The Christian

Courier
Vol. 64, No. 10 Bellingham First Christian Church October 2014
Its Time to Read!
On Sunday, October 12, we will be traveling to Lake City
Christian Church to participate in a
book discussion with members
from around our area. If you have
not yet read the book, order your
copy of The New Parish by
Sparks, Soerens and Friesen. This
book is about how neighborhood
churches are t ransf or mi ng
mi ssi on, di sci pl eshi p and
community.
For more info, please talk to
Alexis Pinkston, our area coordinator.
Turner Memorial Lectures
Past and Future Church:
From the Ends of the Earth to Our Doorstep
October 6, 7, 8
Register at disciplesnw.org
Englewood Christian Church, Yakima, Washington
General registration $130 after 9/12
Featuring
Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon
Rev. Dr. Mi c hael Ki nnamon i s an
internationally-recognized scholar and leader
in the ecumenical movement. He is past
General Secretary of the National Council of
Churches and current Visiting Professor of
Ecumenical Collaboration in Interreligious
Dialogue at Seattle University's School of
Theology and Ministry.
Rev. Carol Howard Merritt
Rev. Carol Howard Merritt is a nationally
sought-after speaker and preacher and the
cohost of God Complex Radio. She is an
ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church
(USA) and currently writes at her Tribal
Church blog, which is hosted by Christian
Century.
Interfaith Coalitions Winter Coat Drive
Imagine going through the cold
Whatcom winter without a warm
coat. Please consider donating
gently-used winter coats, hats,
gl oves and mi ttens (si zes
children to adults) and if youre
a knitter, handmade hats and
scar ves ar e cher i shed.
Interfaith Coalitions annual
winter coat drive brings
w a r m c o a t s t o o u r
nei ghbor s i n need at
distribution sites throughout
Whatcom County. Please bring
donations to church. Sunday,
October 19 is the last day to
bring in items. Thanks for
sharing the warmth!
7th Annual
Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, October 5
2:30 p.m.
Bring your pet of any kind and join us.
There will be refreshments, music, giveaways,
and a special pet photo area.
Meet your neighbors and their pets!
Fun for ALL!
495 East Bakerview Road
Bellingham, WA 98226
360.734.6820
bhamfcc@comcast.net
www.bhamfcc.com

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
A movement for wholeness in a fragmented
world. As part of the one body of Christ, we
welcome all to the Lords Table as God
welcomed us.
All of Us
Ministers
Rev. Gary Shoemaker
Pastor
grshmkr@comcast.net
Mary Ann Teeters
Finance/Membership Administrator
maryannt44@comcast.net
Rev. Tamalyn Kralman
Director of Ed. & Community Outreach
Courier Editor
tamalynk@comcast.net
Amelia Nye
Accompanist
TBD
Childcare Provider
Rev. Sandy Messick
Regional Minister
Rev. Sharon Watkins
General Minister and President
Sunday Schedule
9:30 a.m. Sunday School
10:50 a.m. Gathering Time
11 a.m. Worship
12:15 a.m. Fellowship Time
4
th
Sunday Out-to-Lunch Bunch
6 p.m. Wild Goose Worship
(2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays)

Office Hours
Monday - Friday
9 a.m. - noon
Our staff are in and out of the office throughout the
week. Please feel free to stop by during their office
hours or make an appointment that fits your
schedule.

Officers
Don Hoffman, Chair
Virginia Haldeman, Vice-Chair
Megan Shoemaker, Secretary
Cheryl Perry, Treasurer
Message from the Pastor
2 October 2014

First Christian Church
!Disciples of Christ"
I think that one of the characteristics that turns people away from
Christianity is the 'Holier Than Thou' mentality that seems to persist in
certain church circles. This coming Sunday's sermon is going to be
about the workers in the vineyard. Those who started working early in
the day assumed that they would get paid more than those who didn't
work as long. But the owner paid them exactly what he promised, the
problem came when he paid the later workers the same amount.
We like to think that we are special (and we are!). But part of that
comes with an unspoken caveat that others are less special somehow.
