July 12, 2015 Issue 28

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CALLER the

In This Issue From Dales Desk 2

Remember in Prayer 3 Prayer Requests, 7/5 3 Statistics 3 Spiritual Disciplines Wk 3 Serving in the Military 3 JYF Lemonade Stand 3 Save the Dates 4 Pastor Dale Out of Office 4 Summer Camp 4 Hands On Ministry 4 Christmas in July 5 CW Fundraiser 5 Homeless Shelter Forum 5 Loving Hearts 5 Chapel on Wheels Flyer 6 Regional Ministers Message 7&8 Mission Statement & Slogans 9 Serving Sunday 9

Events July12 July 19, 2015 July 12: CYF I Camp begins 8:00 A.M. - REAWAKEN Worship Service 9:00 A.M. - Sunday School for all ages 10:15 A.M. - REMEMBER Worship Service 1:00 P.M. - Casa de Oracin Service, Sanctuary & FH July 13: 7:30 A.M. - 9:00 P.M. CW Fundraiser @ Pollys 6:30 P.M. - OT Study @ Donnas July 14: Dale at General Assembly through July 25 9:00 A.M. - Pathways of Hope Executive Committee, CL 5:30 P.M. - Pathways of Hope A&V Committee, CL 7:00 P.M. - Casa uses Sanctuary and Chapman Lounge July 15: 7:00 P.M. - World Outreach Ministry Team, Chapman Lounge Stewardship/Property Ministry Team, Kitchen July 16: Tri Tip, Downtown Market 5:00 A.M. - Casa, Prayer Group, Chapman Lounge Noon - Fullerton ACT Committee Meeting, Chapman Lounge 1:00 P.M. - Pathways of Hope Faith Committee, Choir Room July 17: 8:30 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. - ESL Class, Room 107 and Kitchen 12:30 P.M. - Loving Hearts BBQ at Nancy Geigers July 18: General Assembly Begins 6:05 P.M. - Angels Baseball Game sponsored by Discipleship Ministry Team July 19: CYF I Camp begins - Dale gone through July 25 8:00 A.M. - REAWAKEN Worship Service 9:00 A.M. - Sunday School for all ages 10:15 A.M. - REMEMBER Worship Service, Brian Shrout preaching 1:00 P.M. - Casa de Oracin Service, Sanctuary & FH July 20 8:30 A.M. - Noon ESL class, Room 107 5:30 P.M. - Alzheimers Facilitators meeting, Chapman Lounge 6:30 P.M. - OT Study @ Donnas AA Groups: Sun. 8 P.M., Room 107; Thursday 8 P.M., Friday, 7:30 P.M.,

Sat. 8:30 P.M., OCYPAA, Sat. 3:30 P.M., FH AL-Anon: Fri. Noon, Room 101A NA Group: Tues. 7:30 P.M., FH OA: Tues. 7 P.M., Sun. 10 A.M., Room 107

The Caller is published

weekly (Deadline Wednesday

at Noon) by

First Christ ian Church (Disciples of Christ) 109 E. Wilshire Ave. Fullerton, CA 92832

714.525.5525 email:

fullerton1stcc@gmail.com www.fullertonfirstchristian.org

Interim Pastor: Rev. Dale Suggs

Editor: Donna Woodbridge

Webmaster: Lisa Parks

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From Dales Desk

General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) This coming Sunday afternoon, July 12, I will leave for the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ.) While my wife, Shelly, and I will spend a few days visiting family in Indianapolis, Indiana, the bulk our two weeks away will be spent at the assembly being held in Columbus, Ohio.

Gathering under the theme, Soar, the General Assembly will gather 5,000+ members of our denomination for worship, education and to do the business of the General Church. Worship opportunities include worshipping in local congregations on Sunday, July 19, and nightly Worship Services, Saturday through Wednesday. Preachers for the week include leaders within the Disciples of Christ and noted names from other Christian communities across the country and around the globe. Educational opportunities abound at this years General Assembly. Keynote speakers in five areas of study will provide a context for over 50 different workshops being offered during the week. Shelly and I will follow the Faith Formation learning track and look forward to an exciting and enlightening week of presentations and conversation. The business of the General Church is an expression of how our church is designed. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a bottom-up structure. 1) Local Congregations. Local congregations are autonomous. They make decisions for themselves without

interference from outside structures. They carry out ministries in their communities as they choose. There are currently around 3,500 churches in the CC (DOC) representing almost 500,000 members.

