It Takes A Community To Celebrate the Risen Christ

Many talented, dedicated, hard-working people came together to make our Lenten-Easter worship very special and meaningful. From those involved at the beginning to those drafted on the spur of the moment; from the children to the more mature, from the big tasks to the smallthe Worship Committee, on behalf of our church, deeply thanks you. And, with the support and presence of our congregation, all of us, together, celebrated our Lords sacrifice and Resurrection. Special thanks to Dave Marvin who does nearly everything, John Beecher and Bill Wysong too, Anne Beecher and Hannelie Uys for preparing the perfect Maundy Thursday meal, the cast and crew of And They Went Out, Ken Potter and the choir, and those who set up, decorated and cleaned up. Andto Pastor Steve whose messages, small group study lessons, gift for dramatization and all things literary plus his overall plans and accomplishments are such a blessing to all of us. To all of you--our gratitude and love. The Worship Committee

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April 19, 2012

Disciples Womens Ministry

Disciples Womens Lunch & Program

Sunday, April 22, 2012, 12pm
Mark your calendars and join us for this luncheon. Jill Foster will be giving a presentation based on the video listed below. Pray the Devil Back to Hell chronicles the remarkable story of the courageous Liberian women who came together to end a bloody civil war and bring peace to their shattered country. Thousands of women ordinary mothers, grandmothers, aunts and daughters, both Christian and Muslim came together to pray for peace and then staged a silent protest outside of the Presidential Palace. Armed only with white T-shirts and the courage of their convictions, they demanded a resolution to the countrys civil war. Their actions were a critical element in bringing about a agreement during the stalled peace talks. A story of sacrifice, unity and transcendence, Pray the Devil Back to Hell honors the strength and perseverance of the women of Liberia. Inspiring, uplifting, and most of all motivating, it is a compelling testimony of how grassroots activism can alter the history of nations. Our service project for this month is World Vision, an organization that Sees the world and responds to the areas in need with immediate help. Many recipients of aid are in countries with the lowest per capita annual income, est. in US dollars as $300.00-$900.00 yearly. Working in over 100 countries, World Vision is dedicated to helping children, families and communities reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice brought about by natural disasters and civil conflict. Ethnic cleansing, sexual violence on women and children, kidnapping and exploitation, displacement of families from their lands and the mass slaughter of millions are just some of the atrocities World Vision has, since 1950, worked to abolish through numerous aid programs and the efforts of thousands of specialists and volunteers. They were in Japan in March 2011 when 11,000 people were killed by an earthquake. They were in Florida when freezing weather destroyed crops and 14,000 farm workers faced food shortage. They were in the Philippines in 2010 when volcano ash ruined newly planted crops. If there is a need, World Vision is there. If you would like to give to this project either join us on this Sunday or talk with our President, Jill Foster

Family Promise Fundraiser

Our first fundraiser for Family Promise of the South Bay will be Tupperware. Brochures and a display will be at our womens luncheon on April 22nd.
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Endowment Fund Update

The financial markets seem to have improved and our accounts are showing modest growth patterns this year. Let us continue to pray for improvement in the economy both here and abroad and also for our ability to touch the lives of others with these funds we have been blessed with. Please continue to think of our Endowment Fund for special financial gifts and in your own financial planning. Information regarding the Fund can be found in the Church Pews or by speaking with a member of this Committee. And, let us give Thanks for the recent contributions we have received. In memory of Rod Norris: Gift from the Rod Norris Estate In memory of Roy Fietz: Lee & Pat Sebaugh In memory of Dan Knoll: Harriet Sherwood

Gardeners Wanted
Adopt-a-Garden. Some of our gardens are in need of help. The Trustees would greatly appreciate a person or family adopting one of the gardens by weeding and generally taking care of them. The Trustees will help by getting the gardens in shape if someone could take over the regular maintenance and upkeep. We know there are a lot of gardeners out there who are just looking for a garden to love. Thanks Gene and Doreen! Gene and Doreen Jackson donated the flowers and plants on the El Dorado frontage, and Wally Sandberg did the planting. Thanks to all three.

