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www.fccmidland.org ● 1301 W. Louisiana, Midland, Texas, 79701 ● (432) 682-2541

The Christian Builder

December 19, 2012

A weekly publication of First Christian Church Midland Volume 56 No.52

Church Calendar

Sunday, December 23 One Service Sunday 10am Sunday School 11am Combined Worship Monday, December 24 Church Offices Closed 5:30pm Children’s Christmas Eve Service 11pm Candlelight Service Tuesday, December 25 Church Offices Closed Wednesday, December 26 7am Men’s Prayer Breakfast 5:30pm Breaking Bread Sunday, December 30 One Service Sunday 10am Sunday School 11am Combined Worship Tuesday, January 1 Church Offices Closed Wednesday, January 2 7am Men’s Prayer Breakfast 6pm Executive Committee Sunday, January 6 9am Contemporary Worship 10am Sunday School 11am Traditional Worship 5-7pm CELEBRATE 5-7pm SOLID

Join us this Christmas Eve Monday, December 24, 2012

Children’s Service - 5:30 PM Come with anticipation to this celebration of Jesus’ birth! We will gather in the Sanctuary, hear the Christmas story, gather around the table, and even meet the Holy Family. Bring your whole family and join us for this special service geared towards children.

Candlelight Service - 11:00 PM Come help us welcome the King of Kings born in a stable. We will hear the Christmas story through the Word and song, candlelight and communion, and dismiss into the great “Silent Night.”

Poinsettias

Thanks to everyone who participated in this year’s Beans and Poinsettia drive. You may pick up your poinsettias following the Candlelight

service on December 24th. All remaining plants will be taken to a local nursing care facility.

The Builder, First Christian Church

Thoughts… Rev. Mike Hunter Senior Minister

This Week’s Sermon

Run All The Way to Christmas (Don’t Let Christmas Run Over You)

Luke 1:39-45

Find previous sermons at

www.fccmidland.org

Good church. That’s a phrase I often use when we are exactly that, good church. It is a phrase to describe more of a sense of feeling than anything else. We were good church in many ways on Sunday.

Before Sunday School, an elder who frequents early worship came by my office. He made time to be with me. He took the time to inquire how the

preacher was doing in light of all that was going on. It was genuine. It was heartfelt. It helped me have the correct focus for the day.

The Sunday School class I teach, or really, teaches me, had an outstanding conversation. The scripture of the day was the Lukean betrayal of Jesus and Peter’s denial. We unpacked that tragedy and made references to the tragedies in our world today. The conversation was rich and meaningful.

Then it was on to worship where we all gathered together for a single worship. Our musical talents were on great display; we appropriately brought word to the darkness of the shootings in Connecticut and proclaimed how the light of God’s joy triumphs over darkness. It was inspiring at times, and at several moments, emotional. We ended our worship as we always do, by gathering around the table. We enjoyed many visitors, and several folk returning to worship after health issues and travels. It was good to see so many in the sanctuary!

Sunday night, my Sunday School class came into our home and shared food and laughter and gift exchange. We even cheered a little for the Cowboys, but long after the football game what lingered were the relationships that we are building as church family.

We are blessed. Thanks for being very good church. Let’s do it again!

Year-End Giving

The best way for us to start 2013 is by fully funding the 2012 budget. A great December can do just that! Prayerfully consider your gifts and the needs of the church. Remember that contributions must be received or postmarked by December 31 to receive Tax Credit for the 2012 year.

You can also give online through our website at www.fccmidland.org


December 16, 2012

Traditional Worship 187 Nursery 4 Children’s Church 4 Total 195

Sunday School Nursery 4 Children 10 Youth 16 Adult 59 Total 89

Musings… Rev. Cory Glover Associate Minister

Visitors Corner December 16, 2012

Attendance

Thanks for worshipping with us!

Seleste Aranda John & Julie Billings

Roberta Case Suzanne Gonzalez

Rob, Michelle & Zane Helms Michelle, Kristen, Kathe, & Katie

Hepfer Joy Ingalls

Shelley, Lindsey & Garrett McGlothlin

Curtis Pechacek Glen & Margie Singleton

Nic & Aidan Ramsey Arietta Smith Marge Solini June Waters

Art & Carla Wilson

Upcoming Youth EventsUpcoming Youth EventsUpcoming Youth EventsUpcoming Youth Events

• January 6 - SOLID 5-7pm • January 25-27 - CYF Mid-Winter • February 15-17 - Chi Rho Late Winter • March 10-15 - Youth Winter Retreat

Christmas is, at its core, a revolutionary concept.

