Practicing Spiritual gift of

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Practicing Spiritual gift of"

Hubert Morris
6 years ago
Views:

Thanksgiving Offering Practicing the Spiritual gift of Week of Compassion Generosity Good Neighbor Choir Concert 4

This year we will be harvesting the fruits of God s blessing toward us through the practice of that recently

Thursday @ The Hub Featured Members 7 Hanging of the Greens Party 8 News from the Pews 9 Fellowship at FCC 10

The first is that Kirby Gould for the Christian Church Disciples of Christ Foundation will be here to bless us with

There will be more surprises coming your way from the committee as the campaign unfolds.

1 ISSUE NO. 10 OCTOBER, 2017 Inside This Issue Generosity 1 AMOS Mental Health Housing Meeting /Worship Schedule 2 CROP Walk/ 3 Thanksgiving Offering Practicing the Spiritual gift of Week of Compassion Generosity Good Neighbor Choir Concert 4 A s we are all aware, it's Fall. And Fall at First Christian church brings our Stewardship campaign. This year we will be harvesting the fruits of God s blessing toward us through the practice of that recently recognized Spiritual Gift--- 5 Opportunities to Serve / Regional News 6 /Luncheon & Stocking Stuffer /Second The Hub Featured Members 7 Hanging of the Greens Party 8 News from the Pews 9 Fellowship at FCC 10 Calendar & Servant Schedule Generosity. This year we have numerous surprises for you during the campaign. The first is that Kirby Gould for the Christian Church Disciples of Christ Foundation will be here to bless us with a stewardship presentation (both during the 9:15 Learning Time and during worship) on Sunday, November 5th. There will be more surprises coming your way from the committee as the campaign unfolds. Stay tuned for ways you can contribute generously by sharing your time, talents, and material possessions. 11 Mark Love for the Stewardship Committee First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 611 Clark Avenue, Ames, Iowa Phone: (515) fccames@fccames.org, 1

MENTAL HEALTH HOUSING MEETING THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 7 8:30 PM BETHESDA LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1517

hand if they have been affected by mental health issues.

and suffering that can come with mental health issues.

brainstorm possible actions to make things better.

2 MENTAL HEALTH HOUSING MEETING THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 7 8:30 PM BETHESDA LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1517 NORTHWESTERN AVENUE At the Ames AMOS Assembly on Monday, October 22nd people were asked to raise their hand if they have been affected by mental health issues. It might be you, yourself, a friend, loved one, or neighbor, but most of us have encountered the pain and suffering that can come with mental health issues. Yet more and more services and resources are being cut or taken away entirely to help people in need of mental health care. Rather than complain or throw our hands up, AMOS is bringing people together to share stories and brainstorm possible actions to make things better. You are invited to join other concerned people at a House Meeting where we will put our stories and our best thinking together. Pastor Mary Jane JUNTOS PARA LA COMUNIDAD STANDING FOR THE WHOLE Worship Schedule Title Children s Time Scripture October 29 Fulfill the Law of Love Reviewing Fruit Romans 13:8-10; 10; 14: November 5 November 12 November 19 Many Gifts, One Spirit I Have No Need of You Thank God! Peace 1 Cor. 12: Joy 1 Cor. 12:12-31 Thanksgiving 2 Cor. 9:6-15 November 26 A Still More Excellent Way Love 1 Cor. 12: Cor. 13:1-13 2

The 2017 Ames Area CROP Walk was held on Sunday, October 8, at the Maple Shelter in Brookside Park.

Mary Jane and Tim Button-Harrison, Eileen Sambos, Cynthia Gaunt, Don Withers, Tristan Cook, Jocelyn

Hawkins. First Christian Church raised $1,836. Thank you for your efforts and generosity!

