From the Senior Minister...

What would you do? What have you

done? What’s a person supposed to do?

In the face of so many heartaches and so

much need all around the earth and in

our own community, what’s a person supposed to

do in response to it all?

It seems like every week there’s another tragedy

of significant proportions happening around the

world. We all understand a consequence of world

wide news coverage is hearing all the bad news from

everywhere. Regardless, people are hurting—so

what are we to do about it?

Within the past few weeks, we have heard of

earthquakes in Nepal (lesser ones in Texas!), Balti-

more’s struggles, tornadoes in Van and Sunday...the

gang shootout in Waco. Certainly we as Christ’s

followers (hands and feet in this world) are to act in

some way. Money always works. Many of us gave

to our special Week of Compassion offering in Feb-

ruary in anticipation of just such hardships (we can

still give and even direct our gifts). Our Youth have

traveled to several tornado wastelands in recent (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 May 20, 2015 Vol. 58 No. 11

From the Associate Minister…

Dear FCC,

The Youth and I want to thank you for your kindness, support, and generosity this past Sunday. That entire day was amazing from beginning to end. It is because of you we have youth who know what it means to be church. It is because of you that our youth know they have somewhere to turn in joy and

(continued on page 3)

"CALL FOR REQUESTS"

As many of you know, each year FCC "harvests"

a percentage of our endowment income. We call these

funds our "harvest funds". Our Finance Committee

will be considering requests (for unbudgeted items)

for those monies in June. Finance has already

received many requests and will gladly receive

others. All requests should be sent directly to Jim

Rapp, Finance Chair, on or before June 8th by

dropping them off in the church office or via

e-mail: james.rapp@tmfhc.org . All requests will

be reviewed and recommendations will be made by

Finance at the next scheduled Board Meeting.

FROM THE SENIOR MINISTER (continued from page 1)

summers to help people in their recovery. I attended a dinner party recently. The

host suggested we take the money we would have spent going out to eat and send it

to the hurting people of Van, Texas.

We can’t have a special offering in church every time tragedy strikes somewhere

in the world. Perhaps our best way forward is to give to God’s work at FCC and

know we will address all kinds of human needs through our ministry: Outreach,

Children’s Ministry, Disciples Women’s Ministry, CARE Ministry, Youth Ministry,

Sunday School Ministry, Evangelism, etc. I’m not completely satisfied with that

solution—there are times when the Spirit moves us individually and collectively to

do more, but overall I like knowing FCC is making a difference in so many ways.

Where is our hope? In scientists, politicians, preachers, business people, the stock

market? My hope is in the Lord, maker of heaven and earth. Let us prayerfully ask

the Lord to open our minds, hearts, hands, and bank accounts when called for the

needs of our community and world. As our Mission Statement says so directly,

being a part of FCC Tyler is to speak and live for Christ in our community and

world.

Your Friend and Pastor,

Chris

P.S. To give to Week of Compassion (the arm of our denomination that responds to human need and natural disasters

throughout the world), make your check out to FCC with the memo “WOC”.

P.S. S. Praise God the Ebola virus is gone from most of West Africa (as reported May 18th).

Adult Sunday School

Believers Class

Rob Bradford

“Ephesians, Philippians,

Colossians, and Philemon:

Paul and his Gospel of

Unity and Diversity”

Disciples Class

Mary Waldrop

May 24th "The Gift of Love" 1 Corinthians 13

May 31st

"The Gift of Languages" 1 Corinthians 14:1 - 25

Seekers Class

Jackie Littleton

Cana

“Experiencing the

Words of Jesus”

The Choir/Forum Class

Troy Smith

Genesis Class

Koinonia Class

Michael Lewis

“The Way: Walking in the

Footsteps of Jesus”

Adam Hamilton

Café Class Study in conjunction with

our Children’s Ministry.

