the christian builder - clover...

www.fccmidland.org ● 1301 W. Louisiana, Midland, Texas, 79701 ● (432) 682-2541

The Christian Builder May 23, 2012

A weekly publication of First Christian Church Midland Volume 56 No.22

Church Calendar

Sunday, May 27 Pentecost Special Offering 9am Contemporary Worship 10am Sunday School 11am Traditional Worship Monday, May 28 Memorial Day church offices closed Tuesday, May 29 7pm PDAP 7:30pm Boy Scouts Wednesday, May 30 7am Men’s Prayer Breakfast 6pm Elder Meeting 7:15pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal Sunday, June 3 9am Contemporary Worship 10am Sunday School 11am Traditional Worship 12pm CYF Youth depart for CYF Conference Saturday, June 9 3pm CYF Youth return from CYF Conference Sunday, June 10 9am Contemporary Worship 10am Sunday School 11am Traditional Worship 6pm All Church Picnic

June 10

All-Church Picnic

Hogan Park

6-8PM

Meat will be provided

Please bring a side dish

ALL CHURCH PICNIC/VBS KICK-OFF

Register online today @ www.fccmidland.orgRegister online today @ www.fccmidland.org

Vacation Bible School 2012Vacation Bible School 2012Vacation Bible School 2012Vacation Bible School 2012Vacation Bible School 2012Vacation Bible School 2012Vacation Bible School 2012Vacation Bible School 2012

June 11June 11--1515

5:305:30--8:30 PM nightly8:30 PM nightly

For children, age 3For children, age 3--5th grade5th grade

Music, arts & crafts, dinner, Music, arts & crafts, dinner,

bible teaching, & morebible teaching, & more

Proceeds collected during Proceeds collected during

VBS will benefit Christmas in VBS will benefit Christmas in

Action, a local mission Action, a local mission

agency. We will also be agency. We will also be

building a playhouse that building a playhouse that

will be given away to a will be given away to a

family in need.family in need.

The Builder, First Christian Church

Thoughts… Rev. Mike Hunter Senior Minister

A lumberjack went the deep woods to work. On the first day, with fresh arms and a new axe, he chopped down 10 large trees. On the second day, seven trees, the third day, only four. Every day the number went down. By the beginning of the second week it was a struggle to chop down even one mighty tree in a single day.

The harder and harder he chopped the less and less result he saw from it.

About that time a young lady came walking by and observed him for several minutes. When he paused to change his grip on the axe handle, she asked him…sir, do you think it might help to stop chopping and to sharpen your axe?

He was so busy doing what he’d always done, the thought never occurred to him.

How often are we the same? How often do we swing away at life out of duty, or obligation, or even guilt, convincing ourselves the ACT outweighs the RESULT?

Our spirituality fades. We convince ourselves that more time chopping in taking up worthy causes is an outward fix to an inward condition. We do not sharpen our Sabbath through worship, increased prayer life, study of scripture; or create times for silence or meditation.

We overfill our schedules. We say yes to too much and accept too little in result. We chop…chop…chop…we tell ourselves the chopping is good enough.

We grow weary. We remember the day when we could fell 10 or more life trees in a single day. We struggle to understand why we labor at just one or two now. Chop…chop…chop. We have blisters to prove how hard we work…hard work is the backbone of our culture, right?

We need to stop and sharpen our axe. Let success yield way to significance. Even Jesus stepped back, many times to pray, to fast, and to gather himself…to sharpen his axe.

Some sharpening questions for us: Am I missing anything in my life right now that’s important to me? What am I passionate about? Why? What gifts has God given me that have been perfected over time? What realistic changes can I make? In my relationships? In my work? In my faith? What am I doing at a less than excellent return? Why am I doing that?

Be honest. There are no medals for blisters and bad, hard work. Be patient. You cannot do it overnight. You cannot make sharpening the new chopping. They are, and must be, distinctly different.

Have faith. For Christians, sharpening our axe is basically a time to answer the question: What will I do about what I believe? Trust God to guide you. Listen to God’s voice in prayer, meditation, scripture, and to the thoughts God places in our mind when we stop chopping long enough to listen.

Why not try, for one week, to take a few minutes and do a little sharpening? Tell me what you discover. It just might help us all.

Half Time, Bob Buford, page 68.

