Karusograph. The. Merry Christmas from the staff at FCC. Greg & Marla Taylor. Kelly & Karen Riggs. Bob & Leslie Gwozdz. Mike & Shelley Maltby

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1 The Karusograph A ministry of Volume 56 January 2014 Issue 29 Kelly & Karen Riggs Cody Monkman Collin Mattingly Greg & Dixie Montgomery Bob & Leslie Gwozdz Merry Christmas from the staff at FCC Ruth Davidson Greg & Marla Taylor Bob & Karen Rice Mike & Shelley Maltby Kent & Merla Hickerson Samuel Green Dean & Patty Sunderland Troy & Shelley Lea Tim & Jenny Cohenour Adam & Trina Brucker

2 The Gospel According to Greg Greg Taylor As I type this article for the first K of the New Year while traveling via train for Chicago, I cannot believe we are reaching the end of Where did this year go? I think the older I get, the faster the years seem to pass. Seems like just yesterday we were saying goodbye to the Harvey s what a year it has been at FCC. Looking back on 2013 and ahead to 2014, these are the thoughts rolling through my mind: 2013 was very much a year of transition for our church and change and transitions are never easy. I m especially thankful for those in our church who truly rose to the occasion when needs presented themselves. Thanks to our Children s Ministry Council for their excellent work in helping us assess where we are and where we need to go in this vital ministry of our church. Thanks to the many office volunteers who assisted us this fall in the office, and special kudos and thanks to Leslie Gwozdz for stepping in on very short notice and in many ways running our office when unforeseen circumstances created a huge need. Thanks to Samuel Green, Ruth Davidson and many of our worship ministry part-time staff and volunteers for their many hours of service this fall which will continue into Several new additions to our staff bring excitement and enthusiasm to our team this year and into 2014! Jenny Cohenour has plugged in as our full-time financial administrative assistant, Shelley Lea was hired as our Children s Ministry Director and Cody Monkman joins our team in early January as our Minister of Children and Jr. High. In addition, Samuel Green s role has been expanded to part-time Worship Minister, leading both our 2 nd service worship services and our Sunday evening Reveal for Jr. High and Sr. High. And what can I say about our intern Collin Mattingly? He literally stepped in and served in almost every role imaginable this fall what a blessing. As a result, we have hired Collin on a month-by-month basis to work fulltime beginning in early January, focusing primarily in the office but serving in ministry areas as well. I cannot write about new staff however, without thanking our existing staff for the hard work they brought regularly this year. Kelly and Karen Riggs continue to work hard to make sure our church is clean and presentable they do a great job, sometimes with challenging circumstances created by people like me! Adam Brucker stepped up and filled the gap created by Ernie s departure in a variety of ways thanks Adam! And Karen Rice? We would be lost without her words cannot express my thanks for ALL she did and does above and beyond for our church!

3 The Gospel According to Greg Continued A big emphasis this fall has been the challenge to make sure the church is the church wherever we go and whatever we do and I ve been excited and overwhelmed by the opportunities and events we have witnessed! Here are just a few: Fan the Flame two concerts were brought to FCC via generous donors, with all ticket monies raised given to area ministries. So excited to see where this goes and excited about Selah and Mark Schultz coming to FCC on Sunday April 13! Grab n Go a record turnout (almost 600) on a terrible weather day too many stories of grace and blessing to even begin to share. Cookies and Caroling Monday December 16, twenty plus from our church hit homes and the nursing home with cookies and the songs of Christmas. I really wish each of you could have seen the joy and blessing we witnessed! Great job Allison Hitchings, Barb McMath and Karla Smith for making this happen! Looking ahead to 2014, here are a couple of things I m really excited about: Walk Thru the Bible Old Testament offered at FCC on Sunday mornings in February in the Family Life Center. I would love to see this excellent opportunity push our adult Bible School attendance to a whole new level in terms of attendance and connection. Spread the word! India I m traveling to Imphal, Manipur in late February to speak at the Kuki Christian Convention February at the invitation of T. Lunkim, one of our monthly mission partners. My friend Tom Seggleke from Lincoln, who is President of the Kuki board, is my travel partner. The Story coming to FCC this fall, an all-church journey through God s Word via The Story by Max Lucado and Randy Frazee. We will begin the Sunday after Labor Day! What a year we have had and what a year before us! Let us never grow weary of making a difference in the name of the Lord! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Greg

