It Starts With One Seed

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1 Pilgrim Call Newsletter Of First Congregational Christian Church It Starts With One Seed The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed (Matthew 13:31) Our Mission Statement To honor and glorify God by making disciples of Jesus Christ within a caring community of faith that seeks to serve the needs of a hurting world. September 17, 2014 Issue 591 A Note From Pastor Jon Tice Please join us as we continue our studies in Ephesians. This week, we will look at Ephesians 5:22-23, the passage on how husbands and wives are to respect and love each other. Stacey and I will be teaching this familiar passage together at the 9:00 & 10:45 Worship times. Cherish Your Spouse: Adapted from Focus on the Family What comes into your mind when you hear the word cherish? It means to treasure, to value, to deeply appreciate, to take pleasure in and to esteem. There is no shortage of love songs that use the word cherish. If you used traditional vows at your wedding, you likely promised to love, honour and cherish one another. That meant that you vowed to hold each other in the highest regard. This tender attitude is quite common as couples begin their romantic journey. But often, as time goes on, couples can lose this sense of treasuring one another. The practicalities of life can override some of these important feelings. Spouses may take each other for granted until one of them has to leave on a trip; when separated, those feelings of cherishing one another come rushing back. Although Scripture does not explicitly challenge couples to cherish one another, clearly it is an implicit challenge. We see this theme in Ephesians 5, where husbands are challenged to love their wives as Christ has loved the church. Jesus cherished the church so much that He gave up His life for the church. Wives are instructed to respect their husbands; this too is an expression of cherishing. When a wife shows respect to her husband, she is holding him in high esteem. These themes are reiterated in Colossians 3:19 where husbands are instructed to love their wives and not to be harsh with them. The implication is that men are to treat their wives like a precious treasure. Proverbs 31:10 says that a wife of character is worth more than rubies. Wives can cherish their husbands by becoming women of godly character. One of the most tender love stories is that of Ruth and Boaz. After an unusual courtship, we see that they begin to love one another and within time are ready to commit to each other. Ruth s words to Boaz are reflective of how much she treasures him so much that she wants their worlds to be completely entwined. Maybe you can relate to some of these scriptures. I m sure each of you truly does cherish the other. But sometimes, because of familiarity, we forget to express to our spouse how special they are to us. Each of us receives and expresses love differently, which means we need to be students of our spouses and discern specific ways in which we can help our spouse feel cherished. I love to observe older couples who really cherish each other. She brags about him to anyone and everyone who will listen; he tenderly treats her like a queen. Thriving couples are like that. They enjoy warm thoughts and feelings for each other and delight in putting the other person first. They go out of their way to ensure their partner feels loved and cared for. October 5 th at 10:00 Elevator Dedication, Congo Breakfast at 9:00 SHOUT HOORAY and PRAISE GOD!! The elevator is finished and ready to be used. There will be a short part of the Worship Service on October 5 th that will be used to dedicate the elevator, and honor Jerry Caylor for his leadership role in the project. We will have only one service that day at 10:00. Come early, at 9:15 to enjoy a wonderful, homecooked Congo Breakfast.

Attendance for Sunday, September 14 th Praise Service: Adults 59, Children 5 Classic Service: Adults 53, Children 2 Total 119 Leaders for Sunday, September 21 st, 2014 Lay Leader: Hal King Greeters:

September 15 Mary Faust, Chuck Hosier s mom, please pray for healing as she is battling infection. September 14 Judy Herr, Kim Herr s mother-in-law.

