Volume 38, Issue 5 March 6, 2013 The Advance is the official publication of Azle Christian Church 117 Church Street Azle, Texas 76020-3107 Ph 817.444.3527Fax 817.444.4537 Office Mon-Thurs 8:00 am—3:30 pm Website www.azlechristianchurch.org Senior Minister Rev. Dr. Alan Lobaugh [email protected]C: 817-781-2346 Youth Minister Will Ryan 515-326-1255 [email protected]Church Secretary Susan Hoffman 817.444.3527 [email protected]Music Director Holly Davis [email protected]Organist Gini Chesney 817.597.7185 [email protected]Kids Hope USA Director Diane Weger [email protected]Parents Day Out Director Jana Howell [email protected]Board Officers: Jan Flavin, Matthew Hudman Heidi Hudman, Jennifer Ipser Elder Chair Lisa Lingo Nancy Robbins, Dannie Davis Mark Hiles, Sondra Williams, George Addington Chris Piercy, Rick Seeds Elder Emeritus Wendal Hoover, Paul Reed Inside This Issue Membership News all Statistics & Serving Lists 2 Youth News 4 Ministry News all Committee news 3-6 Notices 4,5,6 Prayer Concerns 7 The Power of Optimism Emily Esfahani Smith wrote an article in The Atlantic titled “The Benefits of Optimism Are Real.” I found it fascinating. You can read the full text on line at The Atlantic or go to my Facebook page where I posted a link. Without repro- ducing the whole article here, I’d like to give you some of her main points. She begins with a review of two movies: “The Life of Pi” and “Silver Linings Playbook,” both of which I highly recommend. In her article Smith writes about the importance of having a positive outlook, even in difficult circumstances. She writes that this positive outlook is the most important predictor of resilience – the ability of people to recover from trauma. “People who are resilient tend to be more positive and optimistic compared to less-resilient folks.” She cites a study by Dr. Dennis Charney, who examined around 750 Vietnam War veterans who had been held as prisoners of war in some extremely cruel settings. These men did not exhibit the same depression or posttraumatic stress as their fellow veterans. He found that optimism, along with altruism, humor and having a purpose in life were all significant factors in their mental health recovery. Smith also refers to the work of James Pennebaker, a psychological researcher at the University of Texas in Austin. Through a study where he asked people to write about the darkest, most traumatic experience of their lives, he found that the people who searched for meaning in the experience; people who were trying to learn from it, had fewer trips to the doctor and hospitals over the next year than others who dwelt on the trauma. Contrary to popular belief: just venting about the problem doesn’t move a person toward health. Lastly, Smith quotes Barbara Fredrickson, a psychological researcher at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Resilient people are good at trans- forming negative feelings about the situation into positive ones. A part of being resilient is allowing your mind to soar and open up to the positive influences in your surroundings. That begins a process of looking at the world in new and refreshing ways. It counteracts the negativity of a situation which acts like blinders. The blinders cover one’s field of vision in order to focus on what is just ahead. The blinders keep an individual from being able to see the big picture, Optimism and resilience are the factors that remove the blinders and open up a world of possibilities. And with a brilliant mix of optimism and hope I close with a phrase I’ve seen on the walls at Cook Children’s Hospital: “Don’t tell me the sky’s the limit … when there are footprints on the moon!” Wishing you a March filled with optimism and resilience, Alan
Jan Flavin, Matthew Hudman Heidi Hudman, Jennifer Ipser
Elder Chair Lisa Lingo
Nancy Robbins, Dannie Davis Mark Hiles, Sondra Williams,
George Addington
Chris Piercy, Rick Seeds
Elder Emeritus Wendal Hoover,
Paul Reed
Inside This Issue
Membership News all
Statistics & Serving Lists 2
Youth News 4
Ministry News all
Committee news 3-6
Notices 4,5,6
Prayer Concerns 7
The Power of Optimism
