Somewhere I heard this line, “There are people who try to rewrite history, but you never can change it.” Memory is a wonderful thing. I have fond memories of churches I have served, places I have been, and things I have done.

They can make for some interesting conversation. I have taken the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 3:12: “…but I press on to make it my own….” I am back in the office from the General Assembly, looking ahead to the rest of the year 2009.

Fall is approaching. Fall signals a change in our lifestyles. In a short time young people will be returning to school and all of the excitement that it brings. Fall also signals a change from our informal summer. It is time to move on – move ahead.

I always look forward to Fall and the many opportunities it brings to us. People, who have been away during the summer months, find their way back into our worship and learning experiences. It is also a time when we find new opportunities to reach out to family, friends and neighbors with the gospel of Jesus Christ, and a loving and caring fellowship of believers.

Fall leads us toward the many activities and services for the holidays – a time when people are more likely to find their way to church and worship.

I would encourage you to mark September 20th on your calendar now and plan to be in attendance as this will be very important day in the life of First Christian Church. Our Evangelism Committee is planning a Bring A Friend Sunday. It will be a great day, complete with a meal after worship. Mark the date now, as additional information and details will be forth coming, beginning with this Sunday’s message.

Memories from the past can be building blocks for the future. I do not know about you but I am more excited about the future. It is exciting to see what will unfold.

Blessings be with you all. Milton Bryarly, Interim Minister

SUNDAY SERMON
August 16, 2009
Title: Spiritual Food for Daily Living—Commitment
Text: Psalm 37:5-7

Sunday August 9, 2009
SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9:30 a.m.
WORSHIP: 10:40 a.m.
OFFERING: $3,410.25


ATTENDANCE
Sunday School: 46 Worship: 89


VISITORS
Harper, KS: Mike Myers
Bury St Edmunds, England: April Devan
Wichita, KS: Naussica Shinkle

Dan Atkeson family, Jack Braden, Ernie Hurdle, Lynn Garrelts family, Tom VonFeldt, Shirlene Crain, Ed Carr, Harold Harp, Kirby and Pat Barnes, Neva Middleton, Beulah Rees, George Hatcher, Teresa Hall, Shaunna Hall, DeAsia Harding, Janet Goldwater, Mary Jane Bell, Kathleen Etheridge, Shannon Lisk, Anetta Kay Webster, Annette Beal, Shea and Randy Reust, Pat Falley, Brandon Eastman, Michelle Colgan, Shawn Sturm, Michael Deck, Tonya Roberts, Mary Ellen Shockey, Maxine Keller Aaron Falley, Cherokee Vargas

Prayers for safe travel for Butch and Janice Church as they travel to Massachusetts to attend their granddaughter’s wedding.

Prayers for safe travel for Mike Deck from Changsha, China! He is scheduled to arrive in Wichita Saturday, August 15.

Pat Falley saw a surgeon’s P.A. last week. It was indicated surgery may be necessary. There is no relief. He has tried to complete a few tasks at home but really is unable to.

Aaron Falley, Pat’s dad, went home after just two days in the hospital. He did not have a heart attack, which is a PTL. They discovered his thyroid was out of whack.

On behalf of all the youth I would like to express my gratitude to all the adults who helped make the yard sale a very successful fundraiser. Nearly $700.00 was raised and that will go a long way towards funding our attendance at the Kansas Disciples Youth Convention in Hutchinson this November.

Once again, thank you to all of you who . . . brought “stuff” for us to sell, helped sort and organize, moved tables, provided lunch, helped tear down and listened to my rantings. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers during my nose surgery. I’m doing great! Brandon Eastman

Thank you to Diane Fenster for playing the piano for us Sunday, August 9, 2009.

Change Plinio and Joyce Andrade’s address FROM Queen Creek, AZ TO Sun Tan Valley, AZ 85243. The street address is the same.

Anetta Kay Webster, daughter of Mary Ellen Shockey, is scheduled to be moved to Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, 5401 South Street, Lincoln, NE 68506. Please continue to pray for Anetta Kay and the entire family.


