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TRANSCRIPT
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“THE “D” WORD”
“Pastor, parents think that I have a magic wand to wave that automatically transforms their children to professional performers… It’s not surprising for students to stop taking music lessons after three or six months when they discover it’s not always fun and they learn that I’m an educator. It’s no huge secret that the best musicians are those who have discipline,” said Elizabeth Naranjo to me as we were walking in our courtyard. If you don’t know already, Elizabeth is the primary teacher for Sol Major Music which rents out our sanctuary a few hours during the week on Mondays, Tuesdays, and
Wednesdays. Although Elizabeth was speaking in her music context, I believe we can say much the same about life- especially in our spiritual journeys. Discipline is the key and the way to deep, lasting growth! Being in the middle of stewardship with the liturgical season of Lent an arm’s length away, perhaps the word discipline gets at the crux of the matter. Sure, pastors and worship leaders like to think offering relevant and creative sermon series as well as Bible studies are the secret ingredients to enable their congregations’ spiritual growth. Furthermore, it is the marketing and more marketing of these campaigns and other innovative ideas that will be the vehicles to much success. Although all the previous might be needed and important for entry points, I believe real spiritual growth and transformation boils down to something much simpler. That is, being disciplined. Specifically, being disciplined in our walk with Christ, and especially as we cover stewardship and Lent. It is really a crime that the word discipline often carries a negative connotation or is simply neglected in many cases. Really, this should be the exact opposite. It is being disciplined in life, and especially in our spiritual lives, that we discover the most joy which actually opens the door to more freedom! Ranging from relationships to hobbies to work, when we are disciplined in the respective areas, we develop a deeper sense of gratitude and love, and transformation often occurs. Just think about it: It is being disciplined in a hobby of pottery that eventually has the power to transform a piece of mud into a beautiful
abstract or possibly a cup that can be utilized to give one a drink. It’s being disciplined in our relationships that might have the power to transform a stranger in the pew into a dear
friend who we deeply care and love. Or, as we’re disciplined in an already ongoing rocky friendship or marriage that might transform into a solid or more healthy one.
It’s being disciplined in the giving of our tithes and gifts that God transforms our hearts. It’s being disciplined in following Jesus that opens our eyes to recognizing He is “our” Lord and Savior. It’s being disciplined in prayer, studying God’s Word, serving, and the list can go on that has the transformative power
to make a difference in our lives and possibly the world! Having disciplined spiritual lives is not a sign of elementary faith, but of deep and mature faith. A spiritual life of
discipline is one that we allow the Holy Spirit to mold us and shape us back into the perfect image of God. Therefore, I have two prayers for each of us during this time. First, I pray that we can grow in our discipline in stewardship. That is, we can give back to God, trusting that God will provide and take care of us. Second, I pray that we are disciplined in following Jesus to the cross this Lenten Season. Practically, this might consist of weekly worship, prayer, and study. Friends, as we remain disciplined and faithful to Christ, like Paul, we can have the confidence “that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6).
Zach
Monday, 2/1 7:00 pm Gulf Shore Singles Club Wednesday, 2/3 11:30 am Sonshine Card Club 6:45 pm Choir Practice Thursday, 2/4 10am-11:15 am Bible Study Friday, 2/5 10:00 am-12:30 pm Crafters 4 Christ
Sunday, 2/7 10:30 am Worship Coffee Hour Tuesday, 2/9 7:00 pm Board Meeting Wednesday, 2/10 11:30 am Sonshine Card Club 6:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service 6:45 pm Choir Practice Thursday, 2/11 10am-11:15 am Bible Study
Sunday, 2/14 Potluck 10:30 am Worship Coffee Hour 5:00-7:00 pm Campfire and Sing Along Monday, 2/15 7:00 pm Gulf Shore Singles Club Tuesday, 2/16 7:00 pm Corvette Club Wednesday, 2/17 11:30 am Sonshine Card Club 6:45 pm Choir Practice Thursday, 2/18 10am-11:15 am Bible Study Friday, 2/19 8:00 am Men’s Breakfast 10:00 am-12:30 pm Crafters 4 Christ
Sunday, 2/21 Week of Compassion Special Offering 10:30 am Worship Coffee Hour Wednesday, 2/24 11:30 am Sonshine Card Club 6:45 pm Choir Practice Friday, 2/26 Chalice Sunday, 2/28 10:30 am Worship Coffee Hour Monday 2/29 Rummage Sale Set Up
FORT MYERS CHRISTIAN CHURCH A Disciples of Christ Congregation
5916 Winkler Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
All Are Welcome . . . Come As You Are
Reverend Zach Seitz
TThe he CChalicehalice
FEBRUARY 2016 FORT MYERS CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST)
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA
SERVING IN THE MILITARY
John M. Barnett, PFC in USMC, Grandson of George & Donna Briggs; stationed in Okinawa Ryan McClain, Ensign in US Navy; Grandson of Mary Helen McClain
Stationed on USS George HW Bush, Norfolk, VA; David Day, Captain in US Air Force Grandson of Al & Mary Jane Day Stationed at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, DC Patrick Evans, 2nd Class Petty Officer, US Navy, Grandson of Pat Brown
Stationed in Norfolk, VA Justin Nell, 2nd Lieutenant in Army Reserves; Grandson of Pat Brown Brandon Lapehn, Captain in U.S. Army, 101st Airborne; Grandson of Jim & Dorothy Detamore Completed his second tour of duty in Afghanistan. He is in Fort Campbell, KY Jake Lowry, Captain, MPH, Nephew of Bob & Wanda Milligan MS US Army Veterinary Corps, Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Science, Daniel Tipton, US Army, stationed in Germany, and Anthony Tipton, US Coast Guard, Grandsons of Anne Tipton stationed in USA.