Emily Esfahani Smith wrote an article in The Atlantic titled “The Benefits of Optimism Are Real.” I found it fascinating. You can read the full text on line at The Atlantic or go to my Facebook page where I posted a link. Without repro-ducing the whole article here, I’d like to give you some of her main points. She begins with a review of two movies: “The Life of Pi” and “Silver Linings Playbook,” both of which I highly recommend. In her article Smith writes about the importance of having a positive outlook, even in difficult circumstances. She writes that this positive outlook is the most important predictor of resilience – the ability of people to recover from trauma. “People who are resilient tend to be more positive and optimistic compared to less-resilient folks.” She cites a study by Dr. Dennis Charney, who examined around 750 Vietnam War veterans who had been held as prisoners of war in some extremely cruel settings. These men did not exhibit the same depression or posttraumatic stress as their fellow veterans. He found that optimism, along with altruism, humor and having a purpose in life were all significant factors in their mental health recovery. Smith also refers to the work of James Pennebaker, a psychological researcher at the University of Texas in Austin. Through a study where he asked people to write about the darkest, most traumatic experience of their lives, he found that the people who searched for meaning in the experience; people who were trying to learn from it, had fewer trips to the doctor and hospitals over the next year than others who dwelt on the trauma. Contrary to popular belief: just venting about the problem doesn’t move a person toward health. Lastly, Smith quotes Barbara Fredrickson, a psychological researcher at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Resilient people are good at trans-forming negative feelings about the situation into positive ones. A part of being resilient is allowing your mind to soar and open up to the positive influences in your surroundings. That begins a process of looking at the world in new and refreshing ways. It counteracts the negativity of a situation which acts like blinders. The blinders cover one’s field of vision in order to focus on what is just ahead. The blinders keep an individual from being able to see the big picture, Optimism and resilience are the factors that remove the blinders and open up a world of possibilities. And with a brilliant mix of optimism and hope I close with a phrase I’ve seen on the walls at Cook Children’s Hospital: “Don’t tell me the sky’s the limit … when there are footprints on the moon!” Wishing you a March filled with optimism and resilience, Alan
Page 2 Volume 38, Is sue 4
March 10, 2013
Worship Leader Jan Flavin
Table Will Ryan
Bread Elder Lisa Lingo
Wine Elder Mark Hiles
First Greeter Linda Clark
Second Greeter Harry Dekin
Deacon Cathy Snipes
Deacon Kale Sweet
Jr. Deacon Brandon Piercy
Acolyte Kaidyn Henderson
Children’s Moment Jana Howell
Children’s Church Jana Howell
Visitation Serving Deacons
Home Communion Nancy Robbins/Cathy Snipes
March 17, 2013
Worship Leader Becky Stults
Table Alan Lobaugh
Bread Elder Dannie Davis
Wine Elder Chris Piercy
First Greeter Sandra Gallatin
Second Greeter Steven Hightower
Deacon Eddie Weger
Deacon Jennifer Pastre
Jr. Deacon Alex Pastre
Acolyte
Children’s Moment Will Ryan
Children’s Church Matthew Hudman
Visitation Serving Deacons
Home Communion Mark Hiles/Jennifer Pastre
Budget Needs Per Week $4,065.00
Received February24, 2013 $2,851.00
Received March 3, 2013 $5,349.00
Received Year to Date $37,293.49
Actual Expenses Year to Date $37,862.00
Income Over (Under) Expenses -$568.51
Attendance Report
Sunday, February 24, 2013 Sunday School 36
Worship 91
Sunday, March 3, 2013 Sunday School 31
Worship 86
Average Year to Date Sunday School 41
Worship 93
Recycle Reminder
Cans—Aluminum ONLY & rinsed
No Styrofoam containers
Thanks!
Page 3
Lenten Calendar
March 6-Wednesday 6 pm Taize Service-Heritage Chapel 6-8 Youth
6:30 Sponsored meal
7:30 Elders
March 10-Fourth Sunday of Lent After Church-Disciple Class
March 13-Wednesday 6 pm Taize Service-Heritage Chapel 6-8 NO Youth
6:30 Meal
7:30 Cabinet
March 17-Fifth Sunday of Lent After Church-Disciple Class
Youth Sponsored Lunch and Silent Auction
March 20-Wednesday 6pm Taize Service-Heritage Chapel 6-8 Youth
6:30 Meal
7:30 Board
Holy Week March 24-Palm Sunday—Special Offering for EASTER
After Church-
Disciple Class
March 28-Maundy Thursday
7 PM at ACC Joint Worship with FUMC
Seder Meal (RSVP—office)
March 29-Good Friday
7 PM at FUMC Worship with ACC
Seven Last Words of Christ
March 31-EASTER
8:00 am Heritage Chapel
9:00 am Breakfast
11:00 am Easter Worship
Page 4
The Youth Fundraiser Spaghetti Lunch and Auction will be after church on March 17th. We will be serving a spaghetti lunch for those in at-tendance. The youth will then offer up services for which attendants can bid. For example: A youth can make you dinner for a night, or babysit for three occasions. This event is not limited to church members and I encourage you to invite family and friends to join us for a quality meal and good fellowship, as well as raising money for our summer mission trips. The meal will cost 6 dollars a plate for adults and 3 dollars a plate for kids under 12. RSVP before March 13th to [email protected] or (515) 326-1255.
