Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Broadcaster Mailing Update

As of today 12/30/09 out of a mailing list of 200 we've heard from 46 readers. Thirty of them prefer email, sixteen of them prefer snail mail.
REMEMBER THE DEADLINE HAS BEEN MOVED UP TO 1/17/10!!
Let us know!
423-743-3811
fccerwin@embarqmail.com

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Dorothy Barnett funeral arrangements

Dorothy Barnett passed away Monday 12/28/09 the funeral arrangements are as follows: Visitation will be at the Unicoi Funeral Home Wed 12/30 from 5-7pm -
Burial will be at Roselawn Cemetary on Thursday 12/31 at 11:00am. Our prayers are with Dorothy's family.

Broadcaster 12/29/09

“Please, no more!”
“I have told you everything I know!”
“Leave my son alone!” “I’ll do you whatever you want!”
You have read those words, or perhaps watched the event unfold. It is the torture scene of a spine chilling espionage book or movie.
This can only begin to express the feelings I had as I watched Aaron undergo this last chemo treatment. Sadly, I was a silent witness to the relentless torture of Aaron’s already weakened state. Not only did I bear witness; I stood by and gave approval to this torturous bombardment of his body.
Throughout the entire experience Sandi or I did everything we could to ease the suffering but did nothing between the doses of torture to bring it to an end. Instead of stopping this insanity we reminded Aaron this was the right thing to do and that very soon this madness would be over. Never at anytime did we intervene to stop the torture or the suffering. Willingly and broken heartedly, we stood by as Aaron’s body was subjected to the unyielding torment of chemo.
We repeatedly told each other this was for the best. How can that be? How can such torture be beneficial? And yet it is true! Aaron’s willingness to undergo this madness will bring healing to his body; his positive response to this treatment will benefit others bringing healing and perspective to their lives as well.
Around 2,000 years ago another Father willingly stood by as his Son was subjected to an inhumane torture; a torture and death that would bring healing to you and me living under the curse of sin, a spiritual cancer.
That’s right God the Father stood by and allowed his Son to suffer and die that we might experience healing! 5 But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. 6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all. 7 He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. (Isaiah 53.5-7 - NLT)
Grace and Peace, Tim


Coming up…
Sunday, January 10, 2010-Elder/Deacon installation service; Elders meeting @ 3:30 in Booster class room.

Monday, January 11, 2010-Committee Dinner/Meetings at 6:00pm hosted by Beverly Britt and Betty Moore followed by the Board Meeting at 7:30pm

Sunday, January 31-5th Sunday Hymn Sing, First Christian Church to host


CHRISTMAS CANTATA
RE-SCHEDULED FOR
THIS SUNDAY, JANUARY 3RD, 2010

Our Cantata was previously scheduled for the 20th of December. As you know the weather took care of that!!

Join us Sunday for our presentation of

“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”


!!!Broadcaster Mailing Deadline moved up to 1/17/10!!!

Dear Readers,

In the last couple of issues you’ve seen that we’re cutting down the mailing list for the Broadcaster. The newsletter can be mailed OR emailed to you and highlights are also available at fccerwintn.blogspot.com for those with computers.
If you wish to keep getting the newsletter in any form All Church members, family and friends will need to respond! You may call, write or email us at the Church office and let us know how you’d like to
receive it. The original deadline was 1/31/10 however to avoid ordering
excess materials and postage, the deadline has been moved up to
January 17, 2010. If you have not responded to this by 1/17/10, your name will be removed from the mailing list. Thanks to those who’ve already
been in touch!
PDH


PRAYER CONCERNS/UPDATES
Our thoughts, prayers and sympathy go out to Seth Jones and family in the loss of his grandmother, Juanita H. Whitson this past Sunday.
Also in our prayers; the family of Dorothy Barnett, Dorothy passed away Monday, Dec. 29.
Aaron was hospitalized on Christmas Day due to fever; tests showed no specific
reason.
Jerry Whitt’s nephew, Tony Jarrett, has been diagnosed with Colon Cancer. He will have surgery this week and course of treatment will be planned.

