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The Church Visitor Volume 79 Issue 4 April, 2019
3401 Santa Fe
Corpus Christi, TX 78411
Phone: 361-854-3044
Fax: 361-854-3062
www.fcc-cc.org
Sunday Schedule
Church School
9:15 a.m.
Worship
10:30 a.m.
Staff
Senior Minister Rev. Rusty Wright
Church Coordinator
Linda Butler
Financial Assistant
Elena Garza
Day School Director
Noelia Torrez
361-854-1241
Fax: 361-854-3062
When I was with La-Z-Boy, one of my duties as a store manager was to train the sales staff. When someone new was hired, before they let loose on the sales floor I would work with them for about two weeks teaching them the ins and outs of our furniture and how to sell it, and there was a lot to learn, especially on the technical side. I taught them about the construction and operation of our legendary recliners and other furniture. I taught them style numbers, fabric contents, cap codes, how to work with our computer system, financing procedures, and how to set up pick-up or delivery. Of course, I also taught them sales techniques— how to approach a customer, how to overcome objections, how to watch for cues (verbal and non-verbal) that a customer was on the cusp of making a decision to buy, but mostly, how to close a sale. But, while I like to think that some of these people became top producers because of their “brilliant” training, I think their success came mostly from the way they approached their jobs with determination and confidence in the product they were selling. Many Christians believe that our job in following the Great Commission found in Matthew 28 is to “sell” Jesus and to “close the sale.” In fact, I have often joked that, while I no longer work in the retail industry, I am still in sales but now have a better product. But, in truth, all we are really called to do is tell people or, more importantly, show them through acts of kindness and grace, what Jesus means to us then step back and let God be God and, hopefully, those who receive our message will decide to make him a part of their lives as well. I read a devotional a few days ago by Jim Liebelt of Today’s HomeWord that illustrates this point very well. He writes:
Sometimes as believers, we get so anxious for others to know and embrace the saving knowledge of Jesus, that in our conversations with them we become tempted to act like salesmen, trying to “close a deal” on a sale. Let’s remember that Jesus is not for sale. He is the Lord of life – and his message is good news – great news in fact – but our calling is to “plant and water,” not force sales. We are called to be faithful in sharing who Jesus is and what he has done – and specifically – what he has done in our lives.
With everything we have going on during Lent and Holy Week, it can be very tempting to try “force the sale” on to someone who is not ready to respond. But, instead, why not simply invite someone to share your experience? Do something kind for a stranger. Ask a friend to join you for worship or invite them to walk the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. Why not simply plant the seed and let God close the sale? Shalom and Blessings, Rusty
Bluebonnet Area Assembly Here at FCC!!
The 2019 BBA Assembly will take place right here at First Christian Church on May 4,
2019. Fellow Disciples from around our area will gather on that day to share in fellowship,
rekindle old friendships and build new ones, learn what’s going on in the BBA, and learn
how we can be a better church. Many members of FCC are already signed on to help out, including our own
Henry Sepulveda who will lead a seminar on active shooters and church safety. But, as the host congregation,
we need a few more members of FCC to help out with things like registration, setup and guiding people
through our campus. Let’s show the rest of the BBA the spirit of God and service is alive and well here at FCC
by stepping up and making this the best and most memorable Assembly ever. Please call the church office or
see Pastor Rusty if you want to be a part of our team.
Ministry Reports
Ministry Council
The Ministry Council has changed the April meeting to April 10, at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room
due to the third Wednesday of the month being during Holy Week. Please make note of the change.
Still Time — Lenten Devotionals
You still have time to share your story by writing a Lenten Devotional to be provided to the
congregation during the Lenten season.
Please send your devotionals to Linda Butler at [email protected] as soon as possible.
Worship Ministry
Sunday, April 14
Palm Sunday
Easter Offering Taken
Easter Lilies Orders — Last Day
Easter Baskets to be returned
Fishbowl Area
Worship 10:30 a.m.
