Twenty-First Regional Convocation
Pacific Southwest Region
Friday, March 11 & Saturday, March 12, 2011
DoubleTree Hotel, Orange, CA
"God Calling…To be in prayer, to use our gifts, to be of service
Amy Gopp
The Rev. Amy Gopp responds to her calling to the
work of Christ by serving as a global activist and
peacemaker—one who through dynamic preaching
and creative teaching urges God’s people to engage in
compassionate service that imbues hope and
empowerment for all.
An ordained minister of the Christian Church (Disciples
of Christ), Gopp currently serves as the Executive
Director for Week of Compassion, the relief, refugee,
and development ministry fund of the Disciples church. On behalf of its network of more than
3,200 congregations worldwide, Week of Compassion distributes annually more than $2.5
million toward global sustainable development and humanitarian relief.
Gopp spent her formative years in Kent, Ohio. Nurtured by First Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ) and inspired by Camp Christian, a youth-oriented, spiritual development program of the
Disciples’ Ohio region, Amy discovered readily her calling to Christian ministry. Her movement
toward church work was boosted after Amy received her bachelor’s of arts in International
Relations at the American University School of International Service in Washington, D.C.
(1994). Commissioned as a missionary in 1995, Gopp moved from the States to the war-torn
former Yugoslavia as a volunteer with Mennonite Central Committee and Global Ministries. For
four years Gopp lived in Croatia and Bosnia serving as a peace activist aiming to relieve
refugee concerns; to promote interfaith dialogue; and to provide education toward conflict
resolution. Additionally, Gopp coordinated the award-winning Pontanima, an inter-religious choir
based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. For more than a dozen years, the choir has been
acclaimed as an innovative peacemaking project, a shining ambassador of reconciliation in
Bosnia-Herzegovina and a major contributor to the cultural life of the region.
Influenced by her experiences in the Bosnian and Croatian war zones, Gopp pursued and
completed in 1998 a master’s of arts in Conflict Resolution at Antioch University. She
subsequently served for four years as the Intern Coordinator for the Disciples Peace Fellowship,
an independent organization within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). DPF promotes
peace and justice matters by providing educational resources and opportunities to
congregations and youth camps toward increased global awareness. It was during this season
that Gopp also served on the Week of Compassion’s advisory committee.
Gopp’s academic pursuits were once again influenced by her experiences as a witness to
human suffering when she enrolled at the renowned Union Theological Seminary in the City of
New York. As a graduate student, Gopp served as associate minister for outreach ministries at
Manhattan’s Park Avenue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and she worked as a United
Nations liaison for Wider Church Ministries, a common ministry of the United Church of Christ
and Disciples of Christ. Her work led Gopp to co-found the Poverty Initiative, a program
equipping religious leaders to overcome oppressive economic structures that contribute to
poverty in America. The program’s work continues today, supported by the Seminary. Gopp
graduated in 2005 with her master’s of divinity from Union and was ordained as a Disciples of
Christ minister that same year.
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Now living in Kent, Ohio—and when she finds a precious free moment—Rev. Gopp loves to
read poetry, write, sing, cook and spend time with her nieces and nephew.
Andra Moran lives and works in Nashville, Tennessee
as a songwriter, singer and freelance touring musician.
Andra is quite at home on stages, and in studios and
churches.
The daughter of two insightful, progressive ministers in
the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Andra quite
literally spent her formative years in sanctuaries and
fellowship halls, singing in the children’s choir, napping
on pews, and later leading music in her youth groups. Her father worked as an Army Chaplain,
which took the Moran family all over the world. She grew up making friends from all sorts of
backgrounds, seeing people at their best and their worst, and discovering that she was able to
call both Leipzig and Leavenworth home.
Andra Moran studied music formally at Belmont University in Nashville, TN, all the while
apprenticing in a variety of settings, swapping songs and stories. Her honest, passionate writing
won her the respect of her colleagues, musical friendships and regular work on stage and in the
studio.
Andra works actively in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of
Christ, providing music at the regional and national levels for gatherings across the country, as
well as providing both concerts and consulting services on worship design, music and
leadership in local churches.
Andra’s music expresses both a deep sense of faith and a mature sense of self.
Andra’s recordings include the Instarock Records 2009 release In Small Things, 2005’s
Listening, 2003’s acoustic EP, The Someday Sessions and 2001’s If Not for This with Josh
Elson, and produced by Dexter Green. In addition to her recordings, Andra’s songs have also
been published in Chalice Praise and are sung in churches, summer camps and dorm rooms
around the world.