2) Regions. These local congregations covenant to form and to work with Regions to do ministries that local congregations cannot do on their own. One easily recognizable regional ministry is our camp and conference system. Regions also provide much needed resources for local congregations to which they would not otherwise have access. There are 32 Regions in the CC (DOC.) We are part of the Pacific Southwest Region (PSWR.) Many members of our congregation are involved in and lead ministries of the PSWR.

3) General Church. Then local congregations and Regions covenant together to work as a General Church (international church body) to do ministries that local congregations and Regions cannot do on their own. One easily recognizable general ministry is our Overseas Missions in countries from Lesotho to South Korea. The general church also provides much needed resources for local congregations and Regions to which they otherwise would not have access.

Given this bottom-up structure, representatives from local congregations gather every other year to set policy and to set the direction of the General Ministries of our church. In addition, resolutions are presented and discussed as a way of educating the larger church about the issues before the church and the world at large. Some of these resolutions are voted upon as a Sense of the Assembly. The decisions concerning these resolutions are received by Regions and local congregations but are in no way binding upon their ministries.

Please be in prayer for Shelly and me as we travel to Ohio for this important gathering of our larger church. And be in prayer for the General Assembly itself that it may be a time of inspiration for all involved.

Sermon Series on the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) When I return from the General Assembly on July 26, I will be preaching a short sermon series on the historical beliefs of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ.) Preaching three or four sermons on the CC (DOC) seemed appropriate following the international gathering of our church. The themes for the first three sermons will be, Unity Is Our Polar Star, No Creed But Christ and No Book But the Bible. I hope you will join us as we explore the heritage that still shapes our ministries today. Blessings,

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Remember in Prayer Continue to pray for: Jim & Helen Bailey, Sue Bacon, Dottie Bense, Sandra Brown, Linda Christman, Jack Doughty, Lorna & Skip Farnum, Barbara Hasty, Anna Lou Horspool, Carolyn Kenrick, Colleen Langston, Flora Miller, Kristine Perry, Norma Rill, Betty Rollo, Gayle Schoeff, Marj Schwenker, Claudia Tammen, and Bob & Donna Vannoy. Please pray for the following PSWR Church: Filipino Christian Church 301 North Union Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90026 Jeffrey Ilagan, Pastor

Readings and Prayer Concerns for Week of July 13 July 19, 2015 Monday, July 13: Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-7; Pray for the youth and counselors at

CYFI Camp taking place at Loch Leven this week. Tuesday, July 14: Reading: 2 Samuel 7:8-14a; Pray for Dale as he leaves for General Assembly today and will be back on July 25. Wednesday, July 15: Reading: Psalm 89; 20-37; Pray for the Ministry Teams meeting tonight. Thursday, July 16: Reading: Ephesians 2:11-16; Pray for the Fullerton ACT Committee meeting in Chapman Lounge today. Friday, July 17: Reading: Ephesians 2: 17-22; Pray for the Global Ministries Missionary in Mexico, Scott Nicholsen. Saturday, July 18: Reading: Mark 6:30-34; Pray for our General Church and all those who are in Columbus, OH for our denominations General Assembly. Sunday, July 19: Reading: Mark 6: 53-56; Pray for our guest Speaker, Brian Shrout as we welcome him to our pulpit today. Sunday Statist ics July 5, 2015 91 (Remember Service) 6 (Reawaken Service) 93 (Casa 1 P.M. service) Weekly Giving: $5,543.77 Missions: $615.98 Budget Goal: $3,777 CWS Baby kits: $41 Downtown Market $963.90

Prayer Requests, July 5, 2015 Jackie Brown Jeremy who is trying to kick

his drug habit. Pat Vannoy Mike Christman who is

recovering from a mild stroke.

Carl Hill Katie Hill. Sammie Adams Betty Ruth Buchanan who

has dermititis. Sherry Herrera Jennifer Capitulo ( a former

coworker) and her 3 small children as her husband passed away on Wednesday.

Pastor Dale Nancy Fowler and family on the sudden death of her son, Nick.

Serving in the Military Adam Hawley, Deb Taylors nephew, is back at Ft. Bliss. Lt. Cmdr. Patrick OConner, Betty Rollos grandson-in-law who is home and will be stationed at Hanford, CA. Lt. Patrick Rollo, Betty Rollos grandson, is at sea for several months. PFC Brandon Vannoy, grandson of Bob & Donna Vannoy, has been deployed to Afghanistan for a tour of duty. Michael J. Borden, Chief, Nancy Geigers grandson, in Norfolk, VA. Brandon Johnson, Army Chaplain, Mariette Linbergs cousin has returned from his deployment in Afghanistan. Lt. Austen Packer, Laura Lee Wiggins friend, is back at Oceana, NAS, in Virginia Lt J.G. Kip Packer, friend of Laura Lee Wiggins, Navy nurse stationed in Norfolk, VA. Kash Cross, Ted & Sammies grandson, is at Ft. Gordon, GA for helicopter repair training. Mjr. Christopher Evans, cousin of Annie Fraters who is serving in Seoul, Korea.

