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J
AN
UA
RY
“LET’S MAKE A WISH”
“It takes just a moment for a doctor to deliver the news that a child has a life-threatening medical condition. But that moment can change lives, fracture the spirit and exhaust hope,” was printed in the center of the brochure for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This is one of those charities that lies in the paradox of initially breaking one’s heart, but also warming your spirit. Make-A-Wish is designed for children who are diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition, and they are able to make a wish of their choice to give them hope. In fact, every 38 minutes, their network of more than 25,000 caring volunteers help make a child’s
wish come true or as their mission says it the best “to grant a child’s fondest wish and replenish hope, strength and joy.” I’ve been told that many of the children actually go on to recover and live long, full lives. As Christians we know this is because of God’s doing, God’s work through modern medicine and fine physicians, but I believe it’s due to the charity’s ability to offer hope. Make-A-Wish Foundation gives hope to not only the children, but also the entire community. Reflecting back in our Advent Season, you might recall that the first candle we lit was the hope candle. The Season of Advent always begins with hope and specifically the hope the Christ Child will bring to a broken world. As we fast-forward to the year 2016 and day number ten, is the hope candle still lit inside of our hearts? Furthermore, what might be your hopes and dreams for this upcoming year? Dr. Lovett Weems who is a distinguish professor of church leadership and director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership is famous for quoting “Leaders don’t know the answers but they ask the right questions.” So my question for everyone in the year 2016, if you could make a wish for FMCC (Disciples of Christ) what might it be? Pray, think, and wrestle with this question. I would love to hear your responses! You are welcome to email me or sit down with coffee to discuss this topic. I found it interesting that on the Make-A-Wish brochure, it states “Each Make-A-Wish experience is a turning point for a child, a family, sometimes an entire community.” At first glance, I wondered why is that. However, I’m confident it’s because when a group of people rally behind a “wish”, dream, vision, goal, it can often turn into something big or even life transformative. Or, as a group of faithful congregants have God-inspired and God-sized dreams they often turn into callings! Brothers and sisters in Christ, I’m excited about what God might place on our hearts and call us to do in the year 2016. I look forward to an exciting year dreaming and working together! Let’s make a wish! Zach
Friday, 1/1 New Year’s Day Office Closed Saturday, 1/2 10 am Take Down
Sunday, 1/3 10:30 am Worship Coffee Hour Monday, 1/4 7:00 pm Gulf Shore Singles Club Wednesday, 1/6 11:30 am Sonshine Card Club 7:00 pm Choir Practice Friday, 1/8 10:00 am-12:30 pm Crafters 4 Christ
Sunday, 1/10 Potluck 10:30 am Worship 11:30 am Potluck Tuesday, 1/12 7:00 pm Board Meeting Wednesday, 1/13 11:30 am Sonshine Card Club 7:00 pm Choir Practice Thursday, 1/14 10am-11:15 am Bible Study Friday, 1/15 8:00 am Men’s Breakfast
10:00 am-12:30 pm Crafters 4 Christ
Sunday, 1/17 10:30 am Worship Coffee Hour
Monday, 1/18 7:00 pm Gulf Shore Singles Club Tuesday, 1/19 7:00 pm Corvette Club Wednesday, 1/20 11:30 am Sonshine Card Club 7:00 pm Choir Practice Thursday, 1/21 10am-11:15 am Bible Study
Sunday, 1/24 10:30 am Worship Coffee Hour Wednesday, 1/27 11:30 am Sonshine Card Club 7:00 pm Choir Practice Thursday, 1/28 10am-11:15 am Bible Study Friday, 1/29 Chalice 10:00 am -12:30 pm HOPE Seminar Saturday, 1/30 Reserved for Outside Space Use
Sunday, 1/31 10:30 am Worship Coffee Hour
FORT MYERS CHRISTIAN CHURCH A Disciples of Christ Congregation
5916 Winkler Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
All Are Welcome . . . Come As You Are
Reverend Zach Seitz
TThe he CChalicehalice
JANUARY 2016 FORT MYERS CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST)
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA
SERVING IN THE MILITARY
John M. Barnett, PFC in USMC, Grandson of George & Donna Briggs; stationed in Okinawa Ryan McClain, Ensign in US Navy; Grandson of Mary Helen McClain
Stationed on USS George HW Bush, Norfolk, VA; David Day, Captain in US Air Force Grandson of Al & Mary Jane Day Stationed at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, DC Patrick Evans, 2nd Class Petty Officer, US Navy, Grandson of Pat Brown
Stationed in Norfolk, VA Justin Nell, 2nd Lieutenant in Army Reserves; Grandson of Pat Brown Brandon Lapehn, Captain in U.S. Army, 101st Airborne; Grandson of Jim & Dorothy Detamore Completed his second tour of duty in Afghanistan. He is in Fort Campbell, KY Jake Lowry, Captain, MPH, Nephew of Bob & Wanda Milligan MS US Army Veterinary Corps, Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Science, Daniel Tipton, US Army, stationed in Oklahoma, and Anthony Tipton, US Coast Guard, Grandsons of Anne Tipton stationed in Bahrain.
