the

PAST AND PRESENT COPIES OF THE FELLOWSHIP NEWS MAY BE VIEWED AT

www.scribd.com/2468bixby
Bixby Knolls Christian Church, (Disciples of Christ) (562) 426-0428
ISSUE 01

DECEMBER 29, 2016

The end of 2016 and

about what direction we need to take this ministry

the start of 2017 finds

so that it can remain vital and sustainable for fu-

me working harder

ture generations in a changing world. This is im-

now than I ever have.

portant work.

In addition to being
pastor of Bixby Knolls Christian Church, Im substi-

And it is work that I am committed to.

I invite you to maintain your commitment to

tute teaching approximately three days per week

BKCC through your prayers, attendance, and fi-

in the Long Beach Unified School District. It is a

nancial support. If you believe - as I do - that our

tiring schedule.

church is worth working hard for, then lets work

Yet every day, I give thanks. I am so blessed

and fortunate to be able to work extra hard, be-

together to accomplish all that God is calling us to

be and do.

cause doing so allows my family to stay in the

Blessings,

community and with the church that we love. No-

Pastor Danny

where have we felt as supported as we do among

the people of BKCC. This is a congregation that
knows what it means to love one another and to
love our neighbors. We pray for one another and
support one another in visible, concrete ways. We
are committed to welcoming others into our community of faith no matter who they may be. People who have been rejected elsewhere are amazed
at the warm welcome they receive at Bixby Knolls
Christian Church.
We are one of the most diverse small congregations in the country, if not the world. People of
all races and sexual orientations feel welcome
here. This gives us a unique witness to the world.
At Bixby Knolls Christian Church, we stand for
unity and diversity. In a society where animosity
and prejudice against others is becoming increasingly apparent, it is clear that we are the church
that our world needs at this time.
So, in the face of challenging financial circumstances, I am thankful to have leaders and members in the church who are committed to working
through the challenges we face, ensuring that the
ministry and mission of BKCC continue. The coming year will include some difficult conversations

Congratulations to Sumbal Sardar who completed

the LVN program at LBCC.
Christmas wishes were extended to all of BKCC
from Nargis in Pakistan.

Special Dates
Jan 1 - New Years Day
Jan 6 - Epiphany begins
Jan 8 - Baptism of the Lord
Jan 16 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
(office closed)

UNITE is a winter youth conference for High School students who are eager to connect deeper in faith and
make a difference in the world today for Christ. Pastors and parents will be encouraged to see their youth
come home with a stronger passion for service, resources to engage in local congregations, and tools to go
deeper with Christ.
Packed full of workshop opportunities, fun community activities, amazing food, time exploring Redondo
Beach, and powerful worship this experience will guide you in defining your passions, skills, and future ministry whatever it may be. Are you passionate about drama, music, technology, media, environmental justice,
worship leadership, dance, or photography? What about creative design, construction, or programming?
Whatever they may be, this weekend will offer an opportunity and safe space to practice your gifts and learn
from mentors to propel you into leadership that makes a difference.
We are serious about our theme UNITE! Youth leaders and pastors from all over the PSWR are volunteering
their time, gifts, and resources to bring together young leaders from the Hispanic Convencion, African American Convocation, North American/Pacific Asian Disciples, and Anglo/European communities. These amazing
leaders are designing workshops and programming that will be welcoming of all cultures, respectful of various
perspectives, and focused on the ministry and call of Jesus Christ! WE ARE THE PSWR! It is time to UNITE to
change the world for the better!
All high school youth will be equipped with resources to bring back to their local church to share with their
faith community! This means we are equipping leaders to be more active, more supportive, and more engaged in the leadership of their home churches. What Pastor and parent wouldnt want this for their youth?
The cost is $150.00 per youth and includes housing, food, programming, and more. Adult chaperones are encouraged to attend as well, providing support throughout the weekend. The cost for chaperones is only $25
per adult (1 adult for every 5 youth is recommended).
Register online: http://www.disciplespswr.org/youth-ministry

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)

Patti Dittemore

Not forgotten
My wife, Lesa, and I attended a pastorappreciation event put on by a radio station.
When the worship leader asked attendees to turn
to one another and share prayer needs, my wife
met a pastor who described his church plant,
which wasnt growing. He was discouraged and
unsure what the future held.
When Lesa asked the name of the church,
she smiled and asked if it was near a campground.
The pastor said yes. Lesa responded, Just a few
weeks ago, we were camping nearby. A friend
and I walked right past your church, and God led
me to be praying for it! In a room of more than
300 people, God put Lesa next to this discouraged
pastor so he could know that God hadnt forgotten him.
God is working behind the scenes in ways
we may never see. Despite lifes challenges, God
is for us and not against us. We arent walking this
journey alone.
Rev. Mike Paulson

January Birthday Blessings!

26 Pastor Danny
29 Sandy Jeglum

Michael Cole
Earlene Thomas
Alice Hoffman
Keri Clark
Grace Kobel
Porter Family, Ruthie Atkin (friends of B. Smith)
Nargis & family in Pakistan (family of Sumbal Sardar)
Keri France (family of A. Hillig)
Venus (friend of A. Hillig)
Chrystal Gay (A. Hilligs sister)

Jan 1 Rev 21:1-6

Jan 8 Matthew 3:13-17
Jan 15 Isaiah 49:1-7

From Monica
Scrip News
Special thanks to our faithful scrip supporters.
This month, the Scrip Program wrote a $1000.00
check to BKCCs general fund from the programs
annual profits. Imagine what we could do if we
were able double our supportersjust 6 more
families.
We just received our last quarter check from
Ralphs Market for $27.96. Thanks to those of you
who have linked your Ralphs Rewards card to
their Community donation program benefiting
BKCC. BKCC receives 3%-6% back from your store
purchase.

As most of you know, for budgetary reasons my

position was eliminated effective January 1, 2017.
Is it understandable? Yes. Am I sad? Yes, but I
want only the best for BKCC and the Lord has
other plans for me.
You opened your arms and welcomed me in to
the BKCC family in June 2004. Many friendships
were developed. I will take with me the fond
memories of VBS, CWF, the Lenten season, the
Advent season, preparing the newsletter and
many more.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve
God and BKCC. May God bless each of you and
Bixby Knolls Christian Church.
Thanks!
m

Check us out on Facebook

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website:
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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
Pastor Daniel Bradfield
562-426-0428
bkcchurch@aol.com
fax 562-426-0429
The Fellowship News is published
monthly.

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

Every 2nd Sunday is FOOD

SUNDAY at BKCC. Bring
your nonperishable food
items and place them in the
box in the narthex.

Help cook food for Christian

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

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.

Wednesday Night Dinners:

join us every Wednesday at
6:00 for this pay-what-youcan meal. Our 2017 meals will
begin on January 11.

OFFICE HOURS:
Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Friday closed

CHURCH STAFF:

BOARD OFFICERS:
Leo Dittemore
Pastor Daniel Bradfield
-Board President
-Minister
Scheri Dubon
Barbara Neal-Peebles
-Vice President
-Music Director/Organist Pat Cohen
Suzie Romero
-Secretary
- Custodian
Angela Hillig
- Treasurer
Sandy Jeglum
- Financial Secretary
-Church Clerk

Submit your articles for the next

newsletter by

January 25, 2017