Year in Review: 2018

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Year in Review: 2018 Jan. 2 Edition Caroling Party, December 2017 Though not including in the 2017 Year in Review issue, our Caroling party took place on Saturday 16.

9 Edition Blessing Box in the Park The Girl Scout Blessing Box project proposed last fall by Andi and Elissa Scott on behalf of Troop 9134 is now in operation.

January 15 Edition Words on Habitat Habitat for Humanity builds 10 homes a year in Bryan and College Station Are the homes free? No, the homeowner pays a mortgage, no interest, over 20 years.

1 Year in Review: 2018 Jan. 2 Edition Caroling Party, December 2017 Though not including in the 2017 Year in Review issue, our Caroling party took place on Saturday 16. Though fewer in number than the 2016 group, our carolers braved cold and rain to bring the warmth of faith and a bit of Christmas cheer to shut-ins. Jan. 9 Edition Blessing Box in the Park The Girl Scout Blessing Box project proposed last fall by Andi and Elissa Scott on behalf of Troop 9134 is now in operation. We thank Andi, Elissa and Troop 9134 for their good work. If you would like to support this effort talk to Andi. January 15 Edition Words on Habitat Habitat for Humanity builds 10 homes a year in Bryan and College Station Are the homes free? No, the homeowner pays a mortgage, no interest, over 20 years. They also pay utilities and property taxes like everyone else. So, what s the big deal? Although the amount has increased over time, currently it takes $55,000 to sponsor a Habitat home. The Faith in Action Committee, of which FCC is a member, works to raise the remainder. The two largest fund raisers are the Pumpkin Patch at Halloween and the Run for the House event in March. Eight to twelve churches and other religious organizations make up the Faith in Action Committee and Habitat is working to include more groups and create new fund-raising events. Individuals and businesses also contribute to Habitat, including members of FCC

Michael Bozardt January 30 Edition They re Back As their kick off for spring semester activities, Young Life leaders met with SFA middle-schoolers in Dishman Park on January 22. Feb.

with first quarter wedding anniversaries during last Sunday s Fat Sunday, Valentine s, Birthday and Anniversary Potluck.

20 and 27 Editions The Lenten Pilgrim s Journey Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. (Ps.

2 Michael Bozardt January 30 Edition They re Back As their kick off for spring semester activities, Young Life leaders met with SFA middle-schoolers in Dishman Park on January 22. Feb. 13 Edition Let Me Call You Sweetheart Bob and Mary Richards serenaded couples (pictured with the Richards, left to right: Jack and Nancy Finchum, Larry and Vicki Green and Jim and Stacy Atterbury) with first quarter wedding anniversaries during last Sunday s Fat Sunday, Valentine s, Birthday and Anniversary Potluck. Valentine s Day falls on Ash Wednesday this year, so the celebration was held early. Wednesday there will be a simple Lenten soup dinner at 6 pm with an Ash Wednesday service at 6:45 pm. Feb. 20 and 27 Editions The Lenten Pilgrim s Journey Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. (Ps. 139) The bottom line in Lent, as with the rest of the year, is grace. I believe that Paul said it best in Romans 3:23-24:...all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus By our Lenten practices we hope to gain once more an appreciation of just how much we need the gifts that God offers. (From: Minister s Moment Feb. 20) March 6 Edition New Member!

.At the close of our House Church session on February 27, Jackie Green formally placed her membership with us by statement of faith.

She joins us as a transfer of membership having been baptized in the Presbyterian Church. She is the daughter of Rae McNulty.

The event was joinly sponsored by the Coastal Plains and Blue Bonnet Areas.

3 .At the close of our House Church session on February 27, Jackie Green formally placed her membership with us by statement of faith. Taking this step at the House Church honors the important role it has played in Jackie s growing connection to our congregation. She joins us as a transfer of membership having been baptized in the Presbyterian Church. She is the daughter of Rae McNulty. Youth News Last weekend (March 2-4) Collin Chandler participated in the Spring Youth Rally held at Disciple Oaks in Gonzales, TX. The event was joinly sponsored by the Coastal Plains and Blue Bonnet Areas. March 13 Edition Last Saturday several members of the CWF prepared and delivered lunches to a Habitat for Humanity work crew! March 21 Edition: Prepared or not, Palm Sunday is the entry point for everyone who wants to walk with Jesus through the passions of Holy Week. Along the way there will be adoration and opposition, claims of loyalty and open betrayal, greed and selfless love! Enter the story of Jesus and walk with him this week if you hope to experience the promise and renewal that each Easter offers! (From: Minister s Moment March 27) March 27 Edition: All those who call on his name would do well to remember the guiding imperatives of Holy Week. Paul s well-known words from Ephesians represent the first of these twin pillars. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death The second of these imperatives comes directly from Jesus. Before sending the Twelve on their very first mission trip, he told them: I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of

wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me When

In a new setting and on a fine spring morning the Chandler family turned out in force to support the 2018 Run for the House in memory of Rev. Rob Chandler.

The decision was a bold move as it put the run in the same time slot as A&M s Big Event.

4 wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me When they hand you over, do not worry about what you are to say [ for] the Spirit [will] speak through you. (Mt.10:16-20) (From: Sermon March 25) Run for the House 2018 Success! In a new setting and on a fine spring morning the Chandler family turned out in force to support the 2018 Run for the House in memory of Rev. Rob Chandler. This year the Faith in Action Committee (FIA) at Habitat of Humanity of Bryan/College Station relocated the event from the Texas A&M campus to Wolf Pen Park during the Spirit of Texas festival. The decision was a bold move as it put the run in the same time slot as A&M s Big Event. The choice proved to be a good one as both of FIA s goals for this year (raise at least $12,000 and attract 100 registered participants) were met! Total raised: $14,134.92! Registered participants: 103! April 3 Edition Easter Smiles! Our Easter celebration for 2018 was full of smiles! While the youngest smiles were undoubtedly the cutest, it was a good day all around. The Sunrise Service and breakfast was well attended with 30 smiling faces at the table. April 10 Edition From Sunday School

Last Sunday, Vicki Green s Sunday school lesson with the children included a bit of taste reinforcement with graham crackers and icing.

We will be honoring our May graduates and having our Picnic on the Grounds Sunday. Lunch will be provided by our youth.

Graduates: Bryan High School: Keenan Rogers, Rudder High: Hunter Graalum, College Station High: Sabrina Lancaster.

5 Last Sunday, Vicki Green s Sunday school lesson with the children included a bit of taste reinforcement with graham crackers and icing. While attendees vary from week to week, the opportunities for children are available weekly. April 24 Edition Youth: Don t forget, May 6 will be a special Sunday. We will be honoring our May graduates and having our Picnic on the Grounds Sunday. Lunch will be provided by our youth. Contributions will be used to help offset summer church camp costs and other activities for the youth. Collin Chandler and Taylor Rasco are planning on going to CYF Summer Camp. Graduates: Bryan High School: Keenan Rogers, Rudder High: Hunter Graalum, College Station High: Sabrina Lancaster. University grads are Jennifer Hoyle, Allison Pittman and Cameron Beisegel (masters) May 1 Edition On the Road at Carriage Inn: Courtesy of their handlers Ron and Jane Colbert, Grandpa and Katy Puppet made an appearance at our regular fifth-sunday worship service at Carriage Inn. This was a first for the puppets as they had never before ventured beyond the walls of our building in the ministry s 12-year run. Their appearance was welcomed by a larger than normal attendance at the service. In addition to the Colberts, Mary and Bob Richards, Michael Bozardt, Steven and Jesse Myers, Cheryl Aufderheide, and Ann Pittman also supported the service by their presence and participation. May 8 Edition In the Coastal Plains Area: Collin Chandler was recognized as a member of the Youth Ministry Team at the CPA Assembly in Houston last Saturday!

Views from the Picnic We are grateful to the youth for their work!

May 22 Edition SFA Appreciation Day: Anita Foley, Vicki Green and Sharon Jeffrey, members of the Faith Sharing Committee, went to S.F.A. Middle School on Monday and put bags of M&M s in the mailboxes of all the teachers and staff.

I remember a wonderful conversation with the Search Committee in early 2008 and a more private conversation with the Hoyles at Blue Baker the

I know that John Hoyle had used the line before he said it to me, Jesse, I think God is calling you to ministry with us.

