April 20, 2014 Issue 16

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CALLER the

In This Issue

Pastor’s Corner 2 Statistics 2 Remember in Prayer 3 Spiritual Disciplines Wk 3 Prayer Requests, April 13 3 Serving in the Military 3 Save the Date/GNO 3 Condolences 3 Summer Camp 4 Easter 4 Sr. Adults 4 Scholarship Apps 4 Sr. Adult Retreat 5 Crop Walk 5 Fair Trade Coffee 5 We Get Letters 6 Easter Offering 6 Worship Moments 7 Photographers Needed 7 Mother/Daughter/Friends Tea 7 Search Committee 8 Kids Page 8 Serving Sunday 9

Events –Apri l 20, 2014- Apri l 27, 2014 April 20: Easter 9:00 A.M. - Church History Study, Chapman Lounge Study of John Shelby Spong’s book, Rm. 107 9:45 A.M. - Choir Practice 10:15 A.M. - REMEMBER, Traditional Service 11:30 A.M. - Easter Egg Hunt, Patio 1:00 P.M. - Casa de Oración Service, Sanctuary & FH April 21: 5:30 P.M. - Alzheimer’s Facilitators Meeting, CL 6:00 P.M. - Girls Night Out @ Lazy Dog, Brea 6:30 P.M. - Old Testament Class @ Woodbridges April 22: 6:30 P.M. - Bible Study @ Barry’s 7:00 P.M. - Casa use Sanctuary and Chapman Lounge April 23: 7:00 P.M. – Council of Elders, Chapman Lounge April 24: Tri-Tip at Downtown Market 4:00 – 8:30 p.m. 6:30 P.M. – Bell Choir rehearsal 7:30 P.M. – Chancel Choir rehearsal April 26: 8:30 A.M. – Greek class @ Woodbridges’ 3:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. - Casa use Fellowship Hall April 27: 8:00 A.M. - REAWAKEN, Early Worship Service 9:00 A.M. - Church History Study, Chapman Lounge Study of John Shelby Spong’s book, Rm. 107 10:15 A.M. - REMEMBER, Traditional Service 1:00 P.M. - Casa de Oración Service, Sanctuary & FH April 28: 6:30 P.M. - Old Testament Class @ Woodbridges April 29: 6:30 P.M. - Bible Study @ Barry’s 7:00 P.M. - Casa use Sanctuary and Chapman Lounge April 30: 7:00 P.M. – Hot Meal Ministry Team Meeting with all churches and Corporal J.D. DeCaprio AA Groups: Sun. 8:00 P.M., Friday, 7:30 P.M., Sat. 8:30 P.M., NA Group, Tues., 7:30 P.M.

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

Senior Pastor:

Rev. Darrell McGowan Associate Pastor:

Rev. Debra Todd Editor:

Donna Woodbridge

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Waiting is something at which God excels. In the parable most often referred to as the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the faithful father waits for his prodigal son to return and

welcomes him before he can reach the house upon his much-awaited return. God is like that faithful father and the many faithful mothers and fathers we have known or heard of over the years. God is good at waiting. I was always a bit puzzled by those who would read the Bible and find within its pages evidence that God is reaching the end of divine patience with the world. To these folks, it was clear that the end of this time was quickly approaching and the beginning of a new time was nearly upon us. One day soon, God was going to call “time” and those who had established their allegiance with Christ would be gathered into heaven while the many others were left behind to suffer through the death pangs of this world. Recently, another author has struck gold by tapping into this rather imaginative reading of the Scriptures and has captivated people with stories depicting an impatient God who cares little for those who are left behind. People have been announcing the end of time and the second coming of Christ for centuries. The pronouncements grow louder with the turn of a century or, especially, the turn of a millennium, but they are always part of the Christian landscape. Even Paul made pronouncements about the nearness of the end and probably contributed to the confusion created when faithful members of the early church died before Christ returned. It seems to me that we are always tempted to create God in our image. We are impatient, so we think God must be impatient. We are judgmental, so we need God to be judgmental. It goes on and on. In reality, God is so far beyond anything we might imagine that it does us no good to speculate on what God is up to. We are better served to stay focused on what God would have us do. Whether our time draws to a close tomorrow or years and years from now, our task is always the same. It’s simple, but it’s not always easy. We are to love God and love others. If you want to love Jesus, you’ve got to love the people Jesus loves. As we celebrate Easter together, I give thanks for the ways all of you reflect God’s love to one another. Most of us will only begin to appreciate God’s love once we experience it through the people closest to us. If we are Easter people, resurrection people, we commit ourselves to reflecting the expansive, unconditional love of a God who loves the entire world and is patient with us as we slowly learn to live into our role as disciples. I’m sure glad God is so good at waiting. If God were a human being, even a very remarkable human being, God would have lost patience with the rest of humanity a long time ago. But God is not a human being. God is Source, Creator, Redeemer, Lover, Healer, Final Destination, and so much more. God is. And that’s all I really need to know. Peace, Sunday Statist ics April 13, 2014 124 (Remember Service) 6 (Reawaken Service) 95 (Casa 5 P.M. service) Weekly Giving: $2,742.30 Missions: $304.70 Easter offering: $470 Budget Goal: $3,979 Farmer’s Market: $900.70 Financials First Quarter: Budget: $51,628 - Received: $49,754.87 $1,873.13 =3.63%) First Quarter Expenses: ($6,037.92)

