Bixby Knolls Christian Church

(a Disciples of Christ Church)

(562) 426-0428
the Fellowship News
NUMBER 07 APRIL 6, 2010

Lives are being saved when we lift up people

in prayer.
Jesus said that he came that people “may have
life, and have it abundantly.” Through the church,
Christ continues to provide abundant life, a life of
wholeness, to the people of the world.
Dear friends, Shalom,
This Easter, some of our youth have given up
sodas and energy drinks, and have vowed to drink
only water for a week or two. The money that
they would have spent on those beverages, they
are instead donating to build wells for people in
regions of the world where clean, fresh water is
scarce.
In promoting this program to the youth, I was
amazed at how easy it can be to save lives. (Not
everything we are called to do is easy; however,
often the hardest thing is making up our minds to
do it.) We learned, for example, that one dollar
will provide a child clean water for a year, and
that ten dollars will provide a child with a lifetime
of clean water. Children are literally dying – 3.3
million of them every year – because they do not
have access to clean water. If just one percent of
the U.S. population did what these youth are doing,
all 3.3 million of those children would have clean
water to drink.
In the day-to-day life of a church, it is some-
times easy to forget the impact we have on our
community and our world. It is no exaggeration to
say that, through us, God is saving lives.
Lives are being saved when we give to the
church, especially to our special offerings.
Lives are being saved when we let folks know
that God does not judge or condemn, but rather
welcomes and accepts people as they are.
Lives are being saved when we provide pro-
grams for our children and youth, or when we send
them to camp, and they make a decision to follow
Jesus.
Lives are being saved when we visit and care
IN THIS ISSUE -
for homebound members, sharing God’s love with
them, letting them know that they are not alone. ~ FROM THE PASTOR
Lives are being saved when we speak in favor ~ TAKE A HIKE WITH PSWR DISCIPLES
of kingdom values such as peace and justice, and ~ LADIES TEA - MAY 1
let our elected officials know that we advocate ~ “OUR PRAYER FOR YOU....”
policies and programs that promote peace and and so much more...
justice for all God’s children.
 Our Prayer for You . . . .

It started simply enough, Pastor Danny invited the congregation to join him for a Lenten Bible study. The foundation of
the time would be built upon Martha Grace Reese’s book Unbinding Your Heart. This would enable the Lenten Bible
study to parallel the study being undertaken by the Elders. On the first Sunday in Lent a small, but determined group
joined Pastor Danny on the beginning of a remarkable journey. While Pat Cohen, Marlene Kobel, Margo Morales, Bar-
bara Peebles and Bobby Smith started the journey thinking their hearts didn’t need unbinding, they quickly found their
hearts opening to new experiences.

The 40 days of guided prayer and faith sharing were at times challenging (finding quiet time), enlightening, joyous, and
transformative. In addition to six chapters on the importance of prayer and evangelism the book provided daily scrip-
ture readings and suggestions for ways to focus prayer. One day the participants were encouraged to take a walk and
look for things that they could to pray for. Another day encouraged setting aside time to sit in a public place and listen
or observe strangers and then pray for them. Often the guided prayer suggested a bible passage and encouraged sit-
ting quietly and opening your heart to God’s message.

On Sundays the group would meet after church to share experiences from the prior week, pray for our congregation
and encourage each other in moving forward the next week. The meetings were filled with laughter, tears and fellow-
ship. On the first Sunday each member shared a story of when they were most aware of God’s presence. After each
member shared their story Pastor Danny explained they had just practiced evangelism and it wasn’t as hard as each
had imagined.
In closing the study each participant was asked what they had most enjoyed or learned during the study, they re-
sponded as follows:
• Marlene found a deeper meaning of what change prayer can bring.
• Pat learned that evangelism can be as simple as inviting someone to attend church with you.
• Barbara found one hour of dedicated time for inner peace and discerning God’s messages.
• Pastor Danny enjoyed the sharing and fellowship before prayer each Sunday, as it provided an opportunity
to get to know each participant in a different light.
• Bobbie discovered how deep and meaningful prayer can be.
• Margo learned to slow down and listen for the direction God has for her life.

If you find yourself thinking, darn I missed a great opportunity you would be wrong. The spirit has so moved the partici-
pants that they have agreed to lead small groups if other members are interested in taking this journey. If you feel
moved to try 40 days of guided prayer, please speak to Pat, Marlene, Margo, Barbara, Bobbie or Pastor Danny, they
would be more than happy to share more of their experience with you or start another group. In closing, here is the
prayer the group would like for you to start with; Lord, help me to care. Open my eyes. Unlock my heart. Direct my
steps toward whomever you need me to love, to care for. I want to help others because I love you. Amen.

