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7/27/2019 The Christian Courier

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CourierThe Christian

Bellingham First Christian Church(Disciples of Christ)

Vol. 63, No. 19 Grace and Welcome for All November 2013

S u n d a y ,

N o v .

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Bazaar Help Needed! All hands need to be on deck Saturday, Nov. 9, when FirstChristian Church will hold its annual "Share the Spirit" Bazaar.Please sign up in the fellowship hall, indicating what talents youwill share! That includes everything from bringing card tables forthe lunch time, setting up and taking down the fellowship hall,providing pies for the kitchen and making crafts.

Funds raised during the annual bazaar will be split between localand denomination-wide mission projects. Each dollar raised goestoward helping the needy of our community and world find hopeand a better life. Please give your time generously to this effort.

6th Annual AlternativeHoliday Market Scheduled

Sunday, November 17, 1 - 4 p.m. Assumption’s Gym

Will you buy a cow or a candle, a calendar or acup of water for a villager in need of clean H2O?This is no ordinary holiday market. Pet a pony,listen to live music, enjoy homemade desserts,and support local and international non-profits asyou do your holiday shopping. As you cross itemsoff your gift list, know that you’ll be saving livesand helping God’s creation.

Angels in our midst: Thanks to Bea and Ralph Gilfilen(pictured above) who brought in a huge bag of coatsfor Interfaith Coalition’s Winter Coat Drive. Thanksalso to Darleen Page for organizing this event. Ourboxes are overflowing. And hooray for Greg Smith(pictured below) for being the first to pose for a “why

we love FCC” photo op.



Kral’s ScrawlsWhat kind of church do we want to be? Many of us often stop to think about thekind of people we want to be. We think about the people we’ve known in ourlives, the people we wish to emulate, but how often do we ponder thepersonality of our church?

There are all kinds of churches. There are social club churches that find theiridentity in their fellowship and fun activities. There are dying churches that are

just hoping to survive another day. There are missional churches that find theirmain purpose in reaching out. There are numbers churches that are all aboutcounting their numbers on Sunday mornings and church growth. There arenurturing churches that care for their members’ needs. There are life-drainingchurches that seem to suck the joy out of everyone who walks through the door

and life-affirming churches that breathe joy and wonder and God’s grace into everyone in and around them.There are sad churches and happy churches, churches that cling to the past and churches that have greathope and faith for the future. There are welcoming churches that fully embrace Jesus’ teachings and themandate to share God’s love. And there are churches that are a combination of a multitude of these things.

What kind of church is First Christian Church of Bellingham? It’s all in our hands. It doesn’t matter what kind ofchurch it was 50 years ago or 20 years ago or yesterday. It only matters what kind of church it is today. Andtomorrow. Because the Spirit is moving right now and she keeps moving us forward. It is our choice as towhether we will follow.

New ministry task forces are currently forming at our church: Worship Task Force, Children’s Ministry TaskForce, Facilities Care Task Force and Outreach Task Force. Please prayerfully consider joining one of theseimportant ministries as we pray, dream and work our way into God’s future.

Tamalyn

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We are happy to welcome Jeremy, Francie and Emily Blanchard to our church. The Blanchards come tous from Shalom United Church of Christ in Richland, Wash.

Francie currently volunteers at SeaMar clinics. Past hobbies have included sewing, quilting and crocheting.Francie loves being a mom and wife. Her favorite things to do are spend time with Jeremy and her familyand laughing.

Jeremy loves to learn and grow with the outdoors and work being his two educational foci. Outdoors, heenjoys fly fishing (both spey and single hand), bow hunting and scouting new territory. Professionally he is acritical care physician, but most recently moved to our community to be the vice president of quality andmedical affairs at St. Joe’s.

Emily (21 years) is living with her parents while going to Whatcom Community College. Her goal is to work with deaf children in a day care setting and she is pursuing her early childhood development associatedegree and proficiency in American Sign Language.

The Blanchards also have a daughter, Abby, who attends Seattle University and plays volleyball for them.Her major is psychology and she is premed.

