the

January 13, 2013

CALLER
Issue 02

In This Issue
Pastors Corner Statistics Remember in Prayer Spiritual Disciplines Wk Prayer Requests, Jan. 6 Serving in the Military Congratulations Condolences Recycling Project Pastoral Partners Sr. Ministry Facebook MLK Jr, Celebration Outreach Ministry Ministry Team Mtgs Worship Disciples Men Alzheimers Baptism Renewal Worship & Wonder Homeless Count Chapel on Wheels Serving Sunday 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 8 8 9 10

Events January 13, 2013 January 20, 2013

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

January 13: Renewal of Baptism Sunday 8:00 A.M. - REAWAKEN, Early Worship Service 9:00 A.M. - REFRESH, Contemporary Service 9:00 A.M. - Classes for all ages 10:15 A.M. - REMEMBER, Traditional Service 11:30 A.M. - Elder Training, Chapman Lounge 4:00 P.M. - MLK Jr. Celebration, FCC, Pomona January 14: 7:00 A.M. 9:30 P.M. Chapel on Wheels Fundraiser @ Pollys 7:00 P.M. - 12-Step Class, Choir Room January 15: 9:00 A.M. - Pathways of Hope General Board, FH Noon - Sr. Adult Meeting, Chapman Lounge 6:30 P.M. - BA @ Barry Woodbridges 7:00 P.M. - Contemplative Service, Sanctuary January 16: 11:30 A.M. - Child Care Committee Meeting 1:30 P.M. - Pilgrimage into Last Third of Life Class, CL 6:00 P.M. - Discipleship Ministry Team, Chapman Lounge 7:00 P.M. - Worship Ministry Team, Chapman Lounge Outreach Ministry Team, Choir Room January 17: 3:30 P.M. - Lord, Teach Us to Pray Bible Study, CL 6:30 P.M. - Bell Choir rehearsal 7:30 P.M. - Chancel Choir rehearsal January 20: 8:00 A.M. - REAWAKEN, Early Worship Service 9:00 A.M. - REFRESH, Contemporary Service 9:00 A.M. - Classes for all ages 10:15 A.M. - REMEMBER, Traditional Service 11:30 A.M. 2:00 P.M.- Casa de Oracion use Chapman Lounge January 21: Office Closed MLK Jr. Holiday 6:00 P.M. - Girls Night Out, Lomelis, Brea 7:00 P.M. - 12-Step Class, Choir Room January 22: 6:30 P.M. - BA @ Barry Woodbridges 7:00 P.M. - Contemplative Service, Sanctuary 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

Perhaps the greatest temptation of church-going Christians is to seek like-minded people with whom to surround ourselves, both inside and outside church. If were more progressive in our approach to the Christian faith, we can succumb to a desire to surround ourselves with people who share our theological, sociological, and sometimes even political views. If were more traditional or conservative, we can be tempted seek a church or at least a small group within our church who share our more conservative views. For many Christians, giving in to this temptation simply results in belonging to a more homogenous church or faith community where everyone holds similar views. Because the vast majority of Christians see nothing wrong with this most natural inclination, most churches have a consistently conservative or a consistently liberal approach to Scripture study, worship, and community life. We Disciples of Christ march to the beat of a different drummeror at least we say we do. We see our unique contribution to the Christian faith as an inclusiveness that is far more expansive than any other denomination. Were not just inclusive of all people regardless of race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, or any number of other personal identifiers, we are inclusive of all people regardless of what they believeabout Christ, the church, Christian history, theology, or any number of other divisive subjects! Were the people who proclaim we have no creed but Christ! Were the people who embrace the motto, in essentials unity, in nonessentials diversity, in all things charity! Were the people who invite every Christian to read the Bible for herself and follow the teachings of Scripture as she understands those teachings! The other day, I was walking around the hallway when I heard someone in Chapman Lounge say, Darrell said in his sermon this morning at which point the person shared what they understood me to have taught earlier that morning. When they were done, the person with whom they were speaking gave the most Disciple-like response imaginable: So what! Clearly, the respondent in the above conversation understood that he didnt have to embrace anyone elses perspective, whether that person was a fellow church member, a stranger, or the pastor! In fact, if were going to be who we say we are, were called to welcome, honor, even cherish different perspectives and approaches to following Christ. The next time you hear someone suggest our church is too conservative or too liberal, remind them we are neither. We are Disciples! That means theres room for conservative perspectives, liberal perspectives, orthodox perspectives, and even radical perspectives. In fact, theres not just room, theres joy over these many different people bringing their divergent perspectives to break bread together and walk side by side proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ! This is our unique gift to the larger churchwe model unity amidst diversity to the church, to our neighbors, and to our world. We take seriously the notion that God so loved the world that God sent the Logos to dwell amongst us and show us the way. This living Logos, in Jesus, offered as a final prayer in the waning hours of his earthly life, that we might be one with each other even as he is one with God. May it be so! Amen!

