As many of you shared at the beginning of the... weekend, God has begun many “good things” in us—since

ISSUE No. 11
November 2014
VOL XIX
Philippians 1:6 (NRSV) I am sure that he who began a
good work in you will bring it to completion at the day
of Jesus Christ.
As many of you shared at the beginning of the sermon last
weekend, God has begun many “good things” in us—since
1941 when First Christian Church was first founded. Some of those
“good things” are completed, and many of them are still in progress.
Jim’s Gems
God’s Groceries
Upcoming Events
Special Services
Financial Report
First Christian Academy
November Calendar
Updates
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Prayer List
It is important that we notice in the Scripture above that it is God
who is the subject of the sentence. It is God (not us) who “began a
good work”, and it is God (not us) who will “bring it to completion.” It’s
also important to note that it is God’s timing (not ours) that determines
when everything will be brought to completion (at the day of Jesus
Christ).
That doesn’t mean we sit idly by and wait for God to do God’s
“good work”. The challenge for us is to discern what God’s part is and
what our part is in the “good work” God has begun in us. A significant
part of God’s work is already done. God’s part includes equipping and
preparing us for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:12) so that we can
become partners with Christ (Philippians 1:5) in the fulfillment of
God’s plan for the ages (Ephesians 1:9-10).
Perhaps you recognize some of these words and scriptural
references from my closing series of sermons on unity. Since unity is
a priority—it is the Secret of God’s Will—it follows that a very
important part of our work is to manifest (demonstrate, reveal,
express) the unity of Christ’s Body that is the Will of God. God will not
work with disunity; and God has provided everything we need to live
and work in unity.
Once again, the guidelines for understanding and living in unity
include (but are not limited to) the “Seven Biblical Principles of Unity”
that focused my closing series of sermons:
Principle 1: The Priority of Unity ~ It is the Secret of God’s Will
(Ephesians 1:9-10)
Principle 2: The Tools of Unity: Words that Build Up and Give Grace
(Ephesians 4:29)
Principle 3: The Foundation of Unity: Love (I Corinthians 13:4-7)
Jim’s Gems (cont.)
Principle 4: The Model of Unity: The Mind of
Christ ~ Humility (Philippians 2:3-5)
Principle 5: The Strategy of Unity: A Ministry
Partnership (I Corinthians 1:8-9)
Principle 6: The Purpose of Unity: God Can
Finish What God Has Begun (Philippians
1:6)
God’s Groceries Update
Principle 7: The Blessedness of Unity (Psalm
133:1)
In the month of September 2014, we
served:
The church that lives out these seven
principles will be a church in which God will
begin and complete “good works” on a regular
basis. My prayer for you is that you will
choose to be that church.
(Still) Together in the Walk,
Pastor Jim
178 Households
259 Adults
90 Seniors
238 Children
CHRISTMAS SEASON
The Christmas Season will soon be upon us.
This is a time for renewal of the spirit.
We hope to see everyone at these special worship services
and fellowship opportunities.
Nov 29: 9:00 am Advent Decorating in the Sanctuary
- please come and help
Nov 29/30: Hanging of the Greens-First Sunday of Advent HOPE
Dec 6: 9:00 am Advent Decorating in the Sanctuary
Dec 6/7: 2nd Sunday of Advent PEACE
Dec 14: 7:00 pm Christmas Concert
Fellowship get together after concert in the Fellowship Hall
Dec 13/14: 3rd Sunday of Advent JOY
Dec 20/21: 4th Sunday of Advent LOVE
Dec 24: 7:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Dec 31: 5:30 New Year’s Eve Service
Potluck Meal after service in Room 3
Miracle League is in full swing with 12
teams and 185 total players registered.
Spruce up day for the office and sanctuary—we will need to
shampoo rugs, vacuum pews, repair carpet, clean windows etc.
Everyone is invited to join us: 8:00 am to 10:00 am
Opening Day included a visit by UNLV’s
mascot Hey Reb and a Michael Jackson
tribute entertainer. Face painting, a
balloon artist, Las Vegas showroom
performers singing the national anthem,
and free raffles after each game have
added to the fun of playing ML baseball.
Other special events include Crazy
Socks Day and FCC Trunk or Treat.
All players have been photographed for
individual baseball cards and have also
taken team pictures. The world famous
ML Chicken Dance is widely popular as
is the playground located
outside center field.
You’re invited to witness
the determination and
feel the love of Miracle
League baseball.
NOVEMBER 2014
1st
Boulder City Train Ride
The Fall season
concludes November 22.
