the

December 8, 2013

CALLER
Issue 48

Pastors Corner 2 Statistics 2 Remember in Prayer 3 Spiritual Disciplines Wk 3 Prayer Requests, Dec. 1 3 Serving in the Military 3 Mary Circle 3 Mark Calendar 4 Mitten Tree 4 Gifts of Love 4 Campbells Soup Labels 4 MMC Concert 4 Call to Prayer 5 Letters 5 Chapel on Wheels Fundraiser 5 Christmas Offering 6 Thursday Bible Study 6 Mission Trip Meeting 6 Advent Devotional 7 Kids Activities 7 Advent & Christmas Events 8 Serving Sunday 9

In This Issue

Events December 8 December 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

December 8: Second Sunday of Advent - Peace 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 December 9: 7:00 A.M. - 9:30 P.M. Chapel on Wheels Fundraiser @ Pollys 10:00 A.M. - PSWR Older Adult Ministry Meeting, CL 6:30 P.M. - Mary Circle Christmas Party @ Woodbridges 7:00 P.M. - 12-Step Class, Chapman Lounge December 10: 9:00 A.M. - Pathways of Hope Exec. Board, Chapman Lounge 6:30 P.M. - Bible Study at Barrys 7:00 P.M. - Casa de Oracin, Sanctuary, Chapman Lounge December 11: December 12: 9:00 A.M. 2 P.M. FISH Christmas Luncheon, CL 3:30 P.M. - Bible Study, Chapman Lounge 6:30 P.M. - Bell Choir, 7:30 P.M. Chancel Choir December 13: 8:30 A.M. - Pathways of Hope, CL December 14: 7:00 A.M. - Noon - Casa de Oracin Prayer Vigil, Youth Room 9:30 A.M. - NOON - Choir Practice for Cantata, Sanctuary 4:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. - Casa de Oracin Youth, Youth Room December 15: Third Sunday of Advent 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, Choir Cantata 11:30 A.M. - 2:00 p.m. - Casa de Oracin, Fellowship Hall 5:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. Casa de Oracin Service, Sanctuary & FH December 16: 6:30 P.M. - OT Bible Study @ Woodbridges 7:00 P.M. - Last 12-Step Class, Chapman Lounge December 17: 2:00 P.M. Senior Adult Christmas Tea, Chapman Lounge and Sanctuary 6:30 P.M. - Bible Study @ Barrys 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

Advent is a time of deep anticipation and patient waiting. What are we waiting for? Who are we waiting for? Some might say we are waiting for the birth of the Christ child, but that would require us to pretend that Jesus had not yet been born. Advent is not a time of pretending. We dont need to set aside what we already know. We do need to set something aside, though. We need to set aside our false assumptions about who we are, our false assumptions about each other, and our false assumptions about God. We need to wait upon God to restore to us a sense of awe over Gods magnificent work in and through creation. If we read the Scripture for ourselves, we see that God is good, and all that comes forth from God is good. This is a good world, you are good, and I am good, too. We also see that all of creation is one and is true. Advent is a time of reflecting and reconsidering the truth, the unity, and the goodness of creation. Richard Rohr, a Franciscan priest and modern contemplative says it this way: The Scholastic philosophers were in rather universal agreement that the character of Being is that it is always one (this is the basis for non-dual consciousness), it is always true, and it is always good! These were called the three Transcendentals. Naked is-ness is the most foundational level of Being. And this pure, naked Being is always one (inherently connected). Its always at its foundation true and not false. And Being is not bad but always good. So Reality starts with an original blessing and not original sin! As Genesis says five times in a row about creation, It was good; and ends with Indeed it was very good (1:10-25). It is so sad and really culpable that we turned such a wonderful message from the first chapter of the Bible around and started with a negativewhich then became very hard to turn positive again. This deeply distorted the Christian message and Christian history. So if you were connected inherently with the nature of Being, you would always be united and uniting, you would always do the inherently true thing, and you would always do the morally good thing. This is your deepest nature. Adapted from an unpublished talk at a conference in Assisi, Italy, May 2012 The season of Advent presents us with the opportunity to become reconnected with the nature of Being, to remember who we are. If we take time to slow down, listen deeply, and see anew, we begin to recognize that so many of our judgments about ourselves, others, and our world are just wrong. We have mistaken our transitory experience for the fundamental reality of Being. We need to breathe, remember, and celebrate Gods presence in and through all of creation. You are beloved, I am beloved, and we are immersed in a world that is very good, indeed. Happy Advent. May you have eyes to see!