Christian Babel Acts 2:1-21

This Week’s Sermon


May 20, 2012

Combined Worship 172 Children’s Church 9 Nursery 6 Total 187

Sunday School Nursery 4 Children 11 Youth 16 Adult 71 Total: 102

Musings… Rev. Cory Glover Associate Minister

Visitors Corner May 20, 2012

Attendance

Thanks for worshipping with us!

Hayley Allen Kenneth & Frances Ellis

Jeff Fentem Chris, Brooke & Kennedy Giese

Mycah Glover Suzanne Gonzalez

Steve, Christy & Anna James Georgia Keaton

Don, Joy, Hannah, Ian & Evelyn McCormack

Jim & Lara Newman Anne O’Grady

Curtis Pechacek Aidan & Nic Ramsey

John Robeck Judy Roper & Claire Groves

June Ross Art & Carla Wilson

Scott Colglazier, a well-known Disciples pastor and author, recently published a modern-day dictionary of faith, wherein he proposes modern definitions to ancient spiritual words.

After my sermon last Sunday on the dangers of getting comfortable, I looked up his definition for "disciple". Here are a few excerpts: Disciple (di sip el) n. The word disciple literally means one who learns, and I might also add one who questions, probes, explores, and searches. To follow Jesus, therefore, isn't about mindlessly falling in line and doing whatever Jesus says; Jesus would have been appalled by such a notion. What he wanted was for people to learn, grow, and deepen their understanding of God... Jesus does not want mindless, thoughtless, question-less followers; he wants people who understand that the journey of faith is one of learning and growing and changing. Nothing brings greater glory to God than when people are willing (and this takes enormous moral and intellectual courage) to evolve as individuals. To be a disciple of Jesus is about being in a committed relationship of learning...opening the heart and the mind... You could say that discipleship, at its core, is about refusing to stay the same. To let go of the wheel and embrace all that God is offering us through this gift we call life. Static rules, familiar routines, and worn out patterns just aren't helpful. Consider the words of Jesus himself: "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat—I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you?" - Luke 9:23-25 (The Message) How are you learning, growing, changing, as a Disciple of Christ this week?


Birthdays

5/23 Sandra Wills Stacee Burns 5/25 J.D. Benton 5/27 Amber Hopper Brenda Morris Chloe Wells 5/28 Dean Rucker 5/29 Yvonne Scarbrough Suzette Gill Clay Smith 5/31 Carol Thompson Linda Hicks Del Windle

Ponderings… Rev. Paula Brooks Associate Minister

We are in need of the following items: Ladders Wheelbarrows Old boards with nails removed Caution tape Old blueprints Saw horses Used paint drop cloths, paint brushes, empty paint cans Bricks Old shirts for painting Or whatever items you might think would be used on a construction site.

Plus for our Preschoolers: Dress up clothes, hats, shoes, costume jewelry, scarves, belts, purses, wallets

Please bring your items to the Church office by Monday, June 4. We greatly appreciate any items that you would be willing to share with us.

Rubber bands come in different sizes and different colors and different shapes, but they all work on the same principle. Rubber bands must be stretched to be effective.

Like rubber bands, our personalities, talents, and gifts are different. We are also not effective unless we are

stretched. If you’re not stretching in your own personal life whether it is your walk with God, in your job, in your home, then how are you going to be able to be effective for God?

Every person who has ever achieved anything has stretched for it. There’s no such thing as a self-made person; there’s no such thing as a person who comes into the world fully equipped for success. Every person who has ever made it to the top, every person who has achieved anything for God, every person who has been effective has learned to stretch.

I want to challenge you to “stretch”. So get ready, because if we are going to stretch and I do believe you want to, we must step outside of our box. So here is one way I’m challenging you to stretch. My prayer is that you will take the challenge.

VBS is the week of June 11. It is in the evening, 5:30-8:30. We are planning for many children. We have volunteers that will be teaching Bible stories, volunteers doing arts and crafts, games, music, food, taking pictures, making videos of our week, adults to direct children from place to place and a crew of carpenters who will be helping the children to construct a playhouse to be given to a family in need.

We have people who are stretching, and I mean really stretching because we are reaching out to the children in our community, inviting them to come and join us as we help them to know the importance of being a part of a community that shares, cares for others, learns new things and shares that new knowledge. So here’s my challenge...if you are not already doing one of the activities mentioned above I challenge you to stretch, come and be a warm body. Take in the sights and sounds (and there will be a lot to see and hear) that will take place during the week.

