WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY!

World Communion Sunday—celebrated the first Sunday in

October—is one of the most revered of “Special Sundays.” The
day has taken on new relevancy and depth of meaning in a
world where globalization often has undermined peace and
justice—and in a time when fear divides the people of God’s
earth. On this day we celebrate our oneness in Christ, the Prince
of Peace, in the midst of the world we are called to serve—a
world ever more in need of peacemaking.
A very special day is planned for Sunday, October 5, when our
church joins with others around the world to share in communion
with each other, and with our Lord. Plans are being made to
offer special music, and to invite the Korean congregation to join
us at our second service.
Light refreshments will be served between services, and
following the second service. Look for more information in the
next newsletter, and plan on joining us for this special day.

Mark This Date!

On October 12, 2008 we will be joyfully, prayerfully, and officially
installing Pastor Steve as our Pastor here at First Christian
Church. This will be a blended service, and we will be joined by
our Regional Co-Ministers as well as others. More information in
the next newsletter, but for goodness sake, MARK THIS DATE!

September 11, 2008

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 Disciples Women’s Ministry
WE’RE ON THE MOVE!!
The Disciples Women’s Board is moving into fall with a full calendar
of events. So many great things are happening in the next few
months, be sure to join in the fun, STARTING NOW!

All of our Women’s group, or circles, are back in the swing of things.
New Hope has already met for September, and Faith and Love Groups
meet on Tuesday, September 16. If you are not a member of a “circle”
of women, we hope you will want to give it a try. The groups meet once
a month and they meet at different times of the day, so everyone should be able to
find one that fits into their schedule. The groups meet and study under the guidance
of the New Day for Christian Women, a study plan from the Christian Board of Edu-
cation, Women’s Ministries, Disciples of Christ. Groups study the Bible and related
topics, and also study various countries. It is a time for contemplation, discussion,
learning, prayer, and of course – food! Groups also meet from time to time for social
activities, such as bowling, movies, lunch or dinner out, etc. They also support many
service projects and the outreach of the church. Any group would welcome your
visit. Information on dates and times can be found in your Women’s Disciple hand-
book, or call the office.

Sunday, September 21, you will find the Snowman Wonderland Boutique
workshop in full swing right after second service. Bring some lunch, and
your willing hands, and get crafting! The boutique will be here before we
know it.

Of course, the icing on September’s cake will be our Women’s

Luncheon on Sunday, September 28. Our speaker will be none
other than our own DWF president, Michele Wood, and her topic will
be “Spiritual Life Tapestries”. What is that? – come and find out,
and enjoy Michele’s wonderful presentation. The Faith circle will be
fixing lunch, and Lynn Redderson will be leading our Worship. Our service project
will be the “Family Crisis Center”. This organization provides many services to vic-
tims of domestic abuse and sexual assault. Services are free of charge, and are
available 24/7. You can find information on this organization at
www.familycrisiscenters.org. Be sure to join us for a special afternoon.

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Don’t forget to watch for your Prayer Sisters form, and sign up. The forms have
been put out by Sakura Koontz. This is a special sharing between two women of
the church, and we hope you will want to be a part of it. Sakura will be glad to an-
swer your questions.

Also – the Pacific Southwest Region Regional Assembly is being held at the First
Christian Church of San Bernardino on October 16-18, 2008. This is a wonderful
time of sharing and spiritual togetherness, and forms are available now. See
Chery Carew or Linda Houston for more information. The deadline for registration
is fast approaching, so act now!

Something for everyone in September – See you there!

4th ANNUAL PSWR GOLF CLASSIC

MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2008
ALTA VISTA COUNTRY CLUB, PLACENTIA

Prizes and Trophies!

On-Course Contests!
Pre-Event Putting Contest!
Silent & Live Auctions – more contributions welcome & needed!
Banquet – spouses & friends welcome. Must register!

