Good News for Your Faith Journey
|
|
|
|
|
|
Greetings!
A Pastoral Letter
I am deeply grieved by the events in Charlottesville, Virginia that unfolded on around August 12. I must also confess that a cloud of fear surrounds me as I reflect on these events, events over the past few months, as well as those looming on the horizon. My sense of fear is honed by the anxiety and chaos that surround the possible launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile by North Korea and potential retaliatory attacks by the United States. I find it difficult at times to focus given the amount of chaos and plethora of threats - it kind of feels like my name is “Dug” from the movie
Up
and I’m constantly distracted by squirrels. Every day brings a new distraction and I find it difficult to remain oriented.
As I watched and reflected on the events of Saturday, I continued to search out all of the factors that seemed to be causing to grow the cloud of fear around me. I named a fear that such unrest and violence could arrive in our community; I named a fear that such activity could endanger my family and friends, near and far; I named a fear that what we are watching is only one eruption among many others that potentially will unfold as a result of the deep divisions that exist in our country and culture, ones that too often we gloss over. I spent much time thinking about this last named fear - the nature of the divisions that exist around race, sexuality, gender, identity, religion, economics, and others; wondering how we as a community begin to heal such deep divisions; how we find a common sense of purpose that is greater than the rifts and that can guide us forward. I think these pieces of our dilemma are significant, but I do not live under the illusion that this list is exhaustive. Yet, I continue to live in hope, imagining tomorrow as God intends it rather than being swamped in the despair that can easily overcome each of us. I am reminded of the teachings of Jesus and the prophetic leadership witnessed to in the Hebrew Bible, both of which help me see what God intends. I offer this narrative so that you can perhaps understand a bit of my thought process.
As I watched and thought about the hate-filled events initiated by white supremacists in Charlottesville, I recalled Jesus’ encounter with a Samaritan woman at a well (John 4) when he, by speaking one on one with this woman, challenged not only gender norms but also reached across the racial divide of Samaritan and Jew. The story of the Canaanite woman who begged for her daughter to be healed (Matthew 15:21-28) makes this point even more clearly. When she pleas for her daughter to be healed, Jesus says to her, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs” (Matthew 15:26). When he makes this statement using the term “dogs,” Jesus uses a racial slur. But this affront will not stop the Canaanite mother and so Jesus heals her daughter. The gospel writer here uses a rhetorical device to make a point that race is a topic addressed by the one we call Lord and that his teaching makes clear these boundaries of race are crossed and a new path forward is marked. Here is the center line of that path that guides us towards the Garden of Love that God intends: All are children of God! There is no room in the teachings of Jesus Christ for any race to claim supremacy over any other. White supremacy and anti-Semitism are sins and have no foundation in the teachings of Jesus!
I continued to watch the reports and I wondered how clergy would respond on Sunday morning and the week ahead. I remembered Jeremiah’s struggle against the false prophets as he called the people of Jerusalem and Judah back to the path of God. The other prophets promised that all would be okay, that God would bless Judah because Judah was righteous, and that Judah and Jerusalem would be great again. In this time of great turmoil, God’s prophet reminds the people that God has not abandoned them and that God will bring them home from exile and cut a new covenant with them, engraved on their hearts. I recalled Ezekiel and his vision of a valley of dry bones and the wondering if they could live again. The divisions are great, chasms are too large to cross at times. Yet, the Spirit of God moves among the valley of bones, brings them back together with muscle and flesh, and again breathes life into them. It is a vision offered to the people of God trapped in oppression and exile. It brings hope and reminds that it is God’s vision that will guide us forward. I concluded Sunday evening feeling a sense of hope rooted in God’s love and intention for creation. I felt I had a place from which I could speak to how we move forward confident that God’s intent will guide us.
But it was a restless and sleepless night. The call of Isaiah in chapter 6 kept coming to mind when the prophet confesses, “Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips” (v. 5). The prophet acknowledges his call to proclaim the message of God but simultaneously says he’s not up to the task. Not unlike this moment, the cultural context is shifting and the threat of war looms large on the horizon. I started thinking what these words had to do with my own situation. The fear is daunting but it is not ultimately silencing. As I spent considerable time reflecting on the call of Isaiah and my sleepless night, I began to think about my own place in the situation. It was, and continues to be, not an easy exercise of self-reflection. It is important though to know the answer if I am to be an agent for change that contributes to the blossoming of God’s Garden of Love. I believe that when we begin to see our own privilege and position, then we can begin to see everyone else more fully. Our awareness of advantage, systems of inequity, what is considered desirable and normal aides us in seeing the other sides of each of these areas and thus helps us see others more fully and how the systems of inequity need to change. I am a white male, raised in the south, straight, middle class, had access to education, among many other privileges. I am aware of the privilege I have had and still do. As a pastor in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the senior minister of First Christian Church of Topeka, I am ready to stand and point out the racism and hatred and say these are sin, ready to say we have to walk the path of God’s vision.
