A Publication of First Christian Church of the Beaches (Disciples of Christ) ISSUE JANUARY 2019 SETTING SPIRITUAL GOALS IN THE NEW YEAR by Lauren Hunter It s tradition to make new plans and set new goals at the start of a new year. From home to work to church, we all ask ourselves: What do I want to do to make this year better than last year? How can I start the year out strong and step into all that God has for me this year? THIS ISSUE: SETTING SPIRITUAL GOALS Learn 5 practical ways you can set and achieve spiritual goals during 2019 ELDER S CORNER Read your bible daily MISSION MOMENT Meals on Wheels. STEWARDSHIP Legacy Builders Information Meetings THE WAVERIDER Please see the Waverider section for Youth and Children s events Non-smoking Campus As we reflect on these questions, how do we set spiritual goals for ourselves? Here are 5 practical ways we can set goals in the New Year: #1 PRAY Always start here. Why would we not go to the Lord for His divine guidance? It is critical that we talk to God first, getting clear direction for the steps we need to take in making the change He gives us to make. Without this, we are on your own. #2 RELEASE FEAR Whenever we let fear do the talking, hope always loses the argument. But what if we could gag our fears long enough to dream, and then a little longer to turn those dreams into actionable goals that might actually change our lives for the better? What should we do when we know something is God s will, but we re scared to do it? We do it anyway! If we know it s the right thing, we fight the fear. Courage isn t the absence of fear; it s moving ahead in spite of our fear. #3 PRACTICE PATIENCE One of the big mistakes we make is, in the excitement to see change in ourselves, we try to rush change. Don t do that. As we develop our vision for the future and impending changes move slowly, but steadily towards the change. When we think or talk with the future in mind, we often put our defenses up. However, if we do not try to change instantly or completely after we think about change, we allow our defenses to drop preparing our hearts for the new thing God has in store for us.
SETTING SPIRITUAL GOALS IN THE NEW YEAR (continued) #4 PLAN INTENTIONALLY Here s what I know from years of coaching others and my own personal experience: The key reason most of us feel this sense of fear when it comes to goal-setting is that we ve tried before and failed. But here s something else I know: It s not your fault. It s the fault of a faulty system. The truth is that traditional New Year s resolutions and goal setting don t really work. Instead, we need to be intentional, force ourselves to get clear on what we want and why it s important, and then pursue a plan of action that accomplishes our objective. #5 TAKE ACTION We may be overflowing with goals, but there is a point where we have to stop thinking about them and talking about them, and instead, slowly start doing something about them moving our goals toward a tangible reality. I ve met thousands of Christians with incredible spiritual goals, but sadly they never got past the thinking stage. God rarely asks us to take leaps of faith; rather, he encourages us to take small steps that grow larger as our faith grows larger. But we ve got to take the first step to get to all the other steps! SEEDING SUCCESS We all know how challenging it is to change. We are always supported by God in this work. Creating time and space to effectively set spiritual or personal goals each new year is one positive step we can take to plant seeds of success within ourselves that can take root, grow, and blossom throughout the year.
Elder s Corner by Paul Robbins It is with anticipation that we enter the New Year. Like many of you, I have made my New Year s resolutions. The list is familiar. As in past years, I know there will be varying degrees of success! The one thing that has remained a constant for me is the selection of a one year bible reading plan. Admittedly, I have gone electronic. I use the Bible application on my IPad to read God s word. My routine is the first thing in the morning. It s a great way to start your day. I encourage you to consider reading the word of God on a daily basis as one of your New Year s resolutions. Mission Moment by Barbara Lynn Can You Do the Numbers? Will You Count? Beaches Meals on Wheels provides hot midday meals Monday through Friday to homebound people in the beaches area. Members of FCCB pick up the meals at the Bennie Furlong Senior Center in south Jacksonville Beach and deliver them to over twenty BMOW clients. We rotate with ten other beach community churches, that s eleven churches in all, to provide this service. Delivery volunteers are always welcome for our 5 days every 11th week in the rotation. A nutritional meal is the tangible delivery item, but a cheerful face, friendly greeting, brief visit, and farewell that includes God s blessing are the greater gifts left behind. For some, the BMOW volunteer is the single (1) person with whom they interact face to face (1+1=2!) during the day. Four volunteers (2 drivers/2 walkers to the door) are needed each day FCCB delivers times five days. That s twenty opportunities to be God s hands, feet, and love extended. You re soaked in God s grace and love, please consider signing up for a day next time the list is posted on our Community Board over the coffee pot in Fellowship Hall.
