Page 1

You Are Welcome Here! Phone: (719) 633-8888—Fax: (719) 633-8832—Prayer Phone: (719) 635-4000—www.firstchristiancos.org

Fir

st C

hri

stia

n C

hu

rch

(D

iscip

les

of

Ch

rist

)

16 E

ast

Pla

tte A

ven

ue

Co

lora

do

Sp

rin

gs,

CO

80903

INSIDE

Small Groups

Musings from Your Moderator

Ministry By the Numbers

Pastor Katherine

Rev. Gene Brink

Kim Schultz

Carol Wilson Concert Series

Rev. Sarton

Table Talk

June Birthdays

Women’s Ministries

Pastor Chuck (continued)

Elevator Dedication

Welcome

Missions & Outreach

Children & Family

Ministry Promotions

Family Ministry Summer Youth

Activities VBS

Small Groups (continued)

Worship Hours Sunday Worship Service @ 8:15 & 11:00 a.m. - Sunday School @ 9:30 a.m.

June 2015

Facebook - www.facebook.com/firstchristiancos.org Twitter - @FCCCOS

____________________________________________

1 www.pewforum.org/2015/05/12/americas-changing-religious-landscape/ 2 www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-raushenbush/divinity-school-commencement-address_b_7302582.html

It’s A Great Time to Be the Church

In my final sermon of the Easter Season, on May 17, I said this about the study re-

cently released by the Pew Research Center that suggests that

…the United States is growing dramatically less Christian, particularly

among… “Millennials,” twenty- and thirty-somethings. But

that’s over-simple. If you drill down into this massive study

what you realize is that Millennials are simply more honest.

There have always been a significant number of Baby Boomers

and others who really weren’t affiliated much with any Chris-

tian tradition but who still thought it important to claim to be.

But Millennials may be far less willing to say what they don’t

believe and feel and mean. Moreover, what many other studies continue to

confirm is that among the chief reasons that more and more Millennials are

increasingly unwilling to identify as “Christian” is that they believe that “the

Church” has focused too much on judgment and too little on grace, that it has

spent too much time and energy “bashing” on gay folks, that it has seemed to

often want to equate a narrow understanding of politics with the Christian

faith, and has been eager to judge those who don’t subscribe to those beliefs

as not truly Christian. And, increasingly, they want little part of what feels

like the hypocrisy of it all.

My friends, I see all of this as good news, not bad news. Why? Well, let me cite

some words from a recent commencement address given by Paul Raushenbush (and

which I was put onto by Barbara Blaisdell) where he too says that the Pew Center’s

conclusions actually can invigorate and focus our mission as ones who would truly fol-

low Jesus and a God of truly unconditional grace and love:

Continue on page 8

Page 2 Continue on page 11

Page 3

Musings From Your Moderator

It’s almost June! School is out for the summer and it is time for vacation. What are your plans for the

summer? I hope that coming to one of the many events at our church is on your list. Debbie and I plan to

travel to California to see family and go in our new travel trailer. It should be a fun adventure for us and give

us an opportunity to see parts of this magnificent world that God created.

Have you checked out the church’s website? www.firstchristiancos.org If not, I encourage you to be-

cause it has information about our church and all of the events that are going on here each and every day.

Many of our visitors and folks who have become regular attenders have come because they checked out our

website and were excited about the possibilities we have for them. So check it out.

One of those events listed on the website are the dates of our annual labyrinth concert series. This has

become a very popular event and Carol has set up a variety of concerts to be held on Saturday evenings. Bring

your lawn chairs and favorite beverage and enjoy a fun time of music and fellowship.

Bruce and Carol Milhollin cut the ribbon which opened the new elevator in the educational wing. Jojo

Acord and her family were the first to take a ride up to the second floor and back. How nice it will be that the

Acords will not have to carry Jojo and her wheelchair up two flights of stairs for Sunday school. Many of our

senior members have not been able to see the new Heritage room or the changes that have been made on the

third floor for the anticipated arrival of the Tennyson Center – but with the new elevator that is now possible.

How exciting that our church will be even more accessible to ALL of our members and all those who will contin-

ue to bless us with their presence.