Sanctuary
Tuesday, April 16
Disciples’ Fellowship Luncheon & Program
Beth Hoekje, Speaker 11:45 a.m.
Parlor
Thursday, April 18
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday Service 6:30 p.m.
Sanctuary
Friday, April 19
Good Friday
Stations of the Cross 7 a.m.—7 p.m.
Sanctuary
Church Offices Closed
Day School Closed
Sunday, April 21
Easter Sunday
Flowering of the Cross
Front of the church doors
“SonRise” Service 8:30 a.m.
Courtyard
Egg Hunt 9:15 a.m.
Courtyard
Worship 10:30 a.m.
Easter Offering
Baptisms
Sanctuary
Don’t forget to take your lilies home
Holy Week
Holy Week begins Sunday, April 14, Palm
Sunday, through Easter Sunday, April 21. There are
some very exciting events happening during this
time at First Christian Church. Please mark your
calendars for the following events.
Easter Lilies
You can place an order for your
lilies with the insert in the bulletin. The
last day to order will be Palm Sunday,
April 14. The lilies decorate the sanctuary
for Easter and is an awesome way to
remember or honor someone special to
you. The cost of each lily is $10.
Palm Sunday
There will be palms in the sanctuary and the
children will enter waving their palms just as the
people waved their palms for Jesus’ entrance into
the city, knowing what he would be
experiencing later in the week. There
are usually extra palms in the Narthex
if you would like to take one or two to
wave this week as well.
Easter Baskets for Children
Jeanne Goodhew and her team this past
Sunday adopted all 30 of the children whose names
we received from Child
Protective Services (CPS).
Good Job!! to Jeanne & her
team and to YOU FCC
especially for being so
willing to provide an Easter
basket for a child in need.
Please remember the baskets need to be
returned no later than Palm Sunday, April 14, so the
children can receive the baskets by Easter.
Special Easter Offering
This special offering will be received on
Sunday, April 14, and on Sunday, April 21. The
money given helps share the Good News of Jesus
Christ throughout the world. Please give generously.
Disciples’ Fellowship Luncheon & Program
Don't Miss Out on Beth's Travels
The DWM luncheon will be Tuesday, April
16. That's a great day to come for
lunch and relax since all that
"taxing" work is done. Beth
Hoekje will be the keynoter with
an exciting tour of all the churches
she has visited during her
travels. Also, the menu will be
Judie’s famous ham with all the trimmings and of
course, desserts and more desserts. Please join in
the fellowship and bring a friend. RSVP to Linda
Butler either by phone or email.
Maundy Thursday Service
At 6:30 pm on Thursday, April 18, FCC will
remember the last few hours of freedom Jesus had
on this earth with a special service of story, song and
communion. This will be a quiet, reflective service,
but it will help prepare us for the celebration of our
Savior’s resurrection. We hope you will mark your
calendars and be here for this important part of Holy
Week.
Holy Week
Good Friday
A few years ago, FCC started a new tradition
with the Stations of the Cross. Through that
immersive, interactive experience, you almost felt
like you were there with Jesus as he walked toward
Calvary. On Good Friday, March 25, the church will
be open from 7 a.m. through 7 p.m. and all are
invited to walk the stations at their own pace,
perhaps understand the full extent of what Jesus did
for us on that day, and prepare our hearts for the
celebration of the resurrection. All are welcome, so
invite a friend to join you.
Easter Sunday
“SonRise” Service
The “SonRise” Service will be at 8:30 a.m.
in the court yard. The youth group is responsible
for the service. Please plan on joining us this year.
Flowering of the Cross
A long time tradition at
FCC is to flower the cross in
celebration of the resurrection.
Everyone is invited to bring
flowers and greenery Easter
morning to place into the wire
mesh that covers the wooden
cross which is a symbolic way
of celebrating the Risen Lord.
