Volume 18, Number 1 Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Inside this Issue ….

New Members

Rev. Charles

January Sermon Series

Insert: 2017 Slate of Officers & Congregational Meeting

Upcoming Events

February Birthdays

Joys and Concerns

Sunday Services

8:30 am — Chapel

10:50 am — Sanctuary

6:30 pm - The Gathering

www.edcc.org

January 15, 2016

Rev. Deborah Morgan-Stokes

Preaching

Sermon Title

“The Face (Book) of God”

Scripture

Isaiah 43:16-19

John 3:1-3

January 22, 2017

Rev. Colin McRaney

Preaching

Sermon Title

“Bridle Your Tongue - and Fingers”

Scripture James 1:19-19-27

Happy New Year, Church! I am excited for the year to come as we start to live out our theme of “Come Grow with Us!” We are truly in an exciting time as we feel God’s Spirit move among us and guide us towards more faithful discipleship. One of the core aspects of our theme is finding ways

to welcome children into our greater church body. We have already seen our first Children in Worship Sunday last October and will have another at the end of January. The Children and Youth department and I are hard at work in Sunday School and Children’s Church to make sure they are the best possible. Shortly, we will begin planning for Vacation Bible School and other summer activities. We are in an time of holy expectation as we explore God’s will for us.

As a church, we are so excited about all God has in store for us, especially the babies joining our family. It is important to love on and make sure the parents feel welcome and wanted. As such, it’s important to realize that parenting has changed since many of us raised babies. Below are some tips to help us all honor and respect our new parents while also making sure they know they are loved.

Five Tips for Welcoming Babies and Their Families

If you are sick or think you might be sick, please do not hold or touch the baby. Babies are still building their immune systems and even the littlest cold can be really hard for a baby (and the already sleep-deprived parents!).

Respect the boundaries set up by the parents. Ask before you try to hold the baby and listen if the parent says not right now. The baby may have just fallen asleep, be about to spit up, or cry when handed to strangers.

Babies should always be passed back to the parent, not to another person. It is the parent’s right to decide who holds the baby. Further, there is nothing scarier than looking for the person you thought had your baby and not finding the baby.

Be supportive if the baby is fussy. Some parents will choose to keep their baby in worship with them while others will choose the nursery and still others will opt to step out if the baby becomes fussy. All three options are good choices. Let the parent know they are doing a good job and that you support and love them.

Many times, both parents are working and thus keeping (or at least trying to keep) the baby on a schedule is a life-saver. For a portion of the baby’s life, some parents may miss church or not stay for a whole event because its nap time, feeding time, or other such activity. Find ways to let them know they are missed and loved. Do they need a meal? A short card? Don’t stop inviting them to activities, but be understanding if they can’t make it.

And be on the lookout for young children and teen tips coming soon!

Rev. Allison

From Our Youth Minister

May this New Year hold many BLESSINGS for you and yours

EAST DALLAS CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Page 2

NEW MEMBERS

Melinda Riley joined our EDCC family on New Year’s Day by reaffirmation

of faith. We thank Fred Gleber for introducing Melinda to our Wednesday

Bible Study group where has been a regular participant for quite some

time. Melinda resides at 8915 Daytona, Dallas, 75218;

telephone 254-717 7726.

How happy we were to receive Nicole McRaney as a member

of our church family. Nicole comes by transfer of her

membership from Galileo Christian Church on the same day

as she and Rev. Colin dedicated their precious son,

Rhys Jonathan.

McRaney and Lanteigne Families

Page 3

Rev. Charles Gnanamuthu Completes Ministry at EDCC Christmas Day marked the close of Charles ministry as Media Minister at EDCC. Charles walked into EDCC four years ago as a visitor. He had come to this country to attend Dallas Theological Seminary in an effort to complete a theological degree and ordination. Shortly after attending here he asked Reverend Deborah Morgan-Stokes if this church could ordain him. She replied yes and steered him to Brite Divinity School where he completed his Master of Divinity Degree in December. EDCC agreed to sponsor him in our Region as a commissioned minister. Charles has served his required internship for Brite Divinity school with our church as Media Minister. Under Rev. Morgan-Stokes’ supervision he has gained experience in all phases of ministry including preaching, leading worship, teaching, Bible study, committee functions, board meetings, and visitation and much more. EDCC has been blessed by Sylvia, Charles wife, who has taught in the EDCC children’s Sunday School. We have been amazed with their two sons Angelo who is a senior in high school and served as a junior deacon, and JD who is now in the 3rd grade. With Charles computer science background he greatly enhanced our media ministry including YouTube broadcasts of church worship, music and other programs of our church. Charles has also been under the care of a Congregational Care Committee on his journey toward ordination. Committee members are, Rev. Ron Somers-Clark, chair, with Ann Sanders, Marvin Kuers, Jules Martinez and Rev. Morgan-Stokes and formerly (Julie Alexander and Jim Frenzel). The committee has assisted in guiding Charles through his preparation in ministry and toward his ordination as a minister in the Christian Church (DOC). Charles has completed his required paperwork for ordination and placement as a minister in the Christian Church. He is now preparing to be interviewed by the Region for ordination approval during the week of January 23rd. After successful completion of the ordination committee plans will be made for ordination at EDCC. At that time we will celebrate his shared ministry with us. With the sponsorship of the North Texas Area of the Christian Church, Charles has just begun a new Christian Church (DOC) in Sachse, Tx. Please keep Charles and his family and this new congregation in your prayers as they begin this important faith journey. Your prayers are also requested for Charles as he prepares for his ordination interview in a few weeks. You may email your well wishes to Charles at castepheng@hotmail.com or send cards to 7423 Maringo, Dallas, TX 75227. EDCC has been blessed by this journey with Charles and his family and we will miss them. by Ron Somers-Clark