February Chalice p. 7 February Chalice p. 2
As we pray daily, please keep the
following people in your prayers:
Among our own: Lee Camps, Tom Camps, Jean Bannister, Wanda Milligan, Frank Merideth, Michele Cooper, Dick Bagent, Christopher Hodge, Barbara Shaffer; Bagents David Burchell, Delilah Grabnet; Donna Fielding Richard Mashburn, Vickie & Donald Brennan Leigh Sellers, Al & Mary Jane Day Pam Friskey, Sue Fink Ernie Harbo, Wanda Milligan Delilah Grabach, Donna Fielding Clyde Lundy, Cora Armstrong Donna Elmeer, Dot Oestreich Ava Nebbia; Bob Nebbia Gene Brown, Dean Brown Cathy & Colton Parson; Diana Botner Tyler Regier, Sharon Schaaff USMC Capt. Christopher Reithmann, Brainards Paul Denney; Pat Watts Mike Robinson, Lil Robinson Jeff Wray, Danny Trousdale; Shirley Fizer Carol Ulbrich, Elaine Maley Kenny Workinger, Sharon Rimes John Dwigens, Wanda Milligan Mason Jones & Patrick Hennessy; Elizabeth Jones, Barbara Jones Greg Kerle, Alex, Elaine Maley Emmitt & Children, TJ, Mark Tipton; Anne Tipton Chastity Yates, Paulette Idol Hope Fizer, Maggi Payne, John Fenlon; Shirley Fizer USA, & those serving in the Military, Syrian Refugees
FMCC PRAYER WALL
THURSDAY MORNING ♦ 10-11:15 AM
CO-TEACHERS: Pastor Zach & Wade Nye
TOPIC: Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference?
by Philip Yancey
Our six-week study wraps up on
Thursday, February 18.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Join us in the classroom in the
Fellowship Hall.
BIBLE STUDY
February is marked by several joyful
events!
The main event in February is Ash
Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent.
We will enjoy the beautiful voice of our
choir director, Susan Cusack, who will perform for us
Hosea at the Ash Wednesday Service on February 10.
Skylar Lee a talented young pianist will once
again join us on February 7 and perform for us
Tchaikovsky's Barcarolle.
And with great pleasure I want to note the return of
our long-standing members of the church, Barbara
Jones and Elizabeth Jones!
Blessings,
Dr. Asya Teruni
MUSICAL NOTES
Asya Teruni
In the secular world, the month of February is often
associated with Valentine’s Day and its hearts,
chocolate, and love. We might not be talking about or
giving up chocolate for Lent this year, but we are
definitely in the heart of our spiritual transformation as
we finish our stewardship campaign and jump straight
into Lent to remember that Jesus’ love poured out for
us and the world. Stewardship might not be the most
fun or interesting topic for anyone (including us
preachers), but it’s one of much significance as it often
reveals our faith, loyalty, and heart. On February 7, we
will finish our sermon series, where we learned that
God’s love fills us so that our lives can pour out God’s
love back to others and God’s world.
