The Hanging of the Greens

Sunday, November 29th ushers in the

joyous Advent season. Included in our
church’s celebration are the traditions of
placing an Angel Tree and hanging green
wreaths in the Sanctuary.
This year, plain wreaths will hang during
both worship services and then be taken
down to decorate following second
service. Craft opportunities to make an
individual Advent candle wreath and or-
naments for your own Christmas wreaths
or trees will also be available.
A simple lunch will be provided. Chili and
beans, salad, corn muffins, gingerbread
and beverages are on the menu. A basket
will be available for a free-will offering.
Please join us for fellowship, food and
fun during this festive time.

Page 1 November 5, 2009

 Disciples Women’s Ministry
We had a wonderful and very moving program at our last luncheon
about a program settling refugees in the LA area: Interfaith Refugee
and Immigration Service (IRIS). Shirley Woodman is leading the kids in
our congregation and other local congregations in a service project col-
lecting school supplies to send to IRIS for the Holidays. Please talk to
Shirley Woodman about any donations you may have.

There will not be a luncheon in November due to the Thanksgiving holiday. The next
luncheon will be held on Sunday, December 6th. Ken Potter will be providing us with
our program. Ken’s program is always a big hit. Make sure to mark your calendar so
you don’t miss this great performance by Ken. New Hope will be the hostesses for
the luncheon and Maureen Estolas will be conducting the worship service.

The service project for the December

luncheon is the Union Rescue Mission.
From the Union Rescue Mission web-
site:

We embrace people experiencing homelessness with the compassion of Christ

giving hope and healing for a changed life

helping them find their way home

“A sampling of data from providers that focus on family homelessness indicates a

40% increase in family homelessness between 2007 and 2009. Confirming this per-
ception, the Los Angeles County’s Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) rec-
ognized 7,500 homeless families in January 2009, the same month the count was
conducted, a 49% increase from April 2008.
Families who are homeless have been referred to as the hidden homeless: they typi-
cally are less visible than chronically homeless adults. They may live in an automo-
bile or on a friend’s living room floor, and spend the day at the mall or a city park.
With a child in a stroller, the family’s homeless condition is less noticeable to the pub-
lic, or even to outreach workers. These are some of the reasons families are under-
represented in the Homeless Count.”

Page 2
 The Candy Cane Holiday Boutique is less than two weeks
away! Hard to believe that a year has gone by so quickly!
We are still in need of volunteers to man the booths and
cash register. If you are interested please look for the sign-
up sheets in Sippel Hall after church on Sunday. Remember
to invite your friends to the boutique on Saturday, November
14th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Opportunity drawing tickets
will be sold on Sunday and at the door.
Look around your home for gently used and loved items to
give to Grandma’s Attic. This is a big hit every year and we
need your help. Please bring the items to the church after
November 1st. Items can be stored in the room next to the
prayer chapel.

Feed the Hungry Sunday

Our next Feed the Hungry Sunday is November 22. Your generous
donations make it possible to provide food for about 3,000 people
a month that come to the Salvation Army His House Program.
Here is a suggested list: canned tuna, granola bars, nuts, oatmeal,
boxed juices, raisins, canned fruits and vegetables and canned
soup.
Dave, the Director of His House, would like to thank you for your continued support
to this much needed ministry.

“for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was
a stranger and you welcomed me”. Matthew 25:35.

Prayer Shawl Ministry Expands Meetings

Our Prayer Shawl Ministry is now meeting in the Fireside Room every
Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 pm. Our time includes working on shawls in
progress, blessing finished shawls, sharing in fellowship and iced tea.
We will also continue to meet at on the fourth Tuesday evening of every
month, at 7:00 pm.
Page 3
 Special Thanksgiving Offering for Higher Education
Disciples of Christ schools have contributed mightily to our congregation—both our pastors
received and are receiving their training from our Higher Education System. And the benefits
continue—Paul Hextall, one of our young members, was in worship recently, and reported
just how much he’s enjoying his first semester at Chapman University, one of our Disciples-
related schools. Besides his studies, Paul also noted how much he gains from Wednesday
night on-campus worship at Chapman.
Our church receives six, over-and-above special offerings through the year. Our Thanksgiv-
ing Offering emphasizes the ministries of higher education and leadership development. We
pray you’ll give as you are led to support these vital ministries of our wider church.

