"Contact" the Havelock Christian Church Newsletter March, 2007 God's Love is Demonstrated We couldn't have asked for better help for making the Hammons Event of February 10 a huge success! We had folks who made signs, distributed flyers, bought groceries, made soup, contributed desserts, brought baked goods, made and contributed items for the silent auction, retrieved tables from a shed with a frozen door on a cold, cold night and set them up, decorated the fellowship hall, set tables, served, managed the bake sale, collected trays, washed dishes, contributed funds, provided music, cleaned up afterward, put away tables, counted the money, made deposits, and attended to 1,001 other details. It was a tremendous outpouring of love and caring, not only from our church but from folks in our sister churches and family and friends across the country. The proceeds to date total about $4,500, and money is still coming in. We have enough to pay off a number of smaller bills and make payments on the larger ones. Our gifts of love will go a long way toward helping Roger and Barbara on their way to a new life of hope. Gifts to Week of Compassion Offering Coming in As we have been learning over the past couple of weeks, the Week of Compassion Offering allows us as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to join with other denominations in responding to emergency situations around the world. Week of Compassion responds to situations as diverse as the tsunami in Southeast Asia and Hurricane Katrina along the Gulf Coast, to the ice storms in central Nebraska. The funds continue to help people rebuild their lives until they are back on their feet again, sometimes long after other charities have moved on. We have several more weeks to give our gifts, if you have not already participated. Words of Thanks from Hope and Zach Hope and Jarred Bickford and Zach Richards have sent a note of thanks for prayers, love, and gifts of support with the death of baby Jeremiah. Rick and Mary Bickford also express their thanks for the support of their church family at this time. "There is a saying...'People will forget what you did...They may forget what you said...But they will never forget how you made them feel.' Thank you for caring." Lent Helps Us Focus on God's Gift The HCC Soup and Worship series began on Ash Wednesday, February 21, as the church family gathered for the first of six simple meals of soup and bread at 6:30 pm on Wed. evenings, followed by a short time of worship. Our first lesson, ably presented by Deb Herman, told of Peter's mother-in-law who was healed by Jesus, and her response of joy. The series continues through March 28th. Come and invite a friend. Pastor's Ponderings: During the season of Lent, many of us turn our thoughts to our relationship with God, Christ and the Holy Spirit. Once again, we begin a spring-cleaning of our souls. We try to reconnect with God in a new and real way. We seek to discover the meaning and the reasons for Christ dying on the cross for humanity. In our searching for meaning and understanding of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, we arrive at the question "Why did God need for Christ to die on the cross for humanity?" In the last few months, I have been reading a trilogy called "A New Kind of Christian," by a post-modern theologian, Brian McLaren (I recommend the trilogy for any Christian's Library). In the second book, "The Story We Find Ourselves", the author discusses the different theories of Atonement. What is Atonement you might ask? The meaning of the word is simply at-one-ment, i.e., the state of being at one or being reconciled, so that atonement is reconciliation. Simply, atonement is the way Christ reconciled humanity to God for eternity. The following is a summary of these theories, discussed by McLaren. The "substitution" theory suggests that Jesus was our substitute on the cross. Jesus' goodness cancels our sinfulness. The "ransom" theory suggests that Jesus offers to submit himself to Satin in death for our sakes. In giving of his life that was perfect for our sinful life, God redeems him in the resurrection. The "Christus Victor" theory suggests that Jesus was victorious over death and sin. The perfect penitent theory suggests that no one except Christ is good enough to earn eternal life. Deep down we love to sin, thus when we repent we hold a part of ourselves back. Yet, Jesus held nothing back; Jesus gave all of himself for us on the cross. C.S. Lewis illustrates this theory in his "Chronicles of Narnia." The "Moral Influence" theory suggests that Jesus' self-giving complete abandonment to God's will; as well, his self-devotion for the sake of the world enables him to give his life on the cross. His death allows for God's self-giving love for all of us to become visible. The "powerful weakness" theory suggests that Jesus was vulnerable upon the cross by accepting the suffering of every individual in creation in the