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To know and love God, to nurture each other, and to reach out and welcome all people in the name of Jesus Christ.
Non-profit Org.
US Postage Paid
Greensboro NC
Permit #273
Rev. Lee Hull Moses, Senior Minister
Pastor’s email address: [email protected]
Phone: 336-273-4725 Fax #: 336-273-7030
Website: fccgreensboro.org
Send newsletter submissions to [email protected]
The Visitor
1900 WEST MARKET STREET
GREENSBORO, NC 27403-1715
The Visitor A publication of
June 20, 2018
Summer
worship.
Summer
camp.
Summer
celebrations.
Pictured
to the left:
Our kids led the
congregation in
acting out the
parable of
the mustard seed.
Pictured above left: FCC campers the week of June 11 standing at the sign honoring Don and Jane
Knibb’s contributions to Christmount. Above right: FCC youth and former youth at the June 3 banquet
and pool party.
Page 2 The Vi s i tor
A Note from Our Pastor
Dear friends,
The Bible was in the news a little more than usual last week, after the US
Attorney General cited a passage from Romans 13 to justify the policy of
separating children from their families at the US-Mexico border.
I’ll be the first to admit that there’s more than one way to read the Bible, that each of us brings our
own experiences to our interpretation of those ancient words. That’s why the study of scripture is a
life-long practice, best done in community. The Bible is a big book, and if we pick and choose
particular texts, it’s not hard to find justification for all matter of sins: slavery, sexism, violence, war.
But taken as a whole, the overwhelming message of the Bible is one of freedom from oppression,
grace for our sins, acceptance of our shared humanity in the image of God, and a commitment to
radical love of neighbor.
Plenty of other voices have said this in recent days, but I'll add mine here: any reading of the
scripture that leads us away from compassion, welcome, and love is a distortion of the gospel and
ought not to be tolerated from any public figure—religious, political, or otherwise.
People of faith across the theological spectrum are calling for an end to the practice of family
separation at our border. It’s clear that our immigration system needs a major overhaul, but taking
children from their parents cannot be the way we move forward. That is not who we are. I
appreciated the statement put out by our denominational leaders, which said, in part, “When we
start with love, we will understand that when laws dehumanize and discriminate, we are faithful in
opposing such laws, and we are faithful in using our voice and our vote to call for love.” I added
my name to the statement; maybe you will too. You can read the whole statement, which also
includes some suggested action items, at disciples.org.
In these contentious days, I find myself particularly grateful for our church community, and the
ways we study scripture together, the ways we extend God's welcome, the ways we do our best to
be a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. Thank you for being faithful witnesses to the
message of God's love.
It's good to be the church together.
Lee
One more thing: In May, our congregation approved some major revisions to our leadership
structures. Officially, our new bylaws go into effect on July 1; in reality, it'll take a few months to
make the transition from our old model to our new one. I'm currently working closely with our
board chair and vice chair, Bill Inmon and John Flynt, to check in with our current leadership and
invite new leaders into new roles. As we move into the new structure, there will be plenty of
opportunities for you to serve, so please be thinking and praying about how you would like to be
involved—and don't wait for us to ask! Reach out to Bill, John, or me if you've got a question or an
idea, and let's talk about where you can put your passions and gifts to best use.