January Chalice p. 7 January Chalice p. 2
As we pray daily, please keep the
following people in your prayers:
Among our own: Lee Camps, Tom Camps, Jean Bannister, Mary Helen McClain, Wanda Milligan, Frank Merideth, Michele Cooper, Rebecca VonWerder, Mary McClain Dick Bagent, Christopher Hodge, Barbara Shaffer; Bagents David Burchell, Delilah Grabnet; Donna Fielding Clyde Lundy, Cora Armstrong Ava Nebbia; Bob Nebbia Gene Brown, Dean Brown Cathy & Colton Parson; Diana Botner Duane & Joyce Trompeter, Trompeters Tyler Regier, Sharon Schaaff Joan Gumbel, Phyllis Bricker, Barbara Denny; Pat Watts Mike Robinson, Lil Robinson Carol Ulbrich, Elaine Maley Kenny Workinger, Sharon Rimes John Dwigens, Wanda Milligan Mason Jones & Patrick Hennessy; Elizabeth Jones, Barbara Jones Milly & Neil Adcox, Frank Merideth Mike Reeder, Mary Helen McClain Greg Kerle, Elaine Maley Alex, Elaine Maley Emmitt & Children, TJ, Tony & Daniel, Mark Tipton; Anne Tipton Chastity Yates, Paulette Idol Hope Fizer, Maggi Payne, John Fenlon, Ken Barker, & MJ, Connie; Shirley Fizer USA, & those serving in the Military, Syrian Refugees
FMCC PRAYER WALL
THURSDAY MORNING ♦ 10-11:15 AM
CO-TEACHERS: Pastor Zach & Wade Nye
TOPIC: Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference? by
Philip Yancey
DVD study ~ no books required
BEGINS Thursday, January 14
(Six week study)
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Please sign up on Sunday or email the
church office. See you in the
classroom in the Fellowship Hall.
BIBLE STUDY
With all my heart I wish you rich
blessings and all the best for the New
Year!
I gladly want to mention our joint work
on the music program of our church!
I hope that every year it becomes even more
interesting! We try very hard!
Blessings,
Dr. Asya Teruni
MUSICAL NOTES
Asya Teruni
It’s the very first days of the New Year and we are
wasting no time as we talk about some challenging
topics in worship. If you have been in worship, we are
allowing Jesus as well as Paul to stretch us in our
understanding of a family and being God’s church.
Subsequently, we will end this series by talking about
inviting others this new year to worship and that all it
sometimes takes is a simple invite.
Since the liturgical season of Lent begins so early
this year, on January 24, we will already jump straight
into our stewardship campaign and series called
Overflow: Living with Generosity. Overflow begins
with a God who loved a world into existence. As
God’s generous love is poured into our loves, we are
filled up and empowered to overflow God’s love to
others. Perhaps this is precisely what Jesus was getting
at in John 10:10, “I came to give life and life
abundantly.” I pray this can be more than just a series
about giving, but about how our lives are called to
overflow with all of God’s blessings.