First Christian WelcomesNew Members

grace & welcome



Hypertension: that Silent Killer High blood pressure, or hypertension, often goesundetected until ill effects are experienced which is why itis called the silent killer. High blood pressure rarely hassymptoms until it reaches an extreme level; years may goby and the individual may not know it.

Blood pressure is defined as a measure of the amount of tension circulating blood puts on the walls of bloodvessels. Two numbers will provide a blood pressurereading: the top number is called systolic pressure whichis the pressure exerted during contraction of theventricles; the bottom number is called diastolic which is

when the ventricles are refilling with blood.

Average or healthy blood pressure is 120/70 or less.Worrisome or prehypertension blood pressure measures120-130/80-90. Blood pressure 160/100 or greater isconsidered high and requires medical attention.

Consequences of hypertension

• Damage to blood vessels in the brain, eyes, heart andkidneys.

• Increase risk of stroke, heart disease, kidney failure

Risk Factors

• Age (between 30 and 70 or more)

• Race -- often black • Being overweight which can lead to sleep apnea

• Family history

• Smoking

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Diabetes

Symptoms of hypertension

• Often presents no symptoms which can lead to death if not diagnosed and treated

• Headache, dizziness, blurred vision when bloodpressure is very high

Diagnostic Evaluation

• Electrocardiogram -- to determine effects ofhypertension on the heart

• Chest x-ray -- to show changes to the heart

• Urine samples -- to detect high levels of harmfusubstances in the urine

• Kidney scan -- to detect kidney damage

• blood pressure readings

Management of hypertension (to lower risk factors)

• Healthy weight loss

• Limit alcohol intake

• Regular aerobic exercise (30-40 minutes of briskwalking most days)

• Stop smoking

• Reduce dietary saturated fats and cholesterol

• Reduce coffee intake (less than five cups/day)

• Drug therapy if lifestyle changes fail to reduce bloodpressure to safe levels:

• Diuretics -- lowers blood pressure by increasingurine excretion of water and sodium

• Beta blockers -- lowers blood pressure by slowing

the heart and reducing cardiac output and releaseof renin in the kidneys

• Alpha blockers -- lowers blood pressure by dilatingsystemic blood vessels

• ACE inhibitors -- lowers BP by blocking certainenzymes that constrict blood vessels (in thekidneys)

• Following the DASH diet plan (Dietary Approach to StopHypertension)

• Based on a 2,000 calorie per day diet

• Individual calorie needs may vary from those listed(see chart on Health Ministries bulletin board)

• Diet includes grains, vegetables, fruits, lean meats

poultry and fish, nuts, fats/oils, low fat sweets.If you have not had your blood pressure checked in thelast six months or year see your health care provider. Ihypertension is diagnosed, become proactive in learningabout the condition and work in partnership with yourhealth care professional. The more you understand andthe more active you are in following treatment, thebetter the outcome. If your blood pressure is known tobe in a safe range. protect yourself by making healthychoices in your lifestyle. Prayer: Sacred One, our bodies and minds and spirits are

sacred. Help us honor that sacredness by makingchoices in lifestyle that will promote health in our entirebeing. Amen Source: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Jane Kletka, RN, FCNHealth Ministries

Nurse’s Notes

from

Your Health Ministries Nurse



Thank Yous ReceivedDear First Christian Congregation,

Thank you very much for your generous donation of money -and time to the C.A.S.T. program.

Your continued support is v i t a lto our efforts to feed thehungry of Bellingham.

(Also thanks to you, manyof them have warm,clean socks!)

Gratefully,

Mary Ann O’Hara

D e a r G a r y a n dmembers of FirstChristian, Bellingham,We want to thank you for yourcontinuing support of the church throughout your

contributions to Disciples Mission Fund (DMF). The faithfulstewardship of First Christian Church provides an importantfoundation for our work together in the Northwest Region.

As you know, the main support for the many ministries weundertake together as the Northwest Region comes from theDMF giving of our congregations. in addition, your DMF giftssupport the ministries of the wider church through ourGeneral units, colleges and theological institutions.We encourage you to continue in your faithful stewardshipthrough DMF. As you engage in your financial planning forthe coming year, we hope you will prayerfully consider beingeven more generous in your support of the Region and thewider church as we do together that which we cannot do

alone.Celebrating our ministry together,Bill JennisonStewardship Chairperson

Sandy Messick Regional Minister

Say Thank You to OurDisciples House HeroesRecently Disciples House had to close for several weeksbecause of the necessity to replace a bathroom floor. Aleak in the tub had completely rotted the floor and sub

floor. A contractor gave us a bid of $7,200 toreplace it, an amount we could not afford sowe rejected the bid.

