February - First Christian Church
Transcription
February - First Christian Church
The Church Visitor Volume 75, Issue 1 3401 Santa Fe Corpus Christi, TX 78411 Phone: 361-854-3044 Fax: 361-854-3062 www.fcc-cc.org Sunday Schedule Church School 9:15 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m. Staff Senior Minister Rev. Rusty Wright [email protected] Church Coordinator Linda Butler [email protected] Financial Assistant Mary Grimsbo [email protected] I know that, for many people, music can really touch their hearts and speak to their souls. Often, that happens through the lyrics of a particular song. While I am no different in that respect, there are some pieces of music that, without any lyrics whatsoever, can actually bring tears to my eyes. Yanni’s “Reflections of Passion” is one of those compositions as is John Schmidt’s “Waterfall.” But, there is one composer’s music that moves me like no other. It is the music of J. S. Bach. There is just something about his music that touches my heart and, when I hear it, though it may sound a little strange I actually feel God’s presence. If I am having an exceptionally difficult day and need a pick me up, I can listen to “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” and I know God is there. I didn’t know why Bach’s music affected me so much but, as I read a devotional a while back from Today’s HomeWord and did a little research, I think I may have found the answer. You see, before he started a new composition, Bach would often write the letters “JJ” at the beginning of the score. The letters stood for the Latin phrase “Jesu Juva”, which translates as “Jesus Help.” Then, at the end of the composition, Bach would write the letters “SDG”. Those letters stood for the Latin phrase “Soli Deo Gloria”, which translates as “To God alone glory”. Bach was one of the most gifted composers of his age or any other. But, as talented as he was, he also knew the source of that talent. That is why he had the habit of asking Jesus to help him as he wrote and giving thanks to God when he was finished. And, that is why I think his music is so powerful and why I feel God’s presence when I hear it. Because, it is of God and from God and to God. At the end of this devotional about Bach, Jim Liebelt wrote, “If a person of Bach’s talent and giftedness made it a habit to ask for God’s help and to give God thanks, how much more should we do the same?” I don’t think many people are as talented as Bach, but we all have gifts from God and, if we ask God to help us utilize those gifts with a solitary goal of bringing glory to God, then there is no end to what we can accomplish. As I come to the end of my first year as pastor of FCC, I think this is important to remember. Yes, we have come a long way in a year, but we still have an even longer way to go if we are to be the church God wants us to be. One key will be patience and I know that’s not always easy for many of us. In fact, I know that we lost a few members last year because things didn’t improve fast enough and the changes that were made were not the changes they wanted. Personally, I’m excited about the journey we’re on and I see some wonderful things happening in the life of this congregation, but nothing we do here should be for the glory of First Christian Church. That’s the second key to our congregational transformation, because if we all use our gifts for their intended purpose, if we start every new task asking Jesus to help us and we do it all for the glory of God, then we will be that place where people can truly experience God’s presence because everything we do will be of God and from God and to God. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for calling me to be your pastor. Together, we’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve served and we’ve grown in Spirit, but the best is yet to be and I can't wait to see what God has in store for us next year!! I hope you’ll come along for the ride… and bring a friend. Day School Director Pam Forni [email protected] 361-854-1241 January 21, 2015 Peace and Presence, Rusty Sharing of the Spirit Even though the Christmas Season has come and gone, we have and can continue to Share the Spirit. The Christmas Season is determined by dates on the calendar, but the Spirt of the Season can be carried in our hearts forever. Nativity Scenes Again, we would like to thank everyone that shared a Nativity Scene to put on display in the glass case across from the Library. Please pick up your personal Nativity at any time. They are packed up and on the shelf under the hospital board. Christmas Special Offering In December we collected a Special Christmas Offering. The Church Family gave $580.00 to this special offering this year. One hundred percent of the money given to this special offering will return to the Southwest Region to help nurture our youth to be leaders. So thank you!! Boar’s Head & Yule Log Festival Thank you to everyone that participated in the Festival this year. This could not have happened without each and every