TIDAL WAVE THIS ISSUE: ANGEL ALERT! SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! Join us to celebrate the Miracle of Christmas the night that Heaven came down.

Transcription

1 TIDAL WAVE A Publication of First Christian Church of the Beaches (Disciples of Christ) ISSUE DECEMBER 2014 ANGEL ALERT! Join us to celebrate the Miracle of Christmas the night that Heaven came down. THIS ISSUE: ANGEL ALERT! Our FCCB Kids and Youth choir are so excited to present to you on Sunday, December 7th at 10:00AM IN BETHLEHEM INN Come enjoy a Congregational Dinner and watch the Narrow Way Players perform their annual Christmas play. Dinner at 5:30PM, play at 6:30PM ELDER S CORNER Rita Vernon reminds us to take time and reflect on what s really important. PASTORAL PONDERINGS A few words from Pastor Thom THE WAVERIDER Please see the Waverider section for Youth and Children s events BOARD HAPPENINGS Sylvia gives us a Board update. Sunday, December 7th, 10:00am Worship Service A special reception to follow with a visit from Santa. Presented by First Christian Church Children & Youth Choir SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! Upcoming 10:00am Combined Worship Services December 7 th and 14 th The Narrow Way Players presents The Towne without a Tale Wednesday, December 10th, 2014 At the other Dinner Theater, FCCB Congregational Dinner at 5:30 pm Play at 6:30 pm 2125 Ocean Front, Neptune Beach, Florida (904) office@fc2b.org

2 Elder s Corner ARE YOU SEEING THE BIG PICTURE? By Rita Vernon I recently received a newsletter from Saul to Paul Ministries in Ellettsville, Indiana. A typical newsletter, it gives an update on the status of the ministry, the needs and a testimony or two from the men that are a part of this program. The newsletter usually reminds me of the incredible commitment to God and his work on the part of the Don and Joylyn Sink who founded and run the free addiction recovery program for men and the testimonies usually remind me of the wonderful healing power of God. After that, it usually goes in the trash. different. This time, however, was a little The first item I noticed that was different was a picture enclosed of the current group of men. One of them looked extremely young! Now I have noticed that as I get older, young people are looking a lot younger, but even so, this particular young man looked young compared to the rest in the picture. I had not heard that the program was taking teenage boys, but if he was not, he certainly was not far off. The second item I noticed was a couple of lines from one of the testimonies: Sometimes, if we re able, we need to step away from life for a bit, to think, refocus, and breathe -- an inventory of life if you will. I think sometimes we are so caught up in life we stop seeing the big picture or what s really important. I thought, How true is that? How many of us (including young people) get so busy we actually get lost? Then, in our efforts to find our way back we often get sidetracked and wind up with problems we don t want or need. During this holiday time we are often so busy that we fail to really appreciate the big picture of the Season; the birth of Jesus - the beginning of the promise of God to all mankind! What a gift we can give ourselves when we slow down and allow ourselves a chance to reflect on the blessings we have been given. What a blessing to our children and grandchildren when we teach them how to be still. Psalm 23: 2 3 reminds us the importance of being still: He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His names sake. Take some time this month to be still. Make this season one of restoration for you and your family by basking in the glory and splendor of the birth of Christ. A Blessed Christmas to you all.

3 IMPORTANT DATES CHRISTMAS DINNER FOR THE HOMELESS IS DECEMBER 6 TH FROM 5:00PM 7:00PM THE DISCIPLE MENS FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST IS DECEMBER 7 TH AT 7:30AM OUR CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTMAS DINNER IS DECEMBER 10 TH AT 5:30PM CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICES ARE DECEMBER 24 TH AT 6PM & 11PM IN THE NEWS Beaches Meals on Wheels Our next rotation is December 29 th January 2 nd. We will have a sign-up sheet in the Fellowship Hall over the coffee table. If you have any questions, please call Debi Rogers. Call for Volunteers We need 2 people to act as greeters for the 11:00 pm Candle Light Service on Christmas Eve. If you will be attending that service and would like to serve, please contact Debbie Claytor at or her at grace10a53@yahoo.com Christmas Cards to recovering American Soldiers can be sent to: A Recovering American Soldier C/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center 6900 Georgia Ave. N.W. Washington, D.C Library News My favorite character in the Wizard of Oz was the Tin Woodsman because he desired a heart. From Genesis to Revelation the scriptures emphasize how a good heart pleases God. God begs us to have a pure heart, faithful and trusting in Him. If you, like the Tin Woodsman are seeking to improve your heart, you may want to read the latest addition to our library. A Heart like His, by Beth Moore offers intimate reflections on the life of David and how his heart strived to please God throughout his life. Look for it on the Biography Shelf. Also, be sure to look at the Christmas Shelf and the display table for Holiday craft books, inspiration and fiction. We have several very good books to put you in the Spirit. Rejoice! Have a blessed read, Linda White

