the

July 7, 2013

CALLER
Issue 26

In This Issue
Pastors Corner Statistics Remember in Prayer Spiritual Disciplines Wk Prayer Requests, June 30 Serving in the Military Girls Night Out Childrens Room Baby Shower DMF Breakfast CW Fundraiser Summer Camp Possessions Letters Regional Gathering Christmas in July Pathways Open House Clean Up Buckets PSWR Staff additions Serving Sunday 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6

Events July 7 July 14, 2013

is published weekly (Deadline Wednesday at Noon) by First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 109 E. Wilshire Ave. Fullerton, CA 92832 714.525.5525
email: fullerton1stcc@gmail.com www.fullertonfirstchristian.org

The Caller

Senior Pastor: Rev. Darrell McGowan Associate Pastor: Rev. Debra Todd Editor: Donna Woodbridge

July 7: MINI-CAMP BEGINS 8:00 A.M. - REAWAKEN, Early Worship Service 9:00 A.M. - Old Testament Bible Study in Chapman Lounge 10:15 A.M. - REMEMBER, Traditional Service 5:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. Casa de Oracin Service, Sanctuary & FH 7:30 P.M. - REFRESH, Emergent Service July 8: 7:00 A.M. - 9:30 P.M. Chapel on Wheels Fundraiser @ Pollys 11:30 A.M. - PSWR Golf Committee, Chapman Lounge July 9: 11:30 A.M. - Pathways of Hope Ground Breaking & Open House 7:00 P.M. - Casa de Oracin uses Sanctuary, Chapman Lounge and childrens classrooms July 11: Tri-Tip at Downtown Market June 12 - 17: General Assembly in Orlando, FL July 13 8:00 A.M. - DMF Breakfast, Chapman Lounge July 14: 8:00 A.M. - REAWAKEN, Early Worship Service 9:00 A.M. - Old Testament Bible Study in Chapman Lounge 10:15 A.M. - REMEMBER, Traditional Service 5:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. Casa de Oracin Service, Sanctuary & FH 7:30 P.M. - REFRESH, Emergent Service July 15: 6.:00 P.M. Girls Night Out @ China Bistro, Yorba Linda July 16: 9:00 A.M. - Pathways of Hope General Board, Chapman Lounge Noon Sr. Adults Meet, Matt Davis, Musical Program 6:30 P.M. - Mens Bible Study at Barry Woodbridges 7:00 P.M. - Casa de Oracin uses Sanctuary, Chapman Lounge and childrens classrooms July 17: 6:00 P.M. - Discipleship Ministry Team 7:00 P.M. - World Outreach, Worship & Stewardship Ministry Teams July 18: Tri-Tip at Downtown Market 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. 1

My wilderness retreat brought even deeper renewal than I had hoped. The strenuous hiking and tenacious mosquitos took nothing away from the beautiful scenery, awe-inspiring sunrises and sunsets, and abundant wildlife. It was an idyllic setting to write, reflect, pray, and meditate for the better part of a week. Over the course of the week, I was again and again brought back to the heart of our religious faith: love wins! No matter what we face, where weve been, or who we are the good news is the same: love endures all things. When I sit in silence surrounded by the beauty of creation and cut off from the demands of everyday life, I hear God. I hear the heartbeat of creation, the breath of the universe, the underlying energy of life. I dont so much hear words, as I hear truths echoed in our own sacred texts, the sacred texts of other faiths, and the collective wisdom of the ages. When I listen closely, I hear Gods belief in usGods crazy, irrational, undying, steadfast belief in us. God believes in you, in me, in our annoying neighbor, in the drunk wandering across the street against the light, and in every person we would consider lost, irredeemable, or utterly broken. God believes love wins because God is love. I returned from my retreat assured once again that Hesed, steadfast love, is our primordial source and ultimate destiny. God will not give up on you, on me, or on any of our neighbors, and even if we wish otherwise, that is very good news indeed. Upon emerging from the wilderness, one of the first emails I received was from a friend quoting Cathleen Falsani, the Orange County Register journalist, who wrote following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in the cases involving the Defense of Marriage Act and California's Prop 8. Her words applied to the news of the Courts decisions the truth I had been hearing all week. I hope her words speak to you as they did to me. On Wednesday, one of my spiritual mentors said something that, without my realizing it at the time, prepared my heart for Thursdays news. Whenever you see religious people where their faith is more important than love, he said, theyve got it the wrong way around. There is a verse that, even if youre not a believer of any stripe or have never cracked a Bible in your life, youve probably heard at least once at a wedding maybe even at a gay wedding. Its a passage from 1 Corinthians 3, St. Pauls letter where he says love never fails. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known, St. Paul wrote. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. In the final analysis - today or any other day - love is even greater than faith. Love wins.

