The Courier

The ChristianCourierVol. 64, No. 2 Bellingham First Christian Church February 2014

Whatʼs Up with our Kids?

Our church kids are pretty busy, these days. Have you noticed? During worship, you’ll find them creating all sorts of interesting things at our art center over near the organ. They’re pictured here with their recently completed “Walking in the Light of God” banner.

Remember, the art center is NOT just for children. If your spirit is the creative type, you are invited to meander over and color, paint, glue, cut, or let ‘er rip. Let us know your favorite art projects and medium and we’ll do our best to comply. The spirit moves and we just do our best to keep up.

And what else are the kids up to? Sunday, Jan. 19, our Children’s Sunday School met for the first time in a long while. We are blessed to hear the giggles, queries and footsteps of children in this place. Give a listen and a smile. God is definitely in this place!

Get on the Bus!Saturday, Feb. 82 p.m.Lake City Christian Church

O u r G l o b a l Ministries national leaders with the co-sponsorship of o u r l o c a l G M c o m m i t t e e a r e hosting four area meetings on the last weekend of January (East and C e n t r a l ) a n d

second weekend of February (Northwest and Southwest) to introduce Kim and Erik Free from Oregon who are going in March as missionaries to the United Church of Christ in Mozambique, Africa. Because of a short-fall in funds nationally to both UCC and Disciples, the Frees are able to respond to the call from Africa because individuals are making personal gifts. The national goal is to raise $50,000 a year for the four-years of their term. As of mid-December almost half of that goal had been achieved. These two introductory weekends will allow them to tell of their excitement about the ministries they will be doing and contributions to be received for their support. We are trusting for good driving weather for all four events!

Members from First Christian Church, Bellingham, will be traveling down to Seattle for the Feb. 8 event on our church bus. We will be leaving the church at noon, stopping in Mt. Vernon to pick up folks at the church there, and continuing on to Lake City.If you would like to participate, please contact the c h u r c h o f fi c e , 3 6 0 . 7 3 4 . 6 8 2 0 o r [email protected].

Message from the Pastor

2 February 2014

495 East Bakerview RoadBellingham, WA 98226

[email protected]

www.bhamfcc.com

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 UsMinistersRev. Gary [email protected]

Mary Ann TeetersFinance/Membership [email protected]

Rev. Tamalyn KralmanDirector of Ed. & Community OutreachCourier [email protected]

Amelia NyeAccompanistAmy KronenbergInterim Childcare Provider

Rev. Sandy MessickRegional MinisterRev. Sharon WatkinsGeneral Minister and President

Sunday Schedule9:30 a.m. Sunday School Classes10:50 a.m. Gathering Time11 a.m. Worship12:15 p.m. Fellowship Time2nd Sunday Out-to-Lunch Bunch 6:30 p.m. Wild Goose Worship (2nd & 4th Sundays)

Office HoursMonday - Friday9 a.m. - noonOur 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.

OfficersMary Ann Teeters, ChairBetty Schmidling, Vice-ChairVirginia Haldeman, SecretaryPat McGovern, Treasurer

First Christian Church(Disciples of Christ) Shoe’s News

“Thanks for Your Support”When we were visiting my Mom recently, Zach and I took her to church. She hadn't been able to go to church for the previous several weeks due to her chemo. When we walked into worship, you'd have thought that we were bringing in the Queen of England! All the folks gathered around her welcoming her back to church and letting her know how they'd been thinking about her and praying for her. That welcome did my Mom some real good. It buoyed her spirits and reminded her that she is being supported by a community of care.

I remember, a few weeks before that, watching Margaret Farrar enter our worship to the applause and fanfare of a congregation welcoming her back into the fold after a prolonged absence.

Each of us is a part of a caring community at our church. Sometimes we're the one lending the support and care and sometimes we're the one on the receiving end. I remember a time long ago when we had one of our kids in the hospital after an accident. When the senior pastor that Tam was working with walked into the room, something very profound occurred. I realized that the wonderfully warm feeling of support and love that I was experiencing at that moment is something that we give every time we go into a hospital room, or nursing home room, or home.

