the

June 2, 2013

CALLER
Issue 22

In This Issue
Pastors Corner Statistics Remember in Prayer Spiritual Disciplines Wk Prayer Requests, May 26 Serving in the Military Hot Meal Ministry Womens events Summer Camp PSWR Play/Save Dates Graduates MMC Concert Sr. Events Letters Mission Trip? Clean Up Buckets PSWR Meeting Week of Compassion Serving Sunday 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 7 7 8

Events June 2, 2013 June 9, 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

June 2: 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 11:30 A.M. - DW/CWF Meeting, Chapman Lounge 5:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. Casa de Oracin Service, Sanctuary & FH 7:30 P.M. - REFRESH, Emergent Service June 3: Debra on vacation through June 8 7:00 P.M. - Alzheimers Support Group, Chapman Lounge June 4: 11:30 A.M. - Mary Circle Potluck, Chapman Lounge 6:30 P.M. - Mens Bible Study at Barry Woodbridges 7:00 P.M. - Meeting with Susan Gonzales-Dewey to discuss new Regional Ministry Program 7:00 P.M. - Casa de Oracin uses Sanctuary, Chapman Lounge and childrens classrooms June 5: 5:30 P.M. - Hot Meal Ministry, Team A 7:00 P.M. - Becoming a Global Missions Church meeting, CL June 6: Tri-Tip at Downtown Market 6:30 P.M. - Bell Choir; 7:30 P.M. Choir June 7: 6:00 P.M. - Fullerton Art Walk, Narthex June 8: 8:30 A.M. - Greek Class @ Woodbridges June 9: 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, Youth Sunday 5:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. Casa de Oracin Service, Sanctuary & FH 7:30 P.M. - REFRESH, Emergent Service June 10: 7:00 A.M. - 9:30 P.M. - Chapel on Wheels Fundraiser @ Pollys June 11: 9:00 A.M. - Pathways of Hope Executive Committee 6:30 P.M. - Mens Bible Study at Barry Woodbridges 7:00 P.M. - Casa de Oracin uses Sanctuary, Chapman Lounge and childrens classrooms 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

The following excerpt is from an article written by Gordon Lynch, the Michael Ramsey professor of modern theology at the University of Kent. I think it could easily have been written by any number of great Disciples writers, since it addresses our denominations uneasiness with creeds and casts a vision for post-creedal Christianity. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Is there an alternative to creedal Christianity? Is there another way of imagining religious faith that would be an alternative to seeing faith as fundamentally an act of assenting to certain religious doctrines? I would like briefly now to try to dream about what that alternative might look like. First of all, I believe that a post-creedal Christianity is fundamentally mystical in character. At the heart of this form of faith is an awareness that we live in the presence of mystery and truth and that we have been invited to take part in a reality that extends beyond our individual lives. This mystical awareness might also extend to a profound sense that our existence is lived in a wider context of love and grace. An intrinsic part of this mystical awareness, however, is the sheer inexpressibility of these truths. In theological terms, this has been referred to as the apophatic tradition of Christian mysticism, or the via negativa; the belief that God ultimately lies beyond any formulas or doctrines, hidden in a cloud of unknowing which can only be pierced by the darts of love. In addition to this mystical awareness, the post-creedal Christianity I am dreaming about is one that is committed to the pursuit of well being, healing and meaning in this life. It is characterized by its desire to be effect transformation in the world. Now one of the most astonishing revisions of the gospel narratives in the history of the Church is the shift from the proclamation of the arrival of the Kingdom of God by Jesus of Nazareth to the notion that Christianity is fundamentally about adhering to a correct set of doctrines. Jesus understood his mission as being one of being a witness to the reign of God that he saw breaking into the world. And when Jesus saw signs of this reign taking shape here on earth, he saw it in particular moments of transformation. Yet the gradual institutionalization of the movement that Jesus set in progress has seen His emphasis on transformation in this world sometimes forgotten at the expense of that institutions desire for people to assent to its own particular way of thinking about the world. The kind of post-creedal Christianity that excites me, then, is one that maintains a mystical humility in the face of any attempt to make claims about God and the nature of our existence, recognizing the ultimate inexpressibility of these truths. Yet it would also recognize the value of the poetic in attempting to express the meaning of our lives, as well as disciplines such as contemplative prayer and meditation, which seek to draw us into the silence at the heart of God. As well as being a mystical movement, this form of Christianity would also take seriously life in this world, in all its beauty, horror, joy, sadness and irreducible complexity. Such a movement would seek to be transformative, reflecting on how healing, authenticity and well-being can be promoted in the world, celebrating whenever and wherever such transformation takes place, and sitting beside those who long for it but cannot yet experience it. Such a movement would find much common ground with artists, filmmakers, musicians and writers who seek through their work to explore what helps or hinders human wholeness, and who attempt to give us a greater vision of what authentic human existence means at our point in history. Furthermore such a movement would offer a far more promising bridge to those spiritual seekers who are not interested in following the dictates of religious authorities, but who retain a profound sense of the mystery of our existence and the need for transformation in their own lives and in the world more generally.

