he

Vol. 67, No. 11

T
Courier
C Bellingham First Christian Church
An Open and Arming Congregation November 2017

Three Great Events, One Special Day

Saturday, November 11
Share the Spirit 9a - 3p

Bazaar Our Share the Spirit Bazaar and Alternative

Saturday
November 11
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Now partnered with:
Multifaith Alternative Holiday Market
& FCC Alternative Christmas Faire
First Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
495 East Bakerview Road
Bellingham, WA 98226
360.734.6820
office@bellinghamdisciples.org
Christmas Fair have joined forces AND
partnered with the Multifaith Alternative
Holiday Market. What does this mean for you?
One magnificent day of shopping, eating, and
saving the world!
How can that be?
100% of the funds raised by the bazaar are
Use your holiday dollars in life
given to local and international outreach
saving, world changing ways! organizations.
Come early for breakfast in our
cafe, find hidden treasures in
Grannys Attic, shop for beautifully
The Alternative Christmas Fair funds are sent
handcrafted items to put under your directly to Week of Compassion and Global
Christmas tree and baked goods to
share with friends and family.
Ministries, as per the directions of the donors.
Support local and international non-
profits, then stay for homemade The Alternative Holiday Market funds are
soup and pie for lunch.
also designated by the donor and support
each individual local or international non-
Beverages & Cinnamon Rolls
profit represented here that day. (e.g. Sean
served 9 - 11 a.m. Humphrey House, Relay for Life, Whatcom
Lunch served 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Marine Mammal Stranding Network, SERRV)

Come join the fun as we learn about a few of the amazing non-profits in our own community, enjoy the
handiwork and talents of our own church folk, and raise funds for Gods animals, people, and earth.
Remember: raffle tickets will be available the day of the event. This years raffle will feature a stained
glass piece by John Riseland, a basket of chocolate, and a $100 gift card. Who wants to win them all?!

Interfaith Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service

Wednesday, November 22
6:30 p.m.
Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship will host this years Interfaith
Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service, giving thanks for the many
blessings God and Gods good creation have provided.
Shoes News

First Christian Church

(Disciples of Christ)
Shoes News
Into the Breach
495 East Bakerview Road
Bellingham, WA 98226 We live in fascinating times. And by that I mean that we live in
360.734.6820 challenging times. And by that I mean that we have a lot of work to
office@bellinghamdisciples.org do.
www.bellinghamdisciples.org
Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter As followers of Jesus, we never have the option of just sitting around
watching as things fall apart. When Jesus walked this earth, his society
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
was in crisis. The rich were getting richer and the poor were getting
A movement for wholeness in a fragmented
world. As part of the one body of Christ, we
poorer. (Sound familiar?)
welcome all to the Lords Table as God Jesus called his followers and listeners to be generous and caring. He
welcomed us.
calls us to do the same. He also challenged the oppressive structure of
All of Us his day. He called the common folk and the outcast to become part of
Ministers the movement he called the Kindom of God. This was a radical
Rev. Gary Shoemaker departure from the norm, because only rich and well situated were
Pastor seen to have power.
gary@bellinghamdisciples.org
Rev. Tamalyn Kralman
Jesus led a movement that challenged that presupposition. He leveled
Director of Education & Community Outreach the playing field. In fact he sort of upended the playing field by saying
Courier Editor that the last shall be first and the first shall be last. He told the
tamalyn@bellinghamdisciples.org religious elite that the prostitutes and tax collectors were entering the
Kindom of God ahead of them.
Amelia Nye
Accompanist Today, we are seeing a resurgence of the very power structures that
Katie Ramstead Jesus challenged. As followers of Jesus, we need to challenge them as
Childcare Providers well. The poor and vulnerable are being left out in the cold in the
Rev. Sandy Messick current political climate. Only those with wealth and influence are
Regional Minister being listened to these days. The church has been silent. Or worse, the
Rev. Teresa Hord Owens church has been complicit in supporting the movement that is taking
General Minister and President away some of the basic rights and needs of those were called to
protect. Having said that, I need to be quick to say that not all
Sunday Schedule (begins 9/10/17)
churches are falling down on the job. But there is a loud and powerful
10:50 a.m. Gathering Time
9:30 a.m. Adult Sunday School
section of the church that has wed itself to a nationalistic, selfish, short
11 a.m. Worship sighted program that is quickly unraveling the fabric that was the
12:15 p.m. Fellowship Time safety net of society.
1 p.m. Out-to-Lunch Bunch (4th Sunday)
2 p.m. Someone Cares! Community Meal
Jesus stood for something far more compassionate. Jesus stood for
(2nd Sunday) something far more inclusive. Jesus stood for something called the
Office Hours Kindom of God. A place where all are important; all are cared for; all
Tuesday - Friday have enough; all are loved; all are included.
9 a.m. - noon
Our staff are in and out of the office throughout the
The followers of Jesus know what we have to do. We need to get busy,
week. Please feel free to stop by during their office raise our voices in opposition to that part of the church that has
hours or make an appointment that fits your schedule. become complicit with the Empire, and echo the teaching and actions
of Jesus in our time and place.
Officers
Renee Hoemann, Moderator Theres a gathering in Seattle (on the UW Campus) in early November
Don Hoffman, Vice Moderator that will be organizing for just such a movement. The leaders of a
Cheryl Perry, Treasurer national movement called Repairers of the Breach (including
Melissa Henderson, Secretary
Disciples pastor from North Carolina, Rev. Dr. William Barber II) will
Important Links: attempt to call us to action. If youre interested in going, Im hoping to
Regional Website (including monthly have a group attend.
newsletter): disciplesnw.org
General Church Website: disciples.org Pastor Gary