past, present and future, both Jew and gentile. Jesus takes a violent action of the cross with all the suffering and pain in death and transforms it into reconciliation. God transforms the violence, dominion, and oppression to love, mercy and grace for all people. Finally, McLaren suggest a different reason for atonement. Brian suggests, God's agony is made visible on the cross. In this theory the betrayal of humanity to create chaos in the creation contrasts with the ultimate gift of grace on the cross. In the cross, Jesus absorbs all the pain of betrayal, and sinfulness of humanity in rejection of the creation, and the unconditional loving, compassion of God. This is illustrated most visibly when Jesus, dying on the cross, cries out to God, "forgive them, they know not what they do." When humanity was at our most un-loveable in rejecting Jesus, the cross and resurrection became the ultimate gift of love and grace which reconciles us with God for eternity. Wow, atonement is a lot to think about in the life of the Christian. My prayer is that this will spark a discussion of what we mean to be saved by the grace of God. I will be waiting to hear your thoughts. In Christian Service, Giovanna Sermons and Scriptures 4   Psalms 27, Luke 13:31-35 "Wait for the Lord" 11   Psalms 63:1-18, Isaiah 55:1-0 "Ways of God" 18   Rev. Dr. Ken Moore will be preaching 25   Psalms 126, John 12:1-8 "Anointing of Jesus"   Dates to Remember March Birthdays 13 Maxine Buell 15 Gina Pashby 23 David Buell 30 Irene Sewell March Anniversaries 10 Jeni and Brandon Phillips 15 Mary and Rick Bickford 18 Karen and Jerry Cunning Prayer Focus 4 Falls City First Christian, Rev. Steven Wainwright 11 Unadilla Christian, Pastor Andrew DeGolyer 18 Alliance First Christian, Pastor Walter Cline 25 Beatrice First Christian, Rev. David Bigley Upcoming Events Regular Meetings 5 Friendship Bridge, 7 pm 12 General Board, 7 pm 26 Worship Committee, 7 pm 27 PRC, 7 pm 28 Elders, 11:30 am (brown bag lunch) Every Week Sundays - Sunday School all ages, 9:15 am Coffee Fellowship, 10:15 am Music for Kids, 10:15 am WWJD Crew, 7 pm Wednesdays - Bible Study, 10 am (except 3/14) Soup and Worship, 6:30 pm Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 pm Thursdays - Bible Study, 7 pm (except 3/15) Other Important Dates Dedication of Gifts for Food Pantry set for March 4 - Several of us missed the date for the "Souper Bowl of Caring" offering, but we still have a chance to bring our gifts of canned or boxed food gifts for the Northeast Food Pantry. The needs are certainly ongoing, and our contributions make a big difference. Let's fill the Pantry shelves to overflowing for March 4th. Communion shared with shut-in members - The first Sunday of each month is set aside as a special time for our Elders and Members of the Diaconate to visit our shut-in members. The visitors usually take a copy of the Sunday bulletin along and share church and family news, along with the elements of communion. The date for this month's visits is March 4th. Soup and Worship Services continue through March - All are welcome for this informal time of fellowship and worship. The time is 6:30 pm each Wednesday throughout the month of March. The menu is homemade soup and bread. The worship services include a monolog by a particular Biblical character each week, along with communion and prayer. Invite a friend and come. A free-will offering is received to defray the costs for those providing the food. Elders set to attend retreat in Hastings - Several of our elders will be attending the annual Elders retreat March 9-10. The theme this year is "Sitting at the Bedside: The Elder as Pastoral Caregiver." The speaker is the Clinical Pastoral Education Director from the Medical Center in Omaha. We'll want to be keeping the Elders in our thoughts that week-end. Daffodil Offering to be Received - On Sunday, March 11th, the sanctuary will be brightly decorated with daffodils in recognition of American Cancer Society's Daffodil Sunday. The program has become a bit expensive, so rather than selling bunches of daffodils this year, HCC will simply enjoy the display in the sanctuary and receive a free-will offering for the American Cancer Society. Pastor Giovanna will be on vacation - The week of March 12th -18th is a week off for our pastor. The Rev. Dr. Ken Moore will be preaching for us on March 18th. For any pastoral care concerns, please contact Chair of the Elders Roger Hammons (475-6558). We wish Pastor Giovanna some days of rest and refreshment. Builders Club to meet on St. Patrick's Day - Builders Club will gather at the church at 9 am on March 17th. This is an adult fellowship group that focuses primarily on mission efforts. We'll be making plans for the visit of missionaries Tim and Diane Fonderlin to HCC on April 15th, along with other important events. All are welcome - come join the fun! (Be sure to wear green.) Pancake/French Toast Supper planned - Invite your neighbors