JYF Takes a Stand Against Hunger

Please mark your calendars and come support the JYF lemonade stand each Sunday in August following the 10:15 A.M. service. The proceeds will go to Pathways of Hope. JYFers

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Pastor Dale Out of the Office Pastor Dale will be at General Assembly in

Columbus, OH. Our guest speaker will be Brian Shrout.

Brian Shrout was a classmate of Pastor Dales at Brite Divinity School. He is an ordained Disciples minister who has worked with churches in Oklahoma, Texas and California. He is currently serving on the Regional Board of the Pacific Southwest Region. For the last twenty-five years, he has been working as a special education teacher in El Monte and Whittier. He is currently working in a program that provides services to students who have the diagnosis of emotionally disturbed and/or autism. He is married and has two daughters, a son-in-law and two grandsons, all of whom live in Bellingham, Washington. In his free time, he is an aspiring author and just released a revised edition of his first novel.

Summer Camp Dates! Mini (entering 2nd 3rd

grade) July 19 22; $285 Wee Camp (ages 3 grade 1,) July 23 25; Early bird registration $200, no late fee Junior (entering 4th 6th) July 26 Aug. 1; $380 FCCF will pay of early bird registration. Save the Dates for Regional Events: Now August 1 - Summer Camps at Loch Leven. September 26 Rock the Loch, All day music concert at Loch Leven. Watch Caller for more details later. October 4 6 Disciples Women Spiritual Growth Retreat at Loch Leven. October 17 PSWR Gathering, Riverside First Christian Church

Have We Heard From You? Last week, in the first of series of steps we are going to be taking to develop a list of opportunities for members of our congregation to engage in hands-on ministry, we asked all of our members to let us know about ministries in which they are currently involved in which may, or may not, have a relationship with our congregation. We did this so we will know exactly how many of our members are participating in one, or more, of the wide variety of hands-on ministries that are open to volunteers in our community and beyond. This knowledge will help us, i.e. the Outreach Ministry, to be able to develop a listing of such opportunities to publicize to all of our members by September. This activity is a follow-up to the third of our current three priorities as a congregation as outlined by our Interim Pastor, Dale Suggs, for the next six monthspassion powered service to our neighborhood and to the world. The slogan for this priority, as shared with us by Dale is that we, as part of the family of faith known as Disciples of Christ, are a congregation where hands not only give to the needy, they serve the least of these. Please help us develop the list of the names of our members who are involved in hands-on ministry. To do this send an e-mail to the Church Office by next Wednesday, July 15th giving us your name and how YOU are involved in hands-on ministry. Thanks for your help in compiling this list. The Outreach Ministry

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Angels We Have Heard on High and angels we

have seen below! Thank you to the angels who have taken ornaments from the Christmas in July wreath and to those who have brought their donations to the gift box in the Narthex. We are looking forward to a variety of gifts in all shapes and sizes and for all ages, from very young children to teenagers. Bring your gift to the box in the Narthex. Please leave the price tag on it as we need to submit a total of the amount donated from FCCF. As you donate to Pathways of Hope please remember that you are eligible for a thank you gift in an opportunity drawing which will be held the first Sunday in August. *Thank you gifts are 1. Two tickets to the Christmas Concert (2015) of the Mountainside Master Chorale. 2. A Christmas Classic Movie Night-at-home Its a Wonderful Life DVD, Popcorn and candy basket. 3. Christmas CD, and candles basket. If you have not already taken an ornament from the Christmas in July wreath, or would like to take another one, we thank you for your participation The Outreach Ministry Team Chapel on Wheels Fundraiser Chapel on Wheels monthly fundraiser at Pollys is this Monday, July 13 from 7:00 a.m. 9:30 p..m. Please pick up a flyer on the counter or use the one below (you must have a flyer with you,) eat breakfast, lunch and/or dinner and 20% of the proceeds will be donated to Chapel on Wheels for the maintenance of their trailers used for the School Bible Study program.