Meet in Children’s Chapel

(north of kitchen

in main building)

2

TWO CROWS

Not too long ago, two old crows sat on a fencepost next to a used up corn field.

They were reminiscing about the good old days. The first crow was very negative

and was complaining about everything. He said God had deserted him—his wife

had just died, his grandson had been kicked off the racing team, the corn field was

not being planted, and his arthritis was getting worse. The second crow, being very

positive, reminded him that he could still fly and the new cornfield was just a short

flight away— and he would always be there for him.

Which of these two crows are you? Remember this verse: Cast all your anxiety

on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

LUNCH, THURSDAY, MAY 28TH

DISCIPLES HALL, 11:30 A.M.

RSVP TO THE CHURCH OFFICE (903) 561-8138

ANNUAL FINE ARTS CAMP

MONDAY-FRIDAY, JULY 13-17, 2015, 9:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.

FRIDAY PERFORMANCE AT 6:30 P.M. IN THE NEW WORSHIP CENTER

“Give My Regards to Broadway (and The Loop)”

Grades 3-9

$100 Non-members $75 FCC members Scholarships available

Volunteers needed and welcomed! Call Patti Patterson (903-535-9306) or the church office for an application.

Watch for more details.

DISCIPLES WOMEN’S COFFEE MINISTRY UPDATE

First Christian Church’s Disciples Women’s Ministry (DWM) has offered Fair Trade coffee, tea and

chocolate products for sale for several years through the Disciples Coffee Project, http://

equalexchange.coop/our-partners/interfaith-partners/disciples-christ. Since the church renovation, we are

now selling cups of Fair Trade coffee each Sunday at the Coffee Bar in Disciples Hall

before the 9:30 Worship Services (coffee can be taken into Contemporary Worship but

not into Traditional) and between the worship services and Sunday School (10:30-10-45 a.m.).

You may not know that besides being committed to fair trade and sustainable existence globally,

DWM is also committed to environmental (God’s creation) responsibility. The attractive cups, lids,

and sleeves that Equal Exchange coffee is served in are ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY and

are made from Recyclable, Compostable, Post-Consumer paper. Plus, the water used to make the

coffee on Sunday mornings is filtered, making the coffee as perfect as possible. For $1.00 for a 12

oz. cup, you will receive a delicious cup of coffee. Regular and sugar free flavors are available, as

are Half and Half creamer. Hope to see you on Sunday!

3

FUN TIMES IN MOTHERS DAY OUT Our Summer Schedule Begins

We are having so much fun in Mother’s Day Out! The new Education Wing is proving to be well worth

the wait! Having the multi-purpose room is awesome!! Not only does it serve as our music/story/chapel room during the

week, it serves as a “run around” room during inclement weather! If you haven’t noticed, we now have a new utility

room to do our laundry. Yea! This rain was about to get us. Again, many thanks to all who made that happen!!

We have almost concluded our school year and now are preparing for the summer program. Our days of operation

will change from 5 days to 3 days a week. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday have proven to be the most popular days

to be open. So beginning June 9th, our summer schedule will begin! The hours will remain the same, 8:30 a.m.— 2:30

p.m. I want to remind everyone that we care for children from 0 through 6 years of age (children cannot be 7). We

require our forms to be filled out, an immunization record, and a snack & lunch! There is an annual registration fee of

$50 per child. You pay daily for the time your child is here. Remember, we are totally drop-in and it is on a first come

first serve basis so come early to assure a spot and prepare your child to have a great time!!! Come by and take a tour

and check out the FUN we are having!!

Carolyn Wallace, Director Mothers Day Out

READY TO READ!

