the

October 20, 2013

CALLER
Issue 41

Advent Devotional 6 Greek Tutorial 6 Alternative Gift Faire 7 Thank You/Sr. Ministry 8 Reg. Mission Trip 8 Muslim/Christian Forum 9
Light a Candle for Children 9 Stewardship/Assoc. Pastor 10 Serving Sunday 11

Pastors Corner/Statistics Remember in Prayer Spiritual Disciplines Wk Prayer Requests, Oct.13 Serving in the Military Save the Date 2014 Calendars Mitten Tree Child Care Update Disciplines Joplin Mission Trip Senior Meeting Humble Servant David Matson Getting thru Holidays

In This Issue

2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5

Events October 20, 2013 October 27, 2013

is published weekly (Deadline Wednesday at Noon) by First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 109 E. Wilshire Ave. Fullerton, CA 92832 714.525.5525
email: fullerton1stcc@gmail.com www.fullertonfirstchristian.org

The Caller

Senior Pastor: Rev. Darrell McGowan Associate Pastor: Rev. Debra Todd Editor: Donna Woodbridge

October 20: Ed, Craig and Barry leave for Mission Trip to Joplin, MO Please keep them in your prayers 8:00 A.M. - REAWAKEN, Early Worship Service 9:00 A.M. - Galatians/James Bible Study, Chapman Lounge 10:15 A.M. - REMEMBER, Traditional Service 5:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. Casa de Oracin Service, Sanctuary & FH October 21: 5:30 P.M. - Alzheimers Facilitators Meeting, CL 6:30 P.M. - OT Bible Study @ Woodbridges; dinner: 6:30, class 7 7:00 P.M. - 12-Step Class, Chapman Lounge October 22: 7:00 P.M. - PSWR Phone-a-thon training, Choir Room 7:00 P.M. - David Matson Lecture, Chapman Lounge October 23: 3:30 P.M. Bible Study, Chapman Lounge 7:00 P.M. - PSWR Phone-a-thon training, Chapman Lounge 7:30 P.M. - Choir rehearsal; NO Bell rehearsal October 24: Last chance for Tri-Tip Downtown Market October 26: 4:00 P.M. Casa use sanctuary October 27: Humble Servant Recognition Day 8:00 A.M. - REAWAKEN, Early Worship Service 9:00 A.M. - Galatians/James Bible Study, Chapman Lounge 10:15 A.M. - REMEMBER, Traditional Service, Humble Servant Day 11:30 A.M. - Outreach Ministry Team meeting, choir room 11:30 A.M. - Humble Servant Reception, Chapman Lounge 11:30 A.M. - 2:30 P.M. Casa use Fellowship Hall 5:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. Casa de Oracin Service, Sanctuary & FH LOOKING AHEAD: October 28: 6:30 P.M. - OT Bible Study @ Woodbridges; dinner: 6:30, class 7 7:00 P.M. - 12-Step Class, Chapman Lounge October 29: Sr. Adult Retreat at Rancho Palos Verdes through Wed. 7:00 P.M. - David Matson Lecture, Chapman Lounge October 30: 7:00 P.M. Worship Ministry Team, Chapman Lounge October 31: 3:30 P.M. Bible Study, Chapman Lounge AA Groups Sun. 8:00 P.M., Monday, 7:30 P.M., Friday, 7:30 P.M., Sat. 8:30 P.M., NA Group, Tues., 7:30 P.M. 1

