Remarks from Pastor Steve - Clover...
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Volume 49 ~ July 19, 2012 ~ Issue 15 Follow us at: www.twitter.com/MattoonFCC Mattoon First Christian Church Web: mattoonfcc.com Hello everyone! Oh my, what a great spirit of unity, community, ministry and mission we are experiencing at First Christian Church. There is some excitement in the air. Mattoon and our surrounding communities are talking about it. We are further developing a church that makes a difference. Acts chapter two gives us a picture of what the first ever church looked like. This church existed as a small group for three hundred years, and they changed their world. Acts 2:44-47 “They devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching, and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer-- (They enjoyed meals together) Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous songs were done by the apostles. ( They worshiped in spirit and truth) All the believers were together and had everything in common. (They were unified) Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone who had need. (They gave sacrificially to the church and shared with those in need) Every day they continued to meet in the temple courts. (They did not forsake assembly, they didn’t miss church) They broke bread together in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of the people. (This fellowship took place in small groups) Look at the results! And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (We are seeing weekly additions to our church- ---can you imagine what our church will look like in six months?) The common denominator for church growth in the early church was the Holy Spirit, unity and fellowship. Are you connected to the fellowship of First Christian Church? We presently offer multiple Sunday school classes for every age at 10 am on Sundays: Classes for children, mixed adults and a women’s class that meets in the library. We are offering a discipleship class, taught by me, every Sunday at 4:30 pm. Every person attending this church should go through this class. This is a connection point. Are you connected to the fellowship in ministry? The bulletin and web page are loaded with service opportunities. These are connection points. This fall you will have the opportunity to connect with a small group. Six groups are under development, more leaders are requested for training. These will be powerful connection points, that will bridge our multiple services, if you participate. This fall you will have the opportunity to sing in our choir. Choir is a ministry and a small group. This is a connection point. This fall you will have the opportunity to invite your neighborhood kids, or help with our retooled Wednesday Night “Promisel and Program.” This is a connection point. The secret to the success of the Acts 2 church was their commitment to the Lord, the Word and one another. The difference between attenders and members can be summed up in one word: Commitment. Would you like to connect with the first service, the second service? It’s up to you, if you are depending on “ occasionally attending a worship service for connection,” I doubt you will know many people as our church grows . Please take the next step. That being said, we are trying to provide many opportunities for connection. On August the 26 th we are having a “Big Sunday!” Please invite missing members, or someone you would like to invite to attend our church to a Concert by “The Perrys” One of our countries leading Southern Gospel groups: www.perrysministries.com. Their music will give you a taste of heaven and will appeal to all ages. We will not advertise the morning service, but we will advertise and promote a 6:00 pm Concert by the Perry’s on the same day. What a “Big Sunday!” This will be a unity combined service at 10:00 am. Following the service will be our first combined “Sheep Feed.” It a pitch in dinner with the meat, drink, and table service provide. Please bring a covered dish, salad, or dessert to church at 9:00 am. We will also need six men to meet the Perry’s early Sunday morning to set up . Please call or email me at [email protected] or 294-1700. May God Enlarge His Territory, Pastor Steve Remarks from Pastor Steve
Transcript of Remarks from Pastor Steve - Clover...
Volume 49 ~ July 19, 2012 ~ Issue 15
Follow us at: www.twitter.com/MattoonFCC Mattoon First Christian Church Web: mattoonfcc.com
Hello everyone! Oh my, what a great spirit of unity, community, ministry and mission we are experiencing at First Christian Church. There is some excitement in the air. Mattoon and our surrounding communities are talking about it. We are further developing a church that makes a difference. Acts chapter two gives us a picture of what the first ever church looked like. This church existed as a small group for three hundred years, and they changed their world. Acts 2:44-47 “They devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching, and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer--
(They enjoyed meals together) Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous songs were done by the apostles. (They worshiped
in spirit and truth) All the believers were together and had everything in common. (They were unified) Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone who had need. (They gave sacrificially to the church and
shared with those in need) Every day they continued to meet in the temple courts. (They did not forsake assembly, they didn’t miss church) They broke bread together in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying
the favor of the people. (This fellowship took place in small groups) Look at the results! And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (We are seeing weekly additions to our church-