Sunday Statistics
January 6, 13 114 (Remember Service) 5 (Reawaken Service) 10 (Refresh Service) No Contemplative Service Weekly Giving: $4,352.95 Budget Goal: $4,681 Mission: $650.44 2

Remember in Prayer
Continue to pray for: Jenny Alldridge, Acquistapace and Geiger families, Lona Anderson & family, Donna Bagley, Helen Bailey, Margie Barlow and family, Dottie Bense, Harold Brickens, Mary Brill, Betty Ruth Buchanan, Linda Christman, Chris Collett, Lorna & Skip Farnum, Lin Garcia and family, Anna Lou Horspool, Kevin & Linda Johnen, Nancy Knott, Flora Miller, Betty Rollo, John & Marj Schwenker, Claudia Tammen, Dorothy Tanner, Cathy Thompson and family, Jack Townsend, Gil Tucker and family, and Bob Vannoy. Please pray for the following church in the Pacific Southwest Region: Bixby Knolls Christian Church 1240 E. Carson Street Long Beach, CA 90807 Daniel Bradfield, Pastor

Prayer Requests: January 6, 2013

Laura Miller Lin Garcia Sammie Adams Donna Vannoy Susie Wright Sherry Herrera Mary Ann Richmond Donna Vannoy Donna Bagley

Mother, Susan Miller, has been ill for two weeks and could use prayers. Family of my aunt, Arlene Jones, who passed away on January 4. Betty Rollo still struggling with upper respiratory problems. Bob having a pacemaker put in on Monday, Jan. 7 Those planning a yearround shelter for our homeless. Gloria Schmidt who is facing many challenges recovering from surgery. Lupita Noriega, stage 4 cancer. Trudy Yablonski, Terry Vannoys mother, in ICU in Reno with pneumonia Ginger Lyster

Readings and Prayer Concerns for Week of January 14 January 20, 2013
Monday, January 14: Reading: Psalm 36: 5-10; pray for the Chapel on Wheels Fundraiser taking place at Pollys today. Tuesday, January 15: Reading: Isaiah 62: 1-4; pray for the Senior Adult meeting today in Chapman Lounge with guest David Ruby. Congregational Prayer Day, Wednesday, January 16: Reading: Isaiah 62: 5; pray for the Ministry Teams meeting tonight. Thursday, January 17: Reading: 1 Corinthians 12: 1-3; pray for the members of our congregation who have lost loved ones in the past weeks. Friday, January 18: Reading: 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11; pray for Global Ministries Missionaries in China, Tom & Lynnea Morse. Saturday, January 19: Reading: John 2: 1-5; pray for the Youth of the Region attending Janboree at Loch Leven this weekend. Sunday, January 20: Reading: John 2: 6-11; pray for those leading our worship services today.