Sunday Statistics
Dec. 1 2013 136 (Remember Service) 5 (Reawaken Service) 94 (Casa 5 P.M. service) Weekly Giving: $4,288.50 Missions: $476.50 Budget Goal: $3,881

Remember in Prayer
Continue to pray for: Sue Bacon, Dottie Bense, Harold Brickens, Mary Brill, Vio Danna Brant, Sandra Brown, Betty Ruth Buchanan, Linda Christman, Chris Collett, Matt Davis, Lorna & Skip Farnum, Anna Lou Horspool, Kevin Johnen, Carolyn Kenrick, Flora Miller, Sue Miller, Jim Piper, Norma Rill, Julie Stuart, Claudia Tammen, Dorothy Tanner and Bob & Donna Vannoy Please pray for the following church in the Pacific Southwest Region: All Peoples Christian Center 822 E. 20th Street Los Angeles, CA 90011 Saundra Bryant, Director

Prayer Requests: December 1, 2013

Lona Anderson Craig & Alice Wallace Anonymous Ed Linberg

Chris Tammen who is having eye problems Praise for Bill and Gloria, our son and daughter-inlaw, survived a multi-car pile up last weekend Today (12/1) is World Aids Day prayers for all those suffering from HIV-AIDS. Matt Davis, consultation with Dr on Monday for treatment.

Serving in the Military:

Adam Hawley, Deb Taylors nephew, is now home from Afghanistan and back at Ft. Bliss with his family. Lt. Cmdr. 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, who 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 Dec. 9 Dec. 15, 2013
Monday, December 9: Reading: Matthew 11:25; pray for the PSWR Older Adult Ministry Committee meeting in Chapman Lounge this morning. Tuesday, December 10: Reading: Isaiah 35: 1-5; pray for the Pathways of Hope Executive Board meeting today in Chapman Lounge. Congregational Prayer Day, December 11: Reading: Isaiah 35: 6-10; pray for the Presbyterian Church serving the hungry tonight in Fellowship Hall. Thursday, December 12: Reading: Luke 1: 4650; Pray for the FISH organization honoring their volunteers in Chapman Lounge today. Friday, December 13: Reading: Luke 1: 51-55; pray for our partner Global Ministries Missionary in Laos, Xuyen Dangers. Saturday, December 14: Reading: James 5: 710; pray for Casa d Oracin Prayer vigil taking place in the Youth Room today. Sunday, December 15: Reading Matthew 11: 211; Third Sunday in Advent. Pray for our Choir as they present their Annual Christmas Cantata.

Mary Circle Christmas Party

Mary Circle will hold their annual Christmas Party at Donna Woodbridges tomorrow night, Monday, December 9, at 6:30 P.M. All women of the church are invited. Lynda Bailey will have devotions. Please bring money for diapers for Pathways of Hope. Bring an appetizer or dessert to share and a gift for the gift exchange of $10 or less

Mark Your Calendars!

December 19, 7:00 P.M. FIMA Longest Night Service, St. Jude Medical Center Chapel December 21 at 5 P.M. Gifts of Love program. Immediately following the program we will be having a Worship Dinner Experience - complete with a full turkey dinner! The former Sunday evening worship group will be preparing the meal, some music, and opportunities for sharing during this service. Please join us for both activities on December 21 to kick off the week of Christmas with joy and thanksgiving!