A note to our spiritual but not religious friends: Being spiritual without being religious is to attempt being intimate without being in a relationship. To be religious literally means to form a habit, a routine, a commitment to a particular practice. Arent you religious about brushing your teeth, taking a shower, and a dozen other things? Ours is a society of dabblers. For many, a newfound emphasis on spirituality has disappointed precisely because it has not called forth a deep commitment to anything, whether Eastern spiritual practices or Western ones. People rightly proclaim that you can meet God in the mountains as easily as in a house of worship or prayer. The problem is most of us cannot maintain a consistent routine of hiking the mountains in the company of others, while regularly participating in a faith community would be relatively easy. Dabblers havent recognized the value of commitment, though, so their intermittent practices often end in disillusionment. Spiritual dabbling is all about feelings. There is another way. Lets call it Deep Spirituality. It is all about mutual relationshipbetween the practitioner, a higher power (whom Christians call God and meet in and through Jesus Christ,) and all of creation. Relationship is one facet of spirituality. Like coins, all aspects of reality have at least two sides or facets. The other side of spirituality is separateness. Because we experience ourselves as separate from other people, places, and things, we are capable of living in relationship to those people, places, and things. We experience ourselves as separate, but as we move into relationship we develop the intuition that we are not as separate as we first thought. We notice that we are connected, related, even inter-related with others. We begin to intuitively recognize the dichotomy of our spiritual self: we are one with our Creator, with all of creation, and we can experience this oneness through accepting and embracing our experience of separateness, and, subsequently, our relationship to others. Loneliness, separateness, and a sense of isolation are the first steps to spiritual awareness. You are waking up! I know, I know--you would much rather go back to sleep--but you can't, can you? No, once you begin to awaken, you can anesthetize yourself, distract yourself, and immerse yourself in fantasy after fantasy, but you cannot go back to sleep. So, every once in a while, you turn to another book, tape series, self-help group, or support group looking for a way to feel better. That is as it should be. If you are tired of running into dead ends in that process, though, you may be ready to embrace deep spirituality. Deep Christian spirituality centers around a life-giving relationship with God through Christ. Relationships dont happen overnight. They take patience, consistency, and commitment. If you want to have a close relationship with God, we suggest you get to know Jesusin the pages of the Bible, through relationship with Jesus friends (other Christians), and by stepping aside from the rat race and discovering Christ within you. God has given you the incredible gift of human life, and wants you to experience it fully and joyfully. The only way to do that is to embrace your separateness (and the inevitable loneliness that is a part of being separate) and awaken to your oneness. The first step in awakening is recognizing your need for connection and actively seeking it from the only one who will never fail you, abandon you, or disappoint you. Are you tired of feeling alone? Maybe its time to get religious, in the truest sense of the word. Talk to a pastor today; give us a call or stop by and tell us your story. Then give us a chance to connect you with the Great Story. The truth isyoure not alone; you never have been and never will be. And best of all, you can develop an ongoing awareness of this reality so you can release the illusion of isolation once and for all. Call or stop in and let us introduce you to our friend and yours, Jesus.

Sunday Statistics
Oct. 13 2013 99 (Remember Service) 13 (Reawaken Service) 107 ( Casa 5 P.M. service) Weekly Giving: $4,500.90 Missions: $500.10 Budget Goal: $3,881 PoH Food Bags: 40 Reconciliation: $100

Remember in Prayer
Continue to pray for: Sue Bacon and family, Dottie Bense, Harold Brickens, Mary Brill, Sandra Brown, Betty Ruth Buchanan, Linda Christman, Chris Collett, family of Dean Echols, Lorna & Skip Farnum, Anna Lou Horspool, Kevin Johnen, Carolyn Kenrick, family of Lowenn Land, Flora Miller, Sue Miller, Jim Piper, Norma Rill, Marj Schwenker and family, Julie Stuart, Claudia Tammen, Dorothy Tanner and Bob & Donna Vannoy Please pray for the following church in the Pacific Southwest Region: Iglesia Cristiana Fuenta de Vida 1649 N. Willow Avenue Rialto, CA 92376 Jose Linares, Pastor

Prayer Requests: October 13, 2013

Jill Scott

Jamie Dorrough

Ed Linberg

Mitch, April Johnens son, injured in accident on Sat. night Gene Graves, uncle, fighting lung cancer and now has a lump on his kidney. Claudia Cogburn, grandmother, having stress test as she has existing heart problems. Bob Vannoy and family as he has surgery Monday morning.

Serving in the Military:

Adam Hawley, Deb Taylors nephew, is now home from Afghanistan and back at Ft. Bliss with his family. Lt. Patrick OConner, Betty Rollos grandson-in-law will be back home for a couple of months to help take care of his wife after surgery. Lt. Patrick Rollo, Betty Rollos grandson. He is training on a submarine in the Pacific. Joshua Reynolds, Jane Reynolds son. He is at Ft. Riley, KS dealing with PTSD and will be returning to Afghanistan soon. PFC Brandon Vannoy, grandson of Bob & Donna Vannoy, is now stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Petty Officer Michael J. Borden, Nancy Geigers grandson, who is stationed in Guam for the next year.

