May 5, 2008
Dear friends,
Time for the e-bulletin, sent to you every other week with good news and information about upcoming activities in our mission center. This edition’s good news comes from Denise Leichter, pastor of Santa Barbara Congregation and Congregational Support Minister for Canoga Park and Ventura. [NOTE: In our last edition Good News, several building-related projects throughout the mission center were mentioned. We inadvertently left out the Burbank Congregation, who repaired their roof and their nursery (due to rain damage) and had some beautification work done (removal of electrical lines and pole) to their lot.] Please send/tell us your good news…we can never have too much! As always, thank you for all you do in the service of God.
- Good News: “Good News from the North!”
- Evangelists to Meet May 16
- Communities of Joy Deadline: May 16
- Missionary Workshop: May 17
- Buckhorn Golf Tournament - May 31
- Priesthood Retreat Rescheduled: October 10-12
- Congregational Life Workshop – July 27-August 1
- Section 163 & The Congregation – A Workshop with Steve Veazey
- Women's Ecumenical Gathering at the Temple
- Help Wanted: Positions Listed
- Upcoming Events
Good News: “Good News from the North!”
Canoga Park recently hosted a "Rockabilly" worship service with guest musicians and followed with a potluck that was attended by 65 people...they had a "howling and foot stomping" good time that witnessed to the young and young at heart. They were also active participants and workers at the Unity in Our Community gathering. The congregation has had an ongoing project for the local food banks, but stepped it up to participate in the Feinstein Challenge and have gathered $175 cash, many new annual pledges and delivered 800+ food items during March & April. With the matching grant, they will have made a BIG difference in the community and for the local generous disciples.
The Simi Valley youth participated in the Hunger Challenge for Outreach International in a BIG way with other youth from the SCMC & SWIMC...this youth group & leaders are wonderful!
Ventura has also been an active participant with Project Understanding for food, personal hygiene essentials, and funding that helps those with needs within the community. They just hosted a concert with "Four in Faith" with a bake sale and all proceeds went to Project Understanding...it was an enjoyable night for all of us.
Santa Barbara is also reaching out to the local and world community in multiple ways. The Young Peacemakers have already exceeded their annual pledge to Outreach International, and the giving keeps on going with a new family "matching" their contributions each month as they love hearing from their storyteller family. SB also participated in the Feinstein Challenge and turned in 285 pounds of food at the end of April and donated $170 to the local food bank and the WC hunger fund. We have become very active within the neighborhood and hosted 75 people for a Disaster Safety Meeting in which neighbors got to know us better, received valuable information & resources about fires & earthquakes, brought lots of water to store, food for the local food bank, and pet food for any lost or rescued animals in a disaster. We are working with the Red Cross to be a designated disaster site and are discovering new ways to be the “light on the hill" within our community.
Plan ahead for gas money, but head north some Sunday to fellowship with congregations with great music, beautiful coastal scenery and weather, and radiant and hospitable friends eager to worship with you and tell you more GOOD NEWS stories!
Evangelists to Meet May 16
SCMC Evangelists will meet this coming Friday, May 16 at 10:00 AM at the Anaheim church, 827 S Walnut in Anaheim. Please contact Gail Biller at gbiller104@aol.com or 714-543-2359 with any questions about this recurring gathering.
Communities of Joy Deadline: May 16
Please have your new items, announcements, etc. – including pictures – to us by next Friday, May 16 for the upcoming issue of Communities of Joy.
Missionary Workshop: May 17
This spring’s missionary workshop – Hospitality: Sharing God’s Welcome – will feature the guest ministry and teaching of Tammy Lindle, author of the book by the same name. This workshop will be invaluable for congregations desiring to extend their ministries through a spirit of invitation and welcome. It promises to be an inspiring AND practical day. Join us on Saturday, May 17, from 9:30 to 4:00 PM. Cost is $10. Lunch will be provided (free will offering to support).
Second Buckhorn Benefit Golf Tournament
The 2008 Buckhorn Camp Golf Tournament is fast approaching and we need more players. This event is a great opportunity to get together with friends and enjoy a round of golf at a great course and also help grow one of the best campgrounds in the whole church. This year's tournament will support the construction of our new Buckhorn Camp Peace Center. Here are the tournament details:
Date: Saturday, May 31 (this is the weekend after Memorial Day)
Location: Moreno Valley Ranch Golf Club
Time: 12:00 Noon
Format: Four-person Scramble
Cost: $105 per player
The tournament fee includes golf, a cart, lunch, and range balls. There will be a wide variety of prizes to be given away for various contests during the round of golf. Also, there will drawings for raffle prizes after play is completed. Prizes gathered thus far include:
- Callaway Golf FT-i driver (the #1 selling driver in 2007)
- 2 Callaway X460 cart bags
- Odyssey White Hot #1 Putter
- Odyssey White Hot 2 Ball Putter
Please let me know if you will be playing at your earliest opportunity. I hope to see you at the tourney!!
