THOUGHTS FROM THOM
On February 17 with our observance of Ash Wednesday, we begin our second Lenten season together. It is a traditional time of prayer, discipline, and sacrifice. It is also a time to look forward to our celebration of Easter, rebirth and renewal. Consequently, it is a time of tension and transition as we reflect upon where we‘ve come from and who we are as followers of Jesus Christ and consider where God is leading us and what the Lord expects us to become.
On one hand, we’ve grown comfortable with a certain way of doing things as church. On the other hand, we also know that what we’ve been doing hasn’t attracted new church members. If we were to keep doing what we’ve always been doing, we can expect to receive similar results. Why would we think we’d attain different results from doing the same thing?
Lent provides us the opportunity to think about the past as we anticipate our future. It is a time to get in touch with our identity as Christians (Disciples of Christ) and a time to dream of the new life to which the Lord is calling us. Therefore, Easter becomes an important part of our understanding of the Lenten experience. Join me somewhere on the road to find out why. Have a blessed Lent! Peace.
In Christ , t Dr. Thom Gibson
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UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN ...
In January we said goodbye to a Dear Disciple, Anita Pollitt. She finished her race on 12/28/09 at the glorious age of 98. As a lifelong Disciple she had opportunity to touch and influence many lives. She will be missed. Her Memorial Service was led by Dr. Thom Gibson on January 2, 2010 along with her family and friends sharing moments remembered. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that all donations be made to the First Christian Church Memorial Fund. Peace to the family.
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Giving Thanks:
Another year has passed and we look forward to the adventures that God will lead us through in 2010. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the many men, women and youth that have given 110% to the service of others.
To our Elders, Deacons and Ministry Leaders we applaud your dedication and faithfulness. To our Acolytes and youth we offer our appreciation for stepping up to new challenges and serving both our church family and the community.
To those who have made donations of office equipment, office supplies, organizational tools, flowers for beatification, days of cleaning, time decorating the sanctuary, etc … a standing ovation to you. To the women of CWF your service to others is what Jesus implores us to do. Each one reaching one is an act that is contagious. Spread it around; encourage others to join your various projects. Someone receives the vision and others link arms and put their shoulders to the plow to make it happen. Together we can make a difference. Be an encourager this year. We need laborers … the harvest is ripe and plentiful.
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Jeremiah 32:26
Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?
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A New Year gives birth to New Vision ~ Come grow in the Spirit with us!
What is God calling us ‘to be’ and ‘to do’ here and now? Get involved. Love is a verb.
Bible Study: Meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m.
SAM: Lunch at Butler Seafood in Lake Butler at 11:30. ( 315 N Lake Avenue ) Sign-up in the foyer
Soup er Bowl Sunday: Feb. 7 ~ Bring food for the homeless
Official Board Meets at 6:30 on February 9
ASH Wednesday Service, February 17 at 7:00 p.m.
Activity Nights: February 12th and 26th (6:00 – 10:00 p.m.)
Concert: February 20th Rick Allen King
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Remembering you in our prayers …
Al, Ted, Nancy, Robin, Patsy, Zack, Jason, Wayne, Carl, Eline, Diane, Thelma, Jessica and Bob, Sylvia Marling, Agnes Magula, Rita Boling, Deniz Ucar, Michelle, Al and Rusty, June
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DISCIPLES MEN
On Saturday, February 6t at 9:00 a.m., the Disciples’ Men will gather for their monthly breakfast. The speaker will be from the Helping Hand Clinic at First United Methodist Church. Below is a list of items one can bring to the breakfast for donation to this ecumenical ministry.
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Every Hand can lend a Hand Ask friends and neighbors, they too, might like to lend a helping hand. |
Therapeutic Items Acetaminophen
Tagamet
Corn/Callous Pads
Ibuprofen
Zantac
Antifungal Cream
Benadryl
Pepcid
Lice Shampoo (NIX)
Prilosec
Mylanta
Cortisone Cream
Personal Hygiene Items
(Sample Sizes are Best)
Toothpaste/Brushes
Shaving Cream
Razors
Deodorant
Soap
Nail Clippers
Powder
Shampoo
Hair Brushes
Insect Repellant
Tampons and Pads
Clothing
Socks: men & women, white & dress, new & used
Shoes/Work boots/Tennis/Walking Shoes/Boots: Men’s sizes 8-12 needed most.