And then, ALONG CAME CHARLIE!!! Wecontacted Charlie Hudson from HudsonRemodeling who came to look at the problemCharlie was so moved by the mission of DisciplesHouse that he said, “We will make this happen!”

And Charlie got to work. He contacted others inthe business and was able to get materials andlabor volunteered. Interfaith also helped byproviding us with Mike Hess to do the demolitionwork, thus costing the church nothing.

CHARLIE DID IT!!! Disciples House is again on lineand has welcomed another family. Here is what Charliedid and the people who helped him. If you know any othese people or businesses, you are encouraged topersonally thank them:

* Charlie Hudson -- Hudson Remodeling -- Lynden(Charlie’s bid was $1500 but he arranged forover $3600 in materials and labor from others.)

* Van’s Plumbing and Electrical --Lynden(Supplied $1500 in labor and materials)

*Ralph’s Floors -- Lynden(supplied $150 in flooring)

*Chris Gelensyne -- Everson(donated labor and glue worth $150)

*Lyndale Glass -- Lynden(reduced price on shower door and providedinstallation worth $575)

What Are the New Ministry Teams?

Outreach Task Force(the goal is to have at least one activity a month whichinvolves/invites the community)possible projects:

• Monthly community meal• Banners for light poles in parking lot• More signage for building• Re-painting/finishing church sign• Determining which community events we wish to

support/participate in as a church

Facilities Task Forcepossible projects:

• Quilts, pics and other aesthetically pleasing things toput on church walls

• Plan ways to make our WHOLE facility look clean,inviting, warm, welcoming, attractive, organized

Worship Task Forcepossible projects:

• Take a good look at our worship service and worshipspace and determine ways to make it meaningful andwelcoming for all

• Plan special services throughout the year (e.g. Advent, Lent, special offering Sundays)

Children's Ministry Task Forcepossible projects:

• Create at least one activity a month for our children• Set up a classroom to meet our own needs

Please talk to Tamalyn for more information.



November Birthdays

& AnniversariesHappy Birthday:

Bridget Naidu 1Bethany Hoemann 1Linda Botts 2Pat McGovern 2Mākena Schmidling 14Sarah Hulbert 15

Ahline Botts 16 Ann Hall 21Ellen Erickson 21Jessica McLachlan 22Kent Boruff 25

Lois Oswalt 27Bea Gilfilen 28

Happy Anniversary:Bill & Debbie Ruther 12

Sunday,November3

Sunday, November 3Elders: Gregg Heyne (O), Joe Plancich (C), Don Hoffman and LindaHeyne (in home), Margaret Brown (lock up)Diaconate: Betty SchmidlingReader: Virginia HaldemanGreeters: Sandy Grant and Lois OswaltFlowers: Kralman-Shoemaker

Fellowship Time: Kathy and Alisha WheelerSunday, November 10Elders: Linda Heyne (O), Melody Hoffman (C)Diaconate: Marian Overcash, Megan Shoemaker, Ardythe HannahReader: Mary Ann TeetersGreeter: Jane KletkaFlowers: SchmidlingsFellowship Time: Schmidlings

Sunday, November 17Elders: Mary Ann Teeters (O), Leslie Pinkston (C)Diaconate: Lois Oswalt, Pat Whitney, Connie PageReader: Gregg Heyne

Greeters: John and Brenda RiselandFlowers: TBDFellowship Time: TBD

Sunday, November 24Elders: John Riseland (O), Margaret Brown (C)Diaconate: Lynn PlancichReader: Bruce RadtkeGreeters: Betty and Charles SchmidlingFlowers: Esther GroupFellowship Time: Esther Group

Mozambique Highlighted during Global Mission Sunday

Former missionary to Mozambique, the Rev. Ruth Brandon, introduced Mozambique to First Christian Church on Sundayduring the morning worship and African lunch afterward on October 13. Her sermon on "God's Surprises" focused onlearnings that surprised her during her three terms of service in Mozambique (1966-69, 1973-76 and 1990-93). Shethanked the congregation for its concern for the people of Mozambique and for providing funds to dig a well in Machaze.

