Welcome

Guests!
Please see page two
for important information
about today’s service and
how to get the most out of
your visit with us.
4801 FRANKLIN AVENUE DES MOINES, IOWA 50310 515.255.2122 WWW.FIRSTFEDERATED.ORG

Christmas Gifts at
Bargain Prices
Seeking that special Christmas gift? Want to avoid the mall
traffic? Looking for a good deal? Today, in the foyer you can
pick up the paperback—“I’m
Dreaming of Some White
Chocolate.” With humor and
practicality, this wonderful
book will help direct your
loved ones to the true mean-
ing of Christmas. As the
author, Rhonda Rhea, states,
“The season becomes a real
celebration when we learn to
rest in the faithful hands of
the One who has overcome
the world. Guess what we
find when we rest in Him:
peace!”
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21 | 10:00am This fun, affordable
Combined: Federated Family Christmas treasure will assist your
9:15am Fellowship Reception loved ones in letting God’s Word help them focus on the Christ
10:00am Do You See What I See? of Christmas. Pick up one for only $3 or get two for the bargain
Auditorium | Nursery & Preschool price of $5! Available in the foyer while supplies last!
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24 | 6pm & 9pm
Christmas Eve Service
Highlights by Candlelight
Franklin Hall

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28
$205,628
Congregational Meeting | Sunday, December 14 | 6:00PM
9:15am Groups for all ages Thanks to a very large gift to Debt Reduction, the First
Year-end Worship Service Federated mortgage balance is falling even faster than gasoline
10:45am Combined Worship prices. Be sure to attend the Congregational Meeting next
Auditorium Sunday, December 14 at 6:00PM in Franklin Hall to hear
(Nursery, Preschool, KZ Church) how God continues to work in reducing our debt. Important
SUNDAY, JANUARY 4 information regarding the upcoming election of church officers
9:15am Groups for all ages will also be shared.
2009 Kick Off
Worship Service
10:45am Combined Worship
Auditorium
(Nursery, Preschool, KZ Church)

Invite your friends and neighbors to join you to

celebrate the birth of Jesus at First Federated!

Volume 10 Number 29 First Federated Church 1 Sunday, December 7, 2008

 WELCOME TO FIRST FEDERATED CHURCH!
Thank you for choosing to worship with us this morning!
Have Questions?
If you have any questions, simply ask someone wearing a Guest Welcome Children’s
name tag with “Here to Help” on it or visit the Welcome Center
in the foyer.
Reception Center Registration
Guest Reception North Parking Lot Station
If you are visiting with us for the first time or have just
recently started attending First Federated Church, we cordially
invite you to a reception in the foyer immediately following the
service. We would love to have the opportunity to meet you, get Resource 115

Center
119 117

to know you better, and answer any questions you may have. WEST GYM EAST GYM

Fill Out the Care & Communication Card

A B

114
AUDITORIUM
If you have never completed a Care and Communication Card,
please take a moment to do so. This allows us, as a church family,
to better know your needs and how we can serve you. The Care 111C

and Communication Card is located inside this newspaper. Just fill PARISH 1164
111B

out the card completely and leave at the end of your pew, give to an NURSE➤ 111A

109
1165

usher, or hand it in at the Guest Reception. 1125

1132
R

Thank you for taking the time to visit First Federated Church.
If you are not presently a member of a Bible teaching church, we Guest
invite you to join our church family. Reception
If You Have Children Visit the Children’s
Ministry Registration Station KZ Church
Trust your children to the care of our dedicated, loving A.E.D.
SW Entrance

2nd Floor
Children’s Ministry staff. Our children’s programs provide qual- M Men Restroom
W Women Restroom

ity care and learning for kids of all ages.

