THANK YOU TO GOOD CO-WORKERS
Another great experience! The Trunk or Treat hosted by First Christian on Saturday evening turned outto be really worthwhile. Although pounds of candy were distributed (to parents’ concern and dentists’delight!), there were more good things received than just the sweets.The conservative estimate of children who came through our line was over 400, and we saw lots of families in addition to the children. Since there was a coloring contest, about 100 children of various ages competed for prizes. Even more registered in a drawing to receive an “I-Pod Shuffle” along with some other toys appealing to children, all of them leaving us their names and addresses so we can follow up with invitations to come worship and fellowship with us in the future. So we definitely made many good contacts with people from the community.
Because this event has already begun to bear fruit, we want to thank the many people who helped in different ways. A few decorated their car or truck, and stood out for nearly three hours – some even in costume, while countless others brought bags of candy in recent weeks to keep those trunks replenished, and all are appreciated. But I want especially to note the hard work and great ideas of Andy Frazier in
planning and developing the details of this year’s version of a seasonal tradition. He came up with the ideas of the coloring contest and give-away, including delivering some picture pages to local schools and pre-schools in advance, and his tireless work in supervising our efforts really sparked the whole event.
First Christian is blessed to have Andy and his family with us, and we clearly benefit from his attitude and energy in working not only with our children and youth, but with all aspects of our church life. As we see more evidence of new life and enthusiasm within the congregation, we continue to see Andy at work in the midst of it. The church has taken a positive step toward developing a good leadership team,
so now we need to keep praying for guidance as we look toward the future.
Noting Andy’s good work brings me to a point of expressing thanks once again for the several people who serve in numerous roles within this church. A few put in hours of work each week, but many bless us regularly with their faithful presence and participation, and it all adds up to good kingdom investment. We praise God for good co-workers. As Jesus said, there is a tremendous need all around us, and we
must all “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”[Matt.9:38] Thank you to those who serve – and there is always room for many more.
Yours in Christ,
RDR
Time Change!! - Fall back an hour on
Sunday, Nov. 7 at 2:00am
Guest Speaker Missionary Art Jablonski
Wednesday Night, November 17th @ 7:00pm
Thanksgiving Dinner
Next Wednesday, November 10 at 6:00pm!
Our dinner will be catered by Three Peas in a Pod
and will consist of a traditional Thanksgiving
dinner. To help defray the cost we’re asking for a
donation of $6.00 for age 12 and up; $3.00 for
ages 6-11; children under 5 no charge.
Look for reservation slips in the foyer, you may
drop slips in the offering plate or call the office by
Blood Drive!
Friday, Nov. 12th 12:30pm-5:30pm
FCC Fellowship Hall
For appt call 423-202-5619
Walk-Ins welcome after 2:00pm
Enter Drawing for: Dinner for 2 at Toby’s Rock Creek Café OR Delta Airline tickets!
Missions Minute
What kind of missions does FCC support?
There are literally thousands of worthwhile ministries and organizations seeking support from local churches and individuals so they can continue to do their work for the Lord’s kingdom or care of the local community. Obviously we can not help all of them. At FCC we have sought to find a balance of different kinds of ministries. We have identified three major groupings of programs which we try to support about equally.
Very general headings of these groups are Benevolence, Foreign Evangelism, and Education. Benevolence would include works such as children’s homes and Appalachian Christian Village that care for well-being and teaching of children or elderly. Our support for foreign evangelism would go to places like Art Jablonski in Poland and the Smelser family with Northern European Evangelism in Germany. Johnson Bible College and Emmanuel School of Religion are examples of those institutions in the education category which are preparing leaders for the next generation to continue the work of the church.
Join us Wed. Nov. 17 at 7:00pm to hear Art Jablonski report on his recent work.
November 4th to place your reservation!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Broadcaster October 26, 2010
Yes, I've been remiss again in posting to blog! I really am trying to get it together...but now a note from Dave's desk...
“TAKE ANOTHER LOOK”
I drove over from our home to Erwin twice on Monday. In the morning as I came over, all the colors I had marveled at on Sunday were gone! There were no trees visible at all. In fact, the very highway was not visible, nor even the white lines on it. I was driving over during that horrendous downpour Monday morning, and the visibility was nil for a while. Obviously,I (and a lot of other drivers)just had to pull
over for a few moments before continuing on. But then I came back again on Monday evening, just before sundown, and the sun was breaking through clouds and highlighting different hillsides and slopes of the surrounding mountains: it was absolutely gorgeous! Even more amazing than what I had enjoyed on Sunday, probably because of the contrast from the morning.
