September 6, 2015 Issue 36

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CALLER the

In This Issue

Remember in Prayer 2 Prayer Requests, 8/30 2 Spiritual Disciplines Wk 2 Serving in the Military 2 2016 Calendars/Loving Hearts 2 Thank You 3 Choir 3 Important Dates 3 Disciplines 3 Statistics 3 Giving Statements 3 Harvest Festival 4 Light a Candle for Children 4 Parlor Class 4 David Matson Lectures 5 Food Bags for Pathways 5 Letters 5 Blanket Month 6 Regional Events 6 Week of Compassion 7 Serving Sunday 8

Events – September 6 - September 13, 2015 September 6: 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 Oración Service, Sanctuary & FH 12:00 P.M. - Loving Hearts Group meet at Coco’s for lunch September 7: Labor Day Holiday - Office Closed September 8: 9:00 A.M. - Pathways of Hope Executive Board, CL 7:00 P.M. - Casa uses Sanctuary & Chapman Lounge September 9: 7:00 P.M. - Discipleship Ministry Team, Chapman Lounge September 10: Tri-Tip, Donna, Coordinator 5:00 A.M. - Casa Prayer Time, Chapman Lounge 7:30 P.M. Chancel Choir September 11: 10:00 A.M. - Debate Club, Room 107 September 12: 8:00 A.M. - DMF/CASA Breakfast, CL 10:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. - Native Daughters, Fellowship Hall September 13: Rally Day 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 Oración Service, Sanctuary & FH 12:00 P.M. - Loving Hearts Group meet at Coco’s for lunch September 14: 7:00 A.M. - 9:30 P.M. - Chapel on Wheels Fundraiser @ Polly’s 6:30 P.M. - OCCS, Chapman Lounge September 15: 9:00 A.M. - Worship Committee, Chapman Lounge 12:00 P.M. - Sr. Adults Meeting, Chapman Lounge 5:30 P.M. - Pathways of Hope General Board, Room 101A 6:30 P.M. - BA @ Barry’s 7:00 P.M. - Casa uses Sanctuary & Chapman Lounge 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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Remember in Prayer Continue to pray for: Jim & Helen Bailey, Sue Bacon, Dottie Bense, Sandra Brown, Jack Doughty, Lorna & Skip Farnum, Carolyn Kenrick, Colleen Langston, Flora Miller, Janet Parker, Kristine Perry, Jeanne Randall, Norma Rill, Betty Rollo, Gayle Schoeff, Claudia Tammen, and Bob & Donna Vannoy. Please pray for the following PSWR Church: Wilshire Korean Christian Church 3435 Wilshire Blvd. # 101 Los Angeles, CA 90010 Kye-Seo Um, Pastor

Readings and Prayer Concerns for Week of September 7 – September 13, 2015 Monday, September 7: Reading:

Proverbs 1: 20-33;Pray for the Global Ministries Missionary in the Philippines, Eleazar Fernandez. Tuesday, September 8: Reading: Psalm 19: 1-6; Pray for Pathways of Hope Executive Board meeting in Chapman Lounge today. Wednesday, September 9: Reading: Psalm 19: 7-14; Pray for the Discipleship Meeting tonight in Chapman Lounge. Thursday September 10: Reading: James 3: 1-5a; Pray for the Chancel Choir as it begins the fall season. Friday, September 11: Reading James 3: 5b-12; Pray for the Home School Debate Club beginning today in Room 107. Saturday, September 12: Reading: Mark 8:27-30; Pray for Judi Smedley and her Native Daughters group meeting today in Fellowship Hall. Sunday, September 13: Reading: Mark 8:31-38; Pray for our congregation as we begin the Fall Season and Rally day today. Loving Hearts Luncheon The Loving Hearts Widow group meets every Sunday after church at Coco’s on Harbor. You are welcome to join them. Just show up as soon as possible after church.

Prayer Requests, August 30, 2015 Ted & Sammie Adams

Grandson, Pvt Kash Cross left on Saturday for Korea. Keep him and his wife, Sierra in your prayers.

Cam Malotte Sue Malotte, on the anniversary of her dear friend, Marge Jennings, death two years ago.

