Your Identity is the Most Beautiful Thing There Is… Imagine living your life with a false identity. That’s what happened to Francisco Madariaga Quintela. Just over 30 years ago his mother Sylvia was kidnapped by Argentine security forces. Her husband Abel last saw his pregnant wife being pushed into a Ford Falcon by army officers dressed as civilians as she walked to catch a train on January 17, 1977. Sylvia was placed in one of the most notorious torture centers near Buenos Aires—Campo del Mayo. Surviving prisoners later revealed that the baby was taken away after birth and Sylvia disappeared in a short time. The baby was taken by a military intelligence officer and adopted as Alejandro Ramiro Gallo. The adoptive father was eventually put in prison for murder. When he was older, Alejandro’s adoptive mother told him the truth about himself. In the meantime, his real father Abel had joined a group called The Grandmothers of the Plaza del Mayo—a group formed to help return children who had disappeared during the late ‘70’s to their parents. One day Alejandro went to the group. After DNA testing a match was found and a meeting with his father—Abel—was arranged. Alejandro, after learning his real name was Francisco Madariaga Quintela, said, “For the first time, I know who I was. Who I am. . . . Never again will I use this name. . . . To have your identity is the most beautiful thing there is.” Who are you? I fear that many of us don’t know the answer to this question. Many people these days have succumbed to the pressure of this world and become what the world wants you to become. Take just a moment and think about it… who are you? Are you who God made you to be or have you become what this world has told you to become? This really is a fine line. Some people justify being lazy as “just being myself.” While making an effort to be like Christ will cause you to go against the grain of the world and cause turmoil. Maybe you need to know your identity today. A strong sense of identity can take you through the toughest tests. It did for Jesus. Just after his baptism where his lineage was stamped with these words, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased,” Jesus endured tests in the wilderness. Satan attacked his identity three times with the phrase, “If you are the Son of God . . .” Jesus knew who he was and he changed the world so that you can know who you are and have your world changed by your faith in him. During a news conference where Abel Madariaga told his story, we are told “his chest heaved” as he presented his own son to the world. Like a proud papa, God has presented his one and only Son to the world. He wants you to believe in him so that he can, with “chest heaving full of joy,” present you as his child too. When Satan attacks you can stand firm. And when you need it most, you will feel his hug in a spectacular way and know that you are home. “To have your identity is the most beautiful thing there is.” Sunday, March 26, 2017 – Chapter 24: No Ordinary Man Jesus is drawing huge crowds; they’re hanging on his every word. But Jesus is no ordinary teacher. He teaches that the kingdom of God - his kingdom - will turn the world upside down, that it belongs to the poor and the persecuted, and that in his kingdom even the worst sinner can be saved. These ideas don’t go down well with everyone, especially the religious leaders who feel threatened by Jesus’ authority… (taken from “The Story” Teen Edition)

Christian Visitor Weekly Newsletter Volume 70 ~ Issue 12 March 21, 2017 Office Hours: Monday ~ Thursday ~ Closed Friday 8:00 a.m. ~ 12:00 p.m. / 12:30 p.m. ~ 4:30 p.m.

Office Phone: 785-448-3452 Website: ww.fccgarnett.org

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL REPORT OPPORTUNITY CLASS: Mary Hamilton opened the class with prayer. There were 6 present, 3 with Bible and 5 daily readers. Continued prayers for all those victims of forest fires in Western, KS; all those fighting cancer and Betty Penn. Prayers requested for Mary Hamilton, Casey Gaines, Brad & Crossroads Christian Church. Mary Hamilton presented the lesson, “Matchless Love” from John 15:1-17. The class closed with prayer. PRAISE: We had 6 in class today!

SOS Class: Burke Rogers opened the class with prayer. There were 15 present with 1 guest, Holly Meliza daughter of Bob Meliza, 10 with Bible and 7 daily readers. Prayers for Mission Haiti team and the people in Chanute who had a terrible hail storm. PRAISE: Loydene West has a new great grandchild. Burke Rogers presented the lesson on Chapter 23: “Jesus’ Ministry Begins.” The class closed with prayer.

We WELCOME YOU… With Open Doors, Open Hearts and Open Arms Justin & Erin Zook, Brylee, Brekyn and Britni ~ Dena, guest of Cody Clark ~ Paige & Angel, guests of Tim & Tammy Clark ~ Wes & Kathy McClain family ~ Amanda Moody and friend, guests of Kevin & Sandy Lewis ~ family members of Rachel Dougherty ~ Jeremy & Libby Pruett, Joshua and Levi, grandson and family of George & Jeanine Zentner ~ John Yates, nephew of Jason & Paula

SUNDAY SCHOOL / WORSHIP SERVICES ATTENDANCE / FINANCIAL UPDATE March 26 Worship Services: 8:00 a.m. ~ 66 10:30 a.m. ~ 159 Sunday School ~ 60 General Fund ~ $2857 To Date ~ $11899 New Building Fund ~ $265 To Date ~ $5454 (This includes Golda Hunt Memorial Funds designated to the NBF Nursery Project)