4 Kent s Komments Since many of you have lost loved ones since last Christmas, I thought the following words might be of a help to you and yours. My First Christmas in Heaven I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below, with tiny lights, like heaven s stars, reflecting on the snow. The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear, for I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear, but the sounds of music can t compare with the Christmas choir up here. I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring, for it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing. I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart, but I am not so far away. We really aren t apart. So be happy for me dear ones. You know I hold you dear, and be glad I m spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year. I send you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above. I send you each a memory of my undying love. After all love is the gift, more precious than pure gold, it was most important in the stories Jesus told. Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do, for I can t count the blessings or love He has for each of you. So, have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear. Remember, I m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year....author Unkown May this Christmas be a real spiritual blessing to you and your family, Sincerely, in Christ Kent

5 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 members & relatives of those at First Christian Church, Clinton Updated Manor Court/Liberty Village 1 Park Lane, Clinton, IL Donna Arnold Wilbur Baker Hazel Benz Mildred Burns Jack Chick Helen Dorrell Connie Echigo Nadean Gambrel Brenda Griffin Dolores Hoots Gene Jones Norma Jones Betty Kyle Elaine Leisner Bill Martin Ray Martin Marcie Mathias Wilma Mestinsek Margaret Murphy Dora Neal Carol Radley Norma Reilly Stella Romanowski Louise Smith Virginia Stein Kathy Strange Dale Turney Juanita Turney Shirley Utterback Allan Webb Hawthorne Inn/Liberty Village (Supportive Living) 1 Park Lane, Clinton, IL Evergreen Place 4825 E. Evergreen Ct. Legacy #1 Decatur, IL Helen Riddle Heritage Manor 509 N. Adelaide St., Normal, IL Louise Whitehead Christian Village th St., Lincoln, IL Clara Lou Stephens Evergreen Place, Room Gregory St., Normal, IL Cleta Darlene Griffith, Room # is required on her address Aspen Ridge Care Center 2530 N. Monroe, Decatur, IL Shirley Thompson Bonnie Breeze Fair Havens Christian Home 1790 S Fairview Ave, Decatur, IL Charles Coonce Paradise Valley Retirement Community N 25th Pl., Apt. D128, Phoenix, AZ Colleen Stephens Apt. # is required on her address Rosewood Care Center Room 208, 900 Centennial Dr. East Peoria, IL Kate Arnold Anita Gibson Ike Leisner Mildred Meeks Ernest Thorp Frank Thorp Helen Thorp Dorothy Yedtman

6 Young at Heart David Buck, Coordinator Happy Holidays for you all and a very delightful coming of this year May the year be bright and shining. Start each day by giving God the first fruits of our time. Realize that you are not going to get through the day peacefully if you don t spend time with God. You just have to spend as much time with God as you need to in order to feel you can behave properly and walk in the fruit of the Spirit throughout the day. Ever stop to think and forget to start again? Steven Wright Our program for January will be presented by Marcia Wise. She will give us a lift for the New Year. That will be on January the 8 th because the 1 st is New Years Day! Then on the 5 th of February we ll have the Lerch Twins from Urbana singing for us. To be old is a glorious thing when one has not unlearned what it means to begin. Martin Buber Our 1 st trip will be to Goodfield for another dinner theater with fine food and many laughs to see the Paisley Convertible on February 13 th. Then on March 25 th we ll go to Starved Rock State Park for a Tribute to Dean Martin. April will take us to White Pine State Park for another Tribute to Johnny Cash on the 16 th. We are all here for a spell; get all the good laughs you can. Will Rogers If you have peace, you can minister peace to others. Jesus was able to speak peace to the storm because He had peace within Him. We believe He had peace within because He regularly found time to rest simply in quiet and spend time with His Heavenly Father. Rest in God s presence, and you will take His peace with you when you go back to normal activity. Happy times and bygone days are never lost In truth, they grow more wonderful within the heart that keeps them.

7 Ladies Night Out Bring a salad/dessert and invite a friend.

8 This N That Walk Thru the Bible Coming in February during the Bible School hour - Walk Thru the Bible Old Testament with Doug Maris. Office Changes Greg s office has moved to the old worship office in the back of the building and Cody Monkman has taken Greg s office in the ministers complex. New Carpet Installation January the foyer, sanctuary, and elevator area will be closed and January the foyer and sanctuary will be closed in order to install new carpet in these areas. Special Prayer Requests Francis Brady Guy Brown Brad Campbell Lukah Case* Mike Connelly Merle Cox Gerald Denny Eric Dolan* Abraham Downing Mike Dubson Ashley Green Tricia Haley Merla Hickerson* Nancy Hicks Dan Holland Dylan Karakachos Steve Keith Florence Lane *Indicates new name Mabel Larson Trevor Leach Rachel Litherland Ray Martin Stephanie Montgomery Floyd Pagel Brenda Phelps Callie Pryor Peg Reeter Dave Reynolds Shirley Smith Nathaniel Strange Jim Cec Tomes Linda Wickenhauser Alex Wickline Steve Wilson Darah (Nelson) Zwiefel

