the hurch visitordec 12, 2017 · we celebrate that love made real for us through a very special...

The Church Visitor Volume 77 Issue 11 November 30, 2017

3401 Santa Fe

Corpus Christi, TX 78411

Phone: 361-854-3044

Fax: 361-854-3062

www.fcc-cc.org

Sunday Schedule

Church School

9:15 a.m.

Worship

10:30 a.m.

Staff

Senior Minister Rev. Rusty Wright

[email protected]

Church Coordinator

Linda Butler

[email protected]

Financial Assistant

Mary Grimsbo

[email protected]

Day School Director

Lizbeth Ibarra

[email protected]

361-854-1241

Fax: 361-854-3062

When I was a child, I used to look through the old

Sears Christmas catalogue, called the “Wishbook,” circling

everything I wanted for Christmas. But, even today, I still

look through the ads from the Sunday paper or see

commercials on television and “wish” for things. I look

through the Best Buy ad and dream of a bigger, state of the

art television. I look through the Home Depot or Lowes ad and long for more exotic tools

that would make my life so much easier. I see commercials for cars with some really cool

advanced features and I “wish” I could be the one behind the wheel. Of course, I think

most of us do that from time to time— we wish for stuff we would like to have or think

we need.

But, a while back I read a Thanksgiving devotional by Kelly McFadden that really struck

me with that proverbial 2X4 “upside the head.” In her devotional, McFadden talked

about the movie ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and the five children who win a

chance to tour the factory of the famous candy maker, Willy Wonka. And, she discusses

the character issues the children have— the selfishness of Veruca, the gluttony of

Augustus, Mike’s temper and lack of respect for authority, and Violet’s hyper-competitive

nature. But, when she got to Charlie, McFadden described him, correctly, with one

word— grateful. She writes

Charlie understood. He did not need all the money or all the chocolate in

the world to be happy. He had a life overflowing with the love of those

who were around him. He did not dwell on what he did not have, but

focused on all he did have. He was grateful.

We too have lives overflowing with love… the love of God. And, at this time of year,

we celebrate that love made real for us through a very special child born in Bethlehem.

In fact, that child was the first and the greatest gift of this or any Christmas. We couldn’t

wish for anything better. So, like Charlie, let’s not focus on what we do not have, rather

let’s focus on what God has already done for us. Because, while I would like to have a

new TV, the one I have is just fine. While I would like more tools, I don’t really use all

that I have now. And, my car may have a few miles on it, but it’s still pretty nice and,

more importantly, it gets me where I need to go. So, this Christmas season, let us be

grateful for what we already have and “wish” for what is really important, “peace on

earth, good will to all.” But, let’s not just wish for it because, with God’s help, we can

actually be the peacemakers.

Shalom and Blessings,

Rusty

Ministry’s Reports

Thanks to Christy Cowan we completed our FCC shirt exchange and

placed an order for new shirts for those who ordered new shirts.

Remember to submit your photo’s for the new church directory,

you can scan them or give them to the church office, we would like to get

started on the new directory in early January and update our church

records with your address, phone number, email address, birthday and

anniversary dates.

The Membership Ministry will be meeting on a monthly basis

beginning in January so if you would like to join this ministry or have any

suggestions for the Membership Ministry to address please contact Terry

Klinger.

Property Ministry

We continue to spruce up the grounds and address lighting and

misc. projects in our church. Just to mention a few projects we are finishing

up work to allow us to open the nursery in the coming weeks. We are also

addressing lighting improvements for both the Sunday youth group and in

preparation for Boar’s Head. The Scout Hut exterior will be worked on after

Boar’s Head due to the busy holiday schedule and preparation for Boar’s

Head.

Our next Garden Party is scheduled for April and we can always use

more hands for the various projects that we schedule for our Garden Par-

ties. If you are interested in joining the Property Ministry please contact

Terry Klinger or come to our January 15th meeting.

Last Year Pledges...remember the end of the

year is fast approaching. If you are behind in your

pledge, please try to catchup before December 31. If

you have any questions about your pledge, you can

call the church office and we will try and help you.

For tax purposes, you have to make your dona-

tions by December 31, 2017.

Ministry’s Reports Continued

CPS RAINBOW ROOM JACKET-HOODIE DRIVE

A HUGE SUCCESS!

Have you seen Jesus our Lord? He is in plain view at First Christian Church! His Presence was displayed at the wonderful children’s jacket display in the narthex which was designed by Debbie Brooker. Julia Wright and Darrian Garrett contributed the colorful and festive posters which conveyed the powerful message of HOPE as our congregation cradled

these abused and neglected children in God’s LOVE through your generous donations. Certainly these gifts are a living testament to Jesus’ words: “As you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me….”

