Don't miss out on the news, announcements and upcoming events at first Christian!
Welcome to the firstChristian E-Newsletter!

If you are reading this, it means you are on your way to learning more about upcoming events and getting up close and personal with all the things happening within the FCC family. Be sure to check out the upcoming events and other vital information to stay connected. 

Jesus challenges us to see the world differently. By doing so, followers of Jesus get to live in an alternative reality. We can discover, like Alice in Lewis Carroll’s story of Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, that things are often not as they seem. Luke recounts how Jesus turned the accepted view of his day upside down and inside out. Join us for the next few weeks, as we look at Jesus, the world and ourselves through the mirror of Luke 5 and 6. It may not be what you expect, but it will be worth the adventure. 

In this Newsletter...

Sunday JAM - New Resources

Morning Star Thank You

Missions Highlight - 30 days of prayer

Serving Opportunity

Thrive

Missions

Employment Opportunity

Sunday Announcements

Participation and Giving

Sunday JAM - New Resources
Attention Parents!!!  

We are continually looking for great ways to put resources in your hands that help you keep the Sunday conversation going at home. We are excited to announce that this month we are rolling out three great new resources!

#1: Jr JAM Placemats for preschoolers. Designed to sit on the table all month long, this placemat gives parents easy access to this month’s key question and bottom line. There is also a place for preschoolers to draw it out, questions to ask each week, and hand motions to the Bible verse. Turn the mat over and discover a fun game or activity to play together. A new mat insert will be sent home the first Sunday of each month.  

#2: SUMMER DEVOTIONALS ARE BACK for our Elementary students. This summer we are once again offering a 9-week devotional that corresponds with our Sunday morning JAM theme. The Gadgets and Gizmos devotional is filled with fascinating stories, interesting tidbits, and practical tips about God’s creation, our uniqueness, and how to use our unique creativity to love God and love others. Plus kids will encounter some pretty tricky—and messy—experiments and challenges along the way. Devotionals will be available beginning June 4th and will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis.  

#3: DOWNLOAD THE PARENT CUE APP! The Parent Cue App is designed to help every parent do something each week to help move their child toward a deeper faith and a better future. It's great for any parent or grandparent with kids ages birth - 18 years. It's designed to help parents connect with the heart of their child every week through Bible-based content and practical things to say and do with their child. The content is age specific, based on the current phase of each child. And - it's FREE! Download it from your app store today.

We are dedicated to partnering with you through every phase of your child's life. If you have any questions about these resources, please let us know. We are excited about a great summer! 

Morning Star Preschool - Thank You!

Thank you, Stacy Hardy, Morning Star Preschool Director 

Since its inception, Morning Star Preschool (formerly Kiddie Kollege) has been a wonderful ministry of firstChristian. Though this was the last year firstChristian is offering preschool, the influence of Morning Star will go on. A series of gifted directors have helped us have an immeasurable impact on hundreds of children and their families. Most recently Stacy Hardy has done an exceptional job as the director. Here is just one memory shared by someone she has impacted. 

 “I have not personally benefited from having a child attend Morning Star Preschool, but three of my sweet grandchildren were the recipients of Miss Stacy’s teaching through Morning Star. It was always so much fun to hear and see what they were learning and especially when they linked it to a Biblical truth or concept, whether that be creation, the life, death and resurrection of Christ, kindness, forgiveness, gratitude, etc. Miss Stacy will hopefully continue to see the fruit of her labor for years to come in all of those in whom she planted early seeds.”  

That sentiment reflects well what was expressed on Sunday, May 21, as FCC recognized Stacy for her dedication and service for 11 school years. She was presented with a chalkboard painted with the saying, “the influence of a good teacher can never be erased.” The frame contains the names of the 226 students who attended Morning Star while Stacy was the teacher.  

The saying is incredibly appropriate. The impact of Stacy, her assistants and the volunteers of Morning Star Preschool will be felt into eternity. 

Thank you Stacy, 

Tim's signature
Missions Highlight - 30 Days of Prayer
30 Days of Prayer for the Peoples of Southeast Asia 
May 27- June 25th 

FirstChristian supports missionaries in Southeast Asia. For the next 30 days, during Ramadan, we invite you to pray through parts of Southeast Asia with us. We will pray over 10 people groups. All 10 are Unreached People Groups (UPGs), meaning less than 2% of the people are followers of Jesus. IN this area of Southeast Asia, though, there is not even one people group with over .1% of the people that follows Jesus.   