2 November 2017
 Nurses Notes

The Soul on Fire: A Few Words About Anger

We all know what anger feels like from simple annoyance to full fledged rage. Actually, anger is a
Nurses normal, healthy human emotion. It is actually a survival technique, allowing us to react to danger or
Notes threat to get out of the way or try to protect ourselves. What is not good is when anger becomes
uncontrolled rage, then it becomes destructive and has its effect felt at home, at work, in personal and
social relationships. Indeed, the general quality of life and health is affected by uncontrolled anger.
Anger is "an emotional state that varies in intensity from mild irritation to intense fury and rage" (Dr. Charles
Spielberger, PhD). As with other emotions, anger is accompanied by physiological and biological changes: increased
heart rate and blood pressure, as well as the levels of energy hormones which include cortisol, adrenaline and
noradrenaline which can have negative effects on the body.
Anger can be caused by external and internal events: by worrying or brooding about personal problems, or memories
of traumatic events. We can usually control anger by our built in restraints, common sense, social norms, and laws.
We use a variety of conscious and unconscious processes to deal with angry feelings. We can deal with anger by
expression, suppression, and calming. Expressing anger assertively, not aggressively is healthy. Healthy expression of
anger can be learned by making needs clearly known, how to get those needs met without hurting others, by being
respectful of self an others.
Anger can be converted or redirected so as to inhibit or suppress it so as to convert it into constructive behavior. Anger
must be expressed in a positive way so as to avoid the danger of turning unexpressed anger inward. Anger turned
inward causes hypertension, and/or depression. Other problems arise from unexpressed anger such as passive-
aggressive behavior (getting back at people indirectly without telling them why), or a personality that seems constantly
cynical and hostile. Constantly putting others down, criticizing every thing, making cynical comments shows that
constructive expression of anger has not yet been learned with the outcome of unsuccessful relationships.
The notion that it is healthy to freely express anger is a myth. This theory can be used as an excuse or license to hurt
others. Letting anger out in undisciplined ways actually escalates anger and aggression and does nothing to help
resolve the situation.
Learning proper anger management requires inward reflection as to what triggers anger and then to develop strategies to
keep the triggers from spilling over the edge into uncontrolled anger. Often this process needs the help of a mental health
professional (see list of counselors available in Bellingham on the health information board in the fellowship hall).
Some strategies for controlling anger include:
relaxation (deep breathing, meditation, relaxing imagery, etc)
changing the way of thinking (cognitive restructuring; moving from exaggerated or overly dramatic thinking to more
rational ones)
logic defeats anger (It's understandable that I am angry but its not the end of the world. Anger will not fix the
problem. The world is not out to get me.)
problem solving (look for a solution, make a plan, be reasonable in expectation, be patient with progress)
communication (avoid inaccurate conclusions, slow down and think before speaking, listen carefully so as to clearly
understand what the other person meant; anger is often a product of what we thought was meant and not what was
really meant)
time out (to avoid feeling trapped by a situation, move, become active, go for a walk, separate self for awhile so as to
calm and rethink the problem, write thoughts in journal, talk to someone who is objective and can be trusted)
As we look at the chaos in our world today, both nationally and globally and in our personal lives, we need to find ways
to better understand ourselves and others, and to find ways to bring peace and reason. May our connection to the
Sacred help us in this task. (Resource: American Psychological Association)
Reflection: As a nation we are in chaotic times and as a result we sometimes react with anger. We need to be informed
and do what we can socially and politically to bring calm. We need to avoid being the problem by resorting to
undisciplined anger. Peace is an individual responsibility, it begins with each one of us as we interact with others,
especially those with differing beliefs. May we have the vision of a world of unity, peace, kindness and understanding. A
world where all are accepted and valued for who they are. "A fool gives full vent to anger, but a wise man keeps
himself under control. Pr.29: 11 "Let us be quick to listen and slow to speak and slow to become angry..." James 1: 19.
May we grieve for the tumult we are living in nationally. May we move forward with a vision of harmony and goodness
for all. May God inspire and move us forward into better times. Amen
Jane E. Kletka, RN
Faith Community Nurse

