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First Christian Church Guidepost
3261 S. Avenue 6E
Yuma AZ 85365
(928) 726-5616
December 3, 2008 | |
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Staff
Daniel Trautman,
Senior Minister
Phillip Krueger,
Associate Minister
Rick Lathrop, Business Administrator
Darrin Akin,
Worship/Music Minister
Jeff Elzey,
Youth Minister
Rick Keeling,
Children's Minister
Les Gompert,
Associate Children's Minister
Laretta K. Shrader,
Missions Minister
Jerry Elzey,
Pastoral Minister
Alan Dyson,
Involvement Minister
Paul Mondragon,
Media Minister
Deborah Stewart,
School Administrator
Elders
Jack DeLange
Robert Dunn
Tom Dyson
Kevin Ford
Ron Miller
Lynn Ware
Mike Watson
Glenn Wright
Worship Services: Sundays
9:30 and 11 am
Alternative Worship:
Saturdays, 6 pm
Office Hours:
Monday-Friday,
9 am-5 pm |
Worship Service Attendance:
11/2 1484
11/9 1468
11/16 1513
11/23 1494
11/30 1381 |
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Congratulations to Rita Kosmata on the birth of her daughter, Julianna Hope, born on November 27. |
New Members Baptisms:
Jose Ramos, Gayle Graham, Robert Bridgers
Transfers:
Karrie Jones,
Nora Lee, Darwin Abby, Ruth Abby,
Barbara Taylor Connaughy, Bob Cassidy, Lupita Cassidy |
Our Deepest Sympathy
to the family
of Ellen Byland who recently passed away. Please keep her family in prayer during this difficult time. |
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Please Pray for: Cancer Patients
Otto Rapp, Rebecca Cole, Ruby Winter, Tim Rice, Vicki Peterson, James Frazier, Phyllis Sollers, Marilyn Garvin, Sharon Fraser, Jamey Thimell, Luanne Watson, Judy Dyson, Mike Boren, Gary May
Health/Recovery
Gladys Reynolds, Arthur Guiles, Tim Beeman, Deborah Rapp, Sharon Womer, Grace Weatherly, Judy Stroh, Richard Parks, Ray Rodgers, Rose Coble, Marion Tompkins, Shirley Johns, Michelle Wheaton, Cal Macon, John Rapp, Bonnie Canan, Mirle Fett, Pauline Cochran, Randy Creek, Jose Rivas, Shirley Flermoen, Marguerite Ware, Jim Wedemeyer, Juanita McCauley, The Mullins Family, Scotty McGregor, Jim Iwan, Gus Lovmark |
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Rancho de Los Ninos Needs
for This Month Are: Diapers, formula, pull-ups, baby wipes.
These items may be brought to the Church Office at any time. Thanks for caring and sharing! | |
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The proposed budget for 2009 will be posted in the Main Office during the month of December. |
Dear First Christian Members,
During this playoff season I had an opportunity to read the following article that really hit home on how we should all look at our personal lives. I challenge each of us to do as Kurt Warner has done.
The Platform You've Been Given
Monday, March 18, 2002
Article: Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
He had been a stock boy in a grocery store, and then one of those rare football players who isn't drafted but just shows up one day and gets a job. Kurt Warner went on, of course, to become the quarterback of the St. Louis Rams, leading them to the Super Bowl two out of three years, and of course, becoming the NFL's Most Valuable Player. Now, that would be enough for most people. But not for Kurt Warner. He's got a bigger goal - at least according to what he told Sports Illustrated he would like as what he called his "football epitaph" - "Used his football platform to work for Jesus."
I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A WORD WITH YOU today about "The Platform You've Been Given." Here's one follower of Jesus Christ who understands why he is where he is - to make a mark for his Lord. And you're where you are for the same reason.
No, you probably don't have a platform that touches millions - the kind a Super Bowl ring gives you. But, believe me, you do have a platform, given to you by God. The reason? "To work for Jesus." That's what the Bible is talking about when it says that "we are Christ's ambassadors" (2 Corinthians 5:20). And God uses your abilities and interests and life experiences to put you in a position in other people's lives that can literally change their eternal address. It's obvious that the Old Testament hero, Joseph, understood this divine platform thing. You can hear it in his words recorded in Genesis 50:20, our word for today from the Word of God. The Lord built Joseph's platform through the brutal attack of his brothers, his being sold into Egyptian slavery, his first job in Egypt, and then two years in prison for something he didn't do.
