From the Senior Minister…

In the sermon we heard in the sanctu-

ary, I skillfully worked my way from

Mark 6 to the new goals we set as a

Cabinet last week. In a word, amongst all

the new ideas and suggestions, we whittled things

down to one word—“connection”. The most impor-

tant thing we see God calling us to do in 2015 is to

connect with God, with our community and world

through service, with one another through caring

and worshiping together and growing together, and

through training—the opportunity to grow and get

better. All those gathered for our Cabinet Meeting

last week agreed that if we do these things well, we

will find that all of our other goals (growth in

numbers, growth in giving, broader leadership base,

more efforts to make a difference in the community,

etc.) will come to pass.

With that connection piece in mind we will gather

this Sunday. Now, I encourage you to enter through

one of the new entrances and arrive a little bit early

to enjoy some fellowship time before we go in to

worship. Then of course, following worship, I hope

(continued on page 2)

WHAT A DAY IT WAS!

February 8, 2015, will long be remembered as

one of the great days in the history of First Christian

Church Tyler. On that day we opened our new facili-

ties, made ourselves at home within them, and dedi-

cated those facilities and ourselves to God—that all

of this would be to his glory.

How can I say thank you enough for all of your

prayers, work, time, money, expertise, wisdom, and

love. I had a “moment” standing off stage during our

dedication when I looked out at all of you —and I

welled up with emotion. This is the moment we have

been planning for nearly 6 years. Happy people proud

of being around one another, praising God for all of

his many blessings, and for the opportunities God

places before us to worship, care, serve, and grow.

As I looked out, I saw a little bit of everybody—

young and old and everything in between. Faces of

people we see every week, and faces of people we

haven’t seen in years. The visitors I spoke with were

very impressed, or better said, we’re blown away by

your energy and Spirit in this place.

First Christian Church—”Spread the Word”. God

(continued on page 2)

MISSION: To speak and live for Christ in our community and world. VISION: To be a worshipping community in which all people

are transformed through the love of Jesus Christ.

At First Christian Church…

We believe God wants to transform our lives individually and collectively for His purpose. In everything we do, we speak and live for Christ. The way we do that is simply to take God’s love and our God given gifts and talents into the world to make a difference. We gather on Sundays to worship and refuel.

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH - Tyler, Texas www.fcctyler.org February 11, 2015 Vol. 58 No. 4

WEEK OF COMPASSION OFFERING

Our special offering for Week of Compassion (WOC)

will be received Sunday, February 15th. This offering

will be used throughout the year and around the world by

WOC to provide emergency and long-term assistance to

people in the aftermath of both man-made and natural

catastrophes (see insert). Our goal is $5,000. Please mark your gift “WOC”.

2

WHAT A DAY (continued from page 1)

really is up to something BIG in our midst!

Here’s a good effort at saying “thank you” to so many who poured their

lives into this project over the last week, month, year and years. Our 2020

Vision Team-Nick Vandegriff, Charlie Seagraves, Jim Rapp, Richard Davis,

Price Simmons, Robert Patterson, Brenda Gilliam, Robin Insalaco, Mary

Brazzel, and ex-officios Ginger Brandt and myself. Later in the game we

added Richard Perryman and Dave Hill. Building Committee-LARRY

DAVIS, the late Ron Brazzel, and Greg Morgan (recently we welcomed

Steve Brock and Don Simmons). Decorating Committee-Linda Dorsey,

Charlotte Halbert, and Nancy Patterson. Among the list of those who have

just been around last week-David & Libby Lowry, Wayne Aaron, Dale &

Susan Barton, Susy Teegarden, Rob Mason, and Ombra Hughes. I want to

thank our staff for their tireless efforts these past weeks, particularly Alan

Apilado, Gil Pagkaliwangan and Tyler Acker, our custodians who have

worked an incredible schedule; Dave Hill, Tricia Anderson, Zana Byers,

Nancy Grant and Jill Swan for making the office work; Robert Goodrich and

Ginger Brandt, as well, and the Praise Team. Finally, thank you to all of our

who participated in our dedication-Dr. Sidney Spain, who has yet to be

mentioned in this article, Ryan Wang for videotaping our dedication, Percy Wang and Dave Maland

for the beautiful music, and Linda Davis, Margaret Rapp and the Membership Ministry Team for the food.

Truly, I have never seen anything like it. I loved every minute of it and I love that I get to share these

moments and this new space with all of you, my church family.

Your Friend and Pastor,

Chris

P.S. This Sunday, February 15th, we will begin our new schedule: 9:30 - concurrent worship services,

10:30 - Gathering Time, 10:45 - Christian education for all ages.

Adult Sunday School

Believers Class

Rob Bradford

Job

Disciples Class

Mary Waldrop

Seekers Class

Jackie Littleton

Cana

“Experiencing the

Words of Jesus”

The Choir/Forum Class

Troy Smith

Genesis Class

“Current Issues”, using the

Rob Bell NOOMA Series.

Koinonia Class

Michael Lewis

Café Class Study in conjunction with

our Children’s Ministry.

