TIDAL WAVE THE EASTER STORY THIS ISSUE: Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter Day

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1 TIDAL WAVE A Publication of First Christian Church of the Beaches (Disciples of Christ) ISSUE APRIL 2015 THE EASTER STORY Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter Day THIS ISSUE: THE EASTER STORY A quick recap of Easter ELDER S CORNER Nancy Barrett discusses her comfort with the Disciples of Christ church. 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. PASTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE Latest updates from the Pastor Search Committee Last Supper: On Maundy Thursday, we remember when Jesus ate the Passover meal with his disciples, breaking bread and drinking wine, which is now known as the Last Supper. We remember this by sharing bread and grape juice together in Holy Communion. It is a reminder that Jesus sacrificed his life for all of mankind. At this meal Jesus told his followers that they should love and serve one another. He demonstrated this by washing the feet of the disciples - something a servant would normally do. Good Friday is the Friday before Easter Sunday. It commemorates the execution of Jesus by crucifixion. Good Friday is a day of mourning in church. It is during this time, that we remember Jesus' suffering and death on the cross, and what this means for our faith. Easter Sunday marks Jesus' resurrection. After Jesus was crucified on the Friday (now known as Good Friday), his body was taken down from the cross, and buried in a cave tomb. The tomb was guarded by Roman Soldiers and an enormous stone was put over the entrance, so that no-one could steal the body. On the Sunday, Mary Magdalene, followed later by some of Jesus' disciples visited the tomb and found that the stone had been moved, and that Jesus' body had gone. Jesus himself was seen that day by Mary and the disciples and for forty days afterwards by many people. His followers realized that God had raised Jesus from the dead. This is referred to as the Resurrection Ocean Front, Neptune Beach, Florida (904) office@fc2b.org

2 Elder s Corner COMFORTABLE By Nancy Barrett I am familiar with the songs, the weekly taking of communion, and the special services of the First Christian Church. I have been in the First Christian Church since my cradle days. Barre and I met in the First Christian Church in Columbia, Missouri. We were married in the same First Christian Church in Elsberry, Missouri where my parents and grandparents were married. I have worshipped at FCCB since I am very comfortable going in any First Christian Church to worship. Recently I became aware that not everyone has that same familiarity and comfort that I have. An acquaintance, who is also a recovering alcoholic, mentioned to me why he didn t take communion in our church. He said he wasn t sure if the cup held wine or not. Very recently a family asked about the words to the Doxology that we sing in the 9:00 service after the offering. They had never heard the song and they didn t know where to find the words. Now we have the page number in the bulletin and the words on the screen. We were so used to the way we did things that we just weren t aware others might not be familiar with it. A humorous thing happened to me. I don t always wear my name badge with Elder written under my name, but I had it on one Sunday. My seven year old grandson read it and said, Noni, do they make you wear that because you re old? I m wondering how many visitors wonder why Elder is written under the names of some of our members, (and only some of us are old). As members of FCCB we need to recognize our visitors and offer any assistance or explanation we can so everyone feels comfortable in worshipping with us. I have been trying to be more aware. I hope anyone reading this, who is not a long-time member, will ask why about anything he or she doesn t understand. Blessings! Christian Education is alive and well. Christian Ed Ministry I want to thank all the teachers who give of their time and gift of teaching. We never grow too old to learn and grow in our Christian faith. Pastor Thom is working on a class that will be called Church 101. Look for more information soon. Get to know the children and young people of FCCB. You will enjoy learning from each other! If you have any suggestions about programs or classes you would like to have, please contact me and we will pray and consider. Remember "You" are the apple of God's eye. Blessings, Pam Mangine