It was at Christmas that God used a poor religious girl from an oppressed minority to unravel the very fabric of the Roman Empire.

It was at Christmas that human history was altered. Literally.

We get that. We understand that God became human through the incarnation (a fancy word meaning “to take on flesh” or “to be made human”).

Yet, there is another dimension to the word, captured in its second definition: “being the epitome of something”.

Jesus didn’t go through the trouble of incarnating just so we could celebrate his birthday every year and keep the presents for ourselves…

No, he came to show us what God is actually like. To demonstrate. To be the epitome. To live the greatest human life possible. All so that we could learn from him and emulate him. So that we could follow his example.

There is much darkness in the world these days...

But by participating with Christ - the Light of the World - and living as he lived, we get to keep the darkness at bay. I can think of no greater calling.

In the new movie, The Hobbit, Gandalf the Great says: "Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love."

May our lives be marked by those values this Christmas...

Ephesians 5:1-2: "Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."


Birthdays

12/19 Trina Mora 12/20 Patsy Hill 12/21 Diane Garrett Elizabeth Cook Jimmy Vines 12/22 Kathy Garcia 12/23 Sara Cranford Janice Courtney Clarese Gough 12/24 Jan Wilbanks 12/25 Rev. Mike Hunter Scott Harguess

Ponderings… Rev. Paula Brooks Associate Minister

For the past couple of weeks, we have been taking a close look at the meaning of the Chrismons that adorn the two trees in the Sanctuary. So far we have noticed the Nativity and Passion symbols. This week our third and final group is the Symbols of Victory.

In His victory over sin and death, Christ becomes our Redeemer and Savior. He, who could have conquered all in glory and power, chose instead to give Himself in love. This is the joy which is to all people; that love was born at Christmas, love incarnate, and love divine. May that love be yours, and may that love be mine. These last Chrismons point to the victorious Christ. Chi Rho – Chi and Rho are the first two letters of the Greek word “CHRISTOS,” that is Christ. This is one of the most ancient of Christian symbols. The word “Christmon,” when first used, specifically referred to the Chi-Rho of Christ’s monogram. Scripture: Matthew 16:15-16 Alpha and Omega – Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, and as such they symbolize Christ as the beginning and the end of all things. Scripture: Revelation 22:13 The Fish – The first letters of the Greek words for “Jesus Christ, God’s Son,” form the Greek word for fish, “ICTHUS.” Scripture: Matthew 4:19 The Shepherd’s Staff – The Crook or Staff is the shepherd’s tool for guiding his sheep, and therefore, symbolic of Christ, the Good Shepherd. Scripture: John 10:11 The Cross and the Orb – The Orb or Sphere symbolizes the world and with a cross, the triumph of Christ over it. Scripture: 1 John 4:9-10 And last but not least ………… The Crown – The Crown symbolizes sovereignty and shows that Christ is the Ruler over all Creation. Scripture: Revelation 11:15 Through these symbols of Christ, may these Chrismons ever remind us of His birth, life, ministry, crucifixion, death & resurrection. May these symbols also be a constant reminder of how much He loves us. In loving partnership,


Anniversaries

12/20 - Billy & Twila Griffin

12/21 - Ray & Austella Berry

12/21 - Jed & Patty Heard 12/23 - George & Dee Head 12/24 - Butch & Sherry Ladd 12/26 - Doc & Charlsye Dodson 12/26 - Nick & Kathleen Scarafile

Lectionary Scriptures December 23, 2012

Micah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:46b-55;

Psalm 80:1-7; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45, (46-55)

Elder - On - Call

12/16 - 12/22 Fred Schwiening

12/23 - 12/29 Dean Rucker

Church Bulletin Board

Construction Corner

Demolition in the youth and Children’s spaces is almost complete! The contractor is

utilizing the north end of the west parking lot and three parking spaces on

the east side of G Street.

Please steer clear of these areas, as well as both current construction sites. Please

pardon our dust while important renovations are taking place on our

church grounds.

A Special Thank You!

