Relay for Life

May 14-15, 2011

9am-9am
South High School
It’s almost here!! The American Cancer Society (ACS) is sponsor-
ing the 9th Annual South Bay Relay for Life on May 14-15, 2011,
from 9am Sat., to 9am, Sun. at South High practice field. In case
you didn’t know, Relay for Life is a 24 hour event and there’s no fin-
ish line until we find a cure. If you’d like to be on the His Hands of
FCC Torrance team, then come by our booth in Sipple Hall after
church and find out how. Again, our campsite at the Relay will be
decorated in a surfer theme in memory of our beloved Don Bill.
There are a number of ways our church family can participate in this
event:

 Sign up for a one hour time slot (day or night) and walk with other
supporters throughout the 24 hour period.
 Make a financial contribution or sponsor a walker.
 Purchase a Luminaria for $15, which is an inspiring way to honor
someone in memory of or in survival of cancer.

Visit the His Hands of FCC campsite and buy FCC’s famous taco
boat and/or a peach smoothie, or cheer on all the walkers!

Please join His Hands in supporting FCC’s effort to fight cancer. To

find out how you can make a difference please stop by our booth or
call Gail Grove 310-370-9498, Sue Zukas at 310-618-8375 or
Tamara Griego 310-320-4070

Page 1 May 5, 2011

 Family Promise
of
The South Bay
A Community Response for Homeless Families

“Entertaining Angels”

The Book of Isaiah asks that we feed the hungry and shelter the homeless. The
Book of Hebrews suggests that by welcoming strangers we may entertain angels.
As people of faith, what is our responsibility as families face homelessness right
here in Torrance?

There is a way we can help.

On Wednesday, May 18th, at 7:00pm, Tom Cioffi of Family Promise will discuss
how congregations in Torrance are exploring networking together to provide, on a
rotating basis, overnight accommodations and meals for homeless families. The
meeting will be held at First Christian Church of Torrance at 2930 El Dorado
Street in Torrance. Please come to this important meeting to hear about ways we
can get involved.

I noticed it about a month ago, strands of grass and tree branches all over my back
porch. What a mess I thought and how did it get there. I swept it up and looked up to
my patio beam and there she was-a mother sparrow building her nest. I did not want
to scare her, so I carefully went back in my house and continued to watch her
through my sliding glass door. My husband was not crazy about the idea of a spar-
row building her nest: he said it’s messy and noisy! I said she is so tiny what harm
can she do. Every morning I watch her sitting on her nest singing away, the father
sparrow comes and feeds her and stays with her for awhile. Occasionally she will fly
away to stretch , but she is not gone long. At night she is quiet for the long night. My
family and I are anticipating soon the arrival of little sparrows. Soon we will hear their
chirping of life just begun!

Camelia

Page 2
 Loch Leven Weekend Retreat
Planning has begun for this great weekend and all are invited to
join us at beautiful Loch Leven Campground for our Third Annual
All Church Retreat. We will be participating in activities and learn-
ing experiences that will be appropriate for all ages, from the young to the old.
There will also be plenty of time for relaxation, walking, crafts, a campfire and ex-
ploring .

What: Weekend retreat for the entire church family

Where: Loch Leven Camp and Conference Center located in the San Bernardino
Mountains
When: Friday evening June 3-Sunday morning June 5
Cost: $123 for adults staying in Cole (semi-private), $106 for adults staying in Ross
Hoos, $70 for ages 4-12, free for children 3 and younger

Financial assistance is available. See Samantha Lubrani to reserve your spot. Also
see Samantha to reserve a semi-private room in Cole as these are limited and only
available on a first come, first served basis.

Feed The Hungry Sunday

Our next Feed The Hungry Sunday is May 22nd. This ministry of our
church has been a huge success. Thank you to Dave Marvin who
continues to put the donated items in the sanctuary for God’s bless-
ing. Your faithful donations of canned tuna, soups, canned fruits and
vegetables, boxed pasta have made it possible to help feed needy
families around the South Bay. Meals are served everyday from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Dave and his staff from His House continue to thank you for your love and support.

Page 3
 What A Sight!
“Things. Wonderful things!”——to paraphrase Howard Carter’s reply as he peaked
into Tutankamon’s tomb and was asked what he saw. We, too, were treated to a
wonderful display of treasures from our church folk last Saturday, April 30th in Sippel
Hall.

