July 22, 2014 ~ Volume 68 ~ Issue 29

Christian Visitor

Volume 68 ~ Issue 34 September 8, 2015

Church Telephone: 785-448-3452 ~ Fax: 785-448-2568 ~ Website: www.fccgarnett.org

Office Hours: Mon.~Thurs. 8:00 a.m.~ 12:00 p.m. / 12:30 p.m.~4:30 p.m. ~ Closed on Friday

Senior Pastor: Gary Benjamin ~ Phone: 785-204-2034 ~ Email: gary@fccgarnett.org

Youth Pastor: Chris Goetz ~ Phone: 503-474-7965 ~ Email: chris@fccgarnett.org

Secretary: Marsha Dulin ~ Phone: 785-204-1185 ~ Email: marsha@fccgarnett.org FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK:

OVERWHELMED? YOU’RE NOT ALONE! Life is filled with

decisions, busy schedules, doubts, fears and just plain worries

about how to get through the next few days. Every generation

goes through the same feelings of being inadequate to deal with

kids, with budgets, with jobs, and with all the responsibilities

that can pile up on us until we feel like we are going to collapse.

As we get older our focus changes, but the feelings of being

overwhelmed can continue. Our concerns begin to change to

worries about grandchildren, failing health, the inability to do

the things we once could do, and the uncertainty about life and

death.

Even Jesus felt overwhelmed at times with the demands upon

His time and energy; so many people in need, so much to get

done, so many lessons to teach, time needed to teach the

disciples, and then having to face His own death on the cross. In

His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane He stated, “My soul is

overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.”

But there is always hope! God always has a plan! God always

has a way! So let’s be sure that we keep in harmony with Him

so we can benefit from His grace and comfort and love. He

walks with us and provides the strength we need for each day.

We will discuss this thought more completely next Sunday,

“Overwhelmed? You’re not alone,” from Mark 14:32-42.

Blessings to you all…Gary B

FAITH ~ FUN ~ FAMILY

Sunday’s Scripture Mark 14:34-42

"My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep

watch." Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from

him. "Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will,

but what you will." Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," he said to Peter,

"are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into

temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." Once more he went away and prayed the same

thing. When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not

know what to say to him. Returning the third time, he said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting?

Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go!

Here comes my betrayer!"(NIV)

JANUARY 2015 FCC GENERAL FUND Weekly Average Need ~ $4460

January Monthly Need ~ $17840 January 11, 2015 General Tithe~ $5055

My EOffering for December ~ $622 January Monthly Giving to Date ~ $9232

WELCOME! THANK YOU FOR JOINING US! WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AGAIN!

Kathy Waring with her dad Jerry Gettler, Tyler & Lori Oestreicher, Samuel

Linzay with grandmother Carol Long; Jonathan & Nicole Born all of Garnett,

Holly Meliza, Paola with dad Bob Meliza, Amber Baker guest of Tyler Simpson,

Retha Burnett, Las Vegas, NE; Mick & Stacia Bernig of Hutchinson, KS and

Auston & Talia English of Moore, OK all guests of Larry & Cheryl Varvel; and

Matteo, Lucas & Luciano Prado grandchildren of Ron & Alice Anderegg

First Christian Church “Family Life Center” Growth Chart

Building Addition ~ $1,600,000

NBF Cash on Hand ~ $624,452

Pledges yet to be received ~ $159,636

Projected NBF Balance ~ $784,118

Serving us on September 13, 2015

Offertory Prayer: Elder Les Thomas Communion Prayer: Elder Burke Rogers

Usher: Deacon (Scheduled Alternate)

Communion to the Shut Ins: Elder Kevin Lewis and Deacon (Scheduled Alternate)

August Deacons Group B: Greg Gwin, Leroy Hamilton, Doug Meyer, Jason Miller, and Bill Ratliff

Audio/Visual: 8:00 a.m.: Carol Long ~ Joyce Benton 10:30 a.m.: Nathan Wiehl ~ Becky Allen

8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.: Pianist: Carmen Powls

10:30 a.m. Song Leader: Worship Team Communion Prep for September: Doug & Connie Meyer

Greeter(s) at 10:30 Service: Chet & Catie Friend, Marissa, Dustin and Braden

Growing, Sharing, and Serving Together

September 2015 General Fund and Building Fund Giving

Christ loved us and gave himself up for us a fragrant

offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2

General Fund Offering for September 6, 2015 ~ $3094.35 For September 6 to Date ~ $3094.35

