Volume 39, Issue 22

November 19, 2014

Healing, wholeness, and seeking the holy

Inside This Issue Membership News

all

Statistics & Serving Lists

2

Youth News

3

Ministry News

all

Committee news Notices

3-6

At breakfast, I read of a Springtown man who had beaten another to near death; On my drive to church this morning, I heard of four Israeli deaths at the hands of Palestinian extremists. I also heard of the rising number of Europeans who have joined ISIS and the mass killings on all sides of the Syrian conflict. We are drawing closer to the moment when the Grand Jury in Ferguson will release its findings. The Ebola outbreak is far from being contained.

4,5,6

Prayer Concerns

7

The Advance is the official publication of Azle Christian Church 117 Church Street Azle, Texas 76020-3107 Ph 817.444.3527Fax 817.444.4537 Office Mon-Thurs 8:00 am—3:30 pm Website www.azlechristianchurch.org Senior Minister Rev. Dr. Alan Lobaugh [email protected] C: 817.781.2346 Youth Minister Will Ryan 515.326.1255 [email protected] Missions Minister Matthew Hudman 817.271.0362 [email protected] Church Secretary Susan Hoffman 817.444.3527 [email protected] Music Director Holly Davis [email protected] Organist Gini Chesney 817.597.7185 [email protected] Kids Hope USA Director Diane Weger [email protected] Parents Day Out Director Jana Howell [email protected] Board Officers: Jan Flavin, Nancy Robbins Heidi Hudman, Rick Seeds Elder Chair Dannie Davis Nancy Robbins, Lisa Lingo Mark Hiles, Sondra Williams, Joe Bob Porter, George Addington Chris Piercy, Rick Seeds Elder Emeritus Wendal Hoover, Paul Reed

These are the headlines and lead stories that cause us to tremble, on a daily basis. But equally as scary are the numerous crises each one of us faces from unseen forces within and outside. Relationship issues, faith and doubt, the fear of job loss, financial concerns; physical and mental health concerns all take a heavy toll on our beings. So this Sunday, in our Heritage Chapel, at 5:00 p.m. we will have a service of prayers for healing. Healing comes in a variety of ways. Most of us are familiar with the faith healers on TV. They promise some miraculous physical cure, sometimes for a cost. The healing we seek is not related to their slick production values and spectacular shows. We pray for healing of hearts and minds. We pray for healing from the worries and the anxieties of our stress filled lives. We pray for healing of the nations. We pray to be aware of the spirit’s presence bringing hope, peace, clarity to our stressed out and cluttered up lives. You are invited to come and pray for people who are on your heart. You are invited to come and pray for situations beyond your control. You are invited to bring someone with you who could use encouragement, courage, hope and compassion. Your prayer concerns may be spoken or private. You will be invited to kneel, but you are also welcome to stay seated where you are. We will sing some, and pray some and speak words of hope, some. My prayer is that you will be blessed just by being there, no matter what your level of participation. The healing we seek is from God, who calls us into relationships; who invites us to live in trust, without fear. The community in Iona, Scotland, where I experienced this service, shares it each week with a constantly changing congregation of pilgrims and tourists. It seems, these days, I need it more often. Peace and Grace, Alan

Page 2

Volume 3 1, Issue 20

November 23, 2014

Budget Needs Per Week

$4,621.14

Worship Leader

Matthew Hudman

Received November 10, 2014

$3,659.00

Table

Nancy Robbins

Received November 16, 2014

$3,826.00

Bread Elder

Joe Bob Porter

Received Year to Date

$201,407.04

Wine Elder

Sondra Williams

Actual Expenses Year to Date

$204,715.71

First Greeter

Ron Gray

Second Greeter

Danny Choate

Deacon

Jennifer Ipser

Deacon

Linda Clark

Jr. Deacon

Madison Howell

Acolyte

Kaidyn Henderson

Children’s Moment

Susie Hiles

Children’s Church

Jennifer Pastre

Visitation

Serving Deacons

Home Communion

Chris Piercy/Jennifer Ipser

Income Over (Under) Expenses

-$3,308.67

Time and Talent Contributions Sunday, November 9, 2014 volunteer hours Sunday, November 16, 2014 Year to date (beginning May 18)

173 15 5,742

Attendance Report Sunday, November 9, 2014

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Sunday School

43

Worship

95

Sunday School

39

Worship Average Year to Date 2014

119

Worship Leader

Anne Cummings

Sunday School

41

Table

Will Ryan

Worship

97

Bread Elder

Nancy Robbins

Wine Elder

George Addington

First Greeter

Laurel Porter

Second Greeter

Kale Sweet

Deacon

Jennifer Pastre

Deacon

Cat Schlueter

Jr. Deacon

Isabelle Piercy

Acolyte

Landri Seward

Children’s Moment

Trelle Seeds

Children’s Church

NONE

Visitation

Serving Deacons

Home Communion

Lisa Lingo, Jennifer Pastre

Borrowing from Ourselves During 2011, 2012 and 2013 our expenses exceeded our income. In order to pay our bills and payroll, we borrowed from funds designated for future other uses. The accumulated total borrowing now stands at: $7,338.64 While we rejoice in the blessings we have received, we must pay these designated funds back or the money will not be available for the uses for which they were given. If you can help, you can make direct gifts. Just be sure to note on your payment that it is designated for “General Fund Loan.”

