As part of our second worship service, the FCC Choir will present their latest offering composed by Choir

director Ken Potter, entitled You Shall Receive. The seven song work takes its inspiration from the styles and genres of older Christmas Carols, chants, and sermons, and presents them in a new way. Please join us for this spectacular premiere offering on the morning of December 19th 10:30 AM, at Torrance First Christian Church.

Page 1

December 2, 2010

Disciples Womens Ministry

The December DWF Luncheon will be held on Sunday, December 5th. The program for the luncheon will be a clarinet ensemble group from Torrance High. Allison Redderson-Lear is a member of the group and we all look forward to hearing her play. The service project for the December luncheon will be the prayer shawl ministry. The prayer shawl ministry was started in May of 1997 by two women, Janet Bristow and Victoria A. Cole-Galo. The traditional knit three, purl three pattern that many shawls are made with was Vickys variation of a seed stitch which is symbolic of planting our prayers. The three stitch seed pattern was selected as symbolic of planting peace, healing, love, comfort and hope into the shawls by the shawl maker for the receiver. The number three is significant in many ways here are a few of them:

There are three keys of music. Do, Fa, and So are the three most important notes in music. The combination of thought, word, and deed is the sum of the capability of humans. There are three primary colors with which it is possible to obtain all the colors. In the Christian faith tradition, the number 3, symbolized by the Trinity (Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer), has come to mean wholeness. The 3 attributes of God are omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence. It is said that the number 3 is used 523 times in Scripture! We have been encouraged to live and act in faith/hope/charity.

Adult Sunday Class

Our Sunday morning Adult Class has just begun an Advent discussion on Preparing for Christ Vs. Preparing for Christmas. The class meets in Room 7 at 9:30or as soon after first service as possible! Discussion is always lively and enlightening. All are welcome!

Wednesday Morning Bible Study

Our Wednesday Morning Bible Study has just started a study on the first two chapters of Luke for Advent and Christmas. We meet in Sippel Hall from 10:00 to 11:30 on Wednesdays. All are welcome!
Page 2

Endowment Fund Update

In Remembrance.. Members of Torrance First Christian Church gather each week around the communion table, reciting the words of Christ and participating in the sacred meal in remembrance of Jesus. That gift has been handed down generation to generation. As we recall the names of those who have died, our minds are filled with precious memories. We are their legacy, and much of what we have in both material and non-material things has been handed down to us from them. As you plan for the distribution of your assets at your death, consider a charitable bequest to your church. This is one way your faith can be transferred to the next generation. This, and other types of planned gifts, can undergird our congregations ministry in perpetuity, providing resources that will allow future generations of Disciples to worship, serve others and continue the vital ministries of the church. Christians also can use their estates to demonstrate one final act of stewardship. Our possessions are gifts from God, and God has intended for us to use them wisely throughout our lifetimes. Through our estate plans, we can provide for our loved ones while also making a faithful distribution back to God to further Gods work. We will be remembered by our giving. Please remember the church in your will. Our Churchs Endowment Fund continues to gain this fiscal year, recovering from prior years losses. As of October 1, the fund includes $132,461 in two Funds managed by the Christian Church Foundation in Indianapolis, and $51,278 in CDs. The Endowment Fund Committee would like to thank and acknowledge recent gifts to our Churchs Endowment Fund: From Doris Wilson in memory of Sharon Dexter From Frances Marshall in memory of Sharon Dexter From Helen Smith in memory of Sharon Dexter We hope you will remember our Churchs Endowment Fund in your estate planning, and/or as a way to honor and recognize a birthday, graduation, anniversary, etc., for someone special. Simply indicate that you wish the gift to go to the Endowment Fund. Informational brochures are available in the narthex and pews. A link on the Churchs website also has information about the Fund. If you have any questions, please contact one of the directors listed below.

