The Stillwater

It is the mission of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Stillwater to be the church of Jesus Christ in the world. We do so by developing DISCIPLESHIP, Enabling OUTREACH, and embodying COMMUNITY in our

Christian
Volume 2013 | April 9

Auditions Sunday for Worship Band Anyone who has a gift of music (vocal or instrumental), a desire to serve God musically, and become more involved at FCC is invited to audition on Sunday April 14th between 5:00-6:00pm. Sign up on the Choir Room door. Come prepared with any worship song of your choice. If you need help with selection or practice, contact Alyson at 405.880.7382 or friesen.alyson@gmail.com. Be The Church: Nonprofit Focus Habitat ReStore: The mission of ReStore is to sell new and gently-used home improvement goods, furniture, home accessories, building materials and appliances to the public at a fraction of the retail price. The proceeds are then used by our local Habitat for Humanity affiliates to help build and renovate more homes and communities. To Volunteer: Contact John Leonard, 372-7359 or jhlhorologist@att.net Creating a Culture of Generosity with Bruce Barkhauer, April 20-21 Be sure to mark your calendar for a very special opportunity from 10:00am - 12:00pm on Saturday, April 20th. Rev. Bruce Barkhauer, Director of the Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving, will share some inspirational thoughts on Creating a Culture of Generosity. Bruce is an engaging speaker and were blessed to have him with us. So, come to Applebees for some Jamaica fundraiser pancakes, and then head on over to the Small Fellowship Hall for a meaningful presentation. Youll be glad you came! Please visit the website to view Rev. Barkhauers video.

Reception for Lisa Croft, April 28th A reception honoring Lisa Croft and her 12+ years of service as our song leader is planned for April 28th. If you would like to contribute to a gift for her, please do so to the office before April 26th.
(But shh!!! Jay and Lisa wont see this in their newsletter!)

Welcome Center Hosts Needed

Welcome Center hosts are needed for May, June, July, September, and November. If you are willing to serve in this capacity as an individual or as a Sunday School class, please contact Diana Watkins (405.614.2848 or diana.watkins@okstate.edu). Thank you! Meet Our Newest Members We were blessed to witness the baptisms of four special people on Easter Sunday. Michelle M., from Tulsa OK is the mother of Alexia, Abigail, and Annabelle Matthews; and the daughter of Stephanie L. Michelle works at Ross and stays busy caring for her family. Alexia Lexi M., age 11, is a student at Stillwater Middle School. She enjoys baking and being involved in the FCC Youth Group. Abigail Abby M., age 10, is a student at Skyline Elementary and Shortly after baptisms, Michelle enjoys crafting, reading, and be- Claire S., with her father, as she and daughters are waiting to ing active in church. is about to be baptized. place their lilies at the cross. Claire S., age 9, has grown up at FCC with her parents Ken and Michelle and older siblings. She is a student at Will Rogers Elementary and loves playing basketball, softball, and the piano.

Mark Your Calendar

April 13 CMF Mens Breakfast April 20-21 Bruce Barkhauer Visit April 20-28 Be The Church April 21 Red Cross Blood Drive

Join us this Join Sunday us this for Sunday the Childrens for Owen Musical, Caytons The Message, Prodigal Clown, Joyous in the Light: Sunday TheSchool Senses 9:00 of Joy! Combined based on Service Psalm 10:30 30 and Luke 6: 17-23 Traditional 9:00am Sunday School 10:10 Contemporary 11:10

