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Courier
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Vol. 67,
Christian
No. 2
Courier The
Bellingham
Christian
FirstCourier
ChristianThe
Church
Christian Courier
February
The
2017
C
Interfaith Coalition Choir Festival
Sunday, February 12
3:30 p.m.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song and sing praises!
Psalm 98:4
Come for an afternoon of joyous music at the
Interfaith Coalition Choir Fest at First
Congregational Church, 2401 Cornwall,
Bellingham. Individual choirs (including our choir!) perform a song from their faith
tradition, then join together with a festival combined choir of over 175 voices.
In addition to spiritual music offered by diverse congregations, this years concert will
feature Jewish/Hebrew music with special guests Millie and the Menschen, a local
Jewish Klezmer band who will play a prelude and back up the combined choir
numbers. A free-will offering will be taken at this event to support the work of
Interfaith Coalition in the community, delivering hope through homes, shelter and
food.
Love & Care Potluck
Sunday, February 19
12:15 p.m.

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Bring your favorite main dish, salad, or dessert to share and be ready to celebrate.

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January Updates

First Christian Church

(Disciples of Christ)

Sunday, January 22, 2017

A Day of Recognition and Affirmation
During worship, on January 22,
we paused to recognize the
wonderful service John Riseland
has given to Disciples House. As
the liaison between the
caseworkers at Opportunity
Council, the transitional house
coordinators at Interfaith
Coalition, and our church
members, who help provide
supplies for Disciples House and
prepare it for incoming
residents, John has been tireless
and an invaluable asset to all of
us since we welcomed our first
family on February 1, 2006.

495 East Bakerview Road

Bellingham, WA 98226
360.734.6820
office@bellinghamdisciples.org
www.bellinghamdisciples.org
Follow us on Twitter
Find us on Facebook

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
gary@bellinghamdisciples.org
Rev. Tamalyn Kralman
Director of Ed. & Community Outreach
Courier Editor
tamalyn@bellinghamdisciples.org
Amelia Nye
Accompanist
Katie Ramstead, Aneesa Ahad
Childcare Providers
Rev. Sandy Messick
Regional Minister
Rev. Sharon Watkins
General Minister and President

Sunday Schedule
9:30 a.m.
10:50 a.m.
11 a.m.
12:15 p.m.
12:30 p.m.
2 p.m.

Office Hours

Sunday School
Gathering Time
Worship
Fellowship Time
Out-to-Lunch Bunch (4th Sunday)
Someone Cares! Community Meal
(2nd Sunday)

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
Renee Hoemann, Moderator
Don Hoffman, Vice Moderator
Cheryl Perry, Treasurer
Melissa Henderson, Secretary

To unsubscribe or go paperless:
Contact 360.734.6820, 495 East Bakerview
Road, Bellingham, WA 98226, or
office@bellinghamdisciples.org.

Thank you, John, for this and

the many other ways in which
you serve this church and Gods
children everywhere.
January 22 was also International Welcoming Church Sunday. During
worship we celebrated the diversity of Gods children and gave thanks
that Jesus has invited us all to The Table. Afterwards, at our
congregational meeting, the congregation of First Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ), Bellingham, WA, voted to become Open and
Affirming.
On this day we declared that we believe the gospel of Jesus Christ cuts
across all barriers that fragment and divide us. We are called to love,
affirm and welcome ALL regardless of race, gender, sexual and/or
affectional orientation, class or life situation. We are an Open and
Affirming congregation, which means that every individual is a child of
God and has equal status in this congregation.
Visit gladalliance.org to learn more about Open and Affirming
congregations or about GLAD Alliance. GLAD Alliance are members
of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), called to join in Gods
work of transforming the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) into
a just and inclusive church that welcomes persons of all gender
expressions and sexual identities into the full life and leadership of
the church.