Sunday Statistics
June 30, 13 99 (Remember Service) 7 (Reawaken Service) 10 (Refresh Service) Weekly Giving: $2,311.20 Mission: $256.80 Budget Goal: $3,881 Downtown Market: No Market July 4 2

Remember in Prayer
Continue to pray for: Dottie Bense, Harold Brickens, Mary Brill, Betty Ruth Buchanan, Linda Christman, Chris Collett, Dean Echols, Lorna & Skip Farnum, Anna Lou Horspool, Kevin Johnen, Carolyn Kenrick, Lowenn Land, Flora Miller, Sue Miller, , Jim Piper, Marj Schwenker and family, Julie Stuart, Claudia Tammen, Dorothy Tanner, Jack Townsend, and Bob Vannoy. Please pray for the following church in the Pacific Southwest Region: June 30 July 6 First Christian Church No. Hollywood 4390 Colfax Avenue North Hollywood, CA 91604 Bob Bock, Sr. Pastor, Louise SloanGoben, Jefferson Beeker

Prayer Requests: June 30, 2013

Deb Taylor Alyssa Robidoux

All persons in US Military past and present who gave us our freedom. Loi Nguyen (friend) whose mother was admitted to hospital in Garden Grove. Lowenn Land as she travels through this final stage of her earthly life.

Serving in the Military:

Adam Hawley, Deb Taylors nephew in Afghanistan. He will be gone nine months from his wife and new baby. Lt. Patrick OConner, Betty Rollos grandson-in-law left on April 1 on deployment in the Persian Gulf until December. Lt. Patrick Rollo, Betty Rollos grandson. He is training on a submarine in the Pacific. Joshua Reynolds, Jane Reynolds son. He is at Ft. Riley, KS dealing with PTSD and will be returning to Afghanistan soon. PFC Brandon Vannoy graduated from basic training on June 6, 2013 at Ft. Jackson, So. Carolina and will report to Ft. Sill, OK for training. He is a grandson of Bob & Donna Vannoy. Petty Officer Michael J. Borden, Nancy Geigers grandson, in the Navy Reserve, Norfolk, VA, now attached to a SEAL team and scheduled to go to Guam in the near future.

Readings and Prayer Concerns for Week of July 8 July 14, 2013
Monday, July 8: Reading: Amos 7:7-9; pray for Chapel on Wheels Fundraiser at Pollys today. Tuesday, July 9: Reading: Amos 7: 10-17; pray for Pathways of Hope Ground Breaking Ceremony this morning at New Vista. Congregational Prayer Day, Wednesday, July 10: Reading: Psalm 82; pray for those of our congregation who are traveling this week. Thursday, July 11: Reading: Colossians 1:1-8; pray for those working at the Tri-Tip Booth. Friday, July 12: Reading: Colossians 1:9-14; pray for Global Ministries Missionary Gloria Vicente-Kanu in Guatamala. Saturday, July 13: Reading: Luke 10: 25-29; pray for the Disciples Mens Fellowship Breakfast meeting in Chapman Lounge which was rescheduled from last Saturday. Sunday, July 14: Reading: Luke 10: 29-37; pray for Emily Steward-Styffe as we celebrate her and her soon-to-be motherhood at a shower at Emily Malottes home this afternoon.

Girls Night Out

This month we go to the China Bistro for our GNO. This is Shars revised choice as she was told that the Seafood Grill had closed. Its on Yorba Linda Blvd between Placentia and Bradford. Well be meeting at 6 P.M. on July 15. If you need a ride, call Donna W. in the church office. Hope to see you there. GNO Coordinator - Shar

Check out the Childrens Room

Linda Johnen has been busy setting up the Childrens Room off the sanctuary. This room will be used by Moms who wish to take their little ones there and still be able to hear the service or used as child care for our Sunday Evening Emergent Service. Linda invites you to come take a look. She also is looking for a small childrens table and some play kitchen dishes, etc. So if you have any of these items and would like to donate them, give Linda a call. Thanks for your help.