You and I are deeply blessed to be a part of a loving community. If there are new ways that you'd like to express your care and love towards others let me know. If there are holes or gaps in the ways that our faith community reaches out, let me know.

Being a part of a supportive community affects us in ways that we can only appreciate if it's taken away. I don't know how people get through much of life's journey without a group to love them through it. We are blessed to be surrounded by people who care very deeply for us. Let's not take it for granted and let's do everything we can to help it grow and thrive!

Thanks for your support! Pastor Gary

The Welcome Task Force Presents:

“Acceptance”What does it mean to accept oneself? What does it mean to be accepted by others? Please join us Sunday, March 23, 6:30 p.m. for this panel presentation, to be led by members of the community of different backgrounds representing the LBGTQIA community. With a dessert potluck to follow, be sure to invite your friends and neighbors for what is sure to be a fascinating, thought provoking evening.

Vitamin D:Its Role in Your HealthDuring these dark days of winter we are often unable to enjoy the sun and to benefit from its role in maintaining healthy levels of Vitamin D in our bodies.

Below find some basic information about this valuable vitamin.

Benefits:Vitamin D promotes healthy bones by promoting absorption of calcium which is needed in all ages but especially in growing children and aging adults.

Helps to lower the incidence of type I diabetes, muscle and bone pain, cancers of the breast, colon, prostate, ovaries, esophagus, lymphatic system and high blood pressure.

Sources:Government recommendation for adequate levels of Vitamin D calls for 200 IU (International Units) per day up to age 50; 400IU (ages 51-70); 600 IU (over age 70). Researchers disagree, however, saying 1000 IU is needed per day.

The vitamin is well absorbed from fortified milk and vitamin pills.

Other sources include salmon 425 IU in a three ounce serving; canned sardines 270 IU in 3.5 ounce; Milk 200 IU in two glasses; 100 IU in one cup of orange juice.

Many food manufacturers are beginning to add Vitamin D to yogurt, breakfast cereal, margarine and orange juice.

Dosage:The upper limits for vitamin D in the diet and in pills is 2000 IU per day. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin so it is stored in the body. More than 2000 IU can cause toxic or overdose effects which can lead to kidney stones or kidney damage, muscle weakness, or excessive bleeding.

The Sun:Regular sun exposure can stimulate the human skin to produce adequate levels of Vitamin D, but living in northern latitudes makes this a problem, especially in winter.

Sun scarcity can take its toll on human health. The further north one goes the incidence of cancer increases. There are less prostate and colon cancers in those who live closer to the equator. Too much sun has its problems as well, leading to skin cancers. The average sun exposure is recommended at five to ten minutes two to three times per week (exposing hands, legs, arms) and is more than adequate to satisfy Vitamin D requirements and avoid over exposure.Sources: M.F. Holick, MD 2004

News from (and for) the Pews

February 2014 3

Joys and Concernsof Our Congregation

Please submit written requests to update this list.

New to Our List:Connie Page, medical tests & health concernsTaylor Witman, grieving over the loss of a friendSarah Wheeler, grieving over the loss of a friendThe Blanchard Family as they move to Montana (We’ll miss you, Jeremy, Francie and Emily!)Helen Blaney, recovering from a fall, in St. Frances Convalescent CenterFamily and Friends of Cecelia Ringsrud, who passed away in early January.Margaret Farrar has been moved to Shuksan Care Facility

Ongoing:Mary Ann Teeters, on the loss of her motherDale Whitney, recovering from a second fallNeilan Hart, friend of the Pages, acute leukemiaDaisy Shoemaker, regaining her strength and appetite after completing chemo treatmentsBarbara Smith, in hospice careMac and Velma McDonald, health concerns and their son, Steve, as he recovers in the hospitalRhea Manlove & her sister, mother and aunt of Jeremy Blanchard, health concernsDisciples House Residents, past, present and futureIglesia de Dios, as together we share God’s loveRaices Culturales, the children’s gardening programRev. Sandy Messick, Regional MinisterRev. Sharon Watkins, General Minister and PresidentRev. Dr. Loletta Barrett, Global Mission partner in NamibiaOur General Church ministriesYakama Christian MissionRefugees around the worldAll troops involved in world conflictPeacemakers worldwide

Nurse’s Notes

This article is for information only. See your health care provider for advice and treatment.

