Pastoral Ponderings

FCC Family,

“...When Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large

numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men

came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of

the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was

lying on” Mark 2:1-4

The stories of crowds gathering to see Jesus in the Bible sound so different to my ears these days. A reminder of a

different time, not just 2000 years ago but a couple of months ago - when people freely gathered in groups to hear

God’s word, to worship, to celebrate, to mourn.

But, what we know now is those crowds can be dangerous places where an unseen virus can freely move about,

endangering lives. Gatherings that used to be a source of life and community now put that same life and community at

risk, in ways experts are still trying to figure out. Not just for those who are gathered, but rippling out to others and

impacting neighbors and strangers and health care workers.

In the story of the paralyzed man forgiven and healed by Jesus, the crowds that gathered were there to listen, to learn,

to be in the presence of Jesus. Those same crowds also made it harder for one in great need to find his way to Jesus.

To access the healing, forgiveness, and love Jesus had to offer him.

Earlier this week Rev. Beau and Rita Starnes sent out an email and letter explaining our tentative plan for returning to

in-person worship. They discussed the many practical factors to be sorted out, so our gathering together can be done

safely. Issues of cleaning and distancing, timing and numbers of people.

Right now, we are the friends on the roof, working tirelessly to make sure our friends and family can safely join the

gathering. We’re taking the long and labor-intensive way around, identifying and removing pieces of the roof, creating

a new way through. But, it is how we best care for one another.

It took great imagination and creativity for these friends to solve the problem of getting a paralyzed man through a

crowd, but they did it and it paid off when he was forgiven, when he was healed. (continued)

327 East Capitol Avenue, Jefferson City, Missouri 65101 -3003 (573-636-5157)

May 6, 2020 VOL. 76, ISSUE 10

Pastoral Ponderings (continued)

And so too. are we taking the time to be creative, to be thoughtful as we find new ways for us to be the communal,

embodied church. We are discussing what this new way to be part of the crowds learning at the feet of Jesus looks

like. Wondering what it is that makes worship, worship when things like singing and hugs and sharing a pew with a

friend and greeting visitors become opportunities for unintended harm.

Above all else, the Bible calls for us to love one another, to take care of one another. Sometimes that looks like taking the

time to find a new way of doing things. New ways that are sometimes uncomfortable, like climbing on top of a house or

wearing a mask, making a hole in a roof or staying home a while longer. But, we do it out of care and compassion for

one another.

Grace and peace for this journey, Rev. Sarah Kingsbery

One Church Many Places Schedule

Here are some ways you can connect with others in our church during this time. We will adjust or add to these as

needed. If you need help accessing any of these resources, please contact Rev. Beau or Rev. Sarah.

SUNDAYS

10AM Facebook Live Worship at facebook.com/fccjcmo

You do not need a Facebook account to access the live stream

Videos will be posted to wwww.firstchristianjcmo.org/onechurcharchive by Monday afternoon

*Note Schedule Change*

Time TBA Chat with the Ministers (for Kids)

Kids are invited to join Rev. Beau and Rev. Sarah on a Zoom call to check in with each one another and

have fun on a short lesson Zoom Meeting Room 220 228 6773 (We will announce the new time via our

FCC Families email and at firstchristianjcmo.org/connected.

WEDNESDAYS

6:30PM Bible Study

Join us for a discussion of the scripture for this coming Sunday

Zoom Meeting Room 220 228 6773 (For our Zoom Meeting Room password, contact Rev. Beau, Rev. Sarah,

or the church office)

THURSDAYS

10:15AM Prayer Phone call

We will use these calls to share joys and concerns and pray for and with one another

Call (712) 775-7270 and enter access code 444928

See instructions for using freeconferencecall.com for more information

http://wwww.firstchristianjcmo.org/onechurcharchive

O UR CHURCH FAMILY

We pray for these

Beverly Anderson, Reba Brandenburg, John Griffith,

Norma Hasselman, Jeanette Hickman, Shirley Jarrett,

June Millard, Vivian Murphy, Jackie Possinger, Jessie Schell,

Betty Schramm, Pat Strader, Barbara Walker, Jerry West,

Loise White, Janice Wood, Doris Yelton, Jean Zimmerman

Individuals will be kept on our prayer list for four weeks at a time.

At the end of four weeks, please give Kathy a call at 573.636.5157

or email her Kathy@firstchristianjcmo.org, if you would like

continued prayers for an individual. Thank you!