3 The 2017 Ames Area CROP Walk was held on Sunday, October 8, at the Maple Shelter in Brookside Park. Fourteen people from First Christian Church participated in CROP Walk this year: Rev. Mary Jane and Tim Button-Harrison, Eileen Sambos, Cynthia Gaunt, Don Withers, Tristan Cook, Jocelyn Digby, Janet Lott, The Schwartz-Baringer Family: Joseph, Abby, Molly, Nevan, Ella and Killian, and Vern Hawkins. First Christian Church raised $1,836. Thank you for your efforts and generosity! Vern Hawkins The Thanksgiving Offering will be received on Sundays, November 12 & 19. You may give on Sunday mornings, or you may give online. 3

Puerto Rico October 5, 2017 Dear Church, Several ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada are collaborating to come alongside our sisters and brothers

Given our close relationship with the Iglesia Cristiana (Discípulos de Cristo) in Puerto Rico, Week of Compassion has been coordinating with various partners to provide relief.

Within the last several weeks, Week of Compassion have provided over $100,000 for emergency needs just to the Caribbean, and over $300,000 to communities impacted by hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and

4 Puerto Rico October 5, 2017 Dear Church, Several ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada are collaborating to come alongside our sisters and brothers in Puerto Rico who have endured the ravages of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Given our close relationship with the Iglesia Cristiana (Discípulos de Cristo) in Puerto Rico, Week of Compassion has been coordinating with various partners to provide relief. We are still waiting for assessments to take place, a process made particularly difficult because communication and power are down and will not be back up for months. Within the last several weeks, Week of Compassion have provided over $100,000 for emergency needs just to the Caribbean, and over $300,000 to communities impacted by hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. And we are just getting started. This is great news. Thank you for your generosity, which makes this possible. In the midst of extreme need, Rev. Miguel Morales, the General Minister of the Discípulos de Cristo in Puerto Rico explains, "The situation is getting harder every day. We are low on water. We have to wait in long lines to get gas. Our resources are running out." The hurricanes that affected Puerto Rico will call for the church to respond for the long term. In Puerto Rico, the entire island is affected - that's 3.5 million people! Fatalities are many, and growing. Loved ones are missing, and families cannot connect with them because cell phone signals are unavailable in most places on the island. Gasoline is already being rationed, limiting long-distance travel. Photo by Enrique Gascot, Iglesia Cristana Discípulos de Cristo, Barrion Nuevo And this is just the start of the needed response. The situation is dire and is a humanitarian crisis. We are responding, and will continue to help in the months ahead. We are deeply thankful for the support received so far. However, based on initial assessments, much more will be required as we continue to comprehend the extent of the overall damage. Currently, we have only received about a half of the donations needed to fully respond. When you consider a year end gift, I encourage you to give now - don't wait until December 31 - and designate it for Hurricane Relief so we can rebuild these communities for the long term. Remember, 100% of your designated gifts will go towards rebuilding and reestablishing many of these communities. For a church, "acts of God" is not only a pseudonym for natural disaster. Acting in faith, we believe that acts of compassion and solidarity are also "acts of God." God is calling us to act... now! God is calling us to act in Christ's name, now! Your compassionate support is needed to ensure that hope will overcome despair and the human community thrives. Vy Nguyen Executive Director for Week of Compassion (For more updates on all of Week of Compassion s response efforts in Texas, California, Florida, and around the world, visit 3

5 FCC SINGERS WILL BE PARTICIPATING! 5

Regional News Each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ s gift The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to

Volunteer with music or worship arts, to be readers, writers, actors, musicians, singers, bell ringers for worship.

net Join FCC s Food at First Core Group of Volunteers, which serve every first Saturday of the month. Contact Cynthia Gaunt at cygaunt@hotmail.com.

