August 2019 • Volume: 87 • No. 8

Wayne Kent | LEAD PASTOR |

Brian Talty | ASSOCIATE PASTOR |

BJ Leonard | MISSIONS PASTOR |

Jonathan Grunden | DISCIPLESHIP PASTOR |

Tim Revis | CARE MINISTRIES PASTOR |

Robert Henderson | CHAPLAIN |

Thomas Hagan | NEXT GENERATION PASTOR | INSIDE:u Small Group Launch

u Arts Academy Kick-Off

u Promotion Weekend

u Family Fun Night

WEEKENDSWorship Services – Saturday at 5pm and Sunday at 9:00am and 10:30am

Birth–5th Grade – Saturday at 5pm and Sunday at 9:00am and 10:30am

6th-12th Grade – Sunday from 4:30-6pm * Kicks off Sunday, August 18 *

LAKE BAPTISMS 1.0 & 2.0 RECAPBy Tim Revis | trevis@firstdecatur.org

Baptism is an exciting event that all believers are called to experience. To add an exhila-rating twist, we offered a “running water” baptism in Lake Decatur (technically running water since the Sangamon River runs through it) on Sunday, June 23. Unfortunately, severe weather that day necessitated “plan B.” About half of those scheduled to be baptized in the lake opted to return to the church and were baptized there. The other half decided to wait a week in hopes of cooperative weather. On Sunday July 30, 11 people were baptized in the lake, bringing our total to 23 people in the Lake Baptisms 1.0 and 2.0 events.

KENYA UPDATE By BJ Leonard | bleonard@firstdecatur.org

On June 20, the FCC Kenya Medical Team’s 22 volunteers left on a mission to provide assistance to medical clinics in the Kajiado District of southern Kenya where our partnering missionaries, Lynn and Dori Cazier, have served since 2003. This was our church’s fifth medical team trip.

After two travel days, we arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, then on to Community Christian Church Training Center, our home base during our week of clinics. On Sunday, we worshiped

alongside the Maasai people in several village churches where we would later hold clinics.

For four days, our group provided medical clinics, serving in a new location each day. We treated nearly 800 children and adults with varying conditions, and also distributed prescription glasses. The medications and supplies provided by FCC were essential to our work.

A particular highlight was working alongside Dr. Daniel Koitatoi, who FCC has sponsored through medical school for the last seven years. Daniel and his Kenyan colleagues were keys to

the clinic’s huge success. Our teamwork in the clinic was a beautiful picture of partnership with our Massai friends and mission partners in Kenya. We had many opportunities to build and strengthen meaningful relationships with Maasai Christians and to be encouraged by our time together.

This was a life-changing experience for our group, and we look forward to many more opportunities to serve in Kenya.

Join us during weekend services August 24/25, when we’ll share pictures and stories from our experience.

The Kenya Medical Team thanks you for your prayers and support!

NEW

PRAYER

GIFTS TO FCCWhether part of our weekend services or throughout the week, contributing your tithes and offerings is an act of worship.

In addition to the weekend in-worship offering, we also offer: • On-line giving for one-time or recurring contributions at firstdecatur.org/give

• Text FIRSTDECATUR to 73256. You’ll receive a link to securely make your gift.

• Mail your gift to 3350 N MacArthur Rd, Decatur, IL 62526

Thank you for supporting the ministries of First!

How you have blessed First Christian Church MONTHLY REPORT

MEMORIALS – Bill Cazier – 6/19/2019

GENERAL FUND/DESIGNATED OFFERINGSJune 1/2 – $51,004June 8/9 – $67,158June 15/16 – $46,546

UPCOMING EVENTSMEN’S BREAKFASTSaturday, August 3 from 8-9:30amJoin us for our quarterly Men’s Breakfast featuring cinnamon rolls and bacon. It’s a great way to connect with other men, have fun, and be encouraged in our spiritual journeys. Register for this free event at firstdecatur.org/men. Questions? Contact Pastor Jonathan at jgrunden@firstdecatur.org.

PROMOTION WEEKENDWeekend of August 3 & 4Kids will move up to their next small group grade level the first weekend in August. Rising Kindergarteners will move up to FirstKids Elementary, and rising sixth graders will join Student Life (sixth - 12th grades) which will kick off for the fall on Sunday, August 18 from 4:30-6pm.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL PRAYERDuring worship services August 10 & 11We will pray over all students and all school personnel as they begin a new school year.

FIRST STEPSFollowing each worship service the weekend of Aug 10/11Come to First Steps following any worship service to meet others just like you who are new to First Christian Church or are ready to make a connection here. During this brief 20-minute gathering in Room 100, we’ll explore the mission of FCC and how and why we grow and serve together. Childcare available. Questions? Contact Samantha at sstrouse@firstdecatur.org.

We strive to be a praying church. In fact, we have a team committed to pray for our leadership, pastors, staff, church, congrega-tion, and community. We believe that prayer changes everything, and we consider it an honor to pray for you. You can submit a prayer need at firstdecatur.org/prayer, and we will share your request with our prayer team and Elders. Your request will be kept confidential unless you indicate otherwise.