Building Fund Offering for September 6, 2015 ~ $629.00 For September 6 to Date ~ $629.00

September 6, 2015 Sunday School Attendance

1 ~ Nursery: Age 0 thru 4 years 6 ~ Beginners: 4 year olds ~ Kindergarten

4 ~ Primary: 1st thru 3rd Grade 5 ~ Juniors: 4th thru 6th Grade

6 ~ Jr High: 6th thru 8th Grade 8 ~ Sr High: 9th thru 12th Grade

8 ~ Overcomers: Mainly the young adults 5 ~ Pastor’s Class: Not age specific class

8 ~ Great Expectations: ages 50+ 21 ~ SOS Class: ages 60+

5 ~ Opportunity Class: Srs primarily 75+ Total ~ 77

SUNDAY SERVICE TIMES AT FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH

8:00 a.m. ~ Early Worship Service

9:15 a.m. ~ Sunday School (all ages)

10:30 a.m. ~ Worship Service & Children’s Church

SUNDAY ATTENDANCE ~ September 6 ~

8:00 a.m. Worship Service~ 66

10:30 a.m. Worship Service ~ 115 Total ~ 181

PRAYERS FOR OUR LOVED ONES

IN CARE CENTERS

Guest Home Estate ~ 806 West 4th Ave.:

Vernon & Goldie Hunt, Ruth Gorrell, Robert

Young, Seatta Van Donge

Golden Heights ~ 101 North Pine:

Vi Davin, Jean Brown, Olive Kline, Max Ratliff,

Iona Sweers

Residential Living Center ~ PO Box 407:

Bill Young

ORV Village West~1527 S Twyman, Ottawa,

66067: Ralph Hamilton (father of Leroy

Hamilton)

Comfort Care Home ~ 27 E Rockwood Dr,

Ottawa, KS 66067: Birdie Zentner

Cimarron Nursing Center ~ 905 Beall Road,

Kingfisher, OK 73750: Lois Miller

Richmond Care Center ~ 340 South St,

Richmond, KS 66080 ~ Lois Crist

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

Phyllis Adams, Rusty Coons, Clarence Hermann,

Jim Jordan, Loretta Lankard, Wilma McIntosh,

Whitney Peine (daughter of Earl & Ruth Peine),

Dorothy Schuster & Velva Wilson

PRAYERS FOR EXTENDED FAMILY & FRIENDS

Aimee (granddaughter of Wilma McIntosh); Bill &

Marie Barndt and their family members (brother

in law and sister of Bob Meliza); Chris & Diana

Bowen (brother in law and sister of Howard

Williams); Jim Breit (Mary Hamilton); Chelsey

D’Albini (granddaughter of Wilma McIntosh);

Harold Demoret (brother of Shirley Modlin);

Gayle Durham (by Gayla Corley); C.B. Harris,

Dennis Hermreck (brother of John - by Carol

Hermreck), Leonard Hiestand (son of Sam &

Freida Hiestand); Brenda Kempnich (Mary

Hamilton); Julie Krebs (Gayla Corley); Shelby

Lowe (cousin of Judy Tisor); Nancy McIntosh

(daughter of Wilma McIntosh); Devin Meyer (7

year old nephew of Doug Meyer); Chris Miller

(son of Tarry & Linda Miller – traveling); Howard

Purcell (requested by Carl Ulses); Steve Richardson

(son of Reed & Carol Richardson); Duane & Becky

Roush (requested by Carol Hermreck & Carolyn

Schuster) Sheryl Urquhart (by Carol Hermreck);

Dale Williams brother of Howard Williams & our

veterans and troops.

PRAYERS FOR OUR MILITARY

Japan: Shawn Parks, husband of Rochele

Kuwait: SPC Jonathan Potter, grandson of Nelda

Potter & nephew of Jenna Wight

Navy: Tim Drexler, nephew of Sandi Howery

Qatar: Brian Shanley, son of Mike & Becky

Shanley and grandson of Helen Bailey

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL

Opportunity Class: The class had 5 present Sunday ~ 1 member with Bible ~ 1 daily reader of the Word.

Prayers were requested for Terry Smelser daughter of Opal Meyers. Opal Meyers opened the class with

prayer and lead the class lesson “Prayers for Boldness,” followed by closing with prayer.

SOS Class: The SOS class had 20 present Sunday with 1 special guest, Holly Meliza, daughter of Bob and

Franque Meliza. They had 18 members with their Bibles with 11 who were daily readers of the Word.

