The Christian Messenger

December 8, 2013
Fifth Avenue Church of Christ
115 W. Fifth Ave. Lancaster, OH 43130 740-654-0626 www.myfacc.com e-mail info@myfacc.com

Brad Seevers Senior Minister (740-550-9882) David Tingler Associate Minister

64 to Grayson in Concert Sunday, December 15th

One combined morning worship at 10:00 a.m. Sunday School at 8:45 a.m.

Sunday Services
1st Worship 8:00 a.m. 2nd Worship 10:30 a.m.

Invite a Friend!
Thanks so much for your generosity! Next Sunday, December 15th, will be the deadline for turning in gifts, as they will be delivered Monday. Please remember not to wrap the gifts, but donations of giftwrap would be appreciated.

Bible School 9:15 a.m. Evening Worship 6:00 p.m.

THOUGHTS FROM BRAD

As each day passes, I grow more excited about the Angels & Antlers Christmas Show performed by 64 to Grayson. I hope you invite someone unchurched to this program as it will be an excellent opportunity for all to capture the meaning of Christmas. From what I understand, this 40 minute program is mixed with drama, music and some familiar songs that you will be able to sing along with the group. Again, on December 15th, Bible School begins at 8:45 and we will have a combined service at 10:00. I want to encourage you to consider sending a card of encouragement to Stephanie, Dave and Sue during this difficult time. Please note the address located in the newsletter. I want to thank Ray, Ralph and Wib for being willing to teach Daves class in his absence. Ray plans to be the normal teacher and it is good to know the other men are willing to serve in case he becomes unavailable this Winter. Please allow me to say thank you to Janet, Dan, Jean and Bev for decorating the sanctuary and building for this Christmas season. This time of year brings out both the worst and best in people. It seems that there are always those who act unbelievably foolish during black Friday to get their hands on the latest piece of technology that they just cant live without. People get hurt, and tempers arise. But I would like to suggest for us that this season is about peace. Peace comes when we remember the meaning behind the celebration. Its all about Jesus! Its all about his innocence and his perfection and his salvation that only He can bring to the world. Please dont make this season about the gifts, but make it about the best gift ever known to man. Then and only then, will there be peace in this crazy world. In His Service, Brad

BITS FROM BRO. DAVE

Some of you will be aware that I was able to make it to our Sunday evening worship last week (12/1). I appreciated Joe Hoaglands message. Watching, and listening to him, I can see real growth in his confidence and presentation. We should all take time to encourage our student preachers. It was good to be among dear friends. Sue and I want to thank each and every one of you for your prayers, words of encouragement, notes and phone calls. I am grateful to those who are helping with my Sunday School class. I cannot, at this point make any promises about the time of my return to regular activities. (My Wednesday study groups continue suspended until further notice.) Please continue praying for Stephanies recovery and strength. If you need to contact either one of us you may use the following cell phone numbers: Sue 1-740-503-8321 Dave 1-740-503-7061 Stephanies mailing address: 380 Greenwood Dr. Athens, GA 30606

SPIRITUAL STATISTICS December 1, 2013 Sunday School 1st Morning Worship 2nd Morning Worship Total Morning Worship Evening Worship Weekly Budget Budget Received Van Fund Thanksgiving IDES Youth n/c 98 39 137 53 4,790.00 3,979.89 5.00 250.00 50.00 108.00

Book Nook
For some old-fashioned Christmas stories, we'll be reading A Prairie Christmas Collection throughout the coming weeks, featuring nine stories with a Christmas setting, written by a number of multi-published authors. Join us at the Book Nook meeting on Monday, December 16, at 6:30, to discuss the book and enjoy some Christmas goodies!

$ $ $ $ $ $

SERVING SCHEDULE December 8, 2013

At the Table 1st Serving 1st Serving 2nd Pastor of the week PM Deacon Mike Cooper and Wib Sparks Patrick Wersell, Richard Boyer, Dan Brown, Ray Coats Patrick Wersell Mike Cooper Patrick Wersell

All schedules for 2014 that are published in The Messenger must be turned in to the church office by Sunday, December 15th.

