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July 15, 2010

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Vitality Training Is Now Available Year-Round

Every Church a New Church

The Church Vitality Team is pleased to announce training for church leaders that will begin in August and continue with at least one offering each month for the next two years.  We are also busily planning for the 2011 Vitality Event Gatherings which we intend to continue each year.  To supplement these events, however, we are pleased to announce a series of affordable seminars and webinars that will be available mostly on-line, at convenient times for lay leaders, and without the necessity of travelling great distances to attend.  Here are the first four of these offerings; look for additional online seminars in future E-News announcements, and at www.scncucc.org
 
 
Good News About Church Life Cycles:
August 18, 2010
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 
 
Gary RobertsJust like people, churches go through stages in their life.  And also like people, it is possible to be "reborn", as Jesus said to Nicodemus.  Understanding where your church is in its life cycle, and what that implies for the mission and program of your church, is the first step.  In this one-hour webinar, Gary will introduce the basic theory, add some insights of his own to help you judge where your church fits, and help you understand how to begin the process of planning for rebirth at your church. 
 

Social Networking: A Tool For Building Community
September 1, 2010
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 
 
Keith Clark
 
An introduction to the world of Web 2.0 sites like Facebook, Twitter & Blogging and how these tools can help you build community in your church.
 
 
 
 
 
What's The Secret?
September 15, 2010
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
 
The Seven SecretsIt's tempting to think there is a simple answer to finding a future for our churches.  On August 9-13, the Vitality Team and many other church leaders will attend the New Church Leadership Institute in Atlanta, where the Center for Progressive Renewal will suggest there are actually "Seven Secrets."  This four-day training institute features some of the best and most current thinking for new churches.  If you were unable to schedule four days in Atlanta, come to this web-based discussion of what they learned, and the ideas that can help your church discover and nurture the new church within itself. 
 
 
 
Learning From Each Other
September 29, 2010
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
 
Mission Hills UCC
In this fast-changing world, consultants are not the experts in how to develop our churches - we are!  In this webinar, Mission Hills UCC in San Diego will relate the exciting things happening there, and how their experience and practices might be able to be adapted to your setting.  This is the first of what we expect to be an on-going series of presentations of the good news and best practices in the churches of Southern California Nevada Conference.  
 
 
A Glimpse of Connecting Voices

Connecting Voices

Leaving A Trail...Three New Pastors 
Leaving A TrailMary Domb Mikkelson interviewed three of our newest authorized ministers and shares their stories here with us.
 
Rev. Timothy MurphyRev. Timothy Murphy, Minister for Youth & Justice at Pilgrim UCC and his fiancée respond to the Prop 8 Dilemma
 
 
 
  
 
Ron SparksRev. Ron Sparks of The Community Church of California City comments on the power of words
 
 
 
One Man's Thoughts: What Should We Do With Guantanamo Bay?
 
Guantanamo BayThe late Rev. John L. Colburn had an opinion of what to do with Guantanamo Bay. His family graciously share one of his last writings with us.
 
Please Pass E-news On
Please Forward this e-mail to your friends, family and congregations and encourage them to sign up for e-news.  Now that the printed version of UC News has been discontinued, e-news & Connecting Voices are your sources for staying connected with what is happening around the Conference. Click Forward E-mail at the end of this message.
Tour of the Pacific Islands Luau

Luau

 

Purchase Your Tickets!

 
  
  Download a Bulletin Insert
 
Purchase a space in the program
Meet Geoffrey Black, UCC General Minister & President
 

Geoffrey Black, General Minister & President

Geoffrey Black
YOU
ARE INVITED TO MEET AND GREET GEOFFREY BLACK
THE NEW UCC GENERAL MINISTER AND PRESIDENT!
 
Our new UCC General Minister and President, Rev. Geoffrey Black, will be in the Southern California Nevada Conference for several events between July 13-18.  You are ALL invited to attend any or all of these---bring a vanload of folks from your congregation! (registration needed for July 16)  Come to meet Geoffrey and ask 'everything you've always wanted to ask' about your UCC! 
 

