THE SPENCER CHRISTIAN

Transcription

1 January 2015 Volume 56, No. 1 THE SPENCER CHRISTIAN From the Pastor January, 2015 I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas celebration and that your new year is off to a great start. At my house we welcomed a new addition to the family, a Welsh Corgi puppy named, Lucy. Lucy was just 11 weeks old on Christmas day, so she is just now getting house trained and learning how to play without nipping at your hands. Training a puppy is not the easiest thing in world. You have to have the discipline to set them on a schedule, use the kennel, monitor feedings, and give plenty of time outside. Anyone who s ever trained a puppy knows that it takes a lot of reinforcement. Whenever the puppy goes to the bathroom outside where it s supposed to, you need to encourage it, give it praise (and sometimes treats help, too). In fact, whenever the puppy does what it s supposed to you need to give it lots of positive reinforcement. This way the puppy will learn that good things happen when it does what it s supposed to. Just as puppies need positive reinforcement, so do people. In the church we are often quite good at making judgments about other people and whether or not they are doing what they are supposed to (and often not so good at looking at ourselves the same way). It s easy for us to criticize each other and tell each other what we don t like. But what if we put the same amount of energy into giving each other positive reinforcement? In Hebrews 10:24 it says, Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds (NRSV). Have you ever thought about trying to provoke someone to love and good deeds? The writer of Hebrews is telling us that in the church we ought to be giving each other positive reinforcement. Instead of focusing on what we don t like or don t agree with, we focus on the positive that other people are doing. We give each other attaboys for their work and service to Christ. We praise and thank others for the good things they do. And in doing this, we will create an atmosphere in which people know their love and good deeds are worthwhile so they ll keep on doing them or do them even more! Blessings in Christ, Dan

2 We take communication seriously at First Christian Church because we want everyone to have the opportunity to participate in our ministries and to know what s going on. We currently have an update for which you can sign up by sending an to dan@spencerdisciples.org or following the instructions on the church website: We also publish information on the church website, this newsletter, and our weekly worship bulletins. But now, there s one more way you can stay up to date with everything going on at the church! Now you can sign up to receive text alerts from First Christian Church right on your mobile phone! Text alerts will be notices about weather-related cancellations, prayer chain updates, or other important announcements. These alerts will be sent straight to your mobile device via text message. To receive text alerts, simply to (608) After sending your text you will receive a reply asking for your name. Reply with your name and that s it! You re ready to receive text alerts!

3 The Spencer Christian Page Elders Standing Committees Connie Hollander Charitable Gifts, Memorials, and Glen Peterson Bequests Committee JoAnn DeYoung Gary Gaston Nancy Triggs Thru 2015 Carolyn Hicks Ken Hicks Thru 2016 Deanna McCord Thru 2017 Shirley Clark Thru Deacons Summer Intern Committee Deane Anderson Nancy Triggs Rodney Boernsen Thru 2015 Marilyn Zellaha Dawn Feucht Thru 2016 Stan Nissen Dave Kimbell Thru 2017 Dan Hollander???? Thru 2018 Barry Schultz Crayton Heinrichs Pastoral Relations Committee Brian Sydney Frank Zech JoAnn DeYoung Linda Gaston Jerry Groenewold Connie Hollander Stan Nissen Junior Deacons Public Benefit Holding Rep. Saige Mayes Leanne Sebastian Barry Anderson 2015 Ministry Chairs Worship: Communications: Evangelism: Stewardship: Christian Education: Property: Local Outreach: Disciple Women: Disciple Men: PRC: Gary Gaston Julie Kinsley Connie Hollander Jerry Groenewold Crystal Sydney Dan Hollander Michele Mayes Shirley Clark (Until June 30) Dick McCord JoAnn DeYoung

