first christian church tyler, texas
TRANSCRIPT
From the Senior Minister…
In the sermon we heard in the sanctu-
ary, I skillfully worked my way from
Mark 6 to the new goals we set as a
Cabinet last week. In a word, amongst all
the new ideas and suggestions, we whittled things
down to one word—“connection”. The most impor-
tant thing we see God calling us to do in 2015 is to
connect with God, with our community and world
through service, with one another through caring
and worshiping together and growing together, and
through training—the opportunity to grow and get
better. All those gathered for our Cabinet Meeting
last week agreed that if we do these things well, we
will find that all of our other goals (growth in
numbers, growth in giving, broader leadership base,
more efforts to make a difference in the community,
etc.) will come to pass.
With that connection piece in mind we will gather
this Sunday. Now, I encourage you to enter through
one of the new entrances and arrive a little bit early
to enjoy some fellowship time before we go in to
worship. Then of course, following worship, I hope
(continued on page 2)
WHAT A DAY IT WAS!
February 8, 2015, will long be remembered as
one of the great days in the history of First Christian
Church Tyler. On that day we opened our new facili-
ties, made ourselves at home within them, and dedi-
cated those facilities and ourselves to God—that all
of this would be to his glory.
How can I say thank you enough for all of your
prayers, work, time, money, expertise, wisdom, and
love. I had a “moment” standing off stage during our
dedication when I looked out at all of you —and I
welled up with emotion. This is the moment we have
been planning for nearly 6 years. Happy people proud
of being around one another, praising God for all of
his many blessings, and for the opportunities God
places before us to worship, care, serve, and grow.
As I looked out, I saw a little bit of everybody—
young and old and everything in between. Faces of
people we see every week, and faces of people we
haven’t seen in years. The visitors I spoke with were
very impressed, or better said, we’re blown away by
your energy and Spirit in this place.
First Christian Church—”Spread the Word”. God
(continued on page 2)
MISSION: To speak and live for Christ in our community and world. VISION: To be a worshipping community in which all people
are transformed through the love of Jesus Christ.
At First Christian Church…
We believe God wants to transform our lives individually and collectively for His purpose. In everything we do, we speak and live for Christ. The way we do that is simply to take God’s love and our God given gifts and talents into the world to make a difference. We gather on Sundays to worship and refuel.
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH - Tyler, Texas www.fcctyler.org February 11, 2015 Vol. 58 No. 4
WEEK OF COMPASSION OFFERING
Our special offering for Week of Compassion (WOC)
will be received Sunday, February 15th. This offering
will be used throughout the year and around the world by
WOC to provide emergency and long-term assistance to
people in the aftermath of both man-made and natural
catastrophes (see insert). Our goal is $5,000. Please mark your gift “WOC”.
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WHAT A DAY (continued from page 1)
really is up to something BIG in our midst!
Here’s a good effort at saying “thank you” to so many who poured their
lives into this project over the last week, month, year and years. Our 2020
Vision Team-Nick Vandegriff, Charlie Seagraves, Jim Rapp, Richard Davis,
Price Simmons, Robert Patterson, Brenda Gilliam, Robin Insalaco, Mary
Brazzel, and ex-officios Ginger Brandt and myself. Later in the game we
added Richard Perryman and Dave Hill. Building Committee-LARRY
DAVIS, the late Ron Brazzel, and Greg Morgan (recently we welcomed
Steve Brock and Don Simmons). Decorating Committee-Linda Dorsey,
Charlotte Halbert, and Nancy Patterson. Among the list of those who have
just been around last week-David & Libby Lowry, Wayne Aaron, Dale &
Susan Barton, Susy Teegarden, Rob Mason, and Ombra Hughes. I want to
thank our staff for their tireless efforts these past weeks, particularly Alan
Apilado, Gil Pagkaliwangan and Tyler Acker, our custodians who have
worked an incredible schedule; Dave Hill, Tricia Anderson, Zana Byers,
Nancy Grant and Jill Swan for making the office work; Robert Goodrich and
Ginger Brandt, as well, and the Praise Team. Finally, thank you to all of our
who participated in our dedication-Dr. Sidney Spain, who has yet to be
mentioned in this article, Ryan Wang for videotaping our dedication, Percy Wang and Dave Maland
for the beautiful music, and Linda Davis, Margaret Rapp and the Membership Ministry Team for the food.
Truly, I have never seen anything like it. I loved every minute of it and I love that I get to share these
moments and this new space with all of you, my church family.
Your Friend and Pastor,
Chris
P.S. This Sunday, February 15th, we will begin our new schedule: 9:30 - concurrent worship services,
10:30 - Gathering Time, 10:45 - Christian education for all ages.
Adult Sunday School
Believers Class
Rob Bradford
Job
Disciples Class
Mary Waldrop
Seekers Class
Jackie Littleton
Cana
“Experiencing the
Words of Jesus”
The Choir/Forum Class
Troy Smith
Genesis Class
“Current Issues”, using the
Rob Bell NOOMA Series.
Koinonia Class
Michael Lewis
Café Class Study in conjunction with
our Children’s Ministry.
