Pilgrim Call Newsletter March 18, 2015 Issue 615

Transcription

1 Pilgrim Call Newsletter March 18, 2015 Issue 615 Newsletter of First Congregational Christian Church Note from Pastor Jon Tice This week in Genesis 48, Joseph seeks a blessing for his two sons. Blessing our children and grandchildren is so Biblically accurate and the words carry meaning for generations. John Trent and Gary Smalley wrote a book called The Blessing, and you can find more information at They share the following great insight on how to bless our children: 1. Appropriate meaningful touch- Before a word was spoken, there was the laying on of hands, a hug or reaching out to touch. Appropriate touch conveys in powerful, non-verbal ways, our love and affirmation preparing the way for our words. 2. Spoken message- Biblically, a child wasn t left to fill in the blanks whether they were valuable to a parent or grandparent. Words were verbalized, including written words today, that can place unconditional love and acceptance into the heart of a child or loved one. 3. Attaching high value- But what words do you say or write? The word, Blessing itself carried the idea that the person you re blessing is of incredible worth and value even as an imperfect person. In short, you re helping a child get the picture that you see things in their life today, that make them special, useful and of great value to you. 4. Special future- With our touch, with our words that attach high value, come a response in a child or \ loved one s heart that can be nothing short of transformational. The light going on in their heart and mind that the way God has made them, they can do more then they ever dreamed in living out a God-honoring future. 5. Genuine commitment- Blessing a child doesn t mean we never discipline them or point out areas of growth. But children know at an incredibly deep level if they have their parents blessing if that mom or dad, grandmother, aunt, uncle or other loved one really sees high value in them even during the tough times. Genuine commitment is an unconditional commitment to an imperfect person that says as long as I have breath, I ll be there to seek to build these 5 elements of the Blessing into your life and life-story. Here are some questions to consider in preparation for this week. 1. What traditions and rituals have you found meaningful to bless your children and/or grandchildren? 2. What is the significance of Jacob blessing the younger son Ephraim over the older Manatee? The pattern was set earlier, Abel over Cain, Isaac over Ishmael, and Jacob over Esau. How does this show that God often works in ways that we do not expect? 3. How do you receive a blessing personally? 4. How do you give a blessing? 5. Will the people closest to you have memories of healing and grace or wounds of unresolved heartaches? What can you do about that now?

2 Attendance for Sunday, March 15 th, 2015 Praise Service: Adults 53, Children 3 Classic Service: Adults 51, Children 5 Total 112 Leaders for Sunday, March 22 nd, 2015 Lay Leader: Junior Church:, Denette Schoenian Prayer Concerns March 23 Patsy Roberts, please pray for comfort and relief of pain. She is at home. March 16 Carol Perry, Jo & Tom Hightower s daughter. Carol is having surgery March 31st. Please continue with the prayers. March 15 Joy and Joe Williams and Family, (Toni Orr s aunt) Their son Kent passed away unexpectedly. Please pray for the family at this difficult time. March 15 Alan Bargerhuff, please pray for Alan who has several tumors. March 9 David Reeves, prayers for health challenges, weight loss and cancer treatments. March 6 Dr. Westrom. Prayers for healing and discernment while undergoing cancer challenges.. Continue with Prayers March 3 Nierman Family, please pray for the Nierman s upon the passing of Dave s uncle, William Nierman, at 96 years old. March 3 Knox, a 2 year old, who has cancer in his eye. The tumors are shrinking and they believe they can save the vision in the healthy eye. Knox is still receiving treatments. The family appreciates your prayers. March 2 Lawrence Merreck, Kathy Conwell (co-worker of Mandy Behler s) requested prayers of healing for Lawrence. He is at Waterford and not doing very well. March 2 Clarence Gilbert. Suzi Ferguson's uncle, Bill McCoskey, Rusty Ferguson s uncle, & Florence McCoskey, Rusty s grandmother. Please pray for the Ferguson s, who are going through this tough time with three family members in the hospital with serious health issues. All are in various forms of recovery in hospital care. Prayers would be much appreciated. February 27 Reverend John Staton, please pray for healing and strength to return. He is at home now and continuing rehab with therapists coming to his home. February 27 Bernard Federspill, please pray for healing of an ulcer February 22 Arnella Defenbaugh, (friend of Barb Linzey s) please pray for healing following knee surgery. February 20 Joe Carey, please pray for healing and discernment as his cancer has returned in his jaw. February 18 Barb Rink, please pray for Barb as she recovers from knee surgery. Continued prayers for: Connie Kistler, (Nearly New Volunteer), Shawn Schweitzer, Peggy (friend of Angie Love), Norma Knack, Jim Ball, Todd Herren, Craig Cook, Sandy Smith, Sonie Durbin, Frieda Williams, Ellen Johnston, Steve Cooprider (Matt Johnston s dad). Continued prayers for cancer challenges: Stephanie Standridge, David Reeves, Linda Trent, Helen Willoughby, Sandra Bargerhuff (in remission), Linda (Mandy Behler s friend). Please continue to pray for these members and friends of people in our congregation who are facing cancer treatments, those who have finished treatments, and those in remission. Military Soldiers of our Church David Carey Aaron Knight Riley Johnson Andrew Reed Richard Young Adam King

