Dear FCC Torrance, On behalf of the Peace Corps, it is my pleasure to thank you for your contribution of $929.
23 to the Peace Corps Partnership program. Your donation was directed to the Girls Leadership Program Project in Cameroon. Since its inception in 1964, the Partnership Program has helped thousands of peace corps Volunteers implement community-initiated projects which have benefited millions of individuals worldwide. Thanks to the generosity of individuals like you, this community in Cameroon is able to address a pressing need that may otherwise have not been possible. Thank you again for your involvement with the Peace Corps Partnership Program. If you would like updates about the work of currently serving volunteers in their communities, please visit [Link]/buildingbridges to sign up for our monthly newsletter. Also, if you would like more information about this project or the Program as a whole, please do not hesitate to contact our office. Sincerely, Jennifer Chavez Rubio Director/Office of Private Sector Initiatives 1111 20th Street, NW Washington, DC 20526 (800) 424-8580
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Disciples Womens Ministry
Happy New Year from the Disciples Women! 2011 is going to be a great year with lots of exciting opportunities. The January luncheon will be held on Sunday, January 23rd and the service project will be the OWIN Foundation. Jan. 23,2011 OWIN Foundation OWIN (Orphans and Windows In Need) Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable foundation dedicated to providing aid to orphans and widows throughout the continent of Africa. The number of young widows and orphans living in poverty and destitution has reached epidemic proportions. OWIN Foundation is devoted to fighting this international crisis by providing educational, financial, medical and spiritual support directly to the orphans and widows who need it. OWINs outreach efforts are concentrated currently in Nigeria where the Foundation works to enhance the quality of life for those living in poverty-stricken communities. Additional programs and resources are being supplied to communities in South Africa. HISTORY Founded in 2005, OWIN began its mission to aid and empower orphans and widows in Africa in response to the declining, and often remote, societal and governmental assistance given to single mothers, widows and orphans. While humanitarian sponsored aid readily exists in developed nations for orphans and widows in need, little had been done to bring this similar effort throughout Africa, and stem the prevailing wide-spread social injustice. Compelled by this issue, a small group of educators, physicians, entrepreneurs and advisors began developing a plan to bring much needed resources, care and attention to those in need. With the aid of partners in Nigeria and the U.S., OWIN was able to launch its mission to improve the quality of life for orphans and widows. Dr. Lilian Asomugha, an entrepreneur, author and devout Christian, founded OWIN in response to this significant need. Her efforts to fight poverty in Africa and bring assistance to widows and broken families began decades before founding OWIN. Today, OWIN Foundation continues to grow its support globally and carry on its mission to provide educational, financial, medical and spiritual support to those in need.
Sunday, January 30, 2011 Womens Sunday
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The Womens convocation will be held from March 11th to March 12th. The featured speaker will be Reverend Amy Gopp and the featured musician will be Andra Morgan. Registration packets and forms are available in the church office. Registration deadline will be Tuesday, February 1, 2011. The Convocation will be held at the Double Tree Hotel in Orange, California. It's time to mark your calendars for the 2011 Loch Leven retreat. It will be the weekend of May 13-15 and all are invited. More details will be shared as we get closer to the event, but make sure you save this weekend. If you are interested in helping to plan the retreat let me know because we'd love to have you. If you can't commit to a couple of planning meetings, but would like to help out with something on the weekend itself, let me know as well. Jill Foster
Two Prayer Shawl Meetings Every Week
Our Tuesday Night Prayer Shawl group meets in the Fireside Room at 7:00 pm (thanks to the elders for flexibility!) We also have a Wednesday group that meets there every week at 2:00 pm.
Were Recycling!
Dont throw that paper away! Hang on to that 2-litre bottle! We are making an effort to recycle at First Christian Church. There is a marked box in the church office for recyclable paper, and a large tub in the kitchen for bottles and cans. Please help by doing your part when cleaning up, or disposing of recyclable products.
