The F re ce Christia
300 Main Street, Florence, KY 41042
859-647-5000, ext. 550
May 2015
Issue 11
ENOUGH!
Stress. Anxiety. Fear. These words capture well the
state of mind of many of us in America today. We have
witnessed dramatic market losses, the collapse of the
world’s largest insurance company, and many
bankruptcies and mergers. Every day seems to bring
another piece of economic uncertainty.
All of us have struggled with these issues at one time
or another. They are important issues that we cannot
ignore. This is why, between May 31st to June 14th we
will be having a church-wide study and worship
emphasis called Enough: Discovering Joy Through
Simplicity and Generosity. During this time we will
explore what the Bible teaches us about financial
management through corporate worship and small
group study. We’ll hear expert advice and stories about
what others have learned by working through financial
challenges. Each week, we will provide you with some
practical tools you can use to assess your financial
situation and develop a financial plan with a biblical
foundation.
At the conclusion of the emphasis, we will have the opportunity to make personal commitments of our
offerings to God through our church in the coming year. We will consecrate these
commitments in the worship service Sunday, June 28th during a combined worship service followed by
a celebration luncheon.
We hope you will join us in the coming weeks as we look at how we can manage our financial
resources and truly experience simplicity, generosity and joy.
Blessings! Pastor Susan
Let’s Get Together!
MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE, SATURDAY, MAY 23, 3 PM
As we approach Memorial Day, we are called to
remember the sacrifices made by those who lost
their lives in battle, as well as those veterans who
served long ago who may have died recently. But
Memorial Day is also a time when we are called to
remember the sacrifices of those who came back
from war with wounds, both visible and invisible.
As faith communities, we are called to love and
support these special friends who have given so
much.
Come and join Florence Christian Church as we worship together on Saturday, May 23
at 3 pm in the Chapel (or perhaps the Meditation Garden, weather permitting).
We encourage our members to especially invite veterans from our community to join us.
BEEN VISITING OUR CHURCH?
If you have been visiting our church, we would like to invite you
to our next Discover Gathering scheduled for Sunday, May
24th, right after the 10:30 am service in the Well. This gathering gives us additional time besides Sunday mornings to visit
with the pastors and for you to learn more about Florence
Christian Church... our history, our beliefs, and our vision for
the future. This will be a chance for you to ask questions and find out more about the
different ministries that we have that might support you on your journey of faith. We
hope you can join us for lunch and conversation.
If you can join us, please call Peg to RSVP at 647-5000 ext.550 by no later than
Thursday, May 21st, so that we may plan enough food for everyone.
Children’s activities and childcare will be provided if needed. Please let us know if you
would like care for your children (and their ages) at the time you make your reservations.
Let’s Get Together! (2)
GARDENING DAY AT FCC!
SATURDAY, MAY 9TH
At 9:00 am on Saturday, May 9th, the
Boy Scouts from Troop 1 will join us to
weed, mulch and plant flowers in our
church gardens. We need your help, too! Join us in sprucing up our
campus and making it look beautiful!
God Blessed The World With Special
Women Like You!
We will be honoring mothers and those who
have been like a mother to others on May
10th. Join us for worship!!
BETH MOORE AT US BANK ARENA
June 26-27, 2015 (Friday - Saturday)
Beth Moore is a speaker and author of best-selling Bible studies and other books for women. We’ve participated in a number of her studies at FCC and now we have a chance to
hear her in person here in Cincinnati. Cost is $69 for both nights.
If you purchase a ticket, be sure to contact Glenna Galbraith (647-5000, ext. 559) for car
pool information. All details can be found at lifeway.com
Missions & Outreach
A NEW MISSION OPPORTUNITY!
First Baptist Church of Cold Spring, Prison Fellowship,
& Council of Christian Re-entry Ministry are partnering
in ministry to children of incarcerated parents and
inviting those interested to come and hear how our church
can participate in the Angel Tree and/or Bridge Ministry
Programs.