CONTINUE IN PRAYER FOR…
 Billie Flowers, Susie Hughes, Joan Hicks, Jack/Norma Ingle, John Marr, Maurice Love, Ramona Gouge, Stamper family, Worley Mauk, Kira Whitson, Gene/Gladys Bowman, Denise Ray, John Martins father, Bob Sams, Jack Britt, Tim Bennett, Marilyn Brown, Martha Hartsell, Chuck Alexander, Louis Thornberry, Spencer Moore, Ruth Evans, Kathryn Sparks
 
TEAM AARON! For updates: www.caringbridge.org/visit/aaronstamper
 
 IN HEALTH CARE….
Erwin Health Care – Beulah Morris
UCMH Long Term Care – Ruth Marie Masters, Edyth Price,
Helen Miller, Jackie Duncan
Center On Aging – Mary Davis, Jo Jackson, Norma Ingle
Wellington Place/JC – Kenneth & Agnes Kerns
Pine Oaks Assisted Living – Pete Harvey
Appalachian Christian Village-Lois Stamper
Shut-ins-Charles Flowers, Polly Miller
 
Happy Birthday to:

Mandy Frazier-10
Betty Jo Gouge-12

~

In Memory of:

Charles Masters
by Gene/Gladys Bowmen
~
Thank You…

Gene/Gladys Bowmen send thanks to the Home Dept. for the beautiful Poinsettia.
~
Dear Friends,
Thank you Home Dept. for the fruit basket and Poinsettia, Hope and Joy circles for cards and calls, Love circle for the muffins and caroling. I enjoyed it all so much! Thanks for caring..
Martha Hartsell


This Sunday, Jan. 03

Cantata Service

Titled, “It’s the Most
Wonderful Time of the Year”
Created by: Sue C. Smith and
Russell Mauldin
Arr. and Orchestrated by:
Russell Mauldin

Prayer
Lee Hemphill

Communion Meditation
Patti Hemphill

Elders
B. J. Moore
Shelton Thompson

Deacons
John Martin; Jared Shoemaker; 2 Volunteers

Communion to shut-ins
B. J. Moore; John Martin

Communion Preparation
Gail Thompson

Greeter
James and Ginger Matson

Nursery:
1st hour…..…Gail Thompson
2nd hour Gail Thompson

Classrooms:
Sunday School
2’s-4’s Angie Moore
K-1st Kathy Eunson
2nd-5th Becky Moore
6th-8th Jody Moore
9th-College……………………

Church
2-5 yrs …..Jody Moore
1st-5th Sanctuary

Service Times
Sunday School 9:45 am
Morning Worship 10:45 am


Holiday Cancellations
Wed. Dec. 30th there will be no Bible Study or Youth


Contact Information

Church Office 743-3811
Office Hours:
Mon.,Tues.,Thur.,
8:00am-2:00pm
Minister (cell) 388-9862
Minister (home) 743.4222
Int. Youth Min…….220-6646

Interim Minister
David Roberts…....542-9494

Stamper Address
Target House I
Room 208/Aaron Stamper
1811 Poplar Ave.
Memphis, TN 38104

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Mark Your Calendars:




Coming up...






Sunday,January 3, 2010 A.M. Service
The delayed Christmas Cantata

Sunday, January 10, 2010
Installation Service: Jack Gardner, Elder - Jody Moore, Deacon
Elders Meeting @ 3:30 pm in Booster Class

Monday, January 11, 2010
Committee Dinner Meetings/Board Meeting

January 31, 2010
Unless you called, wrote or emailed to let the Church Office know how or if you want the Broadcaster, you will no longer receive one via snail mail......

Whew!









