february 2016 courier

CourierTheC r rTThe Christian Courier The Christian Courier The Christian Courier The C Vol. 66, No. 2 Bellingham First Christian Church February 2016

Please join us for a light soup dinner at 5:30 on Wednesday, February 10. We will fellowship together and then prepare ourselves for the Easter season during worship at 6:30.

Interfaith Choir Festival Enjoy a concert of spiritual music by attending the Interfaith Coalition Choir Festival on Sunday, February 21 at 3:30 p.m. Individual choirs perform a song from their faith tradition, with our own First Christian Church choir performing Wanna Baraka. The choirs will then join together in two songs with a combined choir of over 200 voices. The combined choir will sing two selections: Make Me An Instrument of Thy Peace and All Lifted Hearts. All Lifted Hearts is a beautiful melody interspersed with spoken lines on the subject of the golden rule from different faiths, making a powerful statement about working together for peace. The choir festival will be held at First Congregational Church, 2401 Cornwall Avenue in Bellingham.

Individual singers are invited to participate in the combined choir. Please contact Interfaith Coalition at 734-3983 if you are interested in singing. An offering to benefit Interfaith Coalition programs, will be gratefully accepted.

2/14/2016 FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH 495 E. BAKERVIEW ROAD 11 A.M.For more information, please contact Jane Kletka, 360.756.1822 or the church office, 360.734.6820 or [email protected].

date location time

Are You Heart Healthy? Come to Heart Health Sunday to learn

how to live a heart healthy, heart happy life. Be sure to wear BLOOD red!

Celebrating Ten Years! This February marks the ten year anniversary of the opening of Disciples House. For ten years we have welcomed families into a place of warmth, safety, and comfort. Thanks to the hard work, dedication, and generosity of

so many of our own members, as well as members of the community, Disciples House continues, with our newest resident securely in place and ready to welcome her own little bundle of joy into the world at any moment.

Thank you to each of you for all you have done to make Disciples House a reality. Your continuing kindness and hospitality are a true sign that Gods love is at work in our little corner of the world.

Shoes News

2 February 2016

495 East Bakerview Road Bellingham, WA 98226

360.734.6820 [email protected] www.bellinghamdisciples.org

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Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) A movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lords Table as God welcomed us.

All of Us Ministers

Rev. Gary Shoemaker Pastor [email protected]

Rev. Tamalyn Kralman Director of Ed. & Community Outreach Courier Editor [email protected]

Michele Fode Finance Administrator [email protected]

Amelia Nye Accompanist

Katie Ramstead Childcare Provider

Rev. Sandy Messick Regional Minister

Rev. Sharon Watkins General Minister and President

Sunday Schedule 10:50 a.m. Gathering Time 11 a.m. Worship 12:15 p.m. Fellowship Time 12:30 p.m. Out-to-Lunch Bunch (4th Sunday) 2 p.m. Someone Cares! Community Meal (2nd Sunday) Office Hours Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - noon Our staff are in and out of the office throughout the week. Please feel free to stop by during their office hours or make an appointment that fits your schedule. Officers Renee Hoemann, Moderator Cheryl Perry, Treasurer

First Christian Church(Disciples of Christ) Shoes News

Part of the Family

It was good to take a few minutes on Sunday morning to remember Connie Eckler. Her passing was a shock to us and she will be missed.I was moved by the words of her sister.Marsha had never been in our church before Sunday morning, but I think she brought us a message that is very timely and important to our community. Connie had been going to another church before coming to First Christian. Apparently the folks at the other church, or at least a few of the folks, had let her know that they no longer had the time to come get her and bring her to church. She was a problem. She felt abandoned and alone.Marsha was telling this to one of our members, Leslie Pinkston. Leslie told her about our church and that she was sure that Connie would find a welcoming home here. When Connie first started coming, I knew that she had a bit of a chip on her shoulder. She didn't warm up to us right away. I think she was waiting for the other shoe to drop. But over time, when she realized that we genuinely cared about her and that Joe would always be there to pick her up, she eventually warmed up to us. She became part of our family. Joe talked about the transformation that he observed in Connie over the years, from anger and suspicion to joking and loving.Connie had many challenges in life. Her syndrome had left her small and vulnerable, she was fragile on the outside as well as on the inside. But she was treated like any other member of our community. For a time, she sang in the choir, sat in on Sunday School, and enjoyed the fellowship time after church. Again, she became family to us.That would not have happened if Leslie hadn't talked about our church that day. That wouldn't have happened if Leslie didn't really believe that our church could be a welcoming place to someone like Connie. We're not the biggest or the best church in the world, but we do have something that is very Jesus-like. We have a welcoming grace that makes a difference in the lives of real people.When you face an opportunity to tell someone about the church, let them know that this is a place of welcome and grace. Invite people who need to feel loved and accepted. May we continue to grow in our openness and caring. May there be many more Connies who find a place to become part of the family. May it be so.Pastor Gary

Check Out Great Family Resources!Click here for family and childrens resources (e.g. Talking to Kids about Tough Situations, special events for Disciples families, and

Lent and Easter resources to guide your family through the upcoming holy season, which begins Ash Wednesday, February 10.

