the

September 8, 2013

CALLER
Issue 35

Pastors Corner/Statistics Remember in Prayer Spiritual Disciplines Wk Prayer Requests, Sept. 1 Serving in the Military Corr. Change of Address Cambria Sr. Book Club Disciples Women Food Bags Senior Retreat Hollywood Bowl Regional Gathering Rock the Loch PSWR Opp. Draw Church World Service Pathways of Hope Habitat Opportunities Interfaith Fair Fullerton ACT Associate Pastor Girls Night Out Chapel/Wheels Fundraiser Serving Sunday

In This Issue

2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 8

Events September 8 September 15, 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

September 8: 8:00 A.M. - REAWAKEN, Early Worship Service 9:00 A.M. - Old Testament Bible Study, Chapman Lounge 10:15 A.M. - REMEMBER, Traditional Service 12:00 P.M. 3:30 P.M. Canyon Hills Pres. Choir use Sanc. and CL 1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. Interfaith Religious Fair at St. Julianas 5:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. Casa de Oracin Service, Sanctuary & FH 7:30 P.M. - REFRESH, Emergent Service September 9: 7:00 A.M. - 9:30 P.M. - Chapel on Wheels Fundraiser @ Pollys 10:45 A.M. - PSWR Golf Committee, Chapman Lounge 5:30 P.M. - Joint PRC Committee Meeting, CL 7:00 P.M. - Alzheimers Support Group, Chapman Lounge 7:00 P.M. - 12 Step Class, Choir Room September 10: 9:00 P.M. - Pathways of Hope, Chapman Lounge 6:30 P.M. - BA @ Barrys September 12: Tri-Tip Downtown Market 3:30 P.M. - 2nd Corinthians Bible Study, Chapman Lounge 6:30 P.M. - Bell Choir Rehearsal 7:30 P.M. - Choir Rehearsal September 13: 8:30 A.M. - Pathways of Hope, Chapman Lounge September 14: 9:00 Noon PSWR Camp & Conference Meeting, CL 8:30 A.M. Greek Class at Woodbridges 10:00 A.M. 5:00 P.M. - Native Daughters, Fellowship Hall 7:00 P.M. Casa use CL and Sanctuary September 15: Rally Day - Darrell gone, Debra Preaching 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 11:30 A.M. - Offering of Letters campaign in Chapman Lounge 5:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. Casa de Oracin Service, Sanctuary & FH 7:30 P.M. - REFRESH, Emergent Service September 16: Office Closed Donna at Golf Classic 6:00 P.M. - Girls Night Out @ Ricardos, La Habra 7:00 P.M. 12 Step Class, Choir Room

One of the many lessons to be gained from the public debate over response to Syrias evident use of chemical weapons is the danger of claiming the moral high ground. When speakers frame their suggested response as a moral imperative, they imply that any other response is immoral or at the very least, lacking moral integrity. If morality could be easily reduced to a black and white distinction between right and wrong, life would be much easier to navigate, so its little wonder that so many are tempted to make just such a reduction. However, if a person steps back from the rhetoric on the Syrian crisis or any other issue to converse with other intelligent, insightful people on the moral or ethical underpinnings of that issue, it quickly becomes apparent that any important issue resists reductions into black and white. Those persons advocating strikes against the Syrian regime acknowledge that such strikes are unlikely to change anything. They certainly will not dislodge a ruthless dictator who for years has killed his own citizens like his father before him. They may persuade him to stop using chemical weapons in favor or more conventional ones, but dead is dead. Strikes will likely further destabilize Syria and the Middle East and could easily lead to a response from other unsavory groups throughout the region, including the AlQaeda backed rebels in Syria. If youre inclined to be more cynical, it seems the primary aim of strikes is to assure the world that when our leaders make threats, they follow through on them. Of course saving face by following through on a threat is hardly the basis for holding the moral high ground. As a consequence, those advocating strikes are forced to paint their position as a moral imperative without addressing the inevitable human cost of such a decision in a region where the human toll is already devastating. One of the problems with moralizing is that it often paints the speaker into a corner. Once someone asserts that a particular action represents the best or the only moral response, theyve put themselves in a position where doing anything else or doing nothing at all is immoral. Theres no room for discussion or debate let alone retreat from a poorly thought out initial stance. Who amongst us would have been able to sustain any relationship over any substantial length of time if we never gave ourselves room to admit we were wrong, or maybe just less right than we are determined to be? The truth is that morality is messy. Occasionally were fortunate enough to face a situation where theres clearly a life-giving, wholesome path and a destructive, deadly path. Most of the time each choice we might make has advantages and disadvantages. Sometimes, as seems to be the case with regard to any US response in Syria, we only have the choice between several less-than-ideal alternatives. It would be refreshing to hear someone admit there are no good choices in response to a deeply challenging crisis like the one the world faces in response to the despicable act committed in Syria. It is not easy to make such an admission, but it may well be the reality in more cases than we care to admit. For now, we can at least learn to refrain from moralistic language both so we can hear voices advocating views different from our own and so we can learn from one another and, when necessary, change our mind. Jesus called us to love our neighbor as ourselves, and he didnt offer any caveats to that command. Perhaps we would do well in our attempt to follow his instruction by refraining from moralizing and instead listen deeply and well to one another.

