A Rose for a Rose

Larry and I planted a ground rose in the triangle at the exit next to the alley. We planted in memory of Gail Rose. May it's beauty remind us of all the beautiful people who have been a part of our lives here at FCC. - Barbara Kronquest

One Day to Prevent Homelessness

First Christian Church has been invited to participate with other religious communities in a community-wide effort to prevent homelessness. Sacramento Steps Forward and the Sacramento Region Community Foundation have come up with a plan that involves both fund-raising and implementation of services. The services that will be provided are: 1.) Screening and assessment - 2.) Financial assistance for persons to obtain basic housing - 3.) Housing locator services - 4.) Financial stabilization services (job training, childcare, etc.)
The fund-raising plan asks one thing. Can you give one day's share of your rent or mortgage to this effort? If you pay $1000.00 per month, that would be a one time gift of $33.00. The federal government will match all funds raised locally 4 times. thus, $200,00.00 would become $1,000,000.00. This would be a one-time over and above offering. We will receive these gifts between March 21st and April 11th. Our Outreach Committee will present more information about this community-wide effort in the weeks ahead.

Order Azalea for Easter

Watch your bulletins on Sundays, to get an order form so that you can order a flowering azalea to brighten our Sanctuary during the Easter season. the cost of an azalea is $10.00. You may donate your azalea in honor of, or in memory of a special person in your life. We need all orders to be received by March 25th, please.

Maundy Thursday Service on April 1st

On Thursday, April 1st, all are invited to gather in the Fellowship hall for a time to break bread together, to worship and to remember Jesus' final hours before his death. We will gather at 7:00 PM. We will begin with a simple supper that will include some of the foods and the tradition of the Jewish Passover meal. Them, we will have a time of worship together, to focus our minds and hearts on the sacrificial love of Jesus. The service will conclude by 8:30PM. We request a $2.00 donation to help with the cost of the meal.
If you would be willing to help prepare or clean up after the meal, please contact either Nan Fellers or Michelle Nichol.

Jesus for All People: Bible and Bag Group Studies Luke

Starting on March 3, the Bible and Bag group will begin a study of the Gospel of Luke. We will focus on the ministry and mission of Jesus as Luke tells it. Bible and Bag meets on Wednesdays at noon in the Church library. We bring sack lunches, and Pastor Ted leads a fast-paced interactive study. We wrap up by 1:15 PM. All are welcome, and each week is a different lesson, so come when you can!

"Cross Examination" Lenten Study Series

We have an exciting opportunity for you! If you are reading these words, you probably already believe in Jesus. Do you know why you believe in Jesus? Or have you ever had to explain your faith to someone else and been at a loss for words? For five Sundays in Lent, Pastors Ted and Vickie Firch will be leading a study group, titled, "The Case For Christ." This series will be based upon the works of Christian author, Lee Strobel. This study will give participants basic training in the Gospels, some background on the Gospels and the evidence for what we believe. At the end, participants will be able to share confidently about why they believe. This small group experience will be held on Sunday evenings from 5:30 PM till 7 PM. The study will be aimed at adults (ages 17-170). Childcare will be provided for preschool through 5th graders. Please sign up in advance (by February 19th), so that we will be able to prepare materials.

AARP Tax Aide

Once again it is time to start thinking about the IRS and the preparation of tax forms. Are you aware there is a free income tax preparation service for seniors and low-income people? The AARP Tax Aide program is the largest, volunteer run tax counseling serivce, preparing tax returns and answering questions free of charge for taxpayers of all ages with middle and low income-and special attention for those age 60 or older. The counselors are trained by the IRS and available in over 9,000 sites throughout the United States. A tax counselor will be at First Christian Church on March 16th, 2010. See the appointment schedules for time on the bulletin board in the hallway. You are welcome to invite a friend to use this service. Sign up today!

Habitat for Humanity Work Day!

On Saturday, March 13th, we will have another Habitat for Humanity Work Day. We will begin at 8 AM. If you are interested in working, please contact Tina Borgman or Pastor Ted, so that we know how many to expect!

Spring Gathering

Women from all across the region will gather for a one day event on Saturday, March 13th at FCC concord. The precise details are forthcoming shortly! This will be a day of worship, fellowship, gathering, workshops and hearing from our guest speaker, Sue Tarleton, about her recent trip to Israel/Palestine. Be sure to save the date! Cost is $25.00. (Limited scholarships are available.)

