News and Events

GivingTuesday

GivingTuesday

 

 

Please read the letter below on participating in GivingTuesday @ FCC-Middletown.

GivingTuesday

Help Our Neighbors

middletown-school-logoMiddletown schools have so many children that qualify for food assistance that all students receive free breakfast and lunch on school days.  The children in our city need their neighbors to reach out.  Central Academy is our church yard neighbor and they need our help.  Did you know that Central Academy serves children from all over the Middletown area?  They have students from more affluent neighborhoods and students from poverty stricken areas.

Jesus calls us to love our neighbors as we would love ourselves.  Jesus calls us to reach out and care for the Central Academy children we have as neighbors.  There are many ways you can reach out and help our neighbor – Central Academy.  Volunteers are in high demand.  Below is a list of ways you can plug in and help the students of Central Academy:

Reading to and with students

Practicing sight words through games

Practicing math facts

Helping students write

Making copies in the school office

Cutting and assembling kits for student use  can be done at home and returned to school

Helping with Day of Giving at FCC during Dec. 15-19

Beautifying front entrance of Central Academy

If you would like to know more about being a Christ-like neighbor to Central Academy, please contact Pastor Roe.  She will get you connected to the school.  Pastor Roe, our Elders and Outreach Ministry Team are planning to help with a couple special events.  We’ll have more information on these as it becomes available.

Outreach Opportunities

Thanksgiving

 

This is a very busy time for Outreach as we prepare to provide for families at Thanksgiving and Christmas.  With your help, we will be providing turkey and trimmings for ten families in November.  Thank you to all who have committed to help this month and please watch for more information on what will be happening in December.

 

Hat and Mitten Tree

 

Plans are to use the Hat and Mitten Tree again this year and provide much needed items to the children attending Rosa Parks Elementary School and the children at Hope House.  Please help us start decorating the tree in the narthex on November 30.

 

SHALOM

 

SHALOM is very worthwhile program to house and feed the homeless in our community.  We will again be partnering with Christ United Methodist Church for two weeks this winter.  Mark your calendars for December 28 through January 3 and February 15 through February 21 and plan on sharing a blessing with someone by giving of your time or helping prepare a meal.  Jerry Hall has again graciously volunteered to be our contact person and will be providing additional information.

Christmas Discipleship Day

Discipleship Day Dec 6 2014On Saturday, December 6, 11:00a.m. – 4:00p.m. our Christian Education Team is hosting a very special Christmas Discipleship Day.  This day is for all children and youth.  It will begin following the Children’s program rehearsal.  There will be lunch and lots of fun activities and games.  Please note this gives elves (parents/grandparents) the majority of the day to take care of whatever elf duties (shopping) you have.  Questions?  Contact Mary Helen Shetter or Lora Schueller.

Have a Very Hippie Christmas

Have a very hippie Christmas_t

On Sunday, December 7 during our regular worship at 10:00 a.m.  our children and youth will be bringing us a very special Christmas message – Have a Very Hippie Christmas.  Their unique retelling of the Christmas story will take us into a world of tie-dye, cool cats, and royal dudes.  Invite your family, friends, and all who need to experience Christ’s hope, peace, love and joy this Christmas.

Rehearsals  All children and youth who want to participate in the Christmas program on December 7 need to attend rehearsals:

Sunday, Nov. 23       11:15AM – 12N        Music

Sunday, Nov. 30       11:15AM – 12N        Music

12N – 2PM                 Full program rehearsal lunch included

Saturday, Dec. 6       9AM – 11AM             Full program rehearsal

Sunday, Dec. 7          9AM                              Run thru prior to worship

Questions? Please contact Laureen Roe, Mary Helen Shetter or Lora Schueller.

Poinsettias

PoinsettiasWe will once again decorate our sanctuary with poinsettias for Advent and Christmas.  If you would like to purchase one in memory or in honor of a loved one, all orders must be received by Sunday, November 30.  All poinsettias will be red with the following sizes:

5-7 blooms:          $10.00

12-15 blooms:     $20.00

15-20 blooms:     $30.00

Order forms are linked below.

Poinsettia Order Form

A Note from the Property Folks

In 1996, our congregation dedicated the property at 4520 Rosedale Road, Middletown, Ohio to God.  To that end, we are to care for it as sacred and holy.  Just as we care for one another in times of great need, we are to look at the physical needs of the property.

Currently, our parking lot is in dire need of repair, and our insurance company has asked for an estimated date of repair.  The parking lot needs repairs, paving with 2” of compacted asphalt, and new curbing.  The Property Commission has obtained a bid for this repair.  The first bid we received is $52,500.  The repairs are needed relatively soon as our parking lot may begin to crumble during another harsh winter.  Crumbling would increase the costs dramatically.  Money to cover this cost is not in our current budget.

Property will be discussing parking lot repairs along with other major property expenses (i.e. furnaces/AC units replacement) on the horizon with the General Board.  It is likely that we will need to have a capital campaign in order to finance these major needs.  Assuming the General Board votes to move forward with a capital campaign, we are going to be asking for you – our members – to commit money over and above your current pledge.

Please begin to pray as we discern how to move forward faithfully.  Pray for the leaders of our church, pray for guidance in increasing your giving so we can cover these costs, and pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to dwell among us during these challenging days.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Tim Powers or Larry Steele.

Snow Policy

SNOWOur snow policy for cancellation of worship is as follows:
If Butler County declares a Level 2 or 3 snow emergency we will not have worship.  Otherwise, we will have worship.  Please use your best judgment when deciding whether you should attend.  We do not want anyone risking accident or injury.  If you have any concerns, it is better you stay home and be safe.
Please note: we do not put a message on local television or radio.  We will update our website and Facebook page.
If you know someone within our congregation who does not have internet, please give them a call and share this information.

Children’s Christmas Program

childrens_christmas_program_3Our children’s Christmas Program this year will be Sunday, December 7 during our morning worship service.  The children will begin learning the songs during Youth Choir (11:15-12 each Sunday).  Also, rehearsals on November 30, 12-2:00 p.m. and December 6, 9:00-11:00a.m.  Please make sure your children/grandchildren are in attendance if they are going to participate.  If you have questions, please contact Mary Helen Shetter or Lora Schueller.

BE SAFE – BE AWARE

Be Safe Be Aware2Do you ever worry about the safety of the children in your life?  How to protect our children and youth in our crazy world of predators, drugs, and violence is of great concern.  To help our young people navigate through our world safely, we are hosting BE SAFE – BE AWARE.  This event scheduled for Sunday, November 23, 12noon -2:00p.m. will help our youth and adults look at the safety issues facing young people today.  Mike Simpson (Preble County Sherriff), Matt Lyons (Law Enforcement Specialist), and Martin Schaefer (Computer/Internet Specialist) will lead this informative afternoon.  Everyone is welcome.  Lunch will be provided.  Please invite your friends and neighbors.

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)