THE

CALLER FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH, OWENSBORO

(Disciples of Christ)

No. 4 Vol. 17 ~ April 20, 2021

CHURCH STAFF Ministers……………..……..The Congregation Sr. Minister……………..Rev. J. Chris Michael Minister of Pastoral Care….Pam Woodward Financial Manager…..……..……Kristin Callis Secretary………………….….....…Anne Carlisle Pianist….………..………Ann Jeannette Pierce Choir Director…….….…………Mike Tichenor Nursery Attendants.……..….Cynthia Smith Chandler Fleischmann Elee Roach Church Office 270-684-8879 Church Email: anne@fccowb.org Web Address: www.fccowb.org Church Office Hours Mon–Thurs 8 am–noon and 1 – 5 pm

FirstChristianChurch(DisciplesofChrist)Owensboro,KentuckyMissionStatement

“OurmissionistomanifestChrist’slovebyempoweringallto

compassionateservice.”

ChristianChurch(DisciplesofChrist)MissionStatement

“WeareDisciplesofChrist,amovementforwholenessinafragmentedworld.AspartoftheonebodyofChristwewelcomeall

totheLord’sTableasGodhaswelcomedus.”

You may listen to our worship service via your computer or smartphone by accessing www.mixlr.com/firstchristianchurch at 9 am CT Sunday, or by using a speakerphone dial 1-214-699-5100. The access code is 6939237# Listen Live or archived services on Facebook

FCC App for iPhone & Android Stay connected with the church, download from the App Store and Google Play - First Christian Church—Owensboro

From the Preacherman….

“Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore,” says Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. It is a famous line, one perfectly applicable to our situation right now. Anyone, and I mean anyone, who thinks they know what is coming next in our world is simply whistling past the graveyard, to use another wonderful old saying. Nobody knows what comes next, but there are some things I think we do know. No matter how happy we may be to re-engage our world, to return to some semblance of normal, I think we have to be absolutely clear: much has been lost in the last year, losses that need and deserve our grief. I talked with someone recently who buried her grandfather last fall, but the visitation and funeral were so strange that her grief is simply stuck, still there, unexpressed and mired like sludge in the bottom of her soul. Some of you are carrying around the enormous weight of loss from the death of a loved one. That loss is its own special burden. None of the normal patterns are there to help you grieve. Everyone, however, is carrying around something that has been lost or changed and is never, ever, going to return. Thus, my sense as a pastor is that while we may rejoice at the reunions that have begun, we may well uncover a deeper sense of loss that is going to take awhile-months and years- from which to recover. That is just the truth. Sorry I have to tell you that, but if we do not take time for the pain, then the pain will take time for us, in destructive and terrible ways. A great gift of our faith is patience with the ways of God in our world and in our lives. While the world will want to move on quickly, we will, like Jesus noticing children, widows and a man up a tree, take time to let God work on us in mysterious and wonderful ways. I also know this: we will try our best to go back to what we knew instead of striking out into an unknown future. The Hebrews in the wilderness wanted to go back to Egypt, to the past they knew, even slavery, because it felt safer to them. Moses urged them onward, into the unknown called tomorrow, a gift the Jews gave to the whole world: the future. Our inclination is going to be to recreate what we know while ignoring what God is calling us towards in the future. The simple gift we are given to navigate these perilous times is faith, faith in the God who calls us ahead, yet leaves no one behind; faith enough to face what is lost and what is to come; to be sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we cannot see. God, give us such faith.

Peace….Chris

NEWS

June30-FOLLOWINGMORNINGWORSHIP

EnjoyBreakfastCasseroles,Biscuits&Gravy,andFruit!$5perperson.SundaySchoolclasseswillnotmeetJune30.

Spring2020Outreach/volunteeropportunitiesFair

YoungAdultSSClass

WeWelcomeNewMembers

Bob&PattyHines,joinedourChurchfamilyonNovember24.

TheHines’familyaddressisPOBox48,Philpot,KY42366.

Wearegladyouarehere!

Congratulationsto…Sarah&SamSwiftonthebirthoftheirdaughter,NoraGreyMarie,bornOctober31,weighing8lbs4oz,.ProudgrandparentsareMark&AnneCarlisle.NoraGreywasalsowelcomedbybigsister,Joanna.