Readings and Prayer Concerns for Week of October 21 October 27, 2013
Monday, Oct. 21: Reading: Psalm 65; pray for Heidi Beal who was baptized yesterday Tuesday, October 22: Reading: Joel 2: 23-27; pray for he Regional Phone-a-thon training taking place in the choir room tonight. Congregational Prayer Day, October 23: Reading: Joel 2: 28-32; pray for our Mission Team and the work they are doing in Joplin this week. Thursday, October 24: Reading: 2 Timothy 4: 6-8; pray for the people of Joplin who have suffered so much in these last two years. Friday, October 25: Reading: 2 Timothy 4: 1618; pray for our partner Global Ministries Missionary in Ghana, Gary Luallin. Saturday, October 26: Reading: Luke 18: 1-8; pray for the Casa de Oracin celebration taking place in the Sanctuary this afternoon. Sunday, October 27: Reading: Luke 18: 9-14 ; pray for our Humble Servant being honored this morning at the 10:15 service.

Save The Date

November 3, 2012 11 A.M. 2 P.M. We are happy to announce that the 2013 Alternative Christmas Faire is set for Sunday, November 3, from 11 A.M. TO 2 P.M. on the Plaza. November 16 2:00 P.M. Matt Davis, Organ Recital, East of the Pond, the Organ School of the Old Countries, in the Sanctuary. November 17 11:30 A.M. Annual Dinner and Election of Officers

2014 Calendars
Its a go! Ive had a good response for the calendars so I have ordered a case of 25. So far I have 13 orders so if you want one, you better give me a call soon. The cost is $3. I also ordered a case (25 sets) of the variety assortment of greeting cards. Each set contains 12 different 5 x 7 cards plus envelopes. Beautiful photography and scriptures on the front, blank inside for your personal message. The cost of each set is $3 also which amounts to 36 cents per card. These will sell fast also so get your order in now. Donna W

Disciplines 2014
Time to sign up for Disciplines 2014, 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. Sign-up sheet is on the counter in the office. Deadline to order is November 4.

Child Care Update

To date the Church has paid a total of $8,531.00 in penalties owed to four former Child Care employees as determined by the State Labor Board. These cases have been settled and letters of dismal (settlement) of the claim have been received. One case was dismissed. This case was from an employee who left voluntarily in January 2013, but felt they were entitled to extra pay. The State dismissed this case and a letter of dismal (settlement) of the claim has been received. One case is still pending a decision. The hearing for the claim filed by Cynthia Allen for back vacation pay was held on August 13, 2013. The Hearing Officer has not yet determined the ruling on the case. This is the largest claim of $15,914.00. Approximately $6,000 has been received in donations to help offset these costs. If anyone would like to contribute to these costs, your donation would be most welcome. You may contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Deb Taylor, Chair, Council of Elders

Mitten Tree
Again this year we will be having a Mitten Tree in the Narthex to give out hats, scarves, socks, mittens and gloves to those who share a meal at our Hot Meal MInistry on Wednesday nights. We need hats, scarves, socks, mittens and gloves! We serve mostly men! If you knit or crochet, they love the homemade items as they are so warm and they really appreciate it. Each December 1 we decorate a Christmas tree in the Narthex with these items and each Wednesday night in December we give out approximately 40 tickets at the meal and they in turn come over to the Sanctuary building and choose an item from the tree. We already have some items but always can use more. Keep them in mind as you are out shopping, bring the items to the church and there will be a plastic container marked Mitten Tree in the Narthex starting November 3. If you would like to volunteer an hour or so anytime during the month of December, please get in touch with Sue Harless and/or Diane Daugherty who are the coordinators of this project.

Mission Trip to Joplin

Ed Linberg has heard from Kayla Cox and Matthew Baum, Coordinators of Rebuild Joplin and learned that the weather is to be in the 50's and 60's next week with no rain expected, nor any snow. Good news for us Californians! They will begin the week doing mudding and sanding of drywall and end the week doing preparation for painting and as well as doing some painting. 4

Honoring Carol Wyatt as "Humble Servant" on Sunday October 27

We are approaching that time in the church year when we recognize those who have gone before us and laid a foundation for us who continue as Jesus' disciples today. Sometimes we wish to remember those who are still with us for the years they contributed to our congregation's life in ways that the "newer" ones of us have no other chance of hearing about. That is the case with this season's honoring of one of our former church secretaries who, with her husband, Bob, labored mightily and in so many different ministries at First Christian Church. On Sunday October 27, the Wyatts will be worshiping with us, and during our Call to Commitment, several of their church friends are going to help us remember their humble service in years past. Please plan to join us and help us honor Carol & Bob.