9 More This N That David & Angela Rodgers on the birth of their daughter, Gracie Della Marie, born December 10, Proud grandparents are Robert & Linda Webb and Charles & Barbara Buck. Proud greatgrandmothers are Dorene Smith and Della Cobb. Al and Carlene Morgan on their 53rd wedding anniversary on January 9th. Their address is: 317 E Jefferson Clinton, IL th David Nixon 1047 Kleemann Drive Clinton, IL years 19th Alice Gambrel 97 years 999 State Route 10 West Apt 9 Clinton, IL st Olive Moberly 1050 King Arthur Ln Bourbonnais, IL years Send a card to help celebrate their birthdays or send a note to others on the nursing home list. You will make their day!

10 More This N That Ladies - you are invited to: A Sacred Rhythms Retreat A Silence or Solitude Retreat for Women Friday evening, February 28 - Sunday morning, March 2 at Little Galilee Christian Camp. Only $50 for the whole weekend! Come and join us for a weekend of spiritual growth as we learn how to make time to be silent and spend time alone with the Lord! There will be group sessions teaching you how to get alone and be quiet before God with time to actually do just that! Brochures are available at the information center in the church foyer. For more information contact: Susan Klein, ; Becky Glenn, or Linda Wilmoth, Proverbs 31 - Please join us as we cook Tuesday, January 21st at 6:00 pm in the downstairs kitchen. We prepare meals for the freezer for our church members & others in our community who may need a meal for various reasons. THURSDAY NIGHT LADIES BIBLE STUDY New study in January: We will be learning the ups and downs of Joseph. The study is entitled Detour and is presented by Walk Thru the Bible s Phil Tuttle. It is a DVD study and we will learn about more than just Joseph s multicolored coat. The new study will begin on January 9th. Contact Sonna Hoke, , for more information or to order a book. The IRS rules state that year end offerings to the church must be received by December 31st. If you mail your contribution, it must be postmarked by December 31, The church office will be closed on Tuesday, December 31. Contributions received or postmarked after the 31st will be recorded for 2014 even though the check may be dated December 2013.

11 Shelley s Showcase Shelley Lea shelley@clintonfcc.com Merry Christmas, my friends! As Christmas approaches and shopping trips are required, I recall a memorable experience at the mall when our son was just two years old. Jacob and I were making good time getting the items on our list and a promise of an ice cream cone was pushing Jacob to go along with mommy s fast pace jaunt through the busy mall. We were approaching the large department store that was sure to have the last item on our list when I heard, Shelley, is that you? There was my friend that I hadn t seen in months. We hugged and began catching up. After a few moments, I realized I needed to stay on task and turned to take Jacob s hand and enter the store. But Jacob was not there! I called his name. My friend helped me search. He was nowhere to be found. I panicked! My mind went to 100 different what if s. After what seemed like hours of searching, my friend suggested we go to the service desk of the mall. I rushed to the service desk and began telling the mall representative where I last saw Jacob and his age, hair color and what he was wearing. A woman came to the counter and stated that she had seen Jacob in a particular store and he just seemed to be wandering in the aisles. The mall representative called the store and gave them the description and I thanked the lady and ran to the store. To my relief, there was Jacob with the sales clerk at the counter. I hugged him tightly and apologized several times. As we sat eating our ice cream, we talked about the ordeal that had just occurred. I began thinking about the woman who had told me she saw Jacob in the store. She saw my two-year-old son who was obviously lost and she did nothing to help him. She left the store and was moving on to the next task on her list when she heard my frantic story as she passed the service desk. Why didn t she take Jacob to the service desk? Why didn t she ask him where his parent was? She didn t do anything! This experience made me think about God. God has millions of children on earth. He loves them all. Some of these children are so obviously lost. Yet, we walk by these lost children everyday. How does God feel when he sees us walk right on by His child who is wandering aimlessly in the aisle? We see the child needs his Father s hand, but we don t have time to get involved. We have our to-do list to complete. Shouldn t #1 on our to-do list be to do God s work? What is His work? Help His children to see God, their Heavenly Father, and know His love. Let s make sure that we remember the true meaning of Christmas. God sent His Son, so that ALL can be with God, our Father, forever and no one has to be alone and wandering aimlessly in aisle of life.

