Welcome Newest Members
Adonna Bowman is a lifelong Disciple, having been raised in the Westchester Christian Church. Most recently she has been a member of Allisonville Christian Church in Indianapolis, IN, where she served as Executive Director for Disciples Women. Since her retirement in January of this year, she has returned to El Segundo and is excited to see what God has in store for her in this next phase of life. A widow since losing her husband, Bob, in 1987 (who she met in CYF), she is the mother of Melanie, Robert and Bethanie and grandmother to 5 grandsons, 1 granddaughter and 3 granddogs. Her interests and passions include reading, traveling and spending time with family and friends. Bethanie Bowman is a cradle Disciple, raised in the Westchester Christian Church. She lives with her French bulldog, Hobo. Bethanie has worked as an Executive Assistant and Office Manager, owned and operated her own door and gate company and is currently Director of Operations for Hudson Green Media in Santa Monica. She also has earned her real estate license. Bethanies interests and passions include reading, being in service to others, playing with her dog and building successful businesses.
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October 20, 2011
Disciples Womens Ministry
As the women and some men are busy preparing their items for the boutique, some would say, Im not at all a craft person and not interested in the workshops. Well there are plenty of ways to be involved in this important ministry led by the Disciples women. One way would be to make a monetary donation to help fund the items needed to make the cinnamon rolls. If you would like to do this, contact Lynne Redderson our chair at 310-325-5323. For those of you who are the Crafty Ones keep on Craftin on, and for those who are interested we will have the final workshop on October 30 right after second service. Dont forget to bring a sack lunch. Grandmas Attic items are being accepted in room 5. Remember no furniture or clothing.
To the Leadership of the Women at Torrance Christian Church I really appreciated working with you all. You showed me what teamwork looks like, embracing each others gifts and talents and yet loving one another through it all. Thank you so much for enabling the women of this region to experience such a heartfelt weekend. God truly manifested His presence very uniquely. All of the spiritual activities were a blessing. God Bless you all! Carol Warsaw Co-Facilitator of Disciples Women
To the Leadership of the Spiritual Growth Retreat, It was a wonderful experience
Your obvious love and care for all the participants Your attention to details that kept us engaged Your love for one another that inspired us The activities that opened up women to their joys & sorrows
Thank You from so many of us and me! Pat Messenger
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Dear Sisters, Thank you, Thank you to all of you who worked on the Disciple Women's Spiritual Growth Retreat. It was such a pleasure to work with you. Everything ran so smoothly for the women this weekend. Thank you for your gifts, time and commitment. Blessings, Susan Gonzalez Dewey
You are cordially invited to celebrate the 65th Wedding Anniversary of
Jack & Ruth Perry
Sunday, November 6, 12:00 noon Please sign-up on the sheet which will be available in Sippel Hall, or call the church office at 310-328-2820 Please no presents, just your presence is desired
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Junes 90th Birthday Party, Part B
The mariachi band originally scheduled for June Perkinss birthday party will play at the Christmas Boutique on November 12, from 11:30 to 12:30. Come by and enjoy a Taco Boat and the very lively music on the patio!
Dear Mr. Zukas: We are extremely pleased to receive your generous donation of school supplies for our General Education classes. This gift is appreciated by all of us. You and The First Christian Church of Torrance are gracious and supportive friends of Madrona Middle School. Thank you for thinking of us and your support of our students. Sincerely, Dr. Ronald Richardson, Principal Madrona Middle School
An InvitationTo Study, To Fellowship, To Serve
All women are invited to join a Disciples Women small study group. We are currently discussing the Beatitudeswhat they meant to Jesus audience 2000 years ago and what they mean to his followers today. Our groups meet monthly in the Fireside Room: New Hope-1st Thursday, 7:00 p.m. Love 3rd Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. Faith-3rd Tuesday, 1:30 p.m. We look forward to welcoming you into a group whose meeting time fits your schedule. Disciples Women Study Chair, Susan Babcock
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CHURCH FAMILY PRAYERS & CONCERNS
Cancer: Judy Rickabaugh had surgery October 21 for melanoma that has spread to lymph glands Doreen Jackson has painful days, but a buoyant spirit, as she battles the stage 4 cancer in her spine Shawn Knutsen (Kelly Rogerss sister) is now part of a clinical trial for her cancer Sarah Johnsons dog Murphy has been diagnosed with cancerShirley Woodmans friend Melissa Pritchard has Hodgkins Disease.Kim Larsons grandfather is not doing well with chemotherapy. Continuing Concerns: Ron Kirby is out of the hospital and doing well after suffering a TIA event (also known as a mini-stroke)Kirk Kubiks back pains continue; he may need surgery... Bernie Leake is still waiting for eye surgery Robert Kapon (Priscilla Crawfords grandson) is improving, but in tiny increments, from a severe viral infection; prayers are asked for Roberts mother KarenLinda DeLanghe's niece, Yadera, is recovering from surgery.
