Wednesday, December 3, 2008 Word from the Associate Pastor I am a spur of the moment guy. If a good idea strikes me – a new place to eat, a fun free event or activity, or an opportunity to invite friends over – my mouth will often speak before my brain does the thinking. This can lead to delicate situations with those around me who like to have things planned out well in advance. It seems to me that the religious leaders of Jesus’ day wouldn’t have minded being clued in on Christ’s imminent arrival. They wouldn’t have minded some preparation time. Instead, Christ came silently, swiftly, and suddenly as a precious child. There may have been a handful of warning signals, but for most people, Jesus was just another baby being born to a poor family in an insignificant part of the world. Christmas is a season that requires preparation. We have family gatherings to plan for. We have gifts to purchase. We have parties and volunteer opportunities that must be marked in to our calendars. We have worship services to attend. And in the midst of that, we are called to make way for the Lord in our hearts and lives. It’s a lot of preparation, especially when Christ is far from our thoughts and attitude when we are standing in line with rude, impatient folks in Walmart or not sure how we will have the money to pay for all the things we hope to get our loved ones. But Christmas is also a season that must simply be experienced as is. It is a season where there can be surprise around every corner. It is a season when an unexpected gift from a loved one can bring tears to our eyes. It is a season where candlelight and ancient melodies can stir our hearts to see God and this world in a new light. It is a season where giving and sharing turn out to be the best presents we can give ourselves. It is a season of quiet, startling moments that lead us deeper into God’s truth and gracious power. For Mary and Joseph – for the shepherds and wisemen – for the entire world – Jesus’ coming was a surprise, a startling movement of God’s love. How could anyone fully prepare for such a gift? And yet that is our challenge this Advent season – prepare… prepare to be surprised. Nathan Hill THE SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT @ EDCC Sunday, December 7 Advent Craft Workshop and Luncheon Crafts for children, youth and adults alike! Wednesday, December 10 All-Church Christmas Party ♦ Prime Rib dinner--$7.50 for adults; $3.00 for children ♦ Children’s Christmas Musical (See back cover for additional info) ♦ Visit by Santa Claus Volume 4, Number 40 Inside this Issue: Photos 2 Class Articles 3 Keith’s Keynotes 3 Compassion Action 4 Church Calendar 6 Joys & Concerns 7 Service of Consolation & Remembrance 7 Special Points of Interest: Mike’s Kids Word from the Parish Wellness Minster New Church Website Special Events at EDCC Fowler Facts #2 “Beneath a Shining Star” Joint Cabinet Meeting Sunday, December 7th at EDCC Rev. Deborah Morgan Preaching 8:30 am - Chapel 10:50 am - Sanctuary SCRIPTURE Mark 13: 24-37 SERMON “Watch” CONGRATULATIONS AKIKO ON A GREAT RECITAL! MIKE’S KIDS This Sunday, December 7th is the LAST day to donate to Mike’s Kids. (972) 475-1599 or Contact Bob Counts at (972) 814-4282 for additional information. WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS On Sunday, November 23 we welcomed Angela, Ed, Ethan, Edward, and Andrew Ortega to our church family. The boys are already very active in Children’s Church. The Ortegas live at 3128 Crest Ridge Drive, Dallas, 75228. On Sunday, November 30 Cindy Huggins and Greg Byrne (both regular visitors) joined our church family. Cindy resides at 18600 Dallas Parkway, #1011, Dallas 75287, email [email protected]. Greg lives in our neighborhood. His address is 7515 Live Oak, #319, Dallas 75204. Page 2 Volume 4, Number 40 East Dallas Christian Church FELLOWSHIP CLASS NOVEMBER 30, 2008 D id everyone notice the red chairs on the right side as you come into the room? Apparently some extras from the Sanders Class. Joe Gilbert accompanied by Carolyn Frenzel led the 46 present in singing. R. L. Swindell announced the 52 nd anniversary for Wes and Ann