"Contact" the Havelock Christian Church Newsletter February, 2006 Benefit for Roger Hammons Soup Supper, Bake Sale, Silent Auction At Bethany Christian Church 1645 North Cotner Lincoln, Nebraska February 11, 2006 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm Entertainment by The Plain Label String Band Benefit will help with medical expenses from Roger's kidney transplant and heart surgery. Let's open our hearts and come help ones in need. If you can't attend, contributions may be sent to the Roger and Barbara Hammons Fund c/o John and Jean Dale, 6110 Leighton, Lincoln, NE 68507. If questions, call the Dale household at (402) 467-1085.   Pastor's Ponderings On a church sign that I pass every day while taking the kids to school, reads, "Soul Food Served Here." The first time I saw the sign, I thought how cute and funny. After many times of seeing the sign last week, I began to think. The church is in the business of feeding the people of God. How many of us remember the story of how Jesus met the disciples fishing on the lake of Galilee after his resurrection? If you need to re-read the story from the Bible, it is found in John, Chapter 21. After Jesus asks the disciples about catching fish, He prepares a meal for them. Remember this part of the story, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Jesus continues to ask Peter twice more, "Do you love me?" Each time, Peter responds, "Yes." Then Jesus tells him to tend or feed the lambs and sheep. Jesus knew that if the Good News was going to spread to the ends of the earth, the disciples were going to be the ones to feed and care for the people of the Kingdom of God. The most important thing that we as "21st Century" disciples can do is feed and tend to the sheep of God's world. As we celebrate Valentine's Day this month, let us be about spreading the love of God to those in need. Everyone needs to be fed with the "Good News," so that his or heart is full. Peace, Pastor Giovanna   Dates to Remember February Birthdays 2     Matt Buell 13   Edna Green 16   Amy Willadsen         David Niemeyer 17   John Brown         Lane Phillips 20   Cameron Phillips 22   Curtis Peacock Getting to Know our Birthday Folks Matt Buell is the youngest son of George and Maxine Buell. He lives in New York City and is the manager of a carry-out restaurant called "Rice to Riches." Edna Green lives at Legacy Terrace these days, after many years of living on Touzalin Ave. Edna's family includes Pam and Robert Wilson of Las Vegas, Bob and Pat Green of Acton, Massachusetts, and Dale Fredstrom of Papillion, as well as 9 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Three granddaughters and their families live in Lincoln. Edna was a long-time choir member, and she enjoys keeping in touch with the family via computer. Amy Willadsen and her parents Diane and Ellis were very active at HCC until they moved to Greenwood about 10 years ago. Amy graduated last spring from the University of NE- Kearney and is a correctional officer for the Lincoln Correctional Center. She and cousin Jessica Westling, daughter of Steve and JoDee, share an apartment in Lincoln. David Niemeyer is the # 3 son of Alvin and Betty Niemeyer. David works at First National Bank in Omaha; he and wife Michelle live in Council Bluffs. The Niemeyers have 7 children, the youngest of whom is little Taylor, who is 2 years old and loves to visit Grandma and Grandpa. John Brown and wife JoAnn are long-time members of HCC. Some of us with long memories recall John's father, Bill Brown, who was the custodian at the old church building. JoAnn is the sister of Jean Dana. John is retired and enjoys keeping in touch with friends that he served with in the Navy. Lane Phillips is the son of Jenny and Brandon Phillips and a new member of Havelock Christian Church. Lane is turning nine on February 17th and is already active in the CYF group at HCC. He is an avid reader and enjoys reading stories to the younger children at Kids Church. Cameron Phillips is Lane's younger sister, and she'll be seven on February 20th. Cameron is also a good reader. She enjoys Sunday School class and singing with the Kids Choir. She made it a special point to welcome "Grandpa Roger" with lots of warm hugs on Sunday. Curtis Peacock and his wife Anna have been active members at HCC for many years. Curt is an artist with the NE Historical Society. One of his specialties is creating models to display uniforms and other historical attire. Curt is also known as "Charlie Brown" to the young people, who have lots of fun with Curt and Anna in their capacity as youth sponsors. Curt, a bass in the choir, has favored us with some beautiful solos over the years. The Peacocks have three grown children and six grandchildren. Happy Birthday to our February Birthday Folks!   