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TRANSCRIPT
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“LENT BRINGS US BACK”
There was just something about Ash Wednesday Service, which tugged my heart and shattered my mind, but I cannot fully grasp and articulate what it
was. The service was brief and merely composed of a few hymns and a nine or
ten minute homily. Perhaps what spoke to the congregation was not the songs or
sermon, but actually the ―call to worship.‖ Yes, you read that correctly. This was
no typo. From the beginning of the service we were focused on our mortality and
penitence. A blurb from this year’s call of worship:
We come to worship God as the Lenten season begins, aware of our
frailty and our failings.
We come seeking God’s mercy, acknowledging our mortality.
Having received the waters of baptism, we are marked now with ashes…
While the call to worship truly set the stage and drew us into worship, it is as we moved towards
the solemn and meaningful imposition of Ashes that reminded us of something. That is, no matter how
hard we try and no matter how dedicated we might be, we still fall short (Romans 3:23). We are incapable
of helping and saving ourselves.
Maybe the reason on Thursday I discovered myself back in the Sanctuary, sitting alone, in the
stillness, was because Lent has an interesting way of bringing us back.
Brings us back to the awareness we are all broken.
Brings us back to our knees in prayer.
Brings us back to worship and to study
Brings us back to recognize we are all in need.
Brings us back to the realization that God is greater than we can imagine.
Ultimately, brings us back to cling to the One who is the author, redeemer, and sustainer of life.
It’s my prayer that no matter where you find yourself in your walk with Christ, Lent can be a time
that brings you back to God, or one step closer to God’s presence. Additionally, I hope Lent brings you
back to the things that are important in life and the spiritual practices/disciplines that mold us to be more
Christ-like. Perchance like me, you might just find yourself simply sitting down in the Sanctuary or some
other place meditating on words such as Spirit. God. Jesus. Love. Grace. Forgiveness.
Nevertheless, this is just the first part of Lent. Bluntly said, this is the easy portion. God does not
just bring us back to be aware of God’s presence, but also brings us back to walk with Christ.
Friends, I look forward to having a blessed Lenten journey with each of you and as we walk with
Jesus together!
In Christ, Zach
MA
RC
H
Sunday, 3/1 Coffee Hour after service 9:30 am Adult Sunday School 9:30 am Youth Sunday School 10:30 am Worship Monday, 3/2 7:00 pm Gulf Shore Singles Club Tuesday, 3/3 Set up for Rummage Sale Wednesday, 3/4 Set up for Rummage Sale 11:30 am Sonshine Card Club 7:00 pm Choir Thursday, 3/5 Set up for Rummage Sale 10:00-11:15 Lenten Bible Study 1:00 Golf at Six Lakes Friday, 3/6 7:00 am—12 noon Rummage Sale Saturday, 3/7 7:00 am—12 noon Rummage Sale Sunday, 3/8 Mark Sanders in Concert 9:30 am Adult Sunday School 9:30 am Youth Sunday School 10:30 am Worship Coffee Hour Tuesday, 3/10 7:00 pm Board Meeting Wednesday, 3/11 11:30 am Sonshine Card Club 7:00 pm Choir Practice Thursday, 3/12 10:00-11:15 Lenten Bible Study
Sunday, 3/15 Annual Congregation Meeting 9:30 am Adult Sunday School 9:30 am Youth Sunday School 10:30 am Worship Potluck Monday, 3/16 7:00 pm Gulf Shore Singles Club Tuesday, 3/17 7:00 pm Corvette club Wednesday, 3/18 11:30 am Sonshine Card Club 7:00 pm Choir Practice Thursday, 3/19 10:00-11:15 Lenten Bible Study Friday, 3/20 8:00 am Men’s Breakfast ~ Fellowship Hall 10:00 am-12:30 pm Crafters 4 Christ Saturday, 3/21 6:30 pm Euchre Sunday, 3/22 Coffee Hour after service 9:30 am Adult Sunday School 9:30 am Youth Sunday School 10:30 am Worship Wednesday, 3/25 11:30 am Sonshine Card Club 7:00 pm Choir Practice Thursday, 3/26 10:00-11:15 Lenten Bible Study Friday, 3/27 10:00 am-12:30 pm Crafters 4 Christ Chalice Sunday, 3/29 Palm Sunday Coffee Hour after service 9:30 am Adult Sunday School 9:30 am Youth Sunday School 10:30 am Worship
