The Christian Builder - First Christian Church

First Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
2000 Bundy Avenue
New Castle, IN 47362
firstchristiannewcastle.org
phone: 765.529.2403
The Christian Builder
Volume 79-Number 8
8/1/2015
General Assembly Encourages
All to Soar!
The Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ) in United States and Canada
met for its General Assembly July 18
-22 in Columbus, Ohio. General Assembly meets every two years to conduct the business of the church, worship and learn together.
Revs. Lee and Mandye Yates attended as delegates from FCC New Castle. At this Assembly, there were
learning tracks with workshops each
day to help delegates learn more
about what our Church was doing in
areas of JUSTICE, ADMINISTRATION, INNOVATIONS, FAITH
FORMATION
and
GLOBAL/
ECUMENICAL
MINISTRIES.
There were also powerful worship
services with guest speakers from other denominations including, Rev. Amy Butler from The
Riverside Church in New York City and Rev. Adam Hamilton from Church of the Resurrection
in Kansas City. Many items of business were discussed including resolutions on gun violence
in America and how we might become a more welcoming church to people with mental illness
and disorders.
Our General Minister and President, Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, encouraged all of our congregations to become “Mission First” congregations by embracing our call to go out into the mission field beginning with our own communities and reaching to the ends of the earth. You can
go to the webpage www.disciples.org to learn more about General Assembly, “Mission First,”
to view the worship services, read more about the business items and learn more about the
learning tracks offered. The next General Assembly will be in 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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THE MONTH AT A GLANCE
August 2-9-16-23-30
Sunday School/Coffee Hour, 9 am
Worship Service, 10 am
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
August 4-11-18-25
Boy Scouts, 7 pm
________________________________________________________________________
August 2, Board Mtg. after Worship
August 8, Church Reserved, Rehearsal
August 9, Church Reserved, Wedding
August 12, Second Wed. Fellowship
August 12, First Day Ren. Child
August 19, Dining To Donate
August 30, Recipe Exchange Meal
Words for Daily Worship
What a beautiful day to worship you,
God! My heart soars with
summertime praises!
Recipe Exchange Meal is Back!
Join us for a wonderful pitch-in luncheon
after Worship service on August 30th.
Bring your favorite dish,
the recipe to share and $5; you’ll get to enjoy a large array of food items.
Proceeds will help pay for supplies for the
upcoming Dan’s Fish Fry
Communion Preparation and Clean Up
Schedule
August: Jim & Tracey Bell
September: Jane Kissane
October: George and Susan Caldwell
November: Mary Beth & Jeff VanArsdol
December: Alberto Pinon
& Vanessa Phares
On Sunday, July 5th, our Young Disciples campers posed before taking off for their adventure.
The camp located at Lake Barbee was directed by
Pastor Mandye Yates. Melissa Elmore served as a
Counselor.
L to R, Front Row: Kaylin Elmore, Joslynn West,
Callie Yates, Alexis Shipley, Mandye Yates
Back Row: Melissa Elmore, Makena Elmore,
Chloe Davis, Chase Davis
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PRAYER CONCERNS
Matt Bays, Dondenia Boatman, Lori Bowles, Trish Ewing, John
Cleveland, Earle Family, Chris and Debbie Fisher, Rosie Fowler,
Kenneth Gregory Family, Cory Hawkins Family, Geoff Hoodlebrink,
Edwin Hostetter, Gene Hostetter, Richard Jackson Family, Jacquette
Family, Keith Kincaid, Adrienne Martin, Gail Norton, Brenda and
James Price, Jason and Scott Price, Bernice Polston, Chad Sager,
Dolores Seigler, Jenna Short, Lisa Smith, Jack Wallen Family, Bob
West and Family
SHUT-IN MEMBERS: Iris Alexander, Joy Baase, Dee Benson, Doris Canaday, Kathryn DeVaughn, LaVaughn Douglas,
Mary Phyllis Hayes, Marjorie Johnson, Cora McLane, Stan and
Marge Norrick, Violet Wells
The congregation of First Christian Church mourns the
loss of Deacon Emeritus, Richard Jackson, and we offer sincere sympathy to his family and friends including his wife, Sheila Jackson, son, Jay Jackson and
daughter Marsha New and family. Richard passed
away on July 7 and his funeral was held here on Saturday, July 11, 2015. Officiating were Rev. Dr. Mandye
Yates and Rev. Paul Dale Enochs.
Praying Twice
According to legend, the early Christian theologian St. Augustine of Hippo said,
“He who sings prays twice.” (The Latin wording is actually “He who sings well
prays twice,” but more on that in a moment.)
Singing, a common element of worship, is a handy way to help children pray.