November 2017 3
Whos on First?! Birthdays & Anniversaries Joys & Concerns

Sunday, November 5
Elders: Kelvin Smith (O), Joe Plancich (C)
Lock-Up: Kelvin Smith Happy Birthday Jack Schmidling 17
In Home Communion: Melody Hoffman Bethany Hoemann 1 Ann Hall 21
Joe Plancich Bridget Naidu 1 Lois Oswalt 27
Deacons: Kathy Wheeler, Bentley Becker Linda Botts 2 Bea Gilfilen 28
Reader: Betty Schmidling Pat McGovern 2
Flowers: TBD Mkena Schmidling 14 Happy Anniversary
Fellowship Time: TBD Sarah Hulbert 15 Bill & Debbie Ruther 12
Ahline Botts 16
Sunday, November 12
Elders: John Riseland (O), Gregg Heyne (C)
Deacons: James Becker, Linda Heyne
Reader: Megan Shoemaker
Be the Hands of God (nurture the world)
Flowers: TBD
Fellowship Time: TBD Annual Bazaar Promise Day Center
Alternative Market Food Bank collections
Sunday, November 19 Blessing Bags Josephs Closet
Elders: Brenda Riseland (O), Jane Kletka (C) CAST Hospitals & wells
Deacons: Renee Hoemann, Celia Obrecht Comfort Quilt Ministry (Africa)
Reader: Gregg Heyne Community Gardens Jesus Has Left the
Flowers: TBD Community Meal Building
Fellowship Time: TBD Disciples House (soon Family Promise Hosts
to be the Family Socks on the Street
Sunday, November 26
Elders: Joe Plancich (O), Don Hoffman C) For more info on how to assist in any of these projects,
Deacons: Pat Whitney, Kris Ann Lewis please contact us at office@bellinghamdisciples.org.
Reader: Melody Hoffman
Flowers & Fellowship Time: Esther Group
Be a Part of A Small Group (nurture your soul)
Sign up in the fellowship hall to help in these
Women's Spiritual Growth Groups - Please contact
important ministries:
the church office if you would like to be a part of a group.
Read scripture during Sunday morning worship Out-to-Lunch Bunch, 12:30 p.m., 4th Sundays - An
Bring flowers for Sunday worship informal gathering that visits locally owned restaurants.
Book Group, 7 p.m., 4th Sundays - This group
Provide goodies for fellowship time following explores books to expand their minds and hearts.
Sunday worship Esther Group, 11:30 a.m., 3rd Mondays - A women's
Please contact the office for more info. group that meets for lunch in local restaurants. (No host.)
Bible Study, Noon, Tuesdays - Meeting in the church
library, this group explores the lectionary scriptures.
Whatever your station in life, permit me to Pub Theology, 6:30 p.m., 3rd Thursdays - Beer,
plant this important instruction as a seed in conversation, and God! (Or any beverage of your choice.)
your heart: embrace and cherish a public Currently meeting at the Food Co-op, 1220 N. Forest.
spirit. Serve your generation. Live not for Checking in Group, 5 p.m., 4th Thursdays -supportive
group of people who share life's journey together.
yourselves but for the public.
Men's Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., Saturdays at Denny's -
Samuel Davies, 1723-1761 All men are invited to join this weekly breakfast group for
Presbyterian Pastor fun and fellowship. (No host.)

