The Somerset Christian - First Christian Church of Somerset

The Somerset Christian
Published monthly by the First Christian
Church of Somerset, Pennsylvania
185 Years Young
This year marks the 185 year anniversary of the First Christian Church in
Somerset. Can you imagine that? This
congregation is 185 years old. Now, you
would not be able to tell by looking at
her. I mean, First Christian does not
feel 185 years old. After all, our current building is only 104 years old. The
church used to meet down on Center
Ave. catty-corner to what is now the
hospital.
Of course, the building is not the
church. The building is a place for the
church to gather. The church is the congregation, and again, this congregation
does not feel 185 years old. In fact,
when I look around on Sunday mornings, First Christian Church seems
downright young. She is a rather spry
congregation for her age. She travels
the world doing mission trips. She
serves her community. She worships
God each Sunday passionately.
January 2014
Volume 86, Issue 1
by Pastor Sam Draper
How does she do it? How does a 185
year old church stay young? The answer is really simple: she evangelizes.
For a church to stay young, she must be
filled with young Christians. I do not
mean young chronologically, but young
spiritually, babes in Christ. If a church
stops giving birth to new believers, she
grows old. Her joints start to creak. She
does not get around like she used to,
and she begins to lose her passion. I
have seen churches age before their
time. They grow old and frail and even
die.
Praise God that First Christian Church
is still a young church! By God’s blessing, she will grow younger still as we
continue to reach out and minister to
Somerset County. May 2014 mark a
time of renewal and revival that lasts
another hundred years!
Window Restoration Update
$2,822.53
is still needed to remove & restore Window #2, which
will be removed after January 1st.
Sunday,
Jan. 5th is “Fill the Jug” Sunday. Help us with the
restoration by filling up the water jug. Whatever is in the
jug will be matched, up to $5,000, from the FCC Vision Fund.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Faithful Stewards …………..2
Shepherds View ................. 2
Pastors’ Page ...................... 3
Announcements ................. 4
Calendar ............................. 5
Serving Page ....................... 7
SPECIAL POINTS OF
INTEREST
 Prayer Requests,
Homebound, Military
 Sanctuary Flowers
 Member News
 Birthdays & Anniversaries
THE SHEPHERDS VIEW
by The Elders
Coming up in January is Somerset’s annual Fire and Ice Festival
sponsored by Somerset, Inc. This
is a great opportunity for Somerset to showcase uptown businesses and add a little warmth to the
otherwise cold month of January.
We encourage everyone to come
out and see the ice sculptures,
warm yourselves by the fires, and
enjoy the fireworks display.
and melt your heart. The kids will have a blast, and so
will you.
While here, please stop over by the kitchen for our Soup
Sale. This is an important fundraiser as the money we
raise for this goes to support the Relay for Life Survivors’
Dinner in June. If you would like to donate food items or
volunteer to cook or serve during Fire and Ice, please see
Karen Costea.
Also, consider stopping by the Fire and Ice Chili/Soup
cook off. First Christian Church is sponsoring an entry.
You can vote for us in the People’s Choice award. WhatWe also want to inform you of a number of activities that
ever the Church receives in this event will go towards our
First Christian Church will be involved in during Fire and
Costa Rica Mission Trip.
Ice. This is a great opportunity to minister to our commuFinally, you must come by the church at 4 PM on Saturnity and build relationships. To that end, First Christian
day, January 18th, as we have the pleasure of hosting prohas agreed to host and participate in a number of Fire
fessional Christian juggler, Jesse Joyner at our church.
and Ice activities.
Jesse is a master juggler and storyteller. Having experiFirst, you will notice on Saturday, January 18th, that our
ence as a children’s pastor, he is adept at teaching the
church parking lot will host a number of wood carvers.
gospel in fun and unusual ways using his skills as an enThese artisans come out to display their craftsmanship
tertainer. Jesse’s routines are engaging and often rely on
through live wood carving demonstrations. Watch out for
audience participation and find, relevant, meaningful
the sawdust, but do come and admire the skill these men
ways for children and adults to learn about God’s kingand women bring to our town.
dom and plan.
Next, join us downstairs in the church fellowship hall as
Please help spread the word about these events. Invite
we again host the Children’s Center. Bring the little ones your friends and family. Above all, please join us in prayfor some crafts, books, and games to warm their hands
er that this year’s Fire and Ice Festival will be fun, safe,
and fruitful for building gospel relationships with our
neighbors.