Currently, Andra serves on staff at Woodmont Christian Church in Nashville as the worship
leader for “The Bridge”, a contemporary worship service.
Andra is newly married to musician Stephen Daniel King, and is aunt to three wonderful boys!
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Seminars
Session A Friday 4:45-6:00
Session B Saturday 9:15-10:30
Session C Saturday 11:00-12:15
Please list your seminar choices on the registration form. Seminars will be assigned on a first come,
first served basis. Seminars will be randomly assigned if no choices or alternatives are listed.
1. My Role in Ending Human Trafficking
This seminar will examine the issue of Human Trafficking, what it is and why it is. We
will review modern day slavery globally, nationally, and locally. The seminar will explore
the Scriptural basis for how to end slavery and exploitation.
Sandra Morgan is a Registered Nurse and has served on the board of the International
Nurses Association in Athens, Greece where she lived for ten years. It was there that she
discovered human trafficking while doing a story for Lydia Living magazine. She also serves
as Director of Vanguard University’s Global Center for Women and Justice and is a
Professor Women’s Studies, Family Violence and Human Trafficking.
www.vanguard.edu/gcwj. Sandie served as a Human Trafficking Dialogue Facilitator at the
National Association of Evangelicals Global Leaders Forum in Washington D.C. and was
invited to the first Whitehouse Roundtable on Human Trafficking. Sandie Morgan also
served as the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force Administrator enlisting the
local community in partnership with law enforcement against the modern slave trade.
2. Connecting to the divine through breath and movement
This class will explore the relationship of breathing and movement to help still the mind
and open the heart. Key concepts will be discussed and the recipient will go through
a series of breathing exercises, meditation techniques and movements to help open the
body’s natural energy channels.
Jody Theissen is a certified Yoga Instructor and also a practitioner of the healing arts of
Thai Yoga Message Therapy. She believes in the power of prayer as a way to align the
body with the soul and come into communion with the divine. An ardent reader, she
continues to study biblical texts along with the works of modern day scholars to broaden her
understanding of how God works in our daily lives.
3. God is Calling us to ……Coexist
“In God we live, move, and have our being” (Acts 17:27)
This quote from the Book of Acts is echoed in many other faith traditions. We are
blessed to live in a world rich with ethnic, cultural, and spiritual diversity. Ours is a
relational God whose Word is revealed through a host of sacred teaching traditions,
customs, and practiced.
In the workshop we will be stepping “outside the box” of our Christian tradition and
realizing that the box is not labeled “Pandora.” Through an interactive and open
discussion we will by exploring how God’s Divinity and universality is revealed through
the countless faith traditions. By considering and experiencing different religious
practices, customs, and method of expression we will be attempting growing in our
understanding of sacredness and spirituality.
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Kel Henderson is an ordained minister in the Disciples of Christ and holds partnership
standing in the United Church of Christ. She is currently the pastor of First Congregational
Church of Corona and is active in both denominations.
She is an energetic and engaging speaker and has created different workshops that explore
topics of spirituality, body energy, and sacred traditions.
4. The Spiritual Journey: How Is God Calling Us?
We discern God’s call in many ways. One way is to be accompanied on our spiritual
journey by a Spiritual Director who is a skilled listener. This seminar will explore the
many ways in which we can be guided by the Spirit as we make our way toward
answering God’s call.
Elsa M. J. Seifert, Spiritual Director, received her B.A. in Religious Studies in 1979 from
Immaculate Heart College and completed her M.A. in Psychology/Political Science in 1986
at California State University, Los Angeles. She was born and raised in Southern California
and is the mother of three grown sons. She has been employed as a business manager,
director of Christian Education, newspaper editor and coordinator of extended ministries in
a progressive faith community. She worked in a diverse interfaith community during her
three-year training in Spiritual Direction with Stillpoint: The Center for Christian Spirituality.
She is a longtime member of Altadena Community United Church of Christ.
5. How to feed the 5000 with a few loaves and fishes… when you aren’t the Lord
Learn how to prepare a meal for a large gathering without losing your sanity, without
making too many enemies, and finishing on time. Receive tips for coordinating events,
and the proper way to answer the call to service. We will also explore hospitality
techniques and perhaps reveal some secret recipes. Come learn to eat, greet and be
happy.
