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September 29, 2013 Issue 38

CALLERthe

In This Issue

Pastor’s Corner 2Statistics 2 Remember in Prayer 3Spiritual Disciplines Wk 3Prayer Requests, Sept. 22 3Serving in the Military 3 Condolences 3

World Communion Luncheon 4

Pastoral Partners 4

Pathways of Hope Food bags 4

Hot Meal/Paper Drive 4

Birthdays/DMF 4Sr. Retreat 5

Disciples Women 5Regional Gathering 5

Worship/World Communion 5

Sept Outreach Recap 5 &6

Offering of Letters 6

David Matson 7 Light a Candle for Children 8 Reconciliation Offering 9

Week of Compassion 10

Serving Sunday 11

E v e n t s – S e p t e m b e r 2 9 – O c t o b e r 6 , 2 0 1 3

September 29:8:00 A.M. - REAWAKEN, Early Worship Service9:00 A.M. - Galatians/James Bible Study, Chapman Lounge

10:15 A.M. - REMEMBER, Traditional Service11:30 A.M. - Pastoral Partners Luncheon, Chapman Lounge11:30 – 2:00 P.M. - Casa use Fellowship Hall

4:30 P.M. - Pathway of Hope Fundraiser @ Angelo & Vinci’s5:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. Casa de Oración Service, Sanctuary & FH

September 30:6:30 P.M. - OT Bible Study @ Woodbridges; dinner: 6:30, class 7

7:00 P.M. - 12-Step Class, Chapman LoungeOctober 1:6:00 P.M. - BA @ Barry’s7:00 P.M. - David Matson Lecture, Chapman Lounge7:00 P.M. - Casa use Sanctuary, and classrooms

October 2:1:30 P.M. - Pathways use Chapman Lounge5:30 P.M. - Hot Meal Ministry, Team B

October 3: Tri-Tip Downtown Market3:30 P.M. - 2nd Corinthians Bible Study, Chapman Lounge6:30 P.M. - Bell Choir Rehearsal; 7:30 P.M. - Choir Rehearsal

October 4:10:00 A.M. - NOON – Speakers League, Room 1077:30 P.M. - Wedding Rehearsal

October 5:8:00 A.M. - Disciples Mens’ Breakfast, Chapman Lounge 9:00 A.M. - NOON – Chapel on Wheels Paper Drive4:00 P.M. - Wedding, Sanctuary

October 6: World Communion Sunday 8:00 A.M. - REAWAKEN, Early Worship Service9:00 A.M. - Galatians/James Bible Study, Chapman Lounge

10:15 A.M. - REMEMBER, Traditional Service11:30 A.M. – Luncheon with Casa de Oración, Fellowship Hall5:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. Casa de Oración Service, Sanctuary & FH

LOOKING AHEAD:October 7:

7:00 P.M. Alzheimer’s Support Group7:00 P.M. – 12-Step Class, Choir Room

AA Groups – Sun. 8:00 P.M., Monday, 7:30 P.M.,Friday, 7:30 P.M., Sat. 8:30 P.M., NA Group, Tues., 7:30 P.M

The Calleris published weekly

(Deadline Wednesdayat Noon)

by

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)109 E. Wilshire Ave.Fullerton, CA 92832

714.525.5525email:

[email protected]

www.fullertonfirstchristian.org

Senior Pastor:

Rev. Darrell McGowan

Associate Pastor:

Rev. Debra Todd

Editor:

Donna Woodbridge

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I Have Nothing to Fear

There is no power greater than the love of God. We have come from God, who

is love, and we return to God. Nothing has the power to separate us from the love of God. So, why

are we still so vulnerable to fear?

God's love surrounds us, but we must consciously choose to dwell in the present to carry an

awareness of God's steadfast love. Our ego calls us to dwell in the past or the future--both of which

are illusionary--they do not exist outside of our minds. All that is real is contained within the presentmoment. The past does not contain actual realities, only memories, poor reflections, of a past reality.

The future contains not reality, only dreams, easily turned into nightmares, of an as-yet unrealized

state. The memories of the past and dreams of the future shape shift and drift like ghostly shadows

cast by a distant light, shadows which loom large and conjure fear of the reality we imagine they

reflect. To live in the past or the future is to choose illusion.

The present moment is the dwelling place of the holy, in which love stands ready to heal and

forgive. When I choose to dwell in the present, life contains the promise of peace, hope, joy, and love

In the present moment, there is nothing to fear.