FCC “Family Life Center” Growth Chart New Building Addition ~ $977,269 Paid to Contractor ~ $732,294 Yet to be paid on Contract ~ $244,975 Current Cash in NBF ~ $64,618 Pledges yet to be received ~ $40,983 Prospective shortfall $139,371 (This does not include needed landscaping or expense to remodel existing Fellowship Hall)

Date: Saturday, March 25, 2017 Time: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm Place: Asbury Hall at First United Methodist Church Childcare: Will be available Cost: $20 (You may register at the door on March 25th)

Includes: Lavender Springs Spa Guide, Encouragement Pendant, Mini Spa Bag with Devotions & lunch. This will be a special time of sharing for women of all faiths in our community. Please plan to attend and bring a friend! Any questions contact Mary Hamilton 448-6526.

Sjorlund ~ Holly Meliza, daughter of Bob Meliza ~ Colwyn Cadwallader, grandson of Charles & Becky Allen ~ Paul Santoro guest of Retha Burnett ~ Austin Rosencutter brother of Nicole Born

Isaiah 44:3-5: For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses. One shall say, I am the LORD’s; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and surname himself by the

name of Israel.

CONGRATULATIONS! WALTHAM & JAXCEN

FARREN on your decision

to be baptized Sunday, March 19th, 2017

April 1 – Jim & June Cooper April 7 – Dan & Linda Benjamin April 29 – Jeff & Suzanne Finn

April 30 – Mick & Karen Brinkmeyer

April 1 Sara Blow ~ Robert Lytle April 2 Valerie Todd ~ Payton Stanley April 5 Dustin Friend April 6 Gabe Wight April 12 Mark Powls April 13 Les Thomas ~ Adrian Gwin April 18 Jenny Wilson April 21 Robert Meliza ~ Steve Watkins April 22 Chris Goetz April 27 Barbi Velvick April 28 Dan Roberts April 30 Betty Penn ~ Mike Croucher

CONGRATULATIONS WALTHAM & JAXCEN on your decision to be baptized Sunday, March 19th, 2017! First Christian Church is so excited to see you both take this step in your Christian walk by making your public statement to be a follower of Jesus! Waltham & Jaxcen are the daughters of Doug & Bev Farren.

If you would like to send Waltham and Jaxcen Farren a card of congratulations their address is: 404 North Ash ~ Garnett, KS 66032

Praise the Lord! Please remember to pray for Waltham & Jaxcen as they begin to serve with FCC as a new believer in Christ.

Brett’s Bottom Line… Hey everybody, first off congratulations to

Waltham and Jaxcen Farren for deciding to give their lives to Christ through being baptized (in very cold water) Sunday morning! They’ve already shown through their actions and have been living out their faith for Christ, but Sunday they decided to go all in! Thanks to Natasha Goetz, Morgan Hurt, and Jenna Wight as well for being amazing mentors to those girls throughout their years as a part of this church Secondly, Young Christians weekend is around the corner! You need to be here at the church AS SOON AS SCHOOL GETS OUT on March 31st. The plan is to have wheels up by 3:30pm.

Thirdly, the Pajama Movie party is going to be on March 22nd, were going to start at 5:30pm and will go to 7:30pm. Fourthly, we are going to be putting on a bake sale/walking taco sale Tuesday March 21st, so come support our youth group to help send us to YCW!!

LIFE SHOULD NOT ONLY BE LIVED,

IT SHOULD BE CELEBRATED!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Prayer Concerns for Our Church Families Long Term: Lois Gebert Clarence Hermann Jim Jordan Wilma McIntosh Nelda Potter C B Harris Cheryl Harris Steve Watkins Linda Miller Linda Benjamin Betty Penn Extended Family & Friends Long Term: New Building Construction All her family (request by Wilma McIntosh) Parker Monhollon (request by Sandra Hamilton) Steve Richardson (son of Reed & Carol) Luke Rockers (son of Jody Cole) Ray & Nancy Foltz (request by Nancy Horn) Bill & Lola Thornton Sandy (Potter) Peine (sister of Marsha Dulin) the leaders of our country our veterans and troops God Bless America! Becky Roush (request by Carol Hermreck & sister Carolyn Schuster John Hermreck (husband of Carol Hermreck) Robert Zinszer (father of Kim Stapp)

Our Loved Ones in Care Centers Dear Lord, send your blessings on those living in long-term

healthcare facilities and nursing homes. Amen

Guest Home Estate - 806 West 4th Ave Vernon Hunt, Ruth Gorrell, Robert Young, Betty Penn

Parkview Heights - 101 North Pine Jean Brown, Olive Kline, Max Ratliff, Marcene Jasper, Jerry Gettler, Sr

Residential Living Center - PO Box 407 Bill Young, Vera Wills (aunt of Phyllis Adams)

Ralph Hamilton (father of Leroy) Comfort Care Home - 27 E Rockwood Dr - Ottawa, KS 66067

Birdie Zentner Our Military, Veterans & Troops

Dear Lord, We give thanks to you for our brave men and

Women in uniform and we pray for your love to lead them and

your wisdom to guide them each day. Amen

South Korea: Matthew Schryer - Grandson of Frieda Hurt & nephew of Marcia Spring Air Force: Tim Greening, grandson of Twyla Duryea

Prayer Concerns for our church families and friends

"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!

