Fascinating Discovery...

I may have known this on some level but in reading a daily prayer book of mine it hit me right between the eyes this morning, that and reading James 3:13-18 made me feel less than Christ like. It's never easy having our toes stepped on is it? And I quote:
1st from the Book, then from two different devotionals.

Ephesians 5:21 (NIV) 21) Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Vs.22-6:1.....22) Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23) For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24) Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
25)Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26) to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27) and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28) In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29) After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— 30) for we are members of his body. 31) "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh."32) This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33) However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

And now seemingly unrelated: James 3:13-18

13) Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14) But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.
15) Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16) For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17) But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
18) Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

Unity, family, "One God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all." As wives are submissive to their husbands so the Church is to be submissive to Christ. Harboring "bitter envy" or "selfish ambition" does not honor God does it?
*From NIV commentary, "Foolishness leads to disorder, but wisdom leads to peace and goodness. Are you tempted to escalate the conflict, pass on the gossip, or fan the fire of discord?"
The family unit Husbands, wives, children are apt to do all manner of "evil practices" to seek acceptance and or accolades.
Family, it has dozens of definitions, but it's taken from the Latin word famulus meaning, "servant." (from Jane Kirkpatrick's, A Burden Shared)
May I add to that wow. So if family means servant, that is yet another way to show that we are connected by Blood, yes?
Humility is to put others ahead of yourselves, submission of wives to husbands, husbands to Church, Church to Christ, when done by the Scripture, lead to peace.
Not fanning the flames of discord, lead to peace. Blessed are the peacemakers.
It saddens me to realize I've taken part in such acts in any form. I do long to be like Christ and it is so hard. We must be on guard 24/7/365 from the influence of Satan, who roams seeking insidious ways to bring us down.
Perhaps the following prayer will bring this all together:

"Heavenly Father, who serves your children with love and abandon-blessing, nurturing, saving, healing, and transforming us-please teach me your style of serving. When I feel taxed by my family me,you the Church, (Itallics mine)remind me to come to you and find restoration for my weary body and soul. When I feel annoyed by them, help me to remember how important they are to me and how I would feel if I did not have them in my life anymore. When I am tempted to give up on them, give me a new measure of faith and hope for them. As You are to me, let me be to them." (by Christine A. Dallman; Margaret Anne Huffman)

In the name of our Amazing Grace, amen

Broadcaster March 23, 2010

A Moment in the Mirror
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. (James 1:22-24)

Spring is here! The Jordan valley is in full bloom. Expectation and excitement fills the air…homes are filled to capacity…Inns are overflowing. Just look around, tents and booths are everywhere; inside and outside the city walls. It’s Passover time in Jerusalem, and nearly half-million people have gathered for this feast.
This is a special time…a time of worship and celebration. But it is also a time of “horse trading,” as described by one author….money changers manned their tables; short-change artists were ready to make an extra buck. The local herdsmen and merchants were ready to sell their goods to worshippers at exorbitant prices --- a good time was ready to be had by all.
The greatest hope in the heart of every Israelite was to be in Jerusalem for the Passover feast. David writes: “Jerusalem, if I forget you, let my right hand lose its skill. Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not think about Jerusalem as my greatest joy” --- Psalm 137.5-6 (NCV).
Jesus loved Jerusalem. As a baby, he had been brought to the Temple to be presented to the priests as a fulfillment of the law…afterward his parents brought him back to the holy city for Passover. By twelve he was in the Temple questioning the religious leaders.
Is it any wonder that the heart of Jesus was grieved as he looked out over Jerusalem, on this his final Passover? This would be a grievous time knowing the city would not recognize him as Messiah, and would actually put him to death. "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing” (Matt. 23.37).
Today, Jesus loves the church. Will we present ourselves as loveable? Will Jesus be grieved as he looks out over the church?

Grace and Peace,
Tim


Christian Circle Salad Supper
This Thursday the 25th at 6:00pm


Thursday Evening, April 1st
First Christian Church will host the
Maundy Thursday Community Communion
Service @ 7:00pm

Friday, April 2nd
The witness walk begins at Food Lion at 11:00am and ends at Centenary Methodist. Service at 12:00 followed by a carry-in
sandwich/snack luncheon. If you plan to stay for the meal, call Kathy Jones @ 735-2523 to see what food is needed.