Sincere Thanks Given

Oh, you lovely, lovely people. Thank you, once again, for your
incredible generosity over the holidays. We so appreciated our
Christmas gifts. Tam was able to make multiple runs to JoAnns for
supplies for favorite projects and Gary was able to help make the
holidays a bit merrier for the family, as well as to add to his art
supplies.
Thank you all.
Pastor Gary and Tamalyn

February 2017

Annual Budget

Approved at January 22, 2017 Congregation Meeting

EXPENSES

Spent

Annual

Monthly

thru

Budget

2016

10/31/16

Comments

2017

Breakdown

Comments

anticip. payment adjustment1

Administrative

Building:

558.00

5022.00

CNG

4266.00

6x$261 + 6x$450

Electric

Gas

232.00

2323.00

PSE

3600.00

12x$300

anticipated increase

Garbage

126.00

1264.00

SSC

1512.00

12x$126

same per 2016 costs

Water/Stormwater

404.00

4040.00

CoB

4848.00

12x$404

same per 2016 costs

Janitorial Service

166.00

1660.00

Cas. Voc.

2268.00

12x$189

increase Min. Wage rate

Janitr/Kitch Supplies

13.00

126.00

492.00

12x$41

combine both supplies

Insurance

738.00

6662.00

Liberty Mutual

8280.00

12x$690

less due to sale of bus

Umbrella Policy

115.00

1373.00

Liberty Mutual

1380.00

12x$115

same per 2016 costs

Taxes (Property)

247.00

2960.00

CoB

2960.00

12x$247

same per 2016 costs

Bldg. Maint. & Repair

121.00

1214.00

1800.00

12x$150

same per 2016 costs2

Grounds Maint. & Rep.

30.00

298.00

360.00

12x$30

same per 2016 costs

TOTAL
Office:

31,766.00

Supplies

97.00

974.00

1200.00

12x$100

same per 2016 costs

Photocopier Lease

250.00

2500.00

LEAF

3000.00

12x$250

same per 2016 costs3

Telephone Lease

136.00

1364.00

Tamco

1632.00

12X$136

same per 2016 costs3

Telephone Service

266.00

2398.00

Frontier/Cent. Link

3000.00

12x$250

same per 2016 costs3

18.00

176.00

216.00

12x$18

same per 2016 costs

Postage/Courier

9,048.00

TOTAL
Staff
Pastor Salary

1964.00

17676.00

23568.00

12x$1964

from 2015 budget

Pastor Housing

1684.00

15157.00

20212.00

12x$1684

from 2015 budget

Pastor Car Allowance

375.00

3752.00

5000.00

12x$416

from 2015 budget

Pastor Health Ins.

1492.00

15609.00

17904.00

12x$1492

from 2015 budget

Pastor Co-pay

261.00

3132.00

12x$261

from 2015 budget

Pastor Qtrly Taxes

755.00

9060.00

12x$755

from 2015 budget

Pastor Pension

460.00

6565.00

8424.00

12x$702

from 2015 budget

Pastor Conf/Education

11.00

1112.00

1020.00

12x$85

reduced from 2015

Group Health

88,320.00

TOTAL
Dir Ed/Comm Out/Admin

1502.00

15020.00

20024.00

12x$1668

from 2015 budget

Staff Retirement

45.00

455.00

540.00

12x$45

from 2015 budget

Accompanist Salary

565.00

5648.00

8415.00

12x$701

from 2015 budget

Childcare Salary

66.00

465.00

792.00

36 wks x 2 hrs x $11

increase Min. Wage rate

Payroll/L&I Taxes

254.00

2027.00

2484.00

12x$207

same per 2016 costs

Bookkeeping Service

175.00

1550.00

2100.00

12x$175

same per 2016 costs

1365.00

0.00

position eliminated

200.00

once/year

Finance Sec'y
Guest Preacher

200.00
TOTAL

Expenses Totals

per Board increase

34,555.00
$13,126.00

INCOME

$120,955.00

$163,689.00= $13,641/mo. Income needed

Offerings thru 10/31/16

Offerings

$12,715.00

$127,151.00

avg/mo over 10 mo.

