Pastoral Ponderings

Dear FCC Family,

In this moment of significant economic and financial upheaval, I want to update you on the church's own financial

position, critical steps our leaders have taken to encourage stability, and my hopes for how the future may yet unfold.

As a congregation, we strive to be wise stewards of our resources and that allows us to navigate through this storm from

a place of relative strength. Reviewing our March giving numbers reveals that your generosity remains steadfast. I am

grateful for the priority so many place on supporting First Christian Church. That being said, our endowment has taken a

dramatic, but hopefully temporary, decline that is worrisome in terms of potential implications should the market fail to

quickly rebound. Additionally, there are other revenue streams within our budget - such as fees groups pay to use our

facilities for sports activities and meetings - that we know will fall short of what was budgeted for 2020.

The challenge facing us - like so many other households, businesses, and non-profits - is great uncertainty about the

future. Nobody can predict if the worst is behind us or still yet to come. Not knowing how this will unfold requires us to

make the best decisions we can to ensure the long-term vitality of our work and witness. Here are some of the steps

taken thus far:

1. Spending Reductions: Staff and leaders have been encouraged to limit spending to the greatest extent possible.

We are putting off non-essential purchases and projects, while doing what is necessary for the functioning of our

ministries and the upkeep of our facilities. I know this sounds obvious, but in moments of crisis it is critical to get the

basics right.

2. Encouraging Giving: We continue to promote the option of giving online. Many have chosen to fulfill their pledge

through a recurring monthly gift, which can be set up at www.firstchristianjcmo.org/donate. I am also thankful that our

members understand the importance to the congregation of fulfilling stewardship commitments, even when we cannot

gather for in-person worship. We have also received several above-and-beyond gifts from those who are at a place in

their financial lives where offering those is not a hardship. Every gift, of whatever size and circumstance, is celebrated!

3. Participation in the Paycheck Protection Program: The recent stimulus bill enacted by Congress and signed by the

President included a program to help small businesses and non-profits maintain their staffing levels until the economy

was able to "re-open" from the pandemic. The Small Business Administration put out specific guidelines inviting

churches to participate. Leaders from wider church networks, our financial advisers, and members of our own

congregation who work in the financial sector all encouraged FCC to pursue this option for increased financial certainty.

In consultation with the Board, we applied for and subsequently received a loan through the PPP program to help us

meet payroll obligations (including First Steps staff) for a two-month period. (continued)

327 East Capitol Avenue, Jefferson City, Missouri 65101 -3003 (573-636-5157)

April 22, 2020 VOL. 76, ISSUE 9

Pastoral Ponderings (continued)

If you are like me, receiving funding from the government to operate the church makes you a little uncomfortable.

But there are no "strings" attached that alter our ministry. Churches have been asked to do their part in fighting the

pandemic through disruptions, closures, and social distancing, so it is understandable that they would also be eligible

for this relief. I know many other congregations have followed a similar path. Provided we utilize this loan for eligible

operational expenses, it converts to a grant and the original loan amount is forgiven.

In recent days - after our application was processed - some of the program's operations and disbursements have

become a source of controversy. The initial rounds of funds have also been exhausted, though Congress and the

Administration intend to extend the program. I would humbly request that we strive to separate the larger political

debates, as important as those are, from the specific decision by our congregation to participate.

If the worst case scenarios prove true, then these funds will be essential to ensuring our church life continues

uninterrupted. If those fears prove unfounded, then we can "pay this forward" by utilizing funds that would have gone

to operational expenses for mission, property, and other needs that will stimulate our local economy and assist

vulnerable people. What we certainly will not be doing is using these resources for a rainy day fund. For our leaders -

myself first and foremost - who have accepted a fiduciary duty to financially steward our congregation, there was a

consensus that pursuing this opportunity appeared to be the wisest course in light of the uncertainty we faced.

Finally, it is important to state explicitly that receiving this loan/grant does not relieve us, as a congregation, of the

responsibility to sustain our collective ministry. While extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures, more ordinary

times will return. Our focus cannot be limited to institutional maintenance but must always be on the thriving we find

from worshiping God, growing in faith, and serving all in need.

