Christian Courier
First Christian Church of Minneapolis (Disciples of Christ)
November 20, 2010 Thanksgiving for harvests and blessings
Inside the Courier:
Thanksgiving is
• A Look at the Brite the annual fall liturgies of both
Side, page 2 feast day celebrat- Judaism and Chris-
ed in both the tianity, as in the
• Advent Project
United States and Passover Seder and
ourier
2010, page 3
Canada (second the Christian Eu-
• December Calen- Monday in Octo- charist. Throughout
dar, page 4 the middle ages,
ber), but harvest
festivals are found days of special
• News Briefs,
page 5 in agricultural thanksgiving were
communities held to praise God
across the globe and throughout his- for deliverance from famine, plague or
tory. Three Jewish festivals— war. This tradition was preserved by the
On the Web:
Passover, Pentecost (Shavu’ot) and Puritan settlers and put to its first use in
fccminneapolis.org Tabernacles (Sukkot) — had connec- the autumn of 1621.
Disciples News Ser-
tions to agricultural events. The first Today we celebrate the feast as Christians
vice occurred at the time of new births in living in a particular country. This aware-
the animal flocks; the second at the ness should evoke a sense of good ste-
Disciples Home Mis- harvest of grain; and the third at the
sions
wardship in our celebration of Thanksgiv-
time of new wine. ing. In giving thanks to God for all our
Thanksgiving Pray- Many different harvest festivals blessings —especially blessings of food
ers and citizenship in our country—we realize
were celebrated by the medieval
Church. One such day was Lammas that such blessings demand responsible
Day in England, which commemo- use of every resource to do God’s will.
rated the harvest of grain with church Remembrance, gratitude and steward-
services and feasting. Though the ship—let these be the hallmarks of our
Puritan settlers did not retain Lam- feast, the hallmarks of our lives in Jesus
mas Day or similar feasts, their cele- Christ. Thank you, Lord!
bration of 1621 did retain such harv- --adapted from Living the Good News
est festival traditions as prayer, feast- Online Support
Coming Up: ing and games. Even our contempo-
rary celebration of Thanksgiving in- •FCC’s Thanksgiving Worship Ser-
Dec. 4, Women’s cludes these traditions. vice will be in the Fellowship Hall at
Advent Brunch
The second aspect of Thanksgiv- 10:30, Nov. 21. Our annual
Dec 12, Baby ing—gratitude for a specific event— Thanksgiving dinner will follow. You
Shower for Katie are invited to bring a side dish or des-
Anderson Lynch is also widespread in human expe-
rience. Indeed, such thanksgivings sert to share – but plan to come even if
have given rise to the characteristic you can’t bring dish!
Page 2 November 20, 2010
A Look at the Brite Side Advent: Watching, Waiting and Praying
Babe at Christmas; we’re also en- congregational forum to talk over
gaged in the busy activity of dis- the two choices, perhaps take
cerning God’s will for FCC’s fu- another straw poll. Then the
ture. Like all Advent times, it has Transition Team hopes to have a
involved a lot of activity. (Crea- clear enough direction to take a
tive waiting involves a lot of activ- specific proposal for one location
ity.) We’ve worshipped with or the other to the Board and con-
Lyndale UCC/Salem Lutheran; gregation for a decision.
Pastor Bob Brite
we’ve mapped out our sanctuary
to match the smaller potential So while you’re watchfully wait-
space at 26th and Blaisdell that ing, hopefully with a fair amount
The spirit of our approaching we’re considering for a solo move, of prayer attached for FCC’s con-
Advent is a spirit of expectancy – and will continue to worship in tinuing Advent time, please con-
watchful waiting for the fulfill- that space (after our Thanksgiving sider the choices in the context of
ment of hope (or, in some cases, service) for the next few weeks. what God would have us, God’s
doom). The Greek word for it is We had a forum Nov. 7 for the people, do. Consider especially
kairos, which is roughly translated purpose of having described to us how you might think and act if the
as ―pregnant time.‖ The spirit of the remodeling of the former Sa- choice is not one that you’d prefer,
the resurrected Christ is proc- lem Lutheran building, and how and how God might lead you at
laimed in the book of Revelation: we might fit in. We hope to have that point. Lots of active watching
―Behold, I make all things new.‖ a tour of the 26th and Blaisdell and waiting we’re doing, aren’t
And our Advent time, our kairos property this Sunday after we?