But in God's realm, all are welcome, all are special, all have a place at
the table. That doesn't take away from our specialness. We just need to
learn to share the grace.
We're going to be singing a new song this Sunday to go along with that
theme and that parable. It was written by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette and
uses the tune 'To God be the Glory'. I include the words here because I
think they are worthy of your reflection...
A man owned a vineyard and needed a crew to tend to his land
there was plenty to do. He called out to people downtown in
the square, "Come work hard all day and I'll pay you what's
fair." God, you call and you send; there is work here to do.
There's your whole world to tend; may we garden for you! O
Lord, in your vineyard may we seek to be the workers who tend
to your justice and peace.
He went back a number of times on that day; He called to new
workers and promised fair pay. Can we but imagine those first
workers' rage when all those who labored received the same
wage? God, the gift of your grace comes as quite a surprise.
For your mercies embrace even latecomers' lives. May all who
have worked long and hard humbly learn: Your
grace is a gift and not something we earn.
He called the complainers and said, "This is
true that I kept my word and I gave
you your due. I shar e wi t h
compassion; I'm loving and kind. I
care for all people and give what is
mine!" God you give what is
your s, more t han what we
deserve; may we reach out in love
where you call us to serve. May we who
have witnessed your grace gladly share your
justice and love with your world everywhere.
Amen! Pastor Gary
Shoes News
Allowing Gods Grace
to be Free and Wild
Parathyroid Gland
Improper functioning of the
parathyroid gland is a condition
one of our member s i s
currently dealing with. Some
information about this gland
may be appropr i at e and
appreciated.
The parathyroid gland is located close to the thyroid gland
which is located on each side of the trachea (windpipe).
In fact some parts of the gland is actually embedded deep
within the thyroid gland. The thyroid and parathyroid are
endocrine glands which mean they secrete their hormones
directly into the blood stream. The parathyroid gland
secretes the hormone parathormone which regulates
calcium and phosphorus.
Tests of parathyroid function include direct measurement
of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentration in the
blood and total serum calcium. The main function of the
parathyroid gland is to regulate calcium and phosphorus
metabolism.
Hypoparathyroidism
This condition results from a deficiency of PTH and is
characterized by hypocalcemia (too little calcium), blood
calcium falls and phosphorus rises.
Symptoms of this include: convulsions, wheezing, mood
changes, lassitude, developmental problems in children,
severe anxiety and apprehension. renal colic (kidney
stones), tetany (increased muscle spasms) of fingers,
facial muscles, and throat area.
Treatment requires close monitoring of the patient in the
hospital by professional staff to monitor the calcium levels
and kidney function. Improper administration of
intravenous calcium can cause cardiac arrest.
Hyperparathyroidism
This condition results from PTH levels being too high and
an elevated serum calcium that is persistently high,
calcium in the blood is too high and phosphorus too low.
Symptoms of this include: fragility due to calcium being
removed from the bones, muscular weakness and reduced
muscle tone, it is most common among women older than
age 50, skeletal pain, back ache, pain on weight bearing,
bone cysts and tumors, kidney stones, general fatigue,
short term memory loss, emotional instability, cardiac
symptoms.
Treatment includes hydration with intravenous fluids, oral
phosphate and other oral medications to reduce calcium
levels, restricting dietary calcium, dialysis, monitoring
certain lab values, surgical removal of parathyroid gland.
News from the Pews
October 2014 3
Joys and Concerns
of Our Congregation
Please submit written requests to update this list.
New to Our List:
Velma McDonald and her family in the loss of their
beloved Mac
The people of Lesotho in this time of uncertainty
Ongoing:
Ethan Powers, 8 year old great grandson of Bob and
Marian Crim, undergoing chemo and radiation as he
awaits bone marrow transplant at Childrens Hospital in
Seattle
Joanne Harrell, health concerns
Virginia Haldeman, recovering from hip surgery
Bob Fisher, working on cancer care
Neilan Hart, five year-old friend of the Pages, now in
remission
Donna Fairchild, health concerns
Disciples House Residents, past, present and future
Iglesia de Dios, as together we share Gods love
Raices Culturales and the children in their gardening
program in our field
Kristine Tissinger, missionary partner in Ghana
Rev. Sandy Messick, Regional Minister
Rev. Sharon Watkins, General Minister and President
Our General Church ministries
Yakama Christian Mission
Refugees around the world
All troops involved in world conflict
Peacemakers worldwide
Nurses Notes
If a person has been diagnosed with either of these
conditions they need to be closely monitored by their health
care provider who carry the responsibility to fully explain
the function of this gland and the treatment and potential
outcome.
