FCC-Fullerton Caller

The CALLER

is published weekly

(every other week in July/August)

First Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)

109 E Wilshire Avenue

Fullerton CA 92832

714-525-5525

email: fullerton1stc@gmail.com

                                 The Caller is published every week

                                  Webmaster: Donna Woodbridge

Sr. Pastor - Rev. Darrell McGowan

Associate Pastor - Dr. Ed Linberg

Events for September 5 - September 12 at FCC:
September 5: Darrell’s First Sunday back with us

8:00 a.m. - Worship Service
9:00 a.m. - Sunday School for all ages

10:10 a.m. - Worship

September 6: Office Closed, Labor Day Holiday
September 7:

6:00 p.m. - Prayer Team, Chapman Lounge

7:00 p.m. - Contemplative Service
7:00 p.m. - Alzheimer’s Support Group
September 9:

3:30 p.m. - Bible Study begins – 1 Corinthians, Chapman Lounge

7:00 p.m. - Bible Study begins – 1 Corinthians, Chapman Lounge
September 11:

8:00 a.m. - Disciples Men’s Breakfast, Chapman Lounge

    10:00 a.m. - Choir Rehearsal and Potluck at Mitch Hanlon’s
September 12: Rally Day, Intergenerational Sunday School, FH
      8:00 a.m. - Worship Service
      9:00 a.m. - Rally Day - No Sunday School Classes. Meet in
                         Fellowship Hall for preview of 2010-2011 classes

    10:10 a.m. - Worship Service
    11:30 a.m. - Outreach Ministry Team Meeting, Choir Room
September 13:
      6:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Chapel on Wheels Fundraiser @ Polly’s

6:30 p.m. - UYH group at Donna Woodbridge’s, dinner at 6:30,
meeting at 7:00

September 14:
2:00 p.m. – UYH group, Chapman Lounge

6:00 p.m. - Prayer Team, Chapman Lounge

7:00 p.m. - Contemplative Service
September 15:

7:30 p.m. – Ministry Team meetings

September 16:
3:30 p.m. - Bible Study – 1 Corinthians, Chapman Lounge

6:30 p.m. - Bell Choir

7:00 p.m. - Bible Study – 1 Corinthians, Chapman Lounge
7:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir
September 17:

6:30 p.m. – UYH/SIS Group, Chapman Lounge

Sitting on my back porch to pray this morning, I am struck by a sense of overwhelming gratitude. My sabbatical was restful and rejuvenating, but more importantly, it renewed my sense of call to the ministry. I am especially grateful to be called to serve First Christian Church of Fullerton alongside Ed, Donna, Mitch, Matt, Sue, Shar, Anna, Cyndee, Jack, Minde, the Council of Elders, and all our members and friends. God has led us to complete 90% of the work we were called to do together. We are a mission-driven, Christ-centered community of faith. We have embraced a bottom-up decision-making process, recommitted ourselves individually and collectively to an intimate connection with God through prayer and discernment, and we have come to understand the importance of sharing our faith stories with one another and with whomever God brings into our circles. So what is the remaining 10% of the work we covenanted to do together? We must become an evangelistic, faith-sharing people!

Any time we set out to do something, there is a great temptation to stop after we complete 90% of the work. When the goal comes into sight, it's easy to get distracted by other things and attend to matters with which we are more comfortable. The problem is that if we only do 90% of the work, the results are often identical to those we would experience if we had not done anything.

If you step outside your house to mow the lawn and you do 90% of the job, what's your lawn going to look like? If you complete 90% of a report your boss asked for, how is your boss going to respond? Since it is often the last 10% of a job that is the most important, like the conclusion of that report you prepared for your boss, the 90% of the work you completed will seem insignificant in light of the 10% that is missing.