2 Attendance for Sunday, September 14 th Praise Service: Adults 59, Children 5 Classic Service: Adults 53, Children 2 Total 119 Leaders for Sunday, September 21 st, 2014 Lay Leader: Hal King Greeters: Bob & Betsy Hoshaw Rick & Denette Schoenian Junior Church: Lee Ann Hughes Prayer Concerns September 17 Linda Trent, her cat scan showed that she is clear of cancer for now. Praise God! September 15 Mary Faust, Chuck Hosier s mom, please pray for healing as she is battling infection. September 14 Judy Herr, Kim Herr s mother-in-law. Judy needs prayer following carotid artery surgery, which went well, but then she had a massive stroke. September 14 Stephanie Standridge, please pray for continued healing following breast cancer surgery. She may not have to undergo chemo treatments. September 7 Dr. Tonya Brown, friend of Barb Linzey, prayers of healing and comfort for serious hip issues. September 7 Nina Ray, please pray for comfort and healing, according to God s will. Continue with Prayers August 31 Lawrence Grove, prayers for healing and comfort following surgery to remove several tumors. Praise God he was finally able to have the surgery! August 31 Marie Trainor, Teresa Worl s mother. Please pray for her strength and appetite to return so that she will feel better. August 31 Ann Schaeffer, Bill & Lyn Shirley s sister-in-law. Please pray for peace and comfort upon Ann s passing. August 25 Thelma Hamilton, thank you for the prayers! She is gaining strength and doing better. August 10 Norma Knack, please continue to pray for pain relief and recovery following back surgery. Continued prayers for: David Bohall, Sherry King s mother, Sunny Hunt, Duck States, Gerry Bitner, Jim Ball, Sandy Smith, Sonie Durbin, Danielle Amsbury, Craig Cook, Sunny Hunt, People of Ukraine, Frieda Williams, Steve Cooprider, Matt Johnston s dad, Ellen Johnston, Barb Collins, Karen Lewis mother. Continued prayers for cancer challenges: Helen Willoughby, Sandra Bargerhuff, Jan Hendrix, Jerry Sexton, Nancy Smith, Misty Renfro, Bill Schoby, 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. Pray for the Military Soldiers of our Church David Carey Aaron Knight Riley Johnson Adam King Andrew Reed Richard Young Rally Day 2014 If you would like to order one of these pictures from Rally Day in an 8 x 10, please call or the office, or use the sign-up sheet in the lobby. The cost of the photo is $10.00 Capital Funds Drive The amount given to the Capital Funds Drive so far is $255,210.84

Penguins (Grades 3-5) Horseback Riding & Bonfire The Penguins will meet on Sunday, Sept. 21st at Ron & Nancy Phillips house from 2:00-4:30 p.m. There will be games, horseback riding, and a bonfire, complete with hot dogs and s mores.

Call 455-1926 or 419-1368 if you need directions or need a ride. Membership Class A Membership Class is going to be offered on Sunday, September 28th from 5:30-7:30 in the Lounge.

This joining is simply a willingness to identify with this local group of believers to live out our simple mission, To honor and glorify God by making disciples of Jesus Christ within a caring

Youth Group, Grades 6-12 ~~First Congo will be hosting the Movement on September 21st from 5:30-7:30. We are planning to have nachos for the teens and volunteers. Please invite friends to join you!

If you are interested in going to a LeCreae concert with the youth on Friday, October 31 please contact Stacey by Friday, September 19 as we are working out details of tickets and transportation.

For information or a ride, please call Rex Gingerich at 271-5478 Children of All Ages Fa-la-la-la-la! Cathy Trout has begun planning our Christmas Cantata for December 14th.

