“The Great Bend Christian”
October 2015
Vol. 48 No. 10
Why Give? Because at the end of 2015 the First Christian Church of Great Bend, Kansas, will have: 1) Conducted 112 worship experiences, averaging about 190 people, where the gospel message of Jesus Christ has been proclaimed, transformed lives, and introduced Christ to those who came for a visit. 2) In the past 2 years we have started to grow, seeing more and more people getting involved in the important ministry of this church. 3) Conducted over 400 different learning experiences through Sunday School, Wednesday Night Programming, Youth Group, Bible Studies, CWF, Young Adult Group, Financial Peace University, etc. 4) Served around 40 meals where we gather around tables to feast and share life with one an-other, drawing us closer as the family of God. 5) Made over 500 personal phone calls to people who are in need in our church, made over 200 vis-its to members in the hospital or shut-in from Kansas City to Wichita, also serving communion monthly to those in the hospital or shut-in. 6) Renovated our children’s wing, along with our Children’s Sunday School Program, creating space where our kids can come and learn about God in their own way in a safe and fun environment, and are starting to see more and more kids. 7) Hired our incredible new Youth and Children’s Pastor, Rev. Sue Bishop. 8) To give you a gist of the people that we will have helped in 2015, let us give you a sampling of what we have done for people in need: · given out more than 12 different prayer shawls, · provided 50 different meals to help people though difficult situations, · provided hotel rooms for families who need a place to stay after their home has been
destroyed by fire, · paid the rent of at least 5 people keeping them from being evicted, · sent out around 30 different college boxes to support our students during finals, · help to pay electric and water bills to make sure that families have the basic necessities, · sent out 140 boxes to kids all over the world through Operation Christmas Child, · and provided clean drinking water for thousands of people in sub-Sahara Africa in our
partnership with the UMC and the Water-for-Foundation. 9) Donated more than 7,000 dollars and provided free office space to our regional church, which supports, cares for, and provides leadership and programming for all Kansas Disciples. 10) Sent 6 kids to camp. 11) Put on a Vacation Bible School for around 97 kids, most of which were not from our church, sowing seeds that we believe will begin to grow in those kids' lives helping them to become the people God has created them to be. Why Give? Because we want to continue to do all of this, and a whole lot more as we strive to bring heaven to earth.
“The Great Bend Christian” October 2015
SPECIAL PRAYERS: Cancer: Brenda Billinger;
Teri Everett; Mary Lyne Grandclair; Brian Hut-
chinson; Steve Rusco; Jean Smith; Sammy; Susan
Wilson
Other Needs: Bob Allford; Larry Arnold; Doug
Bender; Ted Brown; Larry Dannebohm; Marguerite
Davidson; Bill Fairchild; Dena Hiss; Rowen Hughes;
Deserai Klug; Carol Langen; Shelly Leroy; Amber
Lloyd; Michele Martin; Sheena Noffsinger; Haley
Rader; Janice Rose; Terry Utley
CONTINUED PRAYERS: Cancer: Laura Brown,
Corina Dean, Shelby Jones, Shelly McFarren,
Leona McIntosh, Lance Morris, Doug Schenkel,
Emily Severson, Donna Stejskal, Kerry Watkins,
Kadin White
Other Needs: Mabel Bender, Bob Brown, Myrna Campbell, Derek Christendon, Bev Christiansen,
Cody Clark, Dr. Roy Danks; Jane Daraio, Dale Deaver, Denise Ehrlick, Mel Enabnit, Mildred Hard-
ers, Betty Hartle, Barbara & Bart Hoar, Dixie Hughes, Sarina Johnson, Don Jones, Scott Jordan,
Babette Kinderknecht, David Kirby, Todd Klein, Martha Knight, Marvin Koch, Jaxon Kretchmar,
Emily Ledford, Gayl Lee, Doug Nairn, Brad Patzner, Terry Piland, Patricia Shultz, Juanita Tho-
mas, Anneliese Ward, Connie Weiser, Larry Weiser, Cory Yadon, Mike Zager
MILITARY SERVANTS: Brandon Deason, Malcolm Deason, Steven DeWhitt, Blake Frager, Dan
Fritz, Ted Jackson, Steven McGee, Cody McNorton, Adam Schwartz
Please give a warm welcome
to our newest members,
Mary and Mary Ann Boyle.