July Serving Schedule, Birthdays, and Anniversaries
Page 7
JULY 1, 2018 Elders: Ellen Smith and George Manley Deacons: JoAnn Tucker, Anna Young, Leah Guthrie Loy,
Robertson Rcham, Ken Garner and Les Rose Acolyte: Jack Wildman
Children’s Moment: Ellen Smith Children’s Church: Amanda Desselles and Emily Viverette
Worship Leader: Hallie Steadman Building Responsibilities: Cliff Greaves
JULY 8, 2018 Elders: Lora McPhail and Dean McPhail Deacons: Troy Desselles, Robin Lund, Bill Lund, Diane
Gillespie, Jamie Cannady, and Cindy Boehling Acolyte: Emily Sharpe
Children’s Moment: Woody Faulkner Children’s Church: Amanda Desselles and Brigid Otoo
Worship Leader: Dottie Cox Building Responsibilities: Cliff Greaves
JULY 15, 2018 Elders: Dean McPhail and Lora McPhail Deacons: Jason Myers, Judy Garrett, James Thomas,
Susan Cox, Kasey Bogan, and Lewis Woodruff Acolyte: Chloe Murray
Children’s Moment: Susan Cox Children’s Church: Amanda Desselles
Worship Leader: Rick Young Building Responsibilities: Cliff Greaves
JULY 22, 2018 Elders: Jim Tebow and Emily Viverette Deacons: Brad Light, Debbie Light, Olivia Steadman,
Bill Wiley, Larry Collins, and Meredith Cooper Acolyte: Bella Myers
Children’s Moment: Woody Faulkner Children’s Church: Amanda Desselles and Dona Norwood
Worship Leader: Mark McDonald Building Responsibilities: Cliff Greaves
JULY 29, 2018 Elders: Emily Viverette and Jim Tebow Deacons: Jason Myers, Judy Garrett, James Thomas,
Susan Cox, Kasey Bogan, and Lewis Woodruff Acolyte: George Manley
Children’s Moment: Melissa Guthrie Loy No Children’s Church
Worship Leader: Babs Gordon Building Responsibilities: Cliff Greaves
BIRTHDAYS
7/8 Isaac Barnette
7/14 Roger Stanley
7/14 Olivia Steadman
7/15 Sue Hulighan
7/16 Harlan Bogan
7/16 Fred Jones
7/20 Charlie Manley
7/23 Mosey Bogan
7/25 Terry Simon
7/29 Tommy Guthrie-Johnson
7/30 Cliff Greaves
7/30 Harper Moses
7/30 Emo Wagoner
ANNIVERSARIES 7/19 Jim and Laura Tebow
7/22 Roger and Ann Stanley
7/23 Dawn and Madison Steadman
7/25 Phyllis and Larry Collins
7/27 Jimmy Murray and Linda Bedell
7/30 Scott and Dorisa Norwood
News, Events, and Church Notes
Page 6 The Vi s i tor
Welcome to New Members Jimmy Gawne and Paul Snyder
Rev. James Michael "Jimmy" Gawne, Jr., is a US Navy chaplain,
serving on active duty with Navy Recruiting District Raleigh. His
wife, Rev. Caitie Smith, is a UCC minister and serves as the Residen-
tial Director for Family Abuse Services of Alamance County. They
have a black Lab, Albus, and enjoy traveling and bingeing on the
occasional Netflix show. Contact info for Jimmy: (480) 297-7655 and
[email protected]. Their mailing address is available in
our in-house directory.
Paul Snyder is our former ministry intern. He is married to Kaitlyn
Snyder and enjoys spending time with their dog Bentley, going on
hikes, trying new restaurants, and cooking food. Paul is a student at
Wake Forest University School of Divinity and is under the care of
the Commission on Ministry, working toward ordination. The
Snyder’s mailing address is 141 Broadmoor Lane, Apt. A12, Winston
Salem, NC 27104. Paul’s email address is [email protected].
New Contact Info for Church Members
Jack Markham Bill Phillips
4434 Old Battleground Road 925 New Garden Road
Room 309 Apt. 317
Greensboro, NC 27410 Greensboro, NC 27410
Has your contact info changed? Send your current address and email to [email protected].
Thank You
A flower fairy planted beautiful flowers in the white flower bed next to the portico. Thank you!
The flower fairy says they need to be watered often; please help out as you are able.
JUST WONDERING…QUESTIONS & ANSWERS BY RETIRED DISCIPLES MINISTER REV. JT MOORE
In the hymn 'Holy, Holy, Holy' there are two words 'Seraphim' and Cherubim.' What do they
mean?
Let's mention in the beginning that the words are plural in nature (seraph and cherub) and they came
into angelology from the Assyrian/Babylonia tradition. For seraphim, read Isaiah 6:1-4. Cherubim is
found 63 times and cherub 12 times. Their depiction has been, at times, as angels with heads, and with
one set of long wings, and always in pairs with the purpose of denoting deity, offering protection and
delivering messages. The Hebrew word for 'seraph' means 'burning ones' and described only one name
in Isaiah.
About Us
Page 3
First Christian Church is a place where thoughtful people think. It is also a
place where thoughtful people do. We take seriously Jesus’ commandment to
love our neighbors. It is our mission to know and love God, to nurture each
other, and to reach out and welcome all people in the name of Jesus Christ.
RECENT ATTENDANCE
May 27: 71 June 3: 103 June 10: 105 June 17: 93
PRAYER CONCERNS Please contact the church office if you would like a name added to or removed from the prayer list.