Sunday Statistics
Sept 1. 13 111 (Remember Service) 9 (Reawaken Service 14 (Refresh Service) Weekly Giving: $4,403.92 Mission: $489.33 Budget Goal: $3,881 Food Bags: $35 Downtown Market: $859.86 (September 5) 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. 2

Remember in Prayer
Continue to pray for: Dottie Bense, Harold Brickens, Mary Brill, Betty Ruth Buchanan, Linda Christman, Chris Collett, family of Dean Echols, Lorna & Skip Farnum, Anna Lou Horspool, Kevin Johnen, Carolyn Kenrick, the family of Lowenn Land, Flora Miller, Sue Miller, Jim Piper, Norma Rill, Marj Schwenker and family, Julie Stuart, Claudia Tammen, Dorothy Tanner and Bob Vannoy Please pray for the following church in the Pacific Southwest Region: Nahum Christian Church 7938 Riggins Road Phelan, CA 92371-8718 Chang Ryul Yoo

Prayer Requests: September 1, 2013

Sammie Adams Jim Piper as he begins chemo to get his system ready for the transplant

Serving in the Military:

Adam Hawley, Deb Taylors nephew in Afghanistan. He will be gone a few more months from his wife and new baby. 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 Sept. 9 15, 2013

Monday, Sept. 9: Reading: Jeremiah 4: 11-12, 22; Pray for all the meetings (see calendar for list) happening in our building tonight. Tuesday, Sept. 10: Reading: Psalm 14; pray for the Pathways of Hope meeting today in Chapman Lounge. Congregational Prayer Day, Sept.11: Reading: Jeremiah 4: 23-28; pray for our nation and our leaders to make good decisions, Thursday, Sept. 12: Reading: 1 Timothy 1: 1213; pray for the Bell Choir as they begin rehearsals tonight. Friday, Sept. 13: Reading: 1 Timothy 1: 14-15; pray for Global Ministries Missionary, Mark Behle in Lesotho. Saturday, Sept. 14: Reading: Luke 15: 1-16; pray for PSWR Camp & Conference Meeting taking place in Chapman Lounge. Sunday, September 15: Reading: Luke 15: 1732; pray for our church as we begin another year of Christian Education opportunities.

Correction to Alyssas address

Alyssas zip code was wrong in last weeks Caller. It should be 10301.

Cambria Findley-Grubb Invites you

If you would like to follow Cambrias Fulbright year in Nova Scotia, here is her blog: http://novascotianewbie.blogspot.ca/

The Senior Book Club

We will meet on Thursday, September 26, 1:00 P.M. at Jan Farleys home to discuss The Orchardist by Amanda Coplin. This book is set in the untamed American west, a highly original and haunting debut novel about a makeshift family whose dramatic lives are shaped by violence, love, and an indelible connection to the land. 3

Disciples Women PSWR Spiritual Growth Retreat Nov. 1 3, at Loch Leven

The PSWR Disciples Womens Spiritual Growth Retreat, Friday evening, Nov. 1 to Sunday noon, Nov. 3, is a fun, inspirational get-away weekend at our Loch Leven Christian Retreat Center. Costs are: early registration - $136 for three-days due by October 1. Late registration $146. one-day (Saturday only) is $80 by October 1 and $90 after. This year there is RV parking available; cost is $95 by Oct 1 and $100 after. See Donna for registration forms.

Register For The 1st PSWR Senior Adult Retreat

The first annual Pacific Southwest Region Senior Adult Retreat will be held October 29-30 at Mary and Joseph Retreat Center, 500 Crest Road in Rancho Palos Verdes. The retreat will feature guest speaker Nancy Gordon and entertainment by Bill and Susan Seaforth Hayes from Days of Our Lives fame. Pick up a flyer and registration form in the church office, or contact Donna for more info. COST: Single occupancy $125 per person; double occupancy $95 per person, commuter $65.

