3-17-2011

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Page 1 March 17, 2011

Welcome Our Newest Member

Ernest (Ernie) Wheatley came forward last Sunday to place hismembership. Ernie is Bill Wheatley’s brother, and Jill Foster’suncle. He has been staying with Bill recently as he recovers fromillness and injury. Though once he returns to his home in Haci-enda Heights, Ernie will only see us a few times a year, he hasfelt so warmly welcomed that he wanted to be an official part of our community. But for however long or however often, we arecertainly pleased to be his church home! (Ernie’s contact infor-mation will be included in our soon-to-be-published directory up-date.)

Lent Prayer Wall, Version 2011

As we did last year, we have prayer walls up, both in the Narthex,and in front of the Communion Table. Prayer requests can be

written on paper, rolled, and slipped in the wall. They will becollected, and lifted up at our Tuesday Prayer meetings, and else-where. Thanks to Youth Adventure for the enthusiasm, and toDave Marvin for making it happen!

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The next Disciple Women’s luncheon will be held on Sunday, March 27th. Afriend of Janet Wysong, Kathleen Knowles, will be our speaker and she willshare memories of her trip to Malai, Africa. She will tell us how she wastouched by the children there, and hopefully bring pictures to share. The

lunch will be lovingly prepared by the Faith Group and will be “A Little Bit of Heaven”and will have an Irish flare in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Hope to see you all at theluncheon.

Convocation Report : The women of FCC Torrance had a wonderful 24hours at Convocation this weekend in Orange. We were blessed to partici-pate in wonderful gathering times, which featured beautiful music and a

passionate keynote speaker in Amy Gopp. We were able to enjoy each other’s com-pany at mealtime as well as at our Friday night Pajama Party where everyone strut-ted their stuff at our own “Parade of Slippers”.

Many of our women were an active part of this event and it did us proudto watch Sakura run around with her clipboard to make sure everythingwas in order for the workshops. We watched as our men, Bill, John andJimmy helped with the sound and visuals and gave them a big cheerany time they went up to fix the mikes. Dorie and Janet were the stars

of a skit and we were moved every time they were up on stage. Anna guided theyoung guides, which included Meghan and Cody Anne who both did us proud withtheir helpful smiles and cheerful attitudes. Chery and Amanda and Dorie manned theBras for a Cause booth and raised upwards of $500 for cancer research. I hope Ididn’t leave anyone out, but suffice it to say we were an important part of the leader-ship for this event. To steal a phrase…it was another fine example of leadership

from the women of FCC Torrance!

Loch Leven Retreat: Please note that our church retreat has had to berescheduled from our original May date due to a conflict with Relay ForLife. We are now scheduled to gather together at Loch Leven the week-end of June 3-5, 2011. You will be able to join Pastor Steve and Pastor

Ted as they lead us in activities and worship experiences that will be appropriate forall ages, from the young to the old. There will also be plenty of time for relaxation,singing, walking, crafts and S’mores around the campfire. Please mark your calen-dars and look for more details to come. Jill Foster or Samantha Lubrani can answerany questions you have now.

Disciples Women’s Ministry

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Endowment Fund Update

Retirement Assets can be a Tax Burden

A retirement account, such as an IRA, 401(k), or 403(b), often comprises a large portion of a person’s wealth. Yet did you know they are the most heavily taxed — and a perfect instru-

ment for making a charitable gift at death?The way in which you distribute the assets in your retirement accounts can reflect your faithand values. By naming First Christian Church, Torrance, as beneficiary of your retirementaccount, you can pass on assets you no longer can use, and spare your estate the tax burdenaffiliated with these plans.Simply ask the manager of your account to send you a beneficiary designation form, andcomplete it with the proper legal name of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Tor-rance. Doing so allows the funds to pass tax-free.Remember to consult your financial advisors on the ramifications of this decision since indi-vidual circumstances vary.If you’d like to learn more about how you can help our church through retirement plan as-sets, contact the Christian Church Foundation, which is the general ministry of the ChristianChurch (Disciples of Christ) designed to help church members create a lasting legacythrough planned gifts. Foundation development officers are ordained or licensed clergy whounderstand the church, financial matters and stewardship. To speak to one, call (800) 668-8016.