New feature this year! – Two golf pros for the Alta Vista Country Club staff on the driving
range to provide instruction prior to the shot-gun start at 11:00am. 2008 Opportunity Draw-
ing: First prize - 50” flat panel plasma TV. There will be a second & third prize, too! Tick-
ets for the Opportunity Drawing will be available through your church by early September
and at the Regional Assembly.

For additional information, contact Ed Linberg, Golf Committee Chair, 909-392-6688 or

Ted Oden at 310-782-1650.

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 Outreach News
Dear First Christian Church
You can’t imagine how heartwarming it has been to receive the wonderful offering of
backpacks and school supplies from you! It is such a blessing to the children whose
parents were unable to purchase the supplies they needed to go back to school. Any
of you who contributed monetarily can be happy to know that the combined gifts were
used to purchase additional supplies and backpacks.
You’re amazing, and you’re a big part of the Love INC success story that helped over
2000 children this year. Some of them live in shelters, some are in social service
programs in the South Bay who serve the poor, some live in foster homes and others
belong to the families who call our office in need of assistance. The need is great and
it is rewarding to see the faces of thankful kids. It is also rewarding to see each of
you giving from your heart.
Jenny writes in her thank you letter:
“I liked everything in my backpack. It was great. I was happy because I get to take all
my stuff to 3rd grade. God bless you and thank you for giving everything new to me.”
Love, Jenny
Next year, I know we can help even more children in need through the Love INC
“Network of Care”. Thank you again for helping these wonderful kids. Please convey
this to everyone you know who contributed. May God continue to bless you as you
bless others.
Gratefully,
Cecilia Montijo
Office Director of Love INC South Bay

First Christian Church of Torrance

On behalf of the International Christian Youth Fellowship and Disciple Women of the
Pacific Southwest, we wish to THANK YOU for the many hospitable acts which you
did to make the event in July a success. By housing, feeding, transporting and loving,
you made their experience a memorable one and a significant part of their unfolding
Faith Journey. May your ministry in Torrance continue to be one of insight and ser-
vice to the wider world.
Pat Messenger and Nancy Fowler
Co-facilitators of Disciple Women in the Pacific Southwest Region

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 CHURCH FAMILY NEWS
Terry Thomas asks for prayers on be-
half of her nephew, Adam Steemack,
who has been in a coma since a mid-
August accident.
Doug Hedde is doing better, and walk-
ing some without need of a walker. He
is at Torrance Care Center East on Tor-
rance Blvd.
After more than two months since he
was born, David Eldik is finally home
from the hospital – though he is still on
oxygen and monitors for respiration and
heart-rate.
Prayers are asked on behalf of our re-
gional co-minister, Don Dewey, who is
traveling to the Congo with a group of Thanks…
other ministers – we pray for safe jour-
ney, clarity of mission, and for the peace
of wellbeing of the people there.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Bible Study—10:00 a.m.,
(Wednesdays)
Choir—7:00 p.m., (Thursdays)
Praise Team Practice—6:00 p.m., (Thursdays)
Kick-off Sunday & Picnic—10:00 a.m. Sept. 14.
Love Group—9:30 a.m., Sept. 16.
Faith Group—1:30 p.m. Sept. 16.
Elders Meeting—7:00 p.m., Sept. 16.
CMF—8:30 a.m., Sept. 20.
Boutique Workshop—12:00 p.m., Sept. 21.
Youth Adventure—12:00 p.m., Sept. 21.
CYF—5:30 p.m., Sept. 21.
Disciple Women’s Lunch—12:00 p.m. Sept. 28.
CYF—5:30 p.m., Sept.28.
To Gene and Doreen Jackson,
for cleaning much of the church
building in preparation for fall
classes.

The Regional Assembly

October 16-18, 2008
First Christian Church, San Bernardino
Greetings to the Pacific Southwest Region Family!
This year First Christian Church of San Bernardino will be host-
ing our October 16-18, 2008 Regional Assembly . Our theme this year is, “One Church, New
Church, Transformed” based on Romans 12: 1-2. Please visit our website at
www.disciplespswr.org

Looking forward to seeing you in San Bernardino!

