Regional Voices - March 6, 2014

REFLECTIONS

Dear CCNC-N Community,

Lenten blessings of ashes and new life to you all. As we enter this Lenten season, I am aware of so many ways we need accompaniment in joy and in struggle. Whether we know the specifics of each person's and congregation's journey, the ancient, yet ever-present invitation of Christ's table connects us. It echoes across the miles, and we hear the names of our sisters and brothers spoken in the deep places. I invite you to a Lenten discipline of loving the pastors and clergy, and the congregations and their leaders in the Region with an abundant and grace-filled love. Immersed in the resurrection hope poured into the cups of our lives by gathering at Christ's table, we offer the cup of love to each other.

Here's a way to love one particular congregation. Recently, it has become known that the building for the First Samoan Congregational Christian Church in Sacramento will be completed and ready for occupancy this spring. They will dedicate it on the weekend of April 25-27. A few months ago one of the Regional elders suggested that when they were ready for landscaping help, we might be able to come together as brothers and sisters to aid in that endeavor. Knowing that this is a bit short notice and knowing that things don't always happen on a neat timeline, Disciples congregations and members are invited to be a part of a "

landscape pounding and raising" (sorta like a new home pounding and barn-raising but with plants and dirt) for the congregation on

Saturday, March 29 at 8 AM.

Choose a tree(s) or shrubs below
Let Pastor Sal know what you plan to purchase and bring to plant.
Bring shovels and other important implements.
Join with members of the congregation on March 29 for the fun watching the grounds be transformed with our gifts of plants and sweat.

From Pastor Sal:

"I am sorry I just received the blue print. The watering system will be in place and all we will do is plant. These are the trees and shrubs that are recommended, and please, dear Disciples brothers and sisters, do what ever you can. The tree doesn't have to be tall. It will take time to grow, so don't worry about the height. God bless, if you have any questions, Please call: 916-922-2220 (office) Cell 916-642-0501. Thanks."

Trees for the First Samoan Congregational Christian Church-DOC in Sacramento 2-4 feet tall:

1. Acer freemanii: autumn blaze maple. (2)

2. Ginkgo biloba: maidenhair tree (male) autumn gold. (8) required for front of the blg.

3. Nyssa-sylvatica: blackgum (6)

4. Slow growing palm trees: e.g., sago palm (6)

5. Quercus coccinea:scarlet oak (12)

6. Acer rubrum: scarlet maple 'october glory' (4)

7. Tilia Cordata: littleleaf linden. (2)

8. Fruit trees: apple, lemon, peach, orange trees

Shrubs.

1. Agapanthus Africanus: "Lily of the Nile'Queen Anne. (20)

2. Coprosma repens: mirror plant .5 gal (4) yellow/orange

3. Coton Easter apiculatus: cranberry cotoneaster (20) red

4. Liriope muscari: big blue lily turf. (12) violet

5. Lonicera caerulea edulis: sweetberry honeysuckle. (21) yellow

6. Tracherospermum jasminoides: star jasmine. (12) white .

7. Arctotheca calendula: cape weed. (12)

In grateful partnership,

Mary

PS -

Please go to the end of this Regional Voices to read about the opportunity to host two of our Global Ministries missionaries. There are still a few dates available.

UPCOMING REGIONAL EVENTS

SAVE THE DATE!

160th ANNUAL GATHERING

of THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST)
OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA-NEVADA

MAY 2-4, 2014

United Congregational Christian Church

701 S. Hutchins Street

Lodi, CA 95650

Get Off Your Buts!

Registration Cost:

Includes Saturday evening catered dinner

Adult - $135 per person

Youth (6th-12th grade) - $80 per person

Children - (1st-5th grade) - $40 per child
Childcare is available

Housing: (you may make your hotel reservation now; see below)

The Region has reserved a block of 25 rooms at the Holiday Inn Express, 1337 East Kettleman Lane, Lodi, CA 95240. On a first come, first served basis. Direct reservations can be made by calling 1-209-210-0150 or by following this link Christian Church of Northern CA. Use Group Code: CCN.
Or you may make a hotel reservation of your own choice in the area.

Saturday Lunch - $8

CCNC-N BBQ benefiting Outdoors/Camp Ministry

Friday Pre-Event - Hope Partnership presents: Come and See

Noon-3:30pm

$15 - includes lunch

REGISTRATION INFORMATION COMING SOON!

REGIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL APPLICATION TIME

If you are in grades 9 through 11, you are eligible to be on the Regional Youth Council of CCNC-N. Of course there are a few more guidelines, and you can read about these on the website (see below).

