September 2018 Newsletter

Florence Christian Church, 300 Main Street, Florence KY 41042

(859) 647-5000 ext. 1 | florencechristian.org

Over the past 3 ½ years, Florence Christian has

been in discernment about who we are and who

God is calling us to be for this time in our life

and ministry. We have spent time listening,

praying and articulating what is important.

Here’s where we’ve been:

In 2015, we considered the

question WHY Florence Christian

exists, and wrote a mission

statement that articulates our

belief of God’s call to us as a

congregation: Florence Christian

Church celebrates God’s welcome table

of abundant love, grace and acceptance. This

statement of purpose has opened doors for expanded

mission and diversity in our congregation, moving us from

a scarcity mentality to a faithful regard for God’s

abundance in our lives and ministries.

In 2016-17, we began moving deeper

into our understanding of HOW we

live into our mission by identifying

three core values of FCC: Welcome

Radically, Serve Boldly, Form Faith

Every Day. Our mission and core

values have become the lens by which

every new endeavor is considered, and

has been extremely helpful as we have determined our

next steps together as a congregation.

Last year, we were ready to do the work

necessary to make an informed

decision about WHAT direction God

is taking us into the future. We

conducted an architectural

consultation to assess our Main

Street campus needs. We also

received an updated appraisal on the

property the church owns in Union. After receiving these

reports, and in conversation with our Mission and Core

Values, the congregation made the decision that God’s

calling is to remain at Main Street and Florence and to do

the work necessary to restore and improve our facilities to

undergird the continued and expanding ministries that

take place from and beyond our campus.

2018-2021: Renew…Restore…Revive

Renew

God is doing a new thing at the corner of Main Street and

US 42! The Spirit has moved us into new venues of

ministry as we provide the radical welcome of God to all

people through bold service in Jesus’ name. From FCC’s

shower ministry to the homeless to Intergenerational

ministry between Children and Seniors…from community

groups and community outreach events…food ministry to

seniors and families who are economically challenged…we

are being renewed and we are renewing!

Restore

As our ministry is growing…our facility is in great need of a

“fixer-upper”: major infrastructure renovations (roofing,

HVAC, electrical improvements); space renovations for

more efficient use and expansion of childcare and

afterschool ministries; creating a new community room for

church and community group gathers on the lower level;

asbestos removal and a new commercial-grade kitchen in

the Activity Center; shower ministry expansion; additional

storage facilities; additional landscaping for better

definition of our campus; replacing deteriorating spire;

updating the sanctuary chancel; creating a new attractive

border at the corner of Main and US 42.

Revive

God is in the work of revival through the Church…but we

IT’S TIME FOR SOME VISIONEERING!

Cont. page 2

Page 2 Florence Christian Church September Newsletter

*Carol and Charles Dawalt, *Nick Struewing, *Marvelle

Markey, *Diane Deitriech, *Shirley Dunn, Logan, *Bev

Anderson & family, *Annie Washington, *Sue Rankin,

*Noel Wall, *Chrys Smith, *Barb Bach, The Orcena family,

*Cary & Martha Tomarin, *Wanda Lippert, *Mary Alice

Osterbrook, *Butch Carr, *Ginny Lambert, *Patti Martin,

*Kris & Jeff Moreland, *Delmar Drake, *Ella & Bill Wilson,

*Sophie Conley, *Wayne & Gayle Haas, *Kathy & Ed

Lybrook, *Denise Keller, *Ann & Carl Howard, *Karen

Schadler, *Dennis Unkraut, *Jim Galbraith, *Dan Knecht,

*Bud Jump, *Donna Noah, *Myrna Diamond, *Ron &

Sherrie Noel, *Charlie Caldwell, *Kevin Eigelbach, *Linda

Hambrick, *Judy McGuire, *Henry Edmondson, *Liz Diop

*Permission granted by individual/family.

(Renew...Restore...Revive cont.)

are also in partnership with the City of Florence in this

effort of reviving and revitalizing the Main Street Corridor!

The economic development department of Florence has

been in contact with us to see how we can be about this

work together… making Main Street once again a center of

life and vitality in Florence!

It is an exciting time to be a part of what God is doing in

our church AND in our community. Once again, we are

begin called to be a “Servant Church” to this community

now and into the future! Won’t you be a part of this

vision? We are launching our 2018-2021 Capital

Campaign: Renew, Restore, Revive on September 23 with

a BRUNCH from 9:45-10:45 in the church Activity Center.