time, is one of working towards Thanksgiving worship and dinner.
newness of life. (I’m waiting to hear from the real- I’d like to see YOU on Sunday,
Our particular Advent time this tor as I’m writing this.) Then on Bob
year is not just a matter of watch- the first or second Sunday in De-
ful waiting for the birth of the cember, we hope to have another
In our prayers We pray in concern for those who are ill including Adrian Ramirez, re-
cently hospitalized with a respiratory infection, for Richard Schwer-
Gracious God, we sinske, for Charlotte Ronnei, and for all those diagnosed with cancer,
lift up these persons including Arlene Hillestad’s friend Jocelyn and Dennis Sander’s co-
in our prayers, ask- worker; in thanksgiving for the safe return of Pat Carter from her time
ing the blessing of in Paraguay and for the generosity of all who contributed to Plaster
your Grace and out- House; for Steve and Amy Dunlop as they begin their work in Tanza-
pouring of your Love nia; for all veterans, especially those returning with injuries from Iraq
upon them. and Afghanistan, and for all those who suffer from fear or from addic-
tions; for all our homebound members, including Jane Anderson and
Dorothy Becker, Amen.
Page 3
Christian Courier
Mission Notes from Pastor Sanders
The Advent Project 2010
First Christian will offer sever- for these young folks as they
al opportunities to take part in begin a new life. This will be-
the coming of Jesus by taking gin on November 28 and last
part in the spiritual discipline until December 24. Look for
of giving and service. more information in your
weekly bulletins.
Community Emergency Ser-
vice Hygiene Drive- It’s not Christmas Rose Concert- Our
uncommon to go to a food shelf annual benefit opera for Feed
and see lots of food, but very My Starving Children will be
The ―Christmas Season‖ is a little when it comes to things held Friday, Dec. 17 at 7:30
time when we are busy with like soap or toothpaste. People PM, in the FCC Sanctuary.
shopping and Christmas Par- who are ―food insecure‖ usual-
ties. As early as October, we ly find it hard to also purchase Sandwiches for Dignity Cen-
start seeing ads and store dis- toiletries like deodorant. ter- We are making plans in
plays for Christmas. While early December to make sand-
there is nothing wrong in buy- Beginning November 28 wiches for the Homeless at the
ing presents or going to parties, through December 24, we will Dignity Center, a ministry of
it’s easy to miss what this time collect these items for the CES Hennepin Avenue United Me-
is all about. Food shelf. thodist Church. Stay tuned.
As Christians, the four weeks Aliveness Project Cookie Ex- More information will come in
before Christmas is not consi- change- The Young Adults to the next few days. If you have
dered the Christmas Season but gather tentatively on December any questions, please contact
instead is called Advent. Ad- 11 to make cookies to share me at 612-325-8066 or by
vent is the time we wait for the and also for the Aliveness email at:
coming of Christ, the one that Project, a local charity helping associatepastor@fccminneapolis.org
we ultimately celebrate on those with HIV/AIDS.