Ed & Mariette Linberg

Prayers for Darwin Mann and family on the passing of his wife, Mary Jane.

Serving in the Military Adam Hawley, Deb Taylor’s nephew, is back at Ft. Bliss. Lt. Cmdr. Patrick O’Conner, Betty Rollo’s grandson-in-law, who is stationed at Hanford, CA. Lt. Patrick Rollo, Betty Rollo’s 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 Geiger’s grandson, in Norfolk, VA. Brandon Johnson, Army Chaplain, Mariette Linberg’s cousin, Chaplain, at Fort Hood, TX. Lt. Austen Packer, Laura Lee Wiggins’ friend, at Oceana, NAS, in Virginia Lt J.G. Kip Packer, friend of Laura Lee Wiggins, has been deployed to Moron, Spain. Pvt. Kash Cross, Ted & Sammie’s grandson, deployed to Korea for a year Mjr. Christopher Evans, cousin of Annie Frater’s who is serving in Seoul, Korea.

God’s Creation Calendar If you are looking for a great wall calendar either for yourself or as a gift, here is the perfect opportunity and a

really great deal. The pictures for 2016 are beautiful. The 2016 Calendars and pocket calendars are on the counter in the office. The calendars are $4 each which is my cost (what a deal!) So do your Christmas shopping early. Donna

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Thank You We would like to thank

David & Amy Styffe, Luanne Bailey, Leslie Beck, Craig Wallace and Bill Martin for getting lots done on the All-Church Work Day last Saturday. Also thanks to Donna Woodbridge for always making the coffee to keep us going and Bill Henke for weeding and adding mulch to the Fellowship Hall front garden. And Another Thank You Dear FCCF Congregation Thanks once again for your great generosity in supporting the “JYF Takes a Stand Against Hunger” lemonade project. On Sunday, August 23, the Lemonade stand collected $261 plus $123 on August 2 to donate to Pathways of Hope. We cannot thank you enough. Marguerite & JYFers Welcome back Choir Look forward to seeing you on 9/10 to start up another exciting year. What you haven't sung in a choir in a long time? Well come join us at 7:30 on that Thursday in the sanctuary. We love new members. However, new and old members beware - the Farmer's Market is still on so parking can be 'adventurous'. Look forward to seeing you there. Bell choir I'll see you a week later and we'd love new members especially as Deb will be leaving us in October and that leaves at least one position open". Shar - pitch hitting for Mitch Sunday Statist ics August 30, 2015 89 (Remember Service) 7 (Reawaken Service) 100 (Casa 1 P.M. service) Weekly Giving: $3,101.05 Missions: $310.11 Budget Goal: $3,777 CWS Blankets: $145 Bibles & Hygiene Kits: $125 JYF Lemonade Stand: 261.76

Discipline s Devotional For 2016 It’s time to order the Disciplines 2016, a daily devotional guide based on the Common

Lectionary. Final price depends on the number of orders, but will be no more than $14 for regular edition, $17 for large print. We will collect for the books when they arrive. A sign-up sheet is on the counter in the office. Deadline to order is November 1. Important Dates to Remember September 13 – Rally Day September 26 – Rock the Loch, All day music concerts at Loch Leven. Watch Caller for more details later. September 27 - Pathways of Hope Fundraiser at Angelo & Vinci’s October 6, 13, 20, 27 - David Matson lectures, Chapman Lounge October 4 – 6 - Disciples Women Spiritual Growth Retreat at Loch Leven. October 17 – PSWR Gathering, Riverside First Christian Church October 23 - 25 - PSWR Young Adult Camp, Loch Leven Third Quarter Giving Statements The Stewardship Committee will provide an end-of-the-third-quarter giving statement to anyone who requests one. If you would like one, please call or send an email to the office, drop a note in the collection plate to Luanne and we’ll print and have them available in the Narthex in early October. Save a tree, save a stamp, save the landfills! Thank you! Stewardship/Property Ministry Team

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Light a Candle for Children September 13 through October 18 has been designated as “Light a Candle for Children Vigil” culminating with church service on October 18. The theme for this year’s Children’s Sabbath is: “How Long Must I Cry for Help?” It often reflects the desperate needs of myriads of children around the world for food, shelter, clothing, education and more. There will be daily devotions distributed to the congregation, plus each Sunday during Children’s Moments a candle will be lighted to remind us of the need of children around the world.