Offering envelopes will be available for your special offering on November 15 and 22.

Advent Devotional Booklet

Last year, the Worship Committee sponsored a well-received Advent Booklet full
of thoughtful devotions from some of our own members. Anyone interested in
contributing to this year’s devotionals is encouraged to contact the office, or Pastor
Steve. There are still lots of days open!

Wednesday Morning Bible Study

Our Wednesday Morning Bible Study is looking at the First Letter of John, a
New Testament writing that struggles to hold things together after an early
church split. Bible Study meets in Sippel Hall, Wednesday mornings at 10:00.

Page 4
 CHURCH FAMILY PRAYERS & CONCERNS

Beverly Roseberry is in Little Company of Mary rehabilitation facility after surgery to

shore up a broken hip suffered in a fall—which also broke her wrist.

Aron Fried is up and around after full knee-replacement surgery. Susie Noble is doing
very well after knee surgery; Doug Crawford and Carol Wilk are both still in long but
improving recoveries from knee injuries.

Lynne Redderson is home and improving after foot surgery.

Gerri Stoodley is going off current medications in order to find more appropriate treatment
for what continues to be an undefined ailment affecting her immune system.

Julie Chavez is home from the hospital, but still wearied in her battle with cancer. His
Hands, our cancer support ministry, is helping with meals—contact Gail Grove if you wish
to be part of this caring effort.

Kelly Rogers’s sister, Shawn Knudson, is in her second round of radiation and chemother-
apy as a follow-up to surgery for ovarian cancer. Kelly also asks prayers for Dana Morgan,
who is recovering from a cancer-related double-mastectomy, and whose twin sons both
have autism.

Mike DeSarro’s father-in-law has cancer, and is on hospice care in Texas.

David Matson asks prayers for the wife of the president of Hope International Univ.,
where he teaches—she has been diagnosed with cancer.

Chery Carew invites prayer for Bobbi’s teacher, Miss Wills, who has been diagnosed with
breast cancer.

Prayers are asked on behalf of those struggling with addiction, and for those who seek to
love them best.

Carole Jones’s new puppy has been hospitalized for numerous infections and complica-
tions.

Earl Woods’s cousin’s husband passed after a long struggle.

Page 5
 November 2009 (Revise
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thurs

WORSHIP SERVICES
8:30 and 10:30 am
Sunday School 9:30 am
1 2 3 4
Amazing Gray’s
Youth Adventure
1:00 Ruby’s Fun Raiser Bible Study 10:00 a.m.
CYF Unbinding t
Newsletter 5:00-9:00 Prayer Shawl 2:00
Craft Workshop 2:00 &
Unbinding the Gospel Trustees 7:00
Education 7:00
Choir
7:00 Unbinding the Gospel Prayer Ministry 5:45
7:00
8 9 10 11

Craft Workshop Choir Pr

Unbinding the Gospel
CYF Prayer Ministry 5:45 Veteran’s Day 7:00
Unbinding the Gospel 7:00
Disciple Women 7:30 Church Office Closed Unbinding t
7:00 Worship 7:00
2:00 &

15 16 17 18
CYF/Chi Rho Love 9:30 Choir Pr
Bible Study 10:00 a.m.
Youth Adventure Faith 1:30 7:00
Unbinding the Gospel Prayer Shawl 2:00
His Hands Prayer Ministry 5:45 Unbinding t
7:00
Unbinding the Gospel Elders 7:00 2:00 &
Newsletter Cabinet 7:00
7:00 Directory
Thanksgiving Offering 3:00-9
22 23 24 25
Feed The Hungry Bible Study 10:00
Sunday Prayer Ministry 5:45 Prayer Shawl 2:00
Thanksgiving Offering Prayer Shawl 7:00
CYF 12:00

