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Our Vision: God is calling us to be an inclusive faith community seeking to assure people of God’s love and God’s forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

Our mission: We are nourishing people for their own spritual journey and equipping them for Christian service. We recognize the power of prayer and acknowledge that God can speak through us.

As an open and affirming congregation, all are welcome in this church! The Good news of God’s grace is for all regardless of age, abilities, physical and mental health, race, sexual orientation, income, education, or strength of faith. There is nothing we do, have done, or will do that can separate us from God’s love. God makes no exceptions, nor do we. Come join us in praise, prayer, and the work of our Lord. Our goal is: Nourishing minds – Preparing Hearts – Serving God with open arms and willing hands. Enjoy our Open Minds, Open Hearts, and Open Arms.

Lightning strike

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We were debating whether or not to get a new computer. This week, lightning struck a tree next to the church office and made the decision for us! There are burn marks around the outlets the size of dinner plates. The computer and monitor are dead. A new office computer is underway.

Pictures

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February 2012 Communicator

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Church Board Highlights – January 14, 2013 

Many committees have appointed or elected leadership and new members this year:

Elders                                   Martin Huckstep and Sally Schultz, Co-Chairs

Deaconate                            Debbi Lynn Pender, Barb Smith and Cory Smith, Co-Chairs

Worship Committee             Norm Wise, Chair

Outreach Committee           Mike Boardman and Tim Phillips, Co-Chairs with Martin Huckstep

Pastor Advisory Committee  Jerry Oscarson, Kim Campos, Brian Hoppe, Dick Levi and Debbi Lynn Pender

Christian Education            Diana Huckstep, Chair – Also serving are Debra Grenzow, Virginia Hart, Kathy Pastore, and Cory Smith

Constitution Review            Sally Schultz, Kim Campos, Brian Hoppe and Cory Smith

 

Nursery: There was a discussion about the nursery rules not being followed.  The nursery is only for children 5 years old and under who have adult supervision.  Lately there have been children older than 5 in the nursery who do not have an adult with them.  This rule is in place for the safety of our little ones.  One of the reasons for this problem is that we do not have an organized program for our children after the Children’s Minute in worship.  Hopefully the newly formed Christian Education committee will address this need.

Congregational Meeting Called: On February 10, we will have a congregational meeting in fellowship hall during lunch.  The main purpose of this meeting will be to hear ideas for events and programs. Are there ways we can host events the community will attend that will attract people to our fellowship?  In addition to the Harvest Dinner and the Cookie Walk, the Board wondered about two Give Away or Help Yourself Days where folks who can’t afford clothing or other items may come and take what they need. There is also one item of business that will need an official vote with regards to the budget.

Bread Sunday: This year’s “Bread Sunday” will be celebrated February 10 both during worship and afterward with a light lunch.  This is when we receive our Week of Compassion offering (for those who have come from other denominations: this is the Disciples of Christ version of One Great Hour of Sharing.)

New Members

We are blessed with the addition of these new members and look forward to the ways they will enhance our worship!  Since there are so many new folks, soon we will have name badges to wear on Sunday mornings as we get to know each other.  Please welcome these new members when you see them:  Mike Asmus, Mike Baker, Mike Boardman, Christian Campos, Tim Jenkins, and Tim Phillips

Norm Wise came forward during our Christmas Eve service to present the congregation’s gift to us. Later we opened the beautiful card and were again overwhelmed by your kindness and generosity. You, in fact, are the gifts we have appreciated and enjoyed for the past 14 years.  Our Christmas gift was an amazing blessing! Together, with God’s help, we are working toward a future of growing the faithful ministries of First Christian Church in Janesville, Wisconsin.

                                                                                            With love and gratitude,

                                                                                                         Dee Ann and Ken

 

Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser Recap

Thank you to Chris McCarthy for organizing this event.  Thanks to the many volunteers who waited tables, washed dishes, served on the food line, sold raffle tickets, greeted folks and received money.  We raised $640, which will help with the royalty fees for the musical we are planning this summer.  Raffle winners were: Kathy Snyder-Miche purse set, Kim Campos-Picnic Basket,

Patricia Schermerhorn-$50 value gift, Bill Hoernke-Car Wash Basket, Leland Rucker-Cleaning Basket, Pat Hubbard-Candy Basket, Dan McWilliams-Green & Hellow Afghan, Jared Benter-Cookies, Virginia Hart-Body Wash Basket, Lacy Rucker-Gift Bag & WalMart Gift Card, Ron Besemer-Faith Wall Hanging.

A Holiday Hello

 “Greetings to my brothers and sisters in Christ.  I hope and pray you are all in good health and lifted spirits.  In the past two years I’ve completed and graduated from residential treatment, and have also completed and graduated from the Restorative Justice program, and I am a year and a half in to a three year correspondence college.  I continue to lift all of you in.  May God’s peace, grace and love be with you all!  Sincerely your brother in Christ, Bob Maciulis.”  (Letters would be welcome!  My address is Robert Miciulis, WCC #443322, P.O. Box 219, Winnebago, WI 54985)

General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

July 13-17, 2013 ~ Orlando, Florida

Information about General Assembly is now available in the church office or at www.disciples.org; click on General Assembly.