As you reflect on the violence, hatred and bigotry exhibited by white supremacists, anti-Semitists, and neo-Nazis in Charlottesville, I call you to engage in self-reflection to assess your own place of privilege so that you may see others more fully.Together, we can work to help God’s Garden of Love blossom and live into God’s intention for all of humanity and indeed all of creation.
This linked questionnaire may assist you in reflecting on privilege
|
|
A word regarding Charlottesville
from General Minister and President Terri Hord Owens
Sisters and brothers, my heart breaks at the violence this weekend in Charlottesville – the loss of life, the dishonoring of children of God, the vile insults hurled and the wounds of history reopened. I pray for the family of the woman who died. I pray in praise of the peaceful demonstrators. We cannot take backward steps fueled by hatred. We cannot be silent when the humanity of black persons is being assaulted and terrorized.
The commandment in 1 John 4:20 calls us to account: “Those who say, ‘I love God,’ and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and
sisters also.”
And so let us love one another as we love God. With such love, we are compelled to stand for justice, and walk in peace.
|
|
This Sunday
We hope you can join us this Sunday to hear Suz McIver's sermon "Lines".
Our scripture focus will be on
Matthew 15: 21-28
|
|
|
Welcome Dr. Barber to Topeka!
On Monday, August 21st at Topeka First United Methodist Church, Dr.
William Barber will be in town to give a presentation on
Poor People’s
Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival Mass Meeting.
The doors will open at 7:00 pm and there will also be music, with the program beginning at 7:30 pm. Please plan to join us for this special opportunity.
This Sunday
Today in the library there will be a DVD presentation from Dr. Barber at General Assembly. Please feel free to join us in the church library at 10:00 am.
|
|
Church Choir
We are seeking out singers who desire to share their gifts with a team! If there is any interest, I would love to hear from you and meet with you to see if the choir is a place for you to serve! We also enjoy inviting musicians to feature in an instrumental solo every so often.
Contact me at trea1122@gmail.com or 785-201-5818
Tiffany Rea
|
|
Silverware Clean Out
We have done a clean out of our silverware in the kitchen and have found several different pieces of silverware that have been left here over time. If you are missing any silverware and believe that you have left it at the church please see Jo McHenry.
|
|
Seekers Garage Sale
The Seekers class semi-annual garage sale will be October 5th and 6th. If you have items to donate please call Ken Price at 272-7749, Larry McDaniel at 409-8291 or Vern Failor at 272-6102. All of the proceeds from these sales benefit the church and youth of the church.
|
|
Blessing Box Donations
We are very excited to announce that we now have a blessing box set up outside our church on the Gage lawn. The blessing box has been filled with various
non-perishable food items as well as a few hygiene items. We are excited to begin this program. The box is open to anyone to take what they need and to give anything extra that they have for someone else who might be in need.
In order to help keep the box full, there will be a box in the narthex for donation items. Items that can go in the box include non-perishable food items such as pudding cups, granola bars, juice boxes etc. and hygiene products such as bars of soap, razors, toothbrushes and toothpaste.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Shelley Aldrich by phone at 785-217-5298 or by email at sak020797@yahoo.com
|
|
Stitch and Scripture Discussion Group
We continue to meet Sunday mornings in the Chapel in Fellowship Hall from
10:00 am - 10:50 am through August 27. Bring your stitching if you have a project started or just come for the lively discussion.
|
|
…bookmarks from your library…
JULY READING CONTEST MARCHES ON!!!
Check out any book from the library and enjoy the read. Who knows you may be the July ‘reader’ winner! Lunch with our youth minister, Donna Schultz if you read the most books from the church library during the month of July!
Are you a fan of Jan Karon? The church library has several books by this author. A LIGHT IN THE WINDOW is available and in LARGE print. In this story Mitford’s rector and lifelong bachelor is in need of divine intervention. This is the second novel in this series and is as heart-warming and hilarious as the others. Life in a small town is rarely quiet and never boring.
The church library has a limited selection of LARGE print books available in the library. There is a section clearly marked and easy to find on the shelves for LARGE print books.