My 6-year-old, who loves to sing, was surprised and delighted when I told him a
praise song he’d just learned could also be his bedtime prayer. He sings off-key,
forgets some words and doesn’t want help from Mom; he just sings his little heart
out.
But what of churchgoers who stay silent during hymns, fearful that they don’t
sing well enough? Forget the Latin translation! Long before Augustine, a psalmist
wrote, “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands!” (Psalm 100:1, KJV;
emphasis added). Why not pray twice today?
—Heidi Mann
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To All at First Christian Church,
I want to thank everyone who helped my family in
any way during the time of Richard’s illness and
passing. Many people showed their love for him
and his family in so many ways. The food that was
prepared and brought to us was delicious and those
who took the time to provide transportation every
day for me to go to the hospital gave me a very
necessary gift. I don’t have the words to say how
very much I appreciated all the things that showed
how very much you all loved Richard and me as
well. The many offers of help meant a lot and the
cards meant so much to him while he was able to read them. The phone calls and expressions of concern will never be forgotten. The prayers, beautiful flowers and visitors
were additional ways that touched me and my family. We noticed a particular thing of
interest, he was 77 years old, lived 77 days from the date of his brain cancer
(Glioblastoma Multiforme) diagnosis, and passed away on the 7th day of the 7th
month. He dearly loved his church and the love was in turn shown to him and his family. Memorial gifts continue to be accepted in the church office on Richard’s behalf.
Thank you all so very much.
May God bless you.
Sincerely, Sheila Jackson and family.
Dear Everyone at Day Camp,
The staff of the New Castle/Henry County Animal Shelter wishes to thank you for coming to visit our facilities. We enjoyed sharing with you what we do for the animals. We
would also like to thank you for the donation. These items help us provide for the animals. The staff would also like to thank you for the hard work you put into building and
painting the wonderful picnic table. This will be a great place for potential adopters to
sit while they are meeting with the dogs and getting to know them. Thanks again.
Sincerely,
The Staff of the New Castle/Henry County Animal Shelter
The Mission Team sends a big THANK YOU
to the FCC Congregation for supporting the
2015 Mission Trip!
Left to Right:
Azure Cross, Jennifer Hood, Madison Cross, Tami
Eversole, Mallory Cross
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AUGUST SERVING SCHEDULES
August 2
Greeters: Wayne and Nancy Drake
Worship Leader: Claudia Jackson
Acolytes: Brynlee Powers and Chloe Davis
CWW: Lee Yates
Elders: Don Denney (B) Claudia Jackson (C)
Deacons: Jennifer Hood, John Davidson,
Mel Igo, Scott Madden, Eliza Madden
Power Point: Tami Eversole
August 9
Greeters: John and Pam Davidson
Worship Leader: Lee Yates
Acolytes: Eli and Ezra Hood
CWW: Jeff Morgan
Elders: Buck Quigley (B) Don Denney (C)
Deacons: Jennifer Hood, John Davidson,
Mel Igo, Scott Madden, Eliza Madden
Power Point: Corbin Madden
August 16
Greeters: Buck and Connie Quigley
Worship Leader: Lee Yates
Acolytes: Callie Yates and Eliza Madden
CWW: Jeff Morgan
Elders: Marty Weaver (B) Buck Quigley (C)
Deacons: Jennifer Hood, John Davidson,
Mel Igo, Scott Madden, Eliza Madden
Power Point: Pam Davidson
August 23
Greeters: Mary Ellen Reyman and Lisa Hancock
Worship Leader: Gene Bundy
Acolytes: Issac Madden and Chase Davis
CWW: Jeff Morgan
Elders: Debby Weaver (B) Marty Weaver (Cup)
Deacons: Jennifer Hood, John Davidson,
Mel Igo, Scott Madden, Eliza Madden
Power Point: Ben Yates
August 30
Greeters: Jeremy and Jeri Dunn
Worship Leader: Amy Madden
Acolytes: Claire Davis and Kelsie Dunn
CWW: Tami Eversole
Elders: Tracey Bell (B) Debby Weaver (Cup)
Deacons: Jennifer Hood, John Davidson,
Mel Igo, Scott Madden, Eliza Madden
Power Point: Tracey Bell
ACTIVE WEAR ON SALE NOW!
By special request, we are gathering orders
for t shirts and active wear. We must have
twelve items to place an order. We have tie
dye! We have added new items including
black and white t shirts to this order. This
order will come in before the fish fry!
Form at firstchristiannewcastle.org
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Roots and Branches Visited FCC on
June 28
Our Worship service was quite lively
on Sunday, June 28, 2015 as we welcomed musical group, Roots and
Branches. The strains of familiar favorites such as “Will the Circle Be
Unbroken” and “Just a Closer Walk
With Thee” filled the sanctuary as
attendees clapped and toe-tapped
along.
