DISCIPLES CARE NEWSLETTER March

Rev. Dr. Colleen Carroll, Senior Minister

Rev. Kathryn Wilson, Minister of Mission & Outreach

From Our Senior Minister, Rev. Dr. Colleen Carroll

I am excited to walk the Lenten journey with each of you this year. The Worship Ministry Team and I

have been discussing and making plans for a very meaningful season, which we hope will engage people

in a variety of new as well as traditional ways.

The theme is entitled “The Christ Cup,” and is based on a blend of Philippians 2:3-13 and various gospel

texts. Each week we will use cups as a metaphor for the ways we live and move and have our being in the universal

Christ. In addition to Sunday morning worship, small group sessions are planned for most Monday evenings which will

provide a more interactive and hands-on experience related to the weekly theme. Here is an outline, along with related

scriptures:

February 26: Ash Wednesday - Empty the Cup; Philippians 2:3-7

March 1: Lent #1 - Choose the Cup; Matthew 4:1-11 and Philippians 2:5-7a

Monday, March 2 Reflection: paper craft cup

March 8: Lent #2 - Drink the Cup; Matthew 20:20-23 and Philippians 2:7-8

Monday, March 9 Reflection: tea and conversation dialogue

March 15: Lent #3 - Offer the Cup; Matthew 10:40-42 and Philippians 2:7-8

Monday, March 16 Reflection: service excursion into the community

March 22: Lent #4 - The Bitter Cup; Mark 14:32-36 and Philippians 2:7-8

Monday, March 23 Reflection: Japanese tea ceremony video and “mattcha”

March 29: Lent #5 - The Cup of Blessing; 1 Corinthians 10:16 and Philippians 2:4-5

Monday, March 30 Reflection: Exploring the Passover cups

April 5: Palm Sunday - Raise the Cup; Luke 19:29-40 and Philippians 2:4-5)

*Thursday, April 9: Maundy Thursday The Common Cup; (No Monday session)

April 12: Easter Sunday -

8:45 am Early Service - Break the Cup; Matthew 28: 1-6

9:30 am All Church Breakfast Potluck (No Sunday School)

10:45 am Traditional Worship - Cup of Christ; Luke 24:1-9 and Philippians 2:12-13

All Monday reflection sessions will be at 6:30 pm at the church with the exception of March 16, and last approximately

one hour. In the words of Jesus, “Come and see.” We look forward to worshiping and reflecting together.

Blessed to be in ministry with and for you, Pastor Colleen

WELCOMING AND ACCEPTING ALL PEOPLE ALONG A JOURNEY OF FAITH AND SERVICE.

“Welcoming and accepting all people” – is a reminder of our Welcome Statement and genuine hospitality, in the present tense so it is always relevant. “along” – is an invitation to join together side by side. “journey of faith” – implies that arrival is a myth; we are always growing “service” –is a natural outcome of faith and inseparable from our commitment to discipleship.

Update Your Directory!

Arlene Nash has a new phone #: (417) 291-1324. Please update your directory accordingly.

New Administrative Office Assistant

We are delighted to welcome Chad Johnston as our new Administrative Office Assistant (AOA). Our Personnel Committee members were impressed with his wide variety of work and computer experiences, as well as his enthusiasm to contribute to the efficiency of our work and ministries at SJCC. Please introduce yourself to Chad during our new office hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 2 pm.

Diversity and Inclusion Proclamation For the past several months, a workgroup convened by the Chamber of Commerce has worked diligently to identify opportunities and to work toward a more diverse and inclusive Joplin. The result is a proclamation to be presented to the Joplin City Council soon. Copies are available for preview. Let’s show up in mass at City Hall.

Stewardship Thoughts We give our offerings in gratitude to a God who loves and provides. Yet it is important to recognize these gifts, whether placed in the offering plate or given through today’s technological marvels, are used by God here in Joplin and throughout the world to make a difference in people’s lives. Our gifts through the church become tangible evidence of God’s love and compassion, whether it be through joyful worship, providing hope to the impoverished or disenfranchised, care for the sick, providing safe sanctuary or the many other ways lives are impacted. Thank you for your gifts that make that ministry happen at South Joplin Christian Church!

The Stewardship Committee

Suggested Lenten Study Material

There are two study guides which closely parallel the worship theme of “The Christ Cup” for people who would like to

do personal study during the Lenten season. Both are available online from Amazon (remember to use AmazonSmile so

a portion of the proceeds benefit our Outreach ministries!)

Can You Drink the Cup? by Henri J.M. Nouwen, Ave Maria Press, 1996.

The Cup of Our Life by Joyce Rupp, Ave Maria Press, 1997.