4 NOTES from Nancy (Nancy Barrett) In The News FCCB has a lot to celebrate the month of December. Of course, our primary celebration is the birthday of Jesus which we will celebrate Christmas Eve at both 6:00 and 9:00. Everyone will be involved during the month with the Children's presentation at 10:00 on December 7, the Narrow Way Players and Chancel Choir on Wednesday evening at 6:30 following the 5:30 Christmas dinner, and the Praise Band celebration Sunday December 14 at 10:00. We hope to see everyone from all three services at each of the celebrations. The Choir and Narrow Way Players will get together at the Barrett s' house at 6:30 Dec. 14 for a covered-dish dinner and gift exchange. This is always a fun time of fellowship and good food. Dec. 21 the Choir will sing the message from the angels to the shepherds, Run to Bethlehem". The last Sunday the Choir will ask in song, What If It Were Today?" We wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and a blessed year in PASTORAL PONDERINGS (Dr. Thom Gibson, Intentional Interim Senior Pastor) Grace and peace to you. The holiday season is upon us. As our society makes the fast dash from Halloween to Christmas, we the church should pause, take time to collect our corporate spiritual breath, reflect upon the season, and give thanks. Though a national and secular holiday, Thanksgiving provides us a welcome opportunity to do just that. As we gather with family and friends for our traditional observances and family expressions of our particular tradition, we are invited to give thanks. Truly it is a biblical concept and an integral part of our faith journeys (e.g., see I Thessalonians 5:18). Then on Sunday, 30 November, we welcome the new church year with the beginning of the Advent season. It is a time of anticipation and expectation. It is a time to prepare for our celebrations of Christmas. Unfortunately for many Christians, this time is so busy, so filled with things to do, we too can miss the reason for the season. Some folks phrase this spiritual reminder as a question, asking Whose birthday is it, anyway? We would do well to ask it of ourselves and our seasonal preparations. How easy it is for us to get distracted by what we re doing and forget why we are doing it. Consequently, I invite you to join with me, to make a covenant together. It s more than just keeping Christ in Christmas. It s a matter of taking seriously our calling as disciples of Jesus to live as Christ s ambassadors in the community in which we live, let alone minister. If our neighbors were to read us, our lives, what would they learn about the Lord Jesus Christ from the way in which we have prepared to celebrate his birth? Can they see the connection? Have a blessed Advent season and a very, merry Christmas. May the Lord God bless us as we journey together through this holy-day season. Peace. In Christ, Thom t Psalm 91:1, 2 and Philippians 4:13

