Fort Smith

Disciple

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Mission Statement:

The mission of First Christian Church, Fort Smith AR is to lift up Jesus the Christ by:

•  Enabling spiritual growth and deepened commitment, both individually and corporately;

•  Developing a church family/community that is accepting and encouraging;  

•  Serving our community and the world through spiritual, physical, and emotional support; and

•  Reaching out in His name to the unchurched in our community.

Pastoral Concerns

_ We send our sympathies to Duff Taylor and family on the death of his father, Robert Taylor. The memorial service was held early this week.

_ Dewaine Moncier continues rehab at HealthSouth. It’s been a long recovery process as he was initially admitted to Sparks on January 1. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and with Mary Ann.

_ Reba Irons returned home to Fianna Hills Nursing Center following a lengthy stay at St. Edwards/Mercy.

_ Many of you have expressed concern for Ryan Payne, Connie’s son, who suffered a seizure after late worship last Sunday. He was taken to St. Ed’s ER where tests were done and was released; further tests are pending.

MEMORIALS: We gratefully acknowledge the following gifts, given as a thoughtful expression of sympathy and of care…

_ In Memory of Joe Allen - by Doris Gravley, Allen & Mary Nelle Hales 

Thank You!, FCC

   Dearest Church Family, I wish to thank all of you for your prayers during my dad’s illness. I wish to thank everyone for their kind words of sympathy. I was so moved by your out-pouring of love. I received so many cards which was very uplifting to me and to my family.

   Thank You All Very Much; We love our church family,

   Deborah, Ryan & Anna Scherff

   Our thanks to the Warren Family for their work on the property a week ago and special thanks to John for spraying the campus, and

   Further thanks to Disciples Men who helped clean up the storage building.

First Fruits”

Stewardship Education and Commitment Program

ENTER INTO THE JOY

   In the 25^th chapter of Matthew’s Gospel is Jesus’ parable of the “Talents”. When the three servants are called by their Master to an accounting, the two servants who had been faithful in their stewardship of their Master’s property heard these words from the Master: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your Master.” (Matt. 25.20-23)

   The key works are not “I will set you over much”. This may, or may not, mean increased resources and financial gain; the key words are “Enter into the joy of your Master”. Joy is the result of faithfulness.

   Jesus experienced, and had some significant things to say concerning joy. He was not talking about “”happiness”. We all experience “happy moments” and “happy days”, but the circumstances of life alter and eliminate “happy” feelings. When Jesus spoke of joy, He was talking of something much deeper, fuller and continual than happiness.

   Please read John 15.1-11 and note particularly the last sentence (vs. 11) — “these things I have spoken to you that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” There is a deep, abiding joy that comes with faithfulness.

   This Sunday when you make your commitment to God by placing your commitment card in the offering plate, and through the year as you faithfully keep that commitment, it is possible that your spirit will hear the echo of the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant,…enter into the joy of your Master.”

---Howard Marshall, Minister Emeritus

Announcing Called Meetings

  Our annual called congregational meeting is set for June 1 after late worship when the congregation will vote on the slate of nominees for new board members, including a trustee, five elders and at least fifteen deacons. This will be brief.

   Additionally, our called June board meeting is set for Sunday,

June 8 at 6 pm in the chapel. Its purpose is to vote on the proposed budget for the new year and the new board officers.

   Please mark these important dates on your calendar.

Remember to welcome

Natalie Trent,

our guest organist

at worship this Sunday.

Tawni Marshall

and David Marshall

request the honor of your presence

at their marriage on Saturday, May 31

at 3 pm in the Sanctuary.

LOVE GRUB Report

LOVE GRUB, our outreach meal program for shut-ins, had a successful year with 58 people experiencing the loving care of our FCC family. We cooked and served meals from September though May.

Our Love Grub Committee spent $155.11 of the $1,130.44 budget, leaving a balance of $995.33 for next year’s committee members. Many thank you notes and one donation were received from the recipients of the meals

Baseball Game Outing

On Thursday, May 22, we’ll be traveling to Springdale to watch the Naturals’ professional baseball team play. This is open to any and all and will be a fun trip.

We’re working on getting some free tickets and it’s $1 hot dog night. Call the office to reserve your spot. We will leave around 5:15 pm for the 7 pm game.

Share & Care

During the summer school break, the Clearinghouse’s Backpack for Kids food program continues. Please contribute individually wrapped snack foods to build up the supply for this program:

applesauce, breakfast bars, pudding or jello, crackers with cheese or peanut butter, snack cakes, etc.

Drop off your donations in the white box opposite the church office in the administration building.

¯ Dianna’s Notes ¯

¯ Disciples Bells will ring on May 18; please meet promptly at 9 am to rehearse Processional Rondo and also Softly and Tenderly (for June). We will not rehearse on Commitment Sunday afternoon.

Volunteers for May 18

Acolytes

Hannah Bicknell & Blythe Taylor 

Worship Leader

Danny Lynch

Junior Deacons

Karen Ricketts & Morgen Fuller

Van Drivers

Susan Randolph

Please find your own replacement

if you cannot serve.

Church Calendar 

 

For the Record - May 18   Operating:           Sunday                  $     7,534.35                                 To date                  $   21,383.97 Building Fund: Sunday   $     1,365.00                                 To date                  $     3,935.00 Pentecost Offering: Sunday              $        587.00                                 To date                  $     1,900.00