OCTOBER IS MINISTERIAL APPRECIATION MONTH!
 

So, you got your pastor a cruise in the Bahamas??
OK, hopefully you did get something special to let her/him know how grateful you are for their ministry!

10-12-06
CCNC-N WEEKLY E-NEWS
 

Our regional weekly e-mails are usually written by Ben Bohren. Normally send all items to Ben. Paula Bishop writes them when Ben is away. To respond to Ben directly type in ben@ccncn.org. To respond to Paula directly type in paula@ccncn.org. If you know someone who would like to join this email group, send them to ccncn.org and click on the link to receive weekly emails to sign up!

Some notes about regional staff
...Hooray! Sandhya comes home on Saturday from her sojourn to India! Please hold off on e-mails and phone calls for a few days.

COMING REGIONAL EVENTS...

A). Second New Church Summit is almost here!
 

PLEASE GET THOSE REGISTRATIONS IN
50 Registrations received so far-there is still time for you!
DOES YOUR CHURCH HAVE 2+ PEOPLE READY TO SIGN UP??
Major promotional materials, poster, registration forms and letter have been mailed.
You can also check www.ccncn.org for everything to download.
 

B). ANNOUNCING TRANSFORMATION VAN #2
NOVEMBER 12-16, 2006
 

Flyers have been mailed to every church! (or go to www.ccncn.org)
This will be even better than T-Van #1!! (Is that possible?) YES!
Theme: Transforming Leadership- Insight and Outsight

Here's the what: Six 90 minute workshops will be offered:

Spiritual Leadership- for elders, diaconate, prayer groups, etc.
Administrative Leadership- Boards, staff, treasurers, etc.
Teaching Leadership- S.S. teachers, youth group leaders, Bible study, etc.
Program Leadership- Committee chairs, women & men fellowship leaders
Missional Leadership- Outreach Committee, social concerns, etc.
Also, a basic introduction workshop on ?Why Transformation??

Time will be 6:00-8:30 at all five locations, with dinner at 6:00, then singing and prayer, then workshops with communion as closing in each workshop. Lots more information will be coming.

Here's the where:

?Sunday, Nov. 12- Greater Sac. & N. San Joaquin-Arden CC, Sacramento
?Monday, Nov. 13- Mt. Lassen and Redwood- FCC, Redding
?Tuesday, Nov. 14- East Bay and Contra Costa- FCC, Concord
?Wed. Nov. 15- Golden Gate to Pebble Beach- FCC, Palo Alto
?Thurs. Nov. 16- South San Joaquin, FCC, Selma
 

C) CALLING ALL YOUNG ADULTS...

From Matthew and Michelle, new directors of young adult ministry...
Join us to envision the future of young adult ministry (for ages 18-30ish) in the CCNCN!
Searching our selves. Stretching our church. Shaping our world.

Young Adult Visioning Event -- Saturday, November 18th, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM, Christian Church of Vacaville - 66 Vine Street, Vacaville. Please bring $7 for lunch.
(PLEASE NOTE: the date for this event was originally announced as November 4th and has changed to the 18th because of location availability.)
RSVP to matthew@ccncn.org or 724.816.8487.

In the couple weeks following this event, we will be forming a young adult leadership team which will help carry out the dreams and discernment of all the young adults gathered at the Visioning Event. In the coming year, we will most likely be offering a spring weekend retreat, an after-session at the Annual Meeting, and possibly a summer work trip amongst other activities.

Please send names and contact information for young adults (ages 18-30-ish) who are even remotely connected to your churches, as well as any questions, to matthew@ccncn.org. We are building our outreach base and want to reach as many young adults as possible!

D). MIRACLE DAY 2007 WILL BE OCTOBER 20-SAVE THE DATE!

Applications for local churches to be named a Miracle Day site were mailed last week. The first 2007 Miracle Day Committee already has new ideas and visions for an even more incredible Miracle Day than 2005. That would be a miracle!

E). Regional Office is working on a "surprise" for Christmas!!!