Only Two More Sessions Left

Here is what is on tap for the last two sessions. See you Tuesday at 7:00 P.M. in Chapman Lounge. Oct. 22: The Gospel of Justification Many Christians today are confused about the gospel. In fact, if you ask most of them to tell you what the "gospel" is, you'll likely hear some say something about God's love or our need to work for social justice in the world. But the former is the motivation for the gospel and the latter its result. So, what is the gospel anyway? Oct. 29: The Roman Catholic Church and the Protestant Reformation Justification was at the center of the Catholic-Protestant divide that took place in the sixteenth century. But it is no mere boring history lesson! Justification is as relevant today as it was back then. There have been and will continue to be intense ecumenical discussions over justification. Your own understanding of what Christianity is all about is likely to be determined by how you understand this central doctrine of the Christian faith.

Senior Adults Met Tues., Oct. 15 2013

The Senior Adult Ministry Group met this past Tues., Oct. 15.There were 16 present to hear Ariel Yarrish the Outreach Coordinator for Pathways of Hope speak. Ariel gave us a very detailed and informative presentation on the new Paths Together Friendship Program that started in Jan. of this year under the Pathways of Hope umbrella of services. This program helps people experiencing homelessness find a positive influence that encourages productive change. When volunteers give ongoing support and resource options, motivation is built and their quality of life is enhanced. Ariel left a pamphlet explaining in more detail this program and the opportunities it presents for volunteers. It will be on Donnas desk if you are interested. Also, we are beginning to plan our Thanksgiving luncheon for November. Many have signed up already to bring food or help with supplies and set up. The sign up sheet is on the counter by Donnas desk in front of the basket of apples in case you werent there. This is always a wonderful time of fellowship for us not to mention a great meal by a lot of good cooks. Be sure to get your name on the list and plan to join us on Tuesday, November 19th at 12 noon in Fellowship Hall. Even if you are not able to bring anything, you are still welcome and we need to know if you are coming for our set up. Transportation is available. See you there.

Getting Through The Holidays

This year's one evening session of "Getting Through the Holidays" has been changed from Wed., Nov. 6 to Tues., Nov. 5. It will begin at 7 P.M. in Chapman Lounge and conclude by 8:30 P.M. It is particularly designed for those who have experienced a death in their family circle and/or among their close friends since the 2012 holiday season. The first time one faces the prospect of going through the holidays, after such a loss, can be a very difficult experience. The activities planned for this evening will enable participants to share their feelings about the upcoming holidays and to consider specific ways they want to engage the holidays in light of their loss, or losses. A registration form, deadline Nov. 3, for this annual activity, which will again be led by Ed Linberg, is posted on the Bulletin Board. There is no registration fee. This will enable Ed to have sufficient copies of the resources that will be handed out to those who attend. 5

Advent is Coming and We Are Creating Memories Again!

This Sunday, there will be a large poster with a list of the days of Advent and scriptures to sign up for in the Narthex. Specifically, we ask individuals and families to write a half page Advent devotional message which we will be publishing in a booklet and reading each day in Advent, Dec. 1- Dec. 25. Normally, we write about the scripture selected for that day and give a brief prayer. But perhaps instead you would like to share a family Christmas tradition, recipe, photo, or other creative art. We will ask that these be submitted as electronically or on paper by Sunday, Nov. 10. If you would like to see a sample of a previous year's Advent guide, one or more will be available next to the sign-up poster. Also there will be a listing of all the scriptures there. This year we will be joined by some of the members of Casa de Oracin, who are also contributing to this devotional guide. NOTICE: As pastor Darrell suggested at the end of last Sunday's service, the Regional Youth Council has already written their own Advent Devotional. To the extent that there are days left open on our sign-up , we may be using a combination of FCC, Casa de Oracin, and the Youth devotions to complete this year's booklet, so please sign up as soon as possible. Please let Barry Woodbridge know if you would be willing to volunteer either some layout and design time to assemble and design the booklet.

One-Time "No Fault" New Testament Greek Tutorial with a Breakfast

Saturday Oct. 26 8:30-10:30 a.m.

