FIFTH SUNDAY-FOOD COLLECTION
Bring your food items for the Salvation Army Food Pantry this Sunday, June 29. Put them in the boxes located by the church doors.

ELDER'S PICNIC
The Elders will have a picnic this Sunday, June 29th, at Vernon's Escape. Come anytime after 2PM and stay late. We will eat at 4:30PM Bring a covered dish and your own table service. Vernon will furnish the drinks. In case of rain - meet in Fellowship Hall at 4:30 PM. This is an event for your whole family.

DEPARTMENTS SIGN-UP FOR PLAN FOR MINISTRY RESPONSIBILITIES
Department Chairs are encouraged to meet with their committees and select both a month to care for the church's entries into the media of the area and to host a monthly fellowship time. See the sign-up sheets outside the Pastor's Study.

DEVOTIONAL BOOKS
The July- August Disciples World and Upper Room are available in the church parlor and in the wall shelves by the east and south doors of the church.

CELEBRATE STEPHEN MINISTRY THIS SUNDAY
     We will have a special emphasis on our Stephen Ministry program this Sunday morning, June 29th.
     Join us for cake and punch or coffee during our Fellowship Time in the parlor, 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
     Our current Stephen Leaders (Jean Vaughn, Pauline Dunn, and Rev. Workman) will each bring special words during the sermon time. Scripture readings for the service are specific to our participation and fulfillment of God's directions through the programs and efforts of Stephen Ministry.
     Join us for worship and renewal THIS SUNDAY!

We are a Stephen Ministry Congregation!

HAVE YOU NOTICED?
Have you noticed the STEPHEN SERIES DISPLAY in the parlor? It is located along the west side. Every two or three weeks, hopefully, it will change. So please make frequent trips to the parlor to see what the Stephen Ministry of First Christian Church is doing.

     We are now in the common time of the year. Since Pentecost, the day of red symbolizing the flames that danced above the heads of those present on Pentecost Day so long ago, we have now changed paraments to green. The communion table and pulpit will remain green (except for weddings and funerals) throughout the weeks leading up to our renewal during Advent, the four Sundays before Christmas. Be sure to notice the baptistry doors behind which the colors may change from green, to the carpet shade of blue, to the rich tones of the original wooden door.
     This time, the Sundays after Pentecost, are a time of growth. We can remember this with the use of the green colors on the table and pulpit. Growth – maturing in our faith, acting on our faith as empowered by the Holy Spirit each day, becoming something more than we currently are – is the goal. We grow until we die. We attend Sunday school and bible study until we are physically unable. We attend worship and practice the celebration of our God until we are physically unable to come. We pray each day to our God that our days may bring honor and glory to God, doing God's will in this kingdom as it is done in the heavenly kingdom. Though we may not be able to go and do, even as we might recline in our beds, we can pray for others. We can pray for the church, the minister, the leaders of the congregation. We can pray for those we know are ill and those that need God's special touch and healing. As long as we are able, we serve others with the gifts we have been given, each and every day. In this process we grow – we come to better understand that special blessing of giving to others as well as how God is revealed and honored through our giving to another person. We love because God loved us first and through Jesus Christ brought us the final victory. We grow into the understanding that things are not as important as people, that giving God one-tenth of our income means that we still have more with which to live our lives than we have given God, that scripture reveals God's love and God's plan to us, and we need not worry about the final victory.
     It is appropriate that during this time of growth, as the mother-earth grows and brings forth her bounty, that this church is growing as well. During the Sundays after Pentecost we will welcome to our worship both Johnny Wray, Week of Compassion Director, and our Regional Minister Herb Knudsen. Along with my traveling to our General Assembly in North Carolina and your high school youth attending regional summer church camp, these remind us that we are more than just one little congregation, united in God's love and our mission to others continues through us to the greater church in Illinois, in the United States, and "Around the World, Around the Year." Plans are coming together so that we grow into greater love for others through increased fellowship events though the end of the year. A special personal spirituality program is being planned for the fall to nurture our own prayer-life. Bigger plans are coming together as we grow into a campus ministry partnership with Trinity Lutheran Church (ELCA) and their pastor, Rev. Mike Thomas, as brought to us by both the Illinois Division of Higher Education (DOC) and the Illinois Lutheran Campus Ministry. Growth continues as the newest church to join the united VBS program, First Baptist (American Baptist Churches/USA) hosts our VBS program in July. Furthermore (you knew I would throw this in!) our growth in faithful stewardship will bloom in our Capital Campaign and its Commitment Time on Sunday, July 27th.
     It is not just the earth that brings forth bounty through God's nurture and sometimes some preening by humanity. The same applies to our faith. God provides nurture, and through Jesus Christ and our commitment some preening occurs, both in the effort to bring forth more bounty and growth within the kingdom.
     I hope and pray that you will look forward to and embrace the growth and nurture opportunities that God is offering to you through your church.
     May you be blessed by the growing pains of faith!

