2014 - ISSUE 14 July 15, 2014

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

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3..2..1..VBS
Weird Animals Blastoff!
Something Weird AND Amazing is about to happen
as you read this article:
Weird
(AnimalsWhere Jesus' Love Is One-of-a-Kind)
is the name of the program for Vacation Bible
School.
Amazing
is that this will be ready for take-off, set to go
from July 21 thru July 25, 9:00-12:00, AND by
next Fellowship News...
there will be numerous unexpected blessings and
God Sightings to share! I know because, "The
Lord our God goes before us..." Pretty awesome,
right?! Bible stories come to life, unforgettable
music, activities that will stir imagination, and a
unique time of fellowship, fun, and building faith in
the Lord.
If any of you would like to volunteer, please let
me, Sandy, or Monica know, Prayers for VBS are
always much appreciated too!
Thank you, Scheri Dubon
Dear Church,
What is it that keeps rela-
tionships strong?...
One night last week I sat
down and watched a TV
show with my sons. Its called The Big Bang Theory,
and it focuses on a somewhat eccentric group of scien-
tists with high intelligence, social awkwardness, and nu-
merous personality quirks.
Its the personality quirks that catch my attention.
Theyre funny, yes; and yet, for the most part, the char-
acters in the show understand one anothers quirks, and
are quick to explain them by saying things like, Oh,
thats just Sheldon.
The ability to say, Oh, thats just Sheldon is key to
keeping relationships strong. Theres a little bit of Shel-
don in all of us. Recognize that, and we all get along; fail
to recognize that, and we find ourselves being upset and
offended by every little thing.
The same dynamic is displayed in other shows and mov-
ies. For example, in the movie Cars, the residents of Ra-
diator Springs have learned to form relationships with
people who are very different from one another. Con-
sider the friendship of Sarge and Fillmore, two charac-
ters who are the opposite from one another in so many
ways, and yet, somehow, work with one another in
building a friendship and a community. They annoy each
other, yes, but they also have the ability to shrug their
shoulders and say, Oh, thats just Fillmore Oh, thats
just Sarge
We are a congregation of Sheldons, Sarges, and
Fillmores. What a diverse and, dare I say, eccentric
group of people we are! We each have our quirks, our
annoying habits, and idiosyncrasies. But on top of that,
we have love for one another. With all our differences,
we have learned how to be in community with one an-
other.
This week, I am directing a camp of nearly 50 mid-
dle school youth at Loch Leven, the camp & conference
center owned and operated by BKCC and the other con-
gregations of the Pacific Southwest Region. One of the
amazing things that happens at camp is the formation of
a strong Christian community.
Over the course of a week, campers learn to love one
another, despite the different churches, communities, and
backgrounds each comes from. The annoyance at a fellow
campers quirks at the beginning of the week becomes, by
the end of the week, an understanding that thats just
who that person is.
As love grows, we become less annoyed, and learn to
appreciate each person for who they are, rather than who
we would like them to be. And whether the relationship
were talking about is that of a married couple, a group of
friends, or a church, that is what keeps it strong.
Blessings,
Pastor Danny
P.S. As you learn to appreciate the quirks of others, it also
helps to recognize and laugh at your own quirks as well!


Betty Jo Williamson
Phil OLaughlin
Sumbal Sardar
Keri Clark (daughter of Monica Lanz)
Porter Family, Ruthie Atkin (friends of
B. Smith)
Nargis & family in Pakistan (family of
Sumbal Sardar)
Keri France & family (family of A. Hillig)
Ellis Sparks, Jr., Venus (friends of A. Hillig)
Jean Woodward (friend of Becky Carroll)
The Holy Spirit likes being around Good Spirits

