Haysville First Christian Church Newsletter January 19, 2010

FROM THE PASTOR

Dear Church Family,

Recently an email came my way to share an extraordinary story of a young couple’s love for God and the people He called them to serve.

While attending a large church in the Nashville suburbs a young couple with two kids of their own were challenged by their pastor’s sermon to find out where God was at work and join Him in that work. Having worked with a ministry in a downtown Nashville neighborhood, they began to pray about where God would have them carry out God’s call on their lives. After much prayer this family decided to sell their home in an affluent suburb and move to the inner city to minister the many children left alone at times all day or night while single mothers work to provide a roof over their heads and food to eat. Their ministry became known as The Front Porch Ministry. This one little family, taking God at His word when He said, He would provide their needs if they would only follow Him, makes a huge difference in the world.

Their story is miraculous. Everyday children flock to their porch after school and sometimes before school for a warm meal and a reassuring hand. The mothers in this neighborhood see them as angels from heaven! Kids are safe and cared for until the mothers can come home from work.

I am not advocating that all of us sell our homes and move to neighborhoods in inner city Wichita (unless of course God calls you to). I am advocating that we share the same heart attitude this couple has displayed. God uses anyone willing to be used right where they are. What is God up to in your neighborhood? Who needs a hand up in your community?

This week I was able to help a young man with two small children get back on his feet simply by making myself available to him and helping him with housing needs. God is at work all around us if we look intently enough. If First Christian Church is going to be a church known as a missional church (church on mission), we must make ourselves available to those God brings into our lives!

Jay

January 24, 2010
Title: Personal Trail Guide- The Holy Spirit
Text: John 16: 3-11
Sunday, January 17, 2010
SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9:30 a.m.
WORSHIP: 10:40 a.m.
OFFERING: $ 4,903.50
ATTENDANCE
Sunday School: 44 Worship: 96

VISITORS
Haysville, KS: Aaron Allenbach


 

PRAYER LIST

Dan Atkeson family, Jack Braden, Ernie Hurdle, Lynn Garrelts family, Tom VonFeldt, Teresa Hall, Beulah Rees, Kirby and Pat Barnes, Neva Middleton, George Hatcher, Shaunna Hall, DeAsia Harding, Shirlene Crain, Michael Galvan family, Janet Goldwater, Mary Jane Bell, Shannon Lisk, Annette Beal, Pat Falley, Anetta Kay Webster, Mary Ellen Shockey, Eric Daly, Stacey Estes, Dick Eastman, Misty Dennison, Roy Whitney, Jim Vargas, Mary Ann Morgan, Paul Smeltzer, Butch Church, Ted and Kathy Clubb, Michelle Wegner, Jeff Thompson, Anita Lespagnard,

Lou Shelley, mother of Kathy Clubb, has a lot of health issues. Ted and Kathy Clubb

Lucy Kauiloa, Blossom Sturm’s mother, is going through some serious health concerns. Prayers for her and Steve and his family! Scott and Nancy Sturm


 

THANK YOU

Thank you for your gift of $1,087.50 to Tennyson Center for Children at Colorado Christian Home. Your generous support helps us to fulfill our mission of “changing lives and giving hope.” Bob Cooper, CEO

Dear Friends,
A bleak, frigid cold day in early January greeted me as I drove to the seminary this morning. As I sat in the warmth of our beautiful chapel full of students, faculty and staff this morning I reflected on your gift of $575.00 for the Annual Fund, because you make this place and this education possible. On the behalf of our students, faculty and staff, I offer our profound thank you. Sincerely, Virginia Walker, Stewardship Director, Phillips Theological Seminary


 

DID YOU KNOW?

Aaron Devan received notification of his acceptance into the July class of the Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Upon completion of this 48 week course he will be part of the aerospace flight test program that calls for the absolute performance of the aircraft and its associated systems. Along with this news is the joy of knowing that Aaron and April will be returning to the states a bit sooner than expected! Devan and Smith families

Wally Sturm began treatment for his cancer last Monday with at least three more weekly treatments to go. The prognosis is good and he is doing well. Scott and Nancy Sturm

Pat took a fall Sunday in the driveway before church. He returned to his surgeon today (Monday) to find he has an infection in his incision. He also will be having a home health care worker come to the house to check his incision for a few days. He will not be able to go back to physical therapy until more healing occurs.  He is still very sore from the fall.  Thanks so much for your continued prayers, thoughts and well wishes!!  Jeanette & Pat and the Boys


 

FROM THE ELDERS

Reminder! The elders are available for prayer concerns. Feel free to contact Marsha Devan, Dale Atkeson, Ted Clubb,
Kathy Clubb, Margo Walker or Nancy Sturm with prayer concerns or spiritual needs!

Also, an invitation is issued to all to join in a time of prayer each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. in the library. It is an awesome connection with God and our fellow travelers on this journey of life.