Being a member of the RYC offers an opportunity: 1) to grow in leadership skills, 2) to explore what it means to be a servant leader, 3) to help plan youth events and camps, and 4) much more. It's a time of growing deep in prayer while opening wide to create community grounded in Christ.

Also, the RYC is looking for Adult leaders to help as well. You must be at least 23 years of age and willing to help youth learn to lead and to grow in their faith commitment.

Applications are due March 21, 2014, including letters of recommendations. Please follow the links below for Guidelines and Application.

Guidelines - http://www.ccncn.org/youth.html

Application - http://www.ccncn.org/youth.html

Reconciliation Logo RECONCILIATION GRANT 2014

IS YOUR CHURCH REACHING OUT TO A DIFFERENT CULTURE, OR WORKING T O EMPOWER A MARGINALIZED COMMUNITY?

APPLY FOR A RECONCILIATION GRANT TO HELP YOU DO GOD'S WORK ON THIS FRONT!

The New deadline for regional Reconciliation grants is April 15, 2014.

You can learn more and apply by going to this link: http://www.ccncn.org/reconciliation.html

The purpose of the Reconciliation Grant Program is to support congregations in doing the work of building up a reconciling, open and inclusive identity, challenging the sins of racism, exclusion and oppression.

Reconciliation grants from the CCNC-N range from approximately $500-$1,000. Congregations engaging in a reconciliation project that also meets criteria for being "missional" (defined in the application) will be eligible for additional funds.

HOLY WEEK, HOLY WORK, HOLY PEOPLE

It's that time of year again! It's time to plan for our region's annual Hands-On Mission Trip during Holy Week! This year we will be going to Oklahoma City, to work through the Mission Station there to provide disaster recovery work to the area of Moore, OK that was hit by a tornado last Spring.

Our region is scheduled for Holy Week, April 13 - 19, 2014 (Sunday thru Saturday). There are only 12 spots available, so space is limited! Participants will purchase their own airfare, and pay $350 to CCNCN to cover the group's mission station costs, meals, and vehicle rental/gas.

You don't need any special skills to participate--you need a willing heart! Youth ages 16 and older are welcome. If you are not able to attend, consider sponsoring someone else's participation.

Registration information will be posted on the regional website soon.

If you have questions, please e-mail Lou Ann Hughes (loualoui@hotmail.com) or Tina Borgman (tina_borgman@yahoo.com).

Download Flyer & Registration Form

CGC WORK WEEKEND APRIL 11-13

Our new summer cabins are nearly ready to go! We will be hosting a work weekend on Friday, April 11-Sunday, April 13. Projects include spring forest clean-up and prep for the Summer Camping Area. Contact Tina Heck via email at tinasueheck@yahoo.com to sign-up. Lodging is free. Meals are provided at nominal cost. Please join us!

SUMMER CAMP 2014
ACTS...like you mean it!!!!
Cost:$400 for campers at the Community of the Great Commission; $255 for campers at the South San Joaquin Camp ($245 is the sibling rate) See dates below in calendar. Camp packets will be coming in March. Please begin to consider who might be your Congregational Camp Registrar for 2014 Camps.

AROUND THE REGION

Hello FHC audience!
We have another exciting month at Forest Hill

Forest Hill Center for the Fine Arts

250 Laguna Honda Boulevard, San Francisco, CA

San Francisco, CA 94116

March 9: The awesome Travis Kindred will conduct an FHC Orchestra Concert of The Four Seasons from Vivaldi & Piano Concerto No. 20 in D Minor by Mozart, I highly recommend this concert ;-)
March 16: Jassen Todorov, a professor at SFSU, will return for his Violin Recital part I, an amazing performer!
March 23: Kyle Coolidge, an amazing pianist (FHC Competition runner-up) will perform an excellent solo piano recital.
March 30: We will have Manu Petala (piano) and his friend Drew performing a duo of fantastic virtuoso music.

Spirit Sisters Living Soul-fully!

March 22, 2014
1:00pm - 4:00pm

First Christian Church of Chico invites all women to attend an afternoon to explore spiritual practice and to engage in experiencing Jesus as Wisdom. This is a day of spiritual renewal for women in all stages of life. Rev. Dr. Paula Pociecha will guide us in reconnecting with our spirits and drawing strength from a community of sisters. Come and let your soul be delighted! Light refreshments available and donations accepted at the door. More information can be found at http://www.fccchico.com/pages/spirit-sisters-living-soul-fully.php

RSVP at (530) 343-3727 or disciples@maxinet.com by Wednesday, March 19.