4. Other Grant Opportunities: I was delighted to receive news that our grant request to the National Benevolent

Association, the social service arm of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), was fully funded for $3,000. These

resources are designated for our food pantry, as we anticipate a greater need from clients suffering hardship through

this season of turmoil. Depending on how that need develops, there is the possibility of renewing the grant twice,

meaning we may ultimately receive $9,000 in support for the pantry. In the days and weeks ahead, I am going to explore

what other grant options might exist for enhancing our congregational life.

As always, I am happy to answer questions or talk in further detail about any or all of this. What I hope this note conveys

is a commitment to communication and transparency in a time when that is more difficult than normal, a continued

desire to make cautious and prudent financial decisions, and a hope that our collective perseverance through this ordeal

will result in a witness that remains vibrant for the long haul.

Thank you for the many ways you share and give to First Christian Church. Like all of you, I am eager for a return to a

relative normalcy in our lives and our ministry.

Steadfast in hope,

Rev. Beau

O UR CHURCH FAMILY

We pray for these

Beverly Anderson, Reba Brandenburg, John Griffith,

Norma Hasselman, Jeanette Hickman, Shirley Jarrett,

the Mann family, June Millard, Jim Morris, Vivian Murphy,

Jackie Possinger, Patty Renn, Jessie Schell, Betty Schramm,

John Siegler, Pat Strader, Barbara Walker, Jerry West,

Loise White, Janice Wood, Doris Yelton, Jean Zimmerman

Individuals will be kept on our prayer list for four weeks at a time.

At the end of four weeks, please give Kathy a call at 573.636.5157

or email her Kathy@firstchristianjcmo.org, if you would like

continued prayers for an individual. Thank you!

Our Members in Care Centers

THE ARBORS AT WESTBROOK TERRACE

Rita Connell

BLUEGRASS TERRACE

Glenda Crow

CASTLE PARK RETIREMENT CENTER

Shirley Jarrett

HEISINGER

Richard Carroll

Shirley Ferguson

John Griffith

Barbara Nikodyn

Norma Woodson

JC MANOR

Jackie Possinger

PRIMROSE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Norma Hasselman

Wendell & Myra Hubbs

Jessie Schell

RIVER CITY LIVING COMMUNITY

Marguerite Smith ST. JOSEPH’S BLUFFS Doris Yelton

OUR HOMEBOUND MEMBERS

Reba Brandenburg

Mariam Craddock

Terry Fockler

Patty Renn

Jean Zimmerman

OUR OUT-OF-TOWN MEMBERS

Eleanor Ballew

Betty Schramm

APRIL

22

Gene Enslen

Greg Wood

Doug & Jenny Hagenhoff 23

Darlene Charles

24

Susie Yarnell

25

Rev. Sarah Kingsbery

26

Nermina Harris

Charles Highland

Mike & Cathy Crocker 27

28

Judy Naught 29

30

Eva Pratt

Betty Schramm

MAY

1

2

Rev. Beau Underwood

Richard & Alicea Mullen

3

Miranda Fishback

Shane McClain

4

Jenny Hagenhoff

5

6

7

Juanita DIetle

Norma Woodson

8

9

Jon Alexander

10

11

Jesse Schell

Gail Watkins

12

Craig & Heather Giles

13

14

15

Paige Nolte

John & Barbara Kuebler

16

Otis & Dot Baker

17

Alice Durbin

18

Rebecca Frye

19

Sydney Foutes

20

Blake Snyder

21

22

Allie Claycomb

23

Grace Lepper

Tracy McClard

Chris Sheppard

24

Mark & Jana Millard 25

Bob & Vivian Murphy 26

27

28

Kathy Speidel

Peggy Veatch

29

Larissa Jackson

Bob Robuck Mickey & Barb Gage

30

Molly Miller

Russ & Kathy Dunwiddie 31

Craig Giles

Birthdays and Anniversaries

ADMINISTRATIVE

BOARD MEETING

MAY 12TH @ 5:30PM

One Church Many Places Schedule

Here are some ways you can connect with others in our church during this time. We will adjust or add to these as

needed. If you need help accessing any of these resources, please contact Rev. Beau or Rev. Sarah.