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Remember in Prayer Continue to pray for: Sue Bacon, Dottie Bense, Harold Brickens, Sandra Brown, Linda Christman, Chris Collett, Lorna & Skip Farnum, the family of Harold Horn, Anna Lou Horspool, Carolyn Kenrick, Flora Miller, Sue Miller, Norma Rill, Claudia Tammen, Dorothy Tanner, Connie Townsend and family, Anna Van Diest and Bob & Donna Vannoy. Please pray for the following PSWR Church: First Christian Church, Torrance 2930 Eldorado Street Torrance, CA 90503 Steve Fietz, Pastor

Readings and Prayer Concerns for Week of April 21 – April 27, 2014 Monday, April 21: Acts 2: 14a, 21-32;

pray for the Girls’ Night Out meeting at Lazy Dog tonight. Tuesday, April 22: Reading: Psalm 16: 1-6; Today is Earth Day, pray that we will all be more mindful or our surroundings and how we can be more efficient at recycling and saving our forests. Congregational Prayer Day, April 23: Reading: John 20: 19-23; pray for the Council of Elders meeting tonight. Thursday, April 24: Reading: John 20: 24-29; pray for the Bell Choir and Chancel Choir as they rehearse tonight. Friday, April 25: Reading: John 20: 30-31; pray for Global Ministries Missionaries in Haiti, Tim and Diane Fonderlin. Saturday, April 26: Reading: 1 Peter 1: 3-9; pray for the Greek class as they resume their class after a few weeks off. Sunday, April 27: Reading: Psalm 16: 7-11; pray for the Beal and Evans family as Eric and Alice Evans are dedicated during the 10:15 service today. Save the Date! Campbell Lodge Grand Re-opening Celebration 5/31/14

Prayer Requests: April 13, 2014 Alice & Craig Wallace

The families of the students and staff involved in the tragic bus accident this past week. Praise for the blessing of Mitch and Rod and how they enhance our worship with music.

Mary Ann Richmond

Billy Garfield who needs a kidney transplant and is on list with a 8 – 10 year wait.

Phil Forbes Thanks and praise for the miracle healing of my friends, brother Jeff Carbin. The brain aneurysm he had has been healed. He is recuperating at home.

Serving in the Mil i tary: Adam Hawley, Deb Taylor’s nephew, is now home from Afghanistan and back at Ft. Bliss with his family. Lt. Cmdr. Patrick O’Conner, Betty Rollo’s grandson-in-law. Lt. Patrick Rollo, Betty Rollo’s grandson. He is back at base in Hanford. PFC Brandon Vannoy, grandson of Bob & Donna Vannoy, is now stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Petty Officer Michael J. Borden, Nancy Geiger’s grandson, who is stationed in Guam for the next year.

Our Hearts Go Out to: the family of Harold Horn who passed away at 6: 25 a.m. on April 17. Services are tentatively

set for May 17 at 3:00 P.M. Calling all GNO: Hey you all. It’s time for another “meeting.” We skipped last month and the month before when we gathered there were only 3 of us (boo hoo – although one was a “newbie”) so let’s make it a bang-up turn-out! We’re meeting at the Lazy Dog Café and it’s Alice’s choice. You’ll find it in the parking lot of the Brea Mall. The date is April 21 at 6 P.M. See you there!!! Shar – your GNO Coordinator

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Easter Activities: TODAY: Easter Sunday

Easter Offering Easter Egg Hunt after service

If you brought Easter Eggs for the Egg Hunt, please be sure that the Youth get them before the 10:15 service so they can get ready for the Easter Egg Hunt after service.

