Welcome

Guests!
Please see page two
for important information
about today’s service and
how to get the most out of
your visit with us.
4801 FRANKLIN AVENUE DES MOINES, IOWA 50310 515.255.2122 WWW.FIRSTFEDERATED.ORG

Deepen Your
Fellowship at FFC
Shoes for Oakridge Kids
By Tracy Griess, Elementary Director
By Joe Lightfoot
Pastor of Adult Ministries The shoes were lined on the stairs with care
Fellowship with other
in hopes that the children would soon be there.
believers is extremely
important in living But the weather was bitter, the bus wouldn‛t start,
out the principles so the shoes were delivered--our gifts from the heart.
of the church.
A wonderful Because of your generosity, 103 children from
way to the Homes of Oakridge each received a gift bag
become filled with a new pair of shoes, a stocking cap,
better con- mittens, socks, a Bible, book or DVD and other
nected to the Christmas goodies.
community of The Oakridge families had been invited to
believers here attend our Christmas celebration and were to be
at First Federated the guests of honor at a reception following the
Church is through service. Unfortunately, the bus that was to bring
our Fellowship elective. them would not start in last Sunday’s arctic cold.
The first three weeks Thanks to hardy Federated volunteers who braved
of this elective cover the the frigid weather, the gifts were delivered later
responsibilities and rewards directly to the homes of the children.
of membership at FFC. This Thank you to everyone who helped by purchas-
portion will be held on three ing shoes or donating funds, as well as those who
Sunday evenings—January assisted by coordinating, preparing and distributing
11, 18 & 25, 6:00PM–7:00PM, the gifts. You have
in Room 108. been a blessing. As
The following 5 weeks Jesus told his follow-
are focused on a study of ers in Matthew 25:40,
how God has shaped you to “Whatever you did
be an active, contributing for one of the least of
member of His church. these brothers of mine,
These five sessions will you did for me.”
be held on Sunday morn-
ings—February 1, 8, 15, 22
and March 1, at 9:15AM, also
in Room 108.
If you are interested in
becoming a member of FFC
and understanding how
God has equipped you for
ministry, you can register for
this group in the foyer, on
the Care & Communication
Card, or by calling Julie
Denger at 255-2122, ext. 116.

Volume 10 Number 32 First Federated Church 1 Sunday, December 28, 2008

 WELCOME TO FIRST FEDERATED CHURCH!
Thank you for choosing to worship with us this morning!
Have Questions?
If you have any questions, simply ask someone wearing a Guest Welcome Children’s
name tag with “Here to Help” on it or visit the Welcome Center
in the foyer.
Reception Center Registration
Guest Reception North Parking Lot Station
If you are visiting with us for the first time or have just
recently started attending First Federated Church, we cordially
invite you to a reception in the foyer immediately following the
service. We would love to have the opportunity to meet you, get Resource 115

Center
119 117

to know you better, and answer any questions you may have. WEST GYM EAST GYM

Fill Out the Care & Communication Card

A B

114
AUDITORIUM
If you have never completed a Care and Communication Card,
please take a moment to do so. This allows us, as a church family,
to better know your needs and how we can serve you. The Care 111C

and Communication Card is located inside this newspaper. Just fill PARISH 1164
111B

out the card completely and leave at the end of your pew, give to an NURSE➤ 111A

109
1165

usher, or hand it in at the Guest Reception. 1125

1132
R

Thank you for taking the time to visit First Federated Church.
If you are not presently a member of a Bible teaching church, we Guest
invite you to join our church family. Reception
If You Have Children Visit the Children’s
Ministry Registration Station KZ Church
Trust your children to the care of our dedicated, loving A.E.D.
SW Entrance

2nd Floor
Children’s Ministry staff. Our children’s programs provide qual- M Men Restroom
W Women Restroom

ity care and learning for kids of all ages.