---can you imagine what our church will look like in six months?) The common denominator for church growth in the early church was the Holy Spirit, unity and fellowship. Are you connected to the fellowship of First Christian Church? We presently offer multiple Sunday school classes for every age at 10 am on Sundays: Classes for children, mixed adults and a women’s class that meets in the library. We are offering a discipleship class, taught by me, every Sunday at 4:30 pm. Every person attending this church should go through this class. This is a connection point. Are you connected to the fellowship in ministry? The bulletin and web page are loaded with service opportunities. These are connection points. This fall you will have the opportunity to connect with a small group. Six groups are under development, more leaders are requested for training. These will be powerful connection points, that will bridge our multiple services, if you participate. This fall you will have the opportunity to sing in our choir. Choir is a ministry and a small group. This is a connection point. This fall you will have the opportunity to invite your neighborhood kids, or help with our retooled Wednesday Night “Promiseland Program.” This is a connection point. The secret to the success of the Acts 2 church was their commitment to the Lord, the Word and one another. The difference between attenders and members can be summed up in one word: Commitment. Would you like to connect with the first service, the second service? It’s up to you, if you are depending on “ occasionally attending a worship service for connection,” I doubt you will know many people as our church grows. Please take the next step. That being said, we are trying to provide many opportunities for connection. On August the 26 th we are having a “Big Sunday!” Please invite missing members, or someone you would like to invite to attend our church to a Concert by “The Perrys” One of our countries leading Southern Gospel groups: www.perrysministries.com. Their music will give you a taste of heaven and wil l appeal to all ages. We will not advertise the morning service, but we will advertise and promote a 6:00 pm Concert by the Perry’s on the same day. What a “Big Sunday!” This will be a unity combined service at 10:00 am. Following the service will be our first combined “Sheep Feed.” It a pitch in dinner with the meat, drink, and table service provide. Please bring a covered dish, salad, or dessert to church at 9:00 am. We will also need six men to meet the Perry’s early Sunday morning to set up. Please call or email me at [email protected] or 294-1700. May God Enlarge His Territory,
Pastor Steve
Remarks from Pastor Steve
The Board of the FCC met on Monday, July 9. REPORTS Elders: Possibly talking with some members to fulfill 2 unexpired terms that are vacant. If anyone knows of someone who would be a good candidate for an Elder please contact Mike Brand. Deacons: No report. Deaconesses: They served one funeral dinner and are in the process of labeling the kitchen. Minister: Pastor Steve has just concluded a sermon series of the Transformational Church and has begun a new series on “What If”. He had 9 visits, 8 hospital visits, 5 counseling, 13 meetings, 2 funerals, 1 wedding, 4 organizational meetings, and delivered 5 Welcome Packets to visitors. The 4th of July parade was a great success. Worship: Special music groups are scheduled for the first service. Video techs are needed!! There will be a Hymn Sing on Sunday, July 29 at 8:45 am. Outreach: They are making fleece blankets for Christmas for the Salvation Army. They are asking ladies to please purchase 1 ½ to 2 yards of fleece material (with a matching back) for blankets. A blanket making day will be scheduled at the church at a later date. Evangelism: The committee is planning on August 26th for a “Sheep Feed” luncheon, September 15th a Benefit for Veterans, A Talent Night in October and a Chili Cook-Off in February. Christian Ed: 14 boys went to an Obstacle Course and there were no injuries! Three ROCK students went to church camp in June. The Neoga mission went well. VBS will be July 23-26. The Canoe Trip is planned for August 3-5. They will make piñatas for Special Olympics and they made $260 from the Rummage Sale. Stewardship: There is a large deficit in June as a result of non-budgeted items. Personnel: They will be meeting to discuss the Associate Minister position. Trustees: The windows and guttering are done. The a/c in the youth room has been fixed. We received $417 for the old copper guttering. They are seeking bids for blinds for the windows in the transept. Correspondence: Frank and Paula Rupel resigned as a Deacon and Deaconess. NEW BUSINESS They approved to hire Shane Hout as the Worship Leader for the second service at a salary of $10,000. They also approved up to $2,000 for travel expense for the Associate Minister.
Board Splinters July 23-26 from 6-8 pm at the FUMC
We are currently looking for Video Techs for the Worship Services to serve on a rotating basis. This ministry is responsible for preparing sermon and songs slides. The office can email the Tech the list of the songs each week so they can be put
on the computer in the sanctuary at the Techs convenience. Some computer knowledge would be helpful. Please contact the church office at 234-2928 if you are interested in this ministry.
Video Techs Needed
Security Card
A new Security System has been installed at the church. If you requested a key card then please stop by the office to sign a paper to receive your card.
The Traditional Service will have a time of Hymn Singing on Sunday, July 29th. Please write down a few of your favorite hymns and place the paper in the box provided on the Welcome Center.
Hymn Sing
New Member
This past Sunday, July 15th, Ryan Lee joined our church family. We welcome Ryan to First Christian Church!
Everyone is invited to canvass the area and pass out VBS flyers on Sunday at 2 pm, just meet in front of the church.
