The Christian Messenger

Fifth Avenue Church of Christ

115 W. Fifth Ave. Lancaster, OH 43130
740-654-0626 www.myfacc.com e-mail info@myfacc.com
Brad Seevers Senior Minister (740-550-9882) David Tingler Associate Minister Scott Brown Worship & Outreach Minister Hannah Martin Director of Childrens Ministries Sunday Services 1st Worship 8:00 a.m. 2nd Worship 10:30 a.m. Bible School 9:15 a.m. Evening Worship 6:00 p.m.

November 25, 2012

Ladies Christmas Tea

Holiday Favorites
Sunday, December 2nd, 2:00 p.m.
Speaker: Victoria Kain, Discover Christian Church
Ladies ~ please bring in a representation of your most memorable Christmas item. This could be a physical ornament, a written memory, a song, etc. Cards are located near the water fountain by the communion room for you to write your memory. Please complete the card and bring it to the tea with the matching item. We are asking all ladies to bring a plate of cookies to share at the tea.

THOUGHTS FROM BRAD

Last weekend was fabulous. I want to thank those who took time to decorate our float for the Christmas parade. It looked great. I want to thank Scott and Hannah for their teamwork as your efforts were fruitful. I want to thank those who walked along the side of the float passing out information. You put information into the hands of those from the community and we had many visitors come to our Black Light show on Saturday night. I want to thank Mitch for bringing his Imagine group to the church to entertain us at the show as you did a great job and because of that we had new families here at Fifth on Sunday morning and evening. I want to thank those who prepared all the snacks for our Black light show because it was delightful. I especially want to thank all you who brought pies to the dinner as they were delectable. Now to Frances and Lowell who provided and prepared the meal, we owe you a BIG THANKS. Great job! Overall, we had 90 come to the Black light show and 120 who attended our dinner. I think we have a lot to give thanks to God for, dont you? In His Service, Brad

BITS FROM BRO. DAVE

SUNDAY EVENINGS IN THE SANCTUARY:

This week, we are returning to our normal evening format. The message for November 25 is, Staying Morally Pure (II Corinthians 6:14-7:1). On Sunday evening December 2, the topic will be Encouragement: Given and Received (II Corinthians 7:2-16). We have eight messages remaining in this series. If you are not involved in a small group, on Sunday evenings, I encourage you to join us. Communion is available for those who desire. Also, remember that we now have activities for children each Sunday evening. After our break on November 21, we will be returning to our current study on The Church Through the Centuries. This week, November 28, we will be examining The Church In America. I invite you to share in the 10:00 am or 6:30 pm sessions.
WEDNESDAYS: GIANT PRINT BIBLES: I still have, on

Last weekend we had the Black Light Puppet show here at church, almost 100 people came to share in this unique worship experience! Later in the week we celebrated Thanksgiving! I couldnt help but think about how thankful I am for what God has blessed me with. After talking to the kids about thankfulness last week, I learned that they have also been blessed with so much! Our God is so great! Psalm136:1 Give thanks to the Lord, our God and King, His love endures Forever. *Dont forget, the Pre-School Drive-In is next Weekend! December 1st! Hannah

hand, a few of the giant print NIV Bibles. These are soft cover editions that sell for just $12.50 each. These might make good Christmas gifts for those with vision issues. If interested, you may contact me or our Church Secretary. Among the five thousand who were fed with two fish and five loaves there were, doubtless, those who complained that the fish had bones.
FINAL THOUGHT:

SPIRITUAL STATISTICS November 18, 2012

Sunday School 1st Morning Worship 2nd Morning Worship Total Morning Worship Evening Worship (Thanksgiving Banquet) Weekly Budget Budget Received Thanksgiving Youth Fall Festival Turkeys Projector Van Fund Bessie Shumaker Memorial (Van Fund) Ed George Memorial (Van Fund) 106 116 66 182 120 4,633.00 5,143.91 2,244.00 5.00 100.00 20.00 10.00 510.00 155.00

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

50th Anniversary Celebration

Everyone is invited to a 50th wedding anniversary celebration for George and Betty Lambert today, from 2-4pm in the church Fellowship Hall.
Library Sunday December 2nd Preschool thru 5th Grade
Meet in the classroom area for a Kids Song Celebration. Bring an instrument or a suggestion of a favorite song! We will then travel to the Children's Library (located on the stage - Room 116), to enjoy the book. We will also have a craft time. Parents are welcome. Come and get to know Hannah Martin!