This fall, we will set out to complete the work God gave us to do together. We will tell our individual and collective faith stories. We will share the gospel in an ever-widening circle--we will bring good news to the ends of the earth. Why do we feed hungry people every Wednesday night? Because we follow Christ! Why do we give a percentage of our income to meet the needs of the least fortunate? Because we love God with our heart, mind, soul, and strength! Why do we love our neighbors as ourselves? Because we have made Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior!

How do we become passionate followers of Christ? We gather in small groups to pray, to study, and to support one another in answering our individual and collective call to proclaim the gospel! Being a Christian is not about what we do, it is about who we love, who we serve, who is our Lord. When Christ is at the center of our lives, we do what God calls us to do--not out of a sense of obligation, but out of love for Christ! We must always keep our lives centered on relationships --with God and with our neighbors. We gather in small groups to build both our relationship with God and our relationships with others.

This fall, we will offer more opportunities for small group study, prayer, and fellowship than we have ever offered before. I know you are busy, and you have many obligations. I implore you to participate in a small group study, to pray with other members of our congregation, and to commit yourself to sharing the gospel. You may need to release some other obligation, even an obligation to our church. You may need to DO less, so you can GROW in relationship to Christ and one another. Trust God! The work of the church will get done more quickly, more completely, and more efficiently if we all make our first priority loving God with our heart, mind, soul, and strength.

I look forward to seeing you in worship over the coming weeks. May God draw us all into life-giving relationships where we trust one another, forgive one another, and grow in love for God everyday!

Youth News

Sunday School, 9:00 a.m. every Sunday in the Youth Room

Remember in Prayer

Continue to pray for: Marge Barlow, Harry Christman, Linda Christman, Chris Collett, Lorna & Skip Farnum, Bob Goodale, Jean Hewlett, Anna Lou Horspool, Kevin Johnen, Madeline McCuen, Cindy Matney, Sam & Flora Miller, Ruby Ramos, Ed Smith, Marian Sullivan, Mark Tankersley, and Barbara Tucker.
The PSWR publishes a weekly prayer calendar to pray for the churches of the Region. Please pray for:

Westchester Christian Church
8740 La Tijera Blvd,

Los Angeles, CA 90045
JD Webster, Pastor

Pastoral Partners Luncheon

Our dedicated and caring Pastoral Partners will be meeting for lunch after church on September 19, 2010 in the Chapman Lounge. So, members of this group mark your calendars now and plan on joining us for our fall meeting. We look forward to seeing you at this quarterly event.

Darrell, April and Connie

Welcome Back Choir

Rehearsal/lunch potluck at Mitch Hanlon’s home, 160 Hillcrest Drive, Fullerton. September 11, 10 a.m. – noon rehearsal with lunch following. Spouses are invited to join us for lunch at noon. This is a hold-the-date notice! Anyone interested in joining or re-joining the choir you are most welcome. Complete potluck what-to-bring idea list will be available soon. Please RSVP to either Mitch at 714 525-1678, or Donna in the church office.

All the Hearts for Kids Fundraiser

All the Hearts for Kids, a program to increase arts education funding in the Fullerton school district, will be installing 20 large decorated hearts around the city. These hearts will be auctioned on October 30 and the proceeds will benefit the arts programs in the local community. They have asked our permission to install a heart on the sidewalk outside our church. They will drill four small holes to attach a plate, which will hold the heart. When the project is completed, the sidewalk will be immediately restored to its previous condition. I believe this will help with our visibility in the community and is a positive step for our church. You can view the arts website to see the work in progress by going to allthehearts.org.
Minde Findley, Chair, CoE

Habitat for Humanity Faith Day Build

Saturday, September 18, is Habitat for Humanity Build on Faith Day. There are 20 slots reserved for that day. If anyone is interested in joining the Build on Faith volunteers, please let Judi Driscoll at Habitat know and she will get you registered! You may reach her at 714-434-6200 ext 218 or judi@ habitatoc.org Thank you for your continued support of Habitat OC.

Blanket Month Report

As Blanket Month comes to a close, we have collected $690 or enough for 138 blankets. Thank you all for your generosity.