Our two worship services that day will be at 8:30 a.m. and

11:00 a.m. respectively, to allow us to have this time

together. Please come and join us!

CHURCH-WIDE

OUTDOOR WORSHIP SRVICE

Sun., Sept. 2, 2018

11 AM

Followed by a Church-Wide Picnic at Noon and Games

& Fellowship from 1 PM until you get tired . . .

Adams Pavilion in President’s Park in Edgewood, KY

The church will provide the meat. Please bring a dish to

share. your own drinks, and a chair. You are also welcome

to bring lawn games or other activities.

For those who prefer, we will be offering an alternative

worship in the Chapel at the church at 9 AM.

Thank You! Gracious & Incredibly Generous Members of FCC,

As I considered writing this month’s newsletter article I am

humbled by the outpouring of love, financial donations &

volunteer hours you have provided these last 2

months. Rather than hear more from me, I’m sharing ex-

cerpts from the MANY emails of thanks received from all

our contacts within Boone Co Schools. May these warm

your heart as they have mine every day of this project this

summer.

Blessings, Maleah Rhodes School Supplies Project Manager

Thank you, Florence Christian Church, for helping our

schools. Your donation will help our students in the class-

room. I especially liked the personalized notes from the

packers. This is greatly appreciated!

Thank you for your generosity!

Stephanie Strausbaugh

School Counselor | Thornwilde Elementary School

Thank you so much for reaching out and helping us again.

I greatly appreciate it! You all are doing such a fantastic

job!

Lindsay Chappell

Resource Coordinator Florence Elementary

Florence Christian Church September Newsletter Page 3

Packaged food in school lunches creates a lot

of trash. According to the Environmental

Protection Agency, a school-age child using a

disposable lunch generates an average of 67

pounds of waste per school year, which

equates to more than 40,000 pounds of

waste for one average-sized middle school.

That’s a lot of garbage!

Here are some ideas about how to set up a

waste-free, toxin-free, lunch system for your

child.

1. Lunch box: Try a reusable stainless steel lunch box that’s

safe for food and easy to

clean. You can also find

safe fabric options at

MightyNest.com, where

you can sign up for a

percentage of your

purchase to be donated

to your child’s school!

2. Reusable water

bottles: You may already have reusable water bottles that

your child uses. If you don’t, consider whether stainless

steel might work best (they do make an awful racket when

they fall, and they can dent) or if silicone covered

glass might work better (there’s a slight chance that they

can break). Try to steer away from plastic — even plastic

that’s free of BPA. Not only do health questions remain

about the BPA replacement chemicals, but at the end of its

life, plastic is much harder to recycle than steel or

glass. Avoid single-use plastic bottles entirely, if you can.

3. Containers: With the variety of stainless steel

containers available today, there’s no need to use zip-lock

bags and plastic tubs. Stainless steel containers can go in

the dishwasher and are virtually indestructible. You’ll want

small ones for snacks and small servings and larger ones

for sandwiches.

4. Snack bags: Yes, there are yet more ways to avoid single

-use plastic! To reduce waste, try eco-friendly,

reusable cloth bags and food wraps. You may find these

work best for dry snacks or fruits like apples or pears,

although plenty of people use them for sandwiches as well.

5. Thermos: A stainless steel thermos is a lifesaver for busy

parents. You can heat up leftovers from last night, toss

them in a thermos, and lunch is done.

Excerpt from Earth911.com

Everyone needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in,

where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike. John Muir

Set Up a Waste-Free Lunch System

Thank you continued...

I truly wish all of you could see the

looks on these student’s faces with

their new supplies….it is like “Christmas

in August”. Please tell everyone

involved “Thank You” !!!!!

Mary Ann Dreyling, OMS Counselor

Thank you for all you do for us and all the children

throughout the county each year. You all are truly a

blessing!!!

Shelly Hoxmeier, Coordinator, Kelly Family Resource

Center

Thank you so much for the opportunity to take part in

your generous ministry. Your church members are terrific! I

know this is a tremendous undertaking. This helps us meet

our unexpected need. I had a whole grade figure out they

had forgotten to ask for scissors on their supply list! I had

a lot, but it gutted my supplies. I still have a few items but

know I will run out for many incoming students in the next

few months. I love that you allow us to “Custom” order just

what we need.

Thanks again! Laura Mosqueda

Your church is such a special community helper...Very God

driven!!! Yealey list is attached to this email. Please let me

know if there are any issues. Thank you again for your

service.

