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www.fccmidland.org ● 1301 W. Louisiana, Midland, Texas, 79701 ● (432) 682-2541
The Christian Builder
December 21, 2011 A weekly publication of
First Christian Church Midland Volume 55 No.51
Church Calendar Friday, December 23 Church Office Closed Saturday, December 24 5:30pm Children’s Christmas Eve Service (Sanctuary) 11pm Candlelight Christmas Eve Service (Sanctuary) Sunday, December 25 Christmas Day No Sunday School 11am Combined Worship Service (Sanctuary) Monday, December 26 Church Office Closed Tuesday, December 27 7pm PDAP 7:30pm Boy Scouts Wednesday, December 28 7am Men’s Prayer Breakfast 5:30pm Breaking Bread Sunday, January 1 New Years Day No Sunday School 11am Combined Worship Service (Sanctuary) Monday, January 2 Church Office Closed
Merry Christmas from all of the staff
here at First Christian Church!
Mike, Paula, Cory,
Mary, Dorothy, Katie, Martha,
Willie & Josefina!
The office will be closed on Friday,
December 23rd as well as Monday, December 26th.
Page 2 The Builder, First Christian Church
Thoughts… Rev. Mike Hunter Senior Minister
This Week’s Sermon: The Profound Truth
John 1:1‐14
Inconvenience. A big word with big implications in our world. We don’t want to be inconvenienced, so much so that our definitions regarding what constitutes an inconvenience sometimes take on properties of values or absolutes.
The world reinforces our self‐centeredness. Businesses roll out the red carpet, making it easier for us to enter, access, locate, purchase, return, refund. Heady stuff, we convince ourselves. Customer is always right, they tell us and we tell ourselves. If we are inconvenienced in the process, we might just take our business elsewhere. We pray for parking spaces this time of year more than we pray for the needy. We yearn for valet parking on our shopping excursions. On any given night we over commit, rushing to multiple parties of Christmas cheer, and are often neither cheerful nor filled with Christmas spirit. We’ve consumed every Christmas goodie imaginable, and if we’re honest, we’ve already been inconvenienced this season. In local media this week, some churches are going back and forth about being open or not being open for this particular Christmas Day which also just happens to be a Sunday. Some of the ads have made me wince a little. I’m sure the inconvenience word came up in the conversation. Christmas Eve services on Saturday and then to ask people to come on Christmas day, too…we wouldn’t want to inconvenience anyone. A wise mentor taught me many years ago that folks don’t need our permission to come. If they want to, they will. If they don’t, they won’t. And those that are less inclined won’t need to use inconvenience as the reason. And we shouldn’t be judgmental in the process, especially if we are paying attention to the Christmas story. God was greatly inconvenienced on our behalf. Came down to earth, took on human form, and gave his life. God’s grace was not given for our convenience. We will tell this story of love to our children at the early Christmas Eve service. Some of us will come a second time to sing carols and light a candle as Christmas Eve breaks into Christmas day. I know other churches have given up on the inconvenience of services ending at midnight, but for me, it would be like observing Easter on a Tuesday or having a sunrise service at noon. Some of what we say about that day just doesn’t work at another time…but we have another service so you can choose. I’ll be among those not here on Christmas Day. I’ve saved a vacation day or two to be with family. Other staff will be here and one worship service will take place. I think our options are true to the Church and sensitive to your needs. Whenever and whatever you do this week, I simply pray that you remember God was inconvenienced on our behalf. Merry Christmas!
Page 3 The Builder, First Christian Church
Attendance December 18, 2011
Combined Worship 197 Children’s Church 10 Nursery 2 Total 209 Sunday School Attendance: Nursery 2 Children 17 Youth 15 Adult 66 Total 100
Visitors Corner December 18, 2011
Clinton & Barbara Forbes Trevor & Kendall Forbes
Mycah Glover Nel Hancock
Georgia Keaton Kaitlin Moore Jordan Onzures
Nic & Aidan Ramsey Jarae Robinson Eloise Schuelke J. Leigh Tarzian
Don, Blanche, Sara, Allie & Blane Wheeless Art & Carla Wilson
Josh Witte
Thanks for joining us for worship!
Night In Bethlehem Wrap-Up
With over 75 volunteers helping from start to finish, this project was sure to be a success. Thanks to all of the volunteers who put in countless hours of work preparing for this wonderful community event. There were over 200 people who participated in the drive‐round and about 175 people who experienced the marketplace. You volunteers were a vital part of helping children and families to get to know Jesus on a whole other and deeper level.