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY AT ELM, EAST DALLAS CAMPUS OF VMLC

If you or someone you know have been thinking about a new volunteer opportunity,

now is a great time to sign up at VMLC, our mission partner who provides English literacy and early childhood programs for nearly 1,200 immigrants and refugees. Classes are gearing up now for the 2017 spring semester which officially starts later this month.

On January 12, VMLC will host a volunteer training event at Park Cities Baptist Church. We invite you to come and learn more about this rewarding volunteer opportunity.

The time commitment is once a week for two hours, and we have several daytime openings – either 9-11 am or 12:30-2:30 – Monday-Thursday.

Please contact VMLC at volunteer@vmlc.org.

Page 4

CHILI COOK-OFF

Sunday, February 12th

NOON in the Great Hall More details to come at a later date

02.12

Sunday

DISCIPLES WOMEN 10:30 AM ♦ Disciples Room

Speaker Christine Byrkit 01.17

Tuesday

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

NOON ♦ Great Hall

We will be serving lunch - RSVP Required 01.22

Sunday

MLK DAY

OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED 01.16

Monday

MEDIA COMMITTEE MEETING

5:30 PM ♦ Disciples Room 01.18

Wednesday

NASHIM

7:00 PM ♦ Location TBD

01.24

Tuesday

CHILDREN IN WORSHIP

10:50 AM ♦ Sanctuary 01.29

Sunday

Page 5

Speaker: Dr. Marcia McFee

Worship Design Studio

Saturday January 28, 2017 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Creekwood Christian Church

2660 Forest Vista Dr. Flower Mound, TX 75028

January 15 The Face (Book) of God

Isaiah 43:16-19, I John 3:1-3 Rev. Deborah

Theme - what’s positive about social media

January 22 Bridle your Tongue - and Fingers!

James 1:19-19-27

Rev. Colin

Theme - the dangers of social media/a discussion of civility and Christian behavior

January 29 A Brave New World

Romans 12:1-2

Rev. Deborah

Theme - other ethical decisions we will have to make as Christians

Re: DNA/genetic testing; etc.

2/13/17 A Man Called Intrepid by William Stevenson

3/13/17 The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe-C.S. Lewis and The Golden Compass

by Philip Pullman

4/10/17 The Road to Cana by Anne Rice

Sunday, January 22, 2017 Presiding Dan Busdiecker Cup Gerry Fagg

Loaf David Hamer Chapel Mike Herrold Fowler Betty Hillin Preparation Luke Nakahara

Dale Hogue

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Presiding Richard Dooley Cup Mike Herrold

Loaf Gerry Fagg Chapel David Hamer Fowler Mike Herrold Preparation Heather Wood Scott Taylor

Visitors January 8, 2017

Travis Drake Barbara Herrold

Leo Pena

Jay and Bill Thomas Barb McRaney Sandra Webb

Page 6

Serving Schedules

To Those of You Who Were Born in

FEBRUARY

Bob McKelvy 1st

Buck Peace 6th

Pam Sparks 6th

Maria Godinez 7th

Jean Bainbridge 8th

Denise Turner 8th

Jerri Brooks 10th

Stacey Hargrave 10th

Doris Holmes 10th

Margie Marrs 10th

Natalie Lilley 11th

Ivan Vasquez 12th

Joe Stalcup 13th

Glenna Taite 13th

George Hedick 15th

Sally Perez 16th

Raymond Chavez 17th

Paige English-Baker 17th

Hannah Stanford 19th

Joshua Singer 21st

Joe Zerda 21st

Wes Sanders Jr. 24th

Betty Nyenhuis 25th

Sally Queen 25th

Charles Gnanamuthu 26th

Vincent Ramos 27th

Claude Maples 28th

If you have a birthday in FEBRUARY and don’t see your name

call the church office (214.824.8185) YOU are important to us!