Lisa Previte has been a member of First Christian Church, San Bernardino for over 40
years. She earned her MBA from the University of Redlands. Lisa is the Administrator for
the Loma Linda University Pathology Medical Group. She has been in charge of
coordinating the church Birthday Dinner (dinner for 100+) for many years.
6. Where is God in This?
Christian Church Foundation helps individuals in planning legacy gifts, including
testamentary gifts as well as ways for donors to make gifts while providing themselves,
or others, with a stream of payments for life time or a set of years. Come and learn how
you can participate in giving through your accumulated resources.
Marilyn S. Fiddmont is Vice President of Christian Church Foundation, Southwest Zone.
She is a graduate of University of Missouri in Kansas City, and Houston Graduate School of
Theology, Houston, TX. Marilyn has been a licensed minister, serving University Christian
Church, Houston, Taylor Lake Christian Church, Seabrook, and The Good Shepherd
Christian Church, Houston. She was program assistant in The Coastal Plains Area of the
Christian Church in the Southwest for several years. Fiddmont joined the staff of CFF in
January 2001 and served in the South Central Zone until April 2010. She has led
workshops for National Center for Black Philanthropy, NACCP, National Convocation, and
other groups. She is the author of several articles on stewardship.
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7. Misconceptions about Muslims and Arabs.
This presentation is designed to clarify misconceptions about Muslims and Arabs.
Islam is an inclusive religion. “We have created you out of a male and a female and
evolved into Nations and tribes so that you may come to know one another. (Quran 4
9:13). This verse Celebrates diversity and differences based on gender and ethnicity
among others to allow for greater understanding which could lead to harmony among
individuals. The media, in particular Hollywood, is not reflecting the reality. In fact,
Hollywood television and films often portray Muslim women in negative images. For
example, Women walk 10 feet behind their husband, speechless, faceless, and
oppressed. Women's rule and expectations vary from one Muslim country to the next.
Islam doesn't promote violence and terrorism. Those individuals who committed the
crimes on 9/11 used and abused the Quran to justify their actions.
We should celebrate our diversities and enjoy the similarities. Let us learn to appreciate
and respect each other in order for all of us to have a better world. We should work
harder to end the cycle of suspicion and mistrust.
Born and raised in Palestine, Nisreen Malhis came to the United States in 1979 and is a
proud Mother of four children. The wife of an orthopedic surgeon, California has been her
home since 1982 where she has always been active in the American and the Arab Muslim
community. After 9/11, she patiently pursued a mission to clarify misconceptions about
Arabs and Muslims. Also, she builds bridges between Muslims and Non-Muslims through
interfaith dialogue. Nisreen has been featured in numerous newspaper articles, radio
programs, the Arcadia Cable Station. In February 2009, Nisreen was invited to Oslo
University and the Norwegian School of Theology to speak about building bridges between
Muslims and Non Muslims in the United States. AIso, she spoke about the challenges and
the opportunities for Muslim women in the United States. As a speaker at churches, schools
and colleges, she has received many awards and honors including the Ambassador for
Peace Awards from United Nations, The Community Award from the Palestinian American
Women’s Association and Islamic Education Center Dedication and Commitment award
8. Building Bridges Between Muslims and Non-Muslims
Muslims are so fortunate to live in Southern California. This area is home to more
faiths than any other place in the world. Southern California is so diverse. We have a
multicultural society and Multicultural individuals. In the US, Muslims have about
2000 mosques. In the LA area alone, there are 73 mosques. For Muslims,
constructive dialogue is not only permitted, it is commendable. Islamic centers are
involved in interfaith dialogue on a regular basis. Interfaith programs have been
popular around the US. In Los Angeles and Orange County Muslims, Jews and
Christians have been working together for a "common ground". Large cities around
the US have been establishing interfaith youth dialogue through organizations such
as MPAC (Muslim Public Affairs Council) and developing youth program
Empowerment leadership camps. This gives the youth a rare opportunity to make
new friends from different faith backgrounds. Aside from organizing trips to mosques
and museums, I also led a discussion through interfaith programs.
Led by Nisreen Malhis. See above for Nisreen’s biography.
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9. Claiming and using your Spiritual Gifts
Participants will complete a short inventory to determine their gifts and will study Paul’s
vision about how our gifts build up the church and the world.
Nancy Brink is the Director of Church Relations at Chapman University. She has been a
pastor for 30 years and is the immediate past president of the Board of Church Extension
and is a member of the General Board.