Serving in the Military:

Adam Hawley, Deb Taylors nephew, Adam left Saturday, December 29, for deployment to Afghanistan. He will be gone nine months from his wife and new baby. Lt. Patrick OConner, Betty Rollos grandson-in-law, now back at his home base. Lt. Patrick Rollo, Betty Rollos grandson. He is also back at his home base. Joshua Reynolds, Jane Reynolds son. He is at Ft. Riley, KS dealing with PTSD and will be returning to Afghanistan soon.

Congratulations:
Bob and Donna Vannoy who became great grandparents to Avaleigh on January 4. Avaleigh weighed 6 lbs, 1 oz, 19.5 inches long. Proud mother and grandparents are Brittany Vannoy, and Mark and Pam Vannoy. Thomas David Shrout was born at 10:48 P.M. Jan. 9, 8 lb 10.5 oz. 21.5 inches. Grandparents: Brian and Cindy Shrout Parents: Bonnie & her husband John (He took her name when they married.)

Our Hearts Go Out to:

The Langston Family, Bob, Colleen, Randy and Rosi, on the loss of Randys aunt, Betty Gabel, who passed away Saturday, January 5. To Lona Anderson and her son, Doug, on the passing of her daughter-in-law, Sheryl Anderson, January 5. To Gil Tucker and family on the passing of Barbara Tucker, January 6. Services will be held here at FCCF on February 2, 11:00 A.M. To Lin Garcia, on the passing of her aunt, Arlene Jones, who passed away on January 4. To Terry Vannoy on the passing of her mother, Trudy Yablonski, on January 10.

Senior Book Club

If youve ever wondered what your dog is thinking, Garth Steins novel, The Art of Racing in the Rain offers an answer. This is the story of Enzo, a lab terrier mix, and race car driver, Denny, and tells of family, love, loyalty and hope as only a dog could tell it. Get a copy of the book, read it and join us on January 24, 2013, at 1 P.M. for what should be an interesting discussion. Pat Hund will host us in her lovely home at 2918 Maple Street in Fullerton.

Seniors Meet Tuesday January15 for Lunch With David

The Seniors meet this coming Tuesday January 15, for our monthly lunch and meeting. We have David Ruby, Worship Leader of the REFRESH Contemporary Sunday Service, coming to share with us. David is currently a student at Chapman University and very active in the music program there. He is a member of the Orange Church and has been very active in that congregation. He will share with us some of his involvement in Film and Media Work, how he uses puppets in different areas of his ministry, and also about his music interests and background. David has occasionally been able to serve in our 10:15 A.M. church service and you may have met him but if you have not met David, now is your chance. He is very talented and a dedicated Christian. We are back to our regular routine, so bring a sack lunch and join us next Tuesday at noon. If you have never attended one of our meetings give it a try and fellowship with the seniors of our church. Please like us and become our Friend. Go to (www.facebook.com/fullert on.fcc)"

Recycling Project Cancelled.

The recycling project of plastic bottles and cans has been cancelled. We are still collecting eyeglasses, cell phone, batteries, plastic grocery bags, ink cartridges, Campbells soup labels, and pop tops from soda cans. Containers for the above are in the back hallway by the choir room.

Attention Pastoral Partners

Please mark January 27 on your calendars for the date to join us in celebration of your service to our homebound recipient partners. We so appreciate all that you do to brighten the lives of these individuals! We will gather after the 10:15 service in Chapman Lounge for a delicious luncheon and hear a few words from Darrell. You will be receiving an e-vite from April. Please RSVP promptly so we know how much food to order for this event. Thanks so much. Connie