As we delivered close to 60 jackets to the CPS Rainbow Room, we experienced the Living Christ in action through the joy and gratitude of the volunteers as they joined hands with FCC in the fight against child abuse and neglect. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for your generosity!!

We are once again reminded of the words from the song, “Have You Seen Jesus My Lord?”:

“Have you ever stood in the family,

with the Lord there in your midst?

Seen the face of Christ on each other?

Then I say, you’ve seen Jesus my Lord.”

We pray that each of you has a Blessed and Joyous Christmas Holiday season as you experience the true “Presence” of Christmas, Jesus….open the eyes of our hearts, Lord. Open the eyes of our hearts. We want to see you. We want to serve you. AMEN.

—Evangelism and Outreach Ministry Team

SAVE THE DATE!!

Mark your calendars!

You will soon be hearing more about our annual

DAY OF KINDNESS

which is scheduled for

Saturday, February 10, 2018!!

Sounds of the Season — Mark Your Calendars

The Advent Season begins this Sunday,

December 3, the Hanging of the Greens Service on

the First Sunday of Advent. As we are pushed into

the Christmas Season by all of the retailers, please

try and remember the true and real meaning of the

season!

The following is a list of events to celebrate

the season with our church family.

Poinsettia Orders

If you would like to honor or

remember a loved one or friend,

you can purchase a poinsettia plant

that will be used to decorate the

Sanctuary for Christmas Eve. The

cost of each plant is $10.

There will be a form in the Sunday church

bulletin for the next few weeks or you can send/

bring your information and money to the church

office until December 18.

Adopt An Angel

The Children’s Ministry Team invites you to

stop by the Fish Bowl

starting Sunday,

December 3, 2017, to

pick out one of the

little Angels that we

have received from

Child Protective Services to get them Christmas

presents. We have 40 little Angels to choose from,

so stop by to pick out the perfect child for you and

your family to adopt. They always love all of the

presents that our church gives to them. Remember

the presents need to be wrapped and will need to

be returned to the Church by December 17, 2016 so

Child Protective Services can pick them up and

deliver them to the children.

And while you are there, you can also

Christmas Card Tree

Say A Merry Christmas@ to your friends at

First Christian Church and help those in need at the

same time. How?? By stopping by the

Christmas Card Tree in the Fish Bowl, signing an

angel ornament and making a

donation to the Ministers’

Discretionary Fund. Your donations

will be used by our Minister to help

those in need throughout the

year. After the Christmas season, the

names are published in The Visitor and everyone will

know that you wished them a Merry Christmas.

Diamond Disciples’ Christmas Luncheon

The annual Diamond Disciples’ Christmas

Luncheon will be celebrated on Sunday, December

3, this Sunday in the Parlor following the service.

If you are 75 years old or more, then you and

a guest are invited to attend the luncheon in your

honor. The luncheon is sponsored by the Pastoral

Care Team. The invitations were sent out if you did

not receive one and are in that age bracket then we

do not have your birthday in our computer system.

Please call the church to give us that information

and please join us on Sunday.

Boar’s Head Stage Setup

If you have some free time, the stage for the

Annual Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival will be set

up on Sunday, December 10, starting at 2 p.m., If

you have any questions, please contact

Trey McCampbell at 361-215-2035 or Rick

Dupriest at 361-946-6789. The more

hands to help the less time it will take.

Boar’s Head Participation Registration

It’s that time again!! If you would like to

participate in the Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival

(and who wouldn’t), in either a costumed or

support role, please call Krishna Mogenroth at 361-

887-4008 or email her at [email protected].

If you have any questions, please contact Krishna.

Special Christmas Offering

December 10 & 17 have been set aside as

the 2017 Christmas Special Offering days. The

following is a list of some of the ministries this

special offering is used to support in our region.

assist congregations and leaders in claiming

their unique mission and ministry, and provide

resources and support

Call, commission and ordain new pastors, and

support and equip all pastors for their

ministries

Revitalize existing congregations and plan for

new congregations

Provide camps, conferences and retreats where

children and youth find hope and Christ’s love

Call and equip passionate leaders for today’s

church

Provide pastoral care for clergy and

congregations

Disciples’ Fellowship Luncheon & Program

Celebrates Christmas Cheer

CWF is sponsoring the

Disciples’ Christmas Luncheon on

Tuesday, December 12, in the Parlor beginning at

11:45 a.m. The guest speaker will be Linda Frost,

retired chaplain, who presented several sermons

from the pulpit during our transition period. You

are invited to be a part of this special fellowship as

we all celebrate this wondrous time of year. Mark

your calendar so you won’t miss great food and a

chance to win a door prize.