REACHING OUT TO OUR NEIGHBORS WITH REV. KATHRYN WILSON MINISTER OF MISSION & OUTREACH

“Have you discovered the way to serve and are you making a real, tangible, transformative

difference in the lives of others? It brings joy when we discover that our lives can make a difference.”

SOUPER BOWL 2020 KUDOS!

Your spirit-led generosity proved itself once again South Joplin in your donations both tangible and financial to the 2020 Souper Bowl of Caring. We blessed Crosslines with 280 non-perishable food items (184 lbs.) and $283.84. Give yourselves a round of applause for sharing with others from your abundance.

Irving News Our Irving students and staff also had another successful Souper Bowl of Caring event. On January 31 the cafeteria was filled with excitement as the results were announced. The school collected 2,520 non-perishable food items (boys- 1,529/girls - 991). Congratulations to the boys for finally defeating the girls after three years. And thanks to the girls on Student Council for being good sports as the recipients of pies in the face (including our own Lillia Soderstrom). Irving also sends their gratitude to members of SJCC who supported the fundraiser for Ms. Michele Vorhees, School Counselor, through your donations of baked goods or attending the Turkey Noodle dinner. To date over $4,000 has been received. During the month of February Irving transformed itself into “Kamp Kindness” with a special kindness challenge each day. The theme for the month was “Be the ‘I’ in Kindness.”

Mark your calendars for the Crosslines Volunteer Appreciation Banquet. It will be held April 3 at 6:00 pm,

First Baptist Church, Webb City. The evening includes dinner, a time of praise and comedian Marian Kelly

will be there once again to bring the laughs. Please RSVP to carrie@crosslinesjoplin.org no later than

March 6. Dinner will include pulled pork and beef brisket to be provided. Please bring a side dish or a

dessert.

CROSSLINES

Have you considered being a part of SJCC’s Volunteer Team? We serve the 4th Thursday of each month, 9:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. No special skills are required. SJCC’s next work day is March 26. Can’t serve on our team? Then consider being a volunteer on another day of the month. All help is always greatly appreciated, even if you can only work one hour. Contact or stop by Crosslines and ask for Carrie, the Operations Manager. Monday evenings are a great opportunity for families to serve together. You can access/submit the Volunteer Application online at https://crosslinesjoplin.org/volunteer. You can access/submit the Volunteer Application online at https://crosslinesjoplin.org/volunteer.

CROSSLINES REGULAR HOURS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

First Monday: 4 p.m.—7 p.m. TEFAP (Commodities Distribution Only)

2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th Monday: 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. (Regular Services)

Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (Regular Services)

Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. TEFAP (Commodities Distribution Only)

First Wednesday - Workforce Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Job Center Caseworker onsite

Closed on all 5th Wednesdays

GET READY! GET READY! GET READY!

In case you haven’t heard, it is time for the 2020 Census and we are counting on you. We need your active participation in the process by completing the census form. In mid-March information pertaining to the census will hit your mailbox and I hope you spend time reacquainting yourselves with the importance of the census and how it impacts the livelihood of each of us and our families. Starting March 12, you’ll be able to respond at 2020Census.gov or by calling a toll-free number.

Pastor Kathryn will be making presentations on March 11 during the Wednesday evening dinner and again on March 15 during our Sunday Fellowship Luncheon to highlight the importance of the census, answer questions and help prepare you for completing the census. Each decade there are various groups in our communities that are under counted which influences funding for community services for the next 10 years. So please don’t hesitate to participate.

With Gratitude

The Outreach Ministry expresses much gratitude for your contributions to our Week of Compassion Offering.

We received $861.00. Thank you for “Investing in the Future of Others.”

March Monthly Challenge: 100 lbs. of Dried Beans (not larger than 2 lb. bags).

Adult Faith Formation

Beginning on March 1, adults in Sunday School will be utilizing an audio series entitled The Last Week, featuring fascinating new dialogue with John Dominic Crossan based on his book with the late Marcus Borg, “The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus’s Final Days in Jerusalem.” Each episode is designed to focus on one day of Holy Week, starting on Palm Sunday and ending on Easter Sunday. We will be guided through reflection questions at the end of each episode, against a back drop of meditative music that creates an ambience of a Lenten retreat. Please join us on

Sunday mornings at 9:30 am in room A11.

EVENTS/OTHER STUFF Groups

CHILDREN AND YOUTH

FAITH FORMATION

The children and youth meet Sunday morning from 9:30 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.

"Where It's At" is for 3 year olds through 4th graders and uses crafts, games, and songs centered around a different Bible story each week.

There is a more in-depth class with dis-cussion for grades 5 - 12. Dia Curry and Mike Fitterling lead this group.

Both classes meet on the 3rd floor and parents are welcome to attend with kids.

