MISSION: To speak and live for Christ in our community and world. VISION: To be a worshipping community in which all people

At First Christian Church…

We believe God wants to transform our lives individually and collectively for His purpose. In everything we do, we speak and live for Christ. The way we do that is simply to take God’s love and our God given gifts and talents into the world to make a difference. We gather on Sundays to worship and refuel.

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH - Tyler, Texas www.fcctyler.org September 17, 2014 Vol. 57 No. 19

2015 SUNDAY

SCHEDULE

Want to be informed? Want to

know what’s going on? Remem-

ber when you came when our

2020 Vision Team regularly met

with our congregation to present

plans for our “Spread the Word”

Project? This Sunday (at both

“shortened” worship services),

our 2015 Vision Team will

present the plan for our 2015

Sunday schedule. We hope all

of you will come to worship, then

stay for the presentation. After

listening to a variety of groups

and reading over 100 question-

naires, our 2015 Vision Team

has decided upon a plan for our

Sunday mornings going forward,

and they want to share it with

you.

THE PUMPKINS

ARE COMING!!

All hands on deck! If you can

lift, haul and walk, and can give a

few hours after work, we need

YOU Monday, September 29th.

An entire truckload of pumpkins

is heading to FCC and we need

to unload them into what will

become the 2014 Patch.

We cannot have too much

help! Come as soon after 5 as

you can. Whole families are

welcome and elementary-age

children will have projects to

keep them busy. Church will

provide water and snacks – please

bring gloves if you’ve got ‘em.

Also look for a green volun-

teer sign-up form in the entry to

the sanctuary starting this Sunday.

We’re asking for pairs of folks to

work a sales shift in the Patch.

INSTALLATION, LUNCH

AND “POUNDING”

HONORING REV.

ROBERT GOODRICH

SUNDAY, SEPT. 28

September 28th will be our latest

big Sunday as we welcome and

install Rev. Robert Goodrich as our

new Associate Minister. ONE SER-

VICE ONLY THAT DAY AT 11

A.M., followed by a covered dish

lunch and a good old fashioned

“pounding” with a 21st century

twist…meaning gift cards, soup

(esp. tomato or chicken noodle),

pancake mix, or anything organic.

As for lunch, last names begin-

ning with A-M bring a main cas-

serole dish; N-S bring vegetables/

salads; T-Z bring desserts. Bread

and drinks will be provided.

Don’t miss out on this historic

day. God is up to something BIG

in our midst. It’s happening!

From the Senior Minister ...

I cannot decide who I am most excited for...our church family,

Robert Goodrich and his family, or myself? Monday, September

22nd, begins Robert Goodrich’s ministry here with us at FCC

(on that day, he and I will be traveling to Garland for a preaching

festival and time with colleagues). On September 28th Robert’s installation

will be part of one beautiful blended hour of worship at 11 a.m.

I look forward to your gracious welcome of Robert, Molly, Ruth and

Sarah. I look forward to all the smiles, handshakes and hugs they will

receive—the welcoming gifts at the “pounding”. I look forward to seeing

the Goodrichs realize that FCC Tyler is an amazing church family.

Still, please don’t be offended if he doesn’t remember your name or

doesn’t remember meeting you. Don’t expect him to have revolutionary

ideas ready to unveil...to have it all figured out on day 1 or day 101. Don’t

expect him to preach like Fred Craddock or Andy Stanley, but encourage him

in every way.

In my sermon Sunday I preached about the close relationship between

faith and gambling. In both, we have no control over the outcome, yet as

gamblers in faith (with God) we know the odds are stacked in our favor

because we put the outcome in the hands of God who loves us, who is with

us, for us, and ahead of us. If you don’t know, by faith we are trying some-

thing new (a gamble). Rev. Robert Goodrich has an unusual job description:

1) primary responsibility for our Contemporary Worship Service, and 2)

oversight responsibilities for our Youth Ministries. Along with all the other

ministry elements—meetings with Board, Elders, staff, hospital visits, coun-

seling with congregation, to name a few—Robert will be a very busy minis-

ter. I believe he’s up to the “calling” and challenge and I believe he believes

he is up to it as well.

Join me in praying specifically for him and his ministry at FCC Tyler.

Your Friend and Pastor, Chris

2

Adult Sunday School

Believers Class

Rob Bradford

“Convictions”

by Marcus Borg

Disciples Class

Mary Waldrop

"A New Future"

Jeremiah 32:2 - 9, 14 - 15

Cana

“The Life I Have

Always Wanted”

Seekers Class

Jackie Littleton

The Choir/Forum Class

Troy Smith

Genesis Class

“Current Issues”, using the

Rob Bell NOOMA Series.

