The ChristianCourierVol. 64, No. 3 Bellingham First Christian Church March 2014

2014 Regional Assembly Welcomes Guest Speakers

" T o g e t h e r b y Grace" we gather as a Region May 1 6 - 1 8 i n Kennewick. As part of celebrating our life t o g e t h e r a s t h e Northwest Regional Christian Church and our participation in the wider church community known as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ),

the assembly planning team will bring to us a special group of speakers from across the church. Make your plans, book your lodging and watch for registration material coming soon! The team is excited for you to meet Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon, Rev. Jose Morales Jr and Cherilyn Williams.

For information on the assembly and each of these speakers, see the Information Station in our Fellowship Hall or the Regional website.

Get your tickets now!Have you bought your auction tickets yet? Interfaith Coalitions 2014 Hope Auction is this month on Saturday, March 22, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Best Western Lakeway Inn in Bellingham. This is an event youll want to attend and support.

Tickets cost $45, and for this you get a sit-down dinner, a wide choice and price range of items on which to bid and the pleasure of being among fr iends from the community and member congregations all to support housing, health care, and emergency shelter for our neighbors in need.

Curious about what may appear in the silent and live auctions? Check out Interfaith Coalitions Facebook page for a preview. For more information and tickets, call Interfaith Coalition, 360-734-3983, or email kara@interfaith-coalition.org.

Please Be Aware of Your Surroundings!When you leave a room or leave the building, please:

turn off the water turn off the lights lock the doors

Just like home!Thank you!

AcceptancePanel Discussion

Sunday, March 236:30 p.m.

with special guest speakersStephanie Kountouros

and Amory PeckSunday, March 23 at 6:30 p.m., there will be a panel discussion at First Christian Church on acceptance. Panelists will address their experiences with being accepted and not being accepted. This is a presentation of the Welcome Task Force.For this discussion, we welcome Stephanie Kountouros and Amory Peck. Amory is a lesbian who has worked for full inclusivity of LGBT members, both laity and clergy, in the United Methodist Church. Stephanie is a pansexual (a person who is attracted to some people regardless of their gender) who works for LGBT and human rights throughout Washington state. You may know either, or both, of these women as they are both very active in our community and we are delighted to welcome them to FCC.We may also have a third person on the panel, but we dont have confirmation yet.We hope you will join us for this thought-provoking discussion. Each of the panelists will speak about acceptance, and then we will have time for questions. There will be a dessert pot luck to sweeten the evening.

Message from the Pastor

2 March 2014

495 East Bakerview RoadBellingham, WA 98226

360.734.6820bhamfcc@comcast.net

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 Lords Table as God welcomed us.

All of UsMinistersRev. Gary ShoemakerPastorgrshmkr@comcast.net

Mary Ann TeetersFinance/Membership Administratormaryannt44@comcast.net

Rev. Tamalyn KralmanDirector of Ed. & Community OutreachCourier Editortamalynk@comcast.net

Amelia NyeAccompanistAmy KronenbergChildcare ProviderRev. 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 and 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.

OfficersDon Hoffman, ChairVirginia Haldeman, Vice-ChairMegan Shoemaker, SecretaryCheryl Perry, Treasurer

First Christian Church(Disciples of Christ) Shoes News

Lenten Study on Death PenaltyLast week our governor let it be known that while he's governor, no one on 'death row' will be put to death. His statement has spurred a lot of discussion in our state around the death penalty. How do we, as people of faith, deal with one of the world's most pressing issues? Perhaps we need to study the issue more closely. In an effort to do just that, we're going to watch and discuss "Questioning Capital Punishment," featuring Sister Helen Prejean.

Sr. Helen Prejean is one of the world's leading authorities and outspoken critics of state sponsored execution. We will be gathering for five Thursdays to view and discuss a DVD based study featuring Sr. Prejean. Sr. Helen is a Roman Catholic sister and a leading American advocate for the abolition of the death penalty. Sr. Helen has ministered to numerous inmates on death row and has authored two books based on those experiences, Dead Man Walking and The Death of Innocents: An Eyewitness Account of Wrongful Executions. She is the founder of the Death Penalty Discourse Center in New Orleans.

Beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 13 and running for a total of five Thursday nights (ending on April 10) we'll watch the video and then engage in discussion. There is no reading that is required ahead of time. We'll simply watch the lesson and then use the study guide questions to engage the issue. It will no doubt prove to be a thought-provoking time together. I hope you'll consider attending and entering into dialogue about this very important matter.

Pastor Gary

Continued on page 3

Fund-raising or Stewardship?These two terms, fund-raising and stewardship, have widely different meanings, and shouldnt be used interchangeably. More than that, some of the current problems of churches can be traced to the triumph of fund-raising over stewardship.

Fund-raising is seeking resources to help a needy institution. Stewardship is providing resources to help people grow in grace and discipleship.

Fund-raising stresses the need of the institution to receive. Stewardship stresses the need of individuals/churches/groups to give, plan, organize, budget for Godly priorities.

Fund-raising is designed to help the institution meet its budget. Stewardship is designed to help individuals and churches live by a budget.

Fund-raising is concerned only with funds. Stewardship is concerned with setting life priorities.

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News from the Pews

March 2014 3

Joys and Concernsof Our Congregation

Please submit written requests to update this list.

New to Our List:Our FCC baby boom, babies Benjamin & Gray, and their mommies and daddies. Oh, and wed like more children, please!

Ongoing:Helen Blaney, recovering at homeMargaret Farrar recovering at homeNeilan 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 Gods loveRaices Culturales, the childrens gardening programRev. Sandy Messick, Regional MinisterRev. Sharon Watkins, General Minister and PresidentKelly and Tom Gilson and Lydia Johnson, Global Mission parnters in LesothoOur General Church ministriesYakama Christian MissionRefugees around the worldAll troops involved in world conflict

Do You Know Matthew?Did you know Matthew is the first gospel in the New Testament, but not the first to be written? Here are some basics about the gospel of Matthew that may interest you...

Youve heard this gospel was written by Jesus disciple Matthew. Right? Guess what! It probably was NOT. How does anyone know that? Well, the language...

This gospel was written in Greek (with Semitic - either Hebrew or Aramaic influences). Disciple Matthew wouldve written in a Hebrew dialect.

Youve been taught that plagiarism is BAD. But Biblical writers borrowed from other sources all the time. (They also wrote in each others names, to give themselves

Fund-raising often requires gimmicks: prizes, giveaways, chances to meet famous people. Stewardship is concerned with education and is damaged by too many gimmicks.

One of the best definitions of fund-raising: Asking for money, preferably one-on-one and face-to-face, from the least number of people, in the shortest possible time. (By this definition, most fund-raising doesnt measure up.)

Some good definitions of stewardship:

I appeal to you therefore, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God what is good and acceptable and perfect.Romans 12:1-2

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.I Corinthians 6:19-20

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.Galatians 2:19b-20

Why do Christians practice fund-raising when God wants stewardship?

Stewardship, Contd from p. 2

Continued on page 5

The Elders CornerGreg Smith was welcomed as a new Elder at the February Elders meeting.

The Elders 2014 book study is Disciples: Reclaiming Our Identity, Reforming Our Practice by Michael Kinnamon and Jan Linn. Many of you may remember that Michael Kinnamon was guest preacher at our church not too long ago. Many of the Elders expressed the desire to learn more about our denomination. Margaret Brown led the group through a discussion of Chapter 2: Covenant. What is a covenant? How do each of us in the congregation fit into the covenant? The chapter asserts that being in covenant implies accountability on all of our parts. How can our congregation fit into that accountability? The discussion led to the group being interested in further discussion of the topic.

The Elders will be reviewing and updating the Shepherding lists at their March meeting.

How Much is Too Much?A balanced diet of milk, salt, grains, fish and sugar is important for good health. But how much is too much? Below are some pointers for avoiding this problem.

MilkWe are told from childhood that milk is good for us, rich in protein and calcium, important for strong bones and teeth. The naturally occurring hormones and other ingredients promote growth after birth but may not be helpful for adults. Research is questioning dairy as a possible link from acne to childhood obesity to even prostate cancer (Nutrition and Metabolism paper 2012). The National Academy of Sciences suggests 1,000 mg of calcium per day, but the Harvard School of Public Health advises limiting dairy to one or two servings per day. To make up for the rest of calcium needs, add to your diet beans, certain types of tofu, broccoli and leafy greens. Also, try different forms of calcium such as soy, rice, oat or nut milk which usually contain no saturated fat, no cholesterol, and no growth hormone.

