Welcome Our Newest Members

Chet and Bonnie Reniff came forward on January 9, to reaf-

firm their faith, and to bring their transfer of membership
from Gardena Presbyterian Church. Long-time friends of
John and Diana Sencerbox, Chet and Bonnie have been par-
ticipating in our congregation for some time now, usually at-
tending our 8:30 service. Both are avid animal lovers, having
two dogs of their own. They were among the early supporters
of our Blessing of the Animals, and have been facilitating our
“Pet Project,” a ministry which collects clean towels, sheets,
blankets, dogs beds, toys and food for the Carson Animal
Care and Control Center. Chet and Bonnie’s contact informa-
tion is already in your church directory. We continue to enjoy
all the Reniffs bring to our community, and now welcome
them into the covenant of membership!
On January 23, Raven Concepcion came forward during our
10:30 service with her transfer of membership. Originally
from Guam, Raven has lived in California since 1997, when
her father passed away, and in Torrance for about 10 years,
where she works at Neighborhood Escrow. Coming from a
nominal Catholic background, she says close friends have
helped her revive the Christian faith that was wounded by her
father’s death. Raven says her interests include “typically
nerd stuff” like reading, surfing the web, playing online
games, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Please add the following contact info to your directories:

Raven Concepcion
23525 Arlington Avenue, #232, Torrance CA 90501
310-972-0192, then_raven_said@yahoo.com

Page 1 January 27, 2011

 Disciples Women’s Ministry
Just a reminder, women’s groups meet at the following days/times:

Faith Group: Third Tuesday of every month at 1:30 p.m.

Love Group: Third Tuesday of every month at 9:30 a.m.
New Hope: First Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m.
All groups meet in the Fireside Room.

Women’s Sunday
Women’s Sunday is now Sunday, February 27th. If you are interested in participat-
ing, please talk to Judy Rickabaugh.

Friendship Dinner
Mark your calendars and join us for the annual Friendship Dinner on Saturday, Feb-
ruary 19th. Tickets can be purchased for $10 each beginning Sunday, January 30th in
Sippel Hall. Babysitting will be provided.

Bake Sale
Do you have a sweet tooth? Come join us for the DWF Bake Sale on Sunday, Janu-
ary 30th. All proceeds will support the regional Disciple Women ministries with pro-
grams and outreach.

Convocation
Friendly reminder – have you signed up for convocation yet? If you’d like to learn
more or join us, registration tables can be found in Sippel Hall following both ser-
vices. Registration deadline is Tuesday, February 1st.

New Small Group Series on the Lord’s Prayer

In the last year and half, we have enjoyed the deepened spiritual experience of sharing in
small groups, and praying together—all linked around our worship themes for a season.
This Spring, we will once again join in a special season of study, prayer and worship, this
time with a 5-week series focusing on the Lord’s Prayer.
Groups will begin meeting during the first full week of Lent (Sunday, March 13) and finish
the five-week study the week before Holy Week—Palm Sunday being April 17 this year.
We will have sign-ups lists out soon—please help us by marking your interest and best time
in pew cards, bulletin inserts, or by email or phone.
Page 2
 Four Paws Up to Shelter Helpers
Many kind and caring people have donated items to provide some measure of com-
fort for those at the Carson Animal Shelter. We are delighted to report the following
in donations:

27 bags of towels, sheets, rugs

3 boxes of blankets
3 large bags of toys
2 animal beds
31 bags of newspapers
3 small dog scarves

A lovely thank-you was received from the Shelter. They were so appreciative. The
need is truly great.

We pray that you will continue to provide clean, gently used items for the animals.
Pet clothing and toys can go to their new homes with them to help make their adop-
tion the special event that it is. Pet food may also be donated. Items can be placed
in the box or on the table provided in the entrance to Sippel Hall.

For more information contact Bonnie and Chet Reniff (310) 516-1181 or Susan
Babcock (310) 326-9003.

P.S.
The Carson Shelter is also looking for volunteers to help bathe and groom, clean
cages, feed, play, walk the animals and people to staff the Information Desk. If you
have the gift to do any of these things and are interested in taking advantage of one
or more of these opportunities, contact the Shelter Volunteer line at (562) 256-
1367.

Thank you so much and bless you.