Prayer Focus 5       CrossBridge Christian Church, Rev. Jim Gordon 12     Ashland First Christian, Rev. Roy Paterik 19     David City Congregational/Christian, Pastor Jack McDonald 26     Falls City, Rev. Steven Wainright   Upcoming Events Regular Meetings 1       7 pm - Elders Meeting 6       7 pm - Friendship Bridge 12     7 pm - CYF 13     7 pm - General Board 26     7 pm - CYF 28     Noon - Daytime Fellowship         7 pm - Elders Meeting Every Wednesday 10 am Morning Bible Study 7 pm Choir rehearsal (except Febr. 1) Every Thursday 7 pm Evening Bible Study Souper Bowl of Caring planned for Sunday, February 5 -- Our young people will be greeting us next Sunday with big soup kettles, to remind us that there are people everywhere (even in our own town) who are hungry. Please help out by bringing a can of food or making a cash donation to share with the Northeast Pantry. The Souper Bowl of Caring is a national program to help teach our young people about hunger and poverty. This event coincides with our regular dedication of food gifts that we bring throughout the month for the Pantry. Let's make our collection a big one for February! Bible Study groups continue -- The Wednesday morning and Thursday evening Bible studies continue on a regular basis. If you haven't been able to participate yet, but would like to join, everyone is welcome. Just bring your Bible and come. No Choir Rehearsal on February 1 -- Choir members note, you get a night off on February 1, due to Jean's work schedule. We will sing on the 5th, so be sure to be in the choir room at 10:30 am for a quick rehearsal. Communion will be taken to our shut-in members -- The elders and members of the diaconate will be visiting our shut-in members on Sunday, February 5, to bring communion. This regular time together is a blessing for all those involved. We look forward to the opportunity for fellowship. February 11th -- Benefit for Roger Hammons! It's almost here - the event of the year! We need the entire HCC family to help out on this big day. The event is a Soup Supper, Bake Sale, and Silent Auction, to be held at Bethany Christian Church from 4 to 7 pm on Saturday, February 11th. As you know, Roger has been through both a kidney transplant and heart surgery in the last couple of months. We're so grateful to report that he's back in Lincoln, at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital (Room 210) and making great strides in his recovery. But it's been a long haul, and there are lots of bills that insurance isn't covering. So...here are some ways you can help: Plan to attend and eat supper; invite some friends to join you. Bring something yummy for the bake sale (items needed by 3 pm on February 11). Bring a dessert to serve at the Soup Supper. Sign up to work for a shift ­ we need helpers to start at 2:00, 4:00, and 6:00 pm. Put together a gift to offer for sale at the silent auction (a new item, a basket of related items, handwork, a service you'd be willing to perform, etc.) and bring it to Bethany Christian by 2 pm on February 11. Plan to bid on some of the silent auction items. HCC is planning soup for 420 people -- chili, chicken noodle, and Dolly Parton vegetarian vegetable soup. The Vesper Rebekah Lodge # 375 is providing desserts for 200. We need more desserts -- it can be cakes, pies, brownies, cookies -- whatever suits your fancy. If we have too many desserts, we'll shift them over to the bake sale table. Lots of people from groups Roger has been acquainted with are providing items for the Silent Auction. We already know of some really exciting items that have been donated: an overnight stay at the Lied Lodge and Conference Center in Nebraska City, breakfast for two in the Timber Dining Room, and two tickets to the Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure attraction. Two tickets to a Lincoln Stars hockey game at the Ice Box with Waterloo on February 21st and two tickets for the game with Sioux City on March 7. a beautiful handmade lap quilt a Red Wing Pottery collector's item a $50 gift certificate to Wilderness Ridge The Plain Label String Band will be providing musical entertainment, and Nancy Hall from Madonna will also be playing piano music throughout the evening. You'll have an opportunity to browse around through the silent auction items and make your bids up until 6:45 pm. Then Mike Yost and Stephen Baenziger will call out the winners at the end of the evening. If