ALWAYS keep Christ as the center of your worship
and be thankful for the many blessings you receive.
1 PETER 4:10
Each of you should use
whatever gift you have
received to serve others, as
faithful stewards of God’s
grace in its various forms.
Faithful Stewards
Attendance
Nov. 2013
Income
Expenses
8:00
10:45
Total
Nov. 3
$5,324.39
$9,696.95
119
114
233
Nov. 10
$5,384.01
$4,467.06
105
134
239
Nov. 17
$4,020.25
$8,350.06
102
126
228
Nov. 24
$4,719.78
$1,949.48
105
105
210
TOTAL
$19,448.43
$24,463.55
431
479
910
2013/14 budget needed amount: $4,807.69 per week
2
The Pastors’ Page
He said to them, “Go into all the world
and preach the gospel to all creation.
Mark 16:15 NIV
by Pastor Chase Hill
Happy New Year!!!!
With the New Year being here I want
to bring everyone up to speed on the improvements coming to our Children’s and
Youth Ministry Department. Back in November the Children’s and Youth Ministry
team members went on a retreat to Camp
Christian. The biggest topic discussed at this
retreat was how can we be more effective at
FCC in our Youth and Children’s department.
Our first improvement was a Yearly calendar
with all youth events which is available at the
Information Station.
The second improvement was clear
communications, which doesn't come easy
when there are so many programs, Therefore
each program now has its own point person.
Sr. High Youth (Ignite) -Pastor Chase
Jr. High Youth (G.A.S.)- Tammy Schrock
Kick-Start (Ages 2-11) -Mary Gerhard
Jr. Church– Jessie Draper, Jody Stickle
Sunday School– Sue Slope
Nursery– Sue Slope
Supplies/Finances– Christy Hay
VBS– Sarah Rouch, Mary Gerhard
Youth Christmas Play– Kathy Mowry
Nursery Update
OUR NEW NURSERY FACILITY IS OPEN.
*Policy Updates
-An Adult MUST pick up and drop off children.
-Only the nursery volunteers are permitted in
the main nursery room.
-Once Service starts the Nursery door will be
locked for security purposes, if you need in
ring the bell for admittance.
Dear Friends in Christ
by Pastor John Barchey
Every year some people make New Years Resolutions. These are well intentioned but rarely
kept for more than a couple weeks.
Some are the more common ones are:
1. Lose weight.
2. Quit smoking or drinking.
3. Exercise more.
4. Be a better person/employee.
5. Get out of debt.
6. Attend church more often.
As I said before, these are good things to do, but
are rarely kept. Why? Because it is so easy to
go back to the way things were last year.
1. Be more faithful in your Sunday school and
church attendance and your commitment to
Christ.
2. Give more. Be a better steward of what God
has given you.
3. Study the Bible more.
4. Share your faith with others and especially
the lost.
5. Pray without Ceasing.
6. Just be available to God and let Him use you
and yours this coming year.
Make 2014 the best year of your life. May God
bless you and yours this coming year.
3
VOLUNTEER NEEDED FOR
10:45 SERVICE
We need a volunteer
to run the Power
Point/AV program
for the 10:45 service
in the months of
April, August & December 2014. Training is
available. Please contact Frank Clementi at
814-442-9260 if you would like to volunteer.
FIRE & ICE SOUP SALE
FOR RELAY FOR LIFE
Come out for some delicious homemade chicken
noodle and beef vegetable soup on January 17th
& 18th. The proceeds will benefit the Relay for
Life Survivors Dinner.
Volunteers are needed to make this event a success. This is a great chance to get to know your
church family through service. If you can help,
please see our volunteer at the information station and sign up to help.
WINDOW RESTORATION FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES
Window 1 looks AMAZING! There is so much detail in Jesus’s robe. You can see the leaves on the trees, the
blades of grass and the flowers in the field. It’s not too late to make a donation to the Window Restoration
Fund. We still have 2 windows in need of repair.
1. “FILL THE JUG” 1ST SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP
Sunday, January 5th the elders and church board have challenged the congregation to fill the window restoration jug. Whatever is in the jug, the church will match - up to $5,000 - from the FCC Vision Fund. Bring
your spare cash & change or feel free to drop in a check and let’s fill that jug!
