"A rise in Islamophobia continues to threaten our Muslim sisters and brothers. Our work as members of URI is made even more urgent by the increase in hateful speech from those who have responded to these incidents by sowing division and discord. Together, we must continue to challenge these claims and promote the positive values inherent in Islam and all religions." − Rev. Victor H. Kazanjian, Jr., Executive Director of the United Religions Initiative (URI)

The wars, hatred, and chauvinism polarizing many parts of the world, including our own country, are causing many to justify the wanton slaughter of "them" in the interest of protecting "us." We can only bridge this lethal divide when we recognize that there is no "them," there is only "us" -- because God has sanctified all life.

Co-sponsored by the Graduate Theological Union, the Center for Islamic Studies, the Center for Jewish Studies, the Center for Dharma Studies, American Baptist Seminary of the West, Church Divinity School of the Pacific, Dominican School of Philosophy & Theology, Ignite Institute at PSR, Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University, Pacific School of Religion, Starr King School for the Ministry, Zaytuna College, and the United Religions Initiative.

The Graduate Theological Union is the largest and most diverse partnership of theological schools and centers from various religious traditions and cultures committed to promoting ecumenical and interreligious education and dialogue.  We stand in solidarity with all who are victims of discrimination and violence and deplore the killing of innocents in the name of religion.

We condemn the bigotry and hate-mongering vilifying and marginalizing our Muslim colleagues, leaders, and their communities here in the United States and around the world.

Together with our Muslim partners we will:

• Remain steadfast in keeping the doors of dialogue and relationship open to create local and global community.
• Seek new ways to share our resources of theological education, formation and social justice action.
• Promote a positive vision of our common humanity and the dignity of difference.

Signed:

Riess Potterveld, President, Graduate Theological Union
Jakada Imani, Director, Ignite Institute at PSR
Munir Jiwa, Director, Center for Islamic Studies
Victor H. Kazanjian, Jr., Executive Director, United Religions Initiative
David Vasquez Levy, President, Pacific School of Religion
James L. McDonald, President, San Francisco Theological Seminary
Rosemary Bray McNatt, President, Starr King School for the Ministry
Mark Richardson, President, Church Divinity School of the Pacific
Brian Stein-Webber, Chief Administrative Officer, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary
American Baptist Seminary of the West
Center for Jewish Studies
Center for Dharma Studies
Dominican School of Philosophy & Theology
Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University
Zaytuna College

Learn more ...

By Denise Bell

Luke 1:45 New Revised Standard Version

Elizabeth said to Mary, 'And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.'

Both Elizabeth and Mary are joined together in the divine activity of God to do the impossible. Elizabeth acknowledges the favor of God on Mary because Mary believed that God's promises in her life will be fulfilled in spite of her circumstances. The favor is given because Mary believed that what had been promised to her was dependent upon God and not on others.

God 's promises are not bound by circumstances or the opinions of others.  In this Advent season and in the midst of challenging times as we prepare for life events and Mission Gatherings throughout our church, let us pray together to believe that what God has promised, will come to pass. We pray God's blessings upon our lives and ministry as we live in a state of belief. No matter what others say, no matter what the circumstances, believe that God will birth something new in us that will bring life to the church and the world.

Encourage and bless someone because of their faith. Remind them that in spite of their challenges God loves them. Remind them to keep their focus on God and God's promises will unfold in their lives.

Prayer: God, help me - help us all - believe in the newness you have to give if we will just depend on you. Amen 

Feb Camp, a three day retreat for Youth grades 9-12 will be held on February 13 - 15 at Community of the Great Commission.  Mark your calendars now! 

Registration information and more details available early January. 

Rev. Clarence L. Johnson of Mills Grove Christian Church, 5410 Fleming Avenue Oakland is hosting his Annual Christmas dinner and Musical on Sunday December 20, 2015, at 3:00 p.m.  We will be listening to a very wonderful vocalist Ms. Dee Dee Simon, who will be a big part of the musical.  Please come and start by attending our worship service at 11:00, then the meal, followed by the musical. Looking forward in seeing you here.  Thank you.

The Regional Office will be closed for the holidays from December 24, 2015 through January 3, 2016. All of use here at the CCNC-N Regional Office offer holiday blessings to you, your family and your friends. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

New Members
Arden Christian Church of Sacramento reports 9 new members!

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.


Let us 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 consider incorporating this congregation into your congregational prayers this week during worship or in your newsletter, so we can grow together in prayer.


Please pray for the churches who are in transition.

Christian Church of  Northern California-Nevada