THIS ISSUE: The Season of Lent From the website of Rev. Ken Collins (

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1 A Publication of First Christian Church of the Beaches (Disciples of Christ) ISSUE MARCH 2019 Artwork by: Mason Hewitt THIS ISSUE: THE SEASON OF LENT A time of reflection and renewal. STEWARDSHIP True Value in Life: A Christian Perspective ELDER S CORNER Lectio Divina (sacred reading) - an ancient way of listening to Scripture MISSION MOMENT Where is FCCB s Treasure? THE WAVERIDER Please see the Waverider section for Youth and Children s events Non-smoking Campus The Season of Lent From the website of Rev. Ken Collins ( Lent is a season of soul-searching and repentance. It is a season for reflection and taking stock. Lent originated in the very earliest days of the Church as a preparatory time for Easter, when the faithful rededicated themselves and when converts were instructed in the faith and prepared for baptism. By observing the forty days of Lent, the individual Christian imitates Jesus withdrawal into the wilderness for forty days. All churches that have a continuous history extending before AD 1500 observe Lent. The ancient church that wrote, collected, canonized, and propagated the New Testament also observed Lent, believing it to be a commandment from the apostles. The Western Church Because Sunday is the day of the Resurrection, we skip over Sundays when we calculate the length of Lent. Therefore, in the Western Church, Lent always begins on Ash Wednesday, the seventh Wednesday before Easter. In many countries, the last day before Lent (called Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday, Carnival, or Fasching) has become a last fling before the solemnity of Lent. For centuries, it was customary to fast by abstaining from meat during Lent, which is why some people call the festival Carnival, which is Latin for farewell to meat. But the Word Lent Isn t in the Bible! The word Bible isn t in the Bible, either! So, what we re really asking is the origin of the name. Originally, Lent was nothing more than the English name of the season between winter and summer, the season when the snow melts and the flowers bloom. German and Dutch have the same word, but with slightly different spelling. In German, Lenz is the poetic word for spring. In Dutch, the word lente is still the name of the season between winter and summer, and it is still used with that meaning in everyday life.

2 The Season of Lent (continued) The church observance took place during the season of lent. In England, Lent came to mean the observance rather than the season, leaving the season without a name. Instead of saying stupid things like Lent happens during lent, English-speaking people invented the word spring. Today, instead of calling the seasons winter, lent, and summer, we call them winter, spring, and summer. We use Lent instead of spring when we refer to the church season. Where Did the Ashes Come From? If you read the Old Testament attentively, you ll find that people commonly put on sackcloth and ashes when they heard very bad news, and they continued to wear them while they were in distress (see Esther 4:1). The ashes on Ash Wednesday continue this ancient custom. What about Fasting? Fasting is a spiritual discipline that does not involve starvation or dehydration. Quite often, our bodily appetites control our actions. The purpose of fasting is to make sure your bodily appetites are your servant rather than your master. Special Days The purpose of the liturgical calendar is to relive the major events in Jesus life in real time, which is why Lent is forty days long. As Jesus was born on 25 December, then His conception would have been nine months earlier, on about 25 March. That is when the angel Gabriel would have announced Jesus birth to Mary. Thus, the 25 th of March is known in the historic church as The Annunciation. Stewardship News by John Campbell True Value in Life: A Christian Perspective Good stewardship encourages a Christian to find true value in life. If money does not offer much to life, what does? The Bible states, "Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf" (Proverbs 11:28). The righteous, not the rich, thrive. But how do the righteous thrive without riches? They thrive because they understand and possess what holds a higher value. The righteous have character. Proverbs 22:1 states, "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." A pure reputation should be one's goal in life rather than the accumulation of wealth. Character lasts-money cannot. Knowing God and understanding his love are the true riches that add real value to our earthly lives. Money does not love, and it does not linger. It is God who stands by and blesses his children in immeasurable amounts-this promise, not money, is what truly satisfies.