 
Friday , July 16
UCC Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Coalition National Gathering.  Doubletree Hotel Mission Valley, San Diego CA.
2:20-4:00.  "Conversation with Geoffrey".  No charge
7:00.    G.Black speaking at the ONA Banquet 7:00 pm,  
 
 
Sunday morning, July 18, 8:15 and 10:00 a.m.   
G.Black preaching at Claremont United Church of Christ, 233 W. Harrison Ave.; Claremont, CA  91711.
 
Reception following worship 
 
 
Sunday afternoon, July 18, 3:00-4:30 p.m. 
Meet the GMP, Geoffrey Listens to your hopes and concerns, Q&A, at Claremont United Church of Christ, 233 W. Harrison Ave.  Claremont, 91711
 
Light refreshments.

 
EVERYONE WELCOME!
Let's give Geoffrey a warm Southern California Nevada Welcome! 
Call Me Malcolm - Presented in A Peace & Justice Movie Series
 To our wider UCC family:
 

if you haven't seen this wonderful UCC film yet, here's your chance!  All are welcome!

First Congregational United Church of Christ, San Bernardino

Peace and Justice Subcommittee  Proudly Presents
Call Me Malcolm
Call Me Malcolm

Call Me Malcolm
A documentary feature about a transgender seminary student, and his struggle with faith, love and gender identity.

 
Sunday, July 25, 3:00 p.m.

A Discussion and Sharing of Resources will Follow the Screening

Light local snacks will be served

 

3041 N. Sierra Way
San Bernardino, CA  92405
(909) 886-4911 www.sbucc.org 

Eight: The Face of Discrimination
A Film Pre-Screening at Neighborhood Church This Saturday 
 
Neighborhood Congregational Church and filmmaker Toni Marano invite the community to a pre-screening of Marano's documentary "Eight: The Face of Discrimination," this Saturday at 7:00 pm at the church.  This free pre-screening precedes the film's premiere at The Artivist Film Festival in October. 
Interviewing a number of local couples, both straight and gay, the filmmaker explores the ways in which discrimination destroys us all and our hopes for inclusion.  Marano writes, "The movie attempts to put a face on discrimination.  I also show how damaging discrimination is to society....  No one wins when we discriminate."  In response to Proposition 8, Marano developed the idea for this documentary, inviting us to look at the faces of those we exclude.  This powerful short film will elicit much discussion and exploration of these issues as we review the film and our response to its message. 
Filmmaker Toni Marano reminds us, "Discrimination is the polar opposite of everything that's good about life."  Come be a part of those who yearn for goodness, inclusion, openness, and affirming love.  Come join the film pre-screening this Saturday night, July 17, at 7:00 pm at Neighborhood Congregation Church, located at 340 St. Ann's Drive in Laguna Beach.  Free parking is available for this free film event. Call 949-494-8061 if you have questions or need more information. You can also find a link to the film trailer at ncclaguna.org.  

View the trailer here: http://www.imdb.com/video/wab/vi3108570905/

Building Bridges & Making Connections
From Rural to Urban Settings: Water & Food
 
Saturday, July 24, 2010
8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

 
Take a Trip to Arvin and learn about life in rural, Central California.  Spend the day experiencing connections between water supply and food production.

We will depart from the San Marino Congregational United Church of Christ (2560 Huntington Drive, San Marino, CA 91108) and travel by bus to the California heartland for a day of fun, fellowship, and exposure to rural life.

Many of us from the city think vegetables grow in supermarkets and water comes from the tap.  We don't think about "food grows where water flows" as signs along California highways remind us. 
 
Our trip to Arvin will help inform us about that connection and much more.
 
If you are interested in this exciting local travel experience,
contact Art Cribbs
at (626) 292-2080; or, e-mail him at artcribbs@aol.com
 
Seating is limited.  Make your reservation today.

