Christian Courier

First Christian Church of Minneapolis (Disciples of Christ)

February 27, 2010 “From Dust You Came, to Dust You Shall Return”
Inside the Courier: by Brandon Gilvin, Associate Director, Week of Compassion

• A Look at the Brite Every year, when Lent rolls around,
Side, page 2 something about these words, spoken
• Mission Notes,
during the imposition of Ashes on
page 3 Ash Wednesday, gets to me.
• March Calendar This year,
page 4
thoughts of
• February Board dust bring up
notes, page 5 images of
rubble and
On the Web: dust in Haiti.
The massive
fccminneapolis.org devastation there has raised our
awareness of what it means to be
Photos from Fat Sun-
day
mortal, vulnerable, and in need. The
generosity of Disciple congregations,
Deb Murphy on “The individual church members, and
Sacred on the people who, looking for a way to
Street” exhibit
help, found Week of Compassion,
has been staggering. The reports of
the response our partners have engi-
neered on the ground have been
breathtaking.
Mortality. Dust. Generosity. Life.
These are the things that are swirling
around my head as we head into
Lent.
This Sunday is not only the second
Sunday of Lent, but it is the second
Sunday set aside for our Week of
Compassion special offering. This
offering funds our general Compas-
sion Response Fund -- an important
part of Week of Compassion's minis
try that allows us to respond immediately,
efficiently, effectively, and for the long
haul. Because of the generosity of Dis-
ciple churches across the country in 2009,
we were able
to wire
$10,000 for
earthquake re-
lief to Haiti
from the Com-
passion Re-
sponse Fund
within 24 hours of the first report.
Because of your generosity, we can re-
spond before the dust has even cleared.
And because of your faithfulness, we'll be
there long after the last news crew packs
up to go.
We're not only your disaster relief mission
fund, but we are your sustainable devel-
opment mission fund as well. Chronic po-
verty, disease, refugees leaving war-torn
villages -- these are more than just abstract
issues. They affect people as profoundly
as devastating earthquakes, and we ad-
dress them because of what you give on
any Sunday throughout the year. From
water projects in Kenya and Zimbabwe to
agricultural development in Nicaragua and
Armenia and North Korea, your gifts
through Week of Compassion make a re-
markable difference in the lives of people
working for a better life. Whether it's
Continued, page 3
 February 27, 2010
Page 2

A Look at the Brite Side Three new projects that need your prayers

But so far, outside of a tendency While this is part of my personal

Pastor Bob Brite
I have a list of three endeavors
for which I would ask your con-
tinued prayers:
1) After being gently encouraged
(or was it nagged?) by Dennis
Sanders over the past several
months, I have, as part of my
Lenten devotional, started a daily
devotional blog on our church
web-site. I’m not sure why I re-
sisted the encouragement, possi-
bly because I’m not sure if I have
anything on a daily basis to share.
to forget at the end of the day that
I haven’t blogged and thereby
needing to make up for it on the
next, I’ve found that God has
provided some reflective words
for me to share. So log on to
fccminneapolis.org, hit the blog
link, and see if such reflections
are worthwhile for you.
2) I work out 4 – 5 times a week
for the sake of spiritual and phys-
ical balance. Usually I do so
with a workout bud-
dy/relationship I developed at my
health club, and not too long ago
she asked if I would lead a Bible
study for her and some of her
friends. We started last Saturday,
and it was a good experience.
Apparently the group will start
with two of us guys and seven
females, all of us single. (It’s a
tough job, but somebody’s gotta
do it!)
life, it’s also part of my profes-
sion, sharing the Good News in a
way that helps to build souls. By
the way, they’re already talking
about coming to worship at FCC
sometime!
3) Prayer shawls – it’s a ministry
started by Dorothy Stegner. Do-
rothy uses her praying time as
knitting time, then gives away the
shawls to people recovering from
surgery, new members, or other
souls who she thinks would like
one. We’re distributing the
shawls as they’re being made,
and encourage others to take up
the devotional as a way both to
pray and to do ministry. If
you’re interested in building your
prayer life and knitting skills in
this way, please let me know, and
talk to Dorothy.
I’d like to see YOU on Sunday,
Bob

We lift up prayers for members of our community who have lost loved
In our prayers ones recently, including Skip Wolverton (mother), pianist James Bar-
nett (grandfather), John Billman (brother-in-law), and Martha Harris
Gracious God, we (nephew); for those experiencing illness and physical problems, includ-
lift up these persons ing Phyllis Takekawa (pinched nerve), Dorothy Wilkins (a fall), Ri-
in our prayers, ask- chard Schwersinske (blood clots), and someone with a gambling addic-
ing the blessing of tion; for the state government as it negotiates a budget, with hope that
your Grace and out- the needy people in our state will be remembered; in joy over the birth-
pouring of your Love days this month of Doris Helvig and Russ Griffin, and for the safe re-
upon them. turn Steve and Amy Dunlop from work of in Tanzania and Thailand; in
concern for our homebound members, including Emma Armstrong and
Elaine Glore, Amen.
 Page 3
Christian Courier

Getting Dirty for Jesus: Mission Project Notes

What Do You Want To Do Today?
"What Do You Want to Do To-
day?" That was the slogan Micro-
soft used about a decade ago as
they launched Windows XP. The
ad campaign was trying to sell the
new features of the latest version
of the operating system and how it
would allow you to do what you
want to do.
In the year that I've been back at
First Christian, I've tried to create
mission experiences that allow us
to be church beyond the walls of
this building. We've gone to Feed
My Starving Children several
times, started a new relationship
with Community Emergency Ser-
vice, sent donated items to the
Aliveness Project and much more.
I've enjoyed my time in trying to
foster those experiences. Howev-
er, truth be told, I am only doing
part of my job. A pastor is not
there to "do" ministry, but also to
empower the gathered community
to minister to the world we live
in.
So, I want to ask all of you: what
ideas do you have for mission and
outreach? Do you have certain
gifts you would like to use for the
greater glory of God and to help
our fellow sisters and brothers? Is
there something going on in the
wider community that First Chris-
tian should be involved in? How
do you want to make a difference
in the world?
If you have any idea or desire to
lead a mission project, please drop
me a line either by email
associatepastor@fccminneapolis.org
or call me here at church.
What do you want to do today?
How can the rest of First Christian
join in? How can we be church to
others?
Go and be church.
Dennis Sanders
Associate Pastor for Diversity and
Mission
“Dust to Dust”
Continued from page 1
through ongoing recovery and re-
building work on the Gulf Coast
or supporting our Refugee and
Immigration Ministries help our
congregations set up a home for a
just-arrived family from Bhutan,
we can be present thanks to your
gifts. Week of Compassion is
around the world, around the year.
While our lives spin madly on-
ward, in the van heading to soccer
practice, the plane headed to the
next meeting, the combine pulling
in the last bit of the harvest, and at
the helm of the grocery cart in the
checkout line, we can pause-
turning our fleeting time into sa-
cred time, and our gifts into life
abundant. We can pray. We can
give. We can make a difference.
We invite you to help us continue
to make a difference-not only in
the lives of those suffering in Hai-
ti, but also in the lives of those all
over the world who are also still in
need. Give generously to our
Week of Compassion special of-
fering so that when the next disas-
ter strikes, we will once again be
ready to respond, thanks to you
and your courageous compassion.
Source:
www.weekofcompassion.org/updates/
Posted Feb. 19, 2010