Betsy Galyardt

Jack Perry

Francisco Sanchez
Page 3

Andrea Whobrey

Doris Wilson

My Dear Church Family,

I want to greet and thank you with all my heart for making my book signing on November 7th a success. It was exciting to see many of you who cared to share with my joy. I know I cannot thank you enough so I ask God to continue to bless you and bless this church. I must also say my gratitude to pastor Steve for the wonderful PR he gave my newest book and to David who was there to help me pull the tables together. I hope you will enjoy the books and may each one inspire you as you grow spiritually and in truth. Should you want more books especially for gifts, please call me at 310-325-0009 or visit our website, www.asomughafoundation.org OR www.owinfoundation.org. All three books are also featured on Barnes and Nobles, www.amazon.com, on demand on Ingram/Spring Arbor and on www.xulonpress.com. Enjoy your readings. Thank you for your support and remain blessed. Lilian Asomugha

Advent Devotional Booklet

Thanks to all those who contributed to this years Advent Devotional collectionwhat a wonderful variety of inspiring and provoking reflections! Copies are still available, or you can receive the devotionals one day at a time, as they are being sent out electronically each day through Advent as part of our continuing Prayer Journal ministry.

Directory Changes
Al & Samantha Lubrani 2674 W. 232nd Street Torrance, Ca. 90505 (310) 325-6590 slubrani88@att.net

With Sympathy
We are saddened to report the death of the Kirbys friends three year-old granddaughter, ReAnne, to cancer. The family has gained great comfort from one of our prayer shawls. We also hold a friend of Amanda Ruhs in our prayers, whose two month-old daughter died from a viral infection. Karen Jacksons friend Kay Cahills husband died after a rapid decline from pneumonia Kay needs prayer also for her sister, who is battling colon cancer. We recently received word that former member John King died in January of this year. Our prayers are with his wife Phyllis, especially at this time of year. Cards can be sent to Phyllis at: 1000 Town Center Drive. #3100 Klamath, Oregon 97601
Page 4

CHURCH FAMILY PRAYERS & CONCERNS

We continue to hold Ted Oden, Brenda Poindexter, and the new church effort in Westchester in our prayers. Camelia Olloque asks for prayers for her niece, Amanda, who has preeclampsia, and has had to deliver her daughter at 25 weeks. Burt Mann (Chuck Bruleys room-mate) is home after hospital treatment for bleeding Families touched by cancer: Ernest Wheatley (Bills brother)June Perkins' s son-in-law Doug JohnstonChuck Baless cousin, Russell ReynoldsDean Noble (Haley & Madison Nobles grandfather), Shawn Knutson (Kelly Rogerss sister) and Vi Fietz (Steves stepmother). Ted & Janie Odens nephew, Robbie Hammel, is struggling with depression. We also pray for all others with mental health issues, especially this time of year. Elba Woodss friend's 5-month old granddaughter Sofia, is doing well after cranial surgery. Chery Carew asks for prayer for her sister, Linda, who has injured an ankle on which she had surgery last year. Shirley Woodmans friend Anne Smiley has a broken leg, but will not need surgery (Anne helped Shirley get her new job.) Karen Jackson asks for prayer on behalf of her neighbor, Florence Adler, who has been hospitalized with congestive heart failure. Karen also asks for continued prayer for Jamie Dihn, who has not recovered from a childbirth epidural, and for Joy Painter, who is coping with cataract surgery complications. Others in continuing recovery or illness: Keith McGiffin, Ron Kirbys mother, Randy Coleman, Ethan Forbes, and Earl Woodss great-aunt. Dimitri Monson asks for prayer for possible legal difficulties with a business associate. Jun Pagdilao is back from Australia and the memorial service for Noras mother; Nora will remain a little longer, as her father, Apolinar Reyes, is having tests regarding a provisional diagnosis of lymphoma. Others separated from loved ones: Sarah Iannucci asks for continued prayers for her mother in the Philippines Brandon Matson has completed Army Ranger training, and will be deployed to Iraq in FebruaryRommel Embisan and family are traveling to see extended family in the Philippines. For those struggling with addiction, and their families. For those dealing with unemployment and income insecurity. For others around the globe who are suffering.
Page 5

December 2010
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday WORSHIP SERVICES 8:30 and 10:30 am Sunday School 9:30 am
1