6 Regional News Each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ s gift The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ (Eph. 4:7;11) Opportunities to serve: Give generously to Week of Compassion and the Thanksgiving Offering. Volunteer with music or worship arts, to be readers, writers, actors, musicians, singers, bell ringers for worship. Contact Tim Button-Harrison at Help out with Sound or Video, on Sundays. Contact Janet Lott at jalott@isunet.net Join FCC s Food at First Core Group of Volunteers, which serve every first Saturday of the month. Contact Cynthia Gaunt at cygaunt@hotmail.com. Be a faithful steward, and fulfill your monthly pledge. Keep watching this box and respond as you are able. It takes a lot of people contributing their gifts to keep the ministry of FCC moving, growing and vital. What s Happening Around the Region Things We Do Together Christian Church in the Upper Midwest For More Info: CCC = held at the Christian Conference Center Nov 4 Nov 11 Nov Nov 26 Nov 11 Nov Nov 26 Commission on Ministry at CCC VOICES Conference Series with Christian Piatt Chi Rho Retreat at CCC Regional Operations Council online VOICES Conference Series with Christian Piatt Chi Rho Retreat at CCC Regional Operations Council online WOMEN S GATHERING LUNCHEON & STOCKING STUFFING PLANNING AHEAD MEETING, *SUNDAY, OCT. 29, FOLLOWING WORSHIP, AT THE HUB LUNCHEON & STOCKING STUFFING, *SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26, NOON AT THE HUB For further information, contact Dawn at (515) or cnmdawn@gmail.com. If you are able to provide cash donations for small toys and candies for the stockings, contact Deb Lewis at (515) or dlewis@iastate.edu. Connecting with God & One Another Second Thursday of the month at 7 PM Join us every second Thursday of the month for a casual time of fun, fellowship, and growing closer to God and one another. We will be meeting in The Hub, which is the space on Second Floor just outside the elevator doors. 6

T heir union started on a blind date (true!) back in 1961; Vern was a freshman at Utah State University and Colleen a senior at South Cache High School. She was raised in Paradise (also true!

7 T heir union started on a blind date (true!) back in 1961; Vern was a freshman at Utah State University and Colleen a senior at South Cache High School. She was raised in Paradise (also true!) in northern Utah (all 401 residents Mormon) while Vern had recently arrived from Roland, Iowa (all 565 residents Lutheran). Why travel 1200 miles to attend college? you might ask. Vern s response: to escape Dodge and seek training in wild-life management (forestry). (Note: The latter reason soon became moot as Vern s interest shifted to a more human dimension - sociology.) Following a 2 ½ year courtship, they were married and settled in the roles of student (Vern) a n d b r e a d w i n n e r (Colleen). Daughter #1 arrived while living in Utah. Completion of a BS degree (1966) led to graduate training at Penn State University ( ) where daughters #2 and 3 were born. Colleen remained the primary breadwinner and child-bearer. On completion of Vern s PhD, a five-year whistle stop at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana led to our final destination Ames/ISU in 1978 where Vern served as professor in the Dept of Sociology until his retirement in Colleen, meanwhile, completed a degree in Economics with a minor in Woman Studies at ISU while continuing to work in various departments at ISU; she retired in The three daughters grew up, graduated from college (ISU of course), married, and each became proud parents of two children (2 in Missouri, 2 in Arizona, and 2 in Ames). Looking back over their years together, the most notable recollections are connected to living in different regions of the country where they have witnessed first-hand both regional distinctions as well as over-arching commonalities. Together, they have always enjoyed the outside style of life (e.g., camping, hiking, tending to their native grasses/flowers.) Times of travel also reflect this interest as they continue to enjoy visiting our country s beautiful national parks and monuments. In retirement, they have also travelled to Costa Rica and Ireland/ Scotland to appreciate the people and places beyond our borders. In addition to shared memories, each has their own unique interests. For Colleen, reading has always been her true love. Non-fiction is her favorite. She also enjoys playing the piano and yoga. Her greatest interest is spending time with our 6 grandchildren ranging in age from 11 to 21 years old, and our three daughters and their spouses. In addition to family, Vern s interests have more to do with sports, both as participant and as spectator. In his younger years (30 s, 40 s, and 50 s) a considerable amount of leisure time was spent training and participating in road races of all lengths. The highlight was running the Boston Marathon at age 45 (1988). He eventually traded his running shoes for golf clubs. His knees and hips have appreciated the transition. Recently, Colleen and Vern joined the snowbird crowd by purchasing a condo in Scottsdale, AZ. where they continue to enjoy hiking, traveling around the West and family (youngest daughter, son-in-law and grandsons live 4 miles away). In closing, a word about church membership: Colleen and Vern joined FCC approximately 10 years ago after belonging to another local Protestant church. They transferred their membership to FCC after visiting multiple churches in the area in search for the best fit, (Continued on page 8) 7

