The Christian Builder November 9, 2017

A weekly publication of First Christian Church Midland Volume 61 No. 42

www.fccmidland.org ● 1301 W. Louisiana Ave., Midland, Texas 79701 ● 432.682.2541

Sunday, November 12 9am Contemporary Worship 10am Sunday School 11am Traditional Worship 5pm CELEBRATE 5pm Stephen Ministry Monday, November 13 9:30am Staff Meeting Tuesday, November 14 9:30am Concerns 1:15pm Food Pantry Stocking 7:30pm Boy Scouts Rm 105 Wednesday, November 15 7am Men’s Prayer Breakfast 12:30pm Food Pantry 7pm Choir Rehearsal Thursday, November 16 11:30am Ladies Night Out Friday, November 17 6pm SHARE Sunday, November 19 10am Sunday School 11am Combined Worship 12pm Long Range Planning Thanksgiving Luncheon

New Church App What members are saying:

“I love our new ap. I have used it several times this week including directions. Thanks for taking us into the future.” BN

Church App Online Directory and Calendar

Connections to people

Go to: https://fccmidland.shelbynextchms.com/

1. Enter your email address the church has for you. Please know this is case sensitive. If you do not have an email address already with the office, please contact church staff.

2. Click forgot password

3. The system will generate an email to send you to follow to setup your account with a user name and personal password. Please know this is case sensitive. Then download the Shelby Next Membership app from Apple or Android and use same user name and password. You must also enter the domain name. The domain name for the app is fccmidland.

Life has inflicted a few changes on my path recently and I’m trying to learn from them, and the learning isn’t easy. Just eight short years ago, when I arrived in Midland, I wasn’t a grandparent and I didn’t have any health issues to speak of.

Now we have four wonderful grandchildren and I’ve stopped counting how many health issues the medical world is chasing in me. Still, I am thankful for medical technology and helpful drugs. I really can’t complain, my quality of life, though no longer 30-ish, is still very good.

But these days do require more processing than I’ve previously practiced. As part of a growing need to cope with changes, I’ve engaged my Pastoral Relations Committee in a more regular and transparent way. PRC’s are setup for each minister and are a great help and sounding board. It might be an understatement when I say I need more of both these days.

As part of their work, some of them have asked me to read the small book Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff and It’s All Small Stuff by Richard Carlson. I recommend the book to you.

Each chapter is just a couple of pages and it is a very easy read. The lessons themselves are not so light. If you follow me on Facebook, you know that I’m reflecting on the pages every few days. Sometimes I express agreement, other days less so, and occasionally, I am silent as the lessons touch a deep place inside me.

Column space limitations do not allow me to unwrap the irony of the author’s title, much less the content of its chapters. I’m a type A personality, son of self-starter parents from the humblest of beginnings. The lessons of growing up were to tackle head on and push ahead.

In the broadest sense, this has served me well. Theologically, I have always claimed the promise that God wants to do mighty things in each one of us and in our churches.

But I’m learning, more and more, that people don’t always live in that broad, robust place. They are just as likely to live in the quiet moment, the brief and honest conversation, the demonstration revealed by your actions telling them they were important and heard.

Recently, I wrote: I don't think there has been, in my lifetime, a more complex moment to attempt to be a called clergy person. I don’t pen these to garner attention or sympathy but to reflect what I see and sense. We speak more than we listen, we limit conversations to 140 characters or less, we keep hoping 1960 is coming back, and then just a few hot button words can launch us into a tirade or retreat. Even the news shouts more than it informs. Sadly, congregations must consider safety as a strategy when they gather to worship or serve.

No wonder my heart is racing. And then I read this:

I can’t think of a single person whom I would consider to be inwardly peaceful who doesn’t carve out at least a little quiet time, virtually every day. RC

I want to carve out more time with you.