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4 February 2016

Nurses Notes Blessing Bag Needs

It's True: Living With "a Fib" is Not Healthy! "A-fib " or atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common heart problem affecting the heart rate or rhythm of the heart beat. Fibrillation occurs when disorganized electrical signals causes the heart's two upper chambers (called atria) to contract in a very ineffective manner: very fast and with great irregularity. When the heart cannot beat effectively and is unable to pump blood into the heart chambers and therefore throughout the body, it pools which then can lead to the formation of a clot. If the clot breaks off and travels to the brain a stroke can occur. Blood-thinning medicines are an important prevention option against clots. If the heart rhythm is very rapid chest pain or heart failure can occur.

Very often people have AF and may not be aware of symptoms. AF may happen rarely or every now and then, or it can become a chronic heart problem that lasts for years. There are three types of AF: paroxysmal (sudden onset that stops in about a week); persistent (abnormal heart rhythm that continues more than a week and can be stopped with treatment); permanent (normal heart rhythm that cannot be restored with treatment). AF is caused when the heart's electrical signals become very rapid and disorganized; when there has been damage to the heart's electrical signals; by increase in age. Men are more likely than women to have AF, especially white males, but women need to be aware that they are at risk as well. Major risk factors include: high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, heart failure, rheumatic heart disease, structural heart defects, inflammation of the heart lining, hyperthyroidism, obesity, diabetes, lung disease, large amounts of alcohol and caffeine, psychological stress, and sleep apnea. Signs and symptoms of AF include : palpitations (feeling the heart is skipping), shortness of breath, weakness or problems exercising, chest pain, dizziness or fainting, fatigue, confusion. AF is diagnosed based on medical and family history, a physical exam and results from tests and procedures (EKG, chest x rays, blood tests). AF is treated with carefully tailored doses and types of medications that prevent clots and irregular heart rhythms and cardioversion (low energy shocks to the heart). Taking steps to lower risk for heart disease may help prevent AF. This includes: heart healthy diet, no smoking, exercise, healthy weight. Other steps include lowering blood pressure, low cholesterol levels, limiting alcohol, control of blood sugar levels, getting ongoing medical evaluation, and care. So, don't live with "a fib. Live in a healthy way so as to have truly healthy heart! Dress Red Day On Sunday February 14, 2016 come to church dressed in red to show support for a Health Ministries Sunday with a focus on heart health. February is heart health month. February 14 is Valentine's Day and what a better time to think of hearts and ways to live a lifestyle that will support good health, especially heart health. Reflection: "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and portion forever." Psalm 73:26 Jane Kletka, RN FCN Faith Community Nurse

Nurses Notes

What Do We Need for Our Blessing Bags? If youd like to contribute supplies for the bags we hand out to our neighbors in need (e.g people we see on street corners asking for assistance), please bring any of the following items to the church office:

1 Gallon ziploc bags Crackers with peanut

butter or cheese tuna & crackers Fruit/applesauce/pudding

cups (with or without plastic spoon)

hand wipes pack of kleenex

socks granola or cereal bar Small bags of nuts or trail

mix chapstick Mints, hard candy, cough

drops or gum comb or small brush bandaids

nail clippers toothbrush & toothpaste fruit juice or drink mix

packet or bottle of water

Winter Extras (optional): hand warmers warm gloves scarves & hats

Thank Yous Regional and Local Events

February 2016 3

Hope is on the Way! Save the Date for the Interfaith Hope Auction! Mark your calendar: Interfaiths 25th Annual Hope Auction happens on Saturday, March 19, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The auction will again take place at the newly-named Four Points by Sheraton (formerly Best Western Lakeway Inn, 714 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham).

Ann Hall and Frankie van Dyke express deep gratitude to all who helped with the preparations and serving with Lillian Moirs reception.

Thank you from Tamalyn and Gary for your incredible generosity over the holidays. You enabled us to be a bit more generous with loved ones and to do a lovely getaway for our 35th anniversary. We thank you so very much.

Welcoming the Wider Church to Online Meetings - February 2 Outreach and communication for our spiritual community has changed drastically in the past generation. We now live in a digital world where many people get their information via social media. Becoming a part of that online community is a vital component in remaining current in the life of the current and potential members of the Church. On February 2nd, the NWRCC will begin hosting monthly online meetings the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00PM at: http://disciplesnw.org/meeting/online-media-meetings For the first meeting, we will be talking about using Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites to communicate with your local community. We welcome ideas, questions, and presentations from anyone interested in sharing for upcoming meetings! For more information, contact Chris ([email protected]).

