Welcome Home Stamper Family!!

OK, I've been slack on posting to this blog. No excuses.

This past week has proven to be interesting to say the least, why? Last Sunday we didn't get good news about Aaron at all and now.....

As most of you know the Stamper's are back in Erwin. Aaron is happy to be home and so help me I thought I heard the family dogs howling at the moon the other night, not that Lori hasn't taken good care of the little darlings mind you, but they've missed their family, as have we!! Now, about those house plants.......

We continue to pray for the Stampers as they settle back into life in Erwin. I left the word normal out, if you've kept up with Andrea's updates on the CaringBridge Web Site you know that there is no such word associated with cancer.

We continue to pray for healing for Aaron. We as a Church family, continue to live amidst the shrapnel of Leukemia so it's very hard to imagine what the Stamper's have gone through on a day to day basis these past ten months. I'm not even sure the folks at FCC have wrapped their heads around Aaron's original diagnosis of this disease on August 12th, 2009. I heard someone say today that we're still in denial. Perhaps so.

I'm pretty sure I'll never forget the phone call from Sandi that afternoon. It's as clear to me now as it was then, my dis-belief is almost as real now as it was then. Andrea was in the hospital herself, she'd just had surgery that very day. No one knew anything...for days shock, chaos and fear reigned.

Now almost a year later they are home and Aaron continues to fight, the shock and chaos turned to reality, the fear an unshakable faith in our Creator. The grace of our Lord is very evident in that He has been and continues to hold this family in His hands now and always.

We've missed you all and we love you!

Braodcaster May 25, 2010

My apologies for not posting a news letter last week! I'm still not quite used to all the avenues I now use to get the news letter out.....thanks for your patience!

Below is an excerpt from Andrea Stamper’s post on the Caring Bridge website on Sunday May 23rd if you have access to a computer and would like to read Aaron’s journey go to: www.caringbridge.org/visit/aaronstamper

I like to think I’m a smart girl. I have an almost obsessive need to understand. I rarely read fiction, but if you give me a book on history, science, or philosophy I will dive right in. When I am unable to understand something it really bothers me. It’s one thing if I am disinterested and choose not to take the time to try and understand it, but if I have a vested interest in something, I just think it should make sense.
I have a vested interest in my brother, a child whose days have been cut short. I have a vested interest in cancer, the disease that did the cutting. What I don’t have is the ability to understand it. I have researched this disease. I have read the works of those doing the clinical research with more credentials, degrees and fellowships than I even imagined possible. Do you know what I learned? They don’t understand it either.
When I first learned there was nothing else they could do for Aaron I was angry. Let’s be real about it, I am still angry (among other things) and I will probably continue to be so for some time. But, initially I did not want to go out and see the other children at St. Jude—the children that were being healed, cured even. I was afraid I would resent them. I learned quickly that it’s hard to resent a child overcoming some of the greatest odds.  It’s hard to look at a happy, bald-headed toddler with a scar across his head and not be overwhelmed by the idea that research and medicine have come this far. For that, I am not angry… I am grateful!
I will always treasure this past year and the time I’ve been able to spend with my brother. I will always support St. Jude and be grateful for the incredible work and research taking place. I will always mourn with the families for whom the research hasn’t presented an answer in time. I will always continue to try and understand.
For now, I have to accept that it’s ok not to understand. It’s ok to wish, hope and pray for healing on earth even knowing that isn’t likely to come. It’s ok to have no idea which emotion will come out next. It’s ok to grieve. It’s ok to be sad. It’s also ok to praise the God of Heaven that the pain and suffering we endure on this earth is only temporary and sometimes it’s ok to feel a little relief when the suffering ends. It’s simply ok. 
My prayer now is that one day, because of the strange course Aaron’s cancer took, a child facing the same obstacles will not relapse—that their family never has to hear “there’s nothing else we can do.” I pray that one more family is spared a premature loss because of something learned in this past year. I pray that one day, someone will understand. I pray that God grant us acceptance until that understanding comes.
What I want you to know is that even when his breathing is at the most labored, he doesn’t seem to notice. He is comfortable.  His pain is being managed and he is not suffering in any intense way. God is indeed protecting him from the misery that can accompany this phase for now. The decline is rapid and unstable but our God is steady.
I will do my best to keep you updated from here.
In love & Christ,
Andrea



FYI…

The 5th Sunday Hymn Sing has been changed to June the 6th due to the holiday weekend.

