Blessing

of the

Animals

8th Annual Bring your pet of any kind and join us.There will be refreshments,

music, giveaways,and a special pet photo area.

Meet your neighbors & their pets.Fun for ALL!

First Christian Church(Disciples of Christ)495 East Bakerview RoadBellingham, WA 98226

360.734.6820office@bellinghamdisciples.orgbellinghamdisciples.org

Sunday, Oct. 4

2:30 p.m.

The Christian Courier The Christian Courier

CourierVol. 65, No. 10 Bellingham First Christian Church October 2015

TheC r rT

Bellingham to Celebrate Global Ministries Bellingham First Christian Church will celebrate its connection to the w o r l d w i d e ministries of the Christian Church ( D i s c i p l e s o f Christ) and the United Church of Christ on October 3-4 during Global Ministries’ Sunday events.

David Owen, associate for Resource Development with Global Ministries since 2007 and a former missionary in Lesotho and Kenya, will give an informal presentation on October 3. The no-host dinner will be held at 6 p.m. at China Palace, 4444 Guide Meridian. Please contact Lillian Moir to RSVP.

He also will preach at the 11 a.m. service on October 4 and will be available for conversation during the c o f f e e h o u r a f t e r w o r s h i p . A photographic exhibit featuring some of the places where Disciples are in partnership will be set up in the fellowship hall. Cookies from around the world will be served.

We will bless our jars for wells in Zimbabwe, during worship, so please bring them and put them on the table

Winnie the Pooh Baby ShowerSunday, October 25

2 p.m.for

Makena Schmidling and Baby JackPlease note that Makena is registered at Target.

From Bread and Wine to Faith and Giving

2 October 2015

From Bread and Wine to Faith and GivingStewardship is a responsibility given by God to each and every one of us. It is an essential element of our faithful obedience to God, which is on-going from the day we are born till the day we depart this world.

Beginning Oct. 11th, the Stewardship Ministry will be bringing you an emphasis on faith and giving. It’s all about what God has done in your life, what God has given you, the development of your faith, and about stewardship in general.

We won’t be talking budgets, so you can put away your wallet; but put on your thinking cap, and get involved in the spirit and discipline of faith and giving, as we learn and grow together.

This emphasis will continue through October and culminate with a Fellowship Luncheon on November first, immediately following morning worship.

You don’t have to bring anything, just you and an attitude of gratitude for all of God’s gifts. Because the meal is catered, we will need reservations, and will be reminding you as the date approaches.

495 East Bakerview Road Bellingham, WA 98226

360.734.6820 office@bellinghamdisciples.org www.bellinghamdisciples.org

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Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) A movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God welcomed us.

All of Us Ministers

Rev. Gary Shoemaker Pastor gary@bellinghamdisciples.org

Rev. Tamalyn Kralman Director of Ed. & Community Outreach Courier Editor tamalyn@bellinghamdisciples.org

Michele Fode Finance Administrator finance@bellinghamdisciples.org

Amelia Nye Accompanist

TBD Childcare Provider

Rev. Sandy Messick Regional Minister

Rev. Sharon Watkins General Minister and President

Sunday Schedule 10:50 a.m. Gathering Time 11 a.m. Worship 12:15 p.m. Fellowship Time 12:30 p.m. Out-to-Lunch Bunch (4th Sunday) 2 p.m. Someone Cares! Community Meal (2nd Sunday) Office Hours Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - noon Our staff are in and out of the office throughout the week. Please feel free to stop by during their office hours or make an appointment that fits your schedule. Officers Don Hoffman, Chair Megan Shoemaker, Secretary Cheryl Perry, Treasurer

First Christian Church(Disciples of Christ)

Announcing Interfaith Coalition’s Winter Coat Drive Join us for Interfaith Coalition’s annual winter coat drive and donate warm outerwear for everyone from babies to seniors. This successful program brings warm coats to people in need throughout the county.

Please bring clean, gently-used winter coats, hats, gloves and mittens to the worship services this month. If you are a knitter, handmade hats and scarves are also cherished. Sunday, October 18 is the last day to bring in items. Many people appreciate this program because they don’t have to spend their limited income on a coat or go without one through the winter.

Thanks for sharing the warmth!

What Do You Love about Worship? If you were present in worship on Sunday, September 13, you know that we threw away our normal way of doing things and turned everything cattywampus. This is an introduction to what, we hope, will be a serious look at the whys and wherefores of how we, as a church, do worship. Stay tuned as our Worship Team works to create a worship service that is meaningful for all in times that are a changin’.

Health Ministries Sunday October 18, 2015 11 a.m.

Worship12:30 p.m.

Potluck & Program

The Health Ministries teams of both First Christian Church and Peace Health St. Joseph Medical Center invite you to view the short film, “Being Mortal,” featuring Dr. Atul Gawande, based on his book of the same title. In his book, Dr. Gawande writes, “We need to live our lives to the last with autonomy, dignity, and joy. Too often we medicalize aging, frailty, and death. Medicine is not all we need as we age but rather living a life and dying a death with meaning.”

Discussion will be led by leaders of St. Joseph’s Health Ministries team.

Please bring a food item to share.

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 495 East Bakerview Road Bellingham, WA 98226

360.734.6820 office@bellinghamdisciples.org bellinghamdisciples.org

October 2015 3

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Open Mic Night is Here! Pull out those dusty old ukuleles and french horns. Tune your windpipes. Practice your knee slapping jokes and your heart melting poems.

On Saturday, October 24, 6:30 p.m., First Christian Church will host an open mic for anyone with talent - or a semblance of talent - or wishes they had talent. This is a night for fun and family and a night to raise money for families in need.

This CWS CROP Project helps provide basic necessities in areas where clean water is lacking, medical care is next to nil, education is a luxury, and housing is minimal. Learn more at crophungerwalk.org.

Sign up in the church office to secure your time slot.

Suggested donation: $5

Coming Events Who’s on First?!

4 October 2015

Sunday, October 4 Elders: Leslie Pinkston (O), Joe Plancich (C) Lock-Up: Margaret Brown In Home Communion: Don Hoffman John Riseland Deacons: Jane Kletka, Lynn Plancich, Alexis Pinkston Reader: James Becker Greeters: Brenda and John Riseland Flowers: TBD Fellowship Time: TBD Mower: Leslie Pinkston

Sunday, October 11 Elders: John Riseland (O), Melody Hoffman (C) Deacons: Marian Overcash, Linda Heyne, Max Perry Reader: Don Hoffman Greeter: Lois Oswalt Flowers: TBD Fellowship Time: TBD Mower: Gary Shoemaker

Sunday, October 18 Elders: Margaret Brown (O), Gregg Heyne (C) Deacons: Lois Oswalt, Pat Whitney, Connie Page Reader: Melody Hoffman Greeters: Kathy Wheeler and Alisha Sanchez Flowers: TBD Fellowship Time: TBD Mower: Gregg Heyne

Sunday, October 25 Elders: Brenda Riseland (O), Lillian Moir (C) Deacons: Kathy Wheeler, Ardythe Hannah Reader: Gregg Heyne Greeter: Russ and Bekki Weston Flowers: Esther Group Fellowship Time: Esther Group Mower: Leslie Pinkston

To assist in these important ministries, contact the office or sign up in the fellowship hall.

Happy Birthday Andrew Hoemann 1 Marian Crim 8 Bob Fisher 18 Zach Shoemaker 25 Renee Hoemann 26 Allan Botts 29

Happy Anniversary Gregg & Linda Heyne 12 David & Donna Fairchild 14 Marlin & Betty Erickson 28

Joys and Concerns Please submit written requests to update this list.