3 Penguins (Grades 3-5) Horseback Riding & Bonfire The Penguins will meet on Sunday, Sept. 21st at Ron & Nancy Phillips house from 2:00-4:30 p.m. There will be games, horseback riding, and a bonfire, complete with hot dogs and s mores. Friends are welcome, but please have them bring a signed permission slip saying it is ok for them to ride horses at our house! The address is 350 W 3480 S. Call or if you need directions or need a ride. Membership Class A Membership Class is going to be offered on Sunday, September 28th from 5:30-7:30 in the Lounge. This is an informational class that will let you know more about First Congregational Church and what it means to officially join the Church as a member. This joining is simply a willingness to identify with this local group of believers to live out our simple mission, To honor and glorify God by making disciples of Jesus Christ within a caring community of faith that seeks to serve the needs of a hurting world. If you would like to attend, please call the church office at , or let Pastor Jon know of your interest. Youth Group, Grades 6-12 ~~First Congo will be hosting the Movement on September 21st from 5:30-7:30. We are planning to have nachos for the teens and volunteers. Please invite friends to join you! We will need lots of parental help. If you can help chaperone and/or provide food, please let Stacey know. If you are interested in going to a LeCreae concert with the youth on Friday, October 31 please contact Stacey by Friday, September 19 as we are working out details of tickets and transportation. Tickets will be under $30 per person. Man-2-Man Breakfast Returning this Fall!! Saturday, September 20th at 6:30 AM Please come and enjoy the food, fellowship and faith! For information or a ride, please call Rex Gingerich at Children of All Ages Fa-la-la-la-la! Cathy Trout has begun planning our Christmas Cantata for December 14th. So, mark your calendar and be ready to spread some Christmas Cheer! The children (4years old through grade 5) will perform the music learned during the Jr. Church hours. There are opportunities of all kinds for all ages (acting, singing, helping with costumes, helping with props and helping backstage). Please see Cathy or Stacey if you are interested in being a part of the Service. There will be needs for adult help with the children as well. Fall Sunday School Sunday School from 10:00-10:40: ~~Parenting class - Effective Parenting in a Defective World - Greg & Kris Bewley in the Gallery Room ~~Fellowship/discussion groups in the Pilgrim Hall ~~Discipleships classes (please see Stacey if you are interested in being a part of a discipleship class) One led by Karen Lewis, and one lead by the Smeltzer s ~~Youth-MS & HS students Bible Study led by Kylan Dubbels (assisted by Pastor Jon) ~~Children ages 4 years through grade 5 Marcia Grant & Betsy Hoshaw

Men s & Ladies Bible Studies The Men s & Ladies Evening Bible Studies will continue every other Monday at the church. The next study will be on Monday, September 22nd at 6:30 PM.

We would like to honor these special people on Sunday, November 9 th (Veteran s Day Weekend) during Worship with a Power Point and a brief summary of what they are doing.

Wendy Johnson, along with Stacey and the Youth are orchestrating sending out care packages to our people who are serving our country.

Her address is 201 Orchard Lane. Honor Flight for Dick Gaffney Dick Gaffney and his son, Rex are going on an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. on September 29th.

4 Men s & Ladies Bible Studies The Men s & Ladies Evening Bible Studies will continue every other Monday at the church. The next study will be on Monday, September 22nd at 6:30 PM. Honoring and Updating Our Military Personnel If you have anyone in your family who is currently serving in the military or Peace Corps in any way, please notify the church office via phone or . We would like to honor these special people on Sunday, November 9 th (Veteran s Day Weekend) during Worship with a Power Point and a brief summary of what they are doing. We realize that we may have missed someone or didn t realize that they were serving our country, or we may not have their current address, so please, don t be shy, and please let us know. Thanks! Wendy Johnson, along with Stacey and the Youth are orchestrating sending out care packages to our people who are serving our country. Ladies Fall Bible Studies The Wednesday Morning Bible Study will continue to meet every other Wednesday at Kitty Bell s. The next study will be on Wednesday, September 17th at 10:00 at Kitty s home. Her address is 201 Orchard Lane. Honor Flight for Dick Gaffney Dick Gaffney and his son, Rex are going on an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. on September 29th. If you know Dick and would like to send cards thanking him for his service to our country, they can be sent to: Richard J. Gaffney, c/o Greater Lafayette Honor Flight, P.O. Box 275, Lafayette, IN These cards will be read before the honor flight in Washington DC. Dick served in Patton s Third Army in Europe during WW2. You Are Invited What: Choir Rehearsal Where, When: Thursday, September 7:30, Choir Room Who: All with a calling to Praise God with their gifts and heart. Why: *We are entrusted to discover, use and share our talents with the Family of God. *We are called to offer The sacrifice of praise (our valued time, as we prepare an anthem offering our whole hearts.) *Our anthems: Prepare hearts to receive the Word; Help worshippers center down and focus on spiritual things; Present a message which may encourage others to: Forgive, seek forgiveness, Step up to serve, reach out in love, surrender our wills, search the scriptures, draw closer to Jesus, weed out our human weaknesses. Enjoy the support, encouragement and fellowship of other singers. Lead the congregation and support their singing. For more information, call Cathy at or at catherine_trout@comcast.net

Child Mission Uganda We would like your help and support! Julie & Jesse Broomfield have a friend, Samuel Nsubuga, who runs an orphanage in Uganda.