Dear Church, I praise and thank God for the opportu-
nity to share in this wonderfully put together Fellow-
ship Newsletter we have. The front cover on the last
issue was beautiful, with the flag and fireworks. Job
well done thanks to Monica and whoever else that are
involved.
My special thanks to everyone at church last Sunday,
7/6/14, for welcoming a guest that I invited to our
church. As in Psalm 96:3 Tell everyone about the
amazing things He does, (GOD). Sunday before last,
6/29/14, I was sitting in my van by the laundromat
across the street, studying The Word (Bible) and I saw
this lady taking out her laundry from her car parked
next to mine. So I got out and handed her my business
card and told her, The Lord told me to tell you that He
loves you. Here is my number, if you have any prayer
requests, call me and well pray for you. I go to that
church across the street, and Im about to go there for
our bible study that starts at 9:00 a.m., and the service
starts at 10:15 a.m. She replies Oh thank you, Im
new to the area and Ive been thinking about a church
to go to. I will come next Sunday, She barely finished
saying next Sunday, and I jumped in excitingly, You
promise? She smiled and said yes. Then there was a
but. She said she just started a new job, and she
hasnt got her schedule yet. Again, I jumped in, dont
worry, The Lord will arrange it. Well, praise GOD, she
came to church and said she was on call. After service
and an awesome sermon by Leo, the mathematician, I
invited her to the fellowship hall for coffee, punch and
snacks and she told me she felt so good and wel-
comed, and she will come again next Sunday.
Now this is all the Holy Spirits doings. Im not boasting
or taking any credit for this. Pat told me about a lady
who lived by a church somewhere, I forgot, that no one
invited her to go to their church. This proves that there
are many people out there that are waiting for an invi-
tation.
Thanks again yall.

Peace,
Ioane

P.S. I received a call from Ioane, who told me Tangi (his
new friend) received a letter from Pastor Danny and
was deeply touched by it. Monica
Hattie she is doing well and wishes to thank eve-
ryone who sent cards and prayers for her recov-
ery.
My devotional for yesterday reminded me
that God can only do for me what he can do
through me. I am his instrument in all that I
do. Chuck
Proud grandmother Betsy says TJ HIl-
lig has returned from the Jr. National
volleyball tournament where his club
volleyball team came in third place.
Yes TJ!
Your church family says congrats
and way to go TJ!!
Our own, Alice Hoffman among many honorees were
recently recognized for their volunteer service to The
Childrens Benefit League. Alice volunteered 40 years
towards this non-profit organization that is committed
to helping medically needy children.

Happy Birthday!
Lauren Dubon - August 2
Ratana Pheng - August 5
TomHillig III - August 14
J ohn Solan - August 18
Marcia Solan - August 18
Becky Carroll - August 19
Grace Kobel - August 24
Marlon Bragg - August 28
Chrysan Naw - August 28
Eleanor Smith - August 29
Sarah Stolze - August 29
Happy Anniversary!
John & Marcia Solan
August 16 - 55 yrs.

Hazel & Joseph Torres
August 18 - 58 yrs
.
Danny & Ginger Bradfield
August 21 - 21 yrs.

Congratulations!



Litter pickup: we
meet at the front
gate every 3
rd
Sun-
day at 8:15, to pick
up litter from our
n e i g h b o r h o o d
sidewalks & gut-
ters.
Our prayer circle
meets every 2
nd

and 4
th
Tuesday at
10:00 a.m. in room
115. Join this dedi-
cated group in
praying for our
church, commu-
nity, & world.
Help cook food
for Christian Out-
reach in Action
(COA). Every 2
nd

Thursday at 8:00
a.m. in our church
kitchen.
Pray for Camp!
This week, Chi-Rho Camp is taking place at Loch Leven.
Please pray for the campers and staff. Pray that they have a
wonderful, safe, fun, and spirit-filled week.
If youd like to send a note of encouragement to any of
our campers/counselors at Loch Leven,
your letter should be addressed as follows:

Camper/Counselors Name
Camp (i.e. Junior Camp, Chi-Rho, etc.)
Loch Leven
36910 Mill Creek Rd.
Mentone, CA 92359

Make sure to allow several days for your letters to reach
camp.