FEBRUARY CALLER: Together we can reduce our carbon footprints and fight global warming. You’ve probably changed out your incandescent light bulbs for CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs, the twisty bulbs). The old CFLs were not great, but today’s bulbs are quiet, come in many sizes and shapes, and the light is warmer. A typical CFL bulb uses 25% of the electricity the old incandescent bulbs use – so if every household in the country made the switch, we’d cut 62.5 million tons of CO2 emissions each year. They last longer too, a lot longer – so we’ll save money on light bulbs as well. MARCH CALLER: Together we can reduce our carbon footprints and fight global warming. If you are not already, try washing clothes in cold water. Today’s detergents and machines are made to handle that and it turns out that 75% of the energy our washers use—and the greenhouse gas emissions that it creates—comes just from heating the water. APRIL CALLER: Together we can reduce our carbon footprints and fight global warming. Once a week when we would be having a burger or something else with beef, eat something with chicken instead. Yes, it’s the cow f**ting thing. Cows are a serious source of methane which is a greenhouse gas. Switching one day a week, keeps the equivalent of 730 pounds of CO2 out of the atmosphere every year. If all of us in the U.S., had a “no meat” day once a week, well, that’s a lot greenhouse gas that never gets into the air.

The sympathy of the congregation is extended to… the family of Sue Birdlow who passed away November 25. 22

Cathy Maddox and family in the death of her niece, Macy Simmons, who passed away November 25.

FCCChurchMembers,Thankyousomuchforthedonationofhatsandglovesforourstudentsinneed.Thiswillhelpsomanyofourkiddosduringthisbittercoldseason!MerryChristmastoyouandyourfamilies!Sincerely,StephanieKeelin,MeadowLandsElem.SchoolDearFCCDWMWomen’sGroup,Thankyousomuchforthedonationofcrochetbearsadbabywipesforourstudentsinourhighlystructuredclassroom.Thestudentsandteacherslovedthem.Also,thankyouforyouroutreacheveryyearwiththeweekendfoodbagprogram!GodBless,DanaStanley,CounselorFirstChristianChurchLegacyFund,IwanttopersonallyreachouttothankFirstChristianChurchLegacyFundforyourfinancialsupport.IbelievebeyondashadowofdoubtthatGodblessesFOSthroughministrieslikeyours.Werelyonthegenerosityofthosewhobelieveintheworkthatwedo.So,thankyouforgivingtowardourmission.Blessings,JordanWilson,DevelopmentDirector,FriendsofSinners

Monday, March 2, 11:30 am meal at Old Hickory BBQ –Program provided by Father Jean Rene Kolombo.

All church members and friends are invited to Primetimers’ Plus events. To make reservations contact Ron Waite at (270) 683-8510, (812) 454–8555, or ronwownsbr@aol.com.

May DWM Service Project Donations for Fresh Start for Women

Items suggested: Move-In Kits (trash can, cleaning supplies, scrubbing brushes, trash

bags, toilet paper, paper towels, laundry and dish detergents), feminine hygiene items,

toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, wipes, and canned food products.

Invitation to In-Person Worship Childcare available starting this Sunday, April 25, in the nursery

TheTaskForceupdatedthescheduleforattendingservicesin-personbasedonthefirstletteroflastnames.TwogroupswillbeinvitedonalternateSundays….

Group#1:A,B,C,D,E,F,G,I,J,TonApril25,May9,23

Group#2:H,K,L,M,N,O,P,Q,R,S,V,W,Y,ZonMay2,16,30

ServiceswillcontinuetobeliveonFacebook,Mixlr,andTheChurchisCalling.Masksandsocialdistancingwillbeneeded.TheLord’sSupperwillbecelebratedinthesanctuarywithelementsavailableforpick-upasyouenterthesanctuary.

Welookforwardtoseeingeveryone!

Congratulations to… Emily and Jason Payne on the birth of their son, Warren Reid Payne, born April 9. Proud grandparents are Steve and Debby Crone. Warren was also welcomed by siblings Braxton, Lucy, and Wyatt.