The class requested prayers for Velva Wilson, Rusty Coons, Ione Sweers, Gladys Zwiener, Fern

Manspeaker, Shirley Hastert & Harold Demoret (brother of Shirley Modlin).

PRAISE: Joyce Benton moving soon and is excited about it!

Ron Jenkins opened the class with prayer. Burke Rogers presented the lesson from study guide “Son of

God, The Life of Jesus in You” on “Jesus’ Ministry and Your Ministry.”

The class closed with “The Lord’s Prayer.”

Reminder: Next Sunday, September 13, Ben Coltrane will talk during the Sunday School class time on his

ministry to the Philippines.

Dear Friends and Partners, We want to take this opportunity to say, “THANK

YOU” for your prayers and financial support. At times we get so busy and

caught up with all that is going on in Haiti, our doctor visits and travel that we

forget to express our appreciation to you. Please forgive us when we overlook

this basic courtesy to you. Your faithfulness to us and the Lord’s Work in Haiti

inspires us and has kept us going for 28 years. You remain in our prayers as

well. Love in Christ, Jim and Gayle Durham Missionaries, Haiti, West Indies

WEEKLY EVENTS AT FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Men’s Breakfast & Devotions meet 7:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall every Saturday morning.

Christian Crafters led by Connie Meyer meets at 10:00 a.m. in the Annex on Tuesday mornings.

Tuesday Night Prayer Group meets at 6:30 p.m. in the Annex on Tuesday eve.

Church Staff Meeting meets 9:00 a.m. Wednesday morning.

Legacy Kickoff Update! It is the season for Youth Church to start again!! We will

begin this coming Sunday, September 13 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Our first

meeting will be at the Peterson Plantation! The Burt & Mackenzie Peterson Family is

allowing us a great outdoor place and a really large Bon Fire for our cook out. Please

bring a side dish to share for dinner and bring lots of friends! Can’t wait to see you!

This will be a really great time! Any questions please contact Chris Goetz @ 503-474-

7965. Address for Burt and Mackenzie: 27687 North Hwy 59 ~ Garnett

SUNDAY, September 13 ~

Ben & Sara Coltrane will be visiting both our worship services and Sunday School giving a

presentation on their mission work that is taking their family to the Philippines to work in the

Aninuan Christian Church.

Finance Committee will meet following the 10:30 a.m. services. Committee Members: Roger

Adams, Carol Hermreck, Burke Rogers, Denise Scheibmeir, *Kim Stapp & Les Thomas

Pastoring Committee Meeting will meet following the 10:30 a.m. services. Committee Members:

Leroy & Sandra Hamilton, *Ron & Darlene Jenkins, Rusty Coons, Doug & Connie Meyer, Denise

Scheibmeir, Bill Ratliff & Cheryl Harris

Elders meet at 5:00 p.m. in the Church Annex ~ Board meet at 6:00 p.m. at the Church Annex

ROOTS Children’s Program is almost here: PLEASE KEEP THESE DATES:

Wednesday, September 16, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:20 p.m.

The Annex for an ALL ROOTS STAFF MEETING

Wednesday, September 23, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. -7:20 p.m.

ALL STUDENT KICKOFF!!! *Meal @ 5:30pm

If you are interested in being a part of this powerful ministry please contact Chris Goetz

@ 503-474-7965. God has done amazing things with our children’s programs and we

are really in need of willing people to serve! Please, if you have the ability to make

yourself available Wednesday nights, while school is in session, it would be a real

honor doing ministry with you! Thanks, Education Committee

And do not forget to do good and to share with others,

or with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16

THURSDAY, September 17 ~ Care Team will meet in the Social Hall

at 7:00 p.m. They will be working on Military Boxes. If you would

like to provide some items to put in the boxes, the soldiers love

homemade cookies (9 doz) ~ SNACK ITEMS: individual drink packets

for bottled water, jerky, nuts, gum ~ HEALTH CARE ITEMS: hand

lotions, carmex, sun block ~ THINGS TO OCCUPY TIME: decks of

cards & puzzle books. Those on the committee are Ron & Darlene

Jenkins, Norma Hermreck, *Doug & Connie Meyer, Nelda Potter,

Carolyn Schuster, Paula Sjorlund & Gene & Gail Watson. Please bring

by church office or give to anyone on the Care Team.