3 IMPORTANT DATES SUNRISE SERVICE Sunday April 5 th at 6:45AM DISCIPLE MEN S BREAKFAST Sunday April 12 th at 7:30AM COMBINED SERVICE Sunday April 19 th at 10:00AM 70 th FCCB ANNIVERSARY CONGREGATIONAL LUNCHEON Sunday April 19 th at 11:15AM MOVIE NIGHT Friday April 24 th at 7:00PM Raiders of the Lost Ark IN THE NEWS Library News (Linda White) From time to time, there will be a TV show about the "lost books" of the Bible. It is interesting from a historical viewpoint to give us insight into the culture and traditions of the period. While not part of our God inspired Bible, they are actual documents that have been discovered that provide tales and stories of important people. For example, on page 100 is recorded the only known physical description of Paul. Although this does not influence my spiritual growth, I do find it interesting. A gift from Fay Duffy, The Lost Books of the Bible and The Forgotten Books of Eden is a book that will lead you to a deeper appreciation of the accepted scriptures which comprise our own Bible. Look for it on the History Shelf. For a read on the pure joy of living daily as a Christian, look for Phillip Gulley's books. His non-fiction are collections of short, 2-3 page stories of people he encounters in his ministry as a Quaker pastor in Indiana. Look for them on the Devotions shelf. On the Fiction shelf, you will find his stories of real people, somewhat embellished to give you a book that will lift your spirits and make you laugh. Try For Everything a Season, Simple Musings on Living Well in the Fiction section. Notes from Nancy March was a month of preparation for the coming of Easter. The choir has been inspired by the meaningful music in the "Son of Shadows" cantata that we sang on Ash Wednesday. Palm Sunday and the waving of the palm branches is a traditional service that holds a lot of meaning and memories for many of us. A special thank you to Carol Dennis and Sylvia Osewalt for accompanying the choir with bells. Of course, singing songs of the resurrection with all the beautiful Easter songs is a spiritual high. When we sang "I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked" we are all reminded that the Holy Lands where Jesus walked are war-torn today and Christians are often afraid, probably very much like it was during the time Jesus walked those streets. It is hard for all of us to start Monday after Easter with a "things as usual" attitude and it is hard for the Choir to find music that moves us forward. It was good to have the Gospelaires bring us a spring concert. They practice every Tuesday evening to sing God's praises here in Jacksonville and around the state. Jack Morison and Bill Rouse have faced surgery recently and we give God thanks that they were back to sing and accompany the group. We'll look forward to another concert in the fall.

4 In The News PASTORAL PONDERINGS (Dr. Thom Gibson, Intentional Interim Senior Pastor) Grace and peace to you. Thank you for the beautiful orchid left on my office desk for Dona. Thank you, Anonymous Donor, for your thoughtfulness. Since there was but one plant, I do not expect numerous folks coming forward to claim credit for this gift! Anonymous Donor, your gift was delivered to Gainesville, given to my wife Dona, and received with deep and heartfelt appreciation. Thank you. Lent is nearing its end. Easter approaches. How well do we live as an Easter people? Is our cup half-empty or half-full? Do we see only the rain falling or the sun hiding behind the clouds? Being a Christian is not some polly-annish, spit-into-the-wind experience. It is a journey filled with the not yet, the bumps and pot holes in the parking lot of life. Certainly we wish life would be smooth and without pain and suffering, let alone calamity or unpleasant surprises. To follow Jesus is to accept life on terms which we may not have agreed to before we confessed our faith in the Lord. There are no prenuptials before our baptisms. There is no negotiated contract before signing on the bottom line. Jesus said, If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me (Mark 8:34 NRSV). So why do we expect an exemption for our service? Hopefully we have accepted our faith responsibility with anticipation and joy. Hopefully we walk our spiritual journeys in conversation with God much like Cleopas on the road to Emmaus (see Luke 24:13-29). May the Lord God bless and keep us as we seek to be found faithful. Peace. In Christ, Thom t Psalm 63:7