(Lunch at Railroad Pass after ride)
7th
Movie
1:00 pm
Room 2
12th
Koffee Klatch 10:00 am
Fellowship Hall
20th
Game Night 6:30 pm
Room 7
ALL SAINT’S DAY
NOVEMBER 1st and 2nd
All Saint’s Day honors our family
and friends who have passed
away during the year. We will be
having a special candle tribute
during the Worship Services,
November 1st and 2nd.
Sunday, November 23rd 5:00 pm—8:00 pm
The fellowship committee will provide:
Turkey
Mashed Potatoes
Dressing
Gravy
Dessert
Please bring your favorite Thanksgiving dish to share!
Help with set up and clean up will be greatly appreciated
Kathy & Karen Takos
Fellowship co-chairs
CWF NEWS
All women are invited to attend the CWF Meeting on
Thursday, November 6th at 7:00 pm in Room 7.
There is NO morning meeting in November.
Thanks to all those who helped at the Annual Craft
Fair and in the CWF Booth and to all those who
bought goodies.
Be sure to mark your calendar for our annual
Christmas Pot Luck/Meeting on Thursday December
4th at 6:30 pm in Room 7—bring a dish to share and
a wrapped Christmas Ornament to exchange.
For more information, see Ann Phillips or Jackie
Reeley
Member’s names will be read and
family members or an Elder will
come forward and light a candle to
honor them. After the names have
been read, congregants will be
asked to come forward and light a
candle to honor their other family
and friends.
VETERANS DAY
November 8th and 9th
CALLING ALL VETERANS
During Worship Services on November
8th and 9th we will be celebrating
Veterans Day.
To help in this celebration, we would like
you to bring a framed (8” by 10” or
smaller) picture of yourself in uniform
that will be displayed on a table in the
Narthex.
With your picture, we need your name,
service dates and where you served.
Bring either a place card with the
information so we may place it in front of
your picture or attach the information to
the front of your picture.
We ask that you bring your picture and
information together in a plastic bag so
they do not get separated. Pictures will
be collected the weekends of October
25th and 26th and November 1st and 2nd.
There is a red box in the Narthex for you
to place your items.
You may also bring them to the church
office from October 20-November 7th.
Finances and Attendance Report from Office Manager Amy Cozzens
Operating:
Capital Fund:
September 2014 End of Month Finances
Income
Expense
End of month
Total
$33,167.42
$47,325.29
$(-14,157.87)
$ 4.490.00
$ 4,490.00
$
0.00
Due to how the month is closed out, and when articles are due, the information given will be always
be a month behind the current published newsletter. March’s newsletter will have January’s close out,
April will have February’s close out.
Worship:
Visitors:
September 2014 Average Weekly Attendances
Average
Adult
200
Sunday School
31
4
Youth
17
Worship/Visitors attendance totals include Saturday praise service and both Sunday services.
Due to the newsletter being prepared a week before the end of the month and published at the
beginning of the next month, the information given will be always be a month behind.
2014 3rd Quarter giving statements are now available.
Please call the Office on 702-384-1544 and we will email or print one for you!
First Christian Academy
In October the children got to
go to Gilcrease Orchard and
pick their own pumpkins.
Fire Safety Week started on
October 6th and the children
learned what to
do in the event
of a fire, practiced fire drills
and learned to
Stop, Drop and
Roll
Dear First Christian Church
Members,
On behalf of Group Cares
Organization, I would like to thank you for
your contribution of $2,792.50 to Operation
Kid to Kid. Thank you for partnering with us,
your donations will not only help children stay
healthy, but will allow team members to share
the life changing message of God’s love with
people who desperately need it. On behalf of
the staff here, and the thousands of people
we serve, we are very appreciative of your
donations!
