August 2016 Newsletter - First Christian Church

Our Mission
Our Vision
To be and to share the Good News of Jesus Christ,
To be a faithful, growing church that demonstrates true
witnessing, loving and serving from our doorsteps
community, deep Christian spirituality and a passion
“to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
for justice. (Micah 6:8)
Where has the time gone? We’ve just recently returned
from our beach vacation and I know that my wife is
already thinking about the snow. Well she’ll have to wait
a little bit longer before we see the white fluffy stuff I pray.
The suntan is still in full glow for a few more days but it is
evident that we are drawing to the end of summer 2016.
I hope your summer has afforded you opportunity to be
with your families and friends. I do hope that
relationships were rekindled and brand new relationships
were made. Summer time is the best time, many would say.
I do like the longer days, but I have grown to love the four
season country that we live in.
The school bus just stopped in front of my house. Yes, it’s
7:15AM and the neighborhood kids are back in school.
That means Graham – Beaver / Beaver – Graham football
is about to fire up! There’s another reunion of sorts in the
making. Thousands of people will pack into Mitchell
Stadium one more time to see their favorite team try to be
the victor in this rivaled tradition.
Now, this is where I shift gears and put on my Pastors hat,
but before I do I have to be honest with you about
something. Things are changing in my world. Oh, I still
love a good football game and a nice long vacation, but
not as much as I used to. It seems that the further I go and
grow in my relationship with my Elder Brother Jesus, the
more I long to see others win the true victory that is in
Jesus. I want to see God’s people longing for relationship
with Him.
Oh I love to see the Body of Christ out for worship on
Sunday morning. I love to see as many as are willing and
able to plug into the myriad of ministry opportunities that
are available to us. It’s a blessing to see the Body of
Christ active and about. Moving and making way in a
world that so needs to see the Body of Christ connected
and cohesive in their ministry endeavors for the cause of
Jesus.
But, are you growing in your faith? Are you drawing
closer to your Heavenly Father? Are you the same person
that you’ve been for the last 10 years or are you seeing
spiritual growth in your personal life? Who is mentoring
you? Who are you mentoring? What’s the last good book
that you have read that has helped you grow? What’s the
last spiritual conversation that you’ve had that has really
tugged at your heart? When was the last time you spent
more time hanging out with God than you did hanging out
with Face Book?
Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s ok to know and document
your gas mileage from your vacation trip. I even think it’s
good to know how much money your vacation cost you
from beginning to end. I think it’s ok to know how many
yards your favorite team had your senior year of high
school and what the final score of the Big Game was last
year. But when was the last time you visited or called a
shut in? When was the last time you checked on someone
who hasn’t been at church for some time? When was the
last time you engaged in conversation with someone to
share your faith story? When was the last time you prayed
for a total stranger? When was the last time you took
quality time to just hang out with your heavenly Father?
I said it Sunday Church. It’s time we the redeemed of Jesus
Christ come out of hiding and be seen living out our faith
in the world where we are planted. Join us at 9 or 11 on
Sunday. Go to the Lake service on the 28th. Be a part of the
125th Celebration. Learning opportunities on Tuesday,
Thursday nights. Serving opportunities 24/7.
Let’s come out of hiding together by seeking first Christ
and His righteousness.
The Lord bless and make manifest His presence in you
today. You are a gift from God, fearfully and wonderfully
made in His image.
Shalom Y’all!!