10. Recreating Your Sunday School with the Workshop Rotation Model
If your Sunday School program seems to be a thing of the past, with declining numbers
and tired teachers, it is time to reinvent your Sunday morning program. This workshop
will introduce the Workshop Rotation Model, which teaches major Bible stories and
concepts through kid-friendly multimedia workshops including Art, Drama, Music,
Games, Media, Puppets, Storytelling, Computers and any other educational media you
can get your hands on. You will share in the journey of First Christian Church Torrance
and how we implemented and experienced this program.
Jill Foster is a member of the First Christian Church Torrance. She has chaired the
Education Committee for the past two years and worked with her committee to reformat
their Sunday morning program.
11. Which Way to Go?
Should I go this way…..or that way? Tomorrow I will face a fork in the road, and both
directions will look so very tempting. Give me an answer, Lord. Please.
Brenda Poindexter, a Minister of the Gospel, has been employed with the LA Transit
Company for over 29 years, and she serves as the Deployed Staff for African-American
Ministries in the Pacific Southwest Region. In her spare time she enjoys interior decorating
and her alone time in her garden.
12. Pray and Play
There are so many ways that we communicate with friends and family. One great way is
having fun, laughing until your sides hurt and just playing. Just look at the little ones!
They sure know how to have fun with each other. So why can’t we be like that with
God? Who says we can’t! Join me as we learn new ways to pray while we play! (It can’t
get any better than that!)
Siobhan Lopez is currently working at her home church, (Iglesia Christiana del Este de
Whittier, East Whittier Christian Church), as the Administrative Assistant, and serving along
with her husband Gabriel as Youth Pastors. She is also the Sunday school teacher for ages
5-9 and she is currently enrolled as a student at SFTS , pursuing her M.Div. She and her
husband have recently started English services after seeing the need within the younger
Hispanic Generation.
13. Service Opportunities
Work together with your Christian Sisters to sort the purses and books brought to
Convocation. This service project provided over 5000 books and 5000 purses for
donation to local charities at the recent Quadrennial celebration in North Carolina.
14. Relaxation - Need a break and a chance to rest your mind and soul? Well then, find
your way on up to your room for a nap or to the pool for a relaxing swim. This time belongs
to you. Enjoy!
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Registration Deadline: February 1, 2011
Registrar: Lura Harper, 18141 Joshua Lane, Santa Ana, CA 92705 (714)734-9784
Cancellation: Fees will be refunded until the registration deadline. Following the deadline, refunds will be made
only if a new registration accompanies the cancellation. Cancellations must be made through the
registrar.
Arrival: Friday, March 11, 1:00 p.m. Convocation Registration will be located in the hotel lobby.
Hotel registration will begin at 12:30 p.m.
Cool Kids Convocation:
Children in grades one through eight are invited to participate in the Cool Kids Convocation which
will be held at First Christian Church Orange, 1130 E. Walnut Ave., Orange, CA (714)538-9681
at the cost of $15.00 per child. Please fill out the Cool Kids Application (available in
registration packet and online) and submit with payment to address on application.
Infant Care: Can be obtained through Sitters Unlimited. Kathleane O’Leary (714)444-1400,
www.ocsitters.net. Payment must be made in cash.
Scholarships: Scholarship grants are available by application. Please fill out the Scholarship Application
(available in registration packet) and submit with convocation registration.
Registration Form - Deadline: February 1, 2011
Name:____________________________________________________Phone:_____________________________
Address: _____________________________________City: _________________State:_____ Zip Code_________
Email address__________________________Your Church:____________________________________________
Fees:
o Quadruple Occupancy $145.00 per person
o Triple Occupancy $155.00 per person
o Double Occupancy $175.00 per person
o Single Occupancy $235.00 per person
I wish to room with: (Registrations for specific roommates must be sent in the same envelope)
1._____________________________ 2. ___________________________3.________________________________
Special Needs: _____________________________________________________________________
Checks should be made payable to: Regional Christian Women’s Fellowship. Opportunity to Donate to Regional
Women’s Scholarship Fund
Amount enclosed: $ __________ (Please remit payment in full)
$ _______________________
Seminar Choices – in order of preference
Seminar # Seminar Title Seminar # Seminar Title
1: 4:
2: 5:
3: 6:
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DoubleTree Hotel Anaheim/Orange County
100 The City Drive, Orange, CA 92868
(714) 634-4500
♥ From I-5 South, take the exit for City Drive, turn right on Chapman, turn left on
Manchester. Turn left and follow the signs to the Self or Valet parking for the Hotel.
