Keeping the FaithAs we enter the fall months, it is time for us to begin thinking about our Stewardship Campaign and how God is calling us to prioritize our ministry and budget for 2011. This year, our stewardship theme will be "Keeping the Faith". Our congregation has certainly been through periods of great joy and great challenge. Individuals in the congregation have also experienced enormous happiness and struggle. One thing we have in common is our church and the many ways the love of our church family reaches out to "help us keep the faith." The operations and support of our church depends on generous giving from you, the congregation. In early September you will receive a letter explaining the 2011 Stewardship Campaign. You will also hear testimonials in worship throughout the month of September from members who have experienced the love and help of our congregation. Our Stewardship Campaign will end on October 3rd, with the turning in of our 2011 commitments. A free lunch will be served following the morning worship service. At lunch we will celebrate our commitments to ministry. Between now and then, please prayerfully think about the campaign and how you can help our church to grow in faith and outreach. - Thank you, Kaylyn Warren, Stewardship Chair
Mission Minded MinistriesIt's time to Make a Joyful NoiseYes! It's time for the choir to resume rehearsals and singing in the Sunday worship services. Consider yourself (Yes, all of you!) formally invited to join the FCC choir (ages 14 to 114 welcome). No previous experience is required, just the ability to carry a tune and the desire to sing unto the Lord! Come and find out what a great group of folk participate in this joyful ministry. It's only about an hour each week and We Need You!!!!!!!!!!!! Practice begins Thursday, September 2nd at 7:30 PM-8:30 PM. Please speak with or call Suzie Agee if you have any questions. THIS IS AN AWESOME OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE THE LORD!! DON'T MISS IT!!!!
Support Can Be BeautifulGirl's Night Out is sponsoring a bra recycling project for women in our community through the end of September. Soma International and Victoria's Secrets have launched a nationwide campaign to collect new and gently worn bras to benefit women in need. If you have bras that you can no longer use, please wash them and place them into the pink BAG in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday or in the church office weekdays. Linda Buzgheia will take them to the recycling center.
All church bowling at AMF Lanes on Florin Road August 26th at 7 PMAll church bowling night includes our youth and children. You are invited to attend. There will be reserved inflated lanes for our youngest. Join us at AMF Lanes - 2326 Florin Road at 7 PM on August 26th. The cost for bowling is $5.00 (includes 2 games and shoe rental). Parents will be needed for transportation and supervision. You, too, can bowl.
Chi Rho - CYF Lock-In - August 28-29Youth overnight lock-in 7 PM Saturday to Sunday after worship. Games, Food and worship. Cost: $10. Bring: Sleeping bag, pillow, church clothes, pajamas, toiletries, personal items. Pre-registration by August 22nd. The youth will be participating in the morning worship on Sunday August 29th.
Disciples Regional Young Adult Afternoon at the Rivercats 8/29Tickets are $9.00 for lawn seats. The group will gather at noon for food and fellowship. We have ten young adults from our congregation signed up for this event.
Bible Presentation Sunday and Sunday School Kick-off September 12thPlease join us in welcoming the children, youth and teachers back into their Sunday school classes. The 2010 theme is "Rock Solid Faith".
Christian Women's Retreat at Mission Springs - September 17-19Mission Springs, "Embracing the Journey": The Christian Women's Fellowship Fall Retreat will be held at Scotts Valley, California September 17-19. This annual retreat brings women together from the Northern California-Nevada Regional churches. The guest speaker this year will be the Reverend Kirsten Lindford. You may read more about it at www.ccncn.org. Registration forms are available on line and from the office.
Old Time Religion: Gospel Sunday - September 26thCome make a joyful noise!
"Sweet Potatoes" Concert at Woodland CC - October 2ndHold the date and stay tuned for more details.
Stewardship Commitment Sunday and Served Luncheon - September 3rdStay tuned for more details.
Young Adult National Convocation in Las Vegas - October 7-10Rechartering our Faith: Young Adult Convention in October. October 7-10 will be the first ever Disciples of Christ Young Adult convention. The event will be held at First Christian Church, Las Vegas, Nevada. Author Christian Piatt will be among the presenters. All young adults ages 18-30 or so, are invited. The registration cost is $125.00 for the event, and the accommodations (all three nights) will be roughly $125.00 also, multiple occupancy. If you are interested in this event, contact Bethany Firch for more information. Some scholarship funds are available through the Roche Fund. Sign up now! - Bethany Firch
Church Birthday Celebration and Potluck - October 17thSave the date and stay tuned.
Christian Men's Retreat in Santa Nella - October 22-23Attention all Men! Plan to attend this years Men's Retreat at Hotel de Oro in Santa Nella on Friday, October 22nd. The program start time is 3 PM and ends Saturday, October 23rd at 5 PM. The presenter will be Dr. David Matson speaking on "Paul: The Man, The Message, The Myth". David's presentation was enthusiastically received by a large number of men at the Pacific Southwest Region Men's Retreat last year. Co-Regional Minister of the PSW Region, Don Dewey stated, "David is one of the most dynamic speakers I have ever heard; he cultivates much interaction from the participants. I have never seen so many men so engaged in Bible study!" We are privileged to have David coming to our Men's Retreat! This promises to be a great experience for all men, so recruit a friend to come with you and bring your bibles. Cost varies depending on private room, shared room, off-site, etc. Send you favorite man on this retreat. Details can be found at www.ccnc.org.
Alternative Gift GivingWe 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 CardsAre 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 HourWe 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 CenterWe 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 willOver 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.
Adult NewsWomen's GroupsBYKOTA will meet September 8th at 7 PM at the church.
Dorcas will meet on September 8th at 10 AM at the church.
GNO will next meet September 20th at 6 PM at the church. Potluck pasta night - Bring your favorite pasta dish and a story to share at the monthly gathering of "girls"! If you are working on a project for the Fall Harvest Festival, bring it to work on while we chatter.
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 Let's Go Seniors will be September 7th. Everyone is welcome!
Bible and BagBible 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 FellowshipEvery 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 ClubStay tuned to find out when Book Club next meets. Everyone is welcome!
Red HatsStay tuned to find out when the ladies next meet.
Loving Support GroupLoving Support is a new group being started for people who suffer from depression or who would like some spiritual support. We will study books together on the subject of healing and spirituality. Kathy Campbell is the leader. Loving support next meets September 27th at 7 PM at the church.
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