WEEKLY SERMON SCHEDULE 1.3 So This is Family I “Redefining the Family”
1.10 So This is Family II “When Working Well…”
1.17 So This is Family III “Inviting the Neighborhood”
1.24 Overflow: Living with Generosity Part I
1.31 Overflow: Living with Generosity Part II
WORSHIP MATTERS
ONGOING CONCERNS: Ruth Mason Ruth Bowlin Margarete Gray (Chris Thompson) Doug Jones Ann Lang Mary Kensinger Jane Swartz Charmie Stevens Barbara Bruce (Bob & Peggy Bruce) Leah Reeder (Mary McClain’s daughter) Harry Cotabish Ruth Munsell
BOARD MEETING
TUESDAY, JANUARY 12 ♦ 7 PM
All officers, ministry team leaders, elders and deacons are
encouraged to attend. The Board meeting is open to all.
YOUR CHURCH COMMUNITY
MINISTER Rev. Zach Seitz
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC Dr. Asya Teruni
CHURCH SECRETARY Kathi Kensinger
CHURCH BOOKKEEPER Lori Vitello-Summers
OFFICERS Moderator: Bill Brainard
Vice Moderator: Dean Brown
Secretary: Cora Armstrong
Treasurer: Steve Larson
Financial Secretary: Ed Bodanske
Asst. Financial Secretary: Bob Milligan
SPIRITUAL LEADERS Elder Chair: Michele Cooper
Deacon Chair: Shirley Fizer
MINISTRY TEAM LEADERS Worship: Paulette Idol
Outreach: Shirley Fizer
Evangelism: Ed & Bev LaDuke
Communications: Virginia Parsons
Congregational Life: Sharon Schaaff
Historian: Helen Hutchison
FORT MYERS CHRISTIAN CHURCH
(DISCIPLES OF CHRIST)
5916 Winkler Road
Ft. Myers, FL 33919
(239) 437-4330 (239) 437-7992
www.disciplesfm.org
Office hours: M-F 9am—2pm
Photography for the January Chalice
provided by Bob Milligan & Kathi Kensinger.
Please keep us updated
on prayer requests and names.
If your loved one is not on the
list, please fill out a prayer
card and
submit to the office where we
can keep our prayer list
current.
Advent Thursday morning Bible Study brought
some new and some familiar faces to the group.
Christmas Cantata 2015 “Remembering Christmas”
was a breath of fresh air to the Advent season.
Jean Bannister is now residing at:
Manor Care 13881 Eagle Ridge Drive #233 Fort Myers, FL 33912
239-561-7700
Jean welcomes cards and visitors.
Mary Helen McClain is in short term stay while her broken arm heals at:
Brookdale Fort Myers Lakes Park 14521 Lakewood Blvd Fort Myers, FL 33919
Mary Helen's cell number is 239-292-9875 Please call before you visit.
You may send cards to her residence: 13272 Winsford Lane Fort Myers, FL 33966
PRAISE Ava Nebbia received a glowing report ~ one kidney shows no cancer. The other kidney shows smaller tumor!
January Chalice p. 6 January Chalice p. 3
FROM THE MODERATOR
As our Christmas season comes to a close, the holiday rush is over and life returns to normal. This is a great time
to look at and find out just how our church runs. We are so fortunate to have a wonderful staff, who works tirelessly to
ensure that everything is as smooth as possible and nothing is missed.
We can help with this by making sure that we inform the office, [or just give Zach a call] if we have a need. If you
know that someone is not feeling well or is having some trouble, please do not hesitate to call. They would rather have
four calls about someone than miss knowing what is going on. This congregation is a family and we need to remember
we are all brothers and sisters. Our love and care for one another is founded in our love of the Lord. Anyone with a
concern about anything in the church, please do not hesitate to contact either myself or any of the lay leaders.
In our December Board Meeting, we voted to accept the new leadership positions of Ed Bodanske (Financial
Secretary) and Dean Brown (Vice Moderator and upcoming Moderator). After prayerful decisions, both Ed and Dean
feel led to take on their new roles and we are happy to support them. The pastoral relations committee is Michelle
Cooper [elder chair], Steve Larson, Hildur Skaggs, and Ed Bodanske. The executive committee is Bill Brainard, Dean
Brown, and Cora Armstrong.