What: Youth Fundraiser Spaghetti Lunch When: After church on March 17, 2013
Where: Fellowship Hall of Azle Christian Church Why: To raise money for CYF, Chi-Rho and JYF mission trips RSVP to Will Ryan: [email protected] or (515) 326-1255
I know that many of us are not ready for Easter to be here so
quickly, myself included. I would like to remind everyone to
bring flowers from your yard on Easter Morning. As you come
into the Sanctuary, go to the Cross at the front and insert your
flowers into the wire on the back. If you have flowers growing
now (lucky you!) please water and pamper them to still be
around for you to pick on Easter Morning.
Also I want to remind those who want to order Lily plants to Honor or Remember
loved ones, to please turn your orders in so we can get the proper count needed.
Remember that on March 10th, we Spring Forward...Can’t be reminded about that
too many times.
Worship Ministry
Good Friday
March 29, 2013
7:00 PM
FUMC hosts ACC
The combined choirs will lead us in worship and reflection
On The Seven Last Words of Jesus.
The service will be in the recently remodeled sanctuary at First United Methodist, Azle.
COATS AND BLANKETS
Cold weather coming, cool nights already here.
There are folk who can use your old coats and/
or blankets.
We are still collecting coats and blankets for the
Union Gospel Mission. Jerry Miller picks them
up and delivers them for the glory of God.
You may leave your donations on the PB&J
table at the back of the sanctuary on Sunday or
bring them by the office Mon-
days through Thursdays.
Thank you.
PS: Don’t forget your PB & J foodstuffs.
Wednesday Night Suppers
Serving at 6:30 pm,
March 6
Fundraising meal sponsored by Parents Day Out
March 13
Hudles Catering
Southwest Chicken Rice Mexican Salad
Tortillas Sopapilla Cheesecake Key Lime Squares
March 20
Hudles Catering
Breakfast Burritos with sausage, eggs, cheese, onions
Peppers and salsa
Hash Browns Fruit Rolls Orange Rolls
March 27
Fundraising meal for DWM
(proceeds to go for Graduating Senior Cap & Gown) Supports those who cannot afford to purchase their own and would not be able to walk
A heartfelt thank you to Alan, and all those that visited with us while Jerry was in the ICU at Harris Hospital in Fort Worth. And a big thank you for the texts, facebook messages and all the prayers that were lifted up for Jerry from all of my dear friends at ACC. The prayers were truly answered and we appreciate all of you so much. God’s blessings on all of you. Helen Womack, our Children & our Grandchildren
Page 6
DISCIPLES CLASS
Please join in prayer as we invite several of our young people to consider their statements of faith. They will meet with their
mentors, along with Alan and Will after worship each Sunday (Feb. 17-March 24) to explore what it truly means to be a disciple of Christ and a Disciple who worships with Azle Christian Church. As they consider themselves ready, we will invite them to make their
confession of faith on Palm Sunday and celebrate their baptisms on Easter morning.
Maundy Thursday
We will host a Seder meal in our Fellowship Hall and invite
our friends from First United Methodist Church to join us in this
meaningful event.
This is the traditional meal of Passover shared by our Jewish
neighbors from the time of Moses through now. It is the meal Jesus
attended, or hosted, just before his arrest and crucifixion. After the
supper, Jesus reinterpreted the bread and wine as symbols of his body
and blood offered for the forgiveness of sins. As we are led through
the Seder experience our hope is to discover deeper meaning in the
symbols and a more profound sense of God’s grace in our lives.
There is no cost for this experience but reservations for the Seder Meal on Thursday,
March 28 are needed because of the limited space.