SaltToo much sodium increases risks of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, but caution must be taken to avoid taking too little. Sodium is essential for muscle contraction, nerve-impulse transmission, pH balance and hydration. Americans on average consume 3,400 mg of sodium per day according to the National Academy of Sciences. The US Department of Agriculture recommends less than 2,300 mg (less than a teaspoon) for healthy people and 1,500 mg for people with risk factors (being over age 51 or being diabetic). The best way to limit sodium is to limit the consumption of processed food. These items supply more than 70% of the sodium in our diets (Horn of Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University). Anything in a box, can or bag adds to our sodium intake. Read labels carefully and best of all cook at home so the sodium can be controlled. Use lemon juice, vinegar, herbs, onions or garlic instead of extra salt to improve flavor of your food.

GrainsWhole grains are necessary for a healthy diet. Unlike the refined variety, whole grains retain more protein and fiber which helps slow down the digestive process -- promoting a feeling of fullness and stabilizing blood sugar and lowering cholesterol. Some critics say you can get as much fiber and minerals from fresh fruits and non-starchy vegetables, especially if you have wheat intolerance. Whole grains are essential to good health. They may help prevent cardiovascular conditions and cancer. Balance your grain intake of 3 oz. per day with 1.5 cups of fruit and 2.5 cups of vegetables (Steinbaum, MD Lennox Hill

4 March 2014

Nurses Notes

Hospital, NYC). Gluten-free whole grains (quinoa, buckwheat, rice, oats etc.) even those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can work this into their diets. Check labels, making sure whole-grain" or "whole wheat" is listed first.

FishOmega-3 fatty acids have long been known to enhance heart, vision and brain health. These fatty acids are found in fish. But all fish can be tainted with toxins such as mercury causing neurological and reproductive disease. The American Heart Association recommends 3.5 oz. of fish twice a seek. To minimize toxins, eat the safer sources of fish that are small to medium and are cold-water varieties (wild salmon). Albacore tuna is safe when limited to 6 oz. a week. Other safe fish are white flaky varieties (tilapia, flounder) and clams).

SugarSugar is well known for promoting obesity and diabetes. Eating too much sugar throws your insulin levels off balance and, stored as fat, excess sugar increases the risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes. "Sugar in excess is a toxin" says R. Lustig, MD of UC, San Francisco. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 100 calories of added sugar a day (six teaspoons). Read the labels: 74% of packaged food items have added sweeteners; some yogurts contain 29 grams of sugar per serving. Forgo sugary beverages. Try getting sugar from fruits and limit the refined sort to only occasionally. Best of all do your own baking to control the amount of sugar consumed.

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

Prayer: Sacred One, we thank you for all that is available to us to live healthy lives. May our choices be wise as we live our lives in your world. amen

Jane E. Kletka, RN FCNHealth Ministries

Its a Baby Boom!Benjamin Davis ShoemakerBorn to Zach and Megan Shoemakeron January 29, 20149 1/5 lbs., 21 inchesGrandparents are Gary Shoemaker and Tamalyn KralmanAuntie is Brett Kralman-Shoemaker

Gray Michael KingBorn to Elise and Warren King

on February 13, 20148 lbs., 10 oz, 19.5 inches

Big Brother is Kade OHalloranGrandparents are Gregg and Linda HeyneUncle & Aunt are Ethan and Laurie Heyne

Friends & Partners in Ministry

March 2014 5

A Thank You Received for Disciples Mission Fund DonationsDear Pastor Gary and members of First Christian, Bellingham,

Thank you for your generous support of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the Northwest Regional Christian Church during 2013. As you know, 67% of dollars given to DMF from our congregations are returned to the Northwest Region to support our work and ministry here.

This is a challenging time financially for our region. Not surprisingly, as our congregations have been faced with dwindling resources, Disciples Mission Fund giving has decreased. We are therefore even more grateful for congregations like yours that continue to make outreach giving in general, and Disciples support in particular a priority.