Easter Lilies Still a few lilies left. They are

$8.50 per lily Make checks payable to FCC with Easter Lilies in the memo line. Name of Donor ____________________________________________________No. of Lilies ______ In Memory or honor of _______________________________________

Summer Camp is Coming! Loch Leven is looking better than

ever! Theme for this year is: “Come to the Table of Love.” PSWR Scholarship applications are due on or before April 30. FCCF will pay ½ of early bird registration. For forms and more information, see Debra Todd or check with Donna in the office. Here is the schedule: “Wee Camp” (adult/child) – July 10 - 12; early bird registration deadline 6/2 - $200/pair Mini & Special Needs – July 6 – 9; early bird registration deadline 6/2 - $260 Junior – June 29 – July 5; early bird registration deadline 5/26- $355 Chi Rho – July 13 - 19; early bird registration deadline 6/9 - $355 CYF I – July 20 - 26; early bird registration deadline 6/16 - $355 CYF II – July 27 – August 2 early bird registration deadline 6/23 - $355

Attention High School Seniors And Undergraduate College Students: College Scholarship Application Packets for the 2014-2015 school year are available in the church office. To qualify as a scholarship recipient, your application MUST be returned to the church office no later than Sunday, May 5, 2014 and the application form must be filled out completely. Also, you must be registered in an undergraduate college or university program as of July 31, 2014. When you pick up the scholarship application packet, please review the policy guidelines carefully prior to completing the application form. Scholarship recipients will be notified by June 30, 2014

Senior Adults Met Tues Apri l 15, 2014 The Senior Adult Ministry

Group met this past Tuesday, April 15 with 15 in attendance. Our speaker Nancy Gordon, Director of the Center for Spirituality and Aging at California Christian Homes discussed the trends in Senior Ministry in church and community. Her handouts and power point presentation were very informative and showed that we have a very strong Senior Ministry here at FCCF. She also gave us ideas on how to continue to grow. ATTENTION: Also please be advised there will be NO MEETING IN MAY. I think this is the first meeting that we have ever canceled during our 13 years in existence. It is for a very good reason though. That day, May 20, is also the day of the regional retreat for seniors. Barbara Fenters, Ed & Mariette Linberg are already planning to go, and would like to encourage our other Seniors to attend. You will find the information for that retreat below. OUR NEXT MEETING IS JUNE 17 AT 12 NOON IN CHAPMAN LOUNGE. More about the program for that month will follow in future Callers.

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Senior Adult Retreat The PSW Region Older Adult Ministry Committee is sponsoring a

Sr. Adults Retreat May 21-20 at the Mary and Joseph Retreat Center in Rancho Palos Verdes. Nancy Gordon, Executive Director of the Center for Spirituality and Aging will be presenting two lectures. John Towey, an actor, singer and concert pianist who is a member of First Christian Church, North Hollywood will provide entertainment on Tuesday evening The cost per person is $95, double occupancy, or $115, single occupancy for overnight, three meals and snacks. Commuters may participate for $65 which includes everything but the overnight stay. Registration forms are on the counter in the Church Office, deadline to register is May 7.

Crop Walk Set For April 27 The 2014 Fullerton CROP Hunger Walk will be Sunday, April

27, at 1 P.M. Registration for this begins and ends on the Plaza at Noon. Three-fourths of the funds generated by this annual event in our community will support the work of Church World Service around the world. The remaining fourth will stay in Fullerton to be used by Pathways of Hope in their on-going ministry to both hungry and homeless individuals and families in this area. Pick up a packet from Randy or Phil this Sunday after the 10:15 service or from Donna in the office. You may also go online and join the First Christian Church Fullerton Team. Go to www.cws.org, click on find a walk, put in zipcode 92832, click on Fullerton Crop Walk, click on participants page, click on First Christian Church and join the team. Here is a list of our walkers who have taken packets through last Sunday, April 13: Phil Forbes, Sherry Herrera, Nancy Knott, Randy Langston, Ed Linberg, Bill Martin, Jennine Martinez, Ben Stuart, Cathy Thompson, Barry Woodbridge, Donna Woodbridge. Won’t you join them? The Outreach Ministry