Brett Core from Prison Fellowship will be speaking at First Baptist, Cold Spring
on May 2nd about the Angel Tree and Bridge Ministry Programs for assisting
those incarcerated, previously incarcerated, and their families with the daunting
task of community reentry after incarceration. Jerry Wallace with CCRM will
also be briefly providing information about a new Northern Kentucky
mentoring and jobs placement program for those previously incarcerated.
Donuts and coffee will be provided at this informational meeting. We look
forward to seeing you on May 2nd at 10AM at First Baptist Church,
4410 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring.
Beautiful Way Concludes
The decision to bring Beautiful Way Christian to a halt is a
painful one. After a year and a half of what has been in many
ways a wildly successful new kind of church, the decision not to
overcome some obstacles is mine.
Since November of 2013, I have consistently practiced
transparency and responsibility. Time has only proven to me and I think has become apparent to others that
once the mega church trend has run its course, churches in the future will be smaller and much more
intentional. I have encountered widespread agreement on that aspect of being a “healing church”. Our
Facebook Page has had a following I could have never imagined, and for which I am forever humbled.
However, I have learned that with this kind of skilled labor mission, recruiting core leadership at the outset is
essential. While Beautiful Way has had a wonderful and supportive collection of people with no church and
which have attended with active membership in other churches, I did not recruit, and we still do not have the
kind of operational coaching, teaching, and planning leadership which is essential to minister to the many
people all around us who need trained community and relationships for healing. I remain committed to this kind
of vision which I don’t even call mine, but consider that of Jesus Christ’s. While a plan was in place, and
actually was in the process of correcting this blind spot in our vision, other simultaneous and ongoing obstacles
have proven a bit overwhelming.
Thank you to all of you for your ongoing support. God bless those who will learn from Beautiful Way’s efforts
and continue this work from God in the future.
Rev. Mike Delaney, Pastor, Beautiful Way Christian Church
More Missions & Outreach
PILLOW AND HAT PROJECT
Throughout the month of April, we have
been sewing away making pillows and
hats for patients diagnosed with breast cancer. The seat belt pillows keep the patients
more comfortable as they travel in cars and
the heart pillows just add a little more cushion right after surgery.
On Monday, May 18th at 6 pm in the Well,
we will gather together to complete the
pillows. This project will include some light
sewing and stuffing. Please come and join
us. You don’t need to have sewing skills to
join us. Thank you so much.
Caring Meals Ministry
May 2015
May 1-15, Ann Howard
859-371-5559
ONE ‘S JUNK...ANOTHER’S TREASURE!
May 16-31, Kay Garnett
859-485-1418
If you know of someone in our church family
who is ill or in need of a caring meal for any
reason, please notify the people above
for the time frames listed.
Thank you.
FCC has had another successful Yard Sale again this
year, raising $1852. Thanks to Kay Garnett and
Butch Carr for coordinating this event and to all the
many folks who donated, gathered, sorted, priced,
set up, cleaned up, boxed and packed up, and
worked as cashiers and floor helpers.
We also thank all the shoppers
who came out and purchased items.
See you next year!
An Invitation to a Missions & Outreach Meeting
On Sunday, May 3, 2015, our Missions and Outreach Committee will
meet at Noon in the Conference Room.
If you would like to join in partnership with this ministry, please come
to this meeting. If you have a spark/passion for reaching out to those in
need locally (Outreach) and Missions (stepping out beyond the
boundaries of the local church), we need YOU.
Answering the call to Missions & Outreach is a positive response to Jesus’ invitation to participate in what God is doing
(Mt 28:19-20).
If you are hearing that call in your own heart, please join us on May 3, 12 pm, Conference Room
CREATION CARE, APRIL 2015
“If we perceived Life with reverence, we would stand in awe at the experience of
physical Life and walk the Earth in a very deep sense of gratitude.”
Gary Zukav
“Thoughts from the Seat of the Soul”
Rebecca Barnes
After Pastor Diana’s Earth Stewardship
Sunday message, I hope you were inspired
to consider growing your own vegetables.
You don’t have to have a big yard – you can
participate in a community garden. In
Boone County, you can call the Parks &
Recreation Department at 334-2117 to get information
on their gardens at the Union Pool and at Idlewild Park.
