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January 29, 2015
SUNDAY Services
Volume 52
Issue 2
8:45am Traditional Worship
9:45am Sunday School
10:45am Alternative Worship
February 18, 2015
6:00pm
Spaghetti Dinner
Fundraiser for Youth
Mission Trip!
February 11 @ 5:30-7:00pm
(See Page 4 for more information)
this
issue
P2
Pastor’s Note
P3
FCC News
Attendance/
Stewardship
P4
Youth
P5
Children &
Families Ministry
P6
Younger
Women’s
Bridal Shower
Sunday School
P7
Preschool
WOC
Prayer List
P8
Calendar
Alternative Worship
Google says: Worship is the feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for a deity. It is to show reverence
and adoration for a deity; to honor with religious rites.
Delesslyn Kennebrew wrote, “Worship is not the slow song that the choir sings. Worship is not the amount you
place in the offering basket. Worship is not volunteering in children's church. Yes, these may be acts or
expressions of worship, but they do not define what true worship really is. There are numerous definitions of the
word worship. Yet, one in particular encapsulates the priority we should give to worship as a spiritual discipline:
Worship is to honor with extravagant love and extreme submission (Webster's Dictionary,1828).”
Worship is defined by the priority we place on who God is in our lives and where God is on our list of priorities.
Does it matter where or when or how it happens, as long as it happens in the community of others?
The Alternative worship leadership circle has put a lot of effort into creating the wonderful new opportunity in
the youth building at 10:45 for a reason: they want to worship God! They want to present an opportunity for
people to honor, adore and share the awe of the Almighty. They want to identify the presence and work of God
in their lives and the world, and they want to make it easier for others to feel comfortable doing that in a
contemporary and conversational setting. Being such a wonderful, flexible, creative and diverse congregation,
we are uniquely situated in this community to really explore this different form of worship, and offer a breath of
fresh air of welcoming people to God’s presence in a new way. So I ask for your prayers for the Alternative
Worship and its leaders. Come and try it sometime just to see what they are doing! I think you’ll be surprised!
See You in Worship…
Stephen
Our Stewardship and Attendance
Attendance January 4, 2015
Traditional Worship
Sunday School
Alternative Worship
Receipts
104
79
38
Attendance January 11, 2015
Traditional Worship
97
Sunday School
79
Alternative Worship
41
Attendance January 18, 2015
Traditional Worship
94
Sunday School
67
Alternative Worship
27
Attendance January 25, 2015
Traditional Worship
113
Sunday School
103
Alternative Worship
53
Page 2
Contributions 1/18/15
General Fund
Pledged
Unpledged
Other Contributions
Total Contributions
$ 3,428.50
$ 703.00
$ 510.00
$ 4,641.50
Contributions 1/25/15
General Fund
Pledged
Unpledged
Other contributions
Total Contributions
$7,438.25
$1,422.00
$ 950.00
$9,810.25
Weekly Needs for
Budgeted Expenses
Difference in
Receipts to
Expenses
$10,853.62
-$6,722.12
$10,853.62
-$1993.37
FCC News
Valentine’s for Blankets
Women’s Ministries of FCC will have
Valentine cards available for purchase
in the narthex on Sundays and in the
church office. The $5 cost of each card
will go directly to buy a blanket through
Church World Service. A blanket in the
middle of a disaster can become a tent,
shelter, coat or bed. Blankets mean
warmth and a reminder that someone
cares. Check the website at
www.churchworldservice.org. to learn
where blankets are currently being
distributed and other support offered by
the Blankets+ program. The plus is
food, water, shelter and tools to rebuild
lives. This is an important outreach
program of our church and a lasting way
to celebrate love with your family and
friends on Valentine’s Day.
Mission Update
6 members of our church spent their
holiday weekend volunteering at
Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries in
Los Fresnos. The group was told there
would be some painting and cleaning at
the church. When the group arrived
Feliberto showed them a large hole that
was in the floor behind the sanctuary.
He also talked about doors that needed
to be worked on so they could be
secured, and a hole in a wall that
needed to be patched and painted. The
group put their heads together and
came up with a plan. After 2 days of
work the floor was fixed including new
peel and stick tile, doors were secured,
area around the baptistery improved,
wall hole patched and painted and the
group was both exhausted and
spiritually lifted. Back in Lufkin these
missionaries have sore muscles and full
hearts.
Beyond Sunday
New Kitchen Gadget
Monday nights 6 pm beginning
Feb 16
Some great folks installing a new
kitchen gadget that will be very
beneficial to our ministry work!!