Mission Trip Opportunity in Kennebunkport, ME
Are you looking to plan a Mission Trip for your church or church youth group?  Every summer thousands of visitors come from all over the world to visit the beautiful seacoast town of Kennebunkport, ME.  There are breath taking beaches, charming shops, sailing, hiking, horse back riding, and more.  Kennebunkport Maine is a popular summer time destination for many visitors.  There are also lots to do in terms of mission work in the community.  First Congregational Church in Kennebunkport believes in practicing gracious hospitality and welcomes groups looking for mission opportunities.  For more information on mission trips and mission projects please call (207) 967-3897 of email firstchurch@gwi.net.   
Broadway in the Basement

Broadway in the Basement



The Holiness of Work - Women's Retreat

Holiness of Work



Become a Justice LED Regional Trainer

Amazing Book of Mystical Poetry
Conference SealOptics; The Mystical Poet's Guide to the Science of Inner Sight
by Vincent C. Gilliam, PhD
 
Nominated for the Pulitzer Prize
 
Rev. Gilliam's poetry in Optics: The Mystical Poet's Guide to the Science of Inner Sight, uplifts the soul, and harmonizes language with music.   Dr. Gilliam writes not only for the ear, but for the mind and the eye.  Gilliam's poetry has been compared to that of the enduring Persian mystic and poet, Rumi, as well as the subject of his doctoral thesis, St. John of the Cross. 
 
Read excerpts from the book and hear Dr. Gilliam recite his poetry at:
 
Vincent C. Gilliam attended seminary at the School of Theology at Claremont, was ordained by the United Church of Christ, and received his various academic degrees, including a double Ph.D. in Religious Studies and Humanities, from Stanford University.
 
Those who have read his work
Know why it should be read 
    
 
Retired UCC minister, Rev. Hargett and Mrs. Hargett said:
"Optics: The Mystical Poet's Guide to the Science of Inner Sight by Vincent Carver Gilliam is a spiritual wakening with many sources for the discovery and re-discovery of meaning in our lives.  We even dare to dance unashamedly and unapologetically to the music of the poetry which leads us into a light yet unknown --- inner sight."
-Rev. James H. Hargett, M. Div., D. Div. Yale Divinity School & Loulyn F. Hargett,M.A, Ed.D.
 
 
"My dear
Vincent, Isaiah begins, perhaps, to be more real for me, and Job, perhaps to be more real for you. Certainly, judging from the enclosed poem-the poem you sent to me-God, for you is less, now, a metaphor for your salvation than the chariot which carries you into an endless battle." -James Baldwin, the late, revered author of Go Tell It on the Mountain.
"This book is a masterpiece.  It has changed my life!"
 
-John Perkins, Entrepreneur, Publisher.
 
 "Optics is an insightful collection of lyrical and mystical poetry. Religious and spiritual themes intertwine with the refreshing wonder of simply being alive.  An emotional and spiritually evocative anthology."
-Midwest Book Review
Widening the Welcome
Ready. Responsive.  Radically Inclusive.
 At least one out of four families in your congregation is affected by a
mental illness/brain disorder or disability. 
 
The time is right to join the conversation about how you can be a leader in:
 

 Widening the Welcome


 
Developing the life of congregations to include persons with disabilities and persons with mental illness/brain disorders and their families 
 
A national gathering sponsored by 
The UCC Mental Illness Network and UCC Disabilities Ministries 
September 23-25, 2010 
The Drury Plaza Hotel
St. Louis, Missouri
(Sunday, September 26, is an extra optional day at no charge, other than lodging) 
Workshops will be offered in seven areas:
1. Building a local church mental health ministry
2. Creating an Access to All (A2A) congregation
3. Partnering with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and other community resources
4. Spiritual support for healing and recovery
5. Responding to trauma, with a special emphasis on ministering with returning soldiers and their families
6. Ministry with persons facing drugs and alcohol issues
7. Mental health ministry across the lifespan - children, youth, families, aging 

Conference presenters, nationally recognized teachers and trainers, and local leaders will bring practical expertise, cultural sensitivity, and rich faith perspectives to such workshops as Craig Rennebohm's "Companionship Training," Nancy Kehoe's "Spiritual Support Groups," Peter Bauer's, "Bringing Them All Back Home and Whole," and Debbie Creamer's "Doing Disability Theology in the Local Church." The workshops will offer tools and resources you can readily put to use in your congregation. 
 
click here for more:
Men's Retreat

2010 Men's Retreat



Tafesilafa'i Pacific Islander Festival
Pastors' Conference


2010 Western Christian Educators' Conference
WCEC 2010
Evangelism in the Community
Evangelism in the Community 


New Church Leadership Institute
The Seven SecretsJoin us for the ALL NEW New Church Leadership Institute, August 9-13, 2010!
 