Does anyone want to head up a Community Garden at
our Harmony Place property? Call Glenna Galbraith
(647-5000, ext. 559) if you are interested.
If you want to start on a smaller scale, you can plant a
simple container garden. My favorite is a salad container
garden. Please get your children involved too. They can be responsible for tending, watering, etc.
Call the Boone County Extension Office for classes or for more information (586-6101).
“To engage women of the church in knowing God, loving God,
serving God and to know, love and serve each other.”
Pie Day A group of us meet at 9:00 AM on May 6th in the Conference Room to schedule visits
with our homebound and members of our congregation who need a little TLC. We bring desserts
to divide and share with these folks, but you don’t have to bake to join us. The Listeners Class prepares lovely gift packets that you will deliver to each of these folks along with their baked goodies.
We need more men and women who enjoy visiting our church family!
ary Deb rah Gr up- I P RTA T DATE A D
TUESDAY AY 26TH AT 6"30 P
CATI
CHA GE t
We've begun a new study! We are exploring Barbara Brown Taylor's newest book - ear i g t
Wa i the Dar ($11.24/10.68 on amazon.com.) This book provides a way to find spirituality
in those times when we don't have all the answers. We will meet in the Conference Room in the
office wing at 6:30 PM on TUESDAY AY 26TH due to the Memorial Day holiday.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR VOLUNTEERS
You might be interested in learning more about one of
these areas needing volunteers. Check it out, and give
the office a call if something captures your interest.
LET'S WALK TOGETHER
Enjoy the warm weather, the company of good friends, and the health
benefits of walking. Let's walk together EACH THURSDAY - 6PM, for
approximately one and a half hours, through the Spring, Summer and
into the Fall. Come as you are able. All ages and walking abilities are
welcome.
Our meeting place and walking area is in Central Park/Arboretum.
Park in the parking lot next to restrooms just inside the park entrance
on your left.
If you would like to participate, give me a call or text, 859-801-6540,
drop me an email, [email protected], catch me at church, or just show up.
Hope to see you on Thursdays!
~ON BECOMING WHOLE~
May is National Mental Health Month! According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in 2012,
18.6% of adults suffered with some sort of mental illness. This is nearly one in five. About 4% had general
anxiety disorder; another 6.9% had depression. Depression is defined as a period of two weeks or longer
during which there is either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure, and at least four other symptoms that reflect a change in functioning, such as problems with sleep, eating, energy, concentration, and
self-image. We know that as many as 20-50% (depending on the study) of women diagnosed with breast
cancer develop depression. Stroke and heart disease increase risk for depression. Young women with depression are twice as likely to suffer from a heart attack or die of heart disease. Depression leads to increase
in stress hormones that increase the risk of congestive heart failure. Heart failure patients often become
depressed. If you have diabetes — either type 1 or type 2 — you have an increased risk of developing depression. And if you're depressed, you may have a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes. So are you seeing a trend here? Our emotional/mental health and our physical health are intricately woven together. The
good news is that diabetes, heart disease, cancer and depression can be treated together. And effectively
managing one can have a positive effect on the other. Even more importantly, it is essential for us to practice excellent self-nurturing—body, mind and spirit! For example, we know studies have shown that people
with similar anxiety/depression symptoms, when randomized into 2 different groups—one treated with antidepressants and the other with 30 minutes aerobic exercise 4-5 days a week—have similar improvements
in mood. Bottom line is that folks who exercise 30 minutes most days of the week are less likely to be depressed and anxious. And this is just the beginning!
Join us the first Sunday in May for blood pressure screening as well as anxiety and depression screening.
Get a stress dot and learn how to decrease your stress!
I Corinthians 6:19-20 ~ “19 … don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in
you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price.
So you must honor God with your body.” Let’s give Spirit a whole, healthy, happy residence.