Ride to Fly
Dear First Christian Church Thank you for your generous donation of $1,000.00 in memory of Roger Grove. He will be missed by all at Ride to Fly. Sincerely Ride to Fly Because We Believe You Can Fly!
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Relay for Life April 28-29, 2012 9am-9am South High School
Its almost here!! The American Cancer Society (ACS) is sponsoring the 10th Annual South Bay Relay for Life on April 28-29, 2012, from 9am Sat., to 9am, Sun. at South High practice field. In case you didnt know, Relay for Life is a 24 hour event and theres no finish line until we find a cure. If youd like to be on the His Hands of FCC Torrance team, then come by our booth in Sippel Hall after church and find out how. Again, our campsite at the Relay will be decorated in a surfer theme in memory of our beloved Don Bill. There are a number of ways our church family can participate in this event: Sign up for a one hour time slot (day or night) and walk with other supporters throughout the 24 hour period. Make a financial contribution or sponsor a walker. Purchase a Luminaria for $15, which is an inspiring way to honor someone in memory of or in survival of cancer. Visit the His Hands of FCC campsite and buy a FCCs famous taco boat, or cheer on all the walkers! Please join His Hands in supporting FCCs effort to fight cancer. To find out how you can make a difference please stop by our booth or call Gail Grove 310-370-9498, Tamara Griego or Shirley Bill 310-324-4711. Dear Church Family I would like to thank you for all the prayers, visits, calls, and meals during my recent knee replacement surgery. I appreciate everything and Im truly blessed with such a caring church family. Sincerely, Charlotte Sandberg

Family Fiesta Night

Please join us on May 5th, at 5:00 p.m. for an evening of fun for all ages. Food, entertainment, piata and balloon animals. Tickets are $10.00 adults, $5.00 kids, $25.00 family. Come and relax and enjoy!
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CHURCH FAMILY PRAYERS & CONCERNS

Elba Woods still has pain from being rear-ended on the way back from tests related to last years aneurysm (which turned out well) Rich Kootz had cataract surgery; he will have the other eye done on the 25thBernadette Leake is still waiting for a date for cataract surgery Jim Whobrey is home recovering from hip surgeryCharlotte Sandberg is home after knee-replacement Karen Jackson is recovering from knee surgery Continuing prayers: Beverly Roseberry, Virginia Gober, Doug Hedde, Theresa Ringe, Samantha Young Ted & Janie Odens nephew, Travis, is in the hospital with acute pancreatitisdoing better, but still seriousLinda Delanghes niece Yadera is gravely illher nervous system appears to be shutting downJoe Blain (Steve Fietzs stepfather) is home from the hospital, but has congestive heart failure; Helen Blain (Steves mother) is also back home, and medicating an intestinal infectionLois Grant (the mother of our custodian Tom) is better, but still in the hospitalKelly Crawfords friends 3 year-old daughter, Emma, has been hospitalized with possible leakage of brain fluid. Cancer: Doreen Jacksons cancer has shrunk even more; she sang with the choir for the first time in monthsShawn Knutsen is receiving radiation treatmentJudy Rickabaugh has had her first treatment as part of a UCLA trial treatment Janie Odens coworker, Jennifer has had a double mastectomyContinued prayers: Bruce BalesMark Parsons (Claremont School of Theology) in their struggles with cancer. Far from loved ones: Donna Hahns grandson Mark Andrews is home and continuing treatment for a wound suffered in Afghanistan Bryce Matson in nearing the end of his tour Brian Tenace is set to leave for there next monthSarah Iannuccis 88 year-old mother in the Philippines is feeling weak and lonely.

More Info about New Members

As promised in our last newsletter, heres more info about our most recent baptism class: Nathan Atticus Campbell is a fourth grader at Rolling Hills Country Day School. Nate enjoys sports (especially football and baseball) and wrestling with his family. During baptism class he learned that "Jesus is the son of the living God, and we get baptized to start a new life." Haley Rae Crawford is the fourth generation of her family to be baptized in our church. Her favorite hobbies include softball, reading, and arts & crafts. Haley is a pitcher, and goes to pitching lessons. She says, I learned in Baptism Class that once I was baptized, it washed away all my sins, and I get a fresh start. Lisa Uys attends Hickory Elementary School, where she is in the fifth grade. She likes to swim, sing, make videos, sleep, and play. She says that in Baptism Class she learned that baptism means you are buried and raised like Jesus was. And Jesus is our Savior.
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May 2012
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday WORSHIP SERVICES 8:30 and 10:30 am
1
Education 7:00 p.m.
Prayer Shawl 2:00

Thur

Ch 7

6
Trustees 7:00 p.m.

7
Prayer Meeting 5:45 Prayer Shawl 7:00

8
Prayer Shawl 2:00

Newcomers Lunch

Cabinet 7:00 p.m.

Ch 7

13
Newsletter

14

15
Love Group 9:30 Faith Group 1:30 Prayer Meeting 5:45 Prayer Shawl 7:00 Worship Meeting 7:00
Bible Study 10:00 Prayer Shawl 2:00 Elders Meeting 7:00 p.m.