Harvest Festival So far we have 5 people who will help with this great

community outreach project being organized by our sister church, Casa de Oración to be held on October 31, from 4 - 8 P.M. in Fellowship Hall and Patio areas. It will be a carnival atmosphere with games, bounce house, cotton candy, popcorn, and prizes. Each child will go home with a bag of goodies. They have asked if we would like to help and work with them in this project and get to know each other better. This is where we come in. Here are a few ways that you can share in this ministry You can provide candy for the goody bags. Just bring any amount that you would like to provide to the office and Donna will see that it gets to the right place. You can bring it anytime. That way we will have an idea of what we will need to purchase or

1. Casa de Oración will be setting up on Friday and Saturday and would appreciate any help we can provide.

2. Help to staff the event from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. (or any part of the time) on the 31st

Please let me know as soon as possible what you would like to be a part of so I can let the Casa people know for their scheduling and budgeting . Donna W.

Parlor Class To Begin New Course On September 13 As part of their session this past Sunday, the members of the Parlor Class chose a new course of study. It’s the first book in a series of four books by Henri Nouwen that have been published as the Henri Nouwen Spirituality Series. The first book is A Spirituality of Living. In this book Nouwen, the late French Catholic Priest, identifies three essential disciplines for maintaining a life of discipleship. They are: solitude, community and ministry. This study invites its participants to “find out how to become Spirit-filled Christ followers.” The cost of the book needed to participate in this course is $9.99. We have ordered twelve books to begin our class sessions on September 13 at 9 A.M. in Chapman Lounge. If you’d like to join us, we’d welcome your presence and your participation. There are three other titles in this series of books, published by Upper Room. They are: A Spirituality of Homecoming, A Spirituality of Caregiving and A Spirituality of Fundraising. In light of our experience with the first book in this series, we may choose to use one, or more, of the remaining three titles after we complete A Spiritualityof Living. The beginning of the fall program of our congregation is a good time to join a study group. There are literally hundreds of other options for study in small groups. The Discipleship Ministry would be delighted to help you form a group with other adults to study a course that interests you.

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Tuesday Night Study Series Dr. David Matson

2015 October 7:00 P.M. Tuesday Evening Lectures

Title: "Preach the Gospel"

This is now the sixth year our congregation has hosted this four-week Bible lecture series from one of the most gifted, informed, and highly entertaining biblical scholars in our region. We are very fortunate to welcome Dr. Matson back to Chapman Lounge each Tuesday evening at 7:00 during the month of October. "Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words." Most of us have heard these words, usually attributed to St. Francis of Assisi. Some of us have even quoted them on occasion. They certainly describe the ethos of most main-line Protestant churches, who would rather feed the homeless than tell people about Jesus. But there are two problems with the above quotation: 1) St. Francis never said them; 2) they aren't true. Both may surprise you, especially the second. This study will engage in a thorough biblical investigation of the word "gospel" to discover why this beloved quotation isn't true and what impact that realization might have on the way we think about the work and role of the church today. Confusion about the gospel results in confusion about our mission. Outline: October 6 - The "Gospel" in the Old Testament: Backgrounds The word "gospel" doesn't occur very often in the Old Testament, but when it does, it tells us much about its nature as an oral event. October 13 - The "Gospel" in the Proclamation of Jesus We are right to think of the gospel as something that Jesus accomplished for us, but did you know that Jesus actually preached the gospel as well? October 20 - The "Gospel" in the Writings of Paul

Paul is actually our earliest source for the term "gospel" being used in a distinctly Christian sense. Actually, the gospel goes back even before him. October 27 - Implications If simply working for social justice is the gospel, how does the church differ from any other fine humanitarian organization? Is there any compelling reason why a person should attend your church? Do we even need the church, if other groups and organizations can do the job better?