In week two of February, we will begin our Lenten
sermon series “The 7 Last Words.” As we study the
last phrases of Jesus from the different Gospels, I
believe we will see the heart of Jesus’ life, death, and
resurrection. It’s my prayer that we not only hear
Jesus’ words, but we allow His words to be an
invitation for our lives to walk deeper with God as we
journey to Jerusalem together this Lent!
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
WEEKLY SERMON SCHEDULE 2.7.16 Overflow: Living with Generosity III
2.10.16 Ash Wednesday Service 6PM
2.14.16 “Father, Forgive Them”
2.21.16 “Today You Will Be With Me in Paradise”
2.28.16 “Behold Your Son…Behold Your Mother”
WORSHIP MATTERS
ONGOING CONCERNS: Ruth Mason Ruth Bowlin Margarete Gray (Chris Thompson) Doug Jones Ann Lang Mary Kensinger Jane Swartz Charmie Stevens Barbara Bruce (Bob & Peggy Bruce) Leah Reeder (Mary McClain’s daughter) Harry Cotabish Ruth Munsell
BOARD MEETING
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9 ♦ 7 PM
All officers, ministry team leaders, elders and deacons are
encouraged to attend. The Board meeting is open to all.
YOUR CHURCH COMMUNITY
MINISTER Rev. Zach Seitz
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC Dr. Asya Teruni
CHURCH SECRETARY Kathi Kensinger
CHURCH BOOKKEEPER Lori Vitello-Summers
OFFICERS Moderator: Bill Brainard
Vice Moderator: Dean Brown
Secretary: Cora Armstrong
Treasurer: Steve Larson
Financial Secretary: Ed Bodanske
Asst. Financial Secretary: Bob Milligan
SPIRITUAL LEADERS Elder Chair: Michele Cooper
Deacon Chair: Shirley Fizer
MINISTRY TEAM LEADERS Worship: Paulette Idol
Outreach: Shirley Fizer
Evangelism: Ed & Bev LaDuke
Communications:
Congregational Life: Sharon Schaaff
Historian: Helen Hutchison
FORT MYERS CHRISTIAN CHURCH
(DISCIPLES OF CHRIST)
5916 Winkler Road
Ft. Myers, FL 33919
(239) 437-4330 (239) 437-7992
www.disciplesfm.org
Office hours: M-F 9am—2pm
Photography for the February Chalice
provided by Bob Milligan & Kathi Kensinger.
Please keep us updated
on prayer requests and names.
If your loved one is not on the
list, please fill out a prayer
card and
submit to the office where we
can keep our prayer list
current.
Jean Bannister is now residing at:
Manor Care 13881 Eagle Ridge Drive #233 Fort Myers, FL 33912
239-561-7700
Jean welcomes cards and visitors.
Mary Helen McClain
Brookdale Fort Myers Lakes Park 14521 Lakewood Blvd Fort Myers, FL 33919
Mary Helen's cell number is 239-292-9875 Please call before you visit.
You may send cards to her residence: 13272 Winsford Lane Fort Myers, FL 33966
PRAISE Sue Hanna had heart surgery
recently. She is gaining
strength and plans to see her
Florida friends soon.
Our Thursday morning Bible Study
on prayer was well received as we
matured in our prayer lives.
“God desires an ongoing relationship with us, and
prayer closes the vast gap between infinity and us. It’s
a way of keeping company with God, who is already
present, and responding to His presence. Prayer is
where God and human beings meet, a way of asking
God to pour some eternity into us.”
~Philip Yancy video
February Chalice p. 6 February Chalice p. 3
Words of Sympathy and Acts of Compassion
Please continue to bring in your BOX TOPS &
LABELS for the school children! A little goes a
long way! The label collection box is in the
Fellowship Hall. GLAD will be thrilled to redeem
these for academic materials. Ten labels is
equivalent to $1.00. It all adds up!
FROM THE MODERATOR
It is February and our stewardship drive is under way. This year the budget number grew just a little and in
the face of not reaching last year’s goal, it will be a task. It is, however, not impossible; we each need to realize
just what it is that we want this church to be, both now and in the future. Like many churches all over, in the last
few years this church has struggled both with monetary and membership issues. These issues are not new, nor are
they insurmountable. We can and will overcome them. If each of us recognizes all that the Lord has given us, I am
sure that we will be moved to return to Him what is His. We are fortunate to have a loving and caring pastor. Zach
is truly a blessing to this church; he has great visions and plans.
We are very fortunate to have a savings account that we can borrow from to finish our budget for the year.