Easter Sunday, April 4th

We will have our carry in Easter Breakfast at 9:00a.m Bring your favorite breakfast food, beverages will be provided!
Following our breakfast we will meet for a combined Sunday School class at 9:45a.m. and will be led by our Interim Minister
David Roberts.

Easter Offering

At a called board meeting on Sunday, March 21st the board agreed to set a goal of $4000.00 for this years special Easter Offering. This will go toward repairs to the Sanctuary and wrap up the new media project.
Watch for a special offering envelope in your Broadcaster next week, for those who receive “E’caster’s” envelopes will be provided in the foyer, or you may make a note on your tithe that it’s for the Easter offering.

Note of thanks…

On behalf of Hope Circle, I wish to thank everyone who contributed to the Used Eyeglass and Hearing Aid Collection for the Lions Club of Johnson City. On full box of glasses, plus one plastic grocery bag full were taken to Johnson City last week. The Lions Club Rep told me they have collected around 1100 pairs of glasses from the Tri-Cities area. These will be recycled in Roanoke and distributed through missionaries to third world countries.
In Him,
Beverly Britt

Missions 2010


Summer Backpack Food Program

We took part in this last summer and it was a roaring success. Thanks to YOU children in our community were fed through the summer.
There are about 120 children on the list this year, the need is real and these kids need our help. Churches and businesses through out the community will be asked for different food item’s. Ours will be Instant Oatmeal and Cold Cereal, the single serve packages. Unless you go to a “mega store” most grocers sell the boxes of instant oatmeal and cold cereal that have 10 packages each. Look at it this way:
To take care of 1 child all summer bring in: 5 boxes (10 pk) of instant oatmeal or
5 packages (10 singles) of cold cereal
If you’d like to take care of 2 kids just double it up!
There will be 5 deliveries this summer and our first collection date is 5/22/10.

Dear Church Family and friends,

It has recently been brought to my attention that I have been remiss in acknowledging and posting Memorial gifts. I’ve gone back through my files and realize that, where as I know what happened, the fact remains that for this year no acknowledgements or posts have been made. I do humbly apologize for this error, it was not intentional. In the future please do not hesitate to call, email or drop me a note when I fail in this area.
Sincerely,
Patti Hemphill

Memorial Gifts
January-present 2010

In memory of Dorothy Barnett:

Mr./Mrs. Jerry Whitt
Mr./Mrs. Jack Britt
Mr./Mrs. Phil Guinn
Ms. Gladys Whittimore (no address given)

In memory of Charles Masters:

Mr./Mrs. Gene E. Bowman

In memory of Worley Mauk:

Mr./Mrs. Jerry Whitt
Mr./Mrs. Jack Britt
Ms. Faye Hensley
Mrs. Joyce Robinette

Belated acknowledgements have been sent to the families.


April…
Happy Birthday

Stephen Coley-1st
John Martin-1st

Sunday, March 28

Speaker…........Tim Stamper

Sermon Title
“Jesus is Passing By”

Text
Luke 19:28-44

Prayer
John David Sneyd

Communion Meditation
Tim Stamper

Elders
B. J. Moore
Shelton Thompson

Deacons
Jared Shoemaker; John Martin; Jody Moore
1 Volunteer

Communion to shut-ins
Shelton Thompson; Jared Shoemaker

Communion Preparation
Beverly Britt

Greeter
Betty Moore

Nursery:
1st hour…....Sally Ann Sneyd
2nd hour…...Sally Ann Sneyd

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

Church
2-5 yrs…….…..Suzie Hughes
1st-5th Sanctuary

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

Wed. Bible Study 7:00 pm
Wed. Youth 7:00 pm

Contact Information

Church Office Phone
743-3811

fccerwin@embarqmail.com

On the Web:
fccerwintn.blogspot.com

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

What is Maundy Thursday??

"He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed."
1 Peter 2:24

Lee and I went to our first Maundy Thursday service years ago while living in KY and neither of us knew what it was. Now for me this is one of the most moving services of the year and a service where it is totally fitting to exit in silence. For the most part folks dont know what it is or what it's about so I thought I'd take a moment and describe it, as according to my friend, Wikipedia an online encyclopedia.