16

Ch 7

20
Feed the Hungry Disciple Womens Lunch 12:00

21
Outreach Meeting 6:00 Family Promise 7:00

22
Prayer Meeting 5:45 Prayer Shawl 7:00

23

Prayer Shawl 2:00

Ch 7

27
Pentecost Sunday Pentecost Offering

28

29
Prayer Meeting 5:45 Prayer Shawl 7:00

30

Memorial Day Church Office Closed

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Prayer Shawl 2:00

Ch 7

rsday

Friday

Saturday
May Birthdays

hoir :00

10

hoir :00

17

hoir :00

Doug Crawford (5) Shirley Brummett (8) 4 5 Melanie Emmen (8) Precilla Rogers (9) Haley Crawford (9) Family Fiesta Night Jeremy Levi (11) Camelia Olloque (12) 5:00 p.m. Sarah Iannucci (14) Ed Apodaca (15) 11 12 Carole Jones (16) Ryan Rogers (17) Jillian Teruya (19) Samantha Fender (20) Shirley Fender (23) James Johnston (23) Betty Sleeth (24) Clifford Marvin (24) Ed Shroyer (24) 18 19 Jacob Gonzalez (25) Gabrielle Carmona (26) Mens Breakfast Jaden Tenace (27) Robert Reeley (29) 8:30 a.m.

24

25

26

hoir :00

ANNIVERSARIES
Gene & Doreen Jackson (1) Manuel & Camelia Olloque (5) Ed & Kathy Shroyer (6) Russell Lear & Lynne Redderson (20) Aron & Cynthia Fried (21) Al & Samantha Lubrani (25) Larry & Peggy Campbell (25) Page 7

31

hoir :00

Education Notes & News

Thank You Thank You Thank You
Palm Sunday was filled with so much activity for our young people. It took an army of people to help bring it altogether. So I want to say a VERY big Thank You to all who helped with Bible Explorers (empty tomb buns Jimmy Koontz & Sarah Johnson) and the ascension craft by Lynne Redderson-Lear, the processing of the Palms (Dorie Hernandez & Amanda Ruhs) and with Easter Eggcitement (Anna Rogers and family, Anne Beecher and crew, and as always Dave Marvin and so many more hands that served this day to make it so special. Thank You.

Bible Explorers Pre-K to 4th Grade

The children in Bible Explorers will begin an exploration of Church/Community and World. Scriptures we will be learning are Matthew 28:16-20 and Acts 2:4.

CHI RHO Sunday School

We will continue our study on relationships.

DATES TO SAVE: VBS: July 23 July 27th under the mighty direction of Jenifer Teruya. Please contact Jennifer if you are interested in helping out with VBS. 2012 SUMMER CAMP DATES - Obtain registration forms for camp at www.lochleven.org or request forms in the church office. Also join the Facebook page for Loch Leven at www.facebook.com/LochLeven. Registration started February 1st.
SESSION DATES EARLY BIRD DEADLINE June 1 June 8 June 15 June 22 June 29 July 5 EARLY BIRD COST $250 $340 $340 $340 $340 $340
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MINI ** JUNIOR CHI RHO CYF I CYF II ALL AGES

7/1 7/4 7/8 7/14 7/15 7/21 7/22 7/28 7/29 8/4 8/5 8/11

REGULAR REGISTRATION DEADLINE June 16th June 23 June 30 July 7 July 14 July 21

REG COST $275 $365 $365 $365 $365 $365

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

We are in need of small trinkets and treasures to use to reward our Bible Explorer kids for learning scripture and for being great kids. We also need any small instruments. If you are willing to help us with this, please give your donations to Shirley Woodman. If you are an interior designer wanting to lend your gifts to our Christian Ed department, please see Shirley Woodman for details.

STEP BACK IN TIME

If you are like most of us, history was fairly boring in school. You learned a lot of dates and names but you did not really get the real interesting points of history. Maybe you learned George Washington had wooden teeth. Ho Hum. Some of us are trying to help people realize that history can be exciting and dare I say interesting and fun!! We believe history has a heartbeat. You should catch it too. Can you answer the following questions? Which general had his leg shot off then donated it to the medical museum and visited it on a regular basis? Which general liked to suck on lemons? Which general shot his wifes adulterous lover? Which general once brought a prostitute onto the floor of the state legislature? Which Union general later ran against Lincoln in his reelection bid? What man promoted to general after the war was actually promoted to sergeant during the war at the age of 10? Who was considered a drunk? Who was thought insane? Which general was considered a near genius in war but hated by his students as a teacher? Who was shot by his own men? Who had two Gatling guns before he went into battle but refused to use them? Who called Lincoln names? All of these questions will be answered and more interesting facts will be shared at the Mens sponsored breakfast on April 21, 8:30 for breakfast and 9:00 for the program. We are expecting some attendees in period attire and camp. So come and learn and get a great FREE breakfast too eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausage, fruit and more. All are invited. If you plan on attending just let us know so we will have enough food for everyone. Call the church or let Frank Mitchell know at fsmitchll@aol.com.