If your child has not already been enrolled in our Children’s
Ministry, a quick visit to the Children’s Ministry Registration
Station will provide you with temporary security tags and give us
the information we need to effectively minister to your child.
Infants & Preschool Children
Childcare and teaching are available during the 9:15 hour and 10:45 worship services
in the Nursery and Preschool Departments.
Kindergarten–4th Grade
During the 9:15 hour, K–4th graders meet in graded classroom groups for Bible
learning and fun.
K–4th graders attend the first part of the 10:45 worship services with their families
and then are dismissed to attend their own age-appropriate children’s church, called
KZ Church. Parents, we encourage you to go with your children the first time they visit
KZ Church in Room 240.
Xtreme AM (5th & 6th Grade)
Our preteens meet in their own Xtreme spot, Room 205, at 9:15 for a time of Xtreme
learning, Xtreme prayer and Xtreme relationship-building, then join their families for
the 10:45 worship services.
Youth (Grade 7–12) & Adults
Groups for ADULTS and activities for YOUTH begin at 9:15AM. Stop by
the Welcome Center to find out about each of the groups and how to get there.
Cellular Phones & Pagers
Thank you for turning off or muting your cell phone, pager and other electronic
devices during this morning’s worship service.
Assistive Listening Devices (Auditorium Only)
ALS devices are available for check-out at the Resource Center in the foyer.
AED (Automated External Defibrillator)/First-aid
Facilities for guests needing first aid, health counseling, and blood
pressure checks are provided by our Parish Nurses located in the
west hallway in Room 1117, Sundays, 10:30AM–Noon.
Please contact an usher if you need immediate assistance.
Lost and Found
Lost items may be reported or claimed at the main office of the church during
regular M-F office hours. Lost and found items are kept for 30 days.
Safety
First Federated Church regards your safety as our highest priority. If you have any
concerns, please inform one of our ushers or staff. If a building emergency arises,
directions will be provided over the public address system.
Recordings of Today’s Message
CD recordings of the morning message can be picked up immediately following the
service at the Resource Center in the foyer for $3.
You can also listen to the message for free at www.FirstFederated.org.
Prayer Team Up Front
If you would like to pray with someone today, please come to the front of the
room following this morning’s service. Members of our church leadership stand
ready to serve you.

First Federated Church 2 Sunday, December 28, 2008

 ADULT GROUPS NOTES
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Sunday Mornings | 9:15–10:30AM 10:45AM Combined | Pastor Mike Rose
Adult Bible Fellowship (ABFs) The Body: We Are One 1 Corinthians 12:12–31
Once you’ve joined us in worship, our Adult Bible Fellowships are
a great next step to connect with others and grow in your faith. We
have a variety of opportunities available that include:
The HUB (ages 18-24) | Room 244
The Channel (ages 25–35) | Room 149
Connections (born in the 1970s) | Room 220S
Homebuilders (born in the 1960s) | Room 1250–1251
Cornerstone (born in the 1950s) | Room 1240–1241
Koinonia (all ages) | Room 1252–1253
Ezra (all ages) | Room 1118
Galilean (born in the 1930s) | Room 1244–1247
Immanuel (born in the 1930s) | Room 1105
Friendly Fellowship (born in the 1920s) | Room 1254–1255
W.H.O. (born before the 1920s) | Room 1116
Women (all ages) | Room 208
Men (all ages) | Room 210
Worship Team | Room 1125
Prayer (all ages) | Room 100
Ecclesiastes | Room 1238–1239 | Biblically Measured

Wednesdays | 6:30–8:00PM
Winter Break | December 31
Activities resume January 7

Men’s Basketball League

No Game: December 30

Women’s Association Board Meeting

January 2, 2009 | 9:00AM
Donna Stanger | 613 SE Tower Ct., Ankeny | 963.1331

SUNDAY MORNINGS
DEC. 28 & JAN. 4 & 11
9:15�� Groups for all ages
10:45�� Combined Worship
Auditorium | Nursery, Preschool, KZ Church

First Federated Church 3 Sunday, December 28, 2008

 PRAY FOR
ONE The contents of this page have been removed to protect the
ANOTHER privacy of those in our congregation.

Printed copies of this page can be obtained at the church.

