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Please keep the following in your

prayers. Remember them with a card or phone call.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem

Pray for our nation

Officers of the Haines City Police Department Leadership of First Christian Church US Military Personnel Throughout the World Health Concerns: Karl Casey, Bob Fain, Lorena

Roberts, Bill Bryan, Ed and Barbara Schutte, Gary Sheldon, Dorothy Goodman, G. R. Whiting, Danae Bryan, and Jimmy Cary

Norm Wetmore - transferred back to VA Hospital Linda Donley - in rehab at Spring Lake in WH,

recovering from surgery for a broken femur Jim Tennant - recovering from back surgery, re-

mains hospitalized in Lakeland June Sweigart - moved into rehab after a brief

hospitalization with fluid in her lung Marty Dewitt - compressed fracture in her back Jodi Fuller - in Orlando rehab for IV treatment Jean Stanley - recovering from cataract surgery Jackie Fain - addressing some cardiac issues Deb Kemp - foot surgery set for 2/27 Nancy Cope - recovering from back surgery Margaret Fowler - recovering at home from knee

surgery Roger Evans - fell again and was hospitalized Leo Woodward - recovery continues Kaye Lepard - in remission from Leukemia;

mother of Anne Lepard Tony (brother), Bill (son) - health concerns; re-

quested by Carole Fink Rev. James Collins - battling cancer/side effects John Cofer - short-term memory loss; 91-year-old

uncle of Ken Cofer Kris Utter - colon surgery with colostomy; niece

of Jenny Miller Mitchell Meszaros - back home after two hospi-

talizations, getting treatment for nephropathy; son of Sue Meszaros

Sig Dontsow - serious health concerns; neighbor of Marsha Ridenour

The First Christian Church of Haines City (DOC) 705 South 14th St. Haines City, FL 33844

Issue 4 - 2020 Published Bimonthly

February 21, 2020

WANDERING WEST WORD From the Executive Director of Week of Compassion, Rev. Vy T. Nguyen:

There is something sacred about investing in the future. Working toward a better future is an act of faith in and of itself. Whether we invest time, energy, or resources, we give a part of ourselves to a future time that we can’t yet see, trusting that God will bring about good things in a new and unknown season. Even more sacred is an investment in the future of our children . Across time and space, and across the many cultures and places that I am privileged to visit in my work with Week of Compassion, people share this in common. Everywhere I go, families and communities are thinking about what is best for their children and what investments of time, talent, and treasure right now will build the best world for them tomorrow.

Sometimes it is hard for families to dream of a hopeful future. In many of the places where we serve, families have been hurt, separated, or displaced. Their community or government might not have the infrastructure or resources to help them recover, or they might not have the possibility of education for their children. They might not have access to safe water, adequate food, or medical care. With so many challenges, it takes everything just to survive the day, much less dream of a future.

So we dream about the future - for our own children, and for theirs. We dream of a future where all are empowered to thrive; where every child has what they need to grow and reach their potential. We dream of a world where everyone can be safe and healthy, sharing the gifts God has given them. More than twenty years ago, a group of young men were living in a refugee camp in southern Mexico. Their families were preparing to return to their home village in Guatemala, and these buys had the opportuni-ty to go to school in Guatemala City. With support from WOC, they completed high school, and then university.

From the beginning, these young men made a commitment to give back, using their education not only to make a living but also to improve conditions for others. Now, more than twenty years later, some work as human right attorneys; some provide agronomy services; and some are teachers. They serve in leadership roles in their village of Santa Maria Tzeja, where one of them is even in local government. Recently, a group from Central Christian Church in Indianapolis traveled to Guatemala for a visit. Pas-tor Linda McCrae says, “I wish all Disciples could see the impact that these scholarships have made. One of the men, Emiliano, is the oldest of five children. When he finished his studies and began to work, he paid for the education of the next oldest brother. They continued that practice until all five had completed college. In addition to supporting their siblings, this group of former students has con-tributed about $5000 to educate eight other young people in the community who are not related to them.”

Through your support to Week of Compassion, 50 members of this community are now going to col-lege - more than two decades later. As one of the men told the recent visiting Disciples: “We are the fruit of the sacrifices that you have made.” We plant, and we water. But God gives the growth...Giving to this ministry and planting seeds of a blessed future is a sacred act; and the land that we water togeth-er is holy ground. Thank you for participating in this year’s special offering. Your partnership, throughout the year, makes a big difference throughout the world. On behalf of Week of Compassion’s board and staff, thank you for your compassion and care for the least of these. With much gratitude, Vy.

See you Sunday, Gary

DID YOU WELCOME... Helen Leimgruber, Joan Sifford, Kathie Putorti, Hazel Wood, Pauline Shen, Robert Wild, Joe and Judy Biddle, Bob Carter, Bruce and Judy Kimble, Maria, Vanessa, and Emily Maldonado, Donn and Debbie Mammel, Steve Shaneman, Ken Cofer, Nancy Ross, and Shelby Tomlinson?