SUNDAYS

10AM Facebook Live Worship at facebook.com/fccjcmo

You do not need a Facebook account to access the live stream

Videos will be posted to wwww.firstchristianjcmo.org/onechurcharchive by Monday afternoon

MONDAYS

6:15PM Prayer Phone Call

We will use these calls to share joys and concerns and pray for and with one another

Call (712) 775-7270 and enter access code 444928

See Instructions for using freeconferencecall.com for more information

WEDNESDAYS

11:00AM Chat with the Ministers (for Kids)

Kids are invited to join Rev. Beau and Rev. Sarah on a Zoom call to check in with each one another and

have fun on a short lesson

Zoom Meeting Room 220 228 6773, password 327 or by using this link: https://zoom.us/j/2202286773

2-3PM Virtual Office Hour on Zoom

"Drop in" and chat with Rev. Beau or Rev. Sarah

Zoom Meeting Room 220 228 6773 (For our Zoom Meeting Room password, contact Rev. Beau, Rev. Sarah,

or the church office)

See instructions for using Zoom for more information

6:30PM Bible Study

Join us for a discussion of the scripture for this coming Sunday

Zoom Meeting Room 220 228 6773 (For our Zoom Meeting Room password, contact Rev. Beau, Rev. Sarah,

or the church office)

See instructions for using Zoom for more information

THURSDAYS

10:15AM Prayer Phone call

We will use these calls to share joys and concerns and pray for and with one another

Call (712) 775-7270 and enter access code 444928

See instructions for using freeconferencecall.com for more information

Instructions for using Zoom

(with thanks to Phil Snider)

Zoom works for electronic devices (e.g. computer, iPhone, iPad, etc.) and telephones. We will be using Zoom for our

Wednesday night Bible Studies at 6:30PM, meetings and other opportunities to connect.

If you would like to test Zoom on the device you will be using, email Rev. Sarah to set up a Zoom practice session.

- If you use a smart device (smart phone or tablet), download the Zoom Cloud Meetings app in advance.

- If you’re using an electronic device, headphones are recommended in order to decrease feedback.

- Each meeting has a unique nine digit Meeting ID. You need this ID to find the right meeting. (If you are joining by

telephone you also need to know the telephone number to dial). First Christian Jefferson City's meeting ID is

2202286773.

Here are instructions for joining online Zoom meetings using computer, smart device, or telephone:

Via Computer:

(1) Launch your web browser (e.g., Chrome, Safari, Explorer, etc.)

(2) Go to zoom.us

(3) Click on “Join”

(4) Enter the nine digit Meeting ID number 2202286773 (For our Zoom Meeting Room password, contact Rev. Beau,

Rev. Sarah, or the church office.)

(5) If you have downloaded the Zoom app, it will ask for permission to open Zoom. Click "Open Zoom Meetings"

(6) If you did not download the Zoom app and want to use your web browser click "Cancel." Look for where it says

"If nothing prompts from browser, click here to launch the meeting, or download & run Zoom" and click on the "click

here" link. This will launch the meeting in your internet browser.

Via Smart Device (smart phone or tablet):

(1) Download the Zoom Cloud Meeting App

(2) Open App

(3) Click on “Join”

(4) Enter the nine digit Meeting ID number 2202286773 (For our Zoom Meeting Room password, contact Rev. Beau,

Rev. Sarah, or the church office.)

Via Telephone:

(1) Dial one of the following telephone numbers

+1 346 248 7799 US

+1 253 215 8782 US

+1 301 715 8592 US

(2) When prompted enter the nine digit Meeting ID number 2202286773, followed by #

Instructions for using freeconferencecall.com

Phone:

Call (712) 775-7270 and enter access code 444928 to join the conference call

If you get a busy signal, text “help” to the number above to get an alternate phone number to call

or

Download the mobile app Free Conference Call (Carrier X LLC) for Apple or Android to call in over a WiFi connection

Computer:

Download the desktop app at https://www.freeconferencecall.com/downloads

Click Join, enter your name, email address and meeting ID fccjcmo

PRAY EACH DAY

During this time, let us be intentional about praying for those who are affected by this global emergency.

SUNDAYS

Pray for those who are sick, whether at home, in hospitals, struggling to receive the care they need due to shortage of equipment,

beds, and supplies, isolated from loved ones, and unsure what the future holds. Pray for their healing and for others to not get sick.

MONDAYS

Pray for the healers, all those who are making it possible for people to receive health care - cleaning staff, nurses, technicians,

doctors, therapists, chaplains, and administrators who are putting themselves at risk to care for others. Pray for the researchers and

experts who are seeking answers to difficult questions, treatments, and a vaccine.

