Worship Services Sermon Series Sunday, January 8 & 15 in the Family Room

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m. Fellowship Center December 2016 Vol. 65 No.

16 months as Sundays at LCC are focused on Jesus.

teachings of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke.

Sunday School Join the choir Baptismal Assistant

1 Worship Services 8:15 a.m. Sanctuary 8:15 a.m. Fellowship Center 9:30 a.m. Fellowship Center 11:00 a.m. Fellowship Center December 2016 Vol. 65 No Sermon Series Join us for the next 16 months as Sundays at LCC are focused on Jesus... period, as we observe the ministry and teachings of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. Nursery Volunteer Join a life group Join an adult Sunday School Join the choir Baptismal Assistant Door Greeter Sunday, January 8 & 15 in the Family Room Church Office I Fax I lcchurch@lincolnchristianchurch.org

Ron Otto Preaching Minister New Year... Fresh Start I read a recent article that listed the five most popular resolutions made every year: 5. Take up a new hobby 4.

Losing weight A woman walked into her bathroom at home and saw her husband weighing himself on the scales as he was sucking in his stomach.

2 Ron Otto Preaching Minister New Year... Fresh Start I read a recent article that listed the five most popular resolutions made every year: 5. Take up a new hobby 4. Make more money or get out of debt 3. Improve relationships 2. Stop smoking And the most popular New Year s resolution? You guessed it: 1. Losing weight A woman walked into her bathroom at home and saw her husband weighing himself on the scales as he was sucking in his stomach. She laughed and then said sarcastically, "sucking in your stomach is not going to help you to weigh less you know." Her husband said, "I m not trying to weigh less. It s the only way I can see the numbers." How was 2016 for you? Was it a good year with lots to be grateful for? Or was it a challenging year? Did you have some hopes that didn t become a reality like healings, professional advancements, reconciliations? Did disappointment knock at your door this last year? For many, that was the case. But for others, maybe some good things happened and you re hoping they will repeat in The great thing about the New Year is that every time it comes around it brings a chance to take stock of our lives. Where are we going? How are we doing? Two elderly women were lamenting about their old age: Well, Ethel, we re constantly tired, we both have bad hips and we need a walker to get around; we can t hardly hear a thing, and we can t see past our own face. Ethel comments, Yes! But at least we can still drive! What can we do to make 2017 a better year in the face of such pessimistic reports? I have a suggestion that comes from the Apostle Paul: First, release the past! A new year means a fresh start. The Apostle Paul was never one to let circumstances of the past overly effect his tomorrow. Listen to Paul s attitude in Philippians 3:12 14: But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Your memory can be both a friend or your enemy. Hopefully, you ll recall some very pleasant things about this past year, but chances are that you ll also remember some negative things. Maybe this past year was a time of painful transitions in your life the kids grew up and left home and you re now trying to deal with empty nest syndrome. Maybe your job came to an end and you re having a tough time making ends meet. Maybe a relationship ended. Maybe a loved one died and you re trying to deal with the lingering grief and loneliness. Moments like these can cripple us and hold us in bondage to the past. This is why Paul said: I forget about what lies behind me. Paul had a lot to overcome from his past. He persecuted the church. He used his authority to kill Christians. By his own admission he said, "I am chief of sinners." He could have walked around the rest of his life with a tremendous burden of guilt and regret. Instead, he released the past. Second, look forward to what lies ahead. In other words, I m looking forward so much that I m going to press on to get there. To summarize Paul again: I m moving on now. Truth be told, maybe you don t know where you are moving on to. In fact, whenever we leave behind a vice or regret that has been such a defining element of our lives it s sometimes unclear what the future holds. But you can bank on this, when we make Jesus the center of that future, it s bound to be good! Upcoming Jesus. Messages: Jan 1 Jesus with Simeon and Anna Luke 2:21 40 Jan 8 Boy Jesus in the Temple Luke 2:41 52 Jan 15 John the Baptist Luke 3:1 22 Jan 22 Jesus Genealogy Luke 3:23 37 Jan 29 Temptations of Jesus Luke 4:1 13 As we continue on in our Jesus. series, be reading and looking ahead at the above passages.