Prayer: As our Creator, flood our bodies with your healing spirit, enter into every cell, system and function of our bodies and fill us with the light of healing. Grant us grace to follow good health practices so as to make ourselves useful in service to self and others. Amen

Jane E. Kletka, RN, FCNHealth Ministries

Many Thanks!

4 February 2014

Dear Church Family,

Thank you for all the cards, prayers and calls after the passing of my mother. Mom felt she knew all of you from my phone calls to her. She was so happy that I had family out here so far away from her. I, too, am very blessed to have such a loving family to lean on when times get hard. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Mary Ann Teeters

Pastor Gary, Tamalyn, Mary Ann, Amelia and Amy extend many thanks to you, our church family for your generous Christmas gifts. We count our blessings everyday that we are able to serve such a loving and supportive congregation. And we pray for you many blessings in this New Year.

Your Welcome Task Force Has been Hard at Work!From presenting the November 17 workshop to creating the new bulletin board, from bringing in books for a book table and creating a new page of wonderfully informative links for our church website, your Welcoming Task Force has been busy. We are so very thankful to Greg Smith for leading this group as we seek to discover what it means to be a “welcoming congregation,” embracing and understanding both ancient hospitality codes and modern needs of an ever-changing society seeking to include our LGBTQI sisters and brothers. If you have not yet done so, please check out the resources on the bulletin board and our website, bhamfcc.org.

We offer our sincerest thanks to our church family for the love, support, and generosity you have shown as we prepare for the arrival of baby Benjamin. We take great comfort in knowing our son will be surrounded by such caring support.

With Thanks,

Megan & Zach Shoemaker

Megan is pictured here with our favorite cake baker, Kathy Wheeler. Thank you, Kathy, for the beautiful and creative cake.

Do You Know Our Spring Creek Ministry?Virginia Haldeman answered the frantic plea from Spring Creek Retirement Center. “The congregation that leads our Sunday worship services has dropped out. Can you please help us?”

Thanks to Virginia’s mighty efforts, we are now leading worship twice a month. Here is an important message from Virginia:

Sunday, January 5, in the first few hours, was stressful. The entire residence at Spring Creek was in quarantine, but when I asked, the "powers that BE" said that holding the church service was OK -- many had requested that it be held. I had the order of service and hymns all copied and ready.

Saturday evening I had called Mary Lee Wiser and notified her about the flu. We decided that she should not risk coming in the building. So no pianist, but we could still sing, since I could play the first few measures of each hymn to get us started.

Then, about noon, Max Perry (who was scheduled to give the message) called and said because of the many cases of flu, he did not want to risk exposure for Cheryl, or risk bringing it home to her. I agreed! Quickly I found a copy of the story of the 4th Wise Man to share as the message for Epiphany Sunday.

Down in the Activity Lounge, I found everything set up and ready to go. Prayer #1 answered! Then, not the Three Kings, but Three Angels, came climbing up the stairs. Darleen, Chuck and Connie Page had arrived! Connie is always my helper -- passing out the order of worship and hymn sheets. And Darleen was there ready to read the scripture! I told them about the missing participants and Chuck immediately spoke up and said, "I can give the message!" I was amazed! He had a story about giving that he wanted to share! Talk about miracles! Furthermore Chuck had his harmonica so we would have a harmonica to accompany our hymns!

How often do you have angels appear as answers to prayers?

Residents were a little slow in arriving, but we had 18 participants at the service (about the same number that were in the dining room for supper later that evening)! Chuck and Darleen received many thanks for their messages, and many thanked me for not giving up when things went crazy. Several noted the strong feeling of fellowship in the smaller group.

I would encourage you, as Disciples of Christ, to take the opportunity to share in the blessings of bringing joy and comfort to our neighbors. No money needed -- just smiles, handshakes and hugs (when the flu isn't around), loving your neighbor, and perhaps a little vocal participation. First and third Sundays each month at 1:30 p.m. There is a sign-up sheet in the Church office.

May God bless you with a loving and willing heart!