Koinonia Class

Michael Lewis

Café Class "Raising Kids for True

Greatness", Subtitle: Redefine

Success for You and Your

Child, by Dr. Tim Kimmel

First Christian Church &

The Stalcup Lecture Series Present

Dr. Shelly Matthews, Professor

Brite Divinity School

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES:

TAMING THE TONGUES OF FIRE

Saturday, October 11th 9—1:45 pm CLC Conference Room

$20 registration includes light lunch and childcare.

The orderly and reassuring presentation of events in the book of Acts is at odds with the unruly and

dramatic events it describes. This seminar addresses the tension as Acts seeks to tame the events

through order and truth. At the same time, it unsettles that structure by pointing to gaps, fissures

and alternate voices in the narrative which suggests the presence of a complex religious movement.

WORSHIP FLOWERS

AVAILABLE DATES:

OCTOBER 5TH, 19TH, 26TH

If you would like to provide flowers

in memory or honor of someone or something

special, please call the church office (561-8138).

3

THE CARING CONNECTION

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH

The Caring Connection will meet Sunday,

September 28th, at 4 p.m. in the church office.

This month we will have an open discussion so bring your questions and/

or concerns with you.

The Caring Connection strives to reduce caregiver isolation, provide

support, explore relevant topics, discover resources, share coping strate-

gies, and learn new ones.

If you would like to be a part of this group, contact Nancy Grant at

903-561-8138 or Kaye Kraus at 903-581-8308. Or simply join us

September 28th at 4.

YOUNG ACTORS

AGES 7-14

for Christmas play on

December 5, 2014.

General meeting

Wednesday, October 1st

6:30 p.m.

in the Choir Room

PRIME-AGERS!

If you’re a Prime Celebrator – or anyone in retirement age with an

opening for lunch once a month – you’re invited to our ‘We’re Back’

luncheon, at Cotton Patch Café (facing the Loop, next door to FCC)

Thursday, September 25th at noon. I’ll be at the restaurant early to hold

our spot. To make our reservation most accurate, please call the church

office by Wednesday, September 24th, to RSVP.

Remember, friends are always welcome! Thanks – and I can’t wait to

see you after 2 summer months off our meetings.

—Rev. Ginger B.

YOUTH NEWS AND CALENDAR…

Youth groups kicked off a couple of Sundays back and plans are being

made for a great semester. A variety of activities are coming up and every

week could be something new, so come and see what we are up to. Youth,

bring a friend along. Adults, give Rob Mason a call (405-642-9046) if you

want to be a part of what we’ve cooked up. Mark your calendars for:

October 5th ……. .Fire Mountain

October 12th …… Pumpkin Patch

October 26th …….Trunk or Treat

November 23rd…. Thanksgiving Banquet

We will find youth serving the church community in a variety of ways,

as well as worshipping, playing games, and continuing to learn about the

“Four Loves” found in Scripture. Come see how these four loves affect

our daily lives, our friendships, our dating, our online presence and more.

The Pancake Breakfast... ...benefitting the 2015 Mission Trip

to Guatemala raised $4,016. Thanks to

everyone for coming out and support-

ing our Mission Team.

OCTOBER

DEACONS

9:00 A.M.

Bettie Cole, Tom DeWitt, Steve

Hammack, Katie Hammack, David

Lowry*, Libby Lowry* , Ernie

Phillips, Jan Phillips

11:00 A.M.

Dale Barton, Don Simmons,

Percy Wang, Ying Ying Yang

*Team Leaders

Have fun and get to know

Rev. Robert Goodrich. To

help cover the cost, bring

$10. Or bring 3 friends and

we’ll cover your cost. All

friends come for free.

THANKSGIVING

BANQUET

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23

Our annual Thanksgiving Banquet will

be Sunday, November 23rd, immediately following worship. We

will have one worship service at 11:00 a.m. University Christian

Church will join us for the banquet.

Thanksgiving Sunday promises to be a great time filled with

fellowship and thanksgiving. All proceeds for the banquet will

go to support Disciples Crossing in Athens.

Make plans to join us for a day of worship and thanksgiving.

THANK YOU…

How does one express the feelings of a very grateful heart by just saying “thank you”? The visits, calls,

texts, emails and voicemails were in the hundreds, and many from those I didn’t have any idea even knew me.