Christianloveandsympathyisextendedto…Sara,Kyle,Elle,Holden,andBrooksAud,Adam,Kaitlyn,andLucyFischerinthedeathofSaraandAdam’sgrandmother,EdnaMyrleReardenBoswell,onMarch24.

JoanneandRodneyBerry,JosephandHaleyBerry,AdamandEmilyBerryinthedeathofJoanne’smother,BettyAnnPeckenpaugh,onMarch28.NancyYauninthedeathofFrankYaunwhopassedawayApril3.Frankwasamastercarpenterwhobuiltourcommuniontable,pulpit,andlecternusingwoodfromatreethatwasremovedfromthechurchpropertyduringconstructionofourcurrentbuilding.

Let’s talk about special day offerings…did you know that there are four Disciples Mission Fund Special Day Offerings received each year during Easter, Pentecost, Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons? The specials offerings provide an opportunity to highlight specific ministries as part of our faith celebrations.

• Easter Offering was celebrated on March 28 & April 4 and supports the General Ministries of our church;

• Pentecost Offering will be celebrated on May 16 & 23 supports Disciples new church development;

• Thanksgiving Offering will be celebrated on November 14 & 21 supports Disciples colleges, universities and theological institutions; and

• Christmas Offering will be celebrated on December 12 & 19 supports the Disciples regional ministries.

Special day offerings are not funded in the annual operating budget, but you can donate if you want. Here’s a summary of past contributions:

Easter 2021 - $265 2020 – 75 2019 – 1,315 2018 - 603 2017 - 408 2016 – 503

Pentecost 2020 – $25 2019 – 255 2018 – 1,594 2017 – 491 2016 – 369

Thanksgiving 2020 – $75 2019 – 611 2018 – 414 2017 – 343 2016 – 0

Christmas 2020 – $50 2019 – 440 2018 – 714 2017 – 133 2016 - 555

First Sunday Deacons: Kyle & Sara Aud, Lenee Bowen, Stacy Castlen, Libby & Andy Johnson, Natalie Johnson, Cathy Maddox, Cathy Midkiff, Patty Wahl, Brad Webb; Sally Wood Second Sunday Deacons: Nancy Barnard, Emily Baur, Brian Belcher, Leslie Carlisle, Cori Douglas, Joy Emerson, Larkin Hayden, Carroll Laswell, Brende Lott Third Sunday Deacons: Barbara Bennett, Andy Goodaker, Sally Ham, Cathy Maddox, Teresa McKinley, Cathy Midkiff, Forrest Roberts, Sandra Roberts, Janet Tichenor Fourth Sunday Deacons: Aloma Dew, Eric Farmer, Chris Gaddis, Blake & Missie Hayden, Brenda & Doug Hoyt, Matt Johnson, Michelle Long, Joseph McKinley, Abbe Quisenberry

Second week deacons Deacons: Nancy Barnard, Emily Baur, Leslie Carlisle, Cori Douglas, Joy Emerson, Marjorie Flowers, Larkin Hayden, Carroll Laswell, Brende & Chris Lott

Third Week Deacons Deacons: Barbara Bennett, Andy Goodaker, Sally Ham, Andy Luckett, Teresa McKinley, Laura Michael, John & Jane Miller, Sandy Roberts

Fourth Sunday Deacons: Eric Farmer, Blake & Missie Hayden, Brenda & Doug Hoyt, Matt Johnson, Joseph & Meghan McKinley, Abbe Quisenberry, Patrick & Michelle Whitmer

BoardMeeting–Tuesday,January21,at5:45PMintheFaHoLoClassroom

WaterStep–AChurchwideServiceProjectSponsoredbytheDWMWaterSteptrainspeopleindevelopingcountriesonhowtousesafewatersolutionstotakecareof

SHOES FOR WATER DONATE SHOES SAVE LIVES! Simplydonateneworgentlyusedshoesofanysize,type,orstyle,aslongastheyarefreefrommold/mildew,andyou’llhelpfundsafe

drinkingwaterprojectsallovertheworld–projectsthathelptosavehundredsofthousandsofliveseachyear.Youmayplacedonatedshoesinthe

Nominees for Church Office

Each year the Church has the opportunity to select Elders and Deacons. Please take a moment and submit the names of members you believe could serve in these important roles in the life of our Church. Thank you.