Coffee Lovers, Tea Drinkers, Chocolate Eaters, Cocoa

Sippers, Cookie Bakers!!! Have we got a deal for you!! The Outreach Ministry Team has partnered with Equal Exchange to make available to you fairly traded, organic products that benefit small farmers and small producers in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. That makes for one GREAT cup of coffee, terrific glass of tea, and delicious home made cookies. The Fair Trade and organic teas come from India, Sri Lanka, and South Africa; many blends are available for purchase at the table in the narthex after the 8:00 and 10:15 A.M. services. And for all you chocoholics we have a wide variety of dark and milk chocolate products that combine cacao from farmer co-ops in Latin America, sugar from co-ops in Paraguay, and fairly traded vanilla from Madagascar. We are selling products to benefit these small farmers, so stop by after service for a small nosh of coffee or a piece of chocolate. Check out the catalog and see the tempting delicacies that are available for purchase. Purchasing these products benefits the small farmer, workers, and artisans by raising and stabilizing their incomes and allowing them to be in charge of their own future. By purchasing Fair Trade products, the small-scale farmer earns more and you get a better value for your money. Please consider stopping by our table to have a sample of coffee, look at the catalog, and buy something that could make a huge difference in the lives of so many people. This is an on-going effort on the part of the Outreach Ministry, so we will always have an order form available to you. Supplies are available in the church office if you would like to purchase during the week.

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We Get Letters Two more letters have come to us in recent weeks expressing the gratitude of the ministries which have benefitted from our outreach giving. Dear Pastor McGowan: "You are a pebble in a pond. With First Christian Church of Fullerton's gift of $125 for our Habitat for Humanity OC Building Fund, you have begun a ripple effect that will be felt for generations to come." This is an excerpt from a letter from Sharon Ellis, President/CEO of OC Habitat for Humanity. The full letter is posted on the bulletin board. Dear First Christian Church: "Thank you for your gift of $187.50 to the Annual Fund at Disciples Seminary Foundation. . . . We're now in the middle of spring semester. Our students are hard at work in their classes. Soon, our attention will turn to graduation ceremonies in May and June when we'll be celebrating the accomplishments of about twenty degree students and a similar number of certificate students." This is an excerpt from a letter from Dr. Jon L. Berquist, President, Disciples Seminary Foundation, Claremont. The full letter is posted on the bulletin board. We express our on-going gratitude to all of you who make our gifts in support of these two ministries, as well as a host of others, possible. Thanks for your continuing generosity as God's people. The Outreach Ministry

We Wrap-Up The 2014 Easter Offering This Sunday With gifts totaling $470 this past Sunday, we go into the second Sunday on which you may share in

the 2014 Easter Offering with a good start, but a long way to go to reach our goal of $1,500 for this year's Easter Offering. We remind you that the annual Easter Offering supports the work of the many ministries of the General Church of our denomination, including overseas ministries, higher education and leadership ministries and our work with three major ethnic groups who are bringing renewal and vitality to our churches, i.e. African-Americans (The National Convocation); Asians (North American Pacific/Asian Disciples--NAPAD); and Hispanics (The Central Pastoral Office for Hispanic Ministries). Please make your check payable to our church and use the Disciples Mission Fund Special Day Offering envelope and mark the Easter Offering box If you don't have one of these envelopes, you can get one when you come to worship to celebrate Christ's resurrection this Sunday. As you think about your gift in support of the 2014 Easter Offering, we share words from the bulletin insert that was in the worship bulletin this past Sunday. The first statement is well-known. The second statement builds on the first to remind us of the significance of this year's Easter Offering. "Christ has no body on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which Christ's compassion for the world is to look out; yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good; and yours are the hands which He uses to bless us now." St Theresa of Avila "Jesus gave his life as an offering for the world. He offered living water that would transform the world. The Easter Offering supports the General Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciple of Christ) and the countless ways that Disciples can continue to be the hands feet and voice of Jesus." We thank you for your generous support of the 2014 Easter Offering Outreach Ministry

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Worship Moments from Palm Sunday Gathering palm branches on Saturday, April 12 at Horn Hollow: l to r Scott Richmond, Randy Langston, Janice Whittington (Harold's daughter), and Bill Martin

Throughout this holy week, people around church have spontaneously been remembering and discussing the inspiring Palm Sunday Cantata Mitch Hanlon arranged for our choir to sing, "Palms and Passion Meditations." Usually the discussion involves the masterful arranging of pieces such as Rutter's "Anus Dei" and Vivaldi's "Gloria" with contemporary music such as Clydesdale's "Lamb of Glory." His scoring of the instrumentation with strings, flute, and percussion lifted and filled our worshipful sanctuary with a beauty seldom heard in congregations like ours. Members have been so grateful to the dedication of our talented choir and musicians. Surrounding that choral event were many other moments to remember, some behind the scenes. Our Lay Leader Nancy Malotte began our worship with these words in her invocation: "Dear Lord, The story of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem tellsl us that after his celebrated arrival, he went into the Temple. He looked around at everyone and everything. He was disgusted, turned over the tables, and cleansed the temple. As we gather here for worship today, may we reflect, 'What if Jesus has walked in too, and is looking around with us?' May our eyes be open to see him; may our hearts be ready to be seen by him. May our worship be worthy of his presence. And may we be transformed so that we see the world through his eyes." Debra Todd acknowledged to us that the very palm branches waved by the children were gathered from Harold Horn's "Horn Hollow" the day before. That was particularly significant, as this was his 94th birthday on

