the

March 30, 2014

CALLER
Issue 13

In This Issue
Pastors Corner Statistics Remember in Prayer Spiritual Disciplines Wk Prayer Requests, March 23 Serving in the Military Pastoral Partners Adult Class Summer Camp Soles for Souls Crop Walk Mary Circle Fair Trade Coffee Disciples Men Hot Meal Ministry Paper Drive BIrthdays Outreach Ministry Notes Lent/Easter Activities Serving Sunday 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 6 7 8

Events March 30, 2014-April 6, 2014

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

March 30: 8:00 A.M. - REAWAKEN, Early Worship Service 9:00 A.M. - Church History Study, Chapman Lounge 10:15 A.M. - REMEMBER, Traditional Service 11:30 A.M. - Pastoral Partner Luncheon, Chapman Lounge 1:00 P.M. - Youth Group 5:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. Casa de Oracin Service, Sanctuary & FH April 1: 10:30 A.M. - Mary Circle visit Giving Children Hope facility 6:30 P.M. - Bible Study @ Barrys 7:00 P.M. - Casa use Sanctuary and Chapman Lounge April 2: 5:30 P.M. - HMM, Team B 7:00 P.M. - Council of Elders Meeting, Chapman Lounge April 3: Tri-Tip at Downtown Market starts today 3:30 P.M. - Lenten Bible Study, Chapman Lounge 6:30 P.M. - Bell Choir April 4: 10:00 A.M. - Speakers League, Room 107 1:30 P.M. - Pathways of Hope , Chapman Lounge April 5: 8:00 A.M. - DMF Breakfast, Chapman Lounge 8:30 A.M. - Greek Class @ Woodbridges 9:00 A.M. - NOON Chapel on Wheels Paper Drive 9:30 A.M. Choir Practice April 6: 8:00 A.M. - REAWAKEN, Early Worship Service 9:00 A.M. Church History Study, Chapman Lounge Study of John Shelby Spongs book, Rm. 107 10:15 A.M. - REMEMBER, Traditional Service, 1:00 P.M. - Youth Group 1:00 P.M. - Casa de Oracin Service, Sanctuary & FH April 7: 7:00 P.M. Alzheimers Support Group, Chapman Lounge 7:00 P.M. OCCS Meeting, Room 107 April 8: 6:30 P.M. - Bible Study @ Barrys 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. 1

Making a decision to turn ones will and ones life over to God through Christ is a great first step. But its only a first step. We then need to align our lives with that decision. We need to recognize that some choices, habits, and life orientations are compatible with that choice and others are not. The enemies of the Spirit are those choices, habits, and orientations that block us from being conduits of grace in the lives of those around us. We cant expect to have bad choices, continue with bad habits, or orient our lives in the wrong direction and magically follow Christ. There are some choices that are incompatible with the decision to give ones life in service to the gospel. What do you think some of those choices might be? Heres a few that Ive identified: 1. Preoccupation with money. Jesus said you cant serve God and mammon. That means you need to release the idea that having more money will solve your problems. Want to stop worrying about money? For most of us that means spending less. We may need to move to a smaller home, get an older car, give up cable TV, simplify our cellular phone plan, or even change the way we use heat and air conditioning. If youre already living a simple life, you may need to increase your income, but youll still have to resist the tendency to increase your spending as your income goes up. No matter your lifestyle, youll want to give a portion of your income away. Until you learn to be generous, no amount of money will seem adequate. Generous people always feel like they have plenty! 2. Over obligation. When you keep a schedule that always has you running from one thing to the next, you never have time for whats right in front of you. Youre always preoccupied with the next thing on your list or the next several things on your list. Take a look at all your obligations and determine if there arent some you can release. You wont be able to recognize Christ in the person before you and respond accordingly if your minds eye is focused on some future obligation. 3. Worry. Jesus tells us not to be afraid, not to worry about tomorrow, not to judge, and to forgive. These are all variations on the same theme: stop worrying. We need to learn to trust God. All the worry in the world wont change this moment or the next. If theres really something worrisome on the horizon, reflect on the challenge, determine the best course, and take action. Sitting and worrying is just creating more anxiety. Most of the time, theres really nothing to worry about. The concerns were carrying will never manifest in an actual problem. So how do we stop worrying? We need to train our unconscious mind to trust. The best way to do that, as proven by thousands of years of practice is prayer and meditation. Since most worries begin in our unconscious mind as a general feeling of anxiety and later become attached to specific concerns, trying to deal with worry by working harder seldom helps much. We need to learn to relax, let go, and let God. That takes a commitment to a spiritual practice. You can make better choices, and those choices will become better habits, which will in turn become a healthier life-orientation. The gospel is supposed to set you free and empower you to set others free. If you feel bound, you may need to re-examine how you can allow the gospel to form your choices, habits, and your orientation to life need. Seethe gospel and the faith that springs from it really is good news!

