Congregational Meeting on Family Promise Covenant

September 11 at 9:45 a.m.: We will have a Congregational Meeting between services where we will seek a decision about being an officially participating Family Promise congregation. Please plan on bringing your insights and questions as we consider whether we can participate in this new interfaith program.

Welcome Our Newest Member

Megan Chavez gave her confession of faith on September 3. Megan has been part of our congregation for some time nowAnna Rogers is her aunt; Precilla and Trevor are her cousins. Megan was especially 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 your directories as part of Annas household. We look forward to celebrating Megans baptism in the near future!

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September 8, 2011

Disciples Womens Ministry

Regional Disciples Womens Spiritual 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. We have scholarship money available by contacting Jill Foster our president at 310 378-4981. Dont miss this one. It will renew your spirit and help build a bond with both our sisters 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 Boutique which 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 to create items to sell at our annual Boutique. All proceeds go to charity; the monies will 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 facilitated 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 unable 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.

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Monthly Luncheon and Program Sunday, September 25, 12:00 Noon

Our program this month is on Preventing Human Trafficking as presented by Sandie Morgan, founder and President of Lydia, an organization located in Santa Ana that provides legal services for victims. Their purpose is to inspire and encourage women in all aspects of life - physical, emotional and spiritual. Their mission is to address areas of concern for women in order to create strategies to rescue and restore them and children who are victims of domestic abuse, human trafficking and other 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 Church 2930 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 faithful service 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 like to say Thank You. We will continue our investing with a balanced approach by placing our funds into a combination of CDs from local banks and the Mutual Funds offered by our Christian Church Foundation. We were all blessed with our ability to make a $10,000 distribution earlier this year. This distribution was made from the earnings our Fund produced. We are commissioned to maintain the principle of the Fund by making prudent investment decisions and by granting distributions 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 from each Church Committee. Then, based upon availability of funds, we prayerfully decide on the most appropriate choice(s). We ask that you pray for the economic growth of our Fund through donations and earnings, to give thanks to our Lord for the blessings it produces and to please remember our Fund when you 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 & Chery Carew, Harriet Sherwood, Ann Graves, Roberta Smith, Kathi McVern, Delores Skjervem, Disciple Women and Doug & Cheryl Crawford for their generous donations in the Memory of Doris 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 back pains 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 disease Debbie Wiehe (Gene & Noras daughter-in-law) continues steroid treatment for scleroderma Lizzie Basile (VBS attendee, friend of Teruyas) is better from surgery there is concern coughing could loosen her stitches Don & Sue Zukas ask prayer for their neighbors daughter, Lucy, hospitalized with E. coli poisoning Nonnie McGiffin is home after bile-duct stone procedure; she will need another procedure to finish the task Arly Jahn continues treatments for a pancreatic stone. Cancer: Doreen Jackson is feeling better, walking some, and is determined to fight the cancer in her spince; Gene Jacksons lump was officially benignJudy Rickabaugh has had surgery to remove melanoma from her leg on September 2, and is awaiting biopsy results Shawn Knutsen (Kelly Rogerss sister) is now part of a clinical trial for her cancerJohn Bray, the father of June Perkinss gardener, has lung cancer that has spread Carrie Golemba, the daughter of Hannelie Uyss friend, has had successful surgery for thyroid cancer. Far from loved ones: Moggy Emmen left September 8 for Botswana; she will probably be there until November Melanie Emmen in CameroonBryce Matson in Afghanistan Sarah Iannuccis mother in the Philippines.

With Sympathy:
Chal Strayer died September 6 after a struggle with cancer and other complications. He had been a long-time, active member until a few years ago, when health issues limited his participation. A celebration of his life will be held here at the church on September 15, at 11:00 a.m. We hold his family in our prayers, especially his wife Helene.

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September 2011 (Revised

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday WORSHIP SERVICES 8:30 and 10:30 am

Thur

New 7

4
Labor Day Observed Church Office Closed

5
Prayer Meeting 5:45 Prayer Shawl 7:00 Education 7:00 Trustees 7:00

6
Bible Study 10:00 Prayer Shawl 2:00

Disciple Womens 7:00

Ch 7

11
Congregational Meeting 9:45 a.m. Boutique Craft Workshop 12:00

12

13
Prayer Meeting 5:45 Prayer Shawl 7:00 Worship Meeting 7:00 p.m.

14
Bible Study 10:00 Prayer Shawl 2:00 Backpack Stuffing Party 7:00 p.m.

Ch 7

18

19

20
Love Group 9:30 Faith Group 1:30 Prayer Meeting 5:45 Prayer Shawl 7:00
Bible Study 10:00 Prayer Shawl 2:00 Elders 7:00

21

All Church Picnic

Newsletter

Ch 7

25
Feed The Hungry Sunday Disciple Womens Lunch 12:00

26

27
Prayer Meeting 5:45 Prayer Shawl 7:00

28

Bible Study 10:00 Prayer Shawl 2:00

Ch 7

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d)
Friday Saturday
September Birthdays

rsday

w Hope :00

9
Board Meeting 9:00 to 1:00

hoir :00

15

16
Mens Breakfast 8:30 a.m.

hoir :00

Jack Rogers (2) Matt Galyardt 2 Ileana Iannucci (3) 3 Greg Oden 4 Walter Morrison 4 Susie Noble 4 Brandon Williams 5 Cynthia Fried (7) Rich Koontz 9 Robert Fender12 10 Matthew Reeley17 Karen Jackson 19 Bobbi Lotrick 19 Dick Talley 20 Ashley Whobrey 20 Uy Vu 21 Betsy Galyardt 22 Vicki Johns 22 Janie Fietz 23 June Perkins 24 17 Kara Ryan 24 Jaryd Griego 25 Catherine Paour 25 Helen Williams 26 Gwen Jonas 27 Katelynn Rogers 27 Nneji Ibe 30