Meet in Children’s Chapel

(north of kitchen

in main building)

FROM THE SENIOR MINISTER (continued from page 1)

that you will all come and spend 15 minutes talking, caring for, and getting to know one another. As we

have guests among us, please engage them in meaningful conversation. Find out what they are looking for

in a church, if possible. Get their contact information so you can contact them later in the week to answer

questions they may have about our church. Please invite them to your Sunday School Class so they may

find that sense of family we all so enjoy.

2015 is going to be a banner year for us…“Spread the Word”.

Your Friend and Pastor,

Chris

COMING SOON…

Newcomers Brunch - March 1st at 10:45

Newcomer’s Class - March 22nd & 29th, and

April 5th at 10:45 a.m.

Friday, March 6th - Contemporary Christian

artist and former FCC Praise Team Leader

Ben Clark in concert in the new worship space,

7 p.m. A love offering will be received.

March 22nd - “Launch” (Grand Opening) at FCC

when we open our new facilities to the commu-

nity. Start making your list of those you will

invite. “I added another name today—how about

you?”

3

THANK YOU…

We thank the church for all the prayers and support

you gave us through the difficult time we endured dur-

ing Mary Padden’s struggle with life after the terrible

wreck. She did not live through the many injuries she

encountered during this time, but we felt all the loving

thoughts and support that came our way from you.

Many thanks,

Chris Faulk

Women’s Coffee Ministry Begins

Sunday, February 15! The Disciples Women’s Ministry gratefully thanks First

Christian Church for supporting the new Coffee Ministry

which takes place at the Coffee Bar of Disciples Hall every

Sunday at 9:15, before the 9:30 a.m. worship services, and

from 10:30-10:45 a.m. between worship services and

Sunday school.

FCC DWM supports the Disciples Coffee Project.

Started in 2008, the Disciples of Christ Coffee Project is a collaboration

between Equal Exchange (http://equalexchange.coop/), Disciples Home

Missions (https://www.discipleshomemissions.org/dhm/dhm-ministries/

environment/doc-coffee-project/), and Week of Compassion (http://www.

weekofcompassion.org/) to involve more Disciples in supporting small farmers

around the world.

Since the Women’s Coffee Ministry will purchase their coffee from Equal

Exchange, each cup of coffee you purchase will support the ministries listed

above. As a special bonus, there will also be a small percentage that supports

the women’s ministries here at First Christian Church, Tyler. This will be an

ongoing, year-round ministry.

If you like organic coffee using filtered water, you will love this coffee!

Plus, we will offer flavoring syrups and half & half creamer. The price for a 12

oz. cup is $1.00. However, visitors receive a free cup of coffee, plus an insu-

lated Equal Exchange mug! So if you bring or meet a visitor, please direct

them to the coffee bar!

A Few Things to Note:

Coffee is not allowed in the Sanctuary during worship, but it is allowed in the Contemporary

Worship Center.

We offer lids and appreciate you using them.

Free Church coffee (Folger’s) will also available at another location in Disciple’s Hall.

Happy Birthday!!

2/15 Martha Baldwin

Darrian Miller

2/17 Rachel Gardner

Mary Ann Exum

Jerry Landrum

2/18 Lorie Richardson

John Mustard

Scarlet Clay

Sophia Clay

2/20 Brenda Baker

2/21 Doris Kendall

2/23 Cody Burke

Brian Insalaco

Sandy Dasenbrock

2/24 Miles Brandt

David Bratz

2/25 Jacob Gardner

2/26 Tom Johnson

2/27 Jeff Billings

Russ Patterson

Happy Anniversary!!

2/28 Ray & Janet

Stephenson

WATCH FCC’S DEDICATION on

our Facebook page or go to our website

(www.fcctyler.org.)

UT TYLER/TJC CHOIRS

TO PERFORM

Mark your calendars!! The UT Tyler & TJC choirs

will perform in a combined concert Saturday, February

28th, 6 p.m. at 1st Presbyterian Church.

4

Shower for

Baby Boy Brandt

Come One, Come All!

Men, Women & Children!

First Christian Church Disciples Hall

Sunday, March 1

2:00-4:00

Selections: Babies R Us, Target

Hosted By: FCC Friends

THANK YOU...

Dear Chris and FCC Friends,

Thank you so much for all that you did for our family after

the passing of our mother and grandmother, Marcia Drake.

The Memorial Service was truly a tribute to her life and the

luncheon served by the Bereavement Committee meant a lot to

our family. We also appreciate opening your pulpit to Richard

and Josh, as FCC has been an integral part in their lives.

Thank you, and God bless you all.

The family of Marcia Drake

DO YOU NEED ANY

COFFEE, TEA OR

CHOCOLATE FOR

PERSONAL USE?

Disciples Women’s

Ministry is ordering coffee

for the Coffee Bar in Disciples Hall and

will be glad to also order for individuals at

this time. We are ordering: Organic Mind,

Body, Soul ($11 per pkg); Hazelnut Crème

($12 per pkg); Toffee Caramel ($12 per

pkg); and Mighty Morning ($12 per can).

We will also be ordering Organic Green

Mint tea and Organic English Breakfast tea.