However, we know that this is the last thing the church wants to do. The savings is set aside for emergencies
[natural disasters or other troubles]. Each of us needs to be faithful to our pledges. These play a large part in our
budget planning.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank some of our faithful members. This church could not continue
without the many people who work quietly behind the scenes. We should all be grateful to the people who put this
budget together. They are giving, thoughtful, and Christ- loving people that give their time to make tough
decisions to ensure our church not only continues; but thrives and grows.
When I was writing the letter that you received last month, I neglected to include Ed Bodanske in the list of the
stewardship committee. Ed, I apologize; your knowledge and experience are most valuable. Through the year,
there are many people who do multitudes of jobs, about which we have little knowledge. We owe them all a big
thank you. ~Bill Brainard
Please return the yellow pledge card by Sunday, February 7.
Our stewardship committee will meet to confirm or revise the proposed budget.
SONSHINE CARD CLUB ♦ WEDNESDAYS 11:30
Join us for lunch at a local restaurant and a game of
Hand and Foot in the Fellowship Hall. Contact: Pat Newman 481-1648
CRAFTERS 4 CHRIST MEETS THE THIRD FRIDAY
FEBRUARY 5 & 19 ♦ 10:00 AM-12:30 PM
We welcome all ladies who enjoy making a
difference in other’s lives through sewing. Items
sewn are donated to local & worldwide organizations
in need. Join us in the Fellowship Hall. Bring bag
lunch if you’d like. Contact: Nancy Brennan or Carol Trompeter
MEN’S BREAKFAST♦FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19 ♦ 8AM
$5.00 for a delicious home cooked breakfast from
our Kentucky folks here in our Fellowship Hall. Contact: Bob Skaggs
A Note From ~ PICTORIAL DIRECTORIES are here!
Snow birds ~ you may pick up your
pictorial directory in the church office
upon your return to the Tropics!
HOPE SEMINAR 2016
The second seminar is scheduled for
MARCH 10 FROM 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Presentation by Rev. Dr. Lt. Col. Jonathan Scalone,
MA, DMin., USAF (Ret)
Topic: Palliative Care and Hospice Care. There are
so many misunderstandings about both these types of
care. Through an interactive process people will see
and understand what they are.
Hope HealthCare Services provide specialized care
for all people with complex needs
related to life-changing illness.
Sign up sheet is located in Narthex or Fellowship Hall.
Please keep these in prayer ~
~Logan Louderback and his family upon the passing
of his wife, Nancye Louderback.
Logan Louderback
122 Gaybourne Way
Versailles, KY 40383
~Wanda Milligan’s sister, Alfreda, passed away on
Monday, January 25.
~ 2016 RUMMAGE SALE ~
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, MARCH 4 & 5 7 AM-12 NOON
Bring us your treasures and trash,
We’ll turn it into some cash!
Please bring your items to the room at the far left
corner of the Fellowship Hall. (The room at the far
right corner is used by the Crafters for Christ.)
We will need all hands on deck for set up on Monday,
February 29, the days of the sale, and take down on
Saturday, March 5. More hands make for more fun!
Contacts: Butch Griggs, Cora Armstrong, Pat Brown,
Barbara Peters, Joey Lee
I want to thank my friends for all the cards and phone
calls to me. I really appreciate them and it was really a
bright spot in the day to receive them.
~Mary Helen McClain
C A M P F I R E
S I N G A LO N G & S ’M O R E S FEBRUARY 14 5:00—7:00 PM
$3.00 PER PERSON AT THE DOOR
The plan is to have a Campfire Evening with hot
dogs, hamburgers, side dishes and s’mores, of
course! Having this event on the church grounds
allows us to come inside in case of inclement
weather. Sing along with Wade Nye and his guitar
for some campfire songs as we sit around the
campfire.
Sign up sheet for side dishes and a head count
can be located in the Narthex and Fellowship Hall. Flyers to invite your family and friends
are available in the Fellowship Hall.
Camp chairs & blankets are encouraged, but not
necessary.
CRAFTERS FOR CHRIST ~ C4C
CONTACTS: NANCY BRENNAN, CAROL TROMPETER,
HELEN HUTCHISON
MINISTRY UPDATE~
Local School ~ 20 dresses
15 shorts and shirt sets
Thanks to FMCC for supporting this effort.
Can you cut or sew or iron fabric? Would you like
a simple lesson? Then you are qualified to be a part of
this vital ministry! Talk with one of the Crafters to find
out how you can lend your helping hands.