Phyllis Reed, Health & Wellness Ministries Coordinator
Florence Christian Church
VBS on the Road
Saturday, June 20th, 11 AM – 2 PM
Save the date to help us with Vacation Bible School on the Road! Once again, we will return to Normandy Green Townhomes and Apartments in Florence, KY to strengthen our relationships with our neighbors. The VBS is open to all children – those connected with our church and those in the community. Our theme is “Oh, The Places God Goes”.
As part of this VBS, we will be collecting NEW children’s books to give to our participants – especially Dr. Seuss books
for all ages. Donations will be collected through Sunday, June 14th!
If you are interested in assisting with VBS, please contact Pastor Diana.
Childcare Help Needed!
We is looking for a qualified childcare attendant to share God’s love with our youngest children. This position is a contract position paying $10 per hour for actual hours worked. We are seeking a person age 18 and up who is experienced in working with babies and young children, is friendly and outgoing, with a love for children. The minimum hours for this position are 8:30 AM – 12 Noon on Sunday mornings. An additional 2 hours may be available on evenings one night during the school year
as well as other evening or weekend hours dependent upon the church calendar. If you or you know someone who is interested, please
have them contact Pastor Diana at [email protected] or at (859) 647-5000 Ext. 555.
Family “Come On” Summer Party, Sunday, May 17th at 3 PM
Join us as we celebrate the end of the school year and the beginning of summer with a pool party at the Rini
Home, located at 1529 Vinings Court in Union, KY. We will grill out for dinner! Hamburgers and hot dogs
will be provided. You are invited to bring a side dish or dessert to share and drinks for your family.
Baptisms, May 24
Please be in prayer for our two young men – Luke Iden and Colin Rini - who are exploring baptism this spring. Please also be in prayer
for their mentors – Ron Lewis and Drew Murphy– who are walking alongside them in this time of faith exploration. For those who decide to be baptized, we will celebrate baptisms on Pentecost Sunday, May 24th.
Mini-Mission Trip, Lexington, KY, June 2015
This year we will be introducing our older elementary children to a mission experience. With a special overnight mission trip, they will
explore how we are connected to the wider Disciples church and how we all can make a difference in the world! If your child has completed 2nd – 5th grade and they might be interested in attending, please speak with Pastor Diana.
Youth Summer Mission – A Civil Rights Pilgrimage , Sunday, 5/31 – Saturday,
6/6
This year’s youth summer mission trip for youth who have completed the 6th through 12th grades will be to Montgomery, AL as we explore the Civil Rights Movement of the 50s and 60s and how faith and faith communities calls
us to action to continue to confront racism today. We will be hosted by First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
in Montgomery, AL and work with several wonderful organizations. Registrati
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May Worship & Wonder Schedule
SUNDAY
STORY
May 3
TEACHER
May 10
The Good Shepherd/Lord’s
Supper II
The Great Banquet
Maleah Rhodes
Amy Turner
May 17
Ascension
Marie Combs
May 24
Pentecost
Monica Howard
May 31
Baptism
Jennifer Hern
May Sunday School Schedule
SUNDAY
May 3
STORY
WORKSHOP
TEACHER
Easter Go &
Tell
No Sunday
School
Music Workshop
Donna Murphy
Children perform
hand bells in worship.
Practice during first 1/2
hour of service.
Movie Workshop
Ron & Kelly Lewis
May 24
Easter Go &
Tell
Pentecost
Art Workshop
Clara Justice
May 31
Pentecost
Game Workshop
Susan Mead
May 10
May 17
In the Life of our Congregation
The Zone Update - May 2015
I cannot express how excited I am about the “New” things happening at the Discover Zone.
Our newly formed Advisory Council has had its first meeting and it was a huge success! Thank
you to the Triplett's, Lynn Caldwell, Ginny Yahl, Cecil Baker, Susan Bentle, Pastor Diana and
the staff and parents who are participating. Your support is invaluable and we look forward to
all the things to come.
May is Teacher Appreciation Month! If you know a teacher tell them “Thank You” and let them
know that they are appreciated! It means so much.