4 The Spencer Christian Page Ministry Council Name Jake Koch Carolyn Hicks Kristine Schultz Glen Petersen Stan Nissen JoAnn DeYoung Gary Gaston Connie Hollander Julie Kinsley Jerry Groenewold Crystal Sydney Dan Hollander Michele Mayes Shirley Clark Barry Schultz Nancy Triggs Saige Mayes Rodney Boernsen Dan Mayes Position or Ministry Represented Chairperson Vice-Chairperson Secretary Elder Representative Deacon Representative PRC Representative Worship Representative Evangelism Representative Communications Representative Stewardship Representative Christian Education Representative Property Representative Outreach Representative Disciple Women Representative Disciple Men Representative CGM&B Representative CYF Representative/Junior Deacon Representative Summer Intern Committee Representative Minister Total Members: 19 Quorum: 13

5 The Spencer Christian Page 4 Whole People, Holy People Ministries Annual Church Meeting On Sunday, January 25 th, there will be an Annual Church Meeting and a potluck dinner after church services. Please bring a main dish & salad or dessert. Not Dorm Food: 101 This ministry reaches out to the students at Iowa Lakes Community College. Each Sunday the group from FCC prepares and provides a meal for the students here at the Church. This ministry meets an important need because the cafeteria does not operate on the weekends. The Elders have taken charge of the scheduling, so please contact one of them to help out or for more information. Kids 1 st Kids 1 st is a ministry of First Christian Church, dedicated to helping meet the needs of infants and children in Spencer and the surrounding communities. Through FCC local outreach fund, donations, and help from local businesses, Kids 1 st offers baby needs (diapers, wipes, diaper creams, baby wash/lotion, etc.) for a reduced cost to families once a month. Everyone qualifies (Limit per family) to purchase diapers, wipes and other supplies. Prices are subject to change. The next date is January 10 th from 5:00 7:00 pm. Proceeds and donations will go to replenish the baby items for the next month. Helping Hands The Helping Hands Ministry: this ministry is about blessing people by going out into the community and helping as needed. We are in need of Winter projects to do. If you would like help doing things around your house (taking down the Christmas tree perhaps) or outside work, or know of anyone who needs assistance, please contact the Church at or call Larry Clark at either or We are here to help others.

6 The Spencer Christian Page 5 Winter Worship Schedule M ID-WEEK W ORSHIP Liturgy Service (Wednesdays): 6:00 p.m. S UNDAY WORSHIP Praise Team Practice: 9:00 a.m. Sunday School (Adult/Teen/Child): 9:30 a.m. Worship Service: 10:45 a.m. C OMMUNION TO H OMEBOUND The Elders and Deacons will be bringing communion to the homebound on Sunday, January 11 th. S ERVING S CHEDULE There are still some ministry opportunities available! THANK YOU to everyone who has graciously volunteered to help so far. Here are the positions we still need some help with: Worship Leader: 1 st & 2 nd Sundays. Nursery Attendant during Worship: 3 rd & 4 th Sundays. Children s Church: 1 st & 3 rd Sundays. Audio Tech: 3 rd Sunday. Video Tech: 1 st & 3 rd Sundays. If you can help us with any of these, please contact Dan Mayes or Glen Petersen as soon as possible. See the next page for a complete listing for January.

7 Serving Schedule/Sign-up January 2015 Date January 4 January 11 January 18 January 25 Elder JoAnne DeYoung JoAnne DeYoung JoAnne DeYoung JoAnne DeYoung Deacons Stan Nissen Barry Schultz Linda Gaston Crayton Heinrichs Saige Mayes Stan Nissen Barry Schultz Linda Gaston Crayton Heinrichs Saige Mayes Stan Nissen Barry Schultz Linda Gaston Crayton Heinrichs Saige Mayes Stan Nissen Barry Schultz Linda Gaston Crayton Heinrichs Saige Mayes Deacon Preparer Marilyn Zellaha Marilyn Zellaha Marilyn Zellaha Marilyn Zellaha Greeter Jake Koch Max/Phyllis Hurdle Ruth Kirlin Nancy Triggs Worship Leader Bev Dudziak Jo Ann DeYoung Children's Moment Brian Sydney Barry Anderson Crayton Heinrichs Dan Mayes Nursery Attendant - Worship Crystal Sydney Ardith Stevenson Nursery Attendant - Sunday School Connie Hollander Ardith Stevenson Connie Hollander Amy Blume Children's Church Julie Kinsley Matthew Groenewold Audio Tech Gary Gaston Jerry Groenewold Dave Kimbell Vide Tech Julie Kinsley Brian Nash Special Service this month: January 11: Home-Centered Communion Elders: Deacons:

8 The Spencer Christian Page 6 J ANUARY Y OUTH G ROUP A CTIVITIES Youth in grades 3 12 are invited to participate in youth group activities and to bring their friends. Below is a schedule of activities for January, 2015: Sunday, January 11 th Leading worship at Longhouse/Northshire arrive at church at 4:30 p.m., done at 5:45 p.m. Sunday, January 18 th Youth Group from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, January 25 th Youth Group Outing Time to Be Announced 2014 Poinsettias Bev & Norm Dudziak Linda & Gary Gaston Margret & Deane Anderson Nancy Triggs Marcia & John Christy Sherry & Jerry Groenewold Bev Stewart Pat & Niles Swancutt Marilyn DeWall & Family JoAnn DeYoung Jan & Stan Nissen Cindy & Mike Williams Angie Lashbrook Marjorie & Robert Guerttman In Memory of Wayne & Tony Dudziak In Memory of Loved Ones In Memory of Lloyd Triggs In Memory of Loved Ones In Memory of Loved Ones In Memory of Alvin DeWall In Memory of Lanny DeYoung In Memory of Jan s Mother & Brother In Memory of John/Alma Fitzloff; Ronnie Fitzloff; Shelley Gaunt In Memory of Connie Sams In Memory of the Guerttman Family; Louter Family Thank you to everyone that donated, we all got to enjoy looking at them. It s definitely a special time of year.

9 The Spencer Christian Page 7 Disciple Men/CMF Men s group meets the first Saturday of each month at 8:00 a.m. Breakfast is also served. Disciple Women/CWF DW/CWF met for their luncheon on Thursday December 4 th at 12:30. Esther Group provided the salads & desserts were provided by Shirley Clark and Coreen Boernsen preparing the hot dishes. The food was so very delicious. Ruth Group put on a quite interesting program titled Symbols of Christmas. Shirley Clark conducted the Business Meeting. Phyllis Hurdle, Treasurer, gave the Financial Report as follows: balance to date was $2,335.03, Bazaar income was $1,464.00, Bake Sale income was $ & Extensions income was $ Corinthians: 13, 4-7 > Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, does not boast, it is not proud, it is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Margaret Anderson Secretary F OOD D RIVE The Disciple Women are continuing the food drive for the Upper Des Moines food pantry. We invite everyone to participate by bringing any non-perishable food items or paper products. Place your items in the grocery cart provided near the front door. We appreciate all the help! There is a great demand for extra food and non-perishables at this time, please consider donating. Dear First Christian Church: It is during this Season our minds often wander to what we have to be grateful for. I find myself thinking of you, our dedicated partners who know the value of neighbors helping neighbors! This food pantry is truly a Community Pantry as it depends upon the community to exist. Over the past weeks, we ve had difficulty keeping up with the volume of food moved from donations, such as yours, to our shelves & then out again to families. In just the past week, 350 days (3 meals per day) of food were distributed. I don t think people realize how much food it takes to feed a family for a week until one has the perspective of looking at bare cupboards. This is why it s so important for me to relay to you how vital your partnership is to us & the families in our midst. Thank you so much for caring & assisting us in helping others. We appreciate your continued support & couldn t do this without you! Sincerely, Anita Jorgensen, Clay County Director/UDMO