Children’s Egg Hunt
The children’s egg hunt will again be held in
the court yard during the Sunday School Hour (9:00-
10:00 a.m. We are asking that the children meet in
the Parlor and make sure they have a basket to
scoop up all those eggs that are hiding and just
waiting to be found.
All children ages up through 5th grade are
invited to attend.
Debbie Brooker is heading up that event this
year. She will be asking for help with eggs, candy
and filling the eggs, etc. Please watch the
announcements and emails as more information
becomes available. Thank you, Debbie.
Holy Week Continued
Sabbatical Ministry
Greetings from the Sabbatical Ministry Team (SMT). We are the team charged with the upcoming sab-batical of Rev. Rusty and his family.
In the January newsletter we outlined the reasons that the SMT was formed and some of the activities we are working on to ensure that during the sabbatical we will grow closer as a church family and lift-up Rev. Rusty, Amy, Madeline, and Julia with peace of mind during this time of reflection, education, and renewal.
A Senior Pastor has many responsibilities and a very visible part of Rev. Rusty’s role is to deliver the message in the pulpit on Sunday mornings. We are blessed by God in so many ways and His providing the ability to fill the pulpit during sabbatical is no exception. First, we are blessed to have a caring family full of brothers and sisters wanting to serve in this capacity during the May-July sabbatical and, second, we have brothers and sisters leading the process to schedule the 13 weeks of messages during that time. Terry Klinger volunteered to take on the opportunity to schedule a person each week.
Below are the “Messengers” who will be filling the pulpit during sabbatical.
May 5th Kelle Clark
May 12th Rev. Dr. Linda Frost
May 19th Rev. Marilyn Larsen
May 26th Rick Ott
June 2nd Richard Katz
June 9th Jerry Livingston
June 16th Terry Klinger
June 23rd Rev. TJ Bird
June 30th Rev. David Bartlett
July 7th Linda De La Garza
July 14th Richard Crews
July 21st Rev. Dr. Linda Frost
July 28th Christi Cowan
The SMT asks that you join us in keeping the Messengers in prayer for these upcoming days. It will be a wonderful chance for us to grow closer in our time together and to hear what God places on the hearts of those who have said “yes” to this opportunity.
In the next newsletter we will provide a listing of each area of responsibility needing to be covered during sabbatical along with the person/s who will be the contact during this time.
Please contact me or any member of the SMT if you have any questions.
—Kelle Clark, SMT Chair
Diamond Disciples’ Spring Fling
The Spring luncheon for the Diamond Disciples’ (those 75+ and a guest) will be
on Sunday, April 7, following the service in the Parlor. This is sponsored by the
Pastoral Care Team. The invitations have been sent out and if you are in that age
group and did not get an invitation, please call the church office as we probably do not
have your birthday on record. However, you are still invited to attend. At FCC,
however, we never have a shortage of food. So please join us.
We are asking that you RSVP to the church office.
Disciples Women’s Ministry
DWM Spring Fundraiser
Don’t forget this Sunday, March 31, the women will be in the fishbowl with their Spring fundraiser.
There will be lots of goodies to purchase. So fill those pockets with your money
and come and spend a few bucks to help the women out. As most of you know
the ladies use the funds to identify needs of the church, like the new dishwasher
in the Parlor kitchen.
If you would like to donate baked goods, please have them clear
wrapped and labeled with the name of your creation and price. You can bring in
your items early or just bring them with you Sunday morning.
Disciples’ Fellowship Luncheon
You are invited to the April 16, luncheon and program. It starts at 11:45 a.m. with, as always, a
fabulous lunch. On the menu is Judie Terry’s famous ham with all the trimmings and of course there will be
desserts, desserts and more desserts. Beth Hoekje will be the keynoter with an exciting tour of all the
churches she has visited during her travels. So don’t miss out on Beth’s travels.