Wednesday Night Suppers

All are invited to come and share in good fellowship and food each Wednesday evening at 5:30. The food is provided, and weekly menus are posted on the church Facebook page. Monetary donations are appreciated.

Please contact Sandy

Meadows at 417-850-2348 for more info.

Recycling Options at SJCC

Cardboard: dumpster on parking lot

Aluminum cans: collection barrel in Fellowship Hall (remove from plastic bags)

Single stream recycling: two trash bins in alley by the church bus. Observe citywide restrictions for acceptable items only. Full list available at www.republicservices.com/joplin

Please: *NO plastic bags *No glass of any kind *Rinse and dry all bottles/cans *Remove lids *If bins are full, don’t overflow

Support SJCC Outreach

When shopping on Amazon, please use the following link: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/44-0574395 and all of your eligible shopping will benefit SJCC. No matter how large or small your purchase,

0.5% of the amount spent can add up for us. Thank you in advance for your support!

Faith Formation For Men in the Mid-America Region: Mark your calendars for “Returning to the Wilderness,” May 1-3 at the Ozark national scenic riverway at Shannondale. Free range choices for hiking, canoeing, kayaking, service projects, steak grill out, spiritual bonfire, deep brotherhood. To register or for more information, contact Regional Minister Paul Koch at 636-221-7065 or paul.ccma@sbcglobal.net.

GREEN TEAM NEWS

With World Day of Prayer coming up, the green team encourages you to pray; pray for the earth, it’s healing, that we will take better care of her. We can all do something to care for the earth. Prayer is one such thing. It’s all of our own responsibility! GREEN TIP—Go take a hike. With 745 million acres of forests in the U.S. get some fresh air, exercise, and en-joy the beauty of the forests!

Summer Camps

Registration is open for Mid-America Disciple summer camps and for Camp MoVal, our UCC affiliated camp. For details and registration forms, go to http://www.mid-americadisciples.org/summer/ or to CampMoVal.org. Programs are available for children in 1st through 12th grades as well as a “Try-It” camp for Pre-school - 1st graders accompanied by an adult family member. SJCC has scholarship money available to assist in the registration and is available for anyone from the church who would like to attend. Please visit with Pastor Colleen for further details.

Join us after worship on the third Sunday of each month for our potluck luncheon. If you are able, please bring something to

share according to the first letter of your last name as listed

below:

Main Dish: S-W and A-Cl Side Dish: Co-K

Dessert: L-R

Reminder: EVERY SUNDAY you visit Texas

Roadhouse 10% of your food bill will come back to SJCC Mission Trip

Fundraiser. (Noon - 9 pm) Just tell your server to credit SJCC.

Interfaith Activities

The Joplin Interfaith

Coalition is sponsoring

two activities in the

month of March. The

first is a Luncheon and

Bake Sale on Saturday, March 7 at the

Islamic Society (1805 W. 32nd St.) from

11 am - 1 pm. Proceeds from the sale

will help pay off lunches for Joplin

Public School students. Come enjoy a

variety of soups, sandwiches and a

beverage for just $5 while you become

better acquainted with your Joplin

neighbors. You may also purchase

single items for dessert, larger baked

items to take home, or place bids on

delicious silent auction items. Tickets

may be purchased at the door or in

advance from Raquel Sapien.

The second activity in March is the

Interfaith Panel Discussion on Saturday,

March 28 at 10 am at the Joplin United

Hebrew Society. Back by popular

demand, the topic will be “Problematic

or frequently misunderstood concepts

about my religion. Refreshments

provided; free and open to the public.

Regular Sunday Schedule

8:00 am Elders

9:00 am Praise Team Practice

9:30 am *Sunday School

10:25 am *Fellowship

10:45 am *Worship and Children Worship & Wonder

1 Lent #1

2 1:00 pm Staff Meeting 6:30 pm Lenten Reflection 6:30 pm NA meeting

3 6:30 pm Committees 6:30 pm NA meeting

4 9:30 am CWF General and Spiritual Life Meeting

5:30 pm Weekly Meal 6:30 Choir Practice

5 11:30 am Cluster 3 Ministers (Monett)

6:30 pm Scouts 7:00 pm Book Club (Sanders’ home)

6

Office Closed all Fridays and Saturdays

7

11:00 am -1:00 pm Interfaith Luncheon/Bake Sale (Islamic Center)

8 Lent #2 Daylight Saving Time

9 1:00 pm Staff Meeting 6:30 pm Lenten Reflection 6:30 pm NA Meeting

10

6:30 pm Board Meeting 6:30 pm NA Meeting

11 5:30 pm Weekly Meal 5:45 pm Census Presentation 6:30 pm Choir Practice

12

6:30 pm Scouts 7:00 pm Book Club (Sanders’ home)

