Office 479.636.2230 • www.fccrogers.org • Email [email protected] December 14, 2016 Don’t Forget First Friends is hosting December 21st 5:30pm- Neighborhood Caroling The Polar Express movie 6:30pm- Warm-up & night, December 16th, at 6pm, in the gym. There Eve 5:00pm- Family will be hot chocolate and Celebration other treats. Bring your 6-6:30pm-Drop-in Communion blankets and pillows and 7:00pm- Carols by Candlelight join the fun! Christmas Day 4:00pm - Worship Celebration New Year’s Eve No 8:30 Service 9:45am- Bible Studies 10:45am- Sunday Worship Christmas Day Worship at 4pm There is only one worship celebration Christmas Day at 4pm. The van will be available to help with some transpor- tation. If you would like the van to pick you up, please notify the church office with your address.

The church office will be There is still time to turn in your In order to receive 2016 th Rejoice and Reach closed December 26 & Commitment Pledge cards in order to have your pledge charitable credit on your 27th in observance of giving statement, please nd show on your giving statement. Remember to write Christmas and January 2 have all of your gifts your name on the card and either drop it in the com- turned in by December in observance of New st Year’s day. munion plate or by the office. 31 . Thank you.

Ronny’s Reflections What is the real gift of Christmas? It is the baby , right? But what does that really mean? For many the impact of the birth of the Christ child is important but have you really stopped to think about how that birth impacted the world? In an article I read recently by David E. Leininger, he points out some of the many ways the history of the world was impacted by the birth of Jesus. Here is a portion of that article: An anonymous author made this striking comparison: "Socrates taught for 40 years, Plato for 50, Aristotle for 40, and Jesus for only 3. Yet the influence of Christ's 3-year ministry infinitely transcends the impact left by the combined 130 years of teaching from these men, who were among the greatest philosophers of all antiquity. Jesus painted no pictures yet some of the finest paintings of Raphael, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci received their inspiration from him. Jesus wrote no poetry but Dante, Milton, and scores of the world's greatest poets were inspired by him. Jesus composed no music still Haydn, Handel, Beethoven, Bach, and Mendelssohn reached their highest perfection of melody in the hymns, symphonies, and oratorios they composed in his praise. Every sphere of human greatness has been enriched by this humble Carpenter of Nazareth. His unique contribution to humanity is the salvation of the soul! Philosophy could not accomplish that. Nor art. Nor literature. Nor music. Only Jesus Christ can break the enslaving chains of sin. He alone can speak peace to the human heart, strengthen the weak, and give life to those who are spiritually dead." As we continue our journey of , preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus, Immanuel, God with Us, I ask you to take a moment to slow down in the hustle and bustle of the season and thank God for all the ways Jesus birth has inspired you, has changed you and to Praise God for sending us a Savior! See you Sunday, Ronny PAGE 2 THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER

CT Update

CROSS Training our Youth Ministry for students meets on most Sundays from 5:00-7:00pm in the gym. Watch this newsletter, the website and our facebook group for details. CROSS Training is for students in grades 7-12. You can always find the latest schedule updates at the website fccrogers.org/CT

HOT TAMALES! Pennine Tallabas and the CROSS Training Youth will be making Tamales to sell as a fundraiser for their summer mission trip. These homemade Tamales will be available after church on Dec. 18th and will sell for $20 per dozen. There will be a limited supply so get yours before they are sold out!

CROSS Training Christmas Party! Plan to join us for the CROSS Training Christmas party on Dec. 18th 5:00- 7:00pm. The Hickman’s have graciously agreed to host the party again this year. Vans will leave at 4:45pm from the church or you can meet us there! Everyone should wear festive Christmas clothes for a very special video project. Please bring a gift that is either a “white elephant” type gift or something that costs $5.00 or less, to exchange! It will be a great way to finish up our semester and celebrate the birth of our Lord. Coming Events December 17 - Noon - Make Tamales 18 - Noon - go to Fayetteville to pack up the Angel Tree gifts and food boxes - CROSS Training Christmas Party 5:00-7:00pm Snacks: Hickman January 1 - NO CT Winter Break 8 - CROSS Training 5:00-7:00pm 15 - CROSS Training 5:00-7:00pm 22 - CROSS Training 5:00-7:00pm 29 - CROSS Training 5:00-7:00pm

