A Prayer for Us

New Small Group Series on the Lords Prayer

For five of the six weeks of Lent, we will once again join in a special season of small group study, prayer and worship, this time with a 5-week series focusing on the Lords Prayer. Groups will begin meeting during the first full week of Lent (starting Sunday, March 13) and finish the week of April 10. Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, April 17. So far, the following are our confirmed groups and facilitators: Sunday afternoon Shirley Woodman leading Youth Adventure Sunday evening Larry & Peggy Campbell Monday evening Steve & Janie Fietz Wednesday morning Steve Fietz & Susan Babcock Thursday evening Lynne Redderson & Chery (womens group) Saturday morning Frank Mitchell & TBA

Carew

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March 3, 2011

Disciples Womens Ministry

A huge thank you goes out to Judy Rickabaugh for all the hard work that she did in putting together the services for Womens Sunday. The services were awesome and very well received. Thank you to all the ladies who took part in the service. A thank you to the master chefs, John Beecher, Frank Mitchell, Bill Wysong, and Dave Marvin, who prepared the very delectable Friendship dinner. Thank you from the Disciple Women's Board for preparing the dinner and letting us have the night off. The February luncheon went well and the speaker was very informative. Leo Cablayan, director of Operation Hope, spoke about his program which is called the Silver Movement. The Silver Movement has to do with educating people in low income neighbors about finances. The program starts with kids as young as grade school, and teaches them basic financial information such as how to open a bank account, balance a checkbook, etc. Operation Hope also takes bankers, supermarket owners, and the like to poor communities. There are often no banks or supermarkets in a five mile radius and Operation hope shows the investors the advantages of opening businesses in those areas. The goal of Operation Hope is to conduct their programs so well that they put themselves out of business.

Hello All Thank you for your continued prayers and thoughts. Also thank you for the food you have sent over to our family. We appreciate it. Sincerely, Debbie Gonzalez and Family

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. Please join us!
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Welcome Lunch for Newcomers Scheduled

Anyone who is (or considers themselves to be) a newcomer to First Christian Church, Torrance, is invited to a welcome and get-together luncheon on Sunday, March 6, following second worship service (around 11:45 a.m.) A light lunch will be served and Pastor Steve will host a Q and A time-sharing information and discussing First Christian Church, Torrance and the Disciples of Christ in general. Those who wish may also take a church tour (What in the world is behind that door?) Come enjoy the fellowship we so desire to share. Membership Committee Contact Susan Babcock for further information 310-326-9003.

Ash Wednesday Services on March 9

We will once again begin our observance of the season of Lent with an Ash Wednesday service on March 9, at 7:00 pm. This experience will include prayers, communion, and the imposition of ashes for those who wish. For those who wish to carry the mark of Christ through the day, Pastor Steve will be available for prayer and imposition of ashes, in the sanctuary on March 9, from 7:30 to 8:30 am.

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Francis Woodcock is happy to be back and is now living at Villa Sorrento Residence Home, 2345 Madison Ave. Torrance. She would really appreciate an occasional phone call or short visit but please call first (her request). She only has 2 chairs so one at a time is best and her room is quite small. Room 107 phone # is 424-263-4477 (avoid meal times if you go: 8:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m.)

Directory Changes
Bianca Contreras new phone number is (310) 717-9356. Dorie Hernandezs new home address: 2603 Via Pacifica Corona, Ca. 92882.