Page 2 The Builder, First Christian Church

Thoughts… Rev. Mike Hunter Senior Minister

Bible Study

Topic: Finding the Still Water

Leader: Rev. Mike Hunter

This Week’s Sermon

Lean Into God with Hope

Psalm 78:1-7 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

This weekend I will be hanging out with about 75 youth and adults at our Fall Rally at LBCR. Over the weekend we will play crazy games, have meaningful small groups, and be a part of some powerful worships. From the bus ride to and from camp, the late night talks in the dorms, and time around the camp fire, God will be working! It is the job of the adults to help youth see and hear God in new ways.

This is one of the best parts of my job, creating moments for youth to know God. When they get it, the “light bulb moment,” you know that they know. What joy it is to be a part of that!

Be in prayer for our youth. Pray for them by name. Pray that they have a GOD MOMENT. And pray that what happens at camp this weekend is something they can bring home and freely give away!

List of names of youth and adults:

Kailea Aaron, Khrysti Bair, Destiny Crudgington, Isaiah Crudgington, Simon Crudgington, Kathe Hepfer, Kristen Hepfer, Amber Hopper, Meta Jones, Casssidy Kosanke, Ryleigh Kosanke, Ethan Magee, Gavin Magee, Collin McCullough, Chris Reynolds, T.J. Shoop-York, Johnna Slone, Cami Stanford, Penny Stanford, Garrett Stephenson, Braden Vines, Jakob Vines, Delaney Walsh, Emily Waygood, and Tommy Wells.

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Topics… Rev. T.J. Shoop-York Associate Minister

Our congregation has a group of people skilled in caring for those facing challenges in their lives. These people, called Stephen Ministers, have undergone extensive training to develop and nurture their caring skills. Following a commissioning service on Dec. 10, they will begin their caring ministries. Stephen Ministers will work with people who are experiencing many kinds of crises and stress in their lives. Who might receive care from a Stephen Minister? Care receivers may be hospitalized, grieving the death of a loved one, separated or divorcing, homebound, unemployed, adjusting to the birth of a child, or otherwise experiencing difficulties. You can help by being on the lookout for persons who could benefit from a Stephen Minister. Stephen Ministers will begin in January 2018. Please keep Stephen Ministry in your prayers.

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The Children’s Ministry has some wonderful opportunities for children during November & December. Below you will find a list of up and coming events from now through the end of the year.

Next week we have 2 special events that are planned. On Friday, November 17th those children in grade 4 & 5 will be going to Regal Cinema Tall City 14 to see the movie “Wonder”. The movie begins at 6:45pm. Please meet at the theater

by 5:45pm so we can get tickets, buy refreshments and get settled in. Please note that you only need money for refreshments. Your movie ticket is provided. Please eat dinner before coming. Parents are invited to join us.

On Sunday, November 19th those children in preschool through grade 3 will be going to Regal Cinema Tall City 14 to see “The Star”. It’s the Christmas story told through the eyes of animals. The movie begins at 4:15pm. Please meet at the theater by 3:30pm so we can get tickets, buy refreshments and get settled in. Please note that you only need money for refreshments. Your movie ticket is provided. Parents (specially those with preschoolers) are invited to join us.

I am looking forward to sharing in the joy, fun and celebration of what the next 2 months hold. I hope you will take as many opportunities as possible to join in.

In loving partnership,

Page 4 The Builder, First Christian Church

Ponderings… Rev. Paula Brooks Associate Minister

Up and Coming Children’s Events For November & December

CELEBRATE * 5-7pm * Grades K-5 Nov. 12 & Dec. 3

A Day at the Movies * Dates & Times TBD The Star (a Christmas Movie) Preschool thru Grade 3