Because of you and congregations like you, the Northwest Region continues to provide support and encouragement to congregations and pastors who are seeking to do ministry in this new time. our 2014 Regional Assembly theme is Together by Grace. During our gathering, May 16-18 at FCC in Kennewick, WA, we will be celebrating the ways we are connected to each other in congregations, as region, and with the whole church. our leaders are currently engaged in evaluating our regional structure and naming our key priorities for the next few years. These will be lifted up and shared at our Regional Assembly. in the meantime, the mid-winter retreat for youth is coming up, summer camps are being planned, and I continue to work with congregations in transition as they seek pastoral leadership or plan next steps. It is a wonderful time to be region together.

May God continue to bless your ministry in Bellingham and the ministry we are doing together. Again, thank you for your generous support.

Grace and peace,

Sandy Messick, Regional Ministry and PresidentNorthwest Regional Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

legitimacy.) Youve heard of oral tradition? You know how the ancient stories were passed down from generation to generation? Well, after awhile, they were written down. After that, people took other sources to keep telling the stories. The writer of Matthew used two other sources - both the gospel of Mark and a lost sayings sources, designated as Q.

Matthew was written between 80 and 90 C.E. Scholars know this because of references within the gospel itself (e.g. destruction of Jerusalem in 70 C.E. and involvement of the Pharisees in the life of Jesus).

Matthew was written for a group of early Jewish Christians who seem to have split from Pharisee-led Judaism. (Tensions with the Pharisees are evident in the writings.)

In this gospel, we see Jesus as the compassionate, healing Messiah/Son of David, royal Son of God, and the apocalyptic Son of Man, who is claimed as the fulfillment of the Torah and the prophets and who calls his followers to spread the good news of the kingdom of heaven to the world. [HarperCollins Study Bible]

Its been said that if you TRULY want to know what it means to be a follower of Jesus, read Matthew 5.

Want to learn more? Talk to Tamalyn, see our church library or attend the Library Sunday School Class, which is currently studying the book of Matthew.

Matthew, contd from p. 3

Please Be in Prayer...Many of you will remember Rev. J.C. Mitchell, who was a guest preacher here at First Christian Church in October. Rev. Mitchell recently sent the following request, This letter is to your entire congregation with one simple request: the request is to keep Open Gathering in prayer. Your congregation should know about our mission as a church in formation, which is We gather and welcome different children and adults, making a difference in our neighborhood. Scarred by the world, we together, with God, encourage a loving and inclusive culture through service, creative, art, and humor.To read the letter in its entirety, please see the Who are the Disciples? bulletin board in the Fellowship.Now, let us pray...

Disciples House Residents Say, Thank You!As a family, we can never even begin to explain how grateful we are. We know what it is like to have much and know what it is to have NOTHING. I had honestly started to give up all hope in humanity until I came here. My kids loved it. Many delicious family meals were eaten at the table after saying grace, lot of laughter & hope & smiles, family movie nights & game nights as well were all shared in this warm home.I couldnt ask for better people to be surrounded by. My only regret & embarrassment was having nothing to contribute to the offering plate on Sunday mornings. But I promise as I get on my feet, once I can, I will. And Ill continue to share Gods love that youve shown to us, with others. Thank you ALL. ~The Felix Family

Whos on First?!

6 March 2014

Sunday, March 2Elders: Margaret Brown (O), Greg Smith (C), Brenda Riseland and Joe Plancich (in home), Leslie Pinkston (lock up)Diaconate: Betty Schmidling, Sandy Grant and Mary Ann TeetersReader: Bruce RadtkeGreeters: Kathy Wheeler and Alisha SanchezFlowers: TBDFellowship Time: Book GroupSunday, March 9Elders: Gregg Heyne (O), John Riseland (C)Diaconate: Marian Overcash, Megan Shoemaker, and Ardythe HannahReader: Mary Ann TeetersGreeters: Darleen and Chuck PageFlowers: Van Dykes for their 61st anniversary!Fellowship Time: TBDSunday, March 16Elders: Don Hoffman(O), Brenda Riseland (C)Diaconate: Lois Oswalt, Pat Whitney, and Connie PageReader: Virginia HaldemanGreeters: Sandy Grant and Lois OswaltFlowers: TBDFellowship Time: TBDSunday, March 23Elders: Melody Hoffman (O), Joe Plancich (C)Diaconate: Lynn Plancich, Kathy Wheeler and Linda HeyneReader: Megan ShoemakerGreeter: Connie PageFlowers: Esther GroupFellowship Time: Esther GroupSunday, March 30Elders: Lillian Moir (O), Leslie Pinkston (C)Diaconate: Betty Schmidling, Sandy Grant and Mary Ann Teeters Reader: Gregg HeyneGreeters: Schmidling FamilyFlowers: TBDFellowship Time: TBDPlease consider how you might join in the important ministries of First Christian Church.