Steve Tignor
Buckhorn Camp Development Committee
tignor1@cox.net
Priesthood Retreat Rescheduled for October 10-12
With guest ministry from President Becky Savage and Apostle Susan Skoor, we cordially invite all priesthood and their companions to attend a priesthood retreat focused on Growing the Community of Christ, October 10-12. Location and details are to be determined but you don’t want to miss this event of worship, learning and inspiration. Mark your calendars and watch for more information.
Section 163 & The Congregation with Steve Veazey
We are delighted to announce that President Steve Veazey will be guest minister for a congregational leaders’ event in our area early next year. January 16-18, 2009 at Buckhorn Camp, the SwIM Center invites SCMC members and friends to attend “Section 163 and the Congregation.” In reflecting on the comprehensive guidance to the church contained in the document, President Veazey has said of Section 163 that “its primary context is the congregation.” Join us for what promises to be an illuminating and valuable exploration of congregational life and ministry.
In addition, the weekend will also include a dedication service for the new Peace Center at Buckhorn. Please mark your calendars for this wonderful event and watch for more details!
Congregational Life Workshop – July 27-August 1
The new Congregational LIFE Workshop (formerly Congregational Leaders Workshop) will take place at Graceland University in Lamoni, IA from July 27 to August 1 (Sunday through Friday). Mark your calendars now! This exciting event will build on the successful history of the former Congregational Leaders Workshops and focus on key issues relevant for healthy congregational life in today’s world. Come explore new ideas and learning opportunities designed to build community in small- and large-group settings. Engage in Christ-centered worship. Practice skill-based learning in classes and formation opportunities. Focus on personal spiritual formation. Take part in an innovative conversation in the World Café. Further explore the dimensions of Doctrine and Covenants Section 163 as we seek avenues for sharing the peace of Jesus Christ with our world. Let's try to send at least two from each of our congregations so plan for this in your congregational budgets (and contact me to see how this can DECREASE your mission center allocation – 909-606-8636 or tread@cofchristla.org).
Women's Ecumenical Gathering at the Temple
SPECIAL NOTE: Denise Leichter is planning to attend this conference and would love to arrange local transportation and/or a get together of SCMC women there. Please contact either Denise (deniseleichter@cofchristla.org) or the MC office 714-847-5731) and let us know if you plan to attend. Credit for your congregation’s allocation to the MC is available!
“Claim a New Vision Together”
- Who: 2,500 to 3,000 Community of Christ women with Christian women from 20 more denominations across North America
- When: June 19–22, 2008
- Where: Community of Christ International Headquarters
Visit www.gathering08.org to register now.
“Claim a New Vision Together: Envision, Equip, Empower, Engage,” hosted by Community of Christ and sponsored by Church Women United, is for women ages 15 to 100. Come experience vibrant worship, noted speakers, small group communities, and motivating workshops.
Help Wanted: Position Openings
SCMC Positions
Congregation Planter/Pastor – will lead the start of a new congregation in the Los Angeles area. The Planter/Pastor is the key leader who will direct the congregational team in all ministries, designing the new group to propagate another new group within a few years. The Planter/Pastor will be responsible for the development of personal and program ministries which touch the lives of individuals and families at their point of need, always helping to “disciple” persons in the cause of Jesus Christ. Qualifications: pastor or similar experience (professional or volunteer) required; knowledge of and experience of planting required; Bachelor’s degree preferred; current, active affiliation with Community of Christ; strong personal testimony of Jesus Christ; commitment to continuing education and spiritual growth; demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively with others
Youth Minister - will work closely with mission center staff and congregational leaders throughout the Los Angeles area in developing and facilitating ministry with children and youth. Qualifications: minimum 2 years youth ministry experience (professional or volunteer); Bachelor’s degree preferred; current, active affiliation with Community of Christ; strong personal testimony of Jesus Christ; commitment to continuing education and spiritual growth; demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively with others; heart for all children and youth
Please send resumé with references to:
SCMC Personnel
P.O. Box 4077
Huntington Beach CA 92605-4077
Upcoming Events
- May 16 — Evangelists Worship and Meeting – Anaheim Church
- May 17 — Missionary Workshop: Hospitality – Guest Minister – Tammy Lindle
- May 17 — Basileia Peace and Justice Film Series Continues: Sand and Sorrow A New Film about Darfur by Paul Freedman
- May 31 — Buckhorn Golf Tournament - Moreno Valley Ranch Golf Club
- June 21-27 — SCMC Reunion – Buckhorn Camp (guest ministry Dave & Dustee Heinze; Matt & Tere Naylor)
- August 10-13 — SCMC Junior Camp – Buckhorn Camp
- August 16-19 — SCMC Junior High Camp – Buckhorn Camp
- October 10-12 — Priesthood and Companions Retreat – Guest Ministry: Becky Savage and Susan Skoor
- November 15 — SCMC Conference – this year on SATURDAY
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@cofchristla.org
www.cofchristla.org
All rights reserved.
Community of Christ, Southern California Mission Center
PO Box 4077, Huntington Beach, CA 92605-4077