What we need are digital photos of your church... buildings, people in worship, fellowship events, mission events, etc. We also want digital photos of your members at Annual Meeting, CGC, any kind of regional or area DOC event. Yes, we need these by October 31!!!! Send to sarasteen@ccncn.org and put Christmas photos in the subject. Give us a brief description of the event...not all the names of folks, just what is it?
We can only include your church if we have photos!
 

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In This Issue
+++Weekly Devotional- Ben Bohren, Regional Minister
+++Clergy-Take note of this!
+++Regional News
+++Regional Concerns and Celebrations
+++California Council of Churches Voter Information

1). WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL- by Ben Bohren

2). IMPORTANT CLERGY STUFF

HAVE WE GOT A CLERGY RETREAT FOR YOU!!

NOVEMBER 6-8 THEME- "TURNING INSIDE OUT"
Presenter this year will be Greg Turk, Pastor of All People's Christian Church in LA
Registration materials were mailed last week. Scholarships are available for a limited amount.

***GOOD NEWS DAY AT FCC, MODESTO- OCTOBER 28
 

You are probably asking...what is that? It's a first cousin to Miracle Day, only it is our region's first adventure of this kind in evangelism!

Here's how it works...just like a Miracle Day!
Congregations are asked to send volunteers to share the Good News with the Modesto community. We need 20-25 volunteers so if 7 congregations would send 3 or more people-we got it!
Schedule-8:30-9:00- Registration and continental breakfast
9:00- Training on canvassing the community; non-confrontive evangelism
9:45- Divide into teams and take brochures about FCC to high priority
neighborhoods chosen carefully by demographic studies
12:00- Return for lunch and sharing and de-briefing
12:45- Closing worship and sending forth
Who gains from this experience?
...FCC Modesto gets several thousand brochures out into the community
...Volunteers from different churches get training and experience first hand on how to share the Good News in a non-confrontive, non-aggressive way.
...Churches sending volunteers now have a Good News Team of your own
...CCNC-N tries out a new model of how local congregations help each other
...Good News get shared with the Modesto community
 

Please contact Pastor Ed Bishop as soon as possible: ebishop@allarewelcome.org

3). Regional News...

There are many, many wonderful events happening all across our region. Even if you cannot attend, see God's Spirit at work.

HERITAGE SUNDAY WILL BE CELEBRATED ON OCT. 22
Disciples will celebrate their rich history with Heritage Sunday on Oct. 22. This special day of recognition, celebration, and worship invites all Disciples to gather together to reflect on the past and look ahead to the future and what it means to be a Disciple.
The day also gives special recognition to the lives of Disciples who have been part of the community, and sheds light on how and where God is leading Disciples in the future. Resources from the Christian Board of Publication that help celebrate Disciples heritage can be found at: www.cbp21.com

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MEN'S MINISTRIES WORKDAY AT FCC DOS PALOS- Nov. 3&4
WANTED... 30 HARD WORKING MEN!
REGISTRATION MATERIALS WERE MAILED THIS WEEK.
It is hoped that a few men will be able to come down on Friday and get all the advance preparation work done. Contact Gary Pigg, United CC, Fresno for more information:
garypigg@yahoo.com
 

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On Sunday, October 22, at 5:00 pm, Sierra Christian Church in Loomis will host a Taize worship experience. Paula Bishop and Barbara Hamm will lead this event. If you have ever wondered what Taize worship is, or have been looking forward to experiencing this style of worship again, please come and be with us as we worship together.

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The First Christian Church of Alameda has announced its Eighth Annual Revival.

This year?s theme is ?ARE WE LUKE WARM?? (Scripture: Revelation 3:15-16.)

The fabulous gospel group, TERRI SIMMONS & RENEWED FAITH will kick the week off with a performance Sunday, October 15 at 5:30-pm. Revival evening services starting at 7:00pm will be October 18, 19, 20 (Wed-Fri) featuring the Rev. Greg Brown. On Sunday, Oct 22 at 5:30pm the Rev. Dr. Sue Schlagel will be the speaker. And of course, as always, there will be LOTS OF MUSIC! Our brothers and sisters in Alameda invite everyone to attend ? Come One! Come All! Come to Sing, Come to Hear or Come to Testify. Come one evening, come every evening.

