will be greatly appreciated.

 

Caring by helping...it's just what we do!

 
Note: Any additional Registrations are needed no later than Tuesday, August 20th: 

CLERGY RETREAT 1

Geography of Grace - Navigating the peaks and valleys of reinventing yourself and your calling after leaving a ministry or retiring.
LogoSan Damiano Retreat Center
August 26-27, 2013

Cost: Includes one night and four meals (Mon. L/D; Tues. B/L)

$145 per person for a shared room
$180 per person for a single room
$90 per person for a commuter (all meals but no overnight accommodations)

Registration will begin at 11:00am on Monday. The retreat will start with lunch at Noon and the program will start at 1:30pm. The retreat will end at 2:00pm on Tuesday.

Spouses are welcome and we can offer some help with costs if needed.

Rev. Faye Orton Snyder will be leading us through some healing conversations with Trust Circles, and Amy Shoemaker will help us relax and nurture our souls through Interplay. Regional staff Mary Jacobs and Paula Pociecha will lead the group in exploring our collective wisdom for how the regional body might best support clergy and congregations during these times of transition.

Learn More & Download Printable Copy of Registration Form   

Follow this link for Online Registration 

 
Regional NAPAD Fall Celebration
One in Christ

NAPAD logo Blue  

 "We are one" - Ephesians 4:1-6

September 7, 2013

 

10:30 am - 3:00 pm 

Sinapi Seed Fellowship 

2890 Middlefield Rd. 

FCC Palo Alto 94306 

SOUTH JOPLIN CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Disciples of Christ)

Dear Friends,

Joplin's recovery continues and your contribution has not been forgotten. We continue to give thanks for you constantly in our prayers as we watch the progress. Know that every prayer you prayed, every piece  of debris you removed, every tree you planted, every nail you pounded, every wall you painted, every effort you made matters to our community Thank you!

We are extending an invitation to you to return to Joplin this fall and be part of a special build. The Disciples and UCC churches together are sponsoring a house build this fall. This means that we are providing the funding as well as labor for this build and invite those who want to return to Joplin to be part of it.

What:     Diciples / UCC House Build with Rebuild Joplin
When:    September and October 2013
Needed:  Up to 20 volunteers each week to work on site (when Disciples/UCC House meets its need for volunteers, any additional volunteers staying at SJCC will be put on other work sites.

Follow this link for more information if you want to participate.

disciplesmensDISCIPLES MEN'S FELLOWSHIPDisciple Men  
 
A DAY WITH THE A's
Oakland A's LogoSaturday, September 7 is the Oakland A's Church Community Day! Come on out to the ballgame and stay for an inspirational post-game program.

 

The special feature is Church Community Day. This popular post-game event is highlighted by A's players sharing their testimonials, as well as a performance by Donnie Moore and the Radical Reality Team.  This event will be open to family participation, young and old and is sponsored by the Regional Men's Ministries.  There are only 35 seats available. Don't miss this exciting event and be able to watch the Oakland A's who are in contention for post season.  

 

Disciples Men are glad to share this opportunity. It's a great thing.


Price: $20/seat. (That's 33% less than the online price. That's a great thing, too.)
Game time 1:05pm: A's vs. Houston Astros. We will be in Field Level sec. 129, Rows 22, 23, 24 & 25.

 

Make your check out to CCNC-N and send to the regional office for the number of seats you want. Indicate "A's Church Day" on the memo line of your check.

 

Contact Arne Larsen regarding delivery of the physical tickets at RevLarsen001@aol.com or call 415-587-0881. 

 

Contact Bill Stoner regarding special seat assignment requests at 209-481-4365.   

 

The cut off time is Friday, August 23rd - unless we still have tickets left. I don't plan to include a cutoff date.

 

DISCIPLES MEN'S RETREAT 
October 18-20

Christian Church of Vacaville

 

CHRISTIAN PIATT!

That's right. The speaker for this year's Men's Retreat is Christian Piatt, a christian Piattpopular Disciples writer and blogger. This will be a time filled with energetic presentations and discussions about men, boys, church and faith. Not to mention "PregMANcy", his book on becoming a father.

The retreat starts with dinner at 6:00pm on Friday and ends at 11:00am on Sunday. All men who are there are invited to attend worship at The Christian Church of Vacaville, and hear Christian again. Much more information to follow. Schedule this event now!

 

Registration

You can register online, at  https://ccncn.webconnex.com/2013mensretreat, or you can request a paper registration form from Edgar Peck, edgarpeck@yahoo.com.

