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Mar
30
2:00 PM14:00

Help needed for Community Easter Egg Hunt!

We need candy for the Community Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 30. If you would like to donate candy, please deliver your small, individually wrapped candy to the church office by Sunday, March 24.

We also need volunteers to fill the eggs the week of March 24. You can do this at home or at the church, whichever works best for you. The filled eggs need to be returned to the office by Thursday, March 28.

Be sure to come and enjoy watching the children hunt for eggs at 2pm on Saturday, March 30!

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Apr
19
to Apr 20

Regional Gathering at FCC Concord

  • First Christian Church, Concord (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

We will be hosting the 170th CCNC-N Annual Gathering at First Christian Church, Concord April 19-20, with Clergy Day on April 18. Our keynote speaker will be Rev. Dr. Kelly Cowell, co-Senior Minister of FCC Berkeley. The theme of the weekend is “New Wineskins: Inspiration, Imagination, Innovation” and the scriptures are Joshua 9:12-14 and Matthew 9:16-18.

You can register by clicking here.

If you can help get spaces ready for our guests, serve as a host throughout the meeting to answer questions and help people find what they need, serve as an usher or parking lot attendant, or just help throughout the time, please let Pastor Leslie or Andie know.

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Mar
1
to Mar 2

Church Narrative Project at Lafayette Christian Church

  • Lafayette Christian Church (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

People from across our region will gather at Lafayette Christian Church in Lafayette, California on March 1st and 2nd. At StoryHour, the theme is "Eureka!" We're telling stories of epiphanies, large and small. We have already recruited 5 storytellers from across the CCNCN Region. Join us to listen to their stories - and engage in dialogue to explore what it means for us to be the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

To register go to this link.

Schedule:

  • Friday, March 1

    • 1:00pm StoryHour - in person and online across the US and Canada

    • 1:30 to 9pm Begin Transformative Community Conference (TCC) with Dr. David Anderson Hooker

  • Saturday, March 2

    • 9 to 12noon - Transformative Community Conference (TCC)

    • 12 to 12:30 lunch

    • 12:30 to 3pm TCC

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Jan
28
11:00 AM11:00

Congregational Meeting

We will hold a Congregational Meeting immediately following the worship service. Like the worship service, this meeting will be held in a “hybrid” format, both in-person and online via Zoom. The congregation will vote on the 2024 budget and on authorization to expend funds for a new roof for the Youth Building.

We hope to see you there! Everyone is welcome, however only those who have been members of FCC Concord since June 28, 2023 are eligible to vote.

Letters with an absentee ballot included were sent to voting members the week of January 8.

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Jan
3
to Feb 28

Wednesday Evening Spiritual Formation for Adults

  • First Christian Church, Concord (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

We are starting a part of our 2024 vision for Spiritual Formation a little early! As we seek deeper guidance in our lives of faith and ministry in the world, Audrey Barton will be leading a group book study on Celtic spirituality as a tool for discernment. The book we will use is The Soul’s Slow Ripening by Christine Valters Painter, available on Amazon and other booksellers.

Meetings will be Wednesday evenings, but we will skip the dates of the Holy Rollercoaster sessions.

Please contact Audrey to register!

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Dec
27
12:00 PM12:00

Advent study series: How does a weary world rejoice?

  • First Christian Church, Concord (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Advent 2023: “How does a weary world rejoice?”

Joy is often a companion to many other emotions. We can feel joy in addition to feeling many other things at once: grief, anticipation, anxiety, excitement, disappointment, exhaustion. Perhaps many of us live with the myth that joy is not something we deserve — or that it is wholly out of reach. But our joy is rooted in the truth that we belong to God. Can you tether yourself to that deep truth? You deserve to feel joy — fully. The world needs your joy, even if you are weary. Our joy is better when it is shared.

This theme, of course, alludes to a line in the familiar Christmas hymn, “O Holy Night,” which has an interesting history. The song was originally written by a French poet who was an atheist, and the music was supplied by a Jewish composer. The hymn was later translated in English by an American Unitarian minister. In the 1800s, it became a popular hymn for Christian abolitionists due to its justice-focused language in verse 3: “Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love, and His gospel is peace. Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother, and in His name, all oppression shall cease…” Like Mary’s song, the hymn reminds us that justice and joy belong together. Sometimes, our joy is an act of resistance.