If your child has not already been enrolled in our Children’s
Ministry, a quick visit to the Children’s Ministry Registration
Station will provide you with temporary security tags and give us
the information we need to effectively minister to your child.
Infants & Preschool Children
Childcare and teaching are available during the 9:15 hour and 10:45 worship services
in the Nursery and Preschool Departments.
Kindergarten–4th Grade
During the 9:15 hour, K–4th graders meet in graded classroom groups for Bible
learning and fun.
K–4th graders attend the first part of the 10:45 worship services with their families
and then are dismissed to attend their own age-appropriate children’s church, called
KZ Church. Parents, we encourage you to go with your children the first time they visit
KZ Church in Room 240.
Xtreme AM (5th & 6th Grade)
Our preteens meet in their own Xtreme spot, Room 205, at 9:15 for a time of Xtreme
learning, Xtreme prayer and Xtreme relationship-building, then join their families for
the 10:45 worship services.
Youth (Grade 7–12) & Adults
Groups for ADULTS and activities for YOUTH begin at 9:15AM. Stop by
the Welcome Center to find out about each of the groups and how to get there.
Cellular Phones & Pagers
Thank you for turning off, or muting, your cell phone, pager and other electronic
devices during this morning’s worship service.
Assistive Listening Devices (Auditorium Only)
ALS devices are available for check-out at the Resource Center in the foyer.
AED (Automated External Defibrillator)/First-aid
Facilities for guests needing first aid, health counseling, and blood
pressure checks are provided by our Parish Nurses located in the
west hallway in Room 1117, Sundays, 10:30AM–Noon.
Please contact an usher if you need immediate assistance.
Lost and Found
Lost items may be reported or claimed at the main office of the church during
regular M-F office hours. Lost and found items are kept for 30 days.
Safety
First Federated Church regards your safety as our highest priority. If you have any
concerns, please inform one of our ushers or staff. If a building emergency arises,
directions will be provided over the public address system.
Recordings of Today’s Message
CD recordings of the morning message can be picked up immediately following the
service at the Resource Center in the foyer for $3.
You can also listen to the message for free at www.FirstFederated.org.
Prayer Team Up Front
If you would like to pray with someone today, please come to the front of the
room following this morning’s service. Members of our church leadership stand
ready to serve you.

First Federated Church 2 Sunday, December 7, 2008

Perspectives on the World Christian Movement VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITY
Monday evenings, running January 12–April 27 at Johnston Evangeli-
cal Free Church, 6:30–9:00PM. In 15 lessons, you’ll engage with a wide
range of dynamic speakers. Weekly readings and study will help you dig
even deeper. Cost: $250 Certificate/Audit, or $470 College Credit. Coming in January!!
1. Biblical Foundation: See new meaning throughout God’s Word in Kingdom Club at Hillis
light of its primary theme. Learn why God blessed His chosen people We’ll be back in session at
and why He blesses us today. Hillis Elementary beginning
2. Historical Progress: See how God used key events and people to expand January 13. Kingdom Club at
His Kingdom. Learn from the successes and mistakes of our past. Hillis is an after school Bible
club at Hillis Elementary
3. Cultural Distinctives: See how the Gospel is understood and received School. The club will meet
by people of other cultures. Learn how this affects our witness of God’s on Tuesday afternoons,
truth. 3:30-4:30. Activities include
4. Strategic Involvement: See the vital role you can play in God’s games, crafts, songs, snacks
global purposes. Learn how to use your gifts, skills, and passions for and a lesson from God’s Word.
God’s glory. This is a great opportunity to
Possible college credits. Assistance from Missions council for registration. www.perspectives.org have an impact on kids and
families here in our own
neighborhood. It’s only one
hour – but one very important
hour!! Want to get involved?
We need teachers and helpers,
as well as volunteers to provide
snacks and crafts. If you are
interested, call Sherri Stuffle-
beem, 255.2122. This might be
just the ministry opportunity
YOU’VE been looking for!

Federated Family
Christmas Choir
Rehearsal Schedule
Sunday, Dec. 7, 1:30–3:30PM
Saturday, Dec. 13, 9AM–Noon
Sunday, Dec. 14, 1:30–3:30PM
Saturday, Dec. 20, 9AM–Noon
Sunday, Dec. 21—8:00AM

Handbell Choir
We need a few ringers start-
ing in mid-January. If anyone
is interested call Bill Roland at
964.4102.

