Welcome Our Newest Members
Kirk Kubik and Maribel Duarte reaffirmed the confession of faith recently during our 10:30 service. Originally from Chicago, Kirk is Bob and Martha Halsteads nephew. He has worked as a sous chef in French cuisine as well as sales and management, and does custom body and paint work for classic cars. Maribel is a little more shy, but has been bringing other guests to church! They say they are glad to be here with a congregation who treats (them) like family.
Hannelie Uys recently reaffirmed her confession during the
8:30 service. Hannelie is originally from South Africa, as you might wonder by her lovely accent (her last name is pronounced ACE). She and husband Andre are the proud parents of Lisa and Corne (cor-NAY) both students at Hickory Elementary. In just a few months, Hannelie has quickly become one of our most productive Prayer Shawl knitters!
Please add the following contact information to your church directory, and make sure to greet and welcome these new members when you see them!
Kirk Kubik & Maribel Duarte 3553 N Atlantic, Suite 146 Long Beach, CA 90807 562-209-1234 kirkkubik@[Link] Andre & Hannelie Uys (Corne, Lisa) 2527 Woodbury Dr., Torrance, CA. 90503 310-294-3679 jjfuys@[Link]
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July 21, 2011
Disciples Womens Ministry
Holiday Boutique November 12, 2011
As we hit the middle of summer we realize that fall is just around the corner. Many of you who enjoy crafts have already been thinking about the boutique and likely have a stash of items you have prepared by now. For those of you who dont know how the boutique works, everything we sell is donated by the men and women of our church family. Then all of the money earned is then divided up between various ministries both local and otherwise. For those who dont consider yourselves crafty we will be having a few workshops to make it possible for everyone who chooses to contribute to the boutique. If you are interested the first one is scheduled for Sunday, August 14 right after 2nd service. Come and join us and bring along a sack lunch and see what Anna Rogers, our first workshop leader has in store for us. If you have an idea for a craft that you would like to teach to others for the boutique give me a call and we can arrange for you to help with one of the workshops. Chery Carew 310-650-0950
Grandmas Attic
This is another part of our Boutique and again everything we sell is donated. If you have items that you would like to give and can hold onto them until closer to the event we would love to have them. Contact Lynne Redderson with questions regarding this.
To FCC Congregation; A great big thank you for all your prayers on behalf of my daughter Penny Johnston, during her recent back surgery. She really really wants you to know how much it helped her! Love & Blessings, June Perkins
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Regional Disciples Womens Spiritual Growth Retreat 2011 Loch Leven Camp & Conference Center
Friday-Sunday, October 7-9, 2011
Come join us as we explore For Everything There is a Season. The program and music for the weekend will be Spirit filled, joyfully uplifting, and appeal to our diverse group of women, all in the sublime mountain setting of Loch Leven. As you probably already know our women are creating and leading this event for the Regional women. We hope you will join us up at Loch Leven in October; watch for your registration booklet to come in the mail or contact Jill Foster for questions.
Love INC Backpacks
It is once again time for our annual effort to equip underprivileged children in our area with basic back-to-school needs. Love INCs goal this year is to provide 3,000 backpacks full of school supplies. Our congregational goal is to contribute 400 of those backpacks. Through Don Zukass resourceful links, we already have many of the backpacks themselves. Below is Love INCs list of the supplies that should go in each backpack. Specifically, we will want to provide hundreds of the following: 1 Binder (1 to 2 inches) 1 Pkg Standard Rule Notebook Paper 1 Pouch or Pencil Box 2 Pens 2 Glue Sticks 1 Spiral Notebook 1 Pkg #2 Pencils 1 Eraser 1 Box of Crayons 1 Pencil Sharpener 3 Pocket Folders (Peechees) 1 Set of Markers 1 Pair of Scissors
Church members may contribute in at least two ways: 1) Keep your eyes open for bargains, and help us stock up on these items; 2) Offer financial contributions that will help us purchase supplies, and balance out backpack content. This has been a wonderfully generous congregation over the yearswe have been able to raise and meet our goal each year, and we look forward to helping hundreds of children this year as well. Thank you in advance!
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VBS Thanks!