Sunday Statistics

March 23, 2014 112 (Remember Service) 5 (Reawaken Service) 96 (Casa 5 P.M. service) Weekly Giving: $1,968.30 Missions: $218.70 Budget Goal: $3,979 2

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: All Peoples Christian Center 822 East 20th St Los Angeles, CA 90011 Saundra Bryant, Director Mary Jo Bradshaw, Pastor

Prayer Requests: March 23, 2014

Rod & Jan Farley

Deb Taylor Anna Van Diest Phil Forbes

Anonymous

Kenny Butler, 42 yr old neighbor who had cardiac arrest last Friday and is in ICU at St Jude. They removed the ventilator yesterday Kathleen Hawley, my sister, having surgery on 24th to remove a tumor For Craig, Alice and Dwain that they have a safe trip to Washington DC Jeff Carbin, the brother of a close friend, who is hospitalized in Maryland with a brain aneurysm Donna Koster, surgery tomorrow for thorasic aneurysm

Monday, March 31: Psalm 130:1-2, 7-8; pray for direction and guidance for our Search Committee. Tuesday, April 1: Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-8; pray for the Mary Circle ladies visiting Giving Children Hope facility. Congregational Prayer Day, April 2: Reading: Ezekiel 37:9-14; pray for Hot Meal Ministry Team, Team A serving the hungry tonight. Thursday, April 3: Reading: Psalm 130: 3-6 Pray for the Tri-Tip Crew who begin selling sandwiches at the Downtown Market for next six months. Friday, April 4: Reading: Romans 8: 6-11:; Pray for Global Ministries Missionaries, Teresa & Anil Henry. Saturday, April 5: Reading: John 11: 1-16; pray for the DMF meeting in Chapman Lounge for breakfast and prayer this morning. Sunday, April 6: Reading: John 11: 17-45; Pray for Josh Perry as he leads a study on John Shelby Spongs book, Reclaiming the Bible in a Non-Religious World.

Readings and Prayer Concerns for Week of March 31 April 6, 2014

Serving in the Military:

Adam Hawley, Deb Taylors nephew, is now home from Afghanistan and back at Ft. Bliss with his family. Lt. Cmdr. Patrick OConner, Betty Rollos grandson-in-law. Lt. Patrick Rollo, Betty Rollos 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 Geigers grandson, who is stationed in Guam for the next year.

It Is Spring Training March 30

Todays the day for the Pastoral Partner luncheon in Chapman Lounge following the 10:15 worship service. Following the luncheon, Darrell will show us how to implement this program and how to have a rewarding experience by doing so. I would ask all past, present and want-to-be Pastoral Partners to stay because we welcome any feedback or suggestions you might have to enhance this wonderful ministry. Bill Martin

Come join a group of diverse believers as we talk about the Bible and how its viewed in the modern world. Beginning on Sunday, April 6 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 Spongs book Reclaiming the Bible for a Non-Religious World. In this book Spong talks about how many people in the modern world dont 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

New Course Begins April 6

Today is the last Sunday this month to donate used shoes for Soles 4 Souls. So, when you are doing your spring cleaning, please dont throw away those old shoes. Soles 4 Souls will refurbish them and distribute them to the needy wherever the need is greatest. We will be collecting again in June. In the past three years, FCCF has donated over 1,500 pairs of shoes to this worthy cause. Your discards may be someones first pair. A box is in the Narthex for your donations. Thank you! Outreach Ministry Team

We Need Your Shoes!

