May 11, 2014 Issue 19

1

CALLER the

In This Issue

Pastor’s Corner/Statistics 2 Remember in Prayer 3 Spiritual Disciplines Wk 3 Prayer Requests, May 4 3 Serving in the Military 3 Save the Dates 3 Photographers needed 4 Summer Camp/Thank yous 4 Young Adult Camp 4 Fair Trade Coffee 4 Harold Horn Service 4 Love Fullerton Project 5 Adult Class 5 MMC 5 Graduates 5 Pathways Project 6 Chapel on Wheels Fundraiser 7 “Eustress” 7 Serving Sunday 8

Events –May 11, 2014- May 18, 2014 May 11: Mother’s Day 8:00 A.M. - REAWAKEN, Early Worship Service 9:00 A.M. – Adult Sunday Study, Chapman Lounge Study of John Shelby Spong’s book, Rm. 107 10:15 A.M. - REMEMBER, Traditional Service 1:00 P.M. - Casa de Oración Service, Sanctuary & FH May 12: 7:30 A.M. - 9:00 P.M. – Chapel on Wheels Fundraiser @ Polly’s 6:30 P.M. - Old Testament class @ Donna’s May 13: 9:00 A.M. - Pathways of Hope Executive Committee, CL 6:30 P.M. - Bible Study @ Barry’s 7:00 P.M. - Casa use Sanctuary and Chapman Lounge May 14: May 15: Tri-Tip at Downtown Market 4:00 – 8:30 p.m. 1:30 P.M.– PoH Meeting, Chapman Lounge 6:30 P.M. - Bell Choir rehearsal 7:30 P.M. - Chancel Choir rehearsal May 16: 10:00 A.M. - Speakers League, Room 107 May 17: 9:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. - Love Fullerton Event 3:00 P.M. – Harold Horn’s Memorial Service May 18: Home Communion 8:00 A.M. - REAWAKEN, Early Worship Service 9:00 A.M. - Adult Sunday School Class, Chapman Lounge Study of John Shelby Spong’s book, Rm. 107 10:15 A.M. - REMEMBER, Traditional Service 1:00 P.M. - Casa de Oración Service, Sanctuary & FH May 19: 6:30 P.M. – Old Testament class @ Donna’s May 20: PSWR Sr. Adult Retreat, Mary & Joseph Retreat Center 7:00 P.M. - Casa use Sanctuary and Chapman Lounge May 21: 6:00 P.M. - Global Ministries Task Force 7:00 P.M. - Outreach, Worship, Stewardship Ministry Team Meetings 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

2

The power of the mind to fashion our reality is far greater than most of us ever acknowledge. We can live through each day honestly believing that there is little or no

difference between perception and reality. Such a belief is far from the truth. We need only reflect upon our perception of our childhood and compare it with the perceptions of our siblings. Though we grew up in the same house and experienced many of the same events, our recollections of those events and our perception of that period of our lives is often so different that we can find no common ground in describing our shared childhood. Any two witnesses questioned about events they experienced simultaneously will share stories with details unique to the perception of the storyteller. We cannot prevent our experience, frame-of-mind, and fundamental make up from coloring our perception of every experience we have. Even so, we still have a choice as to the perception we will bring to bear on the events we encounter. Our choice has to do with our beliefs. Many of the filters through which we perceive reality are beneath our conscious awareness, but most (if not all) of them are shaped by our beliefs. If we believe that most people are trustworthy, we will have a tendency to trust people, and consequently we will see the world as a safer place. If we believe in God, we will have a tendency to look for underlying meaning in every event. If we believe in Jesus Christ, we proclaim that this is a redeemed world, where God has overcome evil, where nothing has the power to remove us from the love of God, not even death itself. Since our beliefs have such great power to shape our reality, it is important that we re-examine our beliefs on a regular basis and reinforce those beliefs that bring us life. It is not enough to say we believe something. The beliefs we have truly embraced will always shape our behavior. When we want to recognize what we really believe, we just need to pay attention to how we act. Do we really believe that God is love? Do we really believe that God has redeemed this world? Do we really believe that we come from God, God lives in us, and we return to God when our bodies can no longer support our spirits? How do these beliefs shape our experience? If we are living a life that is dominated by fear, resentment, anger, frustration, bitterness, remorse, jealousy, envy, or cynicism we need to re-examine our beliefs. If our life has not brought the peace that passes all understanding, we need to re-examine our beliefs. If we have yet to know happiness, we need to re-examine our beliefs. There are people in this world whose experiences have been far more painful than anything we have ever known, and they know peace, they know love, and they know happiness. Their beliefs lay a foundation for perceiving God’s love in every circumstance, for forming life-giving relationships with the people they meet, and participating in the coming of the Kingdom of God. This week, choose to believe that God has a purpose for your life. Choose to believe that every person who crosses your path can teach you something. Choose to believe that you have every resource you need to live into your divine purpose. Let your beliefs open your eyes, open your ears, and open your heart. See the reality God would have you see. It’s as simple as carefully choosing what you believe! Sunday Statist ics May 4, 2014 115 (Remember Service) 9 (Reawaken Service) 87 (Casa 5 P.M. service) Weekly Giving: $5,637.60 Missions: $626.40 PoH Second Step: $170 Week of Compassion: $90 Budget Goal: $3,979 Farmer’s Market: $978