We had 102 children attend VBS 2011 Son Surf Beach Bash last week. I think all would agree that it was a success as the children played, heard Gods word through stories, games, art and built relationships with the teens and adults that led them. It takes so many hands to pull this off and I want to thank everyone who managed registration, shepherded children, led workshops, worked in the kitchen or craft room, acted or worked on the skit, prayed for us, worked behind the scenes and the many members who used their talents to prepare our rooms and stage. Special thanks to Camelia who let us invade her space and was such a help and support. It ABSOLUTELY could not have been done without all of you. I think it was another example of God working through us to make a difference in this church and this community. Thank you everyone! Jill Foster
Trustee News
MANY THANKS!! Dave Marvin and Nancy Johnson are leaving the Trustees after three years of outstanding help and support. Thank you Dave and Nancy! And thank you also to Wally Sandberg for his direction and dedication as last years Trustees Chairperson. Preschool Update The Trustees have submitted our draft lease to the Torrance Cooperative Preschool (TCP). Well update the congregation via e-mails and supplements in the weekly bulletins. There is a chalk outline on the parking lot south of room 3 that is the approximate area of the proposed play area. Church Work Day Saturday 15 October - Mark your calendar! We are blessed to have a wonderful facility, but it still needs tender loving care. The Trustees have scheduled a Church Work day, right after the Men's Breakfast. For those that are willing and able, we would appreciate a couple of hours of elbow grease to oil the sanctuary, weed gardens, wash windows, touch up painting, and many other fun activities.
Take Me Out To The Ball Game!!
So the Dodgers arent doing too well on or off the field so come and give your support while sharing fellowship and fun with your fellow Church family. Stitch n Pitch with fireworks!!! Dodgers vs. the Huston Astros on Friday August 12th at 7:00 PM lets car pool again. Tickets are $18.00. Ill do the booking, so give me a call, Anne Beecher, (310) 791-0675 or anne@[Link] on or before August 3rd.
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CHURCH FAMILY PRAYERS & CONCERNS
In the hospital: Hilda Colemans great-grandson was born several weeks early, and is in the NICU until his lungs are more developedBlaise Hovard (daughter of Melissa, a friend of Shirley Woodman) was born early on July 4, and still needs to improve breathing & eating before going homeJill Fosters 13 yr-old niece, Melissa Buxton, is in Childrens Hospital with extreme joint pain syndrome Robert Kapen, Priscilla Crawfords 23-year old grandson is being transferred from Arizona to UCLA Medical Center. Continuing Treatment: Roger Groves chronic heart disease has progressed to a point where treatments are significantly limited Ed Shroyer is home after surgery to drain fluid from around his heartTerry Royce suffered two fractures to her pelvis, as well as a broken right hip and left shoulder in a bicycle accident. Surgery is not an option; she is home on medication and 6-week [Link] Kubiks back pain is still strong, but he is doing better...Eldon Rash (Maureen Estolass father) has been suffering from Alzheimers and pneumonia, and is now confined to a wheelchair. Ernie Wheatley has had a feeding tube installed; he is at a convalescent facility near his home in Whittier Cancer: Former member Toshiko Moritani, now living in Japan, continues in our prayers as she struggles with cancer and heart disease Shawn Knutsen (Kelly Rogerss sister) is on a new chemotherapy Chuck Baless cousin, Russ Reynolds has had a recurrence of lung cancer. Separated from loved ones: Melanie Emmen has returned to Cameroon, Africa, for one more year of Peace Corps serviceBryce Matson deploys to Afghanistan this month David and Mary will travel to New York to see him off. After deployment with the Marines in Iraq, Brandon Matson will now be stationed in Hawaii for three yearsSarah Iannuccis mother in the Philippines is still seriously illGary & Mary Angel (friends of Rich Koontz) who, along with thousands of neighbors, have lost their home to flooding in Minot, ND.
With Sympathy:
Sakura Koontzs grandfather died in Japan after a long illness. Sakura was able to visit for ten days just before his passing. Prayers are asked for Sakura, her father, and their whole family. Ed Shroyers aunt, Virginia Fenton, has succumbed at 97 after long struggle with cancer.
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August 2011
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday WORSHIP SERVICES 8:30 and 10:30 am
1
Trustees 7:00 Prayer Meeting 5:45 Prayer Shawl 7:00 Education 7:00
Thur
Pastor Steve on vacation August 2nd thru 9th
2
Prayer Shawl 2:00
New 7
7
Galen Goben Preaching
8
Prayer Meeting 5:45 Prayer Shawl 7:00 Disciple Womens 7:00
9
Prayer Shawl 2:00 Cabinet-7:00
10
14
Boutique Craft Workshop 12:00
15
16
Faith Group 1:30 Prayer Meeting 5:45 Prayer Shawl 7:00 Worship Committee Meeting 7:00
Prayer Shawl 2:00 Elders 7:00
17
Newsletter
21
Family Promise Information Meeting Between Services
22
23
Prayer Meeting 5:45 Prayer Shawl 7:00
24
Prayer Shawl 2:00
28
Feed The Hungry Sunday Disciple Womens Lunch 12:00
29
30
Prayer Meeting 5:45 Prayer Shawl 7:00
31
Prayer Shawl 2:00
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rsday
Friday
Saturday
August Birthdays
w Hope :00
11
Stitch & Pitch Dodger Stadium 7:00 p.m.