you can't stay until the winners are called, you can still bid on items. If you are one of the lucky winners, you'll be contacted, and we'll see that you get the gift. If you can work a shift, please let John Dale know. Phone #'s are 467-1085 or cell phone # 499-5941. If you can bring baked goods or a gift for the auction, please just do so. Gifts need to be at the church ahead of time so we can record them and get them set up with a bidding sheet. Please feel free to recommend a minimum bid. This is an exciting event, and a wonderful way to show our love and support for Roger and Barbara. Please plan to come and help in any way that you can. CYF meetings set for second and fourth Sundays -- Kids, mark your calendars for February 12th (Mystery Night!) and 26th (Game Night). Friends are always welcome. Don't miss out on the fun. Regional and National Events on the calendar -- The annual Men's Fellowship Buffalo Feed is scheduled at First Christian Church in Grand Island for February 12th. The cost is $10. Seating for the dinner begins at 5:00 pm. The Nebraska Mid-Winter Men's Rally is scheduled for February 25, 2006 at the First Christian Church, Nebraska City. The theme is "What's in Your BAG?" The resource leader is the Rev. Doug Pfeiffer, Senior Minister at Faith Christian Church in Omaha. The registration fee is $15, which includes lunch and refreshments. Registrations are due February 20th. And for the women, "Mix in '06" is coming up June 21-25, 2006 in Indianapolis. Registration is $375 per person, which includes the cost of six meals. Hotels are additional, and range from $89 to $149 per night. Rooms may be shared by up to four women. More information is available at www.dreamonsisters.com. If you are interested, see Pastor Giovanna. Election on February 14th -- The church will once again serve as a polling place for the election. Doors are open from 8 am to 8 pm. Don't forget to vote! Week of Compassion Offering to be received February 19th and 26th -- The Week of Compassion Offering helps throughout the year wherever there are weather-related or other natural disasters. We heard about the Week of Compassion efforts a lot last year in response to the tsunami in Asia and the Hurricane Katrina disaster. Many denominations go together to support this offering, and our efforts definitely make a difference. Our 2005 offering for Week of Compassion and for tsunami relief through Week of Compassion was $498. Some of us may have sent additional gifts to the Red Cross and other places as well. Let's set a goal of $550 for our HCC Week of Compassion offering in 2006. Pastor's Classes to begin Sunday, February 26th -- Pastor Giovanna will be offering classes for new members and those interested in becoming members of HCC. The classes will meet during the Sunday School hour (9:15 - 10:15) on Sunday mornings from February 26th through March 26th. Young people will be attending with their mentors for these classes. The Kids' Choir will sing again on February 26th -- What fun when the kiddos provide special music! We had wonderful congregational support for our January offering. We love it when the congregation joins in. Have you noticed that our choir is growing? Kids from 2 to 20 are welcome. We practice from 10:15 to 10:30 on Sunday mornings at the chancel steps. HCC hosting several events - At the invitation of John and Jean Dale, the Board of the Christian Church in Nebraska and Cotner College will be meeting at HCC on Saturday, February 11, from 9 am to 3 pm. (The 11th will be a busy day!!!) And Pastor Giovana is hosting the Lincoln area Minister's Monday event at HCC on February 27th. Thanks to the HCC family for making our church such an open and welcoming place. New! Fellowship Day planned for February 28th - On the last Tuesday of each month, HCC will be hosting a time for fun and fellowship from noon to around 2:30 pm. Bring a sack lunch, your favorite board or card game, and a friend or two. Nothing fancy, just a time to get together with friends. Guys and gals of all ages are welcome!   