12 Adventures with Adam Adam Brucker With the Christmas season past us, it is time to start looking at 2014 and the many programs and events we have planned for our students. This is going to be an incredible year. Our spring is very full with lots of events! The spring season is January-May. This time usually consists of our regular REVEAL service for both High School and Jr. High, which meets on Sunday, Nights from 5:30-7:00 pm. We also spend a good portion of our spring planning for our summer activities with meetings, fundraisers and team building events. This year we will be taking a weekend to escape somewhere and have a little fun, which we are planning to do on February to Wisconsin Dells for skiing and an indoor water park. Something new we are planning to do this year is a 2-3 day missions trip during the spring break time to do some service project type things. We are currently very early in the planning stages for this trip but we are going to try and see if we can assist in helping out some of the tornado victims in Washington, IL. We have two main trips for high school students in the summer that we have begun planning for. The first is a trip to Hope University in Holland, MI from June for a weeklong summer conference called CIY. This trip is an incredible trip that removes most of the distractions of the world and helps the students focus on their relationship with Christ.

13 Adventures with Adam continued The second trip we are planning to take is a mission trip to the Dominican Republic July We took this trip last year and partnered with G.O. Ministries and got to feel like we were really contributing to their cause. This year will be special because we are partnering with another youth ministry down there to put on a 3 day camp called Cristo Urbano. This is the first camp of its kind in the Dominican Republic and it is very similar to our CIY. All of these programs and events have a special purpose. We aren t a vacation club or a daycare, but we are a ministry with a specific purpose and that is to help teenagers come to know Jesus as their Lord, and Savior and we believe that these programs and events help us to do exactly that! Transportation will be provided. Meet the church at 4:45 pm.

14 Ministry Team Leaders 2014 Area Men s Fellowship Audio/Video Resource Center Benevolence Ministry Bible School Ministry Building & Grounds Ministry Celebrate Recovery Ministry Children s Ministry CLASS Act Kids Chimes Choir Ministry Choir Ministry College Ministry Elders Ministry Finance Ministry Grab N Go Ministry Jr. High Ministry Library Ministry Membership Ministry F@F Membership Ministry Funeral Dinners Tim Wenthe Leslie Gwozdz Barb Baker Shelley Lea Dana Korneman James Phelps Cody Monkman/Shelley Lea Melanie Cheatham Ruth Davidson Ruth Davidson Adam Brucker Mark Witzke Tim Wenthe Marcia Wise Cody Monkman Shirley Fields Greg Taylor Louise Moore, Goldie Hedrick, Clarene Arnold, Audrey Sessions, Jane Ann Thomas

15 Ministry Team Leaders 2014 continued Missions Ministry Nate Bostic Office Ministry Greg Taylor Outside Communion Tim Hoyt Pastoral Care Ministry Kent Hickerson Personnel Ministry Russ Utterback Proverbs 31 Ministry Holly Goldsmith, Teri Schaefer Dana Karcz Senior High Ministry Adam Brucker Signs & Songs Choir Barb Pastore Small Groups Ministry Adam Brucker Transportation Ministry Adam Brucker/Chris Moody Usher Ministry Bill Chapman (1 st Service) Joe Alexander (2 nd Service) Wedding Ministry Candi Heap Women s Ministry Marla Taylor Women s Ministry Ladies Escape Marla Taylor Women s Ministry Ladies Night Out Norma Harrold Worship Ministry Greg Taylor Young at Heart Ministry David Buck Youth Groups - Preschool Cody Monkman/Shelley Lea Youth Groups Grade School Cody Monkman/Shelley Lea

16 Information About First Christian Church Greg Taylor Minister of Preaching & Teaching J. Kent Hickerson Minister of Pastoral Care Adam Brucker Minister of High School, College Age & Technology Cody Monkman Minister of Children & Jr. High Shelley Lea Children s Ministry Director shelley@clintonfcc.com Karen Rice Office Manager karen@clintonfcc.com Jenny Cohenour Financial Admin. Assistant jenny@clintonfcc.com Collin Mattingly Ministry Intern collin@clintonfcc.com Office Phone (217) Office Fax (217) Office karen@clintonfcc.com or office@clintonfcc.com Office Hours 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday First Christian Church THE KARUSOGRAPH (USPS ) is published monthly by Corner of W. Main & N. Jackson FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH, 100 N. Jackson St., Clinton, Illinois N. Jackson St. Periodicals postage paid at Clinton, IL. Postmaster: Send address changes to: Clinton, IL The Karusograph First Christian Church, 100 N. Jackson St., Clinton, IL 61727