Maundy:
Foot washing or washing of feet is a religious rite observed as an ordinance by several Christian denominations. The name, and even the spelling, of this practice is not consistently established, being variously known as foot washing, washing the saints' feet, paedalavium, and mandatum.
For some denominations, foot-washing was an example, a pattern. Many groups throughout church history and many modern denominations have practiced literal foot washing as a church ordinance. John 13:1-17 mentions Jesus performing this act. Specifically, in Verses 13:14-17 he instructs them,
14) "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15) For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16) Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17) If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them." (Italics mine; these are words of our Lord and Savior)

Maundy Thursday:
Or also known as Holy Thursday, Great and Holy Thursday, and Thursday of Mysteries, is the Christian feast or holy day falling on the Thursday before Easter that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. It is the fifth day of Holy Week, and is preceded by Holy Wednesday and followed by Good Friday. The date is always between March 19 and April 22 inclusive. These dates in the Julian calendar, on which Eastern churches in general base their calculations of the date of Easter, correspond throughout the twenty-first century to April 1 and May 5 in the more commonly used Gregorian calendar.

Wikipedia goes on to give a British account of Maundy Money and a very wide scope of the Maundy meaning. If you care to check it out log onto www.wikipedia.org and type Maundy into the search field.
Where as we wont do the foot washing part this year(though we have in the past)
we will host a Maundy Thursday Service on Thursday, April 1st at 7:00pm. It is a time spent in the Scripture, reliving Jesus last days, it is a time of sadness as the Christ Candle is extinguished symbolizing the death of our Lord. Come join us, in remembrance of Him. Praise be to God that this wasnt the end of the story!!

Our Birthday Bash.....

Well it was another successful Birthday Bash...as you can see I'm not much of a photographer I didnt do the tables justice, as usual I was rushing around this a.m.!! Hopefully if Lori shares her pix on facebook I can snag them, or perhaps I'll ask her to email them to me!
In the month of March we have a carry in pot luck dinner, we set up 12 tables, each table is then decorated accordingly, they're all so pretty!!
After morning Worship Service we walk across the street to the Fellowship Hall, folks are asked to find and sit at the table that represents the month of their birth. Then it's chow time!! What a wonderful meal today! After we're stuffed, each table has a drawing for a beautiful little birthday cake, and may I say that I was a bit jealous of Mrs. Betty Gouge for snagging the January snowman cake.I know that Carson and Claire Moore, Tim Stamper, Sarah Yates, Jared or Sheri Shoemaker,my hubby Lee, I think David or Kathy Eunson all won cakes and that's as far as my feeble memory goes!! All in all it was a very pleasant time of sharing a meal and fellowship.
The young adult Sunday School class has been studying community and what it means in the Christians walk. We all agree that our Church families are a very vital part of our lives and that our goal is to emulate the early Church. Isnt it awesome to have this extended family?
This particular get together is just FCC's way of saying Happy Birthday everyone!!
If you're out there reading this blog, maybe you've just seen the address somewhere, or maybe you bumped into it somehow, we hope you'll join us for Worship sometime soon! God bless!
P.Hemphill

Seeking Youth Director 3/20/2010

First Christian Church in Erwin, TN is seeking a Youth Director:

Duties shall include: Planning and implementing
children's/youth activities, bible studies, and
special events. Applicant must be dedicated to
the cause of Christ. Send résumé to:

First Christian Church
Attn: Youth Committee
307 S. Main Avenue
Erwin, TN 37650

For questions call 743-3811 Mon., Tues, or Thurs. 8 a.m.-2p.m.
or 743-6026 anytime.

Broadcaster March 16, 2010

A Moment it the Mirror
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and,after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.(James 1:22-24)

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances,than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable
thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude…
We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it iswith you... we are in charge of our Attitudes” (Charles Swindoll).
The Apostle Paul admonished us to choose the proper attitude…an attitude that would not only change our relationship with God, but with our fellowman. It is impossible to encourage or persuade change in others if we are not changed. 1 Does your life in Christ give you strength? Does his love comfort you? Do we share together in the spirit? Do you have mercy and kindness? 2 If so, make me very happy by having the same thoughts, sharing the same love, and having one mind and purpose. 3 When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than to yourselves. 4 Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others. 5 In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus…. (Philippians 1.1-5a NCV)
Grace and Peace,
Tim

Birthday Bash
THIS Sunday, March 21
directly after
worship service
Carry in potluck dinner,
back by popular demand!
Bring your favorite covered dish,
bread and beverage will be provided.
You will see 12 tables set up, each
representing a month of the year, find the
table with your birth month, have a seat and
enjoy!! For those who are decorating a table
the Fellowship Hall will be opened Saturday,
March 20th from 1:00-5:00p.m.
This will also be a day to honor Sheri
Shoemaker for her service as Choir
Director at FCC. A money tree will be
available at the door for the congregation to
show their appreciation!