and come to HCC between 4:30 and 7 :00 pm on Saturday, March 24th for great food and fellowship. The cost is only $4, so we need a great turn out. Proceeds from the event will help with general church expenses. Come one, come all! Practice for Sunrise Service scheduled for March 25th - If you have a part in the Easter Sunrise Service, please plan to bring a sack lunch and stay for a short practice after church on Mar. 25th. Pastor Giovanna preaching at Mahoney Manor - Our pastor will be conducting the worship service at Mahoney Manor at 1:30 pm on Thursday, March 29th. She always welcomes church members who would like to join in this time of worship and fellowship with members and friends at Mahoney Manor. Frances Young serves as the resident hostess when Pastor Giovanna is presiding. 12-Hour Prayer Vigil planned for March 31st - As is our custom at HCC, a prayer vigil is held on the Saturday preceding Palm Sunday. This year, the Worship Committee decided on the hours from 8 am to 8 pm. This is a time when the church is open; and comfortable areas are prepared where members can spend time in reading, prayer, and contemplation. Communion elements are available, and reading materials are at hand. There will be one person serving as host each hour. A sign-up sheet will be available. FYI Shorts from the Board Finances looking ok at this point. Approved purchase of flannel board for Sunday School class and an allowance for supplies. Potluck lunch on April 15 when missionary couple visits. They have been doing Habitat for Humanity work in tsunami areas. Leaky drinking fountain, furnace, air hockey switch repaired. Prairie Bowmen voted not to purchase tables from HCC. Lenten devotional books available. Lent/Holy Week/Easter activities being planned. Plans underway for Butterfly Picnic and Easter Egg Hunt on Apr. 7; Carnival set for Sept. 8. T-shirt sales went well. Proceeds will help kids attend camp. Foundation Repair Committee to meet Febr. 26. Memorial funds approved for new equipment to update nursery. Nursery committee still looking into finding child care person. Rachel Arnold approved as one of HCC's delegates to General Assembly. Nursery Committee working hard - Chair Jack Rosecrans reported that the Nursery Committee has reviewed the furnishings in the nursery and recommends purchase of new items to update the nursery and make it safer for the children. The items they recommend include: a custom gate, Pack 'n Play, Baby Monitor, Diaper Genie, adjustable table and stacking chairs. They had priced the items, and the cost was $564.98, not including shipping for some items. The Board approved the use of Memorial Funds for the purchase. Items have been purchased/ordered. The nursery will be cleaned thoroughly before the new equipment is brought in. The committee has a further "wish list" for some additional items after these improvements are complete. The committee is also researching the possibility of finding a nursery attendant through Nannies of Nebraska, a Norfolk firm. The company recruits qualified care providers, does initial screening and background checks, and takes care of employment paperwork. The committee is checking with others who have used the firm and will continue to seek a competent care giver. Board is looking into purchase of audio visual equipment ­ Nearly every church we visit these days has invested in equipment which allows the projection of pictures and words onto a screen at the front of the sanctuary. Many guest speakers depend on such equipment for making presenta- tions, and congregations use the equipment to play videos, convey messages, share pictures, and provide words to hymns on the screen for the benefit of the congregation. HCC is looking into the costs for such a set-up. Some grant funding is available from the Region to make this kind of an update to our sanctuary. Stay tuned ­ there may be something new soon!! Gifts received for the scholarship fund ­ We continue to be able to provide scholarships for our members who are students because of generous gifts on the part of some of our families. We feel this is such an important investment in our members. We are grateful for the gifts, which supplement the interest earnings that are becoming available from the Merlin Walters trust fund set up to help keep the scholarship program going. New cabinets and counter top planned for future installation - Thanks to a very generous gift from a client of Yost Decorators, the church has new (gently used) cabinets and a counter top, which will eventually be installed in the fellowship area to supplement our existing cabinets. We are waiting until repairs are made to the foundation before doing the installation. A committee named by Moderator Jack Rosecrans will be reviewing funding options for the foundation repair at a meeting Febr. 26th. In Our Church Family Our hearts go out to Wanda Cameron and her family, with the death of Jim on February 7, in