April 6, 2014 Issue 14

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CALLER the

In This Issue

Pastor’s Corner 2 Statistics 2 Remember in Prayer 3 Spiritual Disciplines Wk 3 Prayer Requests, March 30 3 Serving in the Military 3 Disciples Women 3 Sr. Book Club 3 Adult Class 4 Summer Camp 4 Mission Trip 4 Crop Walk 4 Fair Trade Coffee 5 Letters 5 Sr. Adult Retreat 5 Easter Offering 6 Campbell’s Labels 6 Prayer Vigil 6 Lent/Easter Activities 7 Serving Sunday 8

Events -Apri l 6, 2014- Apri l 13, 2014 April 6: 8:00 A.M. - REAWAKEN, Early Worship Service 9:00 A.M. – Church History Study, Chapman Lounge Study of John Shelby Spong’s book, Rm. 107 10:15 A.M. - REMEMBER, Traditional Service 1:00 P.M. - Youth Group 1:00 P.M. - Casa de Oración Service, Sanctuary & FH April 7: 7:00 P.M. – Alzheimer’s Support Group, Chapman Lounge 7:00 P.M. – OCCS Meeting, Room 107 April 8: 6:30 P.M. - Bible Study @ Barry’s 7:00 P.M. - Casa use Sanctuary and Chapman Lounge April 9: April 10: Tri-Tip at Downtown Market 3:30 P.M. - Lenten Bible Study, Chapman Lounge April 11: April 12: 9:00 A.M. - Choir Practice 4:00 – 10:00 P.M. – PSWR Youth Event, Sanctuary April 13: Palm Sunday – Choir Cantata 8:00 A.M. - REAWAKEN, Early Worship Service 9:00 A.M. – Church History Study, Chapman Lounge Study of John Shelby Spong’s book, Rm. 107 Choir Practice 10:15 A.M. - REMEMBER, Traditional Service, 1:00 P.M. - Youth Group 1:00 P.M. - Casa de Oración Service, Sanctuary & FH 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. – Al-anon Meeting, Room 107 7:00 P.M. – May Concert Rehearsal April 14: 10:00 A.M. - OAMC Meeting, Chapman Lounge 6:30 P.M. – Old Testament Class @ Woodbridges’ April 15: Noon – Sr. Adult Ministry Meeting, CL 6:30 P.M. - Bible Study @ Barry’s 7:00 P.M. - Casa use Sanctuary and Chapman Lounge AA Groups: Sun. 8:00 P.M., Friday, 7:30 P.M., Sat. 8:30 P.M., NA Group, Tues., 7:30 P.M.

The Caller is published weekly

(Deadline Wednesday at Noon)

by

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

714.525.5525 email:

fullerton1stcc@gmail.com www.fullertonfirstchristian.org

Senior Pastor:

Rev. Darrell McGowan Associate Pastor:

Rev. Debra Todd Editor:

Donna Woodbridge

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Here is the list of blessings our Elders named in relationship to our congregation at our last Prayer and Discernment meeting on Wednesday night. Can you identify other ways in which our congregation is a blessing or name aspects of our congregation we need to

celebrate?

We respect and honor each other's opinion. We create a “family feeling” of closeness with each other. We support each other in times of need. We reach out to the community. We are an affirming congregation where everyone is welcome. We are growing more tolerant of changes we might not like. We are becoming a more studious, biblical church. We are a church who affirms and empowers youth and children. We carry the message outside the walls. We are blessed by people taking on new tasks. We are blessed by a passionate Search committee. We laugh together. We have a great musical program. We have strong ministerial leadership. We live a commitment to support each other. We have excellent Children's Moments in worship. We are fortunate to have Mitch's leadership in relationship to the budget.

