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2014 - ISSUE 24

December 2, 2014

Bixby Knolls Christian Church, (Disciples of Christ) (562) 426-0428

freed people living in captiv-

been said before. Now I know that

ity. The Passover meal made

there is greater richness and symbol-

that past action present, as

ism in these stories than I ever knew. I

Jews affirmed their commit-

hope that you will join me in worship

ment to a God who desires

this month as we explore anew the sto-

I probably rambled too

an end to inequality and

ries of Christmas.

long about it, but in worship

domination of people by

Blessings,

Sunday I mentioned how the

those in power.

Pastor Danny

Dear Church,

The way Jesus and his

Lords Supper evolved from a

traditional Roman meal in the

followers

celebrated

these

first century. Nearly everyone

meals had obvious political

who lived in the Roman Em-

overtones. Instead of honor-

pire participated in a meal or

ing Caesar, they honored

banquet at least once a week,

God. Passover, in particular,

and these banquets had a

emphasized the power of

formal structure involving the

the people and their God, in

meal, the ceremonial drinking

direct contrast to the power

of a glass of wine (in honor of

of the Roman emperor (who

Caesar), and a program or

was, officially, god.)

And all this was fore-

symposium afterward which

entertainment,

shadowed at Jesuss birth.

group singing, or a discussion

The titles that were used for

of some philosophical topic.

Caesar were deliberately cho-

involved

Jesus and his disciples

sen by Matthew and Luke to

regularly took part in such

describe Jesus. King, Savior,

meals. At times, there were

and Lord were titles for Cae-

uninvited guests (think Mary

sar. Good news was a term

Magdalene). Apparently un-

used to describe Caesars

invited guests were a com-

successful military domina-

mon problem at these formal

tion over nations and groups

meals, but instead of seeing

that tried to launch a revolu-

this as a problem, Jesus saw it

tion, but now that phrase was

as an opportunity.

used to describe Jesus and

At other times, the meals

his

nonviolent

revolution

were given special signifi-

against Roman tyranny and

cance. Once a year, the Jews

oppression.

celebrated a Passover meal in

As a preacher, I used to

which they remembered how

wonder what I could say

God came into the world and

about Christmas that hasnt

There is still time to get your Christmas cards in by Dec 14th for our
Veterans at the VA hospital.

A box

will be in the narthex for the cards.

Sign your first name, name of our
church. You can include a personal
greeting if you want. Rememberdo
not seal the envelope.
Our veterans appreciate our thinking
of them.

So many of our veterans in

the hospital have no visitors. Just a

simple card can brighten their day and
let them know others do care about
them.

FIRST
CONGREGATIONAL
MEETING
SUNDAY, DEC 7

Jingle Jingle Jingle Notes!!!

Yes Advent has arrived and with it the Advent Orchestra, Handbells and various musical artists for our worship services! It seems many people are doing double duty, Choir and bells, Bells and orchestra, Orchestra
and choir..all very fun so please be patient with us as we shift from spot to spot on Sunday mornings!
Searching the scriptures as this is being written for the special Choir musical on Sunday December 21st.this
is a great way to spend a few minutes during the holidays. Personally I have set up my foot spa by the
comfy chair and have lots of meditative reading material for the 20 minutes taken daily to re-coop and revive before on to the next performance or rehearsal. Try doing this for yourself this season and see if it
makes a difference in how you approach the holidays. Hopefully you will find a place of joy and wonder at
the birth of our Lord.
On a more practical note we are looking for adult help with both the kids event on Sunday Dec 14th and on
Christmas Eve. If you are available and would like to help please let Barb know asap. Call, email or text! I
respond to all!
Happy Advent
Barb Peebles
Music Director

In the Mail
Dear Rev. Daniel Bradfield, Ms. Gretchen Rugh, & members of Bixby Knolls Christian Church,
Thank you for your ever-gracious sponsorship of our sale of fair trade crafts and foods benefitting thousands of impoverished people. We especially acknowledge you, Pastor Bradfield, for your special support.
We also thank you, Ms. Rugh, for your efforts as the hard-working coordinator of this event. Last but not
least, we also appreciated the great help we received that day from Scheri Dubon and James
Since our founding in 1975, our primary focus has been to help artisans and food producers, along with
their families, in developing nations and low-income areas of the U.S. Since 2004, we have operated a yearround collection of clothing, food, blankets, hygiene products, school supplies and other necessities that we
bestow to missions. These gifts are then distributed to low-income native Americans in Arizona and to destitute families in Mexico. Some of the donations are given to veterans at the VA in Long Beach on Christmas
and Easter.
Please visit us at our shop in Orange and call for our hours. Our website is ThirdWorldGifts.org. Again,
we offer our thanks to all of you for your immense kindness. We are celebrating our 39th year of service
which would not have been possible without your faithful, loving support.
Gratefully,
Susan M. Fenwick,
Director, Third World Gifts & Handcarts

Toys for Eastmont

Sarah Stolze

In December, CWF traditionally organizes the collec-

Lillian Hester

tion of toys and clothing for our Disciple mission,

Phil OLaughlin

Eastmont Community Center, in East LA. The Cen-

Sumbal Sardar

ter has a Christmas party each year for the children

Keri Clark (daughter of Monica Lanz)

in their community. This year the party will be on

Angela Hillig

December 19. The last Sunday to bring items will

Hattie Johnson

be Dec 14 so they can be delivered in time for the

Grace Kobel

party.