Long time members were especially
happy to see a former minister of
FCC, David Livingston. David plays
bass with the group.
Members of the band are:
(Left to Right Below)
Max Hunt-Dobro
Gary Hunt-Trumpet
David Livingston-Bass
Maynard Powell-Guitar
Marty Weaver-Accordion, Piano, Organ
Thank you Roots and Branches!
Second Annual Rummage Sale
Raises $2092.24
The weather ran the gamut from
rainy to blazing hot and steamy but
our second annual rummage sale
was still deemed a success by all
those involved.
Held on Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18, the event also featured
a bake sale chaired by Joan Paul.
Items donated to the rummage sale
included furniture, bicycles, baskets,
clothing and lots of holiday décor.
The bake sale included brownies,
cupcakes, cakes, cookies and pies.
All bake sale items were snapped up
quickly by hungry attendees.
Liz Whitmer and Sherry Denney
would like to say a big thank you to
everyone that helped. It would not
have been possible without all of our
FCC vounteers that worked so hard
in the heat and stuck it out until the
end. What a blessing it is to work together for a common cause!
The proceeds were deposited into
the Faith Fund. This is a line in our
budget created to bridge the gap between expected income and expenses.
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up;
do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the
wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:19 NIV
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In our sanctuary pew racks you will find a card printed with the Disciples
of Christ Identity Statement and Principles. There are twelve principles
listed. During 2015, each month’s Christian Builder will feature a principle
for us to study. Rev. Dr. Mandye Yates has written the article below to
help us understand the eighth principle. More information and the complete identity statement can be found at www.disciples.org.
We witness to the Gospel of God’s saving LOVE for the world in Jesus
Christ, while continuing to struggle with how God’s love may be known to
others in different ways.
As Christians, we believe that the love of God reflected in Jesus Christ has the power to
change lives. We also believe this love of God is so powerful it could even change the
world. So, we spend a lot of time talking, preaching and teaching about that love. Still, we
acknowledge that we are not the only Christians, and that there are many other expressions
and understandings of this faith and love of God. We also know that there are many other
religions of the world that teach some of the same things that Christianity teaches (i.e. love
of neighbor, peace, justice, kindness, humility). We strive to maintain a delicate balance
between living and teaching our Christian principles while respecting the teachings of other
religions that teach some of the same principles too. We know that God is bigger than anything we can possibly imagine. We believe that God is a mystery, and that God works in
mysterious ways. So, while we admit we cannot understand every aspect of God’s love, and
how it might be lived, taught and practiced by others. We acknowledge that the love of God
reflected in Jesus Christ transforms us, nurtures us and saves us, which is worthy of our
thanks, praise and service.
Grateful Kids
Adults aren’t the only ones who benefit
from counting their blessings. Research
shows that thankful kids get better
grades, experience less depression and
jealousy, and maintain a more positive
outlook on life.
Experts emphasize that parents must
model gratitude, especially in today’s
consumer-driven culture. But professor
Robert Emmons notes that being thankful usually comes pretty easily for children. “Kids have a natural affinity to
gratitude,” he says. “They often teach
parents as much or more about gratitude
than the other way around.”
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Get Ready for Our
SECOND ANNUAL
DAN’S
Holy Moly by Sparkhouse Chosen as New
Curriculum for K-4th Grade Sunday School Class
Beginning in September, Holy Moly by Sparkhouse
will be used to teach our lower elementary grade children. Lee Yates surveyed current Sunday School
teachers for input and each one agreed that Holy Moly was a wise choice. Each Holy Moly lesson follows
a four-part sequence: Discover, Relate, Connect, and
Create. Each week, kids watch an animated Bible
story video, talk about the story, read their Bible Storybook or Bible, and try a creative leaflet activity. If
you’re a parent of a K-4th grader, be sure to ask them
how they like their new curriculum.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
4:30 PM UNTIL 7:30 PM
Co-Chairs Gene and Julie Bundy remind us that it’s
almost time for our fall Dan’s Fish Fry fundraiser.
Last year’s event was a big hit with our congregation
and in the New Castle community. Since we are now
fish fry veterans, our goal for 2015 is to grow the
event!
2014’s fish fry raised $1624 for the Faith Fund and the
Bundy’s have set the goal at $2500 for 2015. Wouldn’t
it be great if we surpassed that amount?
Tickets will be on sale Sunday, August 9. We’re
counting on you to sell tickets. It’s an easy sale as
Dan’s Fish Fry has a following. Adults are $9 in advance, $10 at the door. Kids 6-12 are $5, Ages 5 and
under are free. Ages 13 and up are considered adults.
It takes 40 plus volunteers to make the event work.
Gene and Julie will be in the Narthex on Sunday, August 9 to sign you up.