The Endowment Fund Committee would like to thank and acknowledge recent gifts to our Church’sEndowment Fund:

From June Perkins in memory of Sharon DexterFrom Stella McGinnis in memory of Sharon DexterFrom Doug and Cheryl Crawford in memory of Jack and Cynthia Cox and Annabelle BrownFrom Shirley Brummett in memory of Sharon DexterFrom Ruth Perry in memory of Sharon DexterFrom Steve and Ruth Tooker in memory of Marion CaseyFrom Phyllis KingFrom the Disciples Women’s Love Group in memory of Sharon Dexter

As of January 1, there is $142,473 in two Funds managed by the Christian Church Foundation inIndianapolis, and $51,470 in CDs.We hope you will remember our Church’s Endowment Fund in your estate planning, and/or as away to honor and recognize a birthday, graduation, anniversary, etc., for someone special. Simplyindicate that you wish the gift to go to the Endowment Fund.Informational brochures are available in the narthex and pews. A link on the Church’s website alsohas information about the Fund.If you have any questions, please contact one of the directors listed below.

Betsy Galyardt Jack Perry Francisco Sanchez Andrea Whobrey Doris Wilson

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Estate Items for Free!

Anyone interested in a Maple bedroom piece, floral six foot sleeper couch, end ta-bles, coffee tables and lamps please contact Diana Sencerbox (310) 534-0818.

With Sympathy

Judy Rickabaugh’s sister, Pat Fowler, died earlier this month, in Northern California, of can-cer.

Shirley Woodman’s friend, Haley Rider Thomas died of cancer earlier this month. Her hus-band Rob died four years ago; they are survived by a son, Connor, 19, and a daughter, Shea,12.

Lilian Asomugha’s brother Dennis died in Henderson, NV, after a long struggle. Serviceswere held both here and there on March 11 and 12.

Lee Sebaugh’s brother died March 15 after a long illness. Their family is in our prayers.

Former member Bruce Fryman’s son, James Fryman, has died in Indianapolis. Services willbe held here, but time and date are pending.

Paul Gross, recently baptized by Ted Oden at Westchester, has died after a struggle with can-cer.

Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers to-day;And give us not to think so far away

As the uncertain harvest; keep us here

All simply in the springing of the year.Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white,

Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;And make us happy in the happy bees,

The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.

And make us happy in the darting birdThat suddenly above the bees is heard,

The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill,And off a blossom in mid air stands still.

For this is love and nothing else is love,The which it is reserved for God aboveTo sanctify to what far ends He will,

But which it only needs that we fulfil.

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CHURCH FAMILY PRAYERS & CONCERNS

In the hospital : Debbie Galyardt (Grant’s sister) is in the hospital with pneumonia andother complications… Terry Linehan’s mother is home, but her father has been hospital-ized with medication complications… Annette Carew (Stan’s stepmother) continues in thehospital with complications from pneumonia.

Out of the hospital : Ed Gherna (Mary Matson’s father) continues on hospice at a Board& Care, where he is, all things considered, in good spirits… Trevor Bise is home after be-ing hospitalized with an intestinal virus; his grandmother, Joan, is recovering from surgery,and his uncle, David, is being treated for heart problems… Morrie Gober is home wherehe continues treatment for emphysema… Justin Grant (the son of our new custodian, TomGrant) is home after treatment for a serious infection. Camelia Olloque’s niece Lily camehome on March 15th. She is weighing 5lbs. and is 19 inches long.

Continuing Treatment: Linda Houston is doing better after a bout with pneumonia…Bob Schnepp is doing well after outpatient shoulder surgery…Paul Crossman continues to

weaken since his stroke… Bonnie Reniff ’s recovery from surgery is taking longer thanhoped…Dolly Barnbeck may need eye surgery…Arly Jahn is still waiting for a procedureto help with pancreatic stones…Frances Marshall’s daughter, Ann, is scheduled for sur-gery on March 18…Chery Carew’s brother, David, continues treatment for emphysema.Doctors have also detected suspicious spots on his lung…Lisa Roberts asks prayer for hergrandfather in St. Louis.