Summer Camp Changes! There are some very big changes coming in the Summer of 2017 when it comes to church camp! This summer we will be attending camp at Disciples Crossing in Athens, TX. This is a disciples owned and run campground and has many new and exciting opportunities that have not been available to us in the past. Please the the summer dates box in this newsletter and be sure to block off the time for your age appropriate camp! If you want more information about the specific camps please visit the youth page of our website at fccrogers.org/CT and download the camp booklet or you can always call Ronny Nowell at the church office. We will be having a parents meeting after the first of the year to discuss the changes and answer any questions

Mark your calendars! June 2-4 – Family Camp (all ages with adult family member) 7-10 – Adventure Camp (grades 6-12) 12-17 – 9’ers Camp (grade 9) 19-24 – CYF Conference (grade 10-12) 19-24 – Chi Rho Camp (grade 6-7) 25-July 1 – 8’ers Camp (grade 8) 25-July 1 – ADDaM Camp (Art, Drama, Dance and Music) (grades 9-12) May 15-18 – Young Adult Camp (out of HS to 25) July 2-9 – CROSS Training Mission Trip 19-21 – Discovery Camp (grades 1-2 with Parent or Guardian) 3-7 – JYF Camp (grades 3-5) 26-28 – Grand Camp (ages 4-10 with grandparent) 24-27 – Water Sports Camp (grades 6-12) THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER PAGE 3 The 2017 Nomination Committee and Information from the Great River Region: Budget were overwhelmingly ap- proved Sunday, December 4th. Thank As moderator of the Great River Region Board of Direc- you, members, for your support! tors, I am happy to announce that Dr. Nadine Burton has been elected to serve as our permanent Executive Re- gional Minister. Dr. Burton has done an excellent job as Interim Minister, dealing with a number of unexpected challenges and visiting a terrific number of our congre- gations in the process. She has earned respect and ap- preciation not only from our congregations but at the national level as well.

This was something of an unexpected result in the sense that when we hired Nadine as our Interim, all were agreed that the Interim could not be considered for the permanent position during her one-year con- tract. Nadine has scrupulously honored that agreement in every way. Howev- er, when the year expired, the Board asked her to extend her ministry with us for several months, and Nadine agreed. During that extended time, and after considering many other candidates, the Search Committee felt both free and strongly led to approach her about the permanent position after checking with the General Minister & President's office to be sure they were honoring all protocols.

December 18th, 2016 Please join me in thanking Search Committee chair Jennie Gregory and all members of the Search Committee for their diligent and prayerful work that took over a year to complete.

Our Special Christmas offering is December 18th. Please read the insert and read about how “It Was Worth it!” Our Angel Tree is bare and the gifts underneath are overflowing. Thank you! The special children Check out our newly remodeled web- from Leverett Ele- site, www.fccrogers.org, where you mentary will truly can stay up to date on church infor- We are now accepting applications be blessed from mation and activities, and watch videos for a settled part-time music minister. your generosity. of Sunday morning sermons and other If you, or someone you know, may be special events. More updates to come ! interested, please bring a resume by the church office or email one to [email protected]

We are looking for a part-time The children of Sunday school want minister for our children and fami- to thank all of their church family for lies at First Christian Church. For helping to raise money for our food more infor- pantry, G.R.U.B., here at the church. mation please What a joy it was to see people come and connect with our preschoolers check the and kindergarten thru 4th graders. posting Special thanks to Harper Arrant for online at her diligence. We received the first load of pavers indeed.com With your help, we raised over to continue our courtyard renova- or contact the $100.00 with the sale of our orna- tion. We’ll keep you posted on the church office. ments and cards. progress! PAGE 4 THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER Mark Your Calendars!

There will be a new men’s bible study Please plan on staying after the starting January 9th. This is a six week 10:45a.m. worship, Sunday, Janu- study called, The Acts of God. It will th ary 8 , to take down the Christmas follow a DVD and talk about why decorations. With lots of help, it God allows suffering. Dinner is should take us an hour or less. provided and starts at 5:45 pm. The Thank you in advance! study starts at 6:30 pm, in the church Library. There is a sign up sheet at the kiosk.

The FCC Service Ministry is hosting the 2nd Annual Talent Show, January 13th, at 7 pm, in Fellowship Hall. If you are interested in preforming your special talent, please get with Milt Potee. There will be a freewill offering for the show that will support the Service Ministry and their future efforts with the church. The “New Year” is almost upon us, so “What keeps you up at night?” it seems an appropriate time to unveil a New Women’s Bible Study- SAVE THE DATE new ministry in our church. Have you Beginning Tues., Jan. 10th - 9am noticed how many of our members have Don’t let fear rob you of your God- lately been going through some tough given dreams. You’ve been there – times; lost a family member or had you lie down, but sleep won’t come. other challenges and losses arise You toss and turn – you know it’s go- unexpectedly? We’d like to be able to ing to take more than counting sheep offer some comfort, some companion- to get sleep tonight. Pete Wilson offers ship, some hope, during such times. biblical principles that will activate So, with the new year, we’re going to your trust in God and propel you to April 28, 2017 start what we hope will be a way of dis- move forward in faith. First Friends is holding their annual covering new life through our losses in Pick up your study book at Lifeway, Craft Pints for Half Pints fundraiser life. It will be called, “Good Grief”, and register for the study at the kiosk again. The date has been set for April and will center on bi-weekly gatherings in the narthex. We’ll be looking for 28th, 2017. If you have questions or which will help us to discover new life you! would like to help sponsor, feel free to together through the losses of life. contact: We will plan on getting together bi- Susan Erickson (Co-Chair)- weekly, beginning Thursday, January Meal Prepping, Not Stressing [email protected] 12th at 6:30 P.M. in the Narthex. Each (479) 531-5420 The next meal prepping class will be Katy Buck (Co-Chair)- gathering will provide opportunity to held January 16th. It is not too late to explore some very helpful material [email protected] join the fun. If you are interested in (479) 445-7640 written by pastors who’ve suffered loss participating, please contact Wendi in their own lives, to share with others, Cassie Mathews- Seidel or the church office to get [email protected] if we care to, and to gain hope from (479) 636-3338 scripture, meant for just such times as more information. these. Don’t let the holidays be an excuse not to workout. Courtney Ar- You don’t need to “sign up” for this rant is coming twice a week to FCC to provide a fantastic workout group; just stop by. The door is always session. It is geared towards everyone, in every shape and fitness open. level. She meets in the gym Wednesday evenings at 6 pm and “The only feelings that do not heal are Thursday mornings at 9 am. No sign up necessary, just come on in! the ones you hide.” -Henri Nouwen JANUARY 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2 Office Closed for 3 4 8 am - Sermon Breakfast 5 6 7 NO 8:30 SERVICE New Year’s Day 9 am -Strength & Conditioning 9:45 am - Sunday Morning Bible Studies 10:45 am-Worship 1 pm - Community Assistance

12:30 pm-Rey de Reyes Worship 4:30 pm-PICC Worship 4 pm -PICC Bible Study 5 pm-The Worship Experience 6 pm - Strength & Conditioning 6 pm - Chancel Ringers 7 pm - Chancel Choir 7:00 pm -Rey de Reyes Worship

8 8:30 am-Worship 9 10 11 8 am - Sermon Breakfast 12 13 14 9:45 am-Sunday Morning Bible Studies 9 am - Women’s Bible Study 9:30 am - First Friends Chapel 9 am -Strength & Conditioning 10:45 am-Worship 12:00 pm - Take Down Christmas Decor with Pastor Shawn 1 pm - Community Assistance 12:30 pm-Rey de Reyes Worship 4:30 pm-PICC Worship 4 pm -PICC Bible Study 5 pm-CROSS Training & JYF 6 pm - Strength & Conditioning 6 pm - Ronny’s Bible Study 5 pm-The Worship Experience 6 pm - Chancel Ringers 7:00pm FCC Talent Show 6 pm - Men’s Bible Study 6 pm - Board Meeting 7 pm - Chancel Choir 7:00 pm -Rey de Reyes Worship

15 8:30 am-Worship 16 Martin Luther 17 18 8 am - Sermon Breakfast 19 20 21 9:45 am-Sunday Morning Bible Studies 9 am - Women’s Bible Study 9 am -Strength & Conditioning 10:45 am-Worship King Day 9:30 am - First Friends Chapel with Pastor Shawn 12:30 pm-Rey de Reyes Worship 1 pm - Community Assistance 4:30 pm-PICC Worship 5 pm-CROSS Training & JYF 4 pm -PICC Bible Study

5 pm-The Worship Experience 6 pm - Strength & Conditioning 6 pm - Ronny’s Bible Study 5:00 pm Elder’s Retreat 6 pm - Meal Prepping, Not Stressing 6 pm - Men’s Bible Study 6 pm - Chancel Ringers 7 pm - Chancel Choir 7:00 pm -Rey de Reyes Worship

22 8:30 am-Worship 23 24 25 8 am - Sermon Breakfast 26 27 28 9:45 am-Sunday Morning Bible Studies 9 am - Women’s Bible Study 9 am -Strength & Conditioning 10:45 am-Worship 9:30 am - First Friends Chapel with Pastor Shawn 12:30 pm-Rey de Reyes Worship 1 pm - Community Assistance 4:30 pm-PICC Worship 5 pm-CROSS Training & JYF 4 pm -PICC Bible Study 5 pm-The Worship Experience 6 pm - Strength & Conditioning 6 pm - Ronny’s Bible Study 6 pm - Men’s Bible Study 6 pm - Chancel Ringers 7 pm - Chancel Choir 7:00 pm -Rey de Reyes Worship

29 5th Sunday Coffee 30 31 8:30 am-Worship 9 am - Bake and Take 9 am - Women’s Bible Study 9:45 am - Meet and Eat 9:45 am-Sunday Morning Bible Studies 10:45 am-Worship

12:30 pm-Rey de Reyes Worship 4:30 pm-PICC Worship 5 pm-CROSS Training & JYF 5 pm-The Worship Experience 6 pm - Men’s Bible Study