Forum on Aliveness Project on Feb. 28 after Worship

Tim Marburger, Volunteer Coordinator for the Aliveness Project,
will be leading a forum after worship on Sunday, Feb. 28
The Aliveness Project is a local charity that helps persons living
with HIV/AIDS.
Tim will talk about what the Aliveness Project does and how we
as a community can be more involved in being Christ to those living
with HIV/AIDS.
Page 4 February 27, 2010
Regular Worship Hours
9:15 Church School Classes
March, 2010
10:30 Worship
First Christian Church
11:45 Fellowship Time in Lounge

1 2 3 4 5 6
8 pm- AA 7 pm- Worship 9:00 Nikkei 9 am Handcrafters 9 am- Men’s
Committee 6:00 Lectionary Group
Bible Study 9:30 Downtown
6:30 Bell Choir Grief Group
7:00 Prayer
7:45 Chancel
Choir

7 8 9 10 11 12 13
7 pm Carter 12 n Disciples 5:30 Finance 9 am Handcrafters 9 am- Men’s
Circle @ Ministers mtg Committee Group
Sandy Mor- 7 pm Property 6:00 Lectionary 9:30 Downtown
gan’s Committee Bible Study Grief Group
8 pm- AA 6:30 Bell Choir 10 am Wom-
7:00 Prayer en’s Ministry
7:45 Chancel Lenten
Choir Brunch

14 15 16 17 18 19 20
8 pm- AA 9 am Mpls Re- 9:00 Nikkei 9 am Handcrafters 9 am- Men’s
tired Teachers 6:00 Lectionary Group
7 pm FCC Board Bible Study 9:30 Downtown
Meeting 6:30 Bell Choir Grief Group
7 pm Prayer 10am Laura
7:45 Chancel Lynn/ Naomi
Choir Circle
6 pm Dinner for
St. Stephens
shelter

21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Food Pantry 7 pm Book Club 6:00 Lectionary 9 am Handcrafters 9 am- Men’s
Sunday @ West- Bible Study Group
11:45 am Elders phal’s 6:30 Bell Choir 9:30 Downtown
Meeting 8 pm- AA 7 pm Prayer Grief Group
7:45 Chancel Choir 11:30 FMSC
(Coon Rap-
ids)
28 29 30 31 1 2 3
Palm Sunday 8 pm- AA 6:00 Lectionary Maundy Good Friday
Bible Study Thursday
6:30 Bell Choir FCC Worship 6:30
7:00 Prayer pm
7:45 Chancel Choir

Elders Worship Leader Bus Driver Diaconate Greeters

Mar. 7 Martha Harris Pat Carter Mike Hesano Odd Team Ardie Armstrong,
Karen Kandik 651-645-6758 Shirley Draine

Mar. 14 Karen Kandik Wes Creighton Gary Hesser Odd Team Karen Kandik
Martha Harris 612-721-4905
Mar. 21 Ann Wolverton Pat Dunlop Mike Morgan Odd Team Martha Harris
Skip Wolverton 612-926- 9384
Mar. 28 Skip Wolverton Ardie Armstrong Gary Hesser Odd Team Valerie Dunham
Ann Wolverton
 Page 5
Christian Courier

Board Notes Welcome to New Member

The General Board of First

Christian Church met Tuesday,
Feb. 16 to hear reports and dis-
cuss old and new business.
Thirteen board members and
the two pastors attended the
meeting. Board Chair Tom
Curry shared an article called
“This Holy Crap Must Go” to
begin the meeting, which board
members discussed in small
groups.
Highlights from the meeting
include the following:
 Treasurer Phil Kinney re-
ported that we had a deficit
of $14,000 from last year
and we’re $27.000 ahead
this year as of the end of
January.
 The Elders will invite dea-
cons have a joint meeting
each quarter. Elders will be
having an all day retreat on
Sat., April 17.
 Tiempo Nuevo’s last ser-
vice at FCC will be March
14.
 Parking, especially under
the winter parking restric-
tions, continues to be a
problem.
 Pastor Brite’s request for a Margaret Clausen joined our
housing allowance of congregation on Sunday, Jan.
$17,000 was approved. He 17. Margaret has lived in the
will be attending a Dis- Twin Cities area for about 10
ciples Pastor’s Retreat in years, and currently resides in
San Diego, and the JB Edu- the Ebenzer apartments.
cation fund will cover
costs.
Women’s Ministry Lenten
Brunch set for Mar. 13
The annual Lenten Brunch
of the Women’s Ministries will
be Saturday, March 13.
The Laura Lynn/Naomi Cir-
cle will present a program, and
Carter Circle will provide food.

