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| Rev. Dr. Julie Roberts-Fronk, Pastor Rev. Mike Fronk, Pastor The Christian Caller January 23, 2018 |
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Julie's Jar
Disappointment is part of life. Learning to deal with disappointment is part of how we develop wisdom and maturity. It was a disappointment that Werner Tillinger could not be with us for the retreat and Sunday worship, due to the flu. In dealing with that disappointment, I discovered something of the Spirit.
Werner, Mike and I had collaborated about the weekend
 over many weeks. We talked and then left space for God to be part of the deliberation. We planned and then allowed God room in between the planning to step in.
When we knew Werner would not be able to join us, we began making adjustments. Mike would preach. I would fill in other spaces, etc. We chose to not make adjustments to all the prayerful preparation and let the scriptures, songs, and stuff of worship stand. We all stepped into a space of grace on Sunday that was prepared before we got there, not only by us, but by the Spirit of God.
There were certainly last-minute adjustments, but I was reminded once again that when the people of God prepare in cooperation with God, there is a bigger container in which God can show up. It seemed to me that God showed up and spoke into that container with words of encouragement and hope through scripture and sermon. God showed up and sang into our hearts in the beauty of music and sacred silence.
Disappointments leave us vulnerable. Vulnerability leaves us open. When we prepare our lives to be places and moments of meeting God, God will show up, especially in our vulnerability.
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Jeffrey Mensendiek, Missionary from Japan
Feb. 8th Thursday 6-8, dinner included
Jeffrey Mensendiek has served with Global Ministries for 27 years. He serves with the Emmaus Center in Sendai, Japan. The Center serves as a district center for the Northeastern Conference of the Kyodan (UCCJ). It also provides programs for youth through Student Center activities. This has been a joint appointment by the Common Global Ministries Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ.
Jeffrey grew up in Japan, the son of missionaries. He now works in the same town where he grew up. He married Kazuko Ikawa on July 20, 1998. They have a daughter, Hana, born October 19, 1999, a son, Tomo, born September 17, 2001, and a daughter, Stella, born December 25, 2006.
Rev. Mensendiek has visited with us in previous years, helping us understand the challenges faced by the church in Japan where it is a significant religious minority. He has opened our eyes to the ongoing struggles in the after math of the tsunami and nuclear disaster that continues to damage the lives of people in Japan. One topic he will cover is to provide updates regarding the work of the church in Japan to reach out to people of all faiths who continue to deal with the aftermath of this disaster in their daily lives.
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Pictorial Directory 
A new pictorial directory is in the making with your help. Beginning Sunday, Feb. 4
th
, pictures will be taken after church. Hank Mollett is the photographer and a suitable location is being scouted. Watch for more information soon.
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Reiki Share - Feb. 11th at 1:30p
Reiki promotes stress reduction and
relaxation that promotes physical healing: people experience deep calm, reduction of pain and for some, spiritual wellness. It has been shown that stress is a significant contributor to illness. Many people report feeling a reduction of stress when practicing Reiki, especially over time.
A "Share Event" is a great way to get introduced to Reiki and also for people with Reiki experience to practice and connect with other Reiki practitioners. We begin with a brief introduction which includes a guided meditation. The rest of the time is spent in the practice of Reiki, giving and receiving for those who are interested. Wear comfortable clothes. Reiki is given through gentle touch or simply holding the hands over the body.
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Active Shooter Safety Training
In collaboration with the Pomona Police Department and the Pomona Valley Interagency Task Force, First Christian Church Pomona is hosting an active shooter training event specific to Houses of Worship.
The intent of this training is not to inculcate fear or undermine the openness of our religious spaces; rather it is to train people how to immediately perceive and respond to this type of threat in the same manner we teach people to respond to fires by participating in fire drills.