5 In The News Senior Adult Ministry SAM (Pat Hernandez) Charles and Kim Nichols, our Pharmacist gave us some very good information concerning when to take our medicine and how. Also some important information on taking our blood pressure. We had a good crowd, but there were several of our regular members that were not there, due to sickness or just couldn't make it. Try to come back next month if you can. We miss you when you are not there. Where has the year gone? Our last S.A.M. meeting for 2014 will be December 4th at 10:30 a.m. in the Large Fellowship Hall, with Joy Casino and Marge Medina being our Christmas Hostesses. Nancy Barrett will give us our devotion and we plan to have a lot of singing and Christmas celebration, plus our meeting. There were 9 people that went on our Georgia outing in November. Chuck had a lot of interesting sites scheduled for us to see. We went to Andersonville and witnessed, through film and riding around, where the prisoners were kept. We went to the Habitat for Humanity's Theme Park in Americus, The Rural Telephone Museum, Little Grand Canyon, and The Georgia Museum of Agriculture & Historic Village and of course, Plains, GA. We all had a great time! We plan another outing to St. Augustine to see the lights in December. If you haven't been down there to see them at night, it is a very beautiful sight. It's beautiful to see and just being there gives you a good feeling. We are looking forward to a fun time at our next meeting. Bring whatever casserole or dessert that suits you, to share. We like everything. Blessings, Pat Hernandez Prayer Requests Katrina Brooks, Paul Miller, Ruby Scott, Ben & Brenda Brown, Janice Rudd, Polly Jackson, Yvonne Byars, Corliss Gonzalez, Wimpy Sutton, Eula Wood, Betty Nordman, Hazel Twitty, Edwina Vangellow, Barbara Elker, Paul & Ruth Stiehl, Lucille Kuklentz, Bill Rouse, Shirlee James, Laurie Jones, Karen Perdue, George Mills, Jaime Amorgianos, Jim & Joan Chandler, Wayne Hawthorne, Barry Stevenson, George Huff, Mary Kessler, Evelyn Williams, Billy Hernandez, Andy Altee, Larre Barrett, Alice Pinner, Billy Womble, Dave White, Don Jordan, Barbara Hagan, Barbara Bennett, Darren Hughes, George Gallie, Nancy Broner, Jack Garnett, John Rappold, Piner Family, Jean Long, Liza Hale Salzmann, The Pastor Search Committee, and all Military Military and their Families.

6 Board Happenings By Sylvia Osewalt Reports from the Ministry Heads at the November 2014 continued to be positive. The Wednesday night dinners are a huge success along with the events following the dinners. There are a lot of opportunities to fellowship with other members. The congregational Christmas dinner is scheduled for December 10, 2014 followed by the Narrow Way Players Christmas Play. The Bible Study "Spiritual Gifts" is moving right along. This is also being offered on Sunday mornings by Barre Barrett. There were 44 attendees at the movie "Heaven" by Billy Graham. Thank you all again for your faithful stewardship walk. We provided $2, from our Outreach to the community this month. You continue to share your time, talents and financial gifts back to the service of the awesome God we serve!!! We so much appreciate that. The Boy Scouts Pack 40 gave a presentation to the Board. They are losing their church sponsor and are requesting FCCB become their sponsor. They have 5 dens of Cub Scouts consisting of about 100 boys plus their adult leadership. The Boy Scout troop has about 18 young men and 10 adult leaders and each wants to meet weekly. It appears we have sponsored the Boy Scouts previously with great success. The Board has approved the sponsorship and we are so looking forward to introducing these new young families to our church. The website keeps getting better and better!! A special thanks to Jack Young for all the time and effort to make that such an overwhelming success!!! We know this is time consuming but from all indication, it is getting quite a few hits. Paul Robbins worked with Jack to create a sign-up sheet on the Website for members to sign up to pray for the Search Committee. We are happy to announce this has been completed and lots of you have been signing up already. Thank you. The "Work Day" was conducted on November 15, It was cold and participation was down, but much needed work got done. Mick DuRocher and his work crew came out Thursday and worked on the grounds. Thanks to all that participated. Thank you to everyone who completed the Congregational Survey. We received 125 and the calculation is being completed. This will assist any prospective minister in determining what is important to the members and the minister s matching talents. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact me at or any Board member. There is a list of the Board Members and the description of each Ministry posted on the bulletin board next the soft drink machine. This should help you understand what each Ministry does and who is responsible for that ministry. Sylvia Osewalt, Board Chair