When I begin to feel afraid, I will consider whether I am living in the past or the future. I can then call myself back into the present moment and welcome God's love to guide my steps, heal my heart, and restore my vision.

I Am Free to Love

Though I may feel trapped by emotions emanating from fear, such as anger, frustration, or

impatience, I am always free. No experience, emotion, action, or reaction has the power to bind me

and prevent me from receiving and offering the love of God in Christ. When I fail to choose love, I

have no one to blame for my choice. Furthermore, blaming myself serves no fruitful purpose,

because it only reinforces my attachment to the past. Instead, I can embrace the freedom of the

present moment and choose love, regardless of the choices I have made leading to this one. I need

never be bound by others' decisions or by any decision I have made in the past. God offers me

freedom in Christ. I can always choose love; each time I choose love, I experience peace.

I am powerful beyond my wildest imagination. I have the power to change my perspective at any moment, see

the redeemed world into which I am invited, and invite others to share in our common redemption. All this is

mine when I choose love.

Sunday Statist ics Sept. 22 ‘13 108 (Remember Service)6 (Reawaken Service)Weekly Giving: $2,888.10 Mission: $320.90Budget Goal: $3,881 PoH Food Bags: $295Downtown Market: $938 (September 26)

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RememberinPrayer Continue to pray for: Sue Bacon

and family, Dottie Bense, Harold Brickens,Mary Brill, Sandra Brown, Betty RuthBuchanan, Linda Christman, Chris Collett,family of Dean Echols, Lorna & Skip Farnum,Anna Lou Horspool, Kevin Johnen, Carolyn

Kenrick, the family of Lowenn Land, FloraMiller, Sue Miller, Jim Piper, Norma Rill,Marj Schwenker and family, Julie Stuart,Claudia Tammen, Dorothy Tanner and BobVannoy

Please pray for the following church inthe Pacific Southwest Region:

Southbay Korean Christian Church128 N. Broadway AvenueRedondo Beach, CA 90277

ReadingsandPrayerConcernsforWeekofSept.30–October6,2013 Monday, Sept. 30: Reading: Lamentations 1:1-6; Pray for the 12-step class taking place inChapman Lounge.Tuesday, October 1: Reading: Psalm 137; prayfor David Matson as he begins his lectureseries here tonight.Congregational Prayer Day, October 2:Reading: 2 Timothy 1: 1-4; pray for the Hot

Meal Ministry Team B serving the hungrytonight.Thursday, October 3: Reading: 2 Timothy 1:5—7; pray for the Tri-Tip Group as they winddown this ministry this monthFriday, October 4: Reading: 2 Timothy 18-14;pray for our partner Global MinistriesMissionary in Namibia, Loletta Barett.Saturday, October 5: Reading: Luke 17: 5-6;pray for the Chapel on Wheels Paper Drivetaking place today.

Sunday, October 6: Reading: Luke 18: 15-17;pray for the Blended Worship Service withCasa de Oración for World CommunionSunday at 10:15 A.M. today.

PrayerRequests:September22,2013 Omar Villaoia Pray for my wife, ElianaDonna W. Sue’s mom passed away on

Thursday. Also Sue fell andbroke her elbow and isawaiting word as towhether she will needsurgery or not. Please keepfamily in your prayers

ChristinaMartinez

Pray that God’s will be donewith respect to job interviewI had this week.

RichmondFamily

Scott had knee surgery onThursday and notrecovering as quickly ashoped.Please keep Lynda Baileyand her friends, Crystal andMelissa in prayer upon thepassing of Lynda’s veryclose friend, Catherine.

Serving in theMil i tary:

Adam Hawley, Deb Taylor’s nephew,is now home from Afghanistan and back at Ft.Bliss with his family.

Lt. Patrick O’Conner, Betty Rollo’s grandson-in-law will be back home for acouple of months to help take care of his wifeafter surgery.

Lt. Patrick Rollo, Betty Rollo’s grandson. He is training on a submarine in thePacific.

Joshua Reynolds, Jane Reynolds’ son.He is at Ft. Riley, KS dealing with PTSD andwill be returning to Afghanistan soon.

PFC Brandon Vannoy, grandson of Bob& Donna Vannoy, is now stationed at FortCampbell, Kentucky.

Petty Officer Michael J. Borden, NancyGeiger’s grandson, who is stationed in Guam

for the next year.