New titles added to the library and ready for checkout include:

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You by John C. Maxwell

Action Trumps Everything: Creating What You Want in an Uncertain World by Charles F. Kiefer

The Blessings of Brokenness: Why God Allows Us to Go through Hard Times by Charles Stanley

Contagious Generosity: Creating a Culture of Giving in Your Church by Chris Willard

The Jesus Connection: A Christian Spirituality by Jan G. Linn

Living Inside Out: Learning How to Pray the Serenity Prayer by Jann G. Linn

Put Your Dream to the Test: 10 Questions to Help You See It and Seize It by John C. Maxwell

The Road to Character by David Brooks

Self Talk, Soul Talk: What to Say to Yourself When Talk to Yourself by Jennifer Rothschild

Shame-Less Lives, Grace-Full Congregations by Karen A. McLintock

Ships of Mercy: The Remarkable Fleet Bringing Hope to the World's Forgotten Poor by Don Stephens

Stories of the Hearth and Home by James Dobson

FROM THE ASSOCIATE MINISTER (continued from page 1)

in sorrow. It is because of you that the future of our church is already here, and ready to serve God and God’s world in every way imaginable. Thank you again for your amazing response to the envelope challenge fundraiser. Few envelopes remain in the church office if you wish to support our Youth. On that same note, if you still have your envelope, please return it by May 31st. Thank you SO much for your support!

Serving Christ with You, Rev. Robert Goodrich

4

Audit Detox Strength Traditional Sermon Series - Dr. Pulliam

May 31st - Soul Audit

June 7th - Soul Detox

June14th - Soul Strength

Contemporary Sermon Series - Rev. Goodrich

May 31st - June 7th - June 14th

THROUGH THE PARABLES

5

COMING UP:

Friday, June 12th - United Way Day of Caring. On this day, 400-500

volunteers from our community will gather together in our Christian

Life Center gym to donate a day of work in all the United Way’s

programs throughout our area. More information will be coming

soon. FCC always takes a significant group out in the community

that day. Lisa Gardner from our Choir oversees this project each

year for United Way.

Friday, May 29th - Ramey Elementary Field Day. If you are inter-

ested in helping them that day in any way, please contact the office

at Ramey Elementary School. Monday, June 8th - the Christian Life Center Ministry Team will

meet in the CLC, 5:30 p.m.

SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES

I’ve been searching for catchy, simple guidelines that could help shape

our children’s summer...a sheet to hang on the fridge, I’m thinking, as a visual

reminder that there’s always something to do when bored. I found one that

seems to apply perfectly to us “big kids,” too.

THIS SUMMER….

I will satisfy my curiosity by learning something new about _____ .

I will stretch my mind by reading _____ .

I will keep my body busy (& healthy!) with these outside games/ways to move: _____ .

I will help someone else by _____ .

I will grow closer to God by _____ .

I like the progression of goals. And, at any age, I like having some things both achievable and aspira-

tional to shoot for. One easy way you as an adult could play along with these “refrigerator reminders” for

summer is by joining our all-ages study on Wednesday evenings during the month of July. We’ll be “doing”

as much as “talking,” I hope, because our unusual study title is “Love Does,” by Bob Goff. You could read

the book of the same title before our first Wednesday gathering -- but it’s certainly not required. The study

stands alone. And you’ll stand in good company if you join the group that’s forming around it. To satisfy

our curiosity. To stretch our minds. To grow closer to God. And just for summer fun!

Rev. Ginger

DISCIPLES WOMEN’S MINISTRY

This year, the Deborah Circle of Disciples Women’s Minis-

try studied “Strong Women of Faith in the Bible”. We ended

our study hearing from a strong woman of faith, Michelle

Jarnagin from Ramey Elementary School, with which FCC is

partnering to help the students at Ramey in any way we can. Ms. Jarnagin

indicated needs for prayers for specific students, backpacks, belts for

uniform school clothing and, of course, helping students with reading.

At the end of her presentation, hostesses Linda Davis, Teresa Aaron, and

Beverly Wood packed up their delicious edibles to give to the Ramey

faculty. Twenty-three Deborah Circle members and seven guests were

blessed to hear about “our” school and “our” students at Ramey.