Campbells Labels
The holidays are fast approaching and that means more Campbells Mushroom Soup and others will be in great use. The Disciples Women (Betty Rollo is our coordinator) ask that you save the labels, bring them to church and deposit in the RED box on the counter in Donnas office. These labels are sent to Woodhaven Home for the developmentally disabled in Jefferson City, MO. The part we need is the bar code on the label but feel free to peel off the whole label and Betty will cut out the part she needs. Thanks for your assistance with this worthwhile project.

Mitten Tree
Thank you so much for all the hats, scarves, socks, mittens and gloves that you have brought for the Mitten Tree. Check out the Christmas tree in the Narthex. Each Wednesday at the Hot Meal Ministry we will give out approximately 40 tickets and they in turn come over to the Sanctuary building and choose an item from the tree. 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.

Last Call For MMC Tickets

If you'd like to buy tickets from Ed Linberg for the Christmas Concerts of the Mountainside Master Chorale, Saturday, December 14th at 7:30 P.M. or Sunday, December 15th at 3:30 P.M., you need to get them from him by this Sunday, December 8. He is to turn in money and any unsold tickets the next day. We are hoping to have the group rate for those going to one or the other of these concerts from our congregation. That rate is $14 per ticket, instead of the regular rate of $17 for students and seniors and $20 for adults. To get the group rate, 10 tickets need to be sold. Ed sold 8 tickets through December 1. Will you be ticket purchasers #'s 9 and 10? Eight people are counting on you to help them save some money. Call him if you want tickets, or be sure to speak to him on Sunday to get your tickets. Checks should be made payable to the Mountainside Master Chorale. Both concerts will take place at the Claremont UCC Church, 6th and Harvard in Claremont. These Christmas favorites are among those on the program that will feature some 15 to 20 compositions, all of which have beautiful organ accompaniments: "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," "Still, Still, Still," "I Saw Three Ships," and "O Holy Night."

Gifts Of Love Update

JYF will be meeting December 1, 8, and 15 immediately following 10:15 A.M. service to work on Gifts of Love program. If your child cannot attend, but has a talent they would like to share for the program, please talk to Debra. If your child is younger than 2nd grade, we want them to participate as well! We invite you to work on something at home and come to rehearsal on December 15 to practice and show your talent! We look forward to this exciting program!

A Call To Prayer
In a mailing received on December 2 from Bread for the World, we learned that Pope Francis is calling on people around the world to pray to end hunger. On December 10 --next Tuesday-people are asked to pray at Noon local time in what will become a "wave of prayer to end hunger across time zones. It is hoped that Christians of all denominational and theological categories will come together in the faith filled effort to end hunger in the United States and around the world. This global wave of prayer could be "a means by which God touches many, many hearts and, perhaps, moves our nation to get serious about hunger and poverty." David Beckman, President of Bread for the World comments: "This wave of prayer comes at a particularly critical time in our country. Congress will be finalizing a decision on the farm bill and the harmful cuts to nutrition programs that will impact millions of families that struggle to put a plate of food on the table." If you are inclined to not only pray about ending hunger, you are encouraged to contact your representatives in Congress, plus Senators Boxer and Feinstein and tell them not to cut SNAP (formerly food stamps) but to take action that will help end hunger in our country. Fullerton is represented by Ed Royce and Loretta Sanchez. Members of Congress may be reached at this phone number: 800-8263688. Remember. Pray to end hunger around the world on Tuesday, December 10th at Noon! If you need some prayer resources concerning ending hunger, Bread for the World has prepared some for your use, from various Christian traditions, that can be used next Tuesday. You may access them at: www.bread.org/prayerwave. The Outreach Ministry