Now that the first three phases (north entry remodel/Information Desk, re-roofing, and the elevator) of

the capital campaign are complete, we can begin to look forward to other improvements to our building such as

air conditioning many of the areas of the church and (hopefully!) updating our parking lot so that ice is not

such an issue during the cold winter months. You’ve received a letter this week giving you details about the

successes of our campaign, the next phases, and a statement about your giving to the campaign. I hope you’ll

look that letter over carefully and consider whether you might be able to increase your pledge or add to your

gift!

June 14 is the annual congregational meeting where we select the elders, trustees, and members of the

church board for the coming year. Please mark your calendars and attend. It will be held during the Sunday

school hour beginning at 10:00 a.m.

The General Assembly of the Disciples of Christ will be held in Columbus, Ohio, this summer. There are

still some slots for members to represent our church for voting purposes. If you are attending please let Pastor

Chuck know so that we can have a voice in matters of the general Disciples of Christ organization.

Vacation Bible School will soon start so look for more information about this event elsewhere in the Visi-

tor.

Yep, June and summer are exciting times at First Christian. There are many things happening and you

won’t want to miss a thing, so check the website and I’ll see you at church!

Don Metz, Moderator

Ministry By the Numbers – Thank You! While “the numbers” are only one aspect of the vitality of a congregation’s ministry, they are an im-

portant one. And in that regard, we want to let you know how FCC’s budget is doing and to say “Thank

You!” For the first three months of 2015, FCC’s budget is “in the black” by slightly more than $7000.

Looked at another way, from July 2014 through April 30, contributions by FCC folks to the annual operat-

ing budget were $9500 more than the same period the previous year. Your staff and leadership are

committed to being good stewards of the monies you so generously give to support our work, and we are

grateful indeed for your continuing expression of “outrageous generosity”! (Full financial reports are al-

ways available from either of us)

Chris Straka, Treasurer Chuck Blaisdell, Sr. Pastor

Page 4

Community Report

Our downtown community is a center of the work that we have been called to as follow-

ers of Christ – to be with the poor and oppressed, to care for those who may not be

called “great” by societal standards, who are even called the “least,” but who, in reality,

are no less than any other person. Here are some updates on the work of just three or-

ganizations in our downtown community that we as a congregation depend on to do

God’s work, to love God’s children, and to teach and partner with us to do so, too.

Ecumenical Social Ministries has an Interim Director, Linda Boedeker, who’s doing a

fantastic job. The search team, headed by Pastor Kent Ingram of First Unit-

ed Methodist, is busy interviewing applicants for a permanent director, and

they hope to have that person started by July 1st. ESM’s work has been go-

ing full speed ahead in the meantime – providing clients with emergency

food, clothing, rental and utility assistance, showers, job assistance, nurs-

ing, prescription assistance, bus passes, budgeting classes, and more! If you ever want to see what this

organization (that we are a part of as a founding and supporting church) is all about, feel free to stop in

and get a tour sometime! They’re located at 201 N. Weber, at the corner of Weber and Bijou streets.

Family Promise (previously Interfaith Hospitality Network) As I write, we are in the middle of host-

ing Family Promise week – a week of giving families who are currently experiencing homelessness a place

to find sustenance and rest. Family Promise walks with families through a program of helping them become

self-sufficient once again after they have experienced some kind of crisis that left them without a home.

One of their new exciting updates is that they are currently partnering with Catholic Charities to create a

Family Resource Center that hopefully will launch later this summer. This Center will be a place for families

to get the resources they need even more efficiently so that they can get back on their feet faster and know

that they are cared for in our community.

Catholic Charities has a new director – Andy Barton has been on staff for about four months now, and is

leading the work of Catholic Charities wonderfully. The Marian House soup kitchen continues to serve any-

one who is hungry – from those who have a home to those who are living on the streets, from the migrant

“stranger” to the native, from the widow and orphan to the family in need. The organization might well be

known as a kind of “catch-all” for social services – offering a range of programs and resources to help as

many people as they can. One of their programs is called HEART – Homeless Engagement and Response

Team. The goal of HEART is to walk alongside (figuratively and literally) folks who are experiencing home-

lessness, building relationships and trust, that may one down be stepping stones to self-empowerment and

hope. The HEART walkers talk to those on the streets, and they talk to downtown business owners, too,

offering tips for ways to engage the people sitting outside their doors in loving relationship, rather than

harsh dismissal. Dignity, trust, and hope built through relationship are HEART’s goals, and many lives

would be worse without them.

Let me know if you’d like to learn more!