BAPTISMBrandon Brit Chris Dial LeAnn Ellis Randy Ellis Ronald Jennings Charlotte Kaufman RC Kirk Bryon Lewallen Kevin McSherry Mark Pieske John Rainey Logan Ray

CINCINNATI UPDATEBy Heather Vancehvance@firstdecatur.org

Student Life took a group of 89 middle and high school stu-dents and leaders to serve in the Cincinnati community from June 17-21. Incorporating our theme “Seek First,” we were challenged to seek God first in our identity, in our relationships, and in the ways we interact with and see those around us. Students and leaders worked hard at Master Provisions, Matthew 25 Ministries, and the Cincinnati Park District. We also partnered with BLOC Ministries and hosted BLOC parties, a student favorite for interacting with youngsters in tough neighborhoods. We have memorable stories of what God did in and through us throughout the week, and we saw change and growth in our students. Our amazing leaders went above and beyond! Thank you for your support and prayers.

CUBA UPDATEBy Thomas Hagan | thagan@firstdecatur.org

First Christian Church continued building relationships and doing ministry alongside our Cuban brothers and sisters during a trip July 5-11. A team of 22 people strengthened old relationships and formed new ones with our Cuban brothers and sisters who are faithfully sharing the Gospel on the island. Our team joined their church in door-to-door evangelism, created a children’s vacation bible school, and shared stories of faith in home groups around their local province. We learned about ministry, daily walking out our faith, and the heart of worship from Cuban families in their local settings. Families were blessed by our visit through engaging with Christians outside the island, and both groups were blessed by joining forces and doing ministry side by side.

NEW WORSHIP SERVICE TIMESWe constantly seek innovative ways to bring new people to the church and to Jesus Christ. We particularly welcome change when it helps introduce more people to the good news of Jesus’ story.

The most popular time for Sunday church attendance is between 9am and 9:30am. This presents a dilemma for regular attendees at First Christian Church to invite guests; our current Sunday 9:15am service is full, and we lack space for people to join us. To help, our service times will change beginning the weekend of August 3 & 4.

The new times are: Saturday 5pm | Sunday 9am (new) | Sunday 10:30am (new)

We hope this makes more room for guests during the early worship service on Sunday mornings. You can help by choosing to worship either on Saturday night or at the NEW Sunday 10:30am service time.

Thank you for your flexibility and willingness to “embrace change.”ARTS ACADEMY KICK-OFFBy Andrea Grunden | agrunden@firstdecatur.org

The sounds of musical instru-ments, the scent of delicious treats, and the laughter of adults and kids filled the halls of First Christian Church the week of June 24-27 for Summer Arts Academy Workshops. Students K-12 had the opportunity to take classes including Culinary Arts, Youth Choir, Arts Exploration, and Introduction to Music. Adults also participated in classes such as Hand Quilting, Lace Knitting, Hand Lettering, and Painting and Sewing. The week culminated with Hymnoscope at the weekend services, with several classes helping lead the congregation in worship.

The Arts Academy Fall classes will kick off soon. Watch the website (firstdecatur.org/artsacademy) for upcoming classes and registration details.

SMALL GROUP LAUNCHBy Jonathan Grunden jgrunden@firstdecatur.org

My wife and I joined a small group four years ago and we abso-lutely love it. It is such a blessing to meet weekly to share life and pursue God with others. We have grown deeper in our faith, and our small group members have become some of our closest friends. Together, we have cel-ebrated life’s joys and cared for one another through difficult seasons.

Whether you’ve never been in a small group or it’s been a while since you’ve participated, I encour-age you to test-drive a small group this fall. Throughout August we’ll have opportunities to sign up at Connection Point or online at firstdecatur.org/smallgroups.

Next, to make sure everyone has a great start, we will host a Group Launch Event at church on Sunday, September 8, from 1-3pm. You’ll meet the people in your group and decide when and where to meet. Questions? Contact me at jgrunden@firstdecatur.org.

Small Group LaunchSunday,

September 8from 1-3pm

THRIVE GIVINGJune 1/2 – $7,808June 8/9 – $4,071June 15/16 – $2,558June 22/23 – $2,417June 29/30 – $5,353

ATTENDANCEJune 1/2 – 1,002June 8/9 – 1,180June 15/16 – 1,188June 22/23 – 1,143June 29/30 – 956

FAMILY FUN NIGHTSunday, August 11 from 5:30-7:30pmJoin us for a fun night on the front lawn at First Christian Church. We’ll have bounce houses, games, music, hot dogs, chips, popsicles, and more . . . all for free. Invite another family to join you! Questions? Contact Janie at jkane@firstdecatur.org.

YOUNG ADULT HOUSE PARTYFriday, August 23 from 7:30-10:30pmIf you’re 18-27(-ish), you’re invited to kick off fall with a house party. Food and fun included. Contact Pastor Thomas at thagan@firstdecatur.org for the location.

BABY DEDICATION CELEBRATIONSaturday, September 14 at 10am*Parent Orientation: Sunday, August 25 at 10amBaby Dedication Celebration is a wonder-ful event for families with children birth to age two. Around tables with friends and loved ones, parents dedicate themselves to raising their child to know and follow Jesus. Registration deadline is August 21. For details, go to firstdecatur.org/babydedication. Questions? Contact Brandy at bray@firstdecatur.org.

Amanda Reed Mark Reynolds Michelle Reynolds Reese Robinson Rhiannon Robinson Rob Robinson Ryan Robinson Isaac Ryan Callynn Talty Jeremy Valeck Taeia Valeck Daniel Whitcomb

June 22/23 – $46,017June 29/30 – $65,007