Beaumont, TX Volume 4 January 21, 2018
Dear Church Family, Well, another week has flown by. Here we are already at the end of January. I was hoping 2018 would be better than 2017, but it’s starting out pretty rocky. Still, there is always hope and we can choose to be joyful even in the midst of suffering. Yes, I know that this sounds like a platitude, but it’s also scriptural. Nehemiah 8:10 tells us: He continued, “Go home and prepare a feast, holiday food and drink; and share it with those who don’t have anything: This day is holy to God. Don’t feel bad. The joy of God is your strength!” And Psalm 130:7 tells us: O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem. You see, from the very beginning, God gave us the beautiful gift of choice. God didn’t want a bunch of puppets doing things because they have to. We can choose to be hopeful. We can choose to have joy. We can choose to go to God when we need help. But, we have to choose to do it. The moment we call on God’s name is when the peace that passes all understanding begins to come upon us. I say “begins” because we all know that relief from suffering usually does not happen instantaneously. It’s usually a journey. It may even be a difficult journey, but our Lord walks with us every step of the way. And that very good news! So, take heart! Let us go to God and we will get through this together!
Blessings, Pastor Beth
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2
Date Change!
Bookclub
Feb. 23rd we will meet at 6:30 pm in the Church Parlor to discuss this month’s book– The Corridor by Wilmont Kreis, MD. This book is written by Pastor Beth’s uncle. The book is available on Amazon and on Kindle. Everyone is welcome!
Stuart Class– The Book of Daniel Disciples Class– Exodus Golden Circle ClassElementary Class-”Bible– Skills, Drills, and Thrills”
Bible Study has resumed. Dinner is served at 5:15, followed by Bible Study at 6:00 pm. We are doing a study called “Chasing Daylight.” The study focuses on the life of Jonathan in the Old Testament. It is also based on John 9:4: “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.” The author of the study, Erwin McManus reminds us that “we have such a short sliver of daylight in which to make a difference. Let’s make the most of it.” Come join us! Childcare is provided!
Bring Your Bible to Church Sunday!
A Mommy and Me Bible Study will meet Feb. 5th at 10:00 am here at the church. Julie Stephenson will be leading the study. Spread the word to any young mothers you may know! The study is focusing on the “Importance of Rest.”
Sunday, January 28th is Bring Your Bible to Church Sunday. We will have a display table so we can see all the different varieties of Bibles. We will also have a contest to see who has the oldest Bible, the one that has travelled the greatest distance, and the most unique Bible. So, come show off God’s Word!
Dear Friends at First Christian,
March 4-6, 2018 The Youth Gathering for the Lenten Interfaith Preaching Series will be assembling bags for the homeless mission. Donations of travel size shampoos, lotions, soaps, toothpaste and toothbrushes is greatly appreciated. We also need socks and bottled water
Congregational Meeting January 28, 2018 Following Worship We need all members in attendance to approve the 2018 Budget.
I know we are anticipating what 2018 has in store for us...we are all glad to have 2017 done and done. As I look back to 2017, I cannot imagine traveling that path without you. You have been so faithful to Some Other Place and its activities and programs. Thank you for all that you have done for us and the community around you. We look forward to working with you this year. I hope you will call me if you have a question or a need that I might be able to help with. As always, I am aware of God’s wondrous works through you. I especially want to thank you for the wonderful volunteers from your congregation...I don’t know what I would do without them. Sincerely, Chrissie Joyner
Please join our Relay for Life team by registering online. The website is gtrelay.org
Please join our Relay for Life Team by registering online. The website is gtrelay.org. Be sure to sign up with the team First Christian Church.
The deadline for the Messenger is every Tuesday at Noon for the following week’s publication. Please email any submissions for the Messenger to:
[email protected].
Hamilton-Malone Wedding Christine Hamilton (daughter of Mike and Melinda Hamilton) and Chris Malone got married January 13, 2018 here at the church. The church wishes to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Malone and wish them all the best in the future. Below are some pictures from the reception.
Christine and Chris cutting the cake.
Joyce MooreThe prettiest bridesmaid at the wedding.
Daddy and Daughter Dance
Mike, are you having too much fun already? :)
Pat Fukes Recognized Pat Fukes was recognized Sunday for 20+ years of service as Financial Secretary. Pat was honored during the Worship Service, then with a luncheon following Worship. Pat has retired from her service as Financial Secretary, but she will always remain an important part of the F.C.C. family. Well done and thanks Pat!
This Week’s Calendar of Events Sunday, Jan. 28th Bring Your Bible to Church Day Following Worship Congregational Meeting Following WorshipYouth and Young Adults Wednesday, Jan. 31st 5:15 pm Dinner 6:00 pm Bible Study 7:00 pm Choir Thursday, Feb. 1st 8:30 am Work Day Friday, Feb. 2nd 11:00 am Bob Gay’s Memorial Service Saturday, Feb. 3rd Noon Visitation for Joan Edwards 1:00 pm Memorial Service for Joan Edwards Sunday, Feb. 4th Following Worship– Trustees Meeting
Feb. 5th-8th Pastor Beth at TCU Minister’s Week Sunday, January 28, 2018 Tithe Counters: Jo Hackler &Joyce Cowart Worship Deacon: Sally Milich Elders: Clarence Kessler & Lynn Rodgers Worship Leader: Steve Allen Open Building: Mike Rodgers Home Centered: Clarence Kessler & Lynn Rodgers Ushers: The Edwards Family Greeters: Shelby Evans, Mike Milich, & Linn Wallace Feb. 4th Rev. Bobby Hawley from the Christian Church Foundation will be filling the pulpit.
Prayer Requests Praise our Lord and Savior; Praise God for giving you the invitation to pray. Praise God for giving you the desire to learn to pray. Ask God to strengthen your prayer life. Thank Him for His many blessings; Pray for our church and the members; for our country; and ask extra blessings and help for the following:
PEOPLE WE CONTINUE TO REMEMBER:
David Delaney, Sasha Fisher, Sherry Kyte, Lucien Hebert, Ramon Ordonez, Mandy and Kory Gerber, Inge & Dr. Brad Black, Gary Bruce, The LANYA REYNOLDS Carlisles, Kenneth Connor, THE GAY FAMILY Stephanie Cowart, Bill Cumming, Linda Dallas, RICHARD’S SON, JACOBY Mary Dalton, Debra SELLS Dunham, Linda Sue Earls, Joan Edwards, John T. MABEL FERRELL Franks, Marty Graham, ROBERT CHAMBERS Fay Henry, Shirley Hilton, Barbara JOSIE Huffhines, Betty McLean, Stella Melder, Cindy MoSTEVE ALLEN ses, Mary Weitzel, Johnny ASHLYNNE Wills, Brandi & Joe Wood, Alice Springfield, The TODD OLGES Haney Family, Melissa COMMUNITY OF SUTHER- Hubbard, Casey Brown, Linn Wallace, John & EveLAND SPRINGS lyn Gerber, The San MiALL THOSE AFFECTED BY guel Family, The Allens, HURRICANE HARVEY AJ Arisco Family FLORIDA PUERTO RICO FIRST RESPONDERS OUR MILITARY