Christian Circle

Thursday, March 25th at 6:00pm
Hosted by Love Circle.
Ladies bring a friend or your spouse with you
for our Salad Supper at 6:00pm.
Jack Strickland will be our quest speaker and
the important topic is “Preparing for the
Future!” The program will start at 7:15pm for
those who’d like to hear Mr. Strickland.

Thursday Evening
April 1st at 7:30pm
Maundy Thursday Community Communion
Service

Witness Walk
Friday, April 2nd
The witness walk begins at Food Lion at
11:00am and ends at Centenary Methodist.
Service at 12:00 followed by a carry-in
sandwich/snack luncheon. If you plan to stay
for the meal, call Kathy Jones @ 735-2523 to
see what food is needed.

Easter Sunday, April 4th
We will have our Easter Breakfast at 9:00a.m
and a combined Sunday School class.
More detail later!

This Week.....
Sunday, March 21
Speaker…......David Roberts

Sermon Title
“I Am the Way”

Text
John 14:1-7

Prayer
Tommy Phillips

Communion Meditation
Tracy Moore

Elders
B. J. Moore
Shelton Thompson

Deacons
Jared Shoemaker; John
Martin; Jody Moore
1 Volunteer

Communion to shut-ins
B. J. Moore; Jody Moore

Communion Preparation
Beverly Britt

Greeter
Betty Moore

Nursery:
1st hour…..…..Lori Alexander
2nd hour……..Lori Alexander

Classrooms:
Sunday School
2’s-4’s Jody Moore
K-1st Kathy Eunson
2nd-5th Becky Moore
6th- Angie Moore
Church
2-5 yrs……..Sally Ann Sneyd
1st-5th Sanctuary

Service Times
Sunday School 9:45 am
Morning Worship 10:45 am
Wed. Bible Study 7:00 pm
Wed. Youth 7:00 pm

Contact Information
Church Office Phone
743-3811
fccerwin@embarqmail.com
On the Web:
fccerwintn.blogspot.com
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

PRAYER CONCERNS/UPDATES
David Roberts bro-in-law, Frank Ricketts
fell from a ladder and broke his back, he is
now facing surgery, he is 78 and has other
health issues making this a risky surgery.
CONTINUE IN PRAYER FOR…
Beverly Britt, Sandy M. Heritage, Levi
Gardner, Jackie Duncan, Terry Jarrett,
Billie Flowers, Lou Thornberry, Jack/
Norma Ingle, John Marr, Maurice Love,
Ramona Gouge, Stamper family, Kira
Whitson, Gene/Gladys Bowman, Denise
Ray, John Martins father, Jack Britt, Tim
Bennett, Marilyn Brown, Martha Hartsell,
Spencer Moore, Kathryn Sparks
TEAM AARON! For updates visit:
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
Ken and Agnes Kerns
Pine Oaks Assisted Living – Pete
Harvey
Appalachian Christian Village-Lois
Stamper
Christian Care Center-Ruth Evans
Shut-ins-Charles Flowers, Joan Hicks,
Polly Miller

Offering March 14, 2010
Regular………………..…....$1838.50
Memorial Fund……………..…..5.00
Bud. Missions………...…...…150.00
Unbud. Missions……….…………….
Youth Fund……………….…..205.00
Total………………......$2198.50
Needed to meet budget
Regular……………...…..….$2724.75
Missions…………………….….603.27
Total……………….....$3328.02

Interim Youth Directors-Jody/Angie Moore-moorefamilyfour@hotmail.com
fccerwin@embarqmail.com

Be sure to check out the bulletin
board’s in the main hallway’s for
future events:
Concerts, Conference's and Mission
news not to mention who’s who in
the news!