This article is for information only and not for treatment.
Always refer to your health care provider for information
and treatment specific to you.
Meditation: With the help of the Holy One may we
experience the fullness of life and to live, move and have
physical and spiritual wholeness in the universal life flow of
God and to be in conscious harmony with that Divine flow.
Amen
Jane Kletka,RN, FCN
Health Ministries
Interfaith Coalition Annual Hope Meeting and Celebration
Celebrate the expansion of our homeless housing program, Our House, with food, fellowship and friends Tuesday, October
7 at 7 p.m. at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 2600 Lakeway Drive, in Bellingham.
Bellingham Brew Theology
4 October 2014
Cr a f t s a nd Goodi e s ,
Bazaars and Markets! Yes,
Its That Time of Year...
Share the Spirit Bazaar
Saturday, November 8
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Crafts of all kinds are needed, as are baked
goods and special condiments for the edibles
corner.
Kathy Wheeler is heading up this grand
event. Ann Hall will be in charge of the
ki tchen, wi th soup chefs Bob Fi sher
(chowder) and Darleen Page (split pea and
chili).
Raffle items are being offered by Margaret
Brown, Lynn Plancich and John Riseland.
Description of the items will soon be
announced.
The baked goods area will be under the
direction of Esther group, led by Lillian Moir.
Mary Ann Teeters will be in charge of the
cashiers.
Volunteers will be needed as greeters, table
bussers during lunch, cashiers and hosts at
the bake sale and jams table. Teams to help
with set up and clean up also will be needed.
A sign up sheet is posted in the fellowship
hall.
~ Outreach Ministry
Alternative Holiday Market
Sunday, November 16
1 - 4 p.m.
Located in Assumptions Gym, this market is
hosted by our congregation, as well as other
local faith communities. Featuring local and
international non-profits, including our own
homemade jams which raise funds for Global
Ministries, this market offers shoppers an
opportunity to learn about organizations that
are working to save lives and change the
world in miraculous ways - one drop of water,
one inoculation, one hive of bees, and one
sewing machine at a time. Come spend your
holiday dollars in alternative ways, giving
your gift recipients something that will warm
their hearts whilst warming the hearth and
home of someone a bit farther away.
~ Community Outreach Ministry
Krals Scrawls
Introducing:
Bellingham Brew Theology
Ready? A minister, a rabbi and an imam walked into a bar...
Yeah, when youre talking pub theology, its pretty much required that
you start with that. But, just what is pub theology?
If youve heard the latest conversations about pub theology, you may be
as intrigued as some of the rest of us. This new trend has people
gathering in unlikely places to talk about unlikely topics with, well,
unlikely companions. But, when you stop and think about it, the trend
isnt all that new. People have long been having conversations over a
pint in a tavern or a public house.
And then, there was Jesus, who was frequently found in unlikely places
with unlikely people and talking about...well, you get the picture.
Thus, pub theology is born. Pub theology is for people who like to think;
people who like to be challenged; people who like to learn from one
another. Pub theology is an opportunity to get to know the people in
your community; to gather around a table and discuss issues both large
and small, to learn, to laugh, and to puzzle together. Pub theology is a
time for people of all walks of life to gather together on equal footing
and be welcomed. It is a common place that becomes sacred space.
Scholars and church critics who are currently analyzing the downward
trends in church attendance and membership are noting that if we want
people to be a part of the church, we need to take the church to them.
We can no longer expect them to come to us.