29 30

Hanging of the Greens

12:00

Page 6
ed)
sday Friday Saturday

November Birthdays
Julie Vernon (1)
Lyrae Monson (2)
Alyssa Zukas (3)
5 6 7 David Drolet (4)
Jill Foster (4)
Dorie Hernandez (7)
Lorraine Colston (8)
the Gospel Beverly Townsend (10)
& 7:00 Jimmie Talley (11)
7:00 Nancy Johnson (11)
Donna Stent (11)
Doug Hedde(12)
12 13 14 Pat Woodman (12)
Madison Noble (13)
Donald Bowring (20)
ractice Marlen Sanchez (26)
0 Boutique Samantha Lubrani (26)
the Gospel 9:00—2:00 Carol Wilk (27)
& 7:00 Benjamin Koutny (27)
Mark Thompson (29)
Chuck Bruley (30)
19 20 21 Kim Silagy-Silva (30)
ractice Megan Bell (30)
0 C.M.F.
the Gospel 8:30 a.m.
& 7:00 Junior Greeter
y Photos Training
9:30
26 27 28
ANNIVERSARIES
Jack & Ruth Perry (3)
Francisco & Marlen Sanchez (9)
Jun & Nora Pagdilao (25)
Frank & Joan Paour (26)

Page 7
 Education Notes & News
Junior Greeter Training
Plans are in the works for training our new Worship and Wonder greeters. The training will
be focused on our junior greeters, but adult greeters are welcome to join in for any or all of
the training. The date is Saturday, November 21 and will include dinner and a sleepover at
the church.

Children’s Christmas Program: Sunday, December 13

Mark your calendars for 2 fun events. During the second service our children will be present-
ing a special Christmas program. That evening will be our annual All Church Christmas
Party and Sleigh Ride. Come prepared to eat, sing, decorate gingerbread men and celebrate
the birth of baby Jesus. Details coming soon!

Bible Explorers
We’ve just started a new unit on Jonah and the Big Fish. You don’t want to miss out! All
children ages Pre-K through 6th grade are invited to Bible Explorers at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday
mornings. See schedule below.
Middle School students are invited to be shepherds for this program. See Jill if you are inter-
ested.
High schoolers will continue to meet for their Sunday School in Room 8 with Jeff Wood as
their teacher.
BIBLE EXPLORER SCHEDULE
DATE CLASS WORKSHOP ROOM TEACHER

Jonah and the Big Fish

11/8 PRE K-1 ART 2 KARA
11/8 2-5 GAMES 4 SHIRLEY
11/15 PRE K-1 GAMES 4 JILL
11/15 2-5 STORYTELLING 2 DORIE

Christmas Around the World

11/22 PRE K –1 DRAMA 3 PEGGY
11/22 2-5 COOKING KITCHEN KELLY
11/29 PRE K –1 COOKING KITCHEN KELLY
11/29 2-5 DRAMA 3 PEGGY
Page 8
 November Youth Calendar
Sunday, November 8
12:00 CYF (grades 9-12) at church

Sunday, November 15
12:00 CYF/Chi Rho/Youth Adventure
joint activity--stay tuned for details

Sunday, November 22
12:00 CYF at church

Sunday, November 29
No youth groups due to holiday weekend.

Loch Leven Retreat--Save the Date!

Our 2nd annual Loch Leven All Church Retreat is going to be the weekend of January 29-31,
2010. Mark your calendars and look for more information to come. See Jill Foster if you’d
like to help plan this fun weekend (commitment of 2 planning meetings) or if you want to be
in charge or help out with an activity on the weekend itself.

Summer 2010 Camp and Conference Schedule

The region has just published the camp schedule for next summer. Here it is so you can mark
your calendars and start planning. The 7 kids who went last year had an experience of a life-
time and it would be great for even more to experience it this year.

Mini Camp, 7/7-7/10 (entering 2nd-3rd grade)

Junior Camp, 7/18-7/24 (entering 4th-6th grade)
CYF I, 7/25-7/31 (entering 9th-10th grade)
CYF II, 8/1-8/7 (entering 11th-12 and ’10 grads)
Chi Rho, 8/8-8/14 (entering 7th-8th grade)
Page 9
Upcoming Sermons
November 8 – “It’s a Both/And Life” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
If we are of an age, we remember the folk song “Turn, Turn, Turn” as one of the few times
scripture made the Top 40. But what is Ecclesiastes (a fancy word for “preacher”) really
getting at? What if we don’t like having “a time to break down” or “lose” or “keep silent”?