Our group is growing! Our seasonal friends have
joined us as well as members from another sewing
group.
February Chalice p. 4
NEWS FROM THE MINISTRY TEAMS
February Chalice p. 5
WORSHIP MINISTRY
PAULETTE IDOL, TEAM LEADER
PURPOSE: Oversee tasks that facilitate
a seamless worship experience.
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10 AT 6:00 PM
Please join us for this meaningful service as we begin
our Lenten season.
LENTEN SERVICES
Palm Sunday March 20
Maundy Thursday March 24
Good Friday March 25
Easter March 27
FINANCIAL REPORT
ED BODANSKE
The offerings for our budget over
the first four Sundays of January
totaled $23,786.
Our Stewardship Campaign for
2016 was inaugurated in worship
with a message from Bob Milligan. Pledge cards
were mailed out to our members along with a
projected budget for the coming church year. A
special opportunity is being presented to allow
everyone to help reduce the existing deficit.
Please return the pledge card
by Sunday, February 7.
A memorial offering of $25 was received for
Nancye Louderback.
May God bless our continued giving for the
work of His church.
COMMUNICATIONS MINISTRY
TEAM LEADER
PURPOSE: Communicate and promote
church events to our church family as
well as to the community.
A shout out to Mikki Williams for updating our sign’s
weekly messages with the sermon title and a word of
encouragement.
EVERYDAY CAFÉ
JAN & RICK LAUGHMAN, TEAM
LEADERS
WISH LIST FOR EVERYDAY CAFÉ
Hand can opener, Canned: tuna,
Vienna sausages,
Canned: soup, fruit, milk, Ramen
noodles, Hamburger Helper
***Consider the buy-one-get-one-free items and
donate one to CCMI.***
Please place food donations INSIDE the cupboard in
the kitchen. Please continue to support this important
ministry with food and monetary donations.
JANUARY
100# FOOD
EVANGELISM MINISTRY ED & BEV LADUKE, TEAM LEADERS
PURPOSE: Create an evangelical culture
within the church by intentionally reaching
and inviting people to FMCC. (DoC)
We continue to monitor our
implemented evangelism plans.
Following through and working diligently on the
purpose stated above is very important at this critical
time in the ministry of FMCC. We encourage use
of our handouts. Car magnets are still available.
Suggestions and ideas for future evangelism are
always welcome. We have much to be thankful for;
however, much needs to be accomplished in the next
few months as we move forward.
OUTREACH MINISTRY
SHIRLEY FIZER, TEAM LEADER
We are pleased to be bringing back
the collection of toiletries for
the "Body and Soul" bags. Items can be
placed in the green tub located in the
fellowship hall.
Collection of donations will run through February and
the assembly of the kits will be at the beginning of
March. These bags will be delivered to the women's
abuse center and to the homeless. A list of suggested
items is included in the February Chalice and on
bulletin board in Fellowship Hall.
I am so excited about this as there is a great need.
Thanking each and every one of you in advance for
all that you do.
May God bless and direct each of us. Blessings to all!
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE MINISTRY
SHARON SCHAAFF, TEAM LEADER
PURPOSE: Create, promote, and
stimulate a spirit of fellowship among
the church membership.
UPCOMING EVENT
Join us for an evening at the Broadway Palm
Dinner Theatre to dine and see the musical comedy
Sister Act. The story line is based on a disco diva
that witnesses a crime and is hiding in a convent
masquerading as a nun.
FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2016
$58.00 per person
This includes show, dinner, tax, and gratuity.
Ticket prices are discounted as a group
Please stay tuned for sign-up sheets.
BODY & SOUL SUGGESTED SUPPLY LIST
Shampoo
Toothbrush, Toothpaste
Deodorant
Comb
Razor
Chap stick
Sunscreen
Cap/Hat
Small First Aid Kit
Lightweight Snacks (trail mixes, granola bars,
dried fruits, crackers)
Mints, Gum
Bottle of Water
Hand Lotion, Wipes, Kleenex
Small $ Gift Cards to easily accessible restaurants
or superstores
Words of Encouragement to let them know they
are on your prayer list, or comforting scripture.
Seeking
Team
Leader
SPECIAL OFFERING FEB. 21 & 28
Week of Compassion is the relief, refugee and
development mission fund of the Christian
Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United
States and Canada. We seek to equip and
empower disciples to alleviate the suffering of
others through disaster response, humanitarian aid, sustainable
development and the promotion of mission opportunities.