Stewardship News by John Campbell Legacy Builders Information Meetings January 5 th & 6 th Information meetings are scheduled the first weekend of January, so church members and supporters can learn more about the new Endowment Legacy Builders Program. Meetings with the various family groups have been scheduled along with a general meeting on Sunday, January 6 th at 1:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. You will recall that the primary purpose of the program is to create a stream of money that will be available each year to expand the witness and mission of Jesus Christ in the world. It is not intended to compete with the regular annual giving of members or to diminish the opportunities for responsible stewardship by present or future members. The new program is expected to allow for approximately 4% of the annual fund balance (currently about $107,000) to be used as follows: Missions (50%), Buildings & Grounds (40%) and Ministry- Related Student Scholarships (10%). Our Disciples Christian Church Foundation in Indianapolis will be investing our funds in a portfolio called the Beasley Growth Fund. The fund s average investment return since inception in December 1985 has been 9.0%. Randy Johnson, the Foundation s regional representative, will be on hand at the meetings to share how this program has benefited other Disciple congregations. If you are unable to attend one of the scheduled meetings feel free to contact one of your Endowment Fund Stewards for more information. The elected Stewards are John Campbell, Jack Morison, Sylvia Osewalt, Don Peters and Paul Robbins.
Notes from Nancy By Nancy Barrett January is a time to look forward to the New Year. The Choir will start our new year Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019. The CHOIR is a great group of approx. 25 spirit-filled Christians who love to sing together. We welcome new people, so consider yourself invited to join us in rehearsals on Wednesdays at 6:30. Church Women United, an ecumenical group of women from the beach churches began the BMOW ministry over 40 years ago! Recipients who are able pay $20-$35 per month. ZERO clients are refused based on their ability to pay. The difference between the actual cost ($80) for a month of meals and what recipients pay is made up through contributions from churches ($200 monthly from our Mission monies) and other donors. Donations from individuals and civic organizations are always welcome! Thank you tour our own Lydia Porter who has served faithfully as the BMOW Treasurer for over thirtyfive years and is retiring from this responsibility. Thank you to Pam Mangine who is one of the quarterly coordinators. Thank you to Murray Trotta who coordinates FCCB s weeks of service. Thank you to those who deliver meals each week. Meals on Wheels could be YOUR opportunity to splash God s love in the Beaches community. Library Tides Linda White & Assistant Geno Valet Hope y'all had a very Merry Christmas. Our library has been substantially restocked over the past year. Many older, unused volumes have been taken down and replaced with both Christian classics and more contemporary works. I personally recommend AN ITALIAN JOURNEY: the fascinating story of a man of great faith on a quest, born of his fascination with all things Italian. His trip to Tuscany takes him to carefully selected farms where he helps harvest the olive crop. He learns to understand the people with their great passion and love for their land and each other. In excellent prose he shares his love for the food and musical sound of their language. The journey becomes a spiritual experience for him. As he is relating this journey he slowly reveals a lifechanging incident in his past that challenged his values. An Italian Journey is much more than a story about the olive groves of Tuscany. It is a harvest of revelations found in the heart of the land and its people. If you haven't taken the time lately to browse the shelves, the door is always unlocked!