Wally Sandberg, Charlotte Sandberg, Jenna Sandberg, Pastor Steve and Janie, Jun
Pagdilao, Earl Woods, Larry Campbell, Lynne Redderson, Emily Denis, Ruth Perry,
Jill Foster, Eric Johns, Dorie Hernandez, Pat Hill and Jean Steenson and Susan Bab-
cock all shared some of their passions with each other and our visitors. The Member-
ship Committee offers its deepest thanks and gratitude to those who participated,
came, and saw.

Packing, unpacking, setting up and taking down took a lot of time, but there was joy
in that, too. Sincere thanks to John Beecher, Pastor Steve, Jun Pagdilao and Wally
Sandberg for returning to their proper places all the tables, chairs and the piano.
Anne Beecher and Sarah Johnson served snacks and drinks from the kitchen and
Fireside Room. They collected $85.00 in donations for our youth programs. The gift
of their time and help is also, gratefully appreciated. Lastly thank you, Emily Denis,
for designing and creating the exhibit poster and fliers.

We truly are blessed with such great folk and had a wonderful time. Thank you all,
again and again.

The Membership Committee

With Thanks….

Thank you so much for the lovely Easter Lily. Also for your remembrance
through the years.

Laura Duncan
Page 4
 CHURCH FAMILY PRAYERS & CONCERNS
In & out of the hospital: Ernie Wheatley has been in the hospital with congestive heart
failure and other complications…Eileen Powell is out of the hospital, and receiving physi-
cal therapy in Monterey Park, nearer to her long-time doctor… Roger Grove is out of the
hospital and now on regular dialysis…Doris Wilson has moved to Transitional Care, and is
hoping to be home soon…Annette Carew (Stan’s stepmother) is back in the hospital with
pneumonia.

Continuing Treatment: Martha Halstead’s granddaughter, Emily, has been taken from
Kentucky to Michigan to reevaluate her treatment—there seems to be more hope…Hilda
Coleman asks prayers for her son-in-law’s niece, Desiree, who will have Caesarean deliv-
ery of a daughter on May 7—it is anticipated that the baby will have significant disabili-
ties…Ed Gherna (Mary Matson’s father) continues on hospice care…Morrie Gober con-
tinues to improve slowly…Misty Levi’s grandmother (Linda Kirby’s mother), Debbie
Galyardt (Grant’s sister).

Battling cancer: Gene Jackson had an aggressive melanoma removed from his scalp—all
margins look good…Shawn Knutsen (Kelly Rogers’s sister) was able to forego a blood
transfusion, and is anticipating more test results…Keith Emmen (Moggy’s brother-in-law)
…Vi Fietz (Steve’s stepmother) is adding radiation to continuing chemotherapy… Nora
Pagdilao’s brother, Apolinar Reyes, Jr.….Pat Patterson (Doreen Jackson’s friend)…
Linda Houston’s friend, Joyce Eiges.

Separated from loved ones: Sarah Iannucci and family back from visiting the Philippines,
where her 88 year-old mother is in ill health…Linda DeLanghe invites prayer for her
friend Bonnie in Alabama, who personally survived injury and damage from recent torna-
does, but whose community is suffering…Ron Kirby’s nephew Travis McKenna has re-
turned for a fourth tour of duty in Iraq, after difficulty finding work stateside.

New phone number for Morrie & Virginia Gober: 310-561-8123

Eileen Powell’s address (She loves the cards) is:

Garfield Medical Center
525 North Garfield Ave, Rm 411
Monterey Park, CA 91754-1205
(626) 573-2222
My cell is 310-880-6427.

Page 5
 May 2011
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thur
WORSHIP SERVICES
8:30 and 10:30 am
Sunday School 9:30 am
1 2 3 4

Prayer Shawl 2:00 Choi

8 9 10 11

Bible Study 10:00

Retreat Planning Women’s Board
Prayer Shawl 2:00 Choi
7:00 7:00 Cabinet 7:00

15 16 17 18
Love Group 9:30
Bible Study 10:00
Faith Group 1:30
Loch Leven Newsletter Prayer Shawl 2:00
Prayer Meeting 5:45
Work Party Family Promise 7:00 Choi
Prayer Shawl 7:00

22 23 24 25

Feed The Hungry Bible Study 10:00

Prayer Meeting 5:45
Sunday Prayer Shawl 2:00
Prayer Shawl 7:00 Choi
Disciple Women’s Elders 7:00
Lunch 12:00