Wonder Grades 4-5

Breakfast with Santa Saturday, December 2, 9:30-11am

Night in Bethlehem Sunday, December 10, 5-7pm

All Church Caroling Sunday, December 17, 5pm

Christmas Eve Service Sunday, December 24, 6pm

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Elder - On Call

11/5-11/11 Jon Aaron House 11/12-11/18 Sandy Faulkner

Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-15 Psalm 78:1-7

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Matthew 25:1-13

Lectionary Scriptures

November 12

Disciples Food Pantry November 8, 2017

Families served 72 Total People 276 New Clients 11

Gifts received

Chalice Fund in Memory Marilyn Friday

Disciples Food Pantry in Honor of H.A. Tuck

Guest November 5, 2017

Harold Boze Valerie Brady Doug Brown

Conde/Robles Family Dziuk Family

Ron & Maggie Forth Kilborn Family Kirkley Family

Kosanke Family Deborah Lucas Susan Marshall Payne Morris Aidan Ramsey

Richardson Family Garrett Stewart

Ray Tercero Betsy Youngers

Our Deepest Sympathy

We extend our heartfelt sympathy and prayer to the following family who has recently lost a loved one:

The Family of Dudley Skaggs…Dudley passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2017 in Arlington, TX.

Memorial Services were held at 11am on Friday, November 10, 2017 at Moore Funeral Home in

Arlington, TX. Dudley is the father of Barbara Estes and the

grandfather of Bailey Estes.

Please keep the Estes Family in your prayers.

“With the peace and grace of Christ, may the Spirit of

Our Deepest Sympathy

We extend our heartfelt sympathy and prayer to the following family who has recently

lost a loved one:

The Family of Prella Mays Phillips… Prella passed away on Friday, November 3, 2017

in Lake Jackson, TX.

Memorial Services were held On Sunday, November 5, 2017, in Clute, TX.

Prella is the cousin of Sara Cranford. Please keep the Cranford Family in your prayers.

“With the peace and grace of Christ, may the Spirit of God gently enfold all

those who sorrow.”

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Ms. Shelby is in her first year teaching with the CLC. Ms. Shelby is a graduate of

Greenwood High School and is a current student at Texas Tech University working

towards a career in HR. Ms. Shelby loves all things Texas Tech! Ms. Shelby has one

fur baby named Duke. In her free time Ms. Shelby loves to pinterest, take pictures, go

camping and kayaking as well spend time with her family and friends. Ms. Shelby is

so excited to be at the CLC and loves working with children everyday teaching them,

loving them and watching them grow.

Ms. Josefina has been teaching at the CLC for 5 years. Ms. Josefina has been married

to her wonderful husband John for 9 years and has 4 children, 3 boys and 1 girl, as

well as 4 dogs. Ms. Josefina loves the color purple and in her free time loves to draw.

She also enjoys taking her family to the park, going on road trips and making crafts.

November 19 Thanksgiving Luncheon Final Vision Gathering

November 19 is the date of our traditional Thanksgiving Feast, it is a day that marks the official beginning of our holiday season, and the food is FABULOUS! It will also be the final opportunity for congregational input for our Vision process. We will think our “God Dreams” for the future of FCC. Around tables we will share and capture the hopes and dreams, with some specific thought, the future of our church. Already much good information has been lifted up and this series of meetings will give the Vision Team a solid foundation for the crafting of their report back to the board and congregation. Mark your calendar for a great day on November 19.

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Birthdays 11/4 Melissa Bianchi 11/4 Luke Bourland 11/4 Kyle Pierce 11/7 Rylea Tercero 11/8 Nell Coats 11/9 Lane Branum 11/10 Bill McCuan 11/11 Marshal Watson 11/12 Hollyn Pollard 11/12 Vickie Shenk 11/13 Joan Huff 11/13 Jan Watson 11/13 Hannah Wright 11/14 David McColloch 11/15 Lucille Graham 11/15 Tim Miller 11/16 Martha Fentem 11/18 Kelley McCullough 11/19 Jeannine Hurst 11/19 Freda Kinsey 11/19 Ashely Tercero 11/21 Beatrice Petraitis 11/21 Desiree Valero 11/22 Eveline McCuan 11/25 Connie Hawkins 11/27 Steve Shenk 11/28 Tommy Hawkins