Ultimately, Joseph is divinely maneuvered into being the assistant Pharaoh of Egypt; possibly the second most powerful man in the world. And just in time. His God-given wisdom leads him to a plan that ends up saving many people during a terrible seven-year famine. He's a champion, a hero in his country, to an even greater extent than any modern sports champion. Here's what Joseph says to his brothers about where God has placed him - "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good ... the saving of many lives." Joseph was where he was so lives could be saved. That's why you are where you are. So people who know you, who are influenced by you, can meet your Savior and have their lives saved forever. Your platform for spiritual rescue is the job God has placed you in, or the pain you're going through or have gone through, the place where you live, the children God gave you, the recreation, the activities you're involved in. From heaven's viewpoint, the #1 reason you are there is so you will be in a position to take some people there to heaven with you!
It's a whole new way of seeing the everyday activities of your life - they are actually God's means of divinely positioning you with the folks there to let them see what Jesus is like in what you're like ... and to hear what He did for them when He died on the cross. Don't miss the purpose for which you've been placed where you are!
So are you using your platform to work for Jesus - to do what Jesus came for - to "seek and save the lost" (Luke 19:10)? He's put you - His personal ambassador - in some places here on earth so some of the people there can have a chance at heaven.
God bless you this season and remember that God gave us the greatest gift of all - His Son, so we could be forgiven and continue His work here on earth.
God Bless!
Tom L. Dyson, Elder |
From the Minister's Desk: 
"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ
the Lord." Luke 2:11
'Tis the Season! Christmas seems to roll around the calendar faster and faster every year. It is a great time of year-family, fun, food, and great fellowship all factor into this season. So is the hustle and bustle and stress that accompanies all of the going, going, going.
It will be important for you to take some time to focus on the reason we celebrate this grand time of year. It is not because of family, fun, food, or fellowship - it is because of Jesus Christ!! The Savior was born! I am truly thankful for a Savior.
Because of our sin and separation from God, we need a Savior. We need to help our families understand the reason that we celebrate. For me, Romans 5:6 says it all: "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly."
Remember, it is not the price of the presents or the present itself that has any meaning during this season. It is the present that God gave us in His Son that gives us the total meaning for this season of celebration!
Be sure and make time to focus on Him in all of the comings and goings and stress. It is all about Jesus, God's one and only Son!
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 Christmas Presents
'Twas the night before Christmas
and all through the house,
not a creature was stirring
'cept dad and his spouse.
Their faces were haggard,
all wrinkled with care.
They looked at each other
and sighed with despair.
Could they both be enjoying the presents they got?
From the looks on their faces, we knew they were not. It was simple for us what was causing their ills.
They were figuring out how to pay all of those bills.
I heard about a woman who got caught up in the last-minute rush of Christmas shopping. She bought a box of 50 identical greeting cards. Without bothering to read the message on the cards she hurriedly addressed and signed 49 of them. Several days after she had mailed the Christmas cards, she came across the last one, picked it up and read it. To her horror, it read, "This card is just to say... a little gift is on the way."
We know that the best Christmas present came from God. "And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Luke 2:12
From Phillip, Joanne, Nathan, and Angelina Krueger, We Wish You a Very Merry Christmas! | |
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 All That I Am, All That I Have...
Let me explain how this gets played out in the church. Often, when someone disagrees with the leadership of a church, a sermon, a ministry, or (insert your own issue here) that person begins to withhold things from God. Now we would never actually say that, but it is the truth. We don't tithe because we don't agree with how the money is used. We don't serve because we are mad at someone. We stop attending because someone has offended me. We don't worship because we don't like the music. Any of this sounding familiar? The point is, that serving, tithing, worshipping, being in community are all acts that God has called us to so that we bring glory to Him. When we withhold them, we are not just withholding them from the church, we are withholding them from God. We are hurting the one we love because it seems to be the only way to feel better about being hurt by someone else. In other words, we are sinning.
Whenever we take what is God's and use it for something other than what He wants us to use it for, it is a sin. Therefore, when we take the money he has given us, and withhold it from Him to prove a point or to build up our pride, we sin. Whenever we take the attitude that we can't worship with this music, we say that the worship experience is about us and not God, and we sin. Whenever we refuse to serve, because we just can't fit it into our schedules, or because we have had a bad experience, we withhold the time and talents God has given us and tell Him that our work is more important than His; a sin.