Thank you to all of our wonderful Volunteers who made Night in Bethlehem

a wonderful success! Without you this would not be possible! Thanks for your

commitment and service!

Brenda Morris

Garry Arnett Ray & Austella Berry Cheba Bianchi Amanda Bourland Paula Brooks Dave Burgard Donna Campbell Jennifer Cooper Dave Cromwell Mark Cranford Ross & Cheryl Crawford Peggy Davis Charla Espino Wayne and Pam Young Sarah Esquivel Kris Evers Twana Evers Patty Walsh Diane Faulkner Martha Fentem Jerry & Jana Floyd Steven Forbes Cory Glover Hill Glover Brittney Gordon Sammie Hodges Traci Hopper Mike & Enid Hunter Clint and Mary Hurst Tom & Meta Jones Lisa Kilborn Angela Mainwaring Bill McCuan Tim Miller Jill & Katie Wright Bill & Kelley McCullough Charlie Morgan Jim Morris Dan O'Grady Chris Reynolds Nick & Kathleen Scarafile John & Sandra Schnable Fred Schwiening Jim Smith Ken & Jo Sneed Mike Stephenson Gene & Beverly Drummond

YOUTH Brenna Bell Charlye Campbell Jared Campbell David Cook Lillian Cranford Tyler Dirickson John Ross Espino Emily Fentem Courtney Gordon Taylor Hamilton Dusty Hopper & Friend Sarah Jones Hunter Kilborn Collin McCullough Corbin McCullough Stephen Reid Max Teushel Braden Vines Hannah Wright Julianna Pontes Delany Kilgore


Church Bulletin Board Adult Sunday School Studies

Mixed Blessings/Pairs & Spares Room 301 Topic: Sunday’s Scripture

II Chronicles 7:14 Room 302 Topic: Jesus the Son of God Scripture: Gospel of John Leader: Class Members

Genesis Topic: Decision Time - Part 2 Scripture: Matthew 7:13-14 Leader: Paula Brooks

Fellowship Topic: The Marks of a Christian Scripture: Romans 12:9-21 Leader: Jim Mauldin

Mike Hunter’s Class Montgomery Room Topic: Jesus Before Sanhedrin and Pilate Scripture: Luke 22:66-23:25 Leader: Mike Hunter

Children’s Activities for Sunday,

December 23, 2012 Sunday School Topic: A Christmas Lesson

Children’s Church Topic: Advent 4 - Jeremiah Leaders: Betty, Stephen & Trenton Forbes

CELEBRATE Our Sunday evening activities will Resume on Sunday, January 6, 2013.

Congregation Meeting

On Sunday, December 16th, during our congregational business meeting, the 2013 budget and leadership roster were approved. We look forward to another great year as we seek to make God’s love real for the Permian Basin. Say hello to your new leadership!

2013 Executive Committee

Chair: Becky Anderson Vice-Chair: Jerry Floyd Treasurer: Hill Glover Secretary: Lisa Kilborn Trustee: George Cooper Trustee: Doris Miller Trustee: Dave Burgard

Trustees Dave Burgard George Cooper Doris Miller

Board Elders Mary Anne Benton Jennifer Cooper Twana Evers Hill Glover Clint Hurst Meta Jones Brenda Morris Mike Nance Dean Rucker Jo Sneed Ken Sneed Joe Wright

Endowment Mary Anne Benton Beau Estes Dan O’Grady Fred Schwiening Jo Sneed

Deacons Becky Anderson Amanda Bourland Dennis Burns Stacee Burns Donna Campbell Jared Campbell Beverly Drummond Gene Drummond Diane Faulkner Jerry Floyd

Deacons (cont) Janice Ford Sammie Hodges Jon Aaron House Lisa Kilborn Charlie Morgan Nadine Powell Chris Reynolds Kathleen Scarafile Nick Scarafile John Schnable Sandra Schnable Mike Stephenson Jim Smith Pamala Vannoy

Our Deepest Sympathy

We extend our heartfelt sympathies and prayers to the following who have recently lost a loved one:

The Family of Jesse Valles…….Jesse passed away earlier this week. Memorial Services will be Friday, December 21, 2012 at 1:00 pm at

the Latin Free Methodist Church in Midland, TX.