Very truly yours, Cheryl A. Burns-Kraft, Coordinator

Yealey Family Resource Center

Thank you once again for collecting school supplies for

us!!!! We are so excited to start the school year off and with

your support it will be awesome!! Thank you for all you all

do!

Kathy Oehler, Resource Coordinator, Collins Elementary

Thank you so much for sending us the school supplies. We

have several families in need of help with supplies this year.

We truly appreciate any help you provide. Thank you so

much!

Chris Deel, School Counselor, North Pointe Elementary

Page 4 Florence Christian Church September Newsletter

Hello and Happy School Year,

The Zone has been busy enrolling new children and

adapting to the new school year and all of the excitement.

We are currently enrolled at 180! The program is

flourishing and we are excited to launch a new school

year. The next few weeks will be spent transitioning

children into their new classrooms.

We begin our school year on September 4, 2018. We

have many exciting themes and events planned this year.

One new addition is we have been trained in Creative

Curriculum. This will serve as an enhancement to our well

established Pennicle program. Also, we have purchased a

subscription to Spark House to use with for our devotional

themes and times. Chapel begins with the Pastors on

September 5.

Inter-Generational programming is blossoming. We

continue our time with the Senior’s at Arcadia Park and

are working with Florence Park to establish a new time to

visit during the school year.

We also are accepting volunteers to come in and do a

variety of things. If you have a gift, time on your hands

and a desire to be among people and children please

reach out to me at the church and I will be happy to

discuss options.

Have a wonderful September

Julie Linville, Program Director

Discover Zone enrollment is up and away!!

PIE DAY

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Wednesday, Sept. 5, 9 AM

Help deliver HomeTouch Bible

Study materials, homebaked

goodies and love to our

homebound members!

Elder Gathering Report, August 20, 2018

Approach: Rob Carroll opened the gathering with the

lighting of the Christ Candle and a prayer from Laura Kelly

Fanucci’s book, “To Bless Our Callings: Prayers, Poems, and

Hymns to Celebrate Vocation”

Share: Capital Campaign : Glenna Galbraith shared that the

first meeting of the Capital Campaign committee had been

held.

The responsibility of the elders is to stay in touch with their

elder care groups to keep them informed over the next two

months. Information, touchpoints, talk sheets will be made

available to the elders to assist them in conversation with

the congregation.

The Capital Campaign launch is slated for 9/23/18 with first

service at 8:30, a brunch and second service at 11:00.

Equip: Rob Carroll lead a discussion of the introduction to

the book and chapter 1 of The Stories We Live by Kathleen

Cahalan. He provided additional resources that we may

want to use during the study. The goal of the study is to

introduce stories into the culture of Florence Christian.

The elders then engaged in an activity in which a picture

was selected to represent our calling. The members select-

ed pictures and shared their pictures and thoughts in small

groups of 3-4 people. A few people then shared with the

group.

There are three main focuses on our callings:

Acorn: “I was called to do one thing in my life”.

Pilgrimage: “I have had multiple choices in my calling. The

destination and journey were important.

Aha Moment: “ I get it!” “ I know this is what I am to do”

Intercede: A number were lifted up for prayer concerns.

Pastor Susan: needs pastoral care during the 2 month capi-

tal campaign.

Melanie Triplett’s ordination service will be September 16 at

the early service.

Send:Rob Carroll closed the gathering with a prayer from

“To Bless Our Callings: Prayers, Poems, and Hymns to Cele-

brate Vocation” by Laura Kelly Fanucci.

*Report edited from notes taken by Melanie Triplett.

Debbie Leblang, New Office Assistant

Stop by the Church Office and meet our new Office Assis-

tant. Debbie will be helping Melissa by answering phones

and the door. She will assist shower guests and church

volunteers with much needed information.

New Office Hours: 10 AM to 4 PM daily

Florence Christian Church September Newsletter Page 5

Florence Christian Church

Board Meeting Minutes

August 13, 2018

The regular meeting of the board of the Florence Christian

Church (Disciples of Christ), Florence, KY was called to

order at 7:00 P. M. by Chairman, Josh Crabtree on August

13, 2018. A quorum being present Drew Murphy led with

prayer and the lighting of the Christ candle.

Faith Story - Rob Carroll, on the C3 Initiative team, shared

a faith story about the need for faith in his family.