The annual Global Mission Sunday centered around Mozambique, one of the poorest countries in the world.

Rev. Brandon described life in the southern African country during its time of turmoil in a wide-ranging discussionfollowing lunch. Questions from the 30 people attending the luncheon ranged from farming to security issues. She alsodisplayed items from Mozambique.

Special thanks for the meal go to Renee Hoemann, Betty Schmidling and Pat Whitney who prepared the South African ricedish, Darleen Page, Cheryl Perry and Mary Ann Teeters who made the chicken dish from the Democratic Republic oCongo and to Lillian Moir for the romaine and pineapple salad from the DRC and the sweet potato cookies fromZimbabwe. Thanks go also to those who helped clear tables and washed dishes.



First Christian Church

(Disciples of Christ)

495 E. Bakerview Road

Bellingham, WA 98226

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

A movement f or wholeness in a fragmented

world. A s part of the one body of Christ, we

welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has

welcomed us.

All of UsMinisters

Rev. Gary Shoemak [email protected]

Mary Ann TeetersFinance/Membership [email protected]

Rev. Tamalyn KralmanDirector of Education & Community Outreach

Editor, The Christian Couriertamalynk @comcast.net

Amelia Nye Accompanist

Aneesa AhadChildcare Provider

Rev. Sandy Messick Regional Minister

Rev. Sharon WatkinsGeneral Minister and President

Sunday Schedule

9:30 a.m. Adult Sunday School

10:50 a.m. Gathering Music 11 a.m. Worship

After Worship Fellowship Time

3rd Sundays Out-to-Lunch Bunch

2nd & 4th Sundays, 6:30 p.m. Wild Goose

Worship

Office Hours

Monday - Friday

9 a.m. - 12 noon

Our staff is in and out of the office throughout the

week. Please feel free to stop by during their

off ice hours or make an appointment that fits

your schedule.

Officers

Mary A nn Teeters, Chair

Betty Schmidling, Vice-Chair

Virginia Haldeman, Secretary

Pat McGovern, Treasurer

Joys and ConcernsPlease submit written requests to update this list.

New to Our List:

Frankie & Paul Van Dyke, on the death of Frankie’ssister, Margaret

Dale Whitney, fell and broke his leg while doing a bit of gymnastics with a sheet of plywood; will be off that leg for10 - 12 weeks

Ongoing:

Bob Fisher, in the loss of his brother

Merle White, Mary Lee Wiser’s daughter, recovering fromsurgeryJoanne, Skip Winchester’s sister, cancer

Neilan Hart, four year-old friend of the Pages, acuteleukemia

Virginia Haldeman, continuing radiation treatmentsMargaret Farrar, is home!Daisy Shoemaker, still on chemo, but recentlycelebrated her 80th birthday with about 80 people!Marek Hudec, Bob Fisher’s son-in-lawBarbara Smith, in hospice careRhea Manlove, mother of Jeremy Blanchard, healthimproving, but her sister has had a setback Mac and Velma McDonald, health concernsIglesia de Dios, as together we share God’s love from

Bakerview & DeemerRev. Dr. Loletta Barrett, Global Mission partner inNamibiaRev. Sandy Messick , Regional MinisterRev. Sharon Watkins, General Minister and PresidentOur General Church ministries

Yakama Christian MissionRefugees around the world

All troops involved in world conflictPeacemakers worldwide

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First Christian Church

(Disciples of Christ)

495 East Bakerview Road

Bellingham, WA 98226-9168

360.734.6820 www.bhamfcc.org

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Save the DatesNovember 9 “Share the Spirit” Bazaar

No vember 17 Alternative Holiday Market

November 28 Thanksgiving

November 30 Hanging of the Greens

December 1 1st Sunday of Ad vent

Global Ministries A lternative

Christmas Fair

Contact Us:

360.734.6820bhamfcc.org

[email protected]

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