Thur

5
Disciple Womens Lunch 12:00 Trustee Meeting 7:00

6
Prayer Meeting 5:45 Prayer Shawl 7:00

7
Bible Study 10:00 Prayer Shawl 2:00 Board Meeting 7:00 Choir 7:00

New 7:00

12
Childrens Christmas Program 10:30 a.m. All Church Christmas Party/Hayride 5:00 p.m. Newsletter

13

14
Love Group 9:30 Faith Group 1:30 Prayer Meeting 5:45 Prayer Shawl 7:00
Bible Study 10:00 Prayer Shawl 2:00 Elders 7:00

15

Ch 7

19
Christmas Cantata 10:30 a.m.

20

21
Longest Night Prayer Meeting 5:45 Prayer Shawl 7:00

22

Bible Study 10:00 Prayer Shawl 2:00

26

27

28
Prayer Meeting 5:45

29

Pastor Steve on vacation Through January 5th.

Page 6

rsday

Friday

Saturday
December Birthdays

10

w Hope 0 p.m.

16

17

hoir :00

23

24

Christmas Eve Service 5:00 p.m.

Dorothy Rind (1) Arlene Zingery (2) 4 Stacy Martinez (2) Tommy Wood (4) Dylan Rogers (4) Mike Mine (5) Betty Fenton (5) Jean Steenson (6) Laura Duncan(8) 11 Roger Grove (9) Donis Johns (10) Ruthie Totes (10) Janie Oden (12) Kristi Marvin (13) Courtney Colston (14) Eric Johns (15) Lynn Jonas (18) Jun Pagdilao (18) 18 Nduka Ibe (18) Helene Strayer (19) Mens Breakfast Jose Gonzalez (19) Christy Brummett (22) 8:30 a.m. Grant Galyardt (24) Carrie Fontaine (25) Mackenzie Monson (25) Ellen McCune (26) 25 Phyllis King (27) Roy Houston (28) Steve Fietz (28) Melissa Woodman (28) Nora Wiehe (28) Judy Musser (30)

30

31 ANNIVERSARIES
Bill & Carol Rimmey (4) Joe & Debbie Gonzalez (16) Bernard & Jean Steenson (21) Bill & Janet Wysong (27) Page 7

Education Notes & News

A great big thank you and blessings to the Campbell Family for organizing and delivering the food baskets to the families we sponsored with Love INC. Also many thanks to Peggy and Larry Campbell for using their talents to help our young people put together a wonderful Christmas program. 12/12 - Children's Christmas Program during the 10:30 am worship service. 12/12 - FCC annual all church Christmas Party/Hayride at 5:00 pm. Food, fellowship, fun, activities and Christmas caroling while riding through our neighborhood on a hayride. We also will have a special visitor for our young church members.

Scripture verses for December are: Shewillbearason,andyouaretonamehimJesus,forhewillsavehispeoplefromtheir sins."Matthew1:21 BONUS Beloved, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4: 7-8 We still have a need for help in Bible Explorers, Worship & Wonder and our youth programs both hands-on and behind the scenes.

Page 8

Christmas Special Day Offering

This offering will be received on December 12 and 19, 2010.

Why is it that John 3:16 has been beloved for so long? Perhaps it's because it speaks of the awesome generosity of God. Our amazing God gave us Jesus and God continues to give... and give... and give. Our generous God is reaching new persons with the good news of Jesus Christ through new churches being formed and nurtured within Regions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). God is at work through those who direct and counsel at our Regional church camps, giving themselves to provide a quality Christian education experience for children and youth. We see the power of this ministry in Marie Woods wonderful Youth Sunday message. God is also at work in the strengthening efforts of our Regional Disciples Women our own Torrance women will be leading a Regional retreat next year. God draws near through Regional Ministers as they walk with congregations through conflict and change toward transformation. God so loved that God gave. Out of your love will you give? Help support the development of faith, the creation of community, and the strengthening of the congregations in your Region by giving to the Christmas offering this year.
Page 9