There are 20 bags per box for $4.50. Our

chocolate order will consist of: Organic Hot

Cocoa ($7.50 per can), Organic Ecuador

Dark Chocolate bar ($4) and Organic Dark

Chocolate Caramel Crunch with Sea Salt

bar ($4). Purchases benefit Third World

Farmers (see article page 3). Please let

Kaye Kraus know by Wednesday, February

18th if you are interested (903-581-8308 or

ktkraus@suddenlink.net).

AFTER THE RENOVATION SALE

Sunday, February 15th

Announcing the “AFTER THE RENOVATION” SALE

in the Christian Life Center (in the just vacated church office)

this Sunday morning. Come take a look. Furniture, pictures,

accessories and more will be for sale.

OUR PRAYER

GARDEN

Plans for the

Prayer Garden are

complete. Installation

will begin soon.

PRAYER DURING THE

LENTEN SEASON

Lent is a special season of the church –

a time of meditation leading up to our

celebration of Holy Week and Easter. As

a way to share in the experience of Lent,

you are invited to come each Wednesday

during the noon hour for a few moments

of silent personal prayer. Knowing we all

have different schedules, this quiet time

in the sanctuary will be a come-and-go

opportunity with a Lenten prayer sugges-

tion provided in the altar area each week.

We will begin Wednesday, February 25th.

Come and know the blessing of quiet

"listening" prayer.

Bev Wood/Prayer Ministry Group

(bbeckerwood@yahoo.com)

5

A GREAT DAY AT FCC’S DEDICATION

Dr. Chris Pulliam spoke at the Dedication.

Percy & Ryan Wang and Dave Maland provided entertainment.

Gathering in Disciples Hall. The Membership Ministry Team

provided refreshments.

WORSHIP FEBRUARY 15, 2015 Traditional Worship Contemporary Worship

Ginger Brandt preaching Robert Goodrich preaching

Elders: Chris & Ginger Faulk Elder: Brenda Gilliam

WORSHIP FEBRUARY 22, 2015

Traditional Worship Contemporary Worship

Chris Pulliam preaching Robert Goodrich preaching

Deacon Team Leader: Wayne Aaron

ATTENDANCE

February 1st

11:00 a.m. - 252

Sunday School - 151

February 8th

Total Worship - 320

Church Calendar

Sunday, February 15th

9:30 AM - Concurrent Worship

Traditional (sanctuary)

Alternative (worship space)

10:30 AM - Gathering—

Disciples Hall

10:45 AM - Sunday School

12:00 PM - Youth Ministries

Monday, February 16th 5:00 PM - 1st Year Greek Class

6:00 PM - 2nd Year Green Glass

Tuesday, February 17th

7:00 AM - Elders breakfast

6:00 PM - Handbell rehearsal

7:00 PM - Choir Rehearsal

Wednesday, February 18th 8:00 AM - Breakfast/Bible Study

Ash Wednesday in sanctuary

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 19th

7:05 AM - R2D2 Men’s Study

6:30 PM - Praise Band Rehearsal

Sunday, February 22nd

9:30 AM - Concurrent Worship

Traditional (sanctuary)

Contemporary (worship space)

10:30 AM - Gathering-

Disciples Hall

10:45 AM - Sunday School

Youth Ministry

3:00 PM - Jr. High

4:00 PM - Open gym

5:00 PM - Sr. High

6

Joys & Concerns

Congratulations to Tony Mourelatos and Barbara Rhodes, who were

married on Saturday, January 31st.

A big night was had by all last Saturday at the Daddy-Daughter Dance at

the Glass Recreation Center — Larry & Grace Cockrum, Dale, Kara

& Kaitlyn Crawford, Mike & Kate Thomas and Chris & Carol Ann

Pulliam. We understand there is a new up and coming group of much

younger girls and dads. Mark your calendar for the first Saturday in

February next year.

Holly Barry is in a St. Louis hospital as #1 on the liver transplant list.

Pray for her and her parents, Joyce Gibbs and Ed Barry.

We extend our sympathies to Sandra Hayes on the passing of her father,

James Cockrell, and to John & Marjorie Mustard on the passing of her

great-niece, Chelsey Watts.

Keep these members and their families in our prayers: Amy

Anderson, Gladys Howard, Rosemary Jackson, Jerry Murphy, Robert

Patterson, Bob & Mary Helen Randall...and our friends: Sara

Bunselmeyer, Jim Denson, Liesel Ferris, Ben Pulliam, and Carly Wallace.

Christian Fellowship First Christian Church

4202 S. Broadway Tyler, Texas 75701

(903) 561-8138 Website: www.fcctyler.org

E-mail: FirstChristian@fcctyler.org

Christian Fellowship (USPS 559960) Published bi-weekly by First Christian Church

4202 S. Broadway, Tyler, TX 75701 Periodical Postage paid at Tyler TX

POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

4202 S. Broadway, Tyler, TX 75701-8721

P.A.T.H. (People Attempting To Help)

has regular weekly needs in receptions,

casework and the food pantry. If you can

help, call Rodd Moffett, Volunteer Coordi-

nator at 903-617-2817.

www.TylerPATH.org