Montrose, Colorado. Wanda and Jim were active members at HCC until 1989, when they moved to Montrose to be near their daughter. You are in our prayers, Wanda. We express our sympathy to Lillian, Lee and Mary Reed and the family with the passing of Ralph Reed on February 10. A memorial service will be held for Ralph at Fourth Presbyterian Church on March 24th. We send our late winter greetings to our shut-in members: Elaine and Keith Althouse, Don Riblett, Beverly Helmkamp, Alta Perkinton, Jim Donaldson, and Katheleen Lass. With the emergence of a few brave daffodils and tulips, we hope you can see beyond the March snowstorms in anticipation of Spring! We continue to hold our young people in service to our country in our thoughts and prayers. They include: Jeremy Bickford, Missy Bickford, Greg Bissell, Vern Blackwell, Cody Carlison, Mike Keith, Josh Markle, and Jake Whitaker. Those on our list for prayers include: Lester and Marjorie Beaman, Julie Boon (Bobbie Buchanan's niece), John and Joann Brown, Claudein and Harold Egbarts (mother and step-father of Mary Bickford and Deb Herman), Lesa Eichenberger (pastor at Shubert and Verdon Churches), Marjorie Gregg (Julie Hefner's grandmother), Jean Holt, Bernie Nichols (Barbara Hammons' uncle), Diana Pashby (Ryan Pashby's mother), Jamie Lynn Peterson (granddaughter of Woodrums), Bert and Millie Turnwall (Judi Yost's parents), and Don Vaughn (Barbara Hammons' uncle). We continue to keep Hope Bickford and Steve Miller in our prayers with their employment search efforts. We're delighted to report that Jean Holt came through her surgery well and is already home from the hospital. All four of her children were here to support her, and it must have been a big help. Take care, Jean. You continue in our prayers. We're glad that Maxine Gillespie is doing better following a wicked fall. She hit the back of her head and her shoulder and is still having some pain, but she's back to church. Take care, Maxine. We miss Maxine Buell, who has some ongoing health problems. Maxine, do take care. We hope you feel better soon. We're delighted with a good report from Virginia and Les Woodrum. Granddaughter Jamie Lynn Peterson has finished her last (12th ) chemotherapy treatment and is looking forward to a good report from the doctors in May. It's been a tough year for Jamie, and she appreciates the support and prayers of her family and friends. We're glad to report that Roger Hammons suffered no serious ill effects from his fall on the ice on Febr. 18th. He is still receiving treatment for some lingering foot sores, but other than that, he's doing well. Take care, Roger! Zachary Arnold has been under the weather the last few days with a case of the flu. We hope you're feeling better by now, Zach. Take care. Bobbie Buchanan is recovering from a bout with bronchitis. We hope you're on the mend and will be back with us soon, Bobbie. Great news! Glen Buchanan has a new job! Congratulations, Glen. We wish you all the best. It's a new grandson!! Fran and Darrell Plumb are grandparents again ­ a new grandson Liam Michael, was born Friday, February 23rd. Congratulations to the Plumb family!! And Pastor Giovanna has a new baby niece! Miss Kylie Diane Broumley was born on Febr. 23rd, to Giovanna's sister Kristi and her husband Greg. The Broumley family lives in Tyler, Texas. Kylie is their first child, and everyone is very excited about her arrival. Kudos for February go to... All who helped in so many ways to make the fund raiser for Roger Hammons a big success. Although I have several lists, I know I'd miss someone, so I'll just say, THANKS, HCC!!           You're the greatest. Judy Seibert, Lacy Nimmich, Kristina Nimmich, Joe Herman, and others who provide such loving care for our young ones during church time. You've been "filling the gap" for a long time as we search for a nursery attendant, and we want you to know how much we appreciate your good work. Pastor Giovanna and Worship Chair Dori Yost for keeping our sanctuary so beautiful and preparing for the many special services of the season. Moderator Jack Rosecrans, for his firm and sure leadership through some challenging issues in recent weeks. Our thanks, too, to Minnie Stephens. She and Jack together prepare our worship bulletins each week ­ a big job! Bobbie Buchanan and Virginia Woodrum for the delicious treats during fellowship time. Bobbie will be circulating a sign-up sheet to solicit help with hospitality responsibilities in the coming weeks. In Closing Our son Mark Dale-Thompson writes of some of his experiences in his computer "blog." Here's his entry from Jan.17th, one of those super cold days. I hope this story touches your hearts as it did ours. Yesterday at Work [Jan. 17th, 2007|10:19 am] About 10:30, I was south of town driving from one frozen portable toilet to the next, filling them with salt, listening to Huck Finn and generally enjoying the sunshine and all 4 of the degrees. I turned onto a dirt (really