This list was generated by our Elders in response to a spur-of-the-moment request I made as I led them in prayer and discernment. I wanted our spiritual leaders and I now invite you to consider the strengths of this congregation. Churches and other organizations must conscientiously build on strengths or they inevitably start focusing on areas of weakness and put too much effort into shoring up those perceived weaknesses. When we focus on the strengths of our church, we’re more likely to recognize where God is at work in our midst and we are better positioned to cooperate with the Spirit in being the Body of Christ to our community. We can deliberately live into God’s purpose for our church. Please take time over the next month to pray with this list, add to it those blessings you recognize, and ask yourself how you, as an individual, and we, as a church, can live more fully into the ways in which God is already shaping us into a faithful Christian community. We are a blessing to our community and God wants us to celebrate all that God is doing through our church and let that celebration pour over onto the lives of those around us!

Sunday Statist ics March 30, 2014 117 (Remember Service) 5 (Reawaken Service) 103 (Casa 5 P.M. service) Weekly Giving: $3,524.53 Missions: $391.62 Budget Goal: $3,979

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Remember in Prayer Continue to pray for: Sue Bacon, Dottie Bense, Harold Brickens, Sandra Brown, Linda Christman, Chris Collett, the family of Matt Davis, Lorna & Skip Farnum, Harold Horn, Anna Lou Horspool, Kevin Johnen, Carolyn Kenrick, Flora Miller, Sue Miller, Jim Piper, Norma Rill, Claudia Tammen, George & Dorothy Tanner, Connie Townsend and family, Anna Van Diest and Bob & Donna Vannoy. Please pray for the following PSWR Church: Primera Iglesia Cristiana de Sun Valle 11311 Saticoy Street Sun Valley, CA 91352 Samuel Ramirez, Pastor

Readings and Prayer Concerns for Week of April 7 – April 13, 2014 Monday, April 7: Matthew 21: 1-5;

pray for the Alzheimer’s Support Group meeting tonight. Tuesday, April 8: Reading: Psalm 118:1-2; pray for the Pathways of Hope Executive Board meeting today. Congregational Prayer Day, April 9: Reading: Matthew 21: 6-9; pray for our walkers and that they will be able to raise lots of money for the upcoming CROP Hunger Walk. Thursday, April 10: Reading: Psalm 118; 19-29; pray for the Tri-Tip volunteers working tonight at the Downtown Market. Friday, April 11: Reading: Isaiah 50: 4-9a; pray for Global Ministries Missionary, Carmen Alvaraz in Venezuela. Saturday, April 12: Reading: Philippians 2: 5-11; pray for the PSWR Youth Event taking place in our Sanctuary. Sunday, April 13: Reading: Matthew 21: 1-11; pray for our Chancel Choir as they present their Easter Cantata at the 10:15 service. Attention Disciples Women Anyone wishing to meet and kick around ideas for a Mother/Daughter event, meet with Amy after worship this Sunday, April 6 in the choir room

Prayer Requests: March 30, 2014 Janice Whittington

Harold Horn has good days and slower days. Thank you for the cards, especially Outreach ministry

Kelly Acquistapace

The Corkins family who just lost their 48 year-old daughter, Lisa

Kim Miller William Jeffrey who has ALS and is not doing well.

Serving in the Mil i tary: Adam Hawley, Deb Taylor’s nephew, is now home from Afghanistan and back at Ft. Bliss with his family. Lt. Cmdr. Patrick O’Conner, Betty Rollo’s grandson-in-law. Lt. Patrick Rollo, Betty Rollo’s grandson. He is back at base in Hanford. PFC Brandon Vannoy, grandson of Bob & Donna Vannoy, is now stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Petty Officer Michael J. Borden, Nancy Geiger’s grandson, who is stationed in Guam for the next year.

Senior Book Club On Thursday, March 27, 2014, at 1 P.M., 12 members of the Senior

Book Club met at the home of Leslie and Tom Beck to discuss “Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt” by Beth Hoffman. For our next book, we will be reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. This is a young adult book about the power of the written word. It takes place in 1939 in Nazi Germany. Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside Munich who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist -- books. This will be our 60th book since the Senior Book Club started reading together in May of 2004. Our discussion of this novel will take place on May 22, 2014, at the home of Sybil Dittberner.