Weekly Memory Verse
“Whoever welcomes one of these little
children in my name welcomes me; and
whoever welcomes me does not welcome
me but the one who sent me.”
Mark 9:37, NIV

Month of MARCH
Happy Birthday to:
David Hartsell-22nd
Doris Barnett-29th

Gift of Life
A successful blood drive was
held at FCC on 3/12/10. The
quota for this drive was 45
units and we collected 42.
Giving from our Church were:
Lori Alexander and Lorraine
Lane. A special thank you to
Gail Thompson for helping
out!
Missions 2010
Ok folks, it’s time for the
Summer Backpack Food
Program. We took part in this
last summer and it was a
roaring success. Thanks to
YOU children in our
community were fed through
the summer.
There are about 120 children
on the list this year, the need is
real and these kids need our
help. Churches and businesses
through out the community
will be asked for different food
item’s . Ours will be Instant
Oatmeal and Cold Cereal. The
single serve packages.
The first delivery is scheduled
for 6/1 and there will be
5 deliveries this year. It may
sound early but we need a lot
of cereal! I don't have all the
stats yet but you may start
bringing it in at any time!
Bring in the single serving
packages of cold cereal and
instant oatmeal.
Boxes will be available in
foyer and in the main
hallway…..more later!

FYI
In light of David Roberts sermon this past
week, I thought the congregation might be
interested in hearing a radio program titled,
“Union Services in Erwin Churches in
1938.” This is a series being presented by
WEMB and titled, “WEMB Looks Back.”
Air date/time: Wed. March 24 at 7:25a.m.
or 12:50p.m. or 5:20p.m. NOTE: We are
called the Church of Christ during this era.
If you can’t get the radio signal and have a
computer, log onto www.WEMB.com the
day after the broadcast. Also on March 31,
“Easter Services in 1938” is scheduled
which also involves our Church.
Lou Thornberry

No Broadcaster today!!

Do to some computer issues a I can not post a Broadcaster today but rest assured I will as soon as I can!! Thanks for your patience!

Just a Mom??

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk 's office,

Was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

What I mean is, ' explained the recorder, do you have a job or are you just a ...?'
Of course I have a job,' snapped the woman. I'm a Mom.'

We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, housewife' covers it,' said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised,
efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, Official Interrogator' or 'Town Registrar. What is your occupation? she probed. What made me say it? I do not know. The words simply popped out. I'm a Research Associate in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations. The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words..
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire. Might I ask,' said the clerk with new interest,just what you do in your field? Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't) in the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out).
I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day,
(24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers

And the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.'



There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she

Completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.



As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career,

I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.

Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,

(a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,

Testing out a new vocal pattern.

I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!

And I had gone on the official records as someone more

Distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mom.'

Motherhood!



What a glorious career!

Especially when there's a title on the door.



Does this make grandmothers

'Senior Research Associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations'

And great grandmothers

Executive Senior Research Associates?'

I think so!!!

I also think it makes Aunts

Associate Research Assistants.

Hi! Yes it's been awhile! I've had several computer issues of which I wont bore you with detail.
When did it get to the point that I cant handle not having a computer for goodness sake? I mean, I made it for 30 some years with out one and now to think of not having one is unacceptable!!
All of my pictures are now in a computer, my mini video's, in the computer. They're "burned" on to disc's so I can take literally thousands of pix and put them all in one cd album. Awesome. No paper, no space taken up. And yet oddly, I rather miss getting my developed film and negatives back, rushing to the parking lot to sit in the car and get teary eyed at the pictures. Let's face it, film used to lay around awhile before it made it to the store!!
I also rather miss letters, like real letters. You could carry a letter all over the house with your coffee and read and re-read till it was dog-eared. Kinda hard to tote a lap top 'round like that, let alone a desk top!!
I guess the one thing I dont miss is the phone.....awful huh? I mean I do love chatting and hearing the voice but when you're on the phone it's "real time" like stop what you're doing and talk and listen. Oh sure, you can talk on the cordless phone and putter around ending up with a "crick" in your neck, or even the cell phone and have a car wreck, but on the phone you have to stay a bit more focused when you're "listening" to someone speak and actually have to respond, right then.
Staying focused......
God wants our undivided attention. He wants us to speak to Him and listen to Him. I mean to my knowledge you cant go to www.wannasendamessagetoGod.com and get through and if we could, how long before we would check for a reply?? God requires real time we need the real time. No noise, no computers no phones, Blackberries, Androids or Blue tooth!
My Sunday School group just finished a session on "How to Listen to God." We've been in 1 Samuel 3. The boy Samuel was fast asleep and heard a voice call out to him, he went to Eli to see why he'd called him. This happened several times before Eli commanded Samuel back to his bed with these instructions: (v.9) Go and lie down, and if He calls you, say, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening."
Samuel needed to be still and silent so he could hear the message God was sending. It would appear later in the same chapter that Saul heard only what HE wanted to hear (can you relate?)But now it was Samuel, who had learned how to listen, commanding Saul to be silent and hear what the Lord had to say about his disobedience.
Oh if we only listened the first time......spend time in His word, be silent and learn to listen. Thank you Father for sending Your Counselor.
In His Grace
P. Hemphill