MLK Celebration Today At Pomona

The annual Regional Church celebration of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is set for today, January 13, at 4 P.M. at First Christian Church, Pomona. The speakers will be Dr. Bill Thomas, Pastor of White Chapel Christian Church, Burbank, and Ms. Rhoda Watson, a member of the Harbor Christian Church, Newport Beach. The Rev. Perry Spencer, Sr. and his wife, Doris, will be honored as the Disciples of the Year. The service will feature wonderful music and moving congregational singing. The offering will be dedicated to the MLK Scholarship Fund to assist Disciples' students at Chapman University. The host pastors are the Rev. Julie Roberts-Fronk and the Rev. Mike Fronk. If you'd like to attend this service, we encourage you to carpool to Pomona. Please let Ed Linberg know if you are planning to attend the MLK Celebration so a carpool can be arranged. To get to First Christian Church, Pomona, from Fullerton, go north on the 57 to I-10, go east on I-10 to the Garey exit, it's the third exit after you leave the 57. Turn left onto Garey and go to Artesia, the second light. Turn left on Artesia and proceed west a block and a half to the church's parking lot. The Outreach Ministry

Outreach Ministry Forming For 2013

With their first meeting coming up on Wednesday, January 16, 7 P.M. in the Choir Room, the Outreach Ministry for 2013 is well on the way to being formed. As of January 7, the following have informed me that they plan to be part of the Outreach Ministry this year: Danielle Beech, Diane Daugherty, Jack Doughty, Phil Forbes, Sue Harless, Randy Langston, Connie Townsend, Bob and Donna Vannoy, plus P.J. Vannoy. In addition, Mission Treasurer, Pam Findley-Flor, will be part of the Outreach Ministry this year in addition to her duties as Chair of the Discipleship Ministry. One of the first items on the agenda will be discussion of the continuation of the TriTip/Bratwurst sales at the Fullerton Farmers Market on Thursday afternoons and evenings from the first Thursday in April through October. These persons have indicated an interest in being part of this project: Tom Beck, Rod Farley, Gordon and Barbara Fenters, Bev Reinke, Jack and Connie Townsend, Craig Wallace and Donna Woodbridge. All of them have been invited to the first meeting of the Outreach Ministry and some of them plan to attend for the discussion of this project. Assuming the Outreach Ministry will decide to move ahead with the Tri-Tip/Bratwurst Sales Project this year, a special meeting to organize this activity will be scheduled. We'll publicize that date and make sure that all members of the congregation who want to be part of this project will have the opportunity to do so. If you'd like to be part of the Outreach Ministry in 2013 and/or part of the discussion about continuing the Tri-Tip/Bratwurst Sales Project, please call me at 909-392-6688 to let me know your interest in either of these avenues of service. Or, you may send me an email: emlinberg@earthlink.net. Ed Linberg, Chair, Outreach Ministry, 2013

Martin Luther King Jr. Quotes:

We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies. Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.

On Properly Storing Christmas for Next Year...

Just as at home, we are trying to box and store the decorations we used for Advent and Christmas, so your Worship Ministry Team needs to care for what we did during these celebrations in 2012. Could you please help us do that to ensure an even better Advent in 2013? Specifically, this coming Wednesday evening we will be doing the final review and evaluation of the Advent season, and really would appreciate any of the congregation giving us your responses to anything you remember from Advent candle-lighting services, the Advent Devotional booklet, special music, the Cantata, banners, any of the special services, the Advent hymns, etc. Please either write them on the slip we put in the offering plate on Sundays; leave written comments at the church office; see one of the members of our Worship Team; or email either the church fullerton1stcc@gmail.com or the chairperson, Barry Woodbridge at bwoodbridge@wbridge.com. Thank you for your responses. Worship Ministry Team P.S. (From the Editor If you have brought ornaments for the Christmas tree in the last couple of years and have not picked them up, there are some beautiful ones in a basket on the counter in my office. Please check to see if any of them are yours, or they will become mine.)

Disciples Men's Fellowship Third Annual Orange Picking Trip

If we as a church do something three times, we get to call it "annual," don't we? Last Saturday morning, ten of us (including "honorary" members Mariette Linberg and Helena Baxter- Herrera) enjoyed a great breakfast and devotions at Roberta's Village Cafe in La Verne, and then got the near "first pickings" of this year's orange crop at Heritage Park Orange Grove.