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New Course Begins Today It’s still not too late. Beginning today at 9:00 A.M. in

room 107 through June 8 (no class on May 25) for nine sessions, we will walk through John Shelby Spong’s book Reclaiming the Bible for a Non-Religious World. In this book Spong talks about how many people in the modern world don’t understand how the Bible could be useful to them. We will work through the different theological understandings of the Bible that Spong has, and see how someone as different as Spong can believe differently than many Christians and still be considered to be a part of the church at large. John Shelby "Jack" Spong is a retired American bishop of the Episcopal Church. From 1979 to 2000 he was Bishop of Newark. He is a liberal Christian theologian, religion commentator and author (Wikipedia). Be Ready Mark 13:32-33

Summer Camp is Coming!

With the renovation of Campbell Lodge and the addition of

new trails and outdoor meeting areas, Loch Leven is looking better than ever! Theme for this year is: “Come to the Table of Love.” PSWR Scholarship applications are due on or before April 30. FCCF will pay ! of early bird registration. For forms and more information, see Debra Todd or check with Donna in the office. Here is the schedule: “Wee Camp” (adult/child) – July 10 - 12; early bird registration deadline 6/2 - $200/pair Mini & Special Needs – July 6 – 9; early bird registration deadline 6/2 - $260 Junior – June 29 – July 5; early bird registration deadline 5/26- $355 Chi Rho – July 13 - 19; early bird registration deadline 6/9 - $355 CYF I – July 20 - 26; early bird registration deadline 6/16 - $355 CYF II – July 27 – August 2 early bird registration deadline 6/23 - $355 Save the Date! Campbell Lodge Re-opening, 5/31/14

Crop Walk Set For April 27 The 2014 Fullerton CROP

Hunger Walk will be Sunday, April 27, at 1 P.M. Registration for this begins and ends on the Plaza at Noon. Three-fourths of the funds generated by this annual event in our community will support the work of Church World Service around the world. The remaining fourth will stay in Fullerton to be used by Pathways of Hope in their on-going ministry to both hungry and homeless individuals and families in this area. Pick up a packet from Randy or Phil on Sundays from now to April 27 or from Donna in the office. You may also go online and join the First Christian Church Fullerton Team. Go to www.cws.org, click on find a walk, put in zipcode 92832, click on Fullerton CropWalk, click on participants page, click on First Christian Church and join the team. Then ask your friends and family to donate online. By going through the same process except they click on donate and your name. The Outreach Ministry

Mission Trip To Oklahoma Is Still Open The planned Mission Trip to

help with the rebuilding being done in Moore, OK, site of last year's devastating tornado, is still open for additional volunteer participants. Five persons from our congregation have indicated they plan to be part of this activity that will begin on Sunday, September 28 with travel to Oklahoma City and end on Saturday, October 4 when they will return to California. We have room for at least fifteen people in our group, though we plan to release the unused spaces to another group, or groups, by early July. So, if you'd like to join Barry Woodbridge, Craig Wallace, Ben Stuart, Ed Linberg and Randy Langston on this mission trip, let us know right away. The cost is a $100 registration fee that needs to be submitted by July, plus the air fare to and from OKC, which, based on current fares is likely to be $400.00 to $450.00. We'd like YOU to join us for what will be a great week of being able to do "hands-on" ministry. The Outreach Ministry

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Coffee Lovers, Tea Drinkers, Chocolate

Eaters, Cocoa Sippers, Cookie Bakers!!! Have we got a deal for you!! The Outreach Ministry Team has partnered with Equal Exchange to make available to you fairly traded, organic products that benefit small farmers and small producers in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. That makes for one GREAT cup of coffee, terrific glass of tea, and delicious home made cookies. The Fair Trade and organic teas come from India, Sri Lanka, and South Africa; many blends are available for purchase at the table in the narthex after the 8:00 and 10:15 A.M. services. And for all you chocoholics we have a wide variety of dark and milk chocolate products that combine cacao from farmer co-ops in Latin America, sugar from co-ops in Paraguay, and fairly traded vanilla from Madagascar. We are selling products to benefit these small farmers, so stop by after service for a small nosh of coffee or a piece of chocolate. Check out the catalog and see the tempting delicacies that are available for purchase. Purchasing these products benefits the small farmer, workers, and artisans by raising and stabilizing their incomes and allowing them to be in charge of their own future. By purchasing Fair Trade products, the small-scale farmer earns more and you get a better value for your money. Please consider stopping by our table to have a sample of coffee, look at the catalog, and buy something that could make a huge difference in the lives of so many people. This is an on-going effort on the part of the Outreach Ministry, so we will always have an order form available to you. Supplies are available in the church office if you would like to purchase during the week. Fair