November 15 – “A Separate Peace?” (2 Kings 20:12-19)

King Hezekiah lays the groundwork for a disaster that falls on his descendants—but doesn’t
seem to care, as long as there is “peace in his time.” Can we confess our own temptation to
the same kind of complacency? And what difference would it make for how we live?

November 22 – “Slow Food” (Mark 4:26-29)

Thanksgiving is a time when we celebrate harvest, but most of us have gotten away from
our agricultural roots. If farming requires anything, it requires patience—and perhaps a
sense of mystery. What might we learn at Thanksgiving from the slow growing seed?

Sermons on line
Those wishing to listen to past sermons can access them on our church website
(www.fcctorrance.org) by clicking on Worship Media, and then on the title or date of the
sermon. Dates are listed by sermon title, year, month and day—for example, September 7,
2009 is 20090907. Thanks to Jimmy Koontz for helping us to provide this service!

Adult Sunday Class

Our Sunday morning adult class continues its pattern of lively discussion with a number of
thought-provoking topics and facilitators. All people and views are welcome—and often
expressed! It’s also OK to come and just listen!
Ted Oden continues a wonderful discussion of Mike Yaconelli’s book Messy Spirituality
through November 8. We will once again be privileged to experience the scholarship of Dr.
David Matson on November 15. Steve Fietz will guide a seasonal discussion during the
four weeks of Advent.

Prayer Service—5:45 pm Tuesdays

This is a quiet time of centering and praying for one another. We still meet in the sanctuary,
but with a new seating arrangement that helps us hear one another better. All who wish to
be part of the common support we have in prayer are invited.

Page 10
 Footnotes
What does it take for someone who seeks to follow Jesus Christ to not be a Christian?

The Breeze’s religion page featured an article about evangelical missionaries in New
England, which has now surpassed my Pacific Northwest as the least religious region
of the country. Well I wish them all success!

But a quote in that article troubled me. Citing the decline of Episcopalians and the
United Church of Christ (historical communions in New England) the Rev. Wes Pastor
(Pastor Pastor?) was quoted as saying these denominations practice a “different relig-
ion.” The implication was that these churches were not truly Christian.

This is not just a “conservative” accusation against “liberals”—the righteous finger has
been known to wag both ways. Because they perceive them as lacking compassion,
some liberals have come awfully close to calling evangelicals “non-Christian.” It’s
good to have these discussions, hard as they can be. Silently pretending that we’re all
the same can paper over essential issues, and misses the opportunity to share and grow
in faith. But we need to reframe the discussion, I believe, away from who is and isn’t
Christian.

What if we listened more? What if we truly tried to hear and understand what others
were really saying? What if, when we spoke, it was with the humble acknowledge-
ment that we don’t know everything, we are not God? And even where our beliefs are
passionately held, could we grant at least the sincerity of those with whom we dis-
agree? Even in core differences, could we be generous enough to say that another’s
belief is, in our view, wrong, misguided—or even un-Christian—while still allowing
that the actual person is still a sister or brother in Christ?

I believe it’s what the sage meant when he said, “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials,
liberty; in all things, charity.”

Shalom, Steve

Home phone: 310-212-5950 email: steefeets@hotmail.com

Next Newsletter articles need to be need to be at the church office by 11/16/09.

Page 11
 FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
NON PROFIT ORG.

(Disciples of Christ)
PERMIT NO. 109
TORRANCE, CA

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
Children’s Worship - Ages Pre-school through
2nd Grade
(During the Traditional Worship Service)
Nursery Provided
Or Current Resident

For birth through age 3 during Sunday School

and Contemporary & Traditional Service
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00 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 - Kim Larson
Dorie Hernandez
The Christian Messenger

Officers
TIME VALUE DATA

Chair - Doug Crawford

2930 El Dorado Street

DO NOT DELAY
First Christian Church

Torrance, CA 90503

Vice Chair - Don Zukas

EXPEDITE

Treasurer– Bill Wysong

Financial Secretary - Charlotte Sandberg
Clerk– Angie Ahumada

Page 12