By S-T-R-E-T-C-H-I-N-G we can lead others to know Jesus Christ. By S-T-R-E-T-C-H-I-N-G we can grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ. Are you willing to do a little S-T-R-E-T-C-H-I-N-G?

In loving partnership,


Anniversaries

5/28 Gaylon & Pat Howard 5/28 Mike & Enid Hunter

Lectionary Scriptures

for the week of May 27, 2012

Acts 2:1-21 Psalm 104:24-34, 35b

Romans 8:22-27 John 15:26-27, 16:4b-15

Elder - On - Call

5/20 - 5/26 Mike Nance

5/27 - 6/2

Jim Morris

6/3 - 6/9 Enid Davis

Church Bulletin Board Please send your announcements to Katie by 5 PM on Mondays.

Disciple Summer Mission Trip 2012 July 1-7, 2012

The youth of FCC will be joining with Disciples from across the country (many of whom came to Midland for Rock the Desert last year) for our

mission trip this summer. We will be traveling to Northwest Arkansas and Joplin, Missouri, where we will assist with recovery and community

building efforts. Travel arrangements are being finalized, so youth need to confirm their participation as soon as possible. Other adults

interested in going along, please contact Cory in the church office.

The inclusive cost of the trip is $200. Fundraising efforts will offset travel costs and other community expenses.

If you are interested, please sign up this week.

You’re Invited

It’s time to kick off our boots and CELEBRATE! You are invited to come on over

and say “HOWDY” to the graduates, Emily Fentem & Hannah Wright!

They want to say thank you for the love and support you’ve shown them over the years!

Hope to see Y’ALL there!

June 2, 2012 2-4PM

2102 N. “L” St. (Wright’s House)


Church Bulletin Board Please send your announcements to Katie by 5 PM on Mondays.

Adult Sunday School Studies

Mixed Blessings/Pairs & Spares Room 301 Topic: Luther, Radicals, and Roman Catholics

II Chronicles 7:14 Room 302 Leader: Members of the class Topic: Knowledge & Practice of Truth Scripture: 2 Peter

Genesis Room 304 Leader: Paula Brooks Topic: Nameless Women of the Old Testament - Part 2

Fellowship Room 307 Leader: Jim Mauldin Topic: Ezekiel the Prophet – Who was he and what he may have seen. Scripture: The Book of Ezekiel

Mike Hunter’s Class Montgomery Room Leader: Mike Hunter Topic: Looking at Luke: Chapter 10

Children’s Sunday Activities

May 27, 2012

In God We Still Trust A Patriotic Musical

On Sunday evening, June 24th, at 6:30pm the Sanctuary Choir, Brass and Rhythm

Ensemble, and Adult Handbells, will present a program of patriotic music. It

will feature a "Salute to the Armed Forces", an "Anthem For the Unsung

Heroes", and the always inspiring "Battle Hymn of the Republic". Please invite your friends of all ages to be present

as we honor those who have helped to make our country great.

It’s A Contest!

This month the Sunday school classes will be having a contest to see who can bring the most food contribution for the Memorial Food Pantry.

All classes from Preschool to Adult are encouraged to participate.

Item for the month of May: CANNED MEATS (tuna, chicken, salmon)

It is not too late to contribute and help your Sunday school

win! The winners will be announced at the All-Church

Picnic on Sunday, June 10.

The winners will have the privilege of throwing pies in our

very own Rev. Mike Hunter’s face! You won’t want to miss this!

Canned Food Drive II Chronicles 7:14 0 Fellowship 1 Genesis 110 Mixed Blessings/Pairs & Spares 31 New Class (Mike Hunter’s) 82

Total: 224

Sunday School Preschool Lesson: My Things Belong to God Scripture: Psalm 24:1 Elementary Lesson: The Holy Spirit is Our Helper Scripture: John 14:17 & John 16:5-7, 12-15 Children’s Church Lesson: Pentecost Contemporary: Maria Howard/Dennis & Stacee Burns Traditional: Carol Cook/Janice Ford CELEBRATE We will not be meeting during the summer months. Be watching for special activities occurring during the summer.