WELCOME BACK! Somehow we neglected to say how glad we are to welcome back John and Marcia Nihranz. We are sorry for the oversight! And, welcome back to Peg Lauer!

THANK YOU NOTE From Church World Service:

Thank you for your generosity in supporting Blanket Sunday. “And don’t forget to do goo and share with those in need” (Hebrews 13:16).

IN CHRISTIAN EMPATHY We express our Christian empathy to Carl and Betsy Rod upon receiving word of the death of Carl’s older brother John, last week. Living in Alabama, John died at the age of 98. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, February 19, in Alabama.

May the comforting touch of God’s presence sustain the family during this time of separation!

TRULY BLESSED! Dick and Colleen Quast are headed to western New York state to attend the wedding of their granddaughter, Sarah Quast, to Andrew Wojcinski on February 22. We pray for traveling mer-cies on their way there and upon their return home. Congratulations to Sarah and Andrew!

After a rough beginning with delivery, twins Olive and Jameson Jarrett, great-grandchildren of Pete and Anne Jarrett will be celebrating their first birthday this week, “healthy and happy.” Happy birthday, Olive and Jameson!

CATERED LUNCHEON THIS SUNDAY

Thanks to the Membership Ministry, we will be chasing those “winter blues” away with a won-derful meal to follow the worship service on Sunday, February 26. Slices of tender pork loin will lay against mashed potatoes, carrots, and a roll, only to be topped off by strawberry short-cake dessert. Children eat free and adult plates are $10.00 at the door. Come and join us!

SERMON SERIES ON JESUS’ BEATITUDES CONTINUES “Blessed are…” These two words mark the start of each of the eight Beatitudes found in Mat-thew 5 and maybe you can finish each Beatitude, but probably not. With the lectionary assign-ing one Sunday every three years to the study of the Beatitudes, how are we supposed to under-stand them? That question led to the decision to forego the lectionary for a short period of time and focus on one Beatitude each week. Having started the 8-week sermon series on the Beati-tudes on February 2, we are now approaching the fourth Beatitude this Sunday, February 23, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…” Drawing from the Psalms once again, Jesus promises to His followers that their needs will be met. Each Beatitude builds from the Beatitude prior to it, moving us ever closer to God. By the end of the series, it is the hope that not only will those attending know the Beatitudes by heart but will be living them out.

(A New Vision...continued from previous page) and the church offers a complete kitchen for preparing meals. First Christian Church looks for-ward to sharing their beautiful community with those who come to help. To sign up, vis-it www.discipleshomemissions.org/servants-needed

The Week of Compassion special offering theme this year is “Invest In Futures.” We are grate-ful for the faithful way in which FCC Jeffersonville is investing in the future of its neighbors and community. With your support, Week of Compassion is prepared to respond immediately after disasters and remain long-term partners for the rebuilding process. With your help, we can also support congregations in serving their neighbors in times of crisis - and far beyond, into the future.

SAVE THE DATE FOR OPERATION INASMUCH Join us on Saturday, March 21, from 8:00 a.m., until noon as we work side by side with brothers and sisters in Christ from other local congregations on service projects in our community. Our rally point will be the lawn in front of the Lake Eva Band Shell. Registration tables will be available from 7:15 a.m. until 8:00 a.m. on the day of the event, or you can register online at: https://form.jotform.com/802246800531147.

ASH WEDNESDAY MARKS THE BEGINNING OF SOUP & SUBSTANCE

The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 26, and to assist us in moving through this reflective season, the Worship Ministry will be sponsoring mid-week “Soup & Substance” each Wednesday, starting at 5:30 p.m. A free soup supper will precede each week’s worship service which gets underway at 6:15 p.m. On Ash Wednesday, as part of the service, the impo-sition of ashes on be available to those who want them. The Chancel Choir will provide special music and a short meditation will close out the 45-minute service. Other services during the Lenten season will run between 30-35 minutes. This year’s mid-week Lenten services will draw from a series titled “By His Wounds We Are Healed.” Lenten devotionals and key tags will also be available starting Sunday, February 23, to guide you through this season.

BIBLE STUDY AND SUNDAY SCHOOL TO EXPLORE “THE PASSION PLAY”

Years ago, Lake Wales hosted “The Passion Play” and many in the community came out and portrayed the characters in an amphitheater surrounded by orange groves. Depicting the last week of Jesus’ life, viewers were confronted with the words and actions that leapt off the pages of the gospels that narrated Je-sus’ passion. But before Lake Wales began its performances back in the early 1950’s, the village of Oberammergau, in Bavaria, Germany had reen-acted the scenes with performances going back to 1634. In both the Wednesday Bible study and the Sunday School class, Rob Fuquay will take participants on a six-week journey, following the biblical story of the Passion and how this amazing play has been used both as a ritual of praise and later as a weapon through its anti-Semitic past. Along with the book, a DVD will show actual footage of The Passion Play on location in Ger-many and behind-the-scenes footage of the production. It all starts Ash Wednesday, February 26 at 10:00 a.m., in the Fellowship Hall and Sun-day, March 1, at 8:45 a.m., in the Chapel.

