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First Christian Church Guidepost
3261 S. Avenue 6E
Yuma AZ 85365
(928) 726-5616
June 3, 2009 | |
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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
Lynette Berry,
Women's Ministry Director
Deborah Stewart,
School Administrator
Sandra Gist,
Christian Counselor
Elders
Jack DeLange
Tom Dyson Ron Miller
Lynn Ware
Mike Watson
Glenn Wright
Alternative Worship:
Saturdays, 6 pm
Worship Services: Sundays
9:30 and 11 am
Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday,
8 am-4:30 pm |
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Worship Service Attendance:
5/3 1166
5/10 1195
5/17 1201
5/24 1111
5/31 1062 |
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Congratulations to Christopher and Kristie Wendt on the birth of their daughter, Bailey Nikole, born on May 22. She weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces and was 21 inches long. |
New Members
Baptisms:
Christine Wright, Cassandra Salas
Transfers:
Christopher and Kristie Wendt, Jim and Alison Howell, Angie Byrd, and Michael Steve |
Our Deepest Sympathy
to Lois Ramsdale in the recent passing of her sister, Wilma.
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, Vicki Peterson, James Frazier, Phyllis Sollers, Sharon Fraser, Jamey Thimell, Luanne Watson, Judy Dyson, Mike Boren, Christy Heaton, Bruce Griswold
Health/Recovery
Arthur Guiles, Tim Beeman, Deborah Rapp, Sharon Womer, Judy Stroh, Richard Parks, Ray Rodgers, Marion Tompkins, Shirley Johns, 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, Bonnie Benbrooks, Judy Echols, Kaiya Dyson |
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Rancho de Los Ninos Needs For This Month: 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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Thank You
Dear Church Family,
We want to thank each of you for all your prayers, calls, cards, and visits while we were waiting for surgery and during and after the surgery. They helped more than you'll ever know. Les is home now and doing well. God is so good.
In His love,
Les and Pat Willis | |
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It's time for Vacation Bible School!
You're invited to our Studio Go! sound
stage where children will learn to Go!
just like Jesus told them.
June 28 - July 1
(Sunday through Wednesday)
5 - 8 pm
Ages 3 years through 5th grade
Registration is free if you sign up before
June 24th
($5 per child if you register after June 24)
Sign up at the Kidz Check-In Counter or call Rick Keeling at the Church Office at 726-5616. |
 FROM THE MINISTER'S DESK:
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:25
Summer is upon us, triple digits and all! Just wanted to encourage all of you by telling you to enjoy your time away from the heat. We will miss you, but everyone needs to go on vacation. Hope you and your family have some great time set aside to spend together in a cooler place.
Please remember, as you leave, it is more important than ever with the times the way they are to faithfully leave your tithe and building fund commitments behind. When you leave, the church is still here meeting needs and telling people about Jesus. We are still in the black, but this is our "lean" season. Please don't forget about the church when it comes to your finances.
Also, as you travel, make sure to set aside time to go to worship. It will give you a chance to see new things and new churches, glean new ideas, and to be thankful for what we have here in Yuma.
Make sure you don't lay off the daily reading of God's Word this summer. Be faithful, get in those three chapters a day, and watch God work in your life. Enjoy the summer!
Because of Him, Dan
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Small Boats Save Thousands! 
Phillip Krueger, Associate Minister
It was May 1940. Winston Churchill had just become prime minister of Britain. Adolph Hitler's army had already invaded and conquered Poland, Norway, Denmark, Holland, Luxembourg, and Belgium. The French and English armies bravely tried to stop the oncoming enemy, but after 40 days of fighting, the Allied forces were in complete retreat.
They made it as far as the English Channel. Approximately 500,000 British and French soldiers found themselves trapped in the tiny coastal town known as Dunkirk. The advancing German army was only 15 miles away, and their airplanes were already bombing a helpless Dunkirk. The Allied troops were doomed. They sent out desperate calls for help. They would be killed or imprisoned in a matter of days. In this seemingly impossible situation, the churches in Britain called for a day of prayer to be held on Sunday, May 26. Only God's intervention could save their families and friends and protect and provide a way out. Two things happened almost immediately. On the evening of the National Day of Prayer, an order was issued for boats of all sizes and shapes to cross the English Channel to rescue as many men as possible. The large naval ships couldn't get close enough to the beaches for rescue, so small boats were critical for transporting soldiers to the larger ships or all the way back to the British shores.
Meanwhile, the morning after the call for a National Day of Prayer, Hitler ignored the advice of his generals and ordered his armies to hold their positions. Thunderstorms and thick fog made it impossible for Hitler's planes to fly and bomb Dunkirk. Dunkirk remained under a cloak of darkness for about two weeks. Owners of thousands of small boats took the challenge of saving the lost. They knew with the current weather conditions that the waters of the English Channel would be extremely dangerous for small boats. They also knew that German ships could sink them easily. But they also knew that not taking action at this critical point in history would have devastating consequences. So they chose to take the risk. In all, 336,000 were rescued with small boats as the rescuers made numerous trips back and forth across the English Channel.
First Christian Church is made up of small and medium-sized boats called TLC groups. We don't have enough small boats available to rescue the thousands of desperate people in our city, let alone those in our church who have lost jobs, retirement income, homes, and are under constant bombardment from the enemy of our souls, Satan. The people who are in these small boats find themselves safe in the company of people who can help.
I have two requests. Be looking for a small boat, a TLC group, to climb into. Plus, if God has given you a small boat, a home that you can use to rescue others, please pray about using it to save others. There are so many easy Bible studies that you can do in your home, all you need is the courage to be available to be used by God. Take the risk! Call me (Phillip) at 726-5616. We need you!
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 International InitiativesInternational Ministries
As the Yuma streets empty out and the weather heats up, it would be easy to assume that things slow down here at FCC.
Not so. As a staff we run all year, and when summer comes, we sprint. This is certainly true of the International Initiatives Department. For the first time in the history of the church we have two families sent out by FCC home on furlough at the same time.
The Robertson Family of Mountain View School in Indonesia will be here May 25 - July 31.
The Ridgley Family of North Burma Christian Mission in Thailand will be here June 1 - August 5.
Also, Linda Stanton of Kulpahar Kids Home in India will be here May 8 - December 1.
All will be doing some traveling to see family and other supporting churches. Please pray as all travel and for their time with friends and family. But while they are in Yuma, I urge you to invite them to share with your small group, or invite them to lunch or dinner.
There will be a church-wide celebration on July 18 & 19 to learn of the work these dedicated servants and others are doing around the world. We have invited other partnership organizations that are close by to be part of that weekend.
Dale and Diana Lawrence of Arizona Reservation Ministries in Globe will be here, and registration for the weekends we will be building another home on the San Carlos Apache Reservation will begin. The dates are: September 4-7 (Labor Day Weekend); September 25-27; and October 23-25. Other groups will work on the house in between times. The plan is for the home to be finished that last weekend in October, and the team that is there, and any others that can come back, will get to be part of the House Blessing. This is a time of prayer and thanksgiving. The keys to the home are given to the family along with other gifts.
Joe and Rosie Nix will be here to represent Niños de Baja. There will also be booths for Tumaini International Ministries, IberoAmerican Ministries, and the Liles Family in Southeast Asia. Also represented will be the International Student Ministry and the Living Free Recovery Center. There will be a booth with material concerning the Persecuted Church and how we can help by praying for our brothers and sisters in chains around the world. There will be opportunities to sponsor AIDs orphans thru Tumaini and International Students right here in Yuma on the AWC campus. All in all, this will be an exciting weekend which we hope will leave you with a heart for the things that break the heart of God and a better understanding of the outreach of FCC. It begins right here in our Jerusalem and extends to the ends of the earth.
Betsy Brown and I met with representatives of the International Student Department from AWC last week. They want us to be as involved as possible with their students from other countries. The FCC families are already sponsors, and any new ones who sign up for a student in July will be invited to a beginning of term party at AWC in August.
On a personal note, I am particularly glad to be part of this branch of God's family. Many, many people helped make our daughter Cyndi's wedding a memorable event. We are eternally grateful. What a privilege to be part of a huge, caring family.
Because He Lives, Laretta K. Shrader | |
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 For God So Loved the World...
Alan Dyson, Involvement Minister
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 is probably the most famous verse in all of Scripture. If you grew up in the church, you learned it early on in Sunday school. If you are a sports fan, more than likely you have seen it written on cardboard signs at major sporting events held up by some guy with very colorful clown hair. It is a verse that you just can't be around the church much and not hear. Yet, as much as we hear this verse, and as much as we tell it to one another, it seems that we struggle with actually living it. I think that most of us in the church believe that there is a Jesus, but to actually believe IN Him is something we struggle to do. We have read about His life, felt His spirit, seen His miracles, and yet our lives go unchanged, unmoved, and unrighteous. I am beginning to think that this happens, not so much because we don't have enough experience with Jesus, but perhaps it is because we have too much experience with Him, we just don't recognize it. Every second of our lives we are surrounded by the miracles of Christ. The breath we breathe, the beauty we see, the joy we experience, all of these are gifts from our Lord Jesus. And yet, we still struggle believing that Jesus can truly be what he says he is and do what he says he can do. Don't believe me? Ask yourself when was the last time you trusted Jesus with the things that you are struggling with. When did you last put your relationships, your finances, your career firmly into God's hands and trust that whatever the outcome is, it is for His glory? Too often we try to control everything around us and believe in our power and our intelligence. May God grant us the courage to follow Him, the ability to trust in Him, and the faith to truly believe in Him. May each of us be challenged to see the world around us and recognize Jesus in the very miracles that surround us. Let us give thanks to our Lord for all that he does for us, in us, and through us. God Bless.
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Second-Half Adult Ministries
Jerry Elzey, Pastoral Care Minister
Aloneness doesn't always necessarily mean lonliness. But whether one is living alone by choice, or whether he is a victim of unfortunate circumstances, more likely than not, lonliness has become a way of life. Many of us, and maybe not too long ago for some, have lost their mate in death after spending most of their life together. So we know what it's like. And sadly, divorce is not uncommon among those in their second half of life either.
To compound matters even more, a person living alone may be going through some tough financial times. Or he/she may be experiencing a health condition that is drastically affecting his/her already diminished outlook on life. There may be estranged family members, causing a person to feel all the more alone. Any combination of these kinds of conditions can even lead one to suicidal thoughts. And, unfortunately, many times it does.
Even though it's been proven that women living alone tend to make more of an effort than do men in venturing out and becoming socially involved again, it's not easy for either. It's a hard adjustment to a new way of life for both.
This is where we, as "salt" and "light," can make a lasting difference in someone's life of loneliness. Especially those in our own age group, whether in their fifties or nineties. Most of the time, it won't be someone we already know. And more times than not, they may even still be of the world.
All it might take is a simple act of sharing with them a fresh baked piece of pie or cake, or some special treat you have just made, or asking them to have a cup of coffee with you. He, or she, may be a neighbor, or someone who is related to a friend of yours. And don't feel inadequate. You won't be doing it alone. Jesus promised, "I'll be with you, always." If this doesn't work for you, take advantage of a holiday or some special occasion that would make you feel a little less conspicuous. Rememer, they're not seeing you, they're seeing Jesus in you.
This next Saturday, June 6, could be one of those occasions for you to invite someone to join you for breakfast (and it's free!) For all second-halfers 50+, and their guests, there will be a potluck breakfast here in the church cafe from 8:30-10:00 am. All tableware, as well as coffee, tea, juice, and milk, will be provided. Carlos Ochoa, executive chef for Yuma Regional Medical Center will be our guest speaker. Hope you (and your guest) can make it!
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Back by Popular Demand!
Bunko Party
(It's super easy to learn if you've never played)
Sunday, June 14 * 4-6 pm * FCC Café
Featuring a FABULOUS Coffee Bar!
No need to pre-register - just come!
Bring a favorite snack, and bring a friend. Bunko prizes will be awarded. If table
games are not your thing...just come, gab with a friend, and help yourself to the
fabulous coffee bar!
Summer Bible Studies
Tuesday Mornings - Starting June 23, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Wednesday Evenings - Starting June 24, 6:45 - 8:15 pm
"Victoriously Frazzled"by Cindi Wood
(Author, speaker, and founder of Frazzled Female Ministries)
"Victoriously Frazzled" is a print-driven study helping women understand the Spirit
God has given them. The goal is to lead women into the presence of God-right in the
midst of their "frazzledness." By doing so, women will gradually pull back from confusion
and doubt, from fear and self, and allow God's Spirit to have His way in their lives.
Cindi Wood has accumulated 20 years of experience working with teachers, students,
business leaders, and corporate administrators helping them learn how to combat stress
by managing time, developing a sense of humor, and learning to organize. In recent years
she has felt a clear call to focus her experience and abilities on ministering to Christian women who, in spite of their faith, feel overwhelmed. Whether you are going to be here all summer,
or in and out, this study will work with your schedule.
Registration will begin June 7 in the Main Lobby after each service, or sign up on the church website-www.fccyuma.org. Plan to spend time in God's Word, and share girlfriend time this summer Tuesday morning or Wednesday evening.
*If you have recently borrowed the Beth Moore Bible Study, Stepping Up- A Journey Through the
Ascent of Psalms, please return it to the Church Office.
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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:
Summer Time!!
Welcome to summer! Yay, school is over!! Now it is time to begin enjoying your summer! We will have a busy, fun-filled summer, so be prepared to spend lots of time fellowshipping and enjoying one another as Christians!
Sports Night!!
Among the things that we will be doing is "Sports Night" which will happen every Tuesday night, beginning June 9 at 6:30 p.m. We will be having a ton of fun, so even if you don't want to play the games we are playing, come hang out with us anyway! We will be doing lots of fun things on sports nights, so be sure to be there, and bring a friend!
Service Projects!!
We will be having various service projects throughout the summer as well, so watch for chances to serve others! We will keep you posted about the different things we will be doing to be Jesus' hands and feet! |
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FCC Children's Ministry Presents:
Beat The Heat! A Family Summer Camping Retreat.
Come with us to Fool Hollow Lake in beautiful Show Low, AZ. We will
do some tent camping (don't worry, there are modern bathrooms and showers), fishing, swimming, games, worship, and classes for the whole family. This trip is designed to help the family become strong and well bonded. Plus, it will only be in the 70s or 80s!
Depart FCC: Wednesday, July 15 @ 5:00 am
Return to FCC: Friday, July 17 @ 8 pm
For: All Families
Cost: $100 per family/per vehicle
Your cost covers all camping and vehicle fees while at the state park, as well as dinner the first night and all meals through lunch the day of departure. All families will need to take their own transportation or carpool with another family that will be attending. You will also be responsible for your own gasoline and meals on the way up and back. Call Rick Keeling at the Church Office at 726-5616 for more information.
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Single Parenting that Works
Raising Well-Balanced Kids in an Off-Balance World
FCC is proudly offering a new parenting course on DVD by Dr. Kevin Lehman, hosted by Rick Keeling. The course is designed specifically for the single parent and the issues that are unique to their environment. The course is six weeks in length and will cover such topics as:"How to Bring Stability to the Home" and "Understanding Your Child's Personality."
Start Date: Sunday, June 14, 2009
End Date: Sunday, July 26, 2009
Time: 9:30 am to 10:30 am
Location: Room 255
Workbooks will be provided for all in attendance. You do not have to be single to attend this class. For more information, contact Rick Keeling at 726-5616.
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The God's Way of Handling Money class began last Sunday, May 31. Those who are still interested in joining the class may call Jay Laughlin at 342-0346 or 783-2830 for an update on the first session. This week's lesson covers what the Bible says about work. The class will run 10-12 weeks. |
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All God's Creatures need towels...lots and lots of towels!
Because FCC continues to set the standard for reaching out to the Yuma community, your fellowship team is joining this effort in a somewhat different way by sponsoring a "towel drive" to benefit the Humane Society of Yuma. Old, still useable, clean towels are desperately needed in the care and maintenance of the many four-footed "creatures" being housed at the shelter. HSOY will divide our donations into 3 categories as follows...
"The Good, the Bad and the Ugly"
*Towels that are still in good, absorbent condition will be placed with "The Second Paw" thrift store for resale thereby benefiting HSOY. Faded bad towels, with frayed edges, bleach spots, etc. will be used for bathing the little animals as well as lining their beds...and even the ugly (thin, threadbare, ratty) are appreciated for the never-ending task of cleaning the kennels. As you can see, the need is great.
And then be watching for details surrounding our cool "Root-Beer Floats and More!" celebration, the wrap-up to this fun campaign! The date and time of this party is Friday, July 31 at 4 p.m...location to be announced. Shanen Aranmor of HSOY will be our guest speaker, plus we'll have live music and other surprises too! In hopes of raising even more awareness of this critical need at the shelter and perhaps getting other churches involved as well, Shanen will be alerting everyone to our "towel drive" during her "pet of the week" segment on Wednesday mornings between 8 and 9 am on KCFY FM (88.1). I've already gone out on a "paw" by suggesting she bring a semi-trailer to the party...for hauling all those towels that are sure to be donated by our loving, caring, sharing FCC family.
Remember...His little "creatures" are depending on us!
Eva Elzey 314-3975 (H) 210-1868 (C)
*Very Important...please do not bring towels to the church building. For those unable to attend our wrap-up party, we will set a separate date for collection. All towels must be clean and bagged...thank you!
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Keep up with the adventures of DeeDee Baumgarner in Iraq by reading her blog on the FCC website: www.fccyuma.org. | |
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