Crop Walk Set For April 27

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

Summer Camp is Coming!

The 2014 Fullerton CROP Hunger Walk will be Sunday, April 27, at 1 P.M. Registration for this event, which will begin and end on the Plaza, begins 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. If you'd like to be one of our walkers, you'll be able to get the forms you need in order to get started recruiting family members and friends to support your efforts from either Randy or Phil each Sunday from now to April 27. Donna will have some in the office if you would like to come by during the week. As soon as we know the names of walkers from our church, we'll list them in "The Caller," and we'll repeat that information every week leading up to the event on April 27. The Outreach Ministry

Mary Circle is on the move this month. They will be visiting the Giving Children Hope facility at 8332 Commonwealth Avenue, Buena Park, CA. Meet you there. 4

Mary Circle

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 coops 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

Join us for the First Christian Church Men's prayer breakfast in Chapman Lounge on Saturday, April 5 at 8:00 A.M. It's a great way to start your weekend with fellowship, good sharing and caring and a wonderful (and free) breakfast. Come join us!!

Disciples Mens Breakfast

Hot Meal Ministry

Team B is on tap to help out with our Hot Meals Ministry, Wednesday, April 8. Team Members should be there at 5:30 P.M. (*set up at 4:30) Please find 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, Carol Henke, Paul Robidoux and Ben Stuart Alternates include Rod Farley, Annie Frater, Judi Smedley, Craig Wallace

Chapel on Wheels Paper Drive will be held Saturday, April 5, from 9:00 A.M. until noon at the following locations: Behind G & D Liquor store, corner of Chapman and Euclid. Parking lot east Raymond on Chapman Ave. next to Walgreens Behind the Bank of America, on Laguna Road, between Bastanchury and Valencia Mesa.

Chapel on Wheels Paper Drive

April Birthdays
Masumi Hogan (2); Nancy Knott, Patrick Vannoy, Jr. (4); Kaitlyn Bailey-Findley, Nancy Geiger (5); Sue Silgailis (6); Don Blakeley (10); Chris Johnen (12); Gary Elliott, Harold Horn (13); Terry Knott (15); Carlie Doublin, Becky Graves, Anne Wolkenhauer (16); Scott Brill, Matthew Silgailis (17); Kevin Wilbur (20); Yajaira Martinez, Julio Martinez, (21); Christina Martinez, Dirk McCuen (22); Betty Baker(23); Connie Townsend (25); Sibyl Dittberner, Nancy Malotte (26)