Well, now that Christmas is over and packed away, I cant believe it's already come and gone.....all that's left are the Christmas cards from family and friends and I just dont have the heart to pull them down yet!!
Speaking of which, does anyone know of a place they can be recycled?? I used to be able to send them to KY with Lee but that place quit doing that. Sad, and let's face it, who can continually save them? I really see how e'card's are "eco friendly."
Looks like we may be in for some bad weather this week, or last time I heard it was anyway,so everyone be careful!
These last few days of December always cause me to reflect on the year past and the changes. It's like we go along thinking same ole same ole only to realize that's not the case.
I know the Stampers world was rocked to the core when Aaron was diagnosed with Leukemia back in August, August 12th to be exact. Some of you have lost loved ones this year, two of my dear freinds have lost loved ones just in the last three weeks.
And I'm not the same as I was this time last year. Thanks be to God!! I've grown and I've changed. I pray for 2010 that we all grow in Christ and draw closer to our Maker and our Redeemer. My God watch over all of you and your families.........
I am full of anticipation for the coming new year!
In Him
PDH

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Broadcaster...12/22/09

Later the others also came. “Sir! Sir!” they said, “Open the door for us!” “But he replied, “I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.” “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
Matthew 25:11-13

I hope this finds everyone with power and able to get out and about! If we’re to trust our weather forecast we may need to prepare for more bad weather as Christmas weekend approaches! If you don't lose power and you have a computer don't forget you can log onto www.wemb.com to see cancellations. I will try to keep the blog updated but that only works if I have power at home!
As I’m sure most of you will agree, this has been a humbling experience in more ways than one! I know that I realize how I take for granted our luxuries. Light at the flip of a switch, water from the faucet, cold milk from the refrigerator, hot food prepared on a range top or oven and warm air flowing from ducts through out our home. Times like these make us realize how vulnerable we really are and how mighty is our God. It matters not what type of house we live in or how much money we may or may not have. When nature rears it’s head we’re all at it’s mercy and we see just how insignificant and equal we really are.
I see a lesson here, we must be prepared!! The first story that comes to mind is that of the Ten Virgins found in Matthew 25:1-13. Five of them seemed to believe the bridegroom was coming but they did nothing to prepare where as the other five eagerly filled their lamps and took extra lamp oil. Did the first five figure they’d jump in at the last minute and try to be ready on time? Did they really believe? John the Baptist came to prepare the way for Jesus and yet many were not ready to believe or receive Him. God Himself became flesh being born of a virgin and given the name Jesus. He came to teach us how to live and performed miracles that can never be equaled. He came to die on a cross to free us from our bondage of sin with the promise that He WILL return!!
All these things have been foretold, they’re written in the gospel’s and preached on a regular basis but are we prepared? Do we believe the promise fulfilled? Should we fall asleep before the Bridegroom comes and waken to trim our lamps will we be ready?
So as we watch the weather this week and make preparations for the possibility of more inclement conditions, take time to reflect on Jesus and His miraculous birth, His death and resurrection. Prepare yourselves and put your trust in the promise that He is coming back for us, this is a forecast you can count on!
Merry Christmas everyone!!

P.Hemphill

Events:

Christmas Eve
Candlelight Service

(Stay tuned for weather/cancellation alerts)

Thursday,
December 24th

Prelude beginning
At 10:40pm

Joy to the World the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King!

Cantata rescheduled:

Due to inclement weather conditions the Cantata was cancelled and it will be performed at a later date.


WEATHER ALERT

In case of inclement weather tune in to WEMB or go to www.wemb.com
or call:
B. J. Moore 423-743-3244
David Eunson 423-743-9303


~In the News~
Congratulations
to our own
Lou Thornberry!
Lou became the fourth
recipient of the annual
Walter B. Garland
Historical Award . See the main Hallway for the
complete article!


Broadcaster Mailing List:

Dear FCC members, family and friends,

In an effort to streamline and be more cost effective with the
Broadcaster mailing the board approved cutting down the mailing list. The Broadcaster can now be mailed OR emailed to you. Highlights are also available at fccerwintn.blogspot.com for those with computers. If you wish to keep getting the newsletter in any form you may call, write, or email us at the Church office and I will certainly see that you get one! All Church contact info can be found in the top corner of your newsletter. This will run through January 31, 2010. If I haven't heard from you by that time your name will be removed from the mailing list. Thanks to those who’ve already responded! PDH

Prayer Concerns:

PRAYER CONCERNS/UPDATES

Jackie Duncan is now at the UCMH Long Term Care, rm#128.
 