And so, this Advent, we will hold space for our weariness and our joy., We will seek a “thrill of hope” in our hurting world. We will welcome joy — even and especially if, like the prophet Isaiah, we cry out for comfort (Isaiah 40:1). in this weary world, may we find many ways to rejoice.

This study series focuses on the stories told in Luke 1-3 and begins with weariness and moves through themes of connection, amazement, hope, hospitality, and ritual; we conclude by focusing on belatedness. We will engage in a four-session bible study and time of reflection on Wednesdays, December 6, 13, 20 and 27 at noon on Zoom.

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Dec
20
12:00 PM12:00

Advent study series: How does a weary world rejoice:

  • First Christian Church, Concord (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Advent 2023: “How does a weary world rejoice?”

Joy is often a companion to many other emotions. We can feel joy in addition to feeling many other things at once: grief, anticipation, anxiety, excitement, disappointment, exhaustion. Perhaps many of us live with the myth that joy is not something we deserve — or that it is wholly out of reach. But our joy is rooted in the truth that we belong to God. Can you tether yourself to that deep truth? You deserve to feel joy — fully. The world needs your joy, even if you are weary. Our joy is better when it is shared.

This theme, of course, alludes to a line in the familiar Christmas hymn, “O Holy Night,” which has an interesting history. The song was originally written by a French poet who was an atheist, and the music was supplied by a Jewish composer. The hymn was later translated in English by an American Unitarian minister. In the 1800s, it became a popular hymn for Christian abolitionists due to its justice-focused language in verse 3: “Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love, and His gospel is peace. Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother, and in His name, all oppression shall cease…” Like Mary’s song, the hymn reminds us that justice and joy belong together. Sometimes, our joy is an act of resistance.

And so, this Advent, we will hold space for our weariness and our joy., We will seek a “thrill of hope” in our hurting world. We will welcome joy — even and especially if, like the prophet Isaiah, we cry out for comfort (Isaiah 40:1). in this weary world, may we find many ways to rejoice.

This study series focuses on the stories told in Luke 1-3 and begins with weariness and moves through themes of connection, amazement, hope, hospitality, and ritual; we conclude by focusing on belatedness. We will engage in a four-session bible study and time of reflection on Wednesdays, December 6, 13, 20 and 27 at noon on Zoom.

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Dec
13
12:00 PM12:00

Advent study series: How does a weary world rejoice?

  • First Christian Church, Concord (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Advent 2023: “How does a weary world rejoice?”

Joy is often a companion to many other emotions. We can feel joy in addition to feeling many other things at once: grief, anticipation, anxiety, excitement, disappointment, exhaustion. Perhaps many of us live with the myth that joy is not something we deserve — or that it is wholly out of reach. But our joy is rooted in the truth that we belong to God. Can you tether yourself to that deep truth? You deserve to feel joy — fully. The world needs your joy, even if you are weary. Our joy is better when it is shared.

This theme, of course, alludes to a line in the familiar Christmas hymn, “O Holy Night,” which has an interesting history. The song was originally written by a French poet who was an atheist, and the music was supplied by a Jewish composer. The hymn was later translated in English by an American Unitarian minister. In the 1800s, it became a popular hymn for Christian abolitionists due to its justice-focused language in verse 3: “Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love, and His gospel is peace. Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother, and in His name, all oppression shall cease…” Like Mary’s song, the hymn reminds us that justice and joy belong together. Sometimes, our joy is an act of resistance.

And so, this Advent, we will hold space for our weariness and our joy., We will seek a “thrill of hope” in our hurting world. We will welcome joy — even and especially if, like the prophet Isaiah, we cry out for comfort (Isaiah 40:1). in this weary world, may we find many ways to rejoice.

This study series focuses on the stories told in Luke 1-3 and begins with weariness and moves through themes of connection, amazement, hope, hospitality, and ritual; we conclude by focusing on belatedness. We will engage in a four-session bible study and time of reflection on Wednesdays, December 6, 13, 20 and 27 at noon on Zoom.

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Dec
6
12:00 PM12:00

Advent study series: How does a weary world rejoice?

  • First Christian Church, Concord (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Advent 2023: “How does a weary world rejoice?”

Joy is often a companion to many other emotions. We can feel joy in addition to feeling many other things at once: grief, anticipation, anxiety, excitement, disappointment, exhaustion. Perhaps many of us live with the myth that joy is not something we deserve — or that it is wholly out of reach. But our joy is rooted in the truth that we belong to God. Can you tether yourself to that deep truth? You deserve to feel joy — fully. The world needs your joy, even if you are weary. Our joy is better when it is shared.