6 Views from the Picnic We are grateful to the youth for their work! And we are also delighted that four are going to camp this summer, which is double our total for the past several years! May 22 Edition SFA Appreciation Day: Anita Foley, Vicki Green and Sharon Jeffrey, members of the Faith Sharing Committee, went to S.F.A. Middle School on Monday and put bags of M&M s in the mailboxes of all the teachers and staff. The note on the M&M s read: May 29 Edition There are moments to remember in ministry, and over the past 10 years I have had many such moments. I remember a wonderful conversation with the Search Committee in early 2008 and a more private conversation with the Hoyles at Blue Baker the next morning. Though the full story is much longer, I had a growing sense that God was calling me to Bryan College Station. I know that John Hoyle had used the line before he said it to me, Jesse, I think God is calling you to ministry with us. But when combined with the back story leading up to the moment, for me they effectively confirmed that growing sense of call. Call it the movement of the Spirit. (Minister s Moment) June 19 Edition Camp News CYF Conference (Camp Gonzo) was attended last week by Collin Chandler and Taylor Rasco. The theme was To Love and Serve. They both feel that church camp is like a home away from home and they love seeing old friends and making new ones. Next summer can t come fast enough

July 10 Edition Elders Ordained: Following our congregation Michael Bozardt and Melvin Weber were

This practice draws on the traditions of the Stone Campbell Movement from which we descend.

Myers provided music for the service. Aug.

deliver our customary welcome back greeting to the faculty and staff at Stephen F Austin Middle

7 July 10 Edition Elders Ordained: Following our congregation Michael Bozardt and Melvin Weber were ordained as elders in our congregation. This practice draws on the traditions of the Stone Campbell Movement from which we descend. July 31 Edition Fifth Sunday Service at Carriage Inn GAP2 pickers Terry Hart, Gerry Hart and Jesse Myers provided music for the service. Aug. 21 Edition Last week members of the Faith Sharing and Service Ministry Team crossed the street to deliver our customary welcome back greeting to the faculty and staff at Stephen F Austin Middle School. Aug. 28 Edition The New View: The view from the pastor s desk has changed! (Yes, the desk is clean, but that is not the new view to which we point.) Many thanks to Ron Colbert for the window, and to Ben Tedrick for the installation!

Sept. 11 Edition Bring (Invite) a Friend Sunday 2018!

Twenty visitors and invited guests joined us for our first ever, Bring a Friend Sunday.

With the increased energy due to a larger than normal attendance, it is not surprising

8 Sept. 11 Edition Bring (Invite) a Friend Sunday 2018! Friends and Disciples: Yesterday felt good! Twenty visitors and invited guests joined us for our first ever, Bring a Friend Sunday. With that number added to members and participants present, total attendance was 73. With the increased energy due to a larger than normal attendance, it is not surprising that the service seemed to be especially good. (Minister s Moment) Sept. 18 Edition Pack #317 Parent Orientation Night Sept. 25 Edition Pack #317 First Pack Meeting

Oct. 2 Edition Carriage Inn! Last Sunday we were blessed to have the Blue Moon Harpers join us for our regular fifth Sunday worship service at Carriage Inn.

Oct. 16 Edition CROP Walk 2018! Thank-you for supporting our local CROP Walk!

00 to this year s walk! Oct. 23 Edition Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant! Karen Smith with the certificate recognizing the essential part she has played in our House Church ministry! Oct. 30 Edition Welcome to the Prayer Circle Think you ve seen it all?

It you walked into the Parlor last Sunday between 9 and 9:30 you would have been greeted by Jane Colbert and her friends.

9 Oct. 2 Edition Carriage Inn! Last Sunday we were blessed to have the Blue Moon Harpers join us for our regular fifth Sunday worship service at Carriage Inn. The Blue Moon Harpers and Friends meet in our building on the second Tuesday of each month. (7 pm: bring your own harp) Mary and Bob Richards and Cheryl Aufderheide participate in the harp circle. Oct. 16 Edition CROP Walk 2018! Thank-you for supporting our local CROP Walk! Those participating in the walk from First Christian Church: Anita Foley; Tim, Andi, and Elissa Scott (and Jack); Jesse and Steven Myers (and Sig)! First Christian Church contributed $ to this year s walk! Oct. 23 Edition Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant! Karen Smith with the certificate recognizing the essential part she has played in our House Church ministry! Oct. 30 Edition Welcome to the Prayer Circle Think you ve seen it all? Think again! Come to church on any Sunday morning, walk around with open eyes, and you might be surprised. It you walked into the Parlor last Sunday between 9 and 9:30 you would have been greeted by Jane Colbert and her friends. In addition to the puppets, Grandma Sweetie and Tiger Scout Timmy, several other members of the Sunday Morning Prayer Circle were present. The Prayer Circle meets each week to exchange prayer concerns and for prayer. On the first Sunday of each month the Prayer Circle can be found in Fellowship Hall where it shares table fellowship at the Church Breakfast. If you want to learn more about the Prayer Circle come to the Church Breakfast this Sunday. Food service begins at 8:30 and continues until Sunday School.