3 Elder s Corner by Betty Mills Having committed to writing Elder s Corner for the Tidal Wave I had been thinking and praying about what to write. I sat down at the computer and wrote and deleted and wrote and deleted. Then, on Sunday evening I participated in Praying the Word. On Tuesday morning I picked up a book I was reading and there was Praying with the Word. Aha, Elder s Corner. Lectio Divina (sacred reading) is an ancient way of listening to Scripture, dating back to the early Middle Ages. It is a slow, prayerful digesting of God s Word. In our information-overload culture, we have lost the art of lingering over words. Often when we read, we hurry through the material as quickly as possible, skimming for main ideas. But that kind of reading is counterproductive to spiritual formation. While it s essential to read God s Word, we must also allow God s Word to read us. Many people study the Bible without ever being shaped by the text. When we come to the Word with our own agenda, we put ourselves in the position of control. We may look for what we get out of it rather than ever allowing the Word to get into us. We so easily forget that reading the Word of God is meant to be a supernatural act of cooperating with the Holy spirit. We re meant to be listening to the Word with the ears of the heart. As Jesus said, Let those who have ears to hear, hear. CWF Game Party and Luncheon by Betty Chinnis Attention Men and Women of FCCB! Don t miss the opportunity to have a fun day, delicious luncheon with killer desserts, and an opportunity to win a door prize. The cost of the tax-deductible ticket remains at $10.00, which will go to support local charities. Play will begin at 10:00 on Saturday March 9, Bring your friends and games card games, board games, Mah Jong, Bunco, etc. See you there!

4 Mission Moment by Barbara Lynn Where is FCCB s Treasure? Pastor Nathan recently encouraged us to reframe the question, How much of what I have should I give to God? He reminded us that everything we have talents, skills, assets, time, money is God s. From this perspective the question becomes How much of God s resources do I want to keep for myself? Jesus admonished His disciples not to store up treasures here on earth, but to stockpile treasure in heaven. He went on to explain that where our treasure is our heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21) Do you know that FCCB is committed to sharing 10% of each month s undesignated tithes and offerings? The monies are given in Christ s name to meet local, national, and international ministry needs. Input from members, church leadership, and the direction of the Holy Spirit guide the decisions made by the Missions Team to disburse funds. We give to some ministries regularly. Others are special offerings. Individual needs are also met with your Missions money. Below is a summary of FCCB s 2018 Missions giving of nearly $56,000. It is the desire of your Mission Team to be faithful in spending our church tithe according to Christ s teaching, for the glory of God alone. Many of these ministries also have opportunities for us to share our talents, skills, and time. Ask Donna Bailey or me about them or contact the ministry directly. Is there an area you d like included? We are open to your suggestions. Please share them with us!

5 Library Tides Linda White & Assistant Geno Valet I have given up reading books; I find it takes my mind off myself. Oscar Levant Our FCCB Library contains many classic texts on Christianity which will nurture the soul of those who read them: Mere Christianity In the classic Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis, the most important writer of the 20th century, explores the common ground upon which all of those of Christian faith stand together. Bringing together Lewis legendary broadcast talks during World War Two from his three previous books The Case for Christianity, Christian Behavior, and Beyond Personality, Mere Christianity provides an unequaled opportunity for believers and nonbelievers alike to hear this powerful apologetic for the Christian faith. There Were Two Trees in the Garden For those enmeshed in conflict--relational, internal, spiritual--rick Joyner uses the image of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life to explain its existence, and also how one can achieve victory over it. Knowing God For over 40 years, J. I. Packer's classic has been an important tool to help Christians around the world discover the wonder, the glory and the joy of knowing God. In 2006, Christianity Today voted this title one of the top 50 books that have shaped evangelicals. This edition is updated with Americanized language and spelling and a new preface by the author. Stemming from Packer's profound theological knowledge, Knowing God brings together two important facets of the Christian faith knowing about God and knowing God through the context of a close relationship with the person of Jesus Christ. Written in an engaging and practical tone, this thought-provoking work seeks to transform and enrich the Christian understanding of God. Explaining both who God is and how we can relate to him, Packer divides his book into three sections: The first directs our attention to how and why we know God, the second to the attributes of God and the third to the benefits enjoyed by a those who know him intimately. This guide leads readers into a greater understanding of God while providing advice to gaining a closer relationship with him as a result.