Porter Family, Ruthie Atkin (friends of B. Smith)

Toys, clothing and teen gift items for all ages from

Nargis & family in Pakistan (family of Sumbal Sardar)

preschool to 16 are needed. A box will be under the

Keri France (family of A. Hillig)

narthex tree.

Venus (friend of A. Hillig)

The last ordering day for Scrip to be received before Christmas is Sunday, Dec 14. Special orders
will be available for pick up on Dec 17
To my church family who during my recent illness
and recuperation sent cards, e-mails, telephone
calls, visits (including driving me for doctor appointments) and above all your prayers, I am
deeply moved and appreciative.
I am progressing nicely and will return to church as
soon as the doctor gives me permission to drive.
May God continue to bless each of you and our entire church family.
Yours in Christ,
Lillian Hester

Correction - Last newsletter the birthday of

Marlene Kobel was accidentally left off. Her special day is Dec 9. Birthday blessings Marlene!
On Dec 21 following worship service come to Fellowship
Hall for a reception to express our appreciation to our
choir for their program and give thanks for their gift of
music.

Camp!!!

JANcamp: For grades 6-8. January 16-19, 2015

FEBcamp: for grades 9-12. February 13-16, 2015
***registration forms for JANcamp & FEBcamp are
now available! Due dates approaching soon!***
Summer Camp 2015:
June 28 - July 4 - CYF II (grades 11, 12, & 2015
grads)
July 5 - July 11 - Chi Rho (grades 7, 8)
July 12 - July 18 - CYF I (grades 9, 10)
July 19 - July 22 Mini (grades 2, 3)
July 23 - July 25 Wee (parent/child
July 26 - August 1 Junior (grades 4, 5, 6)

Get your orders in for poinsettia plants

to decorate our sanctuary for Advent.
Cost is $6.60 per plant. Orders can be
placed through Dec. 14 and payment
can be made at a later date. You can
also pay for them in the offering tray.
Remember to mark your check as poinsettia plant in the memo line.

CRAF

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WORKSHOP

Check us out on Facebook

www.facebook.com/bixbyknollschurch

Help cook food for Christian

Outreach in Action (COA).
Every 2nd Thursday at 8:00
a.m. in our church kitchen.

website:
www.bixbyknollschurch.blogspot.com

The Fellowship News

A publication of
Bixby Knolls Christian Church of
Long Beach (a Disciples of Christ
Church)
1240 E. Carson Street
Long Beach, CA 90807
www.bixbyknollschurch.org
Editor:
Monica Lanz
562-426-0428
bkcchurch@aol.com
fax 562-426-0429

Our prayer circle meets every

2nd and 4th Tuesday at 10:00
a.m. in room 115. Join this
dedicated group in praying for
our church, community, &
world.
Litter pickup: We meet at the
front gate every 4th Sunday at
11:45, to pick up litter in Somerset Park and along our
neighborhood sidewalks &
gutters.

Pastor:
Daniel Bradfield

Wednesday Night Dinners:

join us every Wednesday at
6:00 for this pay-what-youcan meal. Special note: No
Dinner on Dec 24 or Dec 31.

The Fellowship News is published

twice monthly.

Submit your articles for

the next newsletter by

Bixby Knolls Vision Statement

To know what the Lord requires of us;
to do justice, and love kindness,
and walk humbly with our God. (Micah 6:8)
BIXBY KNOLLS
CHRISTIAN CHURCH

(Disciples of Christ)

SUNDAY SCHEDULE:
9:00 a.m. Sunday School for Adults
10:15 a.m. Morning Worship and Childrens Church
OFFICE HOURS:
Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Friday closed

CHURCH STAFF:

BOARD OFFICERS:
Ken Brown
Pastor Daniel Bradfield
-Board President
-Minister
Leo Dittemore
Monica Lanz
-Vice President
-Church Secretary
Pat Cohen
Barbara Neal-Peebles
-Secretary
-Music Director/Organist Angela Hillig
Suzie Romero
- Treasurer
- Custodian
Chrysan Naw
- Financial Secretary
-Church Clerk