2017 monthly pledges

$7,601.08

NOTES
1

requesting programmable heat on/off timers

unknown costs for current Sanctuary furnace repair and summer planned outside painting

requesting Staff to renegotiate costs

February 2017

Community News

As days get longer, Interfaith Coali4ons

Hope Auc4on gets closer
Have you no*ced the days ge1ng
longer? Natures cycles never fail to
amaze. The cycle of life at Interfaith Coali*on also is
amazing. Here it is again: auc*on *me, a *me when our
friends gather to raise money in support of our communitys
homeless children and families.
Our Hope Auc*on is Saturday, March 25, at 5:30 p.m., and
we look forward to seeing you at the Four Points by
Sheraton, 714 Lakeway Drive in Bellingham. Please reserve
this date and *me and plan to be amazed by the generosity
of our friends and the resiliency of our communitys
homeless families.
Whatcom Countys friendliest auc*on fundraiser features
fellowship, inspira*on, hope and lively bidding on great
silent and live auc*on items. Before this big event --our
biggest fundraiser of the year-- we could use your help. Will
you consider:
Dona4ng an auc4on item! A service you oer, your own
artwork, giY cer*cate, *ckets to popular spor*ng events,
vaca*on home getaway, let your imagina*on soar and
think of what you might be able to donate, and get in
touch with us!
Buying 4ckets to the auc4on. Tickets are $55 each,
including dinner.
Becoming a sponsor or asking your favorite businesses or
employers to support Interfaith with a dedicated dona*on.
Together our coali*on of diverse congrega*ons makes a
dierence. To donate an auc*on item and purchase *ckets,
please contact Brenda Riseland, your congrega*ons board
member, call Interfaith Coali*on at (360) 734-3983, or
through our website: www.interfaith-coali*on.org

Joys and Concerns

Joys and Concerns

Please submit written
requests to update this
list.
Medical concerns:
Bridget Becker
Matt Nelson
Harmon Woodworth
Mary Ann Teeters
Chloe Gibson
Donna Fairchild
Nathan Klemann
Alex Hicks & family, Bob Fishers
nephew
Sue and Henry Cross
Heather, friend of Kris Ann Lewis
Lifes challenges:
Virginia Pribilsky, in the loss of her
husband, Bill
Matthew, nephew of Kris Ann Lewis
Beyond Our Walls:
For the healing of our nation
Refugees worldwide
Disciples House Residents, past,
present and future
Iglesia de Dios, as together we share
Gods love
Raices Culturales families 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
Victims of hatred, injustice, violence,
poverty, disease, and disaster worldwide
All troops involved in world conflict
Peacemakers worldwide

Volunteers Needed by Whatcom Hospice

Hospice seeks top-quality, caring volunteers to provide assistance to those facing a life-threatening illness. Patient Care
volunteers provide emotional support and companionship, make meals, perform light chores, offer transportation, and
vigil at the bedside. Indirect-Care volunteers make deliveries, sing, sew, knit, garden, and provide other non-patient
centered services.
Interested adults are invited to attend an informational meeting:
Saturday, February 25th, 9:00 11:30 a.m.
Hospice Administration Building, Lower Level Conference Room, 2800 Douglas Ave., Bellingham
The two training programs will be explained at that time. Contact the Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, Dianne Gillespie
at dgillespie@peacehealth.org or 360-788-6892 for more information.

February 2017

Nurses Notes

A Spiritual Assessment
Nurses Notes

As we move into a new year we often think of making resolutions designed to make us
better people, both physically and spiritually. Our physical and spiritual condition (as we
know), whether healthy or not affect one another. When we have physical health challenges
we often do not have the spiritual energy to remain positive; likewise, emotional challenges
affect our physical health.