one of you. So Boar’s Head has been put to bed for this year. However, plans for next year are already in the planning stages. Christmas Card Tree Many thanks to those of you who sent greetings to the church family for Christmas. As well as giving warm wishes for the coming year, the FCC Church Family gave over $700 to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund. This will help Pastor Rusty to help others in emergencies. Sharing greetings are: Patricia Bibbs Shirley & Dan Evans Joe Wirsching June Pearce Erin Rodriguez Lisa & Dan Sheppard Alice Sutherland Linda & Mike Hicks Agnes Fankhauser The Klinger Family Phyllis Taylor The Praise Team Mike Kirkham Lloyd Holmes Julie DeBoard & Emily Baggerly Lucille Grey Harriett Null Christi Cowan Nancy Fly Jeanne Goodhew Rev. Ruth Beal Dorothy & Gary Cowan Sharing the Spirit Continues Into Lent Ash Wednesday Service As Rev. Margaret Jones Wrote, “Ash Wednesday is a wake-up call. Ash Wednesday hits us squarely between the eyes, forcing us to face mortality and sinfulness.” Ash Wednesday is the gateway to Lent in which we center ourselves on God and reflect on how we can transform our lives to be more faithful to our calling to serve our Creator. First Christian Church will usher in the season of Lent with an Ash Wednesday Service on February 18, at 6:30 p.m. This is sure to be a memorable service and all are welcome. Sharing Our Stories (please read this entire article) Last year, we revived a tradition here at FCC as many of our fellow church members shared their stories of God’s grace and love in Lenten Devotionals. Of course, we all have a story to tell...stories of grace and mercy and love. They are stories of our encounters with God and Jesus that have changed our lives. And, when you hear one of these stories from a friend, it helps you understand your own journey of faith. So, we want your stories and we are asking the congregation to write devotionals to be distributed during the Lenten season. Never wrote a devotional before? Well, here’s one way to do it. Just pick a verse or passage of scripture that holds a special meaning for you, then tell your story about what God has done in your life and how that scripture helps you remember. However, we know that a few people have wonderful, incredible stories to tell and just don’t feel comfortable writing them down, and that could be for a number of reasons. Well, we have a solution for that as well. Lisa Sheppard has volunteered her time and talent to assist those who want to tell their stories but don’t know where to begin. She has offered to sit down with you and help consolidate your thoughts into one amazing message so, now, everyone can share their story of God’s amazing grace. Lent is 40 days (not counting Sundays), which means we will need 40 people to sign up to write devotionals. Please consider sharing with your church friends, because your story might help someone else find God. You can bring your devotionals to the church office or email them to Linda at [email protected]. Up-Coming Events Laity Sunday Since the early days of the church, lay people have been the backbone of every congregation. This coming Sunday, January 25, is Laity Sunday and we will celebrate the Spirit of God at work in this congregation as several of our lay people will take over and conduct every aspect of our morning worship. Please be here to support these dedicated servants of God. Chili Bowl Chili Cook-Off After worship on February 1, FCC will hold its First Annual Chili Bowl, a cooking completion where those who claim that their recipe is the best will have a chance to prove it by making their best pot of chili and letting their fellow church members decide. Of course, this is all in good fun and this time of food and fellowship will also give us an opportunity to help those who need our help because, in conjunction with the gift card drive led by our Stewardship Ministry, this chili cookoff will help us raise funds for the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund used to help those in need. Chili will be 25¢ per taste and $1.00 per bowl and, at the end of the event, the chef with the most chips will win the (soon to be coveted) GOLDEN SPOON as the people’s choice winner. We are asking that members of the congregation help out by supplying chili sides (cornbread, crackers, cheese, desserts, etc.). A sign-up sheet will be available this coming Sunday, January 25, for those who would like to enter the cook-off and for those who can help with sides. We know this event will soon become a yearly favorite for the congregation so, all you chili masters out there, don’t miss this opportunity for bragging rights. Pastor’s Class(es) Forming Ash Wednesday is February 18. It is the first day of Lent, which is the traditional time for churches to offer classes for people considering baptism. Pastor Rusty has been approached by a few people considering taking this step on their journey of faith so he will be leading a Pastor’s Class beginning Sunday, February 22, for anyone wishing to learn more about church membership and what it means to be baptized into the Body of Christ. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Pastor Rusty or call the church office at 854-3044. Week of Compassion We will taking the Week of Compassion Special Offering on the following Sundays, February 15 and February 22. The monies are used throughout the year and around the world by WOC to provide emergency and long-term assistance to people in the aftermath of both man-made and natural catastrophes. So please give generously when this special offering if taken. Ministry Reports Evangelism & Out Reach Ministry Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Canned Food Drive: Through Evangelism & Outreach Ministry and the Boar’s Head & Yule Log Festival collection for the month of December through the second week of January, there was a total of 1,209 pounds of food collected for the Food Bank. Twenty times in the New Testament Jesus issued a compelling and challenging invitation to follow Him. He’s not interested in mere fans, He wants completely committed followers. Beans and Rice: Many of you have been making monetary donations to the Beans and Rice fund. We have collected over $800 to help purchase beans and rice for the Southwest Ministries. Thank you to everyone that have given and please continue to drop your coins and dollars in the container in the Narthex. This is an on-going project. Music Ministry Chancel Choir: There are many different music ministries at FCC. We have a the Chancel Choir, Chancel Handbells, Praise Team and Youth Handchimes. Below is a picture of the Chancel Choir, provided by Beth Hoekje and her daughter, Susan Elliott. The Chancel Choir is looking for a few more voices. We will be following a video journey of Eric Nelson, a man leading a compartmentalized triple life and a nominal Christian. After a near death experience, he embarks on a spiritual journey that transforms his commitment to Jesus Christ. We will meet in the Parlor and welcome any who would like to attend. You can call Bob or Cheryl Jackson for more details 992-4389. “ASK ME” Ministry Do you think First Christian Church: 1. is a warm and welcoming congregation? 2. is a great place to worship? 3. do you think visitors are more comfortable when they can readily find information as to: where classrooms are located; where the nursery is located; what and when lessons are offered in our Sunday School Classes; information as to what we, as Disciples of Christ, believe . . . and why? 4. that information and personal assistance is readily available and identifiable? Chancel Handbells: Beth is also the director of the Chancel Handbells. They usually play once a month and rehearse on Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in the choir room. If you are interested in joining with either of these groups, please contact Beth Hoekje. Sunday School Class “NOT A FAN” — The Harried Class will be starting a new 6-week video series on February 22. This is written by Kyle Idleman, teaching minister at If you answered yes to the above and are able and would like to be involved in such a ministry, please contact Rev. Lowe at 361-334-3915 or email him at [email protected]. We will have a meeting for all members interested in the “ASK ME” Ministry for both current and new “ASK ME” volunteers. The date and time to be set once we receive your reply. CMF & CWF News Christian Women’s Fellowship News SPECIAL MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER PLANNED FOR DISCIPLES FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEON IN FEBRUARY! Please mark your calendars and join us for a very special Disciples Fellowship Luncheon on Tuesday, February 17, 2015, at 11:45 AM in the Church Parlor! We are excited to have as our guest speaker, Charlotte Murray, who is a Licensed Minister, CCISD middle school Assistant Principal, motivational speaker, and writer! Several years ago Charlotte spoke at the Evening CWF Group, and we were touched by her powerful personal testimony, her boundless energy, her passion for spiritual growth through God's Word, and her contagious sense of humor. We know that once you meet her, you will love her as we do! As always, Head Chef Terri Dupriest continues to line up a team of amazing cooks who will be sharing a delightful variety of finger-licking entrees and desserts for your lunch time enjoyment. Also, don't forget to sign up for one of our wonderful door prizes! Our meal will be served promptly at 11:45 AM, and Charlotte Murray will begin her program at Noon so that those of you who have to return to work will have time to enjoy both the meal and the speaker. We hope you will join us for a scrumptious lunch as well as Christian laughter, joy, and fellowship! Please RSVP to Linda Butler at the Church, 854-3044, or by email to [email protected], no later than Wednesday, February 11, 2015. We Hope to See YOU There! —Blessings, CWF Executive Board Christian Men’s Fellowship News Christian Men’s Fellowship (CMF) meets on the third Saturday