THE SPENCER CHRISTIAN

Transcription

1 JANUARY 2014 Volume 55, No. 1 THE SPENCER CHRISTIAN From the Pastor January, 2014 Wednesday, January 1, marks the official start of some big changes at First Christian. During 2013, the board and the congregation officially approved some major changes to our bylaws. These changes reshape our model for doing business and our organization of leadership in the church. I know throughout the process we were dealing with these changes in abstraction. Now that they have been implemented, you may be wondering what everything looks like. So, I want to take this opportunity to explain a little bit of it to you and introduce and welcome new leadership for the incoming year. This year we elected 5 elders, whose terms run from January 1, 2014 through December 31, In 2017, we will have another election of elders, and the number will be based on our current membership at that time. We also elected 10 Deacons and 2 Junior Deacons, whose terms run from January 1, 2014 through December 31, In 2015 we will have another election of deacons and the number will be based on our current membership at that time. Additionally, the structure we have called the General Board changes significantly, too. First of all, it is no longer called the General Board or even the Board. Now this body is known as the Ministry Council. The Ministry Council consists of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Pastor, one representative of each of the ministries and standing committees of the church, a representative of the Elders, and a representative of the deacons. These representatives are chosen annually by their respective ministries. So, on the next few pages we will be introducing the current leadership of the church. I want to thank the Bylaw Team, the Board, and the congregation for their hard work and determination. I want to thank the Nominating Committee for their hard work in selecting and recruiting leadership. And I also want to thank all those who have stepped up and willingly accepted a leadership position this year. Blessings in Christ, Dan

2 JANUARY 2014 Volume 55, No Elders Connie Hollander Glen Petersen Jo Ann De Young Gary Gaston Carolyn Hicks Deacons Deane Anderson Nancy Triggs Marilyn Zellaha Stan Nissen Dan Hollander Barry Schultz Crayton Heinrichs Brian Sydney Frank Zech Linda Gaston Junior Deacons Saige Mayes Leanne Sebastian Standing Committees Charitable Gifts, Memorials, and Bequests Committee Frank Zech Thru 2014 Nancy Triggs Thru 2015 Ken Hicks Thru 2016 Deanna McCord Thru 2017 Summer Intern Committee Nancy Triggs Thru 2014 Rodney Boernsen Thru 2015 Dawn Feucht Thru 2016 Dave Kimbell Thru 2017 Pastoral Relations Committee Jo Ann De Young Jerry Groenewold Connie Hollander Stan Nissen Public Benefit Holding Representative Barry Anderson 2014 Ministry Chairs Worship: Glen Petersen Communications: Julie Kinsley Evangelism: Connie Hollander Stewardship: Jerry Groenewold Christian Education: Dawn Anderson/ Crystal Sydney Property: Larry Clark Local Outreach: Michele Mayes Disciple Women: Nancy Triggs (Until June 30) Disciple Men: Dick McCord PRC: Jo Ann De Young

3 JANUARY 2014 Volume 55, No Ministry Council Name Jo Ann De Young Jake Koch Kristine Reid Connie Hollander Stan Nissen Glen Petersen Julie Kinsley Connie Hollander Jerry Groenewold Dawn Anderson/Crystal Sydney Larry Clark Michele Mayes Nancy Triggs Dick McCord Frank Zech Leanne Sebastian/Saige Mayes Rodney Boernsen Dan Mayes Position or Ministry Represented Chairperson, PRC Representative Vice Chairperson Secretary Elder Representative & Evangelism Representative Deacon Representative Worship Representative Communications Representative Evangelism Representative Stewardship Representative Christian Education Representative Property Representative Outreach Representative Disciple Women Representative Disciple Men Representative CGM&B Representative CYF Representative Summer Intern Committee Representative Minister Total Members: 17 Quorum: 11

4 The Spencer Christian Page 4 Whole People, Holy People Ministries Not Dorm Food: 101 Off to an exciting start Our new ministry, Not Dorm Food: 101, kicked off on October 20 and got off to an exciting start. Not Dorm Food: 101 is a ministry aimed at establishing relationships with college students in our community and meetings some of their basic needs. Each Sunday that school is in session at Iowa Lakes Community College and Buena Vista University (Spencer Campus) we provide a free meal for students. We even provide rides to and from the Spencer dorms. We still have an opening to prepare and serve the meal for January 26 th. If you would like to help, please contact Dick McCord at Helping Hands Ministry The Helping Hands Ministry has started recently; this ministry is blessing people by going out into the community and helping as needed. There have already been a few projects. The last project we did was to assist Dr. Mike Thiel in cleaning out his gutters. With it being after Christmas now, if you need assistance in taking down your Christmas decorations and putting them away or anything else that may need do from this new Ministry please contact the Church or call Larry Clark at either or S TEWARDSHIP- T HINKING OF T ITHES AND OFFERINGS P LEASE WATCH THIS VIDEO!!! Please take 5 1/2 minutes out of your day to watch the video at the link below.

