ForeForeThoughts Thoughts December

2015

Decorating the churchTime to trim the trees and deck the halls! Decorating will begin November 29th right after worship. We need lots of volunteers to help decorate. Food will be provided for all the workers!

Disciple Women’s Merry Christmas Luncheon will be in the Fellowship Hall on December 8th at 12:00 pm. Christmas Music & Program will be presented by Greg & Suzie York.Dinner will be covered dish and table service will be provided. Working women, please be our guest! You don’t need to bring anything and will be served first. Eat and go or stay and enjoy fellowship. This will also be the LAST chance to buy tickets for the Kansas Troubles Barn Raising Quilt. Proceeds go to the DW budget. Drawing will be during the Luncheon.

Christmas ParadeWe will participate in the community Christmas Parade on Thursday, December 3rd at 7:00 pm. We are planning a full-size float on a flat bed trailer and need individuals to ride or walk with the float. If you can help, please call the church office or Jean

Reeves.

Saturday, December 12 9 am – 1 pm

Holiday Cookie BazaarCome taste our holiday offerings, then purchase some to enjoy later. Proceeds help our youth to

participate in the International Affairs Seminar (IAS).

Please join us for worship on Dec 13. The chancel choirs of First Christian and First Presbyterian will present “A Candlelight Christmas” by Benjamin Harlan. This will be the only performance. Come celebrate this joyful event with festive music and voices raised in praise!

A Candlelight Communion will be held Thursday, December 24th at 6 pm. Please join us as we celebrate the coming of the newborn King!

Community Christmas Dinner will be served at FCC on Friday, December 25 from 11 am to 2pm. If you can donate supplies or volunteer to help cook, clean up or deliver meals, please contact the church.

The Invitation at Christmas is to

BELIEVE AGAIN.The Word from the church is to Believe in a Deeper Hope that moves beyond the “wrappings” of Christmas around us. We proclaim a Hope that brings Good News, Joy and Compassion for all of God’s people. THIS DEEPER HOPE IS MADE REAL IN ALL OF OUR REGIONS AS WE:Assist congregations and leaders in claiming their unique mission and ministry, and provide resources and support.Call, commission and ordain new pastors, and support and equip all pastors for their ministries.Revitalize existing congregations and plan for new congregations.Connect Regional Disciples to give witness to ministries of justice, hope and compassion.Provide camps, conferences and retreats where children and youth find hope and Christ’s love and a community of faith that embraces “everyone.”

First Christian Church(Disciples of Christ)

1500 S 29th St. Parsons KS 67357620-421-4790

Website: www.fccparsons.orgChurch e-mail:

fcc_church@sbcglobal.net

Make visible the care for all of God’s family through ministries of reconciliation and anti-racism.Call and equip passionate leaders for today’s church.Provide pastoral care for clergy and congregations.The Christmas Special Day offering supports all of these and many other ministries of our Region. Your generous gifts make a difference in our shared ministries in the Region.

2016 is rapidly approaching!It is time for elections and appointments for the coming year. If there is any way, however large or small, that you feel you are called to help with any church ministry or activity during the coming year, please contact a board member or leave your name in the church office. Many opportunities exist within the congregation, to become involved in

fellowship, personal commitment and for growing in faith.A special congregational meeting will be announced soon to vote on the budget and officers for 2016. Watch for information in the bulletin and e-mail.