David Matson Series

If you were in church on Sunday, August 22, and heard Dr. David Matson speak, you surely do not want to miss this series. This man is a phenomenal Bible lecturer and teacher. You will begin to understand the Book of Revelation if you attend these sessions. (Editor)

Series: "Revealing Revelation:
Understanding John's Apocalypse"

Oct. 5: "How Am I to Understand This Crazy Book?"

Once we begin to understand John's historical situation and the situation of the seven churches to which he writes, the book might not seem so crazy after all.

Oct. 12: "Lions and Tigers and . . . Lambs,
Oh My!"

At the center of the book's theology is what Professor Eugene Boring of Texas Christian University calls "the most mind-wrenching 'rebirth of images' in all literature."

Oct. 19: "The Mark of the Beast"

"Let anyone with understanding calculate the number of the beast" (Rev.

13:18). As John says, do the math!

Oct. 26: "A New Heaven and a New Earth"

You might be surprised just where heaven is, and it might not be where you think

Sisters in Service Evening Retreat
"When Opportunity Knocks"

Friday, Sept. 17, 6:30 p.m. Chapman Lounge

This year's theme is "When Opportunity Knocks". We'll start the evening with a potluck meal at 6:30 p.m. Last year was quite festive and we expect the same this year. This will be a great night to come and check out what the SIS Group is about. Bring a friend or two - all women are welcome!

Disciples Men’s Breakfast
All men of the church are invited to DMF Breakfast, Sat. Sept. 111, 8:00 a.m in Chapman Lounge for food and fellowship.

Senior Activities for September

The Sr. Adult Ministry is planning to visit the Linbergs home in La Verne for its meeting on Tuesday, September 21. The sign-up sheet for this activity has some 12 slots filled at this time. There is still room for others to sign-up. We have enough drivers for the group that is currently signed up, but we'll need some additional drivers to accommodate others who will yet sign up. So, now's the time to add your name to the list. Again, we remind you, that lunch will be provided by Mariette and Ed, our hosts for this month's meeting.

Our speaker for that day is Buddy Martinez, a Global Ministries missionary, who has served in Thailand for a number of years. We are fortunate to be able to schedule his appearance with our Sr. Adult Ministry as part of his activities while he is in Southern California for two weeks. We're certain you will be blessed to learn about his ministry in Thailand.

On Thursday, September 23 the Sr. Book Club will come together at the home of Pat Hurd at 1 p.m. to discuss Lisa See's novel, Shanghai Girls. All members of the Sr. Book Club are reminded that they have a little less than 3 weeks to complete their reading of this book, most of which is set in Chinatown in Los Angeles during the 40s and 50s. As always, new members are welcome to be part of the Sr. Book Club. Just get the book, get it read and show up on 9/23.

Chapel on Wheels Fundraiser

Join Us at Polly’s

Chapel on Wheels monthly fundraiser is at Polly’s Pies this month on September 13 from 6:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Pick up a flyer from the counter in the office, then dine at Polly’s anytime that day. 20% of your meal total will go to Chapel on Wheels for help with the Weekday School program.

Gearing Up for Small Groups

To give everyone an opportunity to learn about the small group experiences that are planned for this fall, and beyond, you are invited to go to one of the scheduled one-time gatherings of the groups that shared the study and discussion of Unbinding Your Heart last spring. You will be welcome at any one of these gatherings whether or not you were part of the UYH program in April and May. When these groups meet, here's what you'll experience in addition to a time of fellowship

with others in our congregation:

1. You will be given a handout that will describe each of the small group experiences that are being offered in 2010-2011, as we know them now. This will include a listing of meeting times and places, the name, or names, of the leaders, plus an overview of the resource material each group will be using. If a leader of one of these small groups is present at the gathering you attend, he or she will be able to tell you more about the resource they will be using.

2. You will have the opportunity to sign up for the small group that most interests you before the conclusion of the meeting you choose to attend.

