What to Do With Your “Third Week of March” When Pope John Paul died, a man named Rogers Cadenhead quickly registered the web address www.BenedictXVI.com, thinking this might be the name chosen by the new pope. When Cardinal Ratzinger was elected Pope, he did choose the name Pope Benedict XVI, causing some to question what the Vatican would do to get the rights to that domain name. Cadenhead didn’t ask the Vatican for money. Instead, in a humorous manner on his blog he suggested a few things he would trade for:

1. Three days, two nights at the Vatican hotel. 2. One of those hats (referring to the bishop’s hat).

3. Complete absolution, no questions asked, for the third week of March 1987. Wonder what Rogers did the third week of March in 1987? Me too, but does it really matter? Most of us have at least a week for which we’d love to have total forgiveness. We discover in The Story that David did. One day when the army is at war, David, who is the commander of the nation’s military, neglects his duties and stays behind. He sees Bathsheba, seduces her, gets her pregnant, murders her husband, and tries to cover up his actions by deceiving his general and soldiers. Then he marries Bathsheba and she bears their child. It looks as if David will get away with all of this. But he doesn’t. God sends his prophet Nathan to confront David by telling him a story about a poor man with one lamb. David knows something about sheep and shepherds, so he listens. Nathan says that the poor man has a rich neighbor who needs to slaughter a lamb to feed a guest, but instead of taking one of his many sheep he steals the poor’s man’s one lamb. David is incensed and says that man should be put to death. Nathan then accuses David and declares, “You are the man who stole the lamb!” At that moment David must have wished for absolution more than anything else in the world. He may have wanted to make excuses. Explain things away. Blame it on Bathsheba for taking a bath in broad daylight where he could see. But instead of making excuses, David confesses. “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Sam. 12:13). And God did with David’s sin what he will do with yours and mine. He put it away (Psalm 103:12-13). You can do what David did. Whatever your “third week of March” might be, sit down with it, yourself and God. Confess your sin. And then let another shepherd from Bethlehem forgive it. Passing the burden of your sin to the Lord will free you better than any earthly thing you can imagine.

Christian Visitor Weekly Newsletter Volume 70 ~ Issue 1 January 3, 2017

Office Hours: Monday ~ Thursday ~ Closed Friday 8:00 a.m. ~ 12:00 p.m. / 12:30 p.m. ~ 4:30 p.m.

Office Phone: 785-448-3452 Church Website: www.fccgarnett.org

Sunday, January 8, 2017 Chapter 13

The King Who Had It All David messed up, big time – and nearly lost his throne because of it. But he never lost his faith, and God never forgot his promise to stand by the king and his family. As David nears the end of his life, he picks Solomon to take his place. At first, Solomon’s wisdom is the stuff of legend, but his judgment gets worse with age… (taken from “The Story” Teen Edition)

Congratulations FCC… The year 2017 marks

the 160th birthday of worship for

our church. The Christian Church of Garnett, KS was organized in the fall of 1857, in the home of Cornelius Anderson, (grandfather of Ed Anderson), by John Ramsey. There were thirty members. They met in different homes until sometime in 1858. Next they met in the school house for a short time, then in a hall until the church was built. The first pastor was Sam McDaniel. The first elders were Mr. Anderson, Mr. Ramsey, and Mr. Rassen. (Taken from the Celebrating the Past & the Future Booklet)

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL REPORT OPPORTUNITY CLASS: There were 4 members present this morning with 2 daily readers and 2 with their Bibles. Mary Hamilton opened the class with prayer. Prayers requested for those that are ill or lost loved ones, Gary Collins, Luke Rockers, Nelda Potter, Linda Miller, Robert Moser (nephew of Betty Sumner) & Pete Sumner. Mary Hamilton presented the lesson on “Praise God for Creation” from Psalm 33:1-9. The class closed in prayer. SOS Class: There were 13 members with 3 guests present Sunday. Welcome David & Jeanette Bilderback and Miranda Thummell. They had 5 daily readers and 12 with Bibles. Prayers were requested for the family of Shannon Garber, Roy Marmon, Alice Chase, Phyllis Adams, Linda Miller, Linda Benjamin, Burke Rogers & Steve Watkins. Bob Meliza opened the class with prayer. Gary Benjamin led the lesson on Chapter 12 “The Trials of a King.” The class closed with prayer.