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11 The Spencer Christian Page 8 From the Office Manager 2015 is here! Many of us use this time to reflect back on our lives; the good and the bad. Could I have done something better? Could I have done more? Could I have been more patient or loving toward someone? This would be the perfect time to make those changes for this New Year. Even though we can t erase what we didn t like about 2014, we should be looking forward to what we can do now, to make things work better in our own lives and in other people s lives. It s the little changes that really do make huge differences for all of us. Start small and grow from there. Do you want to be a leader? Get out of your office. Walk the building, tour the grounds, and talk to people. It takes you out of your paradigm (safe zone or what you re used to). Ask questions. Talk to people doing the work. Let them ask you questions. Smile. Engage. Listen to stories. Get feedback and input. By doing so you could open up a flood of ideas from someone else. Every idea won t be Great, but the next one could be. The best leadership is always done in real time, and with real people. Face to face. This can t always be done, but when it happens you can see the difference in yourself and others. Improve your leadership or become a leader yourself. Volunteer(s) needed to assist with the Spencer Christian Newsletter: Copying, folding/taping, attaching address labels & postage stamps for approximately 40 newsletters that get mailed out to subscribers. This task would need to be completed by the last day of each month and then delivered to the post office. Occasionally newsletters would be ready for mailing before the last day of the month. If interested please or call the Office Manager.

12 The Spencer Christian Page 9 One of my responsibilities is to make sure all the member information was correctly transferred from the previous software to the upgraded computer software system. I have included a form that EVERYONE NEEDS TO FILL OUT, even if you think your information has not changed from when you first became a member of FCC. This includes names/birth dates/addresses of each family member, as well as anniversary dates and home & cell phone numbers. For contribution purposes, newsletters, special fund-raiser notices, church notices, birthday/anniversary information listed in the monthly newsletter and prayer concern notices. I don t want to miss anyone! Please help me complete this task by ing the completed form (see below) to me at angie@spencerdisciples.org, mailing it to FCC, PO Box 1440, Spencer, IA or stop by the church office to drop it off. If you have already sent in your family information, thank you. So far I have received 28 family responses to this request. I have found several errors in our system that has needed to be updated. Please PRINT so I can clearly read all the information. Individuals First & Last Name (For Each Person/Child) Is a Child? Yes (or) No Mailing Address (P.O. Box & Physical Address), City, State & Zip Code Phone # s (C = Cell, H = Home & W = Work) Address *This Will Save Postage Costs* B = Birth Date/Yr & A = Anniversary

13 The Spencer Christian Page 10 JANUARY A NNIVERSARIES JANUARY B IRTHDAYS Brad & Amy McKoy 27 th Winnie Schoenewe 2 nd Jessica Rigby Martha Mulder Lois Michelson Billy Coleman Amy Blume Harriet Johannsen Leanne Sebastian Ruth Kirlin Katelyn Holmberg Bobbi Hoger Samantha Blume Presley Heinrichs 4 th 5 th 8 th 9 th 12 th 12 th 16 th 23 rd 26 th 27 th 30 th 31 st Correction from December Newsletter: The church system had the wrong information associated with Patrick & Jennifer (Grey) Kenney, they are no longer married and therefore didn t have a wedding anniversary.

14 The Spencer Christian Page 11 January Lectionary Readings Week of: January 4 Jeremiah 31: 7-14 or Sirach 24: 1-12 Psalm 147: or Wisdom of Solomon 10:15-21 Ephesians 1: 3-14 John 1: (1-9),10-18 January 11 Genesis 1: 1-5 Psalm 29 Acts 19: 1-7 Mark 1: 4-11 January 18 1 Samuel 3: 1-10, (11-20) Psalm 139: 1-6, Corinthians 6: John 1: January 25 Jonah 3: 1-5, 10 Psalm 62: Corinthians 7: Mark 1: Our Prayers Go Out To: Prayers, Concerns and Celebrations Heather Andersen, Deane Anderson, Linda Anderson, Margaret Anderson, Barbara Brownmiller, Harland Brownmiller, Marie Clarke, Jack Easter, Alice Gaston, Jim Gelner, Jerry Groenewold, Carolyn Hicks, Ken Hicks, Betty Hollander, Harriet Johannsen, Brent Kimbell, Ron Klinsky, Shyral Nelsen, Chris Otaniyi, Haley Rolfson, Denise Salton, Danielle Sipress, Marilyn Summers (sister of Ken Hicks), Niles Swancutt, Nancy Triggs, Dorothy Veitch, Kris Windy. We Extend Our Condolences To: The family of Dean Seibel. Dean passed away November 28 th. Brian Sydney, his Aunt Arlene, and family. Brian s uncle Bob passed away December 12 th. Bob Griffiths and family. Gerry Griffiths passed away December 13 th. Jan Nissen and family. Her father, Bud Clark, passed away December 19 th.