Food Bags for Pathways In the past we have given you the opportunity to take a bag

and fill it with specific foods for a family. The Pathways Distribution Center has been rearranged (see picture) so this year we are asked to just bring any of the items listed below. If you would like to fill a grocery bag with one product you may do so or there will be a box in the Narthex for you to place the items you purchase. Here is the list: pasta, fresh fruits, veggies, beans, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, canned chicken, canned tuna, rice. Or no time to shop, you can write a check and note in the memo section, “Food Bags” and we will shop for you. We Get Letters . . . This letter, dated August 26, is shared, in part, through the Caller. The full letter is posted on the bulletin board. “On behalf of Pathways of Hope Board of Directors, our dedicated staff, tireless volunteers, and the homeless and hungry we serve, I want to thank you for your generous donation of toys and $80 for the Holiday Community Program. Thank you for your help in supporting our programs.” Maria Mazzenga Avellaneda, Executive Director

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Blanket Month Wrap up Thank you everyone for your generosity during the Blanket

Month. Even with the heat and humidity, you helped us surpass our goal of 159 blankets) by four blankets - a total of 163 blankets to those in need. YOU ARE AN AWESOME Congregation. The winners of the Yogurtland gift coupons were Duane & Phyllis Elliot, Sue Malotte, and Laura Schaffel. The Outreach Ministry Team

Opportunity Tickets on Sale Now! The tickets for the 2015

Don Shelton Golf Classic are available for you to purchase on Sundays from Donna in the Narthex now through Sept. 20. Opportunity Drawing (1 for $1; 6 for $5, 12 for $10, and 25 for $20.) The proceeds from the Opportunity Drawing will be part of the profit from the golf tournament to be distributed to All Peoples Community Center, Chapman University’s DOC Students Program, Disciples Seminary Foundation Scholarship Fund, Eastmont Community Center, Project Impact and the Summer Camp and Conference Scholarship Program of the Regional Church. The Shelton Family Scholarship Fund Drawing (1 for $10, 3 for $20) proceeds will be given to the Disciples Seminary Foundation, Don Shelton Scholarship. The prizes for the Opportunity Drawing are as follows: 1st Prize( 2 Tickets to the 2015-2016 Season of Broadway Plays at the Pantages Theatre;) 2nd Prize (2 Tickets to the January 1st Rose Bowl game; 3rd Prize (an iPad mini.) The prize for the Shelton Family Scholarship Drawing is a 5-day/4 night cruise out of either Long Beach or Miami. The winner will have his/her choice of cruises. Transportation to the port from which then cruise will disembark is not included in the prize. Thanks! Ed

Confronting the Powers: An Anti-Racism Workshop What is the difference between racism and personal prejudice? How can we dismantle racism internally and socially? Why does racism still grip the U.S.? Facilitators: Sandhya Rani Jha and David Bell. Join us on Friday, September 18, 1:00 - 8:00 P.M. & Saturday, September 19, 9:00 A.M.-

5:00 P.M. at Westminster Gardens, 1420 Santo Domingo Avenue, Duarte, CA 91010 Suggested Donation: $10. For more info: contact Payuyo@gmail.com Co-sponsored by Progressive Christians Uniting ROCK THE LOCH

Regional Women’s Spiritual Growth Retreat October 2 -4, 2015 Loch Leven

Friday evening dinner through 11:30 a.m. Sunday Theme: “BELIEVE” gives us an opportunity to ponder, identify and share our beliefs with one another. We will explore some scriptures, some of our Disciples Heritage and some of the songs we use to proclaim what we Believe. Keynote speaker is Pastor Pam Moore and music will be provided by her husband, Kent Moore. Registration fee: $150 before September 1, 2015 and $175 after September 1. Registration forms are available from Donna in the office.