11/28 Keith Singleton 11/29 Patty Walsh 11/30 Jean Jones

Anniversaries 11/9 Bill & Sharon Boyd 11/10 Chris & Joan Huff 11/22 Jerry & Jan Watson 11/24 Gary Groves & Judy Roper 11/27 Robert & Holly Moore 11/27 Bill & Char Womack 11/29 Jerry & Jana Floyd 11/30 Gene & Beverly Drummond

Special Notes: Our joys, concerns and deepest

needs are already on God’s heart long before we put them to paper.

…for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:8

Prayers & Praises

Those in need of prayer: Twana Evers Nancy Maberry Delnor Poss Lana Cooley Tommy Hill Betty Whitmire June Jarrett Helen Estes Faye Casey Ray & Doris Stewart Robert & Sheila Crudgington Dolores Hodges Clint Hurst Roberta Hurt Bill Schneider Bill Griffin Mary Mauldin George Head Bruce Stanley Bill & Char Womack

Military: Joe Henderson - son of Holly Moore Nicky Miller - son of Vicki Miller Kinder McCullough-daughter of Bill & Kelley McCullough

Families/Friends beyond FCC: Kathleen Scarafile-friend of Austella Berry Phillips Family – Sara Cranford Eltis Copeland – grandmother of Lauren Disney Frances Buzard – mother of Joan Huff

Brian Gibson – friend of Mike Hunter Tiny Mitchell – mother of Teresa Mitchell Hannah Bell-granddaughter to Kaylene & Dave Burgard Joe McMillan – son of Nancy Maberry Audie Coggins-uncle to Jeweli Flores Mark Hendricks-son of Jackie Hendricks Dick Cranford – uncle of Mark Cranford Jimmie Cranford – uncle of Mark Cranford Phillip Koonce – friend of Janice Courtney Tom Bauer-friend of Jeweli Flores Margie Singleton-daughter-in-law of Joy Singleton Kerri Nielsen- daughter of Nell Coats Jimmy Bermea – brother of Roy Bermea Trace Penton – nephew of Ray Stewart Barbara Williams – daughter of Ray Stewart Kae Evanson Kelley – sister of Lori Mast Peggy Ann Poss-daughter-in-law of Martha & Delnor Poss Sandi Nobles & Family -friend of Ginny Estes Kairos Conde – nephew of Olivia Espino Jay Cooper – nephew of Cecil & Betty Odom Joyce Watkins- mother of Judy Spruell Oscar Garcia – brother of Amparo Olguin Family of George Capps – cousin of Sara Cranford Mary Elizabeth Droddy - sister of Sara Cranford Kathy Dunnan- friend of Peggy Jones Ferrell Powell- friend of Sharon & Bill Boyd

Ed Shelton – nephew of Scotty Alcorn Joe Langford – father of Carol Cook Martha Pollock – friend of Sara Cranford Please inform the church office if you or a loved one are admitted into a hospital, so we may be there for you & your family.

Adult Sunday School All of our adult Sunday School classes meet at 10 am. Each class is based on studies of particular scriptures and related topics.

2 Chronicles 7:14 - Library A class for adults of all ages. This class is doing a series on Extraordinary Women of the Bible and is led by members of the class.

Fellowship - Room 306 A class for adults in their senior years. They are currently doing a Bible Study of 1 Peter. Jim Mauldin is the leader of this class.

Young Disciples – Room 106 Parents of children of all ages are welcome to be a part of this class. They are currently studying Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids by Laura Markham. Sarah Esquivel is leading this series.

Genesis - Parlor A class for adults of all ages. During the month of November Keith Gibbons is lead-ing the class on “500 Years of Reformation …The Five Solas”

The Christian Builder First Christian Church 1301 W. Louisiana Ave. Midland, TX 79701

432.682.2541

www.fccmidland.org November 9, 2017

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