FCC-A is located two blocks off Park St. at the corner of San Jose & Park Ave. (2441 San Jose Ave.) Leave a message at 510-523-5011 or email < berigan@earthlink.net > for more information.

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All are invited to a Blessing of the Animals service on Sunday, October 15 at 3:30pm in the courtyard of Fruitridge Christian Church, 4445 Fruitridge Road Sacramento, CA 95820. Bring Fido and Tabby. Pack up the goldfish and the gerbil and get on over. In addition to a blessing there could be a treat for your pet. All pets must be restrained or contained for the safety of all.
 

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FALL FAMILY FESTIVAL - OCTOBER 22
 

Table of Grace Christian Church invites all of our Disciples brothers and sisters to help us tell Elk Grove about our new ministry here. Come help spread the news about why being a Disciple is GREAT! This is a great way for you to support our new church and learn more about what we are doing--and have some fun too!

Join us on Sunday, October 22nd, from 3 pm to 7 pm in the Courtyard of Herriet Eddy Middle School in Elk Grove (9329 Soaring Oaks Dr.). We will have a pumpkin patch, live music, games for the whole family, food and prized, spiritual practices, and community resources.

Contact Rev. Molly Carlson at 916-208-0451 for more information and take a look at the church's website at www.tableofgrace.org  to see all of the things that this incredible new church is doing!
Molly needs regional volunteers to help throughout the day Please call her and let's give our support to this new church seeking to reach out to this community.
 

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TRUNK OR TREAT - ARDEN CHRISTIAN CHURCH - OCT. 27
Join us on October 27 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m!
A family friendly and kid safe way to trick-or-treat for Halloween. Come in costume for fun activities and prizes.

Come to trunk or treat or bring your decorated car to pass out candy to the kids. RSVP to reserve a parking space for your spooky car.

Visit the Arden Christian Church website at www.ardencc.com or contact Rebecca Johnson at reba100805@msn.com for more information.


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A SEASON OF PRAYER
 

Announcing the second of two workshops facilitated by Rev. Gary Weatherly will approach prayer through a Spirituality of the Heart. This process teaches us to expand the soul?s capacities to pray and be alert to the response of the Living Spirit of God. The first workshop was held on October 7.

Workshop #2 ? Saturday, November 4 ? 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Lord?s Prayer as a Prayer of the Soul focuses on how the soul prays through different forms and genres of prayer such as the Psalms, the Lord?s Prayer and other ritual prayers as well as spontaneous prayer. Participants connect with their particular soul images and symbols in such prayers. Also, we will explore what the heart hears and feels, and the way the Spirit responds to the prayers we offer up to God. Prayer becomes a revelatory act where by we choose consciously the images and symbols to guide and structure our soul or interior life.

Prayer is a soul work where by we engage in the Spirit in a spiritual practice. Each workshop is an independent module for those who can attend only once or twice. They also have an accumulative quality for those who participate in all three.

A catered luncheon will be served. Please call Sierra Christian Church at 916-624-8733 to make your reservation (s).
 

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An Invitation from Wisdom University:
Announcing a special course November 6-10 taught by renown scholar Bruce Chilton. Normally the audit fee for this course is $250, but ordained Disciples minister, Carol Vaccarielo, working at Wisdom University, has requested that Disciples clergy be able to attend for a love offering. The course is entitled, "Mary Magdalene, Judas Iscariot, and the Gnostic Roots of Christianity" #60102 and will be held at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church, Oakland, CA. Bruce Chilton, who holds a Ph.D. from Cambridge, 1976, is a scholar of early Christianity and Judaism. He has taught at Cambridge, Manchester and other universities in England as well as Yale and Bard College in the US. His most recent books are Rabbi Jesus: An Intimate Biography (2000), Redeeming Time: The Wisdom of Ancient Jewish and Christian Festal Calendars (2002), Rabbi Paul: An Intellectual Biography (2004), and Mary Magdalene: A Biography (2005). For more information contact: Carol Vaccariello, D. Min. Spiritual Coach 925-528-9470 cell, 415-561-2345wk
www.snowswan.org

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DATES TO SAVE
2006- A YEAR OF TRANSFORMATION