Brandon Boyd Minister of Adult Discipleship Interested in Membership? Join our LifeStep 1: Discover Lincoln Christian Church.

You ll get to ask any questions you have as well as meet others who are exploring the same journey. This class meets on Sunday, January 29 from 5:00 7:00 p.m. It s free, it s casual, and we provide dinner (sorry, no childcare).

LifeGroups, Sunday School, and Bible Studies. On these two Sundays you can find out how to join a smaller group that emphasizes Bible study, friendships, and spiritual growth in faith.

There will be opportunities for those with questions about their new faith, and opportunities for those who want to take their longstanding faith to the next level. 2.

3 Brandon Boyd Minister of Adult Discipleship Interested in Membership? Join our LifeStep 1: Discover Lincoln Christian Church. Explore your faith and the beliefs of Lincoln Christian Church in a relaxed setting with Ron Otto and Brandon Boyd. You ll get to ask any questions you have as well as meet others who are exploring the same journey. This class meets on Sunday, January 29 from 5:00 7:00 p.m. It s free, it s casual, and we provide dinner (sorry, no childcare). Sign-up at the Welcome Center. Spring Sign-ups On January 8 and 15, 2017 you will have a great opportunity to sign-up for your next steps at Lincoln Christian Church in two important areas: 1. LifeGroups, Sunday School, and Bible Studies. On these two Sundays you can find out how to join a smaller group that emphasizes Bible study, friendships, and spiritual growth in faith. We will have studies for couples, men, and women. There will be opportunities for those with questions about their new faith, and opportunities for those who want to take their longstanding faith to the next level. 2. Ministry Teams Another important way to grow in your faith is by serving others. It takes over 400 people each week to help with all the ministry of Lincoln Christian Church. On these sign-up Sundays, you will be able to find out more information and sign-up the same day for an area of service where you can make an impact. Watch for more details. Discipleship Information Website For the latest information on the adult discipleship ministry, check out the website lccdiscipleshipministry.wordpress.com. Man on Fire Study Begins January 11 Join Tim Becke as he leads a men s study discussing the key issues and needs for men and their biblical solutions. God is calling each man to authentic Christian manhood. This study begins on Wednesday, January 11, at 6:30 p.m. New Wednesday Study Begins January 11 This Spring, join Dr. Pete Verkruyse, Undergraduate Dean at Lincoln Christian University, for an eightweek study in the New Testament Book of Hebrews. Coinciding with our sermon series through the Gospel of Luke, this study will offer another vantage point focusing on the person and work of Jesus. No cost. Begins January 11 at 6:30 p.m. Women s Bible Study Begins January 30 This semester s study focuses on Sharon Jaynes book focusing on the power of words in the life of a Christian woman. Two sessions are available: - Mondays, beginning January 30 at 6:30 p.m. - Tuesdays, beginning January 31 at 1:00 p.m. Cost is $15. Sign up in the Family Room on January 8 and 15.

Zach Ramsey Student Minister Grab a Spring Calendar! Jr. High and High School Calendars are available at the Youth Info Desk. These calendars have important info about all of our spring events.

NEW! Post High School We will have Post after the Gathering Sunday, January 8 and 22, 8:00 9:00 p.m. Post is going to be totally new! We can t wait!

Believe is April 8 9 in Anderson, IN. $110 plus 3 meals. Be sure to grab a packet for more info at the Youth Information Desk. Non-Refundable deposit of $55 due Sunday, February 26.

Be sure to grab a packet for more info at the Youth Information Desk. Non-Refundable deposit of $50 is due Sunday, March 26.

That means that what you paid for Believe is taken off the cost for Move. How sweet is that! Hey Juniors and Seniors! Check out LCU s LEAP Program!