Sunday, July 22 9 am— John Armstrong, Steve Ballinger, John Greathouse, Tom Dickerson, Ed Dowling, Carroll Gibbons 11 am—Steve Lane-C, David Arthur, Terry Boyer, Donica Brand, Jeff Maninfior, Neil Wofford
Sunday, July 29 9 am— John Armstrong, Steve Ballinger, John Greathouse, Gene Himes, Don Inman, Dick Johnson 11 am—Amy Maninfior-C, Bob Morgan, Jason Morgan, Steve Morgan, Dave Whitley, Neil Wofford
Serving Communion
We extend our deepest sympathy to Bill and Connie Huffman and Family on the passing of Pat (83). Pat went to be with the Lord on July 9th at the Odd Fellow Rebekah Home.
Sympathy
Blood Drive
The Outreach Committee is going to sponsor a Blood Drive on Wednesday, August 15th in Campbell Hall. The drive will be from 3-7 pm...save the date to help others!
The Building Fund has a balance of: $172,094.38
Pastor Steve is wanting someone to take on the ministry of a Wedding Coordinator to help brides with wedding details. Terry Stretch has volunteered to head up this ministry team. If you are interested in joining her please call the church office at 234-2928.
Wedding Coordinator
Thanks to everyone for their prayers, cards, visits and out-pouring of love during my time of loss. My church family has been very supportive and I truly appreciate everyone. Dianne Porter
Thank you to Pastor Steve for coming to the hospital after my accident and for the calls to follow. I appreciate the prayers, cards and calls from the church people.
Christine Weaver
I thank my church for thinking of me. My thanks and prayers go out to all of you, especially to Pastor Steve.
Veronika Burks
A big thanks to Mona Lee Healy and Teresa Stuttle for helping out in the church office.
Thank You
Someone donated apple coffee mugs to the Youth Rummage Sale. The leaders believe that something very old was accidently left in the tote. If you donated these mugs that were in
a blue/grey tote please contact the church office or a youth leader.
Item Needs Returned
Pastor Steve is teaching a Bible Believers Class on Sunday evenings at 4:30 pm for 5 weeks and a new session will begin this Sunday, July 22. New believers and anyone wanting to dive more into the Word are welcome to attend. The topics for the classes are: The Word of God The Fellowship Prayer How to Know the Will of God How to Have a Quiet Time
Class with Pastor Steve
July 30—August 2 is the week for our church to deliver Peace Meals. If you are interested in serving please call Deb McNeely at 259-1842.
Peace Meals
1600 WABASH AVE MATTOON IL 61938
Return Service Requested Senior Pastor: Pastor Steven Hayes Administrative Assistant: Robin Myers Elem. Minister/Membership Sec: Stephanie Freeman Phone: 234-2928 Email address: [email protected] Website: www.mattoonfcc.com
Church Attendance July 8 July 15 Traditional 153 134 Contemporary 90 90 Total 243 224
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Mattoon IL 61938
Permit No. 23 Sunday, July 22 9 am Traditional Worship 10 am Sunday School 11 am Contemporary Worship 4:30 pm Bible Believers Class Monday, July 23—Thursday, July 26 6-8 pm VBS Saturday, July 28 9-10 am Smart Choice Food Distribution Sunday, July 29 8:45 am Hymn Sing 9 am Traditional Worship 10 am Sunday School 11 am Contemporary Worship Friday, August 3 9:30 am People leaving for Canoe Trip from the Wishards Sunday, August 5 9 am Traditional Worship 10 am Sunday School 11 am Contemporary Worship 4:30 pm Bible Believers Class Monday, August 6 5:30 pm Worship Committee Meeting 7 pm Trustees Meeting Tuesday, August 7 6:30 pm Elders Meetings
Church Life 1 Dee Hutton, Keith Summers, Sierra Arthur 3 Sue Craig
5 Jane Bowen, Kelly Morgan, Kayla Myers, Martha Nale, Thelma Milburn 7 Sarah Goings 9 Landon Walters 11 Machelle Morgan, Shelly Scott 12 Cydney Myers 13 Philip Purcell, Carol Wilson 14 Steve Huckaba 15 Shana Ames 16 Stephanie Freeman 20 Randy Albin, Nancy Huckaba 21 Cooper Bergstrom 22 Gerry Englund 24 Cora Ruth Turner 25 Kathie Johnson, Brenda Hutton 26 Jo Daily, Ron Hatfield, Scott Wishard 27 Hollie Angell 28 Nancy Long 29 Betty Kerans, Daphne Boley 30 Vera Tooley 31 Tammy Rentschler
1 Kenny & Mary Logan 4 David & Mary Whitley 11 Jack and Sandy Herren 16 Steve & Nancy Huckaba 17 Stewart & Alice Edersheim 18 Steve & Raelyne Lane 24 Mark & Carolyn Prevo 25 Gordon & Judy Smith
August Anniversaries
August Birthdays