MarchHappy BirthdayAaron Pinkston 3Ailsa Houck 5Doug Farrar 6Chandler Udo 9Jim Franks 15Dale Whitney 15Kade OHalloran 17Jamie Franks 20Aaralyn Gilson 21Andrew Wheeler 21

Kelly Gilson 24Opal Hanna 28Donna Fairchild 29Marshall Foster 29

Happy AnniversaryPaul & Frances Van Dyke 13Jon & Linda Cavnar 16John & Amber Pitton 18Mark & Renee Hoemann 21

March 2Transfiguration SundayExodus 24:12-18Psalm 2 or Psalm 992 Peter 1:16-21Matthew 17:1-9

March 5Ash Wednesday

March 9First Sunday in LentGenesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7Psalm 32Romans 5:12-19Matthew 4:1-11

March 16Second Sunday in LentGenesis 12:1-4a

Psalm 121Romans 4:1-5, 13-17John 3:1-17 or Matthew 17:1-9

March 23Third Sunday in LentExodus 17:1-7Psalm 95Romans 5:1-11John 4:5-42

March 30Fourth Sunday in Lent1 Samuel 16:1-13Psalm 23Ephesians 5:8-14John 9:1-41

This Months Lectionary

March 2Prayers: TBDLead Hymns: TBDRead Scripture: TBDMessage: Linda HeyneBenediction: Jane Kletka

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

Spring Creek WorshipFirst & Third Sunday of Each Month, 1:30 p.m.

Contact Virginia Haldeman for more info.

Calendar

March 2014 7

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday1

7:30a Mens Breakfast, Dennys

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

3 4

Noon Bible Study

5Ash Wednesday5:30p Ash Wednesday Worship6p Bell Choir Rehearsal7p Chancel Choir Rehearsal

6 7 8

7:30a Mens Breakfast, Dennys

9Daylight Saving Begins9:30a Sun. School10:50a Gathering Time11a Worship12:15p Fellowship Time Out-to-Lunch Bunch6:30p Wild Goose Worship

10

6:30 pStewardshipMeeting

11

Noon Bible Study

12

6p Bell Choir Rehearsal7p Chancel Choir Rehearsal

13

7 p Lenten Study

14 15Courier

Deadline7:30a Mens Breakfast, Dennys

167:30a Elders Mtg9:30a Sun. School10:50a Gathering Time11a Worship12:15p Fellowship Time1:30p Spring Creek Worship

17St. Patricks

Day

NoonEsther GroupOlive Garden

18Noon Bible Study5:30 p Prayer Vigil for Peace in the Middle East, Our Saviours Lutheran

196p Bell Choir Rehearsal7p Chancel Choir Rehearsal

20

7 p Lenten Study

227:30a Mens Breakfast, Dennys

239:30a Sun. School10:50a Gathering Time11a Worship12:15p Fellowship Time6:30p Acceptance Panel Presentation7p Book Group

24 25Noon Bible Study

26

6p Bell Choir Rehearsal7p Chancel Choir Rehearsal

27

5p Checking In Group7 p Lenten Study

28 297:30a Mens Breakfast, Dennys

309:30a Sun. School10:50a Gathering Time11a Worship12:15p Fellowship Time

31

March 2014

Regional Youth RetreatMarch 14 - 16, Cle-Elum

Sunday, March 9

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Save the DatesMarch 5 5:30 p.m. Ash Wednesday Worship

Mar. 13 - Ap. 10 Thursdays, 7 p.m. Lenten Study

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

April 13 Palm Sunday

April 20 Easter

May 16-18 Regional Assembly, FCC Kennewick

Contact UsOffice bhamfcc@comcast.net 360.734.6820Find us on Facebook First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Bellingham, WAFollow us on Twitter FCC Bellingham

Submissions for the Next Courier are Due March 15

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Prejean:

Questioning Capital PunishmentThursday, March 13 - April 10, 7 p.m.

Session 1: Crossing the Breach

Session 2: What in Gods Name?

Session 3: A Change of Heart

Session 4: Radical Forgiveness

Session 5: Next Steps