Pathways of Hope Food Bags

Every year in September, which has been designated Hunger Action Month, we collect bags of food for Pathways of Hope (PoH) Distribution Center. Please pick up one of the bags you'll find on the credenza in the Narthex as you leave the building this morning. Go to the store this week to fill it with the requested items and bring it back any Sunday this month. If you do not have the time to do the necessary shopping to fill a bag, you can still participate in this outreach project. Just make out a check, payable to our church, in the amount of $35. Mark your check: PoH Food Bags. Your gift will be combined with others to help us reach our goal of providing 75 bags of food for PoH to give to people who need help to put food on the table for their families. World Outreach

2013 Pacific Southwest Regional Gathering.

You are invited to attend the 2013 Pacific Southwest Regional Gathering to be held at the First Christian Church, Orange on Saturday, October 19, from 8 A.M. 4 P.M. Speakers will be Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, our General Minister and President of the Disciples of Christ; Rev. Jose Morales from the Colorado/Rocky Mountain Region; and Rev. Rita Nakashima Brock, PhD. Rev. Jon Berquist, President of the Disciples Seminary Foundation will be the guest Bible Lecturer. You may register online at disciplespswr.org/regionalgathering2013 or pick up a registration form on the counter in the office.

Hollywood Bowl
I have four tickets left for our annual trip to the Hollywood Bowl to see Earth, Wind and Fire & Fireworks next Sunday night, September 15. Tickets are $33, which includes the bus from Lakewood Mall at 5:30 P.M. ASK YOUR FRIENDS!

Rock the Loch

Beat the heat and spend the day, September 28, at our Camp and Conference grounds at Loch Leven for a fun day of music, great food, raffles, silent auctions, kids center, campus tours, speakers and our own Emily Malotte will be performing. Tickets are $10 single, $25 for family, VIP (personal shade tent and attendant) $75. Go to rocktheloch.org to purchase. 4

Only Two More Weeks Left

There are only two more weeks for you to get a chance to win prizes in the Opportunity Drawing at the PSWR Golf Classic to be held Monday, September 16. The prizes for this year are listed below: First Prize -- Two tickets to 7 Broadway plays at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, including the award winning, "The Book of Mormon." Second Prize -- An iPad Mini. Third Prize -- Two tickets to the 2014 Rose Bowl game to be played on January 1. Ticket prices are as follows: $1 for 1 ticket; $5 for 6 tickets; $10 for 13 tickets; and $20 for 25 tickets. You do not have to be present to win one of these prizes, but your name and phone number needs to be clearly written on each ticket you purchase. Due to the generosity of several friends of Don Shelton, whose memory is being honored at the Golf Tournament, we have a bonus drawing. We have purchased two tickets for the 2014 BCS game to be played at the Rose Bowl. They will be given away in a "bonus drawing" at the Golf Tournament. The tickets for this special drawing are $5 for 1 ticket and $10 for 3 tickets. This drawing is completely separate from the Opportunity Drawing described in the foregoing paragraph. By the way, in case you're certain you'll have the winning ticket, the BCS game is scheduled for Monday, January 6, next year. And you do not need to be present to win the BCS tickets. Tickets for both the Opportunity Drawing and the BCS Game will be available for purchase from Donna Woodbridge through Sunday, September 15.

Pathways of Hope Annual Event

You are invited to Pathways of Hopes Annual Dinner and Auction Fundraiser at Angelo & Vincis Ristorante, Sunday, September 29, 550 N. Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, CA. Social Hour and Silent Auction, 4:30 pm. Dinner and Live Auction, 5:45 p.m. Ticket price $70 includes two complimentary drinks. Sponsorship opportunities are available. RSVP to info@pathwaysofhope.us All proceeds 20th

support Pathways of Hope programs. Ready to get your hands dirty? Want to dig some ditches and pound some nails? That's awesome, because... WE NEED YOUR HELP!! 1114 S. Cypress Santa Ana Volunteers, September 11 - Up to 5 Volunteers, September 12 - Up to 5 Volunteers, September 13 - Up to 10 Volunteers, September 14 - Up to 10 Volunteers, September 19 - Up to 10 All volunteers must reserve shifts on VolunteerUp. Sign-up today! Thank you for all you do for Habitat OC! Jaymie Fisher, Director of Volunteer Service

Interfaith Religious Fair

Fullerton Interfaith Ministerial Association is hosting an Interfaith Religious Fair at St. Juliana Church Auditorium today from 1:00 - 3:00 P.M. You are invited to this FREE event whose purpose is to provide opportunities for religious communities to share beliefs, practices and outreach to the larger community. Please join us and get to know our brothers and sisters of other faiths in the great journey of life. Guest speaker is Dr. Paul Levesque Ph.D, Professor and Chair of Comparative Religion, CSUF. 5

From Church World Service

If you would like to see the article about our clean-up bucket project on the Church World Service website, the story and photo are posted at: http://www.cwsglobal.org/newsroom/newsfeatures/bucket-brigade.html