Meet in Children’s Chapel
(north of kitchen
in main building)
FROM THE SENIOR MINISTER (continued from page 1)
that you will all come and spend 15 minutes talking, caring for, and getting to know one another. As we
have guests among us, please engage them in meaningful conversation. Find out what they are looking for
in a church, if possible. Get their contact information so you can contact them later in the week to answer
questions they may have about our church. Please invite them to your Sunday School Class so they may
find that sense of family we all so enjoy.
2015 is going to be a banner year for us…“Spread the Word”.
Your Friend and Pastor,
Chris
COMING SOON…
Newcomers Brunch - March 1st at 10:45
Newcomer’s Class - March 22nd & 29th, and
April 5th at 10:45 a.m.
Friday, March 6th - Contemporary Christian
artist and former FCC Praise Team Leader
Ben Clark in concert in the new worship space,
7 p.m. A love offering will be received.
March 22nd - “Launch” (Grand Opening) at FCC
when we open our new facilities to the commu-
nity. Start making your list of those you will
invite. “I added another name today—how about
you?”
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THANK YOU…
We thank the church for all the prayers and support
you gave us through the difficult time we endured dur-
ing Mary Padden’s struggle with life after the terrible
wreck. She did not live through the many injuries she
encountered during this time, but we felt all the loving
thoughts and support that came our way from you.
Many thanks,
Chris Faulk
Women’s Coffee Ministry Begins
Sunday, February 15! The Disciples Women’s Ministry gratefully thanks First
Christian Church for supporting the new Coffee Ministry
which takes place at the Coffee Bar of Disciples Hall every
Sunday at 9:15, before the 9:30 a.m. worship services, and
from 10:30-10:45 a.m. between worship services and
Sunday school.
FCC DWM supports the Disciples Coffee Project.
Started in 2008, the Disciples of Christ Coffee Project is a collaboration
between Equal Exchange (http://equalexchange.coop/), Disciples Home
Missions (https://www.discipleshomemissions.org/dhm/dhm-ministries/
environment/doc-coffee-project/), and Week of Compassion (http://www.
weekofcompassion.org/) to involve more Disciples in supporting small farmers
around the world.
Since the Women’s Coffee Ministry will purchase their coffee from Equal
Exchange, each cup of coffee you purchase will support the ministries listed
above. As a special bonus, there will also be a small percentage that supports
the women’s ministries here at First Christian Church, Tyler. This will be an
ongoing, year-round ministry.
If you like organic coffee using filtered water, you will love this coffee!
Plus, we will offer flavoring syrups and half & half creamer. The price for a 12
oz. cup is $1.00. However, visitors receive a free cup of coffee, plus an insu-
lated Equal Exchange mug! So if you bring or meet a visitor, please direct
them to the coffee bar!
A Few Things to Note:
Coffee is not allowed in the Sanctuary during worship, but it is allowed in the Contemporary
Worship Center.
We offer lids and appreciate you using them.
Free Church coffee (Folger’s) will also available at another location in Disciple’s Hall.
Happy Birthday!!
2/15 Martha Baldwin
Darrian Miller
2/17 Rachel Gardner
Mary Ann Exum
Jerry Landrum
2/18 Lorie Richardson
John Mustard
Scarlet Clay
Sophia Clay
2/20 Brenda Baker
2/21 Doris Kendall
2/23 Cody Burke
Brian Insalaco
Sandy Dasenbrock
2/24 Miles Brandt
David Bratz
2/25 Jacob Gardner
2/26 Tom Johnson
2/27 Jeff Billings
Russ Patterson
Happy Anniversary!!
2/28 Ray & Janet
Stephenson
WATCH FCC’S DEDICATION on
our Facebook page or go to our website
(www.fcctyler.org.)
UT TYLER/TJC CHOIRS
TO PERFORM
Mark your calendars!! The UT Tyler & TJC choirs
will perform in a combined concert Saturday, February
28th, 6 p.m. at 1st Presbyterian Church.
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Shower for
Baby Boy Brandt
Come One, Come All!
Men, Women & Children!
First Christian Church Disciples Hall
Sunday, March 1
2:00-4:00
Selections: Babies R Us, Target
Hosted By: FCC Friends
THANK YOU...
Dear Chris and FCC Friends,
Thank you so much for all that you did for our family after
the passing of our mother and grandmother, Marcia Drake.
The Memorial Service was truly a tribute to her life and the
luncheon served by the Bereavement Committee meant a lot to
our family. We also appreciate opening your pulpit to Richard
and Josh, as FCC has been an integral part in their lives.
Thank you, and God bless you all.
The family of Marcia Drake
DO YOU NEED ANY
COFFEE, TEA OR
CHOCOLATE FOR
PERSONAL USE?
Disciples Women’s
Ministry is ordering coffee
for the Coffee Bar in Disciples Hall and
will be glad to also order for individuals at
this time. We are ordering: Organic Mind,
Body, Soul ($11 per pkg); Hazelnut Crème
($12 per pkg); Toffee Caramel ($12 per
pkg); and Mighty Morning ($12 per can).