 

Fees

Full Time - $140

Saturday Only - $100

Friday Only - $80

 

Choose your own hotel to suit your taste and budget. Or stay at the church (quite 'rustic' shall we say?) or stay with a nearby friend. We want attending this event to be easy and affordable!  

 

 

Women's Ministries
womensministriesWOMEN'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.

ONLINE REGISTRATION NOW AVAILABLE FOR FALL RETREAT!

If you would like to register online with a credit card for full payment, you can access that form here: https://ccncn.webconnex.com/2013missionsprings 

 

Download Hard Copy of Registration   

Schedule and Workshops  

 

Rev. Mary Jacobs will be leading a mini-retreat for all clergy women prior to the weekend Fall Retreat at Mission Springs, Sept. 12-13, starting at 7p and ending at noon on Fri. Cost is $45. Contact Paula for more information.  Learn More and Register   

 

NOTE: REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS AUG. 30  

 

TOP BUNKS ONLY NOW AVAILABLE IN SEQUOIA!  

 

CALLING ALL WOMEN: Women's Ministries has been planning for a Fall retreat in the Beautiful Mountains of Scott's Valley. Where better than to " Live in the Light". During the 3 days of the retreat you will have the opportunity to sing, praise, laugh, and just embrace the love of other women through workshops, a talent show, and a great speaker. I have attended for 5 years and I feel I have not only grown spiritually but emotionally. I have listened to how women are out in our churches, our communities, some going to other countries. They have inspired me to be a better me. Come and meet these fabulous ladies. Enjoy the peacefulness of God's beautiful landscapes. I hope to see you there !! 

 

Blessings and Smiles,  

Theresa Schmoll  

Livermore UCC Women's Ministries Council Financial Coordinator  

 
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.

Join a 'Prayer Walk' to say NO to Human Trafficking during the upcoming Americas Cup.
Saturday, August 10 &/or Saturday, August 24
Starts at 10 am, meet at  Ghirardelli Square, SF (900 North Point St., San Francisco)

[organized by Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition]
REGISTRATION Now Open!

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

Applications for stewards (completed 11th or 12th grade by June 2014), team leaders (18-21 yrs), chaperones, and general registration forms are now available at https://www.discipleshomemissions.org/dhm/dhm-ministries/disciples-women/quadrennial-assembly-home-page/
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.

CCNC-N Women's Ministries Faith in Action is partnering with Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition to address the tens of thousands of trafficked victims that come to town with major sporting events. Here is a note from their director:

Hi everyone, We are excited about all of the opportunities as we explore trafficking around sporting events, and we are trying to focus our efforts for this summer around things that we can effectively tackle with the resources that we have. Having said that, along with hotels, police and America's sponsors, we will have a prayer walk in SF, Saturday, August 24th, 10am. 

Thank you.
Brian Wo Director of Partnerships
Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition
baatc.org
facebook.com/baatc.org
@BaatcDotOrg
freedom-summit.org
Spa for the Spirit
A One-Day Retreat for Women at Elk Grove UCC, hosted by Women of Spirit and Action (DOC/UCC).
October 5, 2013, 9:30am-4:00pm:

campsoutdoorCAMPS & OUTDOOR MINISTRIES

The Experience at Community of the Great Commission

 

If you are looking for new friends, a chance to truly be yourself or express yourself freely and the opportunity to have a new relationship with God or a better view of God and his creation, then the CGC camp is the place for you. It has a friendly and natural environment that is perfect for meditation and feeling the natural essence of God, despite the mosquitoes. When I first came to the campus, I was expecting long before-and-after-lunch sessions of Bible reading and scripture memorization. I was so wrong. The best way to understand the Know God experience is not just through words but through the kindness and love between campers. This was what I learned the 3 years-time (3 weeks realistically) I've been there. The only regret I have during my time there is skipping every other year whereas I would be there 5 years in total instead of 3. Let me tell you, the people you meet at this church camp you cannot forget after 3 years. They will always be in your heart as they and God are in mine. If you want to know, feel, hear and even SEE God, come to CGC. It is a life-changing experience, believe me I know. Above all, you'll want to return after all the fun you've experienced in just a week.

                                                                                                                         

Stephen Negron,

A Transformed Believer

Please send us your crazy...your lovely...your serene...your group photos from Camp Pacifica and CGC.  We want to share them when possible!  Let us see your CAMP! 

