THIS ISSUE: A Mother s Day Prayer Daniel Darling. A MOTHER S DAY PRAYER May 14 th is Mother s Day

Transcription

1 A Publication of First Christian Church of the Beaches (Disciples of Christ) ISSUE MAY 2017 THIS ISSUE: A MOTHER S DAY PRAYER May 14 th is Mother s Day ELDER S CORNER What happens when you re busy making plans? Life! MID-WEEK CONNECT Our Wednesday Night Congregational Dinner and Bible Study / Activity programs are wrapping up. Join us for these last three! MOVIE NIGHT May 19 6PM Beyond the Mask NATIONAL PRAYER DAY May 4 th from 7am to 6pm followed by a service at New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church at 7pm STEWARDSHIP Where do you store your treasures? THE WAVERIDER Please see the Waverider section for Youth and Children s events A Mother s Day Prayer Daniel Darling Dear Father, we approach your throne on behalf of the mothers whom you have entrusted with the care of your most precious little ones. We thank you for creating each mom with a unique combination of gifts and talents. We thank you for the sacrifice of self each mom gives for her children. For the late nights spent rocking a colicky infant. For the hands calloused from washing, wiping, scrubbing, mixing, backing, stirring, hugging, patting, disciplining, holding, writing, erasing, painting, and pouring. We thank you for the gift of time moms give for their kids, whether it s stay-athome moms, working moms, and moms who have some combination of the two. We thank you for the flexibility of moms, for their tirelessness, their perseverance, and their devotion. We pray you give each mom strength. Help her to see in every mundane task the eternal, cosmic significance that you place on motherhood. Help her to understand that the most radical, world-changing events may be happening anonymously in her home. Help her to forgive those who undermine her significance. We especially pray for single moms, who must lean solely on you for the fathering of their children. We thank you that your big arms surround children who may never know their earthly father. We also pray for mother who never had the honor of bearing children, but whose nurturing extends to the many poor and needy who crass the threshold of their lives. We ask you to be the daily bread of tired mothers. We ask you to be their living water. We ask you to be their source of spiritual and physical strength. We pray that the same grace that flowed from Father to Son to us in salvation will flow from mothers to their children. We pray that each mother rejects perfectionism and instead embraces the goodness of the gospel. We pray the rhythms of repentance and forgiveness shape every home. Lord, give each mother a worshipful reverence of you, the Creator and Sustainer of life. Help each mother to rest in the knowledge that they are but stewards of your children and that only your Spirit can produce change into the hearts of each boy and girl. May each mother find rest in You. Most of all, Lord, on this day in which we honor mothers, may we love and cherish the special women who have born us, who have nurtured us, and who have prayed for our well-being. May our hearts overflow with gratitude to you, who formed and knitted each of us in a mother s womb.

2 Elder s Corner LIFE IS WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU WHEN YOU ARE BUSY MAKING OTHER PLANS. By Bob Meador On January 13 th, a Friday, Mellanie and I got a phone call from her Dad in St Pete. Mellanie s Mom had fallen and her Dad was frantic for us to come down and help him. Mellanie convinced him to call 911 to get help right away. In about an hour, we were in the car, driving to St Pete. And so, began our journey that is not quite over yet. It has been 3-1/2 months since the phone call. During that time, all the plans I had made for working in the yard and cleaning up my flower beds got postponed until next year. We missed Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. As a former Baptist, I never considered giving up anything for Lent, as it had no meaning in my life. Since, we have joined this church, Lent has become a very important season of reflection for me and giving up something I like reminds me, in a very small way, of the life-giving sacrifice Jesus made for me. During those weeks, I had an uneasiness that I was not participating in Lent this year. But as is often the case, I was not seeing God working in my life because I was busy trying to make other plans. Upon reflection, God was using me, through the giving of my time, my possessions and my support to help folks I love, to make their lives a little easier and to get them to a better place. I participated in Lent this year, in a way I never planned. My sacrifices of time, possessions and support were given for only 3 people I love. It has not been easy and I would never have planned to do it. But my sacrifices pale in comparison to the sacrifice God made for you, me and the whole world because He loves us. He sacrificed His only Son for our sins, and He planned it! What a Great & Glorious God we strive to serve. To God be the Glory! Christian Women s Fellowship RADA CUTLERY SALE will begin on Sunday May 21st in the Fellowship Hall. Catalogs will be available to take home, complete your order and return with payment. RADA knives and serving pieces are excellent quality and American made at a reasonable price. They make wonderful gifts for weddings, etc. RADA also offers mixes for cakes, dips, soups and more. The final day to order will be June 11. The RADA sale is sponsored by the Christian Women s Fellowship and proceeds will be used for CWF programs and charities. BEARS IN THE PEWS is a program sponsored by the Christian Women s Fellowship. The bears wear a tag saying they have been in worship, and received prayers and blessings. These bears are to be given to someone you know who could use a bear hug because of illness, tough times, or loss of a loved one. You are welcome to take a bear to give and also to donate a NEW bear for a future seat in the pew. There is a green plastic basket in the fellowship hall for donations.