FYI Thank you to those providing flowers during the Advent Season -- We want to acknowledge the gift of poinsettia plants during Advent. Those noted on the sign-up sheet included: John and Jean Dale in memory of Merlin and Elizabeth Walters and Clyde and Blanche Dale; Giovanna Arnold in memory of Joe Riffee and Diane Isham; Dori and Duayne Yost in memory of Havelock members and friends; and Maxine and George Buell in memory of their parents. A special thank you for the luminarios -- Those of us attending the Christmas Eve service were greeted by a beautiful display of luminarios lining the sidewalks and leading to the lighted nativity scene in the church yard. Both the luminarios and the nativity scene were gifts to the HCC family from Gene and Judy Seibert. On Christmas Eve, the Seiberts were with family in Kansas, but they commissioned good helpers Mike and Judi Yost and family, Dori and Duayne Yost, and Jenny and Brandon Phillips and family to help with the setting and lighting of the luminarios. What a beautiful gift. Thanks to Gene and Judy and all their helpers. Twenty hearty souls gathered to help take down the Christmas decorations -- There was a super crew on hand January 7th to take down and put away the Advent decorations and ready the sanctuary for the season of Epiphany. Our helpers included: Mike Yost, Dori Yost, Duayne Yost, Judy Yost, Jean Dale, John Dale, Gene Seibert, Judy Seibert, Fran Plumb, Darrell Plumb, George Buell, Maxine Buell, Jack Rosecrans, Minnie Stephens, Giovanna Arnold, Debra Herman, Dan Herman, Cody Hefner, Ami Hefner, and Mikel Hefner. Many hands made light work, and the church was transformed for a new season. Thanks, all. Planning Session held at Mike and Judy Yost's home -- The Board gathered on January 22nd for a delightful afternoon and evening of planning and fun. Highlights for the rest of the first six months include: Soup and worship services every Wednesday from 6 - 7:15 pm, beginning with Ash Wednesday, March 1st through April 5th; Spaghetti Supper on March 4th, from 4:30 to 7:30 pm; Pastor's classes for new members from February 26 - March 26 at 9:15 am; Youth trip to Branson March 31 - April 2; Prayer Vigil at the church from 8 am to 8 pm on April 8th; Maundy Thursday Service with Bethany Christian Church on April 13th; Butterfly picnic and Easter egg hunt on Saturday, Apr. 15, 11 am; Easter Sunrise service, breakfast on April 16th, beginning at 7 am; Women's Day Dinner, served by the men of the church, on Saturday, May 6th; Talent Night/Covered Dish Dinner, June 11th; Men's Day Bash, served by the women of the church, Saturday, June 17th.   Shorts from the Board Finances - end of the year finished well, thanks to everyone's help and some wonderful special gifts. 72 people attended Christmas Eve Service; Advent activities went well. Christmas program well received. Thanks to Judy Seibert for starting "Children's Church;" will ask for helpers to rotate responsibility. Kids will return during last hymn to be part of church family for the final circle. Suggestion of Valentine shower of cards for our shut-in's and military personnel. Judy Yost will help fill Kayla's diaconate slot when she's not here to serve. Lenten devotional guides will be ordered. Youth to have chili dog supper and gospel bracelet fund raiser for Branson trip March 31-Apr. 2. List will be circulated for volunteers to provide cookies or treats for coffee fellowship time. Dessert party - Jan. 15, sponsored by Friendship Bridge. Birthday, anniversary cards being sent each month by Deb Herman; Shandra Yost is sending "thinking of you" and get well cards. Request for a four-wheeled cart to carry things in from cars. Received thank you from Mahoney Manor for caroling. Annual Elders Retreat planned -- Dr. William Tabbernee, President of Phillips Theological Seminary, will be the presenter at the sixth annual Nebraska Elders' Retreat. His topic will be "The gifts We Share." The retreat will be held March 17-18 at the First Christian Church, 1201 Sheridan Drive, Hastings, NE. The cost is $65 per person for a double room, or $85 per person for a single room. Cost includes the program, meal, refreshments and hotel housing. The event runs from 7 pm on Friday to 3 pm on Saturday. Registration is due by March 1. Let Jean Holt or Pastor Giovanna know if you can attend. Kids make enough to pay the trip costs for Branson outing -- The chili dog luncheon on January 29th was a big success, bringing in $201, enough to pay the way for three kids to travel to Branson, Missouri March 31 - April 2 for the Young Christian Music Weekend. Thanks to Hope Bickford, Jenny Phillips, Anna and Curt Peacock for helping the kids bake cookies on January 28th.   