Please join in the fellowship and bring a friend. RSVP to Linda Butler either by phone or email. Hope
you see you for lunch.
Day School Fundraiser
The Day School is holding its First Annual Barbecue plus raffle on Saturday, April 27, from 11:00 a.m.
to 2:00 p.m. The barbecue plate tickets are $10 each and includes a chance for a raffle prize. The lunch plate
includes brisket & sausage with all the trimmings. The raffle prize that goes with the plate lunch is a woman’s
purse & a man’s wallet all courteous of the King Ranch Saddle Shop.
If you would like to buy additional raffle tickets those will be $5 each. See the
pictures below of most of the prizes being raffled off — both the plate lunch raffle prizes
and the just raffle tickets prizes.
If you would like to see the actual prizes or purchase tickets, please contact the Day
School Office at 361-854-1241 or stop by the Day School Office during school hours.
You do not need to be present to win!!.
Youth News
As a youth pastor I have been plagued by the well-known fact among ministers, churches, and
seminaries that many children will end up leaving the church altogether once they turn 18-years old.
In fact, recent studies have shown that “88% of the children in evangelical homes leave church at the
age of 18.” There are some studies however that suggest the numbers are a little lower and not as bad
as 88%. Those other numbers suggest it is more like 50% of children will leave the church upon the age
of 18. Either way, whether it is 50% or 88%, those numbers are troublesome to my heart.
Sometimes, it can be difficult for us as a church congregation to notice the drops in these
numbers because we will send our kids off to college. What we do not see, is that often when Christian
youth go to college they do not continue going to church. We as local congregations do not see this
because we just know our kids are off to college and we hope they have found a good church.
Some researchers and scholars believe this drop in attendance for kids dropping out of church
upon going to college; has to do with the older adult influences they have in college. This is because
there is a 400% jump in the number of older adults (professors) influencing their lives that do not
believe in God (atheist) or is at best agnostic. These results cannot prove that this is the reason; but
the numbers do suggest this is a big factor.
Regardless of the reasons, I absolutely believe that the youth of First Christian Church needs
our prayers, as well as the youth that have went off to college. I would encourage each of us here at
First Christian Church to pray for our youth daily and very soon we will be launching a campaign to do
just that.
One thing that continues to encourage me here at First Christian Church is the high level of
faith our youth have. I am also encouraged that many of our youth here at FCC take their faith
seriously and are faithfully living out their faith during this Lenten season. The youth at FCC are eager
to express their faith and First Christian Church has always been the champion of our youth doing just
that. The youth have been doing that through 5th Sunday services where the youth take on the roles
of elders at the Lord’s Table like we just had in March. As well, through other opportunities like the
Easter sunrise service that we will be having this coming Easter morning at 8:30am (April 21st).
We here with the Youth Ministry of First Christian Church want to continue in thanking
everyone here for your continued support of the vital and very necessary Youth Ministry.
Blessings,
Rev. David Bartlett
SANCTUARY FLOWERS
There are still a few dates open to provide flowers for the Sanctuary. The dates that are available are listed below. If you would like to remember/honor someone special to you or you would just like to see the Church a bit brighter, please get in touch with Agnes Fankhauser at 361/255-2008 or [email protected] and she will help you.
Open Dates:
March 31 November 3
June 2 November 24
June 16 November 24
July 21 December 1
October 20 December 15
Notes Of Interest
From the Mail Bag . . .
“THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!