I suggest that the following person(s) be nominated for election as… ELDER:

____________________________________

DEACON:

____________________________________________

The FCC Board needs YOUR skills! Through our strategic planning process, the Board has determined FCC is in urgent need of a Comprehensive Communications Plan. This ad-hoc group will evaluate the needs of the church and determine if a Communications Committee with full board representation is warranted or if duties may be shared among existing committees. If you have skills in any of the following areas or perform communications functions for an existing committee, please contact Anne to sign up: Communications, Marketing and/or Public Relations experience

• Internal communications to members and potential members

• External communications to community, including sharing missions of the church including VBS, Church services/Sunday School, Legacy Fund, Community Garden, Burmese missions, etc.

• Print media and Social media • Group text messaging • Digital sign management • Thank you notes to and recognition of donors • Sanctuary & Fellowship Hall soundboard and video

Elders’Meeting–Tuesday,September24,at5:30PMintheFaHoLoClassroom

THURSDAY, January 16 9:00 am Primetimers’ Plus Trip to Louisville 2:30 pm Food Pantry SATURDAY, January 18 10:00 am Fellowship Hall in Use SUNDAY, January 19 9:00 am Worship 10:00 am FCC Café 10:30 am Sunday School 11:15 am Education Team Mtg. 5:00 pm Handbell Rehearsal 6:30 pm Boy Scouts MONDAY, January 20 Office Closed 6:00 pm Cub Scouts TUESDAY, January 21 9:00 am Faithful Sewing 5:45 PM Board Meeting in FaHoLo Classroom WEDNESDAY, January 22 6:30 am MBS Panera 5:00 pm All Church Potluck 6:00 pm Choir Rehearsal FRIDAY, January 24 West Area Ski-Thing SATURDAY, January 25 West Area Ski-Thing SUNDAY, January 26 9:00 am Worship 10:00 am FCC Café 10:15 am Green Chalice Team Mtg. 10:30 am Sunday School 5:00 pm Handbell Rehearsal 6:00 pm Boy Scouts MONDAY, January 27 6:30 pm Cub Scouts TUESDAY, January 28 9:00 am Faithful Sewing WEDNESDAY, January 29 6:30 am MBS Panera 5:00 pm All Church Potluck 6:00 pm Choir Rehearsal

January 19 ~ Epiphany 2 ~ 9:00 AM Liturgist: Leslie Carlisle Serving Elders: Rev. Bonnie Brown and Wendell Thompson Acolyte: Hampton Gaddis Bell Ringer: Scarlett Roark Deacons: Barbara Bennett, Andy Goodaker, Sally Ham, Andy Luckett, Cathy Maddox, Teresa McKinley, Laura Michael, John & Jane Miller, Sandy Roberts Youth Deacon: Adam Lott Worship & Wonder Storyteller: Shepherd:

Flowers have been placed in the chancel by Ron Waite to the glory

of God and in loving memory of his father, Floyd B. Waite.

WEDNESDAY, January 1 - Office Closed THURSDAY, January 2 2:30 pm Food Pantry 6:00 pm DWM Night Group at Leslie Mobley’s, 4621 Loftwood Dr. SUNDAY, January 5 9:00 am Worship 10:00 am FCC Café 10:30 am Sunday School 1:00 pm Middle School Youth Group 5:00 pm Handbell Rehearsal 6:30 pm Boy Scouts MONDAY, January 6 11:30 am Primetimers Plus White Elephant at Briarpatch 6:00 pm Cub Scouts TUESDAY, January 7 9:00 am Faithful Sewing 1:00 pm DWM Day Group at FCC WEDNESDAY, January 8 6:30 am MBS Panera 9:00 am Christmas Tree Taken Down 5:00 pm All Church Potluck 6:00 pm Choir Rehearsal THURSDAY, January 9 5:15pm Finance Team Meeting SUNDAY, January 12 9:00 am Worship 10:00 am FCC Café 10:30 am Sunday School 12:00 pm Pitino Shelter 5:00 pm FCC Kids 5:00 pm Handbell Rehearsal 6:00 pm Boy Scouts MONDAY, January 13 9:30 am Conference Room in Use 6:30 pm Cub Scouts TUESDAY, January 14 9:00 am Faithful Sewing 11:30 am Property Team Mtg. WEDNESDAY, January 15 6:30 am MBS Panera 5:00 pm All Church Potluck 6:00 pm Choir Rehearsal

Pledgeinfo??