Our Members in Care Centers

THE ARBORS AT WESTBROOK TERRACE

Rita Connell

BLUEGRASS TERRACE

Glenda Crow

CASTLE PARK RETIREMENT CENTER

Shirley Jarrett

HEISINGER

Richard Carroll

Shirley Ferguson

John Griffith

Barbara Nikodyn

Norma Woodson

JC MANOR

Jackie Possinger

PRIMROSE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Norma Hasselman

Wendell & Myra Hubbs

Jessie Schell

RIVER CITY LIVING COMMUNITY

Marguerite Smith ST. JOSEPH’S BLUFFS Doris Yelton

OUR HOMEBOUND MEMBERS

Reba Brandenburg

Mariam Craddock

Terry Fockler

Jean Zimmerman

OUR OUT-OF-TOWN MEMBERS

Eleanor Ballew

Betty Schramm

Betty Schulte

MAY

1

2

Rev. Beau Underwood

Richard & Alicea Mullen 3

Miranda Fishback

Shane McClain

Kurtis Villafane

4

Jenny Hagenhoff

5

6

7

Juanita DIetle

Norma Woodson

8

9

Jon Alexander

10

11

Jesse Schell

Gail Watkins

12

Craig & Heather Giles 13

14

15

Paige Nolte

John & Barbara Kuebler 16

Otis & Dot Baker

17

Alice Durbin

18

Rebecca Frye

19

Sydney Foutes

20

Blake Snyder 21

22

Allie Claycomb

23

Grace Lepper

Tracy McClard

Chris Sheppard 24

Mark & Jana Millard

25

Bob & Vivian Murphy

26

27

28

Kathy Speidel

Peggy Veatch

29

Larissa Jackson

Bob Robuck

Mickey & Barb Gage 30

Molly Miller

Russ & Kathy Dunwiddie 31

Craig Giles

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Our condolences to Marilyn Plassmeyer on the loss

of her sister, Marcia Burwell of Charlotte, North Carolina, who passed away April 16, 2020.

Instructions for using Zoom

(with thanks to Phil Snider)

Zoom works for electronic devices (e.g. computer, iPhone, iPad, etc.) and telephones. We will be using Zoom for our

Wednesday night Bible Studies at 6:30PM, meetings and other opportunities to connect.

If you would like to test Zoom on the device you will be using, email Rev. Sarah to set up a Zoom practice session.

- If you use a smart device (smart phone or tablet), download the Zoom Cloud Meetings app in advance.

- If your electronic device has a camera, you have the option of using your camera to be visible (if your camera is turned

on people will be able to see you and/or your surroundings).

- Keep your device muted unless you are speaking. Otherwise there will be a cacophony of voices online all at once,

which will sound noisy and distracting for everybody involved, including you.

- If you’re using an electronic device, headphones are recommended in order to decrease feedback.

- Each meeting has a unique nine digit Meeting ID. You need this ID to find the right meeting. (If you are joining by

telephone you also need to know the telephone number to dial). First Christian Jefferson City's meeting ID is

2202286773.

Here are instructions for joining online Zoom meetings using computer, smart device, or telephone:

Via Computer:

(1) Launch your web browser (e.g., Chrome, Safari, Explorer, etc.)

(2) Go to zoom.us

(3) Click on “Join”

(4) Enter the nine digit Meeting ID number 2202286773 (For our Zoom Meeting Room password, contact Rev. Beau,

Rev. Sarah, or the church office.)

(5) If you have downloaded the Zoom app, it will ask for permission to open Zoom. Click "Open Zoom Meetings"

(6) If you did not download the Zoom app and want to use your web browser click "Cancel." Look for where it says

"If nothing prompts from browser, click here to launch the meeting, or download & run Zoom" and click on the "click

here" link. This will launch the meeting in your internet browser.

Via Smart Device (smart phone or tablet):

(1) Download the Zoom Cloud Meeting App

(2) Open App

(3) Click on “Join”

(4) Enter the nine digit Meeting ID number 2202286773 (For our Zoom Meeting Room password, contact Rev. Beau,

Rev. Sarah, or the church office.)

Via Telephone:

(1) Dial one of the following telephone numbers

+1 346 248 7799 US

+1 253 215 8782 US

+1 301 715 8592 US

(2) When prompted enter the nine digit Meeting ID number 2202286773, followed by #

Instructions for using freeconferencecall.com

Phone:

Call (712) 775-7270 and enter access code 444928 to join the conference call

If you get a busy signal, text “help” to the number above to get an alternate phone number to call

or

Download the mobile app Free Conference Call (Carrier X LLC) for Apple or Android to call in over a WiFi connection

Computer:

Download the desktop app at https://www.freeconferencecall.com/downloads

Click Join, enter your name, email address and meeting ID fccjcmo

Musical Notes

As we carry on with virtual worship for a few more weeks, I will continue to plan music that is representative of what we

do in “normal” times by offering some Sundays featuring traditional music with organ or piano and some Sundays with

our worship team. I’m so grateful to our worship team and to Curtis Sudduth and Sandra Troutt who have been my

“go to” musicians at this time. They haven’t thought twice about saying “yes” to my requests. And, of course, I’m grateful

to my hubby for assisting with sound and camera for musical elements that are shared.