With Sympathy:
Roger Grove slipped away Thursday afternoon, October 13. We will celebrate his life on October 29 at 11 am we continue to hold Gail, Heather and Chris in our prayers. Greg Hernandezs Aunt Jenny died last weekprayers are asked for the family. Elba Woodss cousin Pedro has passed awayshe asks for prayers for her whole family. Kit Braly, mother of Norman Braly, died recently after long illness. Her life will be celebrated here on November 5 at 11:00 am. Norman and his family are in our thoughts and prayers. Loren Collinss life will be celebrated here on October 23 at 3:00 pm. Loren was known to many in our congregation from Westchester Christian Church. His mother Chris is in our prayers. Steve Fietzs stepmother Vi Fietz died after a long, difficult struggle with cancer. Steve will attend services in Portland on October 22, but will be in worship on the 23rd.
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November 2011
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday WORSHIP SERVICES 8:30 and 10:30 am
1
Prayer Meeting 5:45 Prayer Shawl 7:00 Education 7:00
Bible Study 10:00 Prayer Shawl 2:00
Thur
Disciple Womens 7:00
New 7
6
Jack & Ruth 65th Anniversary Chi-Rho 11:45
7
Prayer Meeting 5:45 Prayer Shawl 7:00 Worship Meeting 7:00 p.m.
8
Bible Study 10:00 Prayer Shawl 2:00
Trustees 7:00
Cabinet 7:00 p.m.
Ch 7
13
Youth Sunday Thanksgiving Offering
14
15
Love Group 9:30 Faith Group 1:30 Prayer Meeting 5:45 Prayer Shawl 7:00
Bible Study 10:00 Prayer Shawl 2:00 Elders 7:00 p.m.
16
Newsletter
Ch 7
20
Thanksgiving Offering Youth Adventure 12:00
21
22
Prayer Meeting 5:45 Prayer Shawl 7:00
Bible Study 10:00 Prayer Shawl 2:00
23
27
Feed The Hungry Sunday Hanging of the Greens 12:00
28
29
30
Newsletter
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rsday
Friday
Saturday
November Birthdays
w Hope :00
10
Veterans Day Observed
hoir :00
17
hoir :00
Julie Vernon (1) Lyrae Monson (2) 4 5 Alyssa Zukas (3) Jill Foster (4) Dorie Hernandez (7) Lorraine Colston (8) Beverly Townsend (10) Jimmie Talley (11) Nancy Johnson (11) 11 12 Donna Stent (11) Doug Hedde(12) Pat Woodman (12) Madison Noble (13) Once Upon A Christmas Boutique Donald Bowring (20) Marlen Sanchez (26) 9:00-2:00 p.m. Samantha Lubrani (26) Carol Wilk (27) Benjamin Koutny (27) 18 19 Emily Denis (29) Mark Thompson (29) Mens Breakfast Chuck Bruley (30) Kim Silagy-Silva (30) 8:30 a.m. Megan Bell (30)
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25
26
Church Office Closed
ANNIVERSARIES
Jack & Ruth Perry (3) Francisco & Marlen Sanchez (9) Jun & Nora Pagdilao (25) Frank & Joan Paour (26)
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Education Notes & News
Bible Explorers Pre-K to 4th Grade
We continue October with our theme, Jesus Nothing is Impossible and will explore together the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. The memory verse for October is: Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me will live, even if they die. John 11:25
GRADES 5TH 8TH
We will be participating in the Parables study for the next 5 weeks.
Childrens Worship & Wonder
Childrens worship in our Childrens Sanctuary in Room 6 for Pre-K to Grade 3.
SEEKING
We are seeking those who would like to be a workshop leader, helper in our Bible Explorers program or work in our Worship & Wonder program as a storyteller or greeter. We will train you so you will be familiar with our programs so no need to be shy. We also need help from people who like to work behind the scenes. Curious? Just give Shirley a call at 310-3288399 for more information.
Youth Adventure
Youth Adventure is our youth group for 3rd through 5th grade boys and girls. Please join us on Sunday 11/20 at noon in Room 4 and bring your lunch so we can plan some exciting activities.
Chi-Rho
Chi-Rho is our youth group for grades 6th 8th for boys and girls. We will be going to Mulligans on 11/6 for our activity. Please meet at the church at 11:45 AM and have at least $15.00 for food and activity. BIG THANKS TO HANNELIE UYS Hannelie was brave enough to tackle our very messy supply room after VBS and now has it all organized and in shape. Hannelie asks that if you do not know where to return an item, please leave it in the return box and she will put it away where it belongs.
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The Advent of Advent Is Here
Believe it or not, time has come to begin thinking about and planning for our journey towards Advent and Christmas. As we approach the celebration of Jesuss entry into our lives, we want to create an Advent Devotional booklet (our third edition) to use in prayerful meditation during the days of anticipation of our Lords birth. The Worship Committee invites you to write a brief devotion for one of the 29 days of Advent (The Upper Room, or any other daily meditations , is an example) A scripture for each day will be supplied to build your ideas around. Copies of last years booklet are available as examples. If you would like to write for this years Devotional, please see Susan Babcock for information, and scripture/day sign-ups. Articles are due to Pastor Steve by November 13th. The Worship Committee
Raising Up Servant Leaders 2011 Thanksgiving Offering
The Thanksgiving Offering provides direct support to Disciples colleges, universities and theological institutions. Disciples have a long history of post-secondary and theological education. This offering provides a direct connection to 14 colleges or universities, 3 seminaries and 4 seminary foundations/divinity houses. Gifts from the Disciples Mission Fund Thanksgiving offering continue a Disciples tradition of developing leaders for our communities and the church. We pray youll give as you are led to support these vital ministries of our wider church. Offering envelopes will be available on November 13 and 20.