COMMUNION PREPARATION 1st Worship Dan and Janet Brown 2nd Worship Fred Griffith GREETERS 1st Worship 2nd Worship NURSERY Sunday School 2nd Worship VISITOR CENTER 1st Worship 2nd Worship SECURITY 1st Worship Bible School 2nd Worship Evening Worship Carmel and Shirley Marsh Michelle Czich Laura Wersell Jean Azbell Judy Gardner Julie Stuck

Congratulations to Delores Payne on the arrival of her new granddaughter, Evelyn Delores, on Tuesday, December 3rd. Evie weighed 7 lbs. and 12 oz. and was 19 inches long. Congratulations!

Carmel Marsh Bill Kelly Jeff Crook Dick Shumaker

Our heartfelt sympathy to the Jean Azbell family on the passing of her brother, Mike. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Prayer Requests
Jane King Millie Hoy Mark Seevers Jeff Mohler George Ellis Gloria Stuck Linda Flesher Sam Dinsmore Naressa Allen Jeane Goldfarb Meranda Hendricks Stephanie Tingler Alberta Ellis Wib Sparks Bill Foss Anna Lockhart Emily Olney Ron Ogden Our Troops Gladys McCoy

SERVING SCHEDULE December 15, 2013

At the Table 1 Serving 1
st st

Upcoming Events
Sunday, December 15th 64 to Grayson, 10am
(one combined worship)

Serving 2nd Pastor of the week PM Deacon

Mike Cooper and Dick Shumaker Tim Huffman, Ralph Conrad, Don Gardner, Bill Kelly Tim Huffman Mike Cooper Tim Huffman

Sunday School, 8:45am Prayer Team, 5pm Monday, December 16th Book Nook, 6:30pm Tuesday, December 17th Dorcas Christmas party Wednesday, December 18th Elders/Deacons Meeting, 7:30pm (all newly-elected Elders, Deacons, and Trustees are invited to this meeting) Sunday, December 22nd Prayer Team, 5pm Tuesday, December 24th Christmas Eve Service, 7pm

COMMUNION PREPARATION 1st Worship Dan and Janet Brown 2nd Worship Fred Griffith GREETERS 1st Worship 2nd Worship NURSERY Sunday School 2nd Worship VISITOR CENTER 1st Worship 2nd Worship SECURITY 1st Worship Bible School 2nd Worship Evening Worship Thea Kallenberg and Judy Smith Mitch and Tamatha Shell Hannah Ross and Thea Kallenberg Michelle Czich Janet Brown Michelle Czich

Dan Brown Ray Coats Mike Bussey Mike Cooper

Thank you to everyone who helped to construct and paint the crosses for distributing at the Lancaster Christmas Parade. We have now handed out over 8000 crosses. Thanks to all of our volunteers. ~ Lowell Trimmer

Greeter and Visitor Center Schedules 2014 schedules for 1st Worship Greeters and Visitor Center volunteers will be sent out soon. If you would like to assist in one of these ministries, or if you would like to have your name removed from the list, please make a note on your Silent Roll Call Card, or call the church office at 654-0626.

Dorcas Christmas Party

The Dorcas Christmas party will be at Cindy Bradens house in Baltimore on Tuesday, December 17th. Anyone wishing to go should call Linda Daubenmire at 653-0149 so she can let Cindy know how many will be attending, and so that plans can be made for transportation. All ladies are invited!

WELCOME TO FIFTH AVENUE! At FACC, we focus on loving God, loving people, and turning the world upside down. We are happy you chose to worship with us today. We hope you return next week and bring your friends with you. If you would please take a few minutes to fill out a Silent Roll Call Card, located on the back of the pew, you can then place it in the offering plate as it is passed. Thank you. For more information about our great church, contact our minister, Brad Seevers at Brad@newchurches.org or call him at 740.550.9882. Have a great week and may God bless your life.
DIRECTORY UPDATES Jean Azbell 740-215-4177 (cell) Myrtle Campbell 330 Trace Dr., Apt. 313 Lancaster, OH 43130 653-9798 Pam Schmeltzer 4615 Logan-Thornville Rd., NE Rushville, OH 43150 Lois Wilson 330 Trace Dr., Apt. 312 Lancaster, OH 43130 689-9707