Steve’s Moderator MusingsOur search for an Intentional Interim Minister continues. I am extremely thankful for the group of Elders and their dedication to the work that goes into locating and selecting a potential Interim. There have been hours and hours spent reviewing ministerial profiles and visiting with possible candidates. We have had some that looked good to us as we reviewed their profile and talked to them in phone interviews, only to have other factors come into play, such as the geographical location of the pastor or having accepted a call to another congregation. We continue to search. Continue to pray for the search committee.One of the most important things for an interim minister to do is to not only serve as a pastor but to also lead us through the period of transition and help us discern what God’s plan is for First Christian Church, Parsons, Kansas. How do we “do church”? What ministries would God have us become engaged in? What are we looking for in our next called minister? When the time comes to engage in conversations about the future of our church, PLEASE become engaged and participate. Share your vision for the future of FCC Parsons. Share your ideas on possible ministries for our church to become engaged in. One thing is certain; if we keep on doing the same old thing as we move into the days, weeks, months, and years ahead, we’ll continue to get the same old results. We’ve seen how well that is working. Now is the time to develop a shared vision of the future and dedicate ourselves to making our vision our reality.I am quite pleased with the way so many folks are stepping up to keep some of our traditions alive. Our annual congregational Thanksgiving Dinner was on the verge of not happening this year but volunteers have come through to help assure that the tradition continues this year. It looked like the Cookie Bazaar wasn’t going to happen this year but someone stepped up to take on the responsibility. There were questions about our participation in the community Christmas parade but volunteers are working to make sure we have a presence in the parade. And, the annual Community Christmas Dinner was on the verge of becoming just another memory up until just a couple of weeks ago when a volunteer stepped up to take on the daunting responsibility of coordinating the dinner. These are just a few of the more visible things volunteers are doing. Plus, these are all ongoing and there is still time for others to become involved by helping with the Thanksgiving Dinner, helping with the church Christmas parade float, baking cookies for the Cookie Bazaar, helping with the Community Christmas Dinner. There are many, many other things going on around the church that individuals or groups are quietly taking care of to continue the traditions of our faith and our church. As I reflect on the work of FCC Parsons that is ongoing at the hands of volunteers during our time without a pastor, the words

of Psalm 133 come to mind: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Palms 133:1 NIV). Not only “live together in unity” but to “work together in unity”.See ya’ in worship Sunday! Steve

Holiday office hoursThe church office will be closed Wednesday, December 23rd, Thursday, December 24th and Friday, December 25th. The office will also be closed on Friday, January 1, 2015.The church office is open 8 a.m.-noon and

1 p.m.-4 p.m. The back (South) door will remain locked during the day as a safety precaution. The front (West) door is open during office hours daily. When groups will be meeting, please call ahead if you want to use the back door. PLEASE be courteous and let the Office Administrator know you are in the building and again when you leave. That will help alleviate any “surprises”! Thanks for your help!

Items borrowed from the churchIf you need to borrow items from the church, tables, chairs, kitchen items, coolers, etc., please check with the church office. Sometimes there are functions within the church that require all the items we have and during those times, we will not be able to loan certain items out. There is a form that needs to be filled out prior to borrowing any items for the church. If you have borrowed something and have not yet returned it, please do so. We are missing some coolers and ice chests, as well as sundry other items. Thank you!

Disciple Women’s – December Project

There is a desperate need at Safe Haven. Their funding is running low and there are

more people than ever who need help.Where do you go, when you have no place to go? No job, no money, a homeless family with a small child, someone fighting drug or alcohol addiction, the displaced military men and women, no family to give you a helping hand…DW’s project for December is Safe Haven. Run by Melissa Brown, bless her loving heart, Safe Haven is located at 1112 S. 24th in Parsons. Carefully screened, applicants receive shelter, food, medical care; help finding a job – all the things you have been blessed with. Will you be your brother’s keeper – show your love, your compassion, your generosity? Support Safe Haven by giving supplies or monetary donations this month and in times to come. The congregation is invited to join us – please mark your envelope with “DW Safe Haven.”Be that Good Samaritan. There but for the Grace of God…Items needed include: cold cereal, peanut butter, jelly, mac and cheese, rice and pasta, canned meats, vegetables, canned fruit, tea bags and Koolaid, coffee, creamer, and sugar. Other needs include Tylenol, toilet paper, shampoo and conditioner, as well as laundry soap and bleach. This is a partial list of items needed. A good rule of thumb is if you use it at your house, they could use it at their shelter. Thank you for your continued support! The DW Executive Board will meet Tuesday, December 1st at 9:30 am. The DW nursing home party will be Thursday, December 2nd. The Merry Christmas Luncheon will be at noon, Tuesday, December 8thThe Disciple Women are doing a fundraiser through

December 8th for a “Kansas Troubles Barn Raising Quilt.” Donations are $1 each or 6 for $5. The purpose of the fundraising is to help the DW be able to do more within the church and community. Please ask a Disciple Woman for tickets or see the church

office. Drawing will be held during the Merry Christmas Luncheon.

Sunbeams Preschool News Board member(s) needed for the Sunbeams Preschool. We need at least one new member for the Sunbeams Preschool to fill a vacant position. If you are interested, please contact Jean Reeves or Andrea Hetlinger. Board meets at noon on the first Monday of the month during the school year.