Approval of Minutes - The minutes of the June 13

meeting were approved with motions by Laura Struewing

and second by Ted DeAlba. Motion carried.

Board Chair Report – Josh Crabtree accepted the

resignation of Tom Otto from the church board due to

relocation in Indiana. Also, he reported that the pastors’

evaluations were completed and the evaluations indicate

that we have two excellent pastors.

Trustees Report – Josh reported on the church property

in Union. While no action has been taken by the church,

word is getting out that we may be interested in selling

part or all of the Union property. No offers have been

received and no action has been taken to list the property.

Josh indicates that he prefers that any action to list be

approved by the congregation. Discussion followed. An

update on other church property was also discussed in

relation to the DZ program. Any developments on

property before the next meeting will be timely provided

to the congregation or board via email.

Finance Report – Sue Bentle provided the finance report

on behalf of the Stewardship Committee. The church

ended the fiscal year with a surplus. The surplus is mainly

due to the DZ ministry collecting $111k over budget due

to increased enrollment and the online payment option for

tuition

For FY 2019 there were 81 pledges of giving including 28

giving units who increased giving, and 19 new pledges.

Old Business – (1) The short term disability quote for

employees came in higher than anticipated. Motion by

Dan Kent with second by Kay Garnett to proceed with the

purchase at the increased amount. Motion carried.

(2) Memorial Plaque Committee Report by Kay Garnett –

Four candidates for addition to the memorial wall in the

chapel were presented for consideration. Pete and Libby

Eades, Bro. John Murphy, and Randy Barker were

recommended to be added. On motion by Kay Garnett,

second by Jim Galbraith, the names to be added to the

memorial wall were approved

(3) Capital Campaign Overview - Appointments were

made by Josh Crabtree to the Capital Campaign

Committee: Chairperson – Drew Murphy; Communications

Coordinator – Melissa Stephens; Meal Coordinator – Julie

Linville; Event Planner – Sharon Stanley; Calling Team

Coordinator – Glenna Galbraith; Education Facilitator –

Dan Kent; Mission Interpreter – Beth Silvers; Members at

Large – Brenda Sparks and Brian Wylie.

A brief report was given by Pastor Susan and Drew

Murphy. The leadership team has had one meeting and is

in the process of organization.

New Business – None

Reports:

C3 Initiative – Rob Carroll - Pastor Susan is cultivating

a culture of calling and mapping out for the next three

years. There will be lots of work involving around the

capital campaign. There will be more stories to tell

and share.

DZ Succession Planning and Staff Development –

(written report by Beth Silvers and Chris McCoy) In the

absence of new DZ ministry committee chair C.

McCoy, Josh provided a brief update. As previously

shared with the congregation, an Executive Director

search for the DZ program is ongoing. The search is

focused on candidates with financial experience.

Current director J. Linville is transitioning her focus to

the after school and intergenerational programs.

NBA Grant Report – Pastor Susan – FCC will be

applying for a National Benevolent Association grant

focused on intergenerational ministry.

Elder’s Report – Written report submitted by Rob

Carroll

Diaconate Liaison Report - Peggy Chukwudolue

submitted written report

Clerk’s Report – Written report submitted by Melanie

Triplett: As of Aug. 18, we have 218 Ministry Partners,

109 Friends, 9 Newcomers, 28 Guests

Senior Minister’s Report – Written report by Pastor

Susan

Associate Minister’s Report – Written report by

Pastor Diana

With no additional business, the meeting adjourned at

7:58 P. M. The next board meeting will be October 8.

Meeting concluded in prayer led by Pastor Susan and the

singing of the doxology.

Respectfully submitted, Ginny Yahl, Board Secretary

Elder Ordination, Sun., Sept. 16, 9 AM

Page 6 Florence Christian Church September Newsletter

It’s hard to believe that fall is approaching, but the purple

martins just left for South America and there are other little

indicators to let us know! One of them is:

FLU SHOTS!

Sun., Sept. 30

8:30-10:30 AM

Offered by Walgreens Pharmacy

in Union provides this important

service to help us stay healthy

during the 2018-2019 flu season!

Mark your calendar: The Biennial meeting of the Disciples of Christ congrega-

tions of Kentucky is a passionate gathering of pastors and

delegates. At this meeting there are opportunities for

everyone to engage in meaningful conversations about

current topics in the church, about ministries of the

church and about the mission of the church in the world.