-Steve.

AMONG THE FLOCK
Ray Bradley is home.
Lois Hainline has moved to Heartland.
Ron Vaughn is home.
Our condolences to Janet Stone at the loss of her father, Frank Hummel.

CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS
June 29
Jean Vaughn- Lesson
Jack McKinnon - Art

WEEK OF COMPASSION UPDATES
Tuesday, June 24, A.D. 2003
     The Week of Compassion Committee held its spring meeting at TCU, Ft. Worth, TX, June 8 -10. TCU's generous offer of room and board was an act of both graciousness and stewardship, as it saved more than $2000 in meeting costs - resources that will be directed to some of the more pressing humanitarian needs WOC is addressing.
     Highlights from the meeting include the approval of $111,000 in project grants for some 21 projects in 17 different countries - these include water, agricultural, micro -credit, income -generating, medical and similar projects that provide people with the most basic resources to overcome hunger, poverty, disease and other long-term problems. Also, the Committee reviewed and approved expenditures from the Response Fund through May - - 77 expenditures totaling $238,000, or a response to an emergency request on average of once every 2 days (actually once every 1.9 days!).
     Led by Chair Deborah Morgan, Saguaro Christian Church, Tucson, AZ, the Committee also gave the ok to a new initiative with Interchurch Medical Assistance -- the WOC/Disciples/I.M.A. Medicine Kit. This project will enable congregations and groups to put together urgently needed medicine kits that will be distributed by IMA in clinics in Haiti, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Honduras. This initiative will be unveiled at the General Assembly in Charlotte, but details will be posted later in the summer on the WOC website. Also affirmed was an effort with the UCC's One Great Hour of Sharing Office to provide a new youth resource, The Fast That Lasts. This two-year program to raise awareness among teenagers about world hunger will also be debuted at the General Assembly. In another small but significant financial action, a grant was approved to sponsor the upcoming GIVE US HOPE Benefit Concert Tour, featuring the Sinikithemba HIV+ Choir of South Africa. CWS is bringing the choir to the U.S. as part of its effort to put a human face on this terrible scourge and especially its impact on children in Africa. Concerts are scheduled during July in Louisville, KY; Indianapolis, IN; St. Paul, MN; Detroit, MI; Seattle, WA and Los Angeles, CA.
     While the Committee continued to struggle with the impact of declining dollars this year - at the end of May un-designated contributions were down more than $200,000 - there was very strong energy from members that WOC's mission "to be the channel for the resources of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in providing ready and compassionate response" to human distress in the world is more important than ever, and members recommitted themselves to making new efforts to reverse the current drop in giving. We also celebrated the more than $1.6 million that has been given thus far this year by Disciples to WOC in the midst of so much uncertainty in the church, the country, and the world. We also believe that as Disciples become aware of the drop in giving, they will respond so that our mission to "the least of these" will not be hindered.
     We lifted up how important it is to remind ourselves and the church of how WOC's careful stewardship and its remarkable network of partners multiply our dollars many times beyond their face value. Just one example from the meeting: In a report to the Committee, Paul Derstine, President of Interchurch Medical Assistance, wrote: "The WOC grant of $20,000, initially envisioned to support activities in Honduras for one year, has actually enabled I.M.A. to facilitate the donation of 660,000 doses of MMR II vaccine valued at approximately $15 million."
     The Committee's next meeting is scheduled for November 20 -22.

     Don't forget to mark October 5th, World Communion Sunday, when Johnny Wray (Week of Compassion Director) will bring the message in 10:30am worship, stay for a carry-in-dinner immediately after worship, and make a presentation to area churches following the meal.