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Upcoming Sunday Messages
October 23Stranger Than Friction (Luke 10:25-37) The power of Gods love can come into our lives when we least expect itin the chance, one-time encounter with a total stranger. And it can come also from where we least expectthat very stranger may very well be the last person wed ever think of as doing the work of God! October 30The Fullest House (Luke 14:7-24) Because he pointed out hypocrisy when he saw it, Jesus could be a disturbing guest at a dinner party. But he also blesses us with a grand story of Gods all-inclusive, hyper-hospitable desire that the heavenly banquet be filled with the blessed riff-raff of the kingdom. November 6Seedtime & Harvest (Mark 4:1-34) We finish our series on parables by returning to images of parables and plantingthis time in Mark. In what ways are we seed, soil, or sower? How do we understand Jesus virtual command to pay attention? How shall we continue to live out the story God has given us? November 13YOUTH SUNDAY Our children and youth will lead us in worship this Sunday, adding to our parables series by offering their take on the stories and images of Jesus. Plan on an uplifting and enjoyable worship with our young people!
Sunday Morning Adult Discussion
Starting October 23, our Adult Sunday Morning Class will (probably) finish a three-week series titled Ill Fly Away? (WhatIf AnythingDoes the Bible Say about the Rapture?) Discussion can be lively in this class, and the series may go a bit longer. The Sunday Morning Discussion meets in Room 7 at 9:45 a.m.all are welcome and invited!
Pet Project Donations
Our Pet Project donations have been providing the Carson Animal Shelter with much needed items. You can donate clean used towels, sheets, blankets, dog beds, toys, dog food and newspapers in the containers provided in the entrance to Sippel Hall. Also they have many volunteer needs, please give them a call at 562-256-1367. Any questions please contact Bonnie or Chet Reniff at 310-516-1181, or Susan Babcock at 310-326-9003.
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Footnotes
Perhaps youve seen in the newsthis years Nobel Peace Prize was jointly awarded to three women: Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, activist Leymah Gbowee of Liberia and rights activist Tawakkul Karman of Yemen. Though the award went to three women, the Nobel Committee gave essentially one common reason: it was for their non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women's rights to full participation in peacebuilding work. I recently heard an old radio interview with Ms. Gbowee, who said that, despite her repeated refusals, it was God who had called her to unite Liberian women, so that they might end the most recent civil war there. And so Gbowee first drew together different Lutheran women to pray and sing in the local fish market. The movement quickly included women from a number of Christian communions, and eventually came to include Muslim women as well. Their work involved more than prayer and songthey demonstrated before the presidential palace, and at peace talks in a neighboring country. They started wide-spread sex-strikes, and threatened to place a curse on dictator Charles Taylorall actions documented in the award-winning movie Pray the Devil Back to Hell. The movement is credited, not only with helping to end the war, but with the election of Nobel co-winner, Mrs. Johnson Sirleaf. I am mindful of how biblical it all sounds: God calls, but the prophet first refuses before obeying. Peace is proclaimed without violencebut with words that tell the plain and powerful truth, a spiritual truth with this-world implications. Let no one say there are no longer any prophets! Shalom, Steve Home phone: 310-212-5950 email: [email protected]
Personal Note: Thank you to all those who have expressed kind thoughts and condolences on the death of my step-mother, Vi Fietzanother strong woman, who never ceased in her advocacy on behalf of all women.
Next Newsletter articles need to be at the church office by October 31, 2011
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NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Disciples of Christ) 2930 El Dorado Street Torrance, CA 90503 (310) 328-2820 Fax 310 328-2929 E-mail - [email protected] Web address - fcctorrance.org Sunday Schedule 8:30 a.m. - Worship - Informal 9:30 a.m. - Church School for all ages 10:30 a.m. - Worship - Traditional Childrens Worship - Ages Pre-school through 2nd Grade (During the Traditional Worship Service)
TORRANCE, CA PERMIT NO. 109
Or Current Resident
Nursery Provided For birth through age 3 during Sunday School and Contemporary & Traditional Service Office Hours Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Staff Steven Fietz, Senior Pastor Ted Oden-Minister of Contemporary Worship Administrative Assistant Camelia Olloque Choir Director - Ken Potter Nursery Attendant - Amanda Ruhs Dorie Hernandez
TIME VALUE DATA DO NOT DELAY EXPEDITE
The Christian Messenger
First Christian Church 2930 El Dorado Street Torrance, CA 90503
Officers Chair - Chery Carew Vice Chair - Francisco Sanchez Treasurer Jimmy Koontz Financial Secretary - Moggy Emmen Clerk Nancy Johnson
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