March 4, 2018 - WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT
God of Mercy and Understanding,
I know that with help I can open my heart more fully
to the mysteries of the suffering and deathof your son.
Help me to be humble in this journey
and remember that any mercy and compassion I feel is a gift from you.
I await the joy of Easter with new longing and patience. Amen

We are a people who have been gifted and called! 
What does that mean exactly? In Ephesians 2:10, the apostle Paul writes that  He (God) creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.  (The Message).  God has a work to do and has called us and equipped us to be his co-workers.  I love the picture of God’s people partnering with God, wearing hardhats and safety vests, with sleeves
rolled up ready to dig in and do the work of
ministry. I hope to see you Sunday as we begin to
unpack what it means to be God’s co-worker.
Blessings,
Pastor Joyce 
Announcements & Important Information for the Week

Friday, Noon Prayer Group
Prayer group at Doris Meshek's will not meet the this Friday

New Member Get-Together - Thursday, March 8 th at 6:30
There will be a short informational get-together for those that desire to become members of the church on.

Spiritual Gift Inventory - Coming Soon
You will be recieving a spiritual gifts inventory in the coming week or so.

New Member Sunday - March 11 th . Please let Pastor Joyce or Mandy Smouse know if you are interested in becoming a member of the church.

Campership - Soup Fundraiser
The Mission Team will be holding a soup, sandwich and ice-cream/cookie & bar lunch on March 11th after worship. This will be a free-will donation to raise money to provide children with camperships to attend United Methodist Church Camps this Summer. Please take a moment to look at the meal sign-up sheet and see where you might be able to help out providing food or serving.

Easter Egg Hunt Donations
We are accepting donations of Easter candy and/or pre-filled Easter eggs for our children's Easter Egg Hunt. Please have donations here by March 18 th and use the collection tote in the entryway.
This Sunday's Worship Servers
March 4th:
Liturgist- Jim Schwaller
Hosts- 1) Nancy Duncan
2)Michelle Posada
3)
4)
Acolytes- Addison & Craig
Fellowship- Still Open

Click to sign up to server during worship
March Worship Server Sign-up Sheet or If you can fill a spot please contact Mandy at:
mandy.smouse@coonrapidsmethodistchurch.org   or call/text 712.790.9020
Scripture Reading Sneak Peak
Ephesians 4:11-13
Colossians 1:9-10
Ephesians 2:10

Building A House of Prayer
for Our Church & Community

This week pray for the discovery of
 Our Spiritual Gifts
Heavenly Lord, do not let us neglect Your Spirit or the gifts You have given us. Give us courage to use these gifts and the humility to not use them for our glory, but for You and Your glory. Help us see the good work You have ready for us and embrace that work with willingness and joy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.


Sunday Worship Reminder

Upcoming Events...



Weekly Prayer List
Let us pray for all who are hurting in our church family, 
our community and for peace and justice in the world. 

Allia Janning (Gloria Dahl’s daughter)
Mairyn Lucille Bailey (Great Granddaughter of Glen & Janet Knight)
Ashley Bailey (Granddaughter of Glen & Janet Knight)
Betty Christensen
Dan Stork
Derek Monthei (Connie Palmer’s grandson stationed in Korea)
Diane Andersen
Joan Hague (Jaxine Petty’s aunt)
John Richardson
June Gellhaus (Elaine Bowman’s sister)
LuAnn Headley
Marcia Lewis
Roger Petty
Maxine Smouse
Shawn Zanders

Those not listed individually, that are experiencing illness or distress

Our Church
Our Community 

TRH and Parkview Assisted Living Residents: 
Merlin Sievers
Dorothy Davis 
Rich Wiskus
Connie McPherson 
Lyle Knight
Betty Knight 
Evelyn Long
Ron Barker 
Sam Cretsinger

Shut-ins: 
Dorothy Blanchard 
Marilyn Taylor

Submit Prayer List Request (please include name and relevent information)
Prayer requests will be listed for 30 days unless asked to keep on the list due to other reasons.
You may submit requests or changes to Pastor Joyce or Mandy Smouse. 
In Children and Youth News...

Dynamite Disciples are currently learning about
The Last Super




If you would like to volunteer to assist
Dynamite Disciples on Wednesday nights
please contact Megan Irlbeck






There will be
Special Music
March 11th & 25th

~~~~~~~

Contact Cindy Seastrom if you are interested in joining the adult bell choir.



This Week's
Birthdays
6 Laura Lake, Parker Smouse
10 David Altman, Jayna Hoffman

Anniversaries
4 Mike & Megan Irlbeck
5 Joyce & Steve McCurdy


MINISTRY of Our Church
Food Pantry Needs
  • toilet paper
  • feminine hygiene products
  • shampoo
  • paper towels
  • bars of soap
Cash donations are always welcome too, please just write Food Pantry in the memo. You can bring items to the First Christian Church, 220 Elm St. or there is a small tub in Fellowship Hall.


Collecting Hygiene
Kit Materials
There are bags available at the back of the sanctuary that include a detailed list of items to place in the bags and then return them by March 18 th .  

Food Pantry Open-House
Tuesday, March 13 th from 4-6:00 pm
The food pantry is hosting an open house at the First Christian Church to the public.
.



Weekly Bulletin: March 4th Bulletin Online
Worship Service
Sundays at
10:30 am
119 4th Ave., Coon Rapids
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