This Sunday, our worship will include special musical offerings by two women of our choir, both who made recordings

from their homes. Carolyn Green will share the spiritual, “Steal Away.” Though one of many songs used by the

Underground Railroad to help slaves escape to freedom, it is also used to encourage Christians to live according to

Jesus’ teachings, thus gaining ultimate freedom with heaven as the reward. The song to be shared by Sherry Jordan,

“He Saw Beyond My Fault,” is set to the perennial favorite tune of Danny Boy. It reminds us that because of our sin,

our need for a savior was great, but that the grace offered by Jesus on the cross was still greater. It will be wonderful

to see and hear from these singers again! A few other singers/musicians are working on anthems for future weeks as

well, so I look forward to sharing those when possible. To God be the glory!

“I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. . . .

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,

for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:5b,9)

Gretchen Huedepohl

Director of Music Ministry

Needing Your Help, please!

Will you please take a moment right now and check your information in our church directory. If you see any changes

we should make including addresses, emails and phones, please call Kathy in the church office (573-636-5157) or email

her the updated information at firstchristianjcmo@gmail.com. If you already have a picture but would like to change it,

you can email a new one to Kathy, and she will be happy to update that for you. Thank you for your assistance.

https://www.freeconferencecall.com/downloads

PRAY EACH DAY

During this time, let us be intentional about praying for those who are affected by this global emergency.

SUNDAYS

Pray for those who are sick, whether at home, in hospitals, struggling to receive the care they need due to shortage of equipment,

beds, and supplies, isolated from loved ones, and unsure what the future holds. Pray for their healing and for others to not get sick.

MONDAYS

Pray for the healers, all those who are making it possible for people to receive health care - cleaning staff, nurses, technicians,

doctors, therapists, chaplains, and administrators who are putting themselves at risk to care for others. Pray for the researchers and

experts who are seeking answers to difficult questions, treatments, and a vaccine.

TUESDAYS

Pray for workers, those who are working at "essential businesses" and making sure others have food and other supplies and services,

those who are unable to work right now because their workplaces have been closed and do not know when they work again, for

workers who do not have paid sick leave or childcare and must make difficult decisions. Pray for safety and the easing of financial

stress.

WEDNESDAYS

Pray for leaders - government leaders, corporate leaders, non-profit leaders, and all others who are making decisions that affect large

groups of people with changing information and multiple interests to juggle. May they lead with wisdom and compassion.

THURSDAYS

Pray for educators and students who are finding new ways to teach and learn. Pray for students who have lost their safe space due to

school closures and teachers who are caring for students from afar. Pray for those who are working to make sure students cont inue to

be fed and have access to the resources they need and for parents who now have to add teacher to their responsibilities.

FRIDAYS

Pray for the vulnerable such as those in our community who lack access to shelter, clean water and soap, a place to isolate

themselves, food, and other resources. Pray for those who do not have a safe place to go and for those with health conditions that

make them more susceptible to getting sick.

SATURDAYS

Pray for us all, whether we are alone or in a full house, we are facing major changes and stress. Pray for those who are finding ways to

help, those who are facing mental health struggles, those who are overwhelmed, scared, and worried. Pray for all of us as we seek to

make good choices for the benefit of our neighbors.

Congregational Easter Coloring Project

Thank you to everyone who has helped color a piece of our Easter mosaic poster!

Please write your name on the back and drop off or mail your completed coloring

page to the church office by May 15th. We look forward to seeing the final

project come together!

Summer Camp Update

At this time, Mid-America Disciples Summer Camps have not been canceled. The Region and Camp Directors plan to

announce plans by June 1. The CYF Camp at Camp Jo-Ota has been postponed, new dates will be released as soon as

possible.

At this time, churches and individuals are encouraged to register for camp “as normal.” However, in recognition of

difficult and stressful financial uncertainty, people who register through our online ACTIVE portal will only need to pay

$20 to hold your registration spot, with the balance due at camp time. If the camp is canceled, monies will be refunded.

The $20 registration does not apply to Our Bodies, Our Faith Camp for 8th graders. Please let Rev. Sarah know if you

want to register your 8th grader for camp, or if you have any other questions. Camp MoVal, which was scheduled to host

Our Bodies, Our Faith Camp for 8th graders, has announced they are canceling all camps this summer.

Mid-America Regional staff and the camp directors (including Rev. Sarah) are discussing alternative offerings. Updated

information will be shared when available. To register for camp, visit http://www.mid-americadisciples.org/summer.

Summer Mission Trip

The Disciples Summer Mission trip to Memphis, Tennessee has been canceled by the organizers. Rev. Sarah and Tracy

are working on alternative plans for our youth to have an opportunity to be engaged in mission this summer.

How it works for seniors

Simply provide proof of the following:

Social Security check and any other benefits, including SNAP.

