Christian Courier

The Advent Season will have a special meaning at First Christian this year. To mark these final Advent and Christmas worship services in this building at 2201 First Avenue, the worship committee asked some of our most senior members to light the Advent wreath candles throughout the season. On the First Advent Sunday (Nov. 27), Gwen Elmshauser, Pat Carter and Irene Hackett lit the candles with Dorothy Stegner helping in absentia. Dorothy Becker, whose membership in FCC is the longest, will light the candles on Dec. 4, assisted by her grandson, Aaron Pyles. Don Cain and John Billman, who are brothers-in-law as well as senior members, will light candles Dec. 11, assisted by Dons wife Mary Lou and Johns daughter Jennifer Redmond. Four generations of the Rusinak family will have the honors on Dec. 18. On Christmas Eve, one of the newest families to join FCC, the Cackoskis, will light the final candle in the Advent Wreath.

December 3, 2011 Inside the Courier:

A Look at the Brite Side, page 2 Advent mission projects, page 3 December calendar, page 4 Board Notes, page 5

On the Web:
First Christian Church website Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) UCC Denominaltional Executive Geoffrey Black talks about SpringHouse

Poinsettia Time! Order form included here on insert

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First Christian Church of Minneapolis (Disciples of Christ)

Senior members to lead Advent wreath lightings

Two special music events will also highlight this Christmas season. The four section leaders/soloists from the Chancel Choir will present a concert titled Go Out With Joy on Sunday, Dec. 17 at 1 pm. Stephen Cunningham, Zachary Colby, Anna DeGraff, and Brianna Farrah will be in the spotlight, as they often are during choir anthems. A free will offering will be taken, with proceeds to go towards supporting the Groveland Foodshelf. Nicolas Carter and his group including his daughter Maliya on vocals -- will once again be putting on a Christmas program. The concert will be Saturday, Dec. 17 at 7:30 in the FCC Sanctuary. Tickets for adults are $12 in advance and $15 at the door, with children and students free. Tickets can be bought online at
http://nicholascarter.com/component/content/article /4-latest-news/3-latest-news.

ourier

Nicolas Carter (2nd from right on harp) and his ensemble: Mauricio Sanchez (strings and Andean flutes), Jorge Gonzalez (guitar), Eliezer Freitas Santos (percussion), Maliya (vocals)

In addition to worship services and music presentations, Advent presents many opportunities for mission projects. See Pastor Sanders column on page 3 of this Courier for details.

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December 3, 2011

A Look at the Brite Side

Timeline for move to SpringHouse

-- On January 1st, following our worship service here, we will hold a brief communion service of dedication at the new building (in the spirit of starting off the new year in the new building.) -- A contract has been signed for us to remove the pipe organ here starting in January, have it reconditioned, then installed in the south sanctuary of the new building starting next fall. The new building will be called the SpringHouse Ministry Center. This name was chosen by the Ministry Center Board out of a total of over 100 names. A springhouse originally was a building erected over a creek that was used as a cool-storage facility in frontier days (so one of the images is a place thats really cool, right?) The name also evokes images of spring a time of resurrection thus pointing to the hope that is our future. Id like to see YOU on Sunday! Have a blessed Advent. Bob

Pastor Bob Brite

The timelines are set, a name for the building has been chosen, and well be moving in mid-January. So heres how things at this point are planned: -- The building will hopefully be ready for occupancy on December 21, which will allow Salem and Lyndale to hold Christmas services there.

-- On January 15th, we will begin our worship service here, and then complete it at the new building. From that point on, we will be worshipping at the new building. We are looking into chartering a bus for that day to take us over there. -- The three churches will have an open house on February 4th, and a formal day of dedicating the new building on March 25th.

In our prayers
Gracious God, we lift up these persons in our prayers, asking the blessing of your Grace and outpouring of your Love upon them.

We offer prayers for the Ronnei family as Charlottes care needs continue to grow, and for health concerns of Irene Hacketts sister and Evelyn Lawsons great-niece; prayers of thanksgiving that Greg Merkel celebrated 32 years of sobriety at our Thanksgiving service, that Ali Hesano will be continuing her education at St. Cloud state, that Mike Bradys good friend is getting therapy and that Caleb Callanan getting a prosthesis at no charge from health provider; prayers and sympathy for Kathy Merkel, whose good friend Carolyn Kit Clayton passed away at age 83; for Kirsten Cackoskis brother-in-law, who is redefining life after losing his wife; and for those dealing with homelessness, including Elizabeth, who is hoping that her housing application will come through; prayers for all that we will have patience and love for each other during the frenzy of the holiday season; and prayers for all our homebound members, including Lois Cobbs and Phyllis Dunlap, Amen. .