Peace to you, Pastor Katherine

Pastor Katherine Raley Associate Pastor

Reverend Eugene Brink

After almost 30 years teaching the Chapel Sunday

School Class, the Reverend Eugene Brink's final

class was on April 26. The following Sunday, the

Chapel Class held a party for him to thank him for

his years of dedicated and wise teaching. During

the 11:00 am. worship service on May 3, Sr. Pastor

Chuck Blaisdell presented Gene a framed certificate

of thanks on behalf of the church.

Page 5

Summer at FCC will be filled with music! Our summer labyrinth concerts should not

be missed, and our services will be filled with participants and guests offering and

eclectic assortment of powerful music. On May 24th, Pentecost Sunday, an ensemble

of the Chancel Choir will sing “Go, Ye, Into all the World,” by Eugene Butler. Angela

Campbell, soprano, will be singing for both services on May 31st. We will also be

welcoming the Grammy-award winning Pacific Boy Choir to both services on June

21st.

Our “All Come Sing” tradition continues this summer as well! Each month,

we offer a time for anyone to come to Thursday night rehearsal and learn the anthem for the follow-

ing Sunday. This is a great time for those friends, guests, children, and others to come and share in

the love of singing with our Chancel Choir! Music reading is not required—just an interest in singing!

Our dates for our “All Come Sing” Sundays are: June 14 (with a June 11 rehearsal), July 19 (with a

July 16 rehearsal), and August 23rd (with an August 20th rehearsal). Rehearsals are Thursday nights

from 7-9, and will include some fun fellowship time as well. I hope to see many of you there!

Our Grace Notes Choir is on summer break, but this year, our Vacation Bible School will

have a strong music component to it. See more info about VBS in the Family Ministry update. Our

handbell choir is also on summer break, but they will be back in service a few times this summer as

well. I’m also interested in doing a Handbell 101 class this summer, for those interested in joining

handbells, but who have never played before or next a bit of brushing up on music reading skills. If

you are interested, please contact me ASAP and we will schedule a time that works best for those in-

terested.

Blessings, Kim

Kim Schultz, Music Director

Our summer music series will be starting up

soon. On Saturday evenings at 6:30 p.m. from the

end of May to the middle of August, we’ll be pre-

senting six outdoor programs on the labyrinth on

the south side of the church (will move indoors for

inclement weather). Invite a couple of friends,

bring chairs or blankets (or just sit on the labyrinth

wall), and enjoy some fun music on a lovely sum-

mer evening. A free will offering will be accepted.

The first program will

feature our own Ray

Killian, singer and

acoustic guitarist. Ray

will sing songs reflecting

his love of nature, his

passion for social jus-

tice, and the joy of per-

forming in Colorado, the

home of the revered

John Denver.

Future programs:

June 27

Swallowtail Celtic Trio – hammered dulcimer, Irish

flute and guitar

July 11

Velvet Hills Chorus - women’s barbershop

ensemble

July 25

All Those Who Wander – folk alternative group

August 8

Joe Uveges, singer/acoustic guitar with

John Fischer, piano

August 15

Dean Phelps, singer/acoustic guitar

Carol Wilson, Organist

CONCERT SERIES

Hot Summer Nights: Music on the Labyrinth

Page 6

Julie Rush 6/1

Julie Crenshaw 6/2

Si Niswonger 6/2

Larry Rush 6/5

Gina Bulloch 6/8

Addie Sale 6/10

Melba Mayall 6/11

Rick Bachmann 6/12

Don Metz 6/12

Warren Pilger 6/12

Grace Lee 6/14

Jeff Sale 6/14

Anita Melson 6/15

Brianna Moreno 6/15

Cooper Acord 6/18

Jonathon Johnson 6/18

Don Farmer 6/19

Kim Hatler 6/20

Jane Malmquist 6/20

Jimmy Osborne 6/20

Thomas Peterson 6/23

Chuck Haley 6/24

Matt Harders 6/25

Alice Langston 6/25

Brandon Strawderman 6/25

Jan Haley 6/26

David Wells 6/26

Betty Baker 6/27

Mary Morgan 6/27

Susan Clark 6/28

In a couple of weeks I will complete my time serving Central

Christian Church, Pueblo, CO as their interim minister. As I re-

flect back over the past five months I realize this congregation

has taught me several things. The first lesson I learned occurred

on Saturday January 3rd. I had agreed to serve as their Interim and Bev and I were invited

down to meet with some of the leaders of the congregation. As we arrived a car pulled into

the parking lot beside us and a couple got out and immediately introduced themselves. As

we walked into the church building we were passing by some large boxes -- some had food,

others clothes, and others household items.