Celebrating and giving thanks for:

Celebrating and giving thanks for all our children and youth including Rachael and Marisa Carson

Our young adults away at college or in town including Christian Bentley

Our new member, Nicole McRaney

Dedication of Rhys Jonathan McRaney

Rev. Allison’s sermon, “Star Words”

Productive Church Life retreat

Engagement of Jamie Thompson and Justin Griffin

February wedding for Susan McNabb and Chrys Halyburton

Each Tuesday from 7-9 a.m., EDCC elders gather for prayer. From wherever you may be during this time period, the elders invite you to join them in prayer, using this prayer list or your own.

Pray for Those In our Church Family:

For Ongoing Concerns In our Congregation, including:

Paul Parker

For Ongoing Concerns Outside our Congregation, including:

Community Garden

For Our Limited Activity Members, including:

Joe and Jean Gilbert

For Those Serving in the Military, especially:

Andrew Broadwell

For Our Ministries, including:

Small Groups

For Those serving our world, including:

Caitlin and Brandon Alexander

For Those Seeking Employment

Answered Prayers!

God is at work at EDCC

Outside our Congregation:

Page 7

Seasonal Illnesses

Janet Hopkins

Donna Robins and Kathy Zahrt

Kenneth Melvin

Wilda Brewer

Wes Sanders

Jack and Lucille Cannon

Bettie Queen

Family of Ruth Campbell

Amy Alexander

Toni Cline

Chris Marshall

Marc Carden

Russ Van Buren

Cathy Hosick

Matthew Krimm

Toby’s Uncle Curtis

Norma Webb

Dr. Jack Ehrhardt

Family of Bruce Waddell

David Sheppard

Family of John Newman

We will hold our annual congregational meeting on January 22nd, immediately following our

Sanctuary service. We hope that you will attend church service that morning and stay for this

important meeting after the service.

Agenda

We will receive the 2017 slate of officers and leaders of the Congregation from the Nominating

Committee.

We will receive a report from the By-Laws Revision Committee for congregational approval.

We will present the 2016 financial statement results and propose a 2017 budget for

congregational approval.

We want to provide information concerning the two parking lots on the north and east side of Peak Street. The Church Board has approved the signing of a listing agreement with a commercial real estate broker, offering the land for sale. We have signed the listing

agreement and are only listing the land for sale—this is NOT a sale agreement. These two lots total approximately 63,300 square feet. The Board is seeking authorization from the

congregation to negotiate with a buyer if we receive an acceptable net offer price (after commissions). When/if we do receive such an acceptable offer, we will present it to the

congregation for your final consideration and vote.

If you have questions, please contact Doug Lueckemeyer, Roland Melton, or committee members

Bob McKelvy, Owen Hooten, or Mike Herrold.

Doug Lueckemeyer, President of the congregation

Roland Melton, Treasurer of the congregation

629 N. Peak Street Dallas, TX 75246

2017 E

DC

C C

ON

CE

RT

SE

RIE

S

Fri

day

, M

arch

3, 7:0

0 p

m

Vo

cal A

rts

Co

mp

eti

tio

n

for

Em

erg

ing

Art

ists

Fin

als

Sp

on

sore

d b

y S

ou

th C

en

tral

Dis

tric

t o

f th

e

Nat

ion

al A

sso

ciat

ion

of

Negr

o B

usi

ness

&

Pro

fess

ion

al W

om

en

’s C

lub

s, I

nc.

Su

nd

ay, M

arch

12, 4:0

0 p

m

Ad

agio

s fo

r R

efle

ctio

n

Gra

titu

de

in C

om

mu

nity.

..G

race

in

Hu

man

ity

Meg

Gri

ffit

h, fl

ute

; M

ich

ael S

cheu

erm

an, cl

arin

et;

Allis

on

War

d, so

pra

no

; K

eit

h C

ritc

her,

pia

no

Jolie S

trat

ton

an

d J

oh

n A

hn

e, R

ead

ers

Sat

urd

ay, A

pri

l 1, 3:3

0 P

M

Fo

rt W

ort

h C

ho

rale

Sch

ola

Can

toru

m o

f T

exas

Cat

hed

ral E

cho

es: N

o G

reat

er L

ove

Pu

rch

ase t

ickets

at

fort

wo

rth

cho

rale

.org

Or

by

callin

g 817.4

85-2

500

Go

od

Fri

day

, A

pri

l 14, 7:3

0 p

m

Sta

y W

ith

Me

A T

en

eb

rae S

erv

ice led

by

Ch

ance

l C

ho

ir

Wed

nesd

ay, A

pri

l 26, 7:0

0 p

m

Alici

a W

alla

ce, S

op

ran

o R

ecital

Perf

orm

ed

in

th

e G

rim

es

Mu

sic

Su

ite