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Mission Notes from Pastor Sanders

Make Advent a time for the mission of giving

Community Emergency Service Hygiene Drive Its not uncommon to go to a food shelf and see lots of food, but very little when it comes to things like soap or toothpaste. People who are food insecure usually find it hard to also purchases toiletries like deodorant. The Christmas Season is a time when we are busy with shopping and Christmas Parties. As early as October, we start seeing ads and store displays for Christmas. While there nothing wrong in buying presents or going to parties, its easy to miss what this time is all about. As Christians, the four weeks before Christmas is not considered the Christmas Season but instead is called Advent. Advent is the time we wait for the coming of Christ, the one that we ultimately celebrate on Christmas. We are reminded that the coming One is the one who made friends with the poor and the outsider. As Christians, or Christ-followers, we are also called to do justice and to love mercy, just as the One we follow. First Christian will offer several opportunities to take part in the coming of Jesus by taking part in the spiritual discipline of giving and service. From November 27 through December 24, we will collect these items for the CES Foodshelf. You can click here to view a list of needed items. You can also call the church office for the list. Please drop them off in the marked basket located in the narthex of First Christian. Cookie Bake The Young Adults to gather on December 17 at 1 pm at First Christian to make cookies to share and also for the Aliveness Project, a local charity helping those with HIV/AIDS. They will be joined by young adults from Salem Lutheran and Lyndale United Church of Christ. If you are a young adult and want to take part, join us on December 17! Cookie Decorating After worship on Dec. 18th, Lyndale/Salem kids and their families, and others, will be joining us to decorate the cookies baked on the 17th for the Aliveness Project, and for fellowship. Everyone from First is invited to join in. A light lunch will be served. Join the fun! Sock Tree Bring socks for the Sock Tree from now until Christmas Eve. Any size warm winter socks are needed and will be given to Refugee Services to be donated to refugees. Welcome Baskets: Christmas Edition Downtown Congregations to Ending Homelessness is looking for First Christian to make 3-5 Welcome Baskets to new tenants of Our Saviours Housing. We are looking for the common household cleaning items which can be purchased at local WalMart or Target or a Dollar store. Again, you can call the church office for the list or click here. Items can be dropped off at the church. Heifer Gifts Consider giving a loved one a gift that will help others around the world. During Advent, stop by the table in the Lounge after worship and by a farm animal for a family member or friend. If you have any questions, please contact me at 612-3258066 or by email at associatepastor@fccminneapolis. org. Go and be church. Dennis Sanders Associate Pastor

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December 3, 2011

Worship Hours 8:45 Breakfast Club 9:15 Spiritual Formation Classes 10:30 Worship 11:45 Fellowship Time in Lounge
6 pm Bible Study 6:30 pm Bell Choir 7:45 pm Chancel Choir 1 9 am Handcrafters 2 3 9 am- Mens Group 10 am Womens Ministries Brunch 11-1 Church Decorating 10 9 am- Mens Group

December, 2011 First Christian Church

6 4 pm Bible Study @ Intermedia Arts 7 pm Worship Committee 13 9 am Mpls Retired Teachers Luncheon 4 pm Bible Study @ Intermedia Arts 7 pm Property Committee

7 6 pm Bible Study 6:30 pm Bell Choir 7:45 pm Chancel Choir

8 9 am Handcrafters 7 pm Ministry Council

11 1 pm Go Out With Joy concert/ Fundraiser

12 7 pm Carter Circle @ Bobbie Halls

14 5:30 Finance Committee 6 pm Bible Study 6:30 pm Bell Choir 7:45 pm Chancel Choir

15 9 am Handcrafters

16 7:30 Christian League dinner

18 Food Pantry Sunday 5 pm Elders Mtg

19

20 6 pm Mission & Witness Committee 7 pm Board Meeting 27 4 pm Bible Study @ Intermedia Arts

21 6 pm Bible Study 6:30 pm Bell Choir 7:45 pm Chancel Choir 28 6 pm Bible Study 6:30 pm Bell Choir 7:45 pm Chancel Choir

22 9 am Handcrafters

23

17 9 am Mens Group 10 am Laura Lynn/Naomi Circle 1 pm Advent Cookie Decorating 7:30 pm Nicolas Carter Concert 24 9 am- Mens Group 8 pm Christmas Eve Service 31

25 Christmas Day 10 am Worship

26

29 9 am Handcrafters

30

Elders December 4 December 11 December 18 December 24 December 25 Martha Harris (p) Arlene Hillestad (a) Jay Hillestad (p) Ann Wolverton (a) Martha Harris (p) Ardie Armstrong (a) Arlene Hillestad (p) Jay Hillestad (a) Skip Wolverton (p) Ann Wolverton (a)

Worship Leader Jennifer Redmond Ardie Armstrong Ronda Dunham Ann Wolverton

Childrens Moment Steve Rusinak Dennis Sanders Caleb Callanan Bob Brite

Diaconate Even Team Even Team Even Team

Bus Drivers Mike Hesano 651-645-6758 Mike Morgan 612-926-9384 Garry Hesser 612-721-4905