P-Doug
Prayer Requests
SHUT INS
Doris Wiley
June Turner
Ruth Shields
Margaret Goodwin
ONGOING HEALTH
Logan Hawks
Evelyn Wickham
Eunice Cooper
Glenn Kersey
Matt Selbee
Lois Gibson
Marie Boerboom
Shannon Neal
HEALTH
CONCERNS
C.D. Hale
Jane Elliott
Mrs. J.W. Newton
Sue Goble
Eula
Angie Harris
Zack Carter
Melissa Stacy
Neoma Reed
Dennis Neal
CANCER
CONCERNS
Bill Stevens
Jim Russell
JD Turner
Brenda Kidd
Wanda Pennington
Brian Chumbly
Louise McVey
Nancy Tabor
Carol Stafford
Joyce Farmer
Analyn Lilly
Bernard Atwood
George Smith
Lori Yost Moss
Shirley Harless
Amy Louthan
Sharon Gibson
Karen Hoops Simon
Bill Neal
Gail Rexrode
Angela Robinette
Hylah Lohr
Zack Williams
Kristin Caudilll
Donald Elliott
Rebecca Dunford
Lori Johnston
Cheri Strong Lyons
Jeep Grim
Betty Gibberson
Patricia Miller
Wilma Cox
BEREAVEMENT
The Family of Jean Hale
The Family of Diane Rice
The Family of Elizabeth Cumby
The Family of Randy Dobbins
PRAYING FOR OTHERS
(NON-HEALTH RELATED
UPLIFTING PRAYERS )
Randy & Jan Bailey
BCC Congregation
FCC Congregation
Retha Smith & Family
Our Pastor & his family
Our Country
People effected by the flooding
Noah Toney
Bryce Allen
Florence & Sarah Neal
Tim & April Scott & Children
UNSPECIFIED REQUEST
Kevin & Joanne Fuzia
Church Humor
Reason To Keep Quiet In Church
A mother was giving instructions to her three children as
she sent them into Sunday school, “And why is it
necessary to be quiet in church?” Her son quickly
responded, “Because people are sleeping!”
We resume our study of the epistles of Paul with
Philippians beginning on Tuesday evening @ 7 pm on September 6
in the Parlor. Paul had grown to love the congregants at the church
at Philippi due in large measure because when Paul was soliciting
assistance for the Jerusalem Church during the famine the
Philippian Church was the only contributor. Paul never forgot the
generosity and faithfulness of that Church.
If you are inclined to come to our study, be sure to read the
entire epistle and also read the background in one of the many
study Bibles to understand the approximate date of the letter and
where Paul was when he wrote it.
We have concentrated upon the teaching of Paul about how
we are blessed by the great gift of grace received through Jesus
from our Father. He struggled to put in simple words what God’s
plan was for the Gentiles and how that came to fruition through the
life and ministry of Jesus and the martyrs of the early church. We
struggle to understand and appreciate what Paul was teaching
because we do not fully understand and appreciate the culture at
that time and the parables that Jesus used to teach but also which
confuse us. Paul now is teaching us in Philippians how we are to
respond as children of the Father and heirs of the Kingdom. As he
has frequently said, we are to live as if we are worthy of those gifts,
especially Jesus Christ. Please make plans to join us as we
continue our study of the most beautiful book ever written!
Why Doesn’t God Answer?
The preacher's 5 year-old daughter noticed that her
preacher father always paused and bowed his head for a
moment before starting his sermon. One day she asked
him why. "Well, Honey," he began, proud that his
daughter was so observant of his messages, "I'm asking
the Lord to help me to preach a good sermon." "Well
then, how come He doesn't do it?" she asked
More Fun Yelling
After a church service on Sunday Morning, a young boy
suddenly announced to his mother, "Mom, I've decided to
become a minister when I grow up." "Well," said the
little boy, "I have to go to church on Sunday anyway, and
I figure it will be more fun to stand up and yell than to sit
and listen."
Jokes Retrieved from
http://www.gospelweb.net/HumorWorks/religiousandchu
rchjokes.htm
We hope to see you there.
May God Be Glorified
In Christ, the Son of the Living God,
Roger Mullins (c) 08/10/16 rwmullins
To order sanctuary flowers please call
Martha Royall at 304-327-8444
Music News
Chalice Columbarium and Memorial Garden
At First Christian Church
Upcoming Concert:
To Be Announced as they come.
August 28, 2016
We will be having church at Claytor Lake.
The time we are leaving the church is
currently: TBA.
After the service there will be a picnic at the
lake. Please remember if you have hot or
cold items for the picnic to make proper
arrangements to keep them at temperature.
If you do not wish to attend the service at the
Lake, no worries. We will have a combined
BCC & FCC service at First Christian
Church at 10:00AM with
Jeff Stiltner at the pulpit.
The High School Youth just returned from
their summer retreat to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. We
would like to thank everyone that made this possible.
It was both a time of fun and spiritual renewal.
Although all the high schooler’s who went were girls,
there were walls that were broken down and everyone
was at ease with each other and cliques were
nonexistent. One of the highlights of the trip was
Dixie Stampede. (photo below)
The next thing on the agenda is to start back
W.O.W. Wednesday’s the 2nd and 4th Wednesday’s
of each month starting in September at 5:30PM in
Bethany Hall. The September dates for W.O.W are
September 14 & 28.
