Dear friends,
Please join us in Basileia this week, while we join in the beginning of
a discussion
on creating the "Basileia Peace and Justice Institute" <(working title).
We will
meet at the Anaheim Congregation Fellowship Room at 10:00 a.m.
If you haven't noticed yet, check out the two signs out front, one on
the lawn in
front of the chapel, and one near the entry gate. We have our name in
lights!
Shalom,
Carol
Dear friends - This weekend is a real Basileia event
- join us in the following activities!
Much physical and emotional violence has been done to some
of God’s beloved
children through the misuse of scripture. The church is called to
confess and
repent of such attitudes and practices.—Doctrine and Covenants
163:7c
Basileia Begins
Peace and Justice Film Series Starting
Saturday, January 19 at 4:00 PM and continuing on every third Saturday
of the month, the Basileia Congregation will host Peace and Justice
Film Night, at the Anaheim church, 827 S. Walnut. The first offering
will be The Invisible Mexicans of Deer Canyon, an expose' on
the harsh realities of life for thousands of day laborers in Southern
California. Award-winning filmmaker John Carlos Frey
spent a year documenting
Mexican immigrants living
in clandestine shacks and shantytowns within eyesight of multi-million
dollar
mansions.Over two thousand individuals
live outdoors in the secluded canyons of San Diego, CA - invisible to the
local population.Their shacks have no
electricity, running
water or sanitation.The migrants live
within several yards of some of the most expensive real estate in America
and
work in the local landscape, construction, agriculture and tourism
industries. EVERYONE is invited to come; bring
your friends and we will
have a discussion after the film.And join us
each third Saturday of the month for another film focused on peace and
justice.
Join with us this Sunday as we honor Racial
Justice Sunday during the 9:45 am
service, joining with the Anaheim Congregation in this annual event.
Cynthia will
be presiding, and Glenn will be speaking. Hear words from Martin Luther
King,
Jr.'s "I have a dream" speech, listen to the Judds sing "Love Can Build
a Bridge",
and re-connect with the challenge we all face in becoming Basileians in
our lives by remembering the commitment to justice that is part of our mission statement....
At Basileia: An Open
Door Community of Christ, we support all in their journey of
exploration,
community service, spiritual growth, communion and the celebration of
life;
this is a safe environment where diversity is valued and life is free
of
societal limitations.
We would like to invite you to participate in the following two
Basileia
activities this weekend: Annual Clean the Church Facilities Workday
The “Annual Clean the Church Facilities Work Day” is scheduled for Saturday,
October 20, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. We plan to wash the
windows, pull the
weeds in our flower and shrubbery beds, and clean and vacuum the nooks
and
crannies throughout the church building. Refreshment breaks will be
planned
throughout the morning. Come and share in the fellowship and help us
get the
Church and its grounds in tip top shape for the holiday season. (Snacks
and lunch
will be provided.)
This week in Basileia - Sunday, October 21, 2007
Please join us this Sunday for a presentation on Examen Prayer. Gail
will
be teaching, and we will have some special visitors with us this Sunday.
We hope that you can attend.
Shalom,
Carol
The theology of sacred art and iconography comprised one of the great schisms of the protestant reformation. Many reformers cleaned out their catholic churches of every hint of interior embellishment as they converted their sanctuaries to halls of protestantism. The Temple at Independence, headquarters of the Community of Christ, on the other hand is filled with beautiful artwork from around the world. How does sacred art and sacred image play a role in your relationship with God?
Please bring a piece of artwork to the service (or several) that has special meaning to you so that we can all see, appreciate and discuss.
We will be meeting at 10:00 a.m., at the Anaheim Congregation Fellowship Room. We invite you to join us.
Please plan to join with us in Basileia this Sunday as we hear Jesse
Lohmann share about her trip to Africa
this summer where she worked in a youth facility. She also had time to
do some site seeing, and we will be
able to hear about and see pictures of this remarkable summer
experience.
We will be trekking over to the El Segundo Congregation, where Jesse
will be the guest speaker. El Segundo's
service begins at 11:30 a.m. Here is the location
information and the directions to the facility.
Meeting
at: (St. Michael Archangel Episcopal Church)
361 Richmond
El Segundo, CA 90245
Pastor: Jeannie Kuhn
Directions:
From the I-105 (Century, or Glenn Anderson) Freeway, Westbound,
take Sepulveda Blvd exit, south, to Grand Avenue (about 1.5 miles).
Turn right, and proceed to Richmond (about 2 miles). Turn right to
Holly. Church is on the SW corner of Holly and Richmond.
(Thomas L.A. County Guide page 732)
+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
ANNOUNCEMENTS: We are invited to join with Anaheim
on
Sunday mornings - 8:30 - 9:30 a.m., starting this Sunday - to explore
outreach possibilities for the Anaheim and possibly the Basileia
Congregations to engage our neighborhood. We'll start out using the
SCMC Outreach Task Force report, and notes from the previous Anaheim
Outreach Task Force meetings to begin our discussions. Hopefully,
you'll be able to join in.
Next Sunday, September 16, please join us as we continue our study of
World's Religions. This session will be
hosting Mike Hewitt, current seminarian at the Community of Christ
Seminary, who will be speaking about the
early Christian Church. Due to the significant amount of material that
Mike will be covering, please allow in your
schedule to stay an additional 15 minutes for the session. We will meet
at 10:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Room at
the Anaheim Congregation.
.......Linda and Mike Hewitt shared with Basileia
on Sunday, September 2, 2007. Mike spoke on the theme of Radical
Hospitality and we honored World Hunger Day (celebrated throughout the
church on this day). The communion table
was decorated with places set at the table honoring various cultures
around the world.
Time for our e-bulletin, sent every other
week (a bit late this time due to time away for a family visit) to you
with good news
and information about upcoming activities in the Southern California
Mission Center. Please send/tell us your good news - we
never have
enough! And as always, thank you for all you do in the service of God's
people!
Good
News: "Home and Table"
Temple School
Class: Survey of the New Testament
Missionary Workshop
2007 Peace Colloquy
Buckhorn
Golf Tournament Postponed
Women's Retreat
Cancelled
Upcoming Events
Good News:
"Home and Table"
There
was really no agenda, just getting some young adults together with an
apostle. During Jim Slauter's recent visit to Los Angeles, I thought it
would be good to have him connect with some of the young adults in our
area. There are hopes for a new young adult group and ministry and I
wanted to nurture those hopes with encouraging words. The Spirit took
it much further.
With Jim's calm and genuine manner, he invited each young adult to
share their story. As can often happen, a simple way of becoming
acquainted became the seedbed of a time of communion. Each one offered
their individual hopes for their world, their church, their lives. As
mostly a listener, I was refreshed and inspired by that which I was
hearing. There were thoughts shared of God's persistent call, of
desires to become more faithful, of breaking down barriers between
people, of creating a community of belonging and healing.
As the late afternoon became evening, we were invited to the table.
Linda had prepared a feast for us. The sharing continued, nurtured now
by the common table. As we ate and drank together, the attendant Spirit
provided deeper sustenance. The evening ended with a prayer of blessing
offered by Jim as hands joined around the table. I think those young
adults, so filled with hope and desire for God's future for their
lives, left our time together more encouraged, though perhaps unaware
of how much encouragement they had brought to three older adults.
That evening as I experienced the hopes of young sisters and
brothers, I was reminded that some of the richest blessings of
community come when persons are offered the hospitality of the open
home and the welcome table. How are you experiencing these rich
blessings? How can you extend your hospitality?
Temple
School
Class SS
320 "Survey of the New Testament”
This class will be offered Tuesday and Wednesday, September 11 &
12, from 9AM to 1PM at the
Anaheim Congregation -Craig Crownover will facilitate
the course. Contact Tonia Cooper 714-847-5731
or tonia@... to
receive the text.
Missionary Workshop
- Frank Young, Guest Ministry Join us on October 6 at the
Temple City church for a workshop on starting new congregations. Frank
Young, Seventy and Church Planter/Pastor has led the Billings Community
of Christ Center (Montana) since 1999 and is passionate about Jesus
Christ and the beginning of new congregations of disciples. Come and
share in this important day of learning and inspiration. Watch for more
details.
2007 Peace Colloquy
- October 26-28 - Independence, MO
Theme: “Real
World, Real Peace: Sharing the Peace
of Jesus Christ.” Each congregation is invited to send at least one
representative. Five keynote speakers, 25 workshops with a priesthood
and
discipleship focus, children's program, and a new youth track.
See June to
October Heralds for details. To
register online or for more information visit www.CofChrist.org/peacecolloquyorcontactCustomer
and Member Services, 1‑800-825-2806, ext. 1004, or e-mail confreg@.... Early-bird
registration:
September
28, 2007.
2nd
Annual Buckhorn
Golf Tournament
Because of unavoidable circumstances, the tournament has been
postponed until spring. Please mark your calendars now for May 31,
2008 when we will tee if off to support the new multipurpose
building at Buckhorn.
Women's Retreat
Cancelled
The 2007 SCMC Women's Retreat scheduled for September 21-23 has been
cancelled. Plans are in process for a mini-retreat on December 1 as
well as for a 2008 retreat. Persons interested in being involved with
the preparation for either of these activities are asked to contact
Terry Read - tread@... or
909-606-8636.
Upcoming Events
October 6
Missionary Workshop - Frank Young, guest
ministry
October 12-14 High Priests' Retreat - Cathi Cackler-Veazey,
guest
ministry
October 27 Canoga Park Halloween Party - 6-9 PM
October 28 Leaders Meeting
November 7-8 Bridge Builders Fall Fiesta
November 11 SCMC Conference
December 2 Messiah Sing-a-long - Upland Congregation
-- Terry A. Read
Community of Christ
Southern California USA Mission Center
President
15657 Ladera Vista Drive
Chino Hills, CA 91709
909-606-8636
909-631-0499 (mobile)
909-902-5902 (fax)
tread@...www.cofchristla.org
Time for another of our e-bulletins, sent to you every other week with good news and information about upcoming activities in the Southern California Mission Center. This edition's good news comes from Denise Leichter, Congregational Support Minister (volunteer). Please send/tell us your good news - we never have enough! And as always, thank you for all you do in the service of God's people!