The Crochet Group by Connie Wendt Crocheting with a Purpose: Thank you, Leslie Hale for being so consistent on Wednesday night. Also, I want to thank the unknown Angels who have worked at home making scarves and hats. Also, those who have donated yarn. Very much appreciated! Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a happy crochet and knit New Year! The group meets Wednesdays after dinner. You are welcome to join us if you knit OR crochet. We are currently making hats and scarves to give out to folks in need. If you want to learn to knit or crochet, please try us out. It s really a RELAXING hobby! Church Women United CWU of the Beaches will meet on Friday, January 11 th, 10am at FCCB. Please note change of date from our usual 1st Friday! Installation of officers will take place, along with our annual silent auction sale! Thank You Hi Church Family, I wanted to take a moment to give God praises for success and to thank everyone who donated their time and/or food for the Community Thanksgiving Dinner for Our Brothers and Sisters in Need. Truly it could not be done without the hands of the Lord leading us. Nor could it be done without your help and that of our community. I also want to thank Barbara Lynn and Donna Baily in the planning and preparation of the dinner, as well as Pastor Chris and Kathy Hopkins for their contribution. They are always ready, willing and able to step up. Finally, I would like to thank Tracy Gebeaux and his family for coming to share clothes and shoes. As I learned, the dinner is not only a blessing to our guests, but to those who serve, as well. Many of my volunteers were people who had nowhere else to go and no one else to spend the holiday with for various reasons. May we remember these people and our guests, as we look towards the Christmas season. Please also pray with me that the needs of all involved are met year-round in addition to the holidays. Thank you for entrusting me to organize and execute this gathering on such an important day. In His Service, Leigh Anne Giles
Senior Adult Ministry by Pat Hernandez EXTRA, EXTRA, EXTRA, read all about it!!!!!!!!!!!! We want you to take special notice of the DATE CHANGE OF THE NEXT S.A.M. MEETING in January. Since some of you may still be out of town, we want to make sure everyone will be here to come to our next S.A.M. Meeting January 10 (the 2 nd Thursday of the month), so put this on your calendar! Nancy & Barre Barrett and Howard & Jacquita Craven will be in charge of our program, telling us all about the trip they took with some friends to Russia. Come and get a comfortable seat and enjoy listening to the exciting experiences they had. You are asked to bring your favorite casserole, salad, dessert or rolls to share. Wendy Davis and Billie Perritte will be our hostesses and John Paul Thompson will bring us our devotion. Come and join in the fellowship. Blessings, Pat P.S. You never know when we might be going to a restaurant to eat, instead of bringing food, but we will let you know well in advance. Art Wall by Barre Barrett The Art Wall will feature Art Work by Donna Bailey January 2019 through April 2019. Donna is our new Director of communications for First Christian Church of the Beaches. Be sure to see her art starting on Sunday, January 6, 2019. WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Jeremy Ray and Lori Diaz
Scout News by Barre Barrett CUB SCOUT PACK 40 Pack 40 held its first advancement Pack Meeting on Monday December 16 where boys were presented belt loops and Bobcat awards they have earned. January 11-13 the Cub Pack will be camping at Fort Clinch State Park. A camping trip in February is being planned and a joint campout with Troop 40 is also being planned. In February the boys of Pack 40 will participate in the Annual Pinewood Derby. And in March the annual Blue and Gold Banquet will be held at FCCB. BOY SCOUT TROOP 40 Saturday, December 15 was a BIG day for our Troop 40 Boy Scouts. 20 scouts and several leaders went to the National Cemetery at 8 AM to lay wreaths on graves of fallen Service member s graves. At 4:30 PM the same scouts and leaders arrived at church to assist in the Christmas dinner for the needy and homeless. The day ended with a night venture to Edge Rock Gym for climbing. Troop 40 had their annual Christmas party @ FCCB on December 18 with a Potluck Side Dish Dinner. JANUARY - May 2019 schedule 1/01/19 no meeting 1/08/19 First meeting of 2019 1/15/19 Troop, Committee meeting 1/18-20/19 Falling Waters State Park camping. 1/22/19 no meeting 5/04/19 Aquatics Activity Day, St. Johns River Base at Echokotee, sailing, tubing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, waterboarding and swimming.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY 2 - Mackenzie Hunt 3 - Pastor Chris Hopkins 6 - Madison Young 7 - Alex Hopkins 9 - Bob Freeman 12 - Peachie Speevack 17 - Rev. James Collins 18 - Betty Tucker 19 - John Jolly 21 - Jake Young 22 - Lyn Hofer 23 - Alexis Giles 23 - Joe Hofer 24 - Marge Medina 27 - Holden Mendez 28 - Gracelyn Fritz HAPPY ANNIVERSARY 05 - Nathan and Ashlee Loewen 09 - Chris and Kathy Hopkins 25 - Jack and Susie Morison