Keynote speakers include Rev. Erin Miller Cash the Mod-

erator of the Church Church in Kentucky, Rev. Sotello V.

Long, president of the Disciples Home Missions and Rev.

J. Gregory Alexander, the General Minister of the Christian

Church in Kentucky.

For more information or to register to attend the Biennial

Assembly visit ccinky.org

The Special Offering is used to fund our Church’s mission

imperative to become an pro-reconciling and anti-racist

church utilizing experiential education, inclusive worship

and intentional dialogue. Our efforts to promote healing,

relationship and restoration in the whole family of God

are enlivened by funds from this offering. Through it we

are able to provide programs for leadership development,

curriculum for dialogue and learning, and partnerships

within the Church and our communities.

Recent events have reignited the conversation about hu-

man brokenness evidenced in the sin of racism and per-

petuated in our institutional structures and systems. Your

generous giving to Reconciliation Ministry is transforming

lives and strengthening Christ’s witness in the world

showing that we love one another, even as Christ contin-

ues to love us!

Donations on behalf of emergency grants on behalf of

impacted communities and congregations toward healing

for the communities of Ferguson, Staten Island, Charles-

ton, S.C., and Baltimore can be directed to the Reconcilia-

tion Annual Fund/Racial Justice Response.

Terri Lynn Nuts & Candies

ON SALE Sept. 16-30

Taste delicious nuts and candy treats on Sept. 16 in the

narthex. Pick up your order forms then and place your

orders in time to arrive before the holidays. Brochures

and order forms are in the office or will be available soon

for download on the church website. All orders and pay-

ments will be due on Sept. 30.

Contact Donna Murphy (j-dmurphy@fuse.net)

with any questions.

Lloyd High School All Class Reunion &

Hall of Fame Induction

Sunday, September 23, 1:00 PM

Lloyd Memorial High School Cafeteria

Rusty Bird, Inductee

Lloyd Memorial Alumni Hall of

Fame

Guest Speaker:

Tom Browning, Cincinnati Reds

Tickets $20 at the door

CLASS BEGINS Sept. 16 through Nov. 18

Sundays, 3 - 4:30 PM

Florence Christian Church, 300 Main Street

Florence KY 41042

(859)647-5000 ext. 1

florencechristian.org/fpu

~ Dave Ramsey

Page 8 Florence Christian Church September Newsletter

Wed., Sept. 12, 6 PM – 8:30 PM

Florence Christian Church Activity Center

Youth ages 10+ are invited to come and hang out with

your friends this new school year for an evening filled

with games, laughter, and friends. Feel free to bring

friends and snacks. Pizza provided.

RSVP to Pastor Diana by Noon on Mon., Sept. 10

YOUTH HANGOUT

Special Olympics Summer Sports Banquet

HELP NEEDED

Friday, September 14 - 6:30 – 9 PM

The Welcome Buddies, a group of dedicated volunteers

who are working to extend our radical welcome to those

with special needs, invites the whole church to help us

expand our partnership with the Special Olympics. In

2016, we began a partnership with the Special Olympics

by providing practice space in our Activity Center. This

year, we are hosting our second annual banquet for the

athletes and their families who have participated in

Special Olympics Summer sports.

We are in need of people to:

Donate cookies and other food items

Set-up and decorate on Fri., Sept. 14 starting at 1

PM

Provide kitchen and food service help

Provide welcome and greeting during the event

Clean-up Friday evening

Contact Debbie Orcena, (859)394-4401 or

Debbie.orcena@kenton.kyschools.us

Or sign-up online:

Volunteers - www.SignUpGenius.com/

go/10C0D44A4AD22ABF85-special1

Donations - www.SignUpGenius.com/

go/10C0D44A4AD22ABF85-donations1

and Community Meal Sunday, October 28 from 4- 6 PM!

If you are interested in being a part of this event, please

contact Beth Silvers, Brandon Releford and Pastor Diana

at trunkortreat@florencechristian.org or keep watch for

volunteer sign-up opportunities!

Youth Small Group Opportunities The Gals Group is led by

Shari Iden for teen girls.

This small group features

friendship, conversation,

prayer, and fun. This

groups meets around the

participants’ availability. If

you are interested in join-

ing, please contact Pastor

Diana.

The Boys Faith Group is led

by John McLemore and Nick

Combs. Open to tween and

teen boys, this group features

basketball and other sports

games as well as connecting

everyday life to faith. The

Boys Balls group meets on the

XXXXXX Thursday of the

month from 7 PM – 8:30 PM

in the Activity Center. Upcom-

ing dates are

If your child is interested in participating in any group or

you would like to request a small group, please contact

Pastor Diana or the group leader for more information.