Scholar Marcus Borg Comes to San Jose

United Disciples Fellowship of San Jose is excited to announce the 7th Annual Distinguished Scholar Lecture on March 21st, with Marcus Borg. His lecture, "An Emerging Jesus for an Emerging Christianity", will commence at 4:30 PM at First Congregational Church of San Jose. It will be followed by a question and answer period and a reception in the Social Hall, where those who are interested will be able to meet Professor Borg personally. There will be no admission charge and no offering taken. For more information, contact Pastor Ted.

Gulf Coast Mission Trip

The CCNC-N Region will again be sponsoring a mission trip to the Gulf Coast to continue the rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina. The Mission this year will go to Gulfport, Mississippi. The trip will be during Holy Week, and the theme is "Holy Week, Holy Work." The group leaves on Sunday, March 28th and returns April 3rd. The cost for the trip is $650.00. This will include all transportation, meals and overnight acccomodations. You have to be at least 16 yrs old to participate, but there is no upper age limit! Our own Tina Borgman and Lou Ann Hughes are on the committee planning this event. Our church has scholarship funds to help with your costs if you wish to attend. But sign up now, there are only 20 available spots. For registration forms or more information, contact Pastor Ted or Tina Borgman.

Palm Sunday - March 28th

Maundy Thursday - April 1st

Easter Sunday - April 4th

Four Score and More lunch - April 10th

This year, the Four Score luncheon will feature special musica guests, Sister Swing. These talented singers bring a spirited tribute to the Andrews Sisters. Mark it down!!!

2010 Regional Assembly at Asilomar

April 23-25 are the dates for the Christian church of N. California-Nevada Regional Assembly. Representatives of the more than 60 congregations in N. California will attend. The theme this year is: "The Biggest Winner: Mission." Speakers for the event will include Regional Ministers, Ben Bohren, Sandhya Jha, Paula Pociecha and Cliff Cole. The Assembly is a time of inspiration, worship and getting involved in the work of the Regional Church. It is set at the beautiful seaside location of Asilomar, near Pacific Grove. All members and friends of First Christian Church are welcome to attend. We need to have three delegates representing our congregation. If you would like to attend, and serve as a delegate, please contact Pastor Ted, or our Nominating Committee chair, Kathy Burt. FCC is able to help our delegates with some of their costs. The rate for the event is between $225.00 and $305.00 depending upon accomodations.

Men's Spiritual Challenge Weekend

June 5th and 6th are the dates for the Men's Spiritual Challenge in 2010. This is a weekend event for men that will challenge you both body and soul. We will run the rapids together, camp together, and share together the meaning of being a man of faith today. We will again be keeping the cost low for younger men. The cost for those ages 18-25 will be just $100.00. Mark down the dates now, and be sure to bring a friend. Camren Spangler and Carl Crain Jr will be working on the planning team. Watch for more info coming soon!

Quadrennial 2010

The 14th Quadrennial Assembly for Disciples Women will be held June 23-27, 2010, in Greensboro, NC. It's not too early to consider attending this event and to make plans. For more information, contact Carol Scott.

Alternative Gift Giving

We live in a culture of "Too Much Stuff". Our closets are stuffed. Our garages are stuffed. We even rent storage units for more stuff. So, when we think of giving we may be adding more stuff to our lives. We would like to suggest an alternative. In our community there's a number of fine programs working to meet the needs of individuals and families. There are a number of great organizations doing local, national and international work. You will find a list of some of these people and organizations on the hallway bulletin board with their addresses. You may have a group that you and your family support. Consider these as alternatives to stuff.
The Department of Outreach aka Reaching Out

Quality of Life Cards

Are you using your Raleys/Bel Air Quality of Life Cards? Last year our church received approximately $1000.00 from their use. If you've lost yours, or have never had one, just ask Carol Scott or Kathy Burt and we'll get one to you. As the holidays approach, we'll probably be buying more groceries, and using these cards really helps us.

Coffee Hour

We need more coffee hour volunteers. Cookies are not a requirement (but they are nice!), all we need are people who will set out beverages and clean up afterwards. Sign up on the sign-up sheet on the hallway Bulletin Board.