It is not news to mention that First Christian Church has been through some stormy times recently.Several people have expressed alarm at the low attendance for worship services and the low offerings each week. In times like these our vision seems extremely low; some would say that the bright days were all in the past. But just as the mountains in all their beauty were still there all day on Monday, so we need
to get our perspective clarified and realize that God’s hand has not left His church.
When you think back to Jesus’ ministry in the days just before He went to Calvary, the Gospels tell us that His Apostles didn’t seem to catch on to what was happening. As He anticipated the great drama of the Crucifixion, they were arguing with each other about who was going to have the greatest position in His coming kingdom. From His arrest in the Garden, during His trials, and then while He suffered and died, almost all of the Twelve fled in fear and fretted about saving their own skin. It seemed there couldn’t have been a more unlikely group with which to found the Church! But then the Risen Lord drew them back together and refocused their vision on what His ministry really had been about. After His Ascension, the Holy Spirit filled those same unlikely and apparently unqualified followers, and thousands of people were baptized and became part of the worldwide Body of Christ.
We have to remember that this is Jesus’ Church, not ours. And when His Spirit is at work in His people,“the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” [Matt. 16:18] Through the centuries the Church has had stormy times, but it is still His Church. And even when it is hard for us to see, He is still working in and among us. Now it is our privilege to be faithful servants and seek to let His Spirit lead us where He will.
Yours in Christ,
RDR
~
Thanksgiving Dinner
Wednesday, November 10 at 6:00pm!
Our dinner will be catered by Three Peas in a Pod
and will consist of a traditional Thanksgiving
dinner. To help defray the cost we’re asking for a
donation of $6.00 for age 12 and up; $3.00 for
ages 6-11; children under 5 no charge.
Look for reservation slips on 10/31 & 11/7. You
may drop slips in the offering plate or call the
office by November 4th.
~
Trunk or Treat—Saturday, Oct. 30th.
The kiddies will start showing up at 5pm’ish so if
you’re planning on handing out candy and want to
decorate your car and prepare for the hordes you may
want to get there at 4:00-4:30!!
All children are invited to enter our COLORING
CONTEST!! Check out www.fccerwin.org to
download you coloring sheet! Entries in 7:00pm at our
Trunk or Treat location.
ALSO
Rumor has it there will be a drawing for an iPOD
Shuffle! All entries must be in by 7:00pm at our Trunk
or Treat location. All of those who enter will need to
pick up and fill out an entry from in it’s entirety.
Exclusions: FCC Members
~
For your information:
If you would like to come to Church and or
Bible Study and can’t drive yourself we’d be
happy to help OR
If you’re unable to attend Worship Service
and would like to have Communion brought
to you…
Please call the Church Office for more
information
~
5th Sunday Hymn Sing
Sunday, October 31 @ 6:00pm Lily Dale will host
~
Missions Minute
Our missions program has been one of our strongest outreach ministries here at FCC. Over the years we have been blessed to be able to support a missions program that is a significant percentage of our general budget. Our mission’s budget for 2010 is slightly over 24% of our general budget. This does not include special offerings like the Haiti offering taken in February, or the special missions Sunday offering taken in August..
Unfortunately we are currently running behind on our weekly offerings in support of missions. So far this year our church giving to missions is about $10,000 behind what the budget calls for at this time of year. Fortunately, the Boone Estate is helping, but we should not and can not keep depending upon this source. Our missions program is an extremely important segment of our ministry and we must continue to support it generously. The solution to our deficit is not lower our budget, but rather to prayerfully and intentionally trust the Lord to bless us as we increase our personal giving to His work.
Next week we will look at how FCC categorizes the missions we support.
PDE
“TAKE ANOTHER LOOK”
I drove over from our home to Erwin twice on Monday. In the morning as I came over, all the colors I had marveled at on Sunday were gone! There were no trees visible at all. In fact, the very highway was not visible, nor even the white lines on it. I was driving over during that horrendous downpour Monday morning, and the visibility was nil for a while. Obviously,I (and a lot of other drivers)just had to pull
over for a few moments before continuing on. But then I came back again on Monday evening, just before sundown, and the sun was breaking through clouds and highlighting different hillsides and slopes of the surrounding mountains: it was absolutely gorgeous! Even more amazing than what I had enjoyed on Sunday, probably because of the contrast from the morning.
It is not news to mention that First Christian Church has been through some stormy times recently.Several people have expressed alarm at the low attendance for worship services and the low offerings each week. In times like these our vision seems extremely low; some would say that the bright days were all in the past. But just as the mountains in all their beauty were still there all day on Monday, so we need
to get our perspective clarified and realize that God’s hand has not left His church.