Sunday Statistics
May 26 13 73 (Remember Service) 4 (Reawaken Service) 10 (Refresh Service) Weekly Giving: $1,748.70 Mission: $194.30 Budget Goal: $3,881 CWS (Oklahoma): $75 Downtown Market: $1097 (5/30) WOC (Oklahoma): $220 2

Remember in Prayer
Continue to pray for: the family of Donna Bagley, Dottie Bense, Harold Brickens, Mary Brill, Betty Ruth Buchanan, Linda Christman, Chris Collett, Dean Echols, Lorna & Skip Farnum, Anna Lou Horspool, Kevin & Linda Johnen, Carolyn Kenrick, Lowenn Land, Mariette Linberg, Flora Miller, Sue Miller, Denise Olson and family, Jim Piper, John & Marj Schwenker, Julie Stuart, Claudia Tammen, Dorothy Tanner, Jack Townsend, Gil Tucker and family, and Bob Vannoy. Please pray for the following church in the Pacific Southwest Region: Mission Hills Christian Church 14941 Devonshire Street Mission Hills, CA 91345 Kenneth Keene, Pastor

Prayer Requests: May 26, 2013

Anonymous Richmond Family

Sammie Adams

The people of Moore, OK Fast healing for Reid Richmond, who broke his ankle. Continued prayers for Jim, the brother of our daughterin-law, Julie, who has leukemia. He is experiencing complications from the chemo treatments

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 for approximately 6 months deployment. Lt. Patrick Rollo, Betty Rollos grandson. He is back at his home base. Joshua Reynolds, Jane Reynolds son. He is at Ft. Riley, KS dealing with PTSD and will be returning to Afghanistan soon. PFC Brandon Vannoy reported to Fort Jackson, South Carolina for his basic training in the Army on April 1, 2013. 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 June 3 June 9, 2013

Monday, June 3: Reading: 1 Kings 17: 811; pray for our Associate Pastor, Debra Todd as she begins her vacation today. Tuesday, June 4: Reading: 1 Kings 17: 12-16; pray for the Regional Meeting taking place in our church this evening. Congregational Prayer Day, Wednesday, June 5: Reading: 1 Kings 17: 17-24; pray for our Hot Meal Ministry Team A serving the hungry tonight. Thursday, June 6: Reading: Psalm 146; pray for Mitch Hanlon and our great musicians who work diligently to provide us with great music each week. Friday, June 7: Reading: 1:11-24; pray for Global Ministries Missionary in Hong Kong, Judy Chan. Saturday, June 8: Reading: Luke 7: 11-14; pray for the Greek class as they begin their studies after a 7 week hiatus due to All-Church Prayer Study. Sunday, June 9: Reading: Luke 7: 15-17; pray for the Youth as they present the Worship Service today and to all the graduates whom we honor this day.

Hot Meals Ministry

Team A will be on tap to help out with our Hot Meals Ministry this Wednesday, June 5. Team Members should be there at 5:30 P.M. Please find a substitute if you are unable to make it. Team A is comprised of: Carrie Coffaro, Barbara & Gordon Fenters, Phil Forbes, Joe & Judy Seda-Ruiz (set-up), Mike Silva, Judi Smedley and Susie Wright. Alternates include Rod Farley and Annie Frater

Looking for Graduates

We are putting together a list of junior high, high school and college graduates to be announced in our June 9 issue of the Caller and honored in our 10:15 A.M. service that day. If you would like to be included or have a loved one youd like to include, call Donna at 714-525-5525 or send an email to fullerton1stcc@gmail.com by May 31. Please remember to include the persons full name, the name of the school from which they are graduating, the degree they earned (if a college graduate) and plans for the future.