ice) road and stopped for a pick up that was broken down. I got out to see if the person needed help, and saw a young woman with what must have been a 3- or 4-year-old daughter. Their truck had overheated and was blowing steam. She was talking to her husband on the cell phone--he was at work doing snow removal back in town. The truck looked for all the world like the radiator cap had failed and they had lost most of their coolant that way. I had a gallon on my truck so I put it in the radiator, but since the truck was a diesel, I figured they had lost way more than a gallon, so I told her I would follow them back to town, just to make sure they made it. We drove about a mile and a half and then she turned into the parking lot of the elementary school where my kids went to K-6. When I got out, she said the truck was starting to over heat again, so I told her that she should tell the school secretary that they broke down, and I would give her a lift back to town. She said she had a friend in town that they could stay with until her husband got off work and had time to come out and fix the truck. I moved all my toilet paper and salt and Mt. Dew into the bed of the truck, and they came and got in and we drove the 7 miles back to town. On the way, we talked about their truck and about the fact that I had broken down just the day before with a similar problem on my way to work and other stuff. All the while, the little girl was scrunched just as close to her mom as she could possibly be. I told her my name and asked hers--no response. I asked if she was going to go to school next year--no response. I told her about Larry [the dog] who normally rides with me in the truck and asked her about her doggy--no response. She did make about one peep, indicating--very privately to her mom--that we were going to "Cedes" (Mercedes) house and that she likes to play with Mercedes. But other than that, not a sound. Furthermore, didn't want to even look at me. When we got to town, I pulled in the drive and Mom got out of the truck and undid the little girl's seat belt. The little girl stood up on the seat and started to walk to her mother, as if to jump into Mom's arms and escape the scary truck as quickly as possible. When at the very last moment, she turned around, walked back across the bench seat, and gave me the grandest hug and planted a big kiss right on my mouth. Then she turned and jumped out the door into Mom's waiting arms. I would like to have burst! Her mom tried to give me some money for my time, but I told her that that hug and kiss were worth at least a million bucks each and that I probably owed them change. The rest of the day, staying warm was no problem at all. * * * * * * * * * * * * * And from Virginia Woodrum's notebook: "It is nice to be important, but it is also important to be nice."   Calendar: March 2007 1 - Thursday 7 pm - Bible Study 2 - Friday 3 - Saturday 9:30 - Christian Church in NE Regional Board Meeting, Nebraska City 4 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee Music for kids 10:45 - Worship 7 pm - WWJD Crew 5 - Monday 7 pm - Friendship Bridge 6 - Tuesday 7 - Wednesday 10 am - Bible Study 7 pm - Choir Rehearsal 8 - Thursday 7 pm - Bible study 9 - Friday 6 pm. - Set up at Bethany Christian Church for Roger Hammons Benefit 10 - Saturday 4 - 7 pm -- Roger Hammons Benefit at Bethany Christian Church 11 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee Music for kids 10:45 - Worship Noon - Lunch and Play Practice 7 pm - WWJD Crew 12 - Monday 7 pm - General Board Meeting 13 - Tuesday Pastor Giovanna begins vacation, until 2/19 14 - Wednesday No Bible Study 7 pm - Choir Rehearsal 15 - Thursday No Bible Study 16 - Friday 17 - Saturday 18 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee Music for kids 10:45 - Worship Week of Compassion 7 pm - WWJD Crew 19 - Monday 20 - Tuesday 21 - Wednesday 10 am - Bible study 6:30 - Ash Wednesday Soup and Worship 7:30 - Choir Rehearsal 22 - Thursday 7 pm - Bible Study 23 - Friday 24 - Saturday 25 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School Pastor's Class 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee Music for kids 10:45 - Worship Week of Compassion 7 pm - WWJD Crew 26 - Monday 7 pm - Worship Committee Meeting 27 - Tuesday 7 pm - PRC 28 - Wednesday 10 am - Bible Study 6:30 - Soup and Worship 7:30 - Choir Rehearsal 29 - Thursday 7 pm - Bible Study 30 - Friday 31 - Saturday   Newsletter Archive Serving During March: Elders: Presiding - Sharon Jordal Shut-in Communion - Jack Rosecrans, Anna Peacock Members of the Diaconate: Preparing - Judy Seibert Serving - Lacy / Kristina Nimmich, Judy Seibert, Gene Seibert, Bill Seier / Judi Yost Shut-in Communion - Gene Seibert, Bill Seier Worship Leader: Dori Yost Greeters: Gene and Judy Seibert Editor - Jean Dale Copying and Mailing - Anna Peacock Web-site Editor - Curt Peacock Mailing Labels - John Dale

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