Tim Gilmour
President, Group Cares Organization
25
9:30a Pastor’s Bible Study
(Rm 7)
4:30p Yoga Class (Rm 3/10)
26
27
4:30p Yoga Class (Rm 3/10)
5:30p Handbell Practice
(Rm 1)
7:00p Choir Practice,
(Sanctuary)
20
9:30a God’s Groceries
Workday (Rm 1)
9:30a Brooks Bible Study
(Brooks Home)
5:3:00p God’s Groceries
Distribution (Rm1)
6:30p Etnire Bible Study
(Etnire Home)
6:30p Saints Alive! Game
Night (Rm 7)
28
4:30p Yoga Class
(Rm 3/10)
21
9:00a God’s Groceries
Distribution (Rm 1)
4:30p Yoga Class
(Rm 3/10)
29
5:00p Praise Service
(Sanctuary)
22
5:00p Praise Service
(Sanctuary)
15
5:00p Praise Service
(Sanctuary)
24
1:00p Through The Fire
(Rm 6)
6:30p Corbett Bible
Study (Corbett Home)
7:00p Morris Bible
Study (Morris Home)
19
4:30p Yoga Class (Rm 3/10)
5:30p Handbell Practice
(Rm 1)
7:00p Choir Practice,
(Sanctuary)
14
9:00a God’s Groceries
Distribution (Rm 1)
4:30p Yoga Class
(Rm 3/10)
7
1:00p Saints Alive! Movie
(Rm2)
4:30p Yoga Class
(Rm 3/10)
23
8:15a 1st Worship Service
(Sanctuary)
9:00a Holy Grounds Coffee
Shop (Rm 1)
9:30a Sunday School for all
ages
10:45a 2nd Worship Service
(Sanctuary)
5:00p Fellowship Dinner (FH)
18
9:30a Pastor’s Bible Study
(Rm 7)
11:00a Needles N More
(Rm 7)
4:30p Yoga Class (Rm 3/10)
6:00p Executive Committee
Meeting (Rm 11)
7:00p Congregational Board
Meeting (Rm2)
13
9:00a God’s Groceries
Preparation (Rm 1)
9:30a Brooks Bible Study
(Brooks Home)
6:00p Worship Committee Meeting (Rm2)
6:30p Etnire Bible Study
(Etnire Home)
6
9:30a Brooks Bible Study
(Brooks Home)
6:30p Etnire Bible Study
(Etnire Home)
7:00p CWF Meeting
(Rm7)
17
1:00p Through The Fire
(Rm 6)
6:30p Corbett Bible
Study (Corbett Home)
7:00p Morris Bible
Study (Morris Home)
12
10:00a Saints Alive! Koffee
Klatch (FH)
4:30p Yoga Class (Rm 3/10)
5:30p Handbell Practice
(Rm 1)
7:00p Choir Practice,
(Sanctuary)
5
4:30p Yoga Class (Rm 3/10)
5:30p Handbell Practice
(Rm 1)
7:00p Choir Practice,
(Sanctuary)
16
8:15a 1st Worship Service
(Sanctuary)
9:00a Holy Grounds Coffee
Shop (Rm 1)
9:30a Sunday School for all
ages
10:45a 2nd Worship Service
(Sanctuary)
12:15P Elders Meeting
(Rm 2)
1:30p Youth Group (Rm 6)
11
9:30a Pastor’s Bible Study
(Rm 7)
10:40a CWF Meeting (Rm 7)
4:30p Yoga Class (Rm 3/10)
4
9:30a Pastor’s Bible Study
(Rm 7)
11:00a Needles N More
(Rm 7)
4:30p Yoga Class (Rm 3/10)
10
1:00p Through The Fire
(Rm 6)
7:00p Morris Bible
Study
(Morris Home)
SATURDAY
9
8:15a 1st Worship Service
(Sanctuary)
9:00a Holy Grounds Coffee
Shop (Rm 1)
9:30a Sunday School for all
ages
10:45a 2nd Worship Service
(Sanctuary)
FRIDAY
8
7:30a DMF Breakfast
(Rm 3/10)
5:00p Praise Service
(Sanctuary)
THURSDAY
3
1:00p Through The Fire
(Rm 6)
6:30p Corbett Bible
Study (Corbett Home)
7:00p Morris Bible
Study (Morris Home)
WEDNESDAY
2
8:15a 1st Worship Service
(Sanctuary)
9:00a Holy Grounds Coffee
Shop (Rm 1)
9:30a Sunday School for all
ages
10:45a 2nd Worship Service
(Sanctuary)
1:30p Youth Group (Rm 6)
TUESDAY
1
5:00p Praise Service
(Sanctuary)
MONDAY
30
8:15a 1st Worship Service
(Sanctuary)
9:00a Holy Grounds Coffee
Shop (Rm 1)
9:30a Sunday School for all
ages
10:45a 2nd Worship Service
(Sanctuary)
SUNDAY
Technology Update:
During the month of October we were
able to catch up on quite a few
smaller projects and resolved quite a
few issues in the office. Our anti-virus subscription
expired in September so we implemented a new
anti-virus solution for the server and the office PCs.
A new electronic time clock has been purchased for
the office and we are working on installing it. We
have also been working with an outside attorney to
create a Records Retention Policy and Records
Retention Schedule. Having these documents will
help us determine what records we should be
keeping – and for how long – and what records we
can go ahead and (securely) destroy. We have
also finalized updated instructions for the webcast
so that folks unfamiliar with the process can easily
pick it up.