Here's the schedule of meetings that are set to occur between September 11 and 19.

Saturday, September 11 at 11:00 a.m. at Barry Woodbridge's home. You'll be hosted by Barry and Randy Langston.

Monday, September 13 at 6:30 p.m. at Donna Woodbridge's home. You'll be hosted by Donna and Ada Rodman.

Tuesday, September 14 at 2:30 p.m. in Chapman Lounge. You'll be hosted by Darrell McGowan.

Tuesday, September 14 at 7:00 p.m. at Amy Styffe's home. You'll be hosted by Amy and Lynda Bailey.

Friday, September 17 at 7:00 p.m. in Chapman Lounge. You'll be hosted by Elizabeth Beech and April Johnen.

Friday, September 17 at 7:00 p.m. Youth will meet at Dave and Kathy Miller's home. You'll be hosted by the Millers and Sue Silgailis.

Sunday, September 19 at 9:00 a.m. there will be three meetings at the church.

#1 -- Bill and Carol Henke, plus David Styffe, will host you in Room #106.

#2 -- Minde Findley and Julie Stuart will host you in Room # 107.

#3 -- Tim Acquistapace and Bill Bailey will host you in Room #108.

You are welcome to attend any one of these meetings to learn more about our 2010-2011 program of Small Groups. If you are not able to attend any one of these meetings, you may still sign up for a small group either before or after worship on Sunday, September 19.

The first session of the small groups will begin on September 19, 9:00 a.m. led by Darrell McGowan using material from Oswald Chambers' book, My Utmost for His Highest. This group will meet every Sunday through May of next year for 45 minutes. The initial session will be held in Darrell’s office.

Announcing the first Session of the First 2010-2011 Elective

Our first Elective Course for Adults will meet for the first session on Sunday, September 26th at 9 a.m. Bill Bailey will be leading those who register in a study of "Faith and American Politics." We think this is an especially appropriate class to launch our series of Elective Courses for 2010-2011 since it will be meeting during the final weeks of the campaigns for seats in the House and Senate, plus the campaign for Governor of California, not to overlook the propositions that will be on the ballot for the November election and the campaign for seats on Fullerton's City Council. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on how to change the tone of the political climate, at least for themselves, by participating in a serious discussion of faith and politics. Sign up on registration form in the Narthex any Sunday before September 19. This class will meet for seven Sundays, concluding on November 7.

Congregational Challenge

The committee has met, the feedback reviewed, and the response was overwhelmingly positive, the Unbinding Your Heart small group experience was a unique and wonderful opportunity for individual and group study and provided a place to pray together and share our faith stories. For many, it was the small group experience that led to the success of this study. But where do we go from here...

We have the opportunity to come together, united in worship, every week. The lessons we learn and the sense of community we experience during worship are invaluable, but to deepen and expand the understanding of our faith, we must continue to study and learn. Below is an article explaining the many exciting educational opportunities beginning in September. We are challenging each member of the congregation to take part in a small group study this fall. Let us read, study, learn and pray together. Let us all begin a journey of reflection, education, and faith- sharing. Let us come together with a common purpose of deepening our understanding of and our connection to Christ. Take up the challenge, find the time to renew your spirit and expand your relationship with Christ.

Register Today
You may begin registering for any of the small groups listed below. Sign-up forms are on the credenza in the Narthex. Classes are as follows:

1) Responding to God – An adventure in Prayer - 8, 10 or 12-week sessions (to be determined by participants)

This will be an on-line course led by Sarah Bartczak beginning in early September.

2) My Utmost for His Highest
This is an open-ended group that will meet on Sundays at 9 a.m. for 45 minutes in Darrell’s office. Darrell will be the leader

See details in Adult Classes section.

2) BA – Bible Anonymous
Craig Wallace and Barry Woodbridge's small group, "BA – Bible Anonymous” is designed for men at 6:30 p.m. for eight weeks beginning September 23. See details in article below.