6 Notes from Nancy By Nancy Barrett It s hard to believe all that is going on this month. In addition to the usual monthly activities Daylight Savings Time begins March 10, and we ll see who remembers to set clocks forward. St. Patrick s Day is March 17, and we have a special musician, Lou Henningson, to play bagpipes in the 9:00 service. The first day of spring is March 20, and that evening the choir rehearses music for Easter which is April 21. It s another great month to be at FCCB. The Crochet Group by Connie Wendt Crocheting with a Purpose: We are called the crochet class, but we know some folks knit. Your help is appreciated. We started getting together on Wednesday evening after dinner with folks who did not go to the Bible study or choir practice. We made scarves to be distributed at the December homeless dinner. It was expanded to include hats. We now try to make sets of matching hats and scarves. We also have made Prayer shawls. Some made fingerless gloves. We would be very happy if you could join us one Wednesday to share your talents. You are welcome to work at home and then share them with us. Questions? Contact Connie or Leslie. Art Wall by Barre Barrett The Art Wall will feature Art Work by Donna Bailey January 2019 through April Donna is our new Director of communications for First Christian Church of the Beaches. Be sure to see her art starting on Sunday, January 6, 2019.

7 Christian Women s Fellowship By Jeanie Peters & Barbara Lynn Join us for CWF (Christian Women s Fellowship), a group of ladies who gather monthly for devotion and Bible study, prayer, and fellowship. There s no initiation fee, no contract to sign, no membership requirements; just a desire to build relationships with women of faith. Check the church bulletin or calendar for meeting dates. You ll be a blessing to us and we hope you ll be blessed by coming. Beyond our monthly meetings (fourth Tuesday at 10:00 AM at the church) we put our feet on the ground and into our pockets through ministry. Monthly meeting offerings plus funds raised through our Annual Game Party and Luncheon (coming soon on March 9!), Craft Booth at the Fall Festival and Casserole Sale are distributed among the ministries listed below. Service through our presence often accompanies our monetary present. CWF Mission Projects for 2018 Beaches Meals on Wheels - donated $ Birthday parties at the Hamlet, Pablo Towers, Florida Christian Center Blanket Sunday through Church World Services FCCB Youth Camp Scholarships - donated $ First Coast Women s Services - donated $ Florida Christian Center General Activities Fund - donated $ General Mills Box Tops for Education collection to benefit local schools Joy s Dresses for Third World Countries Mission House Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan s Purse Pew Bears Pop Tops collection for Ronald McDonald House at Wolfson Children s Hospital Salvation Army - donated $ Church Outdoor Flower bed clean-up for Easter - donated $ (Sometimes a mission can be in our own backyard!)

8 Prayer Ministry Team by Rita Vernon Healing Service March 10 at 4:00 p.m. The Prayer Ministry is hosting a Healing Service on Sunday, March 10, at 4:00 p.m. If you are in need of healing for your body, relationships, or spirit, please consider coming to this special service. We will have singing led by Howard and Jaquita Craven. Elders and others will be on hand to pray for your specific need. Afterwards, we will adjourn to the Youth Building to pray for the new building that will be constructed on this site. Even if you are not in need of healing, please join us in support of those in need and to pray for the Youth Building. Church Women United by Jeanne P. & Pammie M. CWU will meet March 1 at FCCB. Gathering is at 10 a.m., meeting and program 10:30. We are celebrating World Day of Prayer. For more info see Jeanne Peters or Pam Mangine. All are welcome, obviously! Senior Adult Ministry by Pat Hernandez S.A.M./aka Senior Adult Ministry met in February, but I would like to put in a few words here to compliment someone that you know, but sometimes we just take for granted. When we have our meetings, five tables must be set up, with chairs all around, the podium with the speaker ready to go, and the flag placed on the stage. All these things must be put back. I know you will probably say, well that is just part of his job, but we were doing this until he just very politely does it for us. I just wanted to say thank you to Cody for doing this for us every month! At our S.A.M. Meetings, we have interesting speakers, informative speakers, and just speakers that you just like to listen to, but next month, March 7 we will be in for a treat. Some of you might remember him, Lou Henningson! If you remember Lou, you will also remember him playing his bag pipe. Well, he is going to be playing his bag pipe again for us in March. Everyone interested and dreaming you are in Scotland, please come fellowship with us. Billie Perritte and Betty Chinnis will be our hostesses and Pat Hernandez will have the devotion. Bring your favorite casserole, dessert or rolls to share. Blessings, Pat Hernandez