Three weeks ago, after playing the organ for 68 years (the last nine here at FCC),
I decided it was time for a change. So I took my fourth retirement, and now just
being lazy. The church gave me a lovely farewell party after the service March
3. So I must express my thanks to Judie Terry, Terri Dupriest, Molly Bates, Patsy
Bird and Agnes Fankhauser for all their work putting that reception together. I
have certainly had a longtime association with First Christian. From 1964 - 1977,
I was Minister of Music at First United Methodist. And during that time also
represented the Moller organ company - the world's largest (they built over
11,000 organs). And joined Ronald Shirey in doing several combined programs. Then 51 years ago, FCC built
the new building on Santa Fe. That meant need of a new pipe organ. Representing Moller, I worked with
Betty Giraudin (Pat Getz's mother), Chair of the Organ Committee, to design the organ still standing in the
church. The contract was signed, and after installation I played the Dedicatory program. So I have had a
wonderful time these past nine years, and certainly want to thank EVERYONE!!” —Leslie Peart
“Dear Friends, I’m deeply grateful for ALL the wonderful expressions in support of my 82nd birthday.
All the best to ALL of you!! Peace & Love” —Sam Houston Allred
April Celebrations
Happy Anniversary to . . .
2 Sue & Gary Haxton
5 Dorothy & Gary Cowan
6 Patsy & TJ Bird
9 Shirley & Allen Lowe
Birthday Wishes For . . .
3 Judy Hampton
4 Judie Terry
5 Delbert Isley
5 Lori Rockwell
11 Dorothy Cowan
11 TJ Bird
13 Karen Whelan
14 Trey McCampbell
14 Julianne Lovvorn
23 Julie Klinger
26 Ann Nabours-Palacino
28 Vicente Juan
30 Jerry Hampton
30 Richard Crews
Editor’s Note: If your birthday or anniversary is not on
our list, we may not have it in the church records. Please either
call or email the church office with the information — 854-3044 or
Billy Dean, Sharon Magill, June Pearce, Tommy Whitlock, Billy Dean, Mike Kirkham, Harriet Null,
Elizabeth Rogers, David Green, David & Gerry Holloway (all at home)
Lois Chesney (Holmgren) Chris Hoover (Edmond, OK)
Doris Williams (Homewood) Irene Moore (Round Rock, TX
Verlyn Nolen (The Villa, South)
Remember in Prayer . . .
Prayer Hotline 361-855-9562
“Prayer is the key to heaven, but faith unlocks the door.” —Robert Sande
Calendar
Mon, Apr 1 Order Easter Lilies until Apr 14
5:00 p.m. AIR Group
5:30 p.m. BH Recap Meeting
Tues, Apr 2 9:00 a.m. Tai Chi
10:00 a.m. DWM Board
6:30 p.m. Bible Study
7:00 p.m. Tai Chi
8:00 p.m. AA
Wed, Apr 3 9:00 a.m. Tippi Toes
10:30 a.m. Karate
7:00 p.m. Tai Chi
Thurs, Apr 4 10:30 a.m. Day School Chapel
6:00 p.m. Praise Team
6:30 p.m. Hand Bells
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir
8:00 p.m. AA
Fri, Apr 5 9:00 a.m. Tai Chi
Sat, Apr 6 9:00 a.m. Tai Chi
Sun, Apr 7 Order Easter Lilies until Apr 14
8:00 a.m. Music Dept Rehearsal
9:15 a.m. Sunday Classes
10:30 a.m. Worship
11:45 a.m. Diamond Disciples’