Good News: "Abundance Outpouring"
Invitation to Community of Christ for Open Mosque Day
Buckhorn Golf Tournament Postponed
New Temple School Class Announced
Singles Retreat
Missionary Workshop
2007 Peace Colloquy
Upcoming Events
Good News: "Abundance Outpouring" I had the privilege of speaking at La Nueva Esperanza en Cristo on the Sunday that we focused on the theme of "Sharing Our Abundance." I assisted Sergio and Sara Juarez, our co-pastors there, with the Communion. I had prepared using the theme and format and went prepared to flow with the Spirit and benefit of translation. One of my shared thoughts was that the abundance of others had given them their building, and at the moment those words were uttered as I looked over the congregation, I was moved by the Holy Spirit to say through tears flowing, "but it is the lives and love of the people here today that gave this building life!" The musical instruments were purchased, but the children learned to play them and provide a band for worship. The communion table was not draped in white, but with a cultural tapestry that speaks to this community. The walls and pathways outside are being accented with colorful broken tile and mortar with local members using artistic talents to reflect their own culture. There is no clock; the worship starts and finishes when the people have gathered and shared all that they came to give and receive in testimony, praise music, prayers and fellowship. Knowing the needs of that community and the state of California statistics for hunger, illiteracy, immigration challenges, under/uninsured families and violence at many levels, I asked them, "what are you doing about it?" The responses: we have a community food bank on Saturdays in the parking lot...we have started English Language classes at the church with hopes for computer stations upstairs in the near future...we have a Young Peacemakers Club for children...we keep the doors open every day until noon and people come to pray...we are active in ecumenical and the inner city restoration project meetings...and Sergio is on the streets and in the homes all the time. Hallelujah! Sara shared her good news of her last visit to Independence for CPI training, indicated that her burden of always having someone at their home to feed or counsel has become a new joy and blessing for her; how touched she was by the very young man in the band that walked 58 blocks to church when the X-Games impacted traffic flow to pick him up, and the stories of new babies, friends inviting friends, and 5 baptisms being planned for the September retreat had me smiling or crying for most of the day. The potluck featured the best foods of the Mexican and central American cultures...where else in the mission center can you get cactus and eggs? From the back patio I viewed the downtown LA skyline and new restoration project "right next door" that will include 85 new subsidized apartments and street level businesses...what a vineyard being planted for us! Around 2:30 I told Sara the only thing missing was a hammock to take a siesta and drift away with thanksgiving for so much GOOD NEWS. Pray for Sergio and Sara as they prepare for discernment of new priesthood ministers, and deal with unique and challenging questions related to policy, procedure and personal ministry being asked for by the community needing a continual message of Hope, Unconditional Love and Joyful fellowship as they embrace the GOOD NEWS and blessings of being a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Interfaith Invitation to Community of Christ to visit local Islamic Mosques on "Open Mosque Day", Sunday, August 19th, 2007 The Islamic Shura Council of Southern California dedicates its fifth annual "Open Mosque Day" on Sunday, August 19. This annual event provides direct interaction between people of all faiths and introduces the faith of Islam and the diverse culture of Muslims. About 2,000 people visit and mingle with Muslims at several Mosques in Southern California on this day. This event is open to neighbors and community members of all faiths. We invite you to know more about your Muslim neighbors. Our program will consist of speakers, presentations, displays, mosque tours, international food, and the opportunity to meet local American Muslims. "In the prevalent climate of unknown fear and misunderstanding about Islam and Muslims, the Open Mosque Day aspires to enhance understanding and perpetuate peace among people of all faiths," said Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, Chairman of the Shura Council. The Open Mosque Day will feature varied food, clothing, artifacts and presentations on Islam between 11 AM and 4 PM at the participating Mosques.
Carol Kostura and others in our Mission Center have participated in this event in prior years and report that it is a very worthwhile experience. If you have any questions about this invitation, please contact Carol at kostura@....
2nd Annual Buckhorn Golf Tournament Because of unavoidable circumstances, the tournament has been postponed until spring. Please mark your calendars now for May 31, 2008 when we will tee if off to support the new multipurpose building at Buckhorn.
New Temple School Class Announced Please watch for announcements about future Temple School classes ("Survey of New Testament" "Office of the Elder") and add the activity below to your congregational calendars. SS 320 "Survey of the New Testament” This class will be offered Tuesday and Wednesday, September 11 & 12, from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Anaheim Congregation - 827 S Walnut in Anaheim. Craig Crownover will facilitate the course. Contact Tonia Cooper 714-847-5731 or tonia@... to receive the text.
Singles Retreat With the theme, "Christ Lives in Us" all singles are invited to attend the Singles Retreat August 24-26 at Camp Buckhorn. The activity begins at 6 PM on Friday evening and concludes Sunday at 1 PM. Ministry will be offered by Joan and Carman Thompson. Joan, a certified Hypnotherapies and Reiki practitioner will present on Emotional Freedom Technique - new ideas on emotional health and inner peace. Carman, Mission Center President for Southwest International will offer a class on "Spiritual Practices in God." Registration is $65 or, for first timers, $35. Contact Patti Kome for more information - 619-857-9332 or pattikome@....
Missionary Workshop - Frank Young, Guest Ministry Join us on October 6 at the Temple City church for a workshop on starting new congregations. Frank Young, Seventy and Church Planter/Pastor has led the Billings Community of Christ Center (Montana) since 1999 and is passionate about Jesus Christ and the beginning of new congregations of disciples. Come and share in this important day of learning and inspiration. Watch for more details.
2007 Peace Colloquy - October 26-28 - Independence, MO Theme: “Real World, Real Peace: Sharing the Peace of Jesus Christ.” Each congregation is invited to send at least one representative. Five keynote speakers, 25 workshops with a priesthood and discipleship focus, children’s program, and a new youth track. See June to October Heralds for details. To register online or for more information visit www.CofChrist.org/peacecolloquyorcontactCustomer and Member Services, 1‑800-825-2806, ext. 1004, or e-mail confreg@.... Early-bird registration: September 28, 2007.
Upcoming Events August 24-26 Singles Retreat - Buckhorn September 15 2nd Annual Buckhorn Golf Tournament (see details above) September 21-23 Women's Retreat - Buckhorn October 6 Missionary Workshop - Frank Young, guest ministry October 12-14 High Priests' Retreat - Cathi Cackler-Veazey, guest ministry October 27 Canoga Park Halloween Party - 6-9 PM October 28 Leaders Meeting November 7-8 Bridge Builders Fall Fiesta November 11 SCMC Conference December 2 Messiah Sing-a-long - Upland Congregation
-- Terry A. Read
Community of Christ
Southern California USA Mission Center
President
15657 Ladera Vista Drive
Chino Hills, CA 91709
909-606-8636
909-631-0499 (mobile)
909-902-5902 (fax)
tread@...www.cofchristla.org
Standing teams of the World Conference and First Presidency–appointed teams are being chartered for the 2007–2010 inter-Conference period. We are interested in drawing broad participation from throughout the church.
If you or someone you know has interest and expertise in an area listed below and would like to serve on a team, please fill out the nomination form and return it to Sue Sloan, executive assistant to the First Presidency by mail, or fax it to (816) 521-3096. Recommendations need to be submitted by August 31.
Standing Teams of World Conference Conference Organization and Procedures (WCR 1188)
Initial agenda items include G-3 “Initiation and Consideration of Legislation,” G-5 “Participation in Conferences within Geographically Large Mission Centers,” G-7 “Greater Participation by Delegates to the World Conference,” and consideration of various approaches to the functioning of World Conference–appointed teams.
Earth Stewardship (WCR 1224)
Initial agenda items include considering issues of environment and development and giving guidance to the church to “…bring fresh vision to bear on the perplexing problems of…environmental deterioration” (Doctrine and Covenants 163:4c).
Human Rights (WCR 1197)
Initial agenda items include G-14 “Struggle against HIV-AIDS,” and development of a global immigration statement.
World Church Peace and Justice (WCR 1177, WCR 1267)
Initial agenda items include G-16 “Save Darfur” to provide ongoing monitoring of the situation and bring updates to church for next steps, and G-17 “Continuing Exploration of Peace and War.”
World Hunger (WCR 1148)
Initial agenda items include providing relief for those who are suffering from hunger, advocating for the hungry, and education about the causes and alleviation of hunger in the world.
First Presidency–Appointed Teams
Homosexuality and the Church
Initial agenda items include exploring the unique perspectives of various cultures in the church regarding homosexuality, and assisting the church in understanding those perspectives.
Human Sexuality
Initial agenda items include continued work on a sexual ethics statement, and addressing theological issues related to sexuality and discipleship formation.
August 13 will be the 5,000th anniversary of the Daily Prayer for Peace! Join in this special worship in the Temple sanctuary on August 13 and each day that you are in Independence; or pause each day, wherever you are, for a moment of silent prayer and know that you are raising your voice in unison with others around the world.
September 2 is designated for the World Church to emphasize World Hunger Ministries. Mission Tithes offering envelopes can be marked to include contributions to the World Hunger Fund. All offerings not specifically designated for other purposes will go to the World Hunger Fund on that day. Please remind those planning the offertory remarks to remember the needs of the World Hunger Fund in their preparation. Information and resources are available at www.CofChrist.org/hunger/. Also be sure to read the article “World Hunger Fund Surpasses 10 Million Dollars in Grants,” by Wallace B. Smith, in the August Herald.
The series of commentaries on Doctrine and Covenants Section 163 debuted in the July Herald and on the church Web site. All are encouraged to read, reflect, and join in dialogue on what Section 163 means for each of us individually and for the Community of Christ as a whole. Visit www.CofChrist.org/D&C163/ and the Herald from July 2007–May 2009 to read these commentaries and find related discernment processes and questions to help guide further reflection and discussion.
As of July 15, $438,198 had been raised for Chattanooga Kids: Planting Christ’s Peace. Thank you! Six weeks remain for this designated-giving initiative to raise $161,802 to meet our goal. Visit www.CofChrist.org/designatedgiving/ to learn more and see photos of how your contributions will help move the Church Planting Center forward and help the kids, youth, and families in Chattanooga! The “Planting Christ’s Peace with the Chattanooga Kids” ideas can be used during camps, reunions, and vacation church schools. Questions? Contact Sandra Ferguson in Funding for Mission at sferguson@... or ext. 2407.
Join us for the marvelous adventure of “where in the world” your Mission Tithes impact lives. The August offertory stories feature Apostle Susan Skoor’s Pacific Mission Field. PowerPoint presentations are included for each week except August 12. Read even more stories from the Pacific Mission Field in the August Herald “Sharing in the Field” section. If you are not receiving the monthly offertory stories, check with your mission center financial officer or find them online at www.CofChrist.org/offertory/.
More than 150 years ago, Nauvoo, Illinois, was the center of a community devoted to serving the Lord. A town once thriving with commerce and activity, Nauvoo is steeped in the rich historical traditions of those who lived long ago and still have not been forgotten. Today the Joseph Smith Historic Site is looking for talented volunteers to help preserve and share this heritage. Positions are available for historical interpreters, maintenance and retail sales staff, and groundskeepers. Housing and training provided. Contact Lachlan Mackay at lmackay@... or (217) 453-2246.
Restoration Trail Foundation (RTF), a charitable foundation created in 1970 by the church to focus on administering and raising funds to support church historic sites, has a new name. The Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation (CCHSF), charged with preserving and sharing the church’s heritage, is the former RTF. The foundation supports Community of Christ historic sites and Restoration heritage through education, preservation, development, and discovery. CCHSF encourages all members and friends of the church to join in by sharing their money and talents generously. For information on making donations to support the church’s historic sites, contact Cathi Cackler-Veazey at (816) 521-3058 or ccacklerveazey@....
Please share the following information with book stewards and others who are serving in a capacity to share information about resources and coordinate group orders through Herald House at www.HeraldHouse.org, sales@..., 1-800-767-8181, or (816) 521-3015.
Worship Resources—Year A begins with the Advent 2007 season on December 2. This comprehensive worship tool contains worship themes and lectionary scriptures; worship outlines; hymns, readings, and offertories; sermon helps; special worship plans for Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and other special events and sacraments; and a planning calendar. 9780830913510 Worship Resources 2008 (Book only) $15 9780830913534 Worship Resources 2008 (CD ROM only) $5 9780830913527 Worship Resources 2008 (Book and CD ROM) $18
Doctrine and Covenants Section 163 insert: Keep your scriptures current. Inserts are also available for Sections 159–162. All inserts are $.50 each. 9780830913411 Small (5"x 7" for scriptures printed before 1992) 9780830913428 Medium (5 ¾" x 8 ¾" for scriptures printed after 1992) 9780830913404 Large print (7 ¼"x10")
Adult Christian Education: A complete list of suggested resources is available at www.CofChrist.org/ChristianEd/. Below are a few of the recommendations. 9780830912452 Hospitality: Sharing God’s Welcome 9780830909599 A Prophetic People Embrace Peace and Justice 9780830911677 Reflections on Our Journey: A Study Guide for Walking with Jesus 9780830911738 The Sacraments: Symbol, Meaning, and Discipleship 9780830910595 Understanding the Way
The 2007 Peace Colloquy will be held October 26–28 at the Temple in Independence, Missouri. This year’s theme is “Real World, Real Peace: Share the Peace of Jesus Christ.” The First Presidency invites every congregation in the USA and Canada to send at least one representative. Priesthood training with Temple School credit is available. See July and August Heralds; ask pastors for details; go to www.CofChrist.org/PeaceColloquy; or contact Jeanette Hicks at ext. 2224 or jhicks@... for more information. Register before September 28 and save $10!
