FOCUS
First Baptist Church, Chico
850 Palmetto Avenue
Chico, CA 95926
530-343-3446
Monthly Newsletter
Vol. 29, No. 13 - 12/30/10
We are a richly varied church community celebrating the grace of God through worship, through encouraging spiritual
growth, and by living as reminders of God’s loving presence in our world.
confess that my two main issues during the
I Christmas season are, what to buy for those on my
shopping list, and how to get everything done that
needs to be done so that I can spend Christmas with
family without worrying about all kinds of tasks to be
completed after the new year begins. As issues or
problems go, these are minor, not worth discussing
when looking to the situations in which many others
find themselves.
We don’t have to think very long to come up with
examples of those who have much worse problems.
Monday, I went on a Police Chaplain call where the
mother had killed herself. I was there to help break that
terribly tragic news to her daughter and to her husband.
Death at Christmas is terrible enough, as many know
only too well, but suicide at Christmas is beyond my
comprehension.
Actually, any kind of pain and grieving at Christmas is
difficult. I think of those who are given the news they
or a loved one has cancer or heart disease or some other
critical illness. Think of those in accidents, or of those
going through a divorce. I know the Christmas season
is very hard on those who’ve lost loved ones for
whatever reason in the preceding year. That first
Christmas, especially for those who’ve been very close,
is very hard.
We certainly think of our service women and men
throughout the world, especially those in Iraq and
Afghanistan. War is always awful, but it is even more
so during Christmas, the season of peace.
Then too, I think of the unemployed and the poor. We
live in a commercial society where we’re constantly
bombarded with ads about $1000 necklaces and
expensive toys. When I see those commercials, I have
two reactions. First, I wonder who can afford such
gifts. Then, I wonder how those with little or nothing
react to them. If I could barely feed my children, how
would I feel if they came to me wanting the newest
electronic gizmo?
Finally, though the list goes on and on, I think of the
homeless right here in Chico. I talked to the director of
the Torres Shelter Tuesday at the Homeless Task Force
meeting and found that the Shelter is almost at capacity.
Brad is afraid they’re going to have to start turning
people away. I suggested that perhaps the thing to do
would be for First Baptist to open our Fellowship Hall
for 20 or so guests until the number seeking shelter
declines. That way, there’d be room for the new people
who’ve been showing up. Brad has talked with his
board and they’d like to move ahead with the idea.
I hope I didn’t speak out of turn for us. We’re not
talking about feeding an evening meal. The Shelter
would staff the Fellowship Hall over night. Beds or
mattresses would be provided through other sources. I
have faith that because we sheltered the homeless
before, we could do this again. We can work out any
problems.
There are so many difficulties during Christmas that we
can’t do anything about. This is something, however,
we can help with. I’ve always been struck by the
innkeeper who turned Joseph and Mary away, but did
allow them to stay in the stable. He could’ve done
better. He could’ve done worse. I believe it’s a terrible
thing to say, “No room,” to those in need, especially at
Christmas.
First Baptist Church, Chico
850 Palmetto Avenue
Chico, CA 95926
530-343-3446
www.chicofirstbaptist.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

E-Mail:fbcofficechico@sbcglobal.net
Every Member a Minister
Rev. Ted Sandberg D. Min.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Monday, January 1 - New Years Day
Sunday, January 2 - Communion Sunday
Thursday, January 6 - Take down decorations
Saturday, January 8 - ABW Board Meeting 10 AM
Sunday, January 9 - Remembrance Sunday - 1 st Choir Performance
Saturday, January 15 - Annual Planning Meeting/Governing Board 8:30 am to 12 pm
Sunday, January 16 - Martin Luther King, Jr., Sunday
Sunday, January 16 - Missions/Social Concerns serves evening meal to Torres Shelter
Monday, January 17 - Martin Luther King, Jr., Day - OFFICE CLOSED
Tuesday, January 18 - CIRCLES
Sunday, January 23 - Annual Meeting After Worship
Monday, January 24 - FOCUS Articles due in office
Sunday, January 30 - “Hello Dolly” at the Chico Theater Co. 2 pm (1:15 meet for dessert)

Expediters: Joyce Shannon, Louise Logue, Evelyn Cash, Marta Torres, Bernice Sherrill, Carol Willette
 JANUARY CALENDAR
Date Sermon Title Sermon Text
January 2 Communion “Living Here and Now” Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Worship Leader: Doris Arbuckle
Communion Servers: Deborah Logue & Louise Logue
Tracy Cumber & Kim Rychtera