Carol Hardage

Happy Birthday!!

5/24 Jim Crawford

Kaylee Honea

5/25 Marla Peer

Larry Bolton

5/26 Carol Hardage

Jean Worden

Riley Randall

5/29 Lydia Dougay

5/30 Susan Soward

Michael Sword

5/31 Jim Rapp

6/2 Hunter Brush

Mark Chapman

Chris Faulk

6/3 Glenda Cooper

Rosemary Cable

6/6 Christopher Heard

Evelyn George

Happy Anniversary!!

5/26 Kenny & Cynthia

Boles

5/27 Tom & Anne DeWitt

5/28 Larry & Kaye Kraus

5/29 Wayne & Teresa

Aaron

5/30 Bob & Gail Randall

6/1 Merlin & Capie

Long

6/2 Ernie & Jan Phillips

6/3 Harold & JoAnn

Wilder

6/5 David & Amy

Anderson

6/6 Michael & Robin

Lewis

6/7 Larry & Louise

Stegall

WORSHIP MAY 24, 2015 Traditional Worship Contemporary Worship

Rev. Ginger Brandt preaching Rob Mason preaching

Elders: Nace Heard, Laura Hedrick Elder: Terry Cockrum

WORSHIP MAY 31, 2015 Traditional Worship Contemporary Worship

Dr. Chris Pulliam preaching Rev. Robert Goodrich preaching

(see page 4 for details)

ATTENDANCE

May 10th

Traditional Worship - 154

Contemporary Worship - 100

Total Worship - 254

Sunday School - 138

May 17th

Youth Sunday - 227

Sunday School - 163

Church Calendar

Sunday, May 24th

9:30 AM - Concurrent Worship

Traditional (sanctuary)

Contemporary (worship space)

10:30 AM - Gathering—

Disciples Hall

10:45 AM - Christian Education

4:00 PM - NO Youth Ministry

Monday, May 25th CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

Tuesday, May 26th

7:00 AM - NO Elders prayer mtg.

6:00 PM - Handbell rehearsal

7:00 PM - Choir Rehearsal

Wednesday, May 27th 8:00 AM - Breakfast/Bible Study

Thursday, May 28th

7:05 AM - R2D2 Men’s Study

11:30 AM - Prime Celebrators

6:00 PM - Global Leadership

Meeting

Saturday, May 30th

8:30 AM - Youth to ET Food Bank

Sunday, May 31st

9:30 AM - Concurrent Worship

Traditional (sanctuary)

Contemporary (worship space)

10:30 AM - Gathering—

Disciples Hall

10:45 AM - Christian Education

6

Joys & Concerns

Robert Patterson has completed his treatment and is now an outpatient

in Dallas, hoping to come home to Tyler very soon!

We extend our sympathies to Harold & JoAnn Wilder on the passing

of his brother, Carnell; to Lisa Gardner on the passing of her brother,

Glenn Bowden; and to Kelly & Laura Lea on the passing of her mother,

Margarete Pierce.

Keep these members and their families in our prayers: Pat Autrey,

Holly Barry, Richard Davis, Gladys Howard, Rosemary Jackson, Rhonda

Reuter, Nellie Robertson, Elizabeth Spain, Percy Wang…and our

friends: Sara Bunselmeyer, Cecile Diamond, Jet Emmons, Tege Hacker,

and Bill Novak.

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 Coordinator at

903-617-2817. Dr. Pulliam serves on the P.A.T.H. Board.

CASUAL SUMMER

DRESS in Traditional Worship

begins this Sunday.

The church office will be closed

Monday, May 25th, in observance

of Memorial Day. Have a safe and

enjoyable holiday.

JUNE DEACONS

Charles Hesse Wendy Hesse Larry Kraus*

Kaye Kraus* Sandy Shepard Travis Heaton

Brian Baber Janice Baber Tyler Acker

Mollie Millslagle *Team Leaders