Christmas Eve Service

Make plans now to be here at

6:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve (note time

change from last year) for a service of

carols, candles and communion. It is

a service designed to prepare our

hearts and minds to receive the most

gracious gift from God — His Son, the

Savior, who is Christ the Lord. As

always, it is “come as you are” and we

hope to see everyone here to

celebrate the coming of our God and

King.

Church Offices and Day School

Closures

The church offices and

Day School will be closed on

Monday, December 25.

Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival

The Boar’s Head and Yule Log

Festival will be on Saturday, January 6,

2018, with performances at 3:00, 5:00 &

7:00 p.m.

Sounds of the Season Continued— Mark Your Calendars

Youth News

In December the youth will be talking about the warnings of Cyberbullying and being Catfished. Many

of us are aware what Cyberbullying is and the dangers it presents to our youth. However, there’s also

another danger and that is being Catfished. For those who may not know, getting Catfished is when someone

pretends to be someone they are not through the internet for a devious purpose. Even though we will be

talking to the youth at FCC about Cyberbullying and Catfishing; this cannot be done alone and so therefore, I

want to share with the rest of the Church, 5 easy ways to avoid cyberbullying and being catfished.

5 Easy ways to protect your children from

Cyberbullying and being Catfished

1. Keep your personal information private. Never let your child put personal information

online, such as their address or phone number. This information would allow someone to find

them.

2. Remember “Stranger Danger.” Strangers on the internet can be just as dangerous as

strangers in person. Online strangers won’t lure with candy, but will attempt to build a trust

and may want to meet them somewhere.

3. Avoid “friending” someone you do not know in person. Bad people can pretend to be good

people on the computer and even use fake pictures, names and information. Only allow your

children to be friends with people you both know in real life.

4. Avoid talking about emotions on social media. Talk to your children about not discussing

feelings of sadness, loneliness or depression. Feelings such as these, when made public, make

children easy targets. Likewise, they should also avoid discussing their interest in dating,

meeting new people or being single online.

5. Use caution when posting pictures. Warn your children that putting even mildly

inappropriate photos online can bring unwanted attention. Sure, they can still post pictures

from the family cruise, but ask them to avoid photos of them in their swimsuits. You’d be

surprised at how fast a photo can travel on the internet.

THE STORY OF HEAVEN

Max Lucado and Randy Frazee

The Harried Sunday School Class will be having a 3 week video and study on 12/3, 12/10, & 12/17 on

“The Story of Heaven” lead by Bob Jackson. We’re inviting everyone to join us for our 9:00 a.m. class or the

9:30 a.m. class. This first week the class will be held in the Conference Room due the Diamond Disciples’

Luncheon setup in the Parlor. The following two weeks the class will be in the Parlor.

This study is about our graduation from here to heaven. We all have a start date and an end date. God

also has an exit strategy.

Heaven is real, Jesus’ words are true; he will go and make a place for each of us.

The video features Max Lucado, who started Oak Hills Church in San Antonio in 1988. Max has written

many book over the years for over 10 million readers who have found comfort in his writings.

Why this short video series?? Because Max has a special talent to take our observations and put them

in ways we wouldn’t think of. He has a mission to help us understand Bible scripture and comfort us in our

search for truth.

Come join us Sunday, December 3rd, in the Conference Room at 9:00 or 9:30 a.m.

Day School News

The children celebrates Las Posadas

Thursday, December 7. This is a Christmas

procession that re-creates the Holy Pilgrimage of

Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus on their way to

Bethlehem.

The Day School will

celebrating Christmas with their

annual Christmas program. The

program for the older children will

be held on Wednesday,

December 13, at 6 p.m. in FCC

Sanctuary, while the program for the younger

children will be on Friday, December 15, at 10 a.m.

also in FCC Sanctuary. All parents, family

members, and friends are invited to

attend. The Day School invites all of

the FCC congregation to attend as

well. The program leader is Teacher

Perla Soliz.

Day School

Christmas Programs

Communion Meditation

November 19, 2017

The year was 1967—50 years ago...Gasoline cost about 33 cents/gallon, and the average yearly

income was $7,300. Sadly, the war in Viet Nam was in full swing, but in Capetown, South Africa, the first

successful heart transplant was performed. You could see a movie such as “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”

for about $1.25 per ticket. On television, shows such as “Gunsmoke”, and “The Ed Sullivan Show” were

airing, and we listened to singers such as The Beatles, Glen Campbell, and the Monkeys. Right here in Corpus

Christi, however, our congregation was preparing to worship in a lovely new building!