The training will take place on Saturday, Feb 17, 2018 from 9:00 am to 12:00pm
At this training you will receive:
1. In-depth discussion surrounding Run Hide Fight video
2. Run/Hide/Fight tactics relevant to sanctuaries and large auditoriums
3. Demonstration of fight tactics when Run/Hide is not an option
4. Realistic Exercise Scenario allowing participants to demonstration what they learned
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Ash Wednesday and Valentine's Day Arrive Together
February 14 - 6-8 PM
They don't seem a good match, but Ash Wednesday and Valentine's do go together. Ash Wednesday is a day of turning and returning to God, who is the source of all Love. Valentine's Day is a celebration of love. Dinner is often a Valentine's Day ritual, shared with one we love. Ash Wednesday will be a dinner shared in the community of the beloved. A service of worship we follow in which we are invited through a variety of hands on prayer exercises to find our own ways of turning and returning to the source of Love.
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Learning in Lent
Two different opportunities for spiritual growth and faith formation are offered this year.
The first is "Hallelujah: The Bible and Handel's Messiah" led by Mike Fronk. During Advent, the Christmas portion of "Messiah" was covered. During Lent, six sessions will focus on the life of Christ.
The Bible and Handel's Messiah meets Tuesday evenings, Feb. 20-March 20 6-8 pm dinner included. Freewill offering taken for dinner.
The second opportunity is "Finding God in the Suffering: A Journey with Job" led by Julie Roberts-Fronk. The group will read together a book of the same title by Bruce Epperly who writes,
"Death. Illness. Divorce. Unexpected. Undeserved. In this world there is going to be suffering and pain. As a person of faith, we are not exempt from that undeniable fact. What do we do? Where is God when the pain is unbearable and the night so long? How do we reach out to others with something more than platitudes? It has been said that theology begins in the experience of suffering. At the very least, debilitating suffering challenges our images of success and security, and invites us on a quest for something solid and dependable when the foundations of our lives are shaking. The book of Job emerges from one person's unexpected encounter with suffering. Job seeks God's presence, and to find a God he can trust again, he must jettison his previous images of God."
This easy to read book combines reflections on the story of Job with reflections on real life experience.
Finding God in Suffering meets Sundays after worship, Feb. 18 - March 19 and Tuesday evenings Feb. 20 - March 20, 6-8 pm, dinner included. Freewill offering taken for dinner.
Sign Up at church on a Sunday or call the church office.
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CHURCH CALENDAR
**=Non-Church Activity
January 2018
 February 2018
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If someone should be added to this list, please let the church
- 16th ~ Ron Gorsuch
- 17th ~ Michelle Murillo
- 18th ~ Beth Thies
- 22nd ~ Hilda Faulkner
- 26th ~ Angelique Lazier
- 26th ~ Ryan McCallister
- 27th ~ Hazel Goss
We'd love to wish you a happy anniversary here in The Caller!
If you would like to have your anniversary listed,
contact the church office.
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| CELEBRATIONS AND PRAYER CONCERNS 
We join together in prayer for our community and our world. Please let us know if you would like to add someone to the list or if someone should be removed. We review the list quarterly and will give you a call if it is unclear if someone should stay on the list. Please let us know if someone has inadvertently been removed. |
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HOMEBOUND & convalescing
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Hilda Faulkner
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Janice Newborn
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Bob & Jackie McCallister
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ONGOING PRAYERS
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Annette Anderson
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Jan Akin
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Malori Lane
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Rick Larson
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Bret Wiley
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John Miller
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Mary Hunter
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Robert Vazques
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Carey Smith
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Julio & Edwin Torres
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Nelson Mann
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Robin Priede
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Cindy Koskan
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Kovacs Family
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Nicole Brooks Rios
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Ross Family
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Eloise Williams
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Laura Zivnak
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Nini Mejia
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Stan Adams
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Gary Paulson
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Lily Lane
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Onelia Cruz
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Sue Hunter
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Harry Pearson
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Lorraine Rogers
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Paris Reed
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Tammy Mayes
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Jose Mendiola
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Jake Sullinger & Family
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Evelyn Lepire & Family
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Shirley Ewing & Family
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Ron & Martha Gorsuch
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The Charlie Weaver Family
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The Family of Tom Syria
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About First Christian Church Pomona
We are an active, informed, progressive Christian community worshiping and serving in Pomona, CA. Our congregation is a part of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Denomination.
All are welcome to worship, take Communion and serve the world with us.
| Join Us for Bible Study:
9 am Sunday |
Join Us for Worship: 10 am Sunday |
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