Herbs are a growing business and also a new area of concern for health safety. Download “Herbs and Anesthesia” from the Community of Christ Health Ministries Association Web site, at www.CHM.HMACofChrist.org to print to share in your congregation’s bulletins.
The energy level was incredible at SPECTACULAR where about 1,200 high school students and youth leaders brought Graceland’s Lamoni, Iowa, campus to life from July 21–July 28. Many will decide to return to Graceland for college after being at SPEC. For more information or to find out how to participate in SPEC 2008, visit www.CofChrist.org/spec/ or www.graceland.edu/spec/.
Labor Day (USA)—International Headquarters offices closed
September 16
Heritage Day
October 21
Children's Sabbath
October 26-28
Peace Colloquy
Daily Prayer for Peace—A brief worship service is held daily at 1:00 p.m. central time at the Temple. Join in prayer from wherever you are. For details and the text of each day’s prayer, visit www.CofChrist.org/prayerpeace/.
Our Service Project this month will be a work day at the home of Vicky
Johnson. Since her husband's death she has found it hard to keep up on
all of the work projects. We will meet there at 9:00.If you need
directions, please let me know. Some of the projects will be some
painting, and some yard work. Could you please let me know if you can
come or not, so we can know what tools we might need Vicky is also
planning to serve us lunch so she will need a count of how many are
coming.
Thanks Gail
AOL now offers free email to everyone.
Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com.
Please join with us this Sunday as we worship with the Anaheim
Congregation at 9:45 for
announcements and fellowship, and worship at 10:00 a.m. Seventy Brad
Bryan from the
Brush Creek Mission Center in the St. Louis area, will be providing
ministry with the
theme "Sharing the Abundance". We in Basileia are gifted with an
abundance of God's
love, and this will be an opportunity to hear ways in which we can
share in our call to
share the good news, the Basileia, in our lives.
Please consider keeping the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America
(ELCA) and its members in your prayers in the coming days. They are
gathering in Chicago this year, from August 6-11.
Also, please keep Pastor Bradley Schmeling, his partner, Pastor Darin
Easler, and the congregation of St. Johns, Atlanta, in your prayers.
Pastor Schmeling has been removed from the ELCA Roster, despite the
recommendation from the disciplinary hearing committee called by the
syonodical bishop, that no action be taken to remove Bradley until
after our churchwide gathering. 21 regional synods passed memorials
this spring calling for revision of the policies under which Bradley
was removed. The ELCA Memorials Committee will be recommending that
most of the resolutions from synods asking the ELCA to make changes
in policies which discriminate against partnered gay or lesbian
clergy be REFERRED to another units or studies which will not report
until 2009.
The hearing committee in the disciplinary action against Pastor
Bradley Schmeling overwhelmingly affirmed the ministry of Pastor
Schmeling and challenged the validity of the policy precluding
pastors in same-gender relationships saying it is "at least bad
policy, and very well may violate the constitution and bylaws of this
church."
More information on the trial can be found on the Lutherans Concerned
website: http://www.lcna.org/default.shtm
Fred Wolfe
As the ELCA meets for churchwide assembly in Chicago, you are invited
to pray, to hold all assembly participants in prayer, and to join
with others in prayer. Goodsoil is conducting a prayer vigil during
the August meeting of the ELCA.
Go to http://www.goodsoil.org/alert/vigil_signup.php to sign up for a
vigil time.
Please tell others, place notice of this prayer vigil and how to sign
up in your parish bulletins for the next two weeks, consider placing
a prayer vigil button on your church or organization website to guide
people to the sign-up page (instructions on how to do that are on the
page referenced above).
If you are connected to other networks of Christians who are
committed to justice and full inclusion, tell them about this prayer
vigil.
This prayer vigil is open to all. Goodsoil is committed to policy
change within the ELCA, but we are Christians above all, and prayer
is not partisan. We hope that people from many different perspectives
and opinions will join this vigil. We hope that in praying together
we can reach across our differences of opinion and find the common
ground we share in the Grace of God.
"Do not leave your prayer without having said or thought, 'Very well,
God has heard my prayer, this I know as a certainty and a truth.'
This is what Amen means." ~ Martin Luther
Phil Soucy
Director Communications LC/NA
communications@...
Please plan to join us this Sunday as we celebrate the beautiful
summer season with a bar-b-q potluck along with friends, fun and games!
Join us at 11:00 a.m. (note the one hour later start time) at the
Kostura's
home. Plan to enjoy being outdoors (weather permitting), and casual!
Our special guests will be Terry and Linda Read, who will be arriving
home on Saturday from SPEC.
For the potluck, the burgers and buns will be provided, so any other
picnic items will be great....salads, fruits, beans, desserts, snacks,
etc. Drinks
will be provided, as will utensils.
Please advise if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you
then!
Time for our biweekly e-bulletin, sent every other week with good news and information about upcoming activities in the Southern California Mission Center. This edition's good news comes from Sergio Juarez, co-pastor of La Nueva Esperanza en Cristo. Please send/tell us your good news - we never have enough! And as always, thank you for all you do in the service of God's people!
Good News: "Share the Blanket"
Temple School Classes Announcement CHANGES
2nd Annual Buckhorn Golf Tournament
Called to Serve at Historic Sites
2007 Peace Colloquy
Upcoming Events
Good News: "Share the Blanket" During the last two years, internal problems in our congregation have been minimized through our need to reach out to the youth in our community. La Nueva Esperanza en Cristo has made many friends in our community and this has given us the opportunity to proclaim Christ to more people. Through this outreach we decided to open a youth center, located on the second floor of the church. Money, of course, is an obstacle and the youth center has not yet been made a reality, though we are working toward this goal. However, something interesting happened recently. Through some of the information distributed by our church, we discovered that another one of our congregations has an opportunity to reach out in their community and that they want to build a community center for the youth. We know how many families struggle to keep their kids out of trouble – we experience that same struggle. And we understand how important a community center will be to answer their needs. Even though our dream is similar – a youth center – we are blessed to be able to share for this current need. We talked that Sunday about the exciting opportunity that the Lord is giving us to help our brothers and sisters of the Chattanooga Congregation with our financial resources. We believe that heaven is our blanket and we are all covered with love under that blanket by our loving God. So to share our blessings would not take away from, but would bless us. This last Sunday I asked our members if they would like to share our piece of the blanket with the Chattanooga ministries and their answer was an overwhelming, “Yes!” One of the youth wanted to know what they could do to help. I told them, “it’s up to you.” One youth volunteered to sacrifice the money they had saved to buy hamburgers at our upcoming retreat at Buckhorn and even to give their savings. Others responded, saying, “we, too, will give.” Another youth wondered if we could share some of the money we had already raised for our YouthCenter. There was a positive response and the question, “how much?” One said, “$100.” Another said, “$200.” And another said $300.” I knew if we didn’t decide soon, all of the money for our youth center would be gone. This wouldn’t be a bad thing for the Chattanooga Kids but it would create a greater delay for our center. We believe that giving is receiving and we have been receiving a lot from our brothers and sisters in the church and now is the time for us to give, not from our leftovers but from our abundance. When completed, our youth center will be a receiver of blessings. For now, however, we hear the voice of God directing us as a congregation to extend our hands to our brothers and sisters in Christ who are working hard to build their community center. So this Sunday we will collect our offerings and add it to the $300 and send a piece of the blanket to our friends in Tennessee. Let’s hope that blanket gets even warmer for the kids of Chattanooga.
<>2nd Annual Buckhorn Golf Tournament Last year's inaugural event was a wonderful success and helps raise anticipation for this year's tournament. Please make your plans now to participate in this activity that supports our campground. All of the proceeds of this year's event will go toward the proposed multipurpose facility at Buckhorn. Here are the details: - Date: Saturday, September 15 - Time: 12 Noon - Location: Moreno Valley Ranch Golf Club - Format: 4-person scramble - Cost: $105 per player - Prizes awarded for: Closest to the pin, putting contest, low team score - Also: door prizes and an auction - Contact: Steve Tignor - tignor1@... or 760-746-8101
Temple School Classes Please take note of the following change to our Temple School schedule this summer. Please watch for announcements about future Temple School classes ("Survey of New Testament" "Office of the Elder") and add the activity below to your congregational calendars. AM 200 "Ministers of Presence” This class will be offered Saturday, August 18, 8:30 to 4 PM at the Anaheim Congregation - 9XX Walnut in Anaheim. Jean Gibo will lead the course. Application due date: Friday, August 10 - contact Tonia Cooper 714-847-5731 or tonia@....
2nd Annual Buckhorn Golf Tournament Last year's inaugural event was a wonderful success and helps raise anticipation for this year's tournament. Please make your plans now to participate in this activity that supports our campground. All of the proceeds of this year's event will go toward the proposed multipurpose facility at Buckhorn. Here are the details: - Date: Saturday, September 15 - Time: 12 Noon - Location: Moreno Valley Ranch Golf Club - Format: 4-person scramble - Cost: $105 per player - Prizes awarded for: Closest to the pin, putting contest, low team score - Also: door prizes and an auction - Contact: Steve Tignor - tignor1@... or 760-746-8101
Called to Serve at Historic Sites Help share our sacred story at Community of Christ historic sites. Volunteer positions are available in Kirtland, Ohio; Nauvoo, Illinois; Lamoni, Iowa; and Independence, Missouri. Training, housing, and utilities are provided. Serve from two weeks to two years. For more information, contact Lachlan Mackay at (440) 339-6398 or lmackay@...orwww.CofChrist.org/volunteers/.
2007 Peace Colloquy - October 26-28 - Independence, MO Theme: “Real World, Real Peace: Sharing the Peace of Jesus Christ.” Each congregation is invited to send at least one representative. Five keynote speakers, 25 workshops with a priesthood and discipleship focus, children’s program, and a new youth track. See June to October Heralds for details. To register online or for more information visit www.CofChrist.org/peacecolloquyorcontactCustomer and Member Services, 1‑800-825-2806, ext. 1004, or e-mail confreg@.... Early-bird registration: September 28, 2007.
Upcoming Events August 5-8 Junior High Camp - Buckhorn August 12-15 Junior Camp - Buckhorn August 17-19 Young Adult Retreat - Buckhorn September 15 2nd Annual Buckhorn Golf Tournament (see details above) September 21-23 Women's Retreat - Buckhorn October 6 Missionary Workshop - Frank Young, guest ministry October 12-14 High Priests' Retreat - Cathi Cackler-Veazey, guest ministry October 28 Leaders Meeting November 11 SCMC Conference December 2 Messiah Sing-a-long - Upland Congregation
-- Terry A. Read
Community of Christ
Southern California USA Mission Center
President
15657 Ladera Vista Drive
Chino Hills, CA 91709
909-606-8636
909-631-0499 (mobile)
909-902-5902 (fax)
tread@...www.cofchristla.org
As a member of the “Save Darfur Coalition,” Community of Christ co-signed a letter to the United States Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice to encourage effective cooperation with France and China to end the crisis in Darfur. The letter endorses ENOUGH's strategy briefing, “An Axis of Peace for Darfur: The United States, France, and China,” which can be found on the Web at www.enoughproject.org/reports/axisofpeace_20070611.php. Secretary Rice met with an “expanded contact group” in France on June 25. Visit www.CofChrist.org/peacejustice/issues/darfur.asp and www.savedarfur.org for more information on the Save Darfur Coalition.