Page 4 The Builder, First Christian Church
Ponderings… Rev. Paula Brooks Associate Minister
Birthday 12/21 Elizabeth Cook Jimmy Vines 12/23 Clarese Gough Sara Cranford 12/24 Jan Wilbanks 12/25 Mike Hunter 12/28 Hal Gill 12/29 Braden Vines Cinnimon Stanford 12/30 Pat Estes Frank Singleton
This past Sunday evening, “Night in Bethlehem” helped many people to experience what it might have been like on that star lit night when Jesus was born. The sights, the sounds and even the smells that filled the air helped people to stop
and think about the meaning of Christmas.
The many cars that drove around our church property were touched by the beautiful scenes that portrayed that night in Bethlehem as they listened to a CD telling the story of Jesus’ birth.
The market place was buzzing with laughter, voices coming from all ages of people, the sounds of hammers, the smell of baking bread, and light streaming from lanterns. Those who entered the gates saw different types of merchants and heard their stories. They witnessed some being arrested due to the fact that they couldn’t pay their taxes. They joined forces to bail those poor souls from jail. They were given an idea of what a family home might be like. They were able to warm their hands as they stood before the fire. They heard the voice of the Innkeeper shouting, “There is no room in the inn!”. And they heard the voice of the merchant selling his mats outside the gates. All who came experienced Bethlehem that night.
One grandmother shared these words, “Wish everyone could have experienced the drive around at Night in Bethlehem! The CD and the scenes were very worshipful! Watching my grandchildren in Bethlehem, especially the intensity with which my 3 year old grandson participated was the best Christmas gift to me!”
For several weeks we have been experiencing Advent, the hope, the peace and the joy that this season brings. Now we have begun to experience the “Love that came down at Christmas” starting with the Night in Bethlehem and moving into our 2 Christmas Eve services. I am looking forward to December 24 as we join together at 5:30 pm for the Children’s Christmas Eve service featuring the Holy Family and then at 11:00 pm as we experience candlelight and Holy Communion as we celebrate the beauty of Christmas morning.
In loving partnership,
Page 5 The Builder, First Christian Church
Anniversaries
12/19 Tommy & Connie Hawkins 12/20 Billy & Twila Griffin 12/21 Ray & Austella Berry 12/21 Jed & Patti Heard
12/23 George & Dee Head 12/26 Doc & Charlsye Dodson 12/26 Nick & Kathleen Scarafile
12/27 David & Peggy Davis 12/28 Nic & Sarah Esquivel 12/30 Gary & Janice Beckner
Lectionary Scriptures
for the week of December 25, 2011
Isaiah 9:2‐7 Psalm 96
Titus 2:11‐14 Luke 2:1‐14 (15‐20)
*If you do not see your birthday or anniversary listed, please contact the
church office and share that information with your church family.
Elder - On - Call
12/18 ‐ 12/24 Ken Sneed
12/25 ‐ 12/31 Tom Hill
1/1 ‐ 1/7 Enid Davis
Church Bulletin Board Please send your announcements to Katie by 5 PM on Mondays.
Save the Date
2012 Women’s Retreat April 20‐22, 2012
Lake Brownwood Christian Retreat Brownwood, Texas
Join us for a weekend of relaxation, spiritual renewal and fun. Visit our website for more information and the
registration form.
For more information go to: www.centralareawomensretreat.com Registration Deadline is April 15,2012 Registration forms available online
Early bird discount applies through February 28, 2012
New Member
Please welcome Kristina Sandifer to our church family. She joined
on Sunday, December 18th during the Traditional
11:00am Service.
Thank You Our dear Church Family, There are no words to express how much we appreciate all the calls, food, prayers and visits to show your cares and concerns in our loss of my daughter, Kay Gentry, my granddaughter, Amy Gentry’s mother. We feel blessed to have all our friends at First Christian Church and are thankful they were there for us at this very difficult time. God bless each of you. In Christian Love,
Pat Pickle & Amy Gentry
Page 6 The Builder, First Christian Church
Church Bulletin Board Please send your announcements to Katie by 5 PM on Mondays.
Don’t forget to check out our website (www.fccmidland.org) for news, publications, and
previous sermons!
Other designated gifts through 12/18/2011 Christmas Special Offering $324.00 Poinsettias & Beans $1,206.00 Memorials received for : Endowment fund in memory of Tom and Juanita Potter, and Tom Potter Jr.