The Office will be closed
the week of 6/7 and will resume normal office hours the week of 6/14. I will be on vacation!! There will be an “inbox” on my desk if you need to leave something that needs my attention.
There won’t be a Broadcaster on Tuesday 6/8

FATHERS DAY BREAKFAST
SUNDAY, JUNE 6
AT 9:00AM

This is a special invitation to all men and boys from the ladies of the Christian Circles. We will prepare an old fashioned country breakfast to show our appreciation to you. There will be lots of great door prizes! Please plan to attend!
Reservation slips will be available in the foyer on 5/30, 6/6 and 6/13. Please fill one out and drop it in the offering plate. Or you may call the
Church Office. Guests are welcome...

PRAYER CONCERNS/UPDATES
*CONTINUE IN PRAYER FOR…
Joyce Robinette, Stamper Family, Betty Gouge, Mitzi Gwaltney, Doris Johnson, Beverly Britt, Sandy M. Heritage, Levi Gardner, Jackie Duncan, Terry Jarrett, Billie Flowers, Lou Thornberry, Jack/Norma Ingle, John Marr, Maurice Love, Ramona Gouge, 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 check out: 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 –Jo Jackson; Ken and Agnes Kerns
Pine Oaks Assisted Living – Pete Harvey
Appalachian Christian Village-Lois Stamper
North Side Hospital-Polly Miller
Christian Care Center-Ruth Evans
Shut-ins-Charles Flowers, Joan Hicks,

FCC will once again sponsor a hole for the ETCH 6th annual Golf Tournament.
The cost is $50.00 per person, that could be less depending on how many play! For details or to sign up call the office or speak with Ron Hicks
by July 11th, 2010.

Weekly Memory Verse
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-the Spirit of truth.” John 14:16-17a, NIV

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
Kris Rosolina-1st
Ginger Matson-6th
;) Lee Lee Honey Bee-7th
(Lee Hemphill)

Happy Anniversary to:
John David/Sally Ann Sneyd
June 11th

Dear First Christian Church,
Thank you for the flowers that were sent for our mother’s service.
We appreciate your remembering
Her in this way.
Sincerely,
Judy Webb & Mary Scott Carley

Summer Back Pack Program:
URGENT UPDATE!!
The original number of children was 120. Guess what? It’s now 158!! The need is great and we are doing sooooo good!
We are fine for the 1st delivery date. We’re almost there for the 2nd del. Date but with the increase in children everyone is set back a bit...keep on bringing the cereal in! Don’t forget, if you’d like to donate funds we now have it set up and you can contribute to the fund with your regular tithe, or see Katie Jones of Patti Hemphill..THANK YOU!

Work Project
The Property Committee is in the process of restoring our Youth Parsonage and needs help with this large undertaking.
There is a sign up sheet in the foyer, any time you can volunteer to this project will be appreciated!

This Sunday, May 30

Speaker…..….David Roberts

Sermon Title
“Stones for Memorials”

Sermon Text
Joshua 3:14-4:7
I Samuel 7:10-12

Prayer
Tracy Moore

Communion Meditation
Shelton Thompson

Elders
B. J. Moore; Shelton Thompson

Deacons
John David Sneyd; Jerry Whitt; Jared Shoemaker;
Jody Moore

Communion to shut-ins
B. J. Moore; John David Sneyd

Communion Preparation
Angie Moore

Greeter
Lori Alexander

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

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

Church
2-5 yrs….……Sandy Whitson
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

Ladies Night Out...2010

What is Ladies Night Out?? I'll tell you...
It's all the men of the church honoring the ladies. It's watching as these guys plan the event and then the "day of" they set up the tables, chairs and DECORATE, quite nicely I might add!
As the ladies enter it's being greeted, it's lot's of gabbing and laughing, and being waited on hand and foot. It's good natured ribbing that the men take all in stride as we heckle and totally take advantage of our night.
I wont mention any names but I'm quite happy SMJ got a degree in Construction Engineering Tech and opted to NOT be a Matre d' in a 5 star restaurant. :) jk...lol!I couldnt resist! I'm gonna say I got a little nervous when BJM came round with the coffee...shhhh!
This years menu was baked chicken with mushroom sauce and rice pilaf and glazed carrots, yeast rolls and OMGosh, wait for it...HOT FUDGE CAKE that was to die for!! Thanks 3 Peas for the delicious meal!
It's also door prizes! The tables were decorated with a flowering plant, the name escapes me, we had the choice of one of those or a CHEESECAKE!! A whole lucious cheesecake, there happens to be one in my freezer even as I type! As my number was called I got "the look" from Mr. Man that said, "you know you'll kill the plant get me the cheesecake."
All in all it was a very pleasant evening with friends and family and I'd like to extend thanks to the guys, GOOD JOB!!
Snap, I almost forgot the goodie bags stuffed full of a really unique collection of candies thanks to Under the Apple Tree...thanks guys!