There is no doubt FCC has the best cooks ever! I was so well fed by you that I gained 10 pounds in the first

3 weeks! Some of you kept me supplied in Gatorade after I became dehydrated and I am now an expert on the

different flavor combinations. Those providing taxi service did an excellent job getting me to the various

medical appointments and to the pharmacy.

Your prayers have sustained me for the last 12 weeks. Prayer is so powerful and I have felt it surrounding

me and aiding in my healing. Suffering has opened my eyes and heart to many things and I hope I am a better

person for it. One thing I know for sure, I am loved by you and my cup truly runs over!

“Thank you” is inadequate but I don’t have the words to express my deeper emotions, so for now it will

have to do.

In Christian Love, Ann Russell

P.S. A couple more minor procedures and I should be completely well.

4

IT’S NOT TOO LATE… ...we’ve only just begun (as the song

goes)! Join us in the choir room this

Tuesday (and every Tuesday at 7 p.m.)

and be a part of the Music Ministry at

FCC.

WANTED

A FEW GOOD MEN

(Women are welcome too!)

Mission Trip to Georgia, USA

Cherry Log Ministries, The Craddock Center

Leave Tyler Monday, October 13; return Saturday, October 17

We will be assisting the Cherry Log Mission to build a storage

building for their ministry to the people of southern Appalachia.

This mission assists people of southern Appalachia in acquiring

furniture and mattresses for their homes.

We will stay in cabins in the mountains of southern Appalachia

while we are working. If Dr. Fred Craddock’s health will permit,

he plans visit the site with us.

We need 6 to 8 more people that have an interest in Outreach

INSIDE the USA.

NAMETAGS NEEDED

In a two pronged attack, the Welcome

Team is inviting you (yes, you!) to wear

your nametag every Sunday. First, you

will help Robert Goodrich learn your

name more quickly and second, you will

prepare yourself to welcome the visitors

coming our way in the months ahead. In

fact, the Worship Team is so serious

about nametags, they plan to slap a

temporary nametag on anyone not prop-

erly identified, members and guests alike.

Face it, we are much more likely to

approach someone when we know his/her

name. That’s how connections are made,

and we are all about connections.

SUNDAY SCHOOL HOUR

ADAPTIONS AHEAD…

To FCC Parents: I hope you’ve already read

something about upcoming changes in the

Sunday School hour. They affect our young

and elementary-age children, and us! We’ll

soon be starting the 10 o’clock hour together –

children from age 3 up, and parents, who are

expected to come with your children to the opening session of Sunday

School.

Changes start September 28th. All families are invited into the CLC

gym at 10 a.m. for a weekly large group kick-off. Every Sunday will begin

with 10 minutes in large group, followed by breakout small groups for

children and for adults.

Our first offering for parents is a book study through October 19th

on “Raising Kids for True Greatness” by Dr. Tim Kimmel. No advance

reading required; handouts provided weekly.

For children and for us, as we develop multiple adult groups, is a

curriculum that works through the Bible sequentially, telling key stories

and teaching key Scriptures. We’ve mapped out lessons through Hallow-

een, starting with some key players in Genesis.

Building on Chris’ sermon on September 14th, I urge you all to “gamble

with your own money” and get involved here. (“God’s people have always

been big gamblers – but the odds are stacked in our favor!”) In fact, this

new format and way of instructing/ teaching/ community-building can only

work if a group of us parents PLUS others around the church family get

invested.

Here are some starter ways anyone could help:

Greet children (be in gym lobby by 9:55; usher families into

the gym);

Be a playmate (sit at the interactive stations in gym as children

arrive, and done by 10:05);

Sit with children (take a rug and a specified age group; hold up

a sign to show these ages where to sit);

Make music (play guitar, piano or any other instrument with us,

given a few week’s notice).

Ginger B.

5

Happy Birthday!!

9/22 Steven Whiteman

Quin Neal

Kara Spitz

9/23 Don Cooper

Ingrid Boeker

9/24 Tiffany Honea

Wayne Jones

Alex Huffines

9/25 Merlin Long

Suzi Teegarden

9/26 Addie Moore

Ken Smith

Nancy Townes

Conner Burke

Ryan Wang

9/27 Emily Pulliam

9/28 Patty Sims

Diana Patterson

9/29 Joey Holthus

Sebetha Jenkins-Booker

9/30 Paul Weskamp

10/1 Steve Hammack

10/2 Bob Nichols

Austin Covey

10/3 Owen Brandt

Harfon Kemp

10/4 Johnny Wills

Sam Jernigan

Harold Wilder

Happy Anniversary!!