The 2007 Peace Colloquy will be held October 26–28 at the Temple in Independence, Missouri. This year’s theme is “Real World, Real Peace: Share the Peace of Jesus Christ.” Discover Christ’s peace for you personally, for the congregation, and for the world. The First Presidency invites every congregation in the USA and Canada to send at least one representative. Priesthood training with Temple School credit is available. See pages 28–29 in the July Herald. Ask your pastor for details from a recent mailing; go to www.CofChrist.org/PeaceColloquy; 1-800-767-8181. Register before September 28, 2007, and save $10!
From now through August, members and friends have an opportunity to share their blessings with kids, youth, and families, plus those who come to train at the Church Planting Center, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, by contributing to the church’s newest designated-giving initiative, Chattanooga Kids: Planting Christ’s Peace. As of this writing, we have received $85,618. Visit www.CofChrist.org/designatedgiving to learn more and see photos of how your contributions will help move the Church Planting Center forward and help the kids, youth, and families in Chattanooga. Please share the information that was mailed to pastors and congregational financial officers with your congregation so we can reach the $300,000 designated-giving portion of the total goal of $600,000. The Ideas from the “Planting Christ’s Peace with the Chattanooga Kids” document can be used to raise funds during camps, reunions, and vacation church schools. Questions? Contact Sandra Ferguson, Funding for Mission, at sferguson@... or ext. 2407.
Volunteers play a vital role in supporting the operations of the church and its worldwide mission. You are invited to share your gifts and talents at International Headquarters as guides, receptionists, museum docents, bookstore staff, and chaplains; to offer support for administrative tasks and events; and to help in the following areas: library and archives, audiovisual services, groundskeeping, recycling, maintenance, airport transportation, Ikebana floral arranging, worship/music, Temple School, ushering, and more. Let us know if you have other abilities to offer. As you sense the call to serve, may you be blessed by the leading of God’s Spirit. Contact Volunteer Resource Ministries: ext. 2020, www.CofChrist.org/volunteers/, Volunteer@....
Please share the following information with book stewards and others who are serving in a capacity to share information about resources and coordinate group orders through Herald House at www.HeraldHouse.org, sales@..., 1-800-767-8181, or (816) 521-3015.
Polo shirts for men and women make it possible to wear your witness!
• Men’s Polo: The embroidered church seal and nameplate on this 6 oz. micro-pique knit polo makes it perfect attire when sharing in the community or for casual day at work and church. Men’s S–3XL $35 • Ladies Polo: This 8 oz. cotton, three-quarter sleeve polo features the embroidered church seal and nameplate. Elegant details like the split placket and curved bottom hem make this perfect attire when sharing in the community or for casual day at work and church. Ladies’ S–2XL $35
Join us for the marvelous adventure of “where in the world” your mission tithes are impacting lives. July offertory stories feature the East Central USA Mission Field (Apostle Ron Harmon’s field). PowerPoint presentations are included with each week’s story (except July 8). Read even more stories from the East Central USA Mission Field in the July Herald “Sharing in the Field” section. If you are not receiving the monthly offertory stories, check with your mission center financial officer or find them online at www.CofChrist.org/offertory/.
Does your congregation have a passion for reaching out to meet the physical, social, and educational needs of those in your community? Tangible Love is a ministry designed to recognize the worth of individuals, families, congregations, and communities locally and internationally. Tangible Love grants are available to assist you with your ministry and are supported through the church’s Oblation Fund. In more than 23 years, 212 one- to three-year projects have been funded and have totaled $3.6 million. In 2006 alone we funded 13 grants totaling $156,000! To learn more about Tangible Love ministries and how your ministry outreach project can benefit from the funds available, go to www.CofChrist.org/tlove/ or call ext. 2216.
Submit a new song or hymn for the 2007 Peace Colloquy concert, “Songs of Peace,” to be held Saturday, October 27. The Graceland University Choir will share the new music with the gathering. Submissions should focus on the theme of peace and justice and be received by September 1. Please mail your submission to Jeanette Hicks at International Headquarters or e-mail jhicks@....
The World Church Human Resource Committee approved the following appointment June 6: Jared E. Sloan, appointed to Central USA Mission Center, interim mission center president, effective July 1.
The dedication of the Habitat for Humanity house started at World Conference is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 8. Even if you are unable to attend, feel free to join the new homeowners in prayer at that time. Thanks, once again, to all those who helped on this project.
For the 48th consecutive summer, Community of Christ International Headquarters staff organists will present daily half-hour demonstration recitals, June 1 through August 31, at the Auditorium and Temple. Recitals begin at 3:00 p.m. each day. The theme for this summer’s recitals will be “Around the World.” If you are in the area, feel free to drop in to experience music from a variety of styles and cultures played by one of 35 staff organists. Recitals are in the Temple Monday through Friday. Weekend recitals alternate between the Temple and the Auditorium.
Health Ministries Association has a new insert available on “Detecting Depression” Visit www.CHM.HMACofChrist.org to download and print this insert for your congregation's bulletin.
Order your Sunday worship bulletins for October 2007 through March 2008 by returning the order form that will be mailed this month to pastors, congregational financial officers, and book stewards. Each congregation or mission center that orders bulletins for their congregations must return the form with payment by check, credit card, or debit card. Bulletins will be shipped only after payment has been received. For questions, contact Customer and Member Services at 1-800-767-8181 or sales@....
Attention reunion planners and participants: there is a new opportunity to get Temple School credit for Share Christ’s Peace: Going Deeper, which will be used as a course of study at many reunions. The reunion resource site at www.CofChrist.org/onlineresources/reunion2007/ has a PowerPoint presentation to assist in teaching the class.
For those who want Temple School credit, use directed-study number DS390. To receive credit, submit one class report, a student enrollment card, and US$10 for each student to Herald House Customer and Member Services at International Headquarters. Download class report and enrollment card forms from the reunion resource Web site. For more information, contact Herald House at 1-800-767-8181 or sales@....
Reunion directors: contact Herald House to let them know the number of adult texts, Share the Peace of Jesus Christ: Going Deeper, that need to be sent to your reunion location for your adult class. Place your order at least two weeks in advance through sales@..., www.HeraldHouse.org, 1-800-767-8181, or (816) 521-3015.
Graceland will be "buzzing" at Homecoming 2007! Let your congregation know that the Graceland University 2007 Homecoming will be September 28–30. The theme is “The Hive Is Alive.” Alumni and friends are encouraged to save the date. Call 1-866-GU4-EVER for more information.
Independence Day (USA) — International Headquarters offices closed
July 21–28
SPECTACULAR—Graceland University
July 29–August 3
MEADS and Co-Missioned Pastor Initiative cohort meetings
September 2
World Hunger emphasis worship
September 3
Labor Day (USA)—International Headquarters offices closed
September 16
Heritage Day
Daily Prayer for Peace—A brief worship service is held daily at 1:00 p.m. central time at the Temple. Join in prayer from wherever you are. For details and the text of each day’s prayer, visit www.CofChrist.org/prayerpeace/.
This week we have been invited to take part in the "Chattanooga Kids"
Fund Raising Brunch to be held in
the Anaheim Fellowship Room prior to our regular service. Please arrive
at 8:30 a.m., there is no charge
for the meal, and the meal will be provided. All contributions will be
donated to the World Church sponsored
fund raising challenge for "Chattanooga Kids", which you may read about
at the following location: http://www.cofchrist.org/designatedgiving/default.asp
Please plan to join us for Spirituality Sunday this Sunday at 10:00
a.m. in the Anaheim Fellowship room, where
the service will be led by Meredith. The theme will be "Welcoming
the Gospel in the
Household of God". We will also have a brief business meeting following
the service.
Join
together as we explore the principles of reconciliation & hospitality
through prayer
and action.
The
LORD appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the
entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. He looked up and saw three
men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance
to meet them, and bowed down to the ground. He said, "My lord, if I
find favor with you, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be
brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. Let me
bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that
you may pass on-- since you have come to your servant." So they said,
"Do as you have said." And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and
said, "Make ready quickly three measures of choice flour, knead it, and
make cakes." Abraham ran to the herd, and took a calf, tender and good,
and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. Then he took
curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before
them; and he stood by them under the tree while they ate. - Genesis
18:1-10a
Seek to be reconciled one with another. Let not
your differences over procedures and program materials separate you and
thus vitiate my influence for good in the world which is torn asunder
by the devastating powers of evil. - Doctrine and
Covenants Sec 151:8b
"You who are my disciples must be found continuing in
the forefront of those organizations and movements which are
recognizing the worth of persons and are committed to bringing the
ministry of my Son to bear on their lives." --Doctrine and Covenants
151:9
Working together
to this end will promote unity, resolve conflicts, relieve tensions
between individuals, and heal the wounds which have been sapping the
strength of the church, spiritually and materially. This you must do in
the spirit of love and compassion as revealed in my Son during his
journey in your midst.
-- Doctrine and Covenants Sec
151:10
--------------more-----------------------
Upcoming
in Basileia in the next four weeks:
Jul
29“Celebration Sunday”
Presiding: Carol Visitor:Terry/Linda
Read
Activity: “Bar-B-Q
potluck” at Kostura's home
Aug
5“Share the Abundance” / Communion
Presiding:Meredith
Aug
12“Community Service”
Planner: Gail /
Cynthia Activity: “Paint for a
friend”
Dear friends,
Please join us in Basileia this Sunday, where we will meet with the Anaheim
Congregation and hear about World Conference. Cynthia will be presiding.
We will meet at 9:45 a.m. in the sanctuary for announcements, and at
10:00 a.m.
for the service. If you have any questions, please advise.
Shalom,
Carol
It's another of our biweekly e-bulletins, sent to you with good news
and information about upcoming activities in the Southern California
Mission Center. Hope your summer is a blessed one thus far and that you
continue to sense God's living presence throughout your daily lives.
This edition's good news comes from Linda Espiritu-Santo, who works in
Hispanic Ministries and is our Missionary Coordinator, along with being
a Congregational Support Minister and interim Co-Pastor for the Burbank
Congregation. Please send/tell us your good news - we never have
enough! And as always, thank you for all you do in the service of God's
people!
Good
News: "In My Own Language"
Temple School Classes
Announcement CHANGES
2nd Annual Buckhorn
Golf Tournament
Called to Serve at
Historic Sites
2007 Peace Colloquy
Upcoming Events
Good News:
"In My Own Language"
In June, the 3rd
session of the Hispanic Leadership Development Project was held at La
Nueva
Esperanza en Cristo.This ground-breaking effort
is a 3-year project of three sessions per year consisting of training
for potential—and present—Hispani leaders in the Community of Christ.Sessions are held both here
in Los Angeles and in Weslaco, Texas. The training is conducted entirely in Spanish and, as
much as
possible, led by Hispanics in combination with those who speak Spanish
in the InternationalChurch.John Glaser is the director of the project and is
based at
International Headquarters.Don Compier,
Yolanda Compier, Amanda Hernandez (Mexico City),
Mary Jacks Dynes, and David Brock are among the teachers.
It has been especially exciting to see the
growth in those who are participating.There are
six persons attending from La Nueva Esperanza, two from Tecate, two from Canada
and one from the Independence
area.The training includes spiritual
development, preparation for ministry, distinctives of the Community of
Christ,
and much more.It is not only
presented in Spanish but is specifically directed to the Hispanic
culture.As one sister expressed, “It is so
wonderful
to begin to understand things in my own language and that relateto my own culture.” As the Hispanic community
grows within our church, it is wonderful to see this kind of emphasis
on training and preparation
for ministry.