 

CHURCH GROWTH

Cookies for a Cause

Last week we told you about the Cookies for a Cause for January. If you have ever known a family who has gone through the trauma of the losing a baby at birth, you know how devastating it is. AgapèCare Cradle’s purpose is to promote emotional and spiritual healing and restoration through funerals and memorial services and support for one year after the loss.

If you would like to help financially and want to write a check please make it out to AgapèCare Cradle and we will make sure they receive it. They have a website on line that will give you more information.


 

VALENTINE DINNER

Our Valentine dinner is February 13th here at the church. Put that date on your calendar and we will give you more information next week.

 

FROM THE REGIONAL OFFICE

Friends—

Week of Compassion for Haiti

The news last night and today of the devastation in Haiti is heart-wrenching.  Those of you who have heard me share of my experiences in Haiti eleven short months ago will understand why I find myself weeping as I watch the media images of the deaths and destruction in Port-au-Prince.  So many of the places I visited simply are no longer there—and I fear that many of the Christian brothers and sisters with whom I worshipped may no longer be alive, or may be badly injured. 

Word from sources within our Disciples network is that Patrick & Kimberly Bentrott, our missionaries in Port-au-Prince, and their son Solomon are okay.  So are Regional Minister Glen Stewart and a contingent of Disciples from the Tennessee Region, who also are in Port-au-Prince on a mission trip.  Despite repeated efforts, no one has yet been able to make contact with Rev. Patrick Villier, head of CONASPEH, or Polycarp Joseph, head of the House of Hope.  Please keep them and their families in your prayers.

We are receiving calls asking what we can do to assist in the relief efforts.  Our Week of Compassion already has made an initial monetary donation and will contribute more as the needs become clearer.  Amy Gopp is coordinating our efforts with other religious relief organizations to provide the most effective aid possible.  Meanwhile, your donations earmarked for earthquake relief in Haiti are urgently needed—either through your local congregation, the regional church office, or directly online at www.weekofcompassion.org.  Janie and I already have made such a donation.  Won’t you join us, and give generously?

Grace and peace,
Paxton


 

FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE

Week of Compassion is the Disciples’ agency for disaster relief. When we receive the annual offering in February, it ensures that there are funds available for immediate relief as soon as disasters happen, whatever happens, wherever it happens.

Haiti was already one of the poorest countries in the world.  Please be generous now, and again for the Week of Compassion Special Day offering.

Your designated gifts will be used as directed for earthquake relief; your general gifts will assure that we are able to provide immediate response. My check is written; please join me.
Blessings, Renee

NOTE:

First Christian Church of Haysville began receiving the Week of Compassion Special Offering for the victims of the Haitian earthquake on Sunday, January 17. You still have time to contribute to join us in this special offering.

NOTE:

We will also receive our scheduled Week of Compassion offering on February 21 and February 28.


 

YOUTH NEWS

Movie~ To Save A Life

This great movie is scheduled to premiere this Friday, January 22 at the Warren Theaters. Presently, show times are unavailable, because the “powers that be” have not confirmed with the theaters as to whether or not they will definitely be using Wichita as a venue for this film. It’s all about money. Hopefully, as a Christian community we can send a message to Hollywood that movies like this and others made in the same vein as “Fire Proof” can be worth producing and financing. If you are interested in attending as a group, please contact Machaelle and as soon as the final details are available she will call you.

Dare2Share

The registration deadline for the Dare2Share conference held in Lincoln, NE. over the weekend of February 26, is SUNDAY, JANUARY 31. Forms can be picked up either on the table in the back of the sanctuary or from Machaelle.

Soup-er Bowl Sunday

Our fourth annual “Soup-er” Bowl lunch will be held following worship on February 7. We will NOT be broadcasting the game this year, but will be hosting a fabulous soup/chili buffet. Please plan to join us for this free will meal in which all proceeds will go to the summer mission trip to Matamoros, Mexico.

Soup-er Bowl Silent Auction

Our silent auction will be up and running before Sunday School on January 31 and end some time during the lunch on February, 7. If you have items or services that you would like to donate to this event, Please contact Machaelle as soon as you are able.


 

REMINDER

There are hearing devices available at the sound booth! If you or anyone you know is having difficulty hearing the service, come by the sound booth before the service begins. I will be happy to show you how to use the device.



 

LOOKING AHEAD

6:30 p.m. ~ Wednesday, January 27 ~ Family JAM

5:30 p.m. ~ Saturday, January 30 ~ 5TH Saturday Youth Rally at Woodridge Christian Church

9:30 a.m. ~ Sunday, January 31 ~ 5th Sunday Brunch with the Seekers and Cornerstone Sunday School classes


 

First Christian Church • 7465 S. Meridian • Haysville • KS • 67060