Thank You again for all that you do and
continue to do for the Youth you all are truly amazing
and We are blessed to work with such a supportive
congregation. God Bless You all, Sarah Neal
COLUMBARIUM SALE
$1250.00 July, through September 2016
The Chalice Columbarium and Memorial Garden is designed
to provide an appropriate place on church property for
interment or scattering of ashes following cremation and to
memorialize those interred at this location. It affords an
opportunity for those who intend to be cremated to have their
ashes interred at the church where they have worshipped and
served.
All church members at First Christian Church and Bluefield
Community Church, and their families, are eligible for
niches and any others with valid ties to the church or with
approval of the columbarium committee.
Each niche of the columbarium will accommodate 2 boxes of
cremains. The cost for a niche is $1250.00, reduced from
$1500.00, in July, August, and September of 2016. The cost
includes the engraved inscription.
The church provides perpetual care for this area and it is
secured.
If you have interest in a niche or have questions about it
please contact the church office for an information packet.
July
2016
Just as a reminder, with vacation time underway
and folks being away, please keep up your gifts to
God’s ministry. We give thanks to God for God’s
provision of gifts and savings to help balance out
the cash flow. If we remain faithful in our “little,”
God will remain faithful for our “much.” I am
grateful for your faithfulness to God’s work in
this place.
As a reminder, please continue to check for
LIGHTS, RUNNING TOILETS, A/C OR
HEAT, etc. following all meetings at the
church. Don’t assume someone else will lock
up or turn off. This really helps to hold down
utility costs. Also, if you become aware of
maintenance issues with the property, please bring
it to the attention of the Property Ministry Team
(Co-chairmen, George Birkelbach and Scott
Collier) or the church office. Delayed repairs can
be more expensive than when they are caught
early.
Our Church is truly blessed!
Ronnie Hypes, Treasurer
Bluefield, West Virginia
First Christian Church
Financial Information for July 2016
Treasurer’s Report
Below is the financial report for July 2016. God
is good! Praise God for His faithfulness to His
church! Praise God for each of you and your
faithfulness to the ministries at FCC. No transfers
from savings in June!! I also want to praise God
for the saints of the church. During July, we
received a bequest of $20,000 to establish the
Buddy and Frances Oliver permanent fund to
support our ongoing ministry.
First Christian Church
Month-to-date
Total offerings and other
sources
Total expenses
Excess (deficit) of offerings to
expenses
Transfers from (to) savings
Increase (decrease)
Balances on hand
July 31, 2016:
General Fund
Memorial and Special Gifts
Property Repairs and
Replacement
Scholarship
Bequested Funds and other
savings
Total
$
Join us for our
Year-to-date
13,194.58
15,013.74
$101,185.72
106,767.07
(1,819.16)
0.00
$ (1,819.16)
(5,581.15)
5,707.15
$ 125.80
125th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, September 17th
Sunday, September 18th
Saturday, September 17th Activities
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
12:00 noon
$
1,212.23
14,574.37
Tour of the Old Church Downtown
Picnic Luncheon - Bluefield City Park
Sunday, September 18th Activities
10:00 a.m. First Christian Church & Bluefield Community Church
342.36
2,301.09
91,975.79
$ 110,405.84
Sermon by: Rev. Thaddaeus Allen, Regional Minister & President
Stained Glass Window Dedication and Time Capsule Dedication
12:00 noon Luncheon – David’s at the Club
4:00 p.m. Music at First Christian Church
Harold Brown, Concert Pianist
RSVP by September 2, 2016
Saturday, September 17th – Picnic Luncheon – Covered Dish
Sunday, September 18th – Catered Luncheon
Location: David’s at the Club 1501 Whitethorn, Bluefield, WV
Cost $15.00 per person – Make check payable to:
First Christian Church
Mail to: Sue Shields, FCC, 2200 Bland Road, Bluefield, WV
24701
September 2016
SUN
MON
WANT TO BE WITH US—BUT NEED A RIDE?
Call Pastor Doug at
304-920-9992 ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS CALL
Don’t forget to visit the church
website at
Birthdays
TUE
WED
Anniversaries
For birthday/anniversary additions/changes please notify Sarah
THU
FRI
SAT
*Please note that there is no Tuesday Evening
Bible Study for the Month of August. This will
resume the first week of September.