at 9 a.m. in the Parlor. They also meet on the fourth Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Parlor. At both meeting, I hear, there is food involved. The men are working on painting and sprucing up the Youth Lounge so the youth has a place to call their own. If you would like to help with the project, please contact Terry Klinger. All men and their friends are invited to attend either meeting or both. —Terry Klinger Christian Men’s Fellowship Member News Several Have Joined FCC Family Several families have joined the FCC Family in the past month. If you have not met them, please introduce yourself and welcome them to our church family. * Susan & John Roberts * Derrel Free 3501 Bobolink, Ln Corpus Christi, TX 78415 361-774-1416 [email protected] * Elena & Archie Blackburn 5129 Goldeneye Dr. Corpus Christi, TX 78413 361-960-1496 [email protected] Changes in members information Betty Clark has moved to Spring, TX. Please give her a call or drop her a note. Her address and phone number have changed to following: The Conservatory 8215 Cypresswood Dr. # 41 Spring, TX 77379 281-205-7117 Verlyn Nolen has changed his email address to: [email protected] Lucille Grey has added an email address: [email protected] Joys and Concerns PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER: Harriet Null, Shirley Lowe, Chris Hoover, Billie Sumpter, Jo Haggard, Verlyn Nolen, Randy Walterman, Gloria Barondeau, Dee Stalter, Eunice Dunn, Dick & Melba Adkins, Brooks Garrett, Jim Davis, Irene Moore (all at home), Wanda Chandler (Tri-Sun Portland), John Storey (Cimarron Place), Vaughn Bowen (Harbor Place), Doris Williams (Homewood), Dorothy Strople, Hazel Andrews (The Villa), Lucille Grey (Mt. Carmel), Ruth Beal (Lubbock, TX), Sara Nisbet (San Marcos, TX), Betty Clark (Spring, TX). CHRISTIAN SYMPATHIES TO: Sharon & Thomas Magill on the death of his father, Bill Wilcox on Sunday, January 18 . . . The Concklin Family on the death of their mother, Doraine Concklin. The service will be Saturday, January 24, at 11 a.m. in the FCC Sanctuary. Prayer Hotline 361-855-9562 “Prayer is the key to heaven, but faith unlocks the door.” —Robert Sande STEWARDSHIP REPORT Ending December 2014 Pledged Income: Non-pledged Income: Total Income: Expenses: Month Net Loss: YTD Net Gain: $23,371.00 $9,106.25 $32,477.25 $40,302.96 ($7,825.71) $7,073.25 It’s All About the Kids Youth Group The Youth Group will resume their regular scheduled activities this Sunday, January 25, at 5 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. If you, your kids, or grand kids are in third through twelve grade, please have them join in the youth group activities. For more information about the Youth Groups, please contact Risha Dulip-Long. Youth Handchime Choir Forming Students 4th through 7th grade: It’s time to start a new Youth Handchime Choir. If you are interested, please contact Beth Hoekje for more information. We usually rehearse in the choir room immediately following Sunday worship for about 30 minutes. I would like about 8 ringers, or more if interested. You don’t have to read music — yet — but you will learn. It’s also important to be able to keep a beat. I hope that this new group would be ready to play for the congregation by this spring. Please let me or the church office know if you wish to be included in this new musical group. —Ms. Beth [email protected] 361-877-0658 “Kids Against Hunger” This past year First Christian Church’s Youth Group has been volunteering for “Kids Against Hunger.” This included assembling food packages at St. Mark’s Lutheran and also raising money to purchase more food to package. Our Youth Group has done a wonderful job with this along with some of our other members. When “Kids Against Hunger” began assembling food on February 8, the goal was to pack 60,000 meals in the first year. As of December 31, there were 87,197 meals packed. Of those total meals packed, 66,439 meals stayed in our local feeding missions and 20,758 meals were distributed in the McAllen and Laredo areas. An additional $500 was sent to provide shipping funds for a container of food sent to the Ebola stricken areas of West Africa. Major financial sponsors this year in Corpus Christi has been St. Mark’s Lutheran, Six Points Kiwanis, and First Christian Church. Over 400 volunteers have devoted their time and energy in packaging these meals. Thank you, First Christian Church, for your support. —Cheryl Jackson Day School News Family Night The Day School will hold their annual Family Night on Friday, February 20, at 6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Our Day School is becoming more high-tech every year. This year the Day School will be showing off their new SmartBoard that given to them by WorkForce. If you would like to see the new SmartBoard, please contact Pam Forni, school director. Box Tops for Education The Day School is still collecting Box Tops for Education! Through this program, the Day School receives 10¢ for each box top sent in. Please bring your box tops to church, the Day School has a container in the Narthex to collect these box tops. Free School Supplies for Day School When you shop at Office Depot give them the Day School’s ID# 70203963 and the Day School will earn free supplies. Thank you, Pam Forni The Month of February Serving Schedule Elders Serving at the Table February 1 February 8 February 15 February 22 Debbie Brooker, Rick Ott Dan Sheppard, Lisa Sheppard Linda Hicks, Richard Crews Wayne Morris, Rick Ott Celebrations Happy Anniversary To. . . 