March Meeting of The Outreach Ministry

What follows is a summary of the March 19th meeting of the Outreach Ministry. 1. We learned that our 2014 Week of Compassion offering totaled $1,804+ with gifts received in March-$300+ above our goal! 2. Mary Anne Richmond shared some photos with us that had come from her daughter, Paige, about the first couple of days of the March 16-22, Mission Trip to Joplin, Missouri. We learned they were working on a roof and that it was cold. 3. The members of the Global Ministries Task Force, partnering with Casa de Oracion, informed us that they are looking into ways to be part of the Adopt a Child program in which FCC has been involved. We also learned that they are interested in partnering with us in ways not yet determined to support Disciples' congregations in Mexico--Augacalientes and San Luis Potesi. On-going discussion will determine the specifics in these matters. 4. Our first Sunday of selling Equal Exchange Products, i.e. 3/16, went well, but our coordinators--Jim Scott, Christina Martinez and Mary Anne Richmond--told us people had a lot of questions. We trust these questions will be answered through articles in "The Caller" as the sales continue in the weeks and months ahead. 5. In March, we sent $2,100 to support the Project Mercy Mexico Build on Saturday, March 22nd. These funds came from gifts given at the Alternative Christmas Faire and from the Tri-Tip Project. Tim Acquistapace and Phil Forbes represented us in this project. 6. The 2014 Tri-Tip Project, as part of Fullerton's Farmer's Market, begins on Thursday, April 3rd. Barbara Fenters is coordinating the volunteer assignments and has the schedule set for the months of April and May. 7. We are having a good response to the quarterly Soles for Souls Project that ends on March 30th. Craig Wallace will deliver the donated shoes we have received by that date. 8. Randy Langston and Phil Forbes represented our congregation at the organizational meeting for the 2014 CROP Hunger Walk on March 18th. Registration packets for this year's CROP Hunger Walk, set for April 27th, will be available beginning on 3/30. The goal for this is event is to raise $40,000, in partnership with other congregations and groups in the community. We hope to generate 10% of that amount through the participation of walkers and donors representing our congregation. We are a sponsor of the event having given $500 from the 2013 Tri-Tip Project for this purpose. 9. The Mission Trip to Moore, Oklahoma, set for 9/28 to 10/4, was discussed. We have 5 persons who are planning to be part of this trip. We are looking for "more volunteers for Moore!" How about YOU? 10. We discussed three options for a Church World Service Project for this year--School Kits, Health Kits and Emergency Clean-up Buckets. The last one listed was our project in 2013. We chose to do the School Kits Project. This will be done in June with Mary Anne Richmond serving as the Coordinator with help from other members of the Outreach Ministry. 11. We reviewed the information from Pathways of Hope about their Second Step Project and decided to raise funds to help furnish the eight new apartments they will be dedicating in May. This project will be coordinated by Phil Forbes and will be done in May. 12. Craig Wallace will contact Judi Driscoll at O.C. Habitat for Humanity to set up a Fullerton 1st Work Day for their La Habra project. The preferred dates for this activity are the first three Saturdays of May. Watch for more information about this in the weeks ahead. 13. Determined that we will take our annual Easter Offering in support of Global Ministries on Sundays, April 13 and 20. The goal is $1,500. 14. Discussed literature about options for wider participation in the work of Week of Compassion using literature left with us by Brandon Gilvin, Associate Director of Week of Compassion, when he visited Fullerton on 2/9. Further discussion about these matters is planned for future meetings. The next meeting of the Outreach Ministry is set for Wednesday, April 16th at 7 P.M. in the Choir Room. It will be preceded by the meeting of the Global Ministries Task Force involving representatives of our congregation and Casa de Oracion. Patty Segura chairs this recorder. If you are interested in being part of the work of the Outreach Ministry, you would be welcome to attend our April meeting. Speak to Ed Linberg, Chair, Outreach Ministry for more information.

Lent & Easter Activities:

TODAY: Fourth Sunday in Lent April 3: 3:30 P.M. Bible Study April 6: 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 Watch Caller for more details. 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

Its 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 ________________________________________

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 March 30, 2014

Greeters: Youth Guest Book: Phil Forbes Coffee Host: Hospitality Ministry Acolyte Parent: Henke Sound: Video: Clare Keech Lay Leader: Sharlane Blakeley Childrens Moment: Marguerite Beal Elders: Randy Langston, PJ Vannoy, Craig Wallace Diaconate: McCuens Team Prepare: Dirk McCuen, Beverly Reinke Ushers: Nancy Malotte, Beverly Reinke Serve: Luanne Bailey, Cam & Nancy Malotte, Dirk, Kelly, and Shawn McCuen Clean Up: Cam & Nancy Malotte, Beverly Reinke Alternate:

Serving April 6, 2014

Greeter: Guest Book: Ada Rodman Coffee Host: Hospitality Ministry Acolyte Parent: Acquistapace Sound: Video: Clare Keech Lay Leader: Childrens Moment: Elders: Dwain Van Diest, Kathy Robidoux, Penny Fonches Diaconate: Leslies 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 8