Recycle Reminder Cans—Aluminum ONLY & rinsed No Styrofoam containers Thanks!

November 30, 2014

Page 3

As you begin your Christmas shopping for the upcoming Season, I hope you will consider purchasing candles made by the Azle Christian Church Youth Group. We will be making candles throughout the month of December to sell to help raise money to go towards the Youth Mission Trips of 2015 to Colorado and Arlington. We will be making candles in two sizes: 4 oz. and 8 oz., and in three scents: apple cinnamon, home for the holidays, and vanilla. We will be selling these candles on December 14th and 21st, but you can pre-order your candles! If you would like to pre-order, give a call to the office or email your order to [email protected]. It’s time to start thinking about cold weather and covering the homeless. We are collecting COATS and BLANKETS only. If you have clothes, donate them to the Community Caring Center. We collect COATS and BLANKETS for Union Gospel Mission in Fort Worth. Leave them on the peanut butter and jelly table in the back of the Sanctuary. Get ready for cold weather! Outreach Ministry

Advent blessings by Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, general minister and president Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. ..... He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep. Isaiah 40:1, 11 This passage for Dec. 7 in the Common Lectionary, reminds me again how your work, pastors and chaplains - shepherds all - is so integral to the experience of God's shalom. You bring words of wholeness to God's lambs in times of sickness and hardship. You feed them with the abundant life present in God's Word and at the Lord's Table. You lead your people gently back to God's loving welcome. As you enter the challenges of the Advent season in just a couple of weeks, I pray for you the strength you need for the day, the peace of God's presence and the comfort of God's gracious care throughout. Blessings on you as your work gives witness to God's emerging wholeness even in a fragmented world

Page 4

Stewardship Note:

Commitment Sunday Thank you to everyone that turned in a financial commitment for 2015 or a Time and Talent sheet last Sunday. If you couldn’t be at worship on Sunday, you can still turn them in to the church office or email your commitments to [email protected]. If you do not want to turn in a commitment, that is fine also. Writing a commitment on a piece of paper is really not as important as the making of a commitment to God. Making commitments to God are part of our worship of God and, therefore, an important part of our faith journey. It is not, “Let’s make a deal with God,” but rather talking with God and listening for what God calls you to do in your life. By making commitments to God, we move closer to God. I believe that God wants to have a close personal relationship with each of us. God doesn’t care how much we give, but rather how we give---from the heart, joyfully, with a desire to move closer to God as an act of trust. If we are moving closer to God in our worship, prayer, service and witness, then our joyful, generous giving will follow as a natural expression of our thanks to God for all God gives to us. Rick Seeds Stewardship Chair

Article from Azle News As the holidays approach, we will be made ever more aware of the need around us, and of the many good organizations trying to meet that need. We are asked and rightly so, to give time, money, toys, food, and more of the same. It is the season of generosity. There is a group in our midst that knows no such season. They simply reach out and give. They give of their service; they give of their time, their energy, their love and their spirit of caring. I am speaking of the congregation of Azle Christian Church, Disciples of Christ. The Drive for Compassion Golf Classic is but one of their outreach programs, helping locally such programs as Castle Hills Mission House, Springtown Neighbor to Neighbors, Safe Harbor Counseling Center, Robert Landers Youth Golf Association, Azle Education Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Backpack for Kids, Eagle Mt. Food Pantry, “Inasmuch,” and more. I am grateful to live in a community that has so many opportunities for service, so many examples of caring. Sue Miller “Inasmuch..” 817 444 2303

THIRTY DAYS OF THANKSGIVING Our Elders are leading us through the month of November. Take a moment each day to pray with gratitude for the suggested people/items/situations, and for others in your life. November 17—Gracious God, we are so thankful for those who lead us in worship, from our ministers, youth ministers, choir, pianist, Sunday School teachers, elders and deacons. May you continue to bless them for guiding us in your word. November 18—We thank you Great Redeemer for the many talents, gifts and skills that vary among people. Help us to use them in your service. Help us to reach out to those around us, and to share your love. November 19—We give thanks for music. This beautiful gift of sound that has the ability to stir our spirit to heights of joy, and that can grip our hearts with the impact of sorrow. May each of us find the beauty in the music of life. November 20—We give you thanks Gracious and Loving God, for the wonderful wild animals you have placed on this holy planet. We stare in amazement at the wild animals caring and protecting their young, as well as wild animals that select a mate for life. We also give you thanks for the pets that we have in our individual lives and families—for those of us that have a “full zoo” at home to those with one pet. We are grateful to give love and nurture to all of our pets, and are immeasurably thankful for the unconditional love that our pets give us. November 21—We are thankful for our daily bread, Lord, out of our abundance let us share it with others who are in need. November 22—Thank you Holy One for being a safe haven in times of emotional turmoil, for your comfort in times of chaos and confusion and for your reassurance that you are always with us in good times and in bad. November 23—Thank you Lord, for our church staff. Thank you for their dedication and their love that they share with us all. Thank you for the model of faith that they display to us all. November 24—We give thanks to you God, for literature and for those who create it. We are grateful for the blessings we receive as we read and learn through the written words, letting us to see the beauty through the eyes of others. November 25—As we prepare for family gatherings, we are grateful for the people who make our gatherings possible. May God’s blessings be felt among those who grow our food, those who work in the transportation industry, and those who will work on the day of Thanksgiving so that others may celebrate. November 26—Thank you Holy One for the opportunities to love our neighbors as Christ loved us. Guide us in all our relationships with others. Thank you for these our loved ones. November 27—Thank you Father for our families. We are so grateful for our parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins and most of all our children and grandchildren. What a blessing you have given us. We praise your name. Continues page 6