5 The Spencer Christian Page 5 WORSHIP SCHEDULE You are invited to Liturgy (the holy work), a new worship and spiritual formation experience. Each week you will experience an informal atmosphere and intimate setting of praise, prayer, and communion and scripture study. It will be held on Wednesday evening at 6:00 p.m. Come as you are. Leave transformed. S UNDAY WORSHIP Praise Team Practice: 9:00 a.m. Sunday School Classes: 9:30 a.m. Worship Service: 10:45 a.m. C OMMUNION TO H OMEBOUND The Elders will be bringing communion to the homebound on Sunday, January 12 th. If you can help us with any of these, please contact Dan Mayes or Glen Petersen as soon as possible. A NNUAL M EETING D ATE TO BE ANNOUNCED: STAY TUNED S ERVING S CHEDULE/SIGNUP We re getting our schedule together for 2014 and 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: Greeters: 2nd, and 4th Sundays Nursery during worship: 4 th Sunday - 1 adult and 1 youth Children s Church: 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Sundays. 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 nonperishable food items or paper products. Place your items in the grocery cart provided near the front door. We appreciate all the help!

6 The Spencer Christian Page 6 DW/CWF: Disciple Women held their annual Christmas luncheon on December 12 th with 16 ladies attending. Lunch was prepared and served by the Lydia Group and the program was given by the Esther Group. Thank you to all who worked and/or participated. Also in December the women prepared and served dinner for the Iowa Lakes Community College students. Seventeen students attended as well as approximately ten helpers. Upcoming events in 2014 are: January 19 th - Blanket Sunday February 6 th Ladies workday for cleaning the kitchen and cutting soup labels. Work will begin at 10:30 as well as Executive Board. Esther Group serves the lunch. April 3 General Meeting/Blessing Box program at 1:30 p.m. June Quadrennial Assembly being held in Atlanta Georgia. Any lady wishing more information to attend, please contact Nancy Triggs. May you all have a very Blessed New Year. Nancy Triggs, Pres. Disciple Women Stay tuned, the Men s group will meet this month, but date is unknown at this time.

7 The Spencer Christian Page 7 The following are actual church bulletin board bloopers found in churches across the United States. Pastor is on vacation. Massages can be given to church secretary. Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles, and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children. The Pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday morning. The audience is asked to remain seated until the end of the recession. Ushers will eat latecomers. For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs. During the absence of our pastor, we enjoyed the rare privilege of hearing a good sermon when J.F. Stubbs supplied our pulpit. Due to the Rector's illness, Wednesday's healing services will be discontinued until further notice. The music for today's service was all composed by George Friedrich Handel in celebration of the 300th anniversary of his birth. Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community. Don't let worry kill you off - let the church help.

8 The Spencer Christian Page 8 Try your hand at these: Winter: Word Scramble Unscramble the words below: 1. vheosl 2. klfea 3. tirdf 4. wopl 5. zeeerf 6. twha 7. fsacr 8. legsvo 9. ehnaaalcv 10. sedl 11. qsllasu 12. ylufrr 13. isclcei 14. arcit

9 The Spencer Christian Page 9 J ANUARY B IRTHDAYS JANUARY A NNIVERSARIES Winnie Schoenewe 2 Amy & Brad McKoy 27 Jessica Rigby 4 Brent Kimbell 4 Martha (DeYoung) Mulder 5 Lois Michelson 8 Amy Blume 12 Harriet Johannsen 12 Leanne Sebastian 16 Diane Fischer 17 Ruth Kirlin 23 Katelyn Holmberg 26 Bobbi Clark Hoger 27 Samantha (Blume) Dean 30 Presley Heinrichs 31 After a church service on Sunday morning, a young boy suddenly announced to his mother, "Mom, I've decided to become a minister when I grow up." "That's okay with us, but what made you decide that?" "Well," said the little boy, "I have to go to church on Sunday anyway, and I figure it will be more fun to stand up and yell, than to sit and listen."

10 The Spencer Christian Page 10 January 2014 Youth Ministry Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Youth ministry is open to all youth grade 3 rd - 12 th. Throughout the January youth will meet and participate in the following activities on these following dates: 5 th - God s Most Precious Gift Bible Lesson: (John 3:16; Romans 2:8) Youth will discover the most precious gift from God and the true meaning of Christmas (Meet 1:00 pm- 2:30 pm) 12 th - Service project: Youth will show God s love through their servitude to people in need. (Meet at the Church 1:00 pm 3:00pm) 21 st - No Apologies (Tweens)/ 22 nd - No Apologies (Teens)- No Apologies is an event for Jr. High and High School students to learn about healthy decision making. Presented by the Cherish Center in efforts to help prepare youth for a successful future by giving them the tools to make healthy choices in a sex-charged, drug-induced culture. Youth interested in attending one or both nights are encouraged to contact Youth Director for times and more information. 26 th - Youth Fellowship Activity- Youth will gather to participate in activities to unite their friendships and reaffirm their spiritual growth. (12:00 pm - 1:30 pm) Weather permitting, scheduling may be altered or changed as needed. For any questions or comments please contact: Kayla Salton, Youth Ministry Director (712)