T-shirts: Large/X-Large, new & used
Undergarments: Men’s briefs (Medium—XL), Women’s (all sizes)
Sweats / Jackets (Accepted October-February due to limited storage space)
Books/Devotionals
Bibles & Devotionals
Paperbacks: Westerns & Mysteries are most popular
Reading Glasses
New & used; 1.25-2.25
Outdoor Supplies - Batteries (AA/AAA) Insect repellant Lighters, Flashlights Candles, Tents Radios
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VISION QUEST II: FEBRUARY 28
On Sunday, January 10, 2010, we began the spiritual discernment process, looking at who we are and where we’ve been and began to share some dreams for future ministry. On Sunday, February 28, beginning again at 2:00 p.m., we are invited to continue this process. We will review our first session and begin to lay the foundation for our mutual dreams and joint goals/objectives. Your voice is important. You are an important part of this visioning process. You need not be a church member to attend and participate but we hope all church members will attend. In preparation, prayerfully read and reflect upon this parable of Jesus found in Luke 14:15-24.
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“DUST FROM THE BOARD”
The Church Board met on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 with 17 members present (Quorum is 10). It was reported that the funds donated in lieu of poinsettias at Christmas have been sent to the respective mission projects. Peaceful Paths received a check in the amount of $183; and the House of Hope, $293. A motion was approved to pay for the new church banner from the Garage Sale/Craft Fair Fund.
To comply with the By Laws (see Article III, C5), the Official Board established its 2010 quorum to be ten (10) members in attendance. A motion was approved to sell an old and not-being-used office printer for $20.00 to Patricia. Next Board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 9, 2010.
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BIBLE STUDY
Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m., Dr. Gibson is leading study of some spiritual disciplines. In anticipation of and a preparation for our Lenten journey which begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17, we will contemplate how we might use these disciplines to grow in grace and in wisdom. During February, these last two sessions are as follows:
February 3 - Solitude and Silence February 10 – Fasting
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MISSION and OUTREACH
Disciples Women did Blankets Plus project in January which helps needy people worldwide by providing blankets, tools, training, clean water, and other services. Mission and Outreach certainly supports this project.
The Youth potato bar lunch (with toppings!) was January 24 and donations will help fund their work camp this next summer. More lunches are planned (April 18 is the next one). We helped Westminster Presbyterian Church host Interfaith Hospitality Network the week of January 25 . On January 31 , we prepared and served an evening meal for St. Francis House .
Upcoming: February 7 is Souper Bowl Sunday. We will be collecting food and funds for the Gainesville Community Ministry. Please fill our GCM box to the top and if writing a check for Souper Bowl Sunday, put "Gainesville Community Ministry" in the memo line.
Thanks to you, needy people are having some of their needs met. Let us continue to do God's work here on earth.
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Some members of FCC will be going downtown to help feed the homeless on Thursday 1/28 at 5:30pm near the Bo Diddley plaza . Please join us, or, donate the following items to hand out: individually wrapped sandwiches and cookies, hard boiled eggs, packages of snack crackers, small cans of vienna sausages , potted meat , or tuna, bananas, bottles of water, batteries, small candles, blankets, coats, old suitcases (to hold and transport their belongings). Any questions, contact Dona or Linda.
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SERMONS
During February, we are moving from Epiphany to Lent. As we enter Lent, we look back to confirm our identity as Christians and look forward to Easter to lead us toward what God is calling us to become. In preparation for our worship, prayerfully read and study these assigned scriptures.
February 7 - “It’s Not a Question of Skill”
Text: Luke 5:1-11
February 14 - “Why Keep Silent About Facing the Real Jesus?”
Text: Luke 9:28-36
February 21 - “Where Do we Begin Our Lenten Journey?”
Text: Luke 4:1-13
February 28 - “When Imitation Comes From Invitation"
Text: Philippians 3:17-4:1
