Pastor’s Pen: Practicing Generosity Someone once asked why our nation has to set aside a day in November for giving thanks. Shouldn't we be thankful all the time? Yes, we should. But we aren't. The habit of gratitude has to be practiced. Growing our "thankful muscle" keeps us open to God's goodness and prevents us from veering off into self-pity, negativity and complaining. As November arrives, I'm thankful for many things. On behalf of our staff, I want to thank you for honoring us during Pastor Appreciation Month. Your thoughtful notes and generous gifts are blessings to each of us. What a privilege to serve here, with you! My "gratitude attitude" continues as I think about your faithful stewardship and sacrificial giving all through 2015. This generosity makes possible ministries far and wide (and deep). During November, we each will have the opportunity to think about our financial commitment for 2016. We will discuss our proposed 2016 church budget and take part in a catch-up offering, to help us reach our 2015 giving target. I'll be preaching a sermon series Nov. 8-22 entitled SOWING GRATITUDE, HARVESTING BLESSINGS. When my family was farming in North Missouri, we would buy seed corn in the spring. We never really considered that purchase an expense; we saw it as an investment in the future. Our church budget is not about expenses; it's about investments. At a workshop I recently attended, I heard a consultant share three ways in which large, older, downtown churches are experiencing turnaround and revitalization: vibrant worship, radical hospitality and extreme commitment to preschool, children and youth ministry. By those measures, we are on our way. But we are not "there" yet. We must continue to invest in those initiatives--and many others--in order to have a harvest of lives for God's Kingdom. Grace, [ November 8 ] IMAGINE IF CONGREGATIONAL CONVERSATION [ November 26 ] COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING MEAL 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM [ November 29] CHRISMON DONATIONS
Transcript
Pastor’s Pen: Practicing Generosity Someone once asked why our nation has to set aside a day in November for giving thanks. Shouldn't we be thankful all the time? Yes, we should. But we aren't. The habit of gratitude has to be practiced. Growing our "thankful muscle" keeps us open to God's goodness and prevents us from veering off into self-pity, negativity and complaining.
As November arrives, I'm thankful for many things. On behalf of our staff, I want to thank you for honoring us during Pastor Appreciation Month. Your thoughtful notes and generous gifts are blessings to each of us. What a privilege to serve here, with you!
My "gratitude attitude" continues as I think about your faithful stewardship and sacrificial giving all through 2015. This generosity makes possible ministries far and wide (and deep). During November, we each will have the opportunity to think about our financial commitment for 2016. We will discuss our proposed 2016 church budget and take part in a catch-up offering, to help us reach our 2015 giving target. I'll be preaching a sermon series Nov. 8-22 entitled SOWING GRATITUDE, HARVESTING BLESSINGS.
When my family was farming in North Missouri, we would buy seed corn in the spring. We never really considered that purchase an expense; we saw it as an investment in the future. Our church budget is not about expenses; it's about investments.
At a workshop I recently attended, I heard a consultant share three ways in which large, older, downtown churches are experiencing turnaround and revitalization: vibrant worship, radical hospitality and extreme commitment to preschool, children and youth ministry. By those measures, we are on our way. But we are not "there" yet. We must continue to invest in those initiatives--and many others--in order to have a harvest of lives for God's Kingdom. Grace,
The rhythm of sowing and harvesting is lived out in our lives as we gratefully invest our lives and our substance, reaping the harvest of untold blessings. Those blessings yield more gratitude, leading us to share more, and thus the cycle of sowing and harvesting continues. Join us November 8, 15, and 22 for this series.
CATCH-UP OFFERING COMMITMENT SUNDAY
MISSIONS
A Lakota child smiles upon receiving her
Christmas box.
DONATE A CHRISTMAS SHOE BOX: The shoe box display is located in the Narthex near the Welcome Center. Pick up a box, fill and return. (Instructions can be found inside each box). DURING THE WEEK, return to the Church Office. ON SUNDAY, November 29 or December 6, place at the front of the Sanctuary. The LAST DAY gifts will be collected is Monday, December 7.
GO WITH US TO DELIVER CHRISTMAS TO PINE RIDGE: Dates: Thursday, December 10 - Monday, December 14.
Cost: $275 (includes everything except a few meals on the road.) There are some partial scholarships available for FBC members.
How to Sign Up: Go to www.fbcjc.org/serve/missions to download a Mission Trip Registration form. By Friday, November 20, complete the form and return it to the Church Office, along with a deposit of $75. The remaining $200 is due by Tuesday, December 1.
Youth: Youth Choir and Youth Praise Team - Sunday afternoons
Children: Children’s Choirs - Wednesdays, 4:15-5:00pm; age 4 through 6th grade
Volunteer Opportunities: Sound Techs and Projection Techs - contact Rod if you’d like to help.