First Christian Church, Anitoch

We are hosting a concert at First Christian Church in Antioch, June 1st, at 3p.m. Very well-known names will be here: Karen Barrett, Barbara Hamm are just two of the names. For the low donation of $5.00 you will get an exciting afternoon of music and fellowship, and maybe some refreshments. This concert is to raise money to repair our beautiful church.

So come on out and enjoy the show!

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 next week: The Circle Church, Santa Cruz; Golden Gate to Pebble Beach Area; Pastor, Steve DeFields-Gambrel.

Congregation to pray for this week: Selma First Christian Church; South San Joaquin Area; Pastor, Janet Chapman; Youth Pastor, Chad Thompson.

We feature two congregations in each edition of Regional Voices. 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.

PLEASE PRAY FOR CHURCHES CURRENTLY IN TRANSITION:

First Samoan Congregational Christian Church of Reno

United Christian Church, Livermore

First Christian Church, San Lorenzo

First Christian Church, Watsonville

Lafayette Christian Church, Lafayette

First Christian Church, Redding

United Congregational Christian Church, Lodi

United Christian Church, Fresno

Vacaville Christian Church

First Christian Church, Lodi

REGIONAL UPDATES

Celebrate with Quan Walker and bless her on her way to Texas:

Sunday, March 23, 4 PM

United Christian Church,

1886 College Ave., Livermore

Remember the Regional Office Has Moved.

Please note the new suite number on all mail:

9260 Alcosta Blvd. Suite C-22, San Ramon, CA 94583.

Don't forget to "spring forward" your clocks an hour before retiring this Saturday evening, March 8th.

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!

It was a day of rejoicing for BRIM and Barrett Ave. CC as we ordained Carol Bono into the Christian ministry on March 2. We were all blessed to be present, and blessings on Carol!

REMINDER: Pastors and church secretaries, the region wishes to acknowledge and congratulate those children, youth and adults who make the decision to join a church by transfer or baptism, as well as the names of any child and the parents' names of a dedicated child. Please send names, addresses, type of membership, child, youth or adult and church name to Cliff Cole (23mcc24x@comcast.net) whenever this occurs.

Disciples Women are mourning the passing of Elder Kathy Jeffries, a pioneer in Disciples Women. She suffered a stroke on Monday, February 10, and passed away on February 17. Kathy was keynote at many women's events, including Quadrennial Assemblies and the CCNC-N Fall Retreat at Mission Springs. She was active with National Convocation and General Board. Her presence filled the room and you would always find yourself laughing full-heartedly around Kathy. As Marilyn Williams, Pres. of National Convocation of Disciples Women reminds us through Kathy's voice: "We have so much, so much, so much to thank God for!"

Jim and Diana Watkins of Sacramento ask for prayers as Diana has just been diagnosed with a malignant tumor in her leg. Treatment still to be determined

NEW MEMBERS:

First Christian Church, Selma, welcomed a new member.
United Christian Church, Fresno, welcomed three new members.
Sierra Christian Church, Loomis, welcomed three new members.
Mayfair Christian Church, Stockton, welcomed a new member.

Clarice Friedline, who had open heart surgery in mid-February, was able to leave the hospital this week with renewed humor and energy. Continue to surround her with prayer. Cards may be sent to: New Orange Hills, 5017 E Chapman, Orange, 92869 Room 202A

George Tolman, a Timothy of FCC, Watsonville and beloved retired pastor in Arizona, died this week. We hold his family in our prayers.

We celebrated the life and ministry of John Dewey, CCNC-N retired pastor on Saturday, March 1 at Woodland CC. John served as pastor at FCC, Dinuba; FCC, Merced; Woodland CC, and as interim at Arden CC. Let us continue to surround his wife, Gloria, and family, including Don and Susan Gonzales Dewey, Pacific Southwest Regional Ministers with our care.

Our prayers continue for the following who remain in need of our support and concern:

Pastor Iopa (Job) and Meaalofa Amosa

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!

March 21 - RYC Applications due

March 22-23-Chi Rho Mid-Winter

March 23, 4 PM, United Christian Church, Livermore, CELEBRATION of QUAN WALKER'S MINISTRY AMONG US!

Saturday, March 29, 8AM Landscape Raising at First Samoan Congregational Christian Church

April 4-UCCR Director Training

April 11-13 - CGC Work Weekend

April 13-19 - Hands-On Mission Trip during Holy Week

May 2-4 - Annual Gathering at United Congregational Christian Church, Lodi.