OurHeartsGoOutTo: Sue and Gary Bacon andKevin Wilbur upon the death ofSue’s mother September 19. Services will be atMcAulay-Wallace 10 a.m., October 1.

Lynda Bailey upon the passing of hervery good friend, Catherine

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WorldOutreachSundayLuncheon The Welcome Ministry Team is hostinga luncheon for FCCF and Casa congregationsafter the 10:15 World Communion Service onOctober 6. We plan to have chili, a cornbreadcontest and dessert. We will provide the chiliand dessert. You are encouraged to bring your

favorite cornbread to enter into a contest. Freewill offering will be taken to defray expenses.Please plan on attending and get to

know our Hispanic brothers and sisters a littlebetter.

PastoralPartnersLuncheon

If you are or have served in the PastoralPartners’ ministry, you are invited to aluncheon for April Johnen and ConnieTownsend TODAY at 11:45 A.M. in Chapman

Lounge. April and Connie have served ascoordinators for this ministry for the past nineyears and are stepping down from thesepositions and this is our chance to thank themfor their many years of service to this valuableministry. In addition, Bill & Jodie Martin areassuming their roles as coordinators and willbe introduced at that luncheon.

PathwaysofHopeFoodBags

One in 7 households in theUnited States have difficulty at sometime during the year providing enough foodfor all their members. With the action of theHouse of Representatives last week to cut $39billion from the SNAP program, it is onlygoing to get worse. Churches and charities willhave to double their food assistance to makeup the difference.

We have set a goal for 75 bags of foodfor Pathways of Hope and we have only

collected money and bags for 36 bags. Won’tyou pick up one of the bags you'll find on thecredenza in the Narthex, fill it with therequested items and bring it back next Sunday.If you prefer you can write a check, payable toour church, in the amount of $35. Mark yourcheck: PoH Food Bags. Thank you for yoursupport of this important mission.

World Outreach

BirthdaysForOctober Ted Adams (1); Chris James (2); James Bailey (4); Shawn McCuen (5);

Bryan Kim (6); Luanne Bailey (7); Brad Fee(10); Dwain Van Diest (12); Mariette Linberg(13); Jodie Martin (15) Ali Findley-Flor (16);Lorna Farnum (17); Sammie Adams, Amy

Styffe, Luke Vannoy (19); Scott Van Diest (20);Duane Elliott, Amelia Henke,(22); Pat Vannoy,Sr. (27); Reid Richmond (28); Deb Nash (31).

HotMealMinistry

Team B is on tap to help out withour Hot Meals Ministry, Wednesday,October 2. Team Members should bethere at 5:30 P.M. (*set up at 4:30.) Pleasefind a substitute if you are unable to make it.Team B is comprised of: Luanne Bailey, Diane

Daughterty, Duane & Phyllis Elliott (set-up),Phil Forbes, Mitch Hanlon, Sue Harless, CarolHenke, Paul Robidoux and Ben StuartAlternates include Rod Farley, Annie Frater, Judi Smedley, Craig Wallace

ChapelonWheelsPaperDriveChapel on Wheels Paper Drive will beheld Saturday, October 5, from 9:00

A.M. until noon at the following locations:

- Behind “G & D Liquor” store, corner ofChapman and Euclid- Parking lot east of Raymond andWalgreen’s on Chapman Avenue- Behind the Bank of America, on LagunaRoad, between Bastanchury and Valencia Mesa

DisciplesMen’sBreakfastAll men are invited to share in a home-made breakfast and fellowshipnext Saturday, October 5, from 8-9:30 inChapman lounge.

All men of FCCF are welcome. Youwill be amazed at the inspiration andencouragement we all receive from these timeswe share together. Join us around the tableand be surprised yourself.

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RegisterForThe1stPSWRSeniorAdultRetreat

The first annual Pacific SouthwestRegion Senior Adult Retreat will be heldOctober 29-30 at Mary and Joseph RetreatCenter, 500 Crest Road in Rancho PalosVerdes. The retreat will feature guest speaker,

Nancy Gordon, and entertainment by Billand Susan Seaforth Hayes from Days of Our Lives fame.

Pick up a flyer and registrationform in the church office, or contact Donna formore info.COST: Single occupancy $125 per person;double occupancy $95 per person, commuter$65.