Please call Susan in the church office to make your reservation. Church Office number is 817-444-3527.
The Advance Page 7
Family and friends of Joseph Butrym
Family and friends of Al Sears
Family and friends of Maurice Howard
Family and friends of Gary Bogy
Family and friends of Bob Hayes
Harlan Tidwell
Leslie Bales
Mary Lou Rundell
Kevin and Sheila Foster
Jane Hargrove
*Gay & Harry Dekin
*Julia Gardom
*Raymond Smith
*Vancil Trammell
*Russell Eagleton
*Jack Cowan
Homeless Persons
Debt Reduction Campaign
Travis Pederson
Karen Jett
Marjorie Murphy
Loris Martin
Gary Carpenter
Marilyn Botts
Leila Grace, infant
Efren Caban
Kowanda, Judy, Nila and Oleta
Marilyn Daniels
Amy Upchurch
Mike and Larry Kelley
Bob Montgomery
*Bob & Barb Upchurch
*Lodema Botts
*George Morrow
*Sandra Bishnoi
*Georgia Lamb
*Pauline Cowan
Victims of Natural Disasters
Jerry Womack
Joe Putrin
Bill & Janie Green
Chad Laisure
Dickie Glaze
David Araujo
Dollene Price
John Harkins
Emilie Lofgren
Dick Stults
Dannie & Jimmy Davis
*James Daughtrey
*Don Fowler
*Leah Vann
*Ricky Stults
*Patsy Clay
Parents Day Out Program
On-going Prayers Requested
New Prayer Requests
Family and friends of Reese Andrews
(brother to Gini Chesney)
Family and friends of Otis Leo Pillow
(uncle to Sandra Gallatin)
Friends and family of Jerry Gorham
(uncle to Susie Hiles)
Family and friends of John Augustine
(cousin to Sondra Williams)
Gena Clark (Galen’s daughter)
Nathaniel Hudman, 6
Andrew Miller, 13
Cathy Davis
Serving in the military: Ryan Stults’ friend, Sam Hollis,
Afghanistan; Chad Tidwell, Colorado; Spruill’s grandson, David
Collins, San Diego; Brandon Carroll, Persian Gulf Iraq; Matt Hud-
dleston, Korea; Jonathan Hendricks, Afghanistan; Jared Curry,
Afghanistan; Shirley Brown and Lita Tidwell Roby serving with
military contractor in Afghanistan; Brandon Franklin, Japan;
Jonathan Davis, N. Carolina; Nick Schultz, Afghanistan; Justin
Clubb, Afghanistan.
Notice:
We will list family and friends for one month, unless notified
otherwise. If you feel they should be listed longer than that,
please let us know.
Barbara Jean Davis
Karen Davis
Gloria & Chuck Harrison
Laurie Edwards
The worship ministry is already busy making plans
for a glorious Easter morning here at Azle Christian
Church. We need your help decorat ing the sanctuary
with Easter Lilies. Please fill out the order form below,
indicating if you wish to honor or memorialize a
loved one. Place your order form and payment, $10
each, in the offering tray on any Sunday or turn it in
to the church office. Please mark your check
"Lilies."
Last day to turn in order forms is Palm Sunday.
Your Name:
Phone #:
No. of Lilies:
Amt. Enclosed: Check or Cash
In Memory of:
In Honor of:
“We are a Christian community that loves
God and our neighbor, where everyone is welcome at Christ’s table. God accepts you
just as you are and so do we.”
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
PERMIT #12
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
AZLE, TEXAS 76020
Sharing our Christian
Community
Lectionary 03.10.2013
Joshua 5:9-12
Psalm 32
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Lectionary 03.17.2013
Isaiah 43:16-21
Psalm 126
Philippians 3:4b-14
John 12:1-8
Azle Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
117 Church Street
Azle, TX 76020-3107
Return service Requested
Sunday, March 17
Youth Fundraiser & Silent Auction
12:30—2 PM
Adults $6 and children under 12 $3
Menu
Spaghetti, Salad, Garlic Bread
Auction Items:
Youth Service Projects
Benefits Youth Mission Trip
Save these dates during LENT:
March 10, 17 Disciples Classes
March 6, 13 and 20
6:00 PM Taize Meditative worship in Heritage Chapel