General Fund in memory of: Jean Pierce and Nancy McKinley Next Step Capital Campaign in memory of: Guy and Mary Jamieson, and Clarence Sloan
Next Step Capital Campaign in Honor of Matthew Glover and Michael Glover
Year-End Giving
The best way for us to start 2012 is by fully funding the 2011 budget. A great December can do just that! Prayerfully consider your gifts and
the needs of the church. Remember that contributions must
be received or postmarked by December 31 to receive Tax Credit
for the 2011 year.
Disciples Seminar to Be Led by Dr. George Bullard
Saturday, January 21, 2012 9:00AM ‐ 4:00PM
Memorial Christian Church 1001 Andrews Highway, Midland, Texas 79701
432‐694‐5321 • www.mccmidland.org
Sponsors:
Topic: "Will Your Congregation Still Exist Ten Years from Now? 25 Factors that Impact Survivability, Vitality, and Vibrancy"
For: local church leaders (e.g., Elders, Deacons, Ministry Team heads, Executive Committee, Board and/or Cabinet members)
Facilitator: Rev. Dr. George Bullard. NOTE: Lunch will be provided. There will be a registration fee (yet to be announced).
Odessa, TX churches First Christian & Bethany Christian
Midland, TX churches First Christian, Church on the Journey
& Memorial Christian
2012 offering envelopes will be available in the Narthex to pick up.
If you’d like a box sent to your home, call the church office and
let us know.
Page 7 The Builder, First Christian Church
CYF Mid-Winter January 6‐8, 2012
For all CYF youth (grades 9‐12)
The cost for this event is $85
For submission to prayer list contact any staff, submit via web, or e‐mail
Find us on Facebook! “Like” us for more news, general information and exciting things
happening in our church!
Sunday Night Activities Resumes
Celebrate (Grades 1‐5) and SOLID (Grades 7‐12) resume on Jan 8th. SOLID will meet in the movie theatre for God in the Movies.
Prayer Room Chapel Lock Box Code #1301
Those in the hospital: Jim Coats ‐ Manor Park Rehab Lois Langford, (mother of Carol Cook)‐ Health South Nita Wells – Manor Park Rehab Shirley Stiles ‐ MMH Those in need of prayer: Amber Hopper Charlye Campbell Janelle Burnett – recovering from surgery Pat Kirk – recovering from surgery Ginny Estes – recovering from surgery Brittney Gordon Lois Lehtinen ‐ health Susan Jones ‐ continuing health concerns Those in extended/long term care: H. G. Bedford Joe Brittain Luci Cranford ‐ mother of Mark Cranford Pat Faulkner Nancy Gill Clarese Gough ‐ mother of Jeannie Gough & Janice Beckner Jerry Johnson Jackie Hanna Charlotte Millican Rosemary Rankin Jerry Sloan Keith Somerville Mary Jane Strobel Dorothy Wadley Military: Nicky Miller ‐ son of Vicki Miller Rich Klumpp ‐ nephew of the Midkiffs. Seve Sanchez ‐ nephew of Martha Fentem Daniel West ‐ son of Gary & Debby West Damon Darnell ‐ grandson of Floyd & Doris Miller Bennett Dobbs ‐ extended family of the Espino’s Eric Schuff ‐ extended family of the Espino’s Families/Friends beyond FCC: Heidi & James Horton – friends of Dolores Hodges Louella Cranford Smith ‐ aunt of Mark Cranford Gregg Hurt ‐ son of Roberta Hurt Judy Peters ‐ friend of Anne Schwiening Rick Jacobs ‐ brother of Angela Mainwaring Colin Scott ‐ great nephew of Vicki Miller Pete Furin ‐ brother of Dee Head Brian Bauereis ‐ son‐in‐law of Gary & Debby West Dean Stephenson ‐ brother of Meta Jones Families/Friends beyond FCC in long term care: Laura Autrey ‐ sister of Susan Jones Lori Hays ‐ cousin of Mary Anne Benton Monte Hewitt ‐ cousin of Anne Schwiening Sonya Hopkins ‐ friend of Kelley McCullough Jered Groner ‐ friend of Mary Anne Benton Michael Castillo ‐ nephew of Meta Jones
The Christian Builder First Christian Church 1301 W. Louisiana Ave Midland, TX 79701
432‐682‐2541 online at: www.fccmidland.org December 21, 2011 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Non-Profit Org
US Postage Paid
Midland, TX 79711 Permit No. 145
Christmas Eve Service Times
Children’s Service ‐ 5:30 PM Candlelight Service ‐ 11:00 PM
Don’t Forget!
One Service Sunday and No Sunday School for December 25th and January 1st.