LOAVES AND FISHES WORK CONTINUES
     June is our month to make sure that the shelves are stocked at Loaves and Fishes, Etc. Our food gifts and contributions, along with the budget monies of Loaves and Fishes, allow us to make sure the shelves are full for the month.
     Currently the food bank is serving over 300 families who request food support each month. This number is sure to increase with children home from school for the summer, children that usually participate in free or reduced breakfast and lunch at school. Loaves and Fishes also provides minimal support for gasoline, emergency hotel accommodations for the homeless, assistance with medical expenses, some rent and utility support, and helps individuals connect with other community social services.
     We have made two purchasing trips to Aldi's totaling nearly $1,900.00. Although we have reached the third week of June it is still not known if these purchases will keep the shelves stocked the rest of the month. The shelves were nearly bare when the workers arrived Tuesday evening. Common food items stocked include: box macaroni & cheese, cold cereals, spaghetti & tomato sauce, canned tuna, meals in a can (spaghetti & meatballs, ravioli, "Spaghetti-Os"), tune helper, canned vegetable & chicken noodle soups, canned fruit (peaches, pears, fruit cocktail, applesauce), canned vegetables (corn, green beans, peas, beets), pancake mix & syrup, box mixes for muffins & breads, cake mixes & frosting, and some personal hygiene items. Vouchers of $5 - $10 are provided for purchase of eggs, milk, and such. The amount of food given is determined by the number and ages of individuals in the household.
     Those FCC men who made good stock-boys and porters were: Leo Manning, Myron Raymer, Les Herriman, Conley Bainter, Wayne Melvin, Joe Stone, and John Stone. Several of the men supplied their trucks for the job to transport the food from the store to the food bank graciously hosted by First Presbyterian Church. Rev. Workman and Leo Manning, both representatives for our congregation on the Board of Loaves and Fishes, coordinated the stocking of the shelves and organized the storage room.
     Financial contributions from our church members and interest monies from the Farm Trust Committee go directly to the Loaves and Fishes, Etc., accounts. The food bank survives on a budget of $70,000, all volunteer labor from the 11 churches and fellowships who participate, individual gifts, and community-wide food drives.
     Thank you FCC for supporting this worthwhile ministry to the needy of our community. Those receiving support have been very gracious and express appreciation to the volunteers staffing the food pantry.

SAMARITAN WELL EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
June 11th Samaritan Well Executive Board Meeting
     Treasurer's Report: The budget was reviewed, no unusual expenses to report. Utilities are remaining reasonable. Treasurer's report approved.
     House Administrators report: Joanna Eidson, Director, reported on the happenings at the house. All is going well. In July the house will be getting some much needed work done to it. The lead will be removed from the house, and the windows will be replaced, we are getting the siding sealed, and new carpet installed, also the bathroom floors will be getting repaired. The temporary home for the Samaritan Well will be at the Timothy House behind Maple Avenue Christian Church. These repairs will take approximately three weeks. The expense is to be shared between Samaritan Well and First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
     The Samaritan Well is co-hosting a fund raising "road race" at Heritage Days. Profits will be split between hosts: Samaritan Well and Macomb Crime Stoppers. The date for the race is June 28th.
     New Business
     Discussed people who have responded to invitations to join the Samaritan Well Board.
     Evaluations for Joanna and other employees of the Samaritan Well have begun, and pay increases will be discussed at the annual meeting. Discussed having a base pay for new employees, and increasing it at six months depending on performance, then increasing it again annually.
     The annual meeting will be held at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) on July 9th with sandwiches and a salad of some type. The meeting will begin at 11:30a.m. Annual reports and budgets will be received and reviewed. Those individuals, companies, and social services that provided support and assistance to residents of the shelter have also been invited. Reservations are needed. Contact Jo Anna Eidson, Director.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL July 21 – 24, 5:45 – 8:30 p.m. at FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
VBS is less than a month away, and we need your help. There will be five classes of young children and one adult class. The five class divisions for children are 2 and 3 year olds, age 4 through kindergarten, grades 1 and 2, grades 3 and 4, and grades 5 and 6. FCC needs to supply two shepherds for grades 1 and 2. Let me know if you can help. There will be an opening and closing in the sanctuary. The classes offered to the children will be Art, Music - taught by our Sue Adams and Connie Workman, Bible Story - taught by our Jack McKinnon, and Recreation. The adult class will be taught by our Steve Workman and Wally Holt. The theme this year is "Son Harvest," and VBS will have a farm/county fair flavor. The last evening will be modeled after a county fair with corn dogs, cotton candy, etc. REGISTRATION cards are available in the parlor, the church office, or in this publication. We need everyone planning to attend to fill out a registration card so we will know how to plan for food and T-Shirts. We would appreciate your cooperation with registration within the next two weeks. You may leave registration cards in the church office. Please, preregistration is very helpful in planning for VBS. Each evening will begin with a meal starting at 5:45 p.m. As students finish supper, they will go outside to visit live farm animals. Our church will be responsible for the WEDNESDAY EVENING MEAL. Chet Baugher has accepted the responsibility of heading up the committee to prepare this meal. Please let Chet know if you are available to help. DONATIONS are needed to buy T-Shirts for all students and adults attending. Each shirt costs $6.10. Make checks payable to our church. In the past we have asked for $10.00 for each shirt, and the extra went toward expenses. If you'd like to continue donating $10.00, the extra will go toward the VBS mission project. Our Bible School's Mission is the HEIFER PROJECT through Church World Service. The Heifer Project was chosen because this year's VBS material is Gospel Light's "Son Harvest - County Fair." There will be live farm animals visiting VBS each evening to give us the reality connection to those wonderful farm sights and smells. Our goal is to collect enough money to buy at least one heifer – $500.00. Students will be asked to bring an offering each evening for this project. The heifer will be donated to a needy family with the stipulation that its offspring will be donated to another needy family, and so on and so on. This way God can take our gift and multiply it many times. If you would like to donate to this project, please make checks payable to our church and indicate on it "VBS Heifer Project."