Virginia

Your Green Chalice Team Recommends These Upcoming Events at Fairhaven College:Feb. 5, "Global Food Production and Climate Change” David Battisti, Professor of Atmospheric Sciences, and Tamaki Endowed Chair, UW

Feb. 12, “Climate Change and Human Rights: Lessons from Alaska” Nancy Lord, author and former Alaska State Writer Laureate

Feb. 19, “RED SKY AT MORNING: Ethics and the Climate Crisis” Kathleen Dean Moore, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Oregon State University, Director of the Spring Creek Project of Ideas, Nature and the Written Word

Feb. 26, “Tropic of Chaos: Climate Change and the New Geography of Violence” Christian Parenti, , Professor at the School for International Training Graduate Institute, SIT; Director, Climate Change, Food, Water, and Energy Program, IHP

March 5, “The Next Energy Economy: Moving Forward with Grassroots Strategies to Mitigate Global Climate Change” Winona LaDuke, (Anishinaabe), An internationally acclaimed author, orator and activist protecting the lands and life ways of Native communities.

These events take place at Fairhaven College on Wednesdays, 12 - 1:20 p.m. For further information, please contact the church office or visit http://www.wwu.edu/Fairhaven/news/worldissuesforum/14winter.shtml.

February 2014 5

Itʼs Me Again: Cancer SurvivorI planned to write a short synopsis about radiation, but it proved to be so uneventful that I just didnʼt want to bore you with the repetitive details. Enough to say that the 35 treatments went by quickly, without much in the way of side-effects, and it worked. My latest mammogram and MRI came back clear. So that chapter of my story is closed! But now I need to let you in on our daughter Connieʼs precarious medical situation. As most of you are aware, she was born with significant challenges, but has managed, with hard work and determination, to be like most women her age. The stroke she suffered almost 4 years ago dealt her a blow, robbing her of even more of her abilities. She realizes that her recovery from that stroke is probably complete. “It is what it is.”The fall she took at home last week resulted in a very black eye and just a couple of stitches, so she was able to make it to the Shoe baby shower that afternoon.As if all that wasnʼt enough, she was recently diagnosed with a precancerous condition. Her primary care doctor referred her to a local specialist for a biopsy. When the results were positive, he referred her to a surgeon at Swedish Hospital in Seattle. That appointment was on Jan. 13th. We got no real answers, but had a good feeling about the doctor and his reassurance that the doctor here had done precisely the tests that were needed and available here. However, the Seattle doctor was unable to get a sample of the tissue he was hoping to examine. Instead, he will consult with other surgeons who have expertise on Connieʼs unusual situation. Now for the next step (or steps) in a whole new journey for her and for us. Her surgical procedure will be at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue in early February. At this time that is all the information we have. You, our church family, have been so very caring and supportive of her (and of us) during this stressful period of waiting. We ask that you keep her in your prayers as we proceed with whatever treatment the medical team recommends for her.Connie always appreciates phone calls to help her get through the waiting that causes such worry. Her phone number is 676-2263. She has a recorded message to screen calls from solicitors, so wait till the end of the message and press 1 to talk to her.Again, our thanks for your continued prayers and good wishes.Darleen Page, with consent and input from Connie Page

News From the Regional Church

6 February 2014

2014 Regional Assembly"Together by Grace"

"Together by Grace," we will celebrate our life as regional church and our participation in the wider church community known as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  Make sure your schedule has you in Kennewick, May 16-18, 2014, where you'll join with scores of other Northwest Regional Christian Church members, leaders and friends.  Anticipate meaningful worship, explore our

connection to the General Church and take your place to participate in the business of the Region. Look forward to connecting with new faces and reconnecting with those folks you know- leave Kennewick in the knowledge that we are as one, that we are Together by Grace.

More info is available on the regional website.

2014 Youth Winter Retreat March 14-16

Camp KoinoniaCle Elum, WA

Find out what it means to "Let Go and Let God" this winter. Ask why don’t we let go of what’s holding us back from giving to others, and let God lead us in the direction we need to go...

Contact the church office or see the regional website for more info.