Battling cancer: Milly Raper’s daughter will be having surgery for thyroid cancer…Shawn Knutsen (Kelly Rogers’s sister)…Linda Houston’s friend, Joyce Eiges…Vi Fietz (Steve’s stepmother)…Pat Patterson (Doreen Jackson’s friend) is undergoing chemo andradiation… Tests show Asher, the young son of Larry Campbell cousin does not have leu-

kemia, as previously reported here.

Separated from loved ones: Sakura Koontz reports that family members in Japan haveearthquake damage, and no power, but all are safe.Anne Beecher has finally heard news of a elderly friend who was moved from Christ-church, NZ, after the earthquake… Brandon Matson, stationed with the Army inIraq….Sarah Iannucci’s mother in the Philippines continues to need prayer.

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March 2011 (ReviseSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thu

WORSHIP SERVICES8:30 and 10:30 am

Sunday School 9:30 am1 2

6 7 8 9

13 14 15 16

Daylight SavingsSpring Forward

Lent Small Group7:00 p.m.

NewsletterLent Small Group

7:00 p.m.

Love Group 9:30Faith Group 1:30

Prayer Meeting 5:45Prayer Shawl 7:00

Lent Small Group 10:00Prayer Shawl 2:00

Elders 7:00Choir 7:00

Lent Small Group 7:00

Lent Sm7:00

20 21 22 23

Spring FlingIce Cream Fundraiser

His Hands12:00




Lent Small Group 10:00Prayer Shawl 2:00

Choir 7:00Lent Small Group 7:00

Lent Sm7:00

27

28 29 30Feed The Hungry SundayDisciple Women’s Lunch

12:00


Newsletter



Lent Small Group10:00 a.m.Choir 7:00

Lent Small Group 7:00

Lent Sm7:00

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)

March BirthdaysMary Ibe (1)

Linda Gilmore (2)Dottie Taggart (3)Hilda Coleman (4)Gail Grove (5)Gene Jackson (5)Virginia Gober (6)Wally Sandberg (6)Kurt Nelson (9)Ruth Morrison (10)Terry Linehan (15)Lois Sherwood (17)Haley Noble (20)Emma Hernandez (22)Katie Redderson (22)Orlando Martinez (24)Charlene Bowring (26)Kristin Karlin (28)Ziggy Wilk (28)Lois Sherwood (29)Ruth Perry (29)Glenn Singleton (30)Kel Henderson (30)Mandy Fontaine (30)Lilian Asomugha (31)

ANNIVERSARIESRaymond & Donna Stent (18)John & Anne Beecher (20)

sday Friday Saturday

3 4 5

10 11 12

17

18 19

all Groupp.m.

Men’s Breakfast8:30 a.m.

Lent Small Group10:00 a.m.

24 25 26

all Groupp.m.

Lent Small Group10:00 a.m.

31

all Groupp.m.

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“A Prayer for Us” —New Small Group Series on the Lord’s Prayer

Please keep our Lent Series groups and facilitators in your prayers:

Sunday afternoon Shirley Woodman leading Youth AdventureSunday evening Larry & Peggy CampbellMonday evening Steve & Janie FietzWednesday morning Steve Fietz & Susan Babcock Wednesday evening Doug Crawford, Don & Sue ZukasThursday evening Lynne Redderson & Chery CarewSaturday morning Frank Mitchell

Tuesday Prayer Meeting Continues

Each Tuesday evening at 5:45, a group gathers in our sanctuary to lift up prayers for one an-other, on behalf of loved ones, the ministry of the church, and the needs of the world. It is asimple time of focus where some pray aloud, others silently. All are welcome —and every-one with a need is encouraged to submit prayer requests.

Habitat for Humanity – “Building on Faith”

We have been invited to participate in Habitat for Humanity’s local building project throughthe season of Lent. From Ash Wednesday to Good Friday (March 9 through April 22) Habi-tat will be remodeling homes for two deserving families in Lynwood.

For more information, check with Pastor Steve, or call Chris Untiet at 310-323-4663, ext 129,or write to him at [email protected].