One way that you can help is to sponsor a child for $40.00/month (email Julie at julieandjesse3@sbcglobal.

10 back packs, 18 school sweaters, toilet paper, shoes for ages 3-17, any personal hygiene items (soap, toothpaste, etc.), school fees - $1500.00 There will be a collection box in the lobby.

5 Child Mission Uganda We would like your help and support! Julie & Jesse Broomfield have a friend, Samuel Nsubuga, who runs an orphanage in Uganda. He has approximately 100 children that he helps out, especially with school supplies. He has 25 children who live with him. Samuel is their only hope and caretaker. One way that you can help is to sponsor a child for $40.00/month ( Julie at julieandjesse3@sbcglobal.net if interested) or you can donate any of the following items: dozen black composition books (10 dozen), 5 dozen pencils, 50 pens, 50 graph books, 4 dozen black shoe polish, 15 shoe brushes, 10 back packs, 18 school sweaters, toilet paper, shoes for ages 3-17, any personal hygiene items (soap, toothpaste, etc.), school fees - $ There will be a collection box in the lobby. Thanks for your support! To see pictures and learn more about this project, go to Habitat for Humanity Apostles Build, 1921 S. Bell St. Update on building progress: still hanging dry wall!! Saturday, September 27th, they should be painting. Remember to sign up at Work will continue each Saturday morning at 8:30, until the house is finished, probably in late October. Forms are available on the ledge in the lobby. Haitian Environmental Support Program (HESP) 4 mile Run & Walk-a-thon Event Saturday, October 11 at 8:30 AM Jackson Morrow Park/UAW 292 $25 Or donate online at CAM Burgerfest October 11-6 Foster Park Cornhole Tournament 11-2 Burger 4:00 Burgers & food served. There will also be Christian bands, school choirs, & brass groups. Michael W. Smith Concert With the IWU Chorale Saturday, October 4 7:30 PM Indiana Wesleyan University Chapel Auditorium Tickets: $15-$40 Call Casting Crowns, Mandisa & Sidewalk Prophets October 7:00 Indiana State Fair Grounds Colliseum Upcoming Retreats Call the office at if you need more information. Meet Me at the Well - Women s Conference, October 10 & 11 at First Nazarene Church on South Washington St. Live Life Conference Dr. John Townsend, October 25 from 8:30-3:00 At the Honeywell Center in Wabash, IN

Non Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 83 Kokomo, Indiana First Congregational Christian Church 505 W. Mulberry Kokomo, IN 46901 Come Worship With Us On Sunday Mornings!

6 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 10:45 Classic Service Contact Information: Phone: (765) Nearly New: Web Site: kokomofirstcongo.org Facebook:FirstCongo-Kokomo, IN. Office Hours: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM Psalm 149: 1-5a Praise the Lord. Sing a new song to the Lord. Sing praise to him in the community of his faithful people. Let Israel be filled with joy because God is their Maker. Let the people of Zion be glad because he is their King. Let them praise his name with dancing. Let them make music to him with harps and tambourines. The Lord takes delight in his people. He saves those who aren t proud. He makes them feel like kings. Let his faithful people be filled with joy because of that honor. Fill The Pantry.for Kokomo Urban Outreach! The number one need that people in our community have is for food, according to the United Way studies. So, providing food and supplies for our local food pantries is a very important way that we can live out our mission statement of serving the needs of a hurting world. Please donate to Kokomo Urban Outreach any time on or before Sunday, September 21st. There is a green box in the lobby marked for the pantry.

Pilgrim Call Newsletter

Pilgrim Call Newsletter of First Congregational Church August 9, 2016 Issue 685 A Note from Pastor Jon Tice GOT HOPE? This week I wanted to share this authors list of how to build Hope. Not a week passes