Temple
School
Classes Please take note of the following
change to our Temple School schedule this summer. Please
watch for announcements about future Temple School classes ("Survey of
New Testament" "Office of the Elder") and add
these important activities to your
congregational calendars. SL101 "An
Introduction to Caring Ministries”DATE & LOCATION
CHANGE
This class will be offered Saturday,
July 21, 8:30 to 4 PM at the Gardena Congregation - 16424 South Western #1 in Gardena.
Greg Barentine will lead the course. Application due date: Friday, July 13 -
contact Tonia Cooper 714-847-5731
or tonia@....
2nd Annual Buckhorn
Golf Tournament
Last year's inaugural event was a wonderful success and helps raise
anticipation for this year's tournament. Please make your plans now to
participate in this activity that supports our campground. All of the
proceeds of this year's event will go toward the proposed multipurpose
facility at Buckhorn.
Here are the details:
- Date: Saturday, September 15
- Time: 12 Noon
- Location: Moreno Valley Ranch Golf Club
- Format: 4-person scramble
- Cost: $105 per player
- Prizes awarded for: Closest to the pin, putting contest, low team
score
- Also: door prizes and an auction
- Contact: Steve Tignor - tignor1@... or 760-746-8101
Called to Serve at
Historic Sites
Help share our
sacred story at Community of Christ historic sites. Volunteer positions
are
available in Kirtland, Ohio;
Nauvoo, Illinois;
Lamoni, Iowa;
and Independence, Missouri. Training, housing, and
utilities
are provided. Serve from two weeks to two years. For more information,
contact
Lachlan Mackay at (440) 339-6398
or lmackay@...orwww.CofChrist.org/volunteers/.
2007 Peace Colloquy - October 26-28 - Independence, MO
Theme: “Real
World, Real Peace: Sharing the Peace
of Jesus Christ.” Each congregation is invited to send at least one
representative. Five keynote speakers, 25 workshops with a priesthood
and
discipleship focus, children's program, and a new youth track.
See June to
October Heralds for details. To
register online or for more information visit www.CofChrist.org/peacecolloquyorcontactCustomer
and Member Services, 1‑800-825-2806, ext. 1004, or e-mail confreg@.... Early-bird
registration:
September
28, 2007.
Upcoming Events
July 7-8 Primary
Camp - Temple City
July 21 Temple School - Intro to Caring Ministries -
Gardena (see details above)
August 5-8 Junior High Camp - Buckhorn
August 12-15 Junior Camp - Buckhorn
August 17-19 Young Adult Retreat - Buckhorn
September 15 2nd Annual Buckhorn Golf Tournament (see details
above)
October 6 Missionary Workshop - Frank Young, guest ministry
October 12-14 High Priests' Retreat - Cathi Cackler-Veazey, guest
ministry
October 28 Leaders Meeting
November 11 SCMC Conference
December 2 Messiah Sing-a-long - Upland Congregation
Please join with Basileia for our Communion Sunday worship on the theme "Journey with Jesus." What does it mean to Journey with Jesus? What was Jesus personal journey really like? Glenn Johnson will lead the worship service.
As preparation for the service, or when you have more time in the future (due to physical limitations of some of our members, we will not be walking during the service), you may wish to review this stations of the cross meditation, a Ministry of the Missionary Oblates of the Immaculate Mary.
Journey With Jesus
1. Condemnation: Jesus stands before Pilate
I stand with the mob, judging, condemning others. I stand with Jesus, judged by circumstance, gender, race, age. I am one of those who refuse or can not act. I am one of the invisible wounded in search of healing. They shouted: "Crucify him! Crucify him!" (John 19:6)
The Lord said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I am content with weaknesses for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Cor 12:9-10)
Where am I today, Lord, part of the mob or with the wounded? What wounds do I have? What wounds have I caused? What can I do to begin the healing?
2. Acceptance: Jesus accepts / takes up the cross
I sometimes willingly embrace challenges, at other times, I run. I long for strength, courage to accept my cross, for answers, for resolution."So they took Jesus, and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to Golgotha." (John 19:17)
Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them every day begin the task anew. (St. Francis de Sales)
What must I face right now to give me the courage to embrace the minutes and hours in my days? How can I stop running and stand firmly in the shadow of the cross? 3. Struggle: Jesus falls the first time
My family, my job, my relationships weigh heavily on me. I collapse under the burdens of pain, of loss, of confusion, of life itself.
The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. (Psalm 9: 9-10)
What can I do to reduce the busyness, bring quiet space to my life?
4. Hurts: Jesus meets his mother
I see hurt, anger, sadness in the eyes of another. It is like a mirror for me, a reflection of my own inner turmoil.
(B)e patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and to try to love the questions themselves. Do not now seek answers which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer. (Rainer Maria Rilke)
Whom have I hurt? Who has hurt me? How can I accept these hurts, embrace the loss, and continue the journey, a stronger, gentler more peaceful person?
5. Alone: Simon helps Jesus
I am pressed into service, sometimes unwillingly, to see others' burdens, to ease their suffering. I must stand with them or lose myself. I am only one person.
There is no wilderness so terrible, so beautiful, so arid and so fruitful as the wilderness of compassion. It is in the desert of compassion that the thirsty land turns into springs of water, that the poor possess all things. (Thomas Merton)
What cross do I carry? Is it light or heavy? Is there more than one cross in my life? How can I respond?
6. Care: Veronica wipes Jesus' face
I always seem to be caring for others, but I am needy, Lord. Care for me, ease my sadness, notice me, Lord. I want someone to choose me.
To live a spiritual life we must first find the courage to enter into the desert of our loneliness and to change it by gentle and persistent efforts into a garden of solitude. (Henri Nouwen)
Why does being alone seem so sad? Why do I feel neglected? Who is alone in my life? Who needs me to care for them?
7. Energy: Jesus falls the second time
I am so tired, drained. My head is down; my shoulders hunched. I struggle to go on. I can't seem to help being negative; I am lost in my own small world.
Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.
Relieve the troubles of my heart, and bring me out of my distress.
Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins. (Psalm 25:16-18)
How can I recover my energy, my enthusiasm? What do I need to change to see the world in a new way?
8. Comfort: Jesus meets and comforts the women
I am helpless; my own cares overwhelm me. I am woman, man, child alone. Reach out to me, please. Touch me.
(W)e will find healing and wholeness by touching the Body of Christ and, as members of the Body of Christ, we are called upon to dispense God¹s healing and wholeness by touching others. (Ron Rolheiser)
What overwhelms me today? How can I touch or be touched by another?
9. Fear: Jesus falls the third time
Even as I pull myself up, I fail. I am afraid of darkness overwhelming me, of a crushing emptiness.
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation. (Isaiah 12:2)
What frightens me? What will calm this fear? How do I speak to God in prayer?
10. Truth: Jesus is stripped of his clothes
My arms hang loosely at my sides; my hands are open, empty. Everything must fall away to reveal the core that holds the truth of who I am.
The value of life does not depend upon the place we occupy. It depends upon the way we occupy that place. (St. Therese of Lisieux)
What is a truth I can name and claim about myself? How can I use my truth to make a difference?
11. Detachment: Jesus is crucified.
I am disengaged, indifferent. I can't care about these people, this world. Too many, too much. The shadow of the cross weighs heavy on me.
The shadow of the cross falls upon each of our lives, although we are not usually aware of it each day the cross has become my constant companion, a reminder of my upcoming encounter with my new friend, death, who will lead me home to God. (Joseph Cardinal Bernardin)
When have I been indifferent or failed to include others in my life? When have I been hurt, excluded?
12. Darkness: Jesus hangs/dies on the cross
I am spent with worry, with too much of all that pulls me in so many directions. I turn to the light that knows no darkness, to the Spirit that refuses to be broken.
O send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling.
Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God. (Psalm 43:3-4)
What is it or who is it that I need to let go? Where do I see a glimmer of light?
13. Loss: Jesus is taken down from the cross
The world has devoured my spirit, numbed my senses, hardened my heart. The cross stands, and I am on my knees.
It is not the nagging, coercing and denigrating of my spirit that will bring change. It is the knowledge that I am capable of much greater goodness that creates a desire in me to change. (Joyce Rupp)
How can I embrace the cross? How can I walk in this experience? Will You walk with me?
14. Silence: Jesus is laid in the tomb.
I am quiet, waiting, listening at last. The darkness, the silence comfort, console and warm me. It is almost time. Change will come. I must accept this present.
Death is not putting out the light. It is extinguishing the candle because the dawn has truly come. (Rabindranath Tagore)
Where is my tomb? How do I quiet the restlessness, find the patience for this time of waiting?
15. Resurrection: Jesus is risen.
Tempered in the fires of pain and loss, I find strength. I hear the voice of Hope, of Love. You reach out to me as I reach out to another. The death of night brings life to a new day.
The Lord lives! Blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation. Psalm 18:46 Where do I find hope? Who/what gives me life? *****************************************************************
*****************************************************************
We will meet at the Anaheim Congregation Fellowship Room at 10:00 a.m.
If you are interested in participation
in an after church swim - pool party, Anaheim has invited us to join
them. Please bring potluck, ready to serve
items to share at the party which will take place at the Mitchell's
home. Please contact Edith Beebe for further
information.
Time for another e-bulletin, sent every other week with
good
news and
information about events coming up in the Southern California Mission
Center (be sure to check the calendar for new events and dates). This
edition's good news comes from of our neighbors to the
south - Carman Thompson, president of the Southwest International
Mission Center (SWIMC).
In his message, he describes the current designated giving program in
the church - Chattanooga Kids. So while this may be seen as simply a
request
for funds, once you read the story of what the Community of Christ is
doing in that community, you will recognize the good news. We certainly
commend this project for your generous support. Please send us your
good news - there's never too much. As
always, thank you for all you do in the service of God's people.
Good
News: "UPDATE: Chattanooga
Kids"
Temple School Classes
Announcement CHANGES
SCMC Reunion at
Buckhorn
Special Reception
during Reunion
2nd Annual Buckhorn
Golf Tournament
Called to Serve at
Historic Sites
2007 Peace Colloquy
Upcoming Events
Good News:
"UPDATE: Chattanooga Kids: Planting Christ's Peace"
Funding Goal: $300,000 Raised thus far: $90,889
Deadline: August
Some of you may be wondering, "Why should we in southern
California give to support this project in Chattanooga, Tennessee? Let
me share a couple of insights.
1. I have personally spent
time in Chattanooga Urban Ministries on three separate occasions. If
ever there is a place where the gospel is making a difference in
people's lives, it is there. The Community of Christ, often called "the
Center", is located in a neighborhood where people are desperately
poor, unemployment is high, and hopelessness is standard fare. Gangs,
guns, and violence abound. There are no jobs in the neighborhood. When
Jimmy and Kathy Munson, our church planters, first started working
there, they would often ask the kids what they wanted to be when they
grew up. The children would answer candidly that they wanted to a drug
dealer, a pimp or prostitute, since these were the people who had money
and were literally the only role models the children had. Today,
however, the children's answers are quite different. Because of the
church being there, it is not uncommon for kids to answer that they
want to be a fashion designer or a minister. The message of Jesus has
communicated a vision of hope where hope had been lost. Students want
to succeed in high school, graduate, and some even dare to dream of
going on to university!
Chattanooga's story is full of testimonies of people whose lives
have changed from hate, violence and fear, to lives of hope and
courage. Praise God! Chattanooga church is alive with kids and
teenagers who have almost no money, but who are trying the best they
can to love Jesus and be good people. On their own there is no chance
they can renovate the decrepit old bank building where they meet
because it is such disrepair. That is why we are being given the
opportunity to help.