If you’d like to help decorate the Sanctuary for Advent, you can purchase a poinsettia in memory or honor of someone. They are $10 each; orders will be taken through Monday, November 16. Contact the Church Office.
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MISSIONS CONTINUED
2016 KENYA MISSION TRIP Dates: Saturday, June 25 - Thursday, July 7, 2016
Cost: $3,200*
$500 deposit due by January 15; Balance due by June 1.
PEOPLE OVER PROJECTS. That is the heartbeat of all our mission partnerships. We love and encourage our
Kenya partners. We spend a lot of time with the children - playing, listening, teaching sharing Bible stories and crafts. We also work on some construction projects as needed and do teacher training. There is plenty of variety for folks to be involved in and you are needed.
*US Passport and certain immunizations are required and not included in the cost.
Contact Melissa Hatfield with questions. Some partial scholarships are available for FBC church members.
PAGE 4 Praise & WORSHIP
Special Events During Advent
CHRISMON DONATIONS 8:15 and 10:45am, Sanctuary Donations of nonperishable food will go to the Samaritan Center, new, unwrapped toys will go to Familia Cristiana Internacional families in need and the Samaritan Center, and money will go to our South Dakota partnership.
SERVICE OF COMFORT 4:00pm, Duke Chapel Honor and celebrate the life of your loved one. Child care not provided.
WINTER MUSIC NIGHT 6:00pm, Fellowship Hall Singing old holiday favorites. Child care not provided.
WORSHIP HIM - CHRIST THE SAVIOR IS BORN! 8:15 and 10:45am, Sanctuary. Musical presented by FBC Adult Choir and Orchestra. Child care provided for birth-age 3.
YOUTH DESSERT THEATER 6:00pm, Fellowship Hall Relaxed evening featuring the FBC youth and holiday treats. Child care not provided.
WORSHIP AND CHILDREN’S CHOIRS CHRISTMAS PROGRAM 8:15 and 10:45am, Sanctuary Child care provided for birth-age 3.
CHRISTMAS CAROLING 6:00pm, meet in the Café Transportation provided to sing around town. Child care not provided.
CANDLELIGHT LORD’S SUPPER SERVICE Sanctuary 5:30pm | Preservice Music 6:00pm | Service Child care provided for birth-age 3.
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discovering God’s vision beyond our
wildest dreams
Congregational LIFE
Imagine If Congregational Conversation. Please join us for our third congregational conversation as we continue to
discover God’s vision beyond our wildest dreams. This is an exciting session as we dream together about our future. Please pray and ask God to share with all of us God-sized dreams for our church and our community.
Lunch will be served at 11:45am, followed by guided table conversations from 12:30 - 2:00pm. Child care will be provided for children birth - elementary.
PAGE 5
Bible Teaching Attendance Worship Attendance Offering September 27 390 September 27 481 September 27 $11,667.32
October 4 472 October 4 552 October 4 $50,193.62
October 11 468 October 11 502 October 11 $61,204.87
October 18 406 October 18 484 October 18 $25,160.81
October 25 436 October 25 547 October 25 $17,014.79
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Inclement Weather Policy To find out if FBC is closed, or will be closing early due to severe weather, please check:
Church answering machine: 573.634.3603
Web site: fbcjc.org
Social media: facebook.com/fbcjc _____ twitter@fbcjc
Local TV stations: krcgtv.com ____________________ komu.com
Local radio station: kwos.com
A special Bits & Bytes will be sent, when possible.
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Thanksgiving Schedule COMMUNITY WORSHIP SERVICE CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED 4:00pm First Christian Church, 327 East Capitol Avenue
NO WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON OR EVENING CHURCH BUILDING WILL BE CLOSED
ACTIVITIES
COMMUNITY MEAL 11:00am - 1:00pm, Fellowship Hall The meal is FREE, but monetary donations are appreciated.
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED to help with food prep, filling plates and to go boxes, delivering meals, greeting and seating guests, serving and clean up.
SIGN UP in your Bible Teaching class or contact the Church Office.
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Welcome New Member
Leo Long
In Sympathy Laverne McKim and family in the death of her brother
Family and friends of William Emerson
Family and friends of Miriam Fuller
Rod Maples and family in the death of his father
Congregational LIFE PAGE 6
All Saints Day occurs each year on November 1. It is a time to remember all who’ve gone before
us and to say that every life matters to God; every person has a name, a history, an identity and a life purpose. May we always honor those who have gone before us, and in the words of the song, “May all who come behind us find us faithful.”