Communion Meditation for 3/7/2010

"Surely You desire truth in the inner parts, you teach me wisdom in the inmost place." Psalm 51:6




The weather has been a great source of writing material. I've found some inspiring thoughts a I've watched the snow fall and melt and fall and.........

I don't know many who don't relate the snow covered ground to being clean and pure on some level, several of my favorite hymns refer to just that. In as much as snow covered land is beautiful, it hides imperfections and covers over unpleasing sights, underneath the beauty is not so easy on the eyes, thus humankind comes to mind.
We can adorn ourselves with beautiful things and don a righteous attitude appearing to all the world as, well, as pure as the driven snow, glistening and sparkling behind frozen walls. Then the Son shines on us with bright intensity, the rays reaching down to probe the ice surrounding our "inmost place." It's only when we allow the heat of the Spirit Son to burn into our hearts that the frozen facade begins to melt away exposing the blotches and blemishes we've tried so hard to cover on our own.
Isn't it ironic that the only thing that can cleanse us and make us pure isn't white at all? That the only thing that can cover our blemishes and imperfections is the Crimson flood that flowed from Calvary?
To be cleansed whiter even than the snow we must admit our weakness and confess our imperfections, or as John 6:29 says, Jesus answered, "the work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent." then in Romans 10:9, "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead you will be saved."
As we gather once again around this table, "prepared for us in the presence of our enemies," reflect on God's sacrifice, believe it in your heart, then goodness and mercy shall surely follow you as well.

P. Hemphill

Broadcaster for March 2, 2010

“Pray for ‘Inner Peace’”

In a brief phone call to Tim Stamper Sunday he related some of Aaron’s current situation. Most are aware of the reaction to the recent chemo treatment - the swelling, whole body rash, and peeling of skin. He has needed, and still needs, daily physical strength as well as healing.
But we all need to be praying for Aaron’s spiritual and mental resiliency too. Tim said Aaron confided that he doesn’t have “an inner peace” about the upcoming bone marrow transplant, and Tim responded that they need to be praying about that. So I’m sharing what he said in order for us to redouble our prayers for Aaron’s physical, mental, and spiritual strength – and victory. It’s a tough time for the whole Stamper family, and only the powerful and consoling strength of God can sustain them.
In different ways this has been a tough time for a lot of people. Others have been battling health problems; some have lost loved ones. Numerous people are out of work or unsure of their jobs and what the future holds. Some relationships have fallen on hard times, and discouragement sometimes rises and falls like the erratic weather.
We do well to reflect on what it was like for Jesus’ disciples in the late winter of His last year on earth. Opposition had mounted against this wonderful Teacher and Healer. Official hatred had risen to the point of obvious efforts to eliminate Him, and some of the multitudes that earlier thronged around Him were turning away from His audacious and demanding claims. Things were looking bad, and worry was more than understandable.
But just a few weeks later they would have tremendous reason to rejoice when the truth of His overcoming all opposition – including death itself – became gloriously real. The Christian faith has always consisted of Good News overcoming bad, and we thrive on knowing God can and does bring good out of what may seem hopeless. Let’s all pray more, and let’s trust God to give what’s best – in His own way and time.

RDR (Dave Roberts)


Monday, March 8
Committee Dinner Meetings at 6:00pm
Hosts: Betty Jo Gouge; Kathy Eunson
Followed by the Board Meeting
at 7:30pm.