This is also a great time to become more involved in the church; many opportunities to participate are available.
Our church year runs April to April; saying this, the nominating committee has begun their work of finding people to
help run the church next year. If asked, please prayerfully consider your chance to help. ~Bill Brainard
SONSHINE CARD CLUB ♦ WEDNESDAYS 11:30 Join
us for lunch at a local restaurant and a game of Hand
and Foot in the Fellowship Hall. Contact: Pat Newman 481-1648
MONTHLY POTLUCK ♦ SUNDAY, JANUARY 10
Contact: Judy Carson, Karen Brainard
CRAFTERS 4 CHRIST MEETS THE THIRD FRIDAY
JANUARY 15♦ 10:00 AM-12:30 PM
We welcome all ladies who enjoy making a
difference in other’s lives through sewing. Items
sewn are donated to local & worldwide organizations
in need. Join us in the Fellowship Hall. Bring bag
lunch if you’d like. Contact: Nancy Brennan or Carol Trompeter
MEN’S BREAKFAST♦FRIDAY, JANUARY 15♦ 8AM
$5.00 for a delicious home cooked breakfast from
our Kentucky folks! Contact: Bob Skaggs
PICTORIAL DIRECTORIES are here!
Snow birds ~ you may pick up your
pictorial directory in the church office
upon your return to the Tropics!
BELL RINGERS FOR RED KETTLE PROGRAM
SALVATION ARMY
HOPE SEMINARS COMING WINTER 2016
Presentation Rev. Dr. Lt. Col. Jonathan Scalone, MA,
DMin., USAF (Ret),
Watch the Groundbreaking Film
“Consider the Conversation”
FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
After the film, presenter of Hope Hospice of Hope
HealthCare Services
will lead a discussion on how to use
the Five Wishes advance directives forms.
Hope HealthCare Services provide specialized care
for all people with complex needs
related to life-changing illness.
Sign up sheet located in Narthex or Fellowship Hall.
~ 2016 RUMMAGE SALE ~ Mark your calendars!
SALE DATES ~ FRIDAY & SATURDAY, MARCH 4 & 5
Bring your treasures and trash,
We’ll turn it into some cash!
Please bring your items to the room at the far left
corner of the Fellowship Hall. (The room at the far
right corner is used by the Crafters for Christ.)
Contacts: Butch Griggs
& Cora Armstrong
Christmas Preparations for FMCC ~ It was a flurry of activity with the
members making Christmas happen for the community! Decorating the
Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall, raising the banner, performing the Cantata,
preparing the luminaries, coordinating the Christmas gifts for twelve
families, ringing bells for the Red Kettle, special Christmas services
including the Longest Night Service, enjoying the potluck & cookie
exchange, and the Advent Bible study to bring Christmas in our hearts. It
took the hearts and hands of many to make it all happen!
STAFF CHRISTMAS It's always a good thing to serve with and be part of any church, organization, or
business which is consisted of friendly and good-hearted people. However, one is
absolutely blessed when you get to be part of a faithful, generous group of people. The
staff and I want to thank everyone for their warmth and generosity this past year and specifically for the Staff
Christmas Bonus. As always, it's an honor and privilege to serve as your pastor. -Zach ~~~Heartfelt thanks from Karen Seibert~~~ for all the prayers for Greg during his recent illness.
January Chalice p. 4
NEWS FROM THE MINISTRY TEAMS
January Chalice p. 5
WORSHIP MINISTRY
PAULETTE IDOL, TEAM LEADER
PURPOSE: Oversee tasks that facilitate
a seamless worship experience.
FINANCIAL REPORT
ED BODANSKE
RECEIPTS FOR DECEMBER, 2015
Budget $ 12,930
Total $ 16,343
SPECIAL OFFERINGS
Craft Show $ 931
Guardian Angel $ 507
Everyday Café $ 90
Fay Wattenberg Memorial $ 25
Staff Christmas Gift $ 975
Special Christmas Offering $ 425
Car decals $ 44
By way of historical comparison, records show that
the grand totals raised for December 2014 were
$19,242, and for December 2013, $18,180.