DisciplesWomenPSWR

SpiritualGrowthRetreat–Nov.1–3,atLochLeven

The PSWR DisciplesWomen’s Spiritual Growth Retreat, Fridayevening, Nov. 1 to Sunday noon, Nov. 3, is afun, inspirational get-away weekend at ourLoch Leven Christian Retreat Center.

Costs are: early registration - $136 forthree-days due by October 1. One-day(Saturday only) is $80 by October 1 This year

there is RV parking available; cost is $95 by Oct1 See Donna for registration forms.

2013PacificSouthwestRegionalGathering.First Christian Church,Orange, Sat. October 19,

8 A.M. – 4 P.M.Speakers will be Rev. Dr. Sharon

Watkins, our General Minister and President ofthe Disciples of Christ; Rev. Jose Morales fromthe Colorado/Rocky Mountain Region; andRev. Rita Nakashima Brock, PhD. Rev. JonBerquist, President of the Disciples SeminaryFoundation will be the guest Bible Lecturer.

You may register online atdisciplespswr.org/regionalgathering 2013 orpick up a registration form on the counter inthe office.

Worship Moments - Joint WorldCommunion Service SundayOctober 6

Next Sunday October 6 we celebrateWorld Communion Sunday as a joint servicewith Casa de Oración.

We will share joint praise bands, music,

greeters, diaconate, preaching, prayers, and ofcourse communion.Much of the service and sermon will be

bilingual, but in a way that is comfortable andeasy to follow for everyone.

A Word about joint seating: we want tobe able to sit with one another and not as twoseparate congregations. Please consideradjusting our normal preferred seating toallow for our friends from Casa to sit amongus. Invite Casa members to sit in your pews

so that we worship as one body as much aspossible.

RecapOfTheSeptemberOutreachMinistryMeeting

During the Outreach Ministry meetingon Wednesday the following reports werereceived and discussed:

1. Letter from Church World Servicethanking us for $760 sent in for purchase of

CWS blankets @$5 each. 2. We have 36 bags ofgroceries for Pathways of Hope with thisSunday to go in the collection of bags for thisyear's project. 3. Received a report on thepromotion of the 2013 Reconciliation MinistrySpecial Offering. 4. Discussed plans for the2013 Offering of Letters on Sunday, October 6.5. Discussed plans for the 2013 AlternativeChristmas Faire on Sunday, November 3rd..6. The Council of Elders will be taking anelectronic vote on the proposal for us tobecome a Global Mission Church inpartnership with Casa de Oración and theDream Church. If approved, this proposal willcome before the congregation at the AnnualMeeting. 7. Jeffrey Mensendiek, missionary to Japan and our missionary partner, has beeninvited to be with us on either January 26 orFebruary 2 -both Sundays. If this occurs, wewill likely have an international dinner

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following worship with invitations extended toneighboring Disciples and UCC congregationsto join us. 8.Update on the Mission Trip to Joplin, Missouri, October 20-26, in which CraigWallace, Barry Woodbridge and Ed Linbergwill be involved. 9. Progress report on the Tri-Tip Project. To date, the profit is $10,585.30,with 5 weeks to go. Our volunteers have beenvery consistent in making sure this project hasbeen fully staffed each week. Our volunteerswill be polled as to their thoughts about howthe funds from this project should be dividedwith the Outreach Ministry making a decisionabout the distribution at its November 20thmeeting. 10. Status report on a potentialIntergenerational Mission Trip to West, TX, siteof the fertilizer plant explosion, this pastspring. The youth have been interested in this

trip, but are thinking about investing their timein a project to benefit the church rather thantraveling out of town during their Spring Breakin 2014. Debra Todd is representing us inconversations with colleagues in Texas aboutthis potential trip.

Ed Linberg, Chair, Outreach Ministry

2013OfferingOfLettersSetForNextSunday

In conjunction with your enjoyment of

the Chili and Cornbread lunch set for nextSunday following our shared service with Casade Oración marking World CommunionSunday, you will have the opportunity to bepart of the 2013 Offering of Letters. What is anOffering of Letters? It is an activity sponsoredby Bread for the World, a Christian Citizens'organization that lobbies Congress and thePresident, regarding hunger issues in the USand internationally. It has been doing this,

quite successfully, for decades. We have doneour own Offering of Letters for as many as thepast 10 years. The theme for this year'sOffering of Letters is "A Place at the Table."

Here's what's involved. You will haveyour choice of being involved in one of twoactivities, or both of them.