CONTINUE IN PRAYER FOR…
Billie Flowers, Susie Hughes, Dorothy
Barnett, Joan Hicks, Jack/Norma Ingle,
John Marr, Maurice Love, Ramona Gouge, Stamper family, Worley Mauk, Kira Whitson, Gene/Gladys Bowman, Denise Ray, John Martins father, Bob Sams, Jack Britt, Tim Bennett, Marilyn Brown, Martha Hartsell, Chuck Alexander, Louis
Thornberry, Spencer Moore, Ruth Evans, Kathryn Sparks
 
TEAM AARON! Check out...
www.caringbridge.org/visit/aaronstamper for updates
 
 IN HEALTH CARE….
Erwin Health Care – Beulah Morris
UCMH Long Term Care – Ruth Marie Masters, Edyth Price,
Helen Miller, Jackie Duncan
Center On Aging – Mary Davis, Jo
Jackson, Norma Ingle
Wellington Place/JC – Kenneth & Agnes Kerns
Pine Oaks Assisted Living – Pete
Harvey
Appalachian Christian Village-Lois Stamper, Dorothy Barnett
Shut-ins-Charles Flowers, Polly Miller
 

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Big Snow 2009..

Well, if ever Rudolph was needed.........!!
All of you are well aware at this point that we didnt have a service this morning! Two things are needed in order to update Facebook OR this blog - one, power or two a cell phone signal.......we live in an area where there is limited cell phone signal and I dont have to mention the lack of power as most of us have been affected!!
I'm not sure about much at the moment except our power is on! I'll post more as I know more about the Christmas Eve service, the weather isnt looking promising!

Friday, December 18, 2009

Our new screens and projectors!!




Finally!! As of this week our new screens and projectors are in place and ready to use! And may I just say they're awesome!! We've been waiting a long time for this day and we were not dissapointed! As many of you know FCC has been moving into a new style of worship services, where as we're not totally contemporary but more of a blended type of service. Our Sanctuary looks so nice.....all the clutter has been removed and now we've stepped into so MANY possiblilites!
Join us this Sunday for the "unveiling" of our new equipment and for our Cantata service........dont forget our Christmas Eve candlelight service!!
We look forward to seeing you there!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Moving right along!

2009 is rapidly coming to a close! First Christian Church is looking forward to exciting changes with the coming of 2010! We will see changes in the Sanctuary as soon as this coming weekend,if all goes well that is! This week we should have our new projectors and screens in place for the FINAL STAGES of the new audio/video media equipment! YES! This has been a long time coming and we're so excited to see this happen!
We pray that as we move into the final stages of this project we will continue to polish our new style of worship.
We started the transition from a traditional style service to a blended type of service a little over a year ago, we're encouraged by the positive input we've had. I wont say it hasn't been difficult at times because it has and it is different. There are those who just don't like it at all but there are those who didn't like it the way it was too..........
I think now that time has gone by folks are starting to realize it's all about God and trying to reach more people and it's not about us or "stuff."
You will also read in your Broadcaster that in an effort to streamline our mailing list we're asking you to call if you want to receive the newsletter either by regular mail or by email. Once I get into the habit, you'll find tid-bits of it here as well!! New things, new ideas working for the Kingdom!!
This Sunday is our Christmas Cantata titled "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year." Join us at 10:45a.m.
We will have a Christmas Eve candle light service starting at 10:40pm on Christmas Eve. Come and help us celebrate the reason for the season!
I will take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a blessed 2010!
In Him
P.Hemphill

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Broadcaster Week of 12/8/09

Article:

On July 20th, 1969, at exactly 4:17 P.M., EDT, the Lunar Module "Eagle" landed on the surface of the moon. The Apollo 11 mission was the first manned mission to land on the moon. It was the 5th human spaceflight of Project Apollo and the 3rd human voyage to the moon.
The mission fulfilled President John F. Kennedy’s goal of reaching the moon by the end of the 1960s, which he expressed during a speech given before a joint session of Congress on May 25, 1961. That goal was realized when at precisely 10:56 P.M., astronaut Neil Armstrong stepped onto the surface of the moon. He was followed shortly by Buzz Aldrin.
This was purported to be the most amazing achievement ever by mankind. And it lives in infamy through the famous line of Neil Armstrong: "That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." But there is another leap that is even more amazing. God walked on the earth.
He visited this planet to bring deliverance and hope. “7) but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8) And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! 9) Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10) that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11) and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:7-11
      He didn’t have to take a space ship. At precisely the right time, according to the Father’s timetable, the earth-walk was achieved. Remarkable as it was, Armstrong’s moon walk pales in comparison to the most amazing event ever—the incarnation—God taking on human form. That’s what we celebrate every December. And among His many astounding words were those that echo throughout time and eternity: "I have come to give you life, and that more abundantly" (John 10:10).
Grace and Peace
Tim


Happenings:
December Meetings:

Elders Meeting-Sunday, December 13 at 3:30pm
Committee Meetings (no dinner) Monday,
December 14 beginning at 6:30pm followed by
the Board meeting at 7:30pm.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Thursday, December 24th
Prelude beginning at 10:40pm

Joy to the World the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King!

This Sunday, December 13-Carol Sing
From 6:00-7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, refreshments served at 7:00 so bring your favorite Holiday Finger Food and come join the fun!

Sunday, December 20-A.M. Christmas Cantata
P. M. Children’s Christmas Program

Weekly Memory Verse
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
1 John 4:7-8 NIV

December Birthdays
this week...

Keri Bogart-17

Sally Ann
Sneyd-17

Jared
Shoemaker-18

Veta Sams-19

PRAYER CONCERNS/UPDATES

Betty Gouge had knee surgery this past Monday and came through fine!!

Aaron Stamper is having a rough go of it, his fever is up, he has a rash they’re trying to treat. He’s still in hospital and his spirits are low.
 
CONTINUE IN PRAYER FOR…
Billie Flowers, Susie Hughes, Dorothy Barnett, Joan Hicks, Jack/Norma Ingle,
John Marr, Maurice Love, Ramona Gouge, Stamper family, Worley Mauk, Kira Whitson, Gene/Gladys Bowman, Denise Ray, John Martins father, Bob Sams, Jack Britt,
Tim Bennett, Marilyn Brown, Martha Hartsell, Chuck Alexander, Louis Thornberry, Spencer Moore, Ruth Evans, Kathryn Sparks

TEAM AARON! For updates:
www.caringbridge.org/visit/aaronstamper

  IN HEALTH CARE….
Erwin Health Care – Beulah Morris
UCMH Long Term Care – Ruth Marie Masters, Edyth Price,
Helen Miller
Center On Aging – Mary Davis, Jo Jackson, Norma Ingle
Wellington Place/JC – Kenneth & Agnes Kerns
Pine Oaks Assisted Living – Pete Harvey
Appalachian Christian Village-Lois Stamper, Dorothy Barnett
Shut-ins-Charles Flowers, Polly Miller
 

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

The Women of FCC





I'm not sure how many years the women of First Christian Church have had Circle groups and I'm sure all I need do is ask, I just haven't thought to! There is Joy Circle, Hope Circle and Love Circle. Twice a year all of the Circles come together to meet as the Christian Circle.

These Circle groups are geared toward studying the Word and adopting different areas of benevolence. Each Circle meets once a month and has a lesson or meeting, tithes are give to support whatever mission or to meet a need. Each group is also responsible for certain Church functions. During the month of December a lot of things start going on! All of the Circles are busy making goodie baskets to take to shut ins or children at the local girls home.

I am a part of Love Circle. We normally go the first or second Friday of the month to carol to shut-in's and at nursing facilities, then out to dinner and a rousing round of Chinese Christmas. This year, in addition to that we were asked to come and sing at a retirement center where one of our members now lives. Love Circle was joined by a couple of members from the Hope Circle and we were happy to have them!
It just never ceases to amaze me how singing a few songs can make people so happy...it never ceases to amaze me how songs can become more powerful when you watch the expressions cross faces wizened by years. It touches me to see their lips moving or a foot tapping or to hear one humming......such a simple thing.
It's in being there I realize how very close to that we all really are, we just don't realize it until we hit middle age! I will go to bed tonight praying for all of those folks, and praying that I learn to not take one day for granted.