♥ From I-5 North, take the exit for Chapman Avenue and turn left, pass City Drive and make
a left on Manchester and follow the signs to the Self or Valet parking for the Hotel
♥ From 57 North or South, exit 2nd Chapman Avenue in Orange (Pass Angel Stadium), go
west on Chapman, left on Manchester. Follow the signs to the Self or Valet parking for the
Hotel.
Time to clean out your drawers and closets. Bring your unwanted books, purses, cell
phones and batteries with you to Convocation and we will donate to local charities on
your behalf. There will be an opportunity to help sort and box these items as one of your
seminar sessions.
Loose change will also be collected for Week of Compassion’s new Women’s
Empowerment Fund. We already know that successful sustainable development depends
on women. Economic and social development around the world, including in North America,
depends directly on how we support and empower women. We can make a difference!
Together, as Disciples women, we can come together to help change the status and lives of
girls and women. We can contribute to their education, training, and empowerment.
Example: Just saving 11¢ / day amounts to $40.15 a year. Now imagine if all the women in
your church saved 11¢ / day for a whole year…at FCC Orange, that would be 200 women
times 11¢ / day times one year = $8,030. That’s just one church!
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21st REGIONAL CONVOCATION
Women of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
March 11 & 12, 2011
SCHOLARSHIP POLICY
The Women of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of the Pacific Southwest
Region are happy to provide scholarships for women to attend the Regional
Convocation.
Partial scholarships are available.
Before completing the scholarship application, please read policy guidelines:
Applicants must be affiliated with a local congregation of the Christian
Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Pacific Southwest Region.
Scholarships are available for one-half of the quadruple room rate only.
(This does not mean that you have to be in a room with 4 persons)
The application form must be fully completed. An incomplete form will
delay the process and a late form may result in denial of scholarship.
Partial scholarships are designed to assist women with demonstrated
financial need.
The application form must be signed by both applicant and her pastor.
The Scholarship Committee will notify all applicants of scholarship
grant decisions.
Applications for scholarship grants must be submitted and postmarked by the date
stated on the application form. The Scholarship Committee will name and notify
scholarship recipients prior to the registration deadline.
Your local Disciples Women/Christian Women’s Fellowship and/or congregation
may provide additional assistance.
March 11 & 12, 2011 Double Tree Hotel, Santa Ana, CA
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21st REGIONAL CONVOCATION
Women of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
March 11 & 12, 2011
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
DEADLINE: Postmarked no later than February 1, 2011
(Please fill in completely)
Mail to: Jenice Carter, 17853 Santiago Blvd. Ste. 107-187, Villa Park, CA 92861
NAME:____________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address: ___________________________________________________________
City: _________________________________ Zip Code: __________________
Home Telephone:______________________________ Work Phone: _______________
Church: ______________________________________________ City: ________________
Have you previously attended a Regional Women’s Convocation? _____ Yes _____ No
Please respond to the following:
1. Briefly share about yourself and your role in the life of your congregation.
2. The scholarship will benefit me in the following ways:
Scholarships are available based on one-half of the Quad room rate of $145.00.
(Maximum scholarship amount $72.50)
I request a scholarship grant for $ ______________.
____________________________ _____________ _______________________ ______
Signature of Applicant Date Signature of Pastor Date
March 11 & 12, 2011, Double Tree, Orange, CA
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Chill out with Cool Kids!
Join us for a Cool time while moms are at the Convocation, staying
overnight at First Christian Church in Orange, 1130 E. Walnut Ave.,
Orange. For Kids in Grades 1-8. Cost is $15.00 per child.
We will have- fun, guest speakers, fun, music, fun, food, fun, games, fun, art
more fun and a walking field trip to Chapman University next to the church.
---------------------------------detach and mail Form below--------------------------
Child’s Name_________________________________________________Age__________
Address____________________________________________________________________
Special Needs (medications, allergies, etc.)___________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Favorite Color_____________________________Favorite Animal__________________
Send registration and payment to:
Cheryl Geisen, 27184 Sena Court, Valencia, CA 91354. (661)297-7726
Health Consent Form will be sent with confirmation of Cool Kids
registration. 12
Register Today!
Twentieth Regional
Convocation
Friday, March 11 & Saturday, March
12, 2011
DoubleTree Hotel, Anaheim/Orange County,
CA
Pacific Southwest Regional Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
2401 N. Lake Avenue
Altadena, CA 91001-2418
Address Correction Requested
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