First Federated Church 3 Sunday, December 7, 2008

 ADULT GROUPS
Sunday Mornings | 9:15–10:30AM Other Groups
Adult Bible Fellowship (ABFs) Experience, investigate, build and grow in your faith. We have
Once you’ve joined us in worship, our Adult Bible Fellowships are opportunities available during the week that include:
a great next step to connect with others and grow in your faith. We Women in the Word
have a variety of opportunities available that include: Life Principles from the New Testament Men of Faith
The HUB (ages 18-24) | Room 244 Tuesdays | January 6–April | 9:00–11:00AM | Rm 100 & 131 (Library)
STUDY: Life applications from God’s Word On break now until January 6, 2009
The Channel (ages 25–35) | Room 149 MOPS—Mothers of Pre-Schoolers
STUDY: Life applications from God’s Word Second and fourth Tuesday of each month | 9:00–11:00AM | Fellowship Hall
Connections (born in the 1970s) | Room 220S
$6 per meeting | Facilitators: Miriam Hager, 251.6964, & Lisa Rhodes, 274.0832
STUDY: Core Christian Beliefs
Wednesdays | 6:30–8:00PM
Homebuilders (born in the 1960s) | Room 1250–1251 Join us in prayer, fellowship and fun as we connect with others
STUDY: Passionately Committed Christian Character
and grow in our faith. We have a variety of opportunities avail-
Cornerstone (born in the 1950s) | Room 1240–1241 able that include:
STUDY: Pillars of the Faith For All—Prayer Community
Koinonia (all ages) | Room 1252–1253 Ongoing | Rm 1244–1247 | Facilitator: Pastor Mike Rose
STUDY: “One Another” series
For Moms—Moms’ Prayer Group
Ezra (all ages) | Room 1118 Ongoing | 5:30–6:15PM | Rm 100
STUDY: Verse by verse study of Titus
For Women—Falling in Love with Jesus
Galilean (born in the 1930s) | Room 1244–1247 Began October 29 | 6:30–8PM | Rm 1240-41 | Facilitator: Sharon Johnson
STUDY: I John
Card Ministry
Immanuel (born in the 1930s) | Room 1105 1:00-3:00PM | Rm 139
STUDY: Revelation
Friendly Fellowship (born in the 1920s) | Room 1254–1255 Men’s Basketball League Tuesday, December 9
STUDY: One anothers 6:30 Lakers—Rockets
W.H.O. (born before the 1920s) | Room 1116 8:00 Celtics—Bulls
STUDY: The New Testament Community
Women (all ages) | Room 208 Women Circles
STUDY: Having a Mary Spirit or Beyond the Masquerade Guests are welcome.
Men (all ages) | Room 210 DEBORAH .......................................................Thursday, December 11 | 7:00PM
STUDY: Wise Men Still Seek Him Cyndi Murphy, 2001 47th St., Des Moines, 277.2040
Worship Team | Room 1125 ELIZABETH .................................................... Thursday, December 11 | 9:00AM
STUDY: Facing Your Giants Breakfast at Thelma Shelton’s
8209 Goodman Dr. , Urbandale, 270-8558
Prayer (all ages) | Room 100
Ecclesiastes | Room 1238–1239 | Biblically Measured ESTHER........................................................... Thursday December 11 | 12:30PM
STUDY: Learn about life and faith from the Lois Grove, 3921 Mary Lynn Dr., Urbandale, 254.1141
wisest man who ever lived. HANNAH .........................................................Thursday, December 11 | 11:30AM
Luncheon at Peg Olson’s, 8398 Airline Dr., Urbandale, 254.0534
MARTHA ......................................................... Thursday, December 11 | 9:30AM
Marcia Hockmuth, 2729 82nd. Pl., Apt. 333, Urbandale, 288.1698
RUTH .............................................................. Thursday, December 11 | 12:30PM
Carole Olson, 2909 87th Ct., Urbandale, 225.0186
SARAH ................................................................Thursday, December 9 | 6:30PM
Soup & Salad at Harriet Labertew’s
3227 68th St., Urbandale, 276.1980
The HUB (ages 18–24)
Sundays at 9:15AM—Meet in the HUB for
breakfast, worship and fellowship with a great
lesson thrown in for good measure!
HUB SINGLES AGES 18-24
Monday at 7:00PM—Bible studies. Girls meet at Friedrichs Coffee, 4632
86th, in Urbandale.
Dec. 14, 6:00PM: HUB versus HeirBorn in dodgeball Sunday! Time to