4 Zach Ramsey Student Minister Grab a Spring Calendar! Jr. High and High School Calendars are available at the Youth Info Desk. These calendars have important info about all of our spring events. The Gathering (9th-12th Grade Youth Group) resumes Sunday Jan 8th 6:30 8:00 pm. Doors open at 6:00 pm. Fuel (5th-8th Grade Youth Group) resumes Wednesday Jan 11th 6:30-7:50 pm. Doors open at 6:15 pm. NEW! Post High School We will have Post after the Gathering Sunday, January 8 and 22, 8:00 9:00 p.m. Post is going to be totally new! We can t wait! Ski Trip High School Saturday, January 28, we will head up to Cascade Mountain in Wisconsin to go skiing. It is going to be a blast. Grab a packet at the Youth Info Desk! Approximate cost will be $ meals. Sign-up by January 8. SuperStart 5th Graders Only! Hey 5th Graders, SuperStart is March in Bloomington, IL. $65 plus 2 meals. Be sure to grab a packet for more info at the Youth Information Desk. Non- Refundable deposit of $30 due Sunday, January 29. Believe 6th-8th Grade Hey 6th-8th Graders, mark your calendars. Believe is April 8 9 in Anderson, IN. $110 plus 3 meals. Be sure to grab a packet for more info at the Youth Information Desk. Non-Refundable deposit of $55 due Sunday, February 26. Move 8th Grade Graduated Senior Move is July 10t 15 in Wheaton, IL. $350 plus 2 meals and a sack lunch. We will have a fundraiser in April to help you raise funds for your trip. Be sure to grab a packet for more info at the Youth Information Desk. Non-Refundable deposit of $50 is due Sunday, March 26. 8th Grade Scholarships for CIY Move 8th grade students who attend CIY Believe over April 8 9 can apply for a scholarship of $110 for Move. That means that what you paid for Believe is taken off the cost for Move. How sweet is that! Hey Juniors and Seniors! Check out LCU s LEAP Program! Lincoln Christian University s Early Achievement Program (LEAP) is a great opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to get a practical and affordable jump on their college education. Through the LEAP dual enrollment program, students have the opportunity to enroll and receive credit for college courses while still in high school at a discounted rate. Begin your college journey now by enrolling in LCU classes either on campus or online! For more info check out their website: Seriously! You should check out this program! IMPORTANT Kroger Fundraising Info! If you are interested in or already have a Kroger Plus Card and would like to help fund raise for LCC's General Youth Fund by easily earning rebates on shopping you'll already be doing, please fill out the pink 1/2 sheet at the Youth Info Desk (back of Welcome Center)! If you enrolled your Kroger Plus Card with LCC in 2016, we thank you for your earnings! If you'd like to continue (or start afresh in 2017) we need ALL PARTICIPANTS to re-enroll in 2017, and this is our friendly annual reminder! Visit kroger.com/communityrewards & either sign in with your existing Kroger info, or start afresh by creating a new account with Kroger! You'll need an to complete their instructions & to start earning rewards in 2017 for LCC students. Follow their simple directions & you'll be set up ASAP! Select our Lincoln Kroger & choose L.C.C. (N.P.O. #: 10095) & you can start earning within the following 10 business days! Happy shopping & thank you for earning for LCC's Youth!

Marcia Wells Children s Minister KIDS WORSHIP January 2017 Cornerstone Construction Zone Christian Beliefs

believe as Christians. Below are the key concepts we will be studying.

On EveryBODY Sunday our kids invited their friends to a fun day wearing CRAZZZZY Socks!

!! January Series Titles: The Transfiguration (We believe in God the Father.) Luke 9:28 36.

) Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; Luke 1:26 38. Jesus Comes Back to Life (We believe that Jesus died and came back to life.

The Parable of the 10 Bridesmaids (We believe that Jesus will return. Matthew 25:1 13.

offered to kids in 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades.