An Invitation Christian Women’s Fellowship will host a salad

The Congregation is invited to a coffee Fellowship of
“Titanic” proportions on May 9th honoring Mother’s
Day. In addition to the usual refreshments there will be
a contest. On the refreshment table(s) will be a stage
prop from the movie “Titanic.” We invite all of the
women to cast a ballot for the piece of silver used in the
movie which is now being used on the refreshment table.
The woman (women) who correctly guesses the movie
prop will receive a prize.
We hope to see all of you there!
Men’s Fellowship
potluck on Thursday, April 22 at 10:30. Our
speaker will be Mary Ochs, a legal aid volunteer.
She will be speaking on legal aid and immigration
services. Please plan to join us in the Fellowship
Hall.
VBS Meeting Thursday, April 15th at 7:00 in
room 115. This meeting is for all of you who
have volunteered to work with our children
this summer.

The Women’s tea will be on
May 1st—May Day. We will celebrate
this day of flowers with a demonstration of
flower arranging by
Melinda of Melinda McCoy’s Flowers.
Perhaps you will be one of the lucky ones
to go home with one of
the special floral arrangements
made that afternoon.
Bixby Knolls Christian Church
Saturday, May 1st at 1:00 pm
Tickets are a $12.00 donation to BKCC.
There are only 15 spaces left, so please make
reservations as soon as possible.
Call Sandy Jeglum today.
427-4387
The SCIC CAA summer
softball season will start
with classification games
Saturday May 1 and Sat-
urday May 8. We will play
games against other
churches in Lakewood
parks through Au-
gust. Players must be 13
years of age or older be-
fore January 1, 2011. Each team must have a
least three female players in the field each in-
ning. We must have a team of at least seven
players to avoid forfeit and accompanying
fees.
Due to increase costs for scheduling local
parks, the fee for participating has to be
higher as well. The cost this year will be be-
tween $30 and $40 per player depending on
the number of people on the team. We will be
scheduling the classification games on April
12. Please let Leo
Dittemore@WebConnections.com (562) 429-
2137 know if you or someone you know wants
to participate on the BKCC team.
Summer camps for our youth and children are
fast approaching. As always, BKCC will provide
partial registration fees for our campers. One
of the ways we are able to fund this is from
the collection of aluminum cans and clear plas-
tic bottles. Please bring your cans and bottles
to church. There is a large trash can next to
the soda machine to put them in.
At the Potato Bake, John Solan
turned over $800 from the
profits of the soda machine and
the recycling of our cans and bottles. Thanks
to John and Gayle for maintaining the soda ma-
chine and redeeming the recyclables. That is
almost 5 camperships.
Did you feel it?
The 7.2 earthquake that struck on Easter
Sunday was larger than the one that struck Haiti; and
even though it was felt widely in Long Beach and
surrounding communities, the fact that its epicenter
was so far away kept it from causing damage locally.
However, it’s only a matter of time before a
major earthquake hits near Long Beach. Are you
ready? Do you know what to do?
A major earthquake is likely to knock out
power and water service for days, if not weeks.
Keep a flashlight (with fresh batteries) near your
bed, and make sure you have water stored for every-
one who lives in your house: at least three gallons
per person. Don’t forget about pets!
Also, make sure you keep any necessary
items, like prescription medications, well-stocked.
Don’t let your supply get too low.
During an earthquake, experts recommend
that you drop, cover, and hold on. Don’t run into
another room or outside! With California’s strict
building codes, the greatest danger is not from col-
lapsing buildings, but from falling objects such as
bookcases, lamps, appliances, etc. If possible, get
under a table, and then hold on, because the shaking
of a strong earthquake can send you (and the table)
sliding back and forth across the floor.
A number of websites have more detailed
information about how to be prepared for earth-
quakes. Educate yourself and those around you, so
that when the next quake happens, you’ll be ready!
 Water Wells of
Machaze
The scarcity of water in
Machaze is a very serious
problem and heavily affects women and girls
who walk long distances and stand in line for
hours to get one bucket of water. In many
cases, girls are forced to abandon school to
guarantee water for the family. In addition to the
scarcity of water, past efforts to provide more
access have had limited results because the
water table in this area is very deep and wells
have not been dug deeply enough.
Global Ministries is currently sponsoring a pro-
ject that will consist in the construction of four
water wells with depths more than 110 meters.
One well will be dug in the four communities of
Chitobe, District Centre, Basane and Chidoko. It
is estimated that about 100 families would bene-
fit from each of these wells.
Your tithes and offerings to Bixby Knolls Chris-
tian Church help make projects like this possi-
ble. Thank you.
SCRIP
Scrip sales continue each Sunday after wor-
ship. Bixby Knolls Christian Church sells
scrip for a variety of businesses in Long
Beach and throughout the United States.