Collectibles and Hobbies News

Set-up time for the Collectibles & Hobbies Show will be 8:00 to 10:00 a.m., Saturday morning, April 30th. Church family and friends can then view our displays, Open House style, for the next three hours or so. We will pack-up after that. During the viewing period, well be able to stay with our display and talk about our treasures. Nothing will be left in the gym overnight (there were concerns about this.) We encourage everyone to show their stuff. See Susan Babcock for more information and let her know what type of tables you needround or long, one or moreif you want to use church tables. Membership Committee

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CHURCH FAMILY PRAYERS & CONCERNS

Out of the hospital: Chuck Bruley is home and doing well after hip replacement surgeryEd Gherna (Mary Matsons father) continues on hospice at a Board & Care, where he is, all things considered, in good spirits Morrie Gober continues to be treated for emphysemaElba Woods received good news from a cerebral angiogramthis routine follow-up to last years aneurysm shows no signs of further problems Bonnie Reniff had a setback in her recovery from surgery, but is now feeling stronger. In the hospital: Annette Carew (Stans stepmother) is in the hospital with pneumonia and other complicationsTerry Linehans mother is in rehab and doing better after breaking a hip in a fall, and experiencing heart stressJustin Grant (the son of our new custodian, Tom Grant) has been in the hospital with a severe viral infection. Unfortunately, Arly Jahn was not able to undergo the procedure for her pancreatic stone, as reported in the last Messengertreatment has been delayed several weeks. Paul Crossman has suffered a stroke. He is at his Board & Care, but is unable to walk and is having difficulty with speech. Chery Carews brother, David, continues treatment for emphysema. Doctors have also detected suspicious spots on his lung. Battling cancer: Shawn Knutsen (Kelly Rogerss sister) has received improved test results The young son of Larry Campbells cousin has been diagnosed with leukemia Linda Houstons friend, Joyce Eiges, has lung cancer that has metastasizedThe Sandbergs dog, Shasta, appears to be cancer-free after surgery to remove a cancerous mass. Separated from loved ones: Anne Beecher has been in touch with her sisters family living in and near Christchurch, NZ; all are safe after the earthquakes, but there is much suffering After a brief home visit, Brandon Matson has left for a tour of duty in Iraq with the [Link] Iannuccis mother in the Philippines continues to need prayerEarl Woods is happy to be back from Australia.

With Sympathy
Keith McGiffin has died after a long struggle with lung disease. Memorial arrangements are still pending, but Nonnie and the rest of their family are in our prayers. Dottie Taggarts mother-in-law died in Indiana after a long decline with leukemia.
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March 2011
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday WORSHIP SERVICES 8:30 and 10:30 am Sunday School 9:30 am
1
Education Meeting 7:00
Choir 7:00

Thur

New 7:00

6
Newcomers Lunch 11:45 Trustee Meeting 7:00

7
Prayer Meeting 5:45 Prayer Shawl 7:00 Disciple Womens Board 7:00 p.m. Young Adults 7:00

9
Bible Study 10:00 Prayer Shawl 2:00 Ash Wednesday Service 7:00 p.m.

13
Daylight Savings Spring Forward Lent Small Group 7:00 p.m. Newsletter Lent Small Group 7:00 p.m.

14

15
Love Group 9:30 Faith Group 1:30 Prayer Meeting 5:45 Prayer Shawl 7:00

16
Lent Small Group 10:00 Prayer Shawl 2:00 Elders 7:00 Choir 7:00

Lent Sm 7:00

20
Spring Fling Ice Cream Fundraiser His Hands 12:00 Lent Small Group 7:00 p.m.

21

22
Prayer Meeting 5:45 Prayer Shawl 7:00

23

Lent Small Group 7:00 p.m.

Lent Small Group 10:00 Prayer Shawl 2:00 Choir 7:00

Lent Sm 7:00

27
Feed The Hungry Sunday Disciple Womens Lunch 12:00

28
Newsletter Lent Small Group 7:00 p.m.
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29
Prayer Meeting 5:45 Prayer Shawl 7:00
Lent Small Group 10:00 a.m. Choir 7:00

30

Lent Small Group 7:00 p.m.

Lent Sm 7:00

rsday

Friday

Saturday
March Birthdays

w Hope 0 p.m.

10

11

17

18

mall Group 0 p.m.