5 Marcia Wells Children s Minister KIDS WORSHIP January 2017 Cornerstone Construction Zone Christian Beliefs Children s Ministry is a place where dedicated volunteers work to help parents build a strong foundation for children s faith. During January, kids and leaders will explore God s Word to discover some of the basic principles of what we believe as Christians. Below are the key concepts we will be studying. Also, our key verse for the month will be Matthew 16:16, You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God. On EveryBODY Sunday our kids invited their friends to a fun day wearing CRAZZZZY Socks! Here are a few pictures of their fun day!!! January Series Titles: The Transfiguration (We believe in God the Father.) Luke 9: Prophets Predict the Messiah (We believe that Jesus was born of the Holy Spirit.) Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; Luke 1: Jesus Comes Back to Life (We believe that Jesus died and came back to life.) Mark 15:42 16:7. The Shepherd and His Flock (We believe that Jesus is the head of the church.) John 10:1 15. The Parable of the 10 Bridesmaids (We believe that Jesus will return. Matthew 25:1 13. Sign-up during the month of February at the Children s Check In Area for the class Becoming a Christian, offered to kids in 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades. We will explore what the Bible says about becoming a Christian and living life as a Christ follower. Class will meet on Monday s, March 13, 20, 27 and April 3, from 3:30 5:00 p.m. each week. There are just a few spots left in LCC s Preschool and your preschooler can join now for second semester! Take advantage of this opportunity for your child to gain skills for kindergarten in a Christian environment multiple times each week! For more information, call and ask for Jenni.

Laurin Hill Worship Minister you! Thank You! Thank You! Thank you to everyone who contributed to Celebrate! Christmas 2016: Peace. What beautiful moments of worship!

Thanks to all of the choirs, the orchestra, the handbells, and technical crew for your hard work and hours of rehearsal and preparation. Thanks to those who helped to set up and decorate the building.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! UNDecking the Halls!

6 Laurin Hill Worship Minister you! Thank You! Thank You! Thank you to everyone who contributed to Celebrate! Christmas 2016: Peace. What beautiful moments of worship!! As I reflect on my seventh Celebrate! Christmas, with almost 200 participants, what a great a thing it is to work with each of you. I pray you are as blessed by participating as I was! Thanks to all of the choirs, the orchestra, the handbells, and technical crew for your hard work and hours of rehearsal and preparation. Thanks to those who helped to set up and decorate the building. Thank you all for your gift of service! I pray all who celebrated Christmas with us will continue to live in the presence of the Prince of Peace as we enter this new year. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! UNDecking the Halls! Everyone s help is needed to take down our beautiful Christmas decorations throughout the building to be stored properly for their next use. If you love seeing the halls decked out for Christmas, please consider coming to help us take it all down and store it away for next year. We will be UNdecorating Tuesday, January 3, from 6:00 9:00 p.m. Many hands make light work! Your help is definitely needed. Ooops! Happy New Year 2017! Good News and HeartSong meet again January 8! Open enrollment thru January Good News, for 9th 12th grade students, and HeartSong, for 5th 8th grade students, will be taking a break for the holidays and resume rehearsing on Sunday, January 8. There is open enrollment until the end of January (Sundays = Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29) to make a commitment to the tours. If you would like more information on either group, please contact Laurin Hill at or laurin.hill@lincolnchristianchurch.org. Good News meets Sundays from 5:00 6:00 p.m. with HeartSong meeting just after from 6:00 7:00 p.m. Now is the time to invite your friends to join us for our upcoming tours. HeartSong will go on mini-tour April 21 23, 2017 with our home concert Sunday afternoon, April 23, at 4:00 p.m. Good News will be on tour from June 6 13, 2017, heading to the northeastern US and New York City. Our Good News home concert is Monday, June 5 at 7:00 p.m. Kid s Choirs resume January 8! The Kid s Choirs (3 years old through 4th graders) rehearse from 6:00 7:00 p.m. each Sunday in preparation for our spring musical, Tale of the Three Trees coming up Monday, April 24, at 6:30 p.m. We ll be working hard and having a ton of fun in the coming months. See you Sunday nights! Sanctuary Choir resumes January 4! The Sanctuary Choir resumes rehearsing Wednesday, January 4, from 6:30 7:45 p.m. We sing and lead worship each week in the 8:15 a.m. Sanctuary service. We are in need of additional voices because a few have moved away. Come and lift your voice! A few dates of importance to mark on your 2017 calendar: Service of Shadows Thursday, April 13 Easter Sunday, April 16

Global Impact Highlight: Rondal and Janice Smith, Pioneer Bible Translators (PBT) This couple has worked with PBT from its very conception on the LCU campus in the early 70 s.

Both have provided leadership for young translators like Dustin and Sarah, interns in a North African nation fraught with civil and militant upheaval; even the capital city has been bombed.