3 Library News by Linda White We have several new titles in our library. Look for them on the following shelves: CHRISTIAN LIVING The Power of Weakness by Schaeffer, One Thousand Gifts by Voskamp, If by Batterson, On the Way to the Future by Stedman DEVOTION - 52 Weeks with Jesus by Merritt, The Basics of Life by 4HIM, 50 Days of Grace by Crouch FAMILY Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens by Kiyosaki, I Had No Father but God: A Personal Letter to My Two Sons by Crouch Notes from Nancy by Nancy Barrett The band 2eighty8 (Alex and Amaryllis Hopkins and Justin Lefkove) will bring special music the first Sunday in May. Other special music is being planned as we work around me being gone to California for a wedding and John being gone the last weekend to see his sister. We have a guest organist, Ms. Jane Daughtery, substituting for John. She is a former organist for Riverside Christian Church. We welcome Larry and Jeri Clark into our choir family. We're glad to have Carla back from her 36-hour plane trip (that's each way) to see her brother in Bali. Senior Adult Ministry by Pat Hernandez Our S.A.M. meeting was held April 4 th, with 18 members and 3 visitors present. Agnes Calugar and Wendy Davis attended "Seniors on a Mission" in March, and although they were tired when they got back, it was a "good" tired because they had been a BIG help! See Wendy if you would like to join them in the future. Several of us attended the Senior Retreat in Silver Springs in March, and reported on our experiences and Christian fellowship that we shared there. It was one of the best ones yet, entitled, "Filling our Cups" with blessings. Nathan extended our National Day of Prayer, held on May 4 th at our church, beginning at 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., to the New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Mayport with Marvin Nash. As we finished the business part of the meeting, we snuggled down to listen to our guest speaker, whom Madeline Grader had arranged for us, "Nancy Avera", a well-known, Story Teller. We laughed and hung on every word as she told us about "aging." She told us to always tell your right age, because people usually reply: "Well, you really look good for your age." The government would like to get rid of Seniors' before they would get rid of illegal aliens because Seniors would never find their way back home. (save money, get it)? Next month, our meeting will be May 4 th at 10:30 a.m. Madeline Grader will be our speaker, entitled, "I remember Mama". Madeline and Joy Hackney will be our Hostesses and Carol Ann Womble will give us our devotion. Please join in the fun and share your favorite casserole, dessert or rolls, with us.

4 Where is your Storage Unit? By John Campbell Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21) No matter how we acquire our belongings by working, investing, saving, or receiving gifts the correct perspective about money and property is that the Lord owns it all. We are simply the managers. If we harbor wrong attitudes like insisting, My treasure is mine, we may actually find that what we own is much less satisfying than we expected it would be. The bottom line is that when you trust God with every ounce of your time, talent, and treasure you have no need for a storage unit here on earth. Thank you to our Troop 40 Boy Scouts and their leaders for setting up and taking down the chairs for Sunrise service and putting choir chairs back in the choir loft. Good work, fellows! Church World Service BLANKET SUNDAY at FCCB was a wonderful outpouring of love by our congregation for those in need. We collected $ for "Blankets and More" to be given to people suffering after a disaster. CWF sponsors this program at our church and we thank you all for your generous giving. The family of Mary Morrison would like to thank everyone for their support, cards, love and especially your prayers. Her Celebration of Life service was truly an uplifting service. Thank you to all who prepared food, setup, cleaned up and supported us in every way. As a visitor said to me, you are not just a fellowship but truly a family. Praise be to God. Blessings and love in Christ, Bill & Pam Mangine