October 7- Youth Fall Fest- Woodland CC
October 8- Regional GLAD Picnic at Wayne Bennett's home in Stockton 3:30 p.m.
October 10-Transformation Team
October 11- Final Healthy Boundary Training Session for Clergy
October 14- Regional Board Meeting- FCC Selma
October 18- CCNCN Website Celebration at Regional Office
October 20-21- New Church Summit- Mission de Oro
October 28- GOOD NEWS DAY at FCC Modesto
October 29-30- Regional Staff Retreat
October 31- Regional Pastoral Relations Committee- 12:00-2:00 p.m. Regional Office
Nov. 1- Training and Care Committee-PSR
Nov. 4- Regional Men's Workday at FCC Dos Palos
Nov. 6-8- Clergy Retreat, San Damiano Retreat Center, Danville with Greg Turk
Nov. 11- Miracle Day Committee at Livermore
November 12-16- Transformation Van #2
Nov. 18- Young Adult Visioning Event- Vacaville CC
Nov. 29- Resources Committee

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4). Concerns and Celebrations

Celebrations...
 

...From Shellie Warren, Oakdale CC... You may or may not be aware that I am traveling to Haiti and the Dominican Republic very soon ( October 18-30) with the Disciples program-Woman to Woman Worldwide. I am the only woman to be representing all of California! (yikes!) I have been so very blessed and supported by the women of our region. The political climate is ever-changing and tensions often erupt in violence. It is the aim of Woman to Woman Worldwide to build bridges of peace, unconditional love and hope into all parts of the world. Please pray for the twelve women from across the United States and Canada who will be sojourning to Haiti/Dominican Republic. Pray for: safety, good health, abundant energy to serve, and above all else, to be filled with God?s Spirit to overflowing, so that we may be ?the hands and feet of Jesus? all along the journey! Here is a link to more info about W2W , if needed. www.discipleswomen.org 

...United Congregation CC and CCNCN cordially invite your prayerful presence for the ordination of Linda Marie Rubino Amador Sunday, October 22, 2006 at 3:00 p.m. UCCC, 701 S. Hutchins Street, Lodi CA 95240. What an exciting time for Linda following her PSR graduation this past spring. Linda has been serving at pastor at FCC Dos Palos.

...Hooray for Pastor Jack and Pamela Dawson, United Congregational Christian Church. who bought a new home this past week. Their new address is: 2037 Mammoth Way
Lodi, CA 95242...(209) 339-9914

...New members reported since last week: FCC Paradise (7) and FCC Sacramento (6 baptisms this Sunday).
 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 

Concerns...

New Prayers...

...From Kay McFarland, ordained Disciples minister:
The pastors serving FCC San Leandro on a part-time basis will observe a memorial for long-time faithful member Kathryn Murphy at 10:30 AM Sunday, October 22, 2006. Members from other congregations remember Kathryn and might like to be aware of this service. Unfortunately, the time conflicts with other worship services, but we want people to know of Kathryn's death. She had recently sold her home and moved to be with a daughter, in Oregon I believe. I believe she died in August. Check with Homer Richardson, pastor coordinator, or Paula Bishop, for more information.

...Special prayers for Wayne Bennett, long time regional leader, whose partner of 49 years, 9 months, Bob, has been released from the hospital in Stockton and placed in hospice care at their home. They were to celebrate 50 years together in January and Wayne is praying for a miracle.

...Leanne Wade, recently ordained after graduation from PSR, is asking prayers for her father, whose health was extremely serious two days ago. He has made a wonderful change and hopefully will continue with the same marked improvement. The family, members at United Congregational Christian Church, Lodi, seeks your prayers.

...Tom Warren, pastor at Oakdale CC, has been with his mother and father most of this week in Hanford. His mother was to receive surgery on Wednesday, but it has been moved to Friday. He appreciates your prayers greatly.

...From Natalie Chamberlain, pastor at United CC, Fresno:
I had a call this afternoon. My mother's CT scan has one worrisome spot: her bladder. With her history of cancer and radiation treatment they don't know if it is cancer or scarring. A test is planned for the 19th or sooner if possible. Please, pray that the bladder not need to be removed. My mother already has an iliostomy. Thanks for all your prayers for my mother, my family and me.