Bonnie, Chet, Susan and friends

Page 3
My thanks to the Elders for the beautiful poinsettia which brightened my holidays and
for the visits with communion throughout the year. There aren’t enough words to ex-
press my gratitude for all the love and kindness shown me in so many ways. I’m truly
blessed to be a member of this loving congregation.
Thank You,
Betty Donley

Dear Sisters and Brothers of First Christian Church, Torrance

We have finally been able to close the books on the 2010 Pacific Southwest Region
Golf Classic. The result was a profit of $18,750.00. enabling us to give each of the
five ministries supported by this event $3,750.00. A significant increase over 2009!
Your generosity helped to make this possible!
Grace and peace,
Ed Linberg, Chairman
2010 Golf Classic

With Sympathy
Chuck Bruley’s long-time room-mate, Burton Mann, died earlier this month of complica-
tions from kidney disease.
Lori Martinez’s neighbor and friend, Justin, was killed in a car accident. He was just 20.
Long-time member Margaret Foster’s life will be celebrated here on February 5. Margaret
had spent the last several years living near her daughter in Idaho, but is nonetheless fondly
remembered. All are invited.

New Babies!
Congratulations to Roger and Gail Grove on their new granddaughter, Aileen Grove, born
January 13. Mother and baby are doing wonderfully.

John and Anne Beecher are celebrating another Australian grand-niece—Natalija Elisabeth
Ann was born at 7’ 9”, and is doing very well.
Page 4
 CHURCH FAMILY PRAYERS & CONCERNS
In & out of the hospital: Doug Hedde is back in his care facility after some days in the hospital
with a staff infection… Roy Fietz (Steve’s father) is back at an Alzheimer’s facility in Portland after
being diagnosed and treated for emphysema…Bonnie Reniff has had surgery postponed due to a
“bug”…Arly Jahn is home after outpatient surgery for a pancreatic stone—she will probably still
need a follow-up procedure.
Hilda Coleman is doing better after treatment for diverticulitis, but is now being tested for con-
cerns about her heart.
Ron Kirby has had leg pain that makes standing and walking difficult—the cause is not yet clear.

Mary Matson's father, Ed Gherna, has been placed on palliative care in response to pneumonia and
other chronic breathing issues.

Dottie Taggart's mother-in-law is nearing the end of her struggle with leukemia.
Shawn Knutsen (Kelly Rogers’s sister) is facing a decision about being part of a trial cancer treat-
ment program in Houston, TX.
Paul & Kara Ryan’s sister-in-law, Karen Ryan, has had encouraging results in her treatment for a
rare form of lymphoma.
Others battling cancer: Nora Pagdilao’s father, Apolinar Reyes, who has lymphoma…Ernie
Wheatley (Bill’s brother)…June Perkins' s son-in-law Doug Johnston…Chuck Bales’s cousin, Rus-
sell Reynolds…Dean Noble (Haley & Madison grandfather), Vi Fietz (Steve’s stepmother)... Linda
Houston’s friend, Sue, who has lymphoma…

Injuries: Stella McGinnis’s back is very sore after a fall…Susie Noble’s mother-in-law is recover-
ing from a shattered knee and a damaged vertebra suffered in a fall…Marie Fowler (Linda Kirby’s
mother) is having difficulty in her recovery from a fall last year.

Those separated from loved ones: Earl Woods is back in Australia for several weeks of work…
Lilian Asomugha is traveling to Nigeria and several parts of the US this month…Sarah Iannucci’s
mother in the Philippines…Lauren Eldik (Fietz’s daughter) and family in the Dominican Republic.

Those facing difficult issues; Peggy Campbell asks prayers for a friend going through a court trial
over domestic abuse—who has gained comfort from one of our prayer shawls… Maureen Estolas
has been diagnosed as “pre-diabetic”…Odens’ nephew Robbie Hammel in his struggle with depres-
sion…Those coping with addiction, and their families….Those dealing with unemployment and
income insecurity…For others around the globe who are suffering, particularly flood victims in
Australia and Brazil.

We continue to hold Ted Oden, Brenda Poindexter, and the new church effort in Westchester in our
prayers.