When you think back to Jesus’ ministry in the days just before He went to Calvary, the Gospels tell us that His Apostles didn’t seem to catch on to what was happening. As He anticipated the great drama of the Crucifixion, they were arguing with each other about who was going to have the greatest position in His coming kingdom. From His arrest in the Garden, during His trials, and then while He suffered and died, almost all of the Twelve fled in fear and fretted about saving their own skin. It seemed there couldn’t have been a more unlikely group with which to found the Church! But then the Risen Lord drew them back together and refocused their vision on what His ministry really had been about. After His Ascension, the Holy Spirit filled those same unlikely and apparently unqualified followers, and thousands of people were baptized and became part of the worldwide Body of Christ.
We have to remember that this is Jesus’ Church, not ours. And when His Spirit is at work in His people,“the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” [Matt. 16:18] Through the centuries the Church has had stormy times, but it is still His Church. And even when it is hard for us to see, He is still working in and among us. Now it is our privilege to be faithful servants and seek to let His Spirit lead us where He will.
Yours in Christ,
RDR
~
Thanksgiving Dinner
Wednesday, November 10 at 6:00pm!
Our dinner will be catered by Three Peas in a Pod
and will consist of a traditional Thanksgiving
dinner. To help defray the cost we’re asking for a
donation of $6.00 for age 12 and up; $3.00 for
ages 6-11; children under 5 no charge.
Look for reservation slips on 10/31 & 11/7. You
may drop slips in the offering plate or call the
office by November 4th.
~
Trunk or Treat—Saturday, Oct. 30th.
The kiddies will start showing up at 5pm’ish so if
you’re planning on handing out candy and want to
decorate your car and prepare for the hordes you may
want to get there at 4:00-4:30!!
All children are invited to enter our COLORING
CONTEST!! Check out www.fccerwin.org to
download you coloring sheet! Entries in 7:00pm at our
Trunk or Treat location.
ALSO
Rumor has it there will be a drawing for an iPOD
Shuffle! All entries must be in by 7:00pm at our Trunk
or Treat location. All of those who enter will need to
pick up and fill out an entry from in it’s entirety.
Exclusions: FCC Members
~
For your information:
If you would like to come to Church and or
Bible Study and can’t drive yourself we’d be
happy to help OR
If you’re unable to attend Worship Service
and would like to have Communion brought
to you…
Please call the Church Office for more
information
~
5th Sunday Hymn Sing
Sunday, October 31 @ 6:00pm Lily Dale will host
~
Missions Minute
Our missions program has been one of our strongest outreach ministries here at FCC. Over the years we have been blessed to be able to support a missions program that is a significant percentage of our general budget. Our mission’s budget for 2010 is slightly over 24% of our general budget. This does not include special offerings like the Haiti offering taken in February, or the special missions Sunday offering taken in August..
Unfortunately we are currently running behind on our weekly offerings in support of missions. So far this year our church giving to missions is about $10,000 behind what the budget calls for at this time of year. Fortunately, the Boone Estate is helping, but we should not and can not keep depending upon this source. Our missions program is an extremely important segment of our ministry and we must continue to support it generously. The solution to our deficit is not lower our budget, but rather to prayerfully and intentionally trust the Lord to bless us as we increase our personal giving to His work.
Next week we will look at how FCC categorizes the missions we support.
PDE
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
TRUNK or TREAT!!
We will have our annual Trunk or Treat at the Fellowship Hall on Saturday, October 30 from 5:00p-8:00p. If you plan on participating in handing out candy and decorating your car you might want to be there a bit earlier!
We will have a coloring contest and rumor has it an ipod Shuffle will be given away in a drawing.....check out www.fccerwin.org for more details!
The Erwin Merchants Association is also closing down part of Main Street to hand out candy as well...it may prove to be our biggest and best T or T ever!!
If you cant make it out on Saturday evening but would like to donate candy you my bring your dontations to FCC on Mon. Tues. or Thurs. from 8:00am to 2:00pm
Join us!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Broadcaster Highlights - October 5, 2010
Yes, I know it's been hit and miss on the blog lately! There are so many new and exciting things going on right now that quite frankly I forget to post to the blog, my apologies!
I'm thinking by 2011 the blog may be phased out since we now have the website thanks to Andy being so handy! Sorry Andy I couldnt resist that :)
I will slowly learn "how to" post the news letter directly on the web site.
I feel renewal in the air - I also feel the pressure starting to build as we approach the busiest season of the year. From now until the end of December it will be Katie bar the door. (I just keep tossing names out there!)
Stay centered loved ones; keep your eye on the Cross and make time for God and His word every day and especially when you are overwhelmed, let Him quiet your spirit and feed your heart! Join us this Sunday as we learn more about Heroes of the Old Testament:
Sunday, Oct. 10
Speaker…….David Roberts
Sermon Title
“A Runaway Faces God”
Sermon Text
Genesis 28:10-22
And now...
