TABLE OF CONTENTS
Reflections   Regional Events   Disciples Men's Fellowship   Women's Ministries   Around the Region  
Churches to Hold in Prayer   Regional Staff Updates   Joys & Concerns & Prayers 

UPCOMING REGIONAL EVENTS 

 

I know better. I really do.

 

     I know I should have finished the title. I wasn't supposed to leave the ". . ." unfinished. How about "2013 Phon-a-thon...a Gift for All of Us!" That's not bad at all, especially because it's true how the Phon-a-thon supports the CCNCN Annual Fund, which supports all of the ministries we share in our region. Or, how about "2013 Phon-a-thon...Making A Difference!" Gosh, that's pretty catchy and accurate also. Yes, I could have finished the title, but I didn't. I didn't for a reason.

 

   A while back I found the image of the tree of Generosity. It was part of the artwork on the cover of a magazine from the Ecumenical Stewardship Center. This organization offers many ideas on stewardship for faith related communities. It is a good read. In case you want to follow up, they have a website at www.stewardshipresources.org.

 

   When I saw the artwork it impressed me with its colors and its message. It was very eye-catching. But more than that, it was spirit-catching. A tree. A tree with roots and branches all held together as a living system. I liked its message immediately and when I called the Director's office to see if I could use the image, she agreed quickly. She likes to share, you see.

 

   The image also reminded me how trees grow in amazing ways; sometimes in unplanned ways. Trees often grow to be huge, or small, or shade-giving, or thin, or able to withstand the highest winds and longest drought, or not. Trees are amazing; but they are living, changing organisms susceptible to outside influences.

    

   CCNC-N is amazing also. Our roots and branches provide inspiration, support, comfort, and challenge. Together we face the opportunities of today's world, not only as individual congregations, but also as an organic system bound together by faith and service in order to be strong and enduring.

 

     As CCNC-N, because we are a living, changing "tree," our story is still being written. Much of our past story has provided us with wisdom and courage. Much of our present story provides us with insight and hope. And, much of our future story will . . .

 

     Oops, there I go again - not finishing the sentence. I'm not finishing the sentence or the title because it's not up to me. It's up to all of us.

  

     The Phon-a-thon provides the invitation to all of us to help continue writing our story. By making your donation, you will provide the financial support for the many ministries our region provides in partnership with local congregations and individuals. Together we have created our past and present. Now, together, let's create our future.

 

     By the way, our Phon-a-thon Calling Team is: Nancy Bingaman, Paula Bishop Pociecha, Mike Carlson, Janet Chapman, Cliff Cole, Carl Cordes, Carl Crain, Allen Foster, Bill Garrett, Hazelee Jaberg, Mary Jacobs, Carole Jordan, John Jordan, Jesse Kearns, Kyung-min Daniel Lee, Larry Love, Ellie McDougal, Steve Moore, Edgar Peck, Laura Pierson, and Ann Willard. THANKS to these wonderful people for giving their time to call you August 25-27. Please say yes to make a pledge to support our Annual Fund. Help us write our future together...because the story isn't finished yet.

 

Blessings, Bill Garrett, CCNC-N Minister of Faith and Giving

  

 

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.

Saturday, September 7 is the Oakland A's Church Community Day! Come on out to the ballgame and stay for an inspirational post-game program.

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.   

 

October 18-20

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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  

 

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.

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. 

 

 CHURCHES TO HOLD IN PRAYER  

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

Congregation to pray for next week:  Fruitridge Christian Church, Greater Sacramento Area; Pastor, Mike J. Carlson.

 

 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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Hope Attenhofer as she is ordained on Saturday, August 24 at First Christian Church, Concord.

We welcome Jim and Peggy Powell

 to the Region and Pacific Grove CC as we bless Dan Paul

on a sabbath time away.  

 

• 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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Christian Church of  Northern CA-NV