Outreachfinancialgifts

1JanetWestmoreland1SheilaCampbell2JoyEmerson3RichardCarlisle4BeverlyChelgren4MissieHayden5MaggieLott6RoselieMcKinley6JohnA.Miller8YvonneJulius9BeckyLuckett10ShannonDivine10WandaGilbreath10MaryLisaTunget10NickBrake10JohnPatrikYager12JohnWestonWilborn14AmandaKyle16HannahKateDivine19GarrisonJohnson20WalkerGaddis20AlomaDew20BillFrederick21ForrestRoberts26SophieMcKinley26RobertHowe27MillieRoberts29AllisonCarter30MaryEllenGant30SaraVanSlyke30JayBethel30JohnYager

Saturday,April24KBYWorkDaySunday,April259:00amWorshipOnline/In-PersonA,B,C,D,E,F,G,I,J,TThursday,April29CampKBYformsdueSunday,May29:00amWorshipOnline/In-PersonH,K,L,M,N,O,P,Q,R,S,V,W,Y,ZThursday,May62:30pmRefugeeFoodPantrySunday,May99:00amWorshipOnline/In-PersonA,B,C,D,E,F,G,I,J,TSunday,May169:00amWorshipOnline/In-PersonH,K,L,M,N,O,P,Q,R,S,V,W,Y,ZWednesday,May195:30pmBoardMeetingThursday,May202:30pmRefugeeFoodPantrySunday,May239:00amWorshipOnline/In-PersonA,B,C,D,E,F,G,I,J,TSunday,May309:00amWorshipOnline/In-PersonH,K,L,M,N,O,P,Q,R,S,V,W,Y,ZMonday,May31OfficeClosed

CALENDAR

ANNIVERSARIES

BIRTHDAYSMAY

11Tom&BarbaraNorvell12John&JaneMiller20Joseph&HaleyBerry24Eric&LauraFarmer25Chris&StacyCastlen26Holly&DaveRoark28Linda&FrankJones28Steve&CathyPerrin

OfferingfortheMonth$47,538OtherRevenueMonth111TotalRevenue47,649Expensesforthemonth33,522Netforthemonth14,127

Year-to-DateOffering$116,591OtherRevenue4,908YTDRevenue121,499YTDExpenses 97,883Netfortheyear23,616

WestAreaDisciplesCCK1,071DisciplesMissionFund1,785HELPOffice450

MARCHSTEWARDSHIP

MARCHOUTREACH

FirstChristianChurch,Thankyouforyourexpressionsofsympathyatthisdifficulttime.Theflowerswerebeautiful.OurfamilyisgratefulforalltheprayersandsupportFirstChristianhasprovidedforMom(HildaNance)andMike’scancerjourney.Yourkindnessandthoughtfulnesshasbeenablessingtousall.GodBless,LisaKnottandfamilyDearFriendsatFirstChristianChurch,Youallreallymadeourfrostydaywarmerandbrightwithyourgenerous$3,000donationtoHabitatforHumanity!Thankyousomuch.EvenwithCovidandcoldwinterweather,wearestillworkingonourHabitathomes.Thisweekwehavebeenpaintingtheinteriorofourhouseat489SuttonLane.Today,asmallteamisplanningtodosometrimwork.AndtheworkonournewhomeforHabitatat1701Breckenridgeismovingalongtoo.Somepaiddrywallfinishersareatworkthere.Then,we’llrecruitateamofpainterstosetsomepaintdaysthere.Bigquestionallwanttoknowiswhenwemightmovefrom1702MoseleySt.toournewlocation.ManyholdupssinceweboughttheoldBusinessEquipment,butmovingalongandhopetobemovedinbyEaster.Thankyouagain.Sincerely,VirginiaBraswell,ExecutiveDirector DearFriendsandfellowChurchmembers,ThankstoallforthewonderfulactsandwordsofkindnessthatIhavereceivedduringmylast10monthsofillness.Theflowers,thecards,visitsandthoughtshavehelpedsomuch.Iappreciateeachexpressionofkindness.Myprayersarewithyouandallthechurch.NeldaBarnett

Chancel flowers If you would like to provide flowers in the chancel on May 9, 16, 23, 30, June 6, 13, or 27, please contact the church at 270-684-8879.