5 Announcements The 24 Hour Easter Prayer Vigil The annual spiritual discipline practiced by our community of faith, will be held on Saturday, April 4th, the day following Good Friday and the day prior to Easter Sunday. We provide the opportunity for congregational members to enter the sanctuary after 7 AM and before 9 PM to pray. For the hours following 9 PM until the Easter Sunrise Service, prayers are to be offered within the context of the Christian s home. We encourage you, in your Season of Lenten practice, to join us in this prayer vigil, as your time and schedule permit you. We ask you to reserve a scheduled time by placing your name on the sign-up sheet available in the Turner Fellowship Hall. Whether your Saturday schedule has flexibility or not, we invite you to join our community of faith in prayer. If you have any questions, please contact Elder Don Lynn at The 2015 North District Assembly Sunday, May 17th Registration, 2:30 pm Assembly, 3:00 pm Food/Fellowship 5:00 pm At Springfield Christian Church R.S.V.P. to Rev. Coley Williams at Springfieldccdoc@aol.com Thank You Thanks to all who helped make the CWF Game Party and Luncheon such a rousing success. Fellowship Hall was packed and everyone had a wonderful (and boisterous) time. $1,725 was raised to help support Beaches Meals on Wheels and Dial-a-Ride. Christian Women s Fellowship LOVES you! Prayer Requests Katrina Brooks, Sara Brooks, The Brown Family, Britt Dehgan, Marga Freeman, Liz Miles, Jack Morison, Ruby Scott, George Huff, Polly Jackson, Yvonne Byars, Corliss Gonzalez, Eula Wood, Wimpy Sutton, Betty Nordman, Hazel Twitty, Barbara Elker, Lucille Kuklentz, Karen Perdue, Lauren Perdue, The Perdue Family, Bill Rouse, Shirlee James, Laurie Jones, George Mills, Jim & Joan Chandler, Wayne Hawthorne, Barry Stevenson, Mary Kessler, Evelyn Williams, Billy Hernandez, Billy Womble, Larre Barrett (Barre s brother), Barbara Hagan, Don Jordan, Ruth & Paul Stiehl, Liza Hale Salzmann, Sarah Terrell, Mary Mangine, Eva Nelson, LaChelle Rickett, Herbert O Boyle (C. Walker s brother-in-law), Darren Hughes, Julia Huff, Andy Altee, George Gallie, John Rappold, Geno Valet, Jean Long, Linda Nelson, Lydia Porter, Jimmy Nuckles, Susie Peterson (Leslie s friend), The Pastor Search Committee, all Military and their Families.

6 Board Happenings By Sylvia Osewalt After Easter, the work will begin to modernize the narthex. This is being done with the memorial funds provided by the family of Frances Vann (Nancy Barrett s mother). Thanks to Gary Grider and Bob Meador for their time and effort in accomplishing this. Thank you all again for your faithful stewardship walks. You all continue to share your time, talents and financial gifts back to the service of our awesome God!!! We so much appreciate that. Last month the Treasurer had requested that we ask for members willing to be a backup for the Treasurer. We have a volunteer that will be working with John to be able to step in when John is not available. Thanks to Bob Meador for that. We are still looking for someone to learn the Office Manager s financial portion of her position. She has to pay the bills, prepare the checks, write pay checks, etc. If you are interested and willing to assist in this vital work, please contact John Jolly or Sylvia Osewalt. Now, we are again asking for more volunteers. This time, we need someone who is willing to learn the multi-media position. Karen Perdue has been doing this and when she is unable, Bob Meador has been filling in when possible. We need to have others trained and available to provide this vital function at our services and at memorial services. Now is the best time to learn as we are in the process of updating the multimedia and you can learn the new system!!! Please contact Jack Garnett, Worship Ministry Head if you are willing to assist in this job. There will be a Billy Graham Crusade in Jacksonville May 29-31, 2015 at the Jacksonville Veteran s Memorial. This will be conducted by his son, Franklin, and grandson. Please mark your calendar and try to attend one of these services. These Crusades are inspirational to your faith walk!! The Wednesday night dinner participation is strong! This is a wonderful opportunity for our members to fellowship in bible study, beach walks, choir, etc. The website keeps getting better and better!! Please check it out often during the month. Jack Young keeps it current and we appreciate his hard work. And we all appreciate Jack s updated phone tree message every week!! ANNIVERSARY!! FCCB has a 70th Anniversary in April. The celebration will be held April 19, Pat Hernandez is gathering history for display during the anniversary. Give her a call if you have any photos, news articles or anything that will show how far we have come in 70 years!! CONGREGATIONAL MEETING There will be a Congregational Meeting immediately after the worship service on April 19, By now, you have read the insert in the bulletins regarding the meeting. Please prayerfully consider the recommendations and be prepared to vote accordingly on April 19, After the worship service and meeting a congregational luncheon will be provided in the Fellowship Hall. 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 Greetings family and friends of FCCB!!! Pastor Search Committee We come to you again, with thankful hearts for your continued prayers for our process during this time of transition. They do provide us comfort. So, you may be asking, what exactly is our process? For those of you who aren t familiar; when a Disciples church has a pulpit opportunity and /or when a DOC minister is interested in seeking to lead another church; ministerial profiles and congregational profiles are entered into what is known as Search and Call. If you remember, you kindly assisted us in the preparation of our own FCCB profile, which we, in turn, submitted to Search and Call. Ministers looking for a new church submit their personal profiles as well. (Sadly, it s not just checking in with LinkedIn, or posting on Monster.com.) The process can be quite laborious and time consuming. Through Search and Call, minister profiles are available to our Regional Minister in Orlando and then they are forwarded to us (and to other churches seeking new leadership as well FCCB isn t the only church in need). We are thankful for the profiles we have received to date, but as a committee we have not felt so moved to call anyone at this time. For those of you, who have not experienced this process, know it can take time. Some of you will recall that God blessed us with two fabulous Interim Ministers between Dr. Hibbard and Pastor Mahlons ministries. And God has once again addressed our need and blessed us with Pastor Thom; for this we are grateful. Our church is also blessed with Pastor Chris, staff, Elders and Deacons. A time of prayer and patience is required. Our Heavenly Father has us at this very spot for a reason...let us ponder that for a while. As with you, we too want God s will. And we know that His plans for our church are far greater than anything we can imagine. We have no doubt that He has the perfect plan for our church, and the most appropriate person to lead us. We lay this opportunity at His feet a most perfect place, the feet of someone who loves us dearly, cares for us deeply, and knows exactly what is best for us. We know without a doubt His perfect timing will be our reality. We thank God for the constant blessings He bestows upon all of us at FCCB. Let s not take these blessings and this time for granted. And let us thank Him in advance for the future opportunities He has in store for us.

