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'Beginnings' Membership Seminar

New members of First Christian Church join a congregation with a 130-year history of fostering community and spiritual growth through worship, learning, missions, pastoral care and fellowship.

Our Information Seminars, Beginnings, are an opportunity to learn about how this church came to be, our ongoing message of grace, joy and inclusiveness; as well as the many opportunities to get connected and meet other members.

All those interested in finding out more about this congregation are invited to join us Sundays, September 25 & October 2 at 11:30 a.m. in the Plambeck Room.  A light lunch will be served and there will be plenty to time to ask any questions you may have.

To reserve your place, please fill out the form below:

No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.

FCC to Serve as a Host Congregation for the XPLOR Program

In 2014, the National Benevolent Association, the health and social services general ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), created a program designed to help young adults unleash their own potential, while positively impacting their community.  The program is called XPLOR and it is a faith-based, 10-month, congregationally-hosted residency program designed for 21-30 year olds looking to explore lives of care and service.  Several houses have been set up around the country to provide opportunities for these residents to live simply in community and engage in direct service and justice work.

The Residency program offers residents an extended, residential experience during which deep spiritual reflection, communal living and hands-on service will help them explore God’s call on their lives.

Each resident is placed in Community Engagement Site, a non-profit organization that provides direct services to the community, working 30 hours a week doing hands-on ministry.

This program also “embeds” young adults within a Host Congregation that is already committed to accompanying their neighbors and already has a passion for coming alongside young adults as they consider the deep connections between the life of faith and the work of justice.  That’s where FCC Concord comes in. 

This year, we have been invited to serve as one of these Host Congregations to one of these residents.  While this person will not be on staff, our role is to provide this individual with a church home and welcoming community; to provide him with a place to worship, study and be a part of a faith community.  Our role will be to take this person “under our wings” and help him find his strengths.

Josh de la Trinidad

Starting in September, we will be welcoming Josh de la Trinidad into our church community.  Josh is from Southern California and is an active member and often praise-band leader at his home church, East Whittier Christian Church in Whittier, CA. Josh names himself very shy. He has worked for the last two years as team leader in a machine shop. He’s also worked for a year with people with mental and physical disabilities.  He is very proficient in Spanish and English, written and spoken, and he loves to cook. His sister, Belen, will also be in the program, living in NBA XPLOR Tucson-Marana.

During the week, Josh will be serving at the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity, an non-profit organization that works to achieve an equitable, inclusive and healthy society where all people, including the most vulnerable, disenfranchised and marginalized have equal opportunities and access to the resources and tools needed to achieve a dignified of life.  Josh will be working primarily with the undocumented population in their Immigrant Justice program.

This is an exciting opportunity for Josh.  He’ll be living with 3 other residents in an apartment in Alameda, who will be working in local agencies around the Bay Area, while being a part of other local Disciple congregations. 

We hope you will help us welcome Josh and make him feel welcomed and included, just as you would any other new member in our congregation.  Invite him out for coffee or into your home for dinner!  We’ll also be looking for folks to help with transportation from BART on Sunday mornings. 

In addition, we need a few volunteers to help prepare the apartment for their arrival on August 20.  This will include setting up the bedrooms and upstairs bathrooms – making beds, lining shelves, etc.  If you would be available to help out for a few hours on that day, please be in touch with Russ (925/234-3303, russ@concordfcc.net).  He’ll greatly appreciate your help!

Welcome, Josh!

Finding a Way Forward in the Midst of a Culture of Violence and Fear

Following the recent onslaught of violence and hate that seems to permeate our culture – most of it fueled by racism, homophobia and fear – we have come to the realization that our prayers for peace are no longer enough.  The time has come to do something.  As people of faith we must find appropriate ways to respond to curb this culture of fear, violence and hate.

But what should we do?  Where do we begin?  Many of us feel called and convicted to act, but are at a loss of what we should do.

To begin to find answers to these questions, as a congregation we will begin a three-month program of discernment and education.  To begin, during the month of August we will invite the congregation to read together a book about racism, Pre-Post-Racial America: Spiritual Stories from the Front Lines by Sandhya Jha.  This book allows us a way to talk about the hot topic of racism in America in a way that is grounded in real people’s stories and that offers solid biblical grounding for thinking about race relations, reminding us that God calls us to build Beloved Community.  Sandhya is a friend of the congregation, and will be a guest preacher on July 31!  During August we’ll have two discussion groups as we read this book together – on Sunday mornings at 9am, and one on Wednesday evenings at 7p.  Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the church starting soon. 