I know that there are those of you here today who have been members of this congregation longer

than I have. I imagine that we could each share memories about that approaching day, but I would guess

that the one question we were all asking at that time, was, “Is it really going to happen?” After much talk,

and preparation, pledge drives, and planning, the answer was, “Yes!” I know that at our house, this day

represented the end of a monumental task. My mom had been on the organ committee, but the organ,

under the supervision of Les Peart, has been installed, and her work was mostly done. However, my dad was

in-charge of the physical move from the old church on South Upper Broadway to this new facility on Santa

Fe. And he thought moving from Wichita Falls to Corpus Christi was a big deal! We heard many stories at

the dinner table regarding the plans and preparations for this move. The windows from the chapel at the

“old church” were to be moved to the new chapel, and they were. The organ from the old church was to be

dismantled and sold, and it was. One incident that was not anticipated, however, was a fire in the air

conditioner room on moving day, but that did not stop services from taking place on Sunday.

On Sunday, November 19, 1967, we drove to a new building for worship. Our building was big and

white and new and beautiful, but it was still just a building. Inside, however, the congregation who had

moved to the “new church” consisted of those same people who had begun this “Venture with God”

together. We were in God’s house, not our house. The cross above the white marble communion table was,

and still remains, there to remind us of the sacrifice of God’s son for each one of us. As we gathered at the

communion table on November 19, 1967, and today, November 19, 2017, we give thanks to God for the

many gifts he has given to us—among them, this building, in this location where we as a congregation can

gather to serve God in our community, but most of all, for the gift of His son, Jesus Christ.

—Elder Pat Getz

December Celebrations

Happy Anniversary To. . .

17 Jane & Charles Cromwell

18 Belen & Herschiel Tuley

21 Lisa & Bobby Stephens

Birthday Wishes For . . .

1 Phyllis Allen

3 Bob Jackson

5 Jon Garrett

6 Billy Dean

10 Donna Watkins

13 Barry Whelan

20 Allen Lowe

22 Lois Chesney

22 Ann Jaynes

23 Linda Garrett

24 Terry Klinger

25 Bob Mitchell Editor’s Note: If your birthday or anniversary is not on

our list, we may not have it in the church records. Please either

call or email the church office with the information — 854-3044 or

[email protected]

Family of Betty Clark, Belen Tuley, Ann Nabours-Palacino, Verlyn Nolen, Billie Sumpter, John

Roberts, Harriet Null, Lloyd Holmes, Vergie Croninger, David & Gerry Holloway, Dorothy Klinger, Patricia

Bibbs, Christy Dean, Jo Haggard, Beth Hoekje, Judy Hampton, June Pearce, Dee Stalter, Eunice Dunn,

Melba Adkins, Brooks Garrett (all at home)

Lois Chesney (Holmgren) Irene Moore (Round Rock)

Doris Williams (Homewood)

Remember in Prayer . . .