Early Registration discount deadline is April 1, 2013!

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Lent 2013:

“Beyond The Question”

Life-changing questions that Jesus asked

Like all good teachers, Jesus asked his followers good questions. The questions do not have easy answers, but are meant to challenge our image of God, our place in the world, and offer us the possibility of personal transformation. Real change always begins with a change in thinking, and often with the questions we ask ourselves. Great results begin with great questions.

We hope you will join us for this Ecumenical Lenten journey.

Participating Pastors and Congregations for Midweek Lenten worship are:

Pastor Anne Andert                        Faith Lutheran Church

Pastor David Andert                       Faith Lutheran Church

Pastor Wes Bixby                          First Congregational United Church of Christ

The Rev. Bruce Jones                   First Presbyterian Church

The Rev. Dee Ann Woods             First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ

 

Date                                                    Question                                         Preacher              

2/13    Ash Wednesday                  What Are You Looking For?                                  Ann Andert

2/20    Worship and Soup              Where Is Your Faith?                                             Bruce Jones

2/27    Worship and Soup              Who Do You Say That I Am                                   Wes Bixby

3/6       Worship and Soup              What Do You Want Me to Do for You?                David Andert

3/13    Worship and Soup              Do You Love Me?                                                   Dee Ann Woods

3/20    Worship and Soup              How Will You Believe What I Say?                      Ann Andert

3/28    Maundy Thursday               For Is The Greater The One Who Is At                 Bruce Jones

The Table or The One Who Serves?

3/29    Good Friday                          My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?              David Andert

All Wednesday worship services and Good Friday will meet at the First Presbyterian Church at 12:00 and at Faith Lutheran at 6:30 PM. As in past years, soup will be offered after the noon service, and about 5:30 before the evening worship.  No Soup served Ash Wednesday or Maundy Thursday or Good Friday. It is our turn to host the Maundy Thursday Worship at 6:30

The noon time service is planned so that those who work are able to attend during their lunch break and return to work by 1 PM.  We will use the same liturgy for the noon and evening services.

We have been asked to provide the soup for the noon meal at First Presbyterian Church on March 13, or small sandwiches if it is easier- nothing elaborate, but something people can eat quickly before getting on with their day after worship.  Any volunteers?

 

New Church Directory

Please check your listing in the Directory of Members and Friends of FCC

which will soon be provided in the overflow room and make any corrections to your

address, phone numbers, email address, etc. or call the office at  752-3847.

 

Winter 2012 Communicator

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Holiday Happenings ~ Please join us and invite your friends and neighbors!

  • Christmas Dinner & Congregational Meeting – Sunday, December 16 ~ Following worship.  Sign up in the overflow room to contribute to the meal.
  • Caroling – Saturday, December 22 at 4:15 P.M. (Meet at church.  All are welcome!)
  • Choir Christmas Party – immediately after caroling at the home of Jerry Oscarson and Gary Ramey.  Bring a dish to share and a white elephant gift.
  • Christmas Eve Candlelight & Communion Worship – Monday, December 24 ~ 5:30 P.M.  featuring the FCC Choir singing from their favorite cantatas with new narration and congregational participation by reading scripture.

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The Season of Advent-The Sharing of Gifts

Gifts come in all sizes, shapes and forms.  Please participate in this time of giving as you are best able as we reach out beyond our doorsteps and share our abundance with the community.  Gift bins are under the coat rack in the entryway to receive your donations.

 Advent 1 ~ “Hope” For A Better Life

GIFTS Program, a traveling shelter for men who are homeless.

The men are in great need of these items:  Hats, gloves (no mittens please), underwear in sizes medium, large, and X-large; thick, warm socks (no thin socks please); and bus tokens

Advent 2 ~ “Peace”

YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter- May they find peace.

For the children: Baby lotion & soap, wet wipes, diaper cream, pajamas, slippers & socks (all sizes)  For the ladies: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, pajamas, slippers and socks (all sizes)

Advent 3 ~ “Joy” of Family

House of Mercy

Warm socks & slippers for men, women & children; body wash & lotion,

chapstick or other lip balms, hair conditioner (no shampoo please)

 

Advent 4 ~ “Love” Given Unconditionally

RockCountyHumane Society

Often used and much needed items: Paper towels, bleach, non-clumping cat litter,

moist doggie treats, canned & ground cat & kitten food

Church Board Highlights – November 12, 2012 

The Administrative Board approved the report of the Nomination Committee. Those who will be on the ballot are Ron Besemer for Chair; Brian Hoppe and Debra Grenzow for Vice Chair; Kim Campos for Clerk; Mike Boardman, Todd Lawrence, Chris McCarthy, Cory Smith, and Tom Walker for the one Trustee position;  Jerry Oscarson, Suzanne Borst and Tom Walker for three Elder positions; and Mike Boardman, Cindi Mathews, Kathy Pastore, Debbi Lynn Pender, Tim Phillips, and Norm Wise for six Deaconate positions; Nathan Rosenow to fill a one year Deaconate position;  and the Board approved  creating a position of Treasurer in training for which Brian Hoppe will be running.  If you would like an absentee ballot, please call the office and your vote will be recorded by JoAnn.  If she is not in the office, leave a message as to the best time to reach you.  The Administrative Board also approved a budget for 2013. If you would like a copy to look at ahead of the Congregational Meeting, copies are on the table with the sign up sheets in the over-flow room. 