3

Remember in Prayer Continue to pray for: Sue Bacon, Dottie Bense, Harold Brickens, Sandra Brown, Linda Christman, Chris Collett, Lorna & Skip Farnum, the family of Harold Horn, Anna Lou Horspool, Carolyn Kenrick, Flora Miller, Sue Miller, Norma Rill, Claudia Tammen, Dorothy Tanner, Connie Townsend and family, Anna Van Diest and Bob & Donna Vannoy. Please pray for the following PSWR Church: Iglesia del Valle 6565 Vesper Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91411 Ernesto Ramirez, Pastor

Readings and Prayer Concerns for Week of May 12 – 18, 2014 Monday, May 12: Reading: John 14: 1-8; pray for the Chapel on

Wheels Fundraiser taking place at Polly’s today. Tuesday, May 13: Reading: Psalm 31: 1-5; pray for the Pathways of Hope Executive Board meeting today. Congregational Prayer Day, May 14: Reading: 1 Peter 2:2-10; pray for Global Ministries Missionaries, Scott and Rebecca Hardin-Nieri. Thursday, May 15: Reading: Acts 7: 55-60; pray for Pathways of Hope Faith Committee meeting today at 1:30 p.m. in CL. Friday, May 16: Reading: John 14: 6-14; pray for the Love Fullerton event taking place tomorrow. Saturday, May 17: Reading: Psalm 31: 15-16 pray for Harold Horn’s family as we hold a memorial service to celebrate Harold’s life. Sunday, May 18: Reading: John 14; 1-14; pray for Josh Perry our intern who will be bringing the message at the 10:15 service.

Prayer Requests: May 4, 2014 Ed & Mariette Linberg

Jan & Jim Riley whose son Jeff, age 55, died of a heart attack this past week.

Lona Anderson For her children whose Father passed away last week. (Lona’s ex- husband)

Annie Frater Dieter & Dian Steimann who are going through Chemo this week.

Ted & Sammie Granddaughter Piper Adams and Paul Hightower who will be married next Sat. May 10

Sherry Herrera For Karlo Campana who lost his father this week and pray that his mother will be able to join him soon so they can have his funeral.

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.

Save the Date! The congregation will be

celebrating Darrell's ministry on Sunday, June 29, immediately following the worship service. More information will be coming as plans are finalized. If you would like to serve on the committee helping with the celebration, please contact me. Deb Taylor Save the Date! Campbell Lodge Grand Re-opening Celebration at Loch Leven, May 31, 2014.

4

Calling all Photographers! The Stewardship Ministry Team

needs candid photos of the congregation for our Stewardship emphasis this year. If you have any pictures taken at recent events (picnic, baptism, tri-tip, etc.) Please email them to amystyffe@yahoo.com. between now and June. Be on the lookout for photo ops in the weeks ahead. Thanks Thank You I would like to thank Donna Woodbridge, Christina Martinez, Leandra Spontak, and everyone who helped make the Mother/Daughter Tea such a fun and enjoyable afternoon. There were tasty sandwiches, fruit skewers & fancy baked goods to go with our (iced) tea. (Who knew it would be such a hot day?) Several of our women shared with us their special teapots and teacups. The dress-up props for the photo booth were enjoyed by all, especially the little girls. A special shout out to David Styffe for capturing all the fun with his camera. Be sure to check out the slideshow on Mother's Day.

Summer Camp is Coming! Loch Leven is looking better than ever! Theme for this year is:

“Come to the Table of Love.” FCCF will pay ½ 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 YOUNG ADULT CAMP MAY 30 - JUNE

1 Join young adults of the

Region at Loch Leven May 30-June 1 for the first ever young adult camp. Young adults ages 18-35 are invited, cost is $100 and covers all lodging and food. Contact the PSWR office for more info 626-296-0385. Pick up application and mail it to the regional office, along with a check made payable to the "Christian Church PSWR" Coffee Lovers, Tea Drinkers, Chocolate Eaters, Cocoa Sippers, Cookie Bakers!!! Look for our table outside next to the Coffee Cart. 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. By choosing Fair Trade coffees, chocolates and organic teas you benefit the small farmer, workers, and artisans by raising and stabilizing their incomes and allowing them to be in charge of their own future. Also, purchasing fairly traded products through the Disciples of Christ Coffee Project, you are directly supporting the Disciples Home Missions (DMF) and Week of Compassion. Supplies are available in the church office if you would like to purchase during the week.