Keeping the Sabbath has a whole new
twist! Together we will explore Biblical
foundations for a theology of the
Sabbath that will surprise and
challenge you. Walter Brueggemann’s
book Sabbath as Resistance: Saying
NO to a Culture of Now will be our
guide as we explore what it means to
resist anxiety, coercion, consumption,
exclusivism, even multi-tasking! We will
explore again the 10 Commandments,
and how they call us to loving the
neighbor, and find ways for Sabbath to
really happen in our lives beyond
Sunday!
Books are available for $10 – contact
the office, or see Rev. Stephen Lantis
Drug Court Graduation
Last Thursday night five participants
from District Judge Paul White's Drug
Court were recognized for a year of
sober living and compliance with the
court's rigid program with a graduation
dinner. Our Celebrate Recovery team
provided and served the meal aided by
the generous support of the many FCC
members who brought desserts and
door prizes. A big THANK YOU for all
that helped.
Follow First Christian Church on Facebook
Leadership Training
Fun night of fellowship and training for
leaders!!
Page 3
Youth Ministry
Emily Grimes, Interim Youth Director,
[email protected]
Youth Spaghetti Dinner
Fundraiser
Last year 10 adults and youth went to
Oklahoma City to “Paint the Town.” There we
met up with 300 other Disciples and spent 3
days painting houses. This year we will send
TWENTY adults and youth from our
congregation to Nashville, TN on a similar
mission trip. But we can’t go without your
help! We will be hosting a Spaghetti
FUNDRAISER on February 11th from
5:30-7:00. Please plan to attend and give
generously.
This past Sunday 16 youth arrived not knowing what the night might hold.
Lucky for them there was something fun in store…. A trip to Bricks 4 Kids!
“Aww that’s for babies,” they said! “You’re going to love it!” they were told.
Upon arrival they discovered that building the robotized Lego creations were
not as easy as they thought they would be! Those were quickly abandoned
for the creative play tables where they built with Legos, made art by melting
plastic beads, and had fun coloring on spinning paper plates. It was a great
evening of fun and fellowship!
The youth will be volunteering at East Texas Paws on February 15th
from 2-4pm. This organization is a no kill rescue facility in Lufkin for
dogs and cats. We will be collecting paper towels and kitty litter as well
as old blankets, towels, and t-shirts. If you want to contribute please
leave your donations in the armoire in the breezeway. If you would like
to join us on this adventure please contact Emily Grimes at
[email protected] or 936-240-6633.
Page 4
Children & Families Ministry
Jennifer Steele-Lantis, Associate Minister of Children & Families
[email protected]
JYF 2015 Calendar
Family Fellowship Lunch
February
THIS Sunday, Feb. 1
Everyone is welcome to
join us for lunch and
fellowship together this
Sunday, Feb. 1. We will
meet at Dickey’s
Barbecue between
11:45-12:00. You are
invited to go ahead
through the line and
place your order. Families pick up their own checks and
fellowship can be shared by all. This is a great way to get to
know some people at church a little better than you did
before. See you for lunch!
1
No JYF Meeting
8
JYF Meets 5:30-7:30pm
11*(Wed.) Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser for Youth
15
JYF Meets 5:30-7:30pm
22
JYF Meets 5:30-7:30pm
March
1*
8
15
22
29
Family Fellowship Lunch & Activity 12:00-2:00pm
NO JYF Meeting (Spring Break)
JYF Meets with crossTraining (Service & Games)
5:30-7:30pm
JYF Meets 5:30-7:30pm
JYF Meets 5:30-7:30pm
Save the Date!
April
5
12*
12
19
26
No JYF Meeting (Easter)
Spaghetti Lunch Fundraiser for Youth (after church)
JYF Meets 5:30-7:30pm
All Church Game Night - Group Games, Board
Games, etc.
JYF Meets 5:30-7:30pm
Our March Family Fellowship Lunch will be at the Church on
March 1. We will eat together in the Fellowship Hall and then
share in group activities and crafts around the theme of
Prayer. ALL ages are invited to join us as we pray for people
on our prayer list, make “healing hugs” and more. This is a
great way for us to be church together across the
generations. Please plan to eat with us and stay for the
activity time together Sunday, March 1. We’ll start around
noon and finish no later than 2 p.m.
Disciples Journey
Discipleship is a journey that lasts beyond a certain class
and the act of baptism. It’s a journey we stay on our whole
lives. “Disciples Journey” is the name we have given to our
preparation process for baptism. Our first session focused
on “Confession” – what we believe about God. We looked
at the Disciples Affirmation of Faith as well as two other
creeds to see what the Church as said about God, Jesus,
the Holy Spirit, and Church. We took time to write a few
statements about what we believe, too.
