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Page 1 September 8, 2011

Congregational Meeting on

Family Promise Covenant

September 11 at 9:45 a.m.: We will have a CongregationalMeeting between services where we will seek a decision about beingan officially participating Family Promise congregation.

Please plan on bringing your insights and questions as we considerwhether we can participate in this new interfaith program.

Welcome Our Newest Member

Megan Chavez gave her confession of faith on September 3. Meganhas been part of our congregation for some time nowAnna Rogersis her aunt; Precilla and Trevor are her cousins. Megan was espe-cially inspired to see her Aunt Anna serving as a new elder Sunday,and so took this wonderful step of faith. She is already listed in yourdirectories as part of Annas household. We look forward to cele-brating Megans baptism in the near future!

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Regional Disciples WomensSpiritual Growth Retreat

There is still plenty of time to sign up and take advantage of the early bird rate.There are forms available in the church office or online at www.pswdw.com. Wehave scholarship money available by contacting Jill Foster our president at 310378-4981.

Dont miss this one. It will renew your spirit and help build a bond with both our sis-

ters here at our church and hopefully women from some of our other churches

around the region.

Annual Holiday Boutique

Once Upon a Christmas is the theme for the Disciple Womens Holiday Boutiquewhich is scheduled for Saturday, November 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Under the leadership of Lynne Redderson we will work together and individually tocreate items to sell at our annual Boutique. All proceeds go to charity; the monieswill be divided among ministries that work to help those in need.

You can be a part of this wonderful ministry by donating your hand-crafted items,

attending the craft workshops, or donating items to Grandmas Attic. The next craft

workshop is scheduled for this Sunday, September 11 at 12 noon and will be facili-

tated by Chery Carew. We welcome your donations to Grandmas Attic, but would

ask that you to hold on to them until the end of October, if possible. If you are un-

able to do so and must have them out of your house before then, please contact

Lynne at 310-325-5323 or LinMoon@earthlink.net to make arrangements.

Disciples Womens Ministry

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Monthly Luncheon and ProgramSunday, September 25, 12:00 NoonOur program this month is on Preventing Human Trafficking as presented by

Sandie Morgan, founder and President of Lydia, an organization located in SantaAna that provides legal services for victims. Their purpose is to inspire and encour-age women in all aspects of life - physical, emotional and spiritual. Their mission isto address areas of concern for women in order to create strategies to rescue andrestore them and children who are victims of domestic abuse, human trafficking andother forms of violence.

Hear facts about trafficking: Why does it exist, what conditions put women/children

at risk and how do traffickers find victims? A new project within Lydia is Live 2

Free, a program educating and involving high school and college age participants

against trafficking. This new program will receive our service donation this month.

Their website for more information is www.live2free.org

Celebrate Junes 90th Birthday

Please come celebrate the Joy that is June!

Saturday, September 24th at 1:00 p.m.

First Christian Church2930 El Dorado Street

Torrance 90503

Lunch will be served

Please absolutely no Presents!Cards or Memory Notes Only

Please RSVP to Judy Rickabaugh@ 424-263-4052

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Endowment Fund Update

The Endowment Fund Committee met on 8/22 for their first meeting of the new Fiscal Year.We thanked our departing members Andrea Whobrey and Francisco Sanchez for their faithfulservice and we greeted our new members Pat Sebaugh, Patricia Bryant and Doug Crawford

who will be joining Betsy Galyardt and Jack Perry.

We have been blessed with many recent financial gifts from those listed below and would liketo say Thank You. We will continue our investing with a balanced approach by placing ourfunds into a combination of CDs from local banks and the Mutual Funds offered by ourChristian Church Foundation.

We were all blessed with our ability to make a $10,000 distribution earlier this year. This dis-tribution was made from the earnings our Fund produced. We are commissioned to maintainthe principle of the Fund by making prudent investment decisions and by granting distribu-tions only from the earnings our Fund produces. By doing so, the principle of the Fund will

be as secure as possible.