The Family of Clayton Smith………Clayton passed away on Tuesday, December 18, 2012. Memorial services will be held

Friday, December 21, 2012 at 10:00 am at First Christian Church in Midland, TX.

“With the peace and grace of Christ, may the Spirit of God gently enfold all those who sorrow.”


Website Don’t forget to check out our

website (www.fccmidland.org) for news, publications, and

previous sermons!

Prayer Room Social Media

Become a friend of ours on Facebook and “Like” us.

www.facebook.com/fccmidland

Follow us on Twitter (@fccmidland)

E-mail Provider

Please be sure that your e-mail provider accepts e-mails from

fccmidland.org. We have had several e-mails sent

back to us, and solving the problem would help us get

accurate and up-to-date information to you.

Special Note: Prayer list names are renewed every three weeks as we seek to keep the list as current as possible and

allow space for new requests. Our joys, concerns

and deepest needs are already on God’s heart long before

we put them to paper.

…for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Matthew 6:8

Chapel Lock Box Code #1301

Check out FCC’s Children’s page on Facebook and “Like” us

www.facebook.com/fcccm

Those is the hospital: Faye Casey – Health South Those in need of prayer: The Family of Clayton Smith Diane Bailey Fisher Betty Thompson Michelle Helms George Cooper Lois Lehtinen Mike Nance Dee Head Ken Evers Bruce Stanley Bill & Char Womack Judy Spruell Curtis Pechacek Those in extended/long term care: Blanche Alcorn H.G. Bedford Nancy Gill Clarese Gough - mother of Jeannie Gough & Janice Beckner Jerry Johnson Jackie Hanna Charlotte Millican Jerry Sloan Keith Somerville Mary Jane Strobel Dorothy Wadley Military: Trevor Forbes - son of Stephen & Betty Forbes Joe Henderson - son of Holly Moore Nicky Miller - son of Vicki Miller Damon Darnell - grandson of Floyd & Doris Miller Bennett Dobbs - extended family of the Espino’s Eric Schuff - extended family of the Espino’s Families/Friends beyond FCC: The Family of Jesse Valles – SHARE family The Hickey Family – Sara Cranford Debby Leach Wallace – friend of Betty Conly Pete Herndon – nephew of Vicki Miller The De Lucas Family – Sara Cranford The Family of James Perkins – uncle of Janie Slagle Nancy Cranford – sister-in-law of Mark Cranford Mark Pickle – son of Pat Pickle Shirley Reid – mother of Brian Reid Chuck Henderson – friend of Enid Davis Lois Langford – mother of Carol Cook Glenna Farr – mother of Sandra Schnable Charles Lout – friend of George & Dee Head David Head – brother of George Head Brenda Bradshaw – friend of Lucille Vaughan Corinne Sandifer – granddaughter of Huey & Kristina Sandifer Kerry Arnett – brother of Garry Arnett Carl Oliver – friend of Dorothy Wadley Phyllis Knauff – aunt of Kristina Sandifer Jo Smith – daughter-in-law of Donna Lathrop Debbie Witcher – daughter of Mary Mauldin Caleb Zuniga - Carl & Betty Rodgers Jim & Stacy Miller - Mary Miller Kolby White Family - friend of Jean Ann Hettler Tom Hewitt - brother of Anne Schwiening Sherry Harrington - friend of Jake Spruell Kim Walters - foster daughter of Diane Bailey Fisher Teena Atchley - friend of Kay Hill Families/Friends beyond FCC in long term care: Stan Wigley & family - friends of LuAnn Morgan Lori Hays - cousin of Mary Anne Benton Sonya Hopkins - friend of Kelley McCullough

For submission to prayer list contact the staff Or submit via web, or e-mail

[email protected]

The Christian BuilderThe Christian BuilderThe Christian BuilderThe Christian Builder First Christian Church 1301 W. Louisiana Ave Midland, TX 79701

432-682-2541

online at: www.fccmidland.org December 19, 2012

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Non-Profit Org US Postage

Paid Midland, TX 79711

Permit No. 145

The staff of First Christian The staff of First Christian Church wishes you a very Church wishes you a very Merry Christmas and a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!blessed New Year!

Mike, Cory, Paula, Mike, Cory, Paula, Mary, Martha, Mary, Martha, Dorothy, Abigail, Dorothy, Abigail, Willie & Josefina Willie & Josefina

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