Dessert donations are needed. Fabulous desserts sell
tickets so let’s step up and become known in New Castle for our fish fry desserts.
Thank you in advance for your help!
Julie Bundy Volunteers to Catalog Historical
Collection for our Congregation
Julie has been working hard this summer to gather and organize all the historical items that were
stored in various closets and cabinets around our
building. Plans are to place everything in one
permanent spot so interested parties can view the
items upon request. This will also ensure that
items are easily located for any future commemorative events. Thank you, Julie!
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Where Is This Plaque
Located?
If you know, write down your
answer along with your name
and drop it in the collection
jar in the Narthex.
All correct answers will be
placed in a random drawing
for a prize. Drop your answer
in the jar on or before August
16.
Our Memorial Windows
Our stained glass windows play an integral part in the beauty of
our sanctuary. First-time visitors and regular attendees alike
comment on their loveliness. A man by the name of Franklin
George compiled and wrote a booklet that you may have seen in
our building-this little purple booklet is called “Our Memorial
Windows.” The booklet contains a wealth of information about
the windows and even includes a description and explanation of
the meaning of the north, south and rose windows.
In this and future issues of The Christian Builder we will include excerpts from Mr. George’s booklet. We hope this information will help you enjoy our windows even more.
“Symbols are both devotional and educational. They serve to
remind us of the Christian faith; they create an atmosphere of
worship; they provide food for thought. Symbols can be starting
points and object lessons in introducing the great themes of our
religion.
In the creation of these windows in our sanctuary, it has been
our fondest hope and desire that through the reflection therein of
the most honored and respected episodes of the life of Christ
that the observer will realize a spiritual enlightenment of lasting
benefit.
The colors in the beautifully stained mouth-blown antique art
glass windows, much of which is antique glass from various
countries in Europe, have special meaning in our Christian religion, Some are as follows:
White-purity and innocence
Gold-glory of God
Blue-authority of God, taken from the over-arching blue of the
sky.
Green-humility and spiritual growth
Red-sacrifice, the love of the Redeemer for the church
Violet or Purple-penitence
The shading and feeling of the texture of the glass is accomplished by the variations in the thickness thereof. The red and
ruby stained glass contain gold to affect these
colors, while different chemicals are added to
produce the various other colors in these windows. The words “antique glass,” as used herein,
do not denote the age of the glass, but the method used in staining or dyeing same.
These windows are not intended to be mere decoration. Not only are they there to provide an
atmosphere of reverence and worship in our
great church, but beyond this, their purpose is to
teach by the visual method and to lead the mind
of the worshipper away from the things of the
world to those of the spirit, and perpetually and
silently teach the gospel and tell the story of
God’s great love.”
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DONATION & SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
August Food Item Collection
Each month during 2015 we have collected
specific items for the Christian Love Center
food pantry.
LAST CHANCE TO PURCHASE A FCC
CHURCH COOKBOOK!
There are a limited number of church cookbooks left and we’re selling them for only
$5! These make great Christmas stocking
stuffers and an added bonus is the proceeds
are deposited into FCC’s Funeral Dinner
Fund. This designated fund allows us to
serve families in their time of need. The
cookbooks are on the table in the library.
Please consider purchasing a cookbook today.
Dining to Donate will be held on August
19, New Castle Applebee’s Location
The effort to fulfill our Faith Fund budget
line continues on Wednesday, August 19 as
we participate in the Dining to Donate program at Applebee’s.
Applebee’s will donate 15% of your check to
FCC when you present a flyer to your server.
The flyer is printed here (to the right) and
copies are also available on the church bulletin boards, in the Narthex, in Sunday Bulletins and on our website:
firstchristiannewcastle.org
FCC Members Donated Items to the New
Castle Back to School Festival held on
Monday, July 27.
Liz Whitmer volunteered to take our items to
the proper people at the Christian Love Center for distribution to the children. Thank
you, Liz and thank you to all that donated!
In August we will be
collecting:
Meals in a Can.
This includes stew,
chili, and soup. Drop
your donation in the
box located in the
Narthex.
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You Can Use Your Credit or Debit Card at FCC
FCC now offers the convenience of contributing via debit or credit card.
Have you ever wanted to make a donation but you had forgotten your
check book? Really wanted to order a tie dyed FCC t shirt but had no
cash?
Now these woes are a thing of the past as our church office has the ability
to swipe your credit or debit card any day of the week!
It’s Easy to Keep Up With Our Faith Community!
Follow FCC on Facebook: First Christian Church (DOC) New Castle, IN
Twitter: @fccnewcastle
Instagram: fccnewcastle
Our website, firstchristiannewcastle.org is also a great place to
download forms and view the church calendar.
First Christian Church
2000 Bundy Avenue
New Castle, IN 47362