So, out and about we go. Where the action is. Where the people are -
Jesus style. Were not asking people their creed or religion. Were just
inviting them to sit with us. Talk with us. Share a meal or a drink with us.
(No, it doesnt need to be alcoholic. I actually prefer Diet Coke.) And
were sharing Gods love with them. In all we say and do. Always.
Bellingham Brew Theology will begin on Thursday, October 16
at 6:30 p.m. at Aslan Brewing Co., 1330 North Forest Street. We
will continue to meet on the third Thursday of each month. Recognizing
that not all people are comfortable in places in which alcohol is served,
we will alternate locales, sometimes meeting in pubs, sometimes in
coffee houses.
People of all faiths and people who claim no faith are invited to join us as
we discuss issues of life both large and small. There will be no discussion
leaders, but there will be people there to ensure that conversation is
always respectful as we seek to learn, live, and laugh together.
Remember, this is a no-host event, so you will purchase your own food
and drinks. The evenings topic of conversation will be provided by us.
If you have any questions, please contact
either me or Mary Ann Teeters.
Peace,
Tamalyn
A Message from Stewardship
October 2014 5
Income (YTD as of August 31)
Contributions $ 94,885.99
Church Extension $ 4.069.15
Total $ 98,955.14
How Are You Called To Serve?
First Christian Church, Bellingham, offers you many opportunities to follow the footsteps of Jesus and to do justice, love mercy
and walk humbly with our God. So, how do you choose to live out your commitment as a Christian and a child of God?
Expenditures
Building, vehicles and grounds $18,670
Administrative and Office supply $13,450
Staff Salaries $121,568
Benefits $49,548
Total $203,233
The following ministries operate using the
annual interest from Fund for Living
Ministries and are not included in the
General Fund Budget.
Evangelism: Outreach and Mission
Nurture: Fellowship, Worship and the arts,
Christian Education
Stewardship
Prayerfully consider how God is calling you to serve. We need to reach out to welcome those around us so they
may share Gods Love. The financial resources to do mission in the world are part of Gods Mission. Use the form
below to commit to Gods mission through First Christian Church, Bellingham.
Estimate of Giving
Yes, I want to support the work of my church. I estimate that during 2015
I will give to the General Fund:
$_________per week OR $________Per month OR $_______ per year
Name______________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________
Please note: Special offerings are in addition to this amount.
This estimate may be changed at any time by calling the church office @734-6820
Gifts of the Heart
I will also give:
_____Service within the Church
_____Service to the Local Community
_____ Service to the World Community
First Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
495 East Bakerview Road
Bellingham, WA 98226
360.734.6820
Social Justice Effective Outreach
Stewardship Evangelism
Nurture
Who!s on First?!
6 October 2014
Sunday, October 5
Elders: Leslie Pinkston (O), Melody Hoffman (C)
In Home Communion: Gregg Heyne and
Margaret Brown
Lock-Up: TBD
Deacons: Sandy Grant, Mary Ann Teeters
Reader: Mary Ann Teeters
Greeter: Mary Ann Teeters
Flowers: TBD
Fellowship Time: Book Group
Sunday, October 12
Elders: Margaret Brown (O), Brenda Riseland (C)
Deacons: Marian Overcash, Linda Heyne,
Ardythe Hannah
Reader: Lillian Moir
Greeter: Max and Cheryl Perry
Flowers: TBD
Fellowship Time: TBD
Sunday, October 19
Elders: Gregg Heyne (O), Joe Plancich (C)
Deacons: Lois Oswalt, Pat Whitney, Connie
Page
Reader: Bruce Radtke
Greeter: Bruce Radtke
Flowers: Paul and Frankie Van Dyke
Fellowship Time: TBD
Sunday, October 26
Elders: Melody Hoffman (O), TBD (C)
Deacons: Lynn Plancich, Kathy Wheeler, Jayne
Witman
Reader: Nancy Langford
Greeter: Sandy Grant and Lois Oswalt
Flowers: Esther Group
Fellowship Time: Esther Group
October
Happy Birthday
Andrew Hoemann 1
Jenna Rae Barta 2
Mark Wheeler 6
Marian Crim 8
Stephanie McLachlan 13
Tom Gilson 14
Bob Fisher 18
Dewey Parker 21
Michael Kipling 24
Emily McLachlan 24
Daniel Creech 25
Zach Shoemaker 25
Renee Hoemann 26
Nigel Preau 26
Allan Botts 29
Happy Anniversary
Gregg & Linda Heyne 12
David & Donna Fairchild 14
Nigel & Amie Preau 16
Marlin & Betty Erickson 28
Sunday, October 5
Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
Psalm 19
Philippians 3:4b-14
Matthew 21:33-46
Sunday, October 12
Exodus 32:1-14
Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23
Philippians 4:1-9
Matthew 22:1-14
Sunday, October 19
Exodus 33:12-23
Psalm 99
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Matthew 22:15-22
Sunday, October 26
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Matthew 22:34-46
This Month!s Lectionary
Checking-In Group
This group meets at 5:30 p.m. the Fourth Thursday of each month and is an opportunity to talk about life! Location
to be determined. Please contact the church ofce for more info.