Items found on this page include:

Pray for Those Who Grieve
Happy Birthday!
(Birthdays are listed for Federated members & missionaries)
Pray for those with Physical Needs
(In the Hospital, Upcoming Surgery/Procedures, Partial List of the Ongoing Needs of Our Members &
Regular Attenders)
Pray for Those Who Serve our Church
Our Encouragement
“For to me, to live is
Christ, and to die is gain.”
Philippians 1:21

First Federated Church 4 Sunday, December 28, 2008

 MISSION ONE Reaching others for Jesus Christ
Focus On: Indian Muslims of Malaysia
Language: Tamil
Population: 106,000
“This ethnic block, though formerly of India, is now an inte-
gral part of Malaysian culture and society. They find their roots
in the Tamil of India, a once powerful people group. However,
during the time of the British colonization of India, these Indians
migrated to Malaysia to start anew.
“Although many Indian Muslims feel fully integrated into
Malaysian culture, often adopting the food, customs, and rituals
of their new homeland, many native Malaysians still refuse to
acknowledge their common heritage with the Indians, continuing
to label them as foreigners. Currently, there are ongoing efforts to
try and make the laws friendlier to Malaysian Indians.”
Prayer Points:
• “For the Lord to soften the hearts of Malaysian Christians
toward these people.
• “That their eyes would be opened to the truth.
• “For God to open doors for workers to share the message of
hope with this minority group.”
Quoted from CALLED TO PRAY: Frontiers Guide to Praying for the Unengaged.
Rita Ibbotson
Mission Board: TEAM
Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
What does she do? Rita is the senior tutor-
in-charge at the Karanda School of
Nursing associated with the Karanda
Mission Hospital. The hospital, in a
rural area, serves the Shona people.
Rita’s goal is to train nurses that are
prepared to meet both physical and spiritual needs of their
patients—also to prepare students to be active members of
their churches when they finish the program. Bible classes
are included in the curriculum.
Praises:
• Their province has not been hit as badly as some with the
cholera epidemic.
• The hospital is still functioning and able to provide medical
and spiritual care to many.
Prayer Requests:
• For the many throughout the country without enough to eat.
• For funds to buy food and seed corn to help with the 280
orphans who are living in extended families around their
hospital.
• For negotiations for a unity government for the good of the
people.
• That the challenges will not frustrate them totally and keep
them from sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
First Federated Church
Matt
Location: Closed Country
Matt (FFC’s newest missionary--a nephew of Pastor Curt and
Karen DeGraaff) was raised in a missionary home and led to
Christ by his father at age 6. In high school he became a spiritual
leader among his peers. Because of his interest and ability in
languages and linguistics and his love for Scripture, he has been
preparing to serve in Bible translation. He plans to go to language
school this summer in Southeast Asia and translate the Bible for
a language group who has not as yet received it.
Praises:
• God provided a car (his was broken down) for his trip to
Florida where he is contacting churches for support.
Prayer Requests:
• For fruitful contacts in Florida.
• For classes he is taking towards the completion of his MA.
• For the remaining 15% in support he lacks.
• For his one-time setup needs of $15,000.
• For people to commit to pray for him regularly.
• For the softening of government officials’ hearts overseas and
for creativity of the administrators working to obtain his visa.
Matt & Rachelle Mayse
Mission Board: Youth for Christ
Location: Johnston/Urbandale, Iowa
What do they do? Matt serves
Johnston and Urbandale
schools. The goal of YFC is to
reach young people everywhere,
working together with the local
church and other like-minded
parties to raise up life-long fol-
lowers of Jesus. Matt formerly
served for 12 years as Student
Ministry Pastor at Westchester
Evangelical Free Church here in Des Moines. Rachelle sub-
stitutes in the pre-school and elementary classrooms at Des
Moines Christian School.
Praises:
• For the opportunity of coaching 8th grade girls basketball at
Johnston Middle School.
• For relationships with 60+ students this year at Urbandale
Middle School.
Prayer Requests:
• For healing of Matt’s toe implant on Dec. 17th.
• For follow up; future coaching opportunities.
• For a bi-weekly, after school club at Urban Heights Church
in Urbandale.
• For a new club at Summit Middle School in Johnston that
will be meeting in the home of a volunteer.
• For an open door for a club at Johnston Middle School.
5 Sunday, December 28, 2008
Hangtimes In January
Dec 28—No Hangtime Sleepy Hollow January 11 | 5-8PM
Jan 4 – SMT Meeting Come for a Hangtime at Sleepy Hollow! Choose your fun:
Jan 11—Sleepy Hollow (5-8pm) tube for $16 or ski for $25. Parents and/or youth leaders are
Jan 18 – Nursing Home Night (6:30-7:30pm) 7th–12th Grades
needed to carpool and chaperone and are welcome to stay and
Jan 25 – None—Family Night
ski! Meet at Sleepy Hollow at 5PM. Sign-up in the Backdoor.
Today: Mexico Mission Trip Meeting
No Hangtime tonight. Sunday, January 18 | 12–2PM | Backdoor
Come join us for lunch and an informational meeting for those
Have You? of you planning to go on the Mexico mission trip with TIME
The clock is ticking for those of you who have NOT done the ministries.
following:
Nursing Home Ministry Night January 18 | 6:30-8:30PM
 Turned in the rest of your $$$ for the Senior Ski Trip.
Let’s have a night of nursing home ministry, inspired by all
Don’t miss this great event, gang!
that we did at M-Fuge last summer. We are heading to Calvin
 Turned in your money for Acquire the Fire Community to lead them in worship, perform drama and more!
 Signed up for the Sleepy Hollow skiing/tubing Hangtime We’ll go out for coffee after!
Senior High Lock-In Friday, January 30 | 8PM-8AM
What’s Going On? It’s a Lock-In! Come join us for a great night of food, fun, a
Dodge Ball Mondays | 6:30–8:00PM mystery, games and much more. Bring your favorite munchies or
Dodgeball is taking a holiday break, but will resume January 5th! a 2 liter drink and we’ll be set for an awesome night. For regular
For Moms—Moms’ Prayer Group Heirborn attendees only. Chaperones/youth parents needed for
Wednesdays | 5:30–6:15PM | RM 131 (Library) this event.
Facilitators: Lori Blake & Julie Harper
If you are a mother of a senior / junior high youth, this is a
wonderful opportunity for you to get together with other moms
for encouragement and to pray for our youth. You can pick up a Senior
High
meal in Fellowship Hall and join us in prayer.
Wednesday Night Bible Study: My Friend Is Hurting