A modern-day classic, GIFT FROM THE SEA by Anne Morrow Lindbergh is a quick but thoughtful read. During her vacation by the ocean she shares elegant and wise mediations on youth and age, love and marriage, solitude, peace and contentment. This is a spiritual compass toward inner tranquility.
There are a variety of books on mediation, prayer and thoughtful ways to strengthen your faith. These books are found in the church library with a large selection lining the shelves.
Descriptions of these books are taken from the authors’ write-up.
A special thank you to our library committee members Celia Eddy, Mary Jane Mann, Jan Johnson and Sandi Reeser for all their work!
|
|
From Circles: A Taste of Italy
|
|
Needs for Doorstep
I have been informed that we need a few specific items in the clothing room:
They are:
Queen Sized Sheet Sets
King Sized Sheet Sets
Women’s Underwear
Men’s Jeans – All Sizes
Men’s Sweatpants – All Sizes
Boy’s Jeans – All Sizes
Doorstep is open for donations Monday – Friday from 8am – 3pm.
1119 SW 10th Avenue – South Door (10th & Buchanan)
|
|
Doorstep Newsletter Article – August 2017
We would like to thank everyone who donated items for Christmas in July! As kids are getting ready to go back to school, now is the perfect time to stock up on school supplies. Doorstep provides new school supplies to the children we adopt at Christmas to replenish them for the second half of the year. If you can help with these items while supplies are plentiful, and on sale, we would greatly appreciate your donations!
In the heat of summer we are seeing more requests for hygiene kits. In 2016, we gave out nearly 700 hygiene kits! We are in need of deodorant, bar soap or body wash, shampoo/conditioner in one, razors and shaving cream, sunscreen and chapstick. Thank you in advance if you can help!
Doorstep is open Monday – Friday from 8am – 3pm for donations. We are located at 1119 SW 10th Avenue (10th & Buchanan).
Do you know about our thrift store – The Dovetail Shoppe? Located on the corner of 12th & Washburn sits a building filled with treasurers!
The Shoppe is Doorstep’s version of a thrift store. We ask for a reasonable donation for the items people choose. You will find clothing for men, women and children. There is a whole knick knack room, books, collectibles, toys, furniture, games, holiday décor, shoes, formal dresses, pictures, dishes and more!
The Dovetail Shoppe has been open since the Fall of 1994! Stop in and look around, I bet you’ll find something you need, or never knew you wanted! The monetary donations taken in at Dovetail are funneled back into services and agency needs at Doorstep!
The manager, Ron, is there with his volunteers on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10am – 4pm. Help us spread the word about this great little treasure!
|
|
Did you know that First Christian Church has a unique AmazonSmile link that makes it easier for people to find and support your organization?
What is my organization's unique link?
http://smile.amazon.com/ch/48-0554328
What does my unique link do?
When customers click on your organization's unique link, they skip the process to search for a charity to support among over 1 million eligible charities. Instead, they're taken to
smile.amazon.com
and are automatically asked if they want to support First Christian Church.
Can I just tell supporters to search for my charity at smile.amazon.com?
Yes. However, that makes it harder for your supporters to find and select your organization. There are over 1 million eligible charities, and customers may end up picking a different organization during the selection process. Sharing your charity link increases the likelihood that customers will select your charity before they start shopping.
Do my supporters have to click on my charity's AmazonSmile link every time they shop?
No. Once customers select your organization, you will receive 0.5% of the price of all their eligible
smile.amazon.com
purchases, regardless of whether they use your unique AmazonSmile link to return to the site. However, we recommend that you ask your supporters to bookmark and use your link so they don't accidentally shop at www.
amazon.com
instead of
smile.amazon.com
. Only purchases made at
smile.amazon.com
are eligible for donations.
What do customers that have already selected a charity see when they click on my organization's unique link?
If someone is already supporting your organization and they click on your unique link, they will simply be taken to
smile.amazon.com
so they can start shopping. They do not have to re-select your charity. If someone supporting a different charity clicks on your charity link, they are asked if they'd like to switch to support your organization.
|
|
Prayer Concerns
We invite you to use the following prayer or one of your own desire as you offer prayers for those listed in our prayer concerns.