County Invites Input on Homeless Shelter This article was in the July 4, OC Register Neighbors decry Anaheim shelter proposal on Page Local 1 of Saturday, July 04, 2015 issue of Orange County Register and there are copies on the counter in the office. We really need to attend these forums (listed below) to show support for the shelter or it might get turned down AGAIN! Wont you plan to attend one of these forums and continue to pray not only for the final success of the completion and opening of this shelter as planned, but also for understanding and compassion from all those who are in opposition. Please pray the Holy Spirit will open their eyes and hearts to the seriousness of this very important project. The next two forums are scheduled for: July 22, at 5:30 p.m., Eastside Christian Church, 3330 E. Miraloma Avenue, Anaheim. August 5, 5:30 p.m., Grace Ministries Korean Church, 1701 W. Valencia Drive, Fullerton Anyone like to attend?? Loving Hearts BBQ We have scheduled our BBQ at Nancy Geiger's home for this coming Friday, July 17 at 12:30 P.M. Tim (Nancys son-in-law) will be BBQing hamburgers and hot dogs. We will provide the rest of the food. If you would like to donate to the cause, we will have a donation box available. Transportation will be provided for those who need it. Just let Donna (714-595-9510) know so she can get rides scheduled. Hope you can all join us again. It was a fun and very rewarding time in April. All widows are invited. Nancy's address is 2015 Walnut, Fullerton, CA 92833. Phone number is (714) 447-1108

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MILE MARKER #67 - TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES Then God said, "And now we will make human beings; they will be like us and resemble us. They will have power over the fish, the birds, and all animals, domestic and wild, large and small." So God created human beings, making them to be like God's self. God created them male and female, blessed them, and said, "Have many children, so that your descendants will live all over the earth and bring it under their control. I am putting you in charge of the fish, the birds, and all the wild animals. I have provided all kinds of grain and all kinds of fruit for you to eat; but for all the wild animals and for all the birds I have provided grass and leafy plants for food"- and it was done. God looked at everything God had made, and God was very pleased. Evening passed and morning came-that was the sixth day. (Genesis 1:26-31) In 1975 Christian singer and songwriter Jim Manley wrote a song titled "Take Off Your Shoes" with the opening line being: "Take, take off your shoes, your standing on holy ground." The song goes on to talk about this gift we have of God's creation and how we have abused it environmentally. It's ironic that 40 years later his words now seem incredibly prophetic. A recent article in the LA Times (Tuesday, June 16, 2015) under the heading The World, with featured story "Pope focuses on climate" talked about the highly anticipated letter from Pope Francis called an encyclical. This letter, the article says, "Is expected to ripple across religious, political and economic debates." Here is the full encyclical: (http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2015/06/18/full-text- laudato-si/) This letter from the Pope centering on the environment names climate change as a threat largely caused by humans and would urge actions to reduce the emissions that cause global warming. It is a call to all nations to reduce their carbon emissions by replacing fossil fuels with new sources of renewable energy. Caring for God's creation has been the first imperative for humankind since the beginning of the created order (Genesis 1:26-31). However, the notion of "having dominion" has too often led to dangerous and destructive actions by humankind on the environment and the created order, including genocide of some species as well as terrible injustices both to the human and animal kingdoms. How do we as caretakers of God's creation and members of the faith community take seriously the concerns facing our world with the threat of irreversible damage to our environment? Research tells us that a critical barrier to greater public engagement in this important conversation is the perception that the problem is just too big to solve. People also feel that it would require significant change in lifestyles as well as political action, and most have little faith in one another and even less in government solutions. Retired Disciple pastor, Charles Bayer, wrote an article back in March addressing concerns about our changing climate and what can we do about it, entitled "What do we tell the grandchildren". He writes: Many of my acquaintances feel a kinship with the little red hen. When she was hit on the head by an acorn she knew that the sky was falling, and gathered her friends and neighbors to spread the bad news. There are people I trust who do not hesitate to tell me the evidence makes it clear that our refusal to heed the facts regarding climate change has put civilization beyond the point of no return. They suggest that we are already doomed. Unlike the little red hen, they may be right! The sky may indeed be falling. We may have already sold our existence on this planet for the sake of economic progress and perpetual growth, and there is no way to turn back. The waterfall is ahead of us and being happy with all our stuff, we sit comfortably in our elegant canoes believing we are on a millpond, not the river. If we don't have all we think necessary to make us happy, we can burn enough fossil fuels to generate what we have convinced ourselves to be the lack.