We Get Letters . . . We received these letters in recent weeks in which recipients of

our giving have expressed their gratitude. The full letters will be posted on the bulletin board April 6. March 13, 2014, Dear Friends: This letter comes with the sincere thanks of Global Ministries for your recent gift of $100 in recognition of Jeffrey Mensendiek's visit to your congregation. We appreciate your special giving of important resources to the work of Global Ministries. Jane Sullivan-Davis, Executive for Resource Development, Global Ministries March 14, 2014, Dear Friends: Thank you so very much for your contributions in 2013 totaling $500 to the Chapel on Wheels, Fullerton. Because of your generosity, we have been able to introduce Jesus and the Word of God to about 300 children this year. Many of these children have never gone to church or Sunday School; heard the stories of the Bible, nor have learned about the power of prayer. Your continued support of this program is greatly appreciated. Marian Bartlett, Treasurer, Protestant Board of Weekday Christian Education of Fullerton Senior Adult Retreat The PSW Region Older Adult Ministry Committee is sponsoring a retreat for Sr. Adults on May 21-20 at the Mary and Joseph Retreat Center in Rancho Palos Verdes. Nancy Gordon, Executive Director of the Center for Spirituality and Aging will be presenting two lectures and entertainment on Tuesday evening will be John Towey, an actor, singer and concert pianist who is a member of First Christian Church, North Hollywood. The cost per person is $95, double occupancy, or $115, single occupancy for overnight, three meals and snacks. Commuters may participate for $65 which includes everything but the cost of the overnight stay. Registration forms are on the counter in the Church Office. The deadline to register is May 7. Barbara Fenters, plus Ed and Mariette Linberg will be attending this retreat. Won’t you join them?

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Easter Offering, April 13 and 20 The Annual Easter Offering of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will be received on each of the next two Sundays--April 13 and

April 20. The Easter Offering supports the General Ministries of our denomination. This year's theme is: "Living Waters." It reminds us that through our giving, as well as our living, we have countless opportunities to share the living water Jesus offered to the woman he encountered at the well in Sychar, a town in Samaria, as described in John 4. This special offering, one of six denominational offerings received each year in Disciples' congregations across both the United States and Canada, enables people we do not know, and will likely never meet, to represent us as "the hands, feet and voice of Jesus Christ, our Lord." This occurs through the work done by these ministries of our church. . . . Division of Overseas Ministries/Global Ministries meets a variety of human needs in countries like the Philippines, Mexico, Jamaica, Japan and the Congo, to name just a few places. . . . Disciples' Home Missions provides resources and training experiences for leaders of our churches so they are more effective in carrying out their call to discipleship in the name of Jesus. . . . Disciples' Church Extension Fund/Hope Partnerships helps congregations like ours plan and finance their "sacred space" so it can be effectively used in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. . . . The National Convocation (African-American), the North American Pacific/Asian Disciples (NAPAD) and the Central Pastoral Office for Hispanic Ministries support the distinct and diverse ethnic communities within our church, including Casa de Oración and the Dream Church which share our space with us week in and week out.

The Outreach Ministry has set a goal of $1,500 for our 2014 Easter Offering. Please use the special envelope that will be provided for you to make your gift, or simply write "Easter Offering" on the memo line of your check. With our giving to the Easter Offering on either of the next two Sundays we model the life of Jesus, our Lord, who gave the gift of Living Water that transforms the world. The Outreach Ministry