In my life, I am coming to terms that when I sin, I sin against God alone. Often, I think that I am hurting someone else, but in reality, I am hurting God. Whenever, I use what God has given me to gratify my need for revenge or to build up my pride, I am not hurting someone else, I am hurting my relationship with God. This church and the people in it are not perfect, but they are God's church and people, so when I withhold what God has given me from this church and its people I am not withholding it from them, but from God. My prayer is that I can take seriously that all that I am and all that I have is God's. That every action in my life reflects on God and impacts my relationship with Him. I pray that for you as well. If today, you are not giving your best, or withholding something from God out of anger or pride, I pray thay you will be convicted of this, repent, and get right with God and His people.
God Bless,
Alan Dyson |
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FCC Youth Fellowship Opportunities...
9:30 in our classrooms upstairs!! Every Sunday morning, Middle School and High School students gather to fellowship and learn more about God! These exciting groups meet for one hour, beginning at 9:30 am. Middle School meets in Room 207, and High School meets in Room 208. Bring your friends, and come be a part of these great studies!
Don't forget Midweek Upper Room!! We're meeting each Wednesday night at 7 pm in the Upper Room for mid-week worship. This is for everybody from 6th grade and up. It is an excellent time to invite friends and come worship with us! We'll see you there!!
High School Study--The Zone
Sundays, 7-8:30 pm, Room 207
Youth Coaches and Their E-mail Addresses:
Middle School:
Middle School Christmas Party!
Our party will be Saturday night, December 13 at the church in the Upper Room from
7-8:30 pm. It will feature a "white elephant gift exchange." We will explain what that is when you get here, but all you need to bring is something from home that you don't want (wrapped, of course) or a gift that costs less than $5! It is a lot of fun, so make plans to be there!!
High School Christmas Party!
We will be getting together on Sunday night, December 14, in the Upper Room from
7-9:00 pm. Find the most "interesting" white elephant gift you can find and bring it!! It can be something from home that you no longer want, or a new gift that costs less than $5...and don't forget to wrap it! We always have a blast with our white elephant gift exchange, and this year will be no exception! See you there!
New Year's Eve All-Nighter!
We will be doing our New Year's Eve all-nighter again, so plan on it now! The details are still being finalized, but it will be fun as always! This year it will be different in a lot of exciting ways, so be ready! Watch for details! |
Seniors' Brunch
Our December potluck brunch will be held here in the FCC Café on Saturday, December 6, from 10:00-11:30 am. Tableware and beverages will be provided. Back with us again this year will be Ron and Clydine Archer, two gifted musicians and vocalists, who will inspire and entertain us with some favorites that we all have enjoyed for many years. Invite a friend or neighbor, bring a favorite dish, and join us. |
Twenty4/7 
How in the world does time fly by so quickly? Someone, please tell me because life keeps going, and going, and going: and it's going there fast!
We are so very close to wrapping up our Saturday series called "Life Development Plan 2009." It has been a great spiritual formation series designed to help us reach our full potential in Christ. I have heard very positive comments from many who have attended, so I am hopeful that God has touched the hearts of people to make their future different from their past.
In January, we are looking at our next series called "Full Throttle Faith." This series will profile the Biblical characters who did not take their faith lightly and who lived on the ragged and fast-paced edge of life. They did not do so for themselves, but they lived like this, with this full-throttle faith, because they understood what God had in store for them. Even when following was hard, they knew following God was non-negotiable. And this was reflected in the choices they made.
Come join us as we start this next series. And get ready to have a full-throttle type of faith. We hope to see you there, Saturdays at 6pm.
Paul Mondragon
Media Dude and Twenty4/7 Director |
 FaithWeaver Friends
There will be NO FaithWeaver Friends Children's Programs
on the following dates:
Wednesday, December 24 - Christmas Eve
Wednesday, December 31 - New Year's Eve
YEAH, it's CHRISTMAS!!
"It is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child Himself." -Charles Dickens
"The most successful parents are those who have the skill to get behind their children's eyes, seeing what they see, thinking what they think, feeling what they feel."