Upcoming Sermons
December 5The Second Sunday of Advent: In the Days of (Luke 1:5, 2:1, 3:1-6) Luke tells us the names of the emperors, kings and governors who ruled when Jesus was born, and when his ministry started. What contrasts can we see between these rulers, and the one we call the Prince of Peace? And what do these contrasts tell us about how we live as Christians who celebrate our Lords birth? December 12The Third Sunday of Advent: Jesus Big Sister (8:30) Childrens Christmas Program (10:30) Under the caring and creative guidance of Larry and Peggy Campbell, our children will present their yearly Christmas Program as the message at our 10:30 service. Our early service will feature a story-sermon about troubles ina childrens Christmas program! December 19The Fourth Sunday of Advent: Love Goes First (1 John 4:7-12) In the Gospel and especially the Epistles that bear Johns name, love is the word that comes around as a central themeGods love for us, expressed through a Son, and our love for one another, set free as a response to Gods initiative. December 26The First Sunday after Christmas: Easy to Dismiss? (Luke 2:21-40) The infant Jesus and his family are portrayed as normal, religious people living in marginal povertyeasy to dismiss in their world. And yetmessages come to his parents that are not so easy to dismiss January 2, 2011The Second Sunday after Christmas: Galen Goben, long-time friend of our church, will bring the message while the Fietzes are on vacation.

Longest Night Service

The length of winter nights, combined with the anxiety of holiday expectations often amplifies the suffering of those who are grieving and depressed. On December 21, our Tuesday Prayer Meeting will focus on the special prayer needs of those for whom this time of year may be especially difficult. If this sounds like you, or someone you love, you are especially welcome. Tuesday Prayers are an informal time of sharing and intercessory prayer. We begin each week at 5:45 in the sanctuary, and usually conclude by 6:30.
Page 10

Footnotes
This is a season of choices. Choices about how we will spend our time, talents, and treasure; choices about how we will express our values and confirm our relationships. Lets be honest: as a church, we havent backed away from giving ourselves even more choices! I believe that, even with the challenges of our current economy, Christian people give as they are led and as they are ableand you have expressed your abilities in amazing ways:

Our Thanksgiving Food Offering pretty much buried the communion table! Through a connection offered by Love INC, our Sunday School children reached out to two families with special Thanksgiving food baskets, making their deliveries in person. Many Alternative Christmas cards have been takenmeaning dozens of our loved ones will be honored through gifts to the hands on ministries of All Peoples, Love INC, Habitat, Heifer and Week of Compassion. Only 4 out of 60 Angel Tree cards remained after one Sunday; they may all be gone by the time you read this! So many of you choose to give godly time and effort in our church, and in our communities beyond the work of the churchbut not beyond Gods kingdom! On page 4, youll find information about one more choice: our special Christmas Offering for the work of our church in the Pacific Southwest Region (PSWR). Our congregation already has many reasons to value regional programs for women, youth, and pastoral search guidance. Our support for new efforts in Westchester is also part of this larger connection. And so I am confident that, as we are able, we will continue to make generous, spirit-led choices, including the work of our Regional Church. Shalom, Steve Home phone: 310-212-5950 email: steefeets@hotmail.com

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

December 24 at 5:00 pm
A family-friendly service featuring carols, candles, communion and a retelling of the Christmas Story
Next Newsletter articles need to be at the church office by December 13, 2010
Page 11

NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Disciples of Christ) 2930 El Dorado Street Torrance, CA 90503 (310) 328-2820 Fax 310 328-2929 E-mail - fcctorr@pacbell.net Web address - fcctorrance.org Sunday Schedule 8:30 a.m. - Worship - Informal 9:30 a.m. - Church School for all ages 10:30 a.m. - Worship - Traditional Childrens Worship - Ages Pre-school through 2nd Grade (During the Traditional Worship Service)

TORRANCE, CA PERMIT NO. 109

Or Current Resident

Nursery Provided For birth through age 3 during Sunday School and Contemporary & Traditional Service Office Hours Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Staff Steven Fietz, Senior Pastor Ted Oden-Minister of Contemporary Worship Administrative Assistant Camelia Olloque Choir Director - Ken Potter Nursery Attendant - Amanda Ruhs Dorie Hernandez
TIME VALUE DATA DO NOT DELAY EXPEDITE

The Christian Messenger

First Christian Church 2930 El Dorado Street Torrance, CA 90503

Officers Chair - Chery Carew Vice Chair - Jerry Jonas Treasurer Jimmy Koontz Financial Secretary - Charlotte Sandberg Clerk Angie Ahumada

Page 12