Last Call For Concert Tickets

If you'd like to attend the final concert of Mountainside Master Chorale's 2012-2013 season on June 9 at 3:30 P.M. in Claremont, be sure to let Ed Linberg know of your interest. Tickets purchased through him no later than this Sunday, June 2, will cost just $12--the group rate. At the door, they will be $15 for seniors and students or $18 for Adults. This concert will feature compositions and arrangements created by American artists, including some well-known spirituals and the ever popular, "Shenandoah."

Summer Camp is Coming!

For forms and more information, see Debra Todd or check with Donna in the office. Mini Camp - 7/7 7/10 $260 before June 7 (2nd & 3rd grade in fall 2013) Junior Camp 6/23 6/29 (4th 6th grade in fall 2013) Chi Rho Camp 6/30 - 7/6 (7th - 8th grade in fall 2013) CYF I Camp 7/21 -7/27 $355 before June 21 (9th 10th grade in fall 2013) CYFII Camp 7/28 8/3 $355 before June 28 (11th 12th in fall 2013 and 2013 graduates) Costs after Early Bird deadline are: $285 for Mini Camp, and $380 for all the other camps.

Play written by one of our own PSWR Reps.

"The Stone", a play written and directed by Young Lan Kim (PSWR Ministry Team Representative for NAPAD) will be touring the Pacific Southwest Region in May and June. The play is centered on the theme of "Covenant" and tells stories of immigrants who came to this country with the promise of God. The tour of this production across the PSWR is funded in part by a PSWR Vision Fund Grant. The closest one to us is next Saturday, June 8 at 7:00 P.M. at First Christian Church, Whittier. Anyone want to make it a group event and go together? Call Donna in the church office if you are interested. Don't miss out on this creative and meaningful performance!

Calling All Women of FCCF

TODAY(June 2) is the general meeting of the DW/CWF immediately after the 10:15 a.m. service in Chapman Lounge. We will be electing officers, adopting a budget and disbursing funds for charities. Come and be a part of the Womens fellowship and maybe even make a new friend.

Save the Dates:

Pollys FL July 13 17; General Assembly, Orland , August 23 25; Homecoming Weekend June 10; Chapel on Wheels Fundraiser at

Mary Circle
Mary Circle is meeting on Tuesday, June 4, at 11:30 a.m. in Chapman Lounge for their annual salad luncheon. Connie and Phyllis are hostesses and Connie has devotions. Bring paper towels for Pathways of Hope.

The Senior Book Club

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Reves, and it is only open at night. The Senior Book Club has chosen The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern for our next book. We will discuss it on Thursday, July 18, at Jan Farleys home. Join us for a fun discussion of a fun read.

We Get Letters . . .
Saundra Bryant, Executive Director of All Peoples Community Center, located on East 20th Street in Los Angeles, sends this letter of thanks: "On behalf of All Peoples Community Center staff, volunteers and program participants, I would like to thank you for your generous contribution and support. It is such a wonderful feeling to know that there are people like you that care about our community. Through your donations, we are providing services and programs that enable our community to grow and gain selfconfidence in themselves." Saundra's full letter is posted on the bulletin board. You are encouraged to read it at your convenience. Our gift, sent in during April, amounted to $187.50.

Senior Adults Met Tues May 21, 2013

The Senior Adult Ministry Group met this past Tues, May 21. There were 18 people present for lunch and the presentation by our guest Connie Kama, a representative from Southern California Edison. Connie is the sister of Jack Doughty and she shared with us about how to be more energy efficient both to help with the cost of our energy and ways to leave a smaller carbon footprint in our fragile environment. She left brochures for us regarding the CARE program that can reduce rates for households and also information on the new light bulbs. It was good to have Jack present to introduce his sister. Next month we will meet on Tues., June 18 at 12 noon. Our guest that day will be Taylor Fee, granddaughter of Ted and Sammie Adams. Taylor grew up in our church and is currently finishing her Masters Degree in International Studies at the University of San Diego. This past year Taylor had the opportunity to travel to several Eastern European countries in conjunction with her studies. She and the other students who traveled with her had quite an adventure. Having heard some of them I know you will enjoy hearing them too. Please plan to join us.

Mission Trip To Joplin -- Yes? No? Maybe?