For those who want to find out if they might want to learn to read a little of the New Testament in its original language... but don't have much time and cannot commit to an ongoing class... There are so many newer people joining the Saturday morning "learn to read the New Testament Greek" class from both FCC and from Casa de Oracin , that we need to stop and hold an introductory session to teach the alphabet and how to change the Greek words into English letters ("transliteration") to pronounce them. The class decided to invite anyone to attend this one-time, no obligation tutorial. You can enjoy a great Saturday morning breakfast at 8:30 a.m. at the Woodbridges (354 W. Glenwood Ave., Fullerton), and learn the Greek alphabet in a fun way. Jamie Dorrough will lead this and help the group with 10 Greek words from the NT to transliterate into English and learn how to pronounce them. Everyone will be given a CD with the spoken alphabet and the words on them to take home to practice. We have heard many people say they wish they could do something like this but are just "too busy" to practice. This one session gives an opportunity to learn something about Greek, ask questions of how much time other busy people may or may not spend on this, and then walk away without any need to continue. Or, for those who think they might like it, they may return to study one sentence from the Greek New Testament about twice a month.

Two Weeks From This Sunday

The 2013 Alternative Christmas Faire is just two weeks from this Sunday. It's set for Sunday, November 3, beginning at 11 A.M. and running until 2 P.M. In this three-hour block of time, you, and those you invite to join you at the ACF from among your friends and neighbors, can make a significant statement about the importance of Christmas giving that helps people in need instead of simply piling up more and more stuff to put in your closets, drawers and garage. If each of us in our congregation became a shopper at the ACF, spending as little as $20 per person, plus, if we invited at least one other person to join us and encourage them to spend at least this same amount, we could easily generate a lot money to benefit the various ministries and charities that are going to be part of this year's ACF. Will you come and spend at least $20 on unique Christmas gifts at the ACF? Will you invite at least one other person to come with you to the ACF? Will you tell them that you are going to spend at least $20? Will you invite them to spend at least $20, too? Our guess is that most every one who comes to the ACF, including you, will spend more than $20, once all of you see what your gifts can do to benefit others. What can you get for your $20 gift? You can purchase a share of an animal through Heifer International. You can support the building of a house for a family by O.C. Habitat for Humanity. You can help to support a missionary through Global Ministries. You can buy some plants for a hedgerow to be planted at Loch Leven. You buy building materials for construction of a house in Mexico. You can buy supplies for serving a meal through the Hot Meal Ministries. You can buy 4 blankets for Church World Service to use in responding to disasters. You can provide a bag of groceries to a needy family through Pathways of Hope. You can help support future mission trips by members of our congregation in conjunction with Disciples Volunteering. You can buy shares in a well to

be dug in Africa where people often have to walk miles and carry safe drinking water back home for their families. You can do all of this, and more, by supporting, one, three, five or more of the 23 different ministries and charities who will be represented at the ACF. In addition, if you want a gift you can wrap up to give to some one on Christmas day, Third World Hand Arts will be present with a myriad of gift buying options and the Susan G. Komen Cancer Project will also have beautiful hand made items for you to purchase. If November 3rd will not work for you, you can fill out a Shopping List that will be available this Sunday and leave it and your check made out to FCCF, Alternative Gift Faire in the office and Donna Woodbridge will shop for you on 11/3. Your items will be in the office and available for you to pick up anytime after 2 p.m. on November 3. So, what's to stop us from having the biggest turnout ever and from raising the most dollars ever for the ACF? Nothing, but ourselves! If you have questions about the ACF, please call either Helen Bailey, 714-526-3082, or Barbara Fenters, 714-526-7940. One more thing, there will be tri-tip sandwiches and bratwurst sandwiches for you to purchase so you won't "go hungry" while you are doing your Christmas shopping! And we promise you'll have plenty of places to park and almost no traffic to deal with by coming to the 2013 Alternative Christmas Faire on the Plaza next to our Fellowship Hall on Sunday, November 3rd! The Outreach Ministry

Thanks For Your Support Of The Offering Of Letters

Over the past two Sundays a total of 34 letters were signed and addressed to our two Senators and our particular representative in the House of Representatives urging them to work for the passage of legislation that will reduce hunger in the U.S. and around the world In addition 31 signed the petition to President Obama urging him to work to achieving his campaign promise of reducing hunger and poverty. The Outreach Ministry is most grateful to everyone who participated in this year's Offering of Letters sponsored by Bread for the World. We urge you to keep writing letters to those who represent you in Congress about your feeling that hunger and poverty need to be reduced here and abroad. Such legislation takes time to work its way through Congress and obtain the President's signature. Thanks to Randy Langston and Ben Stuart for their work in coordinating the 2013 Offering of Letters. The Outreach Ministry