5 NEW BABIES: Helen Rose Mele was born on March 27 th to Josh and Amy Mele Violet Yost was born on April 4 th to Andy and Tasha Yost NEW MEMBERS (Welcome!!) Reverend John P. Thompson George and Gloria VanDusen Tommy Yost Aleah Thompson Ann Thompson HAPPY BIRTHDAY May 5th - Shirley Widmayer May 5th - Wally Green May 6th - Jeanie Peters May 14th - Tony Viola May 16th - Paul Stiehl May 18th - Robert Beck May 19th - Emory Cain May 20th - Sarah Terrell May 20th - Linda White May 20th - Joanne Shapiro May 21st - John Rappold May 22nd - Billie Perritte May 23rd - Marilyn Wankat May 25th - Diana Witherspoon May 27th - Jim Dennis May 28th - Yvonne Byars May 29th - Betty Mills HAPPY ANNIVERSARY May 21st - Billy and Evelyn Williams May 21st - Bill and Kathy Moffeit

6 2017 NATIONAL PRAYER DAY The first Thursday of every May marks the observance of the National Day of Prayer. The Continental Congress first called the colonies to prayer in 1775, asking prayer for wisdom as the nation was being formed. President Lincoln continued the call in 1863 with his proclamation of a day of "humiliation, fasting and prayer." An annual National Day of Prayer began in 1952 through a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Truman. The law was then amended in 1988 by President Reagan who permanently set the day as the first Thursday of every May. Our church will be open to the public on Thursday May 4 th from 7am-6pm in observance of this special day. Come at any time during that period and bring a friend to pray for our country. Then, at 7pm Pastor Nathan will join Pastor Marvin Nash in hosting a prayer service at New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church located at 996 Mayport Road, Atlantic Beach. Please join us in this special event for our community. "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14) 2017 Church Directory Church Directory Photo Signup It is time to refresh our church directory. We are offering everyone, friends and members, the opportunity to have a professional portrait taken to be included in our 2017 directory. Please visit the website at the following link to select a day and time that suits your family. Sessions will be offered May 23rd thru May 27th. Please sign up, we'd love to include your family photo in our Church Directory. Every family who gets their picture taken, will get a FREE 8x10 copy of the photo. Everyone whose name appears in the directory will receive a FREE copy of the 2017 Church Directory. Schedule your portrait session here ==> Memories for a Lifetime

7 Movie Night Friday May 19 th Pizza at 6:00PM The Movie Starts at 6:30PM Watch the Trailer here ==> Beyond the Mask Beyond the Mask is a 2015 American Christian historical action-adventure family film that brings history to life in a faith-filled adventure celebrating grace, liberty, and the true freedom that can only be found in Christ. The leading mercenary for the British East India Company, Will Reynolds has just been double-crossed and now is on the run in the American Colonies. Working to redeem his name and win back the affections of the woman with whom he's never been fully truthful, Will now hides behind a new mask in hopes of thwarting his former employer. As his past life closes in on him, Will must somehow gain the trust and the help of his beloved Charlotte - as well as Ben Franklin - while he races against time to defuse a plot of historical proportions. As Will Reynolds discovers, if we let true freedom ring, history can be redeemed!