This theme, of course, alludes to a line in the familiar Christmas hymn, “O Holy Night,” which has an interesting history. The song was originally written by a French poet who was an atheist, and the music was supplied by a Jewish composer. The hymn was later translated in English by an American Unitarian minister. In the 1800s, it became a popular hymn for Christian abolitionists due to its justice-focused language in verse 3: “Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love, and His gospel is peace. Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother, and in His name, all oppression shall cease…” Like Mary’s song, the hymn reminds us that justice and joy belong together. Sometimes, our joy is an act of resistance.

And so, this Advent, we will hold space for our weariness and our joy., We will seek a “thrill of hope” in our hurting world. We will welcome joy — even and especially if, like the prophet Isaiah, we cry out for comfort (Isaiah 40:1). in this weary world, may we find many ways to rejoice.

This study series focuses on the stories told in Luke 1-3 and begins with weariness and moves through themes of connection, amazement, hope, hospitality, and ritual; we conclude by focusing on belatedness. We will engage in a four-session bible study and time of reflection on Wednesdays, December 6, 13, 20 and 27 at noon on Zoom.

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Nov
18
to Nov 19

Mental Health First Aid Training

  • First Christian Church, Concord (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Mental Health First Aid Training will be held at First Christian Church, Concord

November 18, 2023, 1:00-6:00 PM and November 19, 2023, 1:00-6:00 PM

Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches you how to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The training helps you identify, understand, and respond to signs of addictions and mental illnesses.

4 Reasons to Become a Mental Health First Aider

  • Be Prepared: When a mental health crisis happens, know what to do

  • You Can Help: People with mental illnesses often suffer alone

  • Mentalillnesses are common in 1 in 5 adults in any given year
    (1 in 5 teens in the United States will experience a mental health challenge by age 18.)

  • You Care: Be there for a friend, family member, or colleague

What You Learn

  • Risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems.

  • Information on depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, and addiction disorders.

  • A 5-step action plan to help someone developing a mental health problem or in crisis.

  • Where to turn for help - professional, peer, and self-help resources.

This training does NOT make you a therapist, but it does help you identify the ways in which to help those you might encounter. Like CPR and First Aid training, Mental Health First Aid training is another tool in your "belt" to provide temporary care until professional help can be reached.

Registration Link: (The class is limited to 30 people, so register soon!)

Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, City of Refuge United Church of Christ, and First Christian Church, Concord, are collaborating to provide this training.

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Holy Rollercoaster! Reimagining Scripture for a Diverse Church
Oct
25
7:00 PM19:00

Holy Rollercoaster! Reimagining Scripture for a Diverse Church

  • First Christian Church, Concord (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Get ready for a faith-filled adventure like no other! The Ecumenical Dream Team, representing the First Christian Church (DOC), Lafayette United Methodist Church, and East County Shared Ministry is excited to present a series of EPIC workshops on biblical hermeneutics that'll have your brain doing the cha-cha!

In this exhilarating session, we'll dive deep into Biblical Texts, 📚 we'll learn to challenge conventional interpretations 🤔💡 and unlock fresh perspectives that resonate with a climate-conscious reading. 🌱💚 Discover how ancient wisdom aligns with the modern call to protect our planet. 🌎🌟 Join us for an exploration of biblical eco-theology that'll leave you uplifted, hopeful, and passionate! 🔥🌈 Let us together learn to read and interpret Biblical Texts for a brighter, greener future together. 🌿🌞

 

🔗 Join the Virtual Extravaganza! 🔗

Please register no later than Wednesday, October 18, 2023, by clicking here.

 

🌈 Where Faith and Fun Collide! 🌈✨

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All Hands on Deck for Fall Cleanup
Oct
21
8:30 AM08:30

All Hands on Deck for Fall Cleanup

  • First Christian Church, Concord (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Sign up now for all-church workday on Saturday, October 21

It’s time to prepare our campus for fall and winter, as well as holiday happenings.

House & Grounds is organizing our fall all-church workday for 8:30 am to noon on Saturday, October 21. Work will focus on repairing and maintaining our buildings and landscape. As always, refreshments and lunch will be provided.

This semi-annual event is your chance to help keep our campus in good working order and looking great — all by volunteering one morning.

A sign-up sheet will be in the narthex after worship this Sunday. You may also contact Bill Bush to register.