In the beginning of each year, we ask the Cabinet to solicit requests for available funds fromeach Church Committee. Then, based upon availability of funds, we prayerfully decide onthe most appropriate choice(s).

We ask that you pray for the economic growth of our Fund through donations and earnings, togive thanks to our Lord for the blessings it produces and to please remember our Fund whenyou are making your own financial plans.

Thank You to Phyllis King for her generous donation to the Fund and Thank You to Shirley

Brummett, Mary Coldsnow, Glenn & Ruth Singleton, the Obrien Family, Stan & CheryCarew, Harriet Sherwood, Ann Graves, Roberta Smith, Kathi McVern, Delores Skjervem,Disciple Women and Doug & Cheryl Crawford for their generous donations in the Memory ofDoris Wilson.

May the glory of Jesus be in all that we do.

Jack Perry Betsy Galyardt Pat Sebaugh Patricia Bryant Doug Crawford

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CHURCH FAMILY PRAYERS & CONCERNS

Continuing Concerns:

Roger Grove continues on hospice care for heart and kidney failure Kirk Kubiks backpains are not getting better... Bernadette Leake is waiting for much needed eye surgery

Judy Burrows mother, Beatrice Anderson, 99, is suffering from painful auto-immune dis-ease Debbie Wiehe (Gene & Noras daughter-in-law) continues steroid treatment forscleroderma Lizzie Basile (VBS attendee, friend of Teruyas) is better from surgerythere is concern coughing could loosen her stitches Don & Sue Zukas ask prayer for theirneighbors daughter, Lucy, hospitalized with E. coli poisoning Nonnie McGiffin ishome after bile-duct stone procedure; she will need another procedure to finish the taskArly Jahn continues treatments for a pancreatic stone.

Cancer:

Doreen Jackson is feeling better, walking some, and is determined to fight the cancer inher spince; Gene Jacksons lump was officially benignJudy Rickabaugh has had sur-

gery to remove melanoma from her leg on September 2, and is awaiting biopsy resultsShawn Knutsen (Kelly Rogerss sister) is now part of a clinical trial for her cancerJohnBray, the father of June Perkinss gardener, has lung cancer that has spread CarrieGo-lemba, the daughter of Hannelie Uyss friend, has had successful surgery for thyroid can-cer.

Far from loved ones:

MoggyEmmen left September 8 for Botswana; she will probably be there until Novem-ber Melanie Emmen in CameroonBryce Matson in Afghanistan Sarah Iannuccismother in the Philippines.

With Sympathy:

Chal Strayer died September 6 after a struggle with cancer and other complications. Hehad been a long-time, active member until a few years ago, when health issues limited hisparticipation. A celebration of his life will be held here at the church on September 15, at11:00 a.m. We hold his family in our prayers, especially his wife Helene.

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September 2011 (ReviseSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thu

WORSHIP SERVICES8:30 and 10:30 am

New7

4 5 6 7

Labor Day Observed

Church Office Closed

Prayer Meeting 5:45Prayer Shawl 7:00

Education 7:00Trustees 7:00

Bible Study 10:00Prayer Shawl 2:00

Disciple Womens7:00

C

7

11 12 13 14

CongregationalMeeting 9:45 a.m.

Boutique CraftWorkshop 12:00

Prayer Meeting 5:45Prayer Shawl 7:00Worship Meeting

7:00 p.m.

Bible Study 10:00Prayer Shawl 2:00

Backpack Stuffing Party7:00 p.m.