THANK YOU AND WELCOME TO FCC Guests Sunday, December 25

Joe & Ashley Sample, Henry, Lucy, George and Opal family of Leroy & Sandra Hamilton; Dustin Worthington, Danny & Tanya Coltrane, Jed, Grace, Jacob and Megan family of Max & Deb Worthington; Holly Meliza daughter of Bob Meliza; Becky Miller family of David Guthrie; Thomas Young guest of Alan Young; Jessica Wyckoff & Ella family of Jayne Miller; Lacey Stapp daughter of Gary & Kim Stapp & Katherine, Tim & Austin family of Gladys Young; Audrie Goode, Katie O’Brien & Levi Clark son of Tim & Tammy Clark

Guests Sunday, January 1, 2017 Dave & Jeanette Bilderback, Kyle & Kira Spring and Appolo & Dillon & Kassidy Boyer all family of Steve & Marcia Spring; Chrystal Wittman & Cowen; Emillie Pearish, Jaythan, Devlin & Hunter guests of Alan Young & Chris McClenny guest of Charlie & Becky Allen

Reminders for Serving January 8, 2017 Worship Services January Deacons: Mike Zentner, Ron Anderegg, Jeff Finn, Earl Peine, Lynn Wilson Communion Preparation: Phyllis Adams & Lena Adams Communion Elder: Kevin Lewis Offertory Elder: Jason Sjorlund Deacon Usher: Cody Clark Communion to Shut Ins: Elder Roger Adams Deacon Unknown

8am Worship Service Audio: Jay Velvick Visual: Barbi Velvick Pianist Carmen Powls

10:30 am Worship Service Audio: Nathan Wiehl Visual: Dane Byerley Instrumentals / Song Leaders: The Worship Team Greeters: Gary & Kim Stapp

The Hands and Feet of Jesus… Thank you all for your continued outpouring support of “The Mitten Tree!” This year we shared the warmth with those in need of 137 pairs of mittens, hats, socks and blankets. Thank you Kim Stapp for counting and taking all our warm apparel to ECKAN. We are truly blessed to be a blessing to others! Do I hear an AMEN!

SUNDAY SCHOOL / WORSHIP SERVICES ATTENDANCE / FINANCIAL UPDATE December 24 Christmas Eve Services: 4:00 p.m. ~ 117 6:00 p.m. ~ 131 December 25 Worship Service: 10:00 a.m. ~ 151 January 1 Worship Services: 8:00 a.m. ~ 46 10:30 a.m. ~ 141 Sunday School ~ 67 General Fund ~ $4708 To Date ~ $4708 New Building Fund ~ $1289 To Date ~ $1289 FCC “Family Life Center” Growth Chart New Building Addition ~ $977,269 Paid to Contractor ~ $255,984 Yet to be paid on Contract ~ $721,285 Current Cash in NBF ~ $519,409 Pledges yet to be received ~ $61,929 Prospective shortfall $139,947 (This does not include expense to remodel existing Fellowship Hall)

Our Condolences to the following families on the loss of their loved ones: Shirley Marlene Greiner, age 81, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Monday, December 19, 2016, at her home. Memorial services were held Tuesday, December 27, 2016, at the First Christian Church. She is survived by her husband Milton, of the home; one son, David Greiner and wife Karen of Bolivar, MO.; one daughter, Marlene Woolsey and husband Rick of Olathe, KS.; four grandchildren, Geoff Greiner, Cathy Brusk and husband Bernie, Lindsey Woolsey, and Christopher Woolsey; two great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Ella Brusk. Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church. Lois Marie Miller, age 97, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, December 24, 2016, at Cimarron Nursing Center in Kingfisher, OK. Funeral services were held at the First Christian Church on Thursday, December 29, 2016. She is survived by her son, Richard Miller and wife Dorothy; her daughter, Lorraine Stewart; her sister JoElla Phares and husband, Paul; grandchildren, Cindy Lowe and husband Kenny; Cherie Ingram and husband Mark; Angela McSpadden and husband Michael; Troy Stewart and wife Marla; Michelle Wiens and husband Randy; Nancy Klenda and husband Marty; Tom Miller and wife Sharla; sisters-in-law, Ilena Miller and Lois Jeane Miller; brother-in-law Jerry Gettler; twenty-one great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church. Shannon Garber, age 60 of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Monday, January 2, 2017 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center. Funeral Services will be held at the First Christian Church at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2017. The family will greet friends at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, January 4 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. She is survived by her husband Les Garber and 3 sons Ben, Pat and Chris.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