In September we’ll be holding a day-long training event on dismanteling racism.  Dates and details will be made available soon, once they are confirmed.

Finally, in October we’ll be holding a conversation led by members of the Justice Commission of the Christian Church in Northern California/Nevada about how we, as a congregation, can move forward and put our efforts into working to end hate, fear and violence in our culture and community.  We’ll be using the Circle of Inquiry process.  Again, dates and details will be made available soon, once they are confirmed.

Upcoming Sermon Series: Jesus is the Question

Some say that Jesus is the answer to all of our questions.  They may be right.  But before that is the case, Jesus is something different.  He is the one who asks the questions – hundreds of them, it turns out.  

Like many people today, his early followers wanted answers, and simple ones at that.  Instead, they got so much more.  Jesus refuses to dole out pat answers to life’s hard questions.  Rather, Jesus asks provocative questions to evoke new understandings and change lives.

In this series we'll pay attention to a few of the questions Jesus asks us -- and what they imply about following him.

Aug 7                       
What Are You Looking For? 
John 1: 29-42

Aug 14                    
Do You See This Woman?  
Luke 7: 36-50

Aug 21                    
Why Are You Afraid? Have you Still No Faith? 
Mark 4: 35-41

Aug 28                    
“Do You Want to Be Made Well?”
John 5: 2-9

 

New Sermon Series: Half Truths

There are a lot of simple phrases that we often use to guide our lives.  And they may even sound Christian – like something you might find in the Bible.  They capture some element of truth, but yet they miss the point in important ways.  In this sermon series we'll look at some of the things that we often accept and say because they sound true, but can lead people to conclusions about God that not only are untrue but hat may push some people away from God.  

June 12                 
Everything Happens for a Reason
Romans 8: 18-28

June 19                
God Helps Those That Help Themselves
Psalm 10: 14b, 17-18a
Psalm 18: 6, 16
Psalm 121: 1-2

June 26                
God Won’t Give You More Than You Can Handle
Psalm 46: 1-2
1 Corinthains 10:13

July 3                     
God Said It, I Believe It, That Settles It
Deuteronomy 23: 12-14

July 10                  
Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin
Matthew 7: 1-5

Don DeGiobbi honored as Elder Emeritus

Congratulations to our newest Elder Emeritus, Don DeGiobbi, who was honored in worship on June 5.

This is the highest honor bestowed to members of our congregation. In the 131 year history of the church, only 40 individuals have received this honor.

Don has been a strong and faithful member here since 1972 and has continually served this congregation in many ways and roles, including serving as Board Chair and as our Church Treasurer for many, many years.

He is such a gracious and welcoming gentleman that is called upon to be usher at many memorial services and has served as a faithful deacon for many years. He continues to serve as a deacon and always presents a welcoming, positive greeting to all.

Congratulations, Don! We are blessed by you.

Sanctuary Rededication!

Finally!  The Day we’ve all been waiting for and working towards!  This Sunday, June 5, we’ll be moving back into the sanctuary!  And what a glorious day this will be.  In addition to rededicating the worship space to the glory of God, we’ll also be doing a baptism, recognizing our graduates, and honoring our newest Elder Emeritus!  

We’ll also have a special guest preacher, the Rev. Dr. LaTaunya Bynum, our regional minister.  She will have a challenging word for us as we consider what comes next as we continue to Widen Our Welcome.

We do hope you’ll join us on this incredible day.  You’ll be glad you did.  

Join us for Pride on the Plaza

Would you like to be a part of FCC Concord's presence at Pride on the Plaza, sponsored by the Rainbow Community Center, letting people know that there are Christians who believe there is room in the family of God for everyone?  That they are loved as they are?

This 9th annual event celebrating Contra Costa County's LGBT community will be held at Todos Santos Plaza.

Come for the whole time or even an hour or two.  We'll simply be handing out fliers, holding up signs, and sharing the radical, inclusive love of God!