Spring Luncheon
4:30 p.m. Youth Group
8:00 p.m. AA
Mon, Apr 8 9:00 a.m. Las Donas
5:30 p.m. AIR Group
Tues, Apr 9 9:00 a.m. Tai Chi
6:30 p.m. Bible Study
7:00 p.m. Tai Chi
8:00 p.m. AA
Wed, Apr 10 9:00 a.m. Tippi Toes
10:30 a.m. Karate
6:30 p.m. Ministry Council
7:00 p.m. Tai Chi
Thurs, Apr 11 10:30 a.m. Day School Chapel
6:00 p.m. Praise Team
6:30 p.m. Hand Bells
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir
8:00 p.m. AA
Fri, Apr 12 9:00 a.m. Tai Chi
12:00 p.m. Driscoll Hospital setup
5:00 p.m. Rolling Oaks DCC Youth
Sat, Apr 13 All Day Rolling Oaks DCC Youth
12:00 p.m. Driscoll Hospital
Memorial Service
Sun, Apr 14 Palm Sunday
Last Day to Order Lilies
Rolling Oaks DCC Youth
8:00 a.m. Music Dept Rehearsal
Easter Baskets Due Today
9:15 a.m. Sunday Classes
10:30 a.m. Worship
Easter Special Offering
11:45 a.m. Elders’ Meeting
4:30 p.m. Youth Group
8:00 p.m. AA
Mon, Apr 15 5:30 p.m. AIR Group
6:30 p.m. Property Ministry
Tues, Apr 16 9:00 a.m. DWM Meeting Set Up
9:00 a.m. Tai Chi
11:45 a.m. DWM Luncheon & Program
6:30 p.m. Bible Study
7:00 p.m. Tai Chi
8:00 p.m. AA
April 1 — 16
Wed, Apr 17 9:00 a.m. Tippi Toes
10:30 a.m. Karate
11:00 a.m. Cluster Meeting
7:00 p.m. Tai Chi
Thurs, Apr 18 10:30 a.m. Day School Chapel
6:30 p.m. Maundy Thursday Service
8:00 p.m. AA
Fri, Apr 19 7:00 a.m. —7:00 p.m.
Stations of the Cross
9:00 a.m. Tai Chi
Sat, Apr 20 12:00 p.m. Tai Chi
Sun, Apr 21 Easter Sunday
8:30 a.m. SonRise Service
9:00 a.m. Egg Hunt
9:15 a.m. Sunday Classes
10:30 a.m. Worship
Easter Offering
8:00 p.m. AA
Mon, Apr 22 5:30 p.m. Day School Committee
5:30 p.m. AIR Group
Tues, Apr 23 9:00 a.m. Tai Chi
6:30 p.m. Bible Study
7:00 p.m. Tai Chi
8:00 p.m. AA
Wed, Apr 24 9:00 a.m. Tippi Toes
10:30 a.m. Karate
7:00 p.m. Tai Chi
Thurs, Apr 25 10:30 a.m. Day School Chapel
6:00 p.m. Praise Team
6:30 p.m. Hand Bells
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir
8:00 p.m. AA
Fri, Apr 26 9:00 a.m. Tai Chi
Sat, Apr 27 11:00 a.m. Day School Fundraiser
12:00 p.m. Tai Chi
Sun, Apr 28 8:00 a.m. Music Dept Rehearsal
9:15 a.m. Sunday Classes
10:30 a.m. Worship
4:30 p.m. Youth Group
8:00 p.m. AA
Mon, Apr 29 5:00 p.m. AIR Group
Tues, Apr 30 9:00 a.m. Tai Chi
6:30 p.m. Bible Study
7:00 p.m. Tai Chi
8:00 p.m. AA
Wed, May 1 9:00 a.m. Tippi Toes
10:30 a.m. Karate
7:00 p.m. Tai Chi
Thurs, May 2 10:30 a.m. Day School Chapel
6:00 p.m. Praise Team
6:30 p.m. Hand Bells
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir
8:00 p.m. AA
Fri, May 3 9:00 a.m. Tai Chi
Sat, May 4 8:00 a.m. Area Assembly
Calendar
April 17 —
April
Serving Schedule
Elders Serving at the Table
Apr 7 Linda Hicks, Debbie Brooker
Apr 14 Molly Bates. Jerry Livingston
Apr 21 Trey McCampbell, Terry Klinger
Apr 28 David Shell, Brenda Shell
Greeter:
Shirley Lowe
Communion Servers
Rick Dupriest, Terri Dupriest
Flower Delivery
Apr 9 Shirley & Dan Evans
Apr 16 Jeanene Hummell
Apr 23 Lilies only this week
Apr 30 Molly Bates
Save the Date
August 30 — September 2
