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A Message From Greg
Sunday, November 1st, is Consecration Sunday. Part of our worship service will be devoted to consecrating our 'Estimate of Giving' commitment cards for 2016. I encourage you to fill out your commitment card and bring it to church with you this Sunday. We will receive those cards at a special time during worship. If you are unable to attend this Sunday then I encourage to mail or drop your card off at the church office. There are several reasons that filling out your commitment card is important:
- It is a tool that helps our Stewardship ministry plan the church budget for the coming year. A tally of all commitment cards as well as other sources of income we expect to receive in 2016 gives the Stewardship ministry the ability to reasonably project income and plan for expenses for the coming year.
- Our Consecration Sunday, devoted to consecrating your commitments, is a tangible and visible reminder of how Christ's people join together to support the ministry and mission of First Christian Church. Without our willingness to commit ourselves to Jesus Christ's work in the world through the church we will not become what God wants us to become. Consecration is an act of thanks, praise, and faith. It is important that we do that together.
- MOST IMPORTANTLY: It is an opportunity for you to have prayerfully consider what God is calling you to give and then make a commitment that you will honor what God has called you to do.
Our church in most years has a long history of increasing its giving and to this point in 2015 we have given generously to the ministry of the church. As we approach the end of October our church budget is in excellent shape. We have increased our giving significantly and if we continue to faithfully respond we will end 2015 having met all our expenses and have a small surplus that will allow us to begin rebuilding a modest and prudent reserve that the church must have as we move into the future. As many of you are aware we entered 2015 with reserves that had largely been depleted over the years because we had drawn upon those reserves to sustain the ministry of the church. As it stands now we have reversed that trend and we our supporting our budget largely through our congregational giving. That is reason to celebrate and as we approach the New Year that same level of commitment to the ministry of First Christian is imperative. It is our hope that the church's giving will increase by 5% in 2016. By so doing we will be able to restore some of the cuts we made to this year's budget and we will be able to give our staff a modest increase in pay. Something we did not do this year. That will only happen through your faithful response. In many ways the church has been blessed this year. FCC continues to be a strong presence in the downtown area and a strong witness to Christ's love for people from all walks of life. Thank you for your commitment to FCC and its ministry. As we conclude 2015 and move toward 2016 I encourage to continue to give generously, forgive as freely as you have been forgiven, and to love others unconditionally; all in Christ's Name! God Bless You! See You Sunday!
Peace, Greg
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Scripture of the Month
Luke 10:27
He answered : " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' , and , 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' "
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Jim's Jots
It's the end of October and we know this by the changing colors of the leaves, the chillier mornings, football games, and our church's Stewardship campaign which is in full progress. We have received letters and heard sermons reminding us that our lives have been blessed with much and that we need to acknowledge God's gifts to us and share some of them with those in need. And part of that sharing is supporting our church in its efforts to not only spread God's message to those who need to hear it but also to support people in their times of need.
At the time of this writing, the October Board Meeting is approaching and at that meeting the Board will approve a budget for 2016. As Pastor Greg has said in a recent sermon, our budget is more than a listing of income and expenses. Our budget is a statement of how we are trying to do Christ's work to help people in our community and beyond. The Stewardship and Finance Committee presented a proposed budget for 2016 at the last Board Meeting. As in years past, the proposed expenses exceed the projected income, but the gap is much smaller and more easily attainable this year.
Last year, we faced a much larger gap and we addressed it by significant expense cuts and a significant increase in pledges from our congregation. On behalf of our Church Board, let me say "Thank You" to all of you who helped us reach our goals by controlling expenses and by supporting the budget through your pledges in 2015.
But now we need to look ahead to 2016, and everyone can help us to close this budget gap by working towards becoming a tithing congregation. If you are currently tithing, we thank you for your continuing commitment to our mission and ministry. If you are still working towards tithing, we ask that you consider taking another step by increasing your support to our operating budget. It is estimated that even a modest increase in pledges by many people will cover our budget gap for 2016, and allow First Christian Church to help more people as we try to do Christ's work in our community and beyond.
Lastly, I wish to remind everyone that Commitment Sunday is November 1st. Please turn in a pledge card so that we can better plan our ministry and mission for next year. The proposed 2016 budget will come before the congregation for its approval at the Congregational Meetings after each worship service on November 15th.
Jim Rybka, Chair of the Board and Congregation
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Please keep in your prayers:
Bob Prather: Seton Hospital- Indpls -#221, Cheryl Tully and family, IU Health: Gloria Sturgeon-#528, Walter Colburn-#207, Shirley Ellsworth, Sara Garvey, Don Smith, Becky Britt, Barb Aubry, Westminster Health Center: Fran Britt Rm 25, Signature: Mary Bogan, Joyce Bryant, Cindy Lindstrom, Betty Mowery Westminster C3110, Sue England-Fowler Apts #514, Jeanne Dible, Jim Sipple-Wesley Manor, Verne & Rosemary Comer, Ann & Bob Prather, Barb Fisher, Marilyn Galloway, Martha Oliver, Mary Goodwin, June Brummett, June Petit, Kathy Swingle, Harriett McDowell-Cumberland Point #213, Denise Webb, Tom Strahlem, Loretta Lowe, The Gray Family, Sandy Rayl, David Zimmerman-St. Elizabeth 2N30
Our Sympathy to Marian Miller and family on the death of Dr. William Miller on October 16th.