The length of our days is seventy years or eighty if we have the strength yet their span is but trouble and sorrow for they quickly pass and we fly away.
Psalm 90:10

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Advent Season...




Thanksgiving is over, and our leftovers are gone. This Sunday, November 29 starts the Advent Season. What is Advent? Well, if you Google it you will get ton's of info!There are many varying details regarding the wreath and its origin but the symbolic meaning in all of them is very clear - the Manger and the Cross can not be separated. I've compiled bits from several resources to sum up what this tradition symbolizes.

"The nativity, the Incarnation, cannot be separated from the crucifixion. The purpose of Jesus’ coming into the world, of the "Word made flesh" and dwelling among us, is to reveal God and His grace to the world through Jesus’ life and teaching, but also through his suffering, death, and resurrection."

Advent:
"The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival." The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. Thus, Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,000 year old event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God. That is a process in which we now participate, and the consummation of which we anticipate."

Advent Wreath/Candles:
The wreath is made of evergreen, either real or artificial. It's circular shape represents eternity, for it has no beginning and no end. The evergreen was chosen as it symbolizes growth and everlasting life.

There are five candles, three purple, one pink and one white (normally a larger pillar). They represent the four weeks of preparation. Each week as the candles are lit we are reminded of the growing light of Christ's presence. The meaning of the candles is as follows:

First Purple candle: represents hope.

Second Purple Candle: stands for love.

Third, pink candle: represents joy.

Fourth, purple candle: is a symbol of peace.

Fifth, white candle: is the Christ candle representing Christ Himself

Did you know? The third Sunday of Advent when the pink candle is lit is referred to as "Joyful Sunday?"

Where ever it's origin - the message is clear, Jesus is God's Son, born of a virgin, He came to save us. He is our Hope and only through Him will we find Peace and true Joy!
May your Christmas be filled with an abundance of all...
P. Hemphill

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Calm before the storm

Ahhhh, it's Thanksgiving Day and the Turkey is in the oven, now for peace and quiet, NOT! Running around like crazy today as usual.......I hope everyone has a blessed day! For those Black Friday shoppers, be safe out there!

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
As many of you know being thankful in the midst of turmoil goes against our natural instincts, however our "joy, prayers, and thankfulness should not fluctuate with our circumstances or feelings." (NIV Commentary) Living life according to the will of God will most certainly grant "the peace that transcends all understanding."

Be watching for upcoming FCC events in December.........Happy Thanksgiving!

In His Peace
PDH

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

OCC 2009 - on to the Collection Center!


























There are so many steps in getting shoe boxes to their final destination!!
After generous folks lovingly pack a shoe box and bring them to us, we log information in the book from Samaritans Purse to keep track of who gave a box and how many. Then we pack the shoe boxes into cartons, striving for 14 in a carton, now I'm sure the volunteers who've helped out over the years are snickering as they read this! Sometimes ya do, sometimes ya dont!! Sometimes we get items in bags and WE make shoe boxes up out of the random items. It can get interesting. But if we think it gets wild at our little relay center, you should check out the Collection Center.
Good grief! Those of you who have worked at the FCC Relay Center know that when UCHS or one of the larger Churches bring their 200+ shoe boxes in it gets a little wild. Well.....as we pulled into the Relay/Collection Center at Tri Cities Baptist Church another church had just pulled up in 2 vans with 500+ shoe boxes!! Now, the workers had to handle those just like we do here. Making sure there are 2 rubber bands on them AND packing them in the cartons! Of course as soon as they pack the cartons they're loaded onto the really BIG truck! Needless to say when we pulled in with our U-Haul and 92 cartons at the same time.......
I just cant even imagine what Boone, NC must be like! Say Katie, you game next year?
If it werent for the willing volunteers.........God bless each and every one of you!
I co-ordinated the relay center here this year and I have now set a goal to be a Collection Center as well! I learned a lot from Tri Cities Baptist!
Katie and I will be taking on this ministry for First Christian Church from now till whenever!! For now this concludes OCC 09 but you will be hearing a whole lot more out of us, such as The OCC Twelve Weeks of Christmas coming in 2010!!