FCC: www.bluefieldfcc.com
BCC: bluefieldcommunitychurch.
webs.com
1
*George Smith
*Men’s Prayer Meeting 7:30AM
*Breaking Free Bible Study
6:30PM
2
4
*BCC Worship 9:00AM
*Sunday School 10:00AM
*FCC Worship 11:00AM
*Celebrate Recovery Training 5:30PM
*Youth 8:00PM—9:00PM
5
*Labor Day Office Closed
*Help the Wade Center 3-6PM
*Boy Scouts 7:00PM
6
*Prayer Gathering 6:15PM
*Bible Study 7PM
*Holy Yoga 7:00PM
*Celebrate Recovery Info
Meeting 7PM
7
*Breakfast at TBA 7:30AM
*BCC Praise Team 5:00PM
*FCC Praise Band Practice 6:00PM
8
*Sarah Neal
*Men’s Prayer Meeting 7:30AM
*Breaking Free Bible Study
6:30PM
11
12
*Boy Scouts 7:00PM
13
*Prayer Gathering 6:15PM
*Bible Study 7PM
*Holy Yoga 7:00PM
*Celebrate Recovery Info
Meeting 7PM
14
*Martha Royall
*Breakfast at TBA 7:30AM
*BCC Praise Team 5:00PM
*W.O.W. Wednesday 5:30PM
*FCC Praise Band Practice 6:00PM
15
*Men’s Prayer Meeting 7:30AM
*Breaking Free Bible Study
6:30PM
*Boy Scout District Scout
Meeting
20
*Prayer Gathering 6:15PM
*Bible Study 7PM
*Holy Yoga 7:00PM
*Celebrate Recovery Info
Meeting 7PM
21
*Daniel Francisco
*Breakfast at TBA 7:30AM
*Newsletter Assembled/Mailed 10:00AM
*BCC Praise Team 5:00PM
*FCC Praise Band Practice 6:00PM
22
*Erin Wilson
*Men’s Prayer Meeting 7:30AM
*Breaking Free Bible Study
6:30PM
23
27
*Prayer Gathering 6:15PM
*Bible Study 7PM
*Holy Yoga 7:00PM
*Celebrate Recovery Info
Meeting 7PM
28
*Breakfast at TBA 7:30AM
*BCC Praise Team 5:00PM
*W.O.W. Wednesday 5:30PM
*FCC Praise Band Practice 6:00PM
29
*Bill Bassett
*Men’s Prayer Meeting 7:30AM
*Breaking Free Bible Study
6:30PM
30
*Anne Chappell
*David & Shirley Hines
*BCC Worship 9:00AM
*Sunday School 10:00AM
3
9
10
*Annie McDaniel
*9AM FCC Cabinet Meeting
16
17
*FCC”s 125th Anniversary
*FCC”s 125th Anniversary
*Newsletter deadline
*FCC Worship 11:00AM
*Celebrate Recovery Training 5:30PM
18
*FCC”s 125th Anniversary
*BCC Worship 9:00AM
*Sunday School 10:00AM
*FCC Worship 11:00AM
*Celebrate Recovery Training 5:30PM
*Youth 8:00PM—9:00PM
19
*Nick Shoemaker
*Boy Scouts 7:00PM
25
*BCC Worship 9:00AM
*Sunday School 10:00AM
*FCC Worship 11:00AM
*Celebrate Recovery Training 5:30PM
*Youth 8:00PM—9:00PM
26
*Boy Scouts 7:00PM
24
*Sue Smith
*Spencer Turner
* Evelyn Wickham
Bluefield, WV 24701
2200 Bland Road
Disciples of Christ
First Christian Church
www.bluefieldfcc.com
304-327-5633
Office Hours: M-F 9:00 am -1:00 pm
May you be blessed today.
We heartily welcome all
Welcome To Our Church
Non-Profit Organization
Bluefield, WV 24701
Permit # 51
# US Postage Paid
Douglas W. McDaniel Jr., Pastor
First Christian Church
11:00 am Worship Service
Sunday School: 10:00 am
Bluefield Community Church Service
9:00 am Worship Service
Sunday Youth Night
8:00PM—9:00PM
W.O.W. Wednesday
September 14 & 28
At 5:30PM
*Youth Outreach Ministry
If you have any questions concerning youth
events please contact Darius Carper, Youth Minister
[email protected] or 304.800 3774 or
Sarah Neal, Youth Mentor [email protected]
or 304.910.2682