According to tradition, it was during Ramadan that the Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad. Muslims mark this event by fasting each day from sunrise to sunset. The fast is a strict one—no food or drink, not even water. It is a time to cleanse body and soul, to pray more earnestly, to read the Qur’an and to reflect on God. It is our prayer that God will provide ways for them to hear about Jesus, draw them to himself and into a life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ. 

Prayer guides are available at the Connection Center. These prayer guides introduce you to all 10 people groups. This guide is an invitation to pray and to join in what God is doing throughout the Muslim world. We ask that God will transform Southeast Asia as well! That thousands of Muslims from all 10 unreached people groups would come to know Jesus and that God would transform this land. For every single movement of Muslims becoming followers of Jesus, a prayer movement preceded it. Thank you for joining the prayer movement for Southeast Asia.  


Ministry Highlight - TNT (Tried n' True)
TNT is a ministry for those 55 and over which provides events for fellowship, encouragement, and to build faith.  TNT’s next event is a hymn sing June 11 th  at 3:30 p.m. at FCC.  Join TNT for hymns, goodies, memories and encouragement in our walk with Jesus.

TNT Ministry Leader: Jean Hopkins 
jean3hopkins@gmail.com
Upcoming Events
Click here to see a complete list of happenings.
TNT - Senior Adult Ministry

Hymnspiration!

Do you love hymns? A hymn sing will be hosted by TNT (55+) June 11th at 3:30 p.m. at FCC. Everyone is welcome. Join TNT (55+) for an afternoon of hymns, goodies, memories and encouragement in our walk with Jesus.


Sunday | June 11th | 3:30 pm
Children's Ministry Activity Schedule
Our JAM Kids Ministry strives to combine the critical influences of the church and home to incite wonder, provoke discovery and fuel passion in the hearts of children toward the love of Jesus. We believe children’s ministry should be fun, creative, powerful and life-changing all at the same time. Our curriculum is always relevant, Biblical, engaging and experiential, and it also emphasizes a relationship with God and with others.   
  Jr. JAM Camp  

Wednesday | June 7th | 9 am - noon
Preschoolers: 3-5 years (not enrolled in kindergarten)
Cost: $5
Register online here.
Summer Camp

Ignite Camp
June 18 – 21 | 4th – 5th grade
Cost: $88
Register online here.

  Summer JAM

June 22 – 23 | 2nd – 3rd grade
Cost: $38
Register  online here .
Night JAM

Wednesday | June 30 | 6 – 8:45 pm
Kindergarten & 1st Grade
Cost: $5
Register online here.

Evening at the Lake

Wednesday | July 5 | 5 pm
Register online here.
Registration deadline for JAM Summer activities is June 1st. Register Today!
Youth Ministry Activity Schedule

Our Student Ministry exists to challenge students to actively pursue a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, through various worship experiences, biblical teachings, service opportunities and opportunities to fellowship with other believers. This ultimately results in growth toward spiritual maturity. 

Day at the Lake

Friday | June 23 | 2-8 pm
Cost: $10
Incoming 5th – 8th
Online registration link

CIY – MOVE

July 9 – 14
Cost: $275
Incoming 9th – Graduated 12th
Promo video
Online registration link

Summer Fusion

July 30 – August 2
Cost: $110
Incoming 6th – 8th
Promo video
Online registration link

Faith In Action

Thursday, June 1
Thursday, June 15
Thursday, June 29
Thursday, July 20

Watch Facebook for details, locations, supplies needed and times.

Wednesday Evening FUEL

June 7th 6:00-8:00
“Old School” Big Base Kickball Tourney @ Ta-Ha-Zouka

June 21st 6:00-8:00
Ultimate Frisbee Tourney

July 5th 5:00-9:00
Evening at the Lake
Willow Creek SRA
Boats/drivers/supervision needed

July 26th 6:00-8:00
Mini Golf Tourney

Watch Facebook for details, locations, supplies needed and times.