Snapshots from Sondra

Sunday marked the completion of another musical production, and in my mind it was an absolute success. Our FCC kiddos are one incredibly talented group of youngsters. We rehearse weekly for an hour for 8-10 weeks, practice at home, and then its time to perform. This was a pretty young group, but they pulled it off like masters! I am so proud of every single one of them, and absolutely feel that they gave their best. It was an absolute highlight to have Courtney Andrews involved as a group leader. She is responsible, mature, and a wonderful role model. She was at nearly every rehearsal and always managed to keep her eyes open to ways she could be helpful. Lexi Matthews and Chloe Freeman later joined us, and they were also both incredible blessings. Chloe has a knack for caring and nurturing the little ones. Lexi loves music, and was willing to put her talents to use in any way needed. All three were blessings in numerous ways. You typically dont have incredible children and youth without a great group of parents. I couldnt ask for a better group of parents. They are willing to step up and do whatever needs to be done, or step back and let me do what I need to do. Mandy Gross was at every rehearsal with her daughters, and her presence made a powerful impact each week. Keri Bruce, Diana Watkins, and Kristi Clark were always willing to do whatever needed to be done, even if it was simply gathering before practice and saying a quick prayer. One of the greatest blessings of my life is my daughter-in-law, Ashley Ladds, involvement with the childrens and youth ministry. I thank God for giving me more than I could have asked or hoped for in a daughter-in-law. One of the best ways to support our youth is to be an active presence in their lives. I thank each one of you who attended on Sunday. I loved seeing so many relatives present. I also loved seeing those of you who dont have a child involved, yet still come and support our kids. Nancy Trench prayed an incredible prayer during worship that voiced my heart in every way. We are thankful for Lorne and Ryan Parker, Julia Bollinger, and Matt Arrington, who contributed their talents to the production. Once again, Rick worked diligently behind the scenes to make certain so many things went off without a hitch. I know Jon Baker must have thought he was off the hook for volunteering for these types of events once his kids turned 12, but he willingly helped out and was much appreciated. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be involved in all the wonderful ministry that happened with this musical. I hope YOU can say the same! The Stillwater Christian is a weekly publication of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The deadline for articles each week is 1pm Monday. Tracy Freeman, Editor editor@fcc-stillwater.org Church Office Phone: 405.372.7722 Fax: 405.372.7726 Find The Stillwater Christian and more information at www.fcc-stillwater.org Send prayer requests and general email to office@fcc-stillwater.org

CH ILDR EN & YO UTH MI NISTR Y NEWS

Sondra Ladd, Children/Youth Ministry Director

youth@fcc-stillwater.org

FLAPJACK FUNDRAISER SATURDAY, APRIL 20TH 8-10am Applebees $7.00 PER PERSON
Purchase your tickets now to support FCC Jamaica Mission Team! $5.00 from each ticket benefits our team. Tickets are available in the church office or from any mission team member. Mission trip participants will be in the Small Fellowship Hall this week selling tickets. PLEASE STOP BY AND PURCHASE TICKETS FOR YOURSELF, YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. Presales of tickets will help Applebee's to determine the number of pancakes to prepare. However, tickets will still be available at the door.

The Prodigal Clown Success!

Thanks so much to EVERYONE who contributed to the success of The Prodigal Clown, especially to the cast who presented the gospel in such an incredible way. You are truly gifted and talented, and I pray you will continue to use your gifts and talents to bring glory and honor to God.

MISSION CAMP FORMS AVAILABLE

EL RENO MISSION CAMP FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE YOUTH OFFICE. REGISTRATION FEES AND FORMS ARE CURRENTLY PAST DUE. IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND MISSION EL RENO JULY 21-26 PLEASE SEE SONDRA ASAP.

Senior Sunday May 26th

Sunday, May 26th, FCC SHS and area Class of 2013 graduates will be honored during morning worship. There will be one combined worship service at 10:30. Graduates will be in Williams Hall from 10-10:30 so everyone can have an opportunity to personally congratulate and encourage each of them. Lunch for the Class of 2013, their family and friends will be held immediately following the service. An initial planning meeting will be held on Sunday, May 5th at 6:30 in the youth room. There are 14 FCC members of the Class of 2013, we would LOVE to get a group picture during the planning meeting as well as discuss thoughts, ideas and involvement interest for the worship service. If you know a member of the Class of 2013 that you would like to be recognized, please contact Sondra Ladd ASAP.

Facts & Figures for April 7, 2013

Attendance ...246 Sunday School....41 General Fund Receipts.$8,027.00 Capital Fund Receipts.....$290.00 Loose Offering/Sunday School...$543.00 Project Funds Receipts..$10,000.14 Preliminary Facts & Figures as of March 31, 2013 YTD Budget Receipts......$115,327.92 YTD Budget Expenses.....$115,114.32 Net Receipts over Expenses.213.60 Presented by Kay Smith, Treasurer, dkwsmith@suddenlink.net

Happy Birthday to: 4/10 Gayle Carberry, Jodie Kennedy 4/11 Cassidy Freeman 4/13 Dayne Bruce 4/14 Jo Ann Seamans 4/15 Keith McElwain, Sierra Sorrell, Susan Willoughby 4/16 Alex Bailey, Alina Sorrell Happy Anniversary to: 4/16 Erik and Jacqui Lutterbie