2016 Regional Assembly - Save the Date! Have you heard? The 2016 Regional Assembly planning is well underway location is selected, dates are set and were excited to share the theme WELCOME!!! will be held May 20-22, 2016 in Clarkston, WA, hosted by First Christian Church of Clarkston. Make sure to mark your calendars and planning for your travel. A couple of hotel options are already in place with group block rates available until April 20. Visit and bookmark http://www.disciplesnw.org/article/2016-regional-assembly for that hotel information and other updates!

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Prepare Your Heart and Mind for LentClick here and sign up for a Lenten devotional to be delivered to your email every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of Lent.

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Bellingham Technical College Settlem

yer Hall, 3028 Lindbergh Ave., Bellingham

, WA, RSVP by

March 18, 2016. Click here for m

ore info or call 360.734.5121 ext. 333.

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Online registration is now open for Eracism Training with presenters Rev. Sandhya Rani Jha- Director, Oakland Peace Center & Author of Pre-Post-Racial America and Rev. David Bell- Director, Yakama Christian Mission.

Friday Feb. 26, 1pm - 8pm & Saturday Feb. 27, 9am - 4:30pm at Englewood Christian Church, Yakima.

Jointly sponsored by the Northwest Region and Englewood Christian Church, this two-day workshop will explore systemic and individual racism and how we can begin to address it in our own context. Cost will be $10/person or $25/congregation with a group of 3 or more. Meals will be provided Friday evening and Saturday at lunch.

Visit the event web page for more information and to register: http://www.disciplesnw.org/event/eracismtraining2016

Regional Events, contd Joys and Concerns

February 2016 5

New to Our List: Bob Dawes, recovering from a fall Cyndy Koehns friends Lonnie Weeby, being treated for a suspected brain aneurism, and her wife Alahna Mark Millenaars mom is now in Lynden Christian Health Care Center Brett Kralman-Shoemakers friends during a time of transition and health difficulties Ongoing: Donna Fairchild, health concerns Bill Pribilsky, health concerns Mary Lee Wiser, health concerns

Jo Ann Harrell, health concerns Diana Findley, health concerns and concerns for loved ones Ardythe Hannahs loved ones Cyndy Koehns friendTerry Buchanan, breast cancer Disciples House Residents, past, present and future Iglesia de Dios, as together we share Gods love from this space Raices Culturales and the children in their gardening program in our field Rev. Sandy Messick, Regional Minister

Rev. Sharon Watkins, General Minister and President Our General Church ministries Yakama Christian Mission Kristine Tissinger, missionary partner in Ghana All Muslims as anti-Muslim sentiment and threats increase All Muslims, as anti-Islam sentiment grows V i c t i m s o f i n j u s t i c e , violence, poverty, disease, and disaster worldwide All troops involved in world conflict Peacemakers worldwide

Joys and Concerns Please submit written requests to update this list.

Our Common Ground Open House Our Common Ground a ministry of new church start Our Common Table in Everett is having an Open House on February 6, from 7-10pm, at 2624 Rockefeller Ave. Join us for an evening of sharing stories about our community, snacks, and bidding on some amazing auction items, and learning more about who we are, what we hope for, and how you can partner with us. This will be a kid-friendly event, so bring family, neighbors, friends, anyone!

Our Common Ground is a Hospitality Space where they open doors, providing coffee, snacks, supplies, and a safe place to sit down for a while and rest. Open to all, it is a community of hospitality and collaboration, where we journey together with our neighbors experiencing poverty, addiction and mental (un)health.

Stewardship Class Our next joint Sunday School class will meet Sunday, February 21, 9:30 a.m., to consider: What are the origins of the tithe?

6 February 2016

Sunday, February 7 Elders: John Riseland (O), Gregg Heyne (C) Lock-Up: Leslie Pinkston In Home Communion: Don Hoffman John Riseland Deacons: Kathy Wheeler, Lynn Plancich Reader: James Becker Greeter: Connie Page Flowers: TBD Fellowship Time: TBD

Sunday, February 14 Elders: Brenda Riseland (O), Jane Kletka (C) Deacons: Renee Hoemann, James Becker, Charles Schmidling Reader: Melody Hoffman Greeter: Lois Oswalt Flowers: TBD Fellowship Time: TBD

Sunday, February 21 Elders: Joe Plancich (O), Don Hoffman (C) Deacons: Ardythe Hannah, Connie Page, Linda Heyne Reader: Gregg Heyne Greeters: Brenda and John Riseland Flowers: TBD Fellowship Time: TBD

Sunday, February 28 Elders: Margaret Brown (O), Leslie Pinkston Deacons: Lois Oswalt, Alexis Pinkston Reader: Charles Schmidling Greeters: Schmidling Family Flowers: Esther Group Fellowship Time: Esther Group

Please sign up in the Fellowship Hall to participate in these important ministries Reader: Read the scripture during worship Greeter: Welcome people as they arrive at the

church on Sunday morning Flowers: Bring flowers for the sanctuary for

Sunday worship Fellowship Time: Bring goodies for folks to share

after worship

February

Whos on First?!