OUR YOUTH MINISTRY WITH CHILDREN AND YOUTH PASTOR BRETT HARTMAN

Sunday at FCC: Sunday School Classes at the Annex ~ 9:30 a.m. for Beginners, Primary, Juniors and Junior High Sunday School ~ 9:30 a.m. in Nursery for the Senior High School Children’s Church ~ following Communion ~ at the Annex Legacy Youth in the Fellowship Hall: 5:00 p.m. Wednesday at FCC: ROOTS ~ Fellowship Hall ~ 5:30 p.m. light meal / 6:00 p.m. Lesson time If you have any questions regarding our youth ministry or would like to learn more, please contact Brett Hartman Children and Youth Pastor at brett@fccgarnett.org or cell phone: 620-215-1524 NOTE FROM BRETT: Hey everybody! Hope you had a great Christmas and New Years! Our New Years Eve Eve event, even though we had slight hiccup with the vans, was fun! Students had a good time at Cosmic Jump! I have just a couple of announcements for you

Roots will resume this Wednesday. 5:30 is the meal time, and 6:00 is when we start our lessons

Legacy will resume on Sunday starting at 5:00 pm

Thanks for everything that you guys do for our students! Brett

SINGSPIRATION – JANUARY 31 Sunday, January 29 starting at 6:30 p.m. the community Singspiration will be held. The church for this musical event will be decided and released at a later time. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the music and fellowship!

Thank you for the lovely flowers sent by the church for Norma’s service. Thank you for all your help in making it a memorial to my wife. Jim Johnson

Congratulations on the birth of Levi Jaym Pruett! He was born on Monday, January 2, 2017

9 Lbs 7 ozs ~ 20.5” His parents are Jeremy & Libby Pruett

The Grandparents are John & Sharon Pruett Proud Great Grandparents are George & Jeanine Zentner

The family of Shirley Greiner thanks you for your kind expression of sympathy…Dear Church family, How you have blessed my dad and I during this time of sorrow! Thank you for the flowers, many meals and loving support. Love Marlene Woolsey

What’s Happening at FCC? GOD IS…

Wednesday, January 4 ROOTS ~ 5:30 p.m. Meal ~ 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Lesson time Thursday, January 5 Christian Crafters: 10:00 a.m. ~ Annex Ladies Bible Study ~ 7:00 p.m. ~ Annex Saturday, January 7 Men’s Breakfast & Devotions ~ 7:00 a.m. ~ Fellowship Hall Sunday, January 8 Pastoring Committee following 10:30 a.m. Worship Service Finance Committee following 10:30 a.m. Worship Services Legacy ~ Fellowship Hall ~ 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Elders meet 5:00 p.m. ~ Board meets 6:00 p.m. ~ Annex Monday, January 9 Christian Woodworkers ~ 8:30 a.m. ~ At Darwin Hamilton’s Tuesday, January 10 Prayer Group ~ 6:30 p.m. ~ Annex Wednesday, January 11 ROOTS ~ 5:30 p.m. Meal ~ 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Lesson time Thursday, January 12 Christian Crafters: 10:00 a.m. ~ Annex Ladies Bible Study ~ 7:00 p.m. ~ Annex