Christmas. It is a time for Go and be church.
preparation of the coming king Aliveness Project Gift
who won’t rule like any other Basket- For the second year in Dennis Sanders
king. a row, we will sponsor a fami- Associate Pastor
ly, individual or couple who is
We are reminded that the com- dealing with HIV/AIDS. We
ing One is the one who made are looking for folks who
friends with the poor and the would be willing to buy a gift
outsider. As Christians, or to make the holidays a better
Christ-followers, we are also time for our fellow sisters and
called to do justice and to love brothers.
mercy, just as the One we fol-
low. Nicollet Square- Nicollet
Square is a new project by the
Plymouth Housing Foundation
for homeless youth. We will
be collecting welcome baskets
Page 4 November 20, 2010
Regular Worship Hours
9:15 Spiritual Formation Classes
December, 2010
10:30 Worship
First Christian Church
11:45 Fellowship Time in Lounge
1 2 3 4
9 am Nikkei 9 am Handcrafters 9 am- Men’s
6 pm Midweek Group
Bible Study 10 am Women’s
6:30 Bell Choir Ministries Ad-
7:45 Chancel Choir vent Brunch
with Advent
Decorations
following
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
8 pm AA 7 pm Worship 6 pm Midweek 9 am Handcrafters 9 am- Men’s
Committee Bible Study Group
6:30 Bell Choir Young Adult
7:45 Chancel Choir Gathering
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
12 n All Church 8 pm AA 7 pm Property 9 am Nikkei 9 am Handcrafters 7:30 pm 9 am- Men’s
Luncheon and Committee 5:30 pm Finance Christmas Group
baby shower Committee Opera – 10 am Laura
for Katie An- 6 pm Midweek The Lynne/Naomi
derson Lynch Bible Study Christmas Circle
6:30 Bell Choir Rose Nicolas Carter
7:45 Chancel Choir Concert
6 pm Dinner for
St. Stephen’s
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Food Pantry 8 pm AA 9 am Mpls Re- 6 pm Midweek 9 am Handcrafters Christmas
Sunday tired Teachers Bible Study Eve Service
luncheon 6:30 Bell Choir 6:30 Recep-
Elders Mtg 7 pm FCC Board 7:45 Chancel Choir tion
5 pm FCC Meeting 7 pm Carols
Lounge 7:30 Service
26 27 28 29 30 31
No Bible Study 8 pm AA 9 am Handcrafters
Elders Worship Leader Children’s Diaco- Bus Drivers Greeters
Moment aco-
nate
Dec. 5 Martha Harris Dean Creighton Dennis Sanders Even Mike Morgan Karen Kandik
Karen Kandik Team 612-926-9384
Dec. 12 Arlene Hillestad Ardie Armstrong Deb Murphy Even Mike Hesano Martha Harris
Jay Hillestad Team 651-645-6758
Dec. 19 Skip Wolverton Don Cain Bob Brite Even Garry Hesser Valerie Dunham
Ann Wolverton Team 612-7721-4905-
Dec. 24 Tom Curry
Ardie Armstrong
Dec. 26 Jay Hillestad Martha Harris Janice Brady Even Mike Morgan Ardie Armstrong,
Arlene Hillestad Team Shirley Draine
Christian Courier Page 5
Blaisdell property tour scheduled
Nov. 21 following dinner All Saints Service at Intermedia Arts
One of the proposed options for FCC’s future is
to purchase and move to a smaller building in the
area. A commercial building on the corner of 26th
and Blaisdell is currently under consideration by
the Transition Team.
Following the FCC Thanksgiving dinner on Sun.
Nov. 21, interested people can tour this property in
order to get a better picture of the possibilities.
Ten people toured the Salem/Lyndale worship
space, which is currently under construction, on
Nov. 14. This is another space being considered as
a site for the future FCC.
Women’s Ministries Advent Brunch
scheduled for Dec. 4 Deb Murphy had a larger-than-usual group of listeners during
the Children’s Moment at the All Saints’ Joint Service on
FCC’s women’s ministries will hold their annual Nov. 7.
Advent Brunch in the Gathering Room on Satur-
day, Dec. 4, at 10:00 am. Time for Poinsettia Orders
The Laura Lynn/Naomi Circle is providing the
program. Reservations should be made with Karen
This year’s colors are
Kandik, 612-827-2798,
Burgundy
Pink
Red
Play at Central Lutheran on Sat. Nov. White
20 to highlight homelessness issues
A local theater group, zAmya Theater Project, is Price is $10. You may leave your order in the
presenting their production Homeroom at 3 pm on Church Office or with Bev Singewald in the
Sat. Nov. 20 at Central Lutheran Church. lounge on Nov. 21 and Nov. 28 following worship.
The setting of Homeroom is a classroom in an Plants must be ordered by November 30th.
unusual school, where the topic of study is home- ----------------------------------------------------------
lessness. Written largely by the cast and directed
by zAmya Artistic Director Maren Ward, each cha- Name ______________________
racter and story is based on reality. The stories
delve deeply into cycles of violence, of dependen- In Honor of: _________________
cy, of poverty – and how to interrupt those cycles.
In Memory of __________________
The zAmya Theater Project is a unique group
that brings together homeless and housed individu- ___ Burgundy ___ Pink ___ Red ___ White
als to create and perform productions.
The production is being sponsored by Downtown ______ Total
Congregations to End Homelessness. Treats, hot
apple cider and coffee will be available, and a free- Please make checks out to First Christian Church
will offering received.
Bi-Weekly Calendar Reflections on the Word
from Readings for 11/28
Sunday Worship at 10:30 am
―But about that day and hour no
Before Worship (9:15 am): one knows, neither the angels of
Art of the Covenant Class Hearthstone/Adults Class heaven, nor the Son, but only the
Father.‖ –Matthew 24:36
After worship: Fellowship Hour 11:45 am
End times might be some of the
scariest, saddest, and most feared,
This Week at FCC Next Week at FCC but they are also some of the most
Sunday, November 28 intriguing. This ―day and hour‖
Sunday, November 21
Thanksgiving Service & Potluck First Sunday of Advent points to Jesus’ coming again,
Food Pantry Sunday Wednesday, December 1 which seems like it will never hap-
Elders’ Meeting Nikkei 9 am pen in our ―want it now!‖ culture.
Wednesday, November 24 Bible Study 6 pm 2,000 years is a long time to wait
Bible Study 6 pm Bell Choir 6:30 pm for someone to come back and re-
Bell Choir 6:30 pm Chancel Choir 7:45 pm deem our broken world. But in the
Chancel Choir 7:45 pm Thursday, December 2 meantime, we wait in hopefulness.
Thursday, November 25 Handcrafters 9 am
Thanksgiving Day Gracious God, bring us peace in
Saturday, December 4
Men’s Group 9 am our waiting, which sometimes
Friday, November 26
OFFICE CLOSED Women’s Ministries Brunch 10 am seems endless. For you will ac-
complish your purposes in your
Saturday, November 27 own time, not in ours. And there is
Men’s Group 9 am some freedom in that. Amen.
--Chris Wogaman
A Thoughtful Church in the
Heart of the City FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH
OF MINNEAPOLIS
(DISCIPLES OF CHRIST)
Ministry Team
All Members of the Congregation 2201 1st Avenue South
Robert Brite, Interim Minister Minneapolis, MN 55404
Dennis Sanders, Minister of Diversi-
ty and Mission Address Service Requested
Chris Wogaman, Office Manager
Rick Bowman, Building Manager
Deb Murphy, Director of Spiritual
Formation & Community Ministry
James Barnett, Interim Choir Direc-
tor
Bryon Wilson, Interim Organist
Serena Carlson, Nursery Attendant
Martha Harris, Courier Editor
Telephone: 612.870.1868
www.fccminneapolis.org
E-Mail: fcc-mpls@qwest.net
Fax: 612.870.1860
Christian Courier is published bi-
monthly. Send items and ideas to
church office or to Martha Harris
harrismartha@mac.com
by Fri, Nov. 26 for next issue.