Many thanks from House & Grounds for your help.

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Oct
15
11:30 AM11:30

Lunch & Learn: Soup & Stretch

Our next Fellowship event will be a Lunch & Learn on Sunday October 15th in the Fellowship Hall. The theme is "Soup & Stretch". Join in a fun session of healthy stretches before enjoying a variety of homemade soups by Joe Fruci. Stretches will be guided by John Gillham of Gillham Fitness.

Please let Inverleith Fruci know if you will be able to attend.

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Blessing of the Animals & Service of Remembrance
Oct
1
3:00 PM15:00

Blessing of the Animals & Service of Remembrance

We hope you'll join us on Sunday, October ist at 3pm for an outdoor Blessing of the Animals & Service of Remembrance. You can also join us on Zoom using the normal worship link.

It's a wonderful chance to give thanks for the special animals in your life. Our cats and dogs, reptiles and horses, fish and birds that grace our homes are among God's greatest gifts in our lives.

Come join us as we celebrate God's creation of animals as we gather together to bless, and remember our favorite furry and feathered friends.

We are asking evervone to bring their own folding chair and we will meet in the courtvard where we will be able to be together with our animals. We will have a memorial table as well as a time during the blessing to speak the names of pets who have crossed the rainbow bridge.

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Oct
1
10:00 AM10:00

World Communion Sunday

On Sunday, October ist, we will celebrate World Communion Sunday. On this day, we gather with people all over the globe who stand together and are welcomed by a loving God who welcomes ALL people. In this time when there is so much division, it is good for us to come together and remember that we are all one. It is a day, also, to remember that our unity is based not on our agreement with one another, but by our mutual concern for one another, and for the world.

Around the world, bread is the nutritional mainstay of many diets. People "Break Bread Together' as part of social and religious traditions. The kinds of breads are as varied as the people who eat them, often reflecting the natural resources and cultural traditions of the region in which they first originated. Similar breads are eaten in different countries, with most now being universally available.

"Breads around the World, a resource focusing on bread-baking recipes and worship services for breaking bread from six regions of the world is available by clicking on the links below:

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Sep
24
to Oct 1

Reconciliation Offering 2023

  • First Christian Church, Concord (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Reconciliation Ministry Special Offering is received each year in congregations on the last Sunday in September and the first Sunday in October (in solidarity with World Communion Sunda). Funds generated by this special emphasis are used throughout the year to provide grants to ministries and congregations actively developing and implementing programs that promote our Church's Pro-Reconciliation and Anti Racist identity. These programs and efforts seek to reveal, re-educate, and remove systemic and structural barriers in our communities that serve to deny the image of God and human thriving based on race.

Your gifts to Reconciliation Ministry strengthens our Church's witness to God's unending love for all of humanity. With your generosity, leaders, com-munities, and our congregations are being equipped to witness to God's love and justice in all times and in every season. The time is always ripe to stand up for justice to ensure that all of God's children are treated equitably. Thank you for joining us on this journey through your generosity.

The Disciples Reconciliation Ministry offering will be received on September 24th and October 1st. If you want to give to Reconciliation ministry, please go to https://reconciliationministry.org. If you want to donate, scroll down to the donate button and follow the prompts there. You can credit our church for the donation if vou prefer. You can also write a check to First Christian Church and write Reconciliation Offering in the memo line. (Make sure you write Attn. Lisa Morgan on the envelope). As you give, keep in mind that 50% of the funds raised will remain in our region. Those funds are used in Northern California

-Nevada to support our Reconciliation Committee's work and to provide small grants for congregations doing anti-racist and pro-reconciliation work. We sound the trumpet of love & justice.

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Books & Brews
Jul
13
7:30 PM19:30

Books & Brews

According to the Collins Dictionary, the definition of fellowship is “a feeling of friendship that people have when they are talking or doing something together and sharing their experiences.”

Want to be in fellowship while sharing a little bit about the last book vou read while having a cold brew?

Well, come on over to Calicraft at 2700 Mitchell Drive in Walnut Creek on Thursday, July 13 at 7:30pm.

All adults are welcome regardless of your book reading interests.

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Popcorn Fundraiser
Jun
26
to Jun 30

Popcorn Fundraiser

  • First Christian Church, Concord (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

For the popcorn fundraiser, you can download photos and other files here:

If you’d simply like to order popcorn to support the fundraiser, you can do so here

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