We Get Letters
If you'd like to know, to the penny, just how much of our budgeted outreach giving is directed to the various units of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), check out the bulletin board for the letter from the Office of our General Minister and President, Sharon Watkins. Below the letter is a pie-chart which spells out exactly how much of our giving through September went to Global Ministries, to Homeland Ministries, to the Pension Fund, etc. between January 1, 2013 and September 30, 2013. It's an interesting read. We got two letters from Maria Mazzenga Avellaneda, Executive Director of Pathways of Hope, in November. One dated 11/21, thanked us for our gift of $520 to them through the Alternative Christmas Faire. The other, dated 11/22, thanked us for our gift of $150 for food bags. Both letters, plus the one mentioned in the first paragraph, are posted on the bulletin board for you to read. These letters remind us that our giving makes a difference in people's lives. The Outreach Ministry

Chapel on Wheels Fundraiser

Chapel on Wheels monthly fundraiser at Pollys Pies. 136 N. Raymond, Fullerton, CA 92831 is tomorrow, Monday, December 9 from 7:00 A.M. 9:30 P.M. Pick up a flyer from the counter in the office, take it to Pollys, have a great meal and 20% of your meal will be given to Chapel on Wheels for their weekday education classes at some of the elementary schools in Fullerton. If you would like more information on this program, talk to Donna in the office and she can put you in touch with the right people.

"What Shall We Bring?"

This is the theme of the 2013 Christmas Offering. It is based on Matthew 2:11, the passage that tells us that wise men brought gifts to Jesus at his birth--gold, frankincense and myrhh. You will find an envelope in this Caller to use in making your gift to the 2013 Christmas Offering. These envelopes are to be used on December 15 and December 22 to support our annual Christmas Offering which benefits the work of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Pacific Southwest Region. Don and Susan Gonzales Dewey, are our Co-Regional Pastors. The Outreach Ministry has set a goal of $1,000 for this year's Christmas Offering after reviewing the total of last year's Christmas Offering which was $780. Thank you for your generous support of the upcoming Christmas Offering as well as for your generous support of all of our Special Offerings to date in 2013-Week of Compassion, Easter, Pentecost, Reconciliation and Thanksgiving. The Outreach Ministry

Update On Potential Mission Trip

We have heard back from Josh Baird with Disciples Volunteering about options for a Mission Trip for our congregation, March 16-22, 2014. 1. There will be a new Mission Station open at Moore, Oklahoma, next year. However, local groups in that area have already filled all of the spots until April 7, so that is not an option for us for March, obviously. 2. The option to send another group to Joplin on those dates is open, however, a college group of unknown size has asked for those dates. We are encouraged to send in a request for those same dates to see if we might be paired up with them. Other dates in Joplin through August of next year are open. 3. The station at Lake Charles, Louisiana, has closed. Slidell, Louisiana is winding down, however, a group could likely go there and partner with the Epworth Project with which Disciples have been partnering over several years, and could likely be hosted by members of First Christian Church, Slidell, on the dates in March. 4. There is also likely going to be a Mission Station in Colorado next year, but it probably won't open until next summer. With this information, we need to get persons together who have EVEN THE SLIGHTEST INTEREST in being part of a Mission Trip between March 16 and 22, 2014, or at any other time next year asap. So, the Outreach Ministry will host a discussion about a 2014 Mission Trip for our congregation in Chapman Lounge immediately after worship this Sunday, December 8. This is open to everyone in the congregation. Attendance will not commit you to going on a mission trip, but your attendance will be greatly appreciated and will help us to move forward in making plans for a 2014 Mission Trip! The Outreach Ministry

Thursday Afternoon Bible Study

The Thursday afternoon 3:30 5:00 P.M.! class is beginning a 7- week study January 9 March 20 on Discovering the Psalms: Passion, Promise & Praise. If you are interested and available to join the six who already attend, please contact Chris Fee or the church office. We will need to order the materials by December 20.

