Volume 16, Number 20 Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Inside this Issue ….

Promotion Sunday

Laity Sunday

Upcoming Events

25 Year Party Pictures

Sanders Fellowship Class

Stalcup Lectures

Joys and Concerns

Thank You

Sunday Morning Services

8:30 — Chapel

10:50 am — Sanctuary

September 20, 2015

Rev. Deborah Morgan-Stokes

Preaching

Sermon Title

“A Child’s Place”

Scripture

Mark 9:33-50

September 27, 2015

Rev. Deborah Morgan-Stokes

Preaching

Sermon Title

“The Reconciling Queen”

Scripture

Esther 7:1-6; 9-10; 20-22

Malawi Mission Trip

(Disciples of Christ)

Dear Friends,

God is good. Christ is risen.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and from the people of the Pentecostal Evangelism Ministries church in Malawi, Africa. All of you supported Allison and me in many ways to prepare for our 10-day mission trip, and together we answered Christ’s call to “Feed My Sheep” and more. We share in this ministry together: When we worshipped together, you strengthened our spirits and commissioned us to do God’s work on behalf of EDCC. When we gathered for the Bingo Bash, you celebrated with us and showed your support by participating and donating more than just money to our cause. When the Disciples Women and Outreach committees, Elders, and others donated two laptops, a sewing machine, many handbags, dollars, and t-shirts, together we equipped the hands of Christ to serve.

We fed the Soul. During 5 days we visited and worshipped with 7 churches, usually in remote villages, often 2 hours or more from the capital, in mud brick or grass walled buildings, sometimes without a roof, but always Jesus was with us. Always we were met with beautiful voices and drums praising God, and humbled by the faith and generosity we experienced.

We fed the Body. Hundreds of people ate meat for the first time this year because of what we gave. At four churches, we feasted on beef, rice, beans, maize, and vegetables. All who joined us in church were filled, and left with food to share.

We prepared a Place. At a church in Phanyama, we funded construction in January, worshipped in the full sun under an open sky on August 20th and saw the finished roof before we left. The Chiefs in more than one village joined us in worship, then joined the Body of Christ. Dozens more gathered outside, eager to learn what happened inside, attracted by our prayers and singing.

We clothed God’s People. Malawi can be cold. 50 degrees at night. Few people have beds or blankets, and most sleep on mats atop hard dirt floors. Everyone wants a blanket. We participated in giving 40 blankets to orphans and widows in the church.

Everywhere we went, the Gospel was proclaimed and East Dallas Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) made a difference, showing Godly love by giving to people who many of us will never meet. I’m proud of you for answering Christ’s call and commend you for putting “Mission First” through service to your brothers and sisters in Malawi. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil. 1:6)

We look forward to sharing our photos, videos, and stories at breakfast one Sunday morning soon. Watch for the announcement. Until then, befriend us on Facebook to see highlights, and join us in worship on World Communion Sunday (10/4), when it is

Mike’s honor to share with you the same word he shared in Malawi.

Mike Herrold, President of the Congregation

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Loud Praises for Laity Sunday

The Ministers of EDCC give thanks for those members of the congregation who graciously stepped out of their comfort zone to lead worship Sunday, September 6th.

Chapel Service: Judy Garrett, Don Stokes, Pam Sparks, Kenneth Melvin, Ivan Vasquez, Gerry Fagg and preacher, Mark Byrkit, Joffa La Roe, Susan Mosty, and Bob Fegraeus.

Sanctuary Service: Ira Jackson, Jeff Evans, Ann Sanders, Dana Kelly, Greg Byrne, Christine Byrkit, and preacher, Linda Busdiecker.

Special thanks to Marianne Kuers and Ruthie Thomas for organizing the service, and for our fearless leader, Marvin Kuers, who stepped into the meditation elder role that Sunday.

Gratefully,

Deborah, Colin, Keith, Charles and Hannah

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Parents of Youth Meeting

Sunday, Sept. 20 - Noon

Youth Room

Check your calendars and mark the NEW time for the EDCC Book club. We meet the second Monday night of each month from 6:30-8:00 pm

October 12th's read is Happiness is a Serious Problem: A Human Nature Repair Manual. by Dennis Prager

November 9th's read is Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.