Before I came to SWIMC, and before I was assigned to Graceland as
Campus Minister, I worked for the Presiding Bishopric as Funding for
Mission Minister; Sandra Ferguson now serves in that position. Sandra's
update is below. When I was in this role, I often heard people say
things like, "I don't want to give just to pay the light bill. I would
be glad to give more if I knew my money was really accomplishing
something. I would rather give to things that I knew were really making
a difference in people's lives. Consequently, we decided to give people
that opportunity by starting a "designated giving" program. God knows
there were plenty of needs to go around! Originally we thought we would
alternate between projects outside of North America and those in the US
or Canada. The first project was called Words for the World, and
it raised money to print needed church materials in Spanish, French,
Tahitian, Hindi, Swahili and numerous other languages. That project was
successful beyond our dreams. The second project was called Roofs
over Africa which raised money to finish churches in numerous
African locations where the church people could erect the walls, but
had no money to buy steel sheeting or other materials for the roof.
That project was an overwhelming success.
Now we are being offered the chance to make a difference for
Chattanooga Kids, the first designated giving project (in modern times)
on U.S. soil. Are the children and teens of Chattanooga any less worthy
than those who needed printed materials supplied by Words for
the World? Is their need for a safe place to play basketball
and learn about Jesus any less significant than those who were blessed
by Roofs over Africa. I urge you to consider making a
gift to this worthy cause, and to consider ways that your congregation
or ministry can help.
Some of you may wonder that I am asking you to support this
effort, when we have the campaign to pay for the new multi-purpose
building at Buckhorn coming up so very quickly. I believe we can do
both. The people of SWIMC have been extremely generous in giving to
support needs in Baja and other locations in the past. Are we to build
a $1,200,000 building at Buckhorn to accomodate our own desires while
ignoring the request of our young brothers and sisters in Chattanooga?
In the immortal words of Apostle Paul, "God forbid!" (Romans 6:2) I
have sent my check for Chattanooga Kids: Planting Christ's Peace. Will
you join me in this important cause?
Temple School
Classes Announcement Please take note of the following
change to our Temple School schedule this summer. Please
watch for announcements about future Temple School classes ("Survey of
New Testament" "Office of the Elder") and add
these important activities to your
congregational calendars. SL101 "An
Introduction to Caring Ministries”DATE & LOCATION
CHANGE
This class will be offered Saturday,
July 21, 8:30 to 4 PM at the Gardena Congregation - 16424 South Western #1 in Gardena.
Greg Barentine will lead the course. Application due date: Friday, July 13 -
contact Tonia Cooper 714-847-5731
or tonia@....
SCMC Reunion at
Buckhorn (+ Special Mission Center Conference) Join
us during the week for any or all of the activities, focusing on "Share
Christ's Peace: Going Deeper". Here are some highlights:
Sunday 9:30 AM - Communion, Don Compier speaking
Sunday 1:00 PM - Special Mission Center Conference
Sunday 4:00 PM - Special Event: Reception for Gary and Edith Beebe's
50th Anniversary
Sunday 7:00 PM - Worship, Denise Leichter leading
Tuesday 7:00 PM - Worship, Barbara and Dick Howard, speaking
Wednesday 7:00 PM - Worship, Don and Yolanda Compier, speaking
Thursday 7:00 PM - Worship, Barbara and Dick Howard, speaking
Plus each afternoon at 3 we'll share in an informal chat "Under the
Pines" featuring visits with our guest ministry and MC staff:
Sun
-
Compiers (primarily in Spanish)/Howards
Topics: theology,
Christian history, church history, spirituality
Mon - Dick Howard
Topics: Church history,
Community of Christ scriptures
Tue-
Compiers
Topics: Contemporary
culture and Christian faith; immigration
Wed - MC Staff
Topics: TBA
Thursday -
Compiers/Howards
Topics: You Name It
Special Reception
during Reunion
On Sunday, June 24, during the opening day of our Southern California
Mission Center Reunion at Camp Buckhorn, the children of Gary and Edith
Beebe will host a 50th Anniversary reception in honor of their parents,
who met at a Buckhorn reunion. All are welcome and invited to the
celebration, which will begin at 4PM and include a program featuring
memories of Gary and Edith's life together. The family requests no
gifts, please. Come and share this beautiful milestone with the Beebe's. 2nd Annual Buckhorn
Golf Tournament
Last year's inaugural event was a wonderful success and helps raise
anticipation for this year's tournament. Please make your plans now to
participate in this activity that supports our campground. All of the
proceeds of this year's event will go toward the proposed multipurpose
facility at Buckhorn.
Here are the details:
- Date: Saturday, September 15
- Time: 12 Noon
- Location: Moreno Valley Ranch Golf Club
- Format: 4-person scramble
- Cost: $105 per player
- Prizes awarded for: Closest to the pin, putting contest, low team
score
- Also: door prizes and an auction
- Contact: Steve Tignor - tignor1@... or 760-746-8101
Called to Serve at
Historic Sites<>
Help share our
sacred story at Community of Christ historic sites. Volunteer positions
are
available in Kirtland, Ohio;
Nauvoo, Illinois;
Lamoni, Iowa;
and Independence, Missouri. Training, housing, and
utilities
are provided. Serve from two weeks to two years. For more information,
contact
Lachlan Mackay at (440) 339-6398
or lmackay@...orwww.CofChrist.org/volunteers/.
2007 Peace Colloquy - October 26-28 - Independence, MO
Theme: “Real
World, Real Peace: Sharing the Peace
of Jesus Christ.” Each congregation is invited to send at least one
representative. Five keynote speakers, 25 workshops with a priesthood
and
discipleship focus, children’s program, and a new youth track.
See June to
October Heralds for details. To
register online or for more information visit www.CofChrist.org/peacecolloquyorcontactCustomer
and Member Services, 1‑800-825-2806, ext. 1004, or e-mail confreg@.... Early-bird
registration:
September
28, 2007.
Upcoming Events
June 23-29 SCMC
Reunion at Buckhorn
July 7-8 Primary Camp - Temple City
July 21 Temple School - Intro to Caring Ministries -
Gardena (see details above)
August 5-8 Junior High Camp - Buckhorn
August 12-15 Junior Camp - Buckhorn
August 17-19 Young Adult Retreat - Buckhorn
September 15 2nd Annual Buckhorn Golf Tournament (see details
above)
October 6 Missionary Workshop - Frank Young, guest ministry
October 12-14 High Priests' Retreat - Cathi Cackler-Veazey, guest
ministry
October 28 Leaders Meeting
November 11 SCMC Conference
December 2 Messiah Sing-a-long - Upland Congregation
-- Terry A. Read
Community of Christ
Southern California USA Mission Center
President
15657 Ladera Vista Drive
Chino Hills, CA 91709
909-606-8636
909-631-0499 (mobile)
909-902-5902 (fax)
tread@...www.cofchristla.org
This Sunday, Father's Day, we will join together to study and learn.
Please read the
chapter in your "World Religion's Book" on Judaism, chapter 7. We will
have a
special guest, Cantor Marcia Tilchin from Congregation B'nai Israel in
Tustin, share
with us. Marcia is a warm, educated, thoughtful, deeply religious
person, who is a
friend of mine through the interfaith council. I think that you will
truly enjoy our time
with her.
If you have any questions, please let me know. We will meet at 10:00
a.m., at the
Anaheim Church Fellowship Room.
A World Conference highlights DVD to share
with your congregation will be mailed to you by the end
of June, with tips for incorporating the DVD programs into worship and other
settings.
World Conference attendees participated in
brief discernment group experiences, and these may be
comments you heard or made after the event: “It was a wonderful
experience. We need to be doing this.” “We want to keep the energy
going from World Conference.”
Discernment is a process. Learning God’s will takes time and involves
various tools and disciplines. As you explore methods for answering the call to
be prophetic, patience is essential. The various tools already available
include Listening Circles, Covenant Discipleship Groups, study materials on
spiritual disciplines, and trainings provided by ministry specialists. For more
clarity on these tools and their place in the discernment process, visit
www.CofChrist.org/discernment/. See Dave Schaal’s article in the May 2007
Herald, page 5, for more resources.
The 2007 Peace Colloquy
will be held October 26–28 at the Temple in Independence, Missouri.
This year’s theme is “Real World, Real Peace: Share the Peace of
Jesus Christ.” Discover Christ’s peace for you personally, for the
congregation, and for the world. The First Presidency invites every
congregation in the USA and Canada to send
at least one representative. Priesthood training with TempleSchool
credit is available. See the Herald; ask your pastor for details from a recent
mailing; go to www.CofChrist.org/PeaceColloquy/;
or contact Jeanette Hicks at jhicks@...
or ext. 2224. Register before September 28, 2007, and save $10!
Volunteers play a vital
role in supporting the operations of the church and its
worldwide mission. You are invited to share your gifts and talents at
International Headquarters as guides, receptionists, museum docents, bookstore
staff, and chaplains; to offer support for administrative tasks and events; and
to help in the following areas: library and archives, audiovisual services,
groundskeeping, recycling, maintenance, airport transportation, Ikebana floral
arranging, worship/music, Temple School, ushering, and more. Let us know if you
have other abilities to offer. As you sense the call to serve, may you be
blessed by the leading of God’s Spirit. Contact Volunteer Resource
Ministries: ext. 2020, www.CofChrist.org/volunteers/,
Volunteer@....
Order your Sunday
worship bulletins for October 2007 through March 2008 by
returning the order form that will be mailed this month to pastors,
congregational financial officers, and book stewards. Each congregation or
mission center that orders bulletins for their congregations must return the
form with payment by check, credit card, or debit card. Bulletins will be
shipped only after payment has been received. For questions, contact Customer
and Member Services at 1-800-767-8181 or sales@....
Attention reunion
planners and participants: there is a new opportunity to get TempleSchool
credit for Share Christ’s Peace: Going
Deeper, which will be used as a course of study at many reunions.
The reunion resource site at www.CofChrist.org/onlineresources/reunion2007/
has a PowerPoint presentation to assist in teaching the class.
For those who want TempleSchool credit, use
directed-study number DS390. One class report, as well as a student enrollment
card and US$10 for each student to receive credit, must be submitted to Herald
House Customer and Member Services at International Headquarters. Download
class report and enrollment card forms from the reunion resource Web site. For
more information, contact Herald House at 1-800-767-8181 or sales@....
Reunion directors: contact Herald House
to let them know the number of adult texts, Share the Peace of Jesus Christ:
Going Deeper, that need to be sent to your reunion location in support of your
adult class. Place your order at least two weeks in advance through sales@..., www.HeraldHouse.org, 1-800-767-8181, or
(816) 521-3015.
Please share the
following information with book stewards and others who are
serving in a capacity to share information about resources and coordinate group
orders through Herald House at www.HeraldHouse.org,
sales@...,
1-800-767-8181, or (816) 521-3015.
The Witnessing Disciple Series is a collection of missionary resources designed
to assist members and congregations in their witnessing efforts. These easy,
ready-to-use kits will help answer questions at various stages of the
discipleship process. For more information, visit www.CofChrist.org/Seventy/resources.asp.
·Member
Tool Kit: Resources for Preparing
Congregations and Members for Witness. This kit includes seven
resources designed to assist members in developing their witness.
9780830913275 $55.00
·Seekers
Tool Kit:Resources to Share in
Small Groups with Seekers. The fifteen resources in this kit are
suited for use with friends who are seeking information about Jesus and/or the
Community of Christ.