8 Senior Adult Ministry (SAM) At our March meeting, we had 18 members present. Our guest speaker was Nancy Avera, from the Beaches League of Storytellers of St. Augustine and the Florida Storytellers Association. Her mission was to connect us to some imaginary journeys that made us feel as though we were actually there. She was truly an inspiring person and did a wonderful job bringing her characters to life. Our trip for the month of March was the Annual "Silver Springs Retreat." Our church was represented by five of our S.A.M. members. They had lots of fun and fellowship - great meals too. They also raised funds for "camperships" to help send young people to church camp. We will be especially honored to have as our guest speaker, Captain Wes McCall, the U.S. Navy Commanding Office at Mayport, Florida, at our April 2 meeting. We would appreciate as many of our members to come and support Captain McCall as he gives us his reports from Mayport. Our trip in April will be April 23, and we ll be going to Washington Oaks State Park. Be sure to sign up if interested in going. Final plans can be made during our April Meeting. Our April meeting will be on April 2 nd at 10:30AM in the Fellowship Hall. Martie Miller and Betty Smith will be our Hostesses and Agnes Calugar will give us our devotion. I would like to remind you to bring a casserole, dessert, rolls, etc. to share with everyone. Blessings, Pat Hernandez Scouting News PACK 40 CUB Scouts April 5. As a service project both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts will be assisting in setup and tear down for FCCB Easter Sunrise Service and Parking for the event. Cubs and Boy Scouts schedule service projects every month. April 6, 20, & 27 April 13 Cub Den meetings at FCCB Cub Pack meeting on April 13 - Awards, skits, info, group fun. April Cub Scout Pack 40 campout at Clearwater Lake, Ocala National Forest Campground and Council Frog Jog campout at BSA Echockatee Camp in Orange Park. Pack 40 is working with Pastor Chris to offer instruction for Cub Scouts wishing to earn the God and Me award. TROOP 40 Boy Scouts April 7, 14, 21, & 28 April Troop 40 meetings on at FCCB Troop 40 campout at Suwanee River Pack 40 will be conducting a U.S. Flag retirement ceremony in April or early May. A bin will be in fellowship hall for the collection of damaged flags.