Upcoming LecturesThe Lecture Series of University Congregational United Church of Christ presents two upcoming events. Check out the PDF links for more information about each feature! Lauren F. Winner (February 7,8,9) http://media1.razorplanet.com/share/512509-5786/resources/444384_0114UConWinner.pdf

The Dream of God: A World of Justice and Non-ViolenceMarcus Borg, Joan Chittister &  John Dominic Crossan(June 19, 20 & 21, 2014)http://media1.razorplanet.com/share/512509-5786/resources/444385_0114UConLectureJune.pdf

Looking for a Place to Serve in the Northwest Region’s Ministries?Two of our ministry teams are currently seeking to expand their membership. Do you have passion for one of these?

The Youth Ministries Team: Meets at least quarterly via Conference Call to oversee the work of the Regional Youth Commission and to plan and oversee the camping program. We will soon be hiring a Youth Ministries Coordinator who will work with this team to continue the ministry we have and dream new dreams for how we can engage youth and children in faith and leader development. Randy Nundahl (First Christian Church, Kennewick) is the Team Leader.

Finance Team: This team will meet monthly via Conference Call or Videoconferencing to oversee the financial resources of the Northwest Region. Led by our Regional Treasurer, Dick Talley (Lake City Christian Church, Seattle), this team will review financial reports, and work with the regional leadership to prepare budgets and devise strategies for underwriting the ministries of the region.

If you have interest in either of these ministry teams, please contact Sandy Messick ([email protected]) or either of the team leaders.

NWRCC Youth/Children’s Ministry Coordinator Position - Now Taking Applications

The Northwest Regional Christian Church is now receiving applications for a new part-time position: Youth/Children's Ministry Coordinator. The Youth/Children's Ministry Coordinator will provide leadership to coordinate and support youth and children’s ministries in the Northwest Regional Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

In brief, this position will encompass work with the Regional Youth Commission and the Regional Camp Program. The successful candidate will also be asked to imagine and develop new ministries for children, youth, and families within the Northwest Region.

Application requirements include cover letter, resume and references in addition to a statement of interest to address four areas response. The application deadline is February 9, 2014. A full job description and application requirements can be downloaded at:h t t p : / / w w w . d i s c i p l e s n w . o r g / d o c s /NWRCCYouthChildrenMinCoordinator.pdf

Global Ministries

February 2014 7

Missionary Partner Returns to U.S.Rev. Dr. Loletta Barrett, First Christian Church’s missionary partner in Namibia, returned to the United States in early January.

In her Christmas letter, she explains:

“It was a hard decision to make but the right one for me and the people here. There is not the support and resources needed and not enough work for a full time missionary/minister and the settlement of Kalkfeld is very isolated with no transportation.

“My heart is breaking leaving the people ... they are completely supportive of the decision which makes it a tiny bit easier. I thank you for your support and prayers in my journey here. I will hope that Global Ministries gives me the opportunity to come and share my journey with FCC so I can meet you in person.

One of her last acts was go to the post office in Kalkfeld which had been closed for three weeks due to having a difficult time getting people. Loletta found what she called a “wonderful surprise!” – a card from the church and from Bruce. Radtke “Very nice and very supportive. I so appreciated it!!,” wrote Loletta.

“It has been an amazing journey of a life time, and even with the heartbreak of goodbye, I would not have missed it for anything. Blessings for the New Year and I hope to see you soon! “

Loletta expects to be visiting congregations during February to May. Outreach Ministry is working with Global Ministries to see if First Christian Church in Bellingham may be one of the congregations she visits.

Outreach Ministry

New Missionary Partners NamedThe return of Loletta Barrett to the US left a missionary partnership vacancy for First Christian Church that was filled quickly with a three-generation family serving in Lesotho in southern Africa.

Lydia Johnson, her daughter and son-in-law Kelly and Tom Gilson and the Gilsons’ two children: Percival John and Aaralyn Grace are living in Morija where they are assigned to the Lesotho Evangelical Church. Kelly and Lydia teach at the seminary. Tom is teaching math at an LEC high school and computer science at the seminary.

Morija is the center of the Lesotho Evangelical Church which began in 1833 at about the same time Thomas and Alexander Campbell began the movement which became the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Founded in 1833 as the first French Protestant mission and named after the biblical Mt Moriah, Morija is regarded as the cultural centre of Lesotho. It was given the name Selibeng Sa Thuto – which translates as “The Well-spring of Learning.”