 

Now that camps are over and all enjoyed a good time we would like to publish some great images of camp life on the web site and in the next edition of the newsletter, which is July 25, 2013. Please get those images to the us soon.

CLAIM YOUR LOST CAMP ITEMS NOW!

ALL ITEMS TO BE GIVEN AWAY BY SEPT. 15!
 

 

The following items were found at CGC following Summer Camps and are being held at the Regional Office. Please claim you lost goods before it's too late. 

  1. Verizon cell phone with purple cover (left at Feb Camp?)
  2. Asthma inhaler (left at Jr. Camp)
  3. Black Sleeping bag with red accents and a blue t-shirt imprinted with "That's What She Said" (left at CYF camp)
  4. Vivitar Camera in black case
  5. Dark green hooded jacket with "Gerson" written on the label
  6. Black sun shades
  7. Colorful striped travel bag with personal items including a toothbrush with Spider Man cover
  8. The Oxford Annotated Bible with Kay McFarland and Mary Renee Howe's names on inside cover
  9. Earring with small wooden cross
  10. Small square mesh bag with zipper(empty)
  11. White girl shorts with Wild Flower on the inside band
  12. A pair of orange girl's underwear with floral trim
  13. White Boys sleeveless tank t-shirt
  14. White hooded girl's jacket with pink and orange flowers and "Aeropastale est. 87" embroidered on it

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arundtheregionNEWS FROM AROUND THE REGION

Mark your Calendar/Save the Date/Join the Fun

 

First Samoan Congregational Christian Church in Sacramento is hosting a

Polynesian LUAU! 

DATE:     August 31, 2013

PLACE:  Sunrise Recreation & Park District, 7801 Auburn Blvd., Citrus Heights, CA  95610

TIME:      Dinner - 5-7:30 PM; Entertainment - 8-10 PM

COST:     $25/person

RSVP:     Pastor Sal @ 916-642-0501 (Cell) OR 916-922-2220 (Church)
Save the Date!
Christian Church Homes, Annual Fundraising Celebration,
Friday September 6, 2013, 6:30 PM
Marriot City Center,  Grand Ballroom, 1001 Broadway, Oakland.

Keynote Speaker, Danny Glover, Actor, Producer, Humanitarian, and Economic Justice Advocate.

Please contact 510-839-3100 or events@earpevents.com.
Chalice Christian Church invites everyone to join us at our annual fundraiser... THE TACO PARTY. 
 
Again this year, all proceeds will be used to help provide living expenses for our own member and Pacific School of Religion student, Loma Eaves.

Here are the details:  
Saturday, September 7, 2013, 5:30 pm.

At the home of Ann & Bruce Willard, 110 Russell Avenue, Portola Valley, CA 94028. Directions to Ann's home available on request.

Please RSVP to Ann by September 2, at  annwillard1@comcast.net or 650-851-3096.

If you are unable to attend the party but would like to make a donation, please make the check out to Chalice Christian Church and include Taco Party on the memo line.Send the donation to Ann at the above address. 

 
 

Mark your Calendar/Save the date Sept 21, 2013 at 5pm

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. 

Please note CHAM Deliverance Ministry has a new address and phone number: 
304 N. Sixth St. 
San Jose, CA 95112 
408-236-2004 
 
email: pastor@cham-ministry.org  

Get Health Care Information and Prepare for Enrollment in CA's New Health Care Exchange!
 
From the CA Council of Churches Covered CA educator for N. CA:
Marijke Fakasiieiki
California Council of Churches Covered CA Certified Educator
(510) 529-5011
marijke@calchurches.org

Dear Friends:
The time for making health care a reality in California is NOW! If you or anyone you care for needs health care coverage, we are ready to help you.

California Council of Churches is one of the 48 recipients of major grant funding to help you, your congregational members, communities that you serve, your friends and family all sign up for health care coverage through the Covered CA health exchange. CCC is working with CLUE-CA partners CLUE-Los Angeles and the Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice in San Diego in this enormous 18-month Outreach and Education effort.

We have six regional Certified Educator partners available to come to your church, social justice meetings, ecumenical and interfaith gatherings, campus ministries, ministerial associations, interfaith labor organizations, denominational conferences. Our Certified Educators offer basic information on how the new health care exchange operates, how to obtain subsidies and supports for the costs of individual and family health care, how to obtain enrollment assistance during the Open Enrollment period starting this fall through the end of next March 2014, and are available to answer many of your questions.