Wilbur and Pat Thomas, the couple that greeted us, were responsible for the boxes and the collections. They

indicated that one of the boxes was for the poor community of farm laborers, Los Pobres, located east of

town; the other was to give to people who come by the church for food. Wilbur made one of the most pro-

found statements I had heard from a church member regarding the gospel and the mission of the church:

“We are not concerned about why people come to the church for food; they may have used their income on

alcohol or drugs -- but they are hungry and that is all we care about, how we can feed families and individu-

als in need.” Wow!

This congregation in Pueblo has a tremendous impact in the community and with the poor. One month we

brought in more toilet paper rolls for the homeless than any other congregation in town. The congregation

begins filling Christmas Boxes in February and works on the project year round. This month they are filling

migrant bags -- bags from colorful cloth sewn by the women of the church -- which will go to children of the

migrant families who work the fields around Pueblo and in the Arkansas Valley. This congregation could

teach many about the power of unconditional love; they live it.

Recently I was reading material about the Gen X’ers and the Millennials, young people who in some cases

have stayed away from organized religion. The article, written by a Gen Xer, stated “we are not so interest-

ed in worship featuring the latest band, we don’t need nor look for the espresso machine; what we are look-

ing for is a congregation that lives out it’s life consistent with the teaching of Jesus. We want to learn about

the life and teaching of Jesus and we want to learn how to live that life.”

I get quite disturbed when I read articles that blame poor people for being poor, or condemn them for their

poverty. Regardless of how they got there, our task is to feed them, help provide the basic necessities of

life, and find ways to help those who can to escape the poverty trap in which they are caught. The mission

of the church, the mission of Jesus, is not about condemnation, it is about life and improving the quality of

life. The fact is, the quality of our life is improved when we find ourselves involved in the lives of others.

As I prepare to depart this marvelous group of Christians, I realize they have reminded me of our mission, to

grow in our Christian journey by helping, feeding, healing and assisting others.

Rev. Don Sarton, Associate Minister for Mission & Stewardship

Birthdays

Page 7

The final Searchers Event for this year will be a luncheon at the El Paso Club on Wednesday

June 3 at 12:00. Please, be sure that you RSVP to Melba.

Following June 3, Searchers will be assembling backpacks for Restore Innocence as women are

freed from sex trafficking. All church members and friends are welcome to help us by donating new

clothing. We need all sizes (just make each set the same) of new yoga pants, new sweatshirts, new

tee-shirts, flip-flops, slippers, boy- cut panties, and sox. I was able to buy a complete set for just un-

der $30 at Wal-Mart.

Registration forms for Renewal in September are due July 1. Apply online or find a form in Fel-

lowship Hall. Also, origami paper for prayers and paper cranes for General Assembly are in Fellowship

Hall. We can use help!

Enjoy your summer. See you in September. Questions? Contact Jan Haley at

janhaley@comcast.net or 598-6920.

CRMR Disciples Women Renewal

Join other women in the Central Rocky Mountain

Region for the annual gathering to relax, recharge,

fellowship, worship, learn, connect, study, grow,

laugh , and enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery in

Glen Eyrie, near Colorado Springs. Information

Packets will be mailed to you when you register for

Women’s Renewal.

CRMR Disciples Women Renewal

September 25-27,2015 Glen Eyrie, Colorado Springs, CO Registration Deadline July 1, 2015

Women’s Ministries at FCC

Welcome!

What a joy it was at the 11:00 a.m. service on May 17 to welcome (back!) Linda

Shelton who "officially" came forward to re-affirm her faith and her desire to be a

part of the FCC community. As most know, Linda and Jim Maxwell were recently

married, and they will be dividing their time between Colorado Springs and Bakers-

field, California.