Here are answers to questions we frequently get:

Do I HAVE to buy the book? No, you can check out books from either the church library (if we have it) or the public library.

Do I HAVE to have read the book to show up? No. Some months are busier than others and we know it may be hard to find time to read. But the discussion of the book by those who have read it is very enlightening to everyone.

Can I say I don't like the book after I've read it? Sure! That's what makes the discussion interesting.

Are all the books Christian-based? No and Yes. We've read a variety of books from Pride and Prejudice to Siddhartha; from Killing Jesus to Mere Christianity to The Four Agreements. Some have not been what would be considered Christian literature; others have been. However, we read everything through the lenses of our faith.

All are welcome to share

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September 6, 2015

Krystal Milazzo and Carol Hooten led the class in lovely hymns to begin our session this first Sunday in September. Ann Sanders followed with the Sunshine/Care Report. Don Morris and Donna Robins have birthdays on the 7th and 12th respectively, neither of whom was present. Keep the following in your prayers for various problems: Billie Ruth Shaw, Milton Thomas (in Rehab), Joanne Wilson (at home now), Jack Brown (will resume treatments in two weeks), and June Paulson in therapy.

Paula Holland brought up the question about which room the Sanders Fellowship Class will continue to meet as the space is needed by another class. Think about this as vote will be taken in two weeks. There will be no Sunday School classes next Sunday as it is Promotion Sunday and all will meet in the Great Hall at 9:30. Breakfast will be served. Prayer was given by Owen Hooten and he then followed by reading the words to “I Am Praying for You,” as Carol played. Very good!

Joe Milazzo taught the lesson from Acts entitled “Praying for One Another.” For the next 3 months we will be studying about the book of Acts and Joe read the scripture from Acts 4:23-31. He stressed how important the community is and is made stronger though Bible study and prayer. What is a community? EDCC is a community. The Holy Spirit makes itself known when people are gathered together in service. Community is serving with people and serving for people. Realize God’s plan for the world. Church of the 21st century can be vibrant and meaningful if we follow God’s plan. To quote from the scripture: “When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered to-gether was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.”

Paula closed with “We’re called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.”

September 13, 2015

Since this was promotion Sunday, there were no Sunday School Classes.

This will simply be a care report from the Sanders Fel-

lowship Class as prepared by Ann Sanders. Tom Crabb passed away and visitation is today between 5:00 and

7:00pm. Memorial Service is tomorrow at 11:30am

with lunch following at Tom, Jr.’s , 6805 Velasco. Please keep the family in your prayers. Ann called

Ralph Huffman but no answer. She visited with June

Paulson and took her cookies. Milton Thomas has

gone home. Joanne Wilson is doing well at home.

Betty and Bill Nyenhuis are the same. Betty Counts was in church. Till next Sunday.

by Helen Hillbish

Sunday, September 27, 2015 Presiding Gerry Fagg Cup David Lawrence

Loaf Doug Lueckemeyer Chapel Rev. Deborah Morgan-Stokes

Fowler David Hamer Preparation Tom Jennings

Toby Ashabranner

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Presiding Richard Dooley Cup Gerry Fagg Loaf Bob Hearne Chapel Rev. Charles Gnanamuthu Fowler Bob Hearne Preparation Susan Voigt Janis Grey