CHRISTMAS FAMILIES
UPDATE
The Deadline for Christmas
Families forms is very close now.
Hurry and get them in
We need them by
Sunday, NOVEMBER 2nd
You can drop them off at the
Church Office, fax them to
702-384-0250 or scan and
email them to
[email protected]
As a reminder, we’re still looking for volunteers
to help us out on the webcast! If you are
interested in volunteering to provide webcast
support, please contact the Technology
Committee Chair, Robin Heck, via email at
[email protected] or by phone at 702.713.3268.
A Thanksgiving Prayer
We thank you, Lord for all you give;
The food we eat, the lives we live.
And to our loved ones far away,
Please send your blessings, Lord we pray.
And help us all to live our days
With thankful hearts and loving ways.
Amen
Moderator Moments
Michael Breen
11/01
Andrew Collins
11/02
Judith Dudek
11/02
Katie Metzger
11/02
Mila Tornero
11/02
Tony York
11/05
Terry Cordell
11/06
Lauran Decker
11/06
David Smith
11/07
Joe Dail
11/08
Alice Cruzan
11/09
Eunice Clarke
11/10
Carl Bacelo
11/13
Maxine Cost
11/14
Phyllis Hart
11/14
Anna Clark
11/16
David Jarman
11/19
Valerie Melland
11/20
Timothy Connors
11/22
Austin Daigle
11/22
 Prayers for Health, Healing & Recovery
Members
Jim Hulsey
Donna Woodward Bierig
Sandy Mott
Fran Wallace
Darrell Driessens
Harriet Slavik
Ivan Holdaway
Cathy Hulsey
Family & Friends
Dorothy Duke
Thomas Lounge (Uncle of Miracle League player
Brian Lounge)
Dave Heaviland (Ruth Etnire’s brother)
Valarie Ryan (The Chilton’s daughter)
June Thomason (Harriett Buntrock’s classmate)
 Prayers for Grief & Loss
Dean Prezioso & Family (Loss of his Mother, Rose)
Jack Chapman & Family (Loss of his wife
Rosemarie)(Harriett Buntrock’s friends)
Lois Hardin and the Starlin family (Loss of Hellen
Starlin)
Cassie Slavik-Perron 11/22
Logan Smith
11/23
Carol Grife
11/24
Vince McMenamy
11/24
Steve Garrett
11/25
Kenneth Prater
11/26
Marcus Dwyer
11/29
 Prayers for Continuing Concerns
Members, Family & Friends
Diane Hassell
Chris Connors
Tim Connors
Jesse John (grandson of Marion Di Mario)
Batrice Warrenberg
 Prayers for Expectant/New Parents
Robert & Lisa Corbett
Joe & Angie Dail (Foster to Adopt)
Keith & Tina Foster
11/11 25 yrs
James & Linda Marynow
11/11 25 yrs
Chuck & Nancy Gorton
11/22 45 yrs
Pat & Robin Thomas
11/26 34 yrs
Daryl & Marcia Skelton
11/28 33 yrs
 Prayers for Homebound Members
Mary Lou Cloud
Jean Powell
Thelma Sullivan
First Christian Church
PLACE
STAMP
HERE
(Disciples of Christ)
101 South Rancho Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89106
November 2014
Worship Schedule
5:00 pm Saturday Night Praise Service*
8:15 am Sunday Worship Service*
10:45 am- Sunday Worship Service*
9:30 am – Sunday School for all ages*
*Nursery Provided
Office Hours
Monday – Thursday 8am – 4pm
Friday 8am – 12pm
P: 702-384-1544
F: 702-384-0250
www.fcclv.com
STAFF
Steve Willis, Senior Pastor
[email protected]
Amy Cozzens, Office Manager
[email protected]
Gaynor Young, Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
Director of Music Ministry
Timothy Cooper
Director, Chalice Ringers
Directors, The Young Bell Choir
Steve Smith
Director, Chalice Chimes
Steve Smith
Directors, Praise Team
Steve Smith & Jessica Herron
Director, “God’s Young Voices”
Kelly Martinez
Wedding Coordinator
Cassie Perron
Custodian
Michael Leadingham
First Christian Academy
Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Lucia Washington, School Director
[email protected]
Academy Staff
Renisha McCray
Tina Brown
Darcie Reynolds
Anna Perez
Megan Hannsz
Ashley Davis
Nursery Attendants
Carol Richards
Anna Perez
Daisy Ambriz