On Sunday, December 15 following worship, we will have a congregational meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to vote on several new deacons, one new elder and a board secretary. 
Congregational Meeting
December 9, 2013 By
REHEARSAL DELAYED
December 6, 2013 By
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM REHEARSAL:
Tomorrow’s (Saturday) rehearsal been delayed until 1PM.
See you then!
Week of Compassion Response to Philippines
November 22, 2013 By
Your gifts of compassion are already at work. Week of Compassion immediately responded to the news of the horrific typhoon that swept through the Philippines last Friday morning, thanks to you. Funds were sent to the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, through Global Ministries. Typhoon Haiyan is one of the worst recorded typhoons in history. It has already killed at least 1,200 people, but unconfirmed sources estimate over 10,000 deaths. 4.5 million people have been affected. Death toll in the typhoon‐hit areas is rising as areas currently out of contact are reached. Hundreds of thousands of people are displaced. Hardest hit is the central Philippine city of Tacloban, which is said to be flattened and where hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced. The damage to airports and roads is hampering initial relief efforts, the BBC said. The scene across the Philippines is one of severe
destruction with fallen trees, damaged roads and buildings, downed power lines and telecommunications.
Even though the Typhoon has now passed the Philippines, flash floods and landslides which cause additional danger can be expected. The areas hit cover already poverty‐stricken communities, which have suffered from successive and simultaneous emergencies. On October 15, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Bohol province in central Philippines. As a result of that emergency alone, over 344,300 people are displaced and living in makeshift shelters built in open spaces near their homes. These people are in dire need of food, non‐food items and other emergency relief materials. Gifts to Week of Compassion are being used to provide immediate effective lifesaving assistance. Thank you for your generosity during this devastating disaster; it is your compassion that allows Week of Compassion to take action.
If you would like to help financially, you can make a donation through First Christian Church. Mark your offering “Week of Compassion – Philippines” or go to www.weekofcompassion.org .
“If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.”
1 Corinthians 12:26
Simplify. Unify.
November 22, 2013 By
Throughout Sabbatical my time praying, reading, journaling, having holy conversations with others brought forth a very clear message – SIMPLIFY. UNIFY. Upon reading the Discernment report from Regional Associate Pastor, LaTaunya Bynum, that message was confirmed. Our worship, our ministry is to be simplified. I was hearing this within my spirit and seeing it within my mind’s eye. As I read the discernment report, the bits and pieces of what I was hearing through all the holy conversations I was having during sabbatical began to fall into place. A vision began to be formed. Evan and I talked. Beth and I talked. Karen and I talked. Dave and I talked. But, most importantly, all of us – all of you, were talking with God and God was talking to everyone within our congregation. It was through these holy conversations that a vision was born.
Upon my return, I met with the Worship and Christian Education teams to have a holy conversation and talk about the vision. After enthusiastic discussion, they
voted to move forward with the vision. Then on Wednesday night, the new vision was shared with the Board and Elders. The new vision includes moving to one worship service
for Advent and January. Everyone will worship together. The worship service will be a blended service that reflects all of who we are. We will take the very best of both our current worship hours and create worship that is relevant and reflective. Worship will begin at 10:00a.m. with nursery and Children Worship and Wonder available. Following worship at approximately 11:15a.m. there will be nursery, Children’s Sunday School classes, Chi Rho and CYF Sunday School classes, Adult Bible Study, and a new class which Evan and I will lead called “Going Deeper.” In this class, we will have open discussion related to the day’s scripture and topics. Below is our new schedule, which will begin Sunday, December 1. I look forward to our Advent journey together.
with love,
Laureen ☺
Sunday Schedule – Begins December 1
9:00a.m. Prayer Group
9:30a.m. Choir
10:00a.m. Worship, Children Worship and Wonder & Nursery
11:15a.m. Sunday School, Adult Bible Study, Children’s Classes, Nursery, CYF & Chi Rho, “Going Deeper”
Coins 4 Camp!
November 22, 2013 By
On the third Sunday of each month our children collect loose coins during the Children’s Moment. These coins are used to support Camp Christian. Half of the coins are used to help send our youth to summer camp. The other half is sent to Camp Christian for operating expenses. Bring your coins on third Sundays and support our youth and Camp Christian! For more information about Camp Christian, go to www.ccinoh.org
CWF Bread Sale
November 22, 2013 By
Christian Women’s Fellowship (CWF) is having a Holiday Bread Sale on Sunday, November 24 before church.
The proceeds of the bread sale will go to both local and Disciple based missions.
Let’s Decorate!
November 20, 2013 By
Following our Thanksgiving Celebration, the Worship Team will decorate the church for the Advent/Christmas season, which begins on December 1. The beauty of our sanctuary helps us realize the presence of God during this Holy season. Come join the fun!
Thanksgiving Celebration
November 20, 2013 By
Following our contemporary worship on Sunday, November 24, our Membership Team will provide a meal of Thanksgiving for our enjoyment and fellowship. The turkey will be provided, but each family is asked to bring a side dish to share with others. Please plan to attend worship and remain to partake of the feast of thanksgiving with your church family. And … bring a friend
!
Small Group Book Discussion (Oct 27)
October 18, 2013 By
A small group, led by Nancy S, will meet the afternoon of Sunday, October 27, to discuss the book MUDHOUSE SABBATH by Lauren F. Winner. Despite her conversion from Orthodox Judaism to Christianity, the author finds that her life is still shaped by the spiritual essences of Judaism — rich traditions and religious practices that she can’t leave behind. In MUDHOUSE SABBATH, Winner illuminates eleven spiritual practices that can transform the way we view the world, and God. Whether discussing her own prayer life, the spirituality of candle-lighting, or the differences between the Jewish Sabbath and a Sunday spent at the Mudhouse, her favorite coffee shop, Winner writes with appealing honesty and rare insight.
Let Nancy know if you plan to participate in the discussion — and pick up the book MUDHOUSE SABBATH to begin your journey.
Youth Group News
October 18, 2013 By
JYF (K – 3rd grades) and Chi Rho (4th – 8th grades)
- Sunday, October 20 – lunch will be provided following worship and then will leave to visit Neiderman Farm’s Corn Maze (bring $5 for the maze)
- Sunday, November 3 – youth group following worship
- Sunday, November 17 – youth group following worship
- Sunday, December 1 – youth group following worship
- Saturday, December 7 – Christmas program rehearsal from 10:00 am to noon
- Sunday, December 8 – Christmas program
CYF (9th – 12th grades)
- October 27 – CYF Party
- Saturday, November 9 – lock-in beginning at 7:00 pm