On the other hand, while climate change constitutes a serious immediate issue, there are those who hold it may not portend universal disaster. To assume that position, however, may not be a risk worth taking. The honest question is, "What do we do about the evidence we now have?" Turning off the lights when we leave a room and putting the proper things in the recycling bin may not be quite enough. While we may be committed to finding a way forward, most of us come up short even on the direction. Today's red hens may, like the one on the old tale, be hysterical for no good reason, but what if they have convincing evidence that irreversible climate change is already underway? That leaves us with a terrible dilemma. What if the sky is falling, and if that is a real possibility, what do we tell our grandchildren?

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Conferences on Creation Care and Environmental Justice and so forth are spring up everywhere. The concerns are real and there are no easy or simple solutions. The truth is, we as a human community must make changes in how we live and how we care for our world.

Because simply identifying the problem does not motivate most people to change, there must be some solutions that people can understand and participate in. I am by no means an expert, so I am offering some solutions shared by ecoamerica.org: Suggested climate solutions and mechanisms: Energy production Increasing renewable heat and power (solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal and bioenergy) reducing subsidies for fossil fuels taxing fossil fuels implementing incentives or requirements to source electricity from renewable/ clean sources providing subsidies for producers of renewable energy facilitating carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCs) implementing power plant emissions limits switching from coal to natural gas in the interim using nuclear power in the interim Transportation using fuel-efficient vehicles, hybrid and electric vehicles, and cleaner using biofuels using and improving public transportation using nonmotorized forms of transportation (walking and biking) improving and implementing fuel economy standards for vehicles changing transportation and land use planning to influence mobility needs taxing vehicle purchase, registration, and use pricing road usage and parking In the face of urgent concerns regarding global climate change, life-altering pollution, world-wide food supply concerns, lack of clean water and sanitation for too many of our global neighbors, and more -- caring for God's creation, as a spiritual practice, needs to again be a foundational consideration for the Christian faith in each of our lives. But let us not take up such practice from a place of fear and foreboding like the little red hen; let us do so, instead, as a whole-hearted commitment from a deep place of hope for what can be, and a deep-seated conviction for who and how we are called to be, as those called by God to care for this beautiful and amazing creation - our home. You are encouraged to ask questions, do your own research, attend one of these conferences and get information on what you and/or your congregation can do. Go to our disciple.org website and look into the Green Chalice. What ever it is, do something so we can leave a clean, safe environment for our grandchildren and others. Remember, we are standing on holy ground! Together on the journey, Don & Susan Your Co-Regional Ministers

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First Christian Church 109 E. Wilshire Avenue Fullerton, CA 92832

Reawaken (Early Worship Service) Sunday, 8:00 A.M. Church School for all ages: Sunday, 9:00 A.M. Remember (Traditional Worship Service) Sunday, 10:15 A.M. Youth Group: Sunday, 1:00 P.M.

First Christian Church . . .

Celebrating the diversity of all of Gods children, we are Disciples of Christ practicing spirit-filled worship, faith-building community, and passion-powered service

to our neighborhood and to the world.

Where encounters with God are not only ordinary, theyre extraordinary!

Where invitations not only happen on occasion,

they happen on every occasion.

Where hands not only give to the needy, they serve the least of these

Serving July 12, 2015 Greeter: Mariette Linberg Guest Book: Terry Vannoy Coffee Host: Hospitality Ministry Acolyte Parent: Henke Sound & Video: Clare Keech Lay Leader: Randy Baxter Childrens Moment: Pat Van Vliet Elders: Lin Garcia, Joshua Dorrough Phil Forbes (HC)

HC Elders: Bob & Barbara Hasty, PJ Vannoy Diaconate: Leslies Team Prepare: Diane Daugherty, Phil Forbes Ushers: Diane Daugherty, Sue Harless Serve: Leslie Beck, Diane Daugherty, Sue

Harless, Randy Langston, David Styffe Clean Up: Leslie Beck, Randy Langston,

David Styffe Alternates: Lisa Parks, Amy Styffe

Serving July 19, 2015 Greeters: Rod & Jan Farley Guest Book: Barbara Fenters Coffee Host: Hospitality Ministry Acolyte Parent: Angulo Sound & Video: Travis Robidoux Lay Leader: Childrens Moment: Elders: Bill Martin, Kathy Robidoux Nancy Geiger

Diaconate: Leslies Team Prepare: Randy Langston, Lisa Parks Ushers: Phil Forbes, David Styffe Serve: Leslie Beck, Randy Langston, Lisa

Parks, Amy & David Styffe Clean Up: Leslie Beck, Diane Daugherty,

Amy Styffe Alternates: Sue Harless