Harold Horn Memorial Service Everyone is invited to a

celebration of the life of Harold Horn, the oldest member of our church, who passed away on April 17. The service will be held on Saturday, May 17 at 3:00 P.M. in the sanctuary with a reception to follow in Fellowship Hall. Donations may be made to the “Living Plant Memorial Fund. ” Checks should be made out to First Christian Church with “Living Plant fund in the memo line. You are invited to dress Hawaiian style.

5

Love Fullerton Project Serve Day 5/17 The first annual citywide

serve day called Love Fullerton happens next Saturday, May 17. The mission of this project is to demonstrate kindness, meet needs and impact lives together. We are planning for 2,000 volunteers serving at 50+ different work projects. Along the way we’ll paint benches, teach life skills to at risk youth and spruce up some neighborhoods. The day begins with opening festivities at 8 A.M. – which includes free food and vendors – followed by a rally at 9 A.M. on the plaza. After the brief rally, volunteers will connect with project leaders for final instructions and head off to work by 9:30A.M. At 1 P.M. everyone will gather back together at Hillcrest Park and enjoy lunch together (compliments of Jack Franklyn of Heroes). Go to http://loverourcitiesprojects.com/projects/ fullerton and check out the list or look on the bulletin board over the water fountain. We hope this will be a catalyst for the other 364 days of the year. Thanks for your support . Donna Woodbridge

A New Course Being Chosen The Parlor Class which meets in Chapman Lounge at 9 A.M. Sunday mornings continuing a tradition of study that goes back some 25 years, or more, is considering what course it will study next now that it has completed a 13-session course on Church History. The group will discuss several options for its next topic this coming Sunday and plans to make a decision about this matter no later than Sunday, May 18, as the first session of the new course will begin on Sunday, June 1. For the next three Sundays, including May 11, they are going to be discussing the Lectionary Texts appointed for each of these Sundays. On May 11, those texts are: Acts 2:42-27 (Darrell's sermon text); Psalm 23; 1 Peter 2:19-25 and John 10:1-10. On May 18, the texts are these: Acts 7:55-60; Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16; 1 Peter 2:2-10 and John 14:1-14. On May 25, the

texts are these: Acts 17:22-31; Psalm 66:3-20; 1 Peter 3:13-22 and John 14:15-21. Each member of the group is asked to read these texts in advance. We'll quickly decide which one to discuss first and go from there with the hope that each of the four texts will be considered over the course of the hour we meet each Sunday. Ed Linberg will facilitate our discussion. If you'd like to join us, you will be most welcome. The Parlor Class "Elijah" To Be Presented The Mountainside Master Chorale will present "Elijah," Felix Mendelssohn's great oratorio for its final concert of its 20th season. There will be two performances. On Saturday, June 7, the work will be presented at Luckman Auditorium on the campus of Cal State L.A. at 7:30 P.M. Complimentary tickets will be available for the Saturday night performance, On Sunday, June 8, the second performance will be at the Pilgrim Congregational Church on S. Garey in Pomona, about a mile south of the 10 freeway. It will begin at 3:30 P.M. Tickets for the Sunday performance will cost $20 for Adults and $17 for Seniors and Students. "Elijah" will be performed with a 40- piece orchestra and the combined voices of the Mountainside Master Chorale and the Chamber Singers of Cal State L.A. Dr. Sebastien Vallee will conduct both performances which will feature four soloists. If you want tickets to either concert, speak to Ed Linberg.

Looking for Graduates We are putting together a list of junior high, high school and college graduates to be announced in our

June 15 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 you’d like to include, call Donna at 714-525-5525 or send an email to fullerton1stcc@gmail.com by June 11. Please remember to include the person’s 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.

6

Pathways of Hope – Second Step Program – Soon to be Renamed. We will be collecting donations for the Pathways of Hope Second Step Program. The eight new apartments in Fullerton which will house families from Pathways New Vista Program which offers transitional housing for employable adults with dependent children are nearing completion. Guests are offered food and housing and work side by side with their case managers to set goals. Support includes life skills class, budgeting, computer lab, career development, job search assistance, childcare assistance and counseling. Guests are expected to obtain a full-time job within 30 days of entering program and be able to save 80% of adjusted income. The main goal of Pathways is for families to obtain permanent housing and employment as quickly as possible. These facilities will be used to house residents who will be part of what is being called Second Step which allows someone currently furthering their education the time to complete their studies and find a good paying job, guided by job search professionals available through Pathways of Hope. Second Step is part of the healing process that some of the families at New Vista need to get back on their feet financially and emotionally. The apartment buildings are paid for. But these eight apartments need to be completely furnished before the dedication on May 20th and families who have graduated from New Vista move in. This is where we at FCCF can have a vital part in the Second Step Program. The Outreach Ministry decided to give our congregation the opportunity during the first few weeks in May to participate in this effort of furnishing the new apartments. This is what our contributions will purchase: A gift of $50 will provide a set of dishes; $100 a set of cookware; $250 bed and bath linens for one apartment; $500 will supply a dinette set; $1,000 the beds for one apartment. If we raise $2,500, we could provide a living room, or $5,000 will furnish one whole apartment.