They write, We never again take for granted a shower, electricity, clean drinking water, and a bed that isn t kept warm by the many bugs.

rah had to return to the U.S. due to escalating violence, but their desire is to return when more stability occurs.

Moreover, prayer for their courage and resilience when they are called to return and continue working among these regions.

7 Global Impact Highlight: Rondal and Janice Smith, Pioneer Bible Translators (PBT) This couple has worked with PBT from its very conception on the LCU campus in the early 70 s. Both Rondal and Janice have recently experienced painful health issues. Pray for their healing and continued service as translators and mentors for other PBT workers. Both have provided leadership for young translators like Dustin and Sarah, interns in a North African nation fraught with civil and militant upheaval; even the capital city has been bombed. The young interns have been working in a refugee camp which has taught them to be flexible enough to handle all the unexpected changes that come regularly. They write, We never again take for granted a shower, electricity, clean drinking water, and a bed that isn t kept warm by the many bugs. Their goal is simple but powerful to translate the Bible into the language of these war torn people. Most recently, Dustin and Sarah had to return to the U.S. due to escalating violence, but their desire is to return when more stability occurs. Please pray for all of PBT s missionaries in North Africa, who periodically must leave the country when such violence escalates. Moreover, prayer for their courage and resilience when they are called to return and continue working among these regions. Pray for safety for the nationals who help with the translation process and that the finished work will be understood by the people. We may ask, Why are they risking their lives for this? They would answer, God called us to bring His word to these people. How shall they hear unless someone is sent? Blessed are feet of those who bring glad tidings. News for the Family! New Member by Baptism: Jadyn Fish 12/11/16 *34 total baptisms for 2016 **17 total transfers for 2016 Sympathy and Prayers: Elaine Smith and family at the passing of Elaine s husband, Charles Smith; Tom Sowers and family at the loss of Tom s father, Bennie Sowers; Jim Stone and family at the loss of Jim s sister, Sharon Stone; Wallace Reese and family at the passing of Wallace s wife, Nancy Reese; the family and friends of Helen Taft at her passing; Marjory Smalley and family at the passing of Marjory s husband, Duane Smalley; and Joe Diers and family at the passing of Joe s brother, Jay Diers. Sanctuary Flower Dedications for 2017 The flower schedule for 2017 is being made. If you would like to dedicate a flower arrangement in memory or in honor of someone, or in celebration of a special occasion, contact the Church Office at or at lcchurch@lincolnchristianchurch.org by Sunday, January 1. Flowers cost $25 and the bill is mailed the week of dedication. Elder Affirmation Update Will D Andrea and Chuck Bennett were affirmed by the congregation for a 3-year term with over 99% approval. Will and Chuck will be great additions to our elders leadership and ministry. End of the Year Special Giving for 2016 Harvest of Talents $110, Heart for the House Large Offering $113, Christmas Eve for Local Impact $2, Offering Envelopes Boxes of giving envelopes will be available at a table in the Family Room for the first few weeks of January. If you do not have a box and would like one, please leave your name, address, and phone number on the sheet at the table, and one will be provided for you. Similarly, if you are unable to attend on Sunday s but would still like to give, call the Church Office at or lcchurch@lincolnchristianchurch.org to had a box mailed to you. Other Ways to Give See the giving page on the website: lincolnchristianchurch.org/give.

8 The Call is published monthly by Lincoln Christian Church, 204 N. McLean St. Lincoln, IL U. S. P. S periodical postage paid at Lincoln, IL Postmaster: Send change of address to Lincoln Christian Church 204 N. McLean St., Lincoln, IL

Worship Services 8:15 a.m. Sanctuary 8:15 a.m. Fellowship Center 9:30 a.m. Fellowship Center 11:00 a.m. Fellowship Center

Worship Services 8:15 a.m. Sanctuary 8:15 a.m. Fellowship Center 9:30 a.m. Fellowship Center 11:00 a.m. Fellowship Center December 2017 Vol. 66 No. 12 Church Office 217.732.7618 I Fax 217.732.5683 I lcchurch@lincolnchristianchurch.org