12
18
19
Mens Breakfast 8:30 a.m.
25
26
Kelly Crawford (2) Adam Whobrey (3) Brooke Matson (4) 6 Kelly Sleeth (4) MaryAnn Swartzlander (5) Sara Hernandez (5) Bill Wysong (6) Jeannette Shroyer (6) Melanie Emmen (5) Doreen Wright (6) Candi Williams (7) 13 Robert Wright (10) Scott Johnson (11) Arly Jahn (13) Brittany Stoodley (14) Tamara Griego (15) Linda Richardson (22) Brandon Livernois 22 David Sanchez (23) Stella McGinnis (24) 20 Pete Cooper (25) Dave Marvin (26) Wendy Crawford (25) Dottie Hill (26) Dani Powell (26) Al Lubrani (28) Bill Stoodley (30) Dolores Susswain (31) Vannia Evans (31) Nora Pagdilao (31)
27
Richard Koontz & Catherine Du Bois Wedding 3:30 p.m.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ted & Janie Oden (1) Roger & Gail Grove (10) Dimitri & Lyrae Monson (9) Doug & Cheryl Crawford 18 Paul & Kara Ryan (19) Bill & Gerri Stoodley (23) Dick & Jimmie Talley (25) Page 7 Glenn & Ruth Singleton (31)
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
A great big THANK YOU to Jill Foster for her mighty and capable leadership during our successful VBS this week. We had 101 children whose lives we had the opportunity to touch. Many thanks to all of our prayer warriors for keeping these children and the program in your prayers.
Bible Explorers
Children continue to learn this summer in our Bible Explorers program as they study the parables of the Bible.
Childrens Worship & Wonder
Our childrens Worship & Wonder program is continuing during the summer months and the children meet in Room 6 after the Childrens Moments.
SEEKING
We are seeking those who would like to be a workshop leader, helper, storyteller or greeter for our Bible Explorers and Worship and Wonder programs. We will train you so you will be familiar with our programs so no need to be shy. Curious? Just give Shirley a call at 310328-8399 for more information.
Youth Adventure
We are looking to begin a Youth Adventure group to meet once a month (separate from Chi Rho). All 3rd to 5th graders interested in this youth program, please contact Shirley at 310328-8399 if your child would like to participate. Also looking for a leader and/or a helper for this group.
Catherine Mildred Du Bois and Richard Blee Koontz
request the pleasure of your company at the celebration of their union Saturday, the twenty-seventh of August Two thousand and eleven Half past three oclock in the afternoon First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 2930 El Dorado Street-Torrance, California Reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall
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FAMILY PROMISE OF THE SOUTHBAY CONGREGATIONAL UPDATE MEETING Sunday, August 21st 9:30am (Between Services)
As a member of our congregation, you know how important it can be to generate and harness the enthusiasm of our members. On August 21st, our Family Promise of South Bay team will host a meeting to update you on the progress weve made with Family Promise. Our initial meetings, where 12 South Bay churches were represented, was so compelling that one of our members sent out this unsolicited email to many of our members that night of the very first meeting. Part of it is here below: Tonight I went to the meeting on Family Promise at the church. Family Promise is a wonderful hands-on opportunity for us to make a difference in the lives of children in families that have become homeless. Often these families were living paycheck to paycheck and became homeless when their car broke down, they lost a job, or became ill. The great majority of these families are single-female-parent with kids. A Family Promise Network is formed by 10-13 churches/synagogues/mosques banding together to support four families for a week at a time, about 4 times a year. Each family is prescreened for drug abuse, alcoholism and mental illness before being accepted into Family Promise. This is to ensure the safety of the families as well as the safety of the volunteers who are working with them at the church. Some churches may not have the space to host the families, but have the volunteers willing to help out at the host church. The Family Promise program is intended to help these families find affordable housing and jobs, not just shelter them. There's a lot of work to be done for us to form a Family Promise Network, but many have talked about how it affected their congregations - they were moved, inspired, and felt rewarded. Let's do this thing! As we move towards considering our churchs role in Family Promise of South Bay, I urge you to attend this congregational meeting. We also ask you to invite those in other congregations or from your favorite service groups who you think have a desire to make a difference for homeless families so that word can spread. Don Zukas Evangelism Chair
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Frank Mitchell Outreach Chair