The Rebekahs will be meeting for a getting together on June 9th at NOON at Diana Hatler's (5920

Ridge Brook Lane, 80918) for a potluck, fun and fellowship! There will be no lesson to prepare for as

the last one was the last session Hope to see you all there and have fun time before the summer be-

gins. Bring friends or new church people if you can. If you have any questions contact me at : ginny-

g8797@aol.com or 591-6343. Thanks. Ginny Grant

The Red Hat Friends With Attitude will be meeting for lunch and shopping on

Thursday, May 27 at 12:00. Ladies on our regular list have been contacted with spe-

cifics. Since a different person hosts each month, and our dates vary, email and tel-

ephone work for us. If you would like to join us contact Jan Haley janha-

ley@comcast.net. or Beryl Folsom folsombj@q.com.

Page 8

…I do find the… study very troubling, but not because there aren't as many Christians as

there used to be. Rather, it disturbs me because so many people have been hurt by a horri-

ble lie about who Jesus is, and what his church is about. It is up to us to go out there and

reclaim, and proclaim the authentic Gospel of love and liberation so that at least people will

understand who Jesus is, and why we continue to commit our lives to follow him in the 21st

century…. Every day I see the continuing spiritual power of the Gospel wielded by women

and men who are healing broken souls and transforming systems that oppress. This is the

Jesus movement I want to introduce to people who feel that the church doesn't care

about them.

One of the very best gifts that we at First Christian can offer to a world that increasingly be-

lieves that the word “church” means banal, bigoted, or boring, is to indeed say a resounding “No!”

to those who would claim that God is about little more than judgment and condemnation, a God

who purportedly has a long list of sins that can disqualify you from God’s love. We know other-

wise. We know the sheer truth of the very center and succinct summation of the Gospel as St.

Paul put it: “There is nothing that can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus.” Noth-

ing. Nothing. And there is a corollary, then, to that Gospel that is equally true: All truly does

mean all. God loves all and welcomes all. Period.

Too many people simply don’t know this. But we do. And our Vision Statement (which we hope to

“tighten” and re-frame this summer) calls us to be people of “radical hospitality.” We are called

to be such people not because we simply want more people through our doors; no, we seek to be

such a people because we thereby reflect the God who is, as the old hymn puts it, “pure, unbound-

ed Love.”

With such a message and such a mission, it’s a great time to be the church!

Chuck Blaisdell, Senior Pastor

Continued from page 1

ELEVATOR DEDICATION

What a joy it was on Sunday, May 10, to ded-

icate and bless the new elevator! Over a year

in planning and construction -- and dreamed

of more than half a century -- the elevator is

one of the projects in FCC's "Succeed and

Soar" capital campaign. This campaign is

made possible by your gifts, and the elevator

will be such a valuable addition to our com-

mitment to "radical hospitality" as it makes so

much more of our building accessible to

all! Honorary Capital Campaign Committee

Chairs Bruce and Carol Millhollin did the rib-

bon cutting, and the Acord family -- Josh, Ca-

sey, JoJo, and Cooper -- took the first

"symbolic ride" on the elevator. Many thanks

are due to Special Assistant to the Senior Pas-

tor Gay Hatler for his dedicated project man-

agement that helped make this all possible!

Page 9

Thanks to all the IHN volunteers for making this

latest week go well. FCC's next opportunity to

host will be in September.

4K for Cancer - A Fun And Worthy Opportunity

Once again this year, FCC will be hosting the "4K

for Cancer" bicyclists. They will be arriving on

Thursday, July 3, and will spend the night at the

church. We are serving them dinner. This year

we will be serving stir fry chicken & vegetable

with noodles. Dessert will be a "banana

bar" (bananas, honey, peanut butter and other

toppings they can roll the bananas in) -- a high

protein meal. Your Missions and Outreach Team

is looking for help with dinner, serving and

cleanup. If you would like to donate part of din-

ner that would also be wonderful. Please contact

Kim Hatler either at kimhatler@msn.com or 719-

963-9177 -- and thanks for helping support

these inspiring students!

HUMANE BORDERS

This month our noisy

offering will go to Hu-

mane Borders. It is a

non-profit organization

which provides emer-

gency watering stations

for migrant workers

coming north thru de-

serts spanning from California to Texas. These

water stations are on both public and private

land. As of today there are about 45 watering

stations. Over 1500 volunteers, with Humane

Borders create a safe and death free border

crossing environment. Since 2001, the bodies of

more than 2,100 illegal border crossers have

been recovered in the Arizona Desert. Founded

by several disciple churches, Humane Borders

does not encourage illegal immigration or smug-

gling, but attempts to reduce environmental cas-

ualties from a lack of water in desert conditions.