11 The Spencer Christian Page 11 Kids First 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 11 th from 5:00 7:00 pm. Proceeds and donations will go to replenish the baby items for the next month. Prayers, Concerns and Celebrations Prayers: Marie Clarke, Shyral Nelsen, Danielle Sipress, Pat Vanderheiden, Alice Gaston, Mike Thiel, Kris Windy, Margaret Anderson, Neil Scoles, Haley Rolfson, John Steward, Gerry Griffiths, Betty Hollander, Niles Swancutt, Bob Guerttman, Jim Gelner, Dorothy Veitch, Ken Hicks, Jack Easter, Harriet Johannsen, Ron Klinsky, Brent Kimbell, Open Source (New Church Start in Rochester, MN) Concerns: Shyral Nelson recently had back surgery. She is recuperating at her daughter s house in Des Moines. A note of encouragement and support would be appreciated. Her address for now is: 1017 SE Meadowlark Dr. Grimes, IA Condolences: We express our sympathies to Tex & Angie Friedrich. His mother, Saundra Friedrich passed away on December 11 th, Our condolences go out to Pastor Dan Mayes whose Grandfather, Deane Vanley passed away on December 22 nd. Our condolences go out to Margaret Lundquist whose daughter-in-law Edna Lundquist passed away on December 27 th. Celebrations: Congratulations to Emily Stevenson and Peter Widvey on the birth of their baby boy on December 26 th at 1:14 pm. Jackson Reed Widvey weighed in at 7 lbs 7 oz., and was 19 inches long. Grandparents are Denny & Ardith Stevenson of Spencer, and John & Jessie Widvey of Worthington, Mn. Great Grandparents are Bill & Ardyce Stevenson.

12 The Spencer Christian Page 12 Welcome to the Church Family! On Sunday, December 8 we were pleased to welcome several people to our family here at First Christian Church. Alicia Larson confessed faith in Christ Jesus and was baptized and 3 little ones were brought forth for dedication. James Larson was brought for dedication by his parents John and Skye Larson, and Mherci Martinez and Jhorden Martinez were brought for dedication by their parents Mariah Martinez and Paul Swancutt. January 5 JANUARY LECTIONARY READINGS Jeremiah 31:7-14 Psalm 147:12-20 Ephesians 1:3-14 John 1(1-9), January 12 Isaiah 42: 1-9 Psalm 29 Acts 10:34-43 Matthew 3:13-17 January 19 Isaiah 49:1-7 Psalm 40: Corinthians 1:1-9 John 1:29-42 January 26 Isaiah 9:1-4 Psalm 27:1, Corinthians 1:10-18 Matthew 4:12-23 <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

13 Serving Schedule/Signup January 2014 Date January 5 January 12 January 19 January 26 Elder Glen Petersen Glen Petersen Jo Ann De Young Glen Petersen 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 Worship Leader Denise Salton Rodney Boernsen Bev Dudziak Jo Ann De Young Children s Moment Brian Sydney Barry Anderson Crayton Heinrichs Dan Mayes Nursery Attendant Worship Crystal Sydney Shirley Clark Ardith Stevenson Wren Anderson Mariah Ziebell Hannah Mayes Nursery Attendant Connie Hollander Ardith Stevenson Haley Folsom Amy Blume Sunday School Children s Church Julie Kinsley Audio Tech Gary Gaston Jerry Groenewold Sean McCord Dave Kimbell Video Tech Sean McCord Saige Mayes Julie Kinsley Brian Nash None January 12, Home-Centered Communion Elders: Deacons: Special Services this month:

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15 The Spencer Christian Page 13 When you or a family member is hospitalized, please let the church office know 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 and Thursday 8:30 3:30 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. Contact Newsletter information: Deadline Please will be the tell the Tuesday church before office the about last any Sunday of changes, the month additions with the and/or exception deletions. of some By months having your due to current the holidays address,.the next it deadline will save the is January church money 21 st. by reducing paper, printing and postage costs. Plus the addresses will only be used for church Send purposes. Article information Thanks! to news@spencerdisciples.org. Phones: Office, ; Pastor s Office, ; Cell, Dan Mayes, Pastor Kayla Salton, Youth Ministry Director Sherry Groenewold, Organist Linda Zech, Custodian Carolyn Hicks, Parish Nurse Newsletter Team Office Staff dan@spencerdisciples.org kayla@spencerdisciples.org sherry@spencerdisciples.org linda@spencerdisciples.org Carolyn@spencerdisciples.org news@spencerdisciples.org office@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.

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