First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 1505 Fort Bragg Road

Fayetteville, NC 28305 (910) 484-2962

Email: fccfayettevillenc@gmail.com

Pastor: Rev. Clay Boyd kilmarnock01@yahoo.com

(910) 885-1670

Admin Assistant: Ms. Jane Green

Music Director: Ms. Sarah Cessna Board Chair: Mr. Lorenzo Quilloin

May 2017

Mother’s Day

2017

May 14th

Join us this Mother’s Day as we pay special homage to our mothers. These wonderful people who brought us into the world, fed us, clothed us, and sheltered us. We have made them proud, and sometimes made them less proud, filled them with our love or sometimes our anger, but through it all, Mom has been there for us through joys and defeats. It was probably our mothers who first taught us to believe in Jesus, immolating faith so we could understand Jesus Christ as he revealed the father of us all.

Felicita Loran turns 90 on Mother’s Day. Let’s throw her a card shower!!! If you want to bring them to the church on the 14th, we’ll be sure she gets them, or you can mail them to her house.

The

Fayetteville

Disciple

Do You have a Hero? On May 28th, we’d like to lift up those in our church who are our hero’s. We’ve had a lot of people instrumental in getting our church to where it is today. These people gave their all for Christ’s church and have gone to be with him in Heaven. Perhaps they have become God’s angels, continuing to do His work, though now behind the scenes. Please call the office or talk to Clay if you have someone you’d like to recognize. It might be a former minister, your parent, spouse, a grandparent, or any other person who meant a lot to you and our church. Time will be allowed to speak of that person, sharing ‘our stories’ of those who have shared their light.

came back. They might say that so and so made me mad. They might say, “I just need a break”. They might complain that Christ’s church is hypocritical. They might even say, “I’m not sure I believe it anymore.” or “I just can’t do it anymore.” You’ve heard it, haven’t you? [Such things even came from my own mouth once. Ministry is rarely fun. There are many hills and valleys. Once, I said enough and I walked away.] But you know what? The church, God’s instrument here on earth, is human. It is composed of imperfect human men, women and children. We are flawed and so our churches are flawed. In Romans Paul said, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their

minds on the things of the Spirit.” The flesh is weak but the Spirit of God within us is powerful and immortal. Our flesh may be too tired to go on, to confused or disillusioned to do the work, but if we dismiss the flesh and turn to the Holy Spirit, there is abundant energy! Ever been on a nominating committee and heard all the excuses we have for not accepting a position of leadership? There are many, and when we use these excuses, we are not in the Spirit of God, but in the mortal flesh! We lack the faith to sustain us. At such times, we must pray. We have only to look at others in our congregation to see the faith that sustains. I can’t imagine having any energy at 90+ years old, but there are those of use in elder ages who refuse to bow to the flesh and wear the Spirit of God. The angels bear them up so their feet don’t dash a stone. Believe! Pray for His Spirit! Serve the Lord! Peace, Clay

From the Pastor’s Pen . . .

Serving God 24/7 “I, Joe Schmuckatelly, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.” That is the oath of office for those entering the military. All government oaths are similar. When we get married, we also take an oath, though its called a vow. When we join the church we give a confession, but perhaps we should give an oath. While it is true that St. Paul said we are saved by faith alone. As he said in Ephesians 2:8, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing;

it is the gift of God ...” Is that all there is to it? Nothing is required of us? In the second chapter of the epistle of James, it says, “Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith. … faith apart from works is barren? [or … ‘dead’]

But sometimes, even Jesus took a break. He was know to frequently go off by himself to re-energize. I like to think of him as an introvert who needs solitude for energy. However, he never quit. Things got bad, but Jesus kept going. He was persecuted, but kept going. He was betrayed and insulted, but he kept going. How many Christians do you know (I’m sure this doesn’t describe you) that have been full of spitfire and energy, and all of a sudden they quit, withdrew and never

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Christian Adult Fellowship — MOVIE NIGHT

The CAF will be hosting a Movie Night, Friday, May 19th at 7:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall! We will be showing he inspirational drama, “Joshua” starring Tony Goldwyn and F. Murray Abraham. The film was based on the best-selling novel by Joseph Girzone. We’ll have popcorn and drinks so come for the fellowship, the fun, and the opportunity to be inspired! And join us for breakfast, Saturday, May 13th at 9:00am.

Jean Jackson Malcolm and Janie King Margie Rose Billy McGirt Elke Shelly Wright Family Clara Koonce

Mary Lees, sister of Mary Kay Hennessey Debbie Lane, sister of Mary Kay Hennessey Sabine Kacha, by Rob Gates Kai Gates, brother of Rob Gates O’Steins Family, by Star Lockamy Mary Boone, sister-in-law of Eleanor Manning Felicia Okeagu, wife of Jonas Okeagu

(Doing better, Praise God)

Larry Epsiey, by Paul Rollizo, Sr. Daisy Pilkington, sister of Jim Lockamy Mary Morgan, sister of Gail Lockamy Erika Loeschmann, sister of Trudi Bedelis Marvin Jackson, son of Isabelle Jackson

Eric Enstrom’s “Grace”

Please Remember These in Your Prayers

Visiting Shirley

A few church members surprised Shirley Tharrington for a belated birthday party on April 27th. Lorenzo Quillion and Rev. Boyd were also present.