15 Celebrations To: The Spencer Christian Page 12 Pastor Dan, he was awarded the DHM Grant. Each year the Disciples Home Missions awards grants for pastors in the denomination to pursue their own spiritual and academic growth. This year Pastor Dan was awarded a grant in the amount of $200 to help cover the cost of attending Ministers Institute. Ministers Institute is an annual ministry of the Upper MidWest Region. It is a 3-day training event for pastors. This year the event will feature Richard H. Lowery, PhD as the keynote speaker, as well as workshop speakers such as Rev. Vy Nguyen who is Executive Director for Week of Compassion, Josh Linton who is Recruitment Director at Phillips Theological Seminary, and Rev. Geoff Brewster who is Stewardship Director at Phillips Theological Seminary. Worship will be led by Ben Allaway who is Director of Music and Composer in Residence at First Christian Church of Des Moines. Pastor Dan has been a part of the planning team for Ministers Institute and will be chairing the planning team in the coming year. From Our Mailbox Dear Church Family, Words cannot express my gratitude and thanks for all your prayers, visits, cards and calls while in the hospital and during my recovery from the stroke. A special thanks to Pastor Dan for his prayers and visits. I know there were many prayers out there for me and I must thank God for being with me and guiding me through this experience. Also a special thank you to DW/CWF for the lovely flowers. Although I have made great strides, I am still going through therapy to improve my motor skills. God Bless you all. In Christian love, Nancy Triggs. Niles & Pat Swancutt welcomed their 27 th Great grandchild into their family on Friday December 12 th. A baby girl, named Yuliana Yeslin Rosales, was born to their granddaughter LeeAnn Rosales and her husband Mario. She weighed 6 lbs. 7 oz. and was 18 long. Her three older sisters helped welcome her home. Niles & Pat Swancutt. Dan Mayes, Staff & Christian Church Members & Friends, I want to thank everyone for prayers, cards & calls, especially during my month in the hospital. I am back in my cozy room at Highland Crest recuperating. This is my greeting to everyone there since I don t write well enough for individual cards. I appreciate you keeping me on the prayer chain. Love & greetings to all! Marie Clarke. Dear Sister and Brothers, Thank you all so very much for the Christmas gift to our family. It is so wonderful to experience such love from each and every one of you. Sincerely, the Mayes Family.

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17 The Spencer Christian Page 13 When you or a family member is hospitalized, please let the church office know at and/or Dan s cell at so we can have the opportunity to minister to you. The hospital is not allowed to tell us of patient admissions. Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 8 am to Noon. Custodian s Hours: Linda Zech is scheduled on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. If you need her to do something, please call ahead of time. Her hours are flexible, but if she is not at the church, you may leave a message for her with someone else or on the answering machine. Dan Mayes, Pastor Sherry Groenewold, Organist Linda Zech, Custodian Angie Wills, Office Manager Newsletter Team Carolyn Hicks, Parish Nurse dan@spencerdisciples.org sherry@spencerdisciples.org linda@spencerdisciples.org angie@spencerdisciples.org news@spencerdisciples.org carolyn@spencerdisciples.org Newsletter Deadline will be the Tuesday before the last Sunday of the month with the exception of some months due to the holidays.the next deadline is January 20 th. Send Article information to news@spencerdisciples.org. First Christian Church A community journeying together in faith, seeking God s will and being transformed into committed Disciples of Jesus Christ. As a community journeying together in faith, we covenant to: gather around Christ s table, listen to the Holy Spirit, seek God in prayer, compassionately and lovingly serve others, live out and share the gospel, turn our lives and our church over to the lordship of Christ Jesus.

18 First Christian Church 701 East 18 th St PO Box 1440 Spencer, IA The Spencer Christian Page 14 RECIPIENT NAME STREET ADDRESS ADDRESS 2 CITY, ST ZIP CODE