Simply purchase a Scrip gift card at face
value, and the business you patronize will do-
nate a percentage to Bixby Knolls Christian
Church.
Scrip cards make excellent gifts for
birthdays, Mother’s Day, graduation, etc.
Get yours this week!
There for the Long Haul
When the levees broke in New Or-
leans, our entire church felt called to
respond.
Congregations from across North America contrib-
uted millions of dollars, and more than 1,100 mis-
sion groups have contributed 432,000 hours, and
counting, in response to the ongoing needs along
the Gulf Coast. Through the partnerships of Week
of Compassion, Disciples Volunteering, the
Great River Region, and many on-the-ground
long-term recovery organizations, we have been
able to rebuild more than 170 homes and restore
hope to countless people in serious need.
Our work is far from complete, though. Most calcu-
lations estimate that the recovery process will take
at least five more years, and some estimate as many
as ten more years will be required to restore and
repair New Orleans. Some of us have forgotten
about the Gulf Coast. Our news reports celebrate a
Saints Super Bowl victory as proof that the Gulf
Coast is back, but simply ask anyone who has
served with a work group repairing a roof or re-
building walls, and they'll tell you just how far we
have to go.
Disciples congregations have likewise responded
faithfully to the earthquake in Haiti. As we are in
New Orleans, we are also in Haiti for the long haul.
Thank you for your gifts to Week of Compassion
and Bixby Knolls Christian Church, and for your
ongoing prayers.
Coffee Hour Hostesses!
Your contributions for coffee hour are
truly appreciated and have been enjoyed
by many.
We would ask that anyone wishing to
donate towards the coffee hour with a
hot or cold dish to please check with the
designated hostess so they will know the
number of tables needed for set-up or to
accommodate your donation.
We have many open dates that need coffee hour host-
esses. You are encouraged to “spread the wealth” and
sign up for your very own Sunday! We still need host-
ess for the following dates:
April 18, 25 Sept 12, 19, 26
May 2, 16, 23, 30 Oct. 10, 24
June 6, 13, 27 Nov 9, 11
July 11 Dec. 26
Aug. 1, 8, 15, 29
If you would like to sign up but need assistance, just
ask.
Every month, a group
of young* Disciples
from the Pacific
Southwest Region
embark on a hike.
This month, they will
venture out on a mod-
erate, six mile hike
on Saturday after-
noon, April 17, in Crystal Cove State Park. Let
Pastor Danny know if you are interested in at-
tending. (*Note: when asked what “young”
means, hike organizer Jae Hyung Cho replied,
“all ages!”)
 Brenda Torres, mother of Lacy and Spencer
and daughter-in-law to Hazel Torres, is recover-
ing from a stroke she suffered in March.
 Prayers for Sarah Stolze’s husband, Robert, will
be undergoing an angiogram at St. Mary’s Hos-
pital this Friday. Pray for Robert and Sarah.
To have your news, joys, or concerns included in next
month’s newsletter, send a note to Pastor Danny at
dannybradfield@gmail.com, or call the church office.
1. What prized animal was killed for food when the
prodigal son returned home?
Luke 15:23
2. What did Moses do to make the bitter waters of
Marah drinkable?
Exodus 15:25
3. In what village did Jesus have his first dinner after
his Resurrections?
Luke 24:30
4. What was mingled with the wine Jesus was offered
on the cross?
Mark 15:23
5. What dreaming ruler gave Joseph his own ring?
Genesis 41:42
6. What two cities of the plain were destroyed by God
for their wickedness?
Genesis 19
7. What city was the home of Peter, Andrew and
Philip?
John 1
8. What Christian woman worshiped with a group that
met by a river?
Acts 16:13-14
9. Who found a baby while down by the riverside?
Exodus 2:5
10. What sign did God set in the clouds to indicate that
he would never again flood the world?
Genesis 9:13
AND HOW MANY DID YOU GET RIGHT?
2010 Quadrennial Assembly—a gathering
for all women of the Disciples of Christ
Church and their friends and family—will
be held in
Greensboro,
North Carolina
June 23-27th.
Early bird registration is $375.00 and after
April 1st $400.00. For more information
go to www.quadrennial.org or ask Sandy
for registration.
Regional Camp Scholarship
Are you hoping for a Regional Camp Scholar-
ship? All applications must be postmarked by
April 12. Sponsorship letters must be included
with application to be accepted. Have all paper-
work submitted by this Thursday, April 8.
 The Fellowship News

UPCOMING SCRIPTURES A publication of

April 11 - John 20: 19-31 Bixby Knolls Christian Church of Long
Beach (a Disciples of Christ Church)
Sermon: Room for Doubt 1240 E. Carson Street
Long Beach, CA 90807
www.bixbyknollschurch.org

April 18 - Acts 9: 1-6 Editor:

Monica Lanz
Sermon:With Eyes Open 562-426-0428
bkcchurch@aol.com
fax 562-426-0429

April 25 - Job 12: 7-12, Genesis 1:26-28 Pastor:

Daniel Bradfield
Sermon: Earth Blessings
The Fellowship News is published
twice monthly.

Coffee Hour Host/Hostess Newsletter Article

April 11 - Ken Brown/Margo
Morales Deadline
April 18
April 18 - no one

April 25 - no one

BIXBY KNOLLS
CHRISTIAN CHURCH
(Disciples of Christ)
SUNDAY SCHEDULE:
9:00 a.m. Sunday School for Adults
10:15 a.m. Morning Worship and Children’s Church

OFFICE HOURS:
Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Friday closed