Summer Camp Schedule!

Mini Camp - 7/7 7/10 (2nd & 3rd grade) CYF I Camp 7/21 -7/27 (9th 10th grade) CYFII Camp 7/28 8/3 (11th 12th and 2013 graduates). Cost is $380 per camp

Transfer of Possessions
Check this column each week to see what is new. Available: 3-drawer Work Bench with vise, $100 White, glass-top, wrought iron patio table with four matching chairs, excellent condition, $200.00 FAX Machine In Need of: Good working used lawnmower Piano Bench

Youre Invited to a Baby Shower

Youre invited to a baby shower for Emily Steward-Styffe July 14, 3:00 P.M. at the home of Emily (Cam and Nancy too) Malotte, 440 W. Acacia Street, Brea, CA. Because Emily is so popular with FCCF, this shower is hosted by the choir, Emily Malotte and the CWF. If you would like to contribute to one BIG gift from the church, please give your donations to Donna W. We have already decided what to give her so your donations will be greatly appreciated.

Chapel on Wheels Fundraiser

Men's Fellowship Breakfast Saturday, July 13, 8:00 A.M. Chapman Lounge
Come down to meet us for a homemade breakfast and great sharing with each other next Saturday from 8 - 9:30. (Rescheduled from July 6.) The morning fellowship continues to be an inspiring time for those who regularly participate, but they don't want it to be a wellkept secret of how much they get out of this experience before starting the rest of their day! Decide now to join us this Saturday morning and discover for yourself what this time means to the men of our church.

We Get Letters . . .
In response to a $315 gift sent to Church World Service in June, we received the following letter from the Rev. John L. McCullough, President and CEO, CWS. "Thank you for your generous contribution to the work of Church World Service which we appreciate more than ever in these challenging times. Your compassionate support is helping impoverished communities develop clean, reliable water sources, teaching poor farmers sustainable ways to create food security and providing food, water, shelter and other necessities to families struggling to rebuild their lives and livelihoods after natural disasters and/or civil conflict. I have seen both the resilience and the resolve to the women, men and children we assist. And I have been deeply moved by the generosity of people like you, who give hope and opportunity to people in need, here in the U.S. and around the world. May God bless you for your kindness." This letter is posted on the bulletin board above the water fountain. Thanks to all whose gifts made this gift to CWS possible. The Outreach Ministry

Christmas in July
As this is written, its 90 degrees in Fullerton which makes it pretty hard to think about Christmas. Yet, we must not forget that in just 6 months the weather will have changed and the Christmas spirit will be abounding! We will want to be prepared to share with the less fortunate and help provide a nice holiday for deserving kids. So please shop this month for new toys (with a minimum value of $10 each) for infants and children through age 15. Gifts for teens are always in high demand, since many gifts are donated for the younger children, but not for them. Some suggestions are: portable CD players, soccer balls, curling irons and makeup kits. For the younger kids books and board games make nice contributions, especially those in Spanish/English versions. Please DO NOT WRAP THE GIFTS. If you leave the prices on, we can calculate how much our church has contributed to Pathways of Hope (formerly FIES) which coordinates this Holiday Clearing Program providing gifts, food certificates and toys to help needy families enjoy the holiday season. For many children these toys may be the only ones they receive. So, please do what you can to truly make it a blessed Christmas for all in the community. A box will be in the narthex just ready to receive your July donations. Connie Townsend for World Outreach

Save the Date

Pathways of Hope Open House

You are invited to the Ground Breaking Luncheon and Open House of the New Vista Shelter on Tuesday, July 9, from 11:30 A.M. 1:00 P.M. RSVP to Kristine@homeaidoc.org or 949-553-9510.

The 2013 PSWR Regional Gathering, COME to the Table of LOVE, will be held this year at First Christian Church, Orange on Saturday, October 19, 8 A.M 4 P.M. Speakers will be Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, our General Minister and President, Rev. Jose Morales. There will also be great workshops, corporate worship, regional business and Taco Truck lunch. Registration is $10 adults, ages 18 & under are free. What a bargain! More details will be available in future Callers.