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Syrian Refugees Crisis Surrounding the Middle East and Europe WHAT'S HAPPENING The news has been filled this first week of September with chaotic scenes. 3-year old Alyan Kurdi, along with his brother Galip, their mother, and nine other Syrian refugees drowned during an attempt to pass the Aegean Sea in hopes of finding safety (over 2500 others have been lost in recent months attempting similar escape). Outside of the Hungarian capital of Budapest, trains packed with Syrian refugees have been halted at the order of the authorities, while the migrants inside refuse to leave because they know that they cannot survive being returned home. Since the beginning of 2015, over 100,000 displaced persons from Northern and Middle Africa, Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq have been registered in Hungary alone, but the authorities are unable to handle all the needs of the migrants as the numbers continue to rapidly increase. All countries surrounding the crisis region are feeling the same strain on their resources, and the situation will only continue to become more dire. For the past four years, the crisis in Syria has been escalating. Unimaginable violence and unrest across the Middle East and Northern Africa has grown to a level that has created one of the greatest humanitarian crises in current memory. Not since the Second World War have we seen such high numbers of refugees and displaced persons desperately seeking safety and refuge in lands not their own. This week, we have been confronted with a visible image of exactly what is at stake: the lives - many of which have been lost - of men, and women, and small children... all of whom are beloved children of God. At this moment, the Church is being called to respond. Through Week of Compassion and its partners, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada have been working to provide support and refuge to those in need. Below are a few examples of work that is already underway, as well as continuing opportunities to respond to the needs of those who are living through the crisis. WHAT WE HAVE BEEN DOING Week of Compassion has been working with partners inside the country of Syria, as well as in the surrounding countries of Jordan, Lebanon, Greece, Serbia, Turkey and Hungary in providing emergency assistance to the million of refugees who are fleeing the conflict. Just in the last month, Week of Compassion has been working with our partners in providing the following emergency aid: Water, sanitation, and hygienic items to individuals, especially children and women Essential medicines and medical supplies and equipment Psychological, emotional, spiritual, and social support for children and their mothers in refugee camp Distributing clothes, blankets and other non-food items in refugee camps in preparation for the winter cold season Building emergency shelters for the increasing number of refugees How You Can Help 1. DONATE 100% of your gifts designated "Syria Humanitarian Crisis" will directly go to help Syrian refugees and those who are internally displaced in the Middle East and in Europe 2 . REFUGEE EMERGENCY HOSPITALITY KITS You and your congregation can put together essential welcome kits for refugees when they arrive safely in the United States. Click here to view instructions. 3 . HELP SPONSOR REFUGEES Through Church World Service and Disciples Refugee and Immigration Ministries, congregations within 50 miles of any partner CWS office are urged to Pick 3 for Refugees to serve as a Welcoming Team for newly arriving refugee families. Please contact the CWS office closest to you, or Disciples Refugee & Immigration Sharon Stanley, 202-957-7826 or sstanley@dhm.disciples.org. to help resettle refugee families

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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 God’s 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, they’re 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 September 6, 2015 Greeter: Laura Schaffel Guest Book: Phil Forbes Coffee Host: Hospitality Ministry Acolyte Parent: McCuen Sound & Video: Travis Robidoux Lay Leader: Cam Malotte Children’s Moment: Dale Suggs Elders: Sherry Herrera, Randy Langston, Mitch Hanlon

Diaconate: McCuen’s Team Prepare: Paul Robidoux, Dirk McCuen Ushers: Kelly & Shawn McCuen Serve: Luanne Bailey, Dirk, Jan, Kelly &

Shawn McCuen, Paul Robidoux Clean Up: Jan, Kelly & Shawn McCuen Alternate: Anna Van Diest, Alice Wallace

Serving September 13, 2015 Greeter: Mariette Linberg Guest Book: Ted Adams Coffee Host: Hospitality Ministry Acolyte Parent: McCuen Sound & Video: Paul Robidoux Lay Leader: Children’s Moment: Elders: Luanne Bailey, Pat Vannoy, Phil Forbes (HC)

Home Communion: Randy Langston, Pat Vannoy, Mitch Hanlon

Diaconate: McCuen’s Team Prepare: Anna Van Diest, Alice Wallace Ushers: Jan & Dirk McCuen Serve: Luanne Bailey, Dirk, Jan McCuen,

Anna Van Diest, Alice & Craig Wallace Clean Up: Jan, Kelly & Shawn McCuen Alternate: Anna Van Diest, Alice Wallace