Mary Ibe (1) Linda Gilmore (2) Dottie Taggart (3) 5 Hilda Coleman (4) Gail Grove (5) Gene Jackson (5) Board Retreat Virginia Gober (6) 9:00 2:00 Wally Sandberg (6) South Bay Church Kurt Nelson (9) Ruth Morrison (10) Linehan 12 TerrySherwood(15) Lois (17) Haley Noble (20) Emma Hernandez (22) Womens Convocation Katie Redderson (22) Orlando Martinez (24) Charlene Bowring (26) Kristin Karlin (28) Ziggy Wilk (28) Lois Sherwood (29) 19 Ruth Perry (29) Glenn Singleton (30) Kel Henderson (30) Mens Breakfast Mandy Fontaine (30) 8:30 a.m. Lilian Asomugha (31)

Lent Small Group 10:00 a.m.

24

25

26

mall Group 0 p.m.

Lent Small Group 10:00 a.m.

31 ANNIVERSARIES
Raymond & Donna Stent (18) John & Anne Beecher (20)

mall Group 0 p.m.

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Education Notes & News

Children are learning about Moses and the Passover this month. Our objectives this month are. Identify the characters in the story and sequence of events that led to the Exodus from Egypt. Learn the ten plagues God sent upon Egypt and the Pharaoh. Understand that the first Passover was celebrated in conjunction with these plagues. Know that God is with us always, even in times of trouble. Scripture Verse: And God said to Moses, "I am the LORD. Exodus 6:2 Bible Explorers needs your gently used throw pillows for our workshop rooms. Looking for all 4th graders that are interested in being baptized. Please contact Pastor Steve or Shirley Woodman. SAVE THE DATES Loch Leven work party April 9th - 10th at Loch Leven$15 per person, see Shirley Woodman for details. This work event is open to all church family. We will be painting, patching, landscaping, weed pulling and the list goes on. Bring your gloves, work clothes, work shoes, hat and whistle while you work. This event is to help prepare the camp for summer. This is a good opportunity to fellowship with our extended church family and meet the new camp director Sloan Hamilton. Come and join the party and help us preserve our beloved Loch Leven. SUMMER CAMP - deadline for registration is usually about a month before the camp date - Contact Shirley Woodman for registration forms or get them on line at [Link]
JR CAMP Chi Rho CYF 1 CYF 2 week of 6/26 week of 717 week of 724 week of 8/7

VBS - Week of 7/11 Contact Jill Foster or Shirley Woodman if you are interested in helping the week of VBS or if you are able to give a donation to support VBS. Sat, 9/24 Rock the Loch - All day fundraising music festival supporting Loch Leven.
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Tuesday Prayer Meeting Continues

Each Tuesday evening at 5:45, a group gathers in our sanctuary to lift up prayers for one another, on behalf of loved ones, the ministry of the church, and the needs of the world. It is a simple time of focus where some pray aloud, others silently. All are welcome and everyone with a need is encouraged to submit prayer requests.

Mens Breakfast
Please join us for our next Mens Breakfast on Saturday, March 19th, at 8:30 a.m. All men are welcome.

Feed The Hungry Sunday

Our next Feed The Hungry Sunday is March 27th. This ministry of our church has been a huge success. Thank you to Dave Marvin who continues to put the donated items in the sanctuary for Gods blessing. Your faithful donations of canned tuna, soups, canned fruits and vegetables, boxed pasta have made it possible to help feed needy families around the South Bay. Meals are served everyday from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. Dave and his staff from His House continue to thank you for your love and support.