7 Chili & Cornbread Cook-off (addendum) By Leigh Anne Giles In last month s newsletter, one of my biggest helper s name was omitted from the list of those involved. A huge thank you to Kathy Sinderman! Without her help, it would have been crazy! Thanks, Kathy for your hard work. You are very much appreciated. Another thank you, as well, to all those who helped, participated and attended. Blessed by the very best! Christian Ed Ministry By Pam Mangine Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Let us remember that giving THANKS in all situations should happen every day. It does not seem possible that The Christmas season is upon us... November 30th is the first Sunday of Advent. This is a special time for the church. Advent means "coming" or "arrival." The focus of the entire season is on the coming (birth) of Jesus the Christ, and the anticipation of his return as Christ the King in his Second Advent. Let anticipation reign in your heart everyday not just the month of December. Thank you to all the children and adult Sunday school teachers for all you to do help us grow in our faith. Hope to see you at the joint service on December 7th. Kathy and the young people have a great worship service planned for us. We continue to have our Tuesday, Wednesday bible studies. Thanks to Don Lynn and Don Peters for teaching these classes. If you have never participated in Tuesday/Wednesday night Bible Study you re missing out. Come and join us. A Prayer for our New Pastor Search By The Pastor Search Committee Almighty and Gracious God, giver of every good gift; look with favor upon Your church and upon those who are charged with discerning who it is, who is to be, the next senior pastor for this congregation of Your beloved and holy people. Help us, our Father, so that we might find and be sent a loving and faithful senior pastor who will love and care for Your flock and equip us for the ministries that You are calling us to do and to be about. Be with our search committee, our congregation, our regional minister and all those who are watching and waiting for the one who is to come. Keep us faithful to the process and keep us near to You in these days, we humbly pray.

8 A Look Ahead DECEMBER 6 th : Our Annual Homeless Dinner will be from 5:00PM to 7:00PM. DECEMBER 7th: The Children s and Youth Choir s present Angel Alert to celebrate the Miracle of Christmas -the night that Heaven came down. The presentation will take place during the 10:00am Combined Worship Service. A special reception to follow with a visit from Santa. DECEMBER 10 th : The Narrow Way Players and the Chancel Choir will present a heart-warming Christmas drama following our Congregational Christmas dinner on Wednesday evening. Dinner is at 5:30PM and drama at 6:30PM. Another event to circle on your calendar. DECEMBER 24 th : Christmas Eve Candlelight services will be at 6:00PM and 11:00PM FC2B Website Tips NOV: Did you know that you can send an e-card from our website? There are several occasions for which you can send a card and we re constantly adding more. Want to wish someone a Happy Birthday, or Happy Anniversary? Or maybe you d like to send a friend a Get Well card? Please check out the cards at the following link on our website: DEC: Did you know that you can sign up to pray for our New Pastor Search Process. The Pastor Search Committee welcomes all members to set aside some time to contribute your prayers to this journey. Please check out this link on our website to view our Pastor Search Prayer and then sign up for your prayer time. You can pray wherever you are! Did you know that our website has a Classifieds page? You can post items for sale or requests for items that you re looking for. You must log in to take advantage of this capability. So, if you haven t registered on our website yet, this would be a great reason to do so!!

9 MARK YOUR CALENDAR for DECEMBER 01 6:30PM Pastor Search Committee Meeting 02 6:30PM Don Lynn s Bible Study 03 5:30PM Fellowship Supper 6:15PM Spiritual Gifts Class 6:30PM Choir, Walk, Youth Study 04 10:30AM SAM 7:30PM Pastor Chris Men s Bible Study 06 5:00PM Christmas Dinner for the Homeless 07 7:30AM Disciple Men s Breakfast 10:00AM Combined Worship Service Kids and Youth Choir Play 08 6:30PM Pastor Search Committee Meeting 09 6:30PM Don Lynn s Bible Study 10 5:30PM Christmas Supper (ALL WELCOME) 6:30PM Narrow Way Players Drama Event 11 7:30PM Pastor Chris Men s Bible Study 13 10:00AM HIS Family Breakfast 14 10:00AM Combined Worship Service 15 6:30PM Pastor Search Committee Meeting 16 6:30PM Don Lynn s Bible Study 17 NO SUPPER 18 7:30PM Pastor Chris Men s Bible Study 21 6:30PM Board Meeting 22 6:30PM Pastor Search Committee Meeting 23 10:00AM CWF 6:30PM Don Lynn s Bible Study 24 NO SUPPER 6:00PM Family Candlelight Service 11:00PM Traditional Candlelight Service 25 MERRY CHRISTMAS 30 6:30PM Don Lynn s Bible Study 31 NO SUPPER THOM GIBSON, INTENTIONAL INTERIM SENIOR PASTOR CHRIS HOPKINS, YOUTH PASTOR LESLIE HALE, OFFICE MANAGER SYLVIA OSEWALT, CHAIR OF BOARD CAROL ANN WOMBLE, VICE CHAIR OF BOARD WENDY DAVIS, SECRETARY OF BOARD JOHN JOLLY, TREASURER OF BOARD MONTH of DECEMBER SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT am 9am 11am 3 DEC 10 DEC SERVING SCHEDULE for DECEMBER ELDERS Paul Robbins Don Lynn Barbara Lynn DEACONS Dendy Pappas John Campbell & Jack Morison Wendy Davis & Sylvia Osewalt Joyce Davis & Dendy Pappas Chad Wiley & Christian Giles DINNER MENU FOR DECEMBER Baked Ziti, Garlic Bread, Vegetables, Salad Bar, and Sundae Bar Christmas Dinner Turkey, Ham & Rolls will be provided. Please bring salad, side dishes or dessert. December 11 th December 12 th December 13 th December 22 nd December 23 rd December 25 th December 29 th December 31 st HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jack Morison Carol Schoonover Kelly Duran Sue Wallman Lucille Kuklentz Billie Swain Blanche Coggin Deedee Ludlam Pat Hernandez HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Shawn & Deedee Ludlam