One adult and two youth expressed interest in the possibility of being part of a group who might go to Joplin, Missouri in either late September or early October to be part of the Joplin Long Term Recovery Committee's work to Rebuild Joplin. The focus of this work will be on home repair, rebuilding and new construction, but may also include community renewal projects such as replanting of trees and other meaningful work in support of partner agencies whose services were impacted by the tornado that struck Joplin two years ago. We Disciples are among the first involved when disasters strike through the Week of Compassion. For the last ten years, or more, Disciples' volunteers have hung around a long-time after the initial responders to disasters left to help with the long-term rebuilding of communities impacted by such disasters. This has happened in New Orleans and St. Charles, Louisiana, in Greensburg, Kansas and Tuscaloosa, Alabama, as well as Joplin. If this interests you, please speak to me about your interest. I'd love to see us be part of one work-team in Joplin this fall. Ed Linberg, Chair Outreach Ministry 5

Progress Report--Emergency Clean-Up Buckets

Our current mission project-creating Emergency Clean-up Buckets for distribution by Church World Service following disasters that strike our nation--got off to a great start. Here are the essential details after Week #1 1. Phil Forbes, Project Coordinator, asked Mike Olson, Manager of ACE Hardware in Fullerton, to donate 10 buckets for us to fill. He agreed to do so enthusiastically. Those buckets were on display in the narthex last Sunday. 2. Phil then made arrangements with him for our members, either individually or in partnership with others, to purchase the items needed to fill the buckets at the discounted price of $53.28 for the 14 items needed for each bucket. Checks should be made out to First Christian Church of Fullerton. That way when Phil picks up the orders from Ace Hardware, Mike will present himwith an invoice made out to FCCF. He will give the invoice to Donna along with the checks he has collected when he bring the pails to Church. She can then have one check made out to Ace Hardware. 3. This past Sunday, Phil had a bucket filled with the needed items, which he purchased so everyone could see what a completed bucket looks like. 4. After worship, he received 7 orders from members of our congregation for the items needed to fill 7 buckets. He has contacted Mike Olson and made arrangements to pick up these complete orders by next Sunday, June 2nd. If you'd like to get involved in this project, which is off to a great beginning thanks to the generosity of Mike Olson and Phil's work prior to May 26, talk to Phil about this next Sunday. There are three ways to participate in this bucket brigade; you may purchase some of the items on your own and bring them in you may partner with others to purchase the full list of items needed to fill a bucket. you may pay the full cost for all of the items for one bucket. Whatever you plan to do over the coming weeks, now through June 30 when this project will be wrapped up, be sure to keep in touch with Phil. One additional word - some may assume that these buckets will be distributed to victims of the tornado that hit Moore, OK recently. In all

likelihood, the Emergency Clean-Up Buckets that will be used in Oklahoma will come from the supply of buckets that Church World Service had on hand at the time of that disaster. However, our project will help CWS replenish its stock of Emergency Clean-Up Buckets for use when the next disaster strikes our nation. Since disasters occur somewhere in our country almost every month, there is a continuing need for CWS to have an ample supply these buckets on hand at all times. Whenever and wherever "our buckets" get used they will make a difference. If you want to make a faster response to the victims in Moore, Oklahoma, make a gift to our church, in any amount, and designate it for Week of Compassion. Funds from WOC are already at work in Oklahoma, maybe even some of the dollars we gave as part of our 2013 Week of Compassion Offering three months ago. List of items that are to go into each of the Emergency Cleanup Buckets: Must be new items. Bring and deposit in the appropriate bucket any of the next five Sundays! All liquids must be in NEW, UNOPENED plastic bottles. 1. Five scouring pads 2. Seven sponges, assorted sizes 3. One scrub brush 4. Eighteen cleaning towels (reusable like Easy Wipes) 5. One 50 oz. bottle of liquid laundry detergent (like Tide) 6. One 12 oz. bottle of liquid concentrated household cleaner (like Lysol) 7. One 25 oz bottle of liquid disinfectant dish soap (like Dawn) 8. One package of 48-50 clothespins 9. Clothesline, two 50 ft., or one 100 ft. 10. Five dust masks 11. Two pairs of latex gloves (like Playtex) 12. One pair of work gloves 13. 28 bag roll of heavy-duty trash bags (30 to 45 gallon size) 14. One 6-9 oz. bottle of insect repellent (pump, drops or lotion, NOT aerosol.)