Florence Christian Church September Newsletter Page 9

Parent Night Out [Formerly Date Night] Resumes!

A Monthly Opportunity For Families

Life can be crazy with demanding schedules. Who has

time to add one more thing to their schedule? And yet,

research tells us that the most important influence in a

child’s faith is not whether they come to church or youth

group, but their family’s faith practices. So, here at Flor-

ence Christian we are going to both support parents and

those raising children and equip them to guide their chil-

dren’s faith journeys with our monthly “Parent Night Out”

program.

Here is how it works!

4:45 PM – Drop your child off for an evening of fun with

other children with our fabulous childcare staff and volun-

teers. Children’s activities for all ages will correspond with

the monthly theme. They will eat dinner, play together,

play games, do a craft and watch a movie.

5 PM – Attend a Learning Session with other parents or

caretakers to be equipped to incorporate a family faith

practice into your family’s routine. Each month will have a

seasonal theme or emphasis.

5:30 PM – Go! Use the next 3 ½ hours to do something

that supports your family. Maybe you and your partner

need a date night together? Maybe you want to take an

older sibling out for a little one on one time? Maybe you

want to go out with friends from church or another part

of your life? Maybe you just need to do the grocery shop-

ping or laundry without interruption? Maybe you need to

plan your family’s upcoming vacation? Go! Use the gift of

this time to do something that helps support your family.

If you are interested in using the time as a way to connect

with other parents, contact Pastor Diana for community

opportunities!

9 PM – Pick your child up by 9 PM

Because childcare is involved, YOU MUST REGISTER by

Tuesday, September 4th

. Register online at

florencechristian.org/PNO

A dinner of cheese pizza, drink and a light snack will be

provided. If your child has other dietary needs, please

provide a dinner and snack.

Upcoming Parent Night Outs

Saturdays., 10/13, 11/17 & 1/12

Christina Releford 9/2

Joan Carey 9/3

Lauren Wade 9/6

Noel Wall 9/6

Emely Gomez 9/8

Carole Perry 9/8

Leland Bentle 9/9

Mary Alice Osterbrook 9/9

Barbara Crume 9/12

Lacey Wilson 9/16

Anthony Wright 9/16

Ron Crume 9/19

Brandon Couch 9/20

Denise Keller 9/20

Ralph Bhirdo 9/21

Kathy Lybrook 9/21

Sophia Conley 9/24

Ginny Lambert 9/24

Kathy Breeze 9/25

Sheila Hale 9/25

Monica Howard 9/25

Leslie Markesbery 9/27

Maleah Rhodes 9/29

Donna & John Murphy 9/7

Angie & John McLemore

9/18

Kelsey & Marc Wicher 9/26

Jason & Katie James 9/30

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES!

Children’s Choir Resumes Sept. 9

Does your child love to sing? If so, sign them up to

participate in our Christmas Children’s Choir! All ages

are welcome! The choir will be led by Brenda Strong.

Practices will be from 10:10 – 10:25 AM on Sunday

mornings in the Chapel starting on Sun., Sept. 9th

.

Please sign your child up by contacting Brenda Strong

(859)727-0337 or (859)486-4604

Page 10 Florence Christian Church September Newsletter

Children Worship & Wonder, Sundays, 9 AM Ages 4-8, 10:30 AM – Ages 4-6

The Children Worship & Wonder worship experience is designed for younger children,

influenced by Montessori ideas, and it creates a welcoming environment to grow in relationship

with God through ritual and storytelling. Children leave the sanctuary after the children’s

blessing and are escorted to the Children’s Worship Center in the atrium. Parents reunite with

their children after the close of worship outside the Children’s Worship Center in the atrium.