Prayer Concerns Our Church Families *Long Term: *Lois Gebert *Clarence Hermann *Jim Jordan *Wilma McIntosh *Nelda Potter * Carol Richardson *Ken McMillan *C B Harris *Cheryl Harris *Steve Watkins *Linda Miller Our Extended Family & Friend *Long Term: *New Building Construction *All her family (request by Wilma McIntosh) *Parker Monhollon (requested by Sandra Hamilton) *Steve Richardson (son of Reed & Carol) *Luke Rockers (son of Jody Cole) * Clarann Kempnich (request by Mary Hamilton) *Wayne Axtell (request by Nancy Horn) *Warren Black (request by Rosemary Turner) *the leaders of our country *our veterans and troops God Bless America! PRAISE: Thank you to all those people who provided the beautiful “special music” throughout the Christmas Season. Loved the children’s program – Brett’s first! LaVerne Cole

Life is a Rope that swings us through Hope Always believe that Today is better than Yesterday And Tomorrow will be much better than Today Don’t worry about Anything, instead Pray about Everything, Every Flower bud Blooms when it’s Time. Every Prayer is answered in God’s Time.

Our Loved Ones in Care Centers Dear Lord, send your blessings on those living in long-term

healthcare facilities and nursing homes. Amen Guest Home Estate - 806 West 4th Ave: Vernon & Goldie Hunt, Ruth Gorrell, Robert Young Parkview Heights - 101 North Pine: Jean Brown, Olive Kline, Max Ratliff, Marcene Jasper, Jerry Gettler, Sr Residential Living Center - PO Box 407: Bill Young, Vera Wills (aunt of Phyllis Adams) ORV Manor – 1100 West 15th St - Ottawa, 66067: Ralph Hamilton (father of Leroy) Comfort Care Home - 27 E Rockwood Dr - Ottawa, KS 66067: Birdie Zentner

Our Military, Veterans & Troops Dear Lord, We give thanks to you for our brave men and women in uniform and we pray for your love to lead them and your wisdom to guide them each and every day. Amen South Korea: Matthew Schryer - Grandson of Frieda Hurt - & nephew of Marcia Spring Air Force: Tim Greening, grandson of Twyla Duryea

Prayer Concerns for our church families and friends "Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." Psalm 136:1

January 1 ~ Week 1 Mike Crist, Howard Williams, the family of Shirley Greiner, the family of Lois Miller and the family of Shannon Garber

December 25 ~ Week 2 Morgan Hurt, John Gooding, Mary Fagg (sister of Wilma McIntosh); John Hermreck & Becky Roush (by Carol Hermreck); sons (parents Mark & Sandra Grieshaber)

December 18 ~ Week 3 Gurdon Olson (request by Twyla Duryea); Wilma Dunbar (mother of Lisa Jarett) and the family of Doug Walsh (brother in law of Doug Linder) Note: If you wish continued prayers please note that after weeks 3 your prayer request will be removed unless you write it on Sunday flap or email to marsha@fccgarnett.org. Thank you!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH ELDERS Roger Adams: 448-8172 *Kevin Lewis: 204-2257 Doug Meyer: 913-909-7680 Jason Sjorlund: 448-7660 Steve Spring: 448-2491 Larry Varvel: 448-5794

Gene Watson: 408-205-3635

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH DEACONS Ron Anderegg: 448-6366 Jonathan Born: 620-340-7784 Dane Byerley: 785-304-2831 *Cody Clark: 448-8093 Craig Cole: 448-4504 Gaylon Corley: 448-8373

James Dodd: 785-418-5479 Jeff Finn: 620-431-8486 Greg Gwin: 229-5105 Leroy Hamilton: 204-2162 Aaron Hedrick 304-1236 Jason Miller: 448-7110 Earl Peine: 448-6186 Nathan Wiehl: 204-2178 Lynn Wilson 448-3451 Mike Zentner: 204-1105

PASTORS AND SECRETARY

Chris Goetz Senior Pastor Phone: 503-474-7965 Email: chris@fccgarnett.org Brett Hartman Children & Youth Phone: 620-215-1524 Email: brett@fccgarnett.org Marsha Dulin Secretary Phone: 785-448-4367 Email: marsha@fccgarnett.org