PALM SUNDAY ♦ MARCH 29
SEDER MEAL
THURSDAY, APRIL 2 ♦ 6:00 PM
GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 3 ♦ 6:00 PM
EASTER SUNDAY ♦ APRIL 5
TThe he CChalicehalice
MARCH 2015 FORT MYERS CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST)
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA
FORT MYERS CHRISTIAN CHURCH A Disciples of Christ Congregation
5916 Winkler Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
All Are Welcome . . . Come As You Are
Reverend Zach Seitz
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SERVING IN THE MILITARY
John M. Barnett, PFC in USMC, Grandson of George & Donna Briggs; stationed in Okinawa Ryan McClain, Ensign in US Navy; Grandson of Mary Helen McClain Stationed on USS George HW Bush, Norfolk, VA; David Day, Captain in US Air Force Grandson of Al & Mary Jane Day Stationed at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, DC Patrick Evans, 2nd Class Petty Officer, US Navy, Grandson of Pat Brown Stationed in Norfolk, VA Justin Nell, 2nd Lieutenant in Army Reserves; Grandson of Pat Brown Brandon Lapehn, Captain in U.S. Army, 101st Airborne; Grandson of Jim & Dorothy Detamore Completed his second tour of duty in Afghanistan. He is in Fort Campbell, KY Jake Lowry, Captain, MPH, Nephew of Bob & Wanda Milligan MS US Army Veterinary Corps, Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Science, Daniel Tipton, US Army, stationed in Oklahoma, and Anthony Tipton, US Coast Guard, Grandsons of Anne Tipton stationed in Bahrain.
March Chalice p. 7
YOUR CHURCH COMMUNITY
MINISTER Rev. Zach Seitz
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC Dr. Asya Teruni
CHURCH SECRETARY Kathi Kensinger
CHURCH BOOKKEEPER Karen Seibert
OFFICERS Moderator: Bill Brainard
Vice Moderator: Bob Skaggs
Secretary: Cora Armstrong
Treasurer: Steve Larson
Financial Secretary: Rick Laughman
Asst. Financial Secretary: Dean Brown
SPIRITUAL LEADERS Elder Chair: Judy Carson
Deacon Chair: Michele Cooper
MINISTRY TEAM LEADERS Outreach: Jan Laughman, Paulette Idol
Jan: [email protected]
Worship: Cora Armstrong
Evangelism: Wanda Milligan
robert.milligan1931@gmail Youth: Tad Wasowicz & Steve Larson
Tad: [email protected]
Steve: [email protected]
Historian: Helen Hutchison
FORT MYERS CHRISTIAN CHURCH 5916 Winkler Road
Ft. Myers, FL 33919
(239) 437-4330 (239) 437-7992
www.disciplesfm.org
Office hours: M-F 9am—2pm
Photography for the March Chalice
provided by Bob Milligan & Kathi Kensinger.
March Chalice p. 2
~ Family of Don Hutchison (Walter Hutchison) ~ Family of Bob Amonette Armen Sarkissian, (Asya Terruni) Sharon Gore (Cora Armstrong) Ann Mills Sharon Carpenter (Laughmans) Char Horner John LaSota (Shirley Fizer) Carol Woods (Millie Dalrymple) Tiffani Scheel (Tom Brennan) Katherine Greene’s mother & father Leah Reeder (Mary McClain) Rick Laughman Tim Hupp (Virginia Parsons) Barbara McGrath John Rains Elaine Maley Sharon Strada (Michele Cooper) Maggi, Connie, Anne Peters, Pam Webster (Shirley Fizer) Connie Morris, (Paulette Idol) Mary Lee Cecil (Luan Dunham) Jean Freshour (Linda Rosenal) James & Tim Fulcher & family, Kasey McCurdy Jewel Carter, Helen Holmes Jami Hallman (Peggy Roley) Stan & Louise Kulig (Paulette Idol) Wade Nye Fay Wattenbarger Brenda Conyers (Bagents) Loretta Nolen, Jessica Pusceddu (Tina Lipes) Ramona Jones (Hutchisons) Kelly Parcher (Pat Dury) Greg Engel (Ed Bodanske) Evelyn Sumerall (John & Carol Rains) Nancy Lowe (Audrey Sauer) Claude Wattenbarger James Rimes (Sharon Rimes) Stanley Fryza ( Luan Dunham) Duane Covert (Carol Trompeter & Luan Dunham) Marcia Wilson, Marilyn Kohman (Michele Cooper)
As we pray daily, please keep the following
people in your prayers: FMCC PRAYER WALL
SUNDAY MORNING 9:30AM IN FELLOWSHIP HALL
ADULT STUDY led by Pastor Zach
YOUTH led by Tad Wasowicz and Steve Larson
SUNDAY SCHOOL
SPECIAL GUESTS March 8 Mark Sanders
Late March David Liu, 9 years old, will
perform a classical piece.