Emergency Clean-Up Buckets shipped

We completed the Emergency Clean-Up Bucket Kit project this past week. Enough funds were received to purchase all 14 products on the required list of items necessary to fill 37 buckets thanks to your many generous donations which totaled $2,102.91. In addition, many individual product donations were also received which helped tremendously. Mike Olson, Owner/Manager of Fullerton Ace Hardware, 117 W. Commonwealth Avenue, graciously donated all the buckets. He also sold us all of the 14 items on our list at his cost. After the Blessing of the Kits by Debra last Sunday, FedEx Freight Economy picked the shipment up on Monday, July 1st (See above picture-, Phil Forbes and the FedEx driver loading the truck.) for shipment to the CWS Donation Center in Little Rock, AR for distribution to the many needed areas in the USA. I feel very honored and blessed to have been a part of this important project. However, I could not have done as well without the help and support of Mike Olson. Unfortunately, due to a previous appointment, Mike was unavailable to join us at the Blessing so we were unable to personally thank him for all of his assistance. Darrell has previously stated that he will send Mike a personal letter of appreciation when he returns. Another way we can say "thank you" to Mike is to patronize Fullerton Ace Hardware whenever possible. If you do, please mention to the cashiers at Ace Hardware that you are from FCCF and are there as a way of showing your thanks and appreciation to Mike for his assistance with our Emergency Clean-Up Bucket Kit project. These kind words will completely make his day! In closing, I would also like to give praise and thanks for a favorite Bible verse which I find to be helpful in any situation or project: "Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him to help you do it and He will." Psalms 37:5 Peace, Phil Forbes

The Regional Ministry Team Is Growing!

The Pacific Southwest Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is excited to announce the addition of two new staff persons to the Regional Ministry Team! Tristan Orozco and Justin Floyd will be overseeing Regional Youth Ministries & Regional Young Adult Ministries respectively. They began their new positions on July 1. Tristan Orozco is a graduate of University of Chicago Divinity School and an ordained pastor joining the PSWR from First Christian Church, Wakonda in Iowa. He has been hired to support and expand our Regional Youth ministry. He will support the Camp and Conference Committee and Youth Leadership Team (YLT), as well as will work to create new Regional Youth ministries that serve and strengthen the great diversity of the Pacific Southwest Region. Tristan's first experience as PSWR Youth Ministry support staff will be to chaperone the eleven youth attending the 2013 General Assembly in Orlando, FL---a trip made possible by the support of the Pro-Reconciliation/AntiRacism Committee. Justin Floyd has been hired to create and support Young Adult ministries in the Pacific Southwest Region. Graduating from Claremont School of Theology in December, Justin will also continue to serve First Christian Church, North Hollywood as staff for youth. This new position is supported by a Arlington Legacy Vision Fund grant. Starting July 1, Tristan can be reached at torozco@disciplespswr.org and Justin can be reached at jfloyd@disciplespswr.org.

109 E Wilshire Avenue Fullerton, 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. Refresh (Emergent Worship Service) Sunday, 7:30 P.M. Youth Groups: Sunday, 1:00 P.M. & Wednesday, 3:30 5:15 P.M.

Serving July 7, 2013

Greeters: Terry & Nancy Knott Guest Book: Mary Brill Coffee Host: Hospitality Ministry Acolyte Parent: McCuen Sound: Video: Lay Leader: Luanne Bailey Childrens Moment: Darrell McGowan Elders: Pam Findley-Flor, Emily Malotte, Amy Styffe Diaconate: Leslies Team Prepare: Diane Daugherty, Sue Harless Ushers: Phil Forbes, Sherry Herrera Serve: Diane Daugherty, Sue Harless, Dena Heathman, Sherry Herrera, Amy & David Styffe Clean Up: Dena Heathman, Amy & David Styffe Alternates: Leslie Beck, Randy Langston

Serving July 14, 2013

Greeter: Dorothy Keech Guest Book: Barbara Fenters Coffee Host: Hospitality Ministry Acolyte Parent: Angulo Sound: Video: Lay Leader: Sammie Adams Childrens Moment: Sherry Herrera Elders: Kathy Robidoux, Joshua Dorrough, Chris Fee (HC) HC Elders: PJ Vannoy, Randy Langston, Emily Malotte Diaconate: Leslies Team Prepare: Leslie Beck, Amy Styffe Ushers: Dena Heathman, Randy Langston Serve: Leslie Beck, Sue Harless, Dena Heathman, Randy Langston, Amy & David Styffe Clean Up: Leslie Beck, Phil Forbes, Sue Harless Alternate: Sherry Herrera 7