The Christian Edifier
June 2012
Thoughts from your Pastor….
In preparation for next Wednesday’s discussion regarding the writing and compiling of the
Biblical Canon and the Sunday morning follow up discussion regarding Biblical Interpretation,
I read this statement by C.S. Lewis; “We may observe that the teaching of Our Lord Himself, in
which there
is no imperfection, is not given us in the cut-and-dried fashion, fool-proof,
January
2011
systematic fashion we might have expected or desired.”
Many people would like the Bible to be exactly that, a clean, tidy, easy to read and simple to
understand list of ultimate truths that can be catalogued, memorized and recited like
multiplication tables. The truth is we have as Lewis suggests a book that preaches, but does not
lecture and cannot be grasped merely by intellect alone as if it were science or math. Instead
God uses “paradox, proverb, exaggeration, parable, irony, even (no irreverence intended) the
wisecrack.”
The truth is; God decided that this is was and is the best way to deliver His truths to us. We may
have liked a “black & white” book, but God chose His way. Can any of us possibly say for
certain why this is the case? I can only speculate about why; but we must know (trust in the
sovereignty of God) that any other way would have been less effective or even fatal to our faith.
After spending an hour with Derrick, Dan, & Mike discussing one chapter of James, three
glorious hours searching for answers concerning one line from Psalm 17:14, and hours
researching for this week’s sermon; I can tell you God has us exactly where He wants us. The
perceived elusiveness (based on our desire for symmetry) demands a response from us; God calls
us to journey through the Bible and grow in our faith as the Holy Spirit reveals more and more
truth to us as we grow in our relationship with God and each other.
As I close this article I understand perfectly what C.S. Lewis was saying when he wrote; “I write
for the unlearned about things in which I am unlearned myself.” I can only hope this expresses
some of my questions and perceptions about the Bible, some of my goals for my own faith
journey, and my hopes for our ministry together here at First Christian Church.
May we be blessed and guided by the Holy Spirit is our journey through the Bible together.
Blessings,
Pastor Brett
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in
righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
16
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Please pray for our family & friends:
Ethel Adams; Justin Bruno, nephew of John & Ann Darrow, serving in Afghanistan; Madelyn
Chappel; Odell Carlisle; Allie Derouin; Betty Dunham; the Mullett family; Glenn Neihardt;
Ron Rosso; Vera Sparks; Jerry Taylor; Schwartz family; Gary Walters; Shirley Weiglein and others
you know.
June
6/2
6/3
6/5
6/6
6/8
6/13
6/15
6/17
6/21
6/24
6/26
6/27
6/28
6/29
Birthdays
Jeffrey Watson
Les Thornburg
Diana Sparks
Andrew Wilcoxen
Steve Scott, Al Bartlett
Paula Karges
Shea Williams
Devan Gorton, Dee Geer
Jane Hanskenecht, Paul Sparks
Travis Shutler
Wes White
Brandon Barth
Evelyn Goff
Virginia Carlisle
This past month….
May 1 – Daily Bible Reading plan began
May 5 – Spring Craft Show- another successful
annual event!
May 19 – Spring Clean Up Day at church
May 19 – Wedding celebration of
Joe Goodchild & Wendy Thomas
May 20 – Infant Dedication of
Geneva Katheryn Whitman
June Wedding Anniversaries
6/8
Jason & Anna Dunn, Larry & Judy Ross
6/12 David & Carolyn Stout
6/16 Odell & Virginia Carlisle
6/20 Tim & Karen Downing
6/26 Jim & Nancy Watson
6/29 Duane & Kathy Swinney If your special day was not listed, please call the church
office with the information. Congratulations to all who have reason to celebrate!
Annual Congregation Meeting
Tuesday, June 12
Ice cream at 6:00 pm
Business at 6:30 pm
Your attendance is2 important!
What and Where is Memory Hill?
By Janet Taylor
For those who are not aware, MEMORY HILL is a location
designed for the ash remains of those who have had a caring
interest in First Christian Church of Traverse City. Space is
also available for the remains of the member’s spouse or other
family member. MEMORY HILL is found on the East side of
the church parking lot, the location marked by a white cross
and plaque.
Memory Hill was started in August 1994 by a long time
member, Gilbert Reid (father of Dean Reid & Mary Chappel).