We're now preparing special music for
Easter.
MUSICAL NOTES
Asya Teruni
Music Director
WEEKLY SERMON SCHEDULE
March 1 I Still Believe Even When ―I Can’t Figure
Out the Way‖
March 8 Mark Sanders in Concert
March 15 I Still Believe Even When ―I Feel Abandoned‖
March 22 I Still Believe Even When ―It Seems Like a
Lost Cause‖
March 29 I Still Believe Even When ―God Is Quiet‖
HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE AND EASTER
April 2 Seder at 6pm
April 3 Good Friday Service at 6pm
April 5 Easter Sunday
March is already here and we are marching forward in the liturgical church year of Lent. We will continue our
Lenten sermon series ―I Believe Even When‖ as we
continue to cultivate a deep faith in God. Although we
might not want to admit it, each one of us have faced times
in our faith journey that it’s difficult or almost impossible to
still believe. It’s my hope that at least one or two of the
above messages will speak to you as we learn to wrestle
with God during the hard times, know God’s presence, keep
our faith, and cling to Christ.
Not only is the March worship calendar noted
above, but also the beginning of April as it highlights
significant services during Holy Week as well as our Easter
Service. In particular, I am excited that Michelle Cooper is
hosting and I will get to participate in the famous Seder
here at FMCC.
Lastly, please be sure to not overlook and mark
your calendars for the Mark Sanders’ Concert early in
March! On March 8, Mark will lead us in worship through
his special gift in music. As many congregates have shared
with me, this will not be a Sunday to miss!
WORSHIP MATTERS
ONGOING CONCERNS: Ruth Mason Margarete Gray (Chris Thompson) Doug Jones Ann Lang Mary Kensinger Jane Swartz Dot and Ham Collier Charmie Stevens Barbara Bruce (Bob & Peggy Bruce) Leah Reeder & Rebecca VonWerder (Mary McClain’s daughters) Harry Cotabish Ruth Munsell Eli Burke (Fay Wattenbarger’s grandson) Herb Cline
BOARD MEETING ♦ TUESDAY ♦ MARCH 10 ♦ 7PM All officers, ministry team leaders, elders and deacons are
encouraged to attend. The Board meeting is open to all. ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING ♦ SUNDAY ♦ MARCH 15, 2015 following the Potluck where we will
approve the 2015-16 budget. Please plan to attend this
important and informative meeting.
The FEBRUARY PRAYER LIST is
available in the Narthex.
Our thoughts and prayers
~for the family of
Bob Amonette.
Bob was a beloved
deacon and
member of Men’s
Disciples.
MARK SANDERS IN CONCERT Mark Sanders has an extensive
background in musical theater, as
well as other venues. Mark began
singing in church as a youngster
and grew up learning the much
loved hymns. He now lives in
Lehigh Acres and is in great
demand as a soloist.
Fourth Annual
FMCC Messianic Passover Seder
Fellowship Hall
Thursday, April 2, 2015
at 6:00 PM
Join in a recreation of the special Passover meal that Jesus
shared with His disciples, learn
the meanings of the symbolic foods on the Seder plate,
and enjoy a full meal of authentically prepared Passover
dishes. Tickets: $10.00 per person
All proceeds will benefit the FMCC Fall Festival.