We had cupcakes and sang Happy Birthday. We also shared prayer and communion. Many stories were told which Shirley’s great granddaughter enjoyed hearing. Shirley seemed to enjoy our visit.

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Listening Conferences To provide Input on New Regional Minister

The North Carolina Region is in the search process for John Richardson’s replacement as Regional Minister. Someone we all know well, Rev. Beth Burton-Williams, is chair of the Search Committee. The committee is holding listening conferences throughout the region to hear what WE think. We have an opportunity to help guide the committee in their task. The nearest meeting will be held at Wilson’s Mill Christian Church in Clayton on May 25th at 7:00 pm. The address is 179 Fire Department Road and will be facilitated by Rev. Burton-Williams. If this doesn’t work for you, there are several other opportunities at other locations. Please see Rev. Boyd for more information.

Camp Caroline Give your kid the experience of a lifetime. Send them to Camp this summer.

Please see Clay for more information.

Summer Camp Registrations

On the left, children scatter throughout the church grounds in search of Easter Eggs following our Easter services. They had a great time. To the right, Jim Lockamy helps the children free the butterflies.

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Notes on the Regional Assembly

David Baldwin, Mary Kay Hennessey, Tom Hennessey and Rev. Boyd represented our church at the resent Regional Assembly in Wilson on April 29th. We met our new Interim Regional Minister, W. Ray Miles, a native of Alberta Canada. The resolution to sell the Regional Office building on Lee Street to Barton College for $125,000 was passed.

Below is a picture of Regional Moderator, Rev. Dr. William Barber II , opening the Assembly

WORSHIP UPDATE Sunday evening’s worship will include not only the election of the new General Minister and President, but also the opportunity to sing, pray and hear meditations from three folks you may not have been introduced to just yet. Scheduled to speak are Jae Young Rhee, a pastor from Ohio; Jen Garbin, regional minister for Canada; and Henry Brewer-Calvert, student at Brite Divinity School (Texas). You will want to be there, so register now! After 12 years of leadership, the Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins will reach the end of her second term as General Minister and President at the 2017 General Assembly. Tickets are now on sale through the registration system for the banquet to be held in her honor on Saturday, July 8. Well wishers may also attend a reception after worship Saturday evening.

Patrick Conn, seen here with his loving wife Jennifer, made his confession of faith on April 30th! It is great to have him and we pray for his journey of faith as he grows closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

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Preparing Deacon Margo Covington

Elders Isabelle Jackson Bill Howard

Serving Deacons Jennifer Conn Mary Kay Hennessey

Worship Leader Brenda Handelman

Greeter Margo Covington

Markeata Willams Frank Wyble

Nursery Attendant Brenda Handelman

Acolyte Jake McPherson

Sound Board/Video Joe Hennessey Jeff Kieft

Serving Schedule for May

We welcome Amarie Liburd, son of Monique McMillan, who was baptized into the faith of our Lord, Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday.

The Christian Education Committee is planning a VBS for this summer. Please talk to Mary Kay, Lorenzo or Rev. Boyd if you have ideas, would like to volunteer. We will have more information as time progresses. It should be lots of fun and educational for all. There is a survey available in the office if you’d like to fill one out.

Worship Leader Training

The Worship Committee will be holding Worship Leader training on Saturday, May 13th at 11:30am following the CAF meeting. Anyone who is, or would like to be a Worship Leader is encouraged to attend. All are welcome to do this and there is no age requirement. We need people who speak clearly, read well, and can light up a crowd. If the spirit moves you, join us on Saturday!

May Anniversaries

04 — Melissa & Theron Hollar 21 — Monique & Darrell McMillan

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May Birthdays 1 — Elke Shelly 5 — Jeff Morgan 6 — Rose Boatright 7 — Jennifer Conn 14 — Felicity Loran — Christianna Ervine 18 — AndrejsBedelis — Mimi Porter 19 — Ernestine Barnes 23 — Anne Mosier 26 — Sarah Cessna 27 — Eleanor Manning 28 — Shirley Cox

Stewardship and Finance Committee

On February 12, 2017, the Board approved the replacement of unit one (of two) units, of the heating and air-conditioning system for the sanctuary with the actual unit having been installed on February 22, 2017. We request each family make an additional donation of $60 for such an emergency. Should you elect to make a greater donation, it would be greatly appreciated. Please mark your check “H/A” in the memo line.