Gilbert envisioned a place for those who loved this church to
have their ash remains interred on the property. He plotted out 100
spaces…brought in all the stones that are placed on the hillside.
A committee was formed to help determine policy and maintain the integrity of MEMORY HILL.
It was decided that no individual markers, shrubs or trees would be planted, but rather an all
inclusive Memorial Plaque on which names of deceased would be engraved. Perpetual care of
MEMORY HILL is under the care of the committee.
To date the hill holds the cremains of 15 of our brothers and sisters in Christ. You are welcome
to enjoy the beauty of the hillside and appreciate the peacefulness offered there. If you would
like more information about MEMORY HILL, ask at the office or call me, Janet Taylor, a member
of the Memory Hill Committee.
__________________________________________________________
We congratulate Janet Taylor, FCC Choir Director,
on her retirement!
How many services at First Christian Church have been enhanced by the talents of Janet Taylor?
How many times have you been blessed by the selection of hymns, by the choir rendering of
God’s Word to music, a choir cantata that spoke to your heart, or special Christmas music?
Too many to count, no doubt. And so it is with a bit of sadness that we bid farewell to Janet’s
leadership in the music department; and yet rejoice with her as she begins a new chapter in her
life….a chapter titled ‘Retirement.’ Since one never retires from ‘Kingdom work’ we are sure to
see Janet at church activities, worship services and hear her voice lifted in praise!
A special Coffee Hour will be observed Sunday, June 3, to honor Janet.
If you are unable to attend and would like to send greetings to Janet,
her address is 5273 Gray Rd #3, Traverse City, MI 49684.
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Summer Christian Education
“Potluck Presentations”
6:15 Potluck meal – 7 pm Presentation / Discussion
This summer we will provide three unique Christian Education Opportunities.
Each opportunity will include a Wednesday evening and time on Sunday morning after worship.
Wednesday Potluck Presentations will be offered June 6th, July 18th, and August 22nd.
We will gather at 6:15 pm for a Potluck Dinner; presentation and discussion will begin at 7 pm.
These presentations will last approximately an hour and half.
Planned activities will be available during this time for children.
Each Potluck Presentation will have a follow up the next Sunday morning.
We will examine a specific topic related to Wednesday’s broader topic.
Put these dates on your calendar and invite a friend to join you.
June 6 - The Biblical Canon
Together with Pastor Brett, we will explore questions about the Bible; who wrote it, when
was it written, what was the process for determining which books are included, and other
questions you might have.
Sunday Follow-up: June 10 “Interpreting the Bible” – following Worship
July 18 - Biblical Prophecy
Together with Jerry Taylor, we will examine the prophecies of both the Old and New
Testaments and their fulfillment.
Sunday Follow-up: July 22 “The Second Coming of Jesus” – following Worship
August 22 – Topic to be Announced
Together with Mary Louise Scacciaferro we will explore a third Biblical themed topic.
Sunday Follow-up: August 26 – following Worship
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SUMMER EVENTS FOR CHILDREN AT FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH
JUNE: Begin Summer Children Grades 1st-5th : VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
6th: Family Potluck & Adult/Youth at church evening: Potluck @ 6:15
Contact Diana Dumouchelle to volunteer for children’s activity beginning at 7:00 P.M.
13th: Children: Michigan Legacy Art Park: Bring Pack Lunch; Dress for walking
Meet at the Church at 10:00 A.M. Pick-up at the Church at 4:00 P.M.
Volunteers for this day are: Mary Lou S. and Fran Baldwin; Need one more
20th: Children: OPEN - Need volunteers - (consider an afternoon or evening of
bowling)
27th: Children: E. Silver Lake Rd. Activity Park: Meet at church at 10:00 A.M.
P/u at church at 4:00 P.M.; Bring Pack Lunch; Dress for tennis, softball,
playground, bring tennis rackets if you have them.
Volunteers are Mary Lou S. and Amanda Chappel; Need one more
JULY:
* 4th: National Holiday: **No Children’s Event
*7th-14th: 2012 National Cherry Festival:** No Children’s Event
18th: Family Potluck & Adult/Youth at church evening: Potluck @ 6:15
Please call Diana Dumouchelle @ 938-2837 for children’s activity
volunteerism.
