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2012 - ISSUE 22

NOVEMBER 13, 2012

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

IN THIS ISSUE ~ NEWS & NOTES ~ SOCK DRIVE ~ THANKSGIVING NOTES!!! and so much more..... Dear Church, Ive lost my faith in the God of my childhood. And thats a good thing. Because over the years, the God of my childhood has evolved into something much bigger than it was. You see, the longer I live, the more I study scripture, and the more I reflect and ponder, the bigger God seems to me. There is always so much to learn about God, and for me the desire to know God is insatiable. And as I grow in understanding of God, the God I once believed in is replaced by an understanding of God that is influenced by new knowledge, new insight, and new revelation. Of course, its challenging to always grow in understanding. It means that who God is in my mind is always changing. Maybe God never changes I dont know but my understanding of God is always changing, always growing. Thats challenging, because when I pray, Im not always sure who it is Im praying to. I mean, when I was a child I prayed a certain way, but as my understanding of God changes, so do my prayers. And since I know that my understanding will continue to grow (since I still have so much to learn) how do I pray knowing that the one to whom Im praying is so much more than I can comprehend? Faith, thats how. Faith, and the knowledge that God revealed at least enough of himself or herself in Jesus, that I can see in Jesus enough of God in order to approach God in prayer. Im thankful for a faith that is growing and an understanding of God that is constantly evolving. Im thankful for a Church that allows and encourages a growing understanding of God. Too many seek the safety and comfort of a God they can wrap their minds around, an idea of God that never changes, but for me, its far more meaningful to have a faith that is always getting bigger. I invite you to join me, in learning more about a God who is so much more than we can imagine. Peace, Pastor Danny

Sock Drive
Love in the Mirror is an organization founded by Jonas Corona three years ago when he was six. This month, Jonas is trying to collect 10,000 socks to give to those in need here in Long Beach and Los Angeles, and Bixby Knolls Christian Church is helping. Bring new pairs of socks anytime from now until the end of November, and place them in the large pink box in the narthex. And thanks! On Halloween night, these BKCC members & friends showed up in costume to enjoy a pizza dinner before heading out for tricks-and-treats. Some of these folks are easier to recognize than others! Halloween only occurs once a year, but you can enjoy dinner at BKCC nearly every Wednesday night at 6:00pm. (Note: there will be no Wednesday night dinner on Nov. 21.)

Thanksgiving Notes!!!
Aren't you thankful that we have a GREAT Chancel Choir that brings us new, traditional and interesting music each week? If you have enjoyed them this fall......thank a member on Sunday! Also special thanks to Samantha Kobel for playing Battle Hymn of the Republic on Veterans day. Great job on the piano! Chancel choir is preparing for the Christmas Cantata on December 23rd's morning service. On December 16th they will join with the youth and children to present "The Christmas King", a story of finding the baby Jesus and what He stands for. The youth are producing this pageant and it should be a total treat for one and all........bring a friend or neighbor or relative to church on Sunday! The first Christmas King rehearsal is Saturday November 24th at 3pm anyone who can attend please do! If you are unable to attend we will get you your part when you return. Advent orchestra is tuning up for the season, so if you need to dust off, restring, or tune up your instrument hurry up and ask Barb for your music.....if she doesn't have it she'll buy it for you! Improv for God that was going to perform in October has moved its one minute performance to Sunday, November 25th after Thanksgiving. Members have been busy, away for weekends or like Trent, performing in The Wizard of OZ this weekend Nov 16 & 17 at the Terrace Theatre! His curtain times are 7pm on Friday and 2pm on Saturday......come on down and support one of your younger members. Improv for God will have an extra rehearsal on Saturday November 24th at 1:30pm..PLEASE mark your calendars to attend or remind your child to attend!!! There will be no Choir rehearsal on Wednesday November 21st due to extensive pie baking and turkey preparation among the membership! Everyone have a Happy Turkey Day. See you on Sunday Nov 25th at 9:15am! Have a Blessed Thanksgiving and remember to share your bounty! Barb