PAGE 6 THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER January 2017

5:00 PM Service 1 Ernie Goodnight 8 Melissa Hickman 15 Janet Sohosky Birthdays 22 Kim Marsh 29 Dale Sacco 1 Carmen Brooks schedule 2 Duane McElroy Natalie Ellington 4 Ciarra Goins Children Sharing Time Aubree Rogers We are searching for more loving people in- Molly Woodard Harris terested in getting involved with our Children 5 Victor Galindo, Jr. Sharing Time. If this is something you would David Crosswhite 6 Deborah Keazer like to help with, please contact Morgan at 7 Doug Wagley the church office. 9 Michelle Ford Communion Preparation Roseann Hruska 1 Janet Sohosky 10 Kenny Sikes 8 Marcia Black Financial Update Addison Sikes November 2016 Laura Yawn 15 Marcia Black 11 Ruth Henry 22 Deanna Cicatiello Laura Drewyor 29 Deanna Cicatiello Total Income $ 493,080 Beth Trenary 12 Margaret Fair Total Expense - 517,039 Sandi Jacobs Sabrina Milliron Home Communion (Deficit) ($ 23,959) 13 Kayla Malczycki January 1 16 Troy Barnes Melissa Hickman Mindy Cole 17 Tristan Cole As we close on 2016, we encourage Phyllis Green John Hagan you to catch up on your giving so Carol Ross Deacons 18 Mark Fryauf 8:30 AM Service we can end the year on a positive Jeff Pollock Irma Flores, Eddie Duncan, note and begin the new year in a Vada Stone 19 Jessica Brown Joyce McConaughy, Anthony Smith, strong financial position to fund the 20 Janet Sohosky & Tammy Sutherland many ministries of First Christian Sara Weaver Church of Rogers. Contributions Samuel Weaver 10:45 AM Service 21 Mary Radtke for 2016 must be postmarked by De- 22 Leslie Eaton Team C st Luke Fryauf Todd & Carol Verge (Captains) cember 31 . To make giving more Steve Thurber 23 Braeden Martin Heath Dake Raymond Dake convenient, we encourage you to Marianne Sanders Anniversaries Michelle Ford Sydney Barnes consider automated giving through Scott Rodgers 1 Ben &EvaLena Mayo your credit card or bank account. 24 Reba Love Eddie & Elizabeth Duncan Thomas Mix 4 Curt & Sharon Bruno Easy instructions are on the Church 25 Nicole Barnes Elders Harrison Campbell Dale and Juanita Sacco 8:30 AM Service website. Mindy Cole 5 Mark & Marilyn Caulfield 1 Clay Bakker Thank you for your faithful support. David Covington 6 Ron & Lisa Porter 8 Anthony Seidel -FCC Rogers Financial Review Linda Moffitt 7 Todd & Carol Verge Nicole Ward 15 Christine Pinkley Team 26 Ryan Brooks 16 Lindell & Sheryl Mabry 22 Jim Hayes 27 Della Kate Dake 22 Steve & Yavonne Butcher Rian Fox Jim & Lucy Harris 29 Janet Sohosky Sherry Hill 28 Troy & Kimberly Barnes 28 Kace Loyer 10:45 AM Service 29 Lucille Lillard 29 Craig & Deborah Campbell 30 Garrett Dake Peter & Laura Cosgrove- Elements Offering Tanner Dake Wyatt 1 Ernie Goodnight Kathy Phillips Ed Houston Pete & Pat Hampton 8 Melissa Hickman Jermaine Brown Elan Kai Quiros David Young 30 Larry & Valere Gregory 15 Dale Sacco Janet Sohosky 31 Todd Verge Norm & Jo Jones 22 Kim Marsh Mindy Cole /FirstChristianChurchRogers/ Betty Wood 29 Jermaine Brown Dale Sacco

THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER PAGE 7

Serving December 18 Children’s Sharing: 8:30 Amy Stufflebeam 10:45 Julia Melson Deacons 8:30 Victor Galindo, Travis Gee Dennis Pinkley, Kyler Pinkley Upcoming Calendar

10:45 Team B - Captains Mike & Deanna Cicatiello Sunday, December 18 Saturday, December 24 Elders: 8:30 am Worship 5:00 pm Family Christmas Eve 8:30 Christine Pinkley 9:45 am Sunday Morning Bible Celebration 10:45 Kathy Phillips & Melissa Hickman Studies 6-6:30 pm Drop-in Communion 5:00 Christine Pinkley Communion Preparation & Clean-up: 10:45 am Worship 7:00 pm Carols by Candlelight Julia Melson 1:00 pm Rey de Reyes Worship Sunday, December 25 5:00 pm The Worship Experience Serving December 25 4:00 pm Christmas Worship 5:00 pm CROSS Training Christmas Celebration 4:00 pm Party Children’s Sharing: James Brooks Monday, December 26 5:00 pm JYF OFFICE CLOSED Deacons Team B - Captains 7:00 pm Pacific Islands Christian Mike & Deanna Cicatiello Church Worship Tuesday, December 27 Elders: OFFICE CLOSED Monday, December 19 9 - noon G.R.U.B. Communion Preparation & Clean-up: 9:00 am Bake and Take Wednesday, December 28 Julia Melson Tuesday, December 20 8:00 am Sermon Breakfast 9 - Noon G.R.U.B. 9:30 am First Friends Chapel with Serving January 1 Wednesday, December 21 Children’s Sharing: Pastor Shawn 8:30 Amy Stufflebeam 8:00 am Sermon Breakfast 1:00 pm Community Assistance 10:45 Julia Melson 9:30 am First Friends Chapel with 6:00 pm Strength & Conditioning Deacons Pastor Shawn 8:30 Irma Flores-Lopez, Eddie Duncan Thursday, December 29 1:00 pm Community Assistance 9:00 am Strength & Conditioning Joyce McConaughy, Tammy Sutherland, 5:30 pm Neighborhood Caroling & Anthony Smith 6:30 pm Warm-up Wassail & Friday, December 30 7:00 pm Rey de Reyes Worship 10:45 Team C - Captains Tamales Todd & Carol Verge Thursday, December 22 Saturday, December 31 Elders: 9:00 am Strength & Conditioning NEW YEAR’S EVE 8:30 Clay Bakker 4:00 pm Pacific Islands Christian 10:45 Ernie Goodnight & Kathy Phillips Friday, December 23 Church Bible Study 5:00 Ernie Goodnight 7:00 pm Rey de Reyes Worship Communion Preparation & Clean-up: Janet Sohosky