In these troubled and troubling times we need resources to maintain spiritual and physical
health -- not to be made ill by the violence and general disorder that confronts our world today.
So take a few minutes to assess how you feel physically and spiritually so as to find ways to maintain both to every
extent possible.
Listed below are some prompts to help with your self assessment:
When you feel strength, where do you go, who do you see?
When you want to feel comfort, where do you go, who do you see?
In one sentence, how would you describe the purpose of your life?
What one goal do you have that is most important to you right now?
How would you respond if someone said,"Do you believe in God?"
How would you respond if someone asked you, "Are you ready for your life to come to an end?"
Do you believe in any kind of existence after this life?
A spiritual history:
Who have I been all this time?
How have I used my gift of a human life?
What do I need to "clear up" or "let go" in order to be more peaceful?
What gives my life meaning?
For what am I grateful?
What have I learned of truth and how truthfully have I learned to live?
What have I learned of love, tenderness, vulnerability, intimacy?
What have I learned about courage, strength, power, faith?
What have I learned of the human condition and how great is my compassion?
How can I best share what I have learned?
What helps me open my heart and empty my mind and experience the presence of Spirit?
( Source: K D Singh, Phd.)
Remember that February is (medically speaking) heart month, with an emphasis on heart health, so use this survey as a
way to help personal heart health.
Meditation: O God, we seek your blessing and with gratitude receive God's many blessings. Source of Love, we come to
be refreshed and renewed; we come to be "re-graced" with God's abundant love. Oh, Great Physician, may we be
healed so that we may heal. We seek restoration of body, mind, and soul. We seek God's peace to quiet our restless
souls. We seek ways to serve not only self but the community around us. In the sweet spirit of God, we pray. Amen
Note: I have decided to "retire" as your official Faith Community Nurse. However I will continue to write these health
articles and maintain the health board in the fellowship hall. I remain available to help you with any health questions
you may have and to provide general assistance as needed.
Jane Kletka, R.N.

Thank you, Jane, for your wonderful ministry to us, here at

First Christian Church. With you as our nurse, we know we
have always been in good and loving hands.
February 2017

Whos on First?!

Sunday, February 5
Elders: John Riseland (O), Gregg Heyne (C)
Lock-Up: Jane Kletka
In Home Communion: John Riseland
Kelvin Smith
Deacons: Kathy Wheeler, Ardythe Hannah
Reader: Melody Hoffman
Flowers: TBD
Fellowship Time: Book Group
Sunday, February 12
Elders: Brenda Riseland (O), Jane Kletka (C)
Deacons: Renee Hoemann, James Becker
Reader: Gregg Heyne
Flowers: TBD
Fellowship Time: Max and Cheryl Perry
Sunday, February 19
Elders: Joe Plancich (O), Don Hoffman (C)
Deacons: Kathy Wheeler, Linda Heyne
Reader: James Becker
Flowers: TBD
Fellowship Time: TBD
Sunday, February 26
Elders: Margaret Brown (O), Leslie Pinkston (C)
Deacons: Pat Whitney, Kathy Wheeler
Reader: Bruce Radtke
Flowers: Esther Group
Fellowship Time: Esther Group
Sign up in the fellowship hall to help in these
important ministries:
Read scripture during Sunday morning worship
Bring flowers for Sunday worship
Provide goodies for fellowship time following
Sunday worship
Note: deacons schedule may change.
Please see the weekly email update for a more
accurate listing.

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Happy Birthday:
Mary Lee Wiser
Cris Botts
Velma McDonald
Tristin Stanbro
Brenda Riseland
Phyllis McKinnon
Gray King

Lynn Plancich
Margaret Brown
Mason Stanbro
Gaylen Udo
Leslie Pinkston
Megan Shoemaker
Happy Anniversary:
Ralph & Bea Gilfilen

2
4
7
7
10
11
13

16
17
18
22
25
26
5

Find Weekly Lectionary Readings

http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/
Be the Hands of God (nurture the world)

Community Meal
Josephs Closet
Disciples House
CAST
Socks on the Street
Food Bank collections

Blessing Bags
Clean water projects
Community Garden
Hook & Needle Brigade
Jesus Has Left the
Building

For more info on how to assist in any of these projects,

please contact us at office@bellinghamdisciples.org.
Be a Part of A Small Group (nurture your soul)
Out-to-Lunch Bunch, 12:30 p.m., 4th Sundays - This
informal gathering, visits locally owned and run
restaurants.
Book Group, 7 p.m., 4th Sundays - This group
explores books to expand their minds and their hearts.
Esther Group, 11:30 a.m., 3rd Mondays - this group
meets for lunch and fellowship in a local restaurant.
Bible Study, Noon, Tuesdays - Meeting in the church
library, this group explores the lectionary scriptures.
Pub Theology, 6:30 p.m., 3rd Thursdays - Beer,
conversation, and God! (Or any beverage of your choice.)
Checking in Group, 5 p.m., 4th Thursdays -supportive
group of people who share life's journey together.
Men's Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., Saturdays at Denny's -
All men are invited to join this weekly breakfast group for
fun and fellowship. A sense of humor is strongly
encouraged.