We’re glad to have you!
Starting October 11, we begin a new
sermon series called "Stewardship 101."
In this short series our goal is to learn
or to be reminded that we are merely
stewards who have been blessed by God
to do his work in the world. This series
is all about putting our lives back into
perspective. So if you need some per-
spective (and I think we all do) you will
not want to miss this.
“The Great Bend Christian” October 2015
Lunch Bunch
October 21, 2015, 11:30 am
Joy Group
Hostess: Nelva Grimes
Lesson: Pat Halbower
“History of the Languages
in Jesus’ Time”
October 27, 2015, 12:00 pm
New Day Group
Hostess: Julie Ford
Lesson: Rhonda Glenn
October 26, 2015, 7:00 pm
NEEDED: Late Service Communion Preparers
Contact Sharon Engle
at 817-929-9824
Can and Will Train
Anyone Interested
September 30th - Group 3
October 7th – Group 1
October 14th – Group 2
October 21st – Group 5
October 28th – Group 4
November 4th – Group 3
November 11th – Group 1
November 18th – Group 2
If anyone is interested in
shadowing Vicki Sheets with
weddings in 2016 and seeing what is
done as the Wedding Hostess,
please contact her at
620-792-2640.
Web Site: www.fccgbk.com
FCC's podcast:
http://bit.ly/1CCGBPodcast
Facebook: www.facebook.com/firstchristiangb
“The Great Bend Christian” October 2015
Dear Church Family,
Thank you for all of the kindness and love
that you have shown to our family over the
past three years during my father's illness
and recently during his passing. The
prayers, cards, phone calls and food were all
appreciated during this difficult time. It
was truly a comfort knowing that so many
people were lifting us up in prayer. We feel
very blessed to have such an amazing church
family.
Sincerely,
Nels, Karen, Nash and MacKenzie Lindberg
A BIG thank you for the get well
cards I received when I got sick and
could not finish Bible School. It was
signed by the teachers, leaders and all
of the wonderful kids. Even the little
ones who cannot write their names yet
signed it! Words cannot express just
how much this meant to me. I am so
blessed to have such a loving, caring
church family.
Thank you and may God Bless each
and everyone of you.
Ted Brown
NEWSLETTER
DEADLINE REMINDER!
The Newsletter Deadline is the
20th of each month.
Anything received after the
20th will go into the following
month’s newsletter.
Thank you!
Kathy Rose, Secretary
A big “Thank You” to my
church family for all your
thoughts and prayers. Every-
one has been so supportive.
A special “Thank You” to
Pastor Josh for being there
before and after my surgery.
In Christian Love,
Dixie Hughes
“The Great Bend Christian” October 2015
Disciples
Center
Annual Gala
& Auction
11 Years and
Counting
When: Saturday, October 24 Where: Disciples Center at Tawakoni
10:30 am Appetizers & Silent Auction 12:10 - Chapel Dedication
12:30 - Dinner & Live Auction
How Can You Be Involved? Sign up to come – only $30 per person Donate an item for the auction Be a table of 8 sponsor! - $240
Auction items to include: Wooden Rocking Horse, hand-made dominoes by Glenn Failor, KU Basketball, Keith Wil-son original glass creations, Florida Condo Trip, home grown Kansas Beef and other surprises!
Donation and registrations forms are located at www.kansasdisciples.org or call 1-800-737-8130.
The Disciples Center hosts over 600 children, youth, and adults for
summer camping experiences. Come enjoy great food, fellowship
and fun!
Chef Martin Peck plans: Pork and beef tenderloins, roast chicken
breast, fresh baked bread, roasted sweet potatoes, green beans and
green salad, amazing and delicious dessert by Woodridge Christian,
Wichita.