Thank you!!

Harold Tharrington, Jr., Shirley’s eldest son, wrote this as a child.

God loves the wisdom of children.

Children’s Church

Our children are in need of a program that will teach them on their own level. They need to know the stories of the Bible. We will be starting a children’s church program. This is not so much fun and games as an educational and worshipful experience. We want to set up a monthly rotation of leaders so no one misses church for long. If you would like to help out, contact Lorenzo, Mary Kay or Rev. Boyd.

Sweatfrog bucket Heartburners Green Alligator (read tag) (Scentsy) (Scentsy)

Raffle The Hospitality Committee is holding a raffle for repairs on our building. Between Air Conditioning/Heating units, Exterior wall repairs and painting, we have a lot of work to be done. They’re doing their part to help raise funds to maintain our building. Tickets are fifty cents for one ticket or a dollar for three tickets. You can’t beat the deal! See Judie or Donna for tickets.

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Above you can see the work being don on the north side of the Fellowship Hall.

Above left and above is ‘before’ repair picture. To the left is the ‘after’ repair picture. This is the South side of the Fellowship Hall (closest to parking lot).

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New Bible Study

We have begun a new study of the Bible. We are studying all four gospels in parallel. We are looking at Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. It is exciting to see what all four recorded and what they left out. Comparison is a fascinating way to look at the Gospels and address the questions such a study raises for each of us. Please join us.

Wednesday at 5:30 PM

or

Thursdays at 10:00 AM

Blessing of the Badges The third annual, Blessing of the Badges, where Fayetteville’s spiritual leaders join our first responders to bless them through their badges. This has become a meaningful ceremony of unity and means a lot to those who participate. All are invited on Friday, May 19th, at 2:00pm at Village Baptist Church for this ceremony. The church is located at 906 South McPherson Church Road.

CROP WALK 2017—down to history

Following the Crop Walk on April 22nd, Alicia Banks, a staff writer for the Fayetteville Observer, wrote that

The annual Cumberland County CROP Hunger Walk kicked off at Evans Metropolitan AME Zion Church on North Cool Spring Street. Children played Frisbee and jump rope before the 5k walk/run began. A live band entertained with gospel songs to which many attendees sang along. The event, nearly 30 years old, raises funds to end hunger and to support organizations that tackle the problem locally and globally.

This year’s goal was to raise $20,000, said Laura Lupton, chairwoman of the local CROP Walk committee. As of Saturday afternoon, the event had raised about $14,000 [with more monies still coming in].

Second Harvest will receive 25 percent of the funds raised during the campaign. The organization partners with more than 260 churches and agencies to provide food for those in need. The rest benefits Church World Service, a nonprofit organization addressing hunger internationally.

“These organizations are helping people help themselves,” Lupton said. “We help people know more about hunger and poverty. We’ve generated more volunteers for Second Harvest and inspired people to open food pantries in their churches. It’s not too late to give.”

CROP — originally an acronym for Christian Rural Overseas Program — began after World War II when farmers across the nation shared their grain with hungry Europeans recovering from the war. The hunger walk’s mission has grown since then. Over the years, the event in Cumberland County has raised more than $400,000. Last year, the walk raised about $18,700.

Our church had three walkers, Kathy Henderson, Mary Kay Hennessey and Rev. Boyd. You are still able to donate on their behalf or just because you want to help end hunger. Send your checks to the church and put “Crop Walk” in the memo field.

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First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 1505 Fort Bragg Road Fayetteville, NC 28305 (910) 484-2962

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Group Events in the Life of FCC Fayetteville

Elders Meeting: Sunday, May 14th at 9:00 AM This is an opportunity for our Elders to gather and discuss the needs of the Congregation and its membership. They also send out cards to those for whom they pray. See Mary Morgan for further information.

Dorcas Friends will meet Saturday, May 6th at 9:00 AM This group is a fellowship group for women who have suffered the loss of their spouse. They meet for breakfast and fellowship. They send cards to those who need a pick-me-up. See Eleanor Manning for further information.

Christian Adult Fellowship will meet Saturday, May 13th at 9:00 AM This is a group for adults, though the term, ‘adult’ is not defined. It is open to both men and women and their primary purpose is fellowship. The group is led by Billy McGirt.

Weekly Prayer Group meets every Thursday at 9:00 AM. This group grew out of our last Bible Study and meets to pray for members, families and friends of our congregation. They also send cards to those in need of a smile. They invite anyone and everyone to join them, young and old, male and female. See Isabelle Jackson for more details.

Bible Study meets every Wednesday evening at 5:30 PM and Thursday mornings at 10:00 AM. We are making a study of the 4 Gospels in parallel—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Chancel Choir each Wednesday, 7:00 PM, The choir is open to all who have a desire to sing. Knowing how to sing is optional. See Sarah Cessna should you have a question.

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