C7

18 19 20 21

All Church Picnic Newsletter

Love Group 9:30Faith Group 1:30

Prayer Meeting 5:45Prayer Shawl 7:00

Bible Study 10:00Prayer Shawl 2:00

Elders 7:00

C7

25 26 27 28

Feed The HungrySunday

Disciple WomensLunch 12:00

Prayer Meeting 5:45Prayer Shawl 7:00 Bible Study 10:00

Prayer Shawl 2:00C7

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)

September BirthdaysJack Rogers (2)

Matt Galyardt 2Ileana Iannucci (3)Greg Oden 4Walter Morrison 4Susie Noble 4Brandon Williams 5Cynthia Fried (7)Rich Koontz 9Robert Fender12Matthew Reeley17Karen Jackson 19Bobbi Lotrick 19Dick Talley 20Ashley Whobrey 20Uy Vu 21Betsy Galyardt 22Vicki Johns 22Janie Fietz 23June Perkins 24Kara Ryan 24Jaryd Griego 25Catherine Paour 25Helen Williams 26Gwen Jonas 27Katelynn Rogers 27Nneji Ibe 30

ANNIVERSARIESJerry & Lynn Jonas 2Lee & Pat Sebaugh 7Mike & Kel Henderson 7Morrie & Virginia Gober 12Grant & Betsy Galyardt 23Earl & Elba Woods (27)Mike & Toshiko Morotani 29

sday Friday Saturday

1 2 3

Hope:00

8 9 10

oir

:00

Board Meeting

9:00 to 1:00

15 16 17

oir:00

Mens Breakfast8:30 a.m.

22 23 24

oir:00

June Perkins90th BirthdayCelebration

1:00 p.m.

29 30

oir:00

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Bible Explorers Pre-K to 4th Grade

September is the kick-off to our new year of stories. Our beginning theme is, Jesus Noth-ing is Impossible. We will begin with the story Jesus Walks on Water.

The memory verse for September is: Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid. Matthew14:27b

We celebrate having your children in our Bible Explorers program

GRADES 5TH

8TH

New Bible study for Grades 5 8 during the 9:30 AM hour will meet in the courtyard.

Childrens Worship & Wonder

Our childrens Worship & Wonder program is also beginning our new year of study, which

means all the stories go back undercover and will be brought back into the childrens sanctu-ary as we reintroduce the children to the stories. September will be a time of orientation toexplain the structure and the purpose of the childrens sanctuary. We feel this is important toyour childs worship experience.

SEEKING

We are seeking those who would like to be a workshop leader, helper in our Bible Explorersprogram or work in our Worship & Wonder program as a storyteller or greeter. We will trainyou so you will be familiar with our programs so no need to be shy. Curious? Just giveShirley a call at 310-328-8399 for more information.

As always we ask that our church family keep our childrens programs and activities in yourprayers.

Youth Adventure

Youth Adventure is our youth group for grades 3 rd through 5th grade boys and girls. We willmeet each third Sunday of the month. Please join us on Sunday 10/16 at noon at the churchand bring your lunch so we can plan some exciting activities.

Chi-Rho

Chi-Rho is our youth group for grades 6th 8th for boys and girls. We will meet the 1st Sun-day of each month. Please bring your lunch on 10/2 at noon and we will plan some excitingactivities and service projects for the year.

Education Notes & News

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2011 Special Offeringfor Reconciliation

Reconciliation Ministry Offering is used to fund our Churchs mission priority to become apro-reconciling/ anti-racist church through experiential education, inclusive worship and in-tentional dialogue across difference.

Funds from this offering provide Youth and Young Adult camps, training programs for lead-ership development, and resources to promote small group study and community-building.

The 2011 Reconciliation Offering will be received in congregations on September 25th andOctober 2nd.

Backpack Packing Party

September 14, at 7:00 pm

Come help us assemble our backpacks! All school supplies will go to theDepartment of Child and Family Services to help children who are beingmoved into foster care. (And its never too late to contribute more supplies,or a check designated to Backpacks)

All Church Picnic

Its almost here. Less than 2 weeks away to Dunk your favorite person in water, if you knowwhat I mean. If you havent signed up to bring something please do that this week as the signups are out on the table, or on this upcoming Sunday. We are in need of more Salads anddrinks. One more little tidbit is I would like to see everyone wear their nametags for the picnicas we hope to have guests coming to the event and they may not know everyone. Thanks eve-ryone.