Beginning Sunday, October
3rd, at 5 PM, we will be start-
ing another 7-week Young
Adult Bible Study over the
book of Mark. In this study,
we are going to be picking up
where we left off last semes-
ter as we make our way
through this book. Our goal is
to delve deeper into scripture
to understand better who Je-
sus was, so that we can be-
come even better, more com-
mitted disciples.
This Young Adult Group is
open to anyone who is 18-
45ish, and daycare will be pro-
vided. Feel free to invite your
friends.
“The Great Bend Christian” October 2015
SUNDAY MORNINGs 9:00-10:00 am
CHILDREN’S CLASSES (West Wing)
PRESCHOOL (3 & 4yr & PreK)-meets in Preschool Rm
YOUTH (6th-12th Grades)- meets in the Youth Rm
DISCOVERERS ( K-2nd Grades)
NAVIGATORS (3rd-5th Grades)
Oct. 4 DISCOVERERS—Science Workshop
NAVIGATORS– Movie Workshop
Oct. 11 CELEBRATION SUNDAY
(K-5th grades meet in the Gym)
Oct. 18 DISCOVERERS—TBA Workshop
NAVIGATORS—TBA Workshop
Oct. 25 DISCOVERERS—TBA Workshop
NAVIGATORS—TBA Workshop
ADULT CLASSES (East Wing)
FELLOWSHIP CLASS FRIENDSHIP CLASS
Our Family Dinner and Children’s Programs continue
for all the Weds. in October and ending with Weds.,
Nov. 18. They will resume in February 2016.
Youth are serving Dinner on October 28th.
Preschool, AND
MEET 6:15-6:45 PM ON THE SAME WEDS.
PRESCHOOL & K-2nd Graders (DISCOVERERS)
meet in the Art Room. NAVIGATORS (3rd-5th
Graders) meet in the Music/Bible Time Classroom.
Parents, please pick your children up at their class-
rooms at 6:45 pm. Choir member children will be
taken to the Preschool Room, where a nursery atten-
dant will watch them.
CHI RHO & CYF plan to attend the Kansas Disciples Youth
Convention Nov. 13-15 Remember your Registration Forms are
due October 11th!
If you didn’t get a form, see Pastor Sue
WE STILL HAVE OPPORTUNIITIES TO WORK AT THE PATCH.
GO ONLINE TO: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B4EAFAC23AA8-
pumpkin2
6th-8th Grades 9th-12th Grades
YOUTH SCHEDULE FOR PATCH OCT. 10—Delivery Day OCT. 11—5:00-8:00 pm OCT. 16—Noon-3pm—CYF 3-6pm—CHI RHO OCT. 18—5:00-8:00pm OCT. 22—Noon-3pm—CHI RHO 3-6pm—CYF OCT. 23—Noon-3pm—CYF 3-6pm—CHI RHO OCT. 25—5:00-8:00 pm OCT. 26—Noon-3pm—CHI RHO 3-6pm—CYF
“The Great Bend Christian” October 2015
Join us on Saturday, October 3rd 7:00 am – 2:00 pm “LOVE IN ACTION” WORKDAY – DREAM CENTER
Are YOU ready to be the Hands and Feet of Jesus?
There is still room to sign-up! We especially need workers for construction and workers to help with the storage area clean-up. Coffee, tea, break foods and lunch will be served to all workers. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to share God’s Love! [Child care can be provided upon request] [Workers need to be at least 6th gr. and up]
Congratulations to Matt
and Dena Hiss upon the birth
of their twin boys
September 16, 2015. Ethan
John weighed 6 lbs. 11 oz and
was 19 inches long. Owen Mat-
thew weighed 6 lbs. 11 oz. and
was 20 inches long. Big
brother Graham welcomed
them home! Proud grandpar-
ents are Bob and Patsy Hiss.