8 Scout News by Barre Barrett MAY In May, Cub Pack 40 is gearing up for the end of school. June 3 will be Pack graduation where Tigers move up to Wolf, Wolves move up to Bears, Bears move up to Webelos 1, and Webelos 1s move up to Webelos 2. There will be a few activities during June - August but the cub pack will not meet regularly in the summer. The Boy Scout troop is camping at BSA camp Shands near Melrose Florida the last weekend of April followed by camping near the Suwanee River in May as the boys finish up the canoeing merit badge. The Troop will not camp in June as the boys prepare for the week-long summer camp in July at BSA Camp Daniel Boone near Asheville, North Carolina. Upcoming Prayer Events at FCCB May 4 National Day of Prayer June 10 Women's Prayer Tea The Al-Banna Family, Alice Pinner, Amanda Beal, Angelina Noel, Ann Brown s sister Pamela Faircloth, Austin Rasco, Baby Ava, Baby Ella, Barry Stevenson, Betty Smith s son Larry Woodford, Betty Tucker, Billy Brown, Billy Womble, Bob & Jody Tipton, Bob Banks, Carol Schoonover, Connie Wendt, Dan Hall, David & Mary Ann Baker, David & Sharon Lynn, Dawn Garnett, Deborah Zarandi, Diana Lain & Kathy Bailey, Diane Ricketts, Don Brown s brother Ken Ashley, Don Jordan, Ed Gebert, Eula Wood, Faye Selig, Gay Dunn, Gen Gallie, Hazel Twitty, Iglesia Evangelica Bethel in Cuba, J Julmice s Dad and Nurse Chloe, Jack Morison, Jay & Laura Kirkley, Jean Donnell, Jim & Joan Chandler, Jim & Marilyn Cunningham, Jim & Shirley Vandergriff, Jim Claytor, Jim Hebert, Jim Peau's sister in Samoa, Josh Kerschner, Joy, Dan & Dan Jr. Casino, June Lundy, Kenny & Judy Tucker, Kenyon Miller, Laurie Jones & Betty Jones, Leon Atlan, Liza Salzmann & Linda Hunt, Luther & Blanche Coggin, Marge Medina-Joann, Marlan McIntyre's mom Wanda McManus, Martie Noles, Mary Bailey & caregiver Donna, Mary Kessler & Martha Chipley, Maurine Choate, Mellanie Meador s parents Allen & Susan Holt, Mike & Phyllis Cobb, Military & their Families, Ms. Nina & her Dad, Olive Calhoun, Pam Mangine, Pastor Chris' Family, Pastor Elizabeth Martell, Pastor James Collins, Pastor Jose Manuel Martell, Pastors Nathan's Family, Paul Stiehl, Peau s grandson Noland Arbaugh, Peggy Humphrey, Police & First Responders, Regis Franskowski, Ron Soder, Sara Brooks, Sarah Bledsoe, School Teachers & Students, Scott & Jenny Phillips, Spring Sullivan, Terry Anderson, Terry Worth, The Brobeck Family, The Ellis Family, The Ginslinger Family, The Gonzalez Family, The Harman Family, The Meess Family, The Miles Family, The Nordman Family, The Peters Family, The Pope Family, The Rouse Family, The Terrell Family, Theresa Mann, Tiffany Reidy, Tripp Halstead, Virginia Heskett, Wimpy Sutton, Youth & Gang Violence, Yvonne Byars

9 MARK YOUR CALENDAR for MAY 1 6:30PM Cub Scouts 2 6:30PM Bible Study w/ Don Lynn 7:00PM Boy Scouts 3 NOON Pastor Nathan s Brown Bag Bible Study 5:30PM Congregational Dinner 6:30PM Fellowship Activities & Choir 4 10:30AM Senior Adult Ministries 7AM-6PM National Day of Prayer, Sanctuary 7PM New Friendship Baptist Church w/pastor Nash 7:15PM Last Men's Class, 7:15pm upstairs 7 7:30AM Christian Men s Breakfast 8/9/11AM WORSHIP 8 6:30PM Cub Scouts 9 6:30PM Don Lynn's Bible Study 7:00PM Boy Scouts 10 NOON Pastor Nathan s Brown Bag Bible Study 5:30PM Congregational Dinner 6:30PM Fellowship Activities & Choir 14 8/9/11AM WORSHIP - Mother's Day 15 6:30PM Cub Scouts 16 6:30PM Don Lynn's Bible Study (ends for summer) 7:00PM Boy Scouts 17 NOON Last, Pastor Nathan s Brown Bag Bible Study 5:30PM Congregational Dinner (ends for summer) 6:30PM Fellowship Activities & Choir 6:30PM 101 Discipleship Class, 4 weeks 19 6:00PM Pizza & Soft Drinks 6:30PM Movie Night -Beyond the Mask 21 8/9/11AM WORSHIP 5:00PM Body of Elders 22 6:30PM Cub Scouts Appt only -Olan Mills Photos for Directory 23 7:00PM Boy Scouts 24 6:30PM 101 Discipleship Class, 1st week 28 10:00AM WORSHIP - Membership Picnic to follow 29 Church Office Closed for Memorial Day 6:30PM Cub Scouts 30 7:00PM Boy Scouts 31 6:30PM 101 Discipleship Class, 2nd week MONTH of MAY SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT am 9am 11am 3 MAY 10 MAY 17 MAY SERVING SCHEDULE for MAY ELDERS DEACONS Nancy Barrett Chris Hopkins Robert & Rebecca Zellars Nathan Loewen Ruth Stiehl Pam Mangine Don Lynn Barbara Lynn Sylvia Osewalt & Marge Medina David & Linda White Jarrett Lane & Justin Ludlam Christian Giles & Dendy Pappas DINNER MENU FOR MAY Meatloaf and Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Rolls, Salad Bar, Strawberry Shortcake Chicken Alfredo with Penne, Veggie Mix, French Bread, Salad Bar, Peach Cobbler Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Mac and Cheese, Potato Salad, Three Bean Salad, Ice Cream Cones Dinner Reservations: Website: office@fc2b.org If you require a visit from the Pastor, please call the Church at (904)

10

11