4) Responding to God – An adventure in Prayer - 8, 10 or 12-week sessions (to be determined by participants)

Ada Rodman and Donna Woodbridge's small group will meet on Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. beginning on September 27 at Donna Woodbridge’s. Dinner, 6:30, Class 7:00
5) Unbinding Your Soul

This is the follow up course to Unbinding Your Heart. It’s designed to be an experience in spiritual growth for persons who are not part of the church. Elizabeth Beech is going to lead this four-session course on Mondays at 7 p.m. beginning October 4.

6) Unbinding Your Soul
This will be a second section of the group described immediately above. The difference is that Tim Acquistapace will be the leader and his group will meet for the first of its four sessions on Monday, November 2 at 7 p.m.
7) Companions in Christ
The first five sessions of this twenty-six session course will begin on Sunday, November 14 at 8:30 a.m. at the church in room 107. Pam Findley-Flor will be the leader. Subsequent meeting dates will be determined by the group in blocks of five or six sessions. This resource will enable participants to deepen their relationship with Christ, as well as with those who join them for this journey.

You may also still sign up for the study of 1 Corinthians that begins on Thursday, September 9 at both 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. But do it today to be sure we will have the student's book you will need by the first session. We'll place a second order for materials tomorrow, if necessary.

We remind you that the entire 2010-2011 year of small groups and learning opportunities will be presented as part of Rally Day on Sunday, September 12, at 9:00 a.m. Plan to attend this "kick-off event" at which you can learn about our 2010-2011 ministry of Christian Education for children, youth and adults!

BA – Bible Anonymous –
New Men’s Small Group Starting Soon
Have you ever been around someone who quotes so many Bible verses that

you feel intimidated and embarrassed about how little you think you know about the Bible?

Have you ever been invited by a friend to attend some Bible study group where you thought of many conflicts keeping you from attending because these folks were going to know so much more than you, and you could feel out of place?

If you can answer “yes” to these questions, may you qualify to be a part of a new men's dinner group on "Unbinding Yourself" forming for eight Thursday nights starting Sept. 23. Craig Wallace and Barry Woodbridge call this one a safe place for men. Watch for more details.

From Hospitality & Welcome Team

COFFEE FELLOWSHIP SCHEDULEThere is still room for you to sign up for hosting Coffee Fellowship after the 10:10 service. If you have never hosted Coffee Fellowship, we will be glad to help you. Sign-up form on counter in the office.

CHURCH PICNIC

Save the date: Sunday, September 26, at Adlena Park. Our Annual Church Picnic's theme this year will be "Beach Party". We will have Tug-of-War, Beach Volleyball, Bean Bag Toss, Water Balloon Toss, Hula Hoop Contest, the Pie Eating Contest and so much more! We are even hoping to have sno-cone and popcorn machines! The place settings, napkins, hamburgers & hot dogs will be provided. Please bring a your favorite dish to share with others. Water, drinks, sno-cones and popcorn will be available for purchase. It is going to be a great day!! See you there

CALENDAR SALES

The new 2011 wall calendars, pocket calendars, regular and magnetic tablets and new-this-year greeting cards will be on sale beginning the last week of October until our excess supply is exhausted. We will have examples on hand for ordering and a few cash- and-carry items, so be sure to look for the calendar sales table beginning the end of October. This sale supports Hospitality and Welcome events held throughout the year. Please contact Judi (714) 738-7337 or Kathy (714-223-7595 to volunteer for any or all events.
Hospitality & Welcome Team

2010 Regional Assembly

Covenant and Communion:
Traveling the Holy Way

October 22 - 23, 2010
Claremont UCC

I am on the Regional Assembly Planning Team and in charge of the food for the Regional Assembly. Could you help me in one of the following ways: Come to the Assembly and help my team with the Continental Breakfast and handing out box lunches; or donate cases of water or money to help purchase beverages. (Thank you to those of you who have already donated cases of water.) If you have never been to a Regional Assembly, I encourage you to attend THIS one. See me for registration details. Thanks for your help and support

Donna Woodbridge

Calling for School Kits!