9 Scout News by Barre Barrett Troop 40 BSA Scouts As the year progresses into spring, Troop 40 has an active schedule planned for March and beyond: 3/5/19 - Troop meeting 7 PM 3/11-15/19 - Duval County Schools spring break 3/14/19 - Camp Card Publix Marsh Landing, 4:30 PM - 7 PM. TPC week 3/19/19 Committee, Troop meeting. 7 PM 3/21,24/19 - Manatee Springs State Park Camping. Snorkel activity. Boys bring masks and fins. 3/30,31/19 - Camp Card Publix Neptune Beach 4/6,7/19 - Camp Card Publix San Pablo 4/26-28/19 - Alexander Springs Recreational Area Camping. Pack 40 BSA Cub Scouts February 2019 was an active time with the Pinewood Derby adding into other activities. Cub Scout Boys had great a great time making their race cars and trying them out on the Pack race track. Winners will be going on to the District races. For March 2019 The annual Blue and Gold Pack Celebration is in planning Webelos 2 scouts are closing in on their Arrow of Light award Webelos 2 scouts will be crossing over into Troop 40 BSA Scouts THERE IS A NEW CLASS STARTING UP New Stretch and Toning Class (S.A.T.) has started up at FCCB on Wednesday Mornings!! Get your body in shape with stretching and toning on Wednesday mornings at 9am. Meet in the Fellowship Hall and bring a mat if you have one. The class will be 1 hour and will be led by one of our members, Deb Goin. She will lead according to your needs, standing, sitting and reclining. We will begin with a short spiritual message and end with prayer. Men and women are invited.

10 HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

11 Together, let us pray for the needs of our brothers and sisters. Please remember these intentions in your daily prayers. Al-Banna Family, Paul Amato & Family, Desire Anderson, Andrea, Noland Arbaugh, Baby Ava, Baby Kenzie, Mary Bailey, David & Mary Ann Baker, Terry Balsamo, Bialis Family, Wes Bassett, Amanda Beal, Bud Bennett, Joe Bracewell, Sara Brooks, Ann Brown, Billy Brown, Don Brumbly, Vivian Cain, Olive Calhoun, Cameron, Casino Family, Aldolfo & Susan Cesaritti, Jim & Joan Chandler, McKenzi Chiocca, Maurine Choate, Christy & Scott, Tommy Clark, Jim Claytor, Mike & Phyllis Cobb, Luther & Blanche Coggin, Jimmy Connor, Hyla Crockett, Jim & Marilyn Cunningham, Mary Cunningham, Arionna Davila, Daniel & Angela Davis, Mick Durocher, Janet Davis, Gay Dunn s sister, Kayelyne, Kelly Edmunds, Robert Elliott, Kay Elmore, Hal Feather, Jamie Ferrier, Sallie Frost, Gen Gallie, Dawn Garnett, Mitch & Beth Genslinger, William Gibson, Grace Family, Amy Green, Dan Hall, Greg Hardy, Harman Family, Brandy Hibbard, Lisa Hibbard, Peggy Humphrey & Family, Stephanie Isom, Jeremy Israel, Justin & Katie Ivey, Jessie Johnston, Laurie Jones & Betty Jones, Rick Jones, Don Jordan, Josh Kerschner, Karen Kimbrough, Lacambra Family, Mike Lee, Lowerly Family, Ann Mackee Family, Bruce Malcolm, Olivia Mangano, Trina Mangano, Pam Mangine, Paul McCord, Terry McCue, Carol McSorley, Marge Medina, Levi Metts & Robert Metts, Kenyon Miller, Sherry O Brien, Diane Oglebee, Gary Owen, Jim Peau s sister in Samoa, Karen Perdue, Danny Perritte, Billy Potter, Thurman Pritchard, John Rappold, Jessica Reynoier, Sam Rivers, Robbie Sumner, Carol Schoonover, Monica Schroeder, Jamie Schvihla, Faye Selig, Marcella Shimp, Andrew Snow, Ron Soder, Barry Stevenson, Paul Stiehl, Terrell Family, Betty Tucker, Twiz Twisdale, Hazel Twitty, Wendy Christine Wade, Jill Wallman, Kenny Wendt, Laurie West, David White, Billy & Evelyn Williams, Billy Womble, Wood Family, Savannah Woods, Pastor Nathan Loewen & Family, Pastor Chris Hopkins & Family, Pastor James Collins, Pastor Robin Richards, Pastors Jose & Elizabeth Martell and daughters, Roxanna & Susanna, Iglesia Evangelica Bethel, First Coast Women s Services, School Teachers, Administrators, Superintendent Dr. Greene & Students, Scott & Jenny Phillips, Persecuted Christians, Police & First Responders & their Families, All Youth, Gang Violence, Military & their Families, All Hurricane Victims, End to Shootings.