An Opportunity To Learn About Senior Ministry

Our congregation has a strong program for Senior Adults. However, any program can be improved, particularly one that has been going for several years, as is the case with our Sr. Adult Ministry which Ted and Sammie Adams so ably coordinate. If anyone is interested in learning more about the dynamics of ministry to and with Senior Adults in our congregation, the Center for Spirituality and Aging, located at Walnut Village in nearby Anaheim, is hosting a one-day seminar on Wednesday, November 6, from 8:30 A.M. TO 4 P.M. Co-led by Nancy Gordon, Director of the Center, and Don Koepke, Director Emeritus, this seminar "is designed to introduce the centrality of spirituality as the unifying and motivating factor in all of our lives to those who plan and provide programs for older adults." If that sounds a bit intimidating, perhaps the title given to this seminar will be more encouraging to you. It's called: "What Does Prayer Have to Do with Bingo?" To register call Nancy Gordon at 714-5007-1370. Or e-mail her at: ngordon@frontporch.net. The registration fee is $75, which includes coffee, juice and snacks, as well as the noon meal. We encourage some of our "younger Seniors" to participate in this seminar and then help us to make our Senior Adult Ministry even better than it already is using the knowledge and insights gained from being part of this event. Walnut Village is located at 891 S. Walnut Street in Anaheim, right off of Ball Road and just a few blocks west of Disneyland.

Regional Church Mission Trip Announced

For 14 years, Disciples from PSW Region congregations have been taking mission trips to Central America in January of each year. The trip planned for this January, specifically January 8-17, will go to Nicaragua. Those participating will go to Las Mesas to help with the rehab of a school building and other community needs. This was the site of a prior January trip. The goal is to have a work team of 10, or more, participate in this mission trip. If this interests any of our members, a deposit in the amount of $100, payable to the Christian Church (DOC) PSWR needs to be sent to Rev. Mike Fronk, First Christian Church, 1751 Park Avenue, Pomona, CA 91768. Once your deposit has been received, he will send the updated details and the application form for this activity. This Mission Trip is supported by the Global Ministries Committee of the PSW Region and the UCC Conference of Southern California.

Creating a Community of Communities

The Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations Committee of the Southern California Nevada Conference of the United Church of Christ (UCC) and Pacific Southwest Region (PSWR) Disciples of Christ is presenting a morning of informal and relaxed conversation, Muslims and Christians in Conversation, on October 26 at Chapman University, Fish Interfaith Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come and share in a morning of informal and relaxed conversation while getting to know members of a great faith tradition other than your own. No speeches! This event is designed to develop personal acquaintances and to overcome stereotypes as we work toward putting flesh on todays new and marvelous interfaith reality. Continental breakfast and lunch (Halal) included. Cost: $10 (free for students, but must register). For more information, contact Dr. Jeff Utter, 626-7941839 or hefffer@earthlink.com

Light a Candle for Children Devotional

October 20, 2013 Isaiah 2:2-5 Walking in the Light of the Lord We'd scour the playground each morning for dangers. Most days we found bottles or broken glass. Often, we found needles, razor blades, and shell casings. We learned not to be surprised. We knew we could only protect the children during the day. Most lived in violent, impoverished neighborhoods. We longed for a future like the prophet Isaiah describes, when swords would be beaten into plowshares and the people would go up to the mountain to learn and practice God's loving and peaceful ways. That was three decades ago. Too many children still live in violent neighborhoods. Too many children are still killed by guns. Too many children are valued less than the rightto-bear automatic weapons. National budget priorities fund wars at the expense of children's services and programs. The prophet offers hope to a people weary of violence and war. But hope is hollow if we refuse to see our collective sin that allows any child to grow up in poverty and violence. Peacemaker God, teach us to walk in your light. Instill in us the urgency of beating our swords into plowshares for the sake of the children of Newtown, the thousands of children whose deaths and injuries never make the news, and those who hunger for bread. Give us hope and the will to make it a reality. Amen. Tim Graves Pastor Condon United Church of Christ Condon, OR www.condonucc.org

Open Mosque Day

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful 12th Annual Open Mosque Day Sunday - October 27, 2013 Open Mosque Day offers a great opportunity to meet and interact with Muslims, enjoy diverse ethnic cuisine, ask questions about Islam and learn about your neighbors. Most Mosques open their doors between 11am and 3pm, but you are encouraged to call the Mosque of your choice for specific timings and other details. You are welcome to call (714.239.6473) for any additional information or questions.