We are collecting school kits to be dedicated at Regional Assembly. The kits will be given to All Peoples Christian Center, Eastmont Christian Church, and PROJECT Impact. To assemble a backpack school kit it takes: One backpack, one pair of blunt scissors, 3 70-count spiral or tape-bound pads 8” x 10 1/2” ruled paper (NO loose leaf or filler paper), one 12” ruler, one hand-held eraser, six new pencils, one box of 24 crayons. Bring any or all of the above to the office and we will put them together before the event.

Spiritual Disciplines Calendar for September 6 – 12

Our suggestions for readings and prayer concerns for the week ahead are below.

Monday, September 6 -- Reading: Luke 15:1-2; Prayer Concern: On this Labor Day, if you have a job give thanks for it, or for your comfortable retirement income and remember those who are out of work, especially those who have families that depend upon them for financial support.

Tuesday, September 7 -- Reading: Luke 15:3-7; Prayer Concern: Pray for the City Council of Fullerton as they make decisions that will impact the welfare of our city.

Wednesday, September 8, Congregational Prayer Day -- Reading: Luke 15:8-10; Prayer Concern: Pray for the leading of the Holy Spirit as we continue to dialogue about the proposed Hispanic Ministry with the Tree of Life Christian Church.

Thursday, September 9 -- Reading: Psalm 14; Prayer Concern: Pray for the two groups that will begin a 14-session study of 1 Corinthians in Chapman Lounge this afternoon and this evening.

Friday, September 10 -- Reading: Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28; Prayer Concern: Pray for the men of our church who will gather for their monthly breakfast tomorrow morning and for our congregation's ministry of music as the members of our Choir come together for their first rehearsal of the 2010-2011 season at 10 A.M. tomorrow morning.

Saturday, September 11 -- Reading: Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28; Prayer Concern: Prayer for our ministry of Christian Education and Nurture in 2010-2011 which will be launched tomorrow as we come together for Rally Day.

Sunday, September 12 --Reading: 1 Timothy 1:12-17; Prayer Concern: Pray for the members of the Outreach Ministry, Julie Stuart, Chair, as they hold their meeting after today's worship service to plan for their many ministries scheduled for this fall, including our annual Alternative Christmas Faire set for November 7.

Linberg’s Line

Just a couple of things this week since I'm going to be on vacation from September 1 through September 8.

I'm very encouraged by an increased interest in small groups and learning opportunities as we move into the fall. There are registration forms for the first four small groups and the first Elective Class on the credenza in the Narthex. I hope you'll sign up for the one that most interests you. If you're not sure what group is the one for you, then be sure to be present on Rally Day--next Sunday--at 9 a.m. in Fellowship Hall to hear an overview of what's being offered during 2010-2011 in the way of nurturing experiences for children, youth and adults. If that won't work for you, then plan to attend one of the scheduled one-time meetings of this past spring's UYH groups at your convenience between September 13th and September 19th. The full schedule of those meetings may be found elsewhere in this issue of "The Caller."

Mariette and I want to thank you for the generous, and very unexpected, gift that Minde Findley gave to us this past Sunday as I concluded my responsibility for the leadership of Sunday worship during Darrell's sabbatical. We look forward to scheduling a trip to the beach house that you have made available to us through Carol and Bill Henke. We will definitely find a way to use the extra funds that were included in the check that Minde handed to us. I do have one rose bush that is most likely needing to be replaced, so that might be how we'll use some of those funds. If some of it is used to buy a rose bush that won't be done until bare root season in late December/early January.

I may also be replacing an azalea that is not doing well, so that's an option, too. We are most grateful for this generous gift. We are also most thankful for the many kind words of appreciation that were shared with us about the work done during this summer while Darrell was on sabbatical. You are most kind to us!