Attention: Elders, Deacons, Committee Chairs, and Task Force Leaders: Have you turned in your
calendar events for 2017 to the office? Let us help you coordinate all schedules!

February 2017

February calendar

February 2017
Sunday
Sunday

Monday
Monday

Tuesday
Tuesday

Wednesday
Wednesday Thursday
Thursday
1

Friday
Friday

Saturday
Saturday
3

Bulletin
deadline

7:30a Mens
Breakfast,
Dennys

6p Bell
Choir
7p Chancel
Choir
Rehearsal
5

9:30a Sunday School

10:50a Gathering Time
11a Worship
12:15p Fellowship Time

12

13

9:30a Sunday School

10:50a Gathering Time
11a Worship
12:15p Fellowship Time
2p Someone Cares
Community Meal &
Josephs Closet
3:30p Choir Fest, 1st
Congregational

6:30p
Stewardship
Meeting

19

20

7:30a Elders Mtg

9:30a Sunday School
10:50a Gathering Time
11a Worship
12:15p Fellowship Time
& Love and Care
Potluck
26

9:30a Sunday School

10:50a Gathering Time
11a Worship
12:15p Fellowship Time
12:30p Out-to-Lunch
Bunch, location TBD
6p Board Meeting
7 p.m. Book Group

February 2017

Noon Bible Study

5:30p
Spanish
Class

11:30 a.m.
Esther
Group
(location
TBD)
27

14

Noon Bible Study

5:30p
Spanish
Class

21

Noon Bible Study

5:30p
Spanish
Class

10

Bulletin
deadline

Bulletin &
Courier
deadlines
6p Bell
Choir
7p Chancel
Choir
Rehearsal
22

Bulletin
deadline
6p Bell
Choir
Rehearsal
7p Choir
Rehearsal

11

7:30a Mens
Breakfast,
Dennys

6p Bell
Choir
7p Chancel
Choir
Rehearsal
15

16

17

7:30a Mens
Breakfast,
Dennys

6:30p Pub
Theology,
Hops N
Headz

23

5p
Checking in
Group,
location
TBD

18

24

25

7:30a Mens
Breakfast,
Dennys

28

Noon Bible Study

5:30p
Spanish
Class

First Christian Church

(Disciples of Christ)
An Open and Affirming Congregation
495 East Bakerview Road
Bellingham, WA 98226-9168

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PERIODICALS POSTAGE AT
USPS 0589-870

Its the Little Things

What can one person do to make a difference in this crazy world? One little
thing at a time. Here are a few ideas for you.
Pay it forward with that one small act of kindness. Buy someone a coffee.
Help them with their groceries. Be kind to a neighbor in need. Pay
someones bill when they cannot. Make a difference in someones life.
Help out with some of the many outreach projects upon which our
congregation has embarked. Bring in socks for Socks on the Street, gently
used clothes for Josephs Closet, or non-perishable foods for the Food Bank
cart. Help out with the Community Meal. Make hats, scarves, blankets, or
sleeping mats for those in need. Make sure you have a jar for collecting
coins to help build wells for people in need of clean water and then be sure
to dump your change in it.
When the world seems overwhelming, overwhelm it with goodness. It makes
such a difference to your soul!

Save the Dates

Visit http://
www.disciplesnw.org/
newsletter/northwestpassage-january-2017 to
Read the Recent Issue of the
Regional Church Newsletter

Wed., March 1

Ash Wednesday

Sun., March 22

World Water Day: Turn in

change weve been collecting
for water projects

Sat., March 25

Interfaith Auction

July 8 - 12

General Assembly,
Indianapolis