For His mercy endures forever." Psalm 136:1

March 19 ~ Week 1

The Christian Youth Rodeo Association (Nicaragua) Mission trip left March 18. Prayers for safe travels and blessings sharing God’s word. (Justin and Erin Zook)

Thanks for praying for Kevin & Casey Gaines (Jay & Barbi Velvick)

Sharon McKinney (Darren’s mom); Bobby Simpson (Uncle); Rick Simpson (brother) (Darren & Joan Simpson)

PRAISE: Our Church addition & Awesome Music (Andy Sawyer) PRAISE: God’s healing power (Mark & Sondra Grieshaber)

March 12 ~ Week 2

Janet Stroberg (sister in law of Karen Miller)

Trenity Marschel (Mark & Sondra Grieshaber) March 5 ~ Week 3

Nancy Lake (cousin), a friend Mike and Greg Kroft (Gayla Corley)

Maurice & Carol White (brother and sister in law of Loydene West)

Jim & Ray Foltz, Dixie Scobee (Rosemary Turner) If you wish continued prayers, please note: After 3 weeks your prayer request will be removed unless you write it on the Sunday flap or send an email to Marsha Dulin at marsha@fccgarnett.org. Thank you!

Thursday, March 23, 30

Christian Crafters: 10:00 a.m. ~ Annex

Ladies Bible Study ~ 7:00 p.m. ~ Annex

Saturday, March 25

Men’s Breakfast & Devotions ~ 7:00 a.m. ~ Fellowship Hall

Sunday, March 26

Legacy ~ Fellowship Hall ~ 5:00 p.m. ~ 7:00 p.m.

Monday, March 27

Christian Woodworkers ~ 8:30 a.m. ~ At Darwin Hamilton’s

Tuesday, March 28

Prayer Group ~ 6:30 p.m. ~ Annex

Wednesday, March 29

ROOTS ~ 5:30 p.m. Meal ~ 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Lesson time

Wednesday, March 22 Spring Break Movie & Pajama Party Night - 5:30 p.m. ~ 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 23

Food Distribution ~ 4:00 p.m. ~ Quonset Hut North Lake

Saturday, March 25 “Be Refreshed” at Lavender Springs Spa – 9:00 a.m. ~ United Methodist Church – Registration forms in window by church office. Sunday, March 26 Worship Committee Meet following 10:30 a.m. Worship Services

Friday, March 31 – Sunday, April 2

Young Christians Weekend at Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO.

Important Dates in April you won’t want to miss out on!

Sunday, April 9 Palm Sunday

Friday, April 14 Good Friday Services

At the Church of the Nazarene 258 West Park Road

12:10 p.m. – 12:50 p.m.

Sunday, April 16

Easter Sunday Sunrise Services Garnett North Lake Shelter House

6:30 a.m. Nursing Home Worship Services

2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 30

Singspiration at the Church of the Nazarene

6:30 p. m.

The Christian Woodworkers have been busy! On March 9th, 2017, Gary & Cathy Hoke and Darwin & Mary Hamilton took 408 wood items to Children’s Mercy Hospital for the children to enjoy. The men continue to work every Monday morning cutting out wooden toys so that the children can decorate them as they choose. The staff is always delighted to receive them. Darwin would like to have more men to join them anytime. They have a good time working together while working for such a worthy cause – making children smile! Pictured Left to Right: Gary Hoke, Darwin Hamilton, David Smith & Richard Prather

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH ELDERS Roger Adams: 448-8172 *Kevin Lewis: 204-2257 Doug Meyer: 913-909-7680 Jason Sjorlund: 448-7660 Steve Spring: 448-2491 Larry Varvel: 448-5794

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH DEACONS

Ron Anderegg: 448-6366 Jonathan Born: 620-340-7784 Dane Byerley: 785-304-2831 *Cody Clark: 448-8093 Craig Cole: 448-4504 Gaylon Corley: 448-8373 James Dodd: 785-418-5479 Jeff Finn: 620-431-8486 Greg Gwin: 229-5105 Leroy Hamilton: 204-2162 Aaron Hedrick 304-1236 Jason Miller: 448-7110 Earl Peine: 448-6186 Nathan Wiehl: 204-2178 Lynn Wilson 448-3451

Mike Zentner: 204-1105

PASTORS AND SECRETARY Chris Goetz Senior Pastor Phone: 503-474-7965 Email: chris@fccgarnett.org Brett Hartman Children & Youth Phone: 620-215-1524 Email: brett@fccgarnett.org Marsha Dulin Secretary Phone: 785-448-4367 Email: marsha@fccgarnett.org