10 DYNAMIC DISCIPLES Ministry to children grades K-5 DECEMBER CALENDAR Wed 12/3 CHRISTMAS PARTY Happy Birthday Jesus! 6:30-7:45pm Rm 202 Sat 12/6 Sun 12/7 Wed 12/10 Sun 12/14 Wed 12/17 Wed 12/24 Wed 12/31 ANGEL ALERT FINAL PRACTICE 10am-1pm >lunch included ALL CAST MUST BE THERE! COMBINED SERVICE 10am Angel Alert Christmas Play A special reception will follow with a visit from SANTA! (Sunday School meets at 9am) CHRISTMAS DINNER 5:30pm (Christmas Drama in Sanctuary to follow dinner) NO Kids classes tonight COMBINED SERVICE 10am Celebration Christmas Cantata (Sunday School meets at 9am) NO DINNER OR CLASSES CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES Family 6pm / Traditional 11pm HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!! NO DINNER OR CLASSES Happy New Year! Holly Lefkove 12/24 For more information on Kids Ministry contact: Leslie Young at leslied@theyounghouse.com

11 DECEMBER 2014 NEWSLETTER Pastor Chris Hopkins Ministry to youth in grades 6-12 What s Happening? Wed 12/3 Sat 12/6 Sun 12/7 Wed 12/10 Sun 12/14 Wed 12/17 Fri 12/19 Wed 12/24 Thu 12/25 Wed 12/31 CHRISTMAS CAROLING 6:30pm Bundle up & let s spread some Christmas cheer! Meet in Fell Hall ANGEL ALERT FINAL REHEARSAL 10am-1pm for youth in play CHRISTMAS DINNER for Homeless Volunteers arrive 4:30pm COMBINED WORSHIP SERVICE 10am Angel Alert Presentation (Sun School meets 9am) CHRISTMAS DINNER & DRAMA 5:30-7:30pm No classes COMBINED WORSHIP SERVICE 10am Celebration Cantata (Sun School meets 9am) CHRISTMAS EVE REHEARSAL 6:30-7:30pm in Sanctuary If you are participating in the Christmas Eve service, be sure to attend this ONLY rehearsal ROCK N BOWL CHRISTMAS 6pm-11pm Pizza & bowling *BRING SOCKS CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE 6pm (youth arrive at 5:00) HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!! HEARTS & HANDS TO SERVE From collecting canned foods for BEAM to packing Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes THANK YOU TEENS! You re invited to the Teens In Motion CHRISTMAS ROCK N BOWL FRIDAY, DEC 19 Leave church at 6:00 to go to CiCi s Pizza then we re off to BEACH BOWL for a night of bowling! Don t forget your socks!! We will return to church approx 11pm Please RSVP with Ms. Kathy by Monday, Dec 15 th for transportation & lane reservations Join the TIM Facebook group for event times & locations, pictures, updates and reminders

12 First Christian Church of the Beaches (DOC) 2125 Ocean Front, Neptune Beach, Florida (904) RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Christ Our Savior is Born