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First Christian Church P.O. Box 2702
207 Tarboro Street NE, Wilson NC 27894
Website: www.fccwilson.org
Email: [email protected]
Church Office: 252-237-4125
Volume 63, Issue 8 The Church Bell August 1, 2019
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Vacation Bible School Monday, August 5 - Thursday, August 8
6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Sunday VBS Celebration & Hot Dog Luncheon Sunday, August 11
10 a.m. Fellowship Hall Kids Ages: Pre-school, Kindergarten, 1st – 5th grades
Let Your Attention in August be on Hope Station
Go Bulldogs: Welcome Back Barton Students Monday, August 19, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Summer Food Drive St. Timothy’s has made their regular mid-summer push to keep bragging rights. Let us show our friends at St. Timothy’s that while we are down, we are not out. Anytime you head toward FCC this month, bring a bag of food items for the HS pantry shelves. And win, lose or draw, let’s celebrate our efforts to feed the hungry this summer with a little refreshment ourselves. Join us on Wednesday, August 28 on the church lawn for some ice cream!
Summer Food Drive Finale Ice Cream Social—August 28 from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
This concert has become one that musicians certainly look forward to every year! We hope that you will take posters to display
around our town and popular areas. For more information on this concert,
please see page 3.
See page 5 for more VBS information
August 18, 2 p.m. - Dedication of Hope Station’s “Westview House” Shelter See what Gary has to say about the founding of this momentous ministry in our community
Wanderings, page 2
Green Chalice Team Offers Ideas for Church and Home See page 4 for our new Idea Board
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Wanderings . . . The work has been somewhat under the radar – more under the radar, I am sure, than what Linda would have wanted. But she has been surrounded by a host of faithful and imaginative visionaries in our community who saw the need and gave birth to the dream which is about to become a reality before our very eyes. The Hope Station Westview House! This shelter for families will open in early September and will house homeless families – that is, combinations of single parents and their children, husbands and wives and their children. It has been the missing resource in Wilson. Hope Station, of course, has a shelter for single men and there is a facility in town for men struggling with addictions. Wesley Shelter is a marvelous shelter for women and children, though its priority of serving victims of domestic violence sadly keeps it at capacity most of the time. There has not been a place in Wilson where families could stay together until now. I will tell you the story of how Westview House has come into existence – as with most stories like this, it is a story about money. It began with a gift from Westview Christian Church. As the members moved through the steps of completing the visible ministry of our sister congregation, they were determined to ensure the legacy of Westview’s witness. They met with Hope Station leadership which resulted in a seed gift of $150,000. Under similar circumstances, Covenant Presbyterian Church added a legacy gift, and several corporate partners have stepped forward to contribute. The HS Board launched a $450,000 campaign to fund the rest, after making their own commitments. And yes, it is a story about money, but it is even more a story about people which at its core is very much a story about “our” people. Carol and Don Steffa, Janet Robbins, Fran and Jim Roberson, Ida Altayar, Curtis and Sue Ray, and Billy Forbes are among the former Westview members who have become part of First Christian, and we worship with these wonderful folks every week. A. J. Walston, Myra Powell, and Kathy Daughety have been part of this vision through their service on the HS Board. Bob Kendall gave his creativity and gift of words to design the “Turn the Tap” public campaign. Our CWF, the Disciples Class, and individual church members have written checks to the fund. And so, the building has been coming to life. You may well have driven past it during the construction phase – it is at 310 Tarboro St, just up the street from the church. The location was selected for reasons that would take too long to detail, but conveniently, it backs up to Hope Station. The building renovation is pretty well done, and now the finishing touches are being checked off: beds and furniture, stocking towels and linens, clocks, landscaping, and so forth. You can get the story beyond these words by checking the Hope Station website or by striking up a conversation with any of the aforementioned people who have kept an inside look at the project. And no, it is not too late to be a part of this good work beyond applause. Something approaching $100,000 is still in the process of being raised – you can make a three-year commitment of support. And, of course, a gift of any kind will help get Westview House across the finish line. Let me know and I will make sure you get a commitment card. But that applause I mentioned. Well that is important also, and we are being given an opportunity to put our hands together on Sunday, August 18th at 2pm when Westview House will be officially dedicated. I hope you will join me that afternoon for a little celebration. I will be looking for you. Blessings and Peace, Gary
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FCC Music Ministry Happenings | August 2019 Music for Hope 2019 | Friday, August 23 - 7PM
This concert has become a tradition and one that members of the music community look forward to every year. The 2019 concert will consist of a 90 minute concert followed by a reception for concert goers to meet the musicians.
This year’s concert will feature a number of names with others pending. Current performers include: Elizabeth Winstead with members of her vocal studio, The Singers Studio (Jah’Mez Moore, Alex Guyton-Lange, Hannah McLaughlin, Zy’Miracle Kearney); Caleb Skinner, Marvin Rawls Jr, Matt Joyner, Corey Whaley, Hannah Slaughter, BJ Lawrence, voice; The Wilson Community Chorus and the West Nash Methodist Choir; members of Wilson area churches, Chris Pharo, organist; David Scott, tenor saxophone; JonTyler Jobe, Dexter Ruffin, Sadie Page & Johnny Sullivan, piano; and Rod Werline, guitar.
We invite you and others to come and attend this magnificent evening of music! Past attendees have repeatedly left the concert saying, “This is the best-kept secret in town. Our local talent is very-gifted and, by coming together like this for a worthy cause, our community’s musicians offer an evening as good as anything we attend in Raleigh.”
A freewill offering will be received to support Hope Station’s new and on-going programs to alleviate homelessness and hunger in Wilson.
Chalice Praise Hymnal In Pews - CP vs. CH We recently had a visitor who grew up coming to FCC Wilson with children kids and now lives in Wilmington. This person is also an organist and director of music….they came to worship to simply hear and experience the music. In a note in the mail, this person commented, “You all do an excellent job of blending the music. I must admit that back in the 90s when I attended, I never thought I’d see the day that 1st Christian would be accepting of praise music such as ‘Shout to the Lord’ - GOOD FOR YOU!” They also commented that “it is a daunting task to please everybody.”
I pray that as we are guided in actively sharing our worshipping spirits, we remember that worship isn’t about ‘pleasing’ us. It is a selfless thing to actively
worship with others. While we worship in our daily lives, the other 167 hours of the week, we can seek to listen to exactly what we desire—whatever helps enhance our spirits. As we come together, we commune and worship together. My song may not be your song… your song may not be mine. However, collectively, we can sing the song of the Church. One that is varied, in-tentful, robust and dynamically colorful. To help better serve those who truly like a page of printed music, there are now Chalice Praise hymnals at the end of every pew. Currently there are just enough to have about 2 per pew. If you enjoy using one and don’t have access, feel free to find one on the way into worship!
The Chalice Praise was put together by members of the Disciples of Christ and is a supplement to our hymnal. In the bulletin, be careful to see the difference of CH (Chalice Hymnal) or CP (Chalice Praise).
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A Novel Idea Book Club Tuesday, August 20, 5:30 p.m.
When one of four hijacked planes flew into the World Trade Center’s north tower on September 11, 2001, Michael Hingson, a district sales manager for a data protection and network security systems company, was sitting down for a meeting. His guide dog, Roselle, was at his feet. Michael had been totally blind for more than 47 years.
When the plane struck, Michael could hear the sounds of shattering glass, falling debris and screaming people flooding around him. Roselle sat calmly beside him. In that moment, Michael chose to trust Roselle’s judgment. Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust is an ac-count of their journey down 78 flights of steps to safety.
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Thursday, August 15, 11:30 am
Join us at Something Different for fun and fellowship!
Sign up outside the church office!
FCC Groups, Activities and Announcements Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust by Michael Hingston and Susy Flory
Becoming a Green Chalice Congregation
During our June Board meeting, members of First Christian voted to become a Green Chalice Congregation and join with countless of other Disciples of Christ congregations to better care for our world. We signed the Green Chalice Covenant. What does it say exactly?
As children of God and followers of Christ Jesus, we covenant to: Worship God with all creation and pray for the healing of the earth.
Study the climate crisis and engage others in climate solutions. Repent and forgive for the harm we have inflicted on the earth that sustains life. Advocate for ecojustice public policies and witness by living sustainable lifestyles.
Rest in God’s good creation and invite others to delight in nature.
We can all agree that non-reusable resources have no where to go and that we can all take small steps to help stop waste. While we can’t immediately make drastic changes everywhere, much like a diet, if we all adjust small things each day, we can make a large difference. Members who have met have shared these SMALL things each of us can do in our daily lives. Here’s what members are already doing that YOU can do this month:
1) Politely decline the plastic straw & lid on your next fast food order. 2) Use a canvas tote and re-usable grocery bags. 3) Carry a re-usable water bottle or coffee cup. 4) When looking at plastic options (i.e. for food storage) see if a glass option is available. 5) Use cloth napkins when eating at home (saves money and trees) 6) Use re-usable Keurig inserts and coffee grounds instead of K-cups (saves lots of $$)
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Vacation Bible School – Join us & invite kids! Monday – Thursday, Aug. 5-6-7-8, 6:00 – 8:30 pm (Drop off at 5:45 p.m. & Pick up at 8:30 p.m.) Kids Ages: Pre-school, Kindergarten, 1st – 5th grades Activities include: Bible story time, art & crafts, snacks, music and worship Kids are encouraged to bring canned food items to donate to Hope Station! Registration deadline: Wednesday, July 31
Sunday Celebration & Hot Dog Luncheon – 10 a.m. - August 11th All of the VBS children, their families and FCC members will worship together in the Fellowship Hall as we celebrate the week of VBS. Children will help lead in worship and share songs and experiences from the week. We will remain after worship for a relaxed and casual hot dog luncheon provided by CMF.
Final VBS Volunteer Meeting – Saturday, August 3 Teams and volunteers will be setting up and decorating all day. We will hold final team meetings to prepare for the VBS week at 11 am.
Join a Sunday Group @ 11:15 am: • Small Group - Members are enjoying the time to reflect on the morning worship service, scriptures,
sermon, prayers and songs. • Disciples Class – weekly scripture based Bible study • FCC Rocks – painting encouraging messages on rocks to go out in the community
• Prayer Shawl Ministry – creating care and comfort in the shape of a blanket or shawl
Small Group Movie Night – Open to Everyone! For July and August, we are adding a movie night! Come out on Wednesday, August 14 at 6:00 pm to watch Gandhi in a comfy room upstairs. This is a long movie, so bring your dinner or order delivery. You can also watch the movie on your own and then join us for discussion on Sunday morning, August 18 at 11:15 am.
Fall Volunteers needed for Children’s Programs We are half way thru summer, so it is time to circle the wagons with our Children’s program volunteers for the Fall. FCC’s had a great team for Nursery, Sunday School, Worship & Wonder and Wednesday nights last year and want to have the same this year! Volunteers are needed in 3 main children’s areas, see below. If you’d like to volunteer, please contact Theresa Mathis, 252-205-2704. • Sunday School teachers - needed 10 -11 am on Sundays, about 1 Sunday per month
• Worship & Wonder teachers & assistants – needed 11 am - 12 pm on Sundays, about 1 Sunday per month
• Wednesday Night youth & children teachers & assistants – needed 5:30 -7:00 pm, about 2x per month
PARENT REMINDER: Children’s Programs Restart in September The Sunday morning children’s programming will not be held over the summer. They will restart after school starts back. Both Sunday School and Worship and Wonder will restart on Sunday, September 8th. Family nights will restart on Wednesday, September 11th.
Christian Nurture & Growth Team - August 2019
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PLEASE JOIN US!
Ribbon Cutting & Dedication Hope Station Westview House
WILSON’S NEW FAMILY SHELTER
Sunday, August 18, 2019 ~ 2:00 pm Parking at First Christian Church
(corner of Tarboro & Vance Streets) Golf cart transportation to the shelter will be available.
For a list of needed housewarming items and furnishings, please visit the Hope Station website @ http://HopeStation-wilson.org.
Questions? Tel: 252-291-7278 Email: [email protected] 310 Tarboro Street E / Wilson, NC 27893
Sympathy We extend condolences: To Elaine Hanna, Linda Walling and family upon the passing of Elaine’s uncle and Linda’s great uncle, Roy Hanna, on July 7. To Horace Stott on the death of his brother-in-law, Max Newton on July 20.
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Our Church Family Please notify the church office at (252) 237-4125 if someone’s
birthday needs to be added and/or if you have some news to share.
Prayer Concerns Helen Anderson, Melinda Bottoms, Wanda Brown’s father and brother, Trisha High Bundy, John Hall Daniels, Melissa Duncan’s dad, Judi Glover, Bryan Jobe’s father, Valerie Lewis, Jean Pittman, Billy Raper (Libby Daniell’s brother-in-law), Bill Smith, Keri Wetherington, Carolyn Wiggins (Gilda Cauley & Celia Avery’s sister)
August 1
J. R. Gordon
August 2
Gene Thomas
Judy Thompson
August 4
Judy Harris
August 6
Glenn Bundy
Kathy Hudson
Jojo Near
August 8
Christian Boyce
Inscoe
August 9
Todd Anderson
Jim Watson
August 10
Christy Webb
August 11
Paul Glover
Gary Walling
August 14
Dell Joyner
Savannah F. Tripp
August 24
Helen Anderson
Spencer Cook
August 26
Hunter Hackett
August 27
Gilbert Ferrell, Jr.
August 28
Gray Leary
August 30
Morgan Daughety
August 31
Kim Benton
Jennifer W. Hendrix
August 15
Jamie Batts
Jeanne Daniels
August 16
Jo Ann Bass
Brian Wingrove
August 19
Michael McHarg
August 20
Katie Near
Sue Newcomb
August 21
Ralph Kennedy, III
Susan Stilwell
August 23
Duane Cook
Gabby McHarg
Reverend Walling - Thank you and the entire First Christian Church Family for your caring and compassion at the
occasion of our mother’s passing. We especially appreciate you hosting the brunch on the morning of her memorial service. This event allowed our family to gather centrally that sad day and also reconnect physically with the church. We are indebted to you and the congregation. James Hemby From the family of Joan Edwards Hemby
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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
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11:00 AM VBS Volunteer Meeting
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10:00 AM Worship
11:15 AM Disciples Class/Prayer Shawl Ministry/Small Group
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6:00 PM - 8:30 PM VBS
6:00 PM Facilities & Maintenance
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11:00 AM Staff Meeting
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM VBS
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3:00 PM Parlor Reserved/J. Mansell
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM VBS
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6:00 PM - 8:30 PM VBS
7:00 PM Elders’ Meeting
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10:00 AM Worship - VBS Sunday
11:15 AM Disciples Class/Prayer Shawl Ministry/Small Group
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11:00 AM Staff Meeting
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6:00 PM Movie Night at FCC
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11:30 AM Young At Heart at Something Different
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10:00 AM Worship
11:15 AM Disciples Class/Prayer Shawl Ministry/Small Group
2:00 PM Hope Station Westview House Ribbon Cutting and Dedication - 310 Tarboro Street E / Wilson, NC 27893
3:30PM Music for Hope Rehearsal
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11:00 AM Mobile Music Ministry
1:00 PM Regional Office Executive Committee - Parlor
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM Welcome Back Barton!
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11:00 AM Staff Meeting
2:00-4:00 PM Regional Office - Financial Advisory Committee Parlor
5:30 PM A Novel Idea Book Club
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Deadline for September 2019 Bell Articles 7:00 PM Chancel Choir
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7:00 PM Elders’ Meeting
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7:00 PM Music For Hope
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10:00 AM Worship
11:15 AM Disciples Class/Prayer Shawl Ministry/Small Group
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11:00 AM Staff Meeting
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6:00 PM-7:00 PM Ice Cream Social Summer Food Drive Finale
7:00 PM Chancel Choir
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A u g u s t 2 0 1 9
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Elder of the Month A. J. Walston (252-230-5828)
Altar Flowers If you would like to provide flowers for the sanctuary, please contact the church
office to check availability at 252-237-4125.
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Servant’s List - August 2019
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August 4 10am Worship Service
Elder Jeannette Etheridge
Deacons Norma Faye Etheridge (C) Dennis Daniels Christina Terdik Laurie Tyson Amy Watson Ricky Brown (Sub) Wanda Brown (Sub)
Greeter Steve Kite
Ushers Yvette Jobe Bryan Jobe
Stewards Sue Newcomb Peggy Anderson
Worship Leader Andrew Childers
August 11 10am Worship Service
Elder Christy Proctor
Deacons Gay Cook (C) Glenn Etheridge Davis Wooten LuAnn Wooten Christy Webb Melissa Whitley (Sub) Steven Winstead (Sub)
Greeter Patsy Ferrell
Ushers Sue Newcomb Martha Beland
Stewards Jo Ann Bass Tish Scott
Worship Leader Robert Wells
Children’s Moment Jeannette Etheridge
August 18 10am Worship Service
Elder Gilda Cauley
Deacons Wanda Sutton (C) Katie Brinson Kathy Werline (C) Leslie Kendall Jeff Flowers Marion Griffin (Sub)
Greeter Marion Griffin
Ushers Brittany Fulghum Kathy Daughety
Stewards Andrew Whitley Allan Daniell
Worship Leader Pat Campbell
Sunday Worship Attendance
July 7: Worship - 75; July 14: Worship - 92 July 21: Worship - 64
August 25 10am Worship Service
Elder Carol Steffa
Deacons Sue Ray (C) Julia Floars Andrew Childers Faye Boykin Curtis Ray Jordan Ray (Sub)
Greeter Dick Gurkin
Ushers Kenneth Dildy Tommie Dildy
Stewards Bob Kendall Jennifer McHarg
Worship Leader Jack Clifford
Elder of the Month A. J. Walston (252-230-5828)
Homebound Communion August- Team 2
Jeannette Etheridge, Theresa Mathis, Christy Proctor, Andrew Whitley, Wendy Wingrove
FCC Financial Report Treasurer’s Report – YTD June 30th, 2019 Tim Sharp / July 23, 2019 For the month ended June 30th, 2019, FCC had YTD total income of $188,560 and YTD total expenses of $168,302 resulting in a YTD surplus of $20,258. 1/1/2019 – 6/30/2019 – YTD Operating Budget Actual Budget Variance Income $188,560 $188,706 ($ 146) Expenses $168,302 $188,706 ($20,404) Actual YTD Surplus/(Deficit) $ 20,258 (All amounts are rounded to the nearest dollar)
Month of June - Operating Budget Actual Budget Variance Income $27,451 $31,451 ($ 4,000) Expenses $25,038 $31,451 ($ 6,413) Month of June Surplus/(Deficit) $ 2,413 (All amounts are rounded to the nearest dollar) YTD income includes $11,758.26 from our Operating Reserve account ($1,959.71 per month) that was included to balance the 2019 operating budget.