From the desk of David Roberts......
AFTERTHOUGHTS OF AN APPLE FESTIVAL
Well, the big festival is over for another year! Our youth (aided by a host of
hard-working adults) earned a great sum from the parking provided to festival-goers, and the little booth in front of our building offered both balloons and maps for the festival locations – plus some good information about First Christian Church. We really do thank all those who worked so hard and helped this church to have a positive presence at this big occasion.
As I have thought about the occasion, I keep coming back to the apple part of it. Donna and I went up to Coffee Ridge as part of our annual enjoyment of the festival, and we bought our usual bushel of apples.There is nothing better than buying them fresh from the orchard (including a price far less than buying apples in a store – apples that have traveled halfway across the country or around the world to get here!)But the brothers Willis, who are working one of the last three orchards still fully functioning on the Ridge, said this may be the last year for their orchard to continue. People shun paying $12 a bushel for their apples and prefer to pay as much as a dollar an apple in stores. It is sad to think that a local industry is fading away due to short-sighted economic decisions.
When we first started coming to the festival, some 28 years ago, we hardly saw any apples available for sale among the booths. At the time it seemed strange that the festival claimed to be about apples, but they
were hard to find. Now there are several booths that sell them, but I’m not sure if any actually come from Unicoi County orchards. I guess that’s another sign of the times.Mulling over these thoughts brought me to think that any apples we get today will be gone at least by spring, if not long before. And that reminded me of the old stories of Johnny Appleseed, the legendary man who went everywhere planting apple trees all over the countryside. Assuming those stories to be based on some kind of fact, that represents someone providing apples far beyond the fruit of a single
season. A good apple tree, well cared for, can produce an abundance of apples – literally for a lifetime. And those thoughts brought me to the role of Christians in the church today. All of us are here for only a season, no matter how many years we may count up in the process. And the lasting benefit of our having been here can be found best in the seeds we plant along the way. Jesus’ commission to His followers was/is to “make disciples,” and the ongoing life of the church always depends on that very process. We in the church today have a tremendous blessing of having been able to enjoy the fruit of those who have gone before us. Our most important job now is to make sure we are planting trees that will bear fruit for generations to come.
Have you scattered any seed this week? Let’s all encourage one another to keep on keeping on!
Yours in Christ,
RDR
Trunk or Treat
Candy Donations…..
FCC will host a Trunk or Treat again this year on
Saturday, October 30th beginning at 5:30pm;
rain or shine!
We need candy for this event!
You will find boxes for your
donations in the foyer and
In the main Hallway.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!
This Sunday, Oct. 10
Please plan to stay a few minutes following the Worship Service to vote on Elder/Deacon nominees.
~
Monday, Oct. 11
Committee Dinner Meetings @ 6:00pm hosted by Beverly Britt & Angie Moore
Followed by the
Board Meeting @ 7:30pm
In the Booster Classroom.
~
Ministers Appreciation
Potluck Meal
Sunday, October 17 following the Morning Worship Service.
October is Clergy appreciation month. In recognition of this we will have a carry in potluck meal to honor Dave and Donna Roberts and Andy and Kim Frazier.
Beverage and Bread provided.
~
Trunk or Treat
Will be on Saturday,
October 30th beginning at
5:00-5:30pm
~
5th Sunday Hymn Sing
Sunday, October 31
@ 6:00pm
Lily Dale will host.
Happy Birthday to:
Tommy Phillips-14
Jack Gardner-15
Happy Anniversary
Shelton/Gail Thompson-14
I'm thinking by 2011 the blog may be phased out since we now have the website thanks to Andy being so handy! Sorry Andy I couldnt resist that :)
I will slowly learn "how to" post the news letter directly on the web site.
I feel renewal in the air - I also feel the pressure starting to build as we approach the busiest season of the year. From now until the end of December it will be Katie bar the door. (I just keep tossing names out there!)
Stay centered loved ones; keep your eye on the Cross and make time for God and His word every day and especially when you are overwhelmed, let Him quiet your spirit and feed your heart! Join us this Sunday as we learn more about Heroes of the Old Testament:
Sunday, Oct. 10
Speaker…….David Roberts
Sermon Title
“A Runaway Faces God”
Sermon Text
Genesis 28:10-22
And now...
From the desk of David Roberts......
AFTERTHOUGHTS OF AN APPLE FESTIVAL
Well, the big festival is over for another year! Our youth (aided by a host of
hard-working adults) earned a great sum from the parking provided to festival-goers, and the little booth in front of our building offered both balloons and maps for the festival locations – plus some good information about First Christian Church. We really do thank all those who worked so hard and helped this church to have a positive presence at this big occasion.