First, Bread for the World hasdeveloped a petition to be sent to PresidentObama. It urges him to "set a goal and work

with Congress on a plan to end hunger in theUnited States." What we are asked to do is tosign the petition and to provide our addressand our e-mail address. We'll have multiplecopies of this petition. It will be on a table inthe narthex as well as on a table in FellowshipHall for your use, if you so choose.

Second, we are asked to send letters toour representatives in Congress. For most of usthose letters would be addressed toCongressman Royce or to CongresswomanSanchez. In addition, letters would also be sentto Senators Boxer and Feinstein. We will havecopies of letters for your signature. However,it is strongly suggested that you actually writea personal letter to your three representatives--one in the House and two in the Senate--because form letters can be ignored while

personal letters generally are read by staffmembers working for our representatives inWashington. These form letters, as well asstationary for you to write a personal letter,will be available in both the Narthex andFellowship Hall. The postage will be paid forfrom the Outreach Ministry budget and theletters will be mailed by a member of theOutreach Ministry.

Everyone is encouraged to be part of the2013 Offering of Letters which Randy Langstonand Ben Stuart will be coordinating on behalfof the Outreach Ministry.

Here's the first paragraph of the sampleletter: "I urge you to ensure a place at the tablefor all people by providing adequate fundingfor programs that address hunger and helplift people out of poverty. I also ask you towork with your colleagues and the president toset a goal and establish a plan to end hungerand poverty in the United States and around

the world."A question sometimes posed indiscussing today's issues is this one: "Whatwould Jesus do?" Given both his actions andhis words in regard to the needs of the poor,it's pretty clear that if Jesus was an Americancitizen he'd be in the forefront of lobbyingCongress about the issues of hunger andpoverty. Can we be any less concerned that Jesus would be? The Outreach Ministry

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DavidMatsontoLectureonRomans,ReformationandOurFaithToday Dr. David Matson is back this year to present lectures on Romans, the

Reformation, and our faith todayMartin Luther, the man who is credited with beginning the Protestant

Reformation, lived a tormented spiritual life until one day he experienced a life-changing re-reading of certain passages in the book of Romans. He had nearly been struck dead bylightning earlier in life; this time his soul was enflamed.

Come hear Dr. David Matson re-create for us that experience as he leads us into those textsin Romans which turned around the Church, the world, and faith-seeking people for 500 yearsnow.

Each week in October (except Oct. 22) on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in ChapmanLounge, David Matson will present what over 30 people have come to expect for six years now --an inspired, exciting, and incredibly understandable unfolding of the words of the New Testament.

If you have heard from others this is not to be missed but have challenges getting out atnight, please phone the church office and we will arrange a ride for you.

Here's what we can expect each week:We are just a few years away from the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. The

beginnings of this world-changing event is generally dated to October 31, 1517 when a Germanmonk by the name of Martin Luther (1483-1546) posted his Ninety-Five Theses on the door of theCastle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. While Luther attacked papal abuses and the sale ofindulgences by church officials, the real theological heart of the Reformation was his discovery ofwhat has come to be known as "justification by faith." As a follow-up to our study of Paul's letter tothe Romans last year, we will both review and look more deeply into this theological concept thatcontinues to be at the forefront of ecumenical discussions between Roman Catholics andProtestants to this very day.Oct. 1: What is "Justification"?

Many Christians today have very little concept of what justification is. If they have anyawareness of it at all, they tend somehow to equate it with God's forgiveness of sinners. Yet justification and forgiveness are not the same thing. Come find out why.Oct. 8: Why Does It Matter?

Many Christians today think of God simply as a God of love. But what if God is also justand righteous? How can a holy and just God countenance human sin in his presence? If heaven(whatever you think of heaven) is to be a place of absolute light and peace, then humanity doesn'tqualify in its present condition. In that case, heaven will become hell. Houston, we have a problem.Oct. 15: The Gospel of Justification

Many Christians today are confused about the gospel. In fact, if you ask most of them to tellyou what the "gospel" is, you'll likely hear some something about God's love or our need to workfor social justice in the world. But the former is the motivation for the gospel and the latter its

result. So, what is the gospel anyway?Oct. 29: The Roman Catholic Church and the Protestant Reformation

Justification was at the center of the Catholic-Protestant divide that took place in thesixteenth century. But it is no mere boring history lesson! Justification is as relevant today as it wasback then. There have been and will continue to be intense ecumenical discussions over justification. Your own understanding of what Christianity is all about is likely to be determinedby how you understand this central doctrine of the Christian faith.