JYF is Junior Youth Fellowship for grades 3-5. You are
invited to bring a friend with you! We eat, play, pray,
and serve together in Jesus name. See you at JYF!
Our primary scripture for this session was Matthew 16:1320. Jesus asks his disciples and he asks us, “Who do you
say that I am?” So…who do YOU say that Jesus is? And
what difference will that make in your life today?
Please continue to pray for student Cooper Knight and
mentor Kym Guzman as they share in this special journey of
discipleship.
Page 5
Younger Women’s Gathering
“Gathering of Grace” is a new opportunity for women to gather for fellowship and spiritual encouragement. It is especially
for younger women to help connect with each other and to participate in this journey of life and faith together. Come as
you are and catch your breath with a group of women who will talk and share, learn and laugh, pray and play together.
The first gathering will be Thursday, February 19 from 7:00-8:30p.m. at the home of Jennifer Steele-Lantis. Please contact
Jennifer for more information or directions (936) 671-3648 or [email protected].
Sunday School Opportunities
Nursery Care (Infant 2 yr olds)
Meeting Place: Room 105
Chi Rho (6-8 grade):
Leader: Natalie Thornton
Meeting Place: Room 404
Preschool Class (Ages 3-5):
Leader: Chay Runnels
Meeting Place: room 108
CYF (9-12 grade):
Leader: Leslie March & Krista Guzman
Meeting Place: Youth Bldg
Primary Class (K-2nd Grade):
Leader: Jim Riggs
Meeting Place: Room 107
Faith Seekers:
The Feast
Leader: Kent Faver
(Parlor)
JYF (3-5 grade):
Leader: Bob Brown
Meeting Place: Room 307
Pioneer Class
Not a Fan
Leader: Rotating
(Room 302)
Reflections:
Acts
Leader: Tina Turner
(Room 402)
Fellowship:
Adult Bible Study
Leader: Rotating
(Adult Building Room 304)
Ernest Medford:
Colossians & Philemon
Leader: John Porter
(Room 305)
IT:
Current Events
Leader: Jennifer Steele-Lantis
(Fellowship Hall)
Preschool Ministry
Book Fair Coming Soon!
Our Annual Book Fair will begin on February 23 and
runs through March 1. Everyone is welcome to come to
the book fair. If you would like to help with this
fundraiser, teachers will have a wish list of books that
they would like to have in their room. You may
purchase books from their list. You may also purchase
books for your children or grandchildren.
Week of Compassion
Washington and Tupelo: A Single Weekend Changes Everything
It was a lesson in vulnerability and a lesson in just how connected we are as the body of Christ. In late Spring 2014, in a
single weekend, First Christian Church, Tupelo, Mississippi and First Christian Church, Washington, North Carolina, were
both destroyed. A tornado ripped through Tupelo, destroying residences, businesses, and of course, First Christian Church.
Members of First Christian Washington were also impacted by a tornado, and then lost their historic sanctuary to the fire
just days later. Two communities impacted; tow historic congregations lost. But that isn’t the end of the story.
Through Week of Compassion, Disciples from across North America responded - quickly. Week of Compassion sent grants
from its Compassion in Action fund immediately to help affected families at both churches, and on top of solidarity grants
sent to each church from the Compassion in Action fund, Week of Compassion helped direct designated gifts to both Washington and Tupelo, providing resources for their interim needs and rebuilding. Through Week of Compassion, Disciples work
to make sure there is a fair balance—through out prayers, our hopes, and our resources.
The Week of Compassion Offering will be collected February 15-22. Please give generously.
Christian Sympathy
Extended to the family of Chuck Weaver who passed away January 19, 2015.
Our Prayer List
Hospital
Billie Smith, Woodland Heights ICU Stepdown
Members
Prayer is a crucial part of our community of Clarkie Brown, Bill Gunn, Doris & Jim Johns, Lorain Jordan (hospice), Martha de Luna
Mateo, Bob Putnam, Jimmie Putnam, Jay Thornton
faith.