Sanders. Members needing prayers are John Bullard at Fowler (would love to have visitors), Jean Gilbert at Walnut Place Rehab, Ann Sanders as she continues treatment, Betty Counts scheduled for surgery on Thursday, and Dawn Kilpatrick. We had one guest, the Hartman’s daughter-inlaw. Joanne Wilson gave a very meaningful prayer, including a poem about prayer. Ginger Hartman brought the lesson today on “Persecution Within the Community,” from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. She wanted to know how many read the lesson, as she felt it was a rather difficult lesson to teach. Paul was proud of the church he founded in Corinth, but he felt that there were false prophets during the time he was gone. Why did he stress all the suffering he had been through? He loved this church and wanted the people to understand that Jesus wanted the people to be free of many of the Jewish rules, except the Ten Commandments. Remember Paul worked so hard to establish the Christian Church and think what we can do today, i.e., visit the sick, help the needy, and bring the message of Jesus Christ. Wes Sanders had several announcements. This is the last chance to make reservations for the Party on Friday; there will be an officers’ meeting immediately following the party to select new officers; congregational meeting after the 11:50 service; followed by lunch; and Akiko Nakahara’s piano recital at 2:00 in the Sanctuary. Helen Hillbish SANDERS CLASS NOVEMBER 30, 2008 H ow delighted Song Leader Les Findley and all of us were to musically accompany Rev. Nathan Hill’s accomplished wife Yunkyong as she played our favorite hymns, and to listen carefully to Dorothy Loyd’s most comprehensive opening prayer! Fifth Sundays are special occasions for us when Rev. Bob Gartman takes over the podium. He captivates us with his Biblical knowledge. His lesson from 2 Corinthians 11 and 12 recalled the tough life Paul endured for the sake of Christ! In VP Boyd Queen’s, Care Leader Pat William’s and our own daily prayers are get well thoughts for recuperating president, Mildred G i l b e r t ( n o w a t h om e w i t h assistance from sister, Flo), teacher Weldon Bell’s wife, Kate (in Meadow rehab), A.B. Tate in Pearl Norden rehab, as well as all our homebound members. Our thanks again to Social Leaders Martha Stone and Robbie Brawner for organizing an unforgettable December 3 Open House in our elegant Church parlor! Elieen Thomas KEITH’S KEYNOTES Can you believe it’s December and only 3 weeks till Christmas? Wow! I hope each of you will take time during this busy season for quiet, peaceful moments as well as t h e j o y f u l c e l e b r a t io n s ! O u r Concert Series has already presented 3 wonderful concerts. I am so proud of our Chancel Choir, Andrea Talladino and Akiko Nakahara for presenting these inspiring concerts. Thank you to those who have attended and supported this Series. Page 3 Our upcoming, “SING WE NOW OF CHRISTMAS” is rapidly upon us. Can we fill the Wednesday, December 3, 2008 sanctuary this year? With your help, I believe we can! Please, invite your family, friends and work associates to this incredible night of music. There are plenty of Concert Brochures and Postcards available for you to pick up at anytime. The Chancel Choir, Brass Fusion and The Singing Girls of Texas will present a variety of pieces, Traditional, Classical, Jazzy, Sacred & Secular selections: something for everyone! Keith Critcher East Dallas Christian Church WORD FROM THE PARISH WELLNESS MINISTER Dear Fellow Worshipers: Most women I know are great at taking care of their loved ones and others, but fail to notice their own signs and symptoms. I received this information at work today from our pharmacist and felt it might help our busy “Disciple Women & their Special Disciple Men” of this message from an emergency room nurse that experienced a heart attack. Wom en a nd MI (Myocardial Infarction) heart attacks rarely have the same dramatic symptoms that men have when experiencing a heart attack. You know, the sudden stabbing pain in the chest, the cold sweat, grabbing the chest & dropping to the floor that we see in the movies. According to this emergency room nurse ‘She had a heart attack at about 10:30 PM with NO prior exertion, NO prior emotional trauma that one would suspect might have brought it on. She was sitting all snugly & warm on a cold evening, with her purring cat in her lap, reading an interesting story her friend had sent her and actually thinking, ‘A-A-h, this is the life, all cozy and warm in her soft, cushy Lazy Boy with her feet propped up. A moment later, she felt that awful sensation of indigestion, when you’ve been in a hurry and grabbed a bite of sandwich and washed it down with a dash of water, and that hurried bite seems to feel like you’ve swallowed a golf ball going down the esophagus in slow motion and it is most uncomfortable. You realize you shouldn’t have gulped it down so fast and needed to chew it more thoroughly and this time, drink a glass of water to hasten its progress down to the stomach. This was her initial sensation … the only trouble was that she hadn’t taken a bite of anything since about 5:00 pm. After it seemed to subside, the next sensation was like a little squeezing motions that seemed to be racing up her SPINE gaining speed as they continued racing up and under her sternum (breast bone), where one presses rhythmically when ministering CPR. This fascinating process continued on into her throat and branched out into both jaws. NOW she was no longer puzzled at what was happening, she was having a Heart Attack. (pain in the jaws is one signal of an MI)… She knew to call 911, unlock her door, lie down on the floor near by where she lost consciousness. She indicated this all happened over a period of 4-5 minutes and not the seemly 20-30 minutes. I will not share the rest, but she was hospitalized and treated. She asked that we post the following information to every woman over 35: 1. Be aware that something very different is happening in your body, not the usual men’s symptoms but inexplicable things happening. The indigestion that won’t go away the hurting in your jaw. And especially if this is pain you never had before. 2. Note to call the “Paramedics” And if you can, take an “Aspirin.” Tell them your symptoms. Do Not try to drive yourself to the ER – you are a hazard to others on the road. Do Not have your panicked husband drive either, who will be speeding and looking anxiously at what’s happening with you instead of the road. 3. Do Not call your doctor --- he/ she doesn’t know where you live and if it’s at night you won’t reach him/her anyway, and if it’s daytime his/her assistants (or answering service) will tell you to call the Paramedics. 4. Don’t assume it couldn’t be a heart attack because you have a normal cholesterol count. Research has discovered that an elevated cholesterol reading is rarely the cause of an MI (Unless it’s unbelievably high and/or accompanied by high blood pressure). 5. It is better to have a ‘false alarm’ visitation than to risk your life guessing what it might be. Let’s be careful and aware with the one body God gave us. The more we know the better chance we could survive. Staying Healthy & Aware to Serve Others, Patricia Maples Parish Wellness Minster COMPASSION ACTION Volunteer Opportunity I f you would like the opportunity to greet and meet some of the families who will be recipients of your gifts to the Angel Page 4 Tree, EDCC will be volunteering at the Treasures of Hope Christmas Store on Tuesday evening, December 16. We will meet at the church at 5pm, then tra vel t ogether to t he store located at Plaza of the Americas. Volume 4, Number 40 We will work until the store closes at 9 pm. If you would like to join us as we share in the spirit of giving, please call Janie in the church office. East Dallas Christian Church NEW EDCC.ORG WEBSITE Part 1 in a series… Overview A s promis ed, here is the first in a series of articles to help you get the most out of our new EDCC.org website. Before I go into a listing of what it can do, I thought I w ould sha re the ph ilosoph y behind it and why we did it. We have an incredible community at East Dallas and I’m constantly amazed as people step up to move things along in the life of