(Continued from page 7) both spiritually and socially. What impressed them initially was the overall format of Sunday services at FCC where scripture is presented in a positive, nonthreatening manner.

) Additionally, the sincerity shown by members when welcoming them as newcomers was noteworthy.

A final note to reflect their value of FCC membership is illustrated in Vern s closing comment: From 2008-2016, I had the opportunity to represent FCC on the board of ERP (Emergency Residence

As member and board president (2010-2015), I witnessed firsthand the countless families in our community who are barely surviving with minimal food, shelter and other basic necessities of life.

8 (Continued from page 7) both spiritually and socially. What impressed them initially was the overall format of Sunday services at FCC where scripture is presented in a positive, nonthreatening manner. (Note: It would be an oversight, both agree, if the overall positive influence of David Digby - both in and out of the pulpit - was not mentioned.) Additionally, the sincerity shown by members when welcoming them as newcomers was noteworthy. And finally, they valued the diversity of people who attend and participate in the overall operations of the church. As both comment, We have never regretted our decision to join FCC. A final note to reflect their value of FCC membership is illustrated in Vern s closing comment: From , I had the opportunity to represent FCC on the board of ERP (Emergency Residence Project), which serves as a short-term shelter for the homeless of Story County. (Yes we have them and their numbers are disturbing!) We are one of 7 local congregations that serve in this capacity. As member and board president ( ), I witnessed firsthand the countless families in our community who are barely surviving with minimal food, shelter and other basic necessities of life. Far too many of these are children. It s gut-wrenching to hear their stories of despair. But at the same time, it s rewarding personally to be a small part of an effort to address their dire need for shelter, even when the assistance is short-term. And it s equally rewarding to be a member of a congregation that reaches out to those in need, be it through ERP, Food at First and other outreach activities supported by our FCC family. First Christian Church is so fortunate to have Colleen and Vern as members for they truly serve by example. Sunday, November 26, 4:00-6:00 PM in the Coffee House And, there will be making of construction paper chains stringing popcorn and cranberries into garland decorating Christmas cookies plus snacks to eat! Come join the FUN as together we prepare the church and ourselves for Advent! Bob Watson 8

News from the Pews Church office hours are 9 am 2 pm Monday-Thursday

org Stewardship Report Giving during the month of September Income: $ 20,271

Week of Compassion: Congratulations to Aaron Lott and Urtzi Fernandez on their

Congratulations to Cassi & Jerad Hale on the blessing of MaKayLynn Grace Hale,

The Thanksgiving Offering will be Received Sundays, November 12 & 19.