Sign up and buy your tickets in Fellowship Hall after
worship service beginning Sunday, March 8. Last date
for ticket sales will be Sunday, March 29.
Contact Michele Cooper - 239-322-4094 or [email protected]
HOPE HOSPICE SEMINAR
Rev. Scott Eding, from Hope Hospice, led another
informative and touching presentation for over 45 people,
which was aimed towards caretakers. Discussions were
how to give care and meaning to those who are facing
their end of life as well as on listening skills. Please
note, we will continue to keep our relationship with Hope
Hospice and have future seminar(s) next year.
In the meantime, there will be another Hope Hospice
Presentation regarding Spiritual Care for Patients with
Dementia and their Families on March 24, 2015 from 10
-12:30. This will be at the Hope HealthCare Services
Administrative Office which is at 9470 HealthPark Circle,
Fort Myers, FL 33908.Please RSVP(239) 482-4673. What does research reveal about how to best help
dementia patients with their faith? How can you help a
caregiver cope with his or her unique challenges?
mailto:[email protected]
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March Chalice p. 6 March Chalice p. 3
SONSHINE CARD CLUB ~ WEDNESDAYS 11:30 The ladies meet weekly for lunch at a local restaurant
and a card game of Hand & Foot back at the church. Contact: Pat Newman 481-1648
MARCH POTLUCK ~ *SUNDAY, MARCH 15*
following Annual Congregation Meeting. Please
make note of the change in date. Potluck will be held
this month on the third Sunday. Contact: Judy Carson
CRAFTERS 4 CHRIST ~ C4C MEET FRIDAYS,
MARCH 20 & 27 ♦ 10AM-12:30 PM We welcome all
ladies who enjoy making a difference in other’s lives
through sewing. Items sewn are donated to local &
worldwide organizations in need. Join us in the
Fellowship Hall. Bring a sack lunch. Contact: Helen Hutchison and Nancy Brennan
LIFETOUCH PICTORIAL DIRECTORY We look forward to the directory this spring.
MEN’S BREAKFAST♦ FRIDAY, MARCH
20 ♦ 8AM The Florida ―Egg-Crackers‖ will cook up
the BIG BREAKFAST, served here at FMCC.
Tickets $4.00 Contact: Bob Skaggs
239-267-2579
EUCHRE♦SATURDAY, MARCH 21 ♦ 6:30 pm in the
Fellowship Hall. Bring a snack to share. Sign up in
Fellowship Hall on bulletin board. Contact Helen Hutchison 995-7629
WINTER GOLF OUTINGS ♦ THU MARCH 5 ♦1:00pm
Six Lakes Contact: Walter Hutchison 995-7629
FROM THE MODERATOR ~ Bill Brainard
As we roll into March and what passes for spring here in SW Florida, the church remains a busy place. Our annual rummage sale is about to take place and I am sure it will be bigger and better than ever. This is a large
undertaking for us and a lot of people put in a lot of hours getting ready, cleaning up, and the sale itself. A big thank
you goes to all who participated.
Reverend Zach has begun the weekly Bible study and has had a great response.
Lent is upon us [seems like it was just Christmas] and the Ash Wednesday service was very nice and well attended.
Good Friday and Easter will be here before you know it.
Our annual meeting will be held on Sunday March 15. Please plan to attend. [Everyone knows me & I will try and
keep it as short as possible].
Any problems you might have please contact either Pastor Zach or myself.
See you in church. ~Bill
All articles and items for the Sunday bulletin
are due by Wednesday afternoon for a
Thursday noon print schedule!
PERMANENT ENDOWMENT FUND ENHANCEMENT A committee has been formed by the General Board to promote our Permanent Endowment Fund. The committee
named the Legacy Committee is composed of the three trustees Dale Carson, Marvin Willis, Bob Herbst and three
members from the congregation are Hildur Skaggs, Al Day and Ed Bodanske. Pastor Zack Seitz meets with the
committee. This committee recently met with Rev Randall Johnson, Southern Zone Vice President, Christian Church
Foundation Headquarters in Indianapolis. He also conducted a seminar for interested church members and the
committee.