January 9 Remembrance Sunday “Witnesses to Jesus” Acts 10:34-43

Worship Leader: Jackie Long

January 16 “What Are We Looking For?” John 1:29-42

Worship Leader: Margaret Ballinger

January 23 “What Does It Mean to Repent?” Matthew 4:12-23

Worship Leader: Laura Sederberg

January 30 “I Don’t Want to Be Blessed Like That” Matthew 5:1-12

Worship Leader: Cindy Hightower & Robyn Robinson

ADULT DISCUSSION CLASS Sunday Mornings at 9:15 am with Shirley Stanley and Jerry Fogle.
We are using Judson Press Material. This material covers the Bible in 5 years.
Presently in a video series of archeological finds in the Holy Land.
Coffee and Donuts provided.
Balthazar was the son of Nebuchadnezzar? (Answer on the next page)
...............................................................................................
Keep up with all that is going on at the First Baptist Church.
www.chicofirstbaptist.org *Deborah Logue maintains the website*
...............................................................................................
Happy January Birthday Wishes to:
Bob Hamilton (1-2); Albert Bouvet (1-3); Matt Moody (1-4); Virginia McMahen,
Ruth Wood (1-5); Lois Thompson (1-7); Nicholas Herringer, Roberta Meadows,
Clarence Mosher (1-12); Ken Shannon, Jamie Wendorf (1-23);
Ted Sandberg, Madison Gerfen (1-26).
***
*REMINDERS: Can Food Drive - Salvation Army Barrel is in the Narthex
Table in the Narthex - Donate your old Eye Glasses for Haiti
Table in the Narthex - Soup Labels for Education
At the right of the table in the Narthex - Torres Shelter Milk Bottle
Next FOCUS Article Deadline - Monday, January 24
...............................................................................................
ATTENTION!
If you have time on January 6, 2011, how about helping take down the Christmas decorations? We will be cleaning
the church at 8:00 A.M. and then we will take down and pack up the decorations for next year. If you are able to help,
please show up around 9:00 A.M. and be prepared to work. Thanks from the cleaning crew.

P.S. We also have coffee and doughnuts!

...............................................................................................
From Cora Rae Hubbard: Have a happy Christmas Eve and have a Merry Christmas. Enjoy your New Year. May
the Lord Bless You ALL! Love, Cora Rae
 Focus on Chico First Baptist Family
We are continuing to pray for: The WAR in Iraq
FRIENDS WITH CANCER: CAROL: Catherine Hendrix’s neighbor - diagnosed with kidney cancer; PAUL
METTLE - Jill Ramsey’s brother-in-law; FERN MORGAN - Mother of friend of Terre Reynolds; ALLY - Crystal
Pulliam’s friend’s little girl; FRANK JAMES - Mary Jane Bowser’s friend - esophageal cancer; MARGARET
BALLINGER’S SISTER - Undergoing chemotherapy for extensive cancer.
***
J. T. HENDRIX: Now in Hospice care; HANK WERTZ: Died - graveside service Thursday, December 23 -
remember the family; LINDA: Gayle and Mary Lou’s daughter; had cancer surgery December 6. Surgery went well
and had not spread to lymph nodes which is very good news; DAN GERFEN: Dan deployed with his National Guard
unit. He is currently in Wisconsin and will eventually serve in Afghanistan; LILLIAN WENDORF: Doing well;
MARY JANE BOWSER: Fluid under knee cap - dislocated right toe; GEORGE SMITH: Recovering from a knee
operation; TIM CLELAND: Margaret Nevin’s friend - recovering at home and in rehab; SHIRLEY SMITH: Has
Parkinson’s and Palsy SP; AMY: Ed Hightower’s daughter - Parkinson’s disease; RICK: Jill Ramsey’s cousin - has
kidney failure; GRACE BLANCHARD: Knee problem.
***
Courtyard at Little Chico Creek: HELEN WALLACE
The Inn at the Terraces (Apt 12): EDITH MCCONNELL - Phone: 342-4421
Roses & Ivy Elder Care Center: DOLLY SKINNER
Twin Oaks Care Center: LOU HAYES
Roseleaf Senior Care (Humboldt Rd., Chico): PAULA JOHNSON
Windsor Chico Care Center: J. T. HENDRIX
Feather River Canyon Home: ELAINE HERRINGTON - Phone: 876-9918
MILITARY: LUCAS PRUITT - Lena White’s friend; back from Iraq - home for a year.
JASON WILLIAMS - Ed Hightower’s step grandson
WILL DUNHAM - Doris Arbuckle’s grandson
Pacific Coast Baptist Association. Remember those who are grieving.
*If there are names that can or should be removed please contact Ted or the office at 343-3446*
********************************************************************************
DID YOU KNOW that First Baptist Church has walkers, crutches, wheelchairs and other durable medical equipment to loan?
If you or someone you know needs to borrow any of these items, call the church office at 343-3446 to arrange pick-up.
........................................................................
Balthazar was the son of Nebuchadnezzar? TRUE!
ABW MINISTRIES CIRCLE MEETINGS - Tuesday, January 18
Susan Linderman 10:00 AM Country Waffle 690 Rio Lindo
Hope 7:00 PM Joan Gerfen 905 Karen Drive
Lauran Bethell 6:30 PM Jack’s Family Restaurant 540 Main