Starbuck (above), who joined First Christian Church by letter of transfer, on

Fellowship Coffee Sunday, November 5 Following Worship Good Neighbor Emergency

Free Community Wide Thanksgiving Meal will be on Thursday, November 26thfrom

9 News from the Pews Church office hours are 9 am 2 pm Monday-Thursday CONGRATULATIONS Have a question? Liz Collazo at: fccames@fccames.org Stewardship Report Giving during the month of September Income: $ 20,271 Expenses: $ 17,087 Difference: $ (3,184) DMF: $ 1,442 Reconciliation Offering: Week of Compassion: Congratulations to Aaron Lott and Urtzi Fernandez on their marriage on October 9 in Bilbao Spain. Congratulations to Cassi & Jerad Hale on the blessing of MaKayLynn Grace Hale, on Sunday, October 8. $1,430 $ In and out of the Hospital: Olene Dowell. Olene is in Rm. 184 of the Health Center at Northridge Village (their rehab unit). The Thanksgiving Offering will be Received Sundays, November 12 & 19. Congratulations to Madie Kilgore-Reed (left), and to Charity Bensen & Arlo Starbuck (above), who joined First Christian Church by letter of transfer, on Sundays, October 8th and 22nd, respectively. Fellowship Coffee Sunday, November 5 Following Worship Good Neighbor Emergency Assistance, Inc. Combined Choir Concert Featuring FCC Singers Sunday, Nov. 5, 2 PM At St. Cecilia Catholic Church Food at First & First Christian Church's 30th Annual Free Community Wide Thanksgiving Meal will be on Thursday, November 26thfrom 11:30 am - 1:30 pm If you d like to volunteer to help prepare the meal, to bake pies, or to clean up, please conta c t Patty Yo d e r, wi th Food at patty@foodatfirst.com. Be on the lookout for a link to a sign-up sheet in future communications. Remember to FALL BACK one hour the night before Sunday, November 5th, when Daylight Savings will END! 9

Room. (except major holidays) A mid-week time to

second floor for experiences to recharge your

Church Night Schedule: 5:45 pm Dinner available

Sanctuary Balcony 6:30 7:30 pm Labyrinth

Singers Sanctuary Meals Sunday thru Friday 5:45

s Volunteers the 1st Saturday of every Month!

10 Join us in Fellowship at FCC! Every Thursday, from 5:30 7 pm, in the Great Room. (except major holidays) A mid-week time to refresh, renew, and recharge our spirits! Anyone can join in. You are invited to join us in the Great Room on second floor for experiences to recharge your spirit. Church Night Schedule: 5:45 pm Dinner available at Food at First Fellowship Hall 5:50 pm Bells Sanctuary Balcony 6:30 7:30 pm Labyrinth Walking, Posting Prayers, and other Spiritual Practices Great Room. 6:50 7:10 pm Worship Great Room 7:15 8:15 pm Singers Sanctuary Meals Sunday thru Friday 5:45 pm and Saturday at 11:30 am (7 days a week) FCC s Volunteers the 1st Saturday of every Month! Contact Cynthia Gaunt for more information, at cygaunt@hotmail.com. Grocery Distributions Monday and Thursday at 4:45 pm a and Saturday at 10:00 am Sign Up to Volunteer at 10

Calendar and Servant Schedule Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday November 2017 29 9:15 am Learning Time 10:30 am worship 12-3 pm Women s Stocking Sewing & Planning (The Hub)

9:15 am Learning Time 10:30 am Worship followed by Coffee Fellowship 2:00 PM Good Neighbor Combined Choir Concert *Tim Button-Harrison 12 Thanksgiving Offering Received 9:15 am Learning Time 10:30 am