Our church has a Permanent Endowment Fund and Permanent Endowment Fund Policy. The effort of the Legacy
Committee will be to promote our program and encourage more members of the congregation to participate in this
important aspect of our own church life.
Endowments for our congregation can be a two-fold blessing: Donors have the chance to make an expression of
faith and hope when they put a legacy and estate plane in place that includes Fort Myers Christian Church and the
congregation can use endowment income to strengthen and enhance its witness in its local community and around the
world.
A good place to start is to include FMCC is your will. There also are many other ways of participating in the
Endowment Fund Program. A gift to Endowment Fund can be made at any time. A fund can be set up in a person’s
name and additional contributions to the fund made over time as the donor wishes.
Various ways are available for persons to participate in the Permanent Endowment Fund; such as a direct gift of cash
or other valuables that can be converted to cash, wills and estate plans designate FMCC as beneficiary on life insurance
policies, setting up Charitable Gift Annuity and others.
An important thing to remember is that only income from Permanent Endowment Fund may be spent for programs
and needs of the congregation. Your gift is permanent and will provide benefits to our congregation in the future.
If you would like more information on how you can participate in our Permanent Endowment Fund please contact
one of our Legacy Committee members or you may contact the Christian Church Foundation directly at
www.disciples.org or phone 800-668-8016. Bob Herbst, Trustee’s Chair
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS
MARCH 8
Set your clocks FORWARD one hour
before retiring for the night on Saturday,
March 7. We don’t want you to miss out
on life at FMCC on Sunday morning! There will be
more light in the evening.
ANNUAL RUMMAGE SALE
FRIDAY & SATURDAY MARCH 6 & 7
7:00 AM - 12:00 NOON
WANTED: ALL HANDS ON DECK! Workers begin to set up merchandise
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, AT 9:00 AM. If you have not already done so, please bring your
items for the sale to the church by Monday, March 2.
We’re ready for another successful sale!
NEEDED: Card tables and folding tables with name marked
on it to borrow for the week of the sale. Please
bring on Tuesday, March 3.
Sales Assistants, Baggers, and Cashiers needed on
Sale days.
Please see Joey Lee, Wanda Milligan, Cora
Armstrong, Pat Brown, Lee Camps, Chris Thompson if
you can help.
CONCESSION STAND Our very own ―Rummaging Chefs‖ will be serving
sausage/egg muffin sandwiches, donuts, cookies,
coffee & juice. George & Donna Briggs,
Ron Ginter, Bob Herbst,
Denny & Sherry Floore,
, Walt Hutchison & Ron Bly
From Ruth Hasper to the Crafter for Christ ladies~
She is grateful for not only the 40 beautiful dresses and
the suitcase to carry them to Panama in, but is aware of
the gift of time each of you gave to make these dresses.
She knows they are going to bring *smiles* to many
young girls in Panama! Please uphold the SW Panama
team in prayer March 16-27, 2015.
CRUISE ON HOLLAND AMERICA’S
VEENDAM
Senior Adult Ministry of the Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ) in Florida
January 31-February 7, 2016
Set sail round trip from the Port of Tampa on board the Veendam.
Bible Studies and worship experiences led by the Florida Regional
Minister and his wife, Rev. Juan & Sonia Rodriguez.
More details: Dean Skinner, travel consultant, at
HOUSEKEEPING REMINDERS
Please be good stewards of our space!
LIGHTS~ Flip the light switch when you
leave the building/bathroom.
DOORS ~ Lock the doors with the key and
secure the doors tightly.
http://www.timeanddate.com/sun/usa/washington-dc?month=3&year=2015
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March Chalice p. 4
NEWS FROM THE MINISTRY TEAMS
March Chalice p. 5
OUTREACH MINISTRY
JAN LAUGHMAN, TEAM LEADER
WORSHIP MINISTRY
CORA ARMSTRONG, TEAM LEADER This Lenten season is a time to reflect, to do penance, and to prepare for
Christ’s resurrection. Put this season
into perspective by renewing your
commitment to God and to a life
of service, charity, and kindness to others. The
anticipation of Easter keeps the love of God’s great
gift in the forefront of our minds and hearts.