Hidden Haven Ladies Retreat –

Friday & Saturday, September 18th and 19

th

Psalm 119:18 ~ Be Thou My Vision

Hosted by Memorial Christian Church, Bartlesville, OK

Camp Fee: Friday only: $10 Both days: $20

If you are interested in going contact Becky Allen or Phyllis Adams

They will be driving the church van to Thayer

SUNDAY, September 20 –Education Committee will meet following the 10:30 a.m. services. Committee

Members: *Gene & Gail Watson, Karl & Morgan Hurt and Kevin & Sandy Lewis

ANNUAL ELECTIONS FOR ELDERS AND DEACONS AND ON BUILDING PROGRAM CHOICES

Sunday, September 20, 2015 following both the 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Worship Services will be the

Annual Business Meeting & Elections voting on the 3 choices on the Building Program (Original Plan,

Revised Plan or New Plan) and to elect Elders & Deacons.

Each of these nominees has been recommended to you by the Elders and General Board. Please review

and participate by being in daily prayer for each one and being here to vote on Sunday, September 20

in this important process.

Those nominated are:

Elders: Doug Meyer, Steve Spring

Deacons: Ron Anderegg, Cody Clark, Jeff Finn, Dan Roberts, Nate Wiehl

Article II, Sec. A and B of adopted Constitution: The membership of this church shall consist of those

who are now identified as members of the congregation as shown on the rolls of the church and those

who shall unite with it by baptism or transfer of membership of immersed believers.

No member shall vote at any church election or church business affair before reaching the age of

fourteen (14) years. All persons voting shall be a member of this congregation.

“Almost Taken” Concert AKA: See You Before The Pole!

Saturday, September 19th from 6:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m. we will be having a huge Christian Worship

concert by the band “Almost Taken.” The theme is “United” Acts 1:4 this will be a great night of

encouragement and fellowship. Admission is $1.00 along with as many canned goods for ECKAN as you

can come by. There will be chances to win some awesome giveaways! This concert will be held at the

South Lake in Garnett, Kansas. You won’t want to miss this one. These guys are a TOP NOTCH

professional Christian band!

SEE YOU AT THE POLE 2015

UNITED

They all met together and were constantly UNITED in prayer.

Acts 1:14

Wednesday, September 23rd, all the youth groups in Garnett will be

praying at the flagpole at ACHS from 7:00 a.m. -7:45 a.m. This is a

time of public prayer for our local school staff and county, state and

federal government. Please mark your calendars and let Chris know

if you are planning to attend.

Refreshments of donuts, juice and milk will be provided.

Thanks, Chris Goetz

ALL CHURCH FALL FAMILY FUN ~ BBQ ~ PICNIC

All the fun will begin 3:00 p.m. at the North Lake West Shelter House on Sunday, September 27, 2015.

This is a great time where our church families get together and eat some delicious food, play fun games

and enjoy each other in fellowship!

Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy

FUN ~ FOOD ~ FELLOWSHIP at its FINEST!

We’re firin’ up the grill with lots of hamburgers and hot dogs

which will be provided.

• The plates and silverware and napkins will be provided.

• Please bring a covered dish to share and a lawn chair.

Please take note:

• If rain happens the Family Fun will be held at the church.

TICKETS STILL LEFT FOR THE QUILT RAFFLE FOR BUILDING FUND - The Christian Crafters from First

Christian Church are raising money for the building fund. We have been given two quilt tops and

finished them. One is a pink and blue bow tie pattern 70 X 84 inches. The other is a blue and cream

bow tie pattern that is hand pieced, 80 x 84 inches. To purchase a chance on either of these quilts

please contact a member of the Christian Crafters group or Connie Meyer at 913-909-7164. The raffle

will be held on Sunday, September 27th at the All Church Picnic. You don’t have to be present to win.

Ticket prices are $1.00 per ticket or 6 for $5.00. The quilts ARE on display in the Fellowship Hall during

office hours and on Sunday if you would like to see them.

Mission Honduras

October 9th-16th, 2015 Chris Goetz and Cody Clark will be

embarking on a trip to train Police Officers in Honduras

with the Kansas State Troopers and several others! We are

looking for opportunities to do Tree/shrub/outdoor work

as a fundraiser for our trip! Please contact Chris @ 503-

474-7965 if you would be willing to allow us this

opportunity. Thanks so much, Chris & Cody

THURSDAY, September 24 ~ Emergency Food Assistance Program Food Distribution will be held at the Quonset Hut located at the Anderson County Fair Grounds beginning at 4:00 p.m. SUNDAY, September 27 – Worship Committee will meet following the 10:30 a.m. services. Committee

Members: Roger & Phyllis Adams, Catie Friend, Natasha Goetz, *Carmen Powls & Jenna Wight

Sunday, October 4 ~ Jim & Gail Durham from the House of Bread in Haiti will be visiting our services

that morning and give a short presentation during Sunday School time.