11 Calendar and Servant Schedule Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday November :15 am Learning Time 10:30 am worship 12-3 pm Women s Stocking Sewing & Planning (The Hub) 3:30-5 pm AC Working Group Mtg. (CR) 5 Daylight Savings Time Ends. Fall back an hour. 9:15 am Learning Time 10:30 am Worship followed by Coffee Fellowship 2:00 PM Good Neighbor Combined Choir Concert *Tim Button-Harrison 12 Thanksgiving Offering Received 9:15 am Learning Time 10:30 am Worship 19 Thanksgiving Offering Received Stewardship Dedication Sunday 9:15 am Learning Time 10:30 am Worship followed by a Thanksgiving Fellowship Dinner 12:45 am Elder s Mtg. *Scott Walker 26 9:15 am Learning Time 10:30 am worship 12-3 pm Women s Luncheon & Stocking Stuffing (The Hub) 4-6 pm Hanging of the Green s Party (CH) *Doug Clark *Jorge Sanchez :30 am Ukuleileis Practice (CH) *Calista Hagan :30 am Ukuleileis Practice (CH) 7:00 pm Trustees Mtg. (CR) :30 am Ukuleileis Practice (CH) Noon The Call Deadline *Jeanne Hagan :30 am Ukuleileis Practice (CH) Liz Collazo on vacation :30 am Ukuleileis Practice (CH) *Cassandra Hale :15 Prayers (CH) Wed. Night Church 5:45 Dinner with FAF 5:50 Bells Practice 6:30 Spirit. Practices 6:50 Worship 7:15 Singers Practice *Terrisa Clark *Kailee Culp 7 6:30 pm Council of Ministries Mtg. (The Hub) 14 7:15 pm Property Meeting (Library) 8 12:15 Prayers (CH) Wed. Night Church 5:45 Dinner with FAF 5:50 Bells Practice 6:30 Spirit. Practices 6:50 Worship 7:15 Singers Practice 15 12:15 Prayers (CH) Wed. Night Church 5:45 Dinner with FAF 5:50 Bells Practice 6:30 Spirit. Practices 6:50 Worship 7:15 Singers Practice :15 Prayers (CH) Wed. Night Church 5:45 Dinner with FAF 6:50 Spirit. Practices 6:15 Worship :15 Prayers (CH) Wed. Night Church 5:45 Dinner with FAF 5:50 Bells Practice 6:30 Spirit. Practices 6:50 Worship 7:15 Singers Practice *David Gregory *Anleah Walker * Denotes birthday Chapel 2 nd Floor BT = Bell Tower CH = Coffee House FH = Fellowship Hall LIB = Library 2 5:30-7pm Listening to God (Great Rm.) *Amanda Mokaya *Ryan Ratliff 9 5:30-7pm Listening to God (Great Rm.) 7-8:30 pm AMOS Mental Health Housing Mtg. at Bethesda Lutheran 7 pm Second Thursday at The Hub *Olivia Pendry 16 5:30-7pm Listening to God (Great Rm.) 7:00 pm Faith Formation Team Meeting (The Hub) *David Fitz 23 Thanksgiving Day Office Closed 11 am 1 pm Free Annual Community Wide Thanksgiving Meal (Fellowship Hall) 5:30-7pm Listening to God (Great Rm.) 30 5:30-7pm Listening to God (Great Rm.) 3 4 Move your clocks one hour back before going to bed *John Pendry *Hope Pogwizd 24 *Arlene Wierson *Liz Collazo *Dale Woodward Servant Schedule Ushers Narthex West Entry November 5 Mel & Pat Popelka Kay Scott Stacey Maifeld November 12 Kris & Larry Mesenbrink Eileen Sambos Meg Knol-Digby November 19 Kris & larry Mesenbrink Eileen Sambos Meg Knol-Digby November 26 (Sunday after Thanksgiving) Ron & Dee Matthews Corry Bertelsen Deb Lewis 11

12 First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 611 Clark Avenue Ames, Iowa Phone: (515) Fax: (515) Website: Return Service Requested The people of First Christian Church accept these values as core Genuinely accept, welcome and love everyone as Jesus did. Connect people to God and to one another. Cultivate an environment where people grow in faith and discipleship. Celebrate everyone s gifts for ministry and encourage people as leaders. Minister in the community with God s healing love. Staff at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Ames, IA: Minister: Mary Jane Button-Harrison Minister of Worship & Discipleship: Tim Button-Harrison Minister of Worship Arts: Janet Lott Administrative Assistant: Liz Collazo Worship Musician: Joseph Schwartz Building Custodian: Sherri Khan Nursery Attendants: Karen LeCount Nursery Helper: Gianna Heelan

The Call. Inside This Issue

The Call. Inside This Issue Inside This Issue First First Christian Christian Church Church Issue No. 401 The Call April Jan. 2017 2015 Belonging, Boundaries, Balance Worship Schedule All Congregational Planning Event/ Week of Compassion