SERVING THE CHURCH IN MARCH
ELDERS Barb Peters, Ron Bly
DEACONS Cora Armstrong, Art
Napoli, Steve Larson
LITURGIST Diane Bodanske PRESENTER OF ELEMENTS 3/1 Wanda and Bob Milligan
3/8 Lee and Tom Camps
3/15 Evlyn and Harry McQuinn
3/22 Carlene and Butch Griggs
3/29 Karen and Bill Brainard GREETERS Mary Jane and Al Day
ACOLYTE Chase Lipes
TECH TEAM Dean Brown
EVANGELISM MINISTRY
WANDA MILLIGAN, TEAM LEADER Our new program for FMCC of writing a note to let people know that our
congregation is praying for them will start
March 1, 2015. If you would like the
person that you have added to our prayer
list to receive a note, please write their first
and last name and address on the back of our prayer
request card. We will send them a short note to let them
know that we are praying for them.
We would be happy to add you to our list of people
writing notes. Just let me know that you would like to
help with this ministry.
WISH LIST FOR EVERYDAY CAFÉ
Hand can opener,
Canned: tuna, Vienna sausages,
Canned: soup, fruit, milk,
Ramen noodles, Hamburger Helper ***Consider the buy-one-get-one-free items and
donate one to CCMI.***
Please place food donations INSIDE the designated
kitchen cupboard in the kitchen.
EVERYDAY CAFÉ (CCMI) Please continue to
support this important ministry with food and
monetary donations. Are you interested in serving
meals at the Café?
Please let Jan Laughman or Paulette Idol know!
Please continue to bring in your BOX TOPS & LABELS
for the school children! A little goes a long way! The
label collection box is in the Fellowship Hall. GLAD
will be thrilled to redeem these for academic materials.
Ten labels is equivalent to $1.00. Contact: Sherry Floore
FINANCIAL REPORT DEAN BROWN Fiscal Year Thru Dec. 31, 2014
Total Budget Income - $39,267.57
Total Income - $48,092.95*
January 2015 Thru Feb. 22, 2015
Total Budget Income - $40,195.44
Total Income - $42,749.19*
April 1 Thru Feb. 22, 2015
Total Budget Income - $79,463.01
Total Income - $90,842.14*
*Total income does not include $19,976.05 in insurance for carpet replacement.
YOUTH MINISTRY
TAD WASOWICZ, STEVE LARSON
Our youth will be exploring the
scriptures with youth leaders, Tad &
Steve:
3.1 New Name: Disciples
3.8 God’s Gift of the Ten Laws
3.15 God’s Gift: Transforming Grace
3.22 Written on the Heart
3.29 God’s Gift Realm of Peace
D4C
YOUTH
G R
O U P
WEEK OF COMPASSION– FEBRUARY 15 & 22
PALM SUNDAY ♦ MARCH 29
SEDER MEAL THURSDAY, APRIL 2 ♦ 6:00 PM
GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 3 ♦ 6:00 PM
EASTER SUNDAY ♦ APRIL 5
We celebrate! Christ is Risen today!
Please join us for these meaningful services.
We invite everyone to come and bring
your families and friends.
To minimize postage costs, please pick
up your monthly edition of The Chalice
on the last Sunday of the month in the
Sanctuary’s main entrance.
From the Flower Box
Looking Ahead!
We will decorate the sanctuary with lilies
for Easter Sunday, April 5. Last day to
order is Palm Sunday. Purple order forms
available in narthex and Fellowship Hall.
Mexico 2015 27 blankets 35 dresses 12 shirts/shorts
West Africa 2012
Haiti November 2010
Guatemala 2012 Panama 2015 ~ 40 dresses
DONATIONS FOR THE CRAFTERS FOR CHRIST, C4C, are always welcomed and appreciated. This year-round ministry serves a multitude of children and adults in need ~ from clothing to blankets. Our
talented ladies give of their time and talents to make a difference in these lives. You can, too, with your
financial donation for fabric, thread, batting & backing, trim, and machine repairs.
Fort Myers, FL
Designated donations Jan 1, 2015 through Feb. 22, 2015
Week of Compassion $ 867
Soup Kitchen $ 325
Youth $ 50
Guardian Angels $ 25