VISITORS September 13, 2015

Justin Griffin Jamie Thompson

Todd & Jaclyn Neir

Juliana Martinez

SERVING SCHEDULES

VISITORS September 6, 2015

Kerry Guillory Justin Griffin

Jamie Thompson

Jon & Janice Peebles Michael & Jill Sanders

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Dearest Church, “Thank you” doesn’t seem to say enough. I am still overwhelmed with gratitude at the gift of “surprise” you all gave me. But what I’m not surprised about is how loving a community of faith you are. I’ve known that’s who this congregation is since day one of this ministry we’re sharing together. I know that there were so many people who shared in the planning—and someday I’m going to get around to sending my thank you notes to each and every one of you. But until then, know that you are all so very precious to me, and I will never forget this gift—nor will any of my family. Demonstrations of appreciation don’t seem to be as valued in our society as much anymore—but in this church—we want to be a place where everyone’s work, everyone’s gifts, are lifted up with thanksgiving. As you did for me, I’ve seen you appreciate each other. It is a beautiful thing. On a side note, after the big shindig, our family went over to my brother’s house in Irving to wind down. My 8 year-old niece looked at me puzzled and said, “I just want to know one thing—was that a retirement party?” Now how Angela knows anything about retirement parties is a mystery to me—but I laughed and said, “No, Angela, this gives me reason NOT to retire even more than before.” And how great it is that we don’t have to wait to share words of love until something ends. Instead, it really is a new beginning. Loving my EDCC family! Deborah

EDCC JOYS & CONCERNS Each Tuesday from 7-9 a.m., EDCC elders gather for prayer. From wherever you may be during this time period, the elders invite you to join them in prayer, using this prayer list or your own.

Celebrating and giving thanks for:

Celebrating and giving thanks for all our children and youth including J.D. and Angelo Gnanamuthu Our young adults away at college or in town including Wheeler Nakahara The breakfast and fellowship among all our Sunday School classes Seeing our children and youth promoted Thanking all Sunday School teachers for their devotion and talents Logan Brooks’s heartfelt message to his church family Joe Zerda in church celebrating the completion of his treatments New semester for VMLC/ELM East Dallas First Sunday for our new organist, Jonathan Merritt Our dream for a community garden The birth of Penelope Eden Kuers to Michael and Nay Kuers; grandparents , Marvin and Marianne Kuers

CONCERNS

JOYS

Pray for Those In our Church Family:

Godinez and Gutierrez Families

Susan Clowe

LuAnn Lueckemeyer

Mark Byrkit

Gay Brown

Kim Jackson

Betty Hillin

Pray for: Ongoing Concerns In our Congregation, including:

Ruth Campbell

Ongoing Concerns Outside our Congregation, including:

Our Mexican brothers and sisters in our community

Those Serving in the Military, especially:

Tom Kolencik

Our Limited Activity Members, including:

John Brawner

Our Ministries, including:

Regional Commission on Ministry

Those Seeking Employment

Those serving our world, including:

Eubank family, Mariah Glasener, Brandon and Caitlin Alexander, Pentecostal Evangelism Ministries, Our global ministries, Mission First, Pastor Alex and the people of Malawi

Outside our Congregation:

Marc Carden

Sammy Adair

Carol Caughey

Sally Peavy

Delma Nuncio’s mother

Pedro

Latifah Hameen

Lessie Terry’s mother

Ana Rosa Verdines

Terry and Kelly

Allison Hoeinghaus

Sarah Alexander

Emily Bailey

Buford Nettles

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Rev. Deborah Morgan-Stokes

Senior Minister

Rev. Colin McRaney

Minister of Church Life

Keith Critcher

Minister of Music and Worship

Rev. Patricia Maples

Parish Wellness Minister

Rev. Hannah Fisher

Youth Minister

Rev. Charles Gnanamuthu

Media Minister

Janie Autz

Director of Outreach Ministry

Raymond Tolentino

Business Administrator

Peggy McCurdy

Program Coordinator

Luann Johnson

Administrative Assistant

Dan Solyom

Bell Director, Composer in Residence

Daniel Pardo

Sound Technician

Jonathan Merritt

Organist

David Nettles

Building Superintendent

Damaso Luna

Custodian, Security

Maria Chavez

Custodian

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SUNDAY SERVICES

8:30 A.M. - Chapel

10:50 A.M. - Sanctuary

629 N. Peak St.

Dallas, TX 75246

(214) 824 - 8185

◊

PO Box 140009

Dallas, TX 75214-0009

www.edcc.org

A Congregation of the Christian Church

(Disciples of Christ) of the U.S. and Canada

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