A New Vision in Jefferson City, MO

Sometimes, a disaster draws attention to a pre-existing challenge in a community. When that happens, a church may have the opportunity to serve their neighbors in a time of crisis, while also addressing a deeper need. We are grateful that First Christian Church in Jefferson City, Missouri, answered such a call.

On May 22, 2019, an EF3 tornado struck Jef-ferson City, devastating most of the homes in its path - roughly 500 in all. These homes and apartments were primarily low-income house-holds. In many cases, the owners decided to sell their lots and relocate. A rainy spring

caused the Missouri river to flood and stay out of its banks for an extended time during this same period. These events exacerbated a bad situation for community residents who depend on the availability of affordable housing.

Prior to this incident, the Missions team at First Christian Church was already in conversation with their community about housing issues. Following the tornado and flood, the church knew it was time to act. In pursuit of a multi-pronged approach to increase the availability of afford-able housing within their community, First Christian Church is now partnering with Disciples Volunteering and Week of Compassion.

In August of 2019, First Christian Church agreed to accept a gift of property from longtime member Louise White, whose home had been destroyed by the May tornado. After her insur-ance company removed the home, she gifted the land to the church - with the intention that it would be used to address low-income housing needs in Jefferson City.

The Missions team began by familiarizing themselves - and the congregation - with what the process would involve and what partners they would need to work with. They met with sever-al organizations that do work related to affordable housing. The congregation then participated in seven days of prayer in discernment of God's will regarding the future. After that thoughtful process, the congregation voted in early February to gift the property to Habitat for Humanity.

Responding to the 2019 disasters, the Jefferson City chapter of Habitat has launched “Road to Recovery,” doubling their annual build goal from four houses to eight. They will break ground in March of 2020, and through a summer blitz, aim to complete four units in time for the new owners to move in by fall. Meanwhile, the Missions team has also pledged support for a new non-profit launched by area churches. Similar to Habitat but targeting its support to renters, Transformational Housing has received a historic property that will be gutted and remodeled with 4-6 rental units for low-income households.

Now, mission teams are invited to share in the work of this new vision. Several rooms in the education wing are available for sleeping, with separate showers in the family life center, (continued next page)

DWM EXECUTIVE MEETING RE-SCHEDULED The Executive Committee of the Disciples Women’s Ministries will meet on Wednesday, Febru-ary 26, following Bible study, a week later than originally scheduled.

WORSHIP MINISTRY TO MEET The Worship Ministry will continue its work through the leadership of Betsy Rod, assisted by Doreen Taylor. The Ministry is still in need of a chairperson. The next meeting is set for Mon-day, March 2, at 3:30 p.m. Among the items for discussion are special services during Holy Week. This year, our church is hosting the Community Good Friday Service sponsored by the Heart of Florida Coalition of Christian Churches, so that will add yet another special service to Holy Week.

SENIOR RETREAT AT SILVER SPRINGS, MARCH 10-12

The Rev. Alan Smith returns this year as the keynote speaker for the Senior Retreat, bringing Disciples together from across the region for three days of learning, singing, worshiping, praying, food, activities, and fellowship, March 10-12. Smith will address the retreat’s theme, “The Jo-nah Story, God of Second Chances.” The Senior Retreat will also sponsor a Mission Project this year, continuing their support of the Garden of Eden Health Center in Puerto Rico. This support could be through the purchase of Walgreen’s gift cards as there are several Walgreen’s nearby the Health Center. Registration forms can be picked up n the church office.

FLOWERS, ANYONE?

If you would like to share your special occasion with the church through an arrangement of flow-ers for the worship service, sign up on the flower chart in the foyer of the sanctuary. We contract with a local florist who delivers the arrangement to the church on Fridays for a cost of $35.00.

THANK YOU...AND YOU...AND YOU Hats off to Bob Murphy for spending time over the past six weeks building and repairing items around the church and our grounds. He was able to build some shelves and cabinets to store many of the Christmas decorations that needed a new home. He also replaced the broken tiles in front of the columbarium, as well as oversaw the electrical work on the sign out front. He also recruited Josh Duff to help him repair and replace some sprinkler heads along the edge of the property. Thanks, Bob and Josh!

STEWARDSHIP REPORT February 9, 2020

General Fund - $2,134.00 Attendance - 104 Use of Facilities - $2,065.00

Membership - $5.00 Outreach - $32.00

February 16, 2020 General Fund - $2,925.00 Attendance - 110

Use of Facilities - $515.00 Shirts - $20.00

Week of Compassion - $425.00 Backpacks - $50.00