Men!s Breakfast
All men are invited to meet at Denny!s, 7:30 a.m. each Saturday for fellowship and food. A sense of humor is
encouraged!
Submissions for the Next Courier
are Due October 15
Calendar
October 2014 7
1
Bulletin
Deadline
6 p Bell Choir
7 p Chancel
Choir
2 3 4
7:30a Men!s
Breakfast,
Denny!s
5
World Communion
Sunday
9:30 a Sunday School
10:50a Gathering Time
11a Worship
12:30p Fellowship Time
1:30p Spring Creek
Worship
2:30p Animal Blessing
6 7
Noon
Bible Study
8
Bulletin
Deadline
6 p Bell Choir
7 p Chancel
Choir
9 10 11
7:30a Men!s
Breakfast,
Denny!s
12
9:30 a Sunday School
10:50a Gathering Time
11a Worship
12:30p Fellowship Time
2-4 p Someone
Cares!
Community
Meal
6 p Wild Goose
Worship
13
6:30 p.m.
Stewardship
Committee
14
Noon
Bible Study
15
Bulletin
Deadline
Courier
Deadline
6 p Bell Choir
7 p Chancel
Choir
16
6:30 p
Bellingham
Brew
Theology,
Aslan Brewery
17 18
7:30a Men!s
Breakfast,
Denny!s
5:30 p.m.
Prayer Vigil for
Peace in the
Middle East,
19
Bread for the World
Sunday
7:30a Elders! Mtg
9:30 a Sunday School
10:50a Gathering Time
11a Worship
12:30p Fellowship Time
1:30p Spring Creek
Worship
20
Noon
Esther Group
21
Noon
Bible Study
22
Bulletin
Deadline
6 p Bell Choir
7 p Chancel
Choir
23
5 p.m.
Checking
In Group
24 25
7:30a Men!s
Breakfast,
Denny!s
26
9:30 a Sunday School
10:50a Gathering Time
11a Worship
12:30p Fellowship Time
Out-to-Lunch
Bunch
(Location TBD)
6 p Wild Goose
Worship
7p Book Group
27 28
Noon
Bible Study
29
Bulletin
Deadline
6 p Bell Choir
7 p Chancel
Choir
30 31
October 2014
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Turner Lectures, Yakima
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First Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
A church of grace and welcome for all!
495 East Bakerview Road
Bellingham, WA 98226-9168
PERIODICALS POSTAGE AT
Bellingham, WA 98226-9168
USPS 0589-870
Save the Dates
Oct. 5 Reconciliation Sunday
Oct. 12 Someone Cares! Community Meal
Oct. 16 Bellingham Brew Theology,
Aslan Brewery
Oct. 19 Bread for the World Sunday
Nov. 8 Share the Spirit Bazaar
Nov. 16 Alternative Holiday Market
Contact Us
Office bhamfcc@comcast.net
360.734.6820
Find us on Facebook First Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ),
Bellingham, WA
Follow us on Twitter FCC Bellingham