Be the Hands of God (nurture the world)

Find Weekly Lectionary Readings http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/

Be a Part of A Small Group (nurture your soul) Women's Spiritual Growth Groups - Please contact

the church office if you would like to be a part of a group. Out-to-Lunch Bunch, 12:30 p.m., 4th Sundays - An

informal gathering that visits locally owned restaurants. Book Group, 7 p.m., 4th Sundays - This group

explores books to expand their minds and their hearts. Esther Group, 11:30 a.m., 3rd Mondays - A women's

group that meets for lunch and fellowship in local restaurants. Bible Study, Noon, Tuesdays - Meeting in the church

library, this group explores the lectionary scriptures. Wild Goose Worship, 6:30 p.m., 1st & 3rd Tuesdays

- An alternative church experience for young(ish) adults. Location varies. Contact church for details.

Pub Theology, 6:30 p.m., 3rd Thursdays - Beer, conversation, and God! (Or any beverage of your choice.) Meets in local pubs. Contact church office for details.

Checking in Group, 5 p.m., 4th Thursdays -supportive group of people who share life's journey together.

Men's Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., Saturdays at Denny's - All men are invited to join this weekly breakfast group for fun and fellowship. A sense of humor is strongly encouraged.

For more info on how to assist in any of these projects, please contact us at [email protected].

Community Meal Josephs Closet Disciples House CAST Socks on the Street

Food Bank collections Blessing Bags Hospitals & wells

(Africa) Community Garden

Happy Birthday: Mary Lee Wiser 2 Cris Botts 4 Velma McDonald 7 Brenda Riseland 10 Gray King 13 Lynn Plancich 16

Margaret Brown 17 Mason Stanbro 18 Gaylen Udo 22 Leslie Pinkston 25 Megan Shoemaker 26 Happy Anniversary: Ralph & Bea Gilfilen 5

Celebrate!

February 2016 7

February 2016

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

February calendar

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday1 2

Noon Bible Study

6:30 p Wild Goose Worship, location TBD

3

Bulletindeadline

4 5 6

7:30a Mens Breakfast, Dennys

710:50a Gathering Time11a Worship12:15p Fellowship Time

8 9

Noon Bible Study

10Bulletindeadline

6p Bell Choir Rehearsal7p Chancel Choir Rehearsal

11 12 13


14Happy

Valentine's Day!9:30a Sun. School10:50a Gathering Time11a Worship Heart Health Sunday12:15p Fellowship Time2p Someone Cares Community Meal

15

Courier Deadline

11:30 a.m.Esther Group

6:30 pStewardshipMeeting

16

Noon Bible Study

6:30 p Wild Goose Worship, location TBD

17Bulletindeadline

5:30 p.m .Prayer Vigil for Peace in the Middle East


18

6:30 p.m.Pub Theology, Hops N Headz

19 20


Week of Compassion 217:30a Elders Mtg9:30a Sun. School - What are the Origins of the Tithe?10:50a Gathering Time11a Worship12:15p Fellowship Time

22 23

Noon Bible Study

24Bulletindeadline


25

5p Checking in Group

26

4 p Meet at the church to prep and deliver Amys Place meal

27


Week of Compassion 289:30a Sun. School10:50a Gathering Time11a Worship12:15p Fellowship Time12:30 p Out-to-Lunch Bunch7p Book Group

29 30

Noon Bible Study

31Bulletindeadline


February 2016

The Christian Courier (USPS

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aster: Send address changes to The Christian Courier, 495 East Bakerview

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First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) A church of grace and welcome for all! 495 East Bakerview Road Bellingham, WA 98226-9168

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Bellingham, WA 98226-9168

USPS 0589-870

Courier Submissions are Due Feb. 15Save the trees! Go paperless: Subscribe to the e-Courier at [email protected].

To unsubscribe: Contact 360.734.6820, 495 East Bakerview Road, Bellingham, WA 98226, or [email protected].

Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the

beginning of love.

~Mother Teresa

Read the Regional NewsletterClick here to read the current issue of

No r t hwes t Pa s sages , t he newsletter of the Northwest

Regional Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Save the Dates Sat., March 19 5:30 p.m. Annual Interfaith Coalition Hope Auction

Sun., Mar. 20 Palm Sunday

Thurs., Mar. 24 Maundy Thursday

Fri., Mar. 24 Good Friday

Sun., March 27 Easter Sunday

May 20-22 Regional Assembly, Clarkston, WA

february 2016 courier

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