PSWR Exploration Meeting, June 4

When Meagan graduated from college, she looked around at what she might do with the rest of her life: She wanted a life of purpose that both enriched and tapped the budding call she was feeling about living a life of service that intersected her faith. Did that mean seminary, ministry, or something she hadnt even considered? Then she heard about a church-sponsored, young adult, service-year opportunity. The yearlong program emphasized living in intentional community with other young adults, who followed spiritual practices together including reflection on what God might be calling them to do and be. They worked as volunteers in the community where the communal house was located, in social service agencies that matched their interests and skills to the needs of the community. I just asked, Where do I sign up! she said. While programs like this exist in a couple dozen denominations and faith groups, such an offering is not available for young adults in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) -- at least, not yet. If being involved in planning such a program here in Southern California appeals to you, please come to an information meeting here at FCCF on Tuesday, June 4, 7:00 P.M.

Transfer of Possessions
Check this column each week to see what is new. Available: Ultimate Sweater manual knitting machine, its table, instruction CD, pattern book, accessories. It has never been used, and is in its original box. $125.00 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 Good used violin Piano Bench

The dust is still settling in Oklahoma. Massive tornados struck several communities, large and small, on May 19th and 20th, and the damage has been devastating. Through your partnership with Week of Compassion, you have been there. Your generosity has already provided support to families who have been displaced, provided cleanup and other supplies to folks whose neighborhoods have been destroyed, and is bolstering the formation of long term recovery groups across the area. This week, staff from Week of Compassion joined Disciples Volunteering, the Disaster Ministry of the United Church of Christ, General Minister and President Sharon Watkins, Transitional Regional Minister Dean Phelps, and UCC Conference Minister Edith Guffey in Oklahoma City. Together we have been on the ground checking in with those affected, identifying potential partners and resources, and imagining along with the community what recovery and a post-tornado "new normal" might look like. Along with touring the damage, the delegation was able to meet with a group of 65 pastors and church leaders from Oklahoma Disciples churches, a group of interfaith leaders convened by local UCC pastors, representatives from FEMA, and visit with the pastoral staff of First Christian Church, Moore, which--though not damaged by the storm--has been at the forefront of caring for the community, providing care and resources to those affected. As Josh Baird, director of Disciples Volunteering, noted, "From the stories that were shared and the things that we witnessed, it is clear that folks do not need bottled water (cases are dropped on the sidewalk for passersby on nearly every block in some communities), nor are they ready for 'spontaneous volunteers' (one affected community of 650 people had 1,000 folks show up to help last Sunday alone). They do need prayers, financial gifts, and patient partnering as they look toward a recovery that will last several years." Conversation after conversation was marked by an infectious hope. "Just you watch," one pastor reflected. "We're going to recover." It will take prayers, resources, coordination, the work of many volunteers, and right now, patience and time for these communities to recover. With the support of so many who want to put their Compassion into Action, we will be able to do more than just watch. We will be able to bring healing and hope over the long haul.

First Christian Church 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) 7:30 P.M. Youth Groups: Sunday, 1:00 P.M. & Wednesday, 3:30 5:15 P.M.

Serving June 2, 2013

Greeter: Phil Forbes Guest Book: Edee Stanhke Coffee Host: Hospitality Ministry Acolyte Parent: Acquistapace Sound: Alyssa Robidoux Video: Clare Keech Lay Leader: Chris Fee Childrens Moment: Pat Van Vliet Elders: Janelle Vannoy, Tim Acquistapace, Pam Findley-Flor Diaconate: Pauls Team Prepare: Jan & Rod Farley Ushers: Alyssa & Paul Robidoux Serve: Luanne Bailey, Rod Farley, Linda Johnen, Nancy Malotte, Alyssa & Paul Robidoux Clean Up: Cam & Nancy Malotte, Bev Reinke Alternates: Anna & Dwain Van Diest

Serving June 9, 2013

Greeter: John & Cyndi Cairns Guest Book: Mary Ann Richmond Coffee Host: Hospitality Ministry Acolyte Parent: McCuen Sound: Clare Keech Video: PJ Vannoy Lay Leader: Youth Childrens Moment: Youth Elders: Joshua Dorrough, Chris Fee, PJ Vannoy (HC) HC Elders: PJ Vannoy, Randy Langston, Emily Malotte Diaconate: Pauls Team Prepare: Jan Farley, Bev Reinke Ushers: Youth Serve: Youth Clean Up: Paul Robidoux, Dwain Van Diest, Luanne Bailey Alternates: Paul Robidoux, Janelle Vannoy 8