Christmas
This will be a valuable series for teens. It will help them
know how to cope when they are hurting and will equip them
to know better how to help their friends when they struggle. We
are open to suggestions for topics, but at present we are going
to cover the following: suicide, eating disorders, and cutting.
Parents are welcome to sit-in during the series.
Party

First Federated Church 6 Sunday, December 28, 2008

In February
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Manners-Chivalry THE BIG DATE Friday, Feb 13 | 4:45PM
One Night Only. This is going to be an incredibly big group KZ Church
date! Each of you will get a job description, guys and girls will The news is spreading
be randomly paired up. Our mission- to teach manners, chivalry, like wildfire throughout
and dating do’s and don’ts. Cost is TBA, likely $10–$15 per Jerusalem. Wisemen have
person. followed a new star and, with
Widow/Widower Banquet Sunday, Feb 15 | 12PM | Backdoor great excitement, are looking
Our yearly tradition is back! This time with a Broadway for the new King! Old King
theme! Find a karaoke download or cd to perform. Non-singing Herod is anxious to find
teens are needed to serve our widows and widowers. The Bible Him, too.
makes it clear to minister to orphans and widows, so this is a Now…how would you
perfect opportunity! See Howie if you need song suggestions. have reacted, if you had been in Jerusalem that day? Would you
(JH, SH) have been wise or would you have been a fool? Today in KZ
Acquire the Fire Feb. 20-21 Church we learned that each of us can be a wise man who has
It’s coming to First Federated this year!!! Come hear awesome found the King!
bands Kutless, Building 429, Everyday Sunday, and Phil Joel AWANA
leading worship. Not to mention the amazing speakers: Joel Happy New Year, clubbers! Make it your
Johnson, Casey Johnson and Ron Luce! Cost: $63. Reserve your New Year’s resolution to learn more verses in
tickets now! (JH, SH) the coming year. Keep memorizing and we’ll
Faith and Family Night: Iowa Chops Friday, Feb 27 | 7PM see you back on Wednesday, January 7.
Iowa Chops host Faith and Family Night. Join the youth and
children’s ministries of FFC as we enjoy a great night of hockey.
$13 per person. (JH, SH) New Arrival
January Al and Eloise Gardner and Patty
Sleepy Hollow............................................................................................................11 (Mueller) Johnson are the proud
Mexico Mission Trip Meeting (12pm) ................................................................18 grandparents of Titus McKay Mueller,
Nursing Home Ministry Night .............................................................................18
who was born on August 14, 2008.
Senior High Lock-In ................................................................................................ 30
Titus and his parents, Aaron and Becca (Lietzow) Mueller will be
here from their new home in Pittsburgh on Tues., December 30.
You are invited to an open house, Dec. 30, 5-8PM, at Mustard’s on
University Ave in Windsor Heights. Come for a quick visit with
these former Federated kids or join them for dinner (at your own
expense). Call Grandma Eloise at 201.6856 for more information.
P.S. Welcome to our extended Federated family, Titus!