Education Notes & News

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Upcoming Sunday Messages

March 20— “Waiting for Reign” (Matthew 6:10, Luke 17:20-21, Romans 14:16-19 )

Moving to the second phrase of the Lord’s Prayer, we explore what it means to hope forGod’s kingdom, and to pray that God’s will would be done “on earth as in heaven.” What

are we really waiting for, and what are we to do while we wait?

March 27— “Manna Live” (Matthew 6:11, Exodus 16:11-31)

How is the biblical definition of “daily bread” similar to, or different from, our own? Andwhat might it mean that we pray for our daily bread, not just mine?

April 3— “The Gospel According to Roy Orbison (Mercy!)” (Matthew 6:12, Luke 6:36-38)

How is forgiveness also a daily need? And how is our willingness to offer forgivenesswoven together with our ability to receive it?

April 10— “Pop Quiz or Final Exam?” (Matthew 6:13, Matthew 4:1-10) Is being tempted the same thing as being tested? Who really gives the test, and what does itmean to be delivered?

Wednesday Morning Bible Study

Our Wednesday morning study group has joined in our Lent Series on the Lord’s Prayer.

We are meeting from 10:15 to 11:30 (to accommodate schedules) in the Choir Room.

Adult Sunday Class—Another Series from David Matson

Dr. David Matson continues our series on interpreting the death of Jesus through March 27.One need not have come to earlier classes to get value from remaining sessions. The classmeets Sunday mornings in Room 7 at 9:30. All are welcome!

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It is such a helpless feeling to watch the news in times like these. Civil war in Libyaand dramatic upheavals elsewhere in the Arab world, debates and demonstrationsabout budgets here in the states, and, most recently, earthquakes, one after the other in

New Zealand, and now the multiple devastations in Japan. We see the suffering, butwe feel helpless. What can we do?

To be straight about it, this is a time to give. Alone, it’s too much for you or me tocorrect. Together we have impact. Alone, we’re on this side of the Pacific, and thesuffering is on the other. Collectively, we can leap oceans.

One of the best ways to make that leap of faith is through gifts to Week of Compas-sion, the Disciples’ emergency relief agency. Week of Compassion has already re-sponded to our primary partner there, the United Church of Christ in Japan, with aninitial emergency response grant, and will continue to be in close touch with them asthey respond to this devastating tragedy. Gifts can be directed for the Japanese earth-quake, or for any other place of suffering and tragedy. We work with local agencies,so our help continues even when the media attention moves on.

And this is not a time to diminish the power of prayer. Prayer helps clarify whatwe can do—and, by the way, what’s also out of our hands. And prayer unleashes apower that I’ve given up trying to explain. It’s not a power that’s under my control, itdoesn’t move as I see fit. But it moves—it leaps oceans, it crosses the swamps of doubt, it bridges islands of suffering. I don’t know the physics of it. But I believe itdoes.

Shalom, Steve

Home phone: 310-212-5950 email: [email protected]

Next Newsletter articles need to be at the church office by March 28, 2011

Footnotes

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T

he Christian Messenger

First Christian Church

2930 El Dorado Street

T

orrance, CA 90503

TIME VALUE DATA

DO NOT DELAY

EXPEDITE

NON P

ROFIT ORG.

U.S. PO

STAGE PAID

TOR

RANCE, CA

PERMIT NO. 109

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH

(Disciples of Christ)2930 El Dorado StreetTorrance, CA 90503

(310) 328-2820 Fax 310 328-2929E-mail - [email protected] address - fcctorrance.org

Sunday Schedule

8:30 a.m. - Worship - Informal9:30 a.m. - Church School for all ages

10:30 a.m. - Worship - TraditionalChildren’s Worship - Ages Pre-school through

2nd Grade(During the Traditional Worship Service)

Nursery Provided

For birth through age 3 during Sunday Schooland Contemporary & Traditional Service

Office Hours

Monday - Friday9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Staff

Steven Fietz, Senior PastorTed Oden-Minister of Contemporary Worship

Administrative Assistant– Camelia OlloqueChoir Director - Ken Potter

Nursery Attendant - Amanda RuhsDorie Hernandez

Officers

Chair - Chery CarewVice Chair - Jerry Jonas

Treasurer– Jimmy KoontzFinancial Secretary - Charlotte Sandberg

Clerk– Angie Ahumada

Or Current Resident

Documents

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