12 MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR MARCH 1 9:30AM CWU Gathering and Meeting 3 8/9/11AM WORSHIP Services 7:30AM Christian Men s Fellowship Breakfast 5:00PM Pastor Robin s -The Reading Room 4 6:30PM Cub Scouts 5 8:30AM Council of Elders 6:30PM Don Lynn s Bible Study 7:00PM Boy Scouts 6 6:30PM ASH Wednesday Service 9:00AM Stretching & Toning Class 5:30PM Congregational Supper 8 8:30AM Prayer Ministry 9 10:00AM Christian Women s Fellowship Game Day Bedtime SET CLOCKS AHEAD!! 10 8/9/11AM WORSHIP Services 4:00PM Healing Service 5:00PM Pastor Robin s -The Reading Room 12 6:30PM Don Lynn s Bible Study 7:00PM Boy Scouts 13 9:00AM Stretching & Toning Class 5:30PM Congregational Supper 6:15PM Dynamic Disciples & TIM 6:30PM Fellowship Activities, Bible Study & Choir 17 8/9/11AM WORSHIP Services 5:00PM Body of Elders 5:00PM Pastor Robin s -The Reading Room 19 6:30PM Don Lynn s Bible Study 7:00PM Boy Scouts 20 9:00AM Stretching & Toning Class 5:30PM Congregational Supper 6:15PM Dynamic Disciples & TIM 6:30PM Fellowship Activities, Bible Study & Choir 24 8/9/11AM WORSHIP Services 5:00PM Pastor Robin s -The Reading Room 26 10:00AM Christian Women s Fellowship 6:30PM Don Lynn s Bible Study 7:00PM Boy Scouts 27 9:00AM Stretching & Toning Class 5:30PM Congregational Supper 6:15PM Dynamic Disciples & TIM 6:30PM Fellowship Activities, Bible Study & Choir 31 8/9/11AM WORSHIP Services 5:00PM Pastor Robin s -The Reading Room SU N MONTH OF MARCH MON TUE W THU FRI SAT ED SERVING SCHEDULE for MARCH ELDERS DEACONS 8am Rev J.P. Thomas Gary Grider 9am 11am Sarah Bledsoe John Campbell Betty Chinnis Betty Mills Sylvia Osewalt; Andy Walker Kim Nichols; Jim Bledsoe Debi Rogers; LeighAnn Giles Tasha & Andy Yost NURSERY VOLUNTEERS for MARCH 9AM 11am 3 rd Barbara Lynn Pat Schaaf 10 th Diane Stevenson Tasha Yost 17 th Joy Elliott Kathy Hopkins 24 th Amy Mele Murray Trotta 31 st Phyllis Scott KIDS CHURCH VOLUNTEERS for MARCH 9AM 11am 3 rd Christian Giles Carla Cain 10 th Christian Giles Amy Lee 17 th Christian Giles Leslie Young 24 th Christian Giles Kathy Hopkins 31 st Christian Giles Kathy Hopkins 6 th 13 th 20 th 27 th SUPPER MENU for MARCH Chicken & Rice, Veggies, Salad Bar, Rolls and Lemon Crème Cake Corned Beef & Cabbage, Salad Bar, Rolls, Potatoes and Fruit Pie Quiche, Salad Bar, Rolls and Texas Brownies Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes, Vegies, Salad Bar, Rolls and Peach Cobbler

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