July 22, 2014 ~ Volume 68 ~ Issue 29

Christian Visitor

Volume 68 ~ Issue 46 November 24, 2015

Church Telephone: 785-448-3452 ~ Fax: 785-448-2568 ~ Website: www.fccgarnett.org Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 a.m. ~ 12:00 p.m. & 12:30 p.m. ~4:30 p.m. ~ Closed Friday

Senior Pastor: Gary Benjamin ~ Phone: 785-204-2034 ~ Email: gary@fccgarnett.org Youth Pastor: Chris Goetz ~ Phone: 503-474-7965 ~ Email: chris@fccgarnett.org Secretary: Marsha Dulin ~ Phone: 785-448-4367 ~ Email: marsha@fccgarnett.org

FROM THE PASTORS DESK: THE RACE IS ON! At least it seems like a race with all the activities of the season of Thanksgiving and Christmas and New Years and all the busyness they seem to bring. We really have to be careful to not get lost in the doing of things to the point of forgetting the reason for it all. Keep the importance of Christmas at the top of your list and truly celebrate the birth of our Saviour. To keep you up to date, here are some of the activities coming up that we want you to remember:

November 2015 General Fund and Building Fund Giving Christ loved us and gave himself up for us a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2

General Fund Offering for November 22, 2015 ~ $3051.42 For November to Date ~ $16,517.23 Building Fund Offering for November 22, 2015 ~ $1042.00 For November to Date ~ $30,186.50

New Building Addition ~ $900,000

Pledges yet to be received ~ $150,133

NBF Cash on Hand ~ $663,660

Projected NBF Balance ~ $813,793

First Christian Church “Family Life Center” Growth Chart

Nov. 29 is the first Sunday of Advent to start the Christmas Season in our thoughts; also we host the Area Singspiration that evening and want to have a good attendance of our own congregation for that; and Chris Goetz will be preaching that Sunday.

Dec. 6 services will include a short congregation meeting when all members will have the opportunity to vote whether to accept Chris Goetz as our new Senior Minister.

Then Dec. 13, in the evening, will be our annual Christmas Program and Taster’s Party. Add to all of this the family gatherings, the special group parties, and it can really become busy.

So make sure that you keep the focus upon Christ…He is the one who deserves our time and our attention and our thanks for the life He has given to us. May He always be praised. Blessings to you all…Gary B.

Sunday, November 29

We light this candle to remind us that our

HOPE is in Jesus and to

watch for His return.

May God’s Blessings Shine Upon You Today and Every Day

Thursday and Friday, November 26 & 27

The church office will be closed for Thanksgiving.

JANUARY 2015 FCC GENERAL FUND Weekly Average Need ~ $4460

January Monthly Need ~ $17840 January 11, 2015 General Tithe~ $5055

My EOffering for December ~ $622 January Monthly Giving to Date ~ $9232

Growing, Sharing, and Serving Together

SUNDAY SERVICE TIMES AT FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH 8:00 a.m. ~ Early Worship Service

9:15 a.m. ~ Sunday School (all ages) 10:30 a.m. ~ Worship Service & Children’s Church

NOVEMBER 22, 2015

SUNDAY WORSHIP ATTENDANCE 8:00 a.m. Worship Service~ 61

10:30 a.m. Worship Service ~ 126 Total ~ 187

SUNDAY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE 0 ~ Nursery: Age 0 thru 4 years 6 ~ Beginners: 4 year olds ~ Kindergarten 8 ~ Primary: 1st thru 3rd Grade 7 ~ Juniors: 4th thru 6th Grade 9 ~ Jr High: 6th thru 8th Grade 9 ~ Sr High: 9th thru 12th Grade 11 ~ Overcomers: young adults 6 ~ Pastor’s Class: Not age specific 11 ~ Great Expectations: 50+ 22~ SOS Class: 60+ 4 ~ Opportunity Class: Seniors 75+ Total ~ 93

Serving us on November 29, 2015

Offertory Prayer Elder: Doug Meyer Communion Prayer Elder: Gene Watson

Deacon Usher: Nathan Wiehl Communion to Shut Ins Elder: Burke Rogers Deacon: Ron Anderegg

November Deacons Group A: Mike Burns, Cody Clark, Craig Cole, Dan Dulin and Jason Sjorlund

Audio/Visual: 8:00 a.m.: Dan Dulin ~ Cheryl Varvel 10:30 a.m.: Nate Wiehl ~ Jenna Wight

8:00 a.m.: Pianist: Nancy Horn Organist: Vicki Hulett 10:30 a.m. Pianist: Doris Wilson