$23,107 or less per year ($1,926 monthly) for a single person.

$31,284 or less per year ($2,607) monthly) for a married couple.

County residency in the state of Missouri, such as a utility bill or Government-issued document.

You must apply for the voucher in the county where you live. You can use the voucher at any approved farmers market in the

state of Missouri. (Obtain the list from your county service agency.)

If you cannot go in person, assign a proxy to go to the farmers market for you. The proxy can pick up an application for the

voucher from your local agency office. You, the senior, will sign it and have the proxy return it to the local agency office with the

appropriate paperwork.

You will receive one $5 voucher per week up to 10 weeks.

You can only use the voucher at a participating farmers market. Each farmer will have a certificate at their booth to indicate they

take the vouchers. Seniors can choose from any of the farmers showing this certificate. Seniors can only use the voucher with one

farmer each week (you can’t split it between two or more). The farmer will not be allowed to make change. You will have to

arrange with the farmer to obtain $5-worth of allowed food items.

How it works for farmers

Contact Rachel Heimericks at 573-751-7794 or email Farmersmarket@mda.mo.gov to express your interest and learn the time and

date of the next training. The training is excellent. Ms. Hendricks explains how the program works and how farmers are paid.

Attend the training to learn how to participate in the program. This training is mandatory for participation and payment.

Fill out the provided paperwork and provide requested documentation.

Do not pay sales tax on these purchases. You cannot charge sales tax for these purchases.

Abide by the rules as set forth by the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

Who is my local agency?

Call 1-800-369-5211 to get help finding your local agency.

SENIOR MINISTER Rev. Beau Underwood Beau@firstchristianjcmo.org

ASSOCIATE MINISTER Rev. Sarah Kingsbery Sarah@firstchristianjcmo.org

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRY Gretchen Huedepohl Gretchen@firstchristianjcmo.org

YOUTH DIRECTOR Tracy McClard Tracy@firstchristianjcmo.org

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Kathy Speidel Kathy@firstchristianjcmo.org

FACILITY & GROUNDS COORDINATOR Scott Campbell Scott@firstchristianjcmo.org

BELL CHOIR DIRECTOR Terri Lloyd Terri.schenkel.lloyd@gmail.com

ACCOMPANIST Scot Stout blueeyedbear@aol.com

CHILD CARE COORDINATOR Missy Mann gohuskermann@yahoo.com

FIRST STEPS DIRECTOR Amanda Pennewell Firststepsjc@gmail.com

WEBSITES YOU NEED TO STAY CONNECTED

Mid-America Updates: http://www.mid-americadisciples.org/newsletter-signup/ Disciples News Service Updates: http://disciples.org/dns/subscribe -to-dns/

“The Church Bell” (UPS 110-580) by First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Jefferson City, Missouri, is published bi-weekly and there is no issue the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Periodicals paid at Jefferson City, Missouri. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Editor/Church Secretary, First Christian Church, 327 East Capitol Avenue, Jefferson City, Missouri 65101.

Gluten-free Communion Bread is now

available on the communion trays

in paper cups.

Financial Records and Questions Questions related to giving and church finances should be sent to finance@firstchristianjcmo.org. We have contracted with CALD services, a local accounting firm specializing in religious non-profits, to provide these critical functions.

Who Are We? We call ourselves Disciples, a community of believers who follow Jesus by

worshiping God, growing in faith, and serving all in need. Bound to each other in Christ’s love,

CONTACT US AT 327 East Capitol Avenue Jefferson City, Missouri 65101 Phone: (573) 636-5157 Fax: (573) 893-5608 firstchristianjcmo.org

FINANCIAL Finance@firstchristianjcmo.org

facebook.com/fccjcmo

AFTER HOURS EMERGENCIES: Please contact Rev. Underwood at 815-303-1990 Non-emergency church-related items after working hours, Monday thru Friday 8AM to 5PM, we have voice mail. Please feel free to call the church (573-636-5157) at any time and leave a message. NOTE: IF YOU LEAVE A MESSAGE ON THE ANSWERING MACHINE ON FRIDAY (AFTER 5PM), SATURDAY, OR SUNDAY, IT WILL NOT BE CHECKED UNTIL MONDAY

MORNING. THANK YOU.

The next Church Bell will

be sent May 20, 2020.

(Articles are due by noon

the Monday before)

PLEASE HELP KEEP THE CHURCH OFFICE UP -TO-DATE!

Be sure to give the office any updates of your

address, emails and/or phone numbers.

Buy groceries….help support youth ministry!

Sign up for a Community Card at Schnuck’s grocery store

Here’s what you can do:

Pick up a Community Card at Schnucks or at FCC.

Call 1-800-931-6258 to activate your group I.D. #500015450

Use your Community Card when you buy groceries

You may also give online at firstchristianjcmo.org/donate