9780830913282 $95.00
Through August, members and friends have
the opportunity to share their blessings with kids,
youth, and families, as well as those who come to train at the ChurchPlantingCenter, in Chattanooga, Tennessee,
by contributing to Chattanooga Kids: Planting Christ’s Peace. To learn
more and see photos of how your contributions will help move the ChurchPlantingCenter forward, as well as help kids
and families in Chattanooga,
visit www.CofChrist.org/designatedgiving/.
Please share information that was mailed to pastors and financial officers so
we reach the $300,000 designated-giving portion of the $600,000 goal. Ideas
from the “Planting Christ’s Peace with the Chattanooga Kids”
document can be used to raise funds during camps, reunions, and vacation church
schools. Questions? Contact Sandra Ferguson, Funding for Mission, at sferguson@... or ext. 2407.
Join us for the
marvelous adventures of “where in the world” your Mission
Tithes are impacting lives. June offertory stories feature the
Asia Mission Field (Apostle Andrew Bolton’s field). PowerPoint presentations
are included for each week except June 10. Read more stories from the Asia
Mission Field in the June Herald “Sharing in the Field” section. To
receive the monthly offertory stories, visit www.CofChrist.org/offertory/ or
ask your mission center financial officer.
Tangible Love grants are
available for peace, justice, and compassionate ministries
sponsored by Community of Christ congregations and jurisdictions in
collaboration with their communities. Tangible Love grants are supported
through the church’s Oblation Fund. For more information visit www.CofChrist.org/tlove/.
Health Ministries
Association has a new insert to print for your congregation’s bulletin.
This month’s subject is Strokes—“Brain Attacks.” Find
it at www.CHM.HMACofChrist.org.
Submit a new song or
hymn for the 2007 Peace Colloquy concert, “Songs of
Peace,” to be held Saturday, October 27. The Graceland University Choir
will share new music with the gathering. Submissions should focus on the theme
of peace and justice and be received by September 1. Please mail your
submission to Jeanette Hicks at International Headquarters or e-mail jhicks@....
The following WorldChurch
minister appointments/assignment changes were approved at the
May 3 World Church Human Resource Committee meeting:
·Effective
March 28: Robin K. Linkhart, field specialist, from Rocky Mountain
USA Mission Center, missionary coordinator, to West Central USA Mission Field,
missionary coordinator; Georgina Norton, field appointee, from Southwest
International (USA/Mexico) Mission Center, staff, to Southwest International
(USA/Mexico) Mission Center, staff, and Pacific Mission Field, missionary
coordinator; P. Samuel Kumar, field specialist, from South Central Asia Mission
Center, missionary coordinator, to South Central Asia Mission Center, Asia
Mission Field, missionary coordinator; Richard C. James, field specialist, from
British Isles Mission Centre, missionary coordinator, to British Isles Mission
Centre, missionary coordinator, and North Atlantic (Europe/USA) Mission Field,
missionary coordinator; Ruben D. Landeros, field appointee, from Mexico/Texas
USA Mission Center, president, to Mexico/Texas USA Mission Center, president,
and Caribbean, Mexico, and Texas Mission Fields, missionary coordinator; Robert
R. Kyser II, field appointee, from senior president of Seventy, and Missionary
Ministries coordinator, to senior president of Seventy, Missionary Ministries
coordinator, and Central and South America Field, missionary coordinator; Karin
F. Peter, field appointee, from South Central States USA Mission Center,
missionary coordinator, to Southern USA Mission Field, missionary coordinator;
John S. Wight, field appointee, assigned from Central USA Mission Center,
missionary specialist, to Central USA Mission Center, missionary specialist,
and Central and Michigan USA Mission Fields, missionary coordinator
·May
1: Kristin P. Judd, field specialist, Canada/North Central USA
Mission Field, missionary coordinator
·May
3: Mikal J. Shedd, field appointee, Midlands USA Mission Center,
financial officer; Michael A. Hoffman, field appointee, Kentucky-Indiana USA
Mission Center, president; Carla K. Long, field appointee, Sierra Pacific USA
Mission Center, financial officer; Kathryn D. Sharp, field appointee, Greater
Pacific Northwest USA Mission Center, president; Timothy A. Ashburn, field
appointee, from Northern Great Lakes (Canada/USA) Mission Center, president, to
Northern Great Lakes (Canada/USA) Mission Center, staff; William G. Dodds,
field specialist, Northern Great Lakes (Canada/USA) Mission Center, interim
president; Derrick J. Williams, field specialist, from Chicago USA Mission
Center, financial officer, to Chicago USA Mission Center, pastor, Brainerd
Congregation; Ronald B. Ross, field specialist, from Kentucky-Indiana USA
Mission Center, assistant to president, to Chicago USA Mission Center,
financial officer; Daniel J. Amaach, field specialist, from Southeast Africa
Mission Center, pastor, to Kenya Mission Center, president; Robert Wanga, field
specialist, from Southeast Africa Mission Center, financial officer, to Kenya
Mission Center, financial officer; Tanoh Assoi, field specialist, from West
Africa Mission Center, president, to Liberia and Ivory Coast Mission Center,
president, and Africa and Haiti Mission Fields, missionary coordinator; Joseph Charlie,
field specialist, from West Africa Mission Center, missionary coordinator, to
Nigeria Mission Center, president; Iniobong N. Edet, field specialist, from
West Africa Mission Center to Nigeria Mission Center, financial officer;
Lackings Banda, field specialist, from Southeast Africa Mission Center, church
planter, to Malawi Mission Center, president; Emmanuel M. Jere, volunteer field
specialist, Malawi Mission Center, financial officer; Catherine M. Chunda,
volunteer field specialist, South Central Africa Mission Center, financial
officer
·May
23: Kevin D. Brunner, field specialist, LamoniHeartlandUSAMissionCenter, interim president
·July
1: Arthur E. Smith, field appointee, from South America Mission
Center, president, and Leadership Development, to Brazil Mission Center,
president, Northwest Mission Center South America, president, and Southern Cone
Mission Center South America, president, and Leadership Development; Darwin
Copa, field specialist, from South America Mission Center, financial officer
and assistant to the apostle, to financial officer for Brazil Mission Center,
Northwest Mission Center South America, and Southern Cone Mission Center South
America; G.A. Anderson, field specialist, from West Africa Mission Center,
pastor, to Liberia and Ivory Coast Mission Center, financial officer; Kasongo
Ngoy, field specialist, from Central Africa Mission Center, staff, to Central
Africa Mission Center, financial officer
·January
2, 2008: Dena R. DeVormer, field specialist, Southern Great Lakes
International Mission Center, financial officer
The GracelandUniversity Board of Trustees announced
that Dr. John D. Sellars accepted the position of university president,
effective July 15. Visit www.CofChrist.org/news/2007/sellars.asp
to read more.
Independence Day (USA) — International
Headquarters offices closed
SPECTACULAR
MEADS and Co-Missioned Pastor Initiative cohort meetings
Daily Prayer for
Peace—A brief worship service is held daily at
1:00 p.m. central time at the Temple.
Join in prayer from wherever you are. For details and the text of each
day’s prayer, visit www.CofChrist.org/prayerpeace/.
It's time for another of our e-bulletins, sent every two weeks with
good
news and
information about events coming up in the Southern California Mission
Center. This edition's good news includes the testimony of Junius Dion,
the newest member of the Community of Christ in our mission center.
Please send us your
good news - we never have enough. As
always, thank you for all you do in the service of God's people.
Good
News: "Rejuvenation"
Temple School Classes
Announcement
SCMC Reunion at
Buckhorn
Special Reception
during Reunion
Upcoming Events
Good News:
"Rejuvenation"
The
Spirit of God is working in the lives of the Canoga Park Congregation.
This is evident when you note the open communication fostered by
pastors Glen Harris and Herb Williams. It's apparent in the work of Joy
Harris who, along with others, has brought leadership and direction to
Christ's Kids. And it's certainly clear in the life of the Dion family
- Dad, Mom, and two little ones. Those who attended reunion last summer
will remember the family, although the newest member had yet to arrive,
when Denise Leichter shared some of their story during an evening
worship service. Since then, Junius, or Dion or D, as friends call him,
has led a regular Bible study in the congregation, a devotion that has
instilled vitality in those who participate and to the congregation as
a whole.
This past Sunday, Dion took another step in his faith journey that
brought joy to his sisters and brothers in the Canoga Park family: he
was baptized (picture appears in this month's Communities of Joy).
These are the words Dion used to describe his thoughts of the
experience: "This
last Sunday, I once again recommitted myself to the Lord. I was able to
share that re-commitment with family and friends at the CanogaParkChurch. The
Gospel of Luke 14:34, comes to mind when I reflect on why, for me
getting baptized/recommitting was important in my life to follow Jesus
Christ: '<>Salt
is good; but if salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?”This last Sunday represented the
re-flavoring of my Spirit and keeping the
Word of God on my lips. The rejuvenation of my Soul made the light of
God in me to shine brighter and stronger; as I continue to go forward
and share God’s message to ALL."
Dion, thanks for allowing the Spirit of God to rejuvenate your soul
and, through your witness, to rejuvenate ours.
How is the Spirit rejuvenating you these days?
Temple School
Classes Announcement Please take note of the following
announcement regarding three upcoming Temple School classes. While we
realize these come with minimal notice, we are scheduling based
primarily on needs related to pending ordinations. We anticipate a more
regular frequency of scheduling of these courses in the future. Please
watch for announcements and add these important activities to your
congregational calendars. SL101 "An
Introduction to Caring Ministries” will be offered Saturday,
June 16, 8:30 to 4 PM at the Costa Mesa Congregation - 1950 Church Street in Costa Mesa.
Greg Barentine will lead the course. Application due date: Friday, June 8 -
contact Tonia Cooper (contact info above).
SCMC Reunion at
Buckhorn (+ Special Mission Center Conference) It's
not too late to register for this tremendous week of sacred community.
Please join us June 23-29 at
Camp Buckhorn for an experience that can change your life.
Don and Yola Compier (Don is the Dean of the Community of Christ
Seminary) and Richard and Barbara Howard (Dick is Historian Emeritus
for the church and Barbara a former editor at Herald House) will
provide excellent guest
ministry under the theme: Share Christ's Peace: Going Deeper. In
addition, we will have a Special Mission Center Conference on Sunday,
June 24 to consider
an important item regarding the proposed multi-purpose facility for
Camp Buckhorn. For more
information or to register, please contact Tonia Cooper at 714-847-5731
or tonia@....
Special Reception
during Reunion
On Sunday, June 24, during the opening day of our Southern California
Mission Center Reunion at Camp Buckhorn, the children of Gary and Edith
Beebe will host a 50th Anniversary reception in honor of their parents,
who met at a Buckhorn reunion. All are welcome and invited to the
celebration, which will begin at 4 PM and include a program featuring
memories of Gary and Edith's life together. The family requests no
gifts, please. Come and share this beautiful milestone with the Beebe's. Upcoming Events
June 16 Temple
School - Costa Mesa (see above)
June 23-29 SCMC Reunion at Buckhorn
July 7-8 Primary Camp - Temple City
August 5-8 Junior High Camp - Buckhorn
August 12-15 Junior Camp - Buckhorn
August 17-19 Young Adult Retreat - Buckhorn
October 12-14 High Priests' Retreat
November 11 SCMC Conference
Please join us this Sunday for our Spirituality focus service, presided
by
Glenn Johnson. Glenn will lead us in the topic: Incense
and Ashes: Embers of Spirituality.
We will meet at the Anaheim Congregation Fellowship
Room, beginning at
10:00 a.m. Our fellowship will be more complete if you will join us.
Shalom,
Carol
Note - Please forward any inclusions for the newsletter to me in
the
next week. :-)
Please join us this Sunday for our Spirituality focus service, presided by Glenn Johnson. Glenn will lead us in the topic: Incense and Ashes: Embers of Spirituality.