Please register below.  Questions?  Contact Russ Peterman (russ@concordfcc.net) or DeVonn Powers (devonn_powers@yahoo.com)

Summer Camp!

Welcome to the Table
Summer Camp 2016

Join us as we examine our journey of welcome and hospitality. God calls us to this work and Jesus is the ultimate teacher of this practice.

 Camp will be hosted by the Christian Church in Northern California/Nevada and held at the Community of the Great Commission (CGC)

June 9-12 - Young Adult/Adult Camp

June 26 - July 2 Junior Camp (graduates of 3rd-5th grades)

June 26 - July 2 Chi Rho Camp (graduates of 6th-8th grades)

July 2-4 - Grandparents and Me Camp (K-3rd grade)

July 3-July 9 - CYF Camp (graduates of 9th-12th grades)

Forms are available online and due to church office by May 26, 2016

New Sermon Series: Growing Edges

Growing Edges: Five Ways the Church can Be More Faithful  

We all have those areas in our lives where we could be better.  In moments when we try to be positive about our weaknesses, we call them Growing Edges, or Opportunities for Growth.

The Church, too, have places and ways where we can be doing better.  In this series, we'll look at five areas where the church needs to be more faithful.  We'll call these the Growing Edges of the church.  

May 1
Welcome All
Luke 4: 16-32

May 8
Embrace Mystery
1 Corinthians 13: 1-13

May 15
Be Ministers
Ephesians 4: 1-6, 11-13

May 22
Focus Outwardly
Luke 10: 1-10

May 29
Take Risks
Matthew 28: 16-20

New Sermon Series: Moving Beyond Belief

Do you believe all the right things, go to church and practice your faith, yet still feel that something is missing?  Do you ever find yourself wondering, is this it?  Do you ever ask yourself, is there more? 

Two thousand years ago Jesus gave an invitation to his followers.  At its essence it was not just an assignment to believe; it was a bold call to action

In this series we’ll be talking about how we might move beyond just believing in God, to putting our faith into action. 

April 3
Following Jesus
Mark 8: 34-37
Jesus never asked us to believe in him.  He invited us to follow him.

April 10
Loving Unconditionally
Matthew 5: 43-48
We are to love others expecting nothing in return without any reservations. Jesus never said to love “some” of our neighbors.

April 17
Practicing Forgiveness  
Matthew 18: 21-22 (23-37)
Love simply keeps no account of wrong-doing.

 

'Beginnings' Membership Seminar

New members of First Christian Church join a congregation with a 130-year history of fostering community and spiritual growth through worship, learning, missions, pastoral care and fellowship.

Our Information Seminars, Beginnings, are an opportunity to learn about how this church came to be, our ongoing message of grace, joy and inclusiveness; as well as the many opportunities to get connected and meet other members.

All those interested in finding out more about this congregation are invited to join us Sundays, April 10 & 17 at 11:30 a.m. in the Discovery Room.  A light lunch will be served and there will be plenty to time to ask any questions you may have.

To reserve your place, please fill out the form below:

 

No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.

 

Mexico Mission registration now open


Mexico Mission 2016 applications are now LIVE on the church website. This online registration is brand new this year and replaces the nine page paper form that was previously used.

Note that Early Bird applications are due by March 28, and after that the registration fees go up! Registration closes on April 17.  No applications will be accepted after that date.

More information and registration applications can be found here here.

Join us for Easter!

Plan now to join us to celebrate Easter!  

We'll be gathering for two worship services, at 9a & 11a, with an Easter Egg Hunt between services at 10:30a.

Mark your calendars and invite your friends and family to join us as we celebrate the Risen Christ!

 

Lenten Sermon Series

As children, we can ask for a nightlight to chase away the shadows that come alive in the dark, and keep the creature under the bed away. As adults, when darkness creeps over us in the form of pain, depression, grief, and fear, there is no nightlight. At times the only way that we might be comforted is by using or surrounding ourselves with people and things that numb and distract us from pain. However, some coping strategies can lead to more problems and more suffering. Conversely, there are times that if we wait in the darkness long enough, we might discover something about ourselves, God and our world. In other words, staying in the darkness can be a transformative time, a time of growth and conquering.

In this series we learn about the difficulties in our lives that lead to transformation and healing. We’ll look at what authors, philosophers, theologians, and scholars can share with us about the possibility of existence both in times of darkness and light. 