July 13-19: Chi-Rho Camp (Danny Bradfield on staff; Sevin
Pettis, Devin Pettis, Zander Pollock)
July 20-26: CYF1 Camp (Samantha Kobel & James Rugh)
July 27-Aug 2: CYF2 Camp (Ethan Bradfield, TJ Hillig)
July 20 - Matthew 13:24-30
Sermon: "Dandelions"
Our shoe drive continues! For the months
of June & July, Bixby Knolls Christian
Church will be a drop-off location for this
shoe drive. Just bring new or used shoes
to worship or anytime the church is open,
and place them in our large collection
box. Perhaps youll even want to ask your
neighbors to contribute. Spread the
word! Lets fill our box to overflowing and
help achieve the goal of no shoeless per-
son in the world!
Vacation
Bible
School
July 21-25
Grades K-6

We have promotional postcards that wed like for you to share
with your neighbors. Please take some home and help us get the
word out! VBS is an amazingly fun and spiritual time for the
young people of our community, and we need everyones help
in letting local families know about this wonderful program.


Summertime and the Livin is easy!!

Or is it? I say YES, or at least really fun! Just look around church and see whats happen-
ing. We are getting ready for Vacation Bible School, Lots of rooms and closets and being
cleaned and purged and reorganized. Even the purple (cosmos) plants are in bloom from the
seeds the kids planted during lent! They have been blooming since Easter and keep on Bloom-
ing!!

That is what we hope to be doing. By adjusting to change (Gretchen Rughs sermon) we reap
wonderful benefits.

Coming in August are special musicians sharing their talents with us. Glenn, Angela, Yanni,
Ken and Leo are all on board. We will also have another youth praise service. August should be
a stellar month.

Make sure you come to church on Sunday July 20
th
as it is Musician recognition Sunday. We
are going to recognize and thank all the unwavering volunteers who help to bring music into
our services and our lives. So Ringers, Singers, players, and instrumentlists all need to be
present! Come and thank them all for all their hard work!

Several of the youth and I will be going on Singing Safari in August. We will be scouting
other churches and places for new and fun music (but only at services that dont conflict with
ours!) So if your pre =teen or teenager asks to go to church REALLY early some Sunday, or
on a Saturday..this would be why! We will be back in time for 10:15am service!

Carrie Newcomer is coming to Los Angeles! She wrote the new song we are singing Room
at the Table. She will be at McCabes store in Santa Monica on Friday August 15
th
. Check
out Carrienewcomer.com for more information.

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS AT THE PARK.several of us have been meeting at Los Cerritos
Park for concerts in the park on Wednesday evenings (concerts start at 6:30 and end close to
8pm.) If you dont have time to make dinner usually there are vendors with food right at
the park. The concerts are wonderful and fun. If they seem too long feel free to take off
at intermission. The second half is the studio section and they have various different types
of music during the second half. Bring your friends, kids, dogs etc. Mom and I tend to hang
out on the side by the school.look for us opposite the schools flagpole!

Blessings one and all
Barb P.






CHURCH STAFF:

Pastor Daniel Bradfield
-Minister
Monica Lanz
-Church Secretary
Barbara Neal-Peebles
-Music Director/Organist
Christine Perkinson
- Church Child Care
Suzie Romero
- Custodian

BOARD OFFICERS:
Ken Brown
-Board President
Leo Dittemore
-Vice President
Pat Cohen
-Secretary
Angela Hillig
- Treasurer
Chrysan Naw
- Financial Secretary

-Church Clerk
BIXBY KNOLLS
CHRISTIAN CHURCH
(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
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
[email protected]
fax 562-426-0429

Pastor:
Daniel Bradfield

The Fellowship News is published
twice monthly.
Check us out on Facebook

www.facebook.com/bixbyknollschurch
website: www.bixbyknollschurch.org
A Great Purpose
There is no circumstance, no trouble, no testing,
that can ever touch me until, first of all, it has gone
past God and past Christ, right through to me. If it
has come that far, it has come with a great pur-
pose, which I may not understand at the moment.
But I refuse to become panicky, as I lift up my eyes
to him and accept it as coming from the throne of
God for some great purpose of blessing to my
own heart.
Alan Redpath

Taken from the Newsletter Newsletter
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)
Submit your articles for
the next newsletter by
July 27