Let us be in prayer for our baptismal candidates:

May 2 - Hampton Gaddis and Parker Webb May 16 – Stella Hayden and Scarlett Isenbarger June 6 – Henry Busse and Elton Smith

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

700 J.R. Miller Blvd., Owensboro, KY 42303

VBS Volunteer

Registration Form June 3-5, 2019 5:30PM-8:15PM

If you are able to volunteer, please fill out this form and drop it off in the Church Office. Name ________________________________________ Phone (H) _______________(C) __________________ Email ________________________________________ I can help with VBS in the following ways (circle all that apply): Small Group Guide Games/Activities Crafts Decoration Set-up/Clean-up Registration Serve Dinner Nursery I am available (circle all that apply)

VBS Children

Registration Form June 3-5, 2019 5:30PM-8:15PM

Preschool (must be at least 3 & Potty-trained) to completed 5th grade Name _________________________________________________ Date of Birth _____________ Grade Completed _____or Age _____ Parent’s Name ___________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________ Phone (H)___________________ (C) ________________________ Emergency Contact _______________________________________ Emergency Phone_________________________________________ Medical Concerns/Food Allergies/Other Concerns_______________ _______________________________________________________ Name of Person(s) who have permission to pick up child from VBS I give my permission for my child to be photographed Yes ___ No ___ Parent’s Signature ________________________________________

The Backpack Ministry provides nutritious food for children to eat over the weekend during the school year. We hope to sponsor 65 children at Cravens Elementary again this school year.

At this point, we have 40 update of 65 bags funded. Would you consider sponsoring one child’s backpack for the school year? A year’s supply of weekend food costs $150; however, all donations are appreciated. If you are able to donate, please make checks payable to FCC and write Backpack Ministry in the memo section. You may drop the donation in the offering plate or in the mail – PO Box 966, Owensboro, KY 42302. Delivery of backpacks has begun.

All completed applications with fees need to be post marked by May 1, 2020. All campers that have their completed form and fee turned in by the deadline will be entered in a drawing where one lucky winner will receive a $100 gift card at the end of camp.

March15

February165-7PMPreschoolthrough5thgradeinvitedforfungamesandBiblestories.

Duetolackofsnow,PaoliPeakshassuspendedoperations.ThisyeartheWestAreayouthareinvitedtospendFridaynightatFCCasusual,butonSaturdaymorningwilltraveltoFrenchLickandspendthedayattheindoorwaterpark,BigSplashAdventure.

WestAreaSwimThing!January24-25

ForyouthinGrades6-12January24–SpendthenightatFCC

January25–TraveltoBigSplashAdventure

Registrationformsintheoffice.

Registration forms are due

April 29!

This year's theme is Creation Speaks--inviting us to immerse ourselves in God’s creation and listen for God’s voice in the world today. Information and registration forms are available in the office or online at http://www.campkumbaya.org/camp-kum-ba-ya-is-fun/

EVENT DATE FEES Junior grades 4-5 June 7-11 $210 CYF grades 9-12 June 13-19 310 Sailing grades 6-12 June 21-25 340 Chi Rho grades 6-8 July 5-10 260 Young Disciples grade 3 July 12-14 112 Discovery grades 1-2 July 16-18 112

Stand for Peace You are invited to join Non-Violent Owensboro on May 9, Mother’s Day, at 2PM to stand in silence for 5 minutes. We will meet at Kendall-Perkins Park on 5th St. or you can stand wherever you are for 5 minutes of silence. This is a global wave of humanity, and we hope that the act of gathering and standing in silence will inspire and energize all to take action that will help shape the world for our children, grandchildren, and several generations beyond. We dream of a world with safe water to drink, clean air to breathe, enough food to eat, and a place of safety where no one lives in fear of violence. Make a stand for non-violence and think about what you can do personally to promote peace. Nancy S. Connor

Parents – the nursery will be available during worship

starting this Sunday, April 25th!