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 September 2008 (Revise
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursd

WORSHIP SERVICES
8:30 and 10:30 am
Sunday School 9:30 am

1 2 3

7 8 9 10

14 15 16 17

Blended Worship Love Group 9:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m. Kick-off Faith Group 1:30 p.m. Choir
Bible Study 10:00 a.m.
Sunday & Picnic Elders 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m
CYF 5:30 p.m.

21 22 23 24
Boutique Workshop
12:00 p.m. Newsletter
Choir
Youth Adventure Bible Study 10:00 a.m.
7:00 p.m
12:00/Lunch
CYF 5:30 p.m.
28 29 30

Disciple Women’s .
Lunch 12:00 p.m.

Page 6
ed)
day Friday Saturday
September Birthday’s
Jack Rogers 2
Matt Galyardt 2
Greg Oden 4
Walter Morrison 4
Susie Noble 4
4 5 6 Brandon Williams 5
Virginia Peck 6
Cynthia Fried (7)
Rich Koontz 9
Robert Fender12
Harding Peck14
Chal Strayer 16
Matthew Reeley17
11 12 13 Karen Jackson 19
Bobbi Lotrick 19
Dick Talley 20
Ashley Whobrey 20
Regional Assembly Uy Vu 21
Betsy Galyardt 22
Registration Deadline Vicki Johns 22
Janie Fietz 23
June Perkins 24
Kara Ryan 24
18 19 20 Jaryd Griego 25
Catherine Paour 25
Hilda Corless 26
C.M.F. Helen Williams 26
r 8:30 a.m. Gwen Jonas 27
m. Katelynn Rogers 27
Nneji Ibe 30

25 26 27

r ANNIVERSARIES
m.
Jerry & Lynn Jonas 2
Harding & Virginia Peck 3
Chal & Helene Strayer 4
Bill & Ester Adams 5
Lee & Pat Sebaugh 7
Mike & Kel Henderson 7
Morrie & Virginia Gober 12
Grant & Betsy Galyardt 23
Earl & Elba Woods (27)
Mike & Toshiko Morotani 29
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 Education Notes & News
September 14 is a busy day at FCC Torrance and the day starts off with our
SEPTEMBER SUNDAY SCHOOL KICK-OFF. All children and adults are
invited to join in for breakfast goodies, singing (look for some VBS favorites!)
and a chance to see your teachers. We will meet at 9:30 a.m., on Sunday,
September 14, in Room 3. See you there!

Just a reminder of all there is to do every Sunday morning. Starting at 9:30

a.m., we have SUNDAY SCHOOL for both children and adults. Beginning
September 21, Barbara Myers will offer another two week study on “Names
of God”.

During our second church service we have the WORSHIP AND WONDER
program for preschoolers through second graders. This is an opportunity for
our young children to spend some time learning and experiencing Bible sto-
ries. It is a wonderful program led by dedicated teachers. Our third through
fifth graders will have the opportunity to go to a special KID’S SERMON while the
adults stay in church and listen to Pastor Steve. We have a great team ready to offer
our older kids sermons at their level.

Adult Sunday School

Barbara Myers has agreed to do two more Sunday classes on “The Names
of God” to finish out September. In October, Ted Oden will be offering more
about the spiritual implications of “Boundaries,” and in November, we’re
looking forward to a 3-week series from David Matson based on some excit-
ing research he’s done recently on Disciples History.
It’s a great group with lots of helpful discussion. Unless Sippel Hall is being used for
something else, the Adult Class is there each Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

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 September Youth Calendar:
September 14th

All youth are invited to attend the Blended Service at 10:00 a.m. and stay for fun
at the Kick-Off Picnic immediately following.

September 21st

12:00 p.m. Youth Adventure (3-5) A light lunch is provided. Join in as they make
some Christmas crafts for the Snowman Wonderland Boutique.