2. CAR WASHING FUNDRAISER
Joe “Pop Your Collar” Blazin has offered his car washing services to members of FCC during the months of
January & February. All proceeds will go towards the Window Restoration Fund. Different vehicles have
different prices:
Regular sedans/coupes: $25
Small SUV: $30
Large SUV/vans/truck: $35
Detail includes wash/chamois dry, vacuum inside, clean all surfaces, windows, mats and carpets, clean tires
& wheels (weather permitting). Does not include waxing. Joe will pick up your car at home or work and
return it to you there. Gift certificates are available. Call Joe for an appointment: 445-3554
TCTC HERE WE COME
FCC youth and adult sponsors will attend the Tennessee Christian Teen Convention (TCTC) in Gaitlinburg,
TN, January 9th - 12th. While there, attendees will
attend Christian workshops, concerts, worship services and so much more.
The teens and sponsors always return FIRED UP FOR
THE LORD. Please keep them in your prayers.
4
MEMBER NEWS
It’s a Girl!
Norah Mokher, born December
4, 2013 to Chad & Kendra
Weber Mokher. Norah weighed
6 lbs. 2oz. And was 18 inched
long. Grandparents are Pete &
Kerry Weber.
January 2014
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
Men’s Fraternity, Men’s Fraternity, Men’s Fraternity,
6:15AM
6:15AM
6:15AM
Senior High
Lock-in
5
E5 Ministry
Team &
G.A.S. Junior
High Youth
Group,
6:00PM
12
E5 Ministry
Team &
G.A.S. Junior
High Youth
Group,
6:00PM
19
E5 Ministry
Team &
G.A.S. Junior
High Youth
Group,
6:00PM
26
E5 Ministry
Team &
G.A.S. Junior
High Youth
Group,
6:00PM
Night of
Worship,
7:00PM
OFFICE
CLOSED
6
7
8
9
10
11
Men’s Fraternity, Men’s Fraternity, Men’s Fraternity, Men’s Fraternity, Men’s Fraternity,
6:15AM
6:15AM
6:15AM
6:15AM
6:15AM
sHebrews
7:15AM
Children & Youth Bells, 5:15PM
Ministry Team
Choir, 6:30PM
meeting
Costa Rica
Praise Band,
6:00PM
Meeting, 6:00PM
7:30PM
TCTC
13
14
15
16
17
18
Men’s Fraternity, Men’s Fraternity, Men’s Fraternity, Men’s Fraternity, Men’s Fraternity,
Soup Sale
6:15AM
6:15AM
6:15AM
6:15AM
6:15AM
10:00AM - ??
sHebrews
TNT, 11:00AM
7:15AM
Soup Sale
Juggler,
Bells, 5:15PM
2 - 7:00PM
Jesse Joyner
Finance Meeting Elder’s Meeting
Choir, 6:30PM
4:00PM
6:30PM
6:00PM
Praise Band,
20
21
22
23
24
25
Men’s Fraternity, Men’s Fraternity, Men’s Fraternity, Men’s Fraternity, Men’s Fraternity,
6:15AM
6:15AM
6:15AM
6:15AM
6:15AM
sHebrews
7:15AM
Deaconesses,
6:15PM
Deacons,
6:30PM
Board, 7:00PM
Bells, 5:15PM
Choir, 6:30PM
Praise Band,
7:30PM
27
28
29
30
31
Men’s Fraternity, Men’s Fraternity, Men’s Fraternity, Men’s Fraternity, Men’s Fraternity,
6:15AM
6:15AM
6:15AM
6:15AM
6:15AM
sHebrews
7:15AM
Bells, 5:15PM
Choir, 6:30PM
Praise Band,
7:30PM
5
SANCTURY FLOWERS
ATTENTION COMMITTEE
CHAIRPERSONS
January 5
In memory of Paul P. Weber by Pete & Kerry
Weber.

All chairpersons are responsible to submit a budget
request for the 2014/15 church year. The final date
budgets can be submitted is February 17th. If you
need help with your budget, see Cheryl in the office
or a member of the Finance Committee (Chase
Hill, Cynthia Cramer, Tom Minnick, Matt Rouch).
January 12
 Happy Birthday Matthew Landis, we love you
from your family.
January 19
 In memory of Nick Costea’s birthday from the
family.
 In memory of Al Wilmoth by Loretta & Allison.