Gift received in Honor of 2012 Graduating Seniors Pentecost Special Offering received through 5/13/2012 $145.00


For submission to prayer list contact any staff, submit via web, or e-mail

[email protected]

Prayer Room Chapel Lock Box Code #1301

Special Note: Prayer list names are renewed every three weeks as we seek to keep the list as current as possible

and allow space for new requests. 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

Congratulations

Katie Benton, daughter of Greg & Mary Anne Benton, and

granddaughter of Frank & Freda Benton, was married 5/6/2012 to

Drew Winston in Austin.

Katie also graduated from TX Woman’s University with a

Doctorate of Physical Therapy.

Michael Morgan, son of Charlie & LuAnn Morgan, was married to Natalie Lujan on Saturday, May

19th at St Ann’s Catholic Church.

Celebrating the Birth of...

Hailey Windle born May 17, 2012 to Max and Amanda Windle. Hayley

weighed 6 lbs. 14 oz and is 20” long. Proud grandparents are

Del and Cathie Windle.

Sonny Van Pierce born May 20, 2012 to Andy and Lacey

Pierce. Sonny weighed 8 ½ lbs. and is 22” long. Proud great grandparents are Doc and

Charlsye Dodson.

Get the Word Out!

We are getting the word out about this years Vacation Bible School.

So far, we have visited over 14 daycares and 8 schools, which totaled handing out over 1,650

fliers. Also, we sent out over 440 postcards to those who attended the Easter Eggstravaganza and/or Trunk-R-Treat. This is an exciting time, and we hope you will help us by getting out into the community

and encouraging your friends, family, neighbors, and complete

strangers to register online at www.fccmidland.org!

Those in the hospital: H.G. Bedford - Senior Care Center-George Head - husband of Dee Head - MMH/West Mary Jane Strobel - Senior Care Center Those in need of prayer: Hank Kirk Bill & Char Womack Mike Nance Judy Spruell Curtis Pechacek Those in extended/long term care: Blanche Alcorn Nancy Gill Clarese Gough - mother of Jeannie Gough & Janice Beckner Jackie Hanna Jerry Johnson Charlotte Millican Jerry Sloan Keith Somerville Dorothy Wadley Military: Trevor Forbes - son of Stephen & Betty Forbes Travis Zumwait - nephew of Stephen & Betty Forbes Van Forbes - nephew of Stephen & Betty Forbes Joe Henderson - son of Holly Moore Nicky Miller - son of Vicki Miller Rich Klumpp - nephew of the Midkiffs Damon Darnell - grandson of Floyd & Doris Miller Bennett Dobbs - extended family of the Espino’s Eric Schuff - extended family of the Espino’s

Families/Friends beyond FCC: Clifton Carter - Sara Cranford Kim Walters - foster daughter of Diane Bailey Fisher DeWayne King - friend of Sara Cranford Frank Frerman - grandfather of Emma & Graham Frerman Kasey Vasicek - niece of Mark Cranford Bob Stark - friend of The McCuan’s Don Ballard - relative of Janice Courtney Teena Atchley - friend of Kay Hill Shirley Stone - friend of Taylor Pechacek Michelle, Kaylyn & Kyler McMillan - friends of Kris Evers Elizabeth Fentem - cousin of Emily Fentem Brett Willingham - brother of Jessica Willingham Spencer Suann Bommersbach - granddaughter of the Faulkner’s Nancy Genzel - friend of Sandy Faulkner Robert Southerland - friend of Sara Cranford Jodi Meacham - daughter of Sandy & Diane Faulkner Ken Craig - friend of Sammie Hodges Dean Stephenson - brother of Meta Jones Ashton Dunavan - friend of John Ross Espino Families/Friends beyond FCC in long term care: Stan Wigley & family - friends of LuAnn Morgan Lori Hays - cousin of Mary Anne Benton Sonya Hopkins - friend of Kelley McCullough Michael Castillo - nephew of Meta Jones

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

432-682-2541

online at: www.fccmidland.org May 23, 2012

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Org US Postage

Paid Midland, TX 79711

Permit No. 145

Pentecost Offering 2012

Each year the New Church movement is

supported by funds raised by the annual Pentecost

Offering. This special-day offering provides support

for new church planter training, coaching, special

project grants and additional services to

support the new church movement of the Christian Church

(Disciples of Christ). And, importantly, half of the

money collected through the Pentecost Offering

remains in YOUR REGION to benefit

new churches.

the christian builder - clover...

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