Friday, March 12th
Blood Drive...12:30-5:30pm inthe Fellowship Hall.
Walk ins welcome or call
Gwen Hunter at(423) 202-5619 for an appt.




Saturday, March 13th

SPRING FORWARD!
Set your clocks forward one hour before bed or you WILL be late for Church!





Birthday Bash
Sunday, March 21
directly after
worship service

Carry in potluck dinner,
back by popular demand!

Bring your favorite covered dish,
bread and beverage will be provided.
You will see 12 tables set up, each
representing a month of the year, find the table with your birth month, have a seat and enjoy!!


For those who are decorating a table the Fellowship Hall will be opened Saturday, March 20th from 1:00-5:00p.m.

This will also be a day to honor Sheri
Shoemaker for her service as Choir
Director at FCC. A money tree will be
available at the door for the congregation to show their appreciation!


PRAYER CONCERNS/UPDATES
*Beverly Britt will have eye surgery done this Thursday the 4th.

*Kathy Thornberry’s cousin, Sandy Meyer Heritage, is fighting Breast Cancer.

*Continue in prayer for the Stamper’s and for FCC.

*Polly Miller is now at Long Term Care Rm. 111

CONTINUE IN PRAYER FOR…
Levi Gardner, Jackie Duncan, Terry Jarrett, Billie Flowers, Joan Hicks, Lou Thornberry, Jack/Norma Ingle, John Marr, Maurice Love, Ramona Gouge, Stamper family, Kira Whitson, Gene/Gladys Bowman, Denise Ray, John Martins father, Jack Britt, Tim Bennett, Marilyn Brown, Martha Hartsell, Spencer Moore, Kathryn Sparks
 
TEAM AARON! For updates visit: www.caringbridge.org/visit/aaronstamper
 
 IN HEALTH CARE….
Erwin Health Care – Beulah Morris
UCMH Long Term Care – Ruth Marie Masters, Edyth Price, Helen Miller, Polly Miller
Center On Aging – Mary Davis, Jo Jackson Ken and Agnes Kerns
Pine Oaks Assisted Living – Pete Harvey
Appalachian Christian Village-Lois Stamper
Christian Care Center-Ruth Evans
Shut-ins-Charles Flowers, Joan Hicks
 
With thanks…

Dear Church Members, Thank you for all the prayers, thoughts and cards you have given to me during my illness. I want to share with you that I have completed my treatment for breast cancer. Now is the time to heal. Keep those prayers coming my way! Thank you!
In Christ, Denise Hughes Ray
~~~~~~~~~

On behalf of me and my family, I wish to thank the Church Board for the honor that was bestowed on me Sunday. Though I feel unworthy, I deeply appreciate this tribute and will always cherish the memory of this day.
Jack Britt

Month of MARCH

Happy Birthday to:
Diana Gardiner-10
Billie Flowers-14


Christian Circle Salad Supper

3/25/10 at 6:00pm
Hosted by Love Circle

What is a hot topic this day and age? I’ll tell you, health care, long term care, aging or aging parents. How many of us are really prepared?
How many of us truly understand all the jargon?
The Christian Circle has deemed this a topic worthy of exploring and we’ve
invited, Jack Strickland to speak on Thursday, March 25th at 7:15pm.
to discuss these issues after the Salad Supper. We’re doing something a bit different than usual with this meeting. We’d like all Circle members to invite a friend, husband or neighbor to join us for our salad supper. For anyone who is interested in hearing our speaker on this important topic You’re welcome to join us
for the program at 7:15pm. There will be a time of Q & A after so bring a notepad and pencil!

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!


Sunday, March 7

Speaker…......David Roberts

Sermon Title
“I Am the Good Shepherd”

Text
John 10:10-15

Prayer
Lori Alexander

Communion Meditation
Patti Hemphill

Elders
B. J. Moore
Shelton Thompson

Deacons
Jared Shoemaker;
3 Volunteers

Communion to shut-ins
B. J. Moore; Jared
Shoemaker

Communion Preparation
Beverly Britt

Greeter
Ginger and James Matson

Nursery:
1st hour……....Janie Whitson
2nd hour……...Janie Whitson

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

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

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

Wed. Bible Study 7:00 pm
Wed. Youth 7:00 pm

Contact Information

Church Office Phone
743-3811

fccerwin@embarqmail.com

On the Web:
fccerwintn.blogspot.com

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