"The Crossed-Arms of the Orange-Pickers": Pictured L to R: Helena Baster-Herrera Randy Baxter, Tim Acquistapace, Paul Robidoux, Scott Richmond, Matt Chase, Barry Woodbridge, Ed Linberg, Mariette Linberg, Randy Langston

Renewing Our Baptism Third and final Remembrance

Each year as we observe Jesus' own baptism on the second Sunday in Epiphany, we have opportunity to renew our own baptisms. This is the third of a series of three testimonies leading up to our honoring and renewing our own baptisms, whether they were by immersion, sprinkling, or any other manner.

"Our Founder, Alexander Campbell, Remembers the Baptism of his Son, Wickliffe"
The founder of our Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was Alexander Campbell. An exemplary Christian scholar, he founded a college to teach youth all about Jesus, whom he preached regularly and fervently. It's a part of our Disciples history that he came to a whole different level of comprehending who Jesus was for him when he and his wife Selina suffered a terrible loss due to too much water being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Alexanders tenth son, Wickliffe, named after the famous Biblical translator, had just turned the age where Alexander would allow him to be baptized. That day was soon approaching when Wickliffe would be baptized down in the Mill Creek where Alexander and the rest of his family had just been re-baptized as adults. It was a hot summer that year, and the children in the Campbell family and their friends liked to jump off the mills platform into the Mill Creek. It became a summer afternoon ritual to dive in and get cooled off the only way they knew how. One day it seems Wickliffe dove in, was sucked under the platform, and could not find his way up or out for air. Wickliffe downed in the very waters that were to be for his baptism. Alexander was disconsolate and would spend more hours down at his college studying about why God could let this tragedy befall him, trying to convince himself how this just had to be Gods will. His wife Selina, however, would have no such recourse to books. She would wade out in the waters of Mill Creek crying out Wickliffe, Wickliffe until the sun went down, Alexander would trudge home and find her wading in those waters. We will never know for sure, but although their friends thought Selina had become mentally ill, some have come to believe that she may have just become the wiser one of the two. For Selina wrote in her journal I could but exclaim, O the Lord baptized him at his death!!*i Those waters that took Wickliffe in all his promise of faithfulness and wearing his fathers mantle, were also the very waters of baptism and renewal. Something deep within Selinas body and spirit recognized that. The waters that killed and took away her beloved became a solace, a living connection with him and with the God who loved them all. The waters that could take life were the same waters that could heal. Alexander, holding her there, supporting her in those waters, carrying her home, both of them dripping wet, was moved beyond what all he rationally knew about Jesus of Nazareth. He found the Christ who said, Come to me, and I will give you living water. May each of us reflect on their story as we come to this Sunday of renewing our baptisms. The Worship Ministry Team *Selina Huntington Campbell. Home Life and Reminiscences of Alexander Campbell by His Wife. St. Louis: John Burns, 1882, 34. Also see her account at http://www.therestorationmovement.com/campbell,_wickliffe.htm

Children Worship and Wonder Needs Your Help

in the Bible? Who do you remember telling you about God? What sparked your interest in church? I Wonder . . . Where did you first hear the stories that are

Over the past few months the children of our church have had an opportunity to develop their own relationship with God through our Childrens program called Children Worship & Wonder. In Children Worship & Wonder we have established a worship program that loosely follows the order of worship of the 10:15 service while allowing for children to encounter God in their own way. We use songs, call and response, stories, prayer, individual wonder time, a feast, and a blessing to help the children cultivate both a sense of passionate worship and personal faith development. We see our children growing strong in our community of faith. But now we need your help. In order to keep the program running we need more storytellers. We are asking that everyone consider volunteering two Sundays out of the year to help in this vital and growing ministry. As a storyteller you will *Help the children prepare to hear one of Gods stories *Share a story from the Bible using figures, felt, or other manipulatives *Encourage the children of our church to wonder about the story they have heard and connect to God in their own way *Read the story for that week from the Bible *Share in fellowship with the children of our church Contact Joshua Dorrough via email mrdorrough@gmail.com or Debra Todd, debjoy21@gmail.com if you are interested in becoming a W&W storyteller. Remember, someone instilled a sense of worship and wonder about God in you. Now you can help pass that tradition on to the children of our church.