Sunday, October 18 ~ FCC is scheduled to be in charge of the afternoon Worship Services at our local

Care Centers. We extend to you all an Invitation to help and be a part of the Worship Services at our

Care Centers. We never outlive our need to grow spiritually and to be part of a caring and loving

worshipping community. The residents look forward to our visits and for sharing in a time of songs and

devotion. Please join us as a church to care for one another and to care for our community, and to

grow in our spiritual journey. The Worship Service Schedule for our local Care Centers is below.

Please come and make a difference in their lives… your hearts will be touched!

Guest Homes - 2:30 pm ~ Residential Living Center - 3:15 pm ~ Golden Heights - 4:00 pm

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4

Our Sympathy to the family of Joan Mildred Conrad Harsch, age 68, of

Osage City, KS died September 5, 2015, at the Osage Nursing Center.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 10, 2015, at the

St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Burlington, KS. Joan was the mother

of Amanda Poeverlein.

Our Sympathy to the family of James D Damron, Sr., age 58, of Ottawa,

KS. died September 2, 2015, at the Olathe Hospice House, Olathe, KS.

Graveside Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday,

September 9, 2015, at Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, KS. James was the

brother of Carl Damron

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Joan Harsch and James

D Damron as they go through this time and may God bless and give them

the comfort they need now.

Volunteering is good for the heart and the soul.

Volunteers are love in motion! (Author Unknown)

Thank you Joyce Benton for Serving as a volunteer on our Visual

Team. You have a servant’s heart and we all at FCC wish you the

best. When you come back this way remember to come and visit.

Joyce will be leaving September 15 to begin her next life’s journey

close to her daughter Angie and husband Leonard Wright and 2

grand daughters Larissa & Emily. Joyce’s new address will be:

1416 West Loring ~ Haysville, KS ~ 67060

Blessings to you and your new baby girl…Congratulations to Timothy & Brianna Williams of Wellsville, Ks on the birth of their daughter Abigail Rae Williams. She was born Friday, September 4, 2015 – 6:08 p.m. at the Olathe Medical Center. She weighed 8 lbs 4.5 oz and 20.5”long. Paternal grandparents are Robin Williams and the late Larry Williams and Charles & Benita Wilson. Maternal grandparents are Brian & Dianne Reno of Wellsville, KS and Great Grandparents are Howard & Donna Williams of Garnett.

Thank you Lord for this new life! A precious gift from you. Draw near and bless this baby, Lord, and

bless the parents, too. Unite them all in love so sweet, and love that is so strong; No matter what the

future holds, it will last their whole lives through. Amen!

Be in Prayer for our Elders:

Prayer is the most important part of our Pastor Search process.

Every church member is encouraged to be in prayer. Paul tells us in

Col. 4:2, “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with

thanksgiving.” Let’s pray for our church; let’s pray for one another;

let’s pray for our staff; let’s pray for our Elders and Deacons.

Soul on Fire by Third Day:

God, I’m running for Your heart ~ I’m running for Your heart ~ Till I am a soul on fire ~ Lord, I’m longing for Your ways

I’m waiting for the day ~ When I am a soul on fire ~ Till I am a soul on fire ~ Lord, restore the joy I had ~ I have wandered

bring me back ~ In this darkness, lead me through ~ Until all I see is You ~ Lord, let me burn for You again ~ Let me return

to You again ~ And Lord, let me burn for You again ~ Let me return to You again ~ God, I’m running for Your heart

I’m running for Your heart ~ Till I am a soul on fire ~ I want to be ~ Till I am a soul on fire ~ Till I am a soul on fire

_____ ___

First Christian Church “Family Life Center” Growth Chart

First Christian Church “Family Life Center” Growth Chart

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH ELDERS FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH DEACONS

*Roger Adams: 448-8172 Mike Burns Craig Cole

Ron Jenkins: 448-3843 Dan Dulin *Greg Gwin

Kevin Lewis: 204-2257 Leroy Hamilton Dan Kasprzak

Burke Rogers: 448-5987 Doug Meyer Jason Miller

Steve Spring: 448-2491 Bill Ratliff Danny Roberts

Les Thomas: 448-6708 Jason Sjorlund Lynn Wilson

Gene Watson: 408-205-3635 Mike Zentner