Several times a year, we have the opportunity to participate in a special offering that benefits a ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). This is in addition to our weekly offering in support of our congregation. This months special offering is the Thanksgiving Offering in support of Disciples higher education. Disciples have a long, remarkable history of post-secondary and theological education. Gifts from the Disciples Mission Fund Thanksgiving Offering continue a Disciples tradition of helping emerging leaders find their vision, voice and vocation, supporting all of our 14 colleges or universities, 3 seminaries and 4 seminary foundations/ divinity houses in our common ministry of education. Your gifts to the Thanksgiving Offering help provide a nurturing environment where students form their vision of the future, find their voice in the exchange of ideas, and prepare for their vocation. Attention to the spiritual formation of the individual during this hinge-point time is critically important, and is a ministry that our schools share in common with our churches. Envelopes for the Thanksgiving Offering will be in the worship bulletin on Nov. 18. You may also send or drop off donations at the church office.

SCIC Unity Awards Dinner

The South Coast Interfaith Councils 9th annual Interfaith Unity Awards Dinner and Silent Auction will take place Sunday, Nov. 18, 7:009:00 at American Martyrs Catholic Church (624 15th Street, Manhattan Beach). This years keynote speaker is Kay Lindahl, Founder of the Listening Center. RSVPs are now due: call 562.983.1665 today to reserve your spot. Reservations are $60 per person.

SCIC Youth Interfaith Caf

An opportunity for middle school & high school youth to engage in conversation with other youth from different faith traditions. Lunch will be served! Sunday, Nov. 25, 1:30pm St. Josephs Catholic Church (6200 E. Willow, Long Beach)

Dear Lord, we beg but one boon more; Peace in the hearts of all me living, peace in the whole world this Thanksgiving.
-Joseph Auslander

What Are You Doing Next Summer?

The dates for 2013 summer camps at Loch Leven have been announced. Registration materials will be available later, but please mark these dates on your calendar: Mini (entering grades 2 & 3): July 7 10 Junior (entering grades 4, 5 & 6): June 23 29 Chi-Rho (entering grades 7 & 8): June 30 July 6 CYF 1 (entering grades 9 & 10): July 21 July 27 CYF 2 (entering grades 11 & 12, and 13 grads): July 28 August 3 Special Needs Camp: July 7 10

The General Assembly is the biennial gathering of Disciples from across North America. For five days, children, youth and adults will gather in Orlando for worship, mission, business, workshops, and more. Info at www.disciples.org/ga.

Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting. - Elizabth Bibesco

News
Praise to God that Grace Kobel is fine after taking a fall over the weekend.

&

Notes
Vacation Bible School
Bixby Knolls Christian Church July 22-26, 2013

James & Adam Rugh are in the midst of an exciting & fun soccer season.

To have your news, joys, or concerns included in next months newsletter, send a note to Pastor Danny at dannybradfield@gmail.com, or call the church office.

Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving. -W.T. Purkiser

a bible quiz
1. What commendable deed was done by a poor widow Jesus saw in the temple? Mark 12:42 2. What parable of Jesus has a widow as the main character? Luke 18:2-5 3. Who did Jesus accuse of devouring widows houses? Mark 12:40 4. Where was the first wedding Jesus attended. John 2:1-11 5. Who said that Moses allowed divorce because of peoples hardness of heart? Matthew 19:8 6. Who was Moses first wife? Exodus 2:21 7. Whose wife insisted that her husband have nothing to do with Jesus? Matthew 27:19 8. Whose servant woman took Moses from the river? Exodus 2:5 9. Who served cheese, milk, and veal to the Lord when he made his appearance in the form of three men? Genesis 18:1-8 10. According to Pauls advice, what church official must not be a wine drinker? 1 Timothy 3:2-3

UPCOMING SCRIPTURES

Nov. 18 - Hebrews 10:19-25 Nov. 25 - Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14

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 Pastor: Daniel Bradfield The Fellowship News is published twice monthly.

Were online! Visit us at

www.bixbyknollschurch.org www.facebook.com/bixbyknollschurch

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: Pastor Daniel Bradfield -Minister Monica Lanz -Church Secretary Barbara Neal-Peebles -Music Director/Organist Christine Perkinson - Church Child Care Suzie Romero - Custodian

BOARD OFFICERS: David Rugh -Board President -Vice President Pat Cohen -Secretary Angela Hillig - Treasurer Chrysan Naw - Financial Secretary Phil OLaughlin -Church Clerk

Thanksgiving blessings to all from your church family.