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

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December 16, 2010

Beacon Light Mission

The Beacon Light Mission in Wilmington is now asking for Ladies and Childrens clothing in addition to Mens. For Ladies: T-shirts, sweatshirts, shampoo, deodorant, bar soap, combs and brushes, nail clippers or sets, other assorted gift items. For Children: Any clothing for babies to teens, Games and toys (no stuffed toys, please) Misc: Blankets, backpacks, jackets and sweaters caps, tennis shoes, belts Thank you, Bob Schnepp

Poinsettia Tradition
Greetings. The elders are continuing our tradition of enjoying the decorating of the church with poinsettias during the Advent season and then sharing them with our homebound folks before Christmas so that they may enjoy them too. At this time we have enough to give these folks plus more. We are asking for your suggestions for folks that could use special recognition during this time. Please call the church office with your suggestions and we will be happy to add them to our list. If you are not able, we are also happy to deliver them before Christmas. Let us know. We have learned how special a blessing it is to those that receive this symbol of our prayers and concern.

Regional History Books Available

We have purchased two books on the history of the Christian Church in the Pacific Southwest: The Disciples in the Pacific Southwest Region, by Edwin Linberg; and Disciples in Ministry, the collected histories of a number of regional ministries, including All Peoples Christian Center, Chapman University and several others. Anyone interested in either of these book can check them out of our church library.
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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.

A Newsletter Thank You

We want to thank all the volunteers that came out and helped fold and prepare the Newsletter this past year. They are: Susan Babcock, Carole Jones, Ellen McCune, Stella McGinnis, June Perkins, Eileen Powell and Bill & Gerri Stoodley

Address Correction
Phyllis Kings correct address is 1000 Town Center Drive. #3100 Klamath, Oregon 97601.

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Office Hours During the Holidays

So that the staff may enjoy some of the holiday spirit, the office will be on limited office hours during the time between Christmas and New Years. The schedule for December 27-31 will be 10:00 to 12:00 each day and closed in the afternoon. We will resume regular church office hours, Monday, January 3, 2011.

Feed The Hungry Sunday

Our next Feed The Hungry Sunday will be on Sunday, December 26th. Please remember to bring in your non-perishable food items-canned food items such as tuna, chicken, fruit, vegetables and soups, boxed food items such as macaroni and cheese, rice a roni and pasta helper. His House will be picking up the items on Monday, December 27th. Thank you!

With Sympathy
Ed Apodocas uncle, Dick Tripp, died after a long battle with cancer. His wife, Myrna and sons Jeff, Mike and Ken are in our prayers. Linda Kirbys brother died from diabetes complicationswe hold Lindas family in our prayers, especially her mother, Marie Fowler Rich Koontzs aunt has died. Rich will be going back to Ohio for services. Janie Fietzs cousin, Janet Casterline, has died by suicide. Her husband Ed and two teen children are in our prayers.
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CHURCH FAMILY PRAYERS & CONCERNS

We continue to hold Ted Oden, Brenda Poindexter, and the new church effort in Westchester in our prayers. Hilda Coleman is in the hospital with further complications from diverticulitis. Dorothy Rind has been moved to Vermont Care Center, where she continues to recover from bronchitis, pneumonia, and thrush. Arly Jahn is home from the hospital, but will need further treatment for a pancreatic stone. Camelia Olloques niece, Amanda, gave birth to a daughter, Lilly, who was delivered at 25 weeks due to Amandas elevated blood pressure, which is now normal. The baby is doing well, and breathing on her own. Test results for Shawn Knutsen (Kelly Rogerss sister) show that the cancer has grown. Nora Pagdilaos father, Apolinar Reyes, has had a diagnosis of lymphoma confirmed. Others battling cancer: Ernie Wheatley (Bills brother)June Perkins' s son-in-law Doug JohnstonChuck Baless cousin, Russell ReynoldsDean Noble (Haley & Madison grandfather), Vi Fietz (Steves stepmother)... Linda Houstons friend, Sue, who has lymphoma. Randy Coleman (Hildas son) has gotten an appointment to look at chronic neck and back problems. Bonnie Evans got a good report from her doctor. She has had some concern about the strength of her neck. Judy Rickabaugh will be having an MRI to discern best treatment for a painful neck vertebra. Those separated from loved ones: Sarah Iannuccis mother in the Philippines Army Ranger Brandon Matson is being posted to Hawaii, and will be deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan some time next year Lauren Eldik (Fietzs daughter) and family are moving to the Dominican Republic for a stay of undetermined length. Those with mental health issues, especially this time of year; specifically Odens nephew Robbie Hammel. For those struggling with addiction, and their families.For those dealing with unemployment and income insecurityFor others around the globe who are suffering.
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December 2010 (revise