Nov. 13 CYF Fall Rally: Collin Chandler and Taylor Rasco along with 50 other youths from the Coastal Plains Area attended the Fall Rally at the Disciples Oaks Retreat Center in Gonzales, TX this

They both feel the experience from camp is like no other, it is the best. Dec.

with a football signed by Jimbo Fisher, head football coach for Texas A&M University. John s extremely generous bid was the highest received.

As part of the celebration his children (Joan, Jane, and John, III.) arranged for a surprise birthday luncheon after worship last Sunday.

10 Nov. 13 CYF Fall Rally: Collin Chandler and Taylor Rasco along with 50 other youths from the Coastal Plains Area attended the Fall Rally at the Disciples Oaks Retreat Center in Gonzales, TX this last weekend. They had a great weekend with their friends they have made over the years at camp. The theme for the rally was Overcoming Fear. They both feel the experience from camp is like no other, it is the best. Dec. 4 Edition Support for Pack #317 Last Sunday Jim Tuttle (Charter Organization Representative for Pack #317) presented John Atterbury, III. with a football signed by Jimbo Fisher, head football coach for Texas A&M University. John s extremely generous bid was the highest received. The funds will be used to help support the activities of our Cub Scouts. Happy Birthday, John! John Atterbury, Jr. turned 95 on Monday, December 3. As part of the celebration his children (Joan, Jane, and John, III.) arranged for a surprise birthday luncheon after worship last Sunday. The surprise was revealed at the very end of the worship service. Dec. 11 Edition Tasting Party Roundup: Once again this year, Greg Tivis shared his musical talents on the keyboard while the group enjoyed conversation and tasty treats and also provided accompaniment for Christmas carols. Bob Richards provided leadership and kept Rev. Myers on key during the singing. The Harp Circle provided a musical change of pace. As expected, the serving table turned out to be the star attraction! Our thanks is extended to all those who organized, set-up, cleaned up, brought food.

11 A Year of Outreach Giving Our church, years ago, decided to give ten percent of our budgeted income to outreach ministries. We did this because we felt that it was very important that a church be turned outward and not just be self-serving (to serve God in this community, as well as, the world). The following is a list of the ministries and entities that our church, First Christian, supports not just monetarily, but in various ways. It might be the use of our building, the giving of our time, or giving in kind. Locally Brazos Church Food Pantry Voices for Children Twin City Mission Hospice Brazos Valley Stephen F. Austin School Brazos Valley Beekeepers Boy Scouts Phoebe s Home Scotty s House Habitat for Humanity Still Creek Ranch S.O.S. Ministries Mision Elim Young Life Salvation Army s Angel Tree Girl Scouts Project Unity Dishman Park Blessing box Our Denomination (Disciples of Christ) Our Area The Coastal Plains Disciples Conference Center (camps for children, church conferences) Disciples Mission Fund Jarvis Christian College Disciples Ministers Pension Fund Brite Divinity Scholarship Fund (seminary at Texas Christian University) Valley Beans and Rice Special Day Offerings These are: Week of Compassion, Easter, Pentecost, and Reconciliation Internationally Church World Service CROP Walk (to end hunger) Thai Christian Foundation (Alan and Joan Eubanks) Doctors W/O Borders Heifer Project International There have also been many special instances in which we have helped people; such as giving to the family in our neighborhood who lost their home due to fire. Our church is dedicated to serving God in our community, in our nation and throughout the world.

Run for the House 2018 Success!

March 27, 2018 Run for the House 2018 Success! In a new setting and on a fine spring morning the Chandler family turned out in force to support the 2018 Run for the House in memory of Rev. Rob Chandler.