Our first large Outreach and Education effort begins NOW. We will make a concerted effort to reach as many people as we can to get them signed up for enrollment assistance before March 2014. Remember that as of January 2014 when full coverage begins, everyone eligible is required to have health care coverage or face a tax penalty to offset the uncompensated care in our now overcrowded and under-funded emergency rooms.

Our Certified Educators are focusing on individuals and families who are eligible for tax credits to help pay for heath care costs. We are also available to help those with small businesses or congregations themselves find links and opportunities to discover their new health care tax credits and benefits, In families where there are some eligible for Medi-Cal and other supports we can help your find enrollment information on those programs as well. We are focusing predominantly on uninsured working families, students without family resources, the young invincibles who think they will never be hurt or get ill, and new lawfully present residents with language and cultural apprehensions about the new program.

Anyone who is currently uninsured can use our Certified Educators to learn more about their options and where to find enrollment assistance. Please address your questions or request for an Education and Outreach visit to our new healthcare-specific email address:

Niles Discovery Church, Fremont is cleaning out buildings and consolidating stuff. Pastor Jeff has come across some DOC branded things that the church can't use because they are bi-denominational.  Rather than toss them, he'd like to pass them on to a congregation that can use them.  Here's what he has found (so far):

  •          4 fancy baptism certificates
  •          4 fancy infant dedication certificates
  •          A bunch of "cross and crown" Sunday School attendance pins
Contact Pastor Jeff Spencer at jeff@nilesdiscoverychurch.org or call the church at 510-797-0895 if you are interested an any of the items listed above to arrange pick-up or delivery.

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 churchesCHURCHES 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: Selma First Christian Church, Selma; South San Joaquin Area; Pastor Janet Chapman; Youth Pastor Chad Thompson.

Congregation to pray for next week:  First Samoan congregational Church of Reno, Greater Sacramento Area; Pastor, Iopu (Job) Amosa.

 

 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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staffupdatesREGIONAL STAFF UPDATES
  Staff Image
Prayers continue for Sue Tarleton.

We also continue to hold Michael and Molly Carlson and the Carlson family in God's care.

Mary will be out of the office on August 19; August 26-27; August 28-30.

Prayers continue for Quan and her husband, Les.

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.

     

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joysconcernsprayers JOYS & CONCERNS & 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:

praise the lord

On Saturday, August 10, Ted and Vickie Firch were at Harbor Christian Church in Newport Beach for the wedding of their daughter Bethany to Andrew Weinberg.  Both are graduates of Chapman University and the wedding was beautiful.  Lindsey Jacobs (Mary's daughter)  was among the bridesmaids.  The happy couple will live in Anaheim. 
 
Hope Attenhofer as she is ordained on Saturday, August 10 at First Christian Church, Concord.
 
We welcome Jim and Peggy Powell
t
o the Region and Pacific Grove CC as we bless
Dan Paul
on a sabbath time away.  
 
NEW MEMBERS:
First Christian Church, Sacramento has welcomed one new member.
Cottage Way Christian Church, Sacramento welcomed one new member by Transfer.  
First Christian Church, Selma, welcomed a new member. 
 
We lift up in prayer the search committees for Christian Church of Vacaville and Sierra Christian Church, Loomis. We also remember New Spirit Community Church, Berkeley, United CC, Livermore, FCC, Porterville, and FCC, Watsonville in a time of transition. 
  
Thoughts & Prayers
FCC, Colusa invites you to celebrate the ministry they have shared with Darrin Harvey on Sunday, August 18th at 5 PM following worship at 4 PM. Hold the congregation and Darrin in your prayers in this time of transition.  

 

Christy Newton as she begins her ministry with FCC, Vallejo; 

 

Pray for Jon Berquist, President of Disciples Seminary Foundation, following the recent death of his father.  

 

Hold in your prayers Barbara Regan and family following the death of her aunt. 

 

We celebrate the lives and ministries of Fred Evans (Montana) and Howard Ratcliff (Ohio) who served the wider church as Regional Ministers.  We remember their families and friends as they grieve their deaths.

