Can You Hear Him Now? Verizon Wireless created one of the most memorable marketing campaigns ever in 2005. In their commercials a so-called “test man,” accompanied by a crowd of network engineers, travels the country asking the simple question, “Can you hear me now?” in an ongoing exercise to determine the reliability of the mobile phone carrier’s network. The “catch phrase” caught on. The company’s market share went up and employee turnover went down. It seemed people could relate to the struggle to connect. Folks were tired of dropped calls and unreliable communication systems. And Verizon sent a message that they wanted desperately to connect with its subscribers and wanted its subscribers to be able to connect with each other. At the risk of selling Him short, God has done the same. Even when the Kingdom had split in two, He kept sending His message. He gave the people of the Divided Kingdom some 208 years to decide whether they would “accept” or “reject” His call. He sent His own “technicians” to get the message out. We call them “prophets.” The job of the Verizon technician is unique. But not nearly as unique as the task given Hosea. Hosea, himself a prophet, appeared in a down time in the nation of Israel. The reality is that people often hear best when things are at their worst. So Hosea signed on with God. But God gave him a most unusual assignment. Hosea’s life would be his message. He was to marry a prostitute named Gomer and love her. What an incredible request! (Just imagine a young man with a seminary degree in hand trying to explain that one to a pastor search committee.) The tough assignment was made even more difficult as Gomer left Hosea. She would conduct her ‘transactions’ with customers and all the time in her mind believing they were the ones supporting her. In reality, though, it was Hosea who continued to care for her and provide for her necessities even during her times of unfaithfulness. God tells Hosea to go and demonstrate his love for her, so he does. Now picture this scene, as ugly as it is: Hosea pays some Hebrew “pimp” for some time with his wife, Gomer. When she enters the room expecting her next customer, she comes face-to-face with her husband. It is then that Hosea tells her again he loves her and wants her to come back home. It’s the lived-out message that Hosea later gives in words. And it’s the same message God sends today. He loves us—even in our extreme unfaithfulness. And he wants us to come back home, even though we have abandoned him. But much like a call on your cell phone, you can hit the “accept” button or the “reject” button. You have the power to send God to voicemail and make him wait. Or you can answer his call today. The people of Israel had 208 years to pick up and they never did. The network is clear. The message is reliable. Can you hear him now? . Blessings, Chris

Christian Visitor Weekly Newsletter Volume 70 ~ Issue 4 January 24, 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 29, 2017 Chapter 16: The Beginning of the End (of the Kingdom of Israel) God’s messengers sound the alarm, telling people to repent before it’s too late. Bur most are too busy worshipping false gods to pay attention. It’s time for drastic action. If a prophet’s warning won’t do the trick, a brutal invasion just might. The kingdoms of Israel and Judah are about to meet the full force and fury of the Assyrian army… (taken from “The Story” Teen Edition)

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL REPORT OPPORTUNITY CLASS: There were 3 members present this morning with 2 daily readers and 1 with their Bible. Mary Hamilton opened the class with prayer. Prayers requested for Luke Rockers, Nelda Potter, Linda Miller, Denise Hamilton, Clarann Kempnich & Alice Leim. Mary Hamilton presented the lesson on “Praise God the Creator” from Psalm 104. The class closed in prayer. SOS Class: There were 22 present today with 1 guest, Beatrice Lile. Eighteen had their Bibles and 10 were daily readers. Prayers were requested for Carol White sister in law of Loydene West; Helen Bailey, Cliff Jones, Peggy Anderson (daughter of Norma Hermreck) & Joyce Benton. PRAISE: Steve Watkins (no chemo); Bea Lile (successful surgery); Linda Miller & Linda Benjamin both in church on Sunday! The class sang “Happy Birthday” to LaVerne Cole today. Larry Varvel opened the class with prayer. Burke Rogers led the lesson on Chapter 14 & 15. The class closed with prayer.

WELCOME TO FCC Guests Sunday, January 22, 2017 Joe Giardino, Bea Lile, Valerie & Jade Todd; Abby & Eli Shelton grandchildren of Butch & Sharon Rocker; Jim Hart & Christian Kniebler guests of Vikki Mundy family; Jaxson McAdam grandson of Doug & Connie Meyer; Lily Feuerborn granddaughter of Kathy Croucher and Tom Cole son of Orville & LaVerne Cole

Reminders for Serving January 29, 2017 Worship Services January Deacons: Mike Zentner, Ron Anderegg, Jeff Finn, Earl Peine, Lynn Wilson Communion Preparation: Phyllis Adams & Lena Adams Communion Elder: Jason Sjorlund Offertory Elder: Larry Varvel Deacon Usher: Gaylon Corley Communion to Shut Ins: Elder Gene Watson Deacon Dane Byerley 8am Worship Service: Audio: Dan Dulin Visual: Twyla Duryea Pianist Doris Wilson 10:30 am Worship Service: Audio: Nathan Wiehl Visual: Jon Adams Instrumentals / Song Leaders: The Youth Worship Team Greeters: West Door: Mike & Kathy Croucher East Door: Steve & Marcia Spring / family Matthew. 25:23 NIV “His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a

few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

SUNDAY SCHOOL / WORSHIP SERVICES ATTENDANCE / FINANCIAL UPDATE January 22 Worship Services: 8:00 a.m. ~ 65 10:30 a.m. ~ 161 Sunday School ~ 84 General Fund ~ $4375 To Date ~ $13933 New Building Fund ~ $1417 To Date ~ $18126