Prior to the assignment in Lesotho, Kelly and Lydia taught at Otago University, Department of Theology and Religion, in Dunedin, New Zealand. Kelly also was part-time minister at Mayfield Presbyterian Church, Ashburton, New Zealand. Tom was a math teacher at Ashburton College.

Lydia also has served as a Disciples of Christ pastor in rural Jamaica, lecturer at the Pacific Theological College in Fiji and on the Faculty of Theology, University of Durban-Westville, South Africa, a school related to the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa.

Lydia serves as a long-term volunteer. Kelly and Tom are full missionaries under the Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ.

More information will be posted on the Outreach bulletin board in the fellowship hall.

Outreach Ministry

Lydia Johnson Tom Gilson Kelly Gilson

Friends & Partners in Ministry

8 February 2014

A Letter from the GobledalesB o x i n g D a y i n London. . .Chr i s tmas lights garland through the Picaddilly Arcade. Love is in the air! Our happy conversation and light footsteps are arrested by an unusual sight in the courtyard of St James' Church.

But I am ahead of myself...

Oh Little Town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie...

Christmas Day lies behind us. Christ is born!

Our reflections at church on Christmas morning remind us that Jesus of the 21st century is being born into a homeless family, an oppressed family, a poor family. But let us not forget the families in Bethlehem, behind the wall. Let us not forget 21st century Bethlehem completely, leaving it to fend for itself, abandoning its children to find a way in this dark world of sin on their own. We have illuminated our festive celebrations with hope and light and joy; let us not forget turning our backs on their fears, darkness and despair.

Today walking through London, enjoying the decorated arcades along Piccadilly, "Bethlehem Unwrapped"arrests us, interrupts our light conversation, and captures our attention. This “ insta l lat ion” b y J u s t i n Bu t l e r, Geo f T h o m s p o n , Dean Wil lars and Deborah Burton casts a long shadow over the St James' Church courtyard, usually a bustling marketplace. Stark, towering, imposing, boldly and brazenly interjecting Israel’sSeparation Wall into the London landscape. Mandela's words remind those who pause, "We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians."

We pause. We look. We read.

We have not seen the Separation Wall in Bethlehem except in photos. I have seen the Berlin Wall -- I remember visiting Checkpoint Charlie in my youth, wondering what life on the other side would be like, the side where people were not so free as me. We have seen the wall down the middle of the doctor's office in Melmoth, South Africa, in the time of apartheid, separating the waiting room for Black Zulus with its rough wooden benches and posters of snake bites from the waiting room for Whites with its soft couches and piles of magazines. We have seen images of the wall being

erected by our own people in the USA to keep out those who "threaten us" from the south.

Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light; the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

Why are we so afraid of one another? Someone has written "Wailing Wall" -- We hear God wailing with sadness behind it. The spire of St James rises above the planks. Can we look high enough above our wal ls of separation? Dare we hope that the one God of all creation can be loved in peace? Dare we allow others to use the names they prefer, the images of their own

creation, the stories of their own histories?

Let us boldly proclaim one God – Elohim, A l l a h , J e h o v a h , Emmanuel. God by any other name is still God, the mystery we can never fully know or understand, the p o w e r t h a t h a s transformed our lives, the One that can turn hate into love and can teach us to channel power for good. Is this so difficult?

No ear may hear His coming,But in this world of sin,Where meek souls will receive Him still,The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem,Descend to us, we pray;Cast out our sin and enter in,Be born in us today.

May we remember, in the words of Abraham Lincoln

(as written on the wall), "Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?"

God, empower us to remember the futility of dividing walls and strengthen us to pull them down, using the timber and stones to build bridges.

Ana & Tod http://spiritualsteppingstones3.blogspot.co.uk Weekly reviews of our Breakfast in Britain,with a bit of touring tucked in...http://breakfastinbritain.blogspot.co.uk/

February 2014 9

Interfaith Coalition’s March 22 Annual Hope AuctionSave the date for Interfaith Coalition’s Annual Hope Auction on Saturday, March 22. You will enjoy an evening of fun and community spirit, and the proceeds will support housing for homeless families and health care for all in need. The auction is Interfaith’s biggest fundraising event, and raises more than one-third of Interfaith’s annual income. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Best Western Lakeway Inn in Bellingham. Tickets are on sale now for $45 each, which includes a sit-down dinner.