CRAFTERS FOR CHRIST ~ C4C
CONTACTS: NANCY BRENNAN, CAROL TROMPETER,
HELEN HUTCHISON
MINISTRY UPDATE~
CRAFT SHOW SALES
12 dresses, 9 quilts, 2 hats, 2 chair pads
Several ladies from the Fort Myers community plan to
join the C4C efforts upon talking with the ladies at the
Craft Show.
CHRISTMAS FAMILIES ~ 12 blankets donated
Can you cut or sew or iron fabric? Would you like
a simple lesson? Then you are qualified to be a part of
this vital ministry! Talk with one of the Crafters to find
out how you can lend your helping hands.
COMMUNICATIONS MINISTRY
TEAM LEADER
PURPOSE: Communicate and promote
church events to our church family as
well as to the community.
A shout out to Mikki Williams for updating our sign’s
weekly messages with the sermon title and a word of
encouragement.
EVERYDAY CAFÉ
JAN & RICK LAUGHMAN, TEAM
LEADERS
WISH LIST FOR EVERYDAY CAFÉ
Hand can opener, Canned: tuna,
Vienna sausages,
Canned: soup, fruit, milk, Ramen
noodles, Hamburger Helper
***Consider the buy-one-get-one-free items and
donate one to CCMI.***
Please place food donations INSIDE the cupboard in
the kitchen. Please continue to support this important
ministry with food and monetary donations.
EVANGELISM MINISTRY ED & BEV LADUKE, TEAM LEADERS
PURPOSE: Create an evangelical culture
within the church by intentionally reaching
and inviting people to FMCC. (DoC)
Evangelism plans developed last fall have
been implemented. A meeting will be held in the future
to determine what we do next. Suggestions and ideas
for future activities would be very much appreciated.
OUTREACH MINISTRY
SHIRLEY FIZER, TEAM LEADER Happy new year to all and blessings to
each and everyone! Thank you all so
much for making so many families happy
with the gifts you provided for Christmas.
Your generosity and kindness made many
families so happy. The Crafter's for Christ were so
thoughtful to donate a blanket to the families. You just
keep on touching many lives with your kindness and
talents.
We will be looking into ideas for local outreach to
help those in need.
My prayer for 2016 is that each of us remains
coming together as a church to help in doing the Lord’s
work.
Blessings to all!
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE MINISTRY
SHARON SCHAAFF, TEAM LEADER PURPOSE: Create, promote, and
stimulate a spirit of fellowship among
the church membership.
UPCOMING EVENT
Join us for an evening at the Broadway Palm
Dinner Theatre to dine and see the musical comedy
Sister Act. The story line is based on a disco diva
that witnesses a crime and is hiding in a convent
masquerading as a nun.
FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2016
$58.00 per person
This includes show, dinner, tax, and gratuity.
Ticket prices are discounted as a group
Please stay tuned for sign-up sheets.
Please continue to bring in your BOX TOPS AND LABELS
for the school children! A little goes a long way! The
label collection box is in the Fellowship Hall. GLAD
will be thrilled to redeem these for academic materials.
Ten labels are equivalent to $1.00.
Contact: Sherry Floore
A NEW YEAR’S MEDITATION
What better time and what better season,
What greater occasion or more wonderful reason
To kneel down in prayer and lift our hands high
To the God of creation, who made earth and sky,
Who sent us His Son to live here among men ~
And the message He brought is
as true now as then..
So at this glad season, when there’s joy everywhere,
Let us meet our Redeemer at the altar of prayer,
Asking Him humbly to bless all of our days
And grant us forgiveness for our erring ways…
And though we’re unworthy, dear Father above,
Accept us today and let us dwell in Thy love
So we may grow stronger upheld by Thy grace,
And with Thy assistance be ready to face
All the temptations that fill every day,
And hold on to our hands when
we stumble and stray…
And thank You, dear God, for the
year that now ends
And for the great blessing of
loved ones and friends.
~A Collection of Joy
Seeking
Team
Leader