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2013LightaCandleforChildren Have you been wondering why you've been receiving devotionals from the Church Office?They are part of the resources that were made available to us, and to all Disciples' congregation,plus the congregations of many other faith groups to mark the 2013 Light a Candle for Childrenprogram. This annual emphasis has been going on for a number of years. It was started by theChildren's Defense Fund. Initially it was an activity that was emphasized on the third Sunday inOctober, designated as Children's Sabbath. Over the years it has expanded to become a 5-week

program that includes a call for daily prayer for children. Hence the reason you are receiving dailydevotionals. "Light a Candle for Children" has been part of the National Council of Churches since2006. Thousands of faith communities unite through this program.

This is the first year that we have participated in this program. We hope you are enjoyingthe devotionals you have received over the past few weeks. We also hope that you have enjoyedthe presentations made during Children's Moments the last two Sundays which has involvedlighting a candle to remind us that " . . . children are sacred gifts of the Divine, and that we have anopportunity to renew and live out our moral responsibility to care, protect and to advocate forchildren." This program will continue through Sunday, October 20. We hope you are enjoyingwhat you are experiencing and that you will help our congregation to discover new ways "to care,protect and advocate for children."

The Outreach Ministry Light a Candle Devotional for today IndependenceandDependenceTheywanttodothingsthemselves,yetstillneedhelp .

Luke 11:5-13 And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say tohim, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing toset before him.’ 7And he answers from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and mychildren are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not getup and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and givehim whatever he needs. “So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, andthe door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish,will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who areevil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how muchmore will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

We’re told, “Ask God for what you need. Be persistent!” Thinking we can do it on our own,we sometimes struggle asking God for help. Children struggle, too. They want to do thingsthemselves, yet still need help. We need to be aware of the children around us and their

needs. Sometimes children just know they need but are unable to name it. In those times, we cangive a hug, pat on the back, or ahandshake. We can let children know we love them...and that God loves them.

Holy Parent, help us to be persistent in asking for what we need. May we be good examplesto the children around us. May the children in our world know they can depend on us and on you.Amen.

Rev. Kim Crowley Associate MinisterSeventh Street Christian Church(Disciples of Christ) Richmond, VAhttp://sscc-artsonthegrove.org/

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$500IsGoalForReconciliationMinistryOffering The 2013 Reconciliation Offering will be received this Sunday, Sept. 29, and the followingSunday, Oct. 6, when we share worship on World Communion Sunday with Casa de Oración.This year's theme is "Love Takes Courage." It is based on 1 Chronicles 28:20. Chelsea Nickelson,Reconciliation Ministry Intern for this year, has shared these thoughts about the importance of thisannual offering of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

" . . . I have learned that establishing genuine reconciliation and securing an anti-racist

identity is difficult and valuable work. We live in a society that perpetually inundates us with newtechnology to do everything faster, easier and with minimal human contact. Becoming pro-reconciling and anti-racist is work that requires time, patience, vulnerability and trust to buildrelationships. Each of these qualities are premised in love and take courage.

I am grateful that the work of Reconciliation Ministry provides training and programs tobroaden our awareness of theways the sin of racism uses us unwittingly and keeps us apart unnecessarily. Your contribution tothe Reconciliation Ministry Offering provides opportunities for people like me to participate inprograms that allow me to be vulnerable and to work patiently with others to heal the brokennessin our racial interactions and to develop redeeming relationships.

. . . Your gifts support congregations to partner with organizations in their communities to

build relationships thatimprove access to education and jobs that ultimately transform communities.

I am proud to be seeking ordination in a church that has a commitment to the difficultongoing process of becoming Pro-Reconciling and Anti-Racist. Like Solomon, we find the strengthand courage to do this work in God. Together we build on our relationships with love by servingtogether, seeking justice together and being the love of Christ in the world together."

Please use the special Reconciliation Ministry Offering envelope to make your gift to help usreach our goal of $500 for this special offering. If you do not have an envelope, be sure to write"Reconciliation" on the memo line of your personal check. Thank you for your support of thisspecial offering.

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WEEKOFCOMPASSION Following article received this week from Week of Compassion. In light of thefact that we live in “earthquake” country, you might want to print and keep in a safeplace to refer to in case of a disaster here.