As I have thought about the occasion, I keep coming back to the apple part of it. Donna and I went up to Coffee Ridge as part of our annual enjoyment of the festival, and we bought our usual bushel of apples.There is nothing better than buying them fresh from the orchard (including a price far less than buying apples in a store – apples that have traveled halfway across the country or around the world to get here!)But the brothers Willis, who are working one of the last three orchards still fully functioning on the Ridge, said this may be the last year for their orchard to continue. People shun paying $12 a bushel for their apples and prefer to pay as much as a dollar an apple in stores. It is sad to think that a local industry is fading away due to short-sighted economic decisions.
When we first started coming to the festival, some 28 years ago, we hardly saw any apples available for sale among the booths. At the time it seemed strange that the festival claimed to be about apples, but they
were hard to find. Now there are several booths that sell them, but I’m not sure if any actually come from Unicoi County orchards. I guess that’s another sign of the times.Mulling over these thoughts brought me to think that any apples we get today will be gone at least by spring, if not long before. And that reminded me of the old stories of Johnny Appleseed, the legendary man who went everywhere planting apple trees all over the countryside. Assuming those stories to be based on some kind of fact, that represents someone providing apples far beyond the fruit of a single
season. A good apple tree, well cared for, can produce an abundance of apples – literally for a lifetime. And those thoughts brought me to the role of Christians in the church today. All of us are here for only a season, no matter how many years we may count up in the process. And the lasting benefit of our having been here can be found best in the seeds we plant along the way. Jesus’ commission to His followers was/is to “make disciples,” and the ongoing life of the church always depends on that very process. We in the church today have a tremendous blessing of having been able to enjoy the fruit of those who have gone before us. Our most important job now is to make sure we are planting trees that will bear fruit for generations to come.
Have you scattered any seed this week? Let’s all encourage one another to keep on keeping on!
Yours in Christ,
RDR
Trunk or Treat
Candy Donations…..
FCC will host a Trunk or Treat again this year on
Saturday, October 30th beginning at 5:30pm;
rain or shine!
We need candy for this event!
You will find boxes for your
donations in the foyer and
In the main Hallway.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!
This Sunday, Oct. 10
Please plan to stay a few minutes following the Worship Service to vote on Elder/Deacon nominees.
~
Monday, Oct. 11
Committee Dinner Meetings @ 6:00pm hosted by Beverly Britt & Angie Moore
Followed by the
Board Meeting @ 7:30pm
In the Booster Classroom.
~
Ministers Appreciation
Potluck Meal
Sunday, October 17 following the Morning Worship Service.
October is Clergy appreciation month. In recognition of this we will have a carry in potluck meal to honor Dave and Donna Roberts and Andy and Kim Frazier.
Beverage and Bread provided.
~
Trunk or Treat
Will be on Saturday,
October 30th beginning at
5:00-5:30pm
~
5th Sunday Hymn Sing
Sunday, October 31
@ 6:00pm
Lily Dale will host.
Happy Birthday to:
Tommy Phillips-14
Jack Gardner-15
Happy Anniversary
Shelton/Gail Thompson-14
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Broadcaster Sept 21, 2010
From the Ministers desk......
“THERE’S A LOT GOING ON AROUND HERE!”
By nature and by Jesus’ directions, churches are supposed to be about serving others and helping those in need. And I’m thankful to witness that this congregation takes that direction seriously.
For a relatively small church, 1st Christian in Erwin already gives a lot and serves a lot. The Operation Christmas Child for needy children around the world, now going on, is one prime example; so is the Backpack program in the summer for local children in need; all of Erwin and Unicoi County benefit from this church’s hosting and participating in the regular blood drives for the Red Cross; and the special offering for Haiti relief early last spring (of about $13,000 beyond regular offerings all on one weekend!) was amazing. Sincerely, as someone newly aware of the details, I am very impressed with the generous and giving spirit of this church. I could cite more examples of giving and serving beyond the normal (that is, what all churches do just to keep things running internally), but most of you are already familiar with them.
But in saying this I am also aware of the yet untapped potential for outreach and impact God has placed in our hands. Over the next few months I hope we can dream and pray together about how God can use this modest congregation to do great things in His Kingdom, both locally and even worldwide. When God gives great gifts to us, He is enabling us to do great things with them. Without a doubt, God has richly blessed us in this church, and I marvel to think what we may be able to be a part of because of such blessings.
Please add to your prayer list a request for God to guide us in grasping the vision of what He has in mind for us. It will take prayer, exciting imagination, and courageous effort, but it might well be the most exciting and life-changing chapter in the history of this church. Who knows? We may be part of something even bigger and better than what we’ve already seen!