ART CENTER NEEDS your help, too. The following items are needed for art/craft projects:
     white flat spray paint
     wiggle eyes, large or small
     acrylic paint – all colors
     1 inch wooden spools
     shallow containers
     plastic twist ties
     wooden tongue depressors
     old play dough or clay
     shredded paper or excelsior – tan, brown, or black
     12 ounce plastic beverage bottle WITH CAP
     2-liter beverage bottles WITH CAP
     1-liter beverage bottles WITH CAP
     Ric-Rac

Thanks for your help, support, and PRAYER, Jack

2003 VBS On-line Registration

NEW BOOK IN THE LIBRARY
There is a new book in the library this week entitled Chocolate for a Woman's Courage. This book was given by the Bertha Gilchrist Group in memory of the late Helen Miller. Check it out, it looks like a good one.

SERVING JUNE 29

Worship Leader: Bill Butcher

Elders: Mary Stipanowich-Loaf Prayer, Joe Stipanowich-Cup Prayer

Assembly Deacons: Sue Adams, Albert Cameron, Jean Moore, Emmalou & Wayne Melvin, E.G. Morrison, Dixie Rouse, Janet Stone, Rachel Bliven, Lois Longwell, Willard Marlow, John Worthington

Preparatory Deacons: Nikki Mummert, Katie Dorethy, Betty Rowe

Greeters-East Door: Joe & Mary Stipanowich
Greeters-South Door: Donna Weinburg & Janet Shank

Sanctuary Superintendent: Jim & Kay McKinney

Ushers: Janet Shank -south downstairs, Shirley Rigg - east downstairs, Debbie Smith - south upstairs, Dorothy Summy - east upstairs, Myron Raymer (Elevator)

Sunday Morning Office Staff: Betty Landis

Sermon Title:
"Stephen Ministry Sunday"

Scripture Readings:
John 13: 34-35
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Psalm 55:22a

June 22, 2003
Worship Service 114
Sunday School 41

Readings for Sunday 7/6/03
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
Psalm 48
2 Corinthians 12:2-10
Mark 6:1-13

BUDGET REPORT
Expenditures for 6-23-03 $2,835.37

Sunday, June 29
Prayer Group 8:30 a.m.
Sunday School 9:00 a.m.
Fellowship Time 10:00 a.m.
Worship Service 10:30 a.m.
Elder's Picnic 4:30 p.m.

Monday, June 30
Staff Meeting 9:30 a.m.
Evangelism Department Meeting 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, July 1
Scouts 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, July 2
Staff Meeting #2 9:00 a.m.
Property Department Meeting 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 3
Bible Study Group 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 6
Prayer Group 8:30 a.m.
Sunday School 9:00 a.m.
Fellowship Time 10:00 a.m.
Worship Service 10:30 a.m.
Shut-In Communion