SomeDosandDon'tsforDisasterRecovery

Last week, in response to the devastating floods in Colorado, Week of Compassion provided

this list as a helpful guideline for congregations and communities affected by disasters. Thesesuggestions draw upon the experience and knowledge of Disciples Volunteering and Week ofCompassion, as well as the great resources we have in our partners from Church World Service,colleagues from FEMA, and the amazing volunteers who make up community-based Long TermRecovery Committees.

Even if your community has not experienced a disaster, these suggestions are great to keepon hand in the event of a disaster affecting your community.

DO: Check on your members, neighbors, and especially those who are elderly, disabled, orvulnerable in other ways.

DON'T: Self-deploy as a volunteer, especially during the search and rescue phase. You willonly get in the way or put yourself in danger.

DO: If there are needs in your congregation, please contact your Regional Office, so they cancoordinate ways to provide support through Week of Compassion.

DO: Check with your local VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster) about needsof survivors before collecting any material donations.

DON'T: Collect material donations without arranging an appropriate destination (localsocial service agency, etc).

DO: Know that money is the most flexible donation you can make. Week of Compassion isan efficient way to turn your generosity into assistance.

DO: If eligible, encourage all affected folks in your congregation and community to apply toFEMA for Federal Disaster Assistance. Please be aware that this is a long process, and be sure to

read all documents carefully. An initial rejection does not mean one cannot appeal; an applicantmay also be eligible for low-interest loans to replace damaged property.DON'T: Get discouraged by how long the process takes.DO: Become familiar with FEMA's sequence of delivery. DON'T: Be careful not to organize material good distributions that might compromise an

affected person's eligibility for aid. (Let the sequence of delivery be your guide.)DO: Encourage leaders in your congregations to become involved in the formation of a long-

term recovery committee and to put their skills to work.DO: Stay Hopeful. Recovery takes a long time, even among well-supported, well-organized

communities.If you would like to support communities affected by disaster, put your Compassion into

Action by partnering with Week of Compassion. Thanks for all of the ways you support needs hereand around the world!

This week's responses: Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Colorado, Flood DamageRomania, FloodingLaos, Landslide and Flash Flooding

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First Christian Church109 E Wilshire AvenueFullerton, CA 92832 Reawaken (Early Worship Service) Sunday, 8:00 A.M.Church School for all ages: Sunday, 9:00 A.M.Remember (Traditional Worship Service) Sunday, 10:15 A.M.Youth Groups: Sunday, 1:00 P.M. & Wednesday, 3:30 – 5:15 P.M.

Serving September 29, 2013Greeter: YouthGuest Book: Mary BrillCoffee Host: Hospitality Ministry

Acolyte Parent: McCuenSound:

Video: Clare KeechLay Leader: Kyle FoughtChildren’s Moment: Laura Cairns-FoughtElders: Randy Langston, Dwain Van Diest,

Janelle VannoyDiaconate: Paul’s TeamPrepare: Beverly Reinke, Paul RobidouxUshers: Beverly Reinke, Paul RobdiouxServe: Luanne Bailey, Rod Farley,

Cam Malotte, Paul Robidoux,Dwain & Anna Van DiestClean Up: Jan Farley, Beverly Reinke, Anna

Van Diest,Alternates: Nancy Malotte, Janelle Vannoy

Serving October 6, 2013Greeter: Rick Herrera, Randy Baxter &

Helena Baxter-HerreraGuest Book:Coffee Host: Hospitality MinistryAcolyte Parent: AnguloSound:

Video:Lay Leader: Barry WoodbridgeChildren’s Moment: Donna Woodbridge,

Ruth VazquezElders: Randy Langston, Patty Segura,

Tim Acquistapace Janelle VannoyDiaconate: Leslie’s Team & Casa de OraciónPrepare: Leslie Beck, Phil Forbes

Ushers: Phil Forbes, Dena Heathman, AlexSantana, Robert Cruz, Luz Garcia, SilviaVazquez, Yessni Cruz, Perl Castillo

Serve: Leslie Beck, Sue Harless, DenaHeathman, Sherry Herrera, David & AmyStyffe, Ivan & Patty Segura, Greg & MarisoGonzales Alikio & Vilma Anguiano

Clean Up: Sue Harless, Sherry Herrerea,David Styffe

Alternates: Randy Langston

7/28/2019 Caller 092913 Final


caller 092913 final

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