3 Church Family Bio on the Behler s Although Drew and Mandy Behler are both Kokomo natives, their paths did not cross until they were adults. Drew graduated from Kokomo High School in 1998 while Mandy s school days were spent at Northwestern until she graduated in Mandy went on to earn a degree in marketing/ management at Ivy Tech. Drew and Mandy met at Erik s Chevrolet where Mandy is employed. Drew is employed at IMMI. In addition to those jobs, this busy couple sells AdvoCare nutritional products which they also use themselves. The Behlers extended family on Drew s side include his dad and mom, Tom and Sheila, his sister Mary and her husband Dan and their daughter Audrey, grandparents Kay and Bob Messick and Bernie Behler, and his aunt Rise Behler. Mandy s family includes her parents, Chuck and Karen Hosier, her brother Andy and his wife Mandy and their children Lauren and Charlie, and Mandy s grandmother, Mary Faust. Mandy and Drew share their home with their three wonderful furkids! The gallantly named leader of the crew is Roscoe P Coaltrain- a thirteen year old boxer mix. Cossette (4), a boxer and Autumn (1), a French bulldog mix, round out this loving rambunctious family. About a year ago, their boxer Brutus, who was 10 years old, passed. He is dearly missed. In his spare time, Drew likes to stay active with skateboarding and snowboarding. Mandy s hobbies include golf and volunteering at Pals for Paws Rescue. Drew and Mandy attend the first service at First Congo. They love the laid back atmosphere, music, and friendly people; they feel that those elements combined with Jon s sermon makes for a good start to their day. Having been baptized together almost a year ago, Mandy and Drew have served by helping with The Way. Their contact info follows: 525 Rainbow Drive ajhosier08@yahoo.com

4 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14 Ice Skating in Carmel Grades 1-12 Sunday, March 29 Our annual ice skating adventure will be at the Carmel Ice Skadium on March 29th. The children and youth (grades 1 st and older) will meet at 11:15 in Pilgrim Hall for a small lunch, and leave around 12:00 for ice skating. The cost for skate rental and skating will be $10.00, extra money will be needed if they want to purchase snacks. We will return to the church at around 4:45-5:00. Acacia Academy s Art in Bloom THIS Saturday, March 21st at 6:00 $50.00 per person (reservations required) First Nazarene (2734 S. Washington) Hors d oeuvres, auction, dinner, & live entertainment. Palm Sunday Breakfast at 9:00 and one service at 10:00 Easter Sunday one service at 10:00 Both services are in the Sanctuary Palm Processional March 29 th Traditionally our young people (age 2 years through grade 12) of the church join in on the waving of the palms in the Classic service. Please plan to have your young person/ people participate in this service at 10:00 if possible. On Palm Sunday, March 29th, there will be a Congo Breakfast at 9:00, followed by a rehearsal at 9:30 in the Sanctuary to get lined up and rehearse the Palm Processional with Stacey. Dress is Sunday Best.

5 Lenten Series Please mark your calendar for this special time of growing in God! The next two Wednesdays, March 18 March 25, we will have our Lenten Soup Suppers and services in Pilgrim Hall and the Chapel. The dinner will begin at 6:15 and the teaching time will begin around 7:00. Each of our different ministries (boards) will be providing a delicious meal consisting of a variety of soups, salad, breads and desserts. If you are on a ministry or would just like to help out with a meal, it would be great if you would check the sign-up board in the lobby and offer to bring something. We will conclude our series with a Maundy Thursday Service on April 2 nd at 7:00 in the Sanctuary. We hope that you will plan to join us for this Lenten Series as we grow in being disciples and making disciples of others! March 18 March 25 April 2 Steps to Spiritual Renewal: Choosing Service Steps to Spiritual Renewal: Recording Your Journey Maundy Thursday 7:00- NO dinner Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, For You are my strength. Ash Wednesday Psalms 4:4 Lenten Luncheons Sponsored by the Howard County Ministerial Assoc. Weekly community gatherings will be held at First Christian Church (corner of Sycamore & Malfalfa) at 12:00 on Thursday s during Lent to examine God s Tender Mercy & Forgetfulness. Various pastors from our community will be speaking each week. The schedule is on the glass door in the lobby. Meals are $7.00. Men s Bible Study on Monday s There WILL NOT be a study on Monday, March 23rd. The next Men s Bible Study will be on Monday, April 6th at 6:30 PM. Ladies Bible Study s The Wednesday morning Bible Study will next meet on April 1 at Kitty s home. The Ladies Monday evening Bible Study will be discussing Chapter 2 on Monday, March 23rd at 6:30 PM. SERVICE PROJECT OPPORTUNITY Youth of all ages are invited to plan to attend the Wildcat Guardian Spring Clean-up event on March 28 from 8:30 am- noon (weather permitting). Meet at the Senior Center on Superior. Wear old clothes and closed toed shoes as you will get dirty. Supplies are provided. Children 12 and under will need to have adult supervision. Notify Stacey if you would like to serve in this way to work out needed details. Thank you in advance for helping in this way. C.A.M. (Coordinated Assistance Ministries, Inc.) With the help of good people like you, churches and organizations, CAM has been in operation since May In 2014, they served 1,081 people. They serve the homeless, yet the largest portion of their ministry is to keep people from being homeless. In 1998, they expanded to include housing ministries, and in 2014, they housed 159 men, women, youth and children. Can you help?? They need donations: paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, laundry supplies, pillows, towels, coffee, hot chocolate, furniture & appliances, gas cards & food cards. Of course, they can also use financial donations. Thanks!