Habitat for Humanity Building on Faith

We have been invited to participate in Habitat for Humanitys local building project through the season of Lent. From Ash Wednesday to Good Friday (March 9 through April 22) Habitat will be remodeling homes for two deserving families in Lynwood. For more information, check with Pastor Steve, or call Chris Untiet at 310-323-4663, ext 129, or write to him at chrisu@[Link].
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Upcoming Sunday Messages

March 6 From the Ground, Up (Matthew 7:21-29) Jesus concludes what we call the Sermon on the Mount with an advisory to make the teachings foundational to our lives. His concern is not that we invoke his name, but that we do Gods will. And so we conclude our series by asking ourselves: on what foundation are we building? March 13 We Cry Abba! Father! (Matthew 6:9, Romans 8:15) We begin our Lent Series on the Lords Prayer (A Prayer for Us) by considering what it means to us to pray to God as Fatheror, in Jesus terms, to Abba, a childs term for father. And not just to pray to Abba, but to cry out! March 20 Waiting for Reign (Matthew 6:10, Luke 17:20-21) Moving to the second phrase of the Lords Prayer, we explore what it means to hope for Gods kingdom, and to pray that Gods will would be done on earth as in heaven. What are we really waiting for, and what are we to do while we wait? March 27 Manna Live (Matthew 6:11, Exodus 16:11-31) How is the biblical definition of daily bread similar to, or different from, our own? And what might it mean that we pray for our daily bread, not just mine? April 3 The Gospel According to Roy Orbison (Mercy!) (Matthew 6:12, Luke 6:36-38) How is forgiveness also a daily need? And how is our willingness to offer forgiveness woven together with our ability to receive it? April 10 Pop Quiz or Final Exam? (Matthew 6:13, Matthew 4:1-10) Is being tempted the same thing as being tested? Who really gives the test, and what does it mean to be delivered?

Adult Sunday ClassAnother Series from David Matson

On March 13, 20 and 27, Dr. David Matson will teach a three-week series on interpreting the death of Jesus. The class meets Sunday mornings in Room 7 at 9:30. All are welcome!

Wednesday Morning Bible Study

Our Wednesday Morning Bible Study will continue our look at the minor prophets through March 9. Starting on March 16, we will join in our Lent Study on the Lords Prayer. We meet from 10:00 to 11ish on Wednesdays in the Choir Room.
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Footnotes
OK, having attended two of them, I can say officially unofficially: I like Womens Sunday! I know, I knowas was acknowledged during the service, Womens Sunday is in some ways a relic from the past, when a churchs all-male leadership condescended to give women one Sunday in fifty-two, and then back to the kitchen to clean up communion trays! Of course, we also know that our churches have always been blessed with strong, gifted womenbut not always as many opportunities to receive all their gifts. God bless our tardiness, we now hear and see women leading in worship every Sunday. Its not only wonderful, its right and necessary! Still, I likeno, I love Womens Sunday! And not just because I worship without thinking about what comes next. We were all privileged to hear articulate, powerful prayers and crisp, well-phrased announcements, a thoughtful childrens moment (from the one-and-only Marie Wood), and amazing testimonies from three generations of strong women. How could we not be inspired by Frances Marshalls example of dedicated service in teaching and leading? How could we not be stirred by Peggy Campbells articulate and honest expressions of faith and struggle? How could we not appreciate Amanda Ruhss life-long gratitude for her church familyall 19 years worth! And by the way, how can we not be thankful to Judy Rickabaugh (and many helpers, we know) for conceiving, crafting and coaching this years version of Womens Sunday? Its good to acknowledge how far weve come, and how much we enjoy the strong, gifted women that bless our church every week of the year. Still, Ted Oden had a point last year when he said, Now we need a Mens Sunday! Not because mens gifts are neglectedbut, I think, because its so important to hear one anothers stories, whether women, men, youth, elders, old-timers or new-comers. Listening to a preacher is well and fine (though I dont do it often) but I suspect we all listen more acutely, and relate more deeply, when the word comes from normal, real-life, unprofessional Christians. Forget Joe PlumberI want to hear from JoAnn Disciple! So Im going to ask the Worship Commitment to help us hear more from ourselves to make our faith-stories a more regular part of our worship and life together. And I cant wait until the next Womens Sunday! Shalom, Steve Home phone: 310-212-5950 email: steefeets@[Link]

Next Newsletter articles need to be at the church office by March 14, 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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