Reminder to Save Campbell Soup Labels The Disciples Women (Betty Rollo is our coordinator) ask that

you continue to save your Campbell product bar codes from the label on the cans or just bring the whole label and Betty will cut out the bar code and bring them to church and deposit in the RED box on the counter in Donna’s office. These labels are sent to Woodhaven Home for the developmentally disabled in Jefferson City, MO Thanks for your assistance with this worthwhile project. Holy Week Prayer Vigil Our annual Holy Week Prayer Vigil from 8:00 P.M. Maundy Thursday (April 17 until 7:00 P.M. Good Friday (April 18) is soon approaching. You will find the sign-up board in the Narthex. If you have never been a part of this experience, you will be richly blessed by taking one of the ! hour slots (more than one can sign up for a ! hour slot) and pray. You are encouraged to come pray in the Sanctuary if possible. Our sister church, Casa de Oración, will be leading prayer times during the night so you don’t need to be afraid to be in the building alone. If you have a particular time you want, call Donna in the office and she will secure the time for you.

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Lent & Easter Activities:

TODAY: Fifth Sunday in Lent April 10: 3: 30 P.M. Bible Study April 13: Palm Sunday, Easter Week of Prayer begins Easter Offering

Choir Cantata, Palms & Passion Meditations. Our choir director, Mitch Hanlon, created and gathered the songs to tell the Holy Week story from a classical perspective. The choir will sing gorgeous and uplifting portions of the Rutter Requiem and the Vivaldi Gloria as well as several favorite

anthems. There will be several instrumentalists adding to the morning service. Plan to be there and to invite those friends and family that enjoy a lovely musical presentation.

April 17: Maundy Thursday - We will begin our service with a very frugal meal in Chapman Lounge, accompanied by scripture readings of the Passover Jesus' observed with his

disciples. After the meal, we will move into the sanctuary for a brief service of hymns and reflections. The congregation will assist with the traditional act of the "stripping of the alter," leaving it barren in preparation for Good Friday. Prayer Vigil (8:00 P.M. Thursday – 7:00 P.M. Friday) April 18: Good Friday

April 20: Easter Sunday - Easter Offering

Easter Egg Hunt after service Can you believe that Easter is coming just around the corner? In preparation for the Easter Bunny's arrival, we are asking for donations for our children's Easter egg hunt. You don't have to fill them yourself! If you would like to just donate eggs, candy, etc, please bring them to the church by noon on Wednesday for the high school youth to help fill the eggs for you. If you don't mind filling the eggs (or buying them pre-filled) feel free to bring Easter eggs on Easter morning

Easter Lilies It’s time to order Easter Lilies. They are $8.50 per lily Make checks payable to FCC

with Easter Lilies in the memo line. Name of Donor ____________________________________________________No. of Lilies ______ In Memory or honor of _______________________________________

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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. Youth Groups: Sunday, 1:00 P.M. & Wednesday, 3:30 – 5:15 P.M.

Serving Apri l 6, 2014 Greeter: Tim Acquistapace Guest Book: Ada Rodman Coffee Host: Hospitality Ministry Acolyte Parent: Acquistapace Sound: Video: Clare Keech Lay Leader: Bob Hasty

Children’s Moment: Lorena Garcia Elders: Dwain Van Diest, Kathy Robidoux, Penny Fonches Diaconate: Leslie’s Team

Prepare: David Styffe, Nancy Geiger Ushers: Sue Harless, Phil Forbes Serve: Leslie Beck, Sue Harless, Randy

Langston, Lisa Parks, Amy & David Styffe Clean Up: Phil Forbes, Randy Langston, Lisa

Parks Alternate: Leslie Beck

Serving Apri l 13, 2014 Greeter: Mariette Linberg Guest Book: Sherry Herrera Coffee Host: Hospitality Ministry Acolyte Parent: McCuen Sound: Video: Clare Keech Lay Leader: Nancy Malotte

Children’s Moment: Janelle Vannoy Elders: PJ Vannoy, Craig Wallace, Deb Taylor (HC) Diaconate: Leslie’s Team

Prepare: Nancy Geiger, Sue Harless Ushers: Phil Forbes, Sherry Herrera Serve: Leslie Beck, Sue Harless, Sherry

Herrera, Randy Langston, Lisa Parks, David Styffe

Clean Up: Leslie Beck, Phil Forbes, Amy Styffe

Alternate: Leslie Beck