4 November 2017
News Around the Church Joys & Concerns

SOS NEEDS YOUR HELP

A reminder that folks who live on the street and in low
income housing and who frequent the downtown CAST
program need socks especially now that the weather is
getting cool. For several years our church has been
donating new mens crew socks and supporting our
ongoing Socks On The Street ministry to these downtown
people.
Please remember to bring socks and place them in the
SOS bin in the fellowship hall. Or if you prefer not to
shop, give your cash to Brenda Riseland and she will shop
for socks for you.
The need for clean, dry socks is a year round concern.
The socks are much appreciated by the CAST guests who Daylight Saving ends Sunday, November 5.
receive them. Have questions: Ask Brenda. Remember to change your clocks Saturday,
November 4, before you go to bed.

Joys and Concerns

Please submit written requests to update this list.
Medical concerns:
Helen Blaney
Kelly Franks
Marlin Erickson
Lois Oswalt
Its the Hardest, Most Important Job
Marian Crim
You may have noticed that weve re-introduced Childrens
Chloe Gibson
Moment and Childrens Church. Its been a good, long
Daisy Shoemaker, Pastor Garys mom
while since weve had enough wee ones around here to
Gary Schwebel, Diana Findlays son
enjoy these fun commodities. But, little ones we have and
Pat Spiller, Kris Anns stepdad-in-law
educate them we must. Lifes challenges:
Faith formation is a lifelong process that begins from our Lois Oswalt, on the passing of son Jess
earliest days. How we are received in church, how we Katie, Bob Fishers daughter
experience each and every moment, each and every Matthew, Kris Ann Lewiss nephew
person, how we hear the stories of the Bible, all play an Beyond Our Walls:
important role in how we experience God and determine For the healing of our nation
how we will live our lives. It also determines the future Refugees worldwide
role we will play in church. Rev. Sandy Messick, Regional Minister and
President
Working with the children of the church is a significant
Rev. Teresa Hord Owens, General Minister and
responsibility. But, if you have the interest, we will train President
you and we will provide the materials you need.
For a complete list, please see the Sunday bulletin or
Please contact Tamalyn Kralman for more info. contact the office.

A Big Thank You Thank You So Much

My thanks go to the Becker Family, for gifting me a lovely
wooden box to use as a computer stand. They grew weary We want to thank the church for the beautiful service
of watching me strain my eyes and my neck, as well as to remember our Mom, and for all the love you all
slowly destroy my beloved books, in an effort to raise the have shown her over the years.
computer to eye level! Our appreciation and love,
My doctors, my books, and I thank you! Jon & Linda Cavnar & Family
Tamalyn

November 2017 5
Family Page

Thanksgiving Devotions for the Household Thanksgiving Coloring Page

Gracious God, we dont always remember to
show you our gratitude. Thank you for your
unending presence, unconditional love and
mercy. We thank you for this meal that we are Count your blessings
large and small!
sharing today. May it nourish us for service in
your world. May our gratitude lead us to
willingly share what we have with your people
in need. In Jesus name we pray.
Amen.
Where do you need Gods abundance in your
life?
How did you share Gods abundance today?
Rejoice always for God loves you now and Click here for a full size coloring page.
forever.