In Our Church Family We are holding Wilma Staberg and the family in our thoughts and prayers with the death of our good and faithful friend Elmer on January 5th. Elmer has served in just about every job there is at Havelock Christian over the years. His picture with his mother Amy at the groundbreaking for the "new building" at 66th and Colfax has a place of honor on the wall in the youth room. We surely miss him, even as we rejoice in his going on to be with our Heavenly Father. We send early Valentine greetings to our friends who don't get out easily: Keith and Elaine Althouse, Olive Montgomery, Don Riblett, Jim Donaldson, and Tony and Katheleen Lass. We hope you're enjoying the sunshine we've been having, along with our warmer days. We also want to keep those serving our country in our thoughts. They include Missy Bickford, Jeremy Bickford, Greg Bissell, Vern Blackwell, Tim Riffe, and David Buell. We appreciate the sacrifice that these people and their families are making so that we can live in freedom. What a surprise Sunday morning when the door opened and Nicki Booe wheeled Roger Hammons through the door. The kids choir dissolved into squeals of joy as the kids ran to greet and hug our friend. Roger is making amazing progress in his healing. We are so grateful for the good care he got at the University Medical Center and now at Madonna. We are absolutely sure that God's hand is at work with the miracle of healing Roger is experiencing. Keep up the good work on your therapy, Roger. It's marvelous to have you back! We're continuing to keep Ardelle Boardman in our prayers as she recovers from her broken shoulder. She is home, and daughter Shareen is helping her get to therapy regularly. Take care, Ardelle. We hope the recovery continues to go well. Dan and Jill Skalak are in our thoughts and prayers as they face some tough days right now. It was good to have Isaac in the choir last Sunday. Take care, Dan and Jill. We're helping to count the days until the new baby arrives at the Hefner household. Big brothers Cody and Mikel, and sister Ami are looking forward to a new baby sister on February 3rd. We're thinking of you, Julie and family.   Kudos for January go to . . . Deb Herman, Mike and Judi Yost, and the Friendship Bridge group for a great Dessert Party on January 15th. Hope Bickford for her beautiful solo on January 22nd. The new church officers who were installed recently. A special thanks to our financial folks, Jack Rosecrans and Joe Herman. These people put in lots of extra hours on our behalf. Judy Seibert, Mike Yost, and Joe Herman, for their help with Children's Church. All who so faithfully support the Pantry. All who are helping or planning to help with the Roger Hammons Benefit.   In Closing From "36 Christian Ways to Reduce Stress"... 1. Pray. 2. Go to bed and get up on time. 3. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places. 4. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases. 5. Have backup's; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps in your purse, etc. 6. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures handy. 7. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can). 8. At bedtime, think of one thing for which you can give thanks. Newsletter Archive Calendar, February 2006 1 - Wednesday 10 am - Bible Study No Choir Practice 7 pm - Elders Meeting 2 - Thursday 7 pm - Bible Study 5 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee Music for 2s 10:45 - Worship Shut-in Communion 6 - Tuesday 7 pm - Friendship Bridge 8 - Wednesday 10 am - Bible Study 7 pm - Choir Practice 9 - Thursday 7 pm - Bible study 11 - Saturday 9 am to 3 pm - CCN Board Meeting 4 - 7 pm -- Soup Supper, Bake Sale, Silent Auction, at Bethany Christian Church 12 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee Music for 2's 10:45 - Worship 7 pm - CYF 13 - Monday 7 pm - General Board Meeting 14 - Tuesday 8 am to 8 pm -- School bond issue election 15 - Wednesday 10 am - Bible study 7 pm - Choir Practice 16 - Thursday 7 pm - Bible Study 19 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee Music for 2's 10:45 - Worship Week of Compassion Offering 22 - Wednesday 10 am - Bible study 7 pm - Choir Practice 8 pm - Worship 23 - Thursday 7 pm - Bible Study 25 - Saturday 9 am to 4 pm - Men's Rally in Nebraska City 26 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School Pastor's Class 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee Music for 2's 10:45 - Worship 7 pm - CYF 27 - Monday Ministers' Monday at Havelock Christian Church 28 - Tuesday 7 pm - Elders meeting   Serving During February: Elders: Presiding - Jean Holt Shut-in Communion. - Mike Yost, Anna Peacock Members of the Diaconate: Preparing - Jean Dana Serving - Ron Uarich, Mike Staberg, Gene Seibert, Hope Bickford/Daniel Herman Shut-in Communion - Mary Bickford, Patrick Peacock Greeter: John Dale Lay Leader: Duayne Yost   Editor - Jean Dale Copying and Mailing - Anna and Curt Peacock Web-site Editor - Curt Peacock Mailing Labels - John Dale

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