22

23
June Perkins 90th Birthday Celebration 1:00 p.m.

24

hoir :00

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

29

30

hoir :00

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Education Notes & News

Bible Explorers Pre-K to 4th Grade September is the kick-off to our new year of stories. Our beginning theme is, Jesus Nothing 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. Matthew 14:27b 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 sanctuary as we reintroduce the children to the stories. September will be a time of orientation to explain the structure and the purpose of the childrens sanctuary. We feel this is important to your childs worship experience. SEEKING We are seeking those who would like to be a workshop leader, helper in our Bible Explorers program or work in our Worship & Wonder program as a storyteller or greeter. We will train you so you will be familiar with our programs so no need to be shy. Curious? Just give Shirley a call at 310-328-8399 for more information. As always we ask that our church family keep our childrens programs and activities in your prayers. Youth Adventure Youth Adventure is our youth group for grades 3rd through 5th grade boys and girls. We will meet each third Sunday of the month. Please join us on Sunday 10/16 at noon at the church and 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 Sunday of each month. Please bring your lunch on 10/2 at noon and we will plan some exciting activities and service projects for the year.
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2011 Special Offering for Reconciliation

Reconciliation Ministry Offering is used to fund our Churchs mission priority to become a pro-reconciling/ anti-racist church through experiential education, inclusive worship and intentional dialogue across difference. Funds from this offering provide Youth and Young Adult camps, training programs for leadership development, and resources to promote small group study and community-building. The 2011 Reconciliation Offering will be received in congregations on September 25th and October 2nd.

Backpack Packing Party

September 14, at 7:00 pm
Come help us assemble our backpacks! All school supplies will go to the Department of Child and Family Services to help children who are being moved 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 know what I mean. If you havent signed up to bring something please do that this week as the sign ups are out on the table, or on this upcoming Sunday. We are in need of more Salads and drinks. One more little tidbit is I would like to see everyone wear their nametags for the picnic as we hope to have guests coming to the event and they may not know everyone. Thanks everyone.

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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 set right until someone pays, or gets payback. But justice can also be restorativethings are set 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 commission those who are taking on specials tasks or calls. During this pre-picnic blended service, we will be laying on our new officersbut what other meanings does this tradition have for all our 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 Bible does (and doesnt!) say about Gods punishment of sin, and Gods desired grace for all people? October 2WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY: Special Music Celebration

Sunday Morning Open Discussion

Our Adult Sunday Morning Class has been gathering in Room 7 between worship services for a time of open questions and discussion, where no one brings a particular lesson, but we are still having some very good and spirited sharing. 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 facilitated 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 Series. This five-week series will focus on some of Jesus parables, and will be coordinated with our worship themes through the first week of November. Watch for more information in future newsletters.
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Footnotes
Last Saturday, we had a triple conjunction of parking needs. Tatsuki Koontzs first birthday party was at his house up Onrado Streetso, in order to have more room there, Jimmy and Sakura brought the family vehicles to the church. We had a wedding here that same afternoonthe bride had been a bridesmaid for her aunt and uncle 29 years ago, and wanted to come back. Finally, our next-door neighbor, Pam, hosted a memorial gathering to celebrate her brother, who died recently, and the family asked if they could use the south end of our lot for extra cars. I share all this not because there were any problemsthere werent at all. Everybody fit, no problem! 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 or so memorial cars at the far end, I thought of how the church is so often a nexus for major life events. Even in a society that is less churched, even for people who dont attend regularly, even if its just the parking lot. We have a place at the beginning, in the middle, and at the far end. I believe church has every-day value for people, all peoplea connection to the holy, a common purpose within a spiritual community, a common resource for regular life needs. But it is those particular passagesbirth, covenant, deaththat sharpen our awareness, and remind 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 family, and to have you be a part of ours! And to Paul and Teresa: many blessings on your new unionwell be here for you, even if its another 29 years! And to Pam: we ache for your loss, and we always want to be the best possible neighbors. Jesus said something about 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 on Proverbs. 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
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NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Disciples of Christ) 2930 El Dorado Street Torrance, CA 90503 (310) 328-2820 Fax 310 328-2929 E-mail - fcctorr@pacbell.net Web address - fcctorrance.org Sunday Schedule 8:30 a.m. - Worship - Informal 9:30 a.m. - Church School for all ages 10:30 a.m. - Worship - Traditional Childrens Worship - Ages Pre-school through 2nd Grade (During the Traditional Worship Service)

TORRANCE, CA PERMIT NO. 109

Or Current Resident

Nursery Provided For birth through age 3 during Sunday School and Contemporary & Traditional Service Office Hours Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Staff Steven Fietz, Senior Pastor Ted Oden-Minister of Contemporary Worship Administrative Assistant Camelia Olloque Choir Director - Ken Potter Nursery Attendant - Amanda Ruhs Dorie Hernandez
TIME VALUE DATA DO NOT DELAY EXPEDITE

The Christian Messenger

First Christian Church 2930 El Dorado Street Torrance, CA 90503

Officers Chair - Chery Carew Vice Chair - Francisco Sanchez Treasurer Jimmy Koontz Financial Secretary - Moggy Emmen Clerk Nancy Johnson

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