Christian Cross Festival
The Christian Cross Festival is an outreach event in a relaxed setting to promote Christian fellowship and unity in the body of Christ. The purpose is to glorify Jesus Christ through Christian music, testimony and other talents as he provides. The annual festival will always be offered without an admission fee. We want to continue the festival so we encourage financial sponsors, volunteers and free-will donations.

For more information - Check out the Christian Cross Festival website
June 9th & 10th | Skyview Lake
New Way Singers - Journey Christian Church
  Sponsored by Nebraska Christian College

New Way Singers, from Nebraska Christian College in Omaha, is in its 45th year. This group is an auditioned worship band and choir, comprised of high school students from all over the United States. New Way Singers travels around the Midwest during the summer, presenting concerts to various churches and church organizations. Many of these participants have gone on to be Church leaders as God has used this experience to call them to ministry. There is a tremendous response every year to not only the music but the ministry of New Way Singers. 

Journey Christian Church is privileged to have two high school students accepted to travel and perform with the New Way Singers, Morgan Barner and Sara Duncan. 

Journey Christian Church in Wayne, NE
Wednesday | June 14th | 7 pm

Serving Opportunity - American Red Cross
Are you looking for opportunities to serve your community?

Do you like to bake?

Then the the American Red Cross is looking for you!

Help with the American Red Cross blood drive by baking and donating six dozen cookies or six dozen bars one Tuesday in June. If you are interested in taking advantage of this excellent serving opportunity and would like more information, please contact Sarah Bauermeister at  sarah@fcnorfolk.org,  or give the office a call at 402-371-5734 to sign up.
The Thrive Vision
The Thrive Vision is about helping northeast Nebraska Thrive through Jesus. Your giving and God’s faithfulness are making it a reality.

The Thrive Vision provides space to share Jesus with children, to connect with each other and to communicate and celebrate the good news of Jesus. The expansion will be complete in just over two months. Remodeling our current space will begin this summer with completion in the fall. While under construction, God continues to draw more people to himself and firstChristian Church.

What does that mean for firstChristian
  • More Volunteers: There is more opportunity and more need for volunteers – immediately! The greatest needs are in Worship Technology (video, audio, lighting), Guest Services (coffee, greeting, ushering) and Children’s (check-in, nursery, teachers, small-group leaders).  
  • More Flexibility: Sometimes the sidewalk, parking, lobby and other spaces will be construction zones. Some spaces will not be available this summer. We will need to be flexible, adapt and press on!
Thank you to all who are making the Thrive Vision a reality. It is exciting to see how God continues to use firstChristian (and our facilities) to help the people of northeast Nebraska Thrive.

Onward and Upward,

Tim

PS For more information on the Thrive Vision, visit our  website . Click on the image below to view the latest time lapse video of the expansion construction.
Missions
firstChristian partners with our Core Missions through giving, special projects and trips. Please consider connecting you and your family with one of these missions listed below:
If you are interested in learning more about our core missions, check out our missions page at fcnorfolk.org/missions.

T o give to these missions, please designate it on your check memo and giving envelope, or give online afcnorfolk.org/donate
Take firstChristian With You
We know that you aren’t in town every weekend, but that doesn’t mean you should miss out on Sunday mornings at firstChristian. All of our sermons are available on our website, fcnorfolk.org and can be automatically delivered to your Apple or Android device every week when you subscribe to our podcast.

On the website, you also have the opportunity to keep the conversation going with our sermon discussion guides.  Parents can do the same with their kiddos using the Parent Cue. No matter where you travel, you can always take firstChristian with you. 
Stay Connected
Sunday Announcements
If you missed Sunday's video announcements or last week's newsletter, you can view them on our website at fcnorfolk.org/news.
Participation and Giving
May 28, 2017
 
Attendance 
Worship: (275, 210) 485
Sunday School: 204

General Fund
Budgeted weekly: $14,704
Given: $10,243
Budgeted ytd: $323,488
Given ytd: $334,792
 
Missions
Given: $1,518
Given ytd: $50,685
 
Thrive Vision | Building
Given: $7,803
Total given to Thrive: $1,004,537
Households Participating: 319
 
first Christian | 402.371.5734 | office@fcnorfolk.org | fcnorfolk.org