New to Our List: Janet Franks, recovering from knee

replacement surgery Ardythe Hannah, who is praying for Irina’s cancer surgery and Stevie

and Jeremy’s reconciliation Betty Erickson, on the loss of her beloved Uncle John Sauer Ongoing: Bill Pribilsky, recovering at home Bea and Ralph Gilfilen,

whose dear friend Rena Kenoyer passed away on August 2. Mary Lee Wiser, health concerns Joanne Harrell, health concerns Donna Fairchild, health concerns Ethan Powers, great-grandson of Marian Crim, immune system is intact, he’s in full remission & being weaned off his medications; his bone marrow is currently at 76% (needs to be at 90) Disciples House Residents, past, present and future Iglesia de Dios, as together we share God’s love from this space Raices Culturales and the children in their gardening program in our field Kristine Tissinger, missionary partner in Ghana Rev. Sandy Messick, Regional Minister Rev. Sharon Watkins, General Minister and President Our General Church ministries Yakama Christian Mission Victims of injustice, violence, poverty, and disease worldwide All troops involved in world conflict Peacemakers worldwide

Save the Dates Sun., Nov. 1 Consecration Sunday Sat., Nov. 14 Bazaar, 9 - 3

Wed., Nov. 18 Prayer Vigil for Peace in the Middle East, location TBD

Thurs., Nov. 26 Thanksgiving Sun., Nov. 29 First Sunday of Advent

October

Who’s on First?!

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3

7:30a Men’s Breakfast, Denny’s

4Global Ministries

Sunday9:30 a Sunday School10:50a Gathering Time11a Worship12:15p Fellowship Time2:30 p Animal Blessing

5 6

Noon Bible Study6:30 p.m. Wild Goose Worship, Room 2/4/6

7

Bulletindeadline

8 9 10

7:30a Men’s Breakfast, Denny’s

11

9:30 a Sunday School10:50a Gathering Time11a Worship12:15p Fellowship Time2p Someone Cares Community Meal & Joseph’s Closet

12Indigenous

People’s Day

6:30 pStewardshipMeeting

13

Noon Bible Study

7 p.m. Interfaith Annual Mtg

14

Bulletindeadline

15

Courier Deadline

6:30 p.m.Pub Theology, Hops ’n Headz

16 17

7:30a Men’s Breakfast, Denny’s

18Health Ministries

Sunday9:30 a Sunday School10:50a Gathering Time11a Worship12:15p Fellowship Time Potluck & Program5:30 p.m .Prayer Vigil for Peace in the Middle East, Faith Lutheran Church

19

11:30 a.m.Esther Group

20

Noon Bible Study

21Bulletindeadline

22

5p Checking in Group

23 24

7:30a Men’s Breakfast, Denny’s

6:30 p.m. Open Mic Night

259:30 a Sunday School10:50a Gathering Time11a Worship12:15p Fellowship Time12:30 p Out-to-Lunch Bunch2 p.m. Baby Shower for Makena and Baby Jack7p Book Group

26 27

Noon Bible Study

28

Bulletindeadline

29 30 31

7:30a Men’s Breakfast, Denny’s

October 2015

Turner Lecture Series, Yakima

October 2015 5

Share the Spirit Bazaar

Saturday, November 14, 2015

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 495 East Bakerview Road Bellingham, WA 98226

360-734-6820 office@bellinghamdisciples.org

bellinghamdisciples.org

Beverage and Cinnamon Rolls served from 9 - 11 a.m.

Lunch Served from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The Christian Courier (USPS

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First Christian Church, 495 East Bakerview

Road, Bellingham, W

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First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) A church of grace and welcome for all! 495 East Bakerview Road Bellingham, WA 98226-9168

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Bellingham, WA 98226-9168

USPS 0589-870

Courier Submissions are Due Oct. 15To go paperless: Subscribe to the e-Courier at office@bellinghamdisciples.org.

To unsubscribe: Contact 360.734.6820, 495 East Bakerview Road, Bellingham, WA 98226, or office@bellinghamdisciples.org.

Socks Needed for CAST As the weather changes and cools, a reminder that First Christian’s Socks On The Street program for the CAST downtown homeless ministry needs your help. Please bring men’s new crew socks and place them in the bin in the Fellowship Hall. Or, if you don’t like to shop, give your cash to Brenda Riseland and she will shop for you.

Many cold feet will appreciate your donations of socks. Our wet and colder weather is on its way. Contact Brenda if you need more information.