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

Education Meeting Choir New

7:00 7:00 7:00

6 7 8 9

Prayer Meeting 5:45 Bible Study 10:00

Newsletter
Prayer Shawl 7:00 Prayer Shawl 2:00 Ch
Trustee Meeting
Disciple Women’s Cabinet Meeting 7:00 7
7:00
Board 7:00 p.m.

13 14 15 16
Love Group 9:30
Bible Study 10:00
Faith Group 1:30
Prayer Shawl 2:00 Ch
Prayer Meeting 5:45 Elders 7:00 7
Prayer Shawl 7:00

20 21 22 23

Prayer Meeting 5:45

President’s Day Bible Study 10:00 Ch
Prayer Shawl 7:00
Church Office Closed Prayer Shawl 2:00 7

27 28
Women’s Sunday
Feed The Hungry
Sunday
Newsletter
Disciple Women’s
Lunch
12:00 Page 6
 rsday Friday Saturday

February Birthdays
Sammi Wilk (3)
Raven Concepcion (3)
Michael Gonzalez (6)
3 4 5 Marie Wood (6)
John Galyardt (7)
Margaret Foster Carole Colby (10)
w Hope Brent Foster (10)
Memorial
0 p.m. Doreen Jackson (11)
2:00 Jean Richards (12)
Carol Rimmey (12)
10 11 12 Ted Oden (13)
Connie Gonzales (17)
Barbara Myers (17)
Cheryl Crawford (22)
hoir Ruth Singleton (24)
John Beecher (27)
:00 Jeff Wood (28)

17 18 19

Men’s Breakfast
hoir 8:30 a.m.
:00

24 25 26

hoir
:00

ANNIVERSARIES
Jeff & Michele Wood (12)
Stan & Chery Carew (24)

Page 7
 Education Notes & News
BIBLE EXPLORERS
In February the children will be learning and exploring Stewardship.
Each center will ask, “Why are these small things wise?”
Explorers will better understand what it means to be a steward.
Explorers will learn that even though they are “small” that they can help with
church stewardship.
Explorers will understand that stewardship involves pooling our resources together
voluntarily in order to accomplish bigger things.
The scripture verse for February is:
Four things on earth are small, yet they are exceedingly wise: the ants…the badg-
ers…the locusts…the lizard.” Proverbs 30:24-28

YOUTH ADVENTURE/CHI RHO

We will be in Room 4 on 1/30 and make Valentine's for our homebound members
and discuss outreach opportunities. A light lunch will be provided.
2/6 Deliver Valentine's to homebound members
2/20 Activity TBD
Please keep our children's programs and our youth in your prayers as well as our
dedicated teachers and helpers.

LOCH LEVEN SPRING CLEAN UP

April 9-10th there will be a spring clean up weekend at Loch Leven. The cost is usu-
ally minimal as this is a work trip to help get the camp ready for summer. The new
camp director will be on hand. Please contact Shirley Woodman if you are interested
in attending.

Wednesday Morning Bible Study

On January 12, our Wednesday Morning Bible Study is continuing its study of the “minor”
prophets—minor not because they are less important, but just because their writings are
shorter. We are currently looking at Amos.

We meet from 10:00 to 11ish on Wednesdays, and have recently shifted our meeting place to
the choir room, where it is much easier to hear one another! All are welcome!

Page 8
 Let’s SHOW Off (or at least display some stuff)
WHAT: Our collectibles and Hobbies Display

WHERE: Sippel Hall or the Gym (depending upon space needed;

tables can be provided)

WHEN: Saturday, April 30, 2011

WHO: Us

WHY: To get to know our Church Family better. To have fun sharing
and seeing each others collections and hobbies.

COORDINATOR: Membership Committee. This will be a most en-

joyable and interesting event. Please fill out the following “Interest
Survey” to assist us in our planning. Turn in to the office, place in
the Offering plate on Sunday, or give to Susan Babcock.

Questions? Concerns? Needs?

Call Susan (310) 326-9003.