our church through teaching Sunday school, preparing meals and the work of all of the great committees. It wasn’t until I started attending cabinet meetings that I realized everything that we do as a church community. The work we do doesn’t just happen on Sunday, nor does it only happen within the walls of our church. That is why we launched our new web site community. We h ope t h a t it w i l l s e r ve a s a foundation to share what we do with the rest of the world. Public Visitors: Our new site gives visitors to our site the ability to get an understanding of who we are, what we do, what we believe and everything that goes on in the life of our church. We allow visitors to ‘meet the ministers’ as well as ‘meet the members’ through the ‘Why this is my church’ articles. Just like in the printed books, last names have been removed for privacy reasons. What is important is that your stories be shared with people who may have the same reasons to find a church home as you did. A public calendar of events is available - additionally, all of the programs that the church supports are listed with opportunities to volunteer. Public visitors can also keep up with our Page 5 public church news, newsletters, bulletins and printed versions of the sermon. Soon we will have our ministers sharing conversations and thoughts on each of their own blogs. Registered Visitors: Registered visitors are like public visitors, but they are able to also register for events (meals, concerts and other special events in the life of the church) and they are also able to listen to audio recordings of our sermons. Additionally, registered visitors can take place in the conversations on the Minister blogs - sharing their thoughts, ideas and viewpoints. Registration is easy and free. Members: Members are able to see all of this plus some very specific member-only items like: ♦ Member calendar of all activities happening in the church ♦ Member news where newsletter items and other news is posted ♦ Joys, concerns and prayer requests ♦ Full ‘why this is my church’ articles ♦ Pi cto r ia l di re ct or y (each member determines if they wish to participate by posting their information) ♦ Member documents like board minutes, by-laws and other documents of interest ♦ Member marketplace where people can post items and services that need or have to offer to other members (like babysitting, or yard work, or furniture for sale) ♦ Members can submit a calendar request to have a meeting or activity put on the church calendar ♦ Submit a news article for the newsletter ♦ Make a suggestion of something you would like to see on the website, or in the Wednesday, December 3, 2008 ♦ life of the church There are also secure areas for Elders, Deacons and Staff where they can find serving schedules and other related items. To be able to gain access to the member portion of the site, you will need a member ID. This ID is unique to each individual. F a m i l i e s h a v e I D ’ s f o r e a ch member. If you didn’t receive an e-mail with your unique member ID, please go to www.edcc.org/memberid and request yours and start taking part in our exciting new on-line community. In future articles, we will cover each of these features in more detail. Tom Grounds ELDERS SERVING THIS SUNDAY ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Presiding: Cup: Loaf: Right: Left: Chapel: Fowler: Preparation: Dan Busdiecker Mark Byrkit Bob Counts Keith Critcher Richard Dooley Cathy Doyle Mike Doyle Dale Hogue & Carol Hooten ALTAR FLOWERS AVAILABLE ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ December 7th 2 December 21st 2 NOVEMBER 30TH, 2008 ATTENDANCE ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 8:30 A.M. Worship 37 10:50 A.M. Worship 186 Children & Youth Classes 18 Adult Classes 108 Fowler Homes 17 East Dallas Christian Church OPPORTUNITIES AT EAST DALLAS CHRISTIAN CHURCH SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 8:30 a.m. Worship and Communion, Chapel 9:20 a.m. Coffee Fellowship, Great Hall 9:30 a.m. Church School Classes for all ages Chancel Choir Rehearsal 10:50 a.m. Worship and Communion, Sanctuary Children’s Church, Education