Yours in Christ,
RDR
Family Outing Postponed…
The outing that was scheduled for this Sunday, September 26th has been postponed until later in October! Be watching for details!
Hymnals
Due to lack of use and storage issues the Board approved removing our old unused Hymnals. We will keep the set currently in use titled,
The Celebration Hymnal.
If you care to go through the older ones and pick out books that are in memory of or in honor of a loved one please feel free to do so! You may even know of someone who’d like to have all of them. They will be available in the “New” Library until October 31, 2010.
Cantata Practice:
This Sunday
Sept. 26 @ 6:00pm
Be sure to listen to your cd’s!!
The Education Committee
Is seeking someone to fill these positions:
There are two Sunday’s vacant in the Toddler Nursery:
We need someone for the 3rd Sunday and the 4th Sunday of each month.
See Gail Thompson.
The 4th Sunday of each month is open for the Wee Worship group.
See Andy Frazier
Or
call the Church office...
ETCHA SHOE DRIVE
LAST CALL FOR SHOES!
Cleaned your closets out this summer? You’ve got till Monday, Sept. 27th!
Here’s what to do:
Tie pairs of shoes together by their laces.
Shoes with out laces, use rubber bands and band pairs together.
NO shoes with spiked heels.
Place all shoe donations in the plastic bags in the foyer and hallway (under the
b-day/anniversary board). If you have any questions feel free to call
Ron Hicks at (735-7602).
2010 Apple Festival Parking
The festival will be held October 1st & 2nd. We need YOUR help! The SATURDAY sign up sheet has lots of slots still open!! :)
This Sunday, Sept 26.
Speaker David Roberts
Sermon Title
“Remembering Who We Are”
Sermon Text
Acts 15:5-11
Prayer
Tommy Phillips
Communion Meditation
George Coley
Elders
B. J. Moore; Shelton Thompson
Deacons
Lee Hemphill; Jody Moore;
Tracy Moore; John David Sneyd; Jerry Whitt
Communion to shut-ins
B. J. Moore;
Lee Hemphill
Communion Preparation
Janie Whitson
Greeter
Andy/Kim Frazier
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
Wee Church
2-5 yrs………………………...
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:
www.fccerwin.org
fccerwintn.blogspot.com
Office Hours:
Mon.,Tues.,Thur.8:00a-2:00p
Minister……...423-542-9494
Youth Min……423-743-5338
“THERE’S A LOT GOING ON AROUND HERE!”
By nature and by Jesus’ directions, churches are supposed to be about serving others and helping those in need. And I’m thankful to witness that this congregation takes that direction seriously.
For a relatively small church, 1st Christian in Erwin already gives a lot and serves a lot. The Operation Christmas Child for needy children around the world, now going on, is one prime example; so is the Backpack program in the summer for local children in need; all of Erwin and Unicoi County benefit from this church’s hosting and participating in the regular blood drives for the Red Cross; and the special offering for Haiti relief early last spring (of about $13,000 beyond regular offerings all on one weekend!) was amazing. Sincerely, as someone newly aware of the details, I am very impressed with the generous and giving spirit of this church. I could cite more examples of giving and serving beyond the normal (that is, what all churches do just to keep things running internally), but most of you are already familiar with them.
But in saying this I am also aware of the yet untapped potential for outreach and impact God has placed in our hands. Over the next few months I hope we can dream and pray together about how God can use this modest congregation to do great things in His Kingdom, both locally and even worldwide. When God gives great gifts to us, He is enabling us to do great things with them. Without a doubt, God has richly blessed us in this church, and I marvel to think what we may be able to be a part of because of such blessings.
Please add to your prayer list a request for God to guide us in grasping the vision of what He has in mind for us. It will take prayer, exciting imagination, and courageous effort, but it might well be the most exciting and life-changing chapter in the history of this church. Who knows? We may be part of something even bigger and better than what we’ve already seen!
Yours in Christ,
RDR
Family Outing Postponed…
The outing that was scheduled for this Sunday, September 26th has been postponed until later in October! Be watching for details!
Hymnals
Due to lack of use and storage issues the Board approved removing our old unused Hymnals. We will keep the set currently in use titled,
The Celebration Hymnal.
If you care to go through the older ones and pick out books that are in memory of or in honor of a loved one please feel free to do so! You may even know of someone who’d like to have all of them. They will be available in the “New” Library until October 31, 2010.
Cantata Practice:
This Sunday
Sept. 26 @ 6:00pm
Be sure to listen to your cd’s!!
The Education Committee
Is seeking someone to fill these positions:
There are two Sunday’s vacant in the Toddler Nursery:
We need someone for the 3rd Sunday and the 4th Sunday of each month.
See Gail Thompson.
The 4th Sunday of each month is open for the Wee Worship group.