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Upcoming Sunday Messages

September 11How We Get Back (Psalm 46, Romans 12:9-21)For much of our world, justice is retributivethat is, once evil is done, things are not setright until someone pays, or gets payback. But justice can also be restorativethings areset right when victims are healed, relationships reconciled, and the social balance restored.

September 18Sound Mind and Body (2 Timothy 1:1-7)Since the beginning, the church has used the laying on of hands to bless and commissionthose who are taking on specials tasks or calls. During this pre-picnic blended service, wewill be laying on our new officersbut what other meanings does this tradition have for allour lives?

September 25The Massive, Impassable Chasm? (Luke 16:19-31)Hell has been in the news a lot lately. What might this parable tell us about what the Bibledoes (and doesnt!) say about Gods punishment of sin, and Gods desired grace for all peo-ple?

October 2WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY: Special Music Celebration

Sunday Morning Open Discussion

Our Adult Sunday Morning Class has been gathering in Room 7 betweenworship services for a time of open questions and discussion, where no onebrings a particular lesson, but we are still having some very good and spiritedsharing.

Class participants are encouraged to attend the Congregational Meeting on September 11

(for more information, see page 1.) Starting on September 18, we will begin to mix in fa-cilitated classes and series. All are welcome!

Dates Set for Fall Small Series

Starting on the week of October 9, we will once again be offering a Fall Small Group Se-ries. This five-week series will focus on some of Jesus parables, and will be coordinatedwith our worship themes through the first week of November. Watch for more information

in future newsletters.

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Last Saturday, we had a triple conjunction of parking needs. Tatsuki Koontzs first birthdayparty was at his house up Onrado Streetso, in order to have more room there, Jimmy andSakura brought the family vehicles to the church. We had a wedding here that same after-

noonthe bride had been a bridesmaid for her aunt and uncle 29 years ago, and wanted tocome back. Finally, our next-door neighbor, Pam, hosted a memorial gathering to celebrateher brother, who died recently, and the family asked if they could use the south end of ourlot for extra cars.

I share all this not because there were any problemsthere werent at all. Everybody fit, noproblem! But as I walked across the lot, and recognized a couple of birthday cars close by,and saw the growing cluster of wedding cars in the middle, then looked over at the dozen orso memorial cars at the far end, I thought of how the church is so often a nexus for majorlife events. Even in a society that is less churched, even for people who dont attend regu-larly, even if its just the parking lot. We have a place at the beginning, in the middle, andat the far end.

I believe church has every-day value for people, all peoplea connection to the holy, acommon purpose within a spiritual community, a common resource for regular life needs.But it is those particular passagesbirth, covenant, deaththat sharpen our awareness, andremind us perhaps more profoundly that we exist to bless others.

And so Tatsuki: welcome to your second yearwere so glad to know you and your fam-ily, and to have you be a part of ours! And to Paul and Teresa: many blessings on yournew unionwell be here for you, even if its another 29 years! And to Pam: we ache foryour loss, and we always want to be the best possible neighbors. Jesus said somethingabout that.

Shalom, Steve

Home phone: 310-212-5950 email: steefeets@hotmail.com

Wednesday Morning Bible Study

Wednesday Morning Bible Study will reconvene on September 7 for a series onProverbs. We will once again meet in the Choir Room at 10:00 a.m.

Next Newsletter articles need to be at the church office by September 19, 2011

Footnotes

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T

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FirstChristianChurch

2930ElDoradoStreet

T

orrance,CA

90503

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109

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH

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

(310) 328-2820 Fax 310 328-2929E-mail - fcctorr@pacbell.netWeb address - fcctorrance.org

Sunday Schedule

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

10:30 a.m. - Worship - TraditionalChildrens 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 - Francisco Sanchez

Treasurer Jimmy KoontzFinancial Secretary - Moggy Emmen

Clerk Nancy Johnson

OrCurrentResident