-Dr. James Dobson
"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me." -Jesus (Matthew 18:3-5)
"They have enough friends, and we should never stop
being their parents, but sometimes it really is okay
to stop acting like a grown up." -Les Gompert
I wonder, is it okay to quote yourself when you're the one writing the article? Hum? Oh well, enough pondering! I am so thankful to be doing what I do. I so love the children of this church. Sunday mornings and our Wednesday evening programs are the highlights of my week. I always look forward to seeing your children arrive, and it is my prayer and deepest desire to share my belief in God, faith in Jesus, and His love for them. Thank you, parents and families of FCC, for allowing me the privilege of being your Associate Children's Minister.
May I be one of the very first to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!
-Les Gompert
"Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance." Psalm 16:5-6 |
 Southwestern Christian School December is a month of reflection and renewal. We reflect on the past year's ups and downs and prepare for the year ahead. We renew relationships with family and friends. The SWCS staff values their relationship with you, the FCC family of believers. Without your support of our school, Southwestern Christian School, many young students would not be growing closer to God through their interaction and learning in the classroom. Many parents would not be revitalized to strengthen their relationship with Jesus. You, the FCC family, make a difference in the lives of students here at SWCS and abroad, such as through the Tumaini organization! I would encourage you to keep praying and supporting the ministries of our church. Each one is vital in reaching a life for Christ! May you and your family have a blessed Christmas!
In Christ,
Debbie Stewart, Principal |
Yuma Education Scholarship Fund for Kids, Inc.
Arizona tax payers can meet their AZ tax obligation while helping a child receive a Christian education. Donations made to the YES Fund for Kids by December 31, 2008, are eligible for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on 2008 Arizona tax forms.
Please consider making your donation to the YES Fund designating Southwestern Christian School, FCC's school, as the recipient. Your donations will help students who are in financial need. YES Funds are often the only way some of these students can afford to attend SWCS. For more information and donation forms on the YES! program, please contact Angela Hunt at (928) 314-0033,Todd Hirte in the Fishtails Bookstore, or visit us on the web at www.azyesfund.org. |
 International Initiatives
The following is just one comment received, from the more than 100 people who attended, following the Concert of Prayer for the Persecuted Church on November 16.
"The Concert of Prayer for the persecuted church was outstandingly inspiring and meaningful. It would seem concern, compassion, and connection with our persecuted family deserves at least one annual Sunday morning worship time and for all Sunday morning classes to be devoted to this. If those persecuted were our biological family members, we would be the first to welcome the inclusion of the whole church. Thank you for piloting this ship for us in a way that we reached the destination."
I want to especially thank Knofel Staton, Jorge Pantoja, Margaret Ware, and Glenn Wright who gave up their precious time to plan for and participate in the prayer time.
Great Time With Tumaini Staff
Dr. Stanley Muntunga and his wife, Rose, the founders of Tumaini Ministries International and Paul Mutendwa, the country director, loved the friendly and welcoming people of FCC. Below is a thank-you note from Paul.
"I greet you in the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is my prayer that you are all doing well in FCC. I wish to inform you that I received your check of USD 500. I, therefore, wish to sincerely take this opportunity to appreciate your generosity and kindness you extended to me. Please note that I was very happy, and I do pray to God to continue blessing your church. I also want to thank you for welcoming me warmly to your church. I was glad to meet so many church groups especially the Sunday School kids. This was a big encouragement to me and Tumaini at large. I was really blessed and I learned a lot through my stay. It was my pleasure to meet and share with so many friends and donors of FCC. The congregation is a wonderful one and I was impressed to see so many of you committed to serving the Living God and the love you have for Tumaini kids.
I heard and know the plans you have as far as serving God and extending your love and kindness to others outside Yuma. I will, and always, pray for FCC. God bless you so much as you prepare for Christmas and the New Year of 2009. Once again thank you so much."
Blessings,
Paul M. MUTENDWA,
Tumaini, KENYA
Thanksgiving Dinner With International Students From AWC
Ten FCC families volunteered to have a student from another country in their home for Thanksgiving. Fourteen students signed up for host homes. The next step will be to contact both hosts and students to see if they wish for this relationship to be an on-going one. This new outreach would have not been possible if Claudia Garrido, herself an international student, was not working for the IS department at AWC. Her many long hours of contacting students and hosts helped make the day a blessing for all involved.
Please speak to me, Paul Mondragon, or Claudia Garrido if you are interested in spending time with a student from another country.