Saints Alive! Living Generously

Our stewardship focus for the next month is drawn from 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, Now concerning the collection for the saints: you should follow the directions I gave to the churches of Galatia. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put aside and save whatever extra you earn, so that collections need not be taken when I come. And when I arrive, I will send any whom you approve with letters to take your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me. Paul brought the Good News of Christ to the Gentiles. The Corinthian Christians were to remember the poor of the congregation in Jerusalem, the saints, who would receive their collected gifts. The term saints was used to mean members of the church but it was also understood to mean those separated from the world, a people set apart by their faith. When you receive your letter about Saints Alive! Living Generously, please take time to prayerfully consider your financial gifts to Fullerton First Christian Church. You will find a leaf enclosed with your estimate of giving card. Bring your completed card and your leaf to church. In the Narthex, you can add your leaf to our tree of generosity and put your card in the private collection box under our tree. If you are unable to come to church, please mail them and we will put your leaf on the tree for you. O God, our guide in generous and faithful lives, teach us again what it means to be set apart in the world for your way of loving and giving. Amen

From Our Associate Pastor:

If there is one thing that I love it is fall. The changing of the leaves, the cool crisp breeze in the air oh wait. We live in Southern California now. So what signals fall now is Saturdays spent fairly lazily with college football on in the background, playing outside with my family, and a plethora of beautiful squash on display that I cant wait to roast in the oven and devour. I can eat pumpkin anything and everything... Fall for me also means beginning to think about Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas. It means that I allow myself to open up again to the stirrings of the divine that are moving in my life in new ways... We all have seasons that we are reminded of the presence of God in new and abundant ways. We all have moments where we stop and are so thankful for the many blessings in our life. We all have moments where our breath catches at the beauty that surrounds us, beauty put in front of us by the Creator of all things. And what better way to respond to the reminder of those blessings than to give back. Give with your resources and give with your life in order that you can continue to give life to others. There is power and beauty in surrendering part of yourself to another, there is power in relinquishing our own desire for stuff and giving back to the church, community, and God who have given so much to us. Allow yourself to be open to the stirrings of the Spirit in your life. Take a moment to stop and breathe in the wonder and experience the sounds that take you to your happy place, where you know in your deepest being that you are loved, and that God is love. What are your favorite things about fall? What new ways do you want to give of yourself so you can share the presence of the Spirit of God with someone else. Tis the season for Giving and Sharing...lets share a cup of coffee or tea together and share a piece of ourselves. Grace and Peace, Debra 10

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 October 20, 2013

Greeter: Laura Miller Guest Book: Scott Brill Coffee Host: Hospitality Ministry Acolyte Parent: Acquistapace Sound: Kyle Fought Video: PJ Vannoy Lay Leader: Scott Richmond Childrens Moment: Luanne Bailey Elders: Janelle Vannoy, Pam Findley-Flor, Diaconate: Leslies Team Prepare: Phil Forbes, Nancy Geiger Ushers: Phil Forbes, Sherry Herrera Serve: Leslie Beck, Sherry Herrera, Randy Langston, David & Amy Styffe Clean Up: Leslie Beck, Amy & David Styffe Alternates: Leslie Beck

Serving October 27, 2013

Greeter: Youth Guest Book: Sybil Dittberner Coffee Host: Hospitality Ministry Acolyte Parent: McCuen Sound: Clare Keech Video: PJ Vannoy Lay Leader: Ben Stuart Childrens Moment: Pat Van Vliet Elders: Randy Langston, Dwain Van Diest, Pam Findley-Flor, Diaconate: Leslies Team Prepare: Phil Forbes, Nancy Geiger Ushers: Diane Daugherty, Phil Forbes Serve: Leslie Beck, Diane Daugherty, Sue Harless, Dena Heathman, Randy Langston, Amy Styffe Clean Up: Diane Daugherty, Nancy Geiger, Sue Harless, Alternate: David Styffe 11