Point-in-Time Count
A worthwhile event is being planned for January 26, 2013 that will significantly impact the future of many homeless families and individuals residing in Orange County. Every two years, the County of Orange and its non-profit partners conduct a single day count of the County's sheltered and unsheltered homeless population. This project is undertaken to preserve over $16 million in annual federal funding for homeless programs and services; serves as a means for leveraging additional funding from other government and private sources for needed homeless services; provides data to inform other government and private sources for needed homeless services; and provides data to inform decisionmaking on better service planning and delivery including Orange County's Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness. I am inviting you to participate in the 2013 Point-In-Time Count by contributing a small amount of volunteer time to assist in this effort. On the morning of Saturday, January 26th, volunteers will count the homeless from approximately 5-9 a.m. on the streets throughout the entire county. A short training session is required prior to the day of the count. For more information on volunteer opportunities, please visit the project website at http://www.pointintimeoc.org/volunteer_job.htm. You may also read more about the Point-In-Time and to sign up to volunteer on the project at http://www.pointintimeoc.org/. If you have additional questions, please e-mail info@pointintimeoic.org. Thank you for your time and effort in assuring that homeless and at-risk individuals and families in our county receive the care and services needed. Sincerely, Maria Mazzenga Avellaneda, Executive Director. Please let them know you are a volunteer of POH.

Chapel on Wheels Fundraiser

Chapel on Wheels is having a fundraiser at Pollys tomorrow. Please take this flyer with you and help out this great organization.

First Christian Church 109 E Wilshire Avenue Fullerton, CA 92832

Reawaken (Early Worship Service) Sunday, 8:00 A.M. Refresh (Contemporary Worship Service) Sunday, 9:00 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. Contemplative Service: Tuesdays, 7:00 P.M. Joyful Noise (Now WOW Worship) Third Sunday Evening Service, 5:00 P.M.

Serving January 13, 2013

Greeter: PJ & Nolan Vannoy Guest Book: Coffee Host: Hospitality Ministry Acolyte Parent: Acquistapace Sound: Clare Keech Video: Paul/Travis Robidoux Lay Leader: Ben Stuart Childrens Moment: Jan McCuen Elders: Sharlane Blakeley, Emily Malotte, Pam Findley-Flor (HC) HC Elders: PJ Vannoy, Randy Langston, Emily Malotte Diaconate: Leslies Team Prepare: Phil Forbes, Nancy Geiger Ushers: Phil Forbes, Sherry Herrera Serve: Leslie Beck, Dena Heathman, Sherry Herrera, Randy Langston, Amy & David Styffe Clean Up: Nancy Geiger, Amy & David Styffe Alternates:

Serving January 20, 2013

Greeter: John & Cyndi Cairns Guest Book: Ada Rodman Coffee Host: Hospitality Ministry Acolyte Parent: McCuen Sound: Alyssa Robidoux Video: PJ Vannoy Lay Leader: Chris Fee Childrens Moment: Emily Waugh Elders: Craig Wallace, Dwain Van Diest, Penny Fonches Diaconate: Leslies Team Prepare: Nancy Geiger, Sue Harless Ushers: Phil Forbes, Diane Daugherty Serve: Leslie Beck, Diane Daugherty, Sue Harless, Dena Heathman, Randy Langston, Amy & David Styffe Clean Up: Leslie Beck, Phil Forbes, Randy Langston Alternates:

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