6 Cathy s Corner...be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Ephesians 5:18,19 Grades K-5 Spring Party Our Young Life Spring Party will be on Friday, April 17th from 6:00-8:00 in the church basement (Pilgrim Hall). Please let us know if you are coming by signing the sign-up sheet or letting Stacey know. More details to follow. Kokomo Urban Outreach Serve-A-Thon is new this year and the goal is to get as many people (family, neighbors, co-worker, etc) to give/sponsor you as you provide services for Urban Outreach. More details to come. This fundraiser/service day will be on Saturday, April 11 at various KUO locations. India Rural Evangelism Fellowship (IREF) Sponsors Needed It was inspiring to hear Rev. Craig Darling of IREF give us the message and information about his mission/ministry in India with IREF. The program relies solely on donations from individuals and corporations. Craig is the only one employed in the United States as the Director of IREF. If you would like more information, or to make a donation, go to If you are interested in sponsoring a child in India for $35/ month or $420/year, please call Craig Darling at , and he can set you up. Order Your Easter Lily Please call the Church Office ( ) or fill out the form below if you wish to order a lily in time for Easter. This year the Easter Lilies will be $20.00 each. When ordering please indicate the person(s) in whose memory or honor the flowers are given as well as the names of those persons who are giving the flowers. Send your check and form (either by mail or via the offering plate) for $20.00 and please mark it clearly, Easter Lily. All flowers may be picked up following the Easter Morning Service, April 5 th. Orders should be placed no later than Friday, March 27 th Easter Lily Given by: Please circle one In Memory of OR in Honor of :

7 The Way Youth-Grades 6-12 The Way will meet this Sunday, March 22nd from 5:30-7:30. Please invite friends and join us for food, faith, fun and fellowship! Note from Kylan Dubbels Friday, March 27th there is a Lecrae concert at Indiana Wesleyan. Tickets are $10-$12 depending on when we purchase them. The concert is from 8-10:30 and then the youth will potentially be staying here at Indiana Wesleyan after the concert. The girls will be staying with my sister, Addison and the guys will be staying with me or Caleb's brother, Hayden Bewley. We will be doing this unless we are able to ride over with the Bridges Outreach kids. I have to help with the event so I won't be able to drive our Youth to IWU or back to Kokomo. I will know this for sure by Sunday, and if we could have the $10 by Sunday to give to me, then I will be able to get the tickets. If you have questions, you can reach me at I am in class during the day so if I don't answer, I will try to get back to you. The Youth enjoyed the warm weather last Sunday evening with some outdoor activities. Thank you Molly for the great job you did as lay leader this past Sunday!

8 Non Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 83 Kokomo, Indiana First Congregational Christian Church 505 W. Mulberry Kokomo, IN Come Worship With Us On Sunday Mornings! 9:02 Praise Service 10:00 Sunday School/Small Groups 10:45 Classic Service Contact Information: Phone: (765) Nearly New: Web Site: kokomofirstcongo.org Facebook:FirstCongo-Kokomo, IN. Rescue Mission If you are interested in serving dinner at the Rescue Mission this Sunday from 3:50-5:30, please let Nancy know of your interest. Please call Thank you to two of my Wednesday helpers, Marty & Jim Meck. They help get this newsletter folded and ready for mailing. Thanks also to my other helpers: Carolyn Jacobs, Denette Schoenian, and Judy Federspill who serve faithfully week after week! Man-2-Man Breakfast THIS Saturday March 21st at 6:30 AM Please come and enjoy the food, fellowship and faith!