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Upcoming Sunday Messages

April 22Earth Sunday: To Till and to Keep (Genesis 2:4b-9, 15-16) Much of our culture is divided between those worried about jobs, and others concerned about the environment. God has made the earth as a resource for living, but also commanded us to care for it. How shall we balance our needs with our stewardship of creation? April 29: The Conversion of Ananias (Acts 9:1-19) Much is made of Pauls shattering conversion on the Road to Damascus. Less attention is given to the everyday disciple named Ananias, whose call was to welcome Paul into the church. How might we learn something about our Christian walk from his example? May 6: The Un-Tribe (Galatians 3:23-28) Cinco de Mayo makes us mindful that we are a culture of culturesa host of peoples from all over, who blend sometimes like stew, and mix sometimes like salad. This is not a new challenge to the church, as Pauls words to the Galatians shows.

Pastor Steve Out of Office -- April 23-28

As I did last year, I am taking a reading week from April 23 to 28. I will be here in town, and available in emergencies, but not in the office. BUT -- all bets are off if our new grandson arrives during this time! Steve

Sunday Morning Adult Class

Larry Campbell has just begun facilitating a series of fascinating discussions on Rob Bells book, Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived. We gather each Sunday at 9:45 am, in Room 7. All are welcomeno special knowledge required!

Wednesday Morning Bible Study

After a brief break, our Wednesday Morning Bible Study will reconvene on May 9 with a new study. The subject has not been settled, but it will most likely be from the New Testament. Bible Study meets each Wednesday in the Choir Room, from 10:00 to 11:30 am. All are welcome!
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Footnotes
Some years ago, Catholic writer Mary Gordon wrote a series of funny yet comforting prayers (yes, prayers can be funny!) Gordons humor shows up in the combination of orthodox religious language with rather unorthodox subject matterand yet there is so much more. One of my favorite prayers is called For Those Whose Work Is Invisible: For those who paint the undersides of boats, and makers of ornamental drains on roofs too high to be seen; for cobblers who labor over inner soles; for seamstresses who stitch the wrong side of linings; for scholars whose research leads to no obvious discovery; for dentists who polish each gold surface of the fillings of upper molars; for sewer engineers and those who repair water mains; for electricians; for artists who suppress what does injustice to their visions; for surgeons whose sutures are things of beauty. For all those whose work is for Your eye only, who labor for Your entertainment or their own, who sleep in peace or do not sleep in peace, knowing that their effects are unknown. Protect them from downheartedness and from diseases of the eye. Grant them perseverance, for the sake of Your love which is humble, invisible, and heedless of reward. Now, I could break the code of this marvelous prayer, and name some names right here, in a public publication. Rather, I would encourage us to seek out those in our life whom we know, and whose work we know to be vital, but invisibleand tell them of your appreciation. For, not unlike the invisible, undergirding mysteries of God, all our visible works depend on so much that goes unseen.

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

Newcomers Lunch on May 6

Our Membership Committee will host a lunch for newcomers in our church. The lunch will include information about our church, a time for questions and answers, and a facility tour for those who are interested. We want children involved in this lunch too, but childcare will also be provided. Newcomer is really self-defining: if you feel like you are a newcomer to First Christian Church, then we want you to come eat with us. We just need to know how many to provide food for so RSVP to the church office, or to Dorie Hernandez. Next Newsletter articles need to be at the church office by April 30, 2012
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NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Disciples of Christ) 2930 El Dorado Street Torrance, CA 90503 (310) 328-2820 Fax 310 328-2929 E-mail - office@fcctorrance.org Web address - www.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 Childrens Worship - Ages Pre-school through 2nd Grade (During the Traditional Worship Service)

TORRANCE, CA PERMIT NO. 109

Or Current Resident

Nursery Provided For birth through age 3 during Sunday School and Contemporary & Traditional Service Office Hours Monday - Friday 9:00 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 - Amanda Ruhs Dorie Hernandez
TIME VALUE DATA DO NOT DELAY EXPEDITE

The Christian Messenger

First Christian Church 2930 El Dorado Street Torrance, CA 90503

Officers Chair - Chery Carew Vice Chair - Francisco Sanchez Treasurer Jimmy Koontz Financial Secretary - Moggy Emmen Clerk Nancy Johnson

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