We will also be ordering Organic Green
Mint tea and Organic English Breakfast tea.
There are 20 bags per box for $4.50. Our
chocolate order will consist of: Organic Hot
Cocoa ($7.50 per can), Organic Ecuador
Dark Chocolate bar ($4) and Organic Dark
Chocolate Caramel Crunch with Sea Salt
bar ($4). Purchases benefit Third World
Farmers (see article page 3). Please let
Kaye Kraus know by Wednesday, February
18th if you are interested (903-581-8308 or
AFTER THE RENOVATION SALE
Sunday, February 15th
Announcing the “AFTER THE RENOVATION” SALE
in the Christian Life Center (in the just vacated church office)
this Sunday morning. Come take a look. Furniture, pictures,
accessories and more will be for sale.
OUR PRAYER
GARDEN
Plans for the
Prayer Garden are
complete. Installation
will begin soon.
PRAYER DURING THE
LENTEN SEASON
Lent is a special season of the church –
a time of meditation leading up to our
celebration of Holy Week and Easter. As
a way to share in the experience of Lent,
you are invited to come each Wednesday
during the noon hour for a few moments
of silent personal prayer. Knowing we all
have different schedules, this quiet time
in the sanctuary will be a come-and-go
opportunity with a Lenten prayer sugges-
tion provided in the altar area each week.
We will begin Wednesday, February 25th.
Come and know the blessing of quiet
"listening" prayer.
Bev Wood/Prayer Ministry Group
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A GREAT DAY AT FCC’S DEDICATION
Dr. Chris Pulliam spoke at the Dedication.
Percy & Ryan Wang and Dave Maland provided entertainment.
Gathering in Disciples Hall. The Membership Ministry Team
provided refreshments.
WORSHIP FEBRUARY 15, 2015 Traditional Worship Contemporary Worship
Ginger Brandt preaching Robert Goodrich preaching
Elders: Chris & Ginger Faulk Elder: Brenda Gilliam
WORSHIP FEBRUARY 22, 2015
Traditional Worship Contemporary Worship
Chris Pulliam preaching Robert Goodrich preaching
Deacon Team Leader: Wayne Aaron
ATTENDANCE
February 1st
11:00 a.m. - 252
Sunday School - 151
February 8th
Total Worship - 320
Church Calendar
Sunday, February 15th
9:30 AM - Concurrent Worship
Traditional (sanctuary)
Alternative (worship space)
10:30 AM - Gathering—
Disciples Hall
10:45 AM - Sunday School
12:00 PM - Youth Ministries
Monday, February 16th 5:00 PM - 1st Year Greek Class
6:00 PM - 2nd Year Green Glass
Tuesday, February 17th
7:00 AM - Elders breakfast
6:00 PM - Handbell rehearsal
7:00 PM - Choir Rehearsal
Wednesday, February 18th 8:00 AM - Breakfast/Bible Study
Ash Wednesday in sanctuary
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 19th
7:05 AM - R2D2 Men’s Study
6:30 PM - Praise Band Rehearsal
Sunday, February 22nd
9:30 AM - Concurrent Worship
Traditional (sanctuary)
Contemporary (worship space)
10:30 AM - Gathering-
Disciples Hall
10:45 AM - Sunday School
Youth Ministry
3:00 PM - Jr. High
4:00 PM - Open gym
5:00 PM - Sr. High
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Joys & Concerns
Congratulations to Tony Mourelatos and Barbara Rhodes, who were
married on Saturday, January 31st.
A big night was had by all last Saturday at the Daddy-Daughter Dance at
the Glass Recreation Center — Larry & Grace Cockrum, Dale, Kara
& Kaitlyn Crawford, Mike & Kate Thomas and Chris & Carol Ann
Pulliam. We understand there is a new up and coming group of much
younger girls and dads. Mark your calendar for the first Saturday in
February next year.
Holly Barry is in a St. Louis hospital as #1 on the liver transplant list.
Pray for her and her parents, Joyce Gibbs and Ed Barry.
We extend our sympathies to Sandra Hayes on the passing of her father,
James Cockrell, and to John & Marjorie Mustard on the passing of her
great-niece, Chelsey Watts.
Keep these members and their families in our prayers: Amy
Anderson, Gladys Howard, Rosemary Jackson, Jerry Murphy, Robert
Patterson, Bob & Mary Helen Randall...and our friends: Sara
Bunselmeyer, Jim Denson, Liesel Ferris, Ben Pulliam, and Carly Wallace.
Christian Fellowship First Christian Church
4202 S. Broadway Tyler, Texas 75701
(903) 561-8138 Website: www.fcctyler.org
E-mail: [email protected]
Christian Fellowship (USPS 559960) Published bi-weekly by First Christian Church
4202 S. Broadway, Tyler, TX 75701 Periodical Postage paid at Tyler TX
POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
4202 S. Broadway, Tyler, TX 75701-8721
P.A.T.H. (People Attempting To Help)
has regular weekly needs in receptions,
casework and the food pantry. If you can
help, call Rodd Moffett, Volunteer Coordi-
nator at 903-617-2817.
www.TylerPATH.org