Garage Sale June 13, 9 to 3 at

First Christian Church

As you are cleaning out and collecting for the

garage sale the following are types of items that

sell well: costume jewelry, like-new items, vinyl

records, tools, Americana home décor, books,

beat-up wooden furniture, retro toys and dolls,

antiques and seasonal items like garden or patio

things. No clothing please. You may bring your

items to the church the week before the sale. If

you will be out of town and cannot work within

this time frame please contact Nancy May 635-

9746 to make arrangements. If you have large

items and need help transporting them contact

Carroll Bloomquist 260-1115 or Nancy. If you

would like to help with pricing or during the sale

we would love to have you. This is a fundraiser

for the Elder’s Fund at FCC to be used to help

our families and friends in times of emergency

financial need.

Missions and Outreach Corner

Page 10

Promotion and Graduations

We were delighted to celebrate promotion and gradua-

tion Sunday on Mother's Day, May 10. Congratulations

to all of the children and youth who will be moving to

the next level of Sunday school class. They will begin

their new Sunday school classes on June 7.

Congratulations to this year's graduating High School

Seniors! Connor Larsen is graduating from Lewis

Palmer High School. He is an Eagle Scout and will be

attending the University of Alabama, studying Engi-

neering and Computer Science. Shelby Morgan is

graduating from Doherty High School. She plans to

attend CU Boulder and study Business Marketing and

Graphic Design. Adam Rush is graduating from Palm-

er High School. He plans to attend Rocky Mountain

College in Billings, MT and study Aeronautics and

Mountain Flight. Congratulations also to our college

and graduate school graduates! Rebecca Burris is

receiving a Bachelor of Arts in History from UCCS.

Lauren Harclerode is receiving a Bachelor of Science

in Biomedical Sciences from Western Michigan Univer-

sity. Andrew Warren is receiving a Bachelor of Sci-

ence in Biomedical Sciences from UCCS. Hana Bustil-

los received a Master of Arts in History with foci in the

American West and Public History from the University

of Nebraska, Kearney. Lynn Smith graduated in De-

cember from Loyola University of Chicago with a Mas-

ter of Divinity/Master of Pastoral Studies with a con-

centration in Healthcare Chaplaincy.

Family Ministry News

"He put a child in the middle of the room. Then, cra-

dling the little one in his arms, he said, “Whoever em-

braces one of these children as I do embraces me, and

far more than me—God who sent me.” Mark 9:36-37

Faith communities are one of the few, if not the only

places where children, seniors, couples, teenagers, sin-

gles, people of all generations come together on a reg-

ular interacting basis. As one of these faith communi-

ties, we have a unique opportunity and calling to pro-

vide intergenerational Christian experiences through

our Family Ministry. These kinds of occasions not only

nurture the faith and spiritual development of our chil-

dren, but also facilitate spiritual growth in adults.

There is nothing quite like answering a "why" question

of a child that gets you really thinking about your own

faith and beliefs. To help our church grow into a family

in which we can all be brothers and sisters, mothers

and fathers, in the family of God, we are going to begin

having Intergenerational Christian Education Experi-

ences four times a year. May 31, during the Sunday

school hour, will be the first of these opportunities.

Please come for a time of fun, fellowship and faith

sharing.

Summer Youth Activities

For the summer we will be taking a break from Light-

house and Friday night GET Out activities. In addition

to summer camps in June, we have planned a couple

fun activities for youth. Look for more information on

these events in June and July.

July 12 – Amazing Race

August 7-9 – Youth Camping Trip to

Blue Mesa Reservoir

Vacation Bible School

This year we are embarking on a new adventure with

our Vacation Bible School. We have decided to take

advantage of one of the greatest strengths of our

church – MUSIC! Kids will spend the mornings learning

and preparing a musical program based upon the 5

principles of the Disciple faith. Then they will share

with family and friends on Thursday evening. Miss Kim

and Miss Laura will lead kids in part singing, music

reading and vocal techniques. There will be something

for everyone, new singers and experienced singers

alike. We welcome all children entering Kindergarten

through 12th grade. Cost is $10 per child, $25 per

family (scholarships available). Registration deadline is

June 23. Look for more information on how to register

in coming weeks.