If you volunteered to host a student and were not contacted, please forgive us and do not give up. We are all new at this, and at the last minute we found out that federal privacy regulations prevented Claudia from giving me phone numbers or e-mail addresses. But we learn as we go, and next year we will know to get that permission from the students as they sign up.
National Missionary Convention in Tulsa Inspiring and Informative
Four of us from FCC traveled to Tulsa last week to attend the National Missionary Convention of Christian Churches. The six worship services used the texts of Luke 4:18, 19 and Isaiah 61. In Luke 4 Jesus says, "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
Throughout the convention this passage, quoted from Isaiah was referred to as, "the marching orders of the church." It was said that for too long we have emphasized the Great Commissions found at the end of all four gospels and in Acts 1:8 as our mandate to reach the world.
From the beginning of his ministry Jesus made it clear he had come to seek and save the lost no matter their ethnicity. One especially electrifying speaker said he wanted to call his message "World Dominion," but was afraid of how it would be received. He also said if the church is not preaching the Good News to the poor, it is not preaching the whole gospel.
Another speaker referred to the text as The Jesus Manifesto. He pointed out that there are 2000 verses in the Bible that speak about the poor. He also said, "Tonight, 30,000 children will starve to death." He and his family minister in the slums of Bangkok. He said, "Pity sees and walks away, compassion sees and stays to serve."
Many workshops carried out the theme of Isaiah 61 as in Business as Mission, holistic ministry, proclaiming release for the poor and oppressed, Christian and International justice issues, the Persecuted Church, the need for clean water, the problems of human trafficking, HIV/AIDS and the sex trade. One of the workshops on Business AS Mission was led by a mentor and former co-worker of Walter Ridgleys. He has spent 32 years doing relief and development work.
I sat on a panel with 3 other Mission Ministers where for 90 minutes people doing missions in the local churches were given the opportunity to ask us questions. It was a lot of fun. You just pray you say the right thing to help the individuals asking questions. There are always people who are discouraged because their elders and or Senior Ministers do not support them. I am again thankful we do not have that problem here.
One important part of the convention is visiting the exhibits of over 400 missions/missionaries in our brotherhood. We try to have meals with those we support who are also at the convention. As usual these were precious times of fellowship.
On the day before the convention started I spent, from 9 am to 9 pm praying and sharing with 33 other Mission Ministers from all over the country. I was surprised that the economy was not the main topic of discussion. Without exception every church was moving forward as if we were experiencing a robust, growing economy. One individual said that they raise all their money for Missions one weekend in October. In 2007, they were still trying to reach their goal of 1.1 million dollars in November. This year they exceeded their goal the first weekend.
I came away from the convention proud of the history of faithfulness of this church in always putting world evangelization first but at the same time aware of how much there is to do. Pray for me, the Missions Ministry Team and the Elders as decisions are made for the coming year.
Short-term Schedule To Be Out Soon
Now that the house is completed on the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Globe, and the Concert of Prayer and the Convention are behind me, I will begin to work on trips for next year. Hopefully a brochure of all trips will be published before the first of the year. Applications for the Kenya and Chile teams will be available at the same time. Stay tuned.
News From Ridgleys in Thailand
I'm sure you have been hearing about the turmoil going on here in Thailand. The political situation is very tense right now and could go either way. Rarely, in recent times, has a movement earned the description "reactionary" with such justification as the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leading the current street campaign to oust Thailand's government. It wants to return the country to a 1980s-style regime in which the rural population was considered too uneducated to vote, and government was based on the royal family, the army, and Bangkok's prosperous middle class from which the movement is predominantly drawn.
Its latest effort to displace the government, led by prime minister Somchai Wongsonat, has closed Bangkok's airport and threatens widespread violence. This strategy is designed to provoke an army coup and royal intervention which would force Mr. Somchai out of office.
There were some demonstrations in Chiang Mai as well last week, and the father of the leader of the government opposition group was killed. However, we have not heard of any further violence or demonstrations up here since then. Most of the activity is in Bangkok. The prime minister is operating out of Chiang Mai, and they are planning to have the ASEAN (the Association of South East Asian Nations) meetings up here instead of Bangkok. There is talk that the meetings will be cancelled unless the situation improves. Friday is the King's birthday, so there is a call to resolve all of this before then. In all the years we have been here, this is the most divided we have seen the Thai people. Please continue to keep Thailand in your prayers.
Because He Lives,
Laretta K. Shrader, Missions Minister | |
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