Sunbeams Preschool FundraiserWith cooler weather and the holidays just around the corner, what a wonderful time to have some delicious kettle corn! Sunbeams Preschool will be taking orders for scrumptious kettle corn from Genelle’s Kettle Corn. The price is $2.50 per bag. Order forms go out Friday, November 20 through December 2 with the preschoolers or check in the church office also.

Preschool Christmas ProgramThe Sunbeams Christmas program will be December 18th

at 11:00 am in the Sanctuary. Join us as we celebrate with these wonderful children!

The Disciple Men’s SE District meeting will be held Monday, November 30th at the Chanute FCC at 7:00 pm.

Please RSVP by noon, Wednesday, November 25th. Please make plans to attend this great fellowship meeting!

God is with usFaith isn’t about knowing all of the right stuff or obeying a list of rules. It’s something more, something more costly because it involves being present and making a sacrifice. Perhaps that’s why Jesus is sometimes called Immanuel — “God with us.” I think that’s what God had in mind, for Jesus t be present, to just be with us. It’s also what he has in mindfor us when it comes to other people. —Bob Goff, Love Does From Newsletter Newsletter December 2015

Attendance & Financial Report

November 2015

Average: 68 Total: $8,530.42

November 1 72 $3,287.00

November 8 70 $2,873.67

November 15 60 $2,369.75

2014 Budget: $196,159.00

(Monthly $16,346.59; weekly $3772.00

Stewardship – careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.

Our January Newsletter Deadline is Friday, December 18th, due to the Christmas holidays. If you have any articles or news you would like to

put in, please email or give to the office by noon that day. Thanks for your help!

There will be a board meeting on Tuesday, December 8 th due to the holidays. Please make plans to attend.

The Holiday baking seasonis upon us!

Clip those labels while you cook!FCC Sunbeams Preschool participates in the Labels for Education program. UPC labels from Campbell’s, Post, and other brands are collected to earn points for school supplies and equipment. A list of products is available on the shelves near the office door. As

you shop for the upcoming holidays and special occasions, please keep these brands in mind, and take time to peel the labels – we’ll even trim the UPC codes for you – just bring your labels to the shelves in the narthex. This is a joint project of the Disciples Women and Sunbeams Preschool.

Join us! We need new choir members! Chancel Choir meets at 6:00 pm Wednesdays in the sanctuary. We extend a warm, ongoing invitation to anyone who enjoys music to come and join us. Our choir performs an important ministry to the church. The Bell choir will resume after the first of the year.

In SyncNeed another reason to join the choir? Consider this:

Neuroscientists in Sweden discovered that singers’ heartbeats tend to synchronize, which leads to a sense of emotional calm and bonding.

“Joint action leads to joint perspectives,” write the researchers. “In other words, singers may change their

egocentric perspective of the world to a ‘we- perspective,’ which causes them to perceive the world from the same point of view.” So start singing — and enjoy the many benefits and blessings of being part of a choir! From Newsletter Newsletter November 2015

It’s time to assemble the Annual Reports. If you have been in charge of any team, group, or committee during 2015, please write a short summary of your activities to be included in the annual report to the board and congregation. Deadline is December 28th.

Newsletter Changes ComingWe are looking at many ways to help cut our costs while maintaining a viable operating budget. One of the ways we are exploring is to send the newsletter by email to those who would like to receive the

information in that format. Those who would rather have the paper version would still be accommodated by sending it out by first class mail, instead of at the bulk rate. To use our bulk rate, we require 200+ pieces of mail. At this time, we are sending out approximately 245 newsletters each month.

Please let the office know if you would like to receive newsletter by email. Thanks!