9 Christian Women s Fellowship Service Projects for the Period July, 2014 to June, 2015 We collected aluminum pop tops which benefit the Ronald McDonald House in Jacksonville, FL. We collected Campbell s Soup Labels for Education which benefits Christmount, NC. We collected Box Tops for Education which benefits a Beaches area preschool. We conducted and support Birthday and Christmas Parties at senior housing Member Joy Casino has made and donated over 1000 T-shirt dresses which were sent with various missionaries to school girls in 8 foreign countries and to girls in Appalachia. Our CWF unit helped raise funds to purchase shirts and fabric. Our Card and Game Party with Luncheon Fundraiser allows us to annually give $800 to $1000 to local Beaches charities such as BEAM, Dial-a-Ride, Mission House, Habitat for Humanity, Hope Adult Day Care Center, and others. Our Christmas offering benefits our Jacksonville Salvation Amy and CWF members often assist with counting the Red Kettle monies at the main office in December. We sponsored Operation Christmas Child/ Shoebox Ministry and our entire church got involved with 120 filled shoeboxes donated in November, We sponsored our church-wide Blanket Sunday in February to benefit Church World Service. Our CWF sponsors Teddy Bears in the Pews, which ministers to those sick or hurting with a new bear to hug and love. Many of our CWF ladies also volunteer to deliver Beaches Meals on Wheels and provide food for Celebration of Life Memorial Receptions, and Boy Scout functions. FC2B Website News Why should I visit the First Christian Church of the Beaches website? Add yourself to the Church Directory Catch up on the Pastor s Blog Check events on the Church Calendar Donate or set up an electronic tithing schedule Find out who s serving for the month (Deacons and Elders) Look up volunteer opportunities Read Announcements Read the Tidal Wave Newsletter See what s for supper on Wednesday nights Send a personalized electronic card to a friend or family member Submit Prayer Requests When s the next Movie Night & What s Playing?

10 MARK YOUR CALENDAR for APRIL 01 NO Dinner or Youth Programs 6:30PM Choir & Adult Bible Study 02 10:30AM SAM 5:30PM Maundy Thursday Supper 6:30PM Service 03 GOOD FRIDAY 05 6:45AM Easter Sunrise Service 9:00AM Traditional Service 11:00AM Contemporary Service 06 CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED 6:30PM Pastor Search Committee Meeting 07 11:30AM Pastor Thom s Bible Study 6:30PM Don Lynn s Bible Study 08 5:30PM Fellowship Supper 6:30PM Choir, Walk, Adult & Youth Study 12 7:30AM Disciple Men s Breakfast 13 6:30PM Pastor Search Committee Meeting 14 11:30AM Pastor Thom s Bible Study 6:30PM Don Lynn s Bible Study 15 5:30PM Fellowship Supper 6:30PM Choir, Walk, Adult & Youth Study 16 Men s Walk to Emmaus 17 6:30PM HIS Family 19 10:00AM Combined Service 11:15AM 70 th Anniversary Congregational Lunch 5:00PM Elder s Meeting 6:30PM Board Meeting 20 6:30PM Pastor Search Committee Meeting 21 11:30AM Pastor Thom s Bible Study 6:30PM Don Lynn s Bible Study 22 5:30PM Fellowship Supper 6:30PM Choir, Walk, Adult & Youth Study 23 Women s Walk to Emmaus 24 7:00PM Movie Night Raiders of the Lost Ark 27 6:30PM Pastor Search Committee Meeting 28 10:00AM CWF 11:30AM Pastor Thom s Bible Study 6:30PM Don Lynn s Bible Study 29 5:30PM Fellowship Supper 6:30PM Choir, Walk, Adult & Youth Study MONTH of APRIL SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT am 9am 11am 2 APR 8 APR 15 APR 19 APR 22 APR 29 APR SERVING SCHEDULE for APRIL ELDERS DEACONS Wally & Shirlee Green Don Jordan & Paul Robbins Pam Mangine & Jack Garnett Howard & Jacquita Craven Billie Perritte & John Campbell Jim and Debbie Claytor Kristie Reeves & Joyce Vining MENU FOR APRIL French Onion Soup, Navy Bean and Ham Soup, Garlic Toast, Tossed Salad, Banana Pudding Roast Chicken, Rice with Gravy, Vegetable Medley, Rolls, Salad Bar, Peach Cobbler Shepherd's Pie, Rolls, Salad Bar, Cake with Ice Cream BBQ Meats, Corn on the Cob, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Bring Your Favorite Dessert to Share Italian Sausage Hoagie with Sautéed Peppers & Onions, Salad Bar, Berry topped Cheesecake Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, Green Beans, Garlic Toast, Salad Bar, Texas Brownies WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Kellina Featheringill and her son Whit, and her daughter Ella THOM GIBSON, INTENTIONAL INTERIM SENIOR PASTOR CHRIS HOPKINS, ASSOCIATE 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 APR 05 - APR 22 - APR 22 - HAPPY BIRTHDAYS Shirlee Green Geri Hojak Mick DuRocher

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13 First Christian Church of the Beaches (DOC) 2125 Ocean Front, Neptune Beach, Florida (904) RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED