Guidepost November 5, 2009 |
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Remembering Simple Pleasures...
Picnics, friends, laughter, children playing, cupcake walk, baseball, volleyball, face painting, frisbees, and Yuma's wonderful November weather all await you on Saturday, November 14, 2009, from 2:00-5:30 pm on the FCC campus. This simple pleasure is a church picnic sponsored by the TLCs and Sunday School classes. You are an essential part of enjoying our simple pleasures, so please adjust your schedule so that you can attend! All you need to bring is your own picnic lunch with drinks, a lawn chair, or blanket. Please be there!
Simple pleasures begin with God and His people. |
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 From the Minister's Desk
". . . let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our 'God is a consuming fire.'" Hebrews 12:28
I am thankful for a God who loves us and shares His grace and mercy with each of us daily. God has blessed us with every good and perfect gift. He loves us and cares for our every need. God is good! He is willing at any time to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. He is a God of hope!
I am thankful for God's provision for us in a Savior! Jesus took my place on the cross, and in so doing, saved me from my sin. I am thankful for a Savior. I am thankful that He took away the sin of the world and He offers life eternal to any and all who believe in Him.
I am thankful for Christ's body on this earth - the church! With so many positive things going on here at FCC, it is hard not to be thankful. This church is a lighthouse in this community and has been for over 80 years. We have grown over the years, but we are just getting started. There are so many new faces here each week, our job is not finished. We must continue to faithfully lift up the Savior so that He will draw the lost to Himself. That would be the mission of the church!
With so many things to be thankful for, I hope and pray that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving season! Praise be to God! Worship Him!
Because of Him, Dan |
 Angel in Disguise?
Phillip Krueger, Associate Minister
In his book, Come Before Winter, Chuck Swindoll tells this story:
"One semester, a seminary professor set up his preaching class in an unusual way. He scheduled his students to preach on the Parable of the Good Samaritan; and on the day of the class, he choreographed his experiment so that each student would go, one at a time, from one classroom to another where he or she would preach a sermon. The professor gave some students ten minutes to go from one room to the other; to others he allowed less time, forcing them to rush in order to meet the schedule. Each student, one at a time, had to walk down a certain corridor and pass by a bum, who was deliberately planted there, obviously in need of some sort of aid. The results were surprising and offered a powerful lesson to them. The percentage of those good men and women who stopped to help was extremely low, especially for those who were under the pressure of a shorter time period. The tighter the schedule, the fewer were those who stopped to help the indigent man. When the professor revealed his experiment, you can imagine the impact on that class of future spiritual leaders. Rushing to preach a sermon on the Good Samaritan, they had walked past the beggar at the heart of the parable."
This story hit me for a couple of reasons. Many years ago, I preached a sermon (on our old campus) on the topic of the Good Samaritan. I had not read the story above, but I came up with a similar experiment. One of our Elders at that time was a man named Dick Woolf. I asked Dick if he would help me with my sermon that morning. Dick, being a ham, complied. He came to church dressed like a bum and hung around the entrance of the church. Had I not known it was Dick in disguise, I would have never recognized him! He and I watched as many people hurried around him to their pew. He finally came in last and sat on the front row (alone). I introduced my sermon to a somewhat sleepy crowd. Then I asked the bum to stand (to the horror of many). I told them his true identity and asked how many had greeted him. No hands went up, but I heard a general groan from many. Dick told me afterwards that his self-esteem really suffered that morning. What started out as a game for him soon became a heavy feeling of loneliness and rejection.
I say these things because hard times are on many of our number. Be tuned in on people's hurts. Look for those who sit by themselves in the café and in the auditorium. Read the stress on people's faces and respond with love and care. Live the sermon!
Phillip
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 Honored Servants of the Month
Alan Dyson, Involvement Minister
The Solano family is a family that is fully committed to the body of Christ. They serve Jesus and His church with every aspect of their lives.
When I asked them why they serve, I was able to understand how intentional serving is to them. They serve because they love Jesus and in gratitude for what Jesus has done in their lives. They serve because they are saved. They serve because they are free. They serve because they want to be obedient to the commands of God. So often, service is seen as a chore or an obligation. However, it is clear with these two that service is a joy and a privilege. But the Solanos will be the first to tell you that service is not always easy. They serve with joy even when that service isn't easy. "You cannot serve without some sacrifice to your family," Chris told me. He knows that God has only gifted us with so much time. When he gives that time in service he can't be using it somewhere else, like with his four wonderful kids. There have been times when Chris' work with the Living Free Recovery Center has meant long hours late into the evening away from his family. But Chris is assured that those hours are not in vain. Adrea said that it is sometimes hard, but that she can't be selfish with her husband's time because she does not want to take for granted what Jesus has done in and through her husband. If someone else wasn't willing to put that time into Chris that he now pours into others, this couple would not be living in the freedom they are today.
Adrea also reminds us that they serve because they are the stewards of their children. They understand that their children are gifts from God, who they will have for just a short while. They want to make sure that while they do have them, they are filling their lives with Christ, which includes service to others. They both are thrilled when they see the character of Christ shining in their children as they start to serve others as well. This is a family who serves faithfully without thought of reward or recognition. We thank you, Solano family, and we praise God for bringing you into our family. |
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The Revolution has Begun!  Paul Mondragon, Media Minister
With Halloween behind us, and with Thanksgiving and Christmas ahead of us, I pray that each of us will be cognizant of our blessings brought to us by Jesus. With these blessings bestowed to us by Him, and as we grow in maturity and depth, we DO have a responsibility that I think is often forgotten: that we are to make our Christian faith a lifestyle, not an event. As I look across the church landscape, I sense that we feel our Christian responsibility is a weekly one, that we come to church and get that checked off our list. Why do we find this acceptable?
When I study the Gospels, I see that Jesus was not calling people to live a new life only one day a week. Instead, He was calling them to do and be what He himself was doing: starting a Revolution! Jesus was confronting this world of sin, depravity, pride, and selfishness. In the midst of the Revolution, Jesus was bringing hope and blessing to the world and was calling His followers to be living witnesses to the comunities in which they lived.
That's why, starting November 14, Twenty47 is starting a new series called "The Revolution" which is an expository series on the book of
1 John. We want to challenge people to not be content with once-a-week Christianity. We want to challenge people to not be complacent in meeting the needs around them. We want to challenge people to see service in the body of Christ as essential and not optional. We want to challenge people to see that the body of Christ is a family and a community for which occasional involvement is just plain wrong!
If you are ready to move beyond your comfort zone and to live your life as a Revolutionary for the Kingdom, we would love to have you join us. And if you want more information on what being a part of the Revolutuon involves, please let me know. I would love the opportunity to help you see where God might be calling you to join His work.
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New Sunday School Class
Learn the Bible by walking in the shoes of the Hebrews in the promised land...a video series, "That the World May Know," from Focus on the Family, endorsed by Dr. James Dobson. Class starts Sunday, November 8, at 9:30 am in Room 144. Facilitated by David Remmy. |
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New Women's Study
Held in High Esteem: Women Commended by Paul
Imagine what it must have been like to witness firsthand the ministry of Paul! Join us for this six-week study as we gather gems from the lives of each of these women: Eunice and Lois, Lydia, Phoebe, Priscilla, Junia, and women of honor.
These women, recognized by Paul in Romans and Timothy, were more than followers as in Proverbs 1:8, "My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother."
We can learn from these women and gain wisdom to pass on to our families and children together.
New study begins November 9, 2009
This women's group will meet on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month from 10 am--noon in Room 247.
Childcare is available.
For further information, or to RSVP, call Adrea, 503-2561.
"In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence."
Proverbs 14:26a
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Children's Ministries
Rick Keeling, Children's Minister
Les Gompert, Associate Children's Minister
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14
The FCC Children's Ministries Team firmly believes the best place, by far, for children to learn of their Savior and grow in faith is in the home with believing families. That being said, Jesus established the church as a body and gave various gifts to be shared. Throughout the week, we offer a variety of times where children can come and fellowship, learn, and worship.
Wednesdays
Wednesday nights at 7:00 pm is our Faith Weaver Friends program where kids learn in a fun way through crafts, stories, snacks, and games. So, come, check us out! If you've always just come at one particular time, why not spread your wings a little and try something new this week? There are numerous adult Bible classes or worship times that correspond with all of our times.
Saturdays
At 6:00 pm (during Twenty4/7), children ages 3 through (?) have an opportunity to worship and praise. From 6:30-7:15 pm, they will have class time with a Bible lesson and crafts.
Sundays
Each Sunday at 9:30 am, pre-K through K have their worship in "Praise Time" with singing, worship, and Bible story time. Grades 1-5 are in Sunday School classes, then between services they switch! The little guys go downstairs, and the elementary kids take over the Kid Zone Room. During the 11:00 service, the elementary kids have their praise and worship time while the pre-K & Ks have their Sunday School classes. |
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Youth Fellowship Opportunities
9:30 am 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. 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:
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International Initiatives 
Laretta K. Shrader, Missions Minister
Countdown to 2010
Once Halloween is over, it seems Christmas is upon us. There are many ways we can serve others before the year is over, however. International Day Of Prayer For The Persecuted Church
"Persecuted But Not Abandoned" 2 Corinthians 4:9
Just like the Apostle Paul, modern disciples of Christ are routinely hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down. But they are not crushed, despairing, abandoned, or destroyed, because God faithfully sustains and empowers His servants.
FCC prays for Christians persecuted for their faith continually, but each November there is a special emphasis. We are aware that in more than 60 countries Christians are being abused, arrested, tortured, and even executed. More people have died for their faith in Christ in the last 100 years than in all the rest of recorded history combined. It is estimated that 160,000 Christians were killed for their faith in 2008.
November 8 is the International Day Of Prayer For The Persecuted Church. FCC will be marking this important event on both Saturday night at Twenty4/7 and Sunday morning in both services. On Saturday evening there will be special programming geared to kindergarten through fifth grades in the Kidz Zone room upstairs. Dr. Knofel Staton, noted author and teacher, will be bringing the message on Saturday evening from 2 Corinthians 4:8,9. We are trying to get as much information as possible in the hands of our people about the horrific treatment of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Invite an AWC International Student to Thanksgiving Dinner
This will be the second year we have given our church community the opportunity to invite an international student to Thanksgiving dinner. There are over 90 students from 20 different countries registered at AWC. They come from Vietnam, Brazil, Zambia, and other countries. Many of them will never have the opportunity to be in an American home, learn about our customs, and interact with a Christian family. Beth Johnson is the new International Student Coordinator. She will be available on Saturday evenings before and after Twenty4/7, and on Sunday mornings to talk to you about Thanksgiving and about sponsoring a student for the year.
Christmas Shoe Boxes for Niños de Baja (Rancho)
For over 20 years we have provided Christmas gifts for Niños de Baja, formerly Rancho de los Niños. Starting this Saturday evening and Sunday morning, Ken and Peggy Reynolds will be giving out plastic shoeboxes. They are to be filled with books, small toys, crayons, and anything else that will fit in a shoebox and delight a child. Return your box by December 6. You may choose to fill one for a boy or a girl. Peggy will be happy to give you other ideas. These boxes are such a small thing to us, but will mean gasps of delight to children in Mexico.
Because He Lives,
Laretta K. Shrader, Missions Minister
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Circle the Date...
Plans for our first-ever "Sunday Afternoon Merry Christmas Sing-a-Long" are well underway! Special music by Russ Cropley, Scripture and meditation by Dick & Nora Osness, and a hearty audience participation sing-a-long featuring JeanAnn and family are all on the agenda.
Remember...this is a "cooperative effort" party meaning we need your help! Look for inserts in future bulletins explaining how the personal involvement of each person attending will make this special celebration of our Savior's birth even more meaningful. Again, that date is Sunday, December 13...don't forget to circle it!
--Eva Elzey, FCC Fellowship Committee
Colossians 3:23, 24b "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. |
Surprise!
Lynette Toepfer's daughter, Katie Karpik-Pelgrine, and her baby are back from Africa. A surprise baby shower is being planned in their honor. Please call Jozi at 750-1222 for more information. (Gift cards preferred due to circumstances.)
Date: Sunday, November 22
Time: 4-7 pm
Place: FCC Cafe | |
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Searching for Washoes... If you own a Washshoe game that can be borrowed for the church picnic on Saturday, November 14, please contact Lee Henderson at 344-2329. |
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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, Ph.D
Christian Counselor
Elders
Jack DeLange
Tom Dyson
Don Johnson
Ron Miller
Rod Reed
Lynn Ware
Mike Watson
Glenn Wright
Twenty4/7
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:
10/4 1149
10/11 1125
10/18 1223
10/25 1138 |
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New Members
Baptisms:
Ray Wakefield, Joe Sawyer, Ricardo Romero, Edward Sanchez, Marie Chatham, Morgan and Jilian Patterson, Ken and Nicole Wertman, Ashley Duarte, and Jacob Duarte
Transfers:
Virdell Landers, Walter Landers, Gary Chatham, Vivian Lucas, Bob and Reva Sparks, and Theresa Allen |
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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, Joe Vaughn, Jim Newton, and Tammy Kahlen
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, Bonnie Benbrooks, Judy Echols, Kaiya Dyson, Dana Carrier, and Rene Ozuna |
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Our Deepest Sympathy...
to the families of the following people who recently passed away:
Ron and Mona Weaver's son; Crystal Ferger's grandfather; Doug Kallestad's brother, Marty; and Larry Kistner.
Please keep their families in prayer during this difficult time.
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Rancho de Los Ninos needs for this month:
Laundry detergent, fabric softener, and copy paper. Bring these items to the Church Office at any time. Thanks for caring and sharing!
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