Feed The Hungry Sunday
Our next Feed The Hungry Sunday is January 23. Your faithful donations have made it possible to help feed needy families around the South Bay. His House continues to thank you for your love and support.
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I just want to thank ya all so much for the visits to the hospital and the get well cards. Thanks for the beautiful poinsettia from the Elders. Most of all thank you for the prayers. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful church family Hilda Coleman
Directory Changes
Dolores Susswain Personal phone (310) 533-5165 New room Room 128 Nancy Cutshall New Address 2555 Sonoma Street Torrance, Ca. 90503 New Phone Number (424) 731-7412
With Sympathy
After a long illness, Ken Potters father died on December 19. Ken journeyed to Atlanta for services. Our prayers continue with him. Dorothy Rind died early December 21 from the complications of pneumonia. Her life was celebrated here on Monday, December 27, at 1 pm. Maxine Wanbaugh a long time member passed away. A memorial service was held at Green Hills on January 5th. Steve Fietzs cousin, Wayne Halstead, has died from complications of a bacterial infection. Larry Gray, a friend of Ted Odens, has lost his battle with cancerhis wife Debbie is in our prayers. Matt Kelly, the son of a friend of John Beechers, has succumbed to cancer. Matt was just 21.
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CHURCH FAMILY PRAYERS & CONCERNS
We continue to hold Ted Oden, Brenda Poindexter, and the new church effort in Westchester in our prayers. We celebrate with Matt and Melissa Townsend on the birth of their son on December 17. Camelia Olloques niece, Amanda, and her baby, Lily, who was delivered at 25 weeks, both continue to do well. Still in NICU, the baby is getting closer to 2 lbs! Hilda Coleman has been successfully treated for a blood clot, but has been in and out of the hospital with continued complications from diverticulitis. Betty Rogers (Jacks wife) spent some time in the hospital with chest pains that have turned out to be acid reflux. Stella McGinnis has had back pain since suffering a backyard fall. The Crawford family asks prayers for Erin Feller, a friend of Kellys, who has been hospitalized with complications after a miscarriage. Linda Galati asks for prayers on behalf of her uncle, Al Galati, who has had several strokes. Marie Fowler (Linda Kirbys mother and Misty Levis grandmother) is having great difficulty in her recovery from a fall suffered earlier this year. Bonnie Evans asks prayer for her sister-in-law, Lucy, and neighbor, Sue, both of whom have been sick. We also hold all those suffering seasonal illnesses in our prayers. Those battling cancer: Test results for Shawn Knutsen (Kelly Rogerss sister) whose cancer has grownNora Pagdilaos father, Apolinar Reyes, who has lymphomaErnie Wheatley (Bills brother)June Perkins' s son-in-law Doug JohnstonChuck Baless cousin, Russell Reynolds Dean Noble (Haley & Madison grandfather), Vi Fietz (Steves stepmother)... Linda Houstons friend, Sue, who has lymphoma Gene Wiehes friend, Camille Catalogne, who has liver and colon cancer. Those separated from loved ones: Sarah Iannuccis mother in the PhilippinesLauren Eldik (Fietzs daughter) and family have moved to the Dominican Republic for a stay of undetermined length. Those with mental health issues; specifically Odens nephew Robbie HammelFor those struggling with addiction, and their [Link] those dealing with unemployment and income insecurityFor others around the globe who are suffering.
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January 2011
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday WORSHIP SERVICES 8:30 and 10:30 am Sunday School 9:30 am
2 3 4 5
Thur
New 7:00
9
Trustee Meeting 7:00
10
11
Prayer Meeting 5:45 Prayer Shawl 7:00 Disciple Womens Board 7:00 p.m.