Angie Wethington
Ann Fry
Leroy Bymaster
Gary Yeager
Chuck Jones
JoAnn Alley
Roger Stanley
Betty Wilson
Phyllis Collins
Ed & Emo Wagoner
Robin Lund
David Hodgin
Steve Ball
Amanda Oliver
Don Angel
Micky Tamer
Stephanie Guthrie-
Johnson
Bev & Dick Isaacson
CARE TEAM
The Care Team is a group of volunteers who stand ready to meet needs in a variety of ways, in times
of crisis but also when good things happen, too. Visits, meals, celebrations, offers to babysit, phone
calls, cards, prayers, transportation… Would you like to be part of care team? Do you have news to
share with the care team? Email [email protected] to let us know you would like to be a part of
the team or to share your joys and concerns.
A NOTE FROM OUR OUTREACH TEAM LEADER
Dear Church Family,
I'm never surprised at your generosity! You have donated over $1,000 to the parents whose children
died in a horrible fire. Your gifts are enabling the family to consider carefully where to move. They
have not moved yet (to my knowledge), but continue to have close ties with Rankin Elementary's
social worker. She has been a true guide for them through this terrible time. She is a master at her
craft.
However, with school ending for the year, I am suggesting that we put new donations on hold for the
summer. I believe the family is in stable financial shape for the moment, and I won't have easy access
to the social worker now. (However, I will be in touch with her and will inform you if needs arise.)
Thank you so much for opening your hearts to these parents. As you might know, they are in dire need
of prayer as well. Thank you again!!
Lisa Barnette
Get Involved
July: Songs
During the month of July we will look at the music of the Psalms and other songs. Love songs?
Those are in the Bible, too. Join us as we sing (and dance) and make melody to the Lord in our
hearts (Ephesians 5:18b-19).
Each Sunday will feature a well-known children’s song and church members will share songs that
have impacted their lives. Do you want to share a song that has had an effect on you? Our July
speakers are lined up but we want to share your favorite songs in our weekly emails and in our
newsletters. Email Melissa your favorite song title and a brief explanation of the song’s significance.
Melissa can be reached at [email protected].
August: Movies
As summer winds down, let’s go to the movies! Each Sunday will feature a movie that challenges us
to think about our faith in new ways.
Here are the movies we’ll be talking about in August: The Greatest Showman, Wonder, Wonderstruck,
and Moana.
Page 4 The Vi s i tor
9 a.m. Small Group
10 a.m. Worship
11 a.m. Fellowship and Coffee Hour
SUNDAYS AT FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Church Office Closed, Wednesday, July 4
Bell Choir Rehearsal, Sundays, July 8 and 22, at 11:15 a.m.
Vintage Kings & Queens Play Cards,
Monday, July 23, at 9:30 a.m.
Ladies’ Coffee Group, Thursday, July 26, at 9:00 a.m.
Newsletter Mailed, Wednesday, July 25, at 10:00
Fourth Friday Craft Night, Friday, July 27, at 6:00 p.m.
Find the full calendar online at fccgreensboro.org/calendar
JULY CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS
News, Events, and Church Notes
Nurturing relationships, serving in our community, engaging our community
That’s what we’re doing through our Thursday Table Talk gatherings. On Thursday evenings at 7
p.m., a group gathers at a local restaurant or pub or at someone’s home for casual, informal con-
versation. There is not a planned topic for Thursdays. We show up: some of us eat dinner, some
of us have a drink, some of us eat at home and stop by for conversation (or hugs), some of us
bring our dog when we’re outdoors. Table Talk serves a meal at a local family shelter once a
month. We understand that various environments work better for different folks. Join us every
week or when it works for you. We will follow the schedule listed below. Our online calendar will
list each week’s restaurant/pub/home location.
1st Thursday: TT at
a local restaurant
2nd Thursday:
TT Serves Dinner
3rd Thursday:
TT on Tap
4th Thursday:
TT at Home
If there’s a 5th Thursday: No Table
Talk. On the fifth Thursday we rest.
Special June 28 Table Talk:
Table Talk at the Lake
Beginning at 4 p.m., relax at the
home of Jim and Laura Tebow at
Belews Lake. Bring a side dish to
share. Email us for directions.
Bell choir
There is still time to join the bell
choir. Rehearsal is every other Sun-
day at 11:15 a.m. Contact Woody
@fccgreensboro.org for details.
Save these Dates!
September 8: Leadership Retreat
from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
September 29: Church-wide
Cleanup and Cook Out, Cleanup
begins as early as 8 a.m.; Cook out
begins at 4 p.m.
Page 5