Greeter(s) at 10:30 Service: Les & Lennet Thomas Communion Prep for Nov.: Jason & Erin Miller

Guests on Sunday: Boston Orth grandson of Joe & Betty Lytle; Mark Cole nephew of Orville & LaVerne Cole, Riley guest of

the Gaylon Corley family; and Holly Meliza daughter of Bob & Franque Meliza.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL Opportunity Class had 5 present today. The class joined the SOS Sunday School Class this morning. Continued prayers for Betty Penn and Floyd Martin. The SOS Class had 20 plus 6 guests present Sunday. Guests were Holly Meliza, daughter of Bob & Franque as well as Ruth Allen, Alice Valentine, Alice Leim, Betty Penn and Betty Sumner from the Opportunity class. They had 21 members with their Bibles with 13 who were daily readers of the Word. The class requested prayers for Craig (a family member of a classmate of Jeanine) and Phyllis Adams. PRAISE: Glad to have the Opportunity Class as our visitors. PRAISE: Charlotte Cox has completed her physical therapy and is able to sleep at night now. Orville Cole opened the class with prayer. Burke “Rogers presented the lesson on “They Need Help” from “Before Amen.” The class closed with “The Lord’s Prayer.” REMINDER: SOS Christmas Class Party will be on Friday, December 4 – Potluck and White Elephant. Meet in the Social Hall at 6:30 p.m. The Overcomers Class is starting a new study this Sunday called Christian Atheist by Craig Groeschel: Are you putting your whole faith in God…but living as if everything is up to you? Become more than 'Christian in name' through this eye-opening and life-changing study! This class is not age specific and has a wide age group currently attending. The class is led by Steve and Marcia Spring. Hope to see you there!

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY Phyllis Adams, Mike Crist, Clarence Hermann, Jim Jordan, Loretta Lankard, Wilma McIntosh, Earl Peine, Whitney Peine (daughter of Earl & Ruth Peine), Dorothy Schuster, Steve Watkins and Team Haiti to have a safe trip

PRAYERS FOR EXTENDED FAMILY & FRIENDS Wilma McIntosh is requesting prayers for her family; Diana Bowen (sister of Howard Williams); Bill Breit (requested by Mary Hamilton); C.B. Harris, Dennis Hermreck (brother of John - by Carol Hermreck), Leonard Hiestand, Desteny Hutchinson and family (requested by Tim & Tammy Clark); Steve Richardson (son of Reed & Carol Richardson); Roger Rockers (requested by Mary Graham); Duane & Becky Roush (requested by Carol Hermreck & Carolyn Schuster), Leroy Sobba (brother of Mary Graham); Sheryl Urquhart (by Carol Hermreck); Jessica, Hanna & Morgan Ward (all family of Doug & Connie Meyer) & the leaders or our country & our veterans and troops. PRAISE: The Wonderful Praise Band - Lisa Modlin PRAISE: Thank you for a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner. Beautiful table decorations. Alice Valentine

PRAYERS FOR OUR LOVED ONES IN CARE CENTERS Golden Heights ~ Vi Davin, Jean Brown, Olive Kline, Max Ratliff, Lois Crist Residential Living Center ~ Bill Young, Vera Wills (Aunt of Phyllis Adams) Guest Home Estate ~ Vernon & Goldie Hunt, Ruth Gorrell, Robert Young, Seatta Van Donge ORV Village West ~ Ralph Hamilton (father of Leroy Hamilton) Comfort Care Home ~ Birdie Zentner ~ Cimarron Nursing Center ~ Lois Miller

PRAYERS FOR OUR MILITARY Japan: Shawn Parks, husband of Rochele Qatar: Brian Shanley, son of Mike & Becky Shanley and grandson of Helen Bailey

Wednesday, Dec. 2 Marcia Spring Friday, Dec. 4 Ruth Allen, Jacob Finn Saturday, Dec. 5 Jason Miller Monday, Dec. 7 June Cooper, Ruth Peine Tuesday, Dec. 8 Tanner Wilson Friday, Dec. 11 Darren Simpson Monday, Dec. 14 Ruby Schuster, Marsha Dulin Wednesday, Dec. 16 Jody Cole