9/21 Brian & Janice Baber

9/23 Tim & Martha Boyd

Burt & Paula Ford

Al & Sheila Matson

9/24 Richard & Amy Clay

10/4 Ryan & Susan Soward

CONGRATULATIONS

EVA DENSON!!

The ETMC Gift Shop was remodeled in honor of Eva

Denson and her years of volunteering. Friday over 100

people gathered for the dedication.

The August

financial

statements are

available for

review in the

church office.

WORSHIP SEPTEMBER 21, 2014

Dr. Chris Pulliam preaching

9:00 a.m. - Traditional Worship 11:00 a.m. - Contemporary Worship

Elders: Ginger & Chris Faulk Elders: Sheila & Al Matson

Deacon Team Leaders: Wayne Aaron, Jeremy Brandt

WORSHIP SEPTEMBER 28, 2014

Dr. Pulliam preaching 11:00 a.m. - One Worship Service

Lunch & “Pounding” for the Goodrichs to follow

ATTENDANCE

September 7th

9:00 a.m. - 112

11:00 a.m. - 101

Total Worship - 213

Sunday School - 138

September 14th

9:00 a.m. - 150

11:00 a.m. - 103

Total Worship - 253

Sunday School - 160

Church Calendar

Sunday, September 21st

9:00 AM - Traditional Worship

10:00 AM - Sunday School

11:00 AM - Contemporary Worship

Youth Ministry

3:00 PM - Jr. High

4:00 PM - Open gym

5:00 PM - Sr. High

Monday, September 22nd 6:00 PM - Greek Class

Tuesday, September 23rd

7:00 AM - Elders Breakfast

6:00 PM - Handbell rehearsal

7:00 PM - Choir rehearsal

Wednesday, September 24th

8:00 AM - Breakfast/Bible Study

5:30 PM - Contemporary Worship

6:00 PM - Personnel

7:00 PM - Men’s basketball (CLC)

Thursday, September 25th 7:05 AM - R2D2 Men’s Study

12:00 PM - Prime Celebrators

6:00 PM - Nominating Committee

6:30 PM - Praise Band rehearsal

Sunday, September 28th

10:00 AM - Sunday School

11:00 AM - One Worship Service

12:00 PM - Lunch & “Pounding”

Youth Ministry

3:00 PM - Jr. High

4:00 PM - Open gym

4:00 PM - The Caring Connection

5:00 PM - Sr. High

6

Joys & Concerns

Congratulations to Gene and Barbara Diedrick on the birth of their great

granddaughter, Rylee Makena Allport (9 lb. 14 oz.) in North Richland

Hills.

We extend our sympathies to Harfon Kemp on the passing of his brother,

Rev. Thomas Kemp, on September 7th in North Carolina.

Our sympathies also go out to Ann Russell on the passing of her niece,

Starla Hand Horton, on September 8th.

Keep these members and their families in our prayers: Holly Barry,

Doris Davis, Gladys Howard, Ombra Hughes, Bob Randall, Ellen Ritchey,

Pam Sartain, Reba Smith, Nina Sue Thorndike, Johnny Wills…and our

friends: Jim Barry, Adam Bradford, Inge Crawford, Jim Denson, Cecile

Diamond, Pat Dietrich, Donna Lee Laney, Jake Lee, Al Matson, Sr.,

Mozelle Roberts, Clayton Smith, Rosalee Sprouse, the family of Lani

Sykes, and Carley Wallace.

Christian Fellowship First Christian Church

4202 S. Broadway Tyler, Texas 75701

(903) 561-8138 Website: www.fcctyler.org

E-mail: FirstChristian@fcctyler.org

Christian Fellowship (USPS 559960) Published bi-weekly by First Christian Church

4202 S. Broadway, Tyler, TX 75701 Periodical Postage paid at Tyler TX

POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

4202 S. Broadway, Tyler, TX 75701-8721

THANK YOU…

1 Corinthians 1:4: I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.

The family of Loyd A. George wishes to express our heartfelt appreciation for all the gracious, loving support you provided us during his illness and passing from his earthly home to his heavenly one. We have been sustained by your prayers and visits to the hospi-tal, rehabilitation center, and hospice. We so appreciate those of you who brought the Lord’s Supper to his bedside, and walked with us “through the Valley.” May you be richly blessed, as you have blessed us.