SERVING SCHEDULE November 25, 2012

At the Table 1st Serving 1st Serving 2nd Pastor of the week PM Deacon Fred Griffith and Tim Huffman Patrick Wersell, Bill Kelly, Carmel Marsh, Dick Shumaker Patrick Wersell, Tom Puckett, Neal Rudolph, Dale Thornton Fred Griffith Patrick Wersell Lori Highfield Kim Seevers

COMMUNION PREPARATION 1st Worship 2nd Worship GREETERS 1st Worship 2nd Worship NURSERY Sunday School 2nd Worship VISITOR CENTER 1st Worship 2nd Worship SECURITY 1st Worship Bible School 2nd Worship Evening Worship

Dan and Janet Brown Linda Daubenmire and Norma Holtom

Hannah Ross and Thea Kallenberg Jean Azbell and Cindy Cox Shirley Marsh Julie Stuck David Will Carmel Marsh Jim Puckett George Lambert

A big thank you to Samantha and Mark Hendricks and the boys and girls that came with them Saturday to rake my leaves for me. They are all special people. I thank you again and Thank God for them also. Love and Prayers to you all! ~ Virginia Wentz

Prayer Requests
Ron Ogden Jane King Our Troops Sharon Britch Paul Poston The Whitt Family Nadine Garraud The Burgoon Family Barbara Benadum Jeane Goldfarb Barbara Kerr Naressa Allen Andee Caudill Adam Tokarz Wanda Dickson Lucille Banks Mary Marsh Dorothy Pettit

SERVING SCHEDULE December 2, 2012

At the Table 1st Serving 1
st

PRAYER CHAIN
If you are not already on the prayer chain and would like to be notified of the death of a church member or a prayer request, please mark this on the back of your Silent Roll Call Card. Please include the phone number that you would like us to call.

Serving 2nd Pastor of the week PM Deacon

Charlie May and Dick Shumaker Larry King, Don Taylor, Hank Wellman, Ray Ayers Larry King, Rod Troutman, Mike Bussey, Josh Czich Mike Cooper Larry King

COMMUNION PREPARATION 1st Worship Dan and Janet Brown nd 2 Worship Fred Griffith GREETERS 1st Worship 2nd Worship NURSERY Sunday School 2nd Worship

PRAYER LIST
Just a reminder that names submitted for the prayer list will remain on the list for three weeks and then will be removed. You may submit the name again at that time to have the person added back to the prayer list.

Ray and Margie Ayers Neal Rudolph

Laura Wersell and Courtney Beiter Samantha Hendricks & Courtney Beiter

VISITOR CENTER 1st Worship 2nd Worship SECURITY 1st Worship Bible School 2nd Worship Evening Worship

Mary Alice Coats Kelly Maffit

Paul Alexander Bill Kelly George Lambert Jim Puckett

Christmas Wish Tree

The Christmas Wish Tree is set up in the parlor. Please choose a gift tag and purchase a gift for a child in a needy family. This is a wonderful opportunity to spread joy and love on Christmas morning. The children are all from local families that we are sponsoring through Job and Family Services. They have requested that the items remain unwrapped, but donations of gift wrapping supplies would be appreciated. If possible, please include a gift receipt. Place the receipt in an envelope and label with the family/child assigned number. Job and Family Services will exchange items should there be any duplicates. All gifts need to be returned to the church by Sunday, December 16th.

Christmas Poinsettias
Orders for Christmas poinsettias will be taken in the parlor. The cost is $5 each and must be paid for at the time of ordering. The poinsettia colors are red, pink, and white. We are encouraging everyone to order white poinsettias, as the theme for the Christmas decoration of the sanctuary is He Washed Me White as Snow. Today is the last day to order poinsettias.

WELCOME TO FIFTH AVENUE! At FACC, we focus on loving God, loving people, and turning the world upside down. We are happy you chose to worship with us today. We hope you return next week and bring your friends with you. If you would please take a few minutes to fill out a Silent Roll Call Card, located on the back of the pew, you can then place it in the offering plate as it is passed. Thank you. For more information about our great church, contact our minister, Brad Seevers at Brad@new-churches.org or call him at 740.550.9882. Have a great week and may God bless your life.

Sunday School Classes for All Ages

Classes at 9:15 unless noted

Nursery (Birth through 3 years old) Jesus Loves Me Room 102 Courtney Beiter, Coordinator Preschool (Ages 3-6) God the Creator Room 105 Marie Huffman, Teacher Early Elementary (Kindergarten through 2nd Grade) Shaping Hearts With Gods Word Room 101 Deborah Will, Teacher Middle Elementary (3rd, 4th, and 5th Grades) Be Wise and Trust God in His Power Room 106 Becky Hoagland, Teacher Junior and Senior High Acts of the Apostles Room 301 Nick Hinson, Teacher Young Ladies Class (8:00 a.m.) The Lies Women/Young Women Believe Room 306 Cassie Bull, Teacher Ladies Class "God as He Longs for You to See Him" Room 209 Beverly Puckett, Teacher Mens Class Hearing Gods Word Room 205 Adult Class Room 214 Brad Seevers, Teacher Harmony Adult Class God Establishes a Faithful People Room 204 Dave Tingler, Teacher Philothean Adult Class Parables Room 108 Jim Love, Teacher

SELF-DEFENSE CLASS
The Czich Family will be teaching a self-defense class at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 30th, in the Fellowship Hall. This is not fighting! We teach how to deal with aggressive situations safely. For more information call Joshua or Michelle at 740-777-8799.