5:30 p.m. CYF

September 28th

4:00 p.m. Chi Rho (6-8)

5:30 p.m. CYF

Financial Update
Giving was above average for the month of July, and above budget for August.
Year-to-date figures for our fiscal year show us only about $2,500 behind
budget—which is good for the end of summer. The congregation is to be com-
mended for its faithfulness.
Unfortunately, this time of year also brings above-budget expenses. It may take
some in-house borrowing, but we should meet payroll and other primary commit-
ments for early September.
This information is offered in the belief that a more informed church will be able to
be a more faithful church.

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 Kick-Off Sunday Blended Worship & Picnic
September 14, at 10:00 am.
We come together in a special way, at a special time, and for special purposes. We
will be filling the sanctuary at 10:00 a.m. on September 14, to celebrate the begin-
ning of a new Sunday School year – and then to all move together for a great luau-
lunch afterwards. Picnic or luau casual clothing is encouraged for worship.
Our worship will feature both our choir and the first service praise band. We will be giving
new Bibles to fourth graders, and to other students who may not have gotten a Bible from
our church. And we will be consecrating our new elders.
See you there and then!

Upcoming Sermons
September 14 – “But Seriously…” (2 Timothy 3:14-17)
Second in our series on Disciples Principles of Identity, addressing the second principle:
“We hold the centrality of scripture, recognizing that each person has the freedom - and the
responsibility - to study God's Word within the community of the church.”
September 21 – “Putting the Unum in Our Pluribus” (1 Corinthians 1:10-18; 3:21-23)
Third in our series on Disciples Principles of Identity, addressing the seventh* principle:
“We hear a special calling to make visible the unity of all Christians, proclaiming that, in
our diversity, we belong to another but we commonly belong to Christ.”
September 28 – “What If the Hokey-Pokey Really Is What It’s All About?” (Romans
6:3-5)
Fourth in our series on Disciples Principles of Identity, addressing the third principle: “We
practice the baptism of believers, which emphasizes that God’s grace demands a response of
faith and discipleship, while also recognizing the baptism performed in other churches.”

*NOTE: We are doing some of the principles out of order so that appropriate themes will
fall on the dates of upcoming special celebrations.

Page 10
 Footnotes
BACK TO SCHOOL… More than just an excuse for August sales, these words can
cause chagrin for many a returning student – and not a few teachers! It can also raise
mixed feelings for parents, who may find their chauffeur duties picking up. But in the
end, school fills in where summer may have become just a bit monotonous.

We go “back to school” here at church, too. Though summer has been wonderfully
full and varied, Sunday School gets back into a more regular routine – all of which be-
gins with a special celebration this coming Sunday (September 14) replete with an af-
ter worship luau. (Or “loo-WOW!”)

In some ways, I’m also asking you to go back to school in worship, as we move
through a sermon series about Disciples Identity. It’s a little bit Bible Study, a wee
touch of church history, and, hopefully, something to take home. And, I very much
hope, not just a series of monologues, but an opportunity for dialogue.

For some, Disciples ID is a contradiction in terms (not unlike “organized religion” or

“Dodge Ram”…). The irony is that our identity makes room for many IDs and multi-
ple points of view. As we noted in the last newsletter, our goal is not to preach the
“party line,” but to help us think about our Christian values, especially those we hold
in common, and to be intentional about sharing with one another about our deepest be-
liefs. When church is at its best, it is a safe place where we listen together for God’s
word, where we learn from one another – and then apply our learning to life.

I look forward to your comments and questions – to your part in our common dia-
logue!

Shalom, Steve

NOTE: An outline of the series is available on Sunday mornings, for those who’d like
a closer look. For more info on the Disciples Principles of Identity, please visit
www.disciples.org.

**Next Newsletter articles need to be at the church office by 9/22/08.

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
For birth through age 3 during Sunday School
and the 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 - Sherril Wiechmann
The Christian Messenger

Officers
Chair - Doug Crawford
TIME VALUE DATA

Vice Chair - Don Zukas

2930 El Dorado Street

DO NOT DELAY
First Christian Church

Torrance, CA 90503

Treasurer– Bill Wysong

EXPEDITE

Financial Secretary - Moggy Emmen

Clerk– Chery Carew

Page 12