29 30 31

Prayer Meeting 5:45

Memorial Day Prayer Shawl 7:00
Church Office Closed

Page 6
rsday Friday Saturday

May Birthdays
Doug Crawford (5)
Shirley Brummett (8)
5 6 7 Melanie Emmen (8)
Haley Crawford (9)
Camelia Olloque (12)
Sarah Iannucci (14)
ir 7:00 Melissa Bell (16)
Carole Jones (16)
Bj Chamberlain (17)
12 13 14 Ryan Rogers (17)
Samantha Fender (20)
Shirley Fender (23)
Relay for Life James Johnston (23)
ir 7:00 Betty Sleeth (24)
Loch Leven Clifford Marvin (24)
Work Party Ed Shroyer (24)
Jacob Gonzalez (25)
Gabrielle Carmona (26)
19 20 21 Robert Reeley (29)
William Dieker (29)
Men’s Breakfast Mabel Simmons (31)
8:30 a.m.
ir 7:00

26 27 28

ir 7:00

ANNIVERSARIES
Bob & Mary Ann Swartzlander (1)
Gene & Doreen Jackson (1)
Manuel & Camelia Olloque (5)
Ed & Kathy Shroyer (6)
Aron & Cynthia Fried (21)
Al & Samantha Lubrani (25)
Page 7
 Education Notes & News
A big thank you to everyone who came, helped and participated in all of our
Palm Sunday activities. Special thanks to Dave Marvin, John and Anne Beecher,
Janet Wysong, Kelly Crawford, Lisa Roberts, Dorie Hernandez, Kara Ryan and
to all those that helped in the kitchen and brought salads and desserts. It was
much appreciated and enjoyed by many.

Youth Adventure and Chi Rho groups will be at Loch Leven 5/13 to help clean up
on Saturday. We will also participate in the Relay for Life walking from 8:00 PM to
9:00 PM. We will also enjoy an overnight at the church that evening and will attend
8:30 AM service on Sunday.

Bible Explorers are studying the story of Jesus healing Bartimaeus. They will
learn: To define faith as belief and trust in God. Examine the concept that blind
Bartimaeus was able to recognize Jesus for who he was – the Messiah. Explore
what can keep us from seeing Jesus clearly. Participate in a life application work-
shop as well as learn through science, storytelling and art.

The scripture for this month is: Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.”
Mark 10:52a

SAVE THE DATE

SUMMER CAMP - deadline for registration is usually about a month before the
camp date - Contact Shirley Woodman for registration forms or get them on
line at http://lochleven.org/

JR CAMP week of 6/26

Chi Rho week of 7/17
CYF 1 week of 7/24
CYF 2 week of 8/7

Page 8
 ALL CHURCH RETREAT @ LOCH LEVEN
June 3rd - 5th
Contact Jill Foster for details.

VBS
July 11th thru 15th

Contact Jill Foster or Shirley Woodman if you are interested in helping the week of
VBS or if you are able to give a donation to support VBS.

Sat, 9/24 Rock the Loch - All day fundraising music festival supporting Loch
Leven.

Wednesday Morning Bible Study

Our Wednesday morning study has returned to our previous study of the “minor prophets.”
We meet in the choir room at 10 am, and are finished by 11:30. All are welcome!

We will not meet on May 18 while Steve is out of town.

Tuesday Prayer Meeting Continues

Each Tuesday evening at 5:45, a group gathers in our sanctuary to lift up prayers
for one another, on behalf of loved ones, the ministry of the church, and the needs
of the world. It is a simple time of focus where some pray aloud, others silently.
All are welcome —and everyone with a need is encouraged to submit prayer
requests.