Christmas Wish List for our Church

  • Lg. mixing bowls
  • 5 toilet brushes
  •  Meat thermometer
  • Nesco liners
  • 9 ½ x 4 1/8 plain white business envelopes
  • Legal-size white writing tablets
  • Epson 69 Black & Color Ink Cartridges 

Aids Network Collection:  The Aids Network is asking us to collect heavy plastic bottles such as laundry detergent bottles, bleach or fabric softener bottles that have decent sized openings and lids.  There will be a container under the sink in the kitchen for us to put our donations in.

Adult Sunday School.  All interested adults are welcome and encouraged to attend!  Our final session of the year will be held on Sunday, December 2 after worship, and then resume every other Sunday beginning on January 13.

Is it time for a new family portrait?  A photographer will be at church on Sunday, December 16 to take either a vintage or standard 10 x 13 photo for $10.  (This $10 will go directly to the church!) Speak to Chris McCarthy for an appointment.  While you are under no obligation to purchase additional photos, you may do so if you would like to.  A portion of the package purchases will also be given to FCC.

A Cookie Walk, Raffle & Crafts Sale is planned for December 8 from 8 – 11 A.M.  Contributions are encouraged and a sign-up sheet is available in the overflow room.  We are also in need of ice cream buckets and coffee cans (both with lids).   Plan to attend and invite your family and friends!

We are planning to have another pancake fundraiser at Applebee’s in January!  We will let you know when an exact date has been selected.  A basket raffle is planned for this same day, and we are in need of donations of baskets.  Please consider what type of basket you are willing to contribute to the raffle, and speak with Chris McCarthy ASAP to tell you are able to contribute!

First Christian Church Communicator, Fall 2012

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Church Board Highlights – September 10, 2012

Trustees reported that a new battery was purchased for the lawn mower. 

Todd Lawrence took down and/or trimmed several trees that needed attention and posed a safety concern to the building and property.

Members will take care of some roof concerns near the office area this fall.  Anyone who would like to help or learn are welcome to be a part of this project. 

Elders report that the prayer chain has been adjusted to be more effective. 

Dee Ann and Ron have planned music through the end of the year. 

The question of whether funds are available for youth worship was discussed.

Outreach brought some discussion regarding ECHO events.  

On Sunday, November 4 we will celebrate All Saints Day during worship.  If you have a loved one or friend who passed away this year and you would like us to honor them, please write their name on one of the gold stars available in the overflow room.

 Is it time for a new family portrait?  A photographer will be at church on the day of our Harvest Dinner (see back page!) to take either a vintage or standard 10 x 13 photo for $10.  (This $10 will go directly to the church!) While you are under no obligation to purchase additional photos, you may do so if you would like to.  A portion of the package purchases will also be given to FCC.

A cookie walk is being planned for December 8 and we would like to ask everyone to continue saving ice cream buckets and coffee cans (both with lids!).  You may bring them to the church as you acquire them and we will store them here.

We are planning to have another pancake fundraiser at Applebee’s in January!  We will let you know when an exact date has been selected.  A basket raffle is planned for this same day, and we are in need of donations of baskets.  Please consider what type of basket you are willing to contribute to the raffle, and speak with Chris McCarthy ASAP to tell you are able to contribute!

There is a Congregational Meeting and Potluck scheduled for Sunday, December 9.

This year’s Christmas Eve worship will be held at 5:30 PM on December 24.  This 5:30 time is different from previous years, so please be sure to mark it on your calendar.

Adult Sunday School

All interested adults are welcome and encouraged to attend!  We will meet every other Sunday with our next session being held on Sunday, October 28 after worship.                              

 Electing Officers for 2013

Nomination Forms are available in the overflow room.  Please prayerfully consider who among our members might be faithful and dedicated officers.  This year’s committee members are: Debra Grenzow-Chair, Martin Huckstep, Cindi Mathews, Barb Smith, and Cory Smith.  Any committee member can help you should you have questions.  Remember that only members are eligible to serve as officers.  Most members are
marked with an asterisk in your church directory.  Thank you for taking part in this important church matter.

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Our annual Harvest Dinner will be held on Sunday, November 11.  The Hoppe family graciously agreed to be our hosts for this traditional Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings!   There is a sign-up sheet in the overflow room where you can make contributions to the meal.

 

Turn your clocks back one hour on Saturday, November 3 !

Pull sign-up sheets for Harvest Dinner !

3 fresh rosemary

3 pk. Fresh thyme

1 bag oranges

1 bag onions

14 – 16 lbs. butterball turkeys

3 lbs mild Italian sausage

4 lg cans chicken broth

5 lbs sour cream

1 bunch celery