Together, let us pray for the needs of our brothers and sisters. Please remember these intentions in your daily prayers. Al-Banna Family, Paul Amato & Family, Desire Anderson, Noland Arbaugh, Baby Ava, Baby Kayla, Baby Kenzie, Mary Bailey, David & Mary Ann Baker, Terry Balsamo, Bialis Family, Wes Bassett, Amanda Beal, Bud Bennett, Joe Bracewell, Sara Brooks, Billy Brown, Don Brumbly, Vivian Cain, Olive Calhoun, Casino Family, Aldolfo & Susan Cesaritti, Jim & Joan Chandler, Maurine Choate, Tommy Clark, Jim Claytor, Mike & Phyllis Cobb, Luther & Blanche Coggin, Jim & Marilyn Cunningham, Arionna Davila, Daniel & Angela Davis, Gay Dunn s sister, Kayelyne, Jamie Ferrier, Sallie Frost, Gen Gallie, Dawn Garnett, Mitch & Beth Genslinger, William Gibson, Grace Family, Amy Green, Dan Hall, Greg Hardy, Harman Family, Lisa Hibbard, Peggy Humphrey & Family, Jeremy Israel, Justin & Katie Ivey, Jessie Johnston, Laurie Jones & Betty Jones, Rick Jones, Don Jordan, Josh Kerschner, Karen Kimbrough, Kelly Lacambra, Steve Lake, Mike Lee, Jeff Lott, Ann Mackee Family, Olivia Mangano, Trina Mangano, Pam Mangine, Paul McCord, Terry McCue, Carol McSorley, Marge Medina, Levi Metts & Robert Metts, Sherry O Brien, Diane Oglebee, Gary Owen, Jim Peau s sister in Samoa, Karen Perdue, Danny Perritte, Thurman Pritchard, John Rappold, Jessica Reynoier, Sam Rivers, Robbie Sumner, Carol Schoonover, Monica Schroeder, John Schaaf, Jamie Schvihla, Faye Selig, Marcella Shimp, Andrew Snow, Ron Soder, Barry Stevenson, Terrell Family, Betty Tucker, Twiz Twisdale, Hazel Twitty, Wendy Christine Wade, Kenny Wendt, Billy & Evelyn Williams, Billy Womble, Eula Wood, Savannah Woods, Pastor Nathan Loewen & Family, Pastor Chris Hopkins & Family, Pastor James Collins, Pastor Robin Richards, Pastors Jose & Elizabeth Martell and daughters, Roxanna & Susanna, Iglesia Evangelica Bethel, First Coast Women s Services, School Teachers, Administrators, Superintendent Dr. Greene & Students, Scott & Jenny Phillips, Persecuted Christians, Police & First Responders & their Families, All Youth, Gang Violence, Military & their Families, All Hurricane Victims, End to Shootings. If you require a visit from the Pastor, please call the Church at (904) 246-2010
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR JANUARY 1 Closed Happy New Year! 2 NO Dinner or Classes 3 NO S.A.M meeting (will be on the 10 th ) 5 1:00PM Meeting with Rev. Randy Johnson 6 8/9/11AM WORSHIP w/ Rev. Randy Johnson 1:00PM Meeting with Rev. Randy Johnson 7 6:30PM Cub Scouts 8 8:30AM Council of Elders 6:30PM Don Lynn s Bible Study 7:00PM Boy Scouts 9 No Dinner or Classes 10 10:30AM Senior Adult Ministry, S.A.M. 11 10AM-12PM Church Women United 13 7:30AM Christian Men s Fellowship Breakfast 8/9/11AM WORSHIP Services 5PM-6PM 21 Days of Prayer in Sanctuary 14 6:30PM Cub Scouts 15 6:30PM Don Lynn s Bible Study 7:00PM Boy Scouts 16 4PM-5PM Trustee Meeting 5:30PM Congregational Supper, 6:15PM TIM & Dynamic Disciples 6:30PM Fellowship Activities, Bible Study & Choir 20 8/9/11AM WORSHIP Services 5:00PM Body of Elders 21 Closed Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 22 6:30PM Don Lynn s Bible Study NO Boy Scouts 23 5:30PM Congregational Supper, 6:15PM TIM & Dynamic Disciples 6:30PM Fellowship Activities, Bible Study & Choir 27 8/9/11AM WORSHIP Services 5:00PM The Reading Room w/ Pastor Robin 28 6:30PM Cub Scouts 29 6:30PM Don Lynn s Bible Study 7:00PM Boy Scouts 30 5:30PM Congregational Supper, 6:15PM TIM & Dynamic Disciples 6:30PM Fellowship Activities, Bible Study & Choir MONTH OF JANUARY SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 8am 9am 11am SERVING SCHEDULE for JANUARY ELDERS DEACONS Ruth Forrest Josh & Amy Mele, Ashlee Loewen, Sylvia Osewalt Pat Schaaf, Sue Dixon, Kristie Reeves, Mayan Skenes NURSERY VOLUNTEERS for JANUARY 9AM 11AM JAN 6 th Amy Mele Tasha Yost JAN 13 TH Joy Elliott Leslie Young JAN 20 H Agnes Calugar Kathy Hopkins JAN 27 th MaryLu Gowen Pam Mangine KIDS CHURCH VOLUNTEERS for JANUARY 9AM 11AM JAN 6 th Christian Giles Carla Cain JAN 13 TH Christian Giles Amy Lee JAN 20 H Christian Giles Leslie Young JAN 27 th Christian Giles Ashlee Loewen JAN 2 nd JAN 9 th JAN 16 th JAN 23 RD JAN 30 TH SUPPER MENU for JANUARY NO DINNER NO DINNER Fried Cod, Tater Tots, Veggie Blend, Garlic Toast, Salad Bar, Peach Cobbler Beef Stroganoff, Egg Noodles, Broccoli, Rolls, Salad Bar, Lemon Crème Cake Meatloaf & Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Rolls, Salad Bar, Apple Pie w/ice Cream