See Andy Frazier
Or
call the Church office...
ETCHA SHOE DRIVE
LAST CALL FOR SHOES!
Cleaned your closets out this summer? You’ve got till Monday, Sept. 27th!
Here’s what to do:
Tie pairs of shoes together by their laces.
Shoes with out laces, use rubber bands and band pairs together.
NO shoes with spiked heels.
Place all shoe donations in the plastic bags in the foyer and hallway (under the
b-day/anniversary board). If you have any questions feel free to call
Ron Hicks at (735-7602).
2010 Apple Festival Parking
The festival will be held October 1st & 2nd. We need YOUR help! The SATURDAY sign up sheet has lots of slots still open!! :)
This Sunday, Sept 26.
Speaker David Roberts
Sermon Title
“Remembering Who We Are”
Sermon Text
Acts 15:5-11
Prayer
Tommy Phillips
Communion Meditation
George Coley
Elders
B. J. Moore; Shelton Thompson
Deacons
Lee Hemphill; Jody Moore;
Tracy Moore; John David Sneyd; Jerry Whitt
Communion to shut-ins
B. J. Moore;
Lee Hemphill
Communion Preparation
Janie Whitson
Greeter
Andy/Kim Frazier
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
Wee Church
2-5 yrs………………………...
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:
www.fccerwin.org
fccerwintn.blogspot.com
Office Hours:
Mon.,Tues.,Thur.8:00a-2:00p
Minister……...423-542-9494
Youth Min……423-743-5338
Monday, September 13, 2010
Coming up...
First Christian Church offers several Committee's to serve on. The committee's meet on the 2nd Monday of every month for a pot luck dinner and then each committee meets for discussion on business of the Church.
There is a break in July and August, and then again in the month of December. September is the month we begin having our meetings after the summer break, the first one being tonight. It has been in the Broadcaster but of course you can only view it here if I remember to post it here. My apologies!
We encourage you to be active on a committee. Each Committee Chairperson has a seat on the Board. Following the Committee Dinner Meetings the Board of FCC meets and each Committee Chair brings thoughts, ideas or needs to the board.
This is your opportunity to be heard..........
Our first meeting of 10/11 is tonight at 6:00pm
Christian Circle Meeting
Thursday, September 23
This will be a Salad Supper hosted by Joy Circle, so bring your favorite salad! We will have our business meeting after dinner and all annual reports are due.
This is also the time of new officer elections.
For more detail on our Ladies Circle Groups go to the right of this, you may have to scroll down. Look for the big yellow smiley like the one above.......
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Blog-caster 9/7/2010
From the desk of Dave Roberts: We Begin Again
Although I have been around First Christian Church in one capacity or another for many years, I am beginning a new role as the Interim Minister now. This congregation and its leadership ministry have been through difficult times recently, but we are thankful to be able to serve with you and to look forward to what the Lord has in store for us as a new chapter opens. We will continue to pray for the Stamper family as they seek to know where the Lord is leading them, and many here are hoping that they find greater blessings in the days ahead than the sorrow and pain they have known for the last year and more.
When the Elders asked me to begin as Interim Minister on Sept. 1, I was sorry (in many ways) that I already had commitments that will take us away for about 10 days (two Sundays) in order to tend to our grandchildren in Kentucky. So though we have begun to serve with you, Donna and I will be absent right at the start for these few days. At the same time I must confess that there are several ways that I don’t regret being gone, in that we get to spend time with four precious children while their parents take a vacation trip (one that our son won in a contest). Three of them are almost 5 years old, and their sister is 6, so they are the age when grandparents are still extra special, and we thoroughly enjoy those times – exhausting though they are.
We look forward to discovering what God is about to do through this congregation, and we hope you have that same positive anticipation. Given all the negative elements of the world around us and the reasons we could cite that declare we are not able to make any difference, our view could be discouraging. However, when you factor in the power of God and the way His Spirit has moved through His people in times past, who knows what wonders the future holds for us.
As the chorus states, “We serve a mighty God.” It is important to remember what a small group of uneducated and unimpressive men in Galilee saw happen when Jesus left them with the Great Commission. Therefore we can only imagine what may be in store for us right here in Erwin, TN. Now we begin again – and since we’re walking by faith, let’s walk together as the Lord leads us.
Yours in Christ,
RDR
R. David (Dave) Roberts
BLOOD DRIVE
A blood drive will be held at the
Fellowship Hall on
Friday, September 10th
From 12:30pm—5:30pm
All presenting donors have a chance to win a $1000.00 gift card!
For an appt. Call Gwen Hunter at
423-202-5619
Walk-Ins Welcome!
Elders Meeting
Sunday, September 12th at 3:30 in the Booster Classroom
Committee Dinner Meetings
Resume in September!