12
Bible Study 10:00 Prayer Shawl 2:00 Cabinet Meeting 7:00
Ch 7
16
17
Martin Luther King Church Office Closed
18
Love Group 9:30 Faith Group 1:30 Prayer Meeting 5:45 Prayer Shawl 7:00
Bible Study 10:00 Prayer Shawl 2:00 Elders 7:00
19
Ch 7
23
Feed The Hungry Sunday Disciple Womens Lunch 12:00
24
25
Prayer Meeting 5:45 Prayer Shawl 7:00
26
Newsletter
Bible Study 10:00 Prayer Shawl 2:00
Ch 7
30
31
Womens Sunday
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rsday
Friday
Saturday
1
January Birthdays
Charlotte Sandberg 2 Pat Sebaugh 6 Casey Hubbard 7 8 Dan Carmona 8 Russell Lear 13 David Matson 15 Brian Thompson 15 Maureen Estolas 16 Suzanne Nelson 17 Eli Rogers 17 Cutshall 18 15 Nancy Redderson 18 Lynne Lori Jonas 21 Don Zukas 23 Katy Zukas 24 Andrea Carmona 24 Janet Wysong 24 Priscilla Crawford 25 Kim Rogers 26 Natalie Wright 27 22 Dolly Barnbeck 28 Dimitri Monson (30) Lee Sebaugh 31
w Hope 0 p.m.
13
14
Mens Breakfast 8:30 a.m.
hoir :00
20
21
hoir :00
27
28
29
hoir :00
ANNIVERSARIES
David & Mary Matson 26
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Education Notes & News
Congratulations to our Scripture Verse winners for the time period June to December 2009. Jillian Teruya was the first place winner for our Pre-K to 1st grade and our 2nd and 3rd place winners were Mackenzie Monson and Maddy Campbell. Our winners for 2nd grade to 6th were first place Haley Crawford and 2nd and 3rd place Gabby Campbell and Nathan Campbell. Winners received Baskin Robbins gift certificates. Our contest continues and will end in June. Our January scripture verse is: I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Genesis 22:17a In January the children are learning about Gods covenant with Abraham. It is never too late to say thank you. I want to say thank you to everyone who helped make our all church Christmas party a wonderful success. Many thanks and blessings to Jill Foster, Jennifer Teruya, Anna Rogers, Kara Ryan, John Beecher, Peggy and Larry Campbell, Chery Carew, Dave Marvin. If there are any that I have forgotten please know that your help was much appreciated.
YOUTH ADVENTURE / CHI RHO
We will meet on 1/9 and 1/30 in Room 4. A light lunch will be provided and we will plan upcoming activities.
FEB CAMP FOR 9th to 12th Grades
2/18 - 2/21 at Pilgrim Pines Camp and Conference Center in Yucaipa, CA Theme: SEEK PEACE YOU LONG TO HEAR COST: $175.00 if postmarked by 1/17 and $200 postmarked after 1/17 SUMMER CAMP DATES TO BE NOTED SOON - WATCH FOR DATES AT [Link]
Happy New Year to all and thank you for being a part of a successful 2010!
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Offering Envelopes=Better Record Keeping
If you have not already picked up your 2011 offering envelopes, they are available at the front entrance of the sanctuary. Each set is boxed, with an assigned number, and pre-dated envelopes for each week through the whole year. We encourage all members and participants of our church to use these envelopes not as pressure to give more, or more often, but because this is simply the best way to insure accurate record keeping. If you would like a set of envelopes, of if you have any questions, write a note on a pew card, or talk to our financial secretary, Charlotte Sandberg. Confidentiality is a priorityonly our financial secretary has access to anyones full record of giving.
Welcome New Members
Joe and Judy Burrow reaffirmed the Good Confession on December 26. Long-time residents of Torrance, they bring their transfer of membership from the Church of Christ. Joe and Judy have been attending our Sunday morning class and 10:30 worship for several weeks nowwe are pleased to welcome them into the full covenant of membership. Please offer them your good wishes, and add the following information to your directories: Joe & Judy Burrow 20701 Christine Avenue Torrance, CA 90503 310-316-4779
Regional History Books Available
We have purchased two books on the history of the Christian Church in the Pacific Southwest: The Disciples in the Pacific Southwest Region, by Edwin Linberg; and Disciples in Ministry, the collected histories of a number of regional ministries, including All Peoples Christian Center, Chapman University and several others. Anyone interested in either of these book can check them out of our church library.