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

Feed The Hungry Sunday

Pastor Steve on vacation Through January 5th.

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ed)
Friday Saturday
December Birthdays
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)

rsday

10

w Hope 0 p.m.

16

17

hoir :00

23

24

Christmas Eve Service 5:00 p.m.

30

31 ANNIVERSARIES New Years Eve.

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

A Christmas Covenant
Believing in the beauty and simplicity of Christmas, I commit myself to the following:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

To remember those people who truly need my gifts. To express my love for family and friends in more direct ways than presents. To rededicate myself to the spiritual growth of my family. To examine my holiday activities in light of the true Spirit of Christmas. To initiate one act of peace-making within my circle of family and friends. 6. To stop preparing for Christmas by midnight on December 23.
(Adapted from Unplug the Christmas Machine, Robinson & Staeheli, NY, Quill, 1982.)

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Christmas Special Day Offering

This offering will be received on December 19, 2010.

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.

Offering Envelopes = Better Record Keeping

Starting Sunday, December 19, 2011 offering envelopes will be available. Each set is boxed, with an assigned number, and pre-dated envelopes for each week through the whole year. We encourage all members and participants of our church to use these envelopes not as pressure to give more, or more often, but because this is simply the best way to insure accurate record keeping. If you would like a set of envelopes, or if you have any questions, write a note on a pew card, or talk to our financial secretary, Charlotte Sandberg. Confidentiality is a priorityonly our financial secretary has access to anyones full record of giving.
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Upcoming Sermons
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.

Adult Sunday Class

Our Sunday morning Adult Class is continuing 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

On December 22, our Wednesday Morning Bible Study will finish our series on the first part of Luke. We will be taking a break on December 29 and January 5 while Pastor Steve is on vacation, and start a new series on January 12. We meet in Sippel Hall from 10:00 to 11ish on Wednesdays. All are welcome!
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Footnotes
So I had thought a truce had been declared in the Christmas Wars. Apparently not. A recent article in the Daily Breeze tells of a large church in Dallas that has created a Grinch List website where members can report on naughty businesses whose ads, displays, or greetings have more holiday than Christmas in them. So rather than fire my own shots in the Christmas Wars, can I get away with some (admittedly rhetorical) questions?

Could pressuring others to put Christ into Christmaswhen they might not mean itactually invite them to take our Lords name in vain? How might a naughty label feel for Jewish or other non-Christian business owners? What if Christians worried more about how we express the love of Christ, and less about whether others say Merry Christmas or Have a nice day? What if we spent more time on how we spend our time, on our affirmations and our actions? What if we did more things in Jesus name? What if we made sure Christ is truly visible in our celebration of Christmas?

And so I wish you all a most joyous Christmas, without care for any gift but Jesus; may you be blessed to overflowing with spiritual peace and Christ-like goodwill; and abundantly full of the living, breathing, love-exuding light of Christ! Shalom, Steve Home phone: 310-212-5950 email: steefeets@hotmail.com

Next Newsletter articles need to be at the church office by January 3, 2011

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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

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