Monday, September 13th the Committee Dinner meetings will resume. Hosting in September:
Janie Whitson and Sandy Whitson.
The dinner will be at 6:00pm.
Board Meeting
Monday, September 13th at 7:30pm.
Happy Birthday to:
Kenner Martin-17
Alan Miller-18
Circle News
Christian Circle
will meet on Thursday, Sept. 23rd
Details later!
Hope Circle will meet on
Thursday, Sept. 16th at
10:30am
Joy Circle will meet on
Thursday, Sept. 9th at 2:00pm
GIVE US YOUR SHOES!
Cleaned your closets out this summer? We’ve got till the 27th of this month!!
Here’s what to do: Tie pairs of shoes together by their laces. Shoes with out laces, use rubber bands and band pairs together. NO shoes with spiked heels.
All other types of footwear are wanted such as: men’s, women’s and children’s sandals, tennis shoes, flip-flops, boots, etc.
Place all shoe donations in the plastic bags in the foyer and hallway (under the
b-day/anniversary board).
If you have any questions feel free to call
Ron Hicks at (735-7602).
2009 Apple Festival Parking
The festival will be held October 1st & 2nd
We need YOU to help park cars! There is a sign up sheet in the foyer. All proceeds go into the youth fund at First Christian Church.
Although I have been around First Christian Church in one capacity or another for many years, I am beginning a new role as the Interim Minister now. This congregation and its leadership ministry have been through difficult times recently, but we are thankful to be able to serve with you and to look forward to what the Lord has in store for us as a new chapter opens. We will continue to pray for the Stamper family as they seek to know where the Lord is leading them, and many here are hoping that they find greater blessings in the days ahead than the sorrow and pain they have known for the last year and more.
When the Elders asked me to begin as Interim Minister on Sept. 1, I was sorry (in many ways) that I already had commitments that will take us away for about 10 days (two Sundays) in order to tend to our grandchildren in Kentucky. So though we have begun to serve with you, Donna and I will be absent right at the start for these few days. At the same time I must confess that there are several ways that I don’t regret being gone, in that we get to spend time with four precious children while their parents take a vacation trip (one that our son won in a contest). Three of them are almost 5 years old, and their sister is 6, so they are the age when grandparents are still extra special, and we thoroughly enjoy those times – exhausting though they are.
We look forward to discovering what God is about to do through this congregation, and we hope you have that same positive anticipation. Given all the negative elements of the world around us and the reasons we could cite that declare we are not able to make any difference, our view could be discouraging. However, when you factor in the power of God and the way His Spirit has moved through His people in times past, who knows what wonders the future holds for us.
As the chorus states, “We serve a mighty God.” It is important to remember what a small group of uneducated and unimpressive men in Galilee saw happen when Jesus left them with the Great Commission. Therefore we can only imagine what may be in store for us right here in Erwin, TN. Now we begin again – and since we’re walking by faith, let’s walk together as the Lord leads us.
Yours in Christ,
RDR
R. David (Dave) Roberts
BLOOD DRIVE
A blood drive will be held at the
Fellowship Hall on
Friday, September 10th
From 12:30pm—5:30pm
All presenting donors have a chance to win a $1000.00 gift card!
For an appt. Call Gwen Hunter at
423-202-5619
Walk-Ins Welcome!
Elders Meeting
Sunday, September 12th at 3:30 in the Booster Classroom
Committee Dinner Meetings
Resume in September!
Monday, September 13th the Committee Dinner meetings will resume. Hosting in September:
Janie Whitson and Sandy Whitson.
The dinner will be at 6:00pm.
Board Meeting
Monday, September 13th at 7:30pm.
Happy Birthday to:
Kenner Martin-17
Alan Miller-18
Circle News
Christian Circle
will meet on Thursday, Sept. 23rd
Details later!
Hope Circle will meet on
Thursday, Sept. 16th at
10:30am
Joy Circle will meet on
Thursday, Sept. 9th at 2:00pm
GIVE US YOUR SHOES!
Cleaned your closets out this summer? We’ve got till the 27th of this month!!
Here’s what to do: Tie pairs of shoes together by their laces. Shoes with out laces, use rubber bands and band pairs together. NO shoes with spiked heels.
All other types of footwear are wanted such as: men’s, women’s and children’s sandals, tennis shoes, flip-flops, boots, etc.
Place all shoe donations in the plastic bags in the foyer and hallway (under the
b-day/anniversary board).
If you have any questions feel free to call
Ron Hicks at (735-7602).
2009 Apple Festival Parking
The festival will be held October 1st & 2nd
We need YOU to help park cars! There is a sign up sheet in the foyer. All proceeds go into the youth fund at First Christian Church.
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