Dear First Christian,

We so appreciated our time
with your congregation. Both
the service & forum time were
wonderful.
Thank you for your hospitali-
ty. We will be excited to share
The Mouldy Figs provided Dixieland music for our 2nd annual Fat more news from Rochester.
Sunday worship service on Feb. 14. The jazz group played “Just a
Closer Walk with Thee” and other Dixieland/Gospel favorite tunes, and Many blessings to all!
of course ended with “When the Saints Go Marching In.” FCC’s anni- Sincerely, the Haney Family
versary dinner followed the Fat Sunday worship service.
 Bi-Weekly Calendar Reflections on the Word
from the Gospel for March 7th
Sunday Worship at 10:30 am
“Jesus asked them, “Do you think
Before Worship (9:15 am):
that because these Galileans suffered
Art of the Covenant Class Hearthstone Class in this way they were worse sinners
Bible Study Class Prayer Circle than all other Galileans? No, I tell
After worship: Fellowship Hour 11:45 am you; but unless you repent, you will
all perish as they did.” --Luke 13: 2-3
This Week at FCC Next Week at FCC
“Repent or perish” frankly scares me.
Monday, March 8 Monday, March 8 Lent is about reflection and change,
AA 8 pm Carter Circle @ Sandy Morgan’s 7 pm
AA 8 pm but my unease persists around these
Tuesday, March 2 words, because as soon as I repent, I
Worship Committee 7 pm Tuesday, March 9 sin again. Jesus says here “their sins
Disciples Ministers Mtg 12 n were no worse than yours, but you all
Wednesday, March 3 Property Committee 7 pm
Nikkei 9 am
must change.” We are often aware
Wednesday, March 10 of the need to change, but the means
Lectionary Study group 6 pm
Finance Committee 5:30 pm can still elude us. “Lord, have mer-
Bell Choir 6:30 pm
Lectionary Bible Study 6 pm
Prayer 7 pm
Bell Choir 6:30 pm
cy” remains our refrain each day.
Chancel Choir 7:45 pm
Prayer 7 pm
Thursday, March 4 Chancel Choir 7:45 pm Lord, you love your entire creation,
Handcrafters 9 am and hate not that which you have
Thursday, March 11
Saturday, March 6 Handcrafters 9 am made. When we stray, gently correct
Men’s Group 9 am us, that we may live into the promis-
Saturday, March 13
Downtown Grief Group 9:30 am es you have made, which remain
Men’s Group 9 am
Downtown Grief Group 9:30 am faithful even when we are not. Amen.
Women’s Lenten Brunch 10 am
--Chris Wogaman

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH

OF MINNEAPOLIS
A Thoughtful Church in the (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST)
Heart of the City 2201 1st Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Ministry Team
All Members of the Congregation Address Service Requested
Robert Brite, Interim Minister
Dennis Sanders, Minister of Diversi-
ty and Mission
Chris Wogaman, Office Manager
Bill Stump, Director of Music
Rick Bowman, Building Manager
James Barnett, Pianist
Serena Carlson, Nursery Attendant
Martha Harris, Courier Editor
Telephone: 612.870.1868
Prayer Phone: 612.870.0984
www.fccminneapolis.org
E-mail: fcc-mpls@qwest.net
Fax: 612.870.1860

Christian Courier is published bi-

monthly. Send items and ideas to
church office or to Martha Harris
harrismartha@mac.com by Fri .
March 5 for next issue.