Thank you to the Take & Bake Ministry for your contribution to our congregation. The meals you Sunday, December 4 provide delicious and full of sen-

Sunday Bible Studies ...... 104 timent. We are grateful for every- 8:30...... 53 thing you do. 10:45 ...... 152 G.R.U.B. will be open every Tues- Worship Experience ...... 34 And a special thank you for the day through the month of December Total Worship ...... 239 delicious soup you prepared a from 9 am to Noon unless weather few weeks ago, from Bob and prohibits. Sunday, December 11 Martha Goodwin.

Sunday Bible Studies ...... 141 Thank you for all of your contribu- 10:45 ...... 292 tions and support this year! Worship Experience ...... 29 Total Worship ...... 321 905 South 13th Street Rogers, AR 72758

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Calling Disciples and Growing Apostles

Staff

Shawn Wallace Senior Pastor

Ronny Nowell Associate Pastor Morgan Holly

Administrative Assistant Dr. Jeffrey Murdock Interim Minister of Music Julia Melson Organist Debbie Campbell Church Treasurer & Pianist Andrea Whorton Nursery Coordinator Darrell Button Maintenance/Custodian Cassie Matthews First Friends Director Board Officers Bill Freitag, Chair Scott Marsh, Vice Chair Karen Smith, Board Secretary Wishing you a very Merry Christmas Debbie Campbell, Treasurer Ron Ellington, Financial Secretary and a Happy New Year!

Janet Sohosky Elder Chair Phillip & Rita Martin From your FCC Staff: Pastor Shawn, Pastor Ronny, Julia, Deacon Co-Chairs Ministry Coaches Debbie, Jeff, Darrell, & Morgan

Lonna Arbuthnot Hospitality/Connection Clarence Hill family JOYS AND CONCERNS Hospitality/Foods Juanita Sacco  The Christmas Cantata and Children’s Choir was a huge success! Thank you parents Memorials Chancel Choir, Chancel Ringers, the Praise Team, Debbie Campbell, Julia Melson, Janae Deanna Cicatiello Pitts-Murdock , and Jeff Murdock. Mercy  Please lift up all of those who are hurting during this joy-filled time of year. Jill Arbuthnot & Milt Potee  With holiday traveling picking up the next few weeks, please pray for safe travels and Service road conditions. Allison McElroy Stewardship PLEASE CONTINUE TO KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS: Sukey Dake, Jacob Bilyeu, Shirley & the Dudey family, Martha and Bob Goodwin, Charlene Hagan, Molly Ford, Pat Lemmer, Pat Paukstys, Todd Verge and family, and FCC friends: Zach Boysen, Norma Anderson, Amanda Bledsoe, Tonya White, Ronnie White, Olivia Freitag, The Jerry Pettigrew family, Kumie Relech, Denita & Reuben Murphy, Royce Keebler, Robert Toney, Sal Sarano, Leaders of our world, all troops, and first responders.

Office 479.636.2230 • www.fccrogers.org • [email protected]