Volunteer(s) Needed Urgent

Donna Woodbridge will be on vacation December 23 27 and December 30 & 31. We need a volunteer or volunteers to staff the office Monday, Dec. 23; Tuesday, Dec. 24; Thursday, Dec 26, Monday, Dec. 30; and Tuesday, Dec. 31; from 8:30 A.M. 4:00 P.M. and Friday, Dec 27 from 8:30 A.M. NOON. If you can help any of these days, please contact Deb Taylor so she can schedule. Her email is arizkid@sbcglobal.net or 714-526-3731.

Preparing Ourselves During Advent

Our church family is listening the combined voices of 25 our own people to help us prepare for the Lord's birth. Our Advent Devotional Guide 2013 has been in use for nearly a week now. There are still just a few copies left in the office if you need one, and some of us have begun giving and emailing the electronic copy of it to our friends and neighbors as an outreach witness to our faith, and have heard of how they in turn are passing it on to others. Please use or include it with any Christmas greetings you are sending out, or if you are using social media, use a link to our website for it. To read it or obtain a copy of the file, just browse to http://fullertonfirstchristian.org/adventdevotional/ (example below)

Kids Activity

Advent & Christmas Events

As usual, Advent worship experiences will also occur at 8 A.M. (Reawaken) TODAY Second Sunday of Advent (Peace Candle)

December 15 Third Sunday of Advent (Love Candle) Choir Cantata December 21, 5:00 P.M. Gifts of Love & Dinner to follow December 22 Christmas Sunday Fourth Sunday of Advent (Joy Candle)

December 24 Christmas Eve (Christ Candle)

December 25 Christmas Day Office Closed

Church Christmas Card Display

In an effort to be a more green church and save some money in the process, we invite you to wish a Merry Christmas" to the entire congregation with one card by hanging it on the garland that is available in the Narthex on Sunday mornings until Christmas. You can also mail it to the church office at 109 E. Wilshire Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92832 and we will post it for you. When filling out your Christmas cards this year, take one of your cards and send a thoughtful note to this address: Holiday Mail for Heroes, P.O. Box 5456, Capitol Heights, Maryland 20791-5456

Holiday Poinsettias
Its time to order poinsettias to decorate our sanctuary during the Advent Season. The cost is $8.50 each. Return the form below with a check made out to First Christian Church, mark poinsettias in the memo line. Please order me/us _____poinsettia/s, for $8.50 each. From:_____________________________________________________________________________ In Memory of/In Honor of (choose one) ____________________________________________________________________________________

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 December 8, 2013

Greeters: Rod & Jan Farley Guest Book: Mary Brill Coffee Host: Hospitality Ministry Acolyte Parent: Henke Sound: Clare Keech Video: PJ Vannoy Lay Leader: Sammie Adams Childrens Moment: Marguerite Beal Elders: Randy Langston, Joshua Dorrough, PJ Vannoy (HC) Home Communion (HC) Elders: Kathy Robidoux, Penny Fonches, Joshua Dorrough Diaconate: Pauls Team Prepare: Beverly Reinke, Paul Robidoux Ushers: Bevery Reinke, Paul Robidoux Serve: Luanne Bailey, Rod Farley, Linda Johnen, Paul Robidoux, Janelle Vannoy, Anna Van Diest Clean Up: Luanne Bailey, Jan Farley, Janelle Vannoy Alternate: Cam Malotte

Serving December 15, 2013

Greeters: Sue Harless & Diane Daugherty Guest Book: Phil Forbes Coffee Host: Hospitality Ministry Acolyte Parent: Aquistapace Sound: Kyle Fought Video: Paul/Travis Robidoux Lay Leader: Randy Baxter Childrens Moment: Donna Woodbridge Elders: Kathy Robidoux, PJ Vannoy, Elizabeth Beech Diaconate: Pauls Team Prepare: Jan & Rod Farley Ushers: Bevery Reinke, Paul Robidoux Serve: Rod Farley, Linda Johnen, Nancy Malotte, Alyssa Robidoux, Janelle Vannoy, Dwain Van Diest Clean Up: Beverly Reinke, Paul Robidoux, Janelle Vannoy Alternate: Paul Robidoux