Please visit and "like" Kelsey's Facebook page and read it daily for inspirational, faith building posts! From Shellie's post on Aug. 1: In some ways, through all of the twists and turns of the past four and a half months, this next phase of Kelsey's journey is alternately exciting and most heavy on the heart. Tomorrow morning I return to working full-time, at a job I love. But everything in me wants to be in Bakersfield with Kelsey - going to therapy with her....advocating for her....just being with her. This is all new territory for Tom and I, who have been with her at least a portion of every single day since her accident. Either he or I will still spend several days/evenings a week with her, as well as most of the weekend, so it's not as though we won't be with her at all....it will just be different. It's all part of the independence she needs, desires and deserves, but knowing that doesn't make it any easier! Along with this new phase of Kelsey's rehab. and recovery, the time has also come for us to end our nightly updates. We will still write at least once a week (probably more), so please continue to keep a look out for news of Kelsey's continued recovery - just know that we won't be posting nightly any longer. You can write to Kels at the following address: Kelsey Warren Centre Village Apartments 2500 Gosford Rd., Apt. 112 Bakersfield, CA 93309
Our prayers continue for the following who remain in need of our support and concern:
  • Barbara Wikoff, Oakdale CC
  • Jan Johnson
  • Joanne Holmes family
  • Yolanda Moreno's father
  • Coral Cogbill and family
  • Rev. Dr. Gloria Wilson's sons, MaShon and Paul. 

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calendarREGIONAL CALENDARCalendar

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!

 

August 25, 26, and 27 - Annual Phon-a-thon fundraiser 

 

August 26-27 - 11AM - 2PM, San Damiano Retreat Center, Clergy Retreat 1, Geography of Grace, geared toward clergy who are retired and/or may be reinventing themselves in a new stage of life

 

September 6 - CCH Annual Fundraising Celebration

 

September 7 - Regional NAPAD Fall Celebration  

 

September 7 - Disciples Men's Fellowship, A Day with the Oakland A's 

 

Sept. 12 - Special Mini-Retreat for all Women Clergy at Mission Springs with Mary Jacobs 

 

Sept. 13-15 - Women's Fall Retreat at Mission Springs with Mary Donovan Turner 
  
Oct. 5 - DOC/UCC Women's Spa for the Spirit, Elk Grove Congregational Church
  
October 18-20 - Men's Retreat at Vacaville Christian Church with Christian Piatt

Oct. 18-19 - Regional WM Coordinating Council Meeting
  
Oct. 25-26 - Regional Elders' Retreat 
 
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

  
generalchurch

General Church Logo

Some CCNC-N Reflections on General Assembly 2013 in Orlando:

  • There were 4 powerful sermons given; each of which were great.
  •  What an amazing stroke of divine providence when our assembly was right next door to the NAACP conference and Sharon Watkins was able to speak at their conference - and then they came and spoke at our conference.
  • Here is a fun personal story - My dad was a minister in Denver Co. for many years.  While sitting in a restaurant in Orlando an elderly woman came up to me and said she was from Denver and did I know Verlin Stump.  She said He had baptized her many years ago.  Also, her husband was the artist who first created our logo with the St. Andrews cross on the chalice.  IN the 1950's he made several stainless steel models of the new logo.  He presented one of these to my father, and I still have it today - just another great story of the small world we live in and are only separated by 1 or 2 degrees of separation.

Don Stump

 

 

Seven months before we received the invitation to the general assembly and I read the theme- Lord, Teach Us to Pray, Ii believed this was an event which I wanted to experience, and by the way this was my first general assembly.

 

I prayed every day and I said, "if you want me to go, you will open doors." I guess God heard my petition because the tickets, a comfortable hotel, and a car were provided.

 

We arrived at the assembly and met people that we hadn't seen for long time. My husband and I decided to be part of the choir. It was fun. All the songs were beautifully sung under the wonderful direction of Daniel Dunn. It was marvelous to hear and be part of 35 beautiful voices. (not to brag but we sounded like angels) When we saw the convention center, a huge place, full of brothers and sisters of different congregations singing, praying all together in unity to the Almighty, it was very inspiring.

 

During the business sessions it was obvious that we differ on many issues, but I noticed a lot of respect amongst brothers and sisters with different opinions. The opinions were expressed in an environment characterized for the liberty of speech and order there.

 

I want to take space to invite you to be part of the next General Assembly, 2015 in Columbus, Ohio and enjoy this wonderful event.

 

Magali Negron


 

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 PUBLISHING INFORMATION
 
This newsletter is published bi-weekly on Thursdays. 
Always send your news articles to enews@ccncn.org
 
Please send short text only articles only...
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ALL news articles should be sent to enews@ccncn.org no later than the
Tuesday before publication. 

Publishing schedule for balance of 2013:

August, 22
September 5, 19
October 3, 17, 31
November 14, 28 (Thanksgiving - no publication)
December 12, 26 (Christmas - no publication) 

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