December 22 Burke & Charlene Rogers

December 22 Curtis & Mary Ann Umbarger

December 24, 1954 Jim & Rosie Jordan December 26, 1953

Orville & LaVerne Cole

Friday, Dec. 18 Greg Gwin, Janice Tush, Mary Graham Saturday, Dec. 19 Cheryl Varvel, Donna Williams Sunday, Dec. 20 Joan Simpson Thursday, Dec. 24 Clarence Hermann Friday, Dec. 25 Connie Meyer Saturday, Dec. 26 Joseph (Pete) Sumner Sunday, Dec. 27 Lois Gebert, Charles Allen

WEEKLY EVENTS AT FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH Monday Ladies Bible Study – 7:00 p.m. in Annex – Becky Allen ~ “Restless” by Jennie Allen The Christian Woodworkers – Monday afternoons – 1:30 p.m. at Darwin Hamilton’s workshop Christian Crafters ~ 10:00 a.m. in Annex Tuesday mornings Tuesday Night Prayer ~ 6:30 p.m. in Annex Tuesday evenings Church Staff Meeting ~ 9:00 a.m. Wednesday mornings Roots ~ 6:00 p.m. Wednesday evenings (NO ROOTS November 25) Choir ~ 7:30 p.m. Wednesday evenings (NO CHOIR PRACTISE Nov. 25) Church Office Closed on Fridays Men’s Breakfast & Devotions ~ 7:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall Saturday mornings Legacy ~ 5:00 p.m. ~ Fellowship Hall Sunday evenings

THE MEMORY TREE 2015: Again this year, the Memory Tree will be standing in the sanctuary as a part of First Christian Church’s Christmas. If you have a person in your family who has passed away in 2015 and you’d like an ornament placed on the tree in his/her memory, please let us know by placing the name on the flap in the Sunday Bulletin or contact Marsha Dulin in the church office at 785-448-3452. Please do so as soon as possible, but of course, any last minute names are welcome. A reminder that if you do request an ornament, please be sure to pick it up after Christmas.

~~We are so grateful and blessed by your gifts~~ THE MITTEN TREE 2015: FCC will be once again collecting hats, scarves, mittens, gloves and socks for ECKAN. The tree for the hats and mittens, etc. is located in the overflow room for you to place your items. We collected 183 mittens, hats, carves, throws and socks and throw blankets for those in need last year. We wish to thank you all for your heartfelt generosity & donations for this much needed project. Warm hearts helped to warm many hands, heads and feet last winter.

CONGRATULATIONS! We drew for the hog Wednesday night at the “All Church Thanksgiving Dinner” and the winner is.........(drum roll) Al Voelker, from Olathe, KS. Thank you all for your support!

Thanksgiving Dinner Thanks!

Thanks so much to all the people who brought the great food for our Legacy dinner gathering! We estimate 75 people were present for our dinner, a raging Charlie Brown Thanksgiving trivia match and an outstanding homemade ice cream competition. Our judges Gene & Gail Watson and Doug & Connie Meyer sacrificed a great deal to sample the many types of deliciousness. The winner was Blake Hess with his version of "Rocky Road". Thanks so much for all those who support our youth! We had a really great time and can't wait to see what God does with the new relationships we were able to make during our fellowship!

There will not be any Choir practice on Wednesday, November 25. They will resume practice on Wednesday, December 2 following Roots in the Sanctuary. If you have any questions or would like to join the choir please contact Jenna Wight at 785-304-0683.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29: The Church Board has asked Chris to preach one more time Sunday, Nov. 29, at both services, to give members the opportunity to hear him again.

This is also the beginning of the Advent Season where we will have special readings and the lighting of the Advent Candle.

Legacy at 5:00 p.m. The 5th Sunday Singspiration hosted by the First Christian Church beginning at 6:30 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity for Christians from all the churches throughout our community to join together just to “Praise the Lord” and fellowship with one another.

Coming events

Christian Crafters Christmas Craft Sales:

As Christmas draws near, the Christian Crafters wish to invite you to do part of your shopping with them! They have such a variety of items for you to choose from. Come and see their selection of tea towels, pillow cases, quilts, knitted and crocheted items.

SOS CHRISTMAS PARTY AND WHITE ELEPHANT : The SOS Christmas Party will be Friday, December 4th beginning at 6:30 pm the in the Fellowship Hall. Please bring a potluck dish to share and a white elephant gift for the exchange. This is always a wonderful evening of fun and laughter and fellowship! See you there!

Continued

They will have gift items perfect for stocking stuffers and family gifts for sale Sat., Dec. 5th at Parkside 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Crafters will also be showing items at the “Holiday Boutique” Sun., Dec. 6th at Prairie Belles. We'll be there from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Hope to see you there!

