Bixby Knolls Christian Church, (Disciples of Christ) (562) 426-0428
Bixby Knolls Christian Church, (Disciples of Christ) (562) 426-0428
Bixby Knolls Christian Church, (Disciples of Christ) (562) 426-0428
PAST AND PRESENT COPIES OF THE FELLOWSHIP NEWS MAY BE VIEWED AT www.scribd.com
2014 - ISSUE 02 January 22, 2014
Instead of the flag, we will let our community know that we welcome and affirm ALL Gods children through online advertising, marquee Dear Church, In recent weeks, your church board, elders, and staff have been in discussion regarding ways we can best live out our identity as an Open and Affirming congregation. As you know, Bixby Knolls Christian Church is one of the most diverse small congregations in the country, and last October we voted to officially recognize & celebrate that by declaring ourselves Open and Affirming. One of the decisions made has been to remove the rainbow flag that had been planted next to the street. This was done for several reasons. One reason is that flag, we felt, did not adequately convey the message that we are a church for ALL people. (Last week, the West Hollywood city council which is 80% gay voted to take down their rainbow flag for a similar reason). Another reason is (Indeed, last that the flag was located on city property. week city crews were trimming trees along the street, and now are appearing to prepare for other work on the roads and sidewalks, including right where our flag was planted.) announcements, and giant banners placed against the church building. In addition, BKCC is listed in online directories of open and affirming churches. I have been in communication with Mark Johnston, the director of Open & Affirming Ministries with GLAD (Gay, Lesbian & Affirming Disciples), who has let me know that he is impressed by all that BKCC is doing to let our community know that this is a place where all are welcome. This is a message that is important for us to share, and we will continually evaluate and discern the best ways for us to do that. In addition, I have personally undertaken a crazy project to place a message on the huge billboard located at Atlantic Avenue & Marshall Street that says LOVE is for EVERYONE. For at least one month, instead of an ad, the people of Bixby Knolls will look up at that billboard and see this positive message. Look for me at next months First Friday raising funds for this! Furthermore, your worship team has begun brainstorming ways we can celebrate our diversity when we
gather on Sunday mornings. We have, for many years, had special presentations during African-American history month; now, we hope to incorporate special presentations all year-long, for things like Autism Awareness, Gay Pride, Asian heritage, and more. If there is a form of diversity you would like highlighted one Sunday in worship, let us know, as this is (and probably always will be!) a work in progress. The message that LOVE is for EVERYONE is what God has called us to proclaim. And we are doing just that! Last week, as I put together the images that accompany my sermon, I did a google image search using the phrase, love is for everyone. What a pleasant surprise to see that one of the images that came up in the search was from the BKCC website! I am so thankful for the ministry we share, and I look forward to the year ahead! Blessings, Pastor Danny P.S. The very first special Sunday is this coming Sunday, January 26. Why is it special? Because its my 43rd birthday! And yes, I do expect a lot of presence! there?) (See what I did
open to the whole community, invite a neighbor! There is no set price, although a basket is available for donations to cover the costs.
January 26 Matthew 4:12-23
Seek first
Seek first the kingdom of wealth, and youll worry over every dollar. Seek first the kingdom of health, and youll sweat every blemish and bump. Seek first the kingdom of popularity, and youll relive every conflict. Seek first the kingdom of safety, and youll jump at every crack of the twig. But seek first [Gods] kingdom, and you will find it. On that, we can depend and never worry. Max Lucado, Fearless
The SOUPER BOWL of Caring is a national project to collect donations for the poor on Super Bowl Sunday. Just bring a one dollar bill OR a non-perishable food item with you to church on Feb. 2, and place it in the large soup pots our youth will have with them that day. All items & money donated will be given to those in need here in the Long Beach area. Thanks!
Many thanks for the prayers, calls and cards during my recent illness. Yes. I did get the flu shot but obviously it wasnt the right one. Your friendship is a special blessing to me. Betty Jo
Tom Dickison, the brother of Bob Dickison, passed away earlier this month. Bob and Shirley thank everyone for their prayers.
Regional Events
to mark on your calendar!
Elders & Deacons Learning Event
The PSWR Leadership Development Committee invites you to an Elders and Deacons Learning Event on March 1, 2014 at East Whittier Christian Church, 10am-3pm. Rev. Jose Morales will be the guest speaker. This event is free but your RSVP is requested for an accurate meal count. RSVP to Linda Gardner (linda@heareveryvoice.com)
Youth News
Prayer Concerns:
Ester Troxel, Sumbal Sardar, Keri Clark, Virginia Lalla, Sean May, Charlie Edwards, Nargis & family in Pakistan, Janie Oden (G. Kobel), Keri France & Ellis Spikes, Jr. (A. Hillig) Old holiday cards can Help a needy child thrive! St. Judes Ranch for Children will be glad to take some of those Christmas cards from friends and family. They will be repurposed into brand-new cards by the kids who live there and then sold on their website. Proceeds help support the ranch and its programs for children in need. Send your cards to St. Judes Ranch for Children Recycled Card Program, 100 St. Judes Street, Boulder City, NV 89005
Y
(middle
ou have
One caring act. One understanding glance. One amazing smile. One bit of advice. Just one can turn someones day, week or even life around. Especially when it s coming from you! Just one person can make a difference. You already have!
Upcoming Sunday Service Schedule Jan 26 - Worship Leader - Lillian Hester Stewardship/ Counting Elder - Lillian Hester Communion Elder - Gretchen Rugh Deacons - Chrysan Naw, Leo Dittemore, Thunder Htin, Sumbal Sardar Counting Deacon - Sumbal Sardar +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Feb 2 - Worship Leader - Gretchen Rugh Stewardship / Counting Elder - Betsy Hillig Communion Elder - Hazel Torres Deacons - Ginger Bradfied, Ethan Bradfield, Ken Brown Counting Deacon - Ginger Bradfield
In the last issue of the Fellowship News, the staff expressed its appreciation for the Christmas gift given to the staff from the congregation. Christine Perkinson was inadvertently left off the list. I do apologize as Christine is equally appreciative.
ACTIVITIES
The Fellowship News A publication of Bixby Knolls Christian Church of Long Beach (a Disciples of Christ Church) 1240 E. Carson Street Long Beach, CA 90807 www.bixbyknollschurch.org Editor: Monica Lanz 562-426-0428 bkcchurch@aol.com fax 562-426-0429 Pastor: Daniel Bradfield The Fellowship News is published twice monthly.
Lillie Bray
Feb 7
Jannine Swanson Feb 8 Lesley Reese Feb 19 Chuck & Linda Fowler - Feb 7 - 44 yrs. Tom & Betsy Hillig - Feb 14 - 44 yrs.
Bixby Knolls Vision Statement To know what the Lord requires of us; to do justice, and love kindness, and walk humbly with our God. (Micah 6:8)
CHURCH STAFF:
(Disciples of Christ)
SUNDAY SCHEDULE: 9:00 a.m. Sunday School for Adults 10:15 a.m. Morning Worship and Childrens Church OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Friday closed
BOARD OFFICERS: Ken Brown Pastor Daniel Bradfield -Board President -Minister Leo Dittemore Monica Lanz -Vice President -Church Secretary Pat Cohen Barbara Neal-Peebles -Secretary -Music Director/Organist Angela Hillig Christine Perkinson - Treasurer - Church Child Care Chrysan Naw Suzie Romero - Financial Secretary - Custodian -Church Clerk