If you do not submit a budget, no funds will be
budgeted for your committee.
January 26
 In memory of Ed Sanner by Audrey & family.
January 2014
Birthday’s& Anniversaries
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
1
2
Denise Friedline
5
6
7
Thu
8
3
9
13
Dan & Jane
Buck (50)
David Mowry
Ann Walker
14
Hank Parke
Beth Benedict
10
11
17
18
Bobbi King
Mary Jane
Funston
15
Matt Landis
Dean Mickey
Cohen Miller
16
John Coleman
Dan & Christine
Baker (11)
Jack Pollock
19
Kathy Mowry
20
Troy Pollock
Hank & Linda
Parke (12)
21
22
Steve Gerhard
Chris Mitchell
23
24
Russ & Susie
Lambert (4)
Sara Smith
Rose Walker
Harry Wilcox
26
27
Dave Buck
Brady Gilbert
George Perras
6
Sat
4
Danny Mickey
Doreen Costea
12
Fri
Mark Walker
28
Jack Shaffer
29
Tammy Barron
Karen Maust
30
31
Jeff Hay
25
Charlie & Tracy
Sanders (12)
SERVING THE LORD THIS MONTH
1st Sunday
9:30AM
Bill & Tammie Gerhart
Communion Prep.
8:00AM
Rita Fisher
10:45AM
Christy Hay
8:00AM
Cheryl Clementi
10:45AM
Arlene DeArmitt
8:00AM
Cheryl Clementi
Tammy Minnick
10:45AM
Mary Ann Jock
Jan Jubin
8:00AM
Jessie Draper
Tammie Gerhart
10:45AM
Jill Buck
8:00AM
Steve & Noah Gerhard
10:45AM
Nathaniel Stickle
Deaconess
Greeters
Junior Church
AV/Soundboard
Church Nursery
Jan. 5
Jan. 12
Jan. 19
Jan. 26
8:00AM
Sue & Hannah Slope
10:45AM
Jeremy & Melissa
Wilson
8:00AM
Jaime Gross
Sandy Knepper
10:45AM
Christy & Andy Hay
8:00AM
Joe & Georgiann Blazin
10:45AM
Jody & Haley Stickle
8:00AM
Tammy Minnick
Karen Costea
10:45AM
Ann & Megan King
Prayer Requests
Sarah Carlson, Rocky Foster,
Jim Black, Chad Morgan, Ann
Matthews, Linda Augustine, Joe
Zeigler & family, Mike Krepelka &
family, Aaliyah & Ashlyne, Darien
& family, Sandra Wolf, Darlene
Micozzi, Joe, Kay, Jackie, Roman
Yoder, Jeff, Amanda, and Benjamin
Rush, Mickey Odvar, George &
Kristie Rigo, Ruby Hay, Arlene Woy,
Drew Hittie, Gene & Betty Kaufman,
Herb Brant, Gary Romesburg, Eric,
Doris & Charles Sicheri, Janet
Sherbine Baby Eli, Rory Auman,
Gloria Smith, Debbie Baker, Sara
Sotomayor, Carl Knopsnyder, Bud
& Kathy Brilhart, Brett Kadillac,
John Fisher, Jeremy McLarney,
Susie Lambert, Jeff Miller, Faith
& Scott Shaulis, Mark Walker, Barb
Shumaker, Shelby & Garrett Baird,
Janet Keyser’s sister, Larry Gross,
Jennifer Barndt, Peg Baer, Tracy
Sanders, Shirley Williams, Christy
Meditations
Jan. 5
Jan. 12
8:00AM
Daniel Clementi
10:45AM
John Barchey
8:00AM
Dane Cramer
10:45AM
Sam Draper
8:00AM
To be announced
10:45AM
Sam Draper
8:00AM
Chase Hill
10:45AM
Chase Hill
Announcements
Jan. 5
Jan. 12
Jan. 19
Jan. 26
8:00AM
Daniel Clementi
10:45AM
John Barchey
8:00AM
Brandon Lambert
10:45AM
Chase Hill
8:00AM
Denise Carey
10:45AM
Doug Huston
8:00AM
Tina Rozinsky
10:45AM
Sam Draper
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH
139 E. MAIN ST.
SOMERSET, PA 15501
Phone: 814-445-8112
Fax: 814-443-9882
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.somersetfirstchristian.org
7