Broadcaster May 11, 2010

It’s The Difference Between Life and Death

Live churches' expenses are always more than their income; dead churches don't need much money! Live churches have parking problems; Dead churches have empty spaces! 
Live churches may have some noisy children; Dead churches are quiet as a cemetery. 
Live churches keep changing their ways of doing things; Dead churches see no need for change! Live churches grow so fast you can't keep up with people's names; In dead churches everybody always knows everybody's name. Live churches strongly support world missions; Dead churches keep the money at home! Live churches are full of regular, cheerful givers; Dead churches are full of grudging tippers! Live churches move ahead on prayer and faith; Dead churches work only on sight! Live churches plant daughter churches; Dead churches fear spending the money, time, and talent! Live churches outgrow their Sunday School facilities; Dead churches have room to spare! Live churches welcome all classes of people; Dead churches stick to their own kind! Live churches' members read their Bibles and bring them to church; Dead churches' members seldom do! Live churches' members enthusiastically support the ministries; Dead churches have no ministries--only functions! 
Live churches' members look for someone they can help; Dead churches' members look for something to complain about! Live churches' members reach out to share their faith in Christ; Dead churches' members don't have enough to share!
----- Source Unknown
Grace and Peace,
Tim


Blood Drive
Give the gift of life…
Friday, May 14th at
First Christian, Erwin in the Fellowship Hall. 12:30pm-5:30pm
For appt: 202-5619 (Gwen)
Walk ins welcome
Enter a drawing to win a CRUISE for two!
Also a drawing for dinner for two at Toby’s Rock Creek Café.

Mother of the Year!!
Congratulations to Patti Hemphill on being selected as Mother-of-the-Year on Sunday May 9, 2010. The Church body recognizes and honors Patti as a most worthy recipient. Our blessings to you. We appreciate your dedicated service to Christ and His Church in Erwin as demonstrated by your continued and faithful service and leadership.
(David Eunson)

Summer Back Pack Update!!
The ULTIMATE GOAL for the summer is 6,000 individual packets of cold cereal or oatmeal. There will be 5 deliveries this summer so we’re looking at approx 1,000 individual packets for each delivery date.
The first delivery date is on 5/22 and we’ve collected 1,320
packets, GOAL ONE MET!! Way to go FCC!
Now we need to do this 4 more times! Keep you eye on the chart in the foyer!
We can do this 1 of 2 ways…..keep bringing your item’s in OR we have a monetary program set up and we will do the shopping for you-see Patti Hemphill or Katie Jones!
$50.00=feeding 10 kids ALL SUMMER!!
$10.00=feeding 1 all summer
Thank you for your generosity and support!

5th Sunday Hymn Sing
(It’s for everyone ya know!!)
Come and join the several congregations that will gather at Unicoi Christian Church on Sunday, May 30th at 6:30pm.for this special time of worship through song.
It’s always uplifting to see so many gathered on a Sunday evening lifting up praise!
There will be a time of fellowship after so don't forget your favorite finger food!

PRAYER CONCERNS/UPDATES
*Our thoughts, prayers and sympathy go out to the family of Mary Davis, Mary passed away on Friday, May 7, 2010.
*Aaron has had some rough days lately and Sandi is still extremely sore at the harvest site.
*Edith Yates, Ginger Matson’s great grandmother fell and is sore and bruised.

CONTINUE IN PRAYER FOR…
Mary Jo Sullens, Mitzi Gwaltney, Doris Johnson, 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
 
 IN HEALTH CARE….
Erwin Health Care – Beulah Morris
UCMH Long Term Care – Ruth Marie Masters, Edyth Price,
Helen Miller
Center On Aging –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

FYI..........

NORTH AMERICAN CHRISTIAN CONVENTION
July 6-9, 2010
Indiana Convention Center
Indianapolis, IN
Check out www.gotonacc.org for


Weekly Memory Verse
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.
Acts 4:12 NIV

Church Family,
We would like to thank everyone who came out Saturday evening to celebrate Seth’s graduation. Thank you for all your kind words of encouragement and support over the last few years. We are so blessed to be part of such a loving family! We love you all and look forward to celebrating many more milestones with you!
Seth & Katie Jones

Relay for Life
Friday, July 16, 2010

Survivor dinner:
Saturday, June 19th at Unicoi Co. Methodist Church at 6:00pm. Call Tina Duncan @
743-9136 to register.
~~~
Luminaries:
Min. of $5.00-call
Cindy Lewis @ 388-8514 or
Vicki Buchanan @743-7964 to purchase one.
~~~
Sunrise Service for Cancer Survivors, Breakfast:
Saturday, July 17th @ 6:00am
To volunteer to help with this contact Sarah Lyle at 220-0623
or 742-5248