Sunday School Classes for All Ages

Classes at 9:15 unless noted
Nursery (Birth through 3 years old) Jesus Loves Me Room 102 Preschool (Ages 3-6) Jesus Early Life Room 105 Marie Huffman, Teacher Early Elementary (Kindergarten through 2nd Grade) Jesus, Our Example Room 101 Deborah Will, Teacher Middle Elementary (3rd, 4th, and 5th Grades) Jesus, Our Example Room 106 Becky Hoagland, Teacher Junior High Jesus and Self-Esteem Room 306 Nick Hinson, Teacher Senior High Jesus and My Life Room 308 Nick Barrell, Teacher Young Ladies Class (8:00 a.m.) Multiplied Room 306 Cassie Bull, Teacher Ladies Class "Sharing Jesus Without Fear" Room 209 Beverly Puckett, Teacher Mens Class Hearing Gods Word Room 205 Adult Class The Book of Titus Room 214 Brad Seevers, Teacher Harmony Adult Class Jesus and the Just Reign of God Room 204 Dave Tingler, Teacher Philothean Adult Class Parables Room 108 Jim Love, Teacher

Leadership for 2014

Elders: Mike Cooper, Fred Griffith, Dave Tingler, Patrick Wersell Deacons: Josh Czich, Tim Huffman, Bob Neff, Dale Rose, Lowell Trimmer Trustees: John Baird, Dan Brown, Tim Huffman, Larry King, George Lambert, Dave Riggenbach Treasurer: Jean Azbell Assistant to the Treasurer: Julie Stuck Financial Secretary: Marg Shumaker Sunday School Superintendent: Kathryn Albertson Missions Secretary-Treasurer: Patrick Wersell In addition those elected for 2014, the Budget for 2014 was approved.

How Will You Respond Luke 1 Brad Seevers preaching

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Core Values...
Values central to the life, mission and vision of Fifth Avenue Church of Christ are: Christ-Centered Worship
We make it a priority every Sunday to celebrate Jesus through our music. (Romans 11:36-12:1-2). We focus on Jesus through gracebased preaching and teaching & understand the Bible is our authority (2 Timothy 3:16).

Church Health and Biblical Balance

Church health becomes reality when God's people seek harmony & live consistently. We expect every member to protect the unity of Christ's Church. (Romans 12:16; 1 Peter 3:8)

Global Evangelism
We are constant to our founding call to worldwide evangelism, proclaiming to all that Jesus Christ is the Savior, Healer, and SoonComing King (Acts 20:27).

Fellowship and Ministry

After people begin their journey with Jesus, we will equip them to find a ministry based upon their strengths. We want everyone to serve in some capacity. (1 Corinthians 12:12-27) We also want His church to be the living evidence of His love and power to the world.

Discipleship
We do not want you to "get religion" here at Fifth Avenue Church of Christ in Lancaster. We are all about teaching you that Jesus seeks a daily relationship with Him through a life of obedience. In other words, we want to see the things you are taught actually change your lifestyle & your daily decisions.

How Can I Respond Today?

At FACC we look to the Bible for guidance on all issues. We believe that Gods Word is clear concerning what a person must do to become a Christian. Trust that Jesus can bring you to salvation. Turn (repent) from the sin in your life. Confess your desire to make Jesus the Lord of your life. Be baptized (immersed) in water for the forgiveness of sins and to receive the Holy Spirit into your life. To make this life decision for Christ, we ask that you come forward during our commitment song at the conclusion of the Sunday message. Baptized believers are welcome to become members at FACC by coming forward on Sunday morning or by seeing our Senior Minister to discuss this further. We ask that you complete a series of Curious classes to help you better understand what you are committing to as a member.

Social Conscience
We place high value on the sanctity of human life, of Biblical marriage and morality, and we welcome ethnic diversity (Isaiah 56:7; Philippians 2:15-16).

OUR PURPOSE

WE EXIST TO
Exalt Gods Greatness; Evangelize Gods Work Equip Gods People Express Gods Love through Jesus Christ

OUR MISSION

To Love God and Love People!