In Remembrance Of Patsy Banner William Emerson Norma Lenon Vicky Rakes John Branstetter Miriam Fuller Lisa Lilley Alice Robinson May Lavern Carson Ken Kellar Roy Lilley Norlin Sager Janice Eggemeyer Carmen Kenney Marlis Meyer Lou Nell Willis
Welcome New Staff Member Carol Kaylor is our new Financial Assistant. Carol and her husband, Doug, have been active members of FBC for six years. They have two children, and two grandchildren.
As a Licensed Certified Public Accountant with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, Carol has a long history of service to state agencies and nonprofit organizations. She will be serving FBC on a part-time basis, and we’re so pleased to have her on our staff. Carol can be reached at 573.634.3603, or [email protected].
WELCOME, CAROL !
Join us as we support the Pregnancy Help Center
Beginning Sunday, November 1, pick up a baby bottle from the Narthex. Take it home and fill it with change, cash or a check made out to “FBC.”
Filled bottles will be collected all through November. Return them to the Narthex on Sundays, or to the Church Office during the week.
100% of all donations will be given to our local partner, the Pregnancy Help Center (www.phcjeffersoncity.com). The PHC offers hope and support to women making choices about unplanned pregnancies.
Children’s MINISTRY
PAGE 7 Youth MINISTRY
Refuge Fall Retreat Our Fall Retreat theme is GROWING SMALLER based on John 3:30
that says Christ must increase and we must decrease.
Dates: November 13-15 Cost: $65 Location: Logan Valley in Ellington, MO Who: All youth in grades 7-12
REGISTRATION ENDS Friday, November 6. Invite some friends and join us for one of the best weekends all year!
* For additional information, go to www.refugejc.com.
Family Mission Project FBC families are invited to participate in a
fleece blanket-making project from 9am-noon. The blankets we make will be donated to both local hospitals. Chaplains will share the blankets with families in need of extra love and support. If you can join us, contact Hannah or the Church Office by Thursday, November 5.
Parents Night Out Children age 2 - 6th grade are invited to a
CHRISTMAS WORKSHOP! We’ll be making gifts for family and friends from 6-9pm in the Gym. Dinner will be served. To register, contact Hannah or the Church Office by Monday, December 7.
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Way to go First Kids! In October, our First Kids (elementary) hosted our
First Friends (preschool) one Wednesday night. They had a pirate-themed game night, with older children leading and teaching the younger children. We are SO PROUD of our First Kids for welcoming, leading, and loving our First Friends.
THANK YOU TO OUR LEADERS! Debbie Blythe Bethshan Strawderman David Coe Shawn Strawderman Jeff Feeler Jolene Wingrath Cherita Heller
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REFUGE GAME NIGHT Join us for our monthly game night from 6-7:30pm in the FBC Gym.
REFUGE MISSION PROJECT Join us in The Refuge from 6-7:30pm as we work on a project for our Thanksgiving Community Meal. We will also have some Thanksgiving Family Fun.
NO SOULED OUT due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
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We had a great time at our Autumn Awesomeness Party at the home of Russ and Cindy Swanigan.
BOY SCOUT SPAGHETTI DINNER 5-8pm in the Fellowship Hall. Cost is $7, children 6 and under eat for FREE.
UPWARD PRACTICE BEGINS THIS WEEK! Your child’s coach will let you know what day and time practice is. If you haven’t heard from your coach by Monday, November 30, call the Church Office.
SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING/BUDGET VOTE 5:45pm, Fellowship Hall.
NO UPWARD PRACTICE
SAVE THE DATE
Coming up in DECEMBER
CHURCH OFFICE WILL CLOSE AT NOON
CHURCH BUILDING WILL BE CLOSED
YEAR-END GIFTS In order to be credited to 2015 giving, all gifts must be in the Church Office by noon.
Friendship Singers Day Trip
Baptist Home, Chillicothe VA Home, Mexico
If you signed up to go, we’ll leave lower lot at 6:30am and return at 4:00pm.
Bring money for lunch.
2016 New Orleans Mission Trip There’s still time to sign up! If you’d like to join the Friendship Singers, contact the Church Office. The cost is $1,200 each.
Homebound Birthday Stuart Exon Castleparke 2 319 Pioneer Trail Room 101 Jefferson City, MO 65109
Nursing Home Worship Jim Nelson recently coordinated a new ministry,
providing a worship service to two local nursing homes. Assisting are Rod Maples, Don Johnson, Sonya Hollingsworth, Marge Van Horn and Jeanie McGowan.
If this is something you’d be interested in helping with or learning more about, contact Jim or Rod. The current schedule is:
OAK TREE VILLAS 9:30-10:00am 1st Thursday of the month ADAMS STREET 1:30-2:00pm 3rd Thursday of the month