This Sunday
Sunday, May 16

Speaker…..….David Roberts

Sermon Title
“The Church is Meant to Love”

Sermon Text
Eph. 4:1-7, 11-16

Prayer
Patti Hemphill

Communion Meditation
Lori Alexander

Elders
B. J. Moore; Shelton Thompson

Deacons
John David Sneyd; Jerry Whitt; Jared Shoemaker;
Jody Moore

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

Communion Preparation
Angie Moore

Greeter
Lori Alexander

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

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

Broadcaster May 4, 2010

"The Screwtape Letters," by C. S. Lewis, is an amusing and insightful correspondence between a senior devil and his incompetent nephew. "Screwtape" the senior devil, who holds the title of Undersecretary of the Underworld is also in charge of mentoring his nephew, "Wormwood". Wormwood is an apprentice demon (little fiend) who is focused on leading astray his human patient. In one situation Screwtape is counseling his nephew, Wormwood about Christianity. This is what Screwtape tells Wormwood about Christians and the Church and keeping them ineffective:
"Wormwood, the church is a fertile field if you keep them bickering over details, structure, money, property, personal hurts and misunderstandings. One thing you must prevent, don't ever let Christians look up and see the banner of victory flying, because you'll lose them -- never let them see the glory of God." Seek first God's kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well (Matt. 6.33 - NCV). 

Grace and Peace,
Tim

Blood Drive
Give the gift of life…
Friday, May 14th at
FCC in the Fellowship Hall.
12:30pm-5:30pm
For appt: 202-5619 (Gwen)
Walk ins welcome
Enter a drawing to win a CRUISE for two!
Also a drawing for dinner for two at Toby’s Rock Creek Café.

PARTY!!
Please join us in celebrating the graduation of:
Seth Mallie Jones from East TN State University!
Seth will graduate on May 8th, 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in Construction Engineering Technology and we would like to celebrate with a cookout for his friends and family.
A cookout dinner of hamburgers and hotdogs will be provided along with cake and ice cream.
When: May 8th, 2010 @ 5:30pm
Where: First Christian Church Fellowship Hall
RSVP: Katie Jones 423-361-4893


PRAYER CONCERNS/UPDATES
*Mary Jo Sullens, Jack and Lena Jo Gardner’s daughter, will undergo a heart cath. On Thur., May 6th due to a blockage, she will possibly receive a stent.
*Mitzi Gwaltney’s cancer has returned, Mitzi, you’re being lifted in prayer!


CONTINUE IN PRAYER FOR…
Doris Johnson, 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!
Visit 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
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

LADIES NIGHT OUT!
It’s time for the annual Ladies Night Out Feast, hosted by the men of FCC!!
It will be held the Saturday after Mom’s Day on May 15th
at 6:00pm at the Fellowship Hall.

The meal will be catered by 3 Peas in a Pod. There will be door prizes and fun! This Sunday May 9th is the last time you’ll see the pink reservation slips, be sure to pick one up with your bulletin as you come in!!
Guests are welcome……
The men of FCC look forward to
honoring you!

Happy Mothers Day!

Weekly Memory Verse
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.
Romans 10:9 NIV

Birthday Blessings to:
Johnathan Martin-14th

Circle News...
Joy Circle
Meeting, Thurs.
May 13th @
2:00pm

Hope Circle
Meeting, Thurs.
May 20th @
10:30am

Staying in Touch…

Doris Johnson is now living with her daughter Linda. You may send greetings to Doris at this address:

Doris Johnson
127 L Trent
Telford, TN 37690

BOARD MEETING!

COMMITTEE DINNER MEETINGS AND BOARD MEETING
Monday, May 10th

The Committee Dinner hosted by Gail Thompson will begin at 6:00pm in the Fellowship followed by the Committee Meetings.
*The Board of FCC will meet at 7:30pm in the Booster Classroom.

Please plan to attend...

THIS SUNDAY...
May 9

Speaker…..….David Roberts

Sermon Title
“The Church is Meant to Serve”

Sermon Text
Eph. 4:1-7, 11-16

Prayer
Jack Gardner

Communion Meditation
Lou Thornberry

Elders
B. J. Moore; Shelton Thompson

Deacons
John David Sneyd; Jerry Whitt; Jared Shoemaker;
1 Volunteer

Communion to shut-ins
Shelton Thompson; Jerry Whitt

Communion Preparation
Angie Moore

Greeter
Lori Alexander

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………….Angie 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.8:00a-2:00p

Minister (cell) 388-9862
Minister (home) 743.4222
Int. Youth Min…….220-6646

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