Date Story Name 9:00 AM Storyteller, Greeter

10:30 AM Storyteller, Greeter

Sept. 2 No Children’s Worship and Wonder - Church -wide Outdoor Worship Service at 11 AM

Sept. 9 The Light Ivy Parks, Carlos Martin Mollee Wallace, Hannah Stanley

Sept. 16 The Good Shepherd & Lost Sheep Pastor Diana, Gail McDaniel Nicole Kaufman, Abby Wallace

Sept. 23 Creation Lynn Caldwell, Kay Williams Amy Turner, Cassie Matlock

Sept. 30 Noah Monica Howard, Lizzie Hern Marie Combs, Kim McCoy

Kid’s Quest - Sundays, 9 AM and 10:30 AM for ages 9-13 Kid’s Quest is a worship experience for older children. It incorporates the same scripture

as in “Big Church” and provides children ways to interactively engage with the scripture

lesson. Children leave the sanctuary during the children’s blessing and are escorted to

the small conference room. After the conclusion of their activities, they are escorted back

into the sanctuary to rejoin their families for communion

Date Lesson Leader

Sept. 2 No Kid’s Quest - Church-wide Outdoor Worship Service at 11 AM

Sept. 9 Temple Susan Mead

Sept. 16 Exile and Return Shannon Galbraith-Kent

Sept. 23 Birthing a Vision Clara Justice

Sept. 30 The How Shari Iden

Sunday worship is when all of us gather as the people of

God to praise God, to connect with God and each other.

At Florence Christian Church we encourage children to

begin worship in the sanctuary with their families. After the

music and opening prayer in a Children’s Blessing, one of

the Pastors and the congregation bless the children to

continue their worship in developmentally appropriate

environments. Special worship activities for children are

also available during both worship services.

Nursery Care: If you have a little one, nursery care is

available at each service, so please make the choice that

best fits the needs of your family.

As always, children are welcome to worship in the

Sanctuary for the entirety of worship with their

families. We welcome their wiggles and giggles, cries

and coos! They are beloved members of the family of

God.

NEW Following Jesus, Sundays at 10:30 AM, Ages 6-8 The Following Jesus worship experience is similar in format to Worship & Wonder where a

special and welcoming environment is created. Children hear the sacred stories of Jesus based

on the Gospel of Mark. Children leave the sanctuary during the children’s blessing and are

escorted to the Chapel. Parents reunite with their children after the close of worship outside

the Chapel.

Date Story Name 10:30 AM Storyteller, Greeter

Sept. 2 No Following Jesus - Church-wide Outdoor Worship Service at 11 AM

Sept. 9 Baby Jesus is Presented to God Amanda Rehfuss, Tricia Moore

Sept. 16 Follow Me Pastor Diana, Hannah Stanley

Sept. 23 A New Teaching Glenna Galbraith, Sharon Stanley

Sept. 30 Jesus and the Paralytic Anthony Wright, Jr., Abby Wallace

Florence Christian Church September Newsletter Page 11

September 2

9:00 AM Alternate Indoor Service

Elders: Table Prayers: Melanie

Triplett, Morning Prayer: Glenna

Galbraith

Lay Reader: Jim Galbraith

Scripture: Joshua 3:14-17 & 4:19-24

No Children’s Worship

11:00 AM Service

Elders: Table Prayers: Ben Iden,

Morning Prayer: Shannon

Galbraith-Kent

Lay Reader: Peggy Chukwudolue

Scripture: Joshua 3:14-17 & 4:19-24

No Children’s Worship

First Time Visitor Gift Delivery:

Ted DeAlba

Mall Run: Jim Galbraith

September 9

9:00 AM Service

Elders: Table Prayers: Phyllis Reed,

Morning Prayer: Kay Garnett

Deacons: Monica Howard, Lance

Howard, Todd Reed, Michele

Reed, Lynn Caldwell

Lay Reader: Glenna Galbraith

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 6:1-11

10:30 AM Service

Elders: Table Prayers: Gerald

Turner, Morning Prayer: Drew

Murphy

Deacons: Maleah Rhodes

Lay Reader: Maleah Rhodes

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 6:1-11

First Time Visitor Gift Delivery:

Mike Peacock

Mall Run: Ted DeAlba

Hospitality: Donna Murphy,

Brenna Krecskay, Karen Schadler

September 16

9:00 AM Service

Elders: Table Prayers: Josh Crabtree,

Morning Prayer: Rob Carroll

Lay Reader: Pat Bhirdo

Scripture: Ezra 1:2-4

10:30 AM Service

Elders: Table Prayers: Dan Kent,

Morning Prayer: Ken Mead

Lay Reader: Danielle Lock

Scripture: Ezra 1:2-4

First Time Visitor Gift Delivery:

Laurie Rini

Mall Run: Mike Voskuhl

Hospitality: Kay Garnett, Barb

Crume, Cheryl Haines

September 23

9:00 AM Service

Elders: Table Prayers: Nancy

Newberry,

Morning Prayer: Sue Bentle

Lay Reader: Phyllis Reed

Scripture: Nehemiah 1

10:30 AM Service

Elders: Table Prayers: Angie Schwartz

-McLemore,

Morning Prayer: John McLemore

Lay Reader: Patti Murphy

Scripture: Nehemiah 1

First Time Visitor Gift Delivery:

Larry & Jenn Hern

Mall Run: Jim Galbraith

Hospitality: Ginny Yahl, Monica

Howard, Rena Hobbs

September 30

9:00 AM Service

Elders: Table Prayers: Jim Galbraith,

Morning Prayer: Melanie Triplett

Lay Reader: Beth Silvers

Scripture: Nehemiah 2:1-10

10:30 AM Service

Elders: Table Prayers: John

McLemore, Morning Prayer:

Gerald Turner

Combs

Lay Reader: Nicole Kaufman

Scripture: Nehemiah 2:1-10

First Time Visitor Gift Delivery:

Kevin & Eileen Eigelbach

Mall Run: Ted DeAlba

Hospitality: Sharon stanley, Glenna

Galbraith, Tricia Moore

SERVING ALL MONTH

DEACONS

9:00 AM Service

Monica Howard, Lance

Howard, Todd Reed, Michele Reed,

Lynn Caldwell

10:30 AM Service

Maleah Rhodes, Jonni Lynch, Mike

Evans, Brian Kaufman, Cheryl

Haines, Tim Combs

COMMUNION

9 AM Prep: The Moreland Family

10:30 AM Clean-up: The Iden Family

USHERS

9 AM Service: Mary Alice

Osterbrook

10:30 AM Service: Damian

Wallace and daughters

GREETERS

9 AM Service

Upper: Ginny Yahl

Lower: Todd & Michele Reed

10:30 AM Service

Upper: Thomas Matlock

Lower: Chrissy & Shauna Releford

CARING MEALS MINISTRY: Coordinators: Denise Smith (859) 630-8435, Chrys Smith (859) 750-3230

Page 12 Florence Christian Church September Newsletter

Florence Christian Church

300 Main Street, Florence, KY 41042

Phone: 859-647-5000

Fax: 859-647-5004

Email: fccinfo@florencechristian.org

Website: www.florencechristian.org

Facebook: FlorenceChristianChurch

9:00 AM New Traditions Service - Communion Served

10:00 - 10:30 AM Hospitality Table

10:30 AM “Wired” Contemporary Service - Communion Served

Nursery care is available for both services in the Atrium.

Senior Minister

Rev. Dr. Susan Ward Diamond ................................................. Ext. 552

sdiamond@florencechristian.org

Associate Minister

Rev. Diana Hodges-Batzka ......................................................... Ext. 562

dhodgesbatzka@florencechristian.org

The Discover Zone Director

Julie Mondary-Linville .................................................................. Ext. 605

jlinville@florencechristian.org

Health Ministry Coordinator

Phyllis Reed ........................................................................................... Ext. 1

pbreed49@yahoo.com

Financial Secretary

Karen Schadler...................................................................................... Ext. 1

karen.schadler1234@twc.com

Communications Coordinator

Melissa Stephens ................................................................................. Ext. 1

mstephens@florencechristian.org

Church Office Assistant

Debbie Leblang .................................................................................... Ext. 1

fccinfo@florencechristian.org

Church Custodian

Michael Richardson ............................................................................ Ext. 1

mrichardson@florencechristian.org

9:00 AM Sundays

10:30 AM Sundays

10:30 AM Sundays

Early Birds Group

Listener’s Class

Adult Discussion

Small Conference Room

Listener’s Class Room

Conference Room

Ongoing

Ongoing

Ongoing

7:00 PM Every other Wed.

7:00 PM Every other Wed.

Hebron Group

Pride Group

Rotating homes in Hebron

Rotating homes in Hebron

Sept. 12 & 26

Sept. 5 & 19

6:30 PM First Thursday

5:00 PM Second Saturday

6:00 PM Second Wednesday

6:30 PM Third Thursday

6:30 PM Fourth Monday

Union Table Talk

Parents’ Night Out

Youth Hangout

Independence Table Talk

Mary/Deborah

Caldwell Home in Union

The Well

Activity Center

Diamond Home in Independence

The Well

Sept. 6

Sept. 8

Sept. 12

Sept. 20

Sept. 24