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 ~ $537,535 Pledges yet to be received ~ $60,562 Prospective shortfall $123,188 (This does not include expense to remodel existing Fellowship Hall)

From the rising of the sun to the place

where it sets, the name of the LORD is

to be praised. Psalm 113: 3 NIV

Hey everybody! Have a couple of announcements for you guys! First off February 5th, is our Superbowl Night. We are asking students and

parents to arrive around 5pm at the Garnett Recreation Center (510 North Lake Road). This will be a potluck style meal, so bring something good to

share with one another! For the halftime show we will be watching a segment of Tim Hawkins comedy standup routine. He’s a Christian comedian, who will be a clean family friendly alternative. Secondly we will continue our Roots program as usual this Wednesday 5:30-7pm.

Thirdly we are going to be going to the Christian Church of Burlington for their annual Night of

Worship, on Sunday, February 19th. Bob Witte from Ozark Christian College will be speaking and Frontline will be leading worship for us. I’m asking the students and parents to be here at FCC at 5:00pm sharp to leave for this event. The doors open at 5:30pm and the event starts at 6:00pm. Our tentative return time will be around 8:30 pm - 9:00pm. Thanks guys for doing everything you do for our Youth Group and Little Kids!!!

Brett’s

Bottom

Line___

Jesus loves the little children –

All the children of the world –

Black and yellow, red and white - They're all precious in His sight -

Jesus loves the little children of the world

Do you need a ride to a medical appointment in Garnett, Ottawa, Topeka or Kansas City area and no way to get to it? Please call 785-248-3837 and leave your name and a phone number in which you can be reached. You may also contact Marsha Dulin at the FCC office at 785-448-3452 for information on how to request assistance. If you would like information or are interested in being a volunteer, please contact us at 785-248-3837.

Our Condolences to the following families on the loss of their loved ones Clara Grace Jones, age 94, of Garnett, passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2017, at Brookdale of Overland Park. She is survived by her husband Clifford Jones of Garnett. Graveside services were held Saturday, January 21, 2017, at the Garnett Cemetery. Lelia G. Damron, age 75, of Garnett, passed away Friday, January 20, 2017, at her home in Garnett. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 24, 2017, at the First Christian Church, Garnett, Kansas. There will be a family time to greet friends and family from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday evening at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lelia Damron Memorial Fund. Shirley Crist-Orlando, age 58, of Joplin, MO, passed away Friday, January 20, 2017. Funeral services will be held in Joplin, Thursday January 26. She is survived by her mom Lois Crist and brother Mike Crist of Garnett.

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

COMMUNITY SINGSPIRATION Sunday, January 29 – 6:30 p.m. the Community-Wide Singspiration will be held at the Assembly of God Church. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the music and fellowship! Kansas for Life Banquet ~ There is a Valentines Banquet for

“Kansas for Life” in Overland Park, KS at the Ritz Charles on Thursday, February 9, 2017. If anyone is interested in attending this event, please contact Mary Hamilton at 448-6526. There will be a free meal (donations only) a silent auction and a speaker.

FEBRUARY 2017 ANNIVERSARIES

February 3, 1963

Bob & Franque Meliza

February 6, 1960

John & Vicki Hulett

February 8,

Darren & Joan Simpson

February 13, 1981

Mark & Mary Gooding

February 24, 1951

Dick & Velva Wilson

FEBRUARY 2017 BIRTHDAYS February 1 Kathy Waring

February 4 Diana Knox

Tammy Clark

Jim Johnson

February 5 Howard Wilson

February 7 Ty Hedrick

February 8 Donna Roberts

Dr. Lynn Wilson

Waltham Farren

February 13 Jeanine Zentner

February 14 Charlene Rogers

Randy Sears

FEBRUARY 2017 BIRTHDAYS February 15 Natasha Goetz

Mary Gooding

February 17 Jay Velvick

February 18 Troy Brubaker

February 19 Amanda Schatzer

February 23 Corky Wilson

February 25 Suzanne Finn

February 26 Paula Sjorlund

February 27 Whitney Peine

February 29 Carol Jane Long

(NO LEAP YEAR THIS YEAR)

Prayer Concerns for 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 & Friends *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) *the leaders of our country *our veterans and troops God Bless America!

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 22 ~ Week 1 Howard Williams, the family of Clara Grace Jones, Joyce Benton, Lois Crist, Mike Crist, Betty (sister of Marilyn Artherton); Reed Richardson; Nancy Lake and friend Mike (Gayla Corley); John Hermreck & Becky Roush (Carol Hermreck); Ray & Nancy Foltz (Nancy Horn); Carol White (sister in law of Loydene West); Morgan Hurt; Kathy Lindsay Nelson, Warren Black, Tyler Alley and Jesse Hale (all by Rosemary Turner) and Earl Peine & Whitney Peine

January 15 ~ Week 2 Peggy Anderson (Sister of Sue Zentner), a friend - cancer (Michael Howery) and Jeremiah Knard

January 8 ~ Week 3 Maurice White (bother of Loydene West); Mary Fagg (sister of Wilma McIntosh) 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 Dulin at 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

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID

GARNETT, KS. PERMIT NO. 4

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

Return Service Requested First Christian Church

of Garnett, KS. P.O. Box 126

200 S. Walnut Garnett, KS. 66032