Donation Center

We collect several different items for charities. We collect Campbell Soup labels, grocery bags, toiletries for St. John's Shelter, coffee mugs, etc. We now have a convenient collection center in the Fellowship Hall. Check it out!

Membership has its rewards!

First Christian Church offers a number of services to members. For one thing, if you are a member, we do not charge you for the use of the building for weddings! We maintain membership files here in the Church office. In the files, we offer the opportunity to store important paperwork, like copies of Advanced Health Care Directives or DNR forms. In this way, you and your family can be assured that these papers can be readily accessed in case of emergencies. Additionally, many people like to do advanced planning for their own memorial services. You may have special requests of favorite hymns or scriptures, or of fraternal organizations that you would like included in your memorial planning. The Church staff and clerk will be happy to keep these requests on file, so that we can serve you. If you would like to become a member of First Christian Church, please contact Pastor Ted.

Remember First Christian Church in your will

Over the years, First Christian Church has been well-served by many devoted Christians. We have been blessed by many who have given faithfully over their lifetimes. But we have also been greatly blessed by those individuals who saw an opportunity to extend their witness beyond this lifetime. Right around the beginning of 2007, our Church received gifts from the estates of Naomi Ledbetter and from Frances Roche. We are so grateful for their advanced planning and their gifts that will keep on supporting our ministries for years to come.

Have you thought about including the Church in your estate planning? If you ahve any questions on this subject talk to Pastor Ted or one of the Trustees, and we will be happy to give you some help in this matter.

Volunteers Needed!

The ministries of First Christian Church depend upon lots of willing volunteers. It is our belief that all members of the church have some way to share their gifts in service to all. The following is a short list of opportunities.

Coffee Hour - We need volunteers to prepare coffee and snacks for our fellowship time after worship. If you want more information, contact Carol Scott or Kathryn King.

Children's Ministries - We always need Sunday School teachers and substitute Sunday School teachers. There are other ways to help also, contact Heather Barnes-Ponder or Pastor Ted.

Service and Outreach Ministries - Do you get excited about working to help refugees, children in crisis, the hungry, and the homeless? If so, we try to create opportunities for service. Contact Kathy Smith.

Music Service - Do you like to sing, or play an instrument? Contact choir director Andrew Smith, or Praise Team director Pamela Zaniewski.

Adult News

Women's Groups

BYKOTA will meet February 10th at 7 PM at the Church. They invite ALL women to attend this annual event.
Dorcas will meet on February 10th at 10 AM at the church.
GNO will next meet March 15th at 66:30 PM for game night at the church. GNO goes Green! Gaelic Games, Hot Potato Catch, kiss the Blarney Stone! Bring your favorite GREEN food to share potluck style.
Cabinet next meets March 17th at 7 PM in the Library.

Seniors "Let's Go"

Share the warmth and fellowship of Let's Go Seniors the first Tuesday of every month. we gather at 11:30 AM and lunch is served at noon. Next will be April 6th. Everyone is welcome!

Bible and Bag

Starting on March 3, the Bible and Bag group will begin a study of the Gospel of Luke. We will focus on the ministry and mission of Jesus as Luke tells it. Bible and Bag meets on Wednesdays at noon in the Church library. We bring sack lunches, and Pastor Ted leads a fast-paced interactive study. We wrap up by 1:15 PM. All are welcome, and each week is a different lesson, so come when you can!

Morning Prayer Fellowship

Every Wednesday, First Christian Church prayer fellowship meets at 6 AM at Denny's 7900 College Town Drive. You are invited to join our group for a weekly faith-lift! We have breakfast together and share in study and prayer. We conclude by 7 AM, so that professionals can get on to work. Led by Vickie Firch, all are welcome!

For the next few weeks the group will be studying Christian humility.

Book Club

The book club members meet whenever they can all get together. New members are always welcome. If you like to read, this is the book club you will love. Come Join Us!

Book Club next meets March 14th at 2:30 PM at the Fellers' residence. The book to be discussed is Escape by Richard North Patterson..

Red Hats

Red Hat Ladies - The Christian Crones - meet for lunch as often as possible.

Stay tuned to find out when the ladies next meet.

Opportunities for Children