Prayer Hotline 361-855-9562

“Prayer is the key to heaven, but faith unlocks the door.” —Robert Sande

Calendar

Fri, Dec 1 9:00 a.m. Tai Chi

Sat, Dec 2 12:00 p.m. Tai Chi

Sun, Dec 3 1st Sunday of Advent

` Hanging of the Greens

8:00 a.m. Music Dept Rehearsal

9:15 a.m. Sunday Classes

10:30 a.m. Worship

11:45 a.m. Youth Handchimes

12:00 p.m. Diamond Disciples’ Luncheon

4:30 p.m. Youth Group

8:00 p.m. AA

Mon, Dec 4 8:30 a.m. Day School Rehearsal

5:30 p.m. AIR

Tues, Dec 5 8:30 a.m. Day School Rehearsal

9:00 a.m. Tai Chi

10:00 a.m. CWF Board

5:00 p.m. All Church Retreat Mtg

6:30 p.m. Bible Study

7:00 p.m. Tai Chi

8:00 p.m. AA

Wed, Dec 6 8:30 a.m. Day School Rehearsal

9:00 a.m. Tippi Toes

10:30 a.m. Karata

7:00 p.m. Tai Chi

Thurs, Dec 7 8:30 a.m. Day School Rehearsal

10:30 a.m. Day School Chapel

6:00 p.m. Praise Team

6:30 p.m. Handbells

7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir

8:00 p.m. AA



Sun, Dec 10 2nd Sunday of Advent



10:30 a.m. Worship



11:45 a.m. Elders’ Meeting

2:00 p.m. Boar’s Head Stage Setup

4:30 p.m. Youth Group

8:00 p.m. AA

Mon, Dec 11 8:30 a.m. Day School Rehearsal

5:30 p.m. AIR

Tues, Dec 12 8:30 a.m. Day School Rehearsal

9:00 a.m. CWF General Meeting

9:00 a.m. Tai Chi


7:00 p.m. Tai Chi

8:00 p.m. AA

Wed, Dec 13 8:30 a.m. Day School Rehearsal

9:00 a.m. Tippi Toes

10:30 a.m. Karate

6:00 p.m. Day School Christmas Program

for Older Students

7:00 p.m. Tai Chi

Thurs, Dec 14 8:30 a.m. Day School Rehearsal

9:00 a.m. Music Club

10:30 p.m. Day School Chapel


6:30 p.m. Handbells


8:00 p.m. AA


10:00 a.m. Day School Christmas Program

For Younger Students

12:00 p.m. DAR

December 1 — 15

Sat, Dec 16 9:00 a.m. Day School Staff

Christmas Party

12:00 p.m. Tai Chi

Sun, Dec 17 3rd Sunday of Advent



10:30 a.m. Worship



8:00 p.m. AA

Mon, Dec 18 5:30 p.m. AIR

6:30 p.m. Property Ministry

Tues, Dec 19 9:00 a.m. Tai Chi


7:00 p.m. Tai Chi

8:00 p.m. AA

Wed, Dec 20 6:30 p.m. Ministry Council

7:00 p.m. Tai Chi

Thurs, Dec 21 10:30 a.m. Day School Chapel


6:30 p.m. Handbells

7:00 p.m. Victims Support Group


8:00 p.m. AA



Sun, Dec 24 4th Sunday of Advent

Christmas Eve



10:30 a.m. Worship

5:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Service

8:00 p.m. AA

Mon, Dec 25 Church & Day School Closed for Christmas

5:30 p.m. AIR Group

Tues, Dec 26 9:00 a.m. Tai Chi


7:00 p.m. Tai Chi

8:00 p.m. AA

Wed, Dec 27 7:00 p.m. Tai Chi

Thurs, Dec 28 10:30 a.m. Day School Chapel


6:30 p.m. Handbells

7:30 a.m. Chancel Choir

8:00 p.m. AA



Sun, Dec 31 New Year’s Eve



10:30 a.m. Worship

8:00 p.m. AA

Calendar

December 16 — 31

The Month of November

Serving Schedule

Elders Serving at the Table

Dec 3 Brenda Shell, David Shell

Dec 10 Terry Klinger, Jerry Livingston

Dec 17 Pat Getz, David Getz

Dec 24 Judie Terry, Drew Terry

Dec 31 Agnes Fankhauser, Bob Jackson

Greeters

Patsy Bird, Elena Blackburn

Flower Delivery

Dec 5 No Flowers

Dec 12 Phyllis Taylor

Dec 17 No Flowers only Poinsettias

Dec 26 No Flowers only Poinsettias

From the Mail Bag…

“Mere words can never express the

gratitude we have for the members of FCC. Our

extended family was overcome with the outpouring

of love; especially those from out of town. I wasn’t.

Because I know that our Congregation is the most

loving, caring, and giving group of folks in this

entire world. From the wonderful meal from

Terri’s group when Lucille was ill; to the wonderful

tribute by the Praise Team at the service for Lucille.

Rusty delivered the most beautiful service for

Lucille and the many ladies that provided food for

the reception. For the many, many cards we have

received, the donations in Lucille’s memory, and

MOST important, definitely the most important,

the prayers for our family. As I started, mere words

are not enough. I, and my family, are truly blessed

to have a church family like the folks at FCC. And

lastly, a very special thanks to my special ANGEL—

June Pearce. Thank you FCC for your love and

support.” —Wayne Morris & Family

“I would

like to thank the

members of FCC

for the kind and

thoughtful cards

that I received

on Minister’s Appreciation Day. This continues to

be a very special membership engaged

congregation and it is a privilege to be a part of

such active Christian witnesses. Blessings,” —Rev.

J. Allen Lowe

“Thanks to all for the beautiful cards, kind

words, gifts and most of all your prayers on Pastor’s

Appreciation Day. Each of you make a difference in

my life. I am so thankful to be part of your family.

May God continue to bless each of you.” —Pastor

TJ Bird

the hurch visitordec 12, 2017 · we celebrate that love made real for us through a very special...

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