Palm Sunday, even as he rested under hospice care very near the end of life's journey. That afternoon, as we shared these branches and birthday song with him at his bedside, reminding him of the lifetime of his presence and service with us, he raised his hand as though to acknowledge and join in the songs of praises. Calling all photographers! The Stewardship Ministry Team needs candid photos of the congregation for our stewardship emphasis this year. If you have any pictures taken at recent events (picnic, baptism, tri-tip, etc.) please email them to amystyffe@yahoo.com. And be on the lookout for photo ops in the weeks ahead. She'll be gathering photos between now and June. Thanks, Stewardship Ministry Team

Mother/Daughter/Friends Tea Next month the CWF will host a Mother/Daughter/Friends Tea

at the church. It will be a fun afternoon together, Saturday, May 3, at 2:00 P.M., celebrating the women in our lives. This won't exactly be a "high tea" but we can still dress up and be fancy. (Hats are encouraged!) Our theme, “Hellos and Good-byes,” looks at how relationships change through the years. Tickets will be $5.00, little girls 10 and under free and will be on sale the next two Sundays. Also we need teapots and tea cups for decoration and dining! If you are able to provide the tea service and decorations for one of our round tables, contact Amy Styffe (714-357-8065).

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An Update From The Pastor Search Committee The Search Committee was first convened in January with an overview of the task and the support and advice of co-regional minister, Susan Gonzales Dewey. It was decided early on in the process that in order to give the congregation the time needed to conduct a thorough search, we would need to employ a full-time interim minister who will not be a candidate for the permanent position. We have spent a great deal of time individually reviewing ministerial profiles and letters of reference and we have met several times to discuss potential candidates. The committee is close to being in a position to recommend a candidate to the Council of Elders for approval. If the candidate is approved, we hope that this person could begin ministry with us on or near the first of July. Once the interim minister is approved, the real work of our committee will begin. As stated in our last communication to the congregation, it is our goal to hear from EVERYONE in the church to help us determine the qualities we seek in our new pastor. This will also require self-reflection as a church family to clarify our goals and mission as a church community. We ask that you continue to lift us up in your prayers as we undertake this task Mike Hogan, Cam Malotte, Joshua Dorrough, Randy Baxter, Judi Smedley, Beverly Reinke, Janelle Vannoy

Easter joy Now let the heavens be joyful! Let earth her song begin! Let the round world keep triumph, And all that is therein; Invisible and visible, Their notes let all things blend, For Christ the Lord has risen, Our joy that hath no end. —St. John of Damascus

Kids Page

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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 Groups: Sunday, 1:00 P.M. & Wednesday, 3:30 – 5:15 P.M.

Serving Apri l 20, 2014 Greeters: Barry & Donna Woodbridge Guest Book: Mary Brill Coffee Host: Hospitality Ministry Acolyte Parent: Angulo Sound: & Video: Travis & Paul Robidoux Lay Leader: Barry Woodbridge

Children’s Moment: Marguerite Beal & The children of our church Elders: Joshua Dorrough, Chris Fee, Judi Smedley Diaconate: Leslie’s Team

Prepare: Nancy Geiger, Randy Langston Ushers: Phil Forbes, Diane Daugherty Serve: Leslie Beck, Diane Daugherty, Sue

Harless, Sherry Herrera, Randy Langston, Lisa Parks, Amy & David Styffe

Clean Up: Diane Daugherty, Sue Harless, Sherry Herrera

Alternate: Leslie Beck

Serving Apri l 27, 2014 Greeters: Youth Guest Book: Nancy Knott Coffee Host: Hospitality Ministry Acolyte Parent: Henke Sound & Video: PJ Vannoy & Ben Stuart Lay Leader: Ben Stuart

Children’s Moment: Donna Woodbridge Elders: Bill Martin, Jodie Martin, Janelle Vannoy Diaconate: Leslie’s Team

Prepare: Diane Daugherty, Nancy Geiger Ushers: Phil Forbes, Sue Harless Serve: Leslie Beck, Diane Daugherty, Sue

Harless, Sherry Herrera, Amy & David Styffe

Clean Up: Leslie Beck, Amy & David Styffe Alternate: Randy Langston