AN IMPORTANT CONGREGATIONAL MEETING is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 6, following both Worship Services to vote on a Senior Minister candidate. The Church Board has voted to recommend Chris Goetz to be promoted to the Senior Minister position for FCC. This comes after several months of consideration by the Board of Elders and was then presented to the Church Board for their decision. The final decision will be made by the members of our congregation at this Dec. 6 election. It is important that each of you be in prayer about this and to attend Church on Dec. 6 for the opportunity to vote on this important decision.

Legacy Youth Church: Sunday December 6th Legacy is going to attend the Bethlehem Living Christmas Display in Ottawa, Kansas.

There will be cookies and hot chocolate to keep us warm if it is chilly.

Prepare for whatever weather is present.

Please be at FCC with a signed permission slip in hand at 5pm.

This will be a fun, free, family event! Please consider joining us! We could use some adult drivers if the whole family would like to join us we would love it! Permission slip is not needed if a parent is attending. If you would like to attend please call/text Chris at 503-474-7965. Blessings, Chris

December Legacy Schedule: December 6th: Legacy to Bethlehem Living Christmas (5pm-7:30pm) December 13th: Christmas Program/Tasters Party December 20 No Legacy December 27: No Legacy December 31st: Legacy 6th-12th Grade All-Nighter No Roots On The Following: December 23: No Meeting/ Christmas Break December 30t: No Meeting/ New Year Holiday

Christmas Program and Tasters Party: Come one come all for a wide variety of Christmas bliss! Each Sunday school class is considering being a part of this night of fun, food, family and fellowship! Sunday, December 13 beginning at 5:30 p.m. come and join us in the Sanctuary for the First Christian Church Annual Christmas Program. The Tasters Party will be held in the Fellowship Hall following the Program. Please bring your favorite finger food goodies….cookies, candy or a dessert to share with us in the joy of the Christmas Season. We hope to see you there so please add this special event to your Calendar

QUILT RAFFLE FOR MISSION HAITI 2016: The Christian Crafters from FCC are raising money for the medical / mission to Haiti in January 2016. They will be giving away 2 quilts Sunday, December 13 at the Christmas Program / Tasters Party.

One is a full / queen size quilt. This one is located to the left.

The second is a beautiful baby quilt which was made and donated by Marie Donaldson. This one is located to the right.

To purchase a chance on either quilts please contact a member of the Christian Crafters group or Connie Meyer at 913-909-7164. Tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. Both quilts are on display in the Fellowship Hall for those who would like to see it.

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, or with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16

THURSDAY, December 17 ~ Care Team will meet in the Fellowship Hall at 7:00 p.m. Those on the committee are Ron & Darlene Jenkins, Norma Hermreck, *Doug & Connie Meyer, Nelda Potter, Carolyn Schuster, Paula Sjorlund & Gene & Gail Watson. TAKE NOTE: For those of you who would like to help with the military care packages the Care Team will be putting them together tentatively on Tuesday, December 8 at 3:00 p.m. We have at this time only one soldier to send to. If you have any one that you would like to add to our military list please contact Marsha at the church office.

Join us as we celebrate

The birth of our

Savior Jesus Christ

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

First Christian Church will have two (2)

Candlelight Worship Services on

Thursday, December 24.

The first service will begin at 4:00pm

and the second service at 6:00pm.

EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOOD DISTRIBUTION date for December has not yet been scheduled for the month of December. As soon as we have the date I will post it here in the Christian Visitor. It will be held at the Anderson County Fair Grounds Community Building beginning at 4:00 p.m. This is a first come, first served basis and is in partnership with the First Baptist Church of Garnett.

First Christian Church “Family Life Center” Growth Chart

First Christian Church “Family Life Center” Growth Chart

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH ELDERS Roger Adams: 448-8172 Ron Jenkins: 204-1590 *Kevin Lewis: 204-2257 Doug Meyer: 913-909-7680 Burke Rogers: 448-5987 Steve Spring: 448-2491 Larry Varvel: 448-5794 Gene Watson: 408-205-3635

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH DEACONS Ron Anderegg: 448-6366 Mike Burns: 448-4603 Cody Clark: 304-2478 Craig Cole: 448-4504 Dan Dulin: 204-1185 Jeff Finn: 620-431-8486 *Greg Gwin: 229-5105 Leroy Hamilton: 204-2162 Dan Kasprzak: 489-2513 Jason Miller: 448-7110 Earl Peine: 448-6186 Bill Ratliff: 248-3854 Danny Roberts: 448-6567 Jason Sjorlund: 448-7660 Nathan Wiehl: 204-2178 Mike Zentner: 204-1105