Cory and Sheena
Noffsinger are proud to an-
nounce the birth of their son,
Klayton John-Wesley. Klayton
was born on September 16,
2015, weighing 8 lbs. 11 oz. and
was 21.5 inches long. Siblings
Kaylen and Kendrick welcomed
Klayton home. Proud grandpar-
ents are Clayton and Debbie
Noffsinger.
Save the Date! Sunday, November 22
6:00 pm at FCC Spend an evening enjoying the music of
Frankie Valens who sings renditions of
“This Magic Moment” and
“The Lion Sleeps Tonight”!
Kylene and Ken Baxa
announce the birth of their
daughter, Kenzie Mae Baxa.
Kenzie was born
September 21, 2015,
weighing 7 lbs. 7 oz. and was
19.5 inches long. Kenzie is
the first great-grandchild
for Larry and Earlene
Arnold.
Congratulations!
First Christian Church of Great Bend
Board Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2015
Those present: Rev. Josh Leu, Rev. Sue Bishop, Nels Lindberg, Bill Fairchild, Donna Marston, Roger Marshall,
Clark Rusco, Dennis Heinrichs, Nelva Grimes, James McReynolds, Lewis Burkes and Debbie Noffsinger.
A quorum was not present.
Nels Lindberg called the meeting to order with prayer.
The minutes of the previous meeting were not approved due to lack of a quorum.
Treasurer’s Report: Lewis Burkes presented the Treasurer’s Report.
August Expenses $ 36,207.70
Year to Date Expenses $232,702.40
Annual Budget $330,614.00
Budget Remaining $ 97,911.60
Stewardship Report: Rev. Josh reported they have met two times. A letter will be sent out the end of September
with a program presentation in October. He also stated the Committee Chairs have submitted their budgets for
next year.
Outreach: Rev. Sue reported for Annette Goering. She presented the Love in Action Outreach Project with the
Dream Center and explained the various areas for volunteers to help on October 3rd from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm. The
Soup Supper is planned for October. Our church provides the paper goods. Membership/Evangelism: No Report
Membership Development – No Report
Marketing – Rev. Josh commented that he attended the Radio Meeting in Great Bend and won $7,000 in adver-
tising for our church.
Worship: Rev. Josh reported for John and Vicki Sheets. They have installed a new switch that will allow them
to make the transition smoother between the computer and video presentations. A new Blue Ray Player was also
purchased. There was discussion on the purchase of two TV’s for the Narthex to run the announcements prior to
the Service.
They are still searching for a pianist for the early service. Administration: No Report
Property: Rev. Josh reported for Ken Lebbin. They are still getting bids for the leaks in the Sanctuary. He pre-
sented an estimate of $500.00 to fix the beam that was hit by a vehicle at the entrance to the canopy driveway.
The AED has been installed in the hallway for emergency use.
Christian Ed: Rev. Sue explained the sign-up for the Pumpkin Patch next month. Hours will be 12 – 8:00 pm
on weekdays, 10:00am – 8:00 pm Saturday and 12:00 – 8:00 pm Sunday. The funds earned will go to the youth
mission trips.
Pastoral Relations: Dennis Heinrichs stated there will be a meeting with Rev. Josh and Rev. Sue on November
15, 2015.
Long Range Planning: Rev. Josh stated they are still working on a mission statement and presented an example.
Their focus is on youth and children, missions, spiritual and numerical growth, and community.
Continued….
“The Great Bend Christian” October 2015
First Christian Church Board Minutes Continued….
Elders: Bill Fairchild reported there have been no problems. He will be meeting with Rev. Josh to work on the
nominating committee.
Deacons: Donna Marston stated things are going well.
Pastors Report: Rev. Josh stated the One Call System is sending phone calls to members of the congregation to
set up phone or text messaging if they requested this option. He presented the following from Terry Wiens on Au-
gust 28, 2015:
New payroll amounts per discussion with Pastor Josh and Kathy:
Pay Rate: The board approved $10,000 for Health Insurance. But $7987 is what he is actually paying, so
the $2013 difference is added to his Salary amount of $49,475 for a new Salary of $51,488, or $2145.33 per
month.