The wonder of ChristmasAt Christmas, shivers in the spine have nothing to do with climate. Songs are sung not with the lips but with the heart. And light comes not from utilities but from the heavens. —Author unknown from Newsletter Newsletter Dec. 2006

A Hospitality NoteIt can be intimating to visit a church where you don’t know the routine. Where to sit. When to stand. These are simple things for us who come to worship every Sunday but can be confusing to our guests. Perhaps a

couple of suggestions might help.1. When a guest arrives, escort them to a pew where they will be comfortable.2. If you see someone you don’t know, go and sit with them. Too often we just shake their hand and then go back and sit where we always sit, leaving our guests to themselves.3. Find out where the guests live and encourage them to sign the friendship registers. Try to follow up and invite them to come again.4. Invite guests to join in the fellowship time. Sit ‘em down and bring them their coffee and/or snack.5. Make sure each guest gets a red bag from the hanging rack by the sanctuary doors.6. At the end of worship, ask the guest if they have any questions about our worship and ask them to come again and join you for worship.Remember: you may be the person God has chosen to make one or two of his children feel at home in church. Maybe they are new in Parsons. Maybe they have had an event that caused them to abandon church for a while. You may be the one that God picks to show compassion and Christian love to that guest. There’s always room for more at the Lord’s Table!

Thank you to the Bell Choir for hosting our November Cookie Sunday. Our December Cookie Sunday may include leftovers from our Cookie Bazaar.

Thank you to Elaine Harris and Rose Welch who hosted for our November Coffee hosts. Coffee host for December will be Val McElroy.

Thank you to Barbara Robbins for the delicious meal she prepared and served to the congregation after church on November 8th. The baked spaghetti, green beans, salad and dessert were wonderful!

Everyone enjoyed good food and good fellowship.

Christmas giftsAnd when we give each other Christmas presents in His name, let us remember that He has given us the sun and the moon and the stars, the earth with its forests and mountains and oceans - and all

that lives and moves upon them. He has given us all green things and everything that blossoms and bears fruit and all that we quarrel about and all that we have misused. And to save us from our own foolishness, from all our sins, He

came down to earth and gave us Himself. -Sigrid Undset – From Newsletter Newsletter December 2009

With humble heartsBethlehem’s Church of the Nativity, which marks the likely spot of Jesus’ birth, has a four-foot-high entrance. Throughout the centuries, the height of the entrance has been lowered twice: once to prevent looting and

once to keep out camel- and horse-riders. Because visitors must bow as they enter, this has become known as the Door of Humility. It’s a reminder of the reverent, submissive posture our hearts should take as we approach our newborn Lord and Savior. It’s also a reminder that Jesus is the narrow door (Luke 13:24) — the only path to eternal life. As you worship this Christmas season, whether or not you’re physically able to kneel, enter Jesus’ presence with a humble and thankful heart. He alone deserves our reverence because he alone is able to save. From Newsletter Newsletter December 2011

It’s time to update the information in the Church Directory. Please contact the office by the end of the year with any changes in names, addresses, phone numbers, etc. – whether corrections or new information.

God's heart toward usBryon and Ruthie were unemployed one December. Wanting their seven children to have gifts to open on Christmas morning, they took $20 and shopped diligently at the thrift store, finding seven small items to place under a tiny tree they’d found in a field. Feeling desperate about

all their other needs and guilty for praying for presents, the couple asked God to bless their kids. On Christmas Eve, a couple they barely knew, friends of friends from church, called and asked to stop by. They pulled up in a 15-passenger van and asked if Bryon and Ruthie’s kids could help carry in “a couple of things.” In fact, the rear seats had been removed and the vehicle was filled with packages and groceries. The next morning, the family unwrapped goodies both practical and fun. “We felt as if the Lord was saying, ‘This is my heart toward you. I want to bless you,’” Bryon writes. “It is the Lord’s heart to bless his children.” —Adapted from Miracles: 32 True Stories, Joanie Hileman from Newsletter Newsletter Dec. 2011

Sunday, December 6Elder/Sacraments: Don BarcusElder/Offering: Janie BarcusDeacons: Team 1Worship Leader: Logan DuroniNursing Home Devotions: Janie Barcus, Anne Maloney (Presbyterian 2:30 pm)Sound Board: David AustinChildren’s Church: Joyce Austin

Board Prayer – Tuesday, December 8 @ 7 pm – Marian Johnson

Sunday, December 13Elder/Sacraments: Steve FincherElder/Offering: Janie BarcusDeacons: Team 2Worship Leader: Sharon RyanSound Board: Dean CramerChildren’s Church: Val McElroy

Sunday, December 20Elder/Sacraments: Anne MaloneyElder/Offering: Lori RayDeacons: Team 3Worship Leader: Janie BarcusSound Board: Lori & Abbie FordChildren’s Church: Janie BarcusHome Communion – Marian Johnson, Lori Ray, Steve Fincher, Team 3 DeaconsBoard Prayer – There will not be a board meeting in December