Page 6

Sunday Evening Bible Study A new Sunday evening Bible study began on September 7, 2014. The Bible study begins at 6:00 p.m. and is held in the Seekers classroom. The study explores the Gospel According to Mark and will last approximately eight weeks – or however long we need to go all the way through the Gospel. The study should be a great time to study Scripture, fellowship together, and learn from each other. Child care will be provided. For more information, please see Matthew Hudman. The ACC family gathers once again

For Meals Wednesdays at 6:30 PM November 19 Meal catered by Hudles November 26 No evening activities—Happy Thanksgiving

Thirty Days of Thanksgiving (continued) November 28—With grateful hearts God, we thank you for the time and fellowship we have with our families and friends during the Thanksgiving season. We give you the all over Giving of Thanks, for without you Lord, and our Savior Jesus, we would be lost. November 29— We are grateful for your guidance during this month of thanksgiving. Without your loving kindness and grace we would have had less joy. November 30—We are thankful to begin our journey to Bethlehem to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child and the Grace and Mercy of God he brings to us all.

The Adva nce

Page 7

New Prayer Requests Clay Hicks family Linda Plumlee Teresa Cyrus HJanice McConnell

Jennifer Waters Paul Mundhind Ray Morgan Sandy-friend of Michelle Tanis Rouel Rothenberger

On-going Prayers Requested Fmily & friends of Linda Thom Family & friends of Harold Eddy Pete Tamez

Fred Cummings Chris Juoska Linda Gardom

Lorna Santillo Donna Keeble Sheryl Hearne

Ashtyn McAda Lisa Lingo Misty, Hunter & Taylor Martin

Linda Campbell Twila Randles Jon Meisner

Mike Stark Joyce Scott Peggy Grogan

*Ruthie Addington

*Jim & Lori Van Leeuwen

*Jon Saurenmann

*Leslie Bales *Bob & Barb Upchurch *Gay & Harry Dekin *Don Fowler *Leah Vann

*Jack Cowan *Vancil Trammell *Patsy Clay *Pam Dovey *Glen Fagan

*Shannon Puckett *Dick Stults *Julia Gardom *Sandra Bishnoi *Georgia Lamb

*Russell Eagleton *Bryce Rangel *Chuck & Gloria Harrison

*Peggy Grogan *Linda McCreary *Cheryl Aldridge

*Ricky Stults *Bob Montgomery

Homeless Persons

Stewardship of our blessings

Debt Reduction Campaign Victims and survivors of violence

Victims of Natural DisastersTornadoes, floods, earthquakes, etc.

Parents Day Out Program All those under the stronghold of addiction

Serving in the military: Notice: We will list family and friends for one month, unless notified otherwise. If you feel they should be listed longer than that, please let us know.

Chad Tidwell, Colorado; Spruill’s grandson, David Collins, San Diego; Brandon Carroll, Persian Gulf Iraq; Matt Huddleston, Korea; Jonathan Hendricks, Afghanistan; Jared Curry, Afghanistan; ; Brandon Franklin, Japan; Jonathan Davis, N. Carolina; Patricia Lingo, Germany.; Sean Lee, Afghanistan.

Azle Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 117 Church Street Azle, TX 76020-3107 Return service Requested

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION PERMIT #12 U.S. POSTAGE PAID AZLE, TEXAS 76020

Sharing our Christian Community “We are a Christian community that loves God and our neighbor, where everyone is welcome at Christ’s table. God loves you just as you are and so do we.”

Lectionary 11.23.2014 Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 Psalm 100 Ephesians 1:15-23 Matthew 25:31-46 Lectionary 11.30.2014 Isaiah 64:1-9 Psalm 80:1-7,17-19 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:24-37

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING After church Sunday, November 23 Decorate for Advent/Christmas After Congregational Meeting Sunday, November 23—Lunch provided for volunteers

Yes, preparing for Christmas already! Christmas Cantata Rehearsals Sunday mornings at 9:15 am Come, Sing for joy!

FOOD

SATU RDAY,

HUB

Novem

9 AM ACC

Thursday, November 27 Office closed

ber22