13 14

15 Lent #3 12:00 pm Fellowship Dinner/Census Presentation

16

1:00 pm Staff Meeting 6:30 pm Lenten Reflection 6:30 pm NA Meeting

17 St. Patrick’s Day 6:00 pm Green Team 6:30 pm NA Meeting

18

5:30 pm Weekly Meal 6:30 Choir Practice

19 6:30 pm VBS Meeting 6:30 pm Scouts 7:00 pm Book Club (Sanders’ home)

20 21

22 Lent #4

23 1:00 pm Staff Meeting 6:30 pm Lenten Reflection 6:30 pm NA Meeting

24 6:30 pm PRC Meetings 6:30 pm NA Meeting

25 5:30 pm Weekly Meal 6:30 pm Choir Practice

26 9:45 am Crosslines 6:30 pm Scouts 7:00 pm Book Club (Sanders’ home)

27 10 am—3 pm Poor People’s Campaign (Springfield)

28

10am Interfaith Panel (Hebrew Society)

29 Lent #5

30 1:00 pm Staff Meeting 6:30 pm Lenten Reflection 6:30 pm NA Meeting

31 6:30 pm NA Meeting

MARCH 2020

* Denotes Nursery Available

“WHERE IT’S AT!” SUNDAY SCHOOL (3 YRS - GRADE 4) Mar 1: Rocky Eckhardt, Sandy Meadows Mar 8: Leanna Carrol, Karen Kemp Mar 15: Jessica Faucett, KC Brockman Mar 22: Jessica Fletcher-Fierro, Karen Kemp Mar 29: Darlene Coit, Karen Kemp ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PRAISE TEAM Mar 1: Rocky Eckhardt, Lisa Wilcox, Kenton Foster Mar 8: Lisa Wilcox, Rocky Eckhardt Mar 15: Rocky Eckhardt, Judy Akeman, Kenton Foster Mar 22: Betsy Wheeler, Kenton Foster, Judy Akeman Mar 29: Betsy Wheeler, Judy Akeman, Lisa Wilcox

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

COMMUNION AT THE TABLE Mar 1: Sherry Crumbliss, Donna Fuller, George Gagle, Karen Kemp Mar 8: Kathy Nicodemus, Sean Nicodemus, Shirley Martin, Susan Wolfenbarger Mar 15: Sue Sterrett, Donny Smith, Lisa Wilcox, Carol Bach Mar 22: Raquel Sapien, Connie Abraham, Julia Foster, Laney Reaves Mar 29: Susan Wolfenbarger, Ray Gall, Megan Bever, Sarah Coyne ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

HOMEBOUND Mar 1: Leanna Carrol, Donna Fuller Mar 8: Mike Fitterling, Sean Nicodemus Mar 15: Darlene Coit, Donny Smith Mar 22: Jim Cullumber, Connie Abraham Mar 29: Mark Millard, Ray Gall ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CHILDREN WORSHIP & WONDER Mar 1: Sarah Coyne, Robin Blair Mar 8: Jessica Faucett, Laney Reaves Mar 15: Karen Kemp, Leanna Carrol Mar 22: Karen Fitterling, Rachel Eckhardt Mar 29: TBD

Youth grades 5-12 meet Sundays with Dia Curry and Mike Fitterling

SOUND BOARD/PROJECTION Mar 1: Raymond Reaves/Jennifer Reaves Mar 8: Ken Moser/Judy Schneider Mar 15: Don Smith/Sandy Meadows Mar 22: Darryl Coit/Jennifer Reaves Mar 29: Raymond Reaves/Jennifer Reaves ____________________________________________________________________________________________

COMMUNION PREPARATION Mar 1: Sherry Crumbliss Mar 8: Kathy Nicodemus Mar 15: Sue Sterrett Mar 22: Raquel Sapien Mar 29: Susan Wolfenbarger ____________________________________________________________________________________________

ELDER IN WORSHIP Mar 1: Mike Fitterling Mar 8: Darlene Coit, Pastor Kathryn Mar 15: Jim Cullumber Mar 22: Mark Millard Mar 29: Margie Fitterling ____________________________________________________________________________________________

BIRTHDAYS ANNIVERSARIES 2 Sandy Meadows 6 Tom & Sandy Meadows 2 Zoltan Morgan 16 Tom Hamm & Colleen 7 Jessica Faucett Carroll 11 Glenn York 29 Kenton & Julia Foster 13 Colvin Paige 13 Willa Randall 19 Ashley Clune 22 Kathy Nicodemus 28 Lauren Coyne

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Reminder: EVERY Sunday you visit Texas Roadhouse 10% of your food bill will come back to SJCC Mission Trip Fundraiser (Noon - 9 pm)