We will explore The Seven Secrets of vital, progressive, transforma-tional church leadership. Whether you are exploring being a church planter or are working to renew existing congregations, this conference will provide inspiration and practical tools for making your ministry more effective.
 

http://growtheucc.memberlodge.org/
Did Someone Forward this e-mail to you?
Did your pastor forward this e-mail to you?  Maybe it was a friend.  Welcome to the E-News of the Southern California Nevada Conference.  This is where we share events and announcements from all over the Conference. 
 
Receiving the e-news is a great way to stay connected and informed about what is happening in the Conference.  If you would like to receive this bi-monthly e-mail directly from the Conference, sign up here:
 
 
Be sure to check out Connecting Voices, our Online Magazine.  You will find interesting articles written by members of our Conference.  It is a great way to learn how God is working in and through our Conference.  If you have a story to share, please send your article to e-news@scncucc.org

Thanks!

U p d a t e s  F r o m  A r o u n d  T he  C o n f e r e n c e

This is a section reserved for short updates about changes in leadership (hiring of new Pastor or Youth Leader, Death of Clergy or immediate family, Crisis in the church needing assistance) and position opennings.
 
If you have news of changes in your congregation's leadership or in the life of clergy in our conference, please send it to e-news@scncucc.org.
 
 
Position Available: Associate General Minister
UCC LogoNATIONAL MINISTRY POSITION OPEN FOR APPLICANTS
Associate General Minister of the United Church of Christ In June 2011, the United Church of Christ will be electing a new Associate General Minister. This is an exciting and challenging position. The Associate General Minister of the United Church of Christ, who may be a lay person, an ordained minister, or a person with ordained ministerial standing, shall provide visionary leadership as one of the five officers of the Church. As the operational Executive for the Office of General Ministries, the Associate General Minister bears day-to-day responsibility for the overall work of the ministry, and works with the Board of Common Services Corporation, the Board of Directors of the Office of General Ministries, and the Executive Council. The Associate General Minister is accountable to the General Synod and its Executive Council through the General Minister and President, and to the Board of Directors of the Office of General Ministries, and the Common Services Corporation. See the Invitation Letter, Position Description, and Interest Form.  Deadline: September 1, 2010.  Electronic submissions to: AGMSearchCommittee@gmail.com.
 
Do you know of candidates???     Now is the time to apply... 
2010 Boundary Awareness Training
The Southern California Nevada Conference, United Church of Christ and the Pacific Southwest Region, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will once again offer Basic Boundary Awareness Training using the video series from the Faith Trust Institute titled "A Sacred Trust: Boundary Issues for Clergy and Spiritual Teachers."  This is recommended for all active clergy, retired clergy who are still active in ministry, and those who work with pastoral and program ministry such as youth workers, Christian educators, deacons or visitation teams, pastor-parish committees, etc.
 
This training will consist of four video modules addressing power and authority, relationships, psycho-social/intimacy concerns, and self-care.  There will be an interactive segment following the viewing of each video.
 
The trainings will be from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.  The fee of $50 includes lunch and all materials. See the schedule below.  Please note that there will be three trainings addressing specialized needs including a focus on seminarians, retired clergy and a multi-cultural training in November.  Register for your preferred date early as the size of the sessions are limited.  On-site registration is not available due to class size limitations.

 
Date                                           Location                                                                  Language

August 11, 2010                          Regional Conference Center, Altadena                       English
September 8, 2010                      First Christian Church, Oceanside                              English
 
 
Focus on Retired Clergy:
July 12, 2010                              United Church of Christ, Claremont                            English
 
Focus on Multicultural
November 6, 2010                     Downey Memorial Christian Church, Downey             Multi
Videos will be viewed as one group and then separate break out groups will be provided in the following languages: Spanish, Korean, Samoan, and English
 

Programs and news posted here are not necessarily the views of the SCNC UCC.

 

Submit news bits to e-news:

 
E-News is delivered electronically on the 1st and 15th of each month. If you would like to submit news, upcoming events or announcements you may do so by sending an e-mail to e-news@scncucc.org.  

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