Faith Focus Tips from Tam

How often do you complain about the actions of
others? Once a day? Fivetimes a day? More? Is it
everytime someone cuts you off, or doesnt hold a
door, or doesnt see you because they are caught in
their own troubles?
How often do you give thanks?
What does Jesus expect? Do we know from the text?
Only one in ten lepers returns to give thanks. Is that a
good ratio? Should it be more? Was Jesus expecting
less? He does mention that it was a foreigner who
returned, maybe he was expecting no thanks at all.
How often do we give thanks? There it is again! It is
so easy to complain. We complain about weather,
about traffic, about the cost of food, about the
business of our lives. Sometimes I feel like if the story
of the lepers were told today that they would complain
about not being healed until they started walking to
see the priests! Cant this happen faster?
But, do we give thanks for weather that brings rain for
crops, or that brings snow for water supply. Do we
give thanks that we have a need to be in traffic, to get
to a job or see a loved one. Do we give thanks that
there is food to eat and people to share it with?
Go and be thankful!
This time of year is so beautiful. The
ever changing weather offers endless
opportunities to study the glories of
nature. Go measure the rainfall, jump
in puddles, walk in the wind, catch the
falling, blowing leaves, and just watch
Mother Nature at her best. Or,
snuggle up in a blanket, do your
observations through a window, and
drink some hot cocoa. (Fair trade
cocoa, of course!)
Enjoy each and every day of this fall
season, as a family. Find new things
to do and enjoy. And, as you prepare
for Thanksgiving, check out this site
for good insight on why we celebrate
and good ways to do so with little
ones: https://www.brighthorizons.com/
family-resources/e-family-news/2012-
thanksgiving-a-time-for-family
Wishing you peace for your season,
Tamalyn
Devotions & Faith Focus provided by:
faithformationjourneys.org

6 November 2017
Stewardship Report From the Community

by Bekki Weston Reminder that the funds in

Stewardship the Offerings column are
just that; other designated
Checkbook Balance funds monies have been
Oerings Expenses at End of Month received, and are included
December $27,673.18 in the Checkbook Balance.

January $9,958.92 $14,109.81 $24,155.42 July Offerings include one-

February $10,726.99 $14,747.92 $21,104.77 time donations of
approximately $7,500.
March $9,538.25 $16,720.63 $14,226.40
April $12,899.69 $10,257.04 $17,772.55 Starting in July, the $1,000
rent from the Saturday
May $10,208.00 $15,888.20 $12,305.27 Church is now going into
June $11,443.80 $12,800.14 $12,831.35 the General Fund
(Offerings), instead of the
July $20,381.25 $11,023.68 $24.312.92 Building Fund (Designated
August $10,164.00 $12,630.55 $22,550.45 Fund).

September $12,739.00 $14,200.05 $22,213.05

Still to Come at Faith Lutheran Church

New Eyes for Reading the Old Testament
Fri., Nov. 10, 7-9p Free Lecture (with follow-up
workshop on Sat., Nov. 11, 10a-3p, $35, includes
lunch)
Leader: The Rev. Dr. Patricia Dutcher-Walls, Dean
and Professor of Hebrew Bible

Four Gospels Many Resurrections

Fri., Dec. 1, 7-9p Free Lecture (with follow-up
workshop on Sat., Dec. 2, 10a-3p, $35, includes
lunch)
Leader: Dr. Harry Maier, Professor of New
Testament and Early Christian Studies
For more info and registration: 360.733.3970 or
office@faithbellingham.org
Our Neighbors in Need Are Young
Blues Skies for Children, Lydia Place, and Skookum
Kids all need blankets. Fleece blankets, baby
blankets, quilts. For ages newborn to 18-years. If
you make them, we will deliver them. Because no
one that young should be sad or cold.
Breaking the Cycle Breakfast
November 9, 2017
7:30 - 8:30a
Hotel Bellwether
1 Bellwether Way
Join Brigid Collins Family Support Center for a
complimentary breakfast to help brighten childrens lives. all
contributions benefit the Childrens Advocacy Center of
Whatcom County. Register to attend or make a contribution
in lieu of attendance at www.bridigcollins.org/whatcom-
breakfast/ or call 360.734.4616.