Library Spotlight
A Child is Born by Gary Moore is a Mommy and Me pop-up book. This delightful book will capture the attention of even the youngest child as it tells the story of the birth of Jesus. Christmas Stories for the Heart by Alice Gray will help adults rekindle the warmth of Christmas as they curl up by the fire and warm their hearts and soul this holiday season with these wonderful stories. Tender and uplifting, this collection will greatly renew your faith, hope, and love for the Christmas season.

Our November military hero of the month is Michael Seidl. Michael completed a two-year tour of duty at Ramstein AFB in Germany that included six months in Cyprus. He is the grandson of Nancye and Dale Rose. Michael is stationed at Warren AFB, Cheyenne, Wyoming. Michaels address is: Michael A. Seidl P.O. Box 22313 Cheyenne, WY 82003

Brad Seevers preaching Sermon Notes ________________________

________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ _______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________

Core Values...
Values central to the life, mission and vision of Fifth Avenue Church of Christ are:

Christ-Centered Worship
We make it a priority every Sunday to celebrate Jesus through our music. (Romans 11:36-12:1-2). We focus on Jesus through grace-based preaching and teaching & understand the Bible is our authority (2 Timothy 3:16).

Church Health and Biblical Balance

Church health becomes reality when God's people seek harmony & live consistently. We expect every member to protect the unity of Christ's Church. (Romans 12:16; 1 Peter 3:8)

Global Evangelism
We are constant to our founding call to worldwide evangelism, proclaiming to all that Jesus Christ is the Savior, Healer, and Soon-Coming King (Acts 20:27).

Fellowship and Ministry

After people begin their journey with Jesus, we will equip them to find a ministry based upon their strengths. We want everyone to serve in some capacity. (1 Corinthians 12:12-27) We also want His church to be the living evidence of His love and power to the world.

How Can I Respond Today?

At FACC we look to the Bible for guidance on all issues. We believe that Gods Word is clear concerning what a person must do to become a Christian. Trust that Jesus can bring you to salvation. Turn (repent) from the sin in your life. Confess your desire to make Jesus the Lord of your life. Be baptized (immersed) in water for the forgiveness of sins and to receive the Holy Spirit into your life. To make this life decision for Christ, we ask that you come forward during our commitment song at the conclusion of the Sunday message. Baptized believers are welcome to become members at FACC by coming forward on Sunday morning or by seeing our Senior Minister to discuss this further. We ask that you complete a series of Curious classes to help you better understand what you are committing to as a member.

Discipleship
We do not want you to "get religion" here at Fifth Avenue Church of Christ in Lancaster. We are all about teaching you that Jesus seeks a daily relationship with Him through a life of obedience. In other words, we want to see the things you are taught actually change your lifestyle & your daily decisions.

Social Conscience
We place high value on the sanctity of human life, of Biblical marriage and morality, and we welcome ethnic diversity (Isaiah 56:7; Philippians 2:15-16).

OUR PURPOSE WE EXIST TO

Exalt Gods Greatness; Evangelize Gods Work Equip Gods People Express Gods Love through Jesus Christ

OUR MISSION

To Love God and Love People!

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
A congregational meeting will be held Sunday, December 2, 2012 following each morning worship hour. The purpose of the meeting is to elect officers and approve the budget for 2013. NOMINEES FOR 2013 ELECTION: Elders: Mike Cooper, Dave Tingler Deacons: Dale Rose, Josh Czich Trustees: John Baird, Dan Brown, Larry King, George Lambert Treasurer: Debbie Cooper *Assistant to the Treasurer: Julie Stuck Financial Secretary: Marg Shumaker Missions Secretary/Treasurer: Patrick Wersell Sunday School Superintendent: Kathryn Albertson PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO BY-LAWS On December 2, at our annual congregational meeting, our membership will be asked to consider an amendment to our current By-Laws. It is a minor change which adds an officer to our administrative structure. To this point, the person who serves as the backup to our Church Treasurer has been appointed. We are recommending that this become an elective office approved by the congregation. It is believed that this is a better arrangement, both for the person serving and the congregation. Therefore, the following amendment is proposed. ARTICLE IV OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH Section A (*Add to this section) 5-A Assistant to the Treasurer

ARTICLE IV OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH Section B Duties of Officers (*Add to this section) 5-A Assistant to the Treasurer shall have his/her name appear as the secondary signature on all church bank accounts and will be authorized to access said accounts in emergencies when the Church Treasurer is disabled or, otherwise, unavailable. - The Assistant to the Treasurer will chair the Finance Ministry and will, with the assistance of others appointed by the Elders, lead in the preparation of the annual budget and arrange for the annual auditing of church accounts.