25th: Children: Pool Party at the Baldwin’s home: 10:00 drop-off at the Baldwin’s
Home: p/u by 4:00 P.M. at the Baldwin’s Home: Bring towel, suit, pool toys,
sunscreen, walking shoes. Call Mrs. Baldwin @ 941-5712 for information and
volunteerism needed. One more volunteer is needed for the day.
AUGUST:
*1st: Children: **No Youth Event this Wednesday
8th: Children: OPEN (Northwestern Michigan Fair Week) - Need Volunteers
15th: Children: OPEN - Need volunteers
22nd: Family Potluck & Adult/Youth at church evening: Potluck begins @ 6:15
Please call Diana Dumouchelle @ 938-2837 for children’s activity volunteerism.
The whole family potluck on August 22nd, marks the end of grades 1st-5th for
children’s activity dates at First Christian Church in Traverse City, Michigan.
Jerry & Jennifer Taylor invite you to Sam’s Graduation Open House,
at their home, 308 S Brownson, Kingsley
Saturday, June 16, 1-4 pm
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See the message board on our website: www.firstchristianchurchtc.com
Click on the ‘Life Learning’ tab then on ‘Reading the Bible in a Year’ tab.
You can post comments, ask questions and read what others have to say!
June Bible Reading Schedule
Please join us in this worthwhile adventure!
01
Exodus 13:17-15:18
Matthew 21:23-46
Psalm 26:1-12
Proverbs 6:16-19
08
Exodus 28:1-43
Matthew 25:31-26:13
Psalm 31:9-18
Proverbs 8:12-13
02
Exodus 15:19-17:7
Matthew 22:1-33
Psalm 27:1-6
Proverbs 6:20-26
09
Exodus 29:1-30:10
Matthew 26:14-46
Psalm 31:19-24
Proverbs 8:14-26
03
Exodus 17:8-19:15
Matthew 22:34-23:12
Psalm 27:7-14
Proverbs 6:27-35
10
Exodus 30:11-31:18
Matthew 26:47-68
Psalm 32:1-11
Proverbs 8:27-32
04
Exodus 19:16-21:21
Matthew 23:13-39
Psalm 28:1-9
Proverbs 7:1-5
11
Exodus 32:1-33:23
Matthew 26:69-27:14
Psalm 33:1-11
Proverbs 8:33-36
05
Exodus 21:22-23:13
Matthew 24:1-28
Psalm 29:1-11
Proverbs 7:6-23
12
Exodus 34:1-35:9
Matthew 27:15-31
Psalm 33:12-22
Proverbs 9:1-6
06
Exodus 23:14-25:40
Matthew 24:29-51
Psalm 30:1-12
Proverbs 7:24-27
13
Exodus 35:10-36:38
Matthew 27:32-66
Psalm 34:1-10
Proverbs 9:7-8
07
Exodus 26:1-27:21
Matthew 25:1-30
Psalm 31:1-8
Proverbs 8:1-11
14
Exodus 37:1-38:31
Matthew 28:1-20
Psalm 34:11-22
Proverbs 9:9-10
6
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
Exodus 39:1-40:38
Mark 1:1-28
Psalm 35:1-16
Proverbs 9:11-12
Leviticus 1:1-3:17
Mark 1:29-2:12
Psalm 35:17-28
Proverbs 9:13-18
Leviticus 4:1-5:19
Mark 2:13-3:6
Psalm 36:1-12
Proverbs 10:1-2
Leviticus 6:1-7:27
Mark 3:7-30
Psalm 37:1-11
Proverbs 10:3-4
Leviticus 7:28-9:6
Mark 3:31-4:25
Psalm 37:12-29
Proverbs 10:5
Leviticus 9:7-10:20
Mark 4:26-5:20
Psalm 37:30-40
Proverbs 10:6-7
Leviticus 11:1-12:8
Mark 5:21-43
Psalm 38:1-22
Proverbs 10:8-9
!
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22
Leviticus 13:1-59
Mark 6:1-29
Psalm 39:1-13
Proverbs 10:10
23
Leviticus 14:1-57
Mark 6:30-56
Psalm 40:1-10
Proverbs 10:11-12
24
Leviticus 15:1-16:28
Mark 7:1-23
Psalm 40:11-17
Proverbs 10:13-14
25
Leviticus 16:29-18:30
Mark 7:24-8:10
Psalm 41:1-13
Proverbs 10:15-16
26
Leviticus 19:1-20:21
Mark 8:11-38
Psalm 42:1-11
Proverbs 10:17
27
Leviticus 20:22-22:16
Mark 9:1-29
Psalm 43:1-5
Proverbs 10:18
28
Leviticus 22:17-23:44
Mark 9:30-10:12
Psalm 44:1-8
Proverbs 10:19
29
Leviticus 24:1-25:46
Mark 10:13-31
Psalm 44:9-26
Proverbs 10:20-21
30
Leviticus 25:47-27:13
Mark 10:32-52
Psalm 45:1-17
Proverbs 10:22
NOTE
From
the Outreach Committee:
Two special events this summer!