Summer registration is now taking place. Currently we are extending our enrollment for
Adventure Zone to add another group. This means an additional 14 children from last year in
the school age program. Enrollment also continues to grow in the younger classrooms. If we
can sustain this enrollment for the summer, then we should have an upswing in the right
direction! Blessings, Julie
Praying Together For:
May 2015 Birthdays
1st
2nd
4th
5th
8th
9th
10th
11th
13th
15th
16th
17th
18th
20th
22nd
25th
27th
30th
31st
Donna Murphy
Arielle Keller
Jessie Stahl
Ian Kent, Kristine Garwood, Sierra
Stansel
Rosemary Newberry, Crosley Kaufman,
Freddie Clements, Jared Bowling
Kelly Lewis, Kylie Kennedy, Bev
Anderson
Gregory Hamilton
Gary Bentle
Nick Combs
Kim McCoy
Holly Mayerchak
Tina Carroll, Evelyn Smith, Mike
Triplett, Robert White
Tristan Tillman, Carol Hiatt
Geovanni Mejia
Brenda Sparks, Linda Kraft
Nancy Newberry
Elizabeth Hern, Steven Kinser
Shirley Dunn
Katelyn Wade
*Barb Bach, *Ben Haines, *Anita Smith, *Jack Burkett,
*Mary Hollis, *Marcia Jean Griffin, *Carol and Charles
Dawalt, *Bev Anderson, *Karen Schadler
*Randy Barker, and Susan & Gary Bentle and t heir
family in the recent passing of Susan’s niece, age 33.
“May the Lord lift up His countenance upon
you and give you peace.”
*Permission granted by individual/family
for publication.
We Care About YOU!
Please ask a relative or close friend
to contact us at:
(859-647-5000, ext. 550)
if you are hospitalized.
Hospitals will NOT inform us.
To Hearts and Hands, A Ministry of FCC… “Thank
you for providing the much needed financial help toward a
new wheelchair to get around in. Can’t thank you enough.
Love in Christ, Shirley Dunn (Arcadia Park Resident)”
“Dear Pastor Susan and FCC congregation, It’s difficult to know where to
begin to thank you and all the members of your church for all the prayers,
visits, food, monthly packages, treats and phone calls you sent to Bill Norman. You exhibited what true Christianity is all about! Your concern
meant so very much to him, as it did for all his family and for me. Thank
you! In Christian Love, Lucy C. Ferguson”
OUR PEOPLE IN SERVICE
May 17
9:00 am Service
Elders: Jim Galbraith, Kay
Garnett
Prayer: Kay Garnett
Lay Reader: Pat Bhirdo
Deacons: George Briggs, Mike
Voskuhl, Shirley Wingfield,
Kathy Breeze, Kay Williams
Sunday School: Ron & Kelly
Lewis
10:30 am Service
10:30 am Service
10:30 am Service
Elders: John McLemore, Kay Elders: Gerald Turner, Dan Kent Elders: Angie McLemore,
Shannon Galbraith-Kent
Peacock
Prayer: Dan Kent
Prayer: Shannon G-Kent
Prayer: Kay Peacock
Lay Reader: Selina McDine
Lay Reader: Maleah Rhodes
Lay Reader: Monica Howard Deacons: Laura Struewing,
Deacons: Jeff Aubrey, Carole
Deacons: Kelly Pittman,
Sharon Stanley, Gail & Pat
Reed-Mahoney, Peggy
Laura Rudolphi, Mary Ann
McDaniel
Chukwudolue, Drew Murphy
Otto, Mary Lucas
Sunday School: Ron & Kelly
Sunday School: Donna Murphy Sunday School: None
Lewis
Worship & Wonder: Maleah Worship & Wonder: None
Worship
& Wonder: Marie
Rhodes
May 3
9:00 am Service
Elders: Kay Garnett, Glenna
Galbraith
Prayer: Glenna Galbraith
Lay Reader: George Briggs
Deacons: Jenn Hern, Todd &
Michele Reed, Betty Williams,
Ron Crume
Sunday School: Donna Murphy
Gift Delivery: Lynn Caldwell
Hospitality: Betty Williams
w/Lynn Caldwell, Helen
Thoolen
Bus Run: Ted DeAlba (5/4)
May 10
9:00 am Service
Elders: John Crabtree, Susan
Bentle
Prayer: Susan Bentle
Lay Reader: Shirley Wingfield
Deacons: Tina Carroll, Donna
Murphy, Carolyn Feldkamp,
Tony Stahl, Rosemary Newberry
Sunday School: None
Gift Delivery: Mike Peacock
Hospitality: Greg & Kay
Hamilton w/Karen Schadler,
Selina McDine, Donna Murphy
Bus Run: Ted DeAlba (5/11)
May 31
9:00 am Service
Elders: Jim Galbraith, Phyllis Reed
Prayer: Phyllis Reed
Lay Reader: Carole Reed-Mahoney
Deacons: Melanie & Mike Triplett, Marie Combs, George Briggs, Ron Crume
Sunday School: Susan Mead
10:30 am Service
Elders: Charlsey Smith, Ken Mead
Prayer: Ken Mead
Lay Reader: Tom Otto
Deacons: Brian & Nicole Kaufman,
Maleah Rhodes, Cheryl Haines
Sunday School: Susan Mead
Worship & Wonder: Jennifer Hern
May 24
9:00 am Service
Elders: Gary Bentle, John Reed
Prayer: John Reed
Lay Reader: Kay Williams
Deacons: Ginny Yahl, Lynn
Caldwell, Monica & Lance
Howard. Bob Hambrick
Sunday School: Clara Justice
10:30 am Service
Elders: Mike Peacock, Dan Kent
Prayer: Dan Kent
Lay Reader: Laura Struewing
Deacons: Jeff Aubrey, Amy
Turner, Ben Iden, Ron Lewis
Sunday School: Clara Justice
Worship & Wonder: Monica
Howard
Combs
Gift Delivery: Michele & Todd
Reed
Hospitality: Kay Garnett w/
Barb Crume, Cheryl Haines
Bus Run: Jim Galbraith
(5/18)
Gift Delivery: Larry & Jen Hern
Hospitality: Myrtle Schafer w/
Monica Howard, Julie Linville,
Rena Hobbs
Bus Run: No Run - Holiday
Communion, Ushers and Greeters
May 2015
(Serves for entire month)
Communion
9:00 - Bob Hambrick (Prep)
10:30 - Peggy Chukwudolue (Clean Up)
Usher (s):
9:00 - Bev Anderson
10:30 - Bill & Alma Bonham
Greeter (s):
9:00 - Dorothy Richie, Brenda Sparks (upper)
Gift Delivery: Ted DeAlba
Hospitality: Mary Arnold w/Glenna
Galbraith, Sharon Stanley
Bus Run: Ted DeAlba (6/1)
Donna & George Briggs (lower)
10:30 - Ann & Carl Howard (upper)
Denise Jones, Heath Rich (lower)
Florence Christian Church
300 Main Street,
Florence, KY 41042
Phone: 859-647-5000, ext. 550
Fax: 859-647-5004
The Ministries of
Florence Christian Church
A faith community valuing openness
and acceptance.
A place where people from different faith
and church experiences flourish.
Email: [email protected]
A community where men, women,
youth & children
lead, learn and serve Christ together.
A place where you can come as you are.
Check out our new website!
Who ya gonna call?
www.florencechristian.org
Senior Pastor
Rev. Dr. Susan Ward Diamond, Ext.
552
Associate Pastor
Rev. Diana Hodges-Batzka, Ext. 555
Newcomer /Membership Coordinator
Glenna Galbraith, Ext. 559
Follow us on Facebook, “Florence Christian Church”
SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE
The Zone Director
Julie Mondary-Linville, Ext. 600
Health Ministry Coordinator
Phyllis Reed, Ext. 564
Maintenance Mgr.: Patty Martin,
Ext. 554
Financial Secretary: Ted DeAlba
Ext. 551
Office Admin: Peg Danzl, Ext. 550
Sunday Services
9 am Renewed Traditional
10:30 am “Wired” Contemporary Service
Sunday School
9 am (children)
10:30 am (adults and children)
Hospitality Table 10-10:30 am
(Communion served at both services.)