You also may support the event by contributing an item to be auctioned. If you can provide a service, getaway home, art or craft item, gift certificate or other sought-after item , then you have something to offer that would raise money to assist local people in need. The coalition also is seeking financial support to help underwrite the auction.

For more information, tickets, or to make a donation, please call Interfaith Coalition at 734-3983, or contact Brenda Riseland, who represents our congregation on the coalition board.

Interfaith Coalition to Hire a Part-Time Communications & Development Director

Interfaith Coalition of Whatcom County seeks a 20 hour per week experienced development and communications director to work with our small staff in a dynamic, non-profit office. The coalition is a partnership of over 40 congregations that provides housing to homeless families, severe weather shelters, and support to Interfaith Community Health Center. Please contact Interfaith Coalition at [email protected] or 734-3983 for a job description.

Thank You from InterfaithDear Friends:

Thank you for your $220 donation from your Christmas Eve s e r v i c e , w h i c h helps us to keep our two severe-weather shelters open ove rn i gh t w h e n w e a t h e r conditions could actually be life-threatening to some of the most vulnerable individuals who are homeless and living on the streets. Our severe-weather shelters provide warmth and safety to more than 80 individuals who otherwise would be sleeping outdoors in the frigid cold and wind. It’s almost unbearable to imagine trying to stay warm outside on such nights. So far this winter, our shelters have been open for eight nights already. It’s donations from compassionate friends and volunteers like you that make our program possible.

The following quote from a shelter guest could well be applied to you as a donor:

“You volunteers are wonderful people and treat people with great compassion. Thank you so much for all that you do. God bless you.”

Your gift demonstrates your compassion for individuals and families whose circumstances and lives’ complexities have found them without a place to call home.

In God’s love,Laura DeRose HarkerExecutive Director

Church Wish List!

How can you help out around the church in VERY simple, but exceedingly beneficial ways? Here are a few of the items that we currently need to make things flow a bit more smoothly:

• plastic shoeboxes• clear plastic storage boxes from Costco (45

quart size)• Monetary gifts for hardware purchases (weʼre

hanging new banners from the light poles in the parking lot and doing other projects that will require hardware, but we arenʼt quite sure of the specifics, so this would be the easiest way to help out)

• cardboard archive boxes (available from office supply stores)

• YOU! Yes, you. Have you ever noticed that Spirit is always moving and church is ever changing? That means we need your ideas, time, energies, love, and laughter to bring Godʼs realm into being. Whaddaya say?

Whoʼs on First?!

10 February 2014

Sunday, February 2Elders: TBDDiaconate: Betty SchmidlingReader: Greg SmithGreeter: Gregg HeyneFlowers: Mary Lee Wiser’s family, in honor of her 92nd birthdayFellowship Time: TBD

Sunday, February 9Elders: TBDDiaconate: Marian Overcash, Megan Shoemaker, Ardythe HannahReader: Betty SchmidlingGreeter: Connie PageFlowers: TBDFellowship Time: TBD

Sunday, February 16Elders:TBDDiaconate: Lois Oswalt, Pat Whitney, Connie PageReader: Mary Ann TeetersGreeters: Cheryl & Max PerryFlowers: TBDFellowship Time: TBD

Sunday, February 23Elders: TBDDiaconate: Lynn PlancichReader: Lillian MoirGreeters: Russ & Bekki WestonFlowers and Fellowship Time: Esther Group

Please note: New elders’ schedule not available at time of printing

FebruaryHappy Birthday:Linda Nunamaker 1Mary Lee Wiser 2Cris Botts 4Velma McDonald 7Brenda Riseland 10Phyllis McKinnon 11Lynn Plancich 16Margaret Brown 17Lil Adams 18Mason Stanbro 18

Hope Klemann 20Gaylen Udo 22Leslie Pinkston 25Megan Shoemaker 26Amie Naidu Preau 26