Family and Friends
Norma, Baruch, Wes Bryant, Cheryl Calhoun, Jake Groenke, Geraldine Loftin, Ben
Matheaus, J. C. Miller, James Morgan, Bobbi Robinson, Sharon Stanbery, Bobbie Warner,
Matthew Warren & daughter Kay, Family of Emma Flo Wood
Military
Aaron Cotton, Rev. Mike Grubbs, Jamie Harris, Chad Reynolds, Jacob Ripley, Vanessa
Rowland, Martin Schulthess, Brandon Zoss
Continue earnestly in prayer being vigilant
in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2
Nursing Home/Long Term Care
Irene Hendricks, Dolly Hudgins, Janice Karns, Nelda Morrison, Norma Poland
Page 7
Postmaster, address service requested:
The Chalice
Periodicals Postage
Paid at Lufkin, TX
Published Bi-Weekly at
1300 S. First St.
USPS
877900
First Christian Church
1300 S. First Street
Lufkin, TX 75901
Web: www.fcclufkin.com
Phone: 936-634-8341
E-mail: [email protected]
Calendar
View an extended calendar at ww.fcclufkin.com
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Chi Rho Mid-Winter Retreat Ends
8:45am Traditional Worship
9:45am Sunday School
10:45am Alternative Worship
12:00pm Family Fellowship Lunch
5:30pm crossTraining—Super Bowl
Monday, February 2, 2015
7:00am Men’s Prayer Breakfast
5:30pm Scout Meetings
6:15pm Financial Peace
6:30pm Praise Team Rehearsal
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
10:00am Practicing Attentiveness
5:30pm Scout Meetings
7:00pm CR Men’s Step Study
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
9:45am Preschool Chapel
10:00am Honoring Veteran’s
10:00am Women’s Game Day
11:00am Men’s Emmaus Reunion
5:45pm Handbells
6:00pm Celebration of Discipline
6:30pm Choir Practice
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
10:00am Practicing Attentiveness
2:00pm Day Lily Group
5:00pm Women’s Executive Board
5:30pm Scout Meetings
6:00pm Epsilon Kappa Master
6:30pm Choir Practice
7:00pm CR Men’s Step Study
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
9:45am Preschool Chapel
10:00am Women’s Game Day
11:00am Men’s Emmaus Reunion Group
5:45pm Handbells
6:00pm Ash Wednesday Service
6:00pm Celebration of Discipline
6:30pm Choir Practice
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
9:00am Retired DPS
9:45am Preschool Chapel
10:00am Women’s Game Day
11:00am Men’s Emmaus Reunion
5:30pm Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser
5:45pm Handbells
6:00pm Celebration of Discipline
Thursday, February 19, 2015
10:00am Men’s Game Day
5:30pm Ambucs
Friday, February 13, 2015
6:30pm Celebrate Recovery
Saturday, February 14, 2015
8:00am Pine Wood Derby
Friday, February 6, 2015
6:30pm Celebrate Recovery
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Week of Compassion
8:45am Traditional Worship
9:45am Sunday School
10:45am Alternative Worship
1:00pm Bridal Shower for E. Grimes
5:30pm crossTraining
5:30pm JYF
Sunday, February 8, 2015
8:45am Traditional Worship
9:45am Sunday School
10:45am Alternative Worship
5:30pm crossTraining
5:30pm JYF
Monday, February 16, 2015
7:00am Men’s Prayer Breakfast
10:00am Quilt Guild
5:30pm Scout Meetings
6:15pm Financial Peace
6:30pm Praise Team Rehearsal
Monday, February 9, 2015
7:00am Men’s Prayer Breakfast
5:00pm Newsletter Deadline
5:30pm Preschool Board
5:30pm Scout Meetings
6:15pm Financial Peace
6:30pm Praise Team Rehearsal
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
9:30am Women’s Group II
5:15pm Finance/Living Trust
5:30pm Scout Meetings
6:30pm General Board
6:30pm Women’s Group V
7:00pm CR Men’s Step Study
Thursday, February 5, 2015
10:00am Men’s Game Day
Friday, February 20, 2015
CYF Mid-Winter begins
6:30pm Celebrate Recovery
Saturday, February 21, 2015
12:00pm Blue & Gold Banquet
Sunday, February 22, 2015
CYF Mid-Winter Ends
Week of Compassion
8:45am Traditional Worship
9:45am Sunday School
10:45am Alternative Worship
5:30pm crossTraining
5:30pm Elders Meeting
5:30pm JYF
Monday, February 23, 2015
7:00am Men’s Prayer Breakfast
5:00pm Newsletter Deadline
5:30pm Scout Meetings
6:15pm Financial Peace
6:30pm Praise Team Rehearsal
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
5:30pm Scout Meetings
6:30pm Pack Meeting
7:00pm CR Men’s Step Study
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
9:45am Preschool Chapel
10:00am Women’s Game Day
11:00am Men’s Emmaus Reunion Group
5:45pm Handbells
6:00pm Celebration of Discipline
6:30pm Choir Practice