Deacon of the Month

Phil Olson, 255.2122 ext 139
Our Deacons stand ready to help with the physical needs of the
members and attenders of this fellowship. Should you have a
short-term, emergency need, do not hesitate to call the church
office and leave a message for the “Deacon of the Month.” This
ministry is made possible by your gifts to the Deacons’ Fund.
Deaconess of the Month
Cyndi Murphy | 277.2040
Our Deaconesses are available to the women of the church in
areas of encouragement and spiritual support. If you need a
listening ear and someone to pray with you, please call Cyndi.

First Federated Church 7 Sunday, December 28, 2008

 UPCOMING EVENTS OTHER NEWS
Wednesday Night Meal Sympathy
Fellowship Hall | 5-6:15PM Our sympathy is extended to those in our church family who
Children (age 2-12) $2 | Adults $3 | Family $10 have lost a loved one recently:
Make reservations on the Care & Communication Card or call the
Sharon Greene at the death of her mother, Arlene Hayes.
church office before noon on Mondays.
Dec. 31: No Wednesday Night Meal
Thank You
2009 Vision for Ministry Thanks for all the prayers, cards and visits. I came home
Sunday, January 11 December 2. Doing fine – but slow.
9:15am Groups for all ages Virginia Van Gorp
10:45am Combined Worship | Auditorium
(Nursery, Preschool, KZ Church) Believer’s Baptism
We will be having believer’s baptism as
December part of the January 11 service. If you are
No Regular Wednesday Night Activities (Christmas Break) .................................31
interested in being baptized, please check
January the Baptism box on the Care & Communica-
Building Closed (New Year’s) .........................................................................................1 tion card. An orientation meeting will be held on January 7,
Combined 2009 Kick Off Worship Service (Auditorium | Combined Service 10:45AM) .........4 6:30–8:00PM, in room 108 for those desiring to be baptized.
Women in the Word Resumes ...............................................................................6
Regular Wednesday Night Activities Resume .................................................7 Christmas Offering continues to grow
Combined 2009 Vision for Ministry (Auditorium | Combined Service 10:45AM) ................... 11 The 2008 Christmas Offering has grown to $28,922 as of
Moody Chorale (Traditional & Celebration Services)..........................................................18 December 21. If you forgot your envelope today and still wish to
February contribute, please mail it to the church office this week so we can
FFC Board Elections................................................................................................ 22 wrap things up and disburse the funds in January. Remember that
Alpha Begins (Backdoor | 6:00–8:30PM) ......................................................................... 23 10% of this year’s gifts will go to Twin Lakes Christian Center
March with the remainder helping insure the church debt is eliminated
Daylight Savings Time Begins ...............................................................................8 by August 2009.
Congregational Meeting ...................................................................................... 29
Year End Contributions
The church office will be open until 5pm on December 31 to accept
year-end contributions. In order for your gift to be tax deductible for
the 2008 tax year, it must be received or postmarked no later than
December 31, 2008.

Financial Report General Fund Offering

Attendance 12/21/08 Last Week
10:45AM .................................... 1,088 Weekly Need ........................ $34,419
Offering ...............................$30,845
Budgeted Missions:
Shortage...............................($3,674)
Year to Date: 9/1/08–present
Year to Date: 9/1/08–present
Need .....................................$86,770
Need ...................................$550,704
Offering ................................ $77,948
Offering .............................$520,081
Shortage...............................($8,821)
Shortage.............................($30,623)
Mortgage
Current Balance .................. $189,422 2008 Gifts must be in
church office by Dec. 31
Next Payment January 25

WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Regular Submission Deadline: Tuesdays by noon
January 4 Issue: Monday, December 29 by 5:00PM
We prefer that items be submitted electronically!
E-Mail: NEWSPAPER@FirstFederated.org
All submitted items are subject to submission guidelines and editorial review by
the church staff. FFC reserves the right to edit submissions for length.

First Federated Church 8 Sunday, December 28, 2008