Happy Anniversary:Ralph & Bea Gilfilen 5Bob & Marian Crim 5

February 2Fourth Sunday after the EpiphanyMicah 6:1-8Psalm 151 Corinthians 1:18-31Matthew 5:1-12

February 9Race Relations SundayFifth Sunday after the EpiphanyIsaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12)Psalm 112:1-9 (10)1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16)Matthew 5:13-20

February 16Week of Compassion beginsSixth Sunday after the EpiphanyDeuteronomy 30:15-20Psalm 119:1-81 Corinthians 3:1-9Matthew 5:21-37

February 23Week of Compassion endsSeventh Sunday after the EpiphanyLeviticus 19:1-2, 9-18Psalm 119:33-401 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23Matthew 5:38-48

This Monthʼs Lectionary

February 2Prayers: TBDLead Hymns: TBDRead Scripture: TBDMessage: TBDBenediction: TBD

February 16Prayers: TBDLead Hymns: TBDRead Scripture: TBDMessage: TBDBenediction: TBD

Spring Creek Worship Checking-In GroupThis group meets at 5 p.m. the Fourth Thursday of each month and is an opportunity to talk about life! Location to be determined. Please contact the church office for more info.Menʼs BreakfastAll men are invited to meet at Dennyʼs, 7:30 a.m. each Saturday for fellowship and food. A sense of humor is encouraged!

Please contact Virginia Haldeman to assist in this important ministry.

Calendar

February 2014 11

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

17:30a Menʼs Breakfast, Dennyʼs

29:30a Sun. School10:50a Gathering Time11a Worship12:15p Fellowship Time1:30p Spring Creek Worship

3 4

Noon Bible Study

5

7p Chancel Choir Rehearsal

6 8

7:30a Menʼs Breakfast, Dennyʼs

Noon Meet for Global Ministries Event in Seattle

9Race Relations

Sunday9:30a Sun. School10:50a Gathering Time11a Worship12:15p Fellowship Time Out-to-Lunch Bunch6:30p Wild Goose Worship

10 11

Noon Bible Study

1:00 p.m.Welcome Task Force

12

7p Chancel Choir Rehearsal

13 157:30a Menʼs Breakfast, Dennyʼs

16Week of Compassion

Begins7:30a Eldersʼ Mtg9:30a Sun. School10:50a Gathering Time11a Worship12:15p Fellowship Time1:30p Spring Creek Worship

17Presidentʼs

DayNoonEsther Group

18Noon Bible Study

5:30 p.m.Prayer Vigil for Peace in the Middle East, hosted here at FCC

19

7p Chancel Choir Rehearsal

20 227:30a Menʼs Breakfast, Dennyʼs

23Week of Compassion

Ends9:30a Sun. School10:50a Gathering Time11a Worship12:15p Fellowship Time6:30p Wild Goose Worship7p Book Group

24 25Noon Bible Study

26

7p Chancel Choir Rehearsal

27

5p Checking In Group

February 2014

Lauren F. Winner LecturesSeattle, through Sunday

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

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Save the DatesFeb. 8 Global Ministries Event in Seattle, Meet at the church at noon to drive to Lake City Christian Church

Feb. 18 Prayer Vigil, First Christian

March 14-16 Youth Winter Retreat, Cle Elum

March 22 Annual Hope Auction Interfaith Coalition

March 23 Welcome Task Force presents a panel discussion on “Acceptance,” 6:30 p.m. with a dessert potluck to follow

Contact UsOffice [email protected] 360.734.6820Find us on Facebook First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Bellingham, WAFollow us on Twitter FCC Bellingham

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“...Godʼs call to be perfect is not just a command--it is an invitation. It is an invitation to something possible. It is an invitation to something life-giving, to something joy-creating. God invites us to a godly perfection. Godly perfection is not flawlessness. Godly perfection is wholeness. “We can learn some of the contours of wholeness from people who fully inhabit their own lives regardless of the circumstances of their lives. ...Godʼs invitation to perfection is a call to a truly good life. The good life means flourishing for us and for others.” ~Desmond Tuto & Mpho Tutu Made for Goodness