By Laura Hatler

Page 11

NEW SUMMER SMALL GROUP FORMING! “THE WRITERS' CIRCLE”

What stories come to mind when others talk about their childhoods? Often we reminisce about our own life’s

events when we listen or read others' stories. A new summer class at FCC for men, women,

boys and girls will give you the opportunity to write and share your stories of life, faith, and re-

lationships. Some will be touching, others scary, and many will be funny.

The class will meet on Mondays at 1:00 p.m., beginning June 15, for 60-90 minutes and will con-

tinue for six weeks. The class will be led by Linda Shelton, who writes: “Each participant will

write a story weekly, and share it with the class the next week. It is an experience which will

help you know others in the class at a deeper level, and give them opportunity to know you.” Questions? Con-

tact Linda Shelton at 719-233-3363 or email her at dnlshelton@earthlink.net

Growth, Change and Sharing I have been working my way through a book, Connecting to God; Nurturing Spirituality through Small Groups by

Corinne Ware, that has been shared with me by Marsha Bishop. The point of the book is that accomplishing

growth in spirituality is more easily accomplished in small groups. This seems reasonable because, as we know,

learning/development is more readily accomplished in an active environment. Hearing someone talk about a

new idea or way of understanding something is fine, but simply hearing about it without any active involvement

just is not that effective. Small groups provide an ideal environment in which to try out new ideas and under-

standing. We are regularly confronted with new situations and challenges, and working through our understand-

ing and responses to these situations and challenges is easier in a small group that is made up of individuals we

trust and with whom we have some common ground. This does not mean we need to completely agree with

them but that we have the willingness to listen and try to discern how our responses further God's Kingdom.

FCC has several small groups, the list is elsewhere in this newsletter, and meeting times can be found there or in

the weekly worship bulletin. I hope that you can find one in which you can participate. If you do not find one that seems interesting to you, let me know at norman@firstchristiancos.org, know and I will try to establish one.

Norman Heimer, Coordinator of Small Group Ministries

Church Staff

Pastoral Staff Chuck Blaisdell, Senior Pastor ~ chuck@blaisdells.net or seniorpastor@firstchristiancos.org

Office hours 8:30 a.m-2:30 p.m. Mon.-Wed., other by appointment Katherine Raley, Associate Pastor ~ kraley@firstchristiancos.org

9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., other by appointment Don Sarton, Associate Minister for Mission & Stewardship ~ don@firstchristiancos.org

Laura Hatler, Family Ministries Coordinator ~ laura@thehatlers.com Carol Wilson, Pastoral Visitor ~ organist@firstchristiancos.org

Lynn Smith, Licensed Minister of Visitation ~ bikernurse@aol.com Shannon Buxton, Nursery Director ~ shanski_87@hotmail.com

Gaylord Hatler, Senior Pastor Emeritus and Assistant for Special Projects ~ gayhatler@yahoo.com

Program & Music Staff Kim Schultz, Music Director ~ kim@firstchristiancos.org

Carol Wilson, Organist, Concert Series ~ organist@firstchristiancos.org Norman Heimer, Coordinator of Small Group Ministries ~ norman@firstchristiancos.org

Brittany Bevans Merchant, Sunday School Teacher ~ brittany.bevans@yahoo.com Bryce Leatherman, Sunday School Teacher ~ bryceleatherman@gmail.com

Support Staff Kathe Petersen, Administrative Assistant ~ fcc@firstchristiancos.org

Office Hours 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Fri. Diana Serna, Bookkeeper/Wedding Coordinator ~ accountant@firstchristiancos.org

9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Mon.-Tues., 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Fri. Laura Patino, Custodian ~ fcc@firstchristiancos.org

7:15 a.m.-3:15 p.m. M-Th; Sunday a.m. Ray Killian, Building Security Assistant ~ COmusicbear@comcast.net Dan Hardesty, Weekend Custodian ~ danielwhardesty@bellsouth.net

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

16 E Platte Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80903

www.firstchristiancos.org

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID

COLO.SPRINGS, CO 80903 PERMIT NO. 864

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Elders Fund of FCC - The Elders of First Christian Church oversee a care fund intended to meet the needs of peo-ple who are a part of the church family. This fund is intended as a last resort for time of crisis and/or emergen-cy regarding health, food and/or shelter. If you have a need that fits in this category, contact an elder or pas-

tor for an application. The Elders Fund is supported by donations which are gladly accepted at any time as well as through organized fund raisers. This is just one of the ways we at FCC extend "radical hospitality,

outrageous generosity, and joyful service to God and neighbor."