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Upcoming Sermons
January 9, 2011 Our Too Humble Lord (Matthew 3:13-17) John the Baptist is portrayed as not feeling worthy to baptize Jesus. We sometimes find ourselves wondering the same thing: Why would our savior feel the need to submit to baptism? This lesson begins an Epiphany series on Jesus ministry and teachings as found in Matthew. January 16, 2011 Disciples of Disciples (Matthew 4:12-23) After Johns imprisonment, Jesus takes up his own ministry, and calls his own disciples. How do we understand our call as Christians? What does that call invite us to take up? January 23, 2011 Find Your Bliss (Or It Might Find You!) (Matthew 5:1-12) Matthew portrays Jesus beginning the Sermon on the Mount with a litany of now wellknown blessingsthat on closer inspection dont quite seem so blessed! How do we define bliss? How does the person and teaching of Jesus guide us in our pursuit of happiness?
January 30, 2011 WOMENS SUNDAY Under the guidance of the Disciples Womens Board, this Sunday will be devoted to listening to some of the women in our congregation, and celebrating their place in our whole ministry.
Adult Sunday Class
The class meets in Room 7 at 9:30or as soon after first service as possible! Barbara Myers will be facilitating class on January 9. We are looking towards a series on religion in film. Discussion is always lively and enlightening. All are welcome!
Wednesday Morning Bible Study
On January 12, our Wednesday Morning Bible Study will start a new series on Hosea. We meet in Sippel Hall from 10:00 to 11ish on Wednesdays. All are welcome!
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Footnotes
Once again, Janie and I want to thank you all for your constant generositynot just in your gracious Christmas gifts, but in the outpouring of caring and affirmation that continues to leave us gratefully, humbly, amazed! As you receive this newsletter, we will have just returned from some holy day, holiday and birthday celebrations, as well as just plain vacation, with children and grandchildren. We look forward to seeing you all on Sundayand we anticipate another new year of abundant and blessed fellowship and service together! Shalom, Steve Home phone: 310-212-5950 email: steefeets@[Link]
Mens Prayer Group
Our Mens Prayer Group is a casual time of sharing and prayer. All men are welcome. Our next meeting is at 10:00 am, Saturday, January 15just after the 8:30 Mens Breakfast.
Prayer Meeting Continues on Tuesday Evenings
Our Tuesday evening prayer meetings continue in the sanctuary every Tuesday, from 5:45 until about 6:30. It is an informal time of sharing, silence, and praying for the needs of one another, our congregation, and the world.
Next Newsletter articles need to be at the church office by January 24, 2011
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NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Disciples of Christ) 2930 El Dorado Street Torrance, CA 90503 (310) 328-2820 Fax 310 328-2929 E-mail - fcctorr@[Link] Web address - [Link] Sunday Schedule 8:30 a.m. - Worship - Informal 9:30 a.m. - Church School for all ages 10:30 a.m. - Worship - Traditional Childrens Worship - Ages Pre-school through 2nd Grade (During the Traditional Worship Service)
TORRANCE, CA PERMIT NO. 109
Or Current Resident
Nursery Provided For birth through age 3 during Sunday School and Contemporary & Traditional Service Office Hours Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Staff Steven Fietz, Senior Pastor Ted Oden-Minister of Contemporary Worship Administrative Assistant Camelia Olloque Choir Director - Ken Potter Nursery Attendant - Amanda Ruhs Dorie Hernandez
TIME VALUE DATA DO NOT DELAY EXPEDITE
The Christian Messenger
First Christian Church 2930 El Dorado Street Torrance, CA 90503
Officers Chair - Chery Carew Vice Chair - Jerry Jonas Treasurer Jimmy Koontz Financial Secretary - Charlotte Sandberg Clerk Angie Ahumada
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