May 10-CCNC-N Mandatory Camp Directors and Counselors Training

May 19 Ministry Council

Summer Camps:

June 5-8 - Young Adult .... Adult Camp
June 14-18 - South San Joaquin at Camp Timber Mountain, Sugar Pine Camp and Conference Center
June 22-28 - Junior and Chi Rho Camps
June 28-30 Grandparents and Me Camp
June 29-July 5 - CYF Camp

June 25-29 - International Quadrennial Assembly of Women in Atlanta, GA

Sept. 12-14 - Women's Fall Retreat at Mission Springs with Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, GMP of Disciples

31st Annual Chapman University Founder Day 2014
March 13-15, 2014
Featured Speaker, John Dominic Crossan
For more information, go to www.chapman.edu/founders-day

SCHEDULE A VISIT WITH MISSIONARIES

Laura Jean Torgerson and Tim Donaghy, missionaries in Nicaragua, are available April 27 - May 16 and May 19 - 29, 2014 (with May 16 & 19 being travel days) to speak in congregations in the Northern CA NV Region and the CA NV Northern Conference.

Laura Jean and Tim will be concluding a three and a half year term of service with the Christian Mission Church of Nicaragua. Laura Jean works as a consultant to the church's national Education and Theology Department and assists in the formation of pastors and lay leaders in the liberating theology of the church. She also teaches New Testament to undergraduate theology students at CIEETS. Tim works on church projects in environment, food security, and leadership development and teaches environmental issues and research skills at CIEETS (the Inter-Church Center for Theological and Social Studies).

Global Ministries will provide for their transportation to the region and conference. We ask that local congregations provide meals, and local transportation (if needed). Laura Jean and Tim also have a 5 yr old daughter, Quinn, and a 2 yr old daughter Maya.

Nicole Bettridge who served in Laos with the Lao Evangelical Church and with missionary Xuyen Dangers will be working with FIRM (Fresno Interfaith Refugee Ministry) during late January through April 13 and will also be available for mission interpretation in the Region.

If you are interested in reserving a visit with Laura and Tim or Nicole, please contact the Regional Office.

Transitional president sought

The current president of HELM, Dennis Landon, is retiring June 30, 2014, after serving as president since 1997.

Full job description and search information

Bi-Monthly Family and Children's Ministry E-mail

"The Family and Children's Ministry staff at DHM is initiating a new bi-monthly Family and Children's Ministries e-newsletter. We are seeking to update and expand our mailing list so that we can reach as many appropriate recipients as possible. If you would like to be included on our e-mail list, please send your e-mail address, name, position/interest, and congregation to our administrative assistant jkramer@dhm.disciples.org, subject line "group e-mail."

Family and Children's Ministry has been in transition over the past year. The Family and Children staff want to make sure we are communicating efficiently all the events, resources, and changes in lifelong holistic faith formation.

Our bi-monthly newsletter will expand upon other important communication tools that are being used by the Disciples of Christ denomination, our partner the United Church of Christ, and other interfaith and ecumenical information."

Explore - Experience - Discover

Pacific School of Religion (PSR), a multi-denominational seminary committed to equipping spiritually formed, theologically rooted leaders for social transformation, invites you to our Come & See! Prospective Student Event, April 4-5, 2014 on the PSR campus in Berkeley, CA. If you're considering seminary or theological education, this conference is for you! (Friday: you'll meet our President, dine with current students, be introduced to PSR's academic programs, and worship in a creative environment. Saturday: begin with a reflection on call and discernment, visit the Why Study at the Graduate Theological Union? Fair, and experience community life including a tour of campus.) Registration is free. Questions? Call 510/849-8931 or admissions@psr.edu. Visit www.psr.edu to register online and learn more about these exciting events!

QA News Release

Quadrennial Assembly 2014, a women's conference sponsored every four years by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), is coming to Atlanta, Georgia, June 25-29, at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. In addition to worship, education, service, and social justice opportunities, several special events are planned to highlight important issues of faith. These include a "Pilgrimage of Celebration and Remembrance" to the King Center to mark the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, as well as a "Walk Against Trafficking" to increase awareness about human trafficking. Funds raised by participants in the walk will go to youthSpark, an Atlanta-based organization serving victims of human trafficking and working against and committed to ending this travesty. Other events highlighting Quadrennial 2014 are keynote speakers who include the Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale, founding and Senior Pastor of Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, Georgia. For more information about this not-to-be-missed event, including registration details, go to www.quadrennial.org.