14 Gloria & Emil Barondeau 21 Christy & Billy Dean 23 Jennifer & Grant Garrett 28 Brenda & David Shell Caring Elders February 1 Beth Hoekje, June Pearce February 8 Tom Whitlock, Judith Whitlock February 15 Bob Jackson, Linda Hicks February 22 Dan Sheppard, Lisa Sheppard Birthday Wishes For . . . 3 Linda Force 6 Wanda Chandler Acolytes February 1 February 8 February 15 February 22 9 Mike Hicks Dallas Angle, Maddy Grivich Lilly Stephens, Faith Snapka Victoria Sepulveda, Henry Sepulveda Madeline Wright, Kathryn Grivich 14 Billie Sumpter 15 Dorothy Klinger 15 Jeanene Hummell 24 Barry Pillinger Ushers & Greeters 24 Mina Williams Vinay Dulip, Harriet Null 24 Jay Long 28 Dolores Flores Flower Delivery February 3 February 10 February 17 February 24 Alice Sutherland Elena Blackburn Shirley & Dan Evans Jeanene Hummell Communion Preparation Preparing: Lucille Morris Clean Up: Jeanene Hummell Editor’s Note: If your birthday or anniversary is not on our list, we may not have it in the church records. Please either call or email the church office with the information —854-3044 or [email protected] Calendar February 1-7 Feb 1 Feb 2 Feb 3 8:00 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Music Dept Rehearsal Sunday Classes Worship Youth Handchimes Chili Bowl Youth Group AA 9:00 a.m. Karate 4:00 p.m. Irish Dancers 5:30 p.m. AIR Group 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Tai Chi Chapel Prayer CWF Board Day School Chapel Prayer Irish Dancers Bible Study Tai Chi AA February 8-14 Feb 8 8:00 a.m. Music Dept Rehearsal 9:15 a.m. Sunday Classes 10:30 a.m. Worship 11:30 a.m. Youth Handchimes 5:00 p.m. Youth Group 8:00 p.m. AA Feb 9 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Las Donas Karate Irish Dancers AIR Group Jan 10 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Tai Chi Chapel Prayer Day School Chapel Prayer Irish Dancers Bible Study Tai Chi AA 9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Tippi Toes BBA Cluster Meeting Ministry Council Tai Chi Feb 4 9:00 a.m. Tippi Toes 7:00 p.m. Tai Chi Feb 11 Feb 5 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:40 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Feb 12 10:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:40 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Feb 6 9:00 a.m. Tai Chi 4:00 p.m. Irish Dancers Feb 13 9:00 a.m. Tai Chi 4:00 p.m. Irish Dancers Feb 7 10:00 a.m. Irish Dancers 1:00 p.m. Tai Chi Feb 14 10:00 a.m. Irish Dancers 1:00 p.m. Tai Chi Irish Dancers Praise Team Handbells Choir AA Music Club Irish Dancers Praise Team Handbells Choir AA Calendar February 15-21 February 22-28 Feb 15 8:00 a.m. Music Dept Rehearsal 9:15 a.m. Sunday Classes 10:30 a.m. Worship 11:30 a.m. Youth Handchimes 5:00 p.m. Youth Group 8:00 p.m. AA Feb 22 8:00 a.m. Music Dept Rehearsal 9:15 a.m. Sunday Classes 10:30 a.m. Worship 11:30 a.m. Youth Handchimes 5:00 p.m. Youth Group 8:00 p.m. AA Feb 16 9:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Karate Christian Foundation Irish Dancers AIR Group Feb 23 9:00 a.m. Karate 12:00 p.m. PEF 4:00 p.m. Irish Dancers 5:30 p.m. AIR Group 7:00 p.m. Santa Fe Town Homes Assoc Feb 17 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 11:45 a.m. 4:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Tai Chi Chapel Prayer Day School Chapel Disciples’ Fellowship (CWF) Irish Dancers Bible Study Tai Chi AA Feb 24 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Tai Chi Chapel Prayer Day School Chapel Irish Dancers Bible Study Tai Chi AA Feb 18 ASH Wednesday 9:00 a.m. Tippi Toes 6:30 p.m. Ash Wednesday Service 7:00 p.m. Tai Chi Feb 25 9:00 a.m. Tippi Toes 6:30 p.m. CMF 7:00 p.m. Tai Chi Feb 19 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:40 p.m. 7:40 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Feb 26 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:40 p.m. 7:40 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Feb 20 9:00 a.m. Tai Chi 1:00 p.m. DAR 4:00 p.m. Irish Dancers Feb 27 9:00 a.m. Tai Chi 4:00 p.m. Irish Dancers Feb 21 10:00 a.m. Irish Dancers 1:00 p.m. Tai Chi Feb 28 10:00 a.m. Irish Dancers 1:00 p.m. Tai Chi Irish Dancers Praise Team Hand Bells Chancel Choir AA Irish Dancers Praise Team Hand Bells Chancel Choir AA The Church Visitor (USPS 112-780 Is published monthly by First Christian Church 3401 Santa Fe St., Corpus Christi, TX 78411 POSTMASTER: send address changes to The Church Visitor 3401 Santa Fe St., Corpus Christi, TX 78411 Periodical Postage Paid Corpus Christi, TX Following the service Set for Sunday, January 25 Congregational Meeting