(for ladies only…)
Thank you to everyone who brought
in items to assist the orphanage in
Africa!
Women’s Ministries, Disciples of Christ
Women’s Retreat, June 22-24
Crystal Conference Center
Frankfort, MI
Look for brochures in church narthex.
August 29-30
Girls Night Out!
This need was brought to us by the
Outreach Committee, via Denny and
Mary Chappel.
In addition to the clothing items,
several members gave monetary gifts;
combined with a gift from our church,
we are able to present Denny and
Mary with a check for $227 to
purchase food products for the
orphanage.
Benefit Concert of Love
for
Pastor Marshall & Mary Collins
Sunday, July 22, 3 pm
Presbyterian Church
Enjoy an afternoon of uplifting,
inspirational, talented musicians!
Sponsored by
Church Women United
Join your ‘sisters in Christ’ for a fun time on
Mackinac Island!
Mary Lou Scacciaferro & Barbara Adkins invite all
women to join them for this relaxing and fun event.
Reservation info at church….book a room with
others or yourself; share a ride to & from Mackinac
City; Wednesday 8 am – Thursday 7 pm.
Thank you!
To all those who worked at and supported the Craft
Show; Barbara Adkins, David Barth, Pat Bristyol, Betty
Dunham, John goss, Janet Hintz, Ken & Jan Janda,
Norma Marmie, Tom & Debbie Ray, Betty Robbins,
Darla Seigh, Jerry & Sally Seymour, Sheryl Sogge,
Diana Sparks, Paul & Jenny Sparks, Vera Sparks, Val
Stone, Jackie Sutherland, Renie Thomas, Cheryl Walton
and Linda Williams. Thanks to all who donated baked
goods and books – to all who purchased items from the
craftsmen and vendors!
To all who helped at the Spring Clean-up Day! Thank
you Matt Chappel & Building & Grounds committee and
all who gave time, muscle power and sweat equity.
To all who have weeded the flower beds and planted
blooming flowers in the different places around the
church grounds. To those who mow the lawns….
THANK YOU!
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Note:
Wednesday Early Morning Men’s Bible Study
is making a day/time change.
Beginning June 5,
they will meet TUESDAY mornings, 6:45 a.m. at church.
A new study of the book of Ephesians begins this week Tuesday.
All men are welcome!
We thank God for faithful parents…
At our worship service May 20th,
Del & Christy Whitman and this church family
pledged to pray, nurture and faithfully love their daughter
Geneva Katheryn so that she may come to know
Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.
For this we thank God!
The Family of God at First Christian Church
Is pleased to announce new members
Roy and Dawn VanAntwerp!
May 27, 2012
We welcome Roy and Dawn as official members
and look forward to learning, growing and serving together.
Roy and Dawn live at 1200 W M113, Kingsley, MI 49649
Welcome!
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THE CHRISTIAN EDIFIER
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH
3686 S AIRPORT RD W
TRAVERSE CITY MI 49684
Pastor Brett Spalding
(231) 946-4074
Fax: (231) 946-5490
Email: churchoffice@firstchristianchurch.info
http://www.firstchristianchurchtc.com/
Sunday Schedule
Chapel Sunday School – 8:30 a.m.
Worship Service - 9:30 a.m.
Annual Congregation Meeting
Tuesday, June 12
Tuesday, June 5, 6:30 pm
Important meeting for OUTREACH.
Agenda includes: Thanksgiving Baskets
The Giving Tree; Wednesday Soup Supper
Local support- Love, INC., Father Fred,
A Taste of Bethlehem; Safe Harbor
Habitat for Humanity; Perpetual Pantry
Financial Support to our missionaries
Ice cream at 6 pm; Business at 6:30 pm
Agenda includes:
Slate of Officers for 2012-201
Yearly Budget
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