Fullerton ACT Group

There is a group of people in the community who are coordinating projects that all the churches can become involved in sharing volunteer opportunities. Here are a few upcoming opportunities for service: September 28-29 - Painting the outside of WTLC, you can sign up at http://graceworks2-10.com/graceworks2012/graceworks-project-list/. Contact Jay Williams for info jay.williams@evfreefullerton.com Interested in providing some funds for our Homeless Liaison Officers? Coast to Coast Foundation handles this for the officers and you can donate to that fund. Just write a check to Coast to Coast and write Homeless Liaison Officers in the memo. The officers have access to this money whenever they need it for: travel vouchers, bus passes, hotel vouchers, food, clothing, etc.. Join catalytic groups around the area where we can collaborate on projects. If you would like to be a part of one of the groups listed below, Contact Jason Phillips at Jason@souleader.org or 714-624-3033. Here are some groups for opportunities: - Lockers/Check-In Storage - Mailboxes - Emergency Shelter - SOLFUL (Summer School in Fullerton) - SERVE DAY (A day or weekend 1-2 times a year all the churches can love Fullerton at the same time)

From our Associate Pastor

When did you know what it was that you wanted to do with your life? Were you 5? Were you 35? Are you still trying to figure it out? I was 15 when I first remember feeling called to ministry. I was part of an active youth group and church camp program, I was surrounded by friends who were also involved in their churches, and I had an amazing youth minister who opened my eyes to the possibilities that God had for me. I can even find my journal from that year where I first talked about wanting to be a youth minister. I didnt always follow that feeling. I did not even always attend church. After I graduated college, I began working in autism research. It was a time in my life that I enjoyed; I had great co-workers, a great boss, and great benefits. The longer I worked in that field though, the less comfortable I was in my own skin, the less that I felt like I was doing what I was called to do. It did not take me long to make the decision to follow the call that God had placed in my life to go into ministry. Once I allowed myself to follow the path that I had been called into, I felt this amazing sense of relief. Finally, life looked brighter than it had for a while. Doing what I am called to do and what I love is not always easy. However, the longer that I journey on this path, the more I find myself able to see God in the ordinary, everyday moments. Sometimes, we get caught up in what we feel we have to do, or surviving where we find ourselves, and we can begin to feel trapped. When you embrace your passions, when you give in to the call that God has placed in your life, whether that be a teacher, a doctor, a lawyer, a parent, a chef...whatever it is that brings you joy, it is then that you allow God to transform your life. And if you are in a place that is hard, know that God is with you. When did you know what it was you wanted to do with your life? Did you ever do it? Id love to hear your story! Give me a call and lets have coffee or lunch and share a piece of ourselves with one another. Grace and Peace, Debra

Hey GNOs
Okay youve had a month off and hopefully some of you will be able to come to our next meeting (although since theres a study at Donnas on Monday I suspect some of your will be missing). The meeting (on 9/16 at 6 PM) will be at Ricardos El Ranchito, 1351 S. Beach Blvd in La Habra. The restaurant is Elizabeths choice. Wed love to have you join us. See you at 6 P.M. If your planning on coming or need a ride please let me know (shararhome@aol.com). Your GNO coordinator - Shar

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. Refresh (Emergent Worship Service) Sunday, 7:30 P.M. Youth Groups: Sunday, 1:00 P.M. & Wednesday, 3:30 5:15 P.M.

Serving September 8, 2013

Greeter: Deb Taylor Guest Book: Edee Stahnke Coffee Host: Hospitality Ministry Acolyte Parent: Angulo Sound: Video: PJ Vannoy Lay Leader: Clare Keech Childrens Moment: Shawn McCuen Elders: Chris Fee, PJ Vannoy, Kathy Robidoux (HC) HC Elders: PJ Vannoy, Randy Langston, Emily Malotte Diaconate: Pauls Team Prepare: Jan Farley & Beverly Reinke Ushers: Jan Farley, Beverly Reinke Serve: Luanne Bailey, Linda Johnen, Cam & Nancy Malotte, Anna Van Diest, Janelle Vannoy Clean Up: Luanne Bailey, Paul Robidoux, Dwain Van Diest Alternates: Rod Farley, Paul Robidoux

Serving September 15, 2013

Greeter: Janelle Vannoy Guest Book: Mary Ann Richmond Coffee Host: Hospitality Ministry Acolyte Parent: Henke Sound: Kyle Fought Video: Paul/Travis Robidoux Lay Leader: Ben Stuart Childrens Moment: Lorena Garcia Elders: Sharlane Blakeley, Kathy Robidoux, Elizabeth Beech Diaconate: Pauls Team Prepare: Beverly Reinke, Paul Robidoux Ushers: Jan Farley, Linda Johnen Serve: Rod Farley, Linda Johnen, Nancy Malotte, Anna & Dwain Van Diest, Janelle Vannoy Clean Up: Cam & Nancy Malotte, Anna Van Diest Alternates: Cam Malotte, Paul Robidoux