Page 9
 Footnotes
What has stuck with me from our celebration of Lent and Holy Week is how many people
with so many gifts helped make for so many wonderful events:
Small group leaders: Immeasurable thanks to Shirley Woodman, Larry & Peggy Camp-
bell, Janie Fietz, Susan Babcock, Doug Crawford, Don & Sue Zukas, Lynne Redderson,
Chery Carew, and Frank Mitchell for facilitating our small groups, and to all those who
joined in to add your perspective, share your stories, and ask your questions. Above-and-
beyond thanks to Don Zukas for his organizational support and his personal enthusiasm!
Palms Asway: We owe so much to Anna Rogers, Shirley Woodman, Jill Foster, Janet
“Bunny” Wysong, and so many others who work with our children, and who contributed to
a fun, child-oriented day on Palm Sunday. And another resounding “Wow!” for the choir
and their amazing musical offerings.
Dramatic Effect: I was just truly stunned to see how many gifts came together to make our
Maundy Thursday worship such a powerful event. We are especially indebted to Judy
Rickabaugh for her leadership of the kitchen crew while at the same time ordering many
details of worship (costumes, props, incidentals). Bill Wysong continues to be a master of
technology and a wonderful problem solver; John Beecher and Dave Marvin built (and re-
built) an incredible, solid platform for the presentation, and Lee Sebaugh offered crucial
help with lighting. Kudos to Ken Potter and our wonderful choir for their willingness to
stay in the shadows and do so much to shape the tone of worship. And of course, great ap-
preciation goes to those who presented the story to us with such conviction: Judy Ricka-
baugh, Janet Wysong, Jill Foster, Marie Wood (last minute sub!), Dylan Rogers, Glenn
Oden, Michele Wood, Jeff Wood, Samantha Lubrani, Peggy Campbell, Larry Campbell,
Ted Oden and Mark Tenace.
Easter Joy: Even and especially on this greatest of great days, we say “God bless get-it-
done, behind-the-scenes people”—Dave Marvin, who every week makes sure communion
is ready, candles are lit, and, on Easter, flowers arranged; bravo to John Beecher, who stood
ready with towels for those coming out of the baptistery, and once again to Lee Sebaugh,
who always makes sure the baptistery is clean and full of comfortably warm water. Last,
but never least, we owe so much gratitude to Camelia for all she does, and how well she
does it. This time of year it’s obviously a lot more of everything!
This is the kind of joyful cooperation and spiritual collaboration that continue to make it
such a joy to serve with you!
Shalom, Steve
Home phone: 310-212-5950 email: steefeets@hotmail.com
Page 10
PS: Our region has given me the wonderful opportunity to attend a Pastoral Coaching
Academy in Indianapolis on May 16-18. I look forward to this time of learning and honing
better means for ministry—more on that and my just-past reading week in our next issue.

Upcoming Sunday Messages

May 8— “Worshipping and Wavering” (Matthew 28:16-17)
Jesus appearance at the end of Matthew inspires worship, but also allows for doubt. And so
it has been with the church ever since—great faith and amazing works by dedicated and
wholly imperfect people, just like us.

May 15— “The Great Co-Mission” (Matthew 28:18-20)

Jesus passes on an enormous responsibility to the eleven who surround him—the
“discipling of the nations, the immersion of those yet to be included, the teaching of life-
changing lessons and commandments”. The great news within this good news is that we are
never alone in the task.

May 22— “Family for the Familyless” (Acts 8:26-40)

The Book of Acts is actually Luke, the sequel, where we find stories of the church taking
the good news to the nations. In Chapter 8, we witness the inclusion of a distant outsider; a
man incapable of biological family who finds his place within the spiritual family of Christ.

May 29— “Supermarket of the Gods” (Acts 17:16-34)

Much of Acts focuses on the mission work of Paul, including his only slightly successful
preaching in Athens, “where they spend their time in nothing but telling or hearing some-
thing new,” and where they had a very fine collection of gods.

Adult Sunday Class

Larry Campbell is helping us consider some of the issues raised by the Bill Mahr movie
“Religiulous”—our time includes clips from the movie, and has generated some fascinating
discussions.
This series will last at least through May 15. The class meets Sunday mornings in Room 7
at 9:30. All are welcome!

Next Newsletter articles need to be at the church office by May 16, 2011

Page 11
 FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
NON PROFIT ORG.

(Disciples of Christ)
PERMIT NO. 109
TORRANCE, CA

2930 El Dorado Street

Torrance, CA 90503
(310) 328-2820 Fax 310 328-2929
E-mail - fcctorr@pacbell.net
Web address - fcctorrance.org
Sunday Schedule
8:30 a.m. - Worship - Informal
9:30 a.m. - Church School for all ages
10:30 a.m. - Worship - Traditional
Children’s Worship - Ages Pre-school through
2nd Grade
(During the Traditional Worship Service)
Nursery Provided
Or Current Resident

For birth through age 3 during Sunday School

and Contemporary & Traditional Service
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Staff
Steven Fietz, Senior Pastor
Ted Oden-Minister of Contemporary Worship
Administrative Assistant– Camelia Olloque
Choir Director - Ken Potter
Nursery Attendant - Amanda Ruhs
Dorie Hernandez
The Christian Messenger

Officers
TIME VALUE DATA

Chair - Chery Carew

2930 El Dorado Street

DO NOT DELAY
First Christian Church

Torrance, CA 90503

EXPEDITE

Vice Chair - Jerry Jonas

Treasurer– Jimmy Koontz
Financial Secretary - Charlotte Sandberg
Clerk– Angie Ahumada

Page 12