November 2017 7
8
First Christian Church, Christian Holidays, Holidays in United States
November 2017 Nov 2017 (Pacific Time)
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
29 30 31 1 2 3 4

9 : 3 0 a m - Adult Sun. School 6 : 4 5 p m - [Boy Scouts] Halloween All Saints' Day All Souls' Day 6 : 3 0 p m - [Iglesia de Dios] change clocks before bed

1 0 : 5 0 a m - Gathering Time 1 2 p m - Bible Study Bulletin deadline 7pm - [4H] 7 : 3 0 a m - Men's Brkfst,
Denny's
1 1 a m - Worship 5 : 3 0 p m - Spanish Class 6 p m - Bell Choir 9 a m - [Iglesia de Dios]

1 2 : 1 5 p m - Fellowship time 6 : 3 0 p m - [Toppers] 7 p m - Choir Rehearsal @

Choir Room

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Daylight Saving Time ends 6 : 4 5 p m - [Boy Scouts] 1 2 p m - Bible Study Bulletin deadline Veterans Day observed Veterans Day
November 2017 calendar

9 : 3 0 a m - Adult Sun. School 5 : 3 0 p m - Spanish Class 6 p m - Bell Choir 6 : 3 0 p m - [Iglesia de Dios] 7 : 3 0 a m - Men's Brkfst,
Denny's
1 0 : 5 0 a m - Gathering Time 6 : 3 0 p m - [Toppers] 7 p m - Choir Rehearsal @ 9 a m - [Iglesia de Dios]
Choir Room
1 1 a m - Worship 9 a m - Bazaar & Alt Mkt

1 2 : 1 5 p m - Fellowship time

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

9 : 3 0 a m - Adult Sun. School 6 : 3 0 p m - Stewardship Mtg 1 2 p m - Bible Study Bulletin deadline 6 : 3 0 p m - Pub Theology, 6 : 3 0 p m - [Iglesia de Dios] 7 : 3 0 a m - Men's Brkfst,
location TBD Denny's
1 0 : 5 0 a m - Gathering Time 6 : 4 5 p m - [Boy Scouts] 5 : 3 0 p m - Spanish Class Courier deadline 9 a m - [Iglesia de Dios]

1 1 a m - Worship 6 : 3 0 p m - [Toppers] 6 p m - Bell Choir

1 2 : 1 5 p m - Fellowship time 6 : 4 5 p m - [Guide Dogs]

2 p m - Community Meal 7 p m - Choir Rehearsal @

Choir Room

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

9 : 3 0 a m - Adult Sun. School 1 1 : 3 0 a m - Esther Grp 1 2 p m - Bible Study Bulletin deadline Thanksgiving Day 6 : 3 0 p m - [Iglesia de Dios] 7 : 3 0 a m - Men's Brkfst,
Lunch Denny's
1 0 : 5 0 a m - Gathering Time 6 : 4 5 p m - [Boy Scouts] 5 : 3 0 p m - Spanish Class 6 p m - Bell Choir 9 a m - [Iglesia de Dios]

1 1 a m - Worship 6 : 3 0 p m - [Toppers] 7 p m - Choir Rehearsal @

Choir Room
1 2 : 1 5 p m - Fellowship time

26 27 28 29 30 1 2

Cookie recipes due 6 : 4 5 p m - [Boy Scouts] 1 2 p m - Bible Study Bulletin deadline 5:30pm - Nurture Mtg 6 : 3 0 p m - [Iglesia de Dios] 7 : 3 0 a m - Men's Brkfst,
Denny's
9 : 3 0 a m - Adult Sun. School 5 : 3 0 p m - Spanish Class 6 p m - Bell Choir 9 a m - [Iglesia de Dios]

1 0 : 5 0 a m - Gathering Time 6 : 3 0 p m - [Toppers] 7 p m - Choir Rehearsal @

Choir Room
1 1 a m - Worship

1 2 : 1 5 p m - Fellowship time
Save the Dates:
1 p m - Out-to-Lunch Bunch
Sat., Dec. 2, 10a Hanging of the Greens
7 p m - Book Group
Sat., Dec. 9, 1p Cookie Exchange

November 2017