TUESDAYS

Pray for workers, those who are working at "essential businesses" and making sure others have food and other supplies and services,

those who are unable to work right now because their workplaces have been closed and do not know when they work again, for

workers who do not have paid sick leave or childcare and must make difficult decisions. Pray for safety and the easing of financial

stress.

WEDNESDAYS

Pray for leaders - government leaders, corporate leaders, non-profit leaders, and all others who are making decisions that affect large

groups of people with changing information and multiple interests to juggle. May they lead with wisdom and compassion.

THURSDAYS

Pray for educators and students who are finding new ways to teach and learn. Pray for students who have lost their safe space due to

school closures and teachers who are caring for students from afar. Pray for those who are working to make sure students cont inue to

be fed and have access to the resources they need and for parents who now have to add teacher to their responsibilities.

FRIDAYS

Pray for the vulnerable such as those in our community who lack access to shelter, clean water and soap, a place to isolate

themselves, food, and other resources. Pray for those who do not have a safe place to go and for those with health conditions that

make them more susceptible to getting sick.

SATURDAYS

Pray for us all, whether we are alone or in a full house, we are facing major changes and stress. Pray for those who are finding ways to

help, those who are facing mental health struggles, those who are overwhelmed, scared, and worried. Pray for all of us as we seek to

make good choices for the benefit of our neighbors.

Congregational Easter Coloring Project

Need something creative to do this week? Want to be part of putting together a

congregational puzzle? Have a printer and some coloring supplies? Rev. Sarah

has about 24 tiles left to be colored for the mosaic Easter poster we will

display when we regather as a community. Email her at sarah@firstchristian

jcmo.org, and she will send you a PDF to print out and color. All coloring skill

levels welcome! The full picture we are coloring looks like the one to your left.

Summer Mission Trip

The Disciples Summer Mission trip to Memphis, Tennessee has been canceled by the organizers. Rev. Sarah and Tracy

are working on alternative plans for our youth to have an opportunity to be engaged in mission this summer.

Summer Camp Update

At this time, Mid-America Disciples Summer Camps have not been canceled. The Region and Camp Directors plan to

announce plans by June 1. The CYF Camp at Camp Jo-Ota has been postponed, new dates will be released as soon as

possible.

At this time, churches and individuals are encouraged to register for camp “as normal.” However, in recognition of

difficult and stressful financial uncertainty, people who register through our online ACTIVE portal will only need to pay

$20 to hold your registration spot, with the balance due at camp time. If the camp is cancelled, monies will be refunded.

The $20 registration does not apply to Our Bodies, Our Faith the came for 8th graders. Please let Rev. Sarah know if you

want to register your 8th grader for camp, or if you have any other questions.

To register for camp, visit http://www.mid-americadisciples.org/summer.

Needing Your Help, please!

In an effort to stay in touch with each one in our congregation, we are working on updating the directory as fully as

possible. One very important way of connecting with each other is to be able to put a face with a name. There are some

members who do not have pictures in the directory. We would love to have a picture for every family or individual.

Will you please take a moment right now and check your information in our church directory. If you see any changes

we should make including addresses, emails and phones, please call Kathy in the church office (573-636-5157) or email

her the updated information at firstchristianjcmo@gmail.com. If you already have a picture but would like to change it,

you can email a new one to Kathy, and she will be happy to update that for you.

Thank you for your assistance.

Food For Thought (Shared from Venita Jackson, Lay Minister)

An old man meets a young man who asks, “Do you remember me?” The old man says, “No.” Then the young man tells

him he was his student. The teacher asks, “What do you do, what do you do in life?” The young man answers, “Well,

I became a teacher.” “Ah, how good, like me?”, asks the old man. “Well, Yes. In fact, I became a teacher because you

inspired me to be like you.” The old man, curious, asks the young man at what time he decided to become a teacher.

The young man tells him the following story:

“One day, a friend of mine, also a student, came in with a nice new watch, and I decided I wanted it and I stole it. I took it

out of his pocket. Shortly after, my friend noticed the flight and immediately complained to our teacher, who was you.

Then you went to the class: ‘This student’s watch was stolen during class today. Whoever stole it, please return it.’”