- -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - — - - - - - - - - - — - - - - - - — - - - -
Tear Off

Collectibles and Hobbies Survey

I want to participate

Name

Collection/hobby I will display

Page 9
Upcoming Sunday Messages
January 30, 2011— “You Are the Spice of Life” (Matthew 5:13-16)
After Jesus blesses those who long for the reign of God, he further commends them as “the
salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” Rather than hearing this as “Here’s what you
should be,” could we hear it as “Here’s what you are!” and continue to live into our Chris-
tian identity?
February 6, 2011— “What Jesus Really Means?” (Matthew 5:17-37)
In a long consideration of the Law, Jesus seems to make what is already difficult even more
so. Our tendency has been to water him down, saying “What Jesus really means is…” Is it
possible to approach Jesus’ teaching on anger, lust, divorce and general morality in a way
that makes faithful sense within our Christian lifestyle?
February 13, 2011— “The Down Escalator” (Matthew 5:38-48)
Jesus continues to expound on how citizens of God’s present and arriving realm shall live.
These verses contain some of the most familiar phrases in the Bible—“eye for an eye,”
“turn the other cheek,” “go the second mile,” “love your enemies.” Again, questions of just
how practical there teachings are comes up—can we truly live this way? And if not, then
how shall we live?
February 20, 2011— “The Algebra of Lilies” (Matthew 6:24-34)
Jumping over the Sermon on the Mount’s consideration of personal piety, we are drawn to
consider what a life without worry would feel like, and what it would mean to have our pri-
orities in line with the “reign of heaven.” How does it help us to, as Jesus says, “look to the
birds of the air” and “consider the lilies of the field”?
February 27, 2011— WOMEN’S SUNDAY
Under the guidance of the Disciples Women’s Board, this Sunday will be devoted to listen-
ing to some of the women in our congregation, and celebrating their place in our whole min-
istry (This date was shifted from January 30 so as to have time to do justice to this impor-
tant task!)

Adult Sunday Class—A Variety of Great Topics!

Steve Fietz is currently facilitating a discussion on Biblical interpretation. On February 6, Joe Bur-
row will lead a discussion of Christian ideas and images in the work of poet Jane Kinyon.
On February 20, we will view and discuss the DVD Inside Islam: What a Billion Muslims Really
Think, based on important public opinion polls done among Muslims worldwide.
In March, Dr. David Matson will teach a three-week series on interpreting the death of Jesus.
The class meets Sunday mornings in Room 7 at 9:30—or as soon after first service as possible!
Discussion is always lively and enlightening. All are welcome!
Page 10
 Footnotes
Recently, Robert Bentley, the new governor of Alabama, stirred controversy with re-
marks offered during his inaugural address, saying, in part:
“If you’re a Christian and if you’re saved…it makes you and me brother and
sister. Now I will have to say that, if we don’t have the same daddy, we’re not broth-
ers and sisters. So anybody here today who has not accepted Jesus Christ as their sav-
ior, I’m telling you, you’re not my brother and you’re not my sister, and I want to be
your brother.”
While many non-Christians were predictably upset by their governor’s comments,
Rabbi Beth Bahar of Huntsville, AL, offered a generous (if weary) spirit in comment-
ing: “Fortunately, he can be my governor without being my brother…At least he is
up-front about his world view. It’s a world view the Jewish community has experience
working with.”
I’m sure Governor Bentley had sincere and positive intentions, and, to his credit, he
has since apologized to “anyone who heard those words and felt disenfranchised,”
wisely adding “If you’re not a person who can say you are sorry, you’re not a very
good leader.”
I hope that the good governor also understands how his awkward attempt at official
evangelism runs counter to the American spirit, playing, as it does, to a history of
Christian power abuse. More importantly, such comments do not do the gospel of
Christ any good either. Governor Bentley evokes one of the worst Christian stereo-
types—that we are smugly superior, condescending, and divisive. As the rabbi wryly
put it, many non-Christians have “experience working with” this kind of Christian-
ity—but it certainly doesn’t mean they like it!
The Alabama inauguration took place on Martin Luther King Day, when we honor a
Christian leader whose work was made possible by many non-Christians. While some
mourned the heightened inappropriateness of the governor’s comments being made on
the holiday, Dr. King himself offers a different example for us—one that can proclaim
a clear, strong Christian point of view, yet still claim other sincere people of faith as
sisters and brothers in the cause of civil justice. May we all take hold of that two-part
model, neither imperiously imposing our faith on others, nor shyly shrinking from the
power of the Good News of Jesus Christ in our lives!
Shalom, Steve
Home phone: 310-212-5950 email: steefeets@hotmail.com

Next Newsletter articles need to be at the church office by February 7, 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