Sunday, December 24Elder/Sacraments: Marian JohnsonElder/Offering: Don Barcus

Sunday, December 27Elder/Sacraments: Dean CramerElder/Offering: Steve FincherDeacons: Team 1Worship Leader: Dean CramerSound Board: Lori RayChildren’s Church: Joyce Austin

01 John Benson 13 Lexanna Howerter01 Jerry Gartner 13 Betty Olmstead01 Kathleen Seward 14 Dale Alexander05 Nancy Miller 14 Holly Kinnamon05 Elvera Montee 14 Jason Langston07 Carlos Bernal 16 Nancy Kemp07 Jimmy Dodds 19 Daniel Swafford II07 Carol Fincher 20 Ernest Money07 Cecil Fish 24 Dan Hance07 Brett O’Connor 24 James Miller07 Wayne Shields 25 Richard Burger08 Courtney Crooks 27 Braden Baker08 Mike Weiser 28 Joyce Austin09 Tammy Alexander 29 Arlice Smith11 Karen Wheat 30 Joyce Tanner12 Sammi Ford12 Heidi Reeves

If you are unable to serve on your scheduled Sunday, inform your team captain and the church office. (421-4790 or

Surrounding in prayer Our nation’s leaders and militaryChurch Ministers & StaffRegional Church StaffCody PageAndrew Shipps (Iona’s grandson)

Sympathy and Prayers for the family and friends of Jim Hill

Care Homes/HomeboundEunice Blaich Doris BrennerJimmy Dodds Naida HarperRutheen Hammack Crystal JumpGeorge Mattox Londa MetcalfJune Miller Anona MosseJoe Nance Bertha ProffittNina Schiefelbusch Iona ShippsJack & Lacreta Stice Joyce TannerMartha Tredway Frances WhineryBarbara Wills Mary Zwink

Health Concerns:Bryleigh Beardmore Eunice Blaich Jean Boss Erlene CaresDiane Crooks Sherrie ColtrainSharon Dillinger Doris DrummondDorothy Feagan Carol FincherMickey Hataway Bill HogelinCarol Hoyt Lewis HoytNancy Miller Sharon RyanArlice Smith Jack SmithLaVeta Wass Ann WilkinsonBarbara Wills Betty Wills

Our friends with continuing concerns:Sam Blubaugh (Betty Thomas’ friend)Rick BussingerKarla CarlJenny Clemons (Joyce Austin’s friend)Debbie DepewJustin EubanksMark HarperBill Hood (Marian Johnson’s brother)Justin Langston (Jason’s nephew)Kevin Mosier (Barbara Mosier’s son)Tony MunozIngrid Schneickert (Jonna Gabbert family member)John Schneickert (Jonna’s dad)Doris Stice (Sherrie Coltrain’s friend)Carole Veenis (Dori Howerter’ friend)Mike Walters (Sandy Nance’s nephew)McKenzie WegnerRoger WegnerDavid Yeardon (Warren Townsend family member)Carl Zink

ELDERS PRAYER LISTAs part of their commitment to pray for each member of FCC, the Elders are remembering these members and their families in prayer during each week (and invite you to join them.)

November 30– December 6David Miller June MillerJim & Nancy Miller Ernest MoneyBarbara Mosier Sally Mosier

December 7 – December 13Anona Mosse John & Brenda Mulberry June Nance Joe & Sandy NanceBettie Nash Tony & Becky Nash December 14 – December 20Allen & Marsha Ogle Betty OlmsteadJudy Panek Lois Parker

Leonard& Gertrude Porterfield David & Ruth Ports

December 21 – December 27Bertha Proffitt Linda RailsbackAllene Ramey Mitch & Gina RameyMichele Ramirez Lori Ray

December 28 – January 3Mike & Jewell Reed David & Tammy ReelDavid & Jean Reeves Gene & Janet RexwinkleBarbara Robbins Randy & Jolene Roberts

First Christian Church1500 S 29th St. Parsons KS 67357(620) 421-4790 (Church Office)

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Ladies, join us for the Disciple Women’s Merry Christmas Luncheon on Tuesday, December 8 at Noon.

Non-Profit OrganizationPermit # 16

US Postage PaidParsons KS 67357