Wing Children’s Choir Rehearsal 12:00 noon Advent Workshop Luncheon & Crafts, Great Hall 12:15 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal 2:00 p.m. ELM Board Meeting, St. Andrews 6:30 p.m. Dynamics Class Christmas Party, Glasener hosting MONDAY, DECEMBER 8 9:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. ELM Classes 6:30 p.m. Joint Church Cabinet Meeting, Great Hall Complimentary Dinner with reservations Josephine Court HOA Meeting, Disciples Room TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9 7:00 a.m. Elders Prayer Breakfast 9:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. ELM Classes WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10 9:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. ELM Classes 10:00 a.m. Bible Study, Disciples Room 2:30 p.m. Staff Meeting 6:30 p.m. All-Church Prime Rib Dinner, Great Hall Children’s Choir Musical, “Beneath the Shining Star” Participants and Guests, Reservations please! SPECIAL EVENTS AT EDCC ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Sunday, December 7 Advent Workshop & Luncheon Great Hall, 12:00 noon Wednesday, December 10 Children’s Choir Christmas Musical & All-Church Christmas Dinner 6:30 p.m., Great Hall Reservations please! Monday, December 15 Service of Remembrance 6:30 p.m., Chapel Tuesday, December 16 All-Church Disciples Women Christmas Gathering Hosted by Nancy Stalcup 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Saturday, December 20 NOW Class Christmas Party Voigt’s Hosting, 7 p.m. Sunday, December 21 Sing We Now of Christmas 6:30 p.m., Sanctuary Reception, Great Hall THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11 9:00a.m. & 12:30 p.m. ELM Classes FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13 7:30 a.m. Families First (EXCAP) Seminar, Great Hall, Nursery SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14 8:30 a.m. Worship and Communion, Chapel 9:30 a.m. Church School Classes for all ages Chancel Choir Rehearsal 10:50 a.m. Worship and Communion, Sanctuary Children’s Church, Education Wing Children’s Choir Rehearsal 12:00 noon Youth Christmas Party 12:15 p.m. Sing We Now of Christmas rehearsals, Sanctuary WELCOME TO OUR VISITORS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Lucy Barnett Mike French Nikki Aldridge Buddy Detzel Patti Hill Shirley Stafferd DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ MONDAY, DECEMBER 15 6:30 p.m. Service of Remembrance, Chapel Logan Garrett 7th Junior Dehayos 8th TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16 11:30-1:30 p.m. Disciples Women, All-Church Christmas Gathering Joe and Nancy Stalcup Hosting Anabelle Blackburn 9th Page 6 Volume 4, Number 40 Bill Hendrix 11th Manda Soap 11th Matthew Whisennand 11th Jay Stanford 12th East Dallas Christian Church EDCC JOYS & CONCERNS JOYS Celebrating and giving thanks for: ♦ All children and youth, represented by Juin Stanford. ♦ All our young adults away at college or in town, including Christine Byrkit. ♦ Our new members, Greg Byrne and Cindy Huggins ♦ Laura and Tim Bateman’s news of the coming addition to their family! ♦ Akiko Nakahara’s awesome piano recital. ♦ The chapel and sanctuary decorated for Advent and Christmas, as well as the Advent devotional booklet. Thanks to all who shared their gifts and talents. ♦ Our new church officers, elders and deacons for 2009. ♦ Harriet Beckstrom CONCERNS ♦ Sunny Stout ♦ Jean Gilbert ♦ Chris Ryer ♦ Mildred Gilbert ♦ Louise Lerch ♦ Kate Bell ♦ Family of Lt. Col. Steven Manley ♦ Doris Riddle ♦ Danna Moore ♦ Cathy Doyle ♦ Rev. Margaret Scales ♦ John Bullard ♦ Cub Scouts injured in Overton ♦ Betty Counts Pray for Ongoing Concerns in our Congregation: ♦ Dawn Kilpatrick ♦ Mike Cox ♦ Kim Mitchell Pray for Ongoing Concerns Outside Congregation: ♦ Ann Sanders ♦ Tami Fonseca ♦ The Mitchell Family Pray for our Military, especially: Pray for those Outside our Congregation: ♦ Boone Mooty ♦ Laurren Smith Pray for our Limited Activity Members: ♦ Lauren Hill ♦ Bob and Marvina Hauger ♦ Gene Maxa and family upon the death of Pray for our Ministries, including: Gene’s father ♦ The Angel Tree and Treasures of Hope ♦ Baby Angelina Madrigal and family Pray for our Committees at Work, including: ♦ Donna Robins’ sister Margaret • Worship Committee SERVICE OF CONSOLATION & REMEMBRANCE Monday, December 15 @ 6:30 pm E ve ry ye a r, ED CC offe rs a special service for those who find the holiday season from Thanksgiving to Christmas to be an especially challenging time. Whether we grieve the loss of a loved one through death or divorce, or the loss of job and/or comfort to us. There will be special health, for some of us this is a time music and a time to light the far removed from being “merry.” candles of hope. Caring for those who can not care for themselves. have the resources to care for the fun that was had when they themselves and need some type of carried their gift for JFH wrapped subsidy. in white paper to the altar and The Christian Church (Disciples of placing it under the Christmas tree, Christ) has supported JFH with making a skirt of “snow”. Though t i m e , t a l e n t s a n d m o n e t a r y i t i s n o t r e c o r d e d w h e n th i s d o n a t i o n s l o n g b e f o r e t h e tradition began it is one that r e l a t i o n s h i p b e g a n i n 1 9 0 4 . continues today. The Service of Consolation and Remembrance will be held in the Chapel on Monday evening, December 15 at 6:30 pm. It will include scriptures that both share o u r p a in a n d o ff e r w o r ds o f Please feel welcome to attend this service and invite friends and family members that you feel might also need to experience God’s comforting peace. Deborah Morgan FOWLER FACTS (SERIES #2 ) The mission of Juliette Fowler Homes Inc. is: to provide residential facilities, care, and support for the benefit of needy children, youth, and elderly persons who may seek its protection and aid, administering to their physical, moral, intellectual, and spiritual needs, without regard to the ability of such persons to pay. JFH is a nonprofit 501 c 3 social service organization that is dedicated to the mission. More than 75% of the residents do not Page 7 Congregations will remember the JFH children residents singing at their churches many years ago, or placing their collected pennies for JFH on the altar. The Christmas holidays for many congregations meant it was time to collect the White Gifts. Many church members reminisce about Wednesday, December 3, 2008 Not as many congregations participate in the white gift donations, many now include JFH in their out reach ministry, while others send mission trips to the campus or assist with worship on Sunday afternoon. Congregations continue to be a very important part of the JFH ministry. East Dallas Christian Church Church Newsletter Date Sensitive Please expedite. 629 N. Peak St. ♦ Dallas, TX 75246 PO Box 710329 ♦ Dallas, TX 75371 (214) 824 - 8185 ur Visit us at o Ne w & Updated website EDCC.ORG SUNDAY SERVICES 8:30 A.M.—Chapel 10:50 A.M.—Sanctuary EAST DALLAS CHRISTIAN STAFF Sunday School for all ages at 9:30 A.M. Rev. Deborah Morgan Senior Minister Rev. Nathan Hill Minister of Church Life Keith Critcher Minister of Music and Worship Jack Knox Youth Minister Patricia Maples Parish Wellness Minister (Licensed) Janie Autz Director of Outreach Ministry Raymond Tolentino Business Administrator Peggy McCurdy Program Coordinator Michael Plantz Organist Courtney Morgan Building Superintendent Phoebe Gonzales Head Custodian “BENEATH A SHINING STAR” Wednesday, December 10 Children’s Christmas Musical It’s dress rehearsal time for this year's Christmas pageant, and the Stage Manager is whipping the troops into shape for the performance. They’re all here-angels, shepherds, and stars-but the one thing missing is the true meaning of Christmas. Enter Mary, Joseph, and the Child in the manger for a warm reminder of that first Christmas night! Directors: Laura Bateman, Dana Kelly & Joni Singer Cast & Choir: EDCC Children's Choir with Daniel Wells JOINT CABINET MEETING Monday, December 8, 2008 @ 6:30 pm, Great Hall Join us as the 2008 Cabinet meets and greets the 2009 Cabinet to talk about an exciting “New Year” Complimentary dinner with reservations!
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