Pension: Josh has elected to pay his pension on an after tax basis, so the $9400 approved by the Board is
income to him, and is added to his Pay Rate of $2145.33, $783.33/2 equals $391.67 plus $2145.33 equals the
bi-monthly Pay Rate of $2537.00 (note: for August only the full months pension will be paid, making the Pay
Rate for August $2928.66).
Health Insurance: Since the church does not have a Group plan, any insurance paid is income and must be
included in the employee’s income on payroll. An Allowance will be set up for Health Ins-Pastor, for a bi-
monthly amount of $332.79. For August only it will be a full month of $665.59. Since it will be paid by the
church to the insurance provider, a Deduction will be set up to deduct it from his paycheck, for the same
amounts used in the Allowance.
Kathy, the net paycheck for August should be $3375.54. The $2929.16 and $3375.54 amounts have changed,
as shown above. Let me know if you see anything to change.
Terry
Rev. Josh received a letter from Ken Marston, the Associate Regional Minister for Christian Church (DOC) in
Kansas, regarding the finances of the District Office. If we are able, he is requesting $50 to $100 to help with the
needs of the Central High Plains Office. It was agreed upon by the Board Members to give $500.00.
Rev. Josh presented a request to purchase paint and carpet for the basement and stairs at the parsonage. He will
get bids on the cost to replace.
Rev. Sue Bishop stated the Sunday School classes are fully staffed as well as the Wednesday Night Activities.
She will be on vacation the end of September to spend time with her family and celebrate her Mother’s 90 th Birth-
day.
Old Business: Rev. Josh reported that Roger Butler and the KBI have arranged for a Sexual Abuse & Human
Trafficking Workshop to be held at our Church on Wednesday, September 30th, from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. It will be
open to the public and childcare will be provided.
New Business: Rev. Josh commented on the one day Leadership Conference he attended on taking the church to
the next level. One of the ideas to think about is hiring someone to do managerial tasks for the church.
There was discussion on using the email system to obtain votes for items needing approval with a limit of
$5,000.00.
Rev. Josh closed the meeting with prayer.
Submitted by Debbie Noffsinger
“The Great Bend Christian” October 2015
“The Great Bend Christian” October 2015
Past 5 Weeks Attendance and Gifts
*Special Offerings include donations to: Outreach, Sound System, Wednesday Night Dinner Donations, Jim Oliver Memorial, Funeral Dinner
Donation, and Wedding Fees
23 30 6 13 20
Sunday School 66 66 59 59 57
Early Service 32 29 23 26 29
Late Service 151 136 147 146 130
Children’s Church 13 19 7 10 12
TOTAL 196 184 177 182 171
General Offering 8,062.36 3,837.42 6,539.80 7,558.43 2,911.27
Special Offerings 200.00 0.00 612.00 894.58 586.01
TOTAL 8,262.36 3,847.42 7,151.80 8,453.01 3,497.28
First Christian Church
5230 Broadway
Great Bend, KS 67530
The Great Bend Christian (USPS 576-380)
Published Monthly
By First Christian Church 5230 Broadway
Great Bend, KS 67530
Postmaster Send Address changes to: First Christian Church
5230 Broadway
Great Bend, KS 67530 Periodicals Postage Paid
At Great Bend, KS 67530
Sunday Services
8:15 am Early Worship
9:00 am Sunday School
10:20 am Morning Worship
5:00 pm Chi-Rho
6:00 pm CYF (6th-12th)
Wednesday Activities
5:30 pm Family Fellowship Dinner
6:15 pm Pre K–2nd Grades (Discoverers)
6:15 pm 3rd - 5th Grades (Navigators)
6:15 pm Chancel Bell Practice
7:00 pm Chancel Choir Practice
If you need to contact our staff:
Rev. Josh Leu, Minister
Rev. Sue Bishop, Associate Minister of Children
and Youth
Kathy Rose, Church Secretary