Checks should be made out to FCCF with Second Step written on the memo line. Our coordinator for this project, Phil Forbes, will be in the Narthex before and after the 10:15 A.M. services starting on May 11th to assist in the collection of your donations. Outreach Ministry Team

7

Healing Touch Spiritual Workshop On Saturday July 19 from 9:30 A.M. -12:30 P.M., First Christian Church Whittier will be hosting an “Introduction to Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry: Using Your Hands to Heaven”

The Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry program helps participants connect energy healing with their faith, and with the history of healing in the Church. This program is rooted in both the Judeo-Christian perspective and Eastern healing modalities. We recognize that all healing comes from God, and that we can be conduits of God’s healing compassion.

For churches, HTSM is an effective addition to the work of the Elders, Stephen Ministries and Pastoral Partners calling on church members who are hospitalized or homebound. It may also be used as an effective outreach ministry to your community. This workshop will explore many healing stories in the Bible, discuss the healing ministry of Jesus and his Disciples, and the work of the early Church as it continued Jesus call to heal and anoint. We will also consider how science contributes to our understanding of ancient techniques that come to us from Eastern traditions. Finally, we introduce a simple technique for the laying-on-of-hands that can be used in nearly any setting. Rev. Louise Sloan Goben will be the instructor. Louise is an ordained minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and serves as Associate Minister at First Christian Church, North Hollywood. She is also a Certified Practitioner of Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry and an instructor with the Institute of Spiritual Healing & Aromatherapy. Louise teaches classes at First Christian Church and at the Holy Spirit Retreat Center in Encino, CA. For clergy, this workshop will qualify for .3 hours of “Continuing Education” units. There will be a $15 suggested donation for the event For additional information contact: Rev. Kel Henderson, Pastor of Community Ministries FCC Whittier at 714-465-6991 or at fcccommunityministries@gmail.com.

Chapel on Wheels Fundraiser

Do "Eustress" Enough? Stress generally isn’t viewed as positive, but psychologists speak of both distress and eustress. Eustress is a level of discomfort not so high as to make us give up but high enough to urge us forward. Winemakers know that the best wine comes from stressed grapevines, planted in rocky soil and given only enough water to prompt the roots to stretch downward to find more moisture. People, too, grow strong when pushed to work hard, not when handed everything we want or need. Good parents know this, as does our good and gracious God. When we’re struggling and stressed, God hasn’t abandoned us, but he may be practicing the vinedresser’s tough love to help us grow. Perhaps the Spirit allowed the Bible to be difficult in places so we’d work to learn what it means. Perhaps God lets questions challenge our faith so we’ll stretch to find answers. Maybe God will transform what seems distressing into eustress — making us the very best we can be.

8

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 May 11, 2014 Greeters: Janelle Vannoy Guest Book: Phil Forbes Coffee Host: Hospitality Ministry Acolyte Parent: Acquistapace Sound & Video: Paul & Travis Robidoux Lay Leader:

Children’s Moment: Alice Wallace Elders: Bill Martin, PJ Vannoy, Penny Fonches Diaconate: Randy’s Team

Prepare: Jamie Dorrough, Barbara Fenters Ushers: Dena Heathman, Kim Miller Serve: Jamie Dorrough, Annie Frater,

Masumi & Mike Hogan, Randy Langston, Bill Martin

Clean Up: Barbara Fenters, Dena Heathman Alternate: Ben Stuart

Serving May 18, 2014 Greeters: Phil Forbes Guest Book: Sybil Dittberner Coffee Host: Hospitality Ministry Acolyte Parent: Angulo Sound & Video: Clare Keech Lay Leader:

Children’s Moment: Elders: Joshua Dorrough, Randy Langston, Phil Forbes (HC) Home Communion Elders: Penny Fonches, Randy Langston, PJ Vannoy Diaconate: Randy Baxter’s Team

Prepare: Masumi & Mike Hogan Ushers: Ben Stuart, Randy Baxter Serve: Jamie Dorrough, Barbara Fenters,

Bill Henke, Mike Hogan, Kim Miller, Nancy Malotte

Clean Up: Annie Frater, Randy Baxter Alternate: Randy Baxter, Barbara Fenters