Greeters Karen Kandik Valerie Dunham Ardie Armstrong, Shirley Draine -

Even Mike Hesano Karen Kandik Team Note: Please call drivers by Saturday for Sunday bus ride

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End of year budget crunch The Finance committee of FCC is urging all members to not only make sure that all pledges are up to-date, but also to consider extra generosity in stewardship during December At the end of October, general offerings were approximately $9,800 under the projected budget. Need any odd jobs done? Katie Jones, our former office manager, is in need of part-time/odd job employment. So if you have housecleaning that needs to be done, furniture that needs to be moved, or any other sort of work around the house, please call Katie at 952-6071761. Breakfast Club looking for treats The Breakfast Club meets every Sunday morning before the Sunday School classes. Pastor Brite is asking for volunteers to supply sweet rolls and juice for the Breakfast Club ministry. Even if you dont participate, you can help the young families who do by supplying treats. A Thank-you from the Bouler family Dear First Christian Church, Thank you so much for your generosity towards our family and for celebrating Blair's birth. FCC has been an answer to our prayers. We are so fortunate to have found your church to call HOME and our church community. God bless, Clyde, Jennifer, & Blair Bouler A Farewell note from Mankato It is with sadness that I must tell you that First Christian Church Mankato will be ending its active ministry at the end of the 2011 calendar year. After 143 years of service to the greater Mankato community, our numbers have dwindled to the point where remaining active is not feasible. We wish all of our friends at First Christian Church in Minneapolis all of God's blessings. Paulette Tonn Booker, Leadership Team Coordinator

FCC Board Notes

At the Nov. 15 meeting of the FCC General Board, four motions were passed: The final draft of the Ministry Center Covenant was approved. The trustees were instructed to give notice to Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA) that FCC will vacate the building by June 30, 2012. Associate Pastor Dennis Sanders contract was renewed for another year. The new name for the Ministry Center, SpringHouse Ministry Center, was approved.

Pastor Brite went over the timeline for the move to the Ministry Center (see his Brite Side column for details). The 2012 budget has many unknowns, since there will be upkeep bills for two buildings for six months. He also reported that MIA is planning to use the former FCC Residence as an emergency center in case of a catastrophe at MIA. Dean Creighton reported that the Search Committee is meeting weekly and that he is thrilled by the energy and enthusiasm of the committee members. The board meeting was attended by 12 members and 2 staff members.

Music director Jim Baumgartner introduced the performing organists Donald Ulm, Carol Hipps, Bryon Wilson, Jerry Bonstrom, Chris Wogaman, and Beverly Singewald at the Oct. 30 organ recital, Pulling Out All the Stops.

Reflections on the Word Bi-Weekly Calendar

Sundays at First Christian Church
Sunday Worship at 10:30 am Before Worship After Worship from readings for 2nd Advent The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Mark 1:1 Each Gospel begins differently: Matthew with genealogy; Luke with history; John with theology. Mark begins the Good News of Jesus with a proclamation: Be washed, repent of your sins, and be forgiven. The point is, Jesus ministry had a beginning. And from such beginnings can come wondrous things. Does your faith in Jesus begin with his ministry, or elsewhere? O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Chris Wogaman (Prayer is from Lutheran Vespers)

Breakfast Club 8:45 am Spiritual Formation Classes 9:15 am This Week at FCC
Tuesday, December 6 3-church Bible group @ Intermedia Arts Worship Committee Wednesday, December 7 Bible Study Bell Choir Chancel Choir Thursday, December 8 Handcrafters Ministry Center Board Saturday, December 10 Mens Group 4 pm 7 pm 6 pm 6:30 pm 7:45 pm 9 am 7pm

Fellowship Time 11:45

Next Week at FCC

Sunday, December 11 Go Out With Joy concert Monday, December 12 Carter Circle @ Bobbie Halls Tuesday, December 13 Mpls Retired Teachers Lunch Property Committee Wednesday, December 14 Finance Committee Bible Study Bell Choir Chancel Choir Thursday, December 15 Handcrafters 1 pm 7 pm 9 am 7 pm

5:30 pm 6 pm 6:30 pm 7:45 pm 9 am

9 am

Saturday, December 17 Busy Saturday! See Calendar, p. 4 for all the events!

A Thoughtful Church in the Heart of the City Ministry Team

All Members of the Congregation Robert Brite, Transitional Minister Dennis Sanders, Minister of Diversity and Mission Chris Wogaman, Office Manager Deb Murphy, Director of Spiritual Formation & Community Ministry Jim Baumgartner, Director of Music Bryon Wilson, Organist/Pianist Rick Bowman, Building Manager 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 bimonthly. Send items and ideas to church office or to Martha Harris harrismartha@mac.com by Sunday, Dec. 11 for next issue.

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF MINNEAPOLIS (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST)

2201 1st Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55404

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