In His Peace
Patti Hemphill

Monday, November 23, 2009

OCC 2009 Shoe Box Dedication







Every year we ask the the members of FCC to leave the shoe boxes they've made in the foyer of the Church, this year we had those along with all the "adopted" shoe boxes. After Worship Service is over we have a dedication. We have all the children of the congregation bring the boxes forward and then we have a prayer, please pray this prayer even as the boxes are in transit!

HEAVENLY FATHER CREATOR GOD,

I COME TO YOU IN THIS HOUR TO LIFT UP THE MINISTRY OF OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD.

I THANK YOU FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL WHO GAVE THEIR TIME TO THIS MINISTRY IN WHATEVER WAY.

I PRAY FOR EACH SMALL RELAY CENTER, EACH COLLECTION CENTER AND EACH DISTRIBUTION
CENTER AS THEY CLOSE OUT COLLECTION WEEK 2009.

I PRAY SAFE TRAVEL FOR EACH DELIVERY PERSON NO MATTER THE SIZE, FROM THE SMALLEST CAR TO THE LARGEST SEMI OR PLANE THAT TRAVELS THROUGH OUT THIS COUNTRY AND THE GLOBE.

I PRAY FOR EACH SHOE BOX WE SEE BEFORE US GIVEN BY THIS SMALL PART OF YOUR BODY, AND FOR THE MILLIONS THAT WILL GO OUT THIS YEAR.

I ASK THAT EACH SHOEBOX CARRY A MINISTRY AND A STORY OF LOVE TO A HURTING WORLD.
ABOVE ALL OF THIS FATHER I ASK THAT EACH RECIPIANT BE BLESSED.

I PRAY THAT THOSE WHO DONT KNOW OF YOU OR YOUR LOVE WILL SEE YOU IN EACH GIFT.

I PRAY THAT THE MESSAGE OF SAVATION WILL BE IN EVERY ONE OF THESE SMALL BOXES OF HOPE CREATING HEARTS THAT LONG TO KNOW MORE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR SON JESUS THE CHRIST.

FOR IT'S IN HIS NAME AND FOR HIS SAKE I PRAY - AMEN

Fri. 11/20 OCC Shoebox Packing Party














OK, so it's our first ever packing party and Katie and I learned a lot!!
FCC adopted 33 shoe boxes which we thought was pretty awesome! Believe me, Katie did a great job purchasing items for these boxes as you can see by the photo's!! For $25.00 the child got 3 pairs of socks, 3 pairs of underwear, 3 wash cloths, 6 pencils, sharpener, toothpaste, toothbrush, a bar of soap, box of crayons, note pad, toy, AND a baggie of hard candy AND that included the shipping. Sweet!
Even as I type this I'm visualizing the candy ordeal...and running out of baggies :) I wont mention the 1 sock and 2 toothbrushes that were left! There would be no rest until the box with the missing sock was found. Lee found them thank goodness!
The shipping was paid online (a new feature for OCC) and the shoeboxes can be tracked. Hopefully we'll know where our 33 boxes end up!
Next stop, our shoe box dedication!!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

OCC 2009 - Success!

Well, the 2009 Collection week is coming to a close! Now that it's over I can't believe it's come and gone!!
First Christian Church has been a Relay Center for Operation Christmas Child (OCC) for a number of years now and the National Collection Week came to a close today. Our relay center took in 1,303 shoeboxes this year which are in transit to the Collection Center at Tri Cities Baptist Church in JC. The shoeboxes will travel from there to the Distribution Center in Boone, NC and from there across the globe!!
Let's lift up a prayer for each person involved in transporting these shoeboxes and for the ministry as a whole.
Many thanks to all our volunteers for all the time and work! Let's plan on making next year EVEN BIGGER, EVEN BETTER!!
Check out the link below for more on OCC...God Bless You!