2013 Recommended Budget 8,000 Building Repair Background Checks Communion Supplies Conventions Custodial Supplies Dues and Subscriptions Electric Evangelism/Speakers Fellowship Ministry Flowers Gas/Water Library Ministry Misc. Missions Music Ministry Office Supplies/Equipment OutReach Ministry Postage PropertyVehicle Insurance Salaries Snow Removal Sound Equipment Sunday School Telephone VBS Vehicle Maintainence/Auto Exp Womens Ministry Youth Program Total Weekly Budget 2012 BUDGET Total Weekly 240,900 4,633 500 550 750 1,000 5,000 10,000 700 500 200 7,500 100 500 1,000 27,500 1,200 11,500 3,500 500 9,200 141,256 1,500 4,600 3,000 1,500 1,000 1,000 1,500 4,000 249,056 4,790

As the worship and outreach minister here at Fifth Avenue, I get to see how these two areas of ministry interact. For several months we have been doing some things differently in our second service worship hour. I know for some, these changes have been difficult, for others it has been refreshing. If you find yourself in either of these categories, or somewhere in between, you might be wondering what is driving these changes. I hope that in this article I can share with you the vision and purpose behind what we are doing. To begin with, we are blessed to have three opportunities to gather for worship. Our 8 am service is wonderful, filled with traditional hymns and carried out in a deeply reverent and powerful way. Similarly, the 6 pm evening service is hymn driven and traditional, albeit in a slightly more casual way. This leaves our 10:30 am service which has differed primarily in the musical selection. The format has been very similar to the other services, including nearly identical elements to each of the other services. None of this is wrong. From a worship standpoint, I believe we offer a meaningful opportunity to praise God and enable others to be drawn into a saving relationship through Christ. From an outreach perspective, the similarity between our services, while appealing to some, does not address the diverse population we seek to serve. For those not raised in a church, or even those raised in a non-traditional worship context, many of the traditions we find comforting and familiar seem confusing and even intimidating. The hymns that hold deep meaning and are rooted in our heritage are often written in language that can seem foreign and beyond understanding to others. The good news of Jesus is translated into other languages and carried into other lands, but in truth we live in the midst of a mission field. Our society is bombarded with amoral and immoral messages. The culture in which many of us were raised is barely recognizable today. The gospel never changes. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Our challenge is to meet todays culture with the timeless truth of Christ. Change can be uncomfortable. The reality is that our traditions in every generation represent change. The way we do things in our traditional services were at one time a break from the previous tradition. Some of those changes were subtle and others dramatic, but we really havent always done things the same way. The elders have given latitude in the second service for us to create a worship environment that is different than our other services. The music is led with different instrumentation. The order of worship changes from week to week. The songs might be heard on the radio or might be revisions of traditional hymns. There might be a video or a skit to present an idea in a different way. Some weeks will be high energy and may be loud. Other weeks might be unplugged and very mellow. The message never changes. As these changes have begun, some have chosen to attend a different service. That is ok. it is never our intent to push anyone out and I would encourage everyone to experience each of our services. One might be more comfortable for you than another. That does not make you more or less spiritual. I hope each of our services grow. Our challenge is to be all things to all people that we might win some. (I Cor 9:22) As always, if you have any questions about what we are doing or why, come talk with me. In service to Christ, Scott Brown 740.475.7721

December 2012
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
1
Preschool Drive-In 10:00am - noon

SATURDAY

Congregational Meeting

4
Mens Fraternity, 6:30pm

5
Seniors Bible Study, 10am and 6:30pm

Library Sunday Blood Pressure Checks Ladies Tea, 2pm

9
Carriage Court Service, 2pm

10

11

12
Seniors Bible Study, 10am and 6:30pm

13

14

15

16
Christmas Variety Show, 6pm
(Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser for Projector)

17

18
Dorcas, noon Mens Fraternity, 6:30pm

19
Seniors Bible Study, 10am and 6:30pm Elders/Deacons Meeting, 7:30pm

20

21

22
Childrens Christmas Program Practice 10-11am

23
Childrens Christmas Program, 2nd Service

24
Christmas Eve Service, 7pm

25

26
No Morning or Evening Bible Study

27

28

29

30
Food Pantry Sunday

31
New Years Eve

The birthday list for December is on the bulletin board in the coat room.