We will meet at the Anaheim Congregation Fellowship Room, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Our fellowship will be more complete if you will join us.
Shalom, Carol
Note - Please forward any inclusions for the newsletter to me in the next week.:-)
Dear friends,
This week we will study and learn about Buddhism in our continuing class
on World's Religions. Please
join us for this interesting and informative session, where Hiroshi
Matsushita will share with us his
journey from Buddhism to Christianity. Please read Chapter 2 in our
text, "The Illustrated World's Religions",
which is focused on Buddhism.
Hiroshi and Masako will be with us in our service, after which we invite
you to join in an
Asian potluck. Please bring Asian food to share in our meal! The service
will take place at the
Anaheim Congregation in the fellowship room, starting at 10:00 a.m.
If you have any questions, please advise.
Shalom,
Carol
It's time for another of our bi-weekly e-bulletins, sent to you with
good
news and
information about events coming up in the Southern California Mission
Center. Please
send us your
good news - we never have enough. As
always, thank you for all you do in the service of God's people.
Good
News: "Scales Tipping Toward Even"
Youth Hunger Challenge
Temple School Classes
Announcement
SCMC Reunion at
Buckhorn
Upcoming Events
Good News:
"Scales Tipping Toward Even"
Like many of you, we received in the mail this week a
message from Steve Veazey. It has to do with the remarks he made at the
close of last month's World Conference. One of the points he stressed
was on "balanced giving" - giving of our tithes equally between local
and world mission.
In the mailing was a report showing the statistics of each mission
center's giving in these two main areas. You will note that our mission
center's tithing is rather unbalanced - 68% going for local ministries,
just 32% for world ministries (such "unbalance" is not unique to us).
However, over the last two years, we've
been tipping the scales back toward even. That's good news! In 2005 our
giving had teetered to a 72-28 split in favor of local, but since then,
we're moving the needle back to the middle. We hope this trend
continues. But why is this good news?
It is certainly essential for us to give our tithing for local
needs. Basic expenses that allow our congregations to provide regular
ministry such as rent, utilities, worship and Christian education
resources must be met. Further, as we desire for expanded ministries
and hope for even such possibilities as full time ministry in our
congregations, we need to think in terms of building our local
reserves. At the same time, however, we are not alone. Our
congregations are part of a world-wide community of faith. The
redemptive message of the gospel is a local AND a global calling. In
that way, our tithing - given equally between local and world
ministries - contributes to the sharing of the good news here at home
and everywhere the Community of Christ is present. The story below is
an example (these stories are available for weekly offering statements
and can be found at http://www.cofchrist.org/offertory/default.asp).
If
you heard this story last month in church, then your congregation is
making use of these stories. If it's new to you, ask your pastor to
check out this link and share these stories of how our giving directly
impacts lives.
Believing in Fellowship and New
Friendships
What do you do if you’re a college student away from home and all
of a sudden you look up and wonder where your church family is? You
realize that you’ve lost yourself in the demands of college life and
you miss the warmth and caring that has always been there for you.
That’s how it happens for many Community of Christ college students.
The students most likely are not aware of the nurture and support
waiting for them from a new church family in their college town.
Recently I have been working with the Kalamazoo, Michigan
congregation, encouraging and supporting their student ministry
efforts. As a kick-off for campus ministry outreach, the congregation
planned a bowling night, complete with pizza to be served at the church
afterwards. The entire congregation was invited, with a special
invitation delivered to Community of Christ college students and their
friends. Four students joined the lively group for an evening of
fellowship-filled bowling and pizza. It’s amazing how something as
simple as bowling and pizza can become a catalyst for fellowship and
new friendships in a community of faith. Campus ministry is a crucial
support for college students and young adults in a transitional phase
of their lives. Affirmation from their Community of Christ family, no
matter how near or how far away from home they may be, enriches the
lives of all. Because of the generosity of contributions to World
Ministries Mission Tithes, I have the joy of daily contact with
students in my role as director of the Campus Ministry Missionary
Center located near Michigan State University in East Lansing,
Michigan, and the opportunity to bring the passion of campus ministry
to congregations in many locations in the Southern Great Lakes
International (Canada/USA) Mission Center. Thank you for responding
faithfully by sharing so very generously.—Diane McNeil, campus
minister, field specialist
Youth Hunger
Challenge With
a twenty-four fast at its heart, the Youth Hunger Challenge will occur
the weekend of May 18-20. If you would like to
join the youth in solidarity and enter into the solution in this way,
please contact Linda Read at 909-606-8636 or 909-631-0393. Information
and pledge forms were sent to all area youth late last month. If you
know of a youth who is not aware of this upcoming event, please let
Linda know.
Temple School
Classes Announcement Please take note of the following
announcement regarding five upcoming Temple School classes. While we
realize these come with minimal notice, we are scheduling based
primarily on needs related to pending ordinations. We anticipate a more
regular frequency of scheduling of these courses in the future. Please
watch for announcements and add these important activities to your
congregational calendars.
On Saturday, May 19, two Temple
School classes will be offered at the Anaheim Congregation - 827 S.
Walnut in Anaheim:
- AM 200 "Aaronic Ministers: Ministry of Presence"
led by
Jean Gibo (this course is for all Aaronic
ministers
ordained before 2002 as well as all pastors, who need to know Aaronic
ministers’ responsibilities)
- PA 140
"Elders: Servants of God's People"led by Craig
Crownover
An opening worship service will begin at 8:30 AM and the classes will
begin at 9 and conclude at 4PM (since Temple School requires 8-10 hours
for credit, participants will be given an essay assignment to make up
for the difference). Light snacks will also be offered in the morning.
Please contact Tonia Cooper right away - tonia@...
or
(714)-847-5731 - to apply for these courses so that the coursebook can
be sent to you for preparation. Cost is $20 for materials, TS credit,
snacks. Lunch is on your own.
If your congregation has any elder or Aaronic ordinand, please
encourage them to attend one of these courses - we are not sure when
the next opportunity will occur.
OTHER UPCOMING COURSES: SS320 "Survey of the New
Testament” will be offered Saturday, May 26, 8:30 AM to 4 PM at
the Costa Mesa Congregation - 1950 Church Street in Costa Mesa. Craig
Crownover will lead the class. Application due date: Friday, May 18 -
contact Tonia Cooper (contact info above). SS101
"An Introduction to Understanding Scriptures” will be offered
Saturday, June 9, 8:30 to 4 PM at the Gardena Congregation - 16424 South Western #1
in Gardena. Hiroshi Matsushita and Evelyn Sora will be leading. Application due date: Friday,
June 1 - contact Tonia Cooper (contact info above). SL101 "An
Introduction to Caring Ministries” will be offered Saturday,
June 16, 8:30 to 4 PM at the Costa Mesa Congreagation - 1950 Church Street in Costa Mesa.
Greg Barentine will lead the course. Application due date: Friday, June 8 -
contact Tonia Cooper (contact info above).
SCMC Reunion at
Buckhorn (+ Special Mission Center Conference) It
won't be long
now...Reunion is just 10 weeks away. Please join us June 23-29 at
Camp Buckhorn for a week of sacred community that can change your life.
Don and Yola Compier (Don is the Dean of the Community of Christ
Seminary) and Richard and Barbara Howard will provide excellent guest
ministry under the theme: Share Christ's Peace: Going Deeper. In
addition, we will have a Special Mission Center Conference on Sunday,
June 24 to consider
an important item regarding the proposed multi-purpose facility for
Camp Buckhorn. For more
information or to register, please contact Tonia Cooper at 714-847-5731
or tonia@....
Upcoming Events
May 19 Temple School
- Anaheim (see above)
May 18-20 Youth Hunger
Challenge
May 26 Temple School - Costa Mesa (see above)
June 9 Temple School - Gardena (see above)
June 16 Temple School - Costa Mesa (see above)
June 23-29 SCMC Reunion at Buckhorn
October 12-14 High Priests' Retreat
November 11 SCMC Conference
-- Terry A. Read
Community of Christ
Southern California USA Mission Center
President
15657 Ladera Vista Drive
Chino Hills, CA 91709
909-606-8636
909-631-0499 (mobile)
909-902-5902 (fax)
tread@...www.cofchristla.org
Basileia
Help Our Team Raise Critical Funds for
AIDS and HIV!
(Public Service Announcement at Bottom of Page)
I know many of you have questions regarding the day of the event, so we
compiled this email to give you all the inside scoop.
Event Location & Timeline
Angel Stadium of Anaheim
7:00 Registration/Sponsor/Food booths open
7:15 Blessing of the Shoes (Main Stage)
7:00 Team Picture Area Opens
8:00 Opening Ceremonies
9:00 Walk Begins 11:00 3rd Annual Pie Eating Contest
12:00 Closing Ceremonies Please join us for The Blessing Of The Shoes Interfaith Service from
7:15 - 7:45 a.m. Saturday May 12 on the Orange County AIDS Walk Main
Stage. The Service brings together people of faith to focus on:
people living today with HIV/AIDS, people on the front lines of care and
research, people walking today to raise money and awareness, remembering
those we have lost to the disease.Attire
The weather will be hot, so please dress accordingly and don't forget
your hat, sunglasses and SUNSCREEN!!!. Also, wear the most comfortable
shoes you have. Remember the walk is 5K and takes approximately 90
minutes. Remember that arriving at 7:00 a.m. can mean cold, foggy, cool
weather, so dress in layers!
Walk Team Area
Each team will have an area to meet with their members and then walk
over to the photo area to get your picture taken. You may want to get
there by 7:00, so you all have enough time to take your picture and
enjoy the Food and the Family Fun Zone before opening ceremonies at
8:00. Gail said that we can have our team picture taken at about
8:30 a.m. She mentions that we are in the B area for walkers. She will have the
sign so you can see team Basileia. Wear your red Basileia shirts if possible.Parking & Road Closures
Parking is FREE! You can enter the Stadium parking via State College
and Orangewood. There will only be partial road closures that morning on
State College, Orangewood and Douglas, but the Stadium will remain
accessible. To avoid the slowed traffic due the partial closures, arrive
by 7:30. For your safety - no roller blades, skateboards, or pets are
allowed at the Walk. Bicycles are permitted only during the OC AIDS Ride
portion of the event beginning at 8:00.
Food & Fun
There will be lots of yummy foods and fun family activities at the Walk
on Saturday as well so don't forget to bring some cash! Tickets will be
on sale for $1.00 each and all proceeds from the Food and the Family Fun
Zone will benefit OC AIDS Walk!
Don't forget...
Water will be provided throughout the walk route. MOST OF ALL, HAVE
FUN!!
Directions to the Walk
Last but not least - DIRECTIONS to the Walk! Map: http://www.ocasf.org/aidswalk/oc/2007/about.htm#directions
>From South Orange County
- Take the 5 North
- Merge onto the 57 North (1.2 miles)
- Exit Orangewood Ave., turn left (0.3 miles)
>From Los Angeles
- Take the 405 South
- Merge onto the 22 East (9 miles)
- Exit The City Drive, keep left at fork, turn left (0.9 miles)
- The City Drive becomes State College Blvd (0.5 miles)
- Turn right onto Orangewood Ave.
>From Riverside
- Take the 91 West
- Merge onto the 57 South (2.5 miles)
- Exit E. Orangewood Ave. (0.3 miles)
- Turn right on E. Orangewood Ave.
Parking will only be available via the Orangewood Avenue lot beginning
at 7 am. Parking is free!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
All Basileians and Friends can take part in this food drive this Saturday!Leave canned goods at your mailbox
OC donations go to the Second Harvest Food Bank
Offline 
Send Email