O God, source of love and compassion in the sufferings of all your children, we offer our compassion also for the hungry, and the sick in body, mind, or heart, the depressed and the lonely, all living in fear and under stress, all stricken with grief, the unemployed and the rejected, and those burning with hatred. Strengthen us to work for their healing and inspire us to build with you the kingdom of love where none shall cause suffering to others and all be caring, loving children of yours. Our compassionate, all-embracing God, ever present, ever love, never failing, we pray to you. Amen. (Adapted from Chalice Worship #363 p. 343).
|
|
|
PRAYER CONCERNS, August 16, 2017
Health Concerns:
Gail Alderson, Debbie Collins, Michael Crowl, Anita Dietz, Ralph Evans, Alma Greenaway, Vickey Howard, Steve Martin, Aunalee Parmely, Becky Stauffer, Walt Wofford
Cancer Patients:
Teresa Agee, Shirley Evans, Steve Hansen, LaJonna Johnson, Jake Lewis, Sherrie Mattox, Janice McAbee, Mary Mentock, Cheri Moon, Ellen Myzer, Kim Rea, Diane Taylor, Cheryl Tuckwin, Clarke Williams, Laurie Wilson
Keep these people in your prayers:
Regional Staff, Christian Church in Kansas; Rev. Teresa Hord Owens , General Minister/President, Christian Church (Disciples); those serving in the military; those traveling; those seeking employment and families who are struggling.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the girls who were kidnapped from their school in Chibok, Nigeria by Boko Haram in 2014.
In order to keep our prayer list updated, we will be leaving health concerns on the list for one month.
Please notify us when a name needs removed or needs to remain for another month.
Please contact the church office if you have pastoral care needs.
|
|
Technology Update
If you see a blank in the technology (sound, lights or power point) list on Sunday morning, that means there is no one assigned to that task on that Sunday. So your help is needed to fill these places. There is a small amount of training you would need, but anyone can learn. For assistance in learning to support the Technology Ministry please contact Vern Failor at 272-6102 or vlfailor@gmail.com
|
|
Sunday Servants, August 20th, 2017 Elder at the Table: Bill Eastman Ministry of the Table: Georgia Abbott Counters: Jewell Welch & Rose Shoulders Fellowship Time: Good Fellowship
8:45 am Greeters: Dallas Freeborn & Barb Parlett Sound: Don Rogers Lighting: Joe Sittenauer PowerPoint: Greyson Janda Ushers: Elsie Ingles & Shirley Jacobson Welcome: Judy Rogers Greeting Elder: Becky Stauffer Diaconate Team #3: Debbie Collins, Steve McCoy, Noble Morrell, *Barb Runge, Ed Shaw, Jim Worrell 11:10 am Candle Lighters: Grant Patty Greeters: Larry & Sandy McDaniel Sound: Brian Mays Lighting: Ken Price PowerPoint: Andrew Howard Ushers: Dale Dunlap & Gail Fox Welcome: Connie Price Greeting Elder: Patti Keithley Diaconate Team #3: Randy Clayton, Gene Howerter, Patti Keithley, Karla Whiteside, Brittny Jackson, Mike & Shirley Williams
Kid's Worship: Cierra Miller
|
|
Upcoming Dates
Wednesday, August 16th
10:00 am Luther Place
6:00 pm Just Move It, Builders Rm
7:00 pm Centering Prayer, Chapel
Thursday, August 17th
11:00 am Words of Faith, Adult Center
3:45 pm Child Care Center Chapel, Sanctuary
5:45 pm Al-anon, Fellowship Hall Sec. 3
6:00 pm Choir, Sanctuary
7:00 pm Worship Team, Sanctuary
Looking Ahead
Sunday, August 20th
10:00 am Dr. Barber DVD Presentation in Library
Monday, August 21st
Maintenance Ministry
10:00 am Staff Meeting, Conf. Rm.
6:45 pm Boy Scouts
7:00 pm Dr. Barber Presentation, Topeka First United Methodist Church
7:00 pm Christmas in Action Meeting, Adult Center
Tuesday, August 22nd
10:00 am Lets Help
5:30 pm Circles
6:00 pm Faith and Film, Blackbird Cafe
Wednesday, August 23rd
6:00 pm Just Move It, Builders Rm
7:00 pm Centering Prayer, Chapel
Thursday, August 24th
6:30 am Elders, Chapel
11:00 am Words of Faith, Adult Center
3:45 pm Child Care Center Chapel, Sanctuary
5:45 pm Al-anon, Fellowship Hall Sec. 3
6:15 pm Choir, Sanctuary
7:00 pm Worship Team, Sanctuary
|
|
Contacts
Dale Matherly
Senior Minister
Connie Skinner
Congregational Care
Donna Schultz
Children & Youth
Jamie Burnett
Director, FCC Child Care Center
Tim Smale
Organist
Debby Martin
Chimes & Bells Director
Tiffany Rea
Director of Worship Arts
Becky Coffman
Nursery Supervisor
Becky Stauffer
Parish Nurse
|
|
|
|
|
|
|