I didn’t give it back because I didn’t want to. Then you closed the door and told us all to get up and you were going to

search our pockets one by one until the watch was found. But you told us to close our eyes because you would only look

for his watch if we all had our eyes closed. So we did, and you went from pocket to pocket until you found the watch

and took it. You kept searching everyone’s pockets, and when you were done you said ‘open your eyes. We have the

watch.’ You didn’t tell me and you never mentioned the episode. You never said who stole the watch either. That day

you saved my dignity forever. It was the most shameful day of my life. But this is also the day my dignity was saved and

I decided not to become a thief, a bad person. You never said anything nor even scolded me or took me aside to give

me a moral lesson - I received your message clearly. And thanks to you, I understood what a real educator needs to do.

Do you remember this episode, professor?”

The professor answers: “I remember the situation, the stolen watch, which I was looking for in everyone’s pockets, but I

didn’t remember you because I also closed my eyes while looking.”

This is the essence of teaching: If to correct you must humiliate, you don’t know how to teach.

SENIOR MINISTER Rev. Beau Underwood Beau@firstchristianjcmo.org

ASSOCIATE MINISTER Rev. Sarah Kingsbery Sarah@firstchristianjcmo.org

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRY Gretchen Huedepohl Gretchen@firstchristianjcmo.org

YOUTH DIRECTOR Tracy McClard Tracy@firstchristianjcmo.org

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Kathy Speidel Kathy@firstchristianjcmo.org

FACILITY & GROUNDS COORDINATOR Scott Campbell Scott@firstchristianjcmo.org

BELL CHOIR DIRECTOR Terri Lloyd Terri.schenkel.lloyd@gmail.com

ACCOMPANIST Scot Stout blueeyedbear@aol.com

CHILD CARE COORDINATOR Missy Mann gohuskermann@yahoo.com

FIRST STEPS DIRECTOR Amanda Pennewell Firststepsjc@gmail.com

WEBSITES YOU NEED TO STAY CONNECTED

Mid-America Updates: http://www.mid-americadisciples.org/newsletter-signup/ Disciples News Service Updates: http://disciples.org/dns/subscribe -to-dns/

“The Church Bell” (UPS 110-580) by First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Jefferson City, Missouri, is published bi-weekly and there is no issue the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Periodicals paid at Jefferson City, Missouri. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Editor/Church Secretary, First Christian Church, 327 East Capitol Avenue, Jefferson City, Missouri 65101.

Gluten-free Communion Bread is now

available on the communion trays

in paper cups.

Financial Records and Questions Questions related to giving and church finances should be sent to finance@firstchristianjcmo.org. We have contracted with CALD services, a local accounting firm specializing in religious non-profits, to provide these critical functions.

Who Are We? We call ourselves Disciples, a community of believers who follow Jesus by

worshiping God, growing in faith, and serving all in need. Bound to each other in Christ’s love,

CONTACT US AT 327 East Capitol Avenue Jefferson City, Missouri 65101 Phone: (573) 636-5157 Fax: (573) 893-5608 firstchristianjcmo.org

FINANCIAL Finance@firstchristianjcmo.org

facebook.com/fccjcmo

AFTER HOURS EMERGENCIES: Please contact Rev. Underwood at 815-303-1990 Non-emergency church-related items after working hours, Monday thru Friday 8AM to 5PM, we have voice mail. Please feel free to call the church (573-636-5157) at any time and leave a message. NOTE: IF YOU LEAVE A MESSAGE ON THE ANSWERING MACHINE ON FRIDAY (AFTER 5PM), SATURDAY, OR SUNDAY, IT WILL NOT BE CHECKED UNTIL MONDAY

MORNING. THANK YOU.

The next Church Bell will

be sent May 6, 2020.

(Articles are due by noon

the Monday before)

PLEASE HELP KEEP THE CHURCH OFFICE UP -TO-DATE!

Be sure to give the office any updates of your

address, emails and/or phone numbers.

Buy groceries….help support youth ministry!

Sign up for a Community Card at Schnuck’s grocery store

Here’s what you can do:

Pick up a Community Card at Schnucks or at FCC.

Call 1-800-931-6258 to activate your group I.D. #500015450

Use your Community Card when you buy groceries

You may also give online at firstchristianjcmo.org/donate