...Many prayers for Robin Faille, active at Woodland Christian Church, who continues in very critical condition at the Davis Hospital. Both of her children, Kurtis, RYC member, and sister Jordan, are active in regional youth ministry. What a difficult time for the family which also included Robin's husband and a younger sister. The family asks for prayers in this time of crisis.

...As we continue to hold in prayer Connie and Cliff Cole's daughter, Diane, as she continues in hospice care in Porterville, we shall not forget both Connie, as direct care-giver and Cliff, who remains at home to care for Connie's mother, who is in a care facility close by their home and has early signs of dementia.

Continuing Prayers...

...Please continue to remember young Cameron Chase Stroud and his parents, Linda and Kevin and grandparents, Ed and Lola Chase who have been part of FCC Alameda for over 50 years. Cameron, who has been diagnosed with ALL leukemia, has low counts right now and it is not certain he will be able to start school at the end of this month.

...Barbara Regan, past employee of the regional office, asks for continued prayers for her dad who had further tests on Monday for a partially collapsed lung. Although he is stable, this is very difficult on her mom who is undergoing physical therapy.

...From Pastor Michal Anne Pepper, University CC Berkeley:
Please pray for the Lamar and Mary Donovan Turner family of University Christian of Berkeley. Mary Donovan Turner's mother is weakening and not able get out of the bed. Lamar's parents can no longer function in their home. All three will need new living arrangements. Please pray for Mary and Lamar and their families as they work with their siblings to find new living situations for their parents.

...Prayers for Diane Kindle, wife of Rev. Steve Kindle, who begins nine weeks of alternating chemo and radiation therapy for cancer. Steve and Diane returned to our region several months ago and Steve, as former pastor at FCC Stockton several pastors ago, has graciously agreed to provide pulpit supply and some pastoral care back at FCC following the resignation of Stan Hickman.

...Judy Morgan, Choir Director at FCC, Selma, and her family have chosen not to pursue surgery for her cancer. She will begin hormone therapy treatment next Tuesday and it will be given in differing amounts over the next 52 weeks. It is unsure what the side effects may be of these treatments but it is their hope that the nauseousness will be alleviated substantially. Please keep them in your prayers.

...Ginger Bradfield, RYC adult member and wife of Danny Bradfield, pastor at Trowbridge Community CC, Fairview reports that her dad has now been released from the hospital but health concerns are still great. Please continue prayers for Larry Randall and his wife, Nadine as well as Ginger and Danny and other family members.

...News from the Fraticelli family of Lafayette CC: Marianne is beginning a new round of chemotherapy, once a month for 6 months.

...Keep those prayers coming for Wanda, Gloria and Nordean Baxter's daughter for whom we have been praying for well over a year...since April 28, 2005. Miracles are happening in her progress but it is very slow.

5) CALIFORNIA COUNCIL OF CHURCHES NEWS
For many years, the California Council of Churches has provided a guide for voters relating to state ballot propositions; especially those who are concerned about the social justice impact of these propositions. This is not an endorsement of their recommendations, but a response to their request to member denominations to make this information available.
Here is the flier: http://www.calchurches.org/publication_pdfs/ccinov06shortrecs.pdf

With Gratitude for our shared ministry!

Your Regional Ministry Team:

Ben Bohren, Transitional Regional Minister ben@ccncn.org 
Paula Bishop, Transitional Associate Regional Minister paula@ccncn.org 
Cliff Cole, Assistant Regional Minister of Placement, Training and Care cliff@ccncn.org 
Sandhya Jha, Minister of Transformation, sandhya@ccncn.org
Sue Tarleton, Program Assistant for Annual Meeting, sue@ccncn.org 
Sara Steen, Director of Outdoor and Youth Ministry, sarasteen@ccncn.org
Sarah Partney, Director of Young Adult Ministry, sarahpartney@ccncn.org
Gus England, Office Manager, gus@ccncn.org 
Emrys Lloyd-Roberts, Financial Secretary, emrys@ccncn.org 
Faye Orton Matthews, Regional Moderator, fayeorton@gmail.com
Ren Wakefield, Regional Vice Moderator, rwakefield@maxinet.com