Kinsley Lespagnard, daughter of Brandon and Breanna, great grand-daughter of George and Anita celebrated her 1st birthday with a family gathering in Haysville on Sunday, August 9.

“The Life Men Are Called to Live” is the theme of the Disciples Men’s retreat, based on Ephesians 4: “Therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, begs you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” Rev. Todd Iseminger, General Director for Men’s Ministries, Indianapolis, will facilitate the retreat. Iseminger is an effective retreat leader and passionate about helping men grow in their faith.

New this year, are pre-retreat opportunities on Friday. Arrive by 10 a.m. to help finish the outdoor chapel at the camp, or if you prefer recreation, register by August 15 to indicate your interest in chasing a little white ball around a well kept park (translation: golf at a nearby course!). Early registrations are needed for this option; details will be sent to those who sign up. Greens fees are extra.

Retreat will be at the Disciples Center at Tawakoni, Sept. 25–26. Registration is limited to men between the ages of 16 and 116.

Check-in begins at 5:00 p.m. Retreat opens with a 6 p.m. supper and concludes after Saturday supper, for which men have a choice of steak or chicken. Retreat cost is $75 per person, $70 for five or more from your church, and $45 for first time attendees.

Registration deadline is September 1, 2009 (No refunds after September 4)

On Sunday, August 30th we will be recognizing some very important volunteers in our church . . . our wonderful Sunday School teachers! Please plan to be in attendance so that we all can show them how much we appreciate what they do for our children and for us as adults. If you would like to give a card/note to any of our teachers, please bring them in to Machaelle or Dee and we will present them to the teachers during worship that Sunday.

Speaking of Sunday School teachers . . . We are in need of persons to teach our elementary classes for this next school year. There are two openings. Please prayerfully consider how you might be effective in this ministry. We need you. Remember: It takes a Village. . . .

Our Back to School Family JAM will be Wednesday, August 26 at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend this time of fellowship. Please sign up beforehand if you intend to stay for dinner so that we make sure there is plenty of grub.

Wednesday Night Live youth activities will start up again on Wednesday, September 2nd. We’re still working on the time schedules, so please watch your e-mails or the newsletter and other messages regarding this information.

If you think you might want to participate in our annual Operation Christmas Child Shoebox ministry this year . . . NOW would be an EXCELLENT time to pick up a few items such as pencils, markers, crayons, calculators and note books. It is so easy to collect enough material to stuff 2 or 3 boxes if you shop the sales and keep this ministry in mind throughout the year. The impact these simple items have on the children who receive them can be life changing. It is so worth the time and effort.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Wichita is our cause for August. Last week we told you a little about the history of the organization in Wichita. The Mid-Town House by St Francis and the Sleepy Hollow House by Wesley accommodate families in ten bedrooms, each furnished with two twin beds and a private bathroom. Common areas include a front room, sitting rooms, playroom, kitchen with eating area and a screened porch.

The Ronald McDonald Family Room is a special place of respite inside each hospital center. Local and out-of-town families may use the family room while visiting their hospitalized children. At the family room, families will find a comfortable place to relax, pre-packaged food, personal care items and laundry facilities. Private showers and a quiet room are located nearby. There is no fee to visit the family room.

Last week we handed out a wish list for the houses and family rooms. There is a basket in the front hall for the items you bring. As you are enjoying cookies, lemonade and coffee, please put your monetary donations in the basket on the cookie table. If you didn’t receive a wish list last week, there are some extras on the table at the back of the sanctuary.

Make a difference!

The Messenger is mailed FREE to every member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kansas. Printing, postage, equipment and staff time are supported by your donation. Will you help? Send your check for any amount to:

Christian Church in Kansas
2914 SW Mac Vicar Ave.
Topeka, KS 66611

24th Annual Outdoor Concert 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 20, 2009

FREE FOOD!
DOOR PRIZES!
MUSIC! MUSIC! MUSIC!
For information contact the church
316-529-1611

The office will be closed on Monday, August 16 and the newsletter will not be printed Tuesday, August 18.

Dee will be in Oklahoma.