Please Note! New Home Phone Number for Jerry & Sue Rychtera - 530-809-0665
AND
A new address for Catherine Hendrix!
1199 Diablo #205, Chico, CA 95973

Dear First Baptist Church and members: Thank you so much for the honor of being your Church Secretary. I
enjoyed meeting and working with every one of you and hope to keep in touch in the future. I am sad to be leaving
but excited about retiring! Thank you also for the bonus’, cards, gifts and goodies. I will miss you all! Kay Hoffner
AB Women’s Ministries
Bible Book for January: Mark
News & Updates

AB Women’s Ministries Board Meeting

The AB Women's Ministries Board meeting will be held at the church library on January 8th, 2011, at 10:00 AM. All
Circle chairs, officers and anyone who wants to may attend this meeting. We will be working on new officers and
discussing fundraisers and the Women's conference in April. All suggestions are helpful.

Submitted by Charlaine (Cheri) Sandberg, president

...............................................................................................
Circle of Hope
The Circle of Hope held their December meeting on the 7th at the home of Marta Torres. We enjoyed live
entertainment from Rudolfo before Marta made him leave the room.
It was decided that we would draw names and reveal our Secret Sister at the next meeting. Marta surprised us with a
Christmas gift. We had tea, coffee, hot chocolate, nuts, cheesecake, cookies and other snacks along with a wonderful
evening of fellowship. Those attending were Marta Torres, Cheri Sandberg, Joan Gerfen, Anne Wheelock, Carol
Willette, Marty Brandstatt and Louise Logue.
Submitted by Louise Logue
...............................................................................................
Christian Education Committee
The Christian Education Committee met on December 13 in the Church office. Those attending were Rev. Ted
Sandberg, Louise Logue and Alice Reed. Louise opened the meeting with prayer.
We discussed the Adult Bible Study class being held on Sunday mornings. Everyone seems to enjoy the DVD program
of the New Testament. The topic of Missional Churches was brought up with the question of how we could help.
Under new business, we talked about a Sunday afternoon class beginning in February.
We examined the items to discuss at the Governing Board.
The next meeting will be held on Saturday, January 15, at the All-Committee meeting. The new members will be Alice
Reed, Jill Ramsey, Tracy Cumber, and Marta Torres. Ted dismissed the meeting with prayer.
Submitted by Louise Logue
...............................................................................................
Evangelism/Membership Committee
The Evangelism/Membership Committee has reserved seating for the musical "Hello Dolly!" at Chico Theater
Company. The date is January 30th, 2011, and we will meet around 1:15 PM for a time of fellowship and dessert.
Please call the church office to sign up for this outing and bring a friend. We always have a good time visiting and
watching the performance together.
Submitted by Charlaine (Cheri) Sandberg, Chair
...............................................................................................
Worship Committee
The Worship committee met on December 13 at the Country Waffle Restaurant. Margarita Rainey, Cal Rainey,
Evelyn Cash, Rev. Ted Sandberg, Louise Logue and Marty Brandstatt attended.
Margarita reminded us that beginning January 1, the Worship Committee will consist of Terre Reynolds, Catherine
Hendrix, Evelyn Cash and Marty Brandstatt.
The All-Committee meeting will be held on Saturday, January 15 in the Social Hall. We plan to have microphone
instructions at that time.
The Christmas Eve Service is all set. Rev. Bill Jefferies will be the guest speaker on December 26 and Ted will return
on January 1.
The Christmas decorations will be taken down on January 6. Sunday, January 9, will be Remembrance Sunday.
Submitted by Louise Logue
 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesda Thursday Friday Saturday

January 2011
Flowers for the Month “”Provided by church mem bers”

Ted/Cheri return

2 Communion 3 4 5 6 7 8

ABW Board
Take down Meeting 10 am
decorations

Choir 6 pm
*J. Fogle

9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Remembrance Annual Planning
Sunday CAIC 11:45 am Meeting/
Gov. Bd.
1st Choir 8:30 am-12 pm
Performance Choir 6 pm

*J. Brandstatt

16 17 Martin Luther 18 19 20 21 22
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
King Jr. Sunday
OFFICE
Missions/Social CLOSED CIRCLES
serve evening
meal to Torres Choir 6 pm
Shelter
*L. Logue

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Annual Meeting
After Worship

FOCUS
deadline Choir 6 pm

*C. Hightower

30 31

“Hello Dolly” at
Chico Theatre
Co. 2 pm
(1:15 pm meet *Lock up person
for dessert) for the week

*Jerry Rychtera