Whatever our experience of pain may be, the hope is that we might come to see a side of that is life affirming. These times of difficulty are important times. May we take the opportunity to live in them well.

February 14
Broken is the Beginning
Job 3: 1-7   

February 21
Jesus Wept
John 11: 1-3, 17-36
(Sing: Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen)

February 28
Getting Into It
Psalm 42

March 6
Smashing Idols Through Pain
II Corinthians 12: 7b-10

March 13
Sitting in Pain
Mark 6: 1-6

March 20 (Palm Sunday)
Bring it Into the Light
John 1: 1-5

Youth to collect food for "Souper" Bowl Sunday

The FCC Youth Group invite you to please being any canned, boxed or bagged nonperishable food items to donate to our Share Pantry.

Share is in great need of the following items:

Boxed or canned soups with easy pull lids, 2 lb bags of rice, individual fruit cups, & pasta noodles (spaghetti and angel hair).

They'll be collecting these items on Sunday, Feb 7!

Lenten Study: Learning to Walk in the Dark

During the season of Lent, Rev. Dr. Russ Peterman will be leading a study series on Wednesday evenings looking at Barbara Brown Taylor's book, Learning to Walk in the Dark.  This incredible book provides a way to find spirituality in those times when we don't have all the answers.

With her characteristic charm and literary wisdom, Taylor will be our guide through a spirituality of the nighttime, teaching us how to find our footing in times of uncertainty and giving us strength and hope to face all of life's challenging moments.

This group will meet Wednesday evenings, Feb. 17 – March 16 @ 7p in the Discovery Room.  Copies of the book will be available for purchase for $10.   Email Russ with questions or to sign up (russ@concordfcc.net).

Beginnings membership seminar to be held April 10 & 17

New members of First Christian Church join a congregation with a 130-year history of fostering community and spiritual growth through worship, learning, missions, pastoral care and fellowship.

Our Information Seminars, Beginnings, are an opportunity to learn about how this church came to be, our ongoing message of grace, joy and inclusiveness; as well as the many opportunities to get connected and meet other members.

All those interested in finding out more about this congregation are invited to join us Sundays, April 10 & 17 at 11:30 a.m. in the Discovery Room.  A light lunch will be served and there will be plenty to time to ask any questions you may have.

Interested?  Have questions?  Contact Russ Peterman at the church office (russ@concordfcc.net or 925/685-7503)

No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.

 

Understanding Islam seminar

According to the Pew Research Center, only 41 percent of Americans are able to state both the Muslim name for God and the name of the Islamic sacred text. Knowledge of the basic beliefs and practices of this beautiful religion is even lower.  A deep chasm of misunderstanding, dislike, fear and even hatred separates many Christians and Muslims today.  And given the political discourse in the world today as a result of the terrorism inflicted by radical Islamists, many of us find ourselves conflicted and filled with questions about true Islam is really about.  The more we know about the faith of our Muslim sisters and brothers the less fearful we will be when it comes to learning how to live in community. 

During this five-week seminar, led by our Senior Minister, Rev. Dr. Russ Peterman, we’ll look at some of the basic beliefs and practices as well as our shared roots. 

Join us Sunday mornings at 9:00a in the Discovery Room.

 

Jan 10
Shared Roots: A Look at the Abrahamic Traditions

 

Jan 17
The Prophet Muhammad

 

Jan 24
The Koran

 

Jan 31
The Five Pillars of Islam

 

Feb 7
The Islamic Community Today

 

 

New Sermon Series: Faith, Hope & the Force

The struggle between good and evil, the hope of a new day, a sense of awe and wonder. Themes of sacrifice, denial of self, and mystery. All are present in the life and ministry of Jesus and the largest grossing movie series of all time, Star Wars.

Our first sermon series of 2016 will look at the early life and ministry of Jesus according to the Gospel of Luke with the backdrop of similar themes from Star Wars.

Jan 10            
Looking for a Larger World
Luke 2:41-52          

Jan 17            
The Force is Strong With This One
Luke 3:15-22

Jan 24            
Living in the Power of a Larger World
Luke 4:1-13

Jan 31            
The Unexpected Twist
Luke 4:31-44

Feb 7             
Finding Your Fellow Travelers
Luke 5:1-11