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Pastoral Caregivers Need You!
Currently we have 7 church volunteers who are in contact with those folks who can't make it to church on Sunday morning. We still have some folks who are not being visited, and would love to welcome anyone who would be interested in pursuing this rewarding ministry. The obligation is to visit once per month, and meet once per month. We meet the 2nd Wednesday of each month at noon at Spurlock's. Contact me if you might be interested in participating. I would like to meet with you individually to chat!
Blessings,
Jan Rybka
463-7985
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Jeffrey Goodspeed
The Music Ministry has been in summer break mode, but we look forward
to a return to regular rehearsals for the Chancel Choir and Handbell
Choir on
August 27
. Several new folks got involved last season, and I
invite you to continue the trend and make music with us! All singers,
instrumentalists, actors, dancers and anyone who thinks they have
rhythm are welcome!
Don't miss our monthly
Sunday
music events through the rest of 2015!
November 22
Hope Oaks, bagpipes (
8:00
/
10:15
)
December 20
Christmas cantata (
10:15
)
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30 Turkeys are needed for the Thanksgiving Community Lunch. Sign up at the Gathering Place.
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Michelle.Schluttenhofer@fcclaf.org
Nov. 1st Serve the "Community Lunch" at LUM from 11:30am-1:30pm
Nov. 8th "Game Night" at Pizza King (18th & Veteran's
Memorial) 4:30-6pm. Pizza provided!
Nov. 22nd Youth Mtg downtown 5:30-7pm
Nov. 29th "Hanging of the Greens" downtown both services
Dec. 6th Lafayette Christmas Parade 2pm
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Kids Club (K-5th grade)
Michelle Schluttenhofer
Nov. 1st Serve the "Community Lunch" at LUM from 11:30am-1:30pm
Nov. 8th "Game Night" at Pizza King 4:30-6pm.
Pizza provided just bring money for a drink and
a friend!
Nov. 22nd Kids Club! We will practice for the Mitten Tree
from 5:30-6pm then our regular pizza and games
till 7pm.
Dec. 6th Lafayette Christmas Parade at 2pm! Bring a
friend and ride on the float!
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Mike and Susie Nelson
would like to announce the birth of their 23rd great-grandchild. Kyndell
Hinckle was born Wednesday, October 7th in Logansport. She was 6lbs. 9oz. and 21 1/2 in. long
Congratulations to Mike and Susie!
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Diaconates for
November, 2015
November 1st
First Service
Team Leader: Quil Standiford
Serving: Joan Standiford
Serving: Sally Brunger
Serving: Cindy McDonald
Serving: Laura Gullian
Set Up & Clean Up: Cindy McDonald & Laura Gullian
Second Service
Team Leader: Donna Adams
Serving: Carolyn Weedon
Serving: Missi Findley
Serving: Shawn Findley
Serving: Alexis Bradshaw
Set Up & Clean Up:
Missi & Shawn Findley
November 8th
First Service
Team Leader: Quil Standiford
Serving: Joan Standiford
Serving: Sally Brunger
Serving: Cindy McDonald
Serving: Laura Gullian
Set Up & Clean Up:
Joan Standiford & Sally Brunger
Second Service
Team Leader: Dave Schluttenhofer
Serving: Paula Floyd
Serving: Letcher Floyd
Serving: Crystal Cover
Serving: Richard Shaw
Set Up & Clean Up:
Crystal Cover & Richard Shaw
November 15th
First Service
Team Leader: Quil Standiford
Serving: Joan Standiford
Serving: Sally Brunger
Serving: Cindy McDonald
Serving: Laura Gullian
Set Up & Clean Up:
Cindy McDonald & Laura Gullian
Second Service
Team Leader: Kathy Stirlen
Serving: Sue Dismore
Serving: Melanie Davis
Serving: Michael Davis
Serving: Brittney Feeney
Set Up & Clean Up: Melanie & Michael Davis
November 22nd
First Service
Team Leader: Quil Standiford
Serving: Joan Standiford
Serving: Sally Brunger
Serving: Cindy McDonald
Serving: Laura Gullian
Set Up & Clean Up:
Joan Standiford & Sally Brunger
Second Service
Team Leader: Lytta Turner
Serving: Kathy Kremer
Serving: Gery Kremer
Serving: Richard Shaw
Serving: Crystal Cover
Set Up & Clean Up: Kathy & Gery Kremer
November 29th
First Service
Team Leader: Quil Standiford
Serving: Joan Standiford
Serving: Sally Brunger
Serving: Cindy McDonald
Serving: Laura Gullian
Set Up & Clean Up: Cindy McDonald & Laura Gullian
Second Service
Team Leader: Kathy Stirlen
Serving: Harriet Beeler
Serving: Linda Brammell
Serving: Susie Nelson
Serving: Michael Nelson
Set Up & Clean Up: Susie & Michael Nelson
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-Thanks to all who donated labor in the kitchen and Fellowship Hall. Painting, refining and new fans. Great job!