Upcoming Sunday Messages
July 24Cuanto Vale? (Mark 10:17-27) A is where we are, and B is where we want to be, but arent. Why is that? Why do we sometimes walk away from where we say we want to be? What does it take for us to overcome our reservations, and begin to move to B? (Yes, this is a follow-up to the June 26 message.) July 31Music and Testimonials from Kingdom Quest Kids Choir (Psalm 100) Recommended by Ted Oden and our friends at Westchester Christian Church, the Kingdom Quest Kids are a dynamic choir of young people who will share through music and testimony in both our worship services. August 7Message from Galen Goben We will once again be pleased to hear from our friend Galen Goben, while Steve is on vacation in Oregon, visiting family and attending his 35th High School reunion. August 14Joshua Judges Ruth (Ruth 1:8-18) We begin a short series featuring women in the Bible by looking at the book of Ruth, and thinking about what it means to live as a community that welcomes others who are different, a community that values openness to the spirit above loyalty to group or tradition. August 21In the Flood of Time, a Drop of Choice (Esther 4:1-17) The movements of time and history usually seem far too big for us to have any influence. And yet, in certain key moments, like Esther, we may be faced with a courageous choice. What are the elements of faith and community that can equip us for such moments?
Sunday Morning Open Discussion
Our Adult Sunday Morning Class hasnt quite taken the summer off after all! We have been gathering in Room 7 between worship services for a time of open questions and discussion, where no one brings a particular lesson, but we are still having some very good and spirited sharing. All are welcome!
Teacher Appreciation Sunday, July 24
Our congregation is so well served by a solid core of teachers who share of their gifts and interests, guiding, teaching and facilitating our children, youth and adults. On Sunday, July 24, we will be taking time during both our worship services to bless and thank these wonderful servants. Come add your voice to praise God for them!
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Footnotes
My fourth VBS here in Torrance has passedmy experience started out wonderfully, and has only gotten better! As always, this was an amazing spiritual confluence of organizers (thanks again to Jill Foster!), artists, artisans, actors, teachers, shepherds, food providers, prayer walkers, and several young adults (many of them VBS grads) whose own energy helped match that of over 100 VBS children. One added element this year: we made a prayer wall available to the children, who placed a rainbow of paper prayers into the walls cracks. Its revealing, I believe, whats on the hearts of these many little onesheres a sampling, original spelling included: Dear God, plese help all of the poor and the homelessMy brother Jason. He farackered his anklePlease pray for the people in JapanI pray that all people can have homesI hope Weskers is good (Whiskers is the aquarium seal we adopted as our VBS outreach project) Everyone who is having a bad dayMy borother got stug by a bee For our aunt to have a safe trip to MexicoI hope the rest of my life is good. The prayers also included a number of concerns for grandparents, great-grandparents, and one great-great grandmother. There was a lot of sweet artwork. And one of our teachers shared a note on behalf of a child too young to write: [He] shared that his Daddy is in prison. Please pray for this little boy and his family and his Daddy. We do VBS because so many of us just love doing itwe love children, love serving, love the energy and the fun, even if it leaves us a bit drained. In doing this, the joys and concerns of the world around us come right into our rooms. And for a weekand I believe beyond the weekwe are Gods people for these children, and they are Gods voice to us. We do VBS for that, too. Shalom, Steve Home phone: 310-212-5950 email: steefeets@[Link]
Fourth Sunday Food Offering
Our congregation has continued to show generosity in our monthly food offering on behalf of His House ministries. Just as a reminder, food offerings can be left any time in the entrance to Sippel Hall, but we celebrate this offering in worship on the fourth Sunday of every month. His House list of preferred items: Peanut Butter, Fruit Cups, Jam/Jelly, Pudding Cups, Tuna Cup of Noodles, Mayonnaise, Boxed Mac & Cheese, Brown lunch bags, Juice/Milk boxes, Fold-over sandwich bags, Canned fruit, Cereal. Next Newsletter articles need to be at the church office by August 15, 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 - Francisco Sanchez Treasurer Jimmy Koontz Financial Secretary - Moggy Emmen Clerk Nancy Johnson
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