-November is turkey month! The freezer and refrigerator need to be cleaned out for this event. If you have things, please move them.
-We are in the process of cleaning the kitchen. If you have time to help, please call Donna Adams at 490-5837. The kitchen is not being left in good shape lately. Things are not being put away. A crockpot is missing and things are left behind. Your help is appreciated. Thanks!
Kitchen Chairperson, Donna Adams
-Please share your Blessings with others! November is the month that FCC is responsible for providing canned goods or monetary gifts for the Food Pantry. Thanks you!
-Poinsettias for Christmas: We chose to again use red and white poinsettias with gold foil. Bob has not yet received any information from Bennetts as to cost.
-You are invited to help the Worship Committee decorate the Sanctuary for the Christmas Season beginning on Monday, November 23rd at 6:30pm. There is a sign up sheet in the Gathering Place.
Thank you, Clara Goldberg |
Rummage Sale
The CWF Fall Rummage was a huge success, bringing in $1252. Many thanks to all of you who made donations of clothing, household items, etc. that greatly benefit so many people in our community. In addition, the money made is contributed to missions, both locally and internationally.
Here's a hearty round of applause to
Cay Long
and the Rummage Sale Committee who organized the items and worked so hard:
J
uanita Burns, Joyce & Gordon Hamilton, Eulene Cory, Ruby Ward, Matt Stewart, Tony Stewart, Carolyn Henry, Deb & John Prewett, Carolyn Weedon, Pat Smith, Mary & Nelson Mosson, Norm Long, Dave & Susie Kelsey, Mary Ann Pontius, Harriet Beeler, Sandy Wilcox, Sandie Hauser, Donna Adams, Don Lindstrom, Dave Schluttenhofer and Chuck West.
Many thanks to
Donita Navarra,
who made wonderful Chicken Casseroles for the workers for lunch! The casseroles were delicious.
I apologize if anyone's name was omitted. We are all so appreciative of your donating your time and energy for this cause.
Carolyn Henry -
CWF President
Hawaiian Fun Night
Aloha! Many, many thanks to Harriet Beeler and members of the Ruth Circle who hosted the Hawaiian Fun Night on October 7. Have you ever seen so many Hawaiian shirts in one place, outside of the Hilo Hattie's Shirt store? The Fellowship Hall was transformed with fresh pineapple and fruit, leis, and Cay Long's authentic Hawaiian print fabrics! The event was well attended and all enjoyed the Hawaiian desserts and Lava Rock pineapple punch.
Scott Greeson and Lee Anna Atwell entertained us with a wonderful variety of music, some of it original tunes by their band. We didn't want the evening to end! Thanks Lucille Maris, for your influence with Scott!
We must thank our unforgettable Hula dancers in their grass skirts: Greg Eberhard, Gordie Hamilton, Earl Park, Scott Greeson, John Prewett, and Steve Henry. Some of them couldn't seem to keep their skirts on...well, you had to be there! Many thanks to our own Carolyn Kanehe, a former Hawaiian resident, who made a special trip up from Evansville, to train our Hula dancers! It was a most memorable evening!
Thank you Ruth Circle Committee: Harriet Beeler, Paula Floyd, Joyce Hamilton, Carolyn Henry, Cay Long, Lucille Maris, and Lenora Smith.
Please check the CWF Bulletin Board in the hallway near the parlor for many photos, thanks to Kathy Stirlin. Dee Chitty also posted a cute video of our Hula dancers on her Facebook...check it out!
Carolyn Henry -
CWF President
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Dates to remember: Jubilee Christmas kick off: November 15
Jubilee set up: December 11 @ 9:00 am.
Jubilee Christmas: December 12 at noon.
This year we will be hosting 38 needy families. As always we will be providing toys and clothing for children 12 and under and stocking stuffers for all children 18 and under. Each child will also be receiving a fleece blanket. Door prizes of family gifts will also be given again this year.
The families will each receive a laundry basket filled with food items. In the past most of the food items were donated by 1 person and she is no longer with us. A list of the food items that are usually included in the baskets are: paper towels, bathroom tissue, mac & cheese, boxed potatoes, pasta, rice, hamburger helper, noodles, tuna, spam, pop tarts, and peanut butter.
As you are out shopping, remember to pick up some of these food items for the baskets.
Add December 12th to your calendar to help with this rewarding event. As always, thank you all for supporting and helping in this important ministry within our community. Please call me with questions at 427-2672. Sandie Hauser
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Candlelight Remembrance Service
Taize Service
Tuesday, November 3, 2015 - 7pm
St. Ann Church and Shrine, 612 Wabash Ave, Lafayette will host the 2
nd
annual "Remembrance" Taize service focused on honoring those who have gone before us. All will be welcomed to write the name(s) of their beloved in the Book of Remembrance. As these names are read aloud, attendees may light a candle in commemoration. Ecumenical Taize Prayer consists of simple, repetitive song, scripture readings, prayers of intercession and periods of silence. This ecumenical service is in collaboration with the Lafayette Christian Churches
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329 North 6th Street
Lafayette, IN 47901
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