prize to whoever takes out Howie! HUB

exact revenge from our last battle! We need all of you to round up friends, family,
professional ringers, random people off the street. Well, you get the idea! Special
SINGLES AGES 18-24
4
First Federated Church Sunday, December 7, 2008
 NOTES
Sunday, December 7, 2008
8:00AM Traditional & 10:45AM Celebration | Pastor Mike Rose
What Happened to Christmas?
10:45AM The River | Pastor Curt De Graaff
Got Questions? Understanding Racial Tensions

Let it snow!
Winter is here, whether you’re
ready or not! This means that during
the next few months we may oc-
casionally need to cancel or postpone
some of our services, activities and
classes. How does this process work
and who makes this decision?
Sunday Morning Worship
The decision regarding cancellation of
Sunday morning worship is made jointly by
Pastor Mike Rose and other ministry leaders.
The decision is made by 6:30AM on Sunday morning. Listen to
WHO-Radio (1040 AM) for the cancellation announcement. We
will also post the cancellation announcement on the FFC website,
http://www.FirstFederated.org.
Wednesday Night Activities
The decision regarding cancellation of Wednesday night
activities and classes is made by Pastor Mike Rose and other
ministry leaders. This decision will be made by 3:00PM on
Wednesday afternoon. Again, listen to WHO-Radio for the
cancellation announcement. We will also post the cancellation on
the FFC website, http://www.FirstFederated.org.
Other Activities
Cancellation of other special activities such as concerts and
workshops will also be announced on WHO-Radio and our
website.

a fresh-water worship experience

Sundays | 10:45AM | Franklin Hall

First Federated Church 5 Sunday, December 7, 2008

 PRAY FOR
ONE The contents of this page have been removed to protect the
ANOTHER privacy of those in our congregation.

Printed copies of this page can be obtained at the church.

Items found on this page include:

Pray for Those Who Grieve
Happy Birthday!
(Birthdays are listed for Federated members & missionaries)
Pray for those with Physical Needs
(In the Hospital, Upcoming Surgery/Procedures, Partial List of the Ongoing Needs of Our Members &
Regular Attenders)
Pray for Those Who Serve our Church
Our Encouragement
“For to me, to live is
Christ, and to die is gain.”
Philippians 1:21

First Federated Church 6 Sunday, December 7, 2008

 MISSION ONE Reaching others for Jesus Christ
Peter & Marta Hocking
Mission Board: Segadores
Location: Lima, Peru
What do they do? Peter directs the
Segadores Missionary Associa-
tion, teaching, counseling and
training national missionaries
with the goal of sending them
to unreached tribes in Peru.
Segadores has planted several churches. Both are involved in
counseling ministry. Peter, one of the founders, grew up in
Peru, the son of missionaries. Marta, raised in Venezuela, is
the daughter of our first FFC missionary, the late Edna Dade.
Praises:
• For the 4 missionary children and a Chinese lady who are
Marta’s piano students.
Prayer Requests:
• For God to use Peter’s teaching on missions to persuade
more assembly leaders to get their congregations involved in
missionary outreach.
• Guidance in their next efforts to contact an unreached tribe,
and that He deliver those people from their fear of outsiders.
• For the cross-cultural missionary training program in Janu-
ary/February. Also for His supply for the expenses.
• For wisdom and patience in their counseling of people with
incredibly difficult lives because of their pre-Christian past.
• For God’s healing for daughter Lydia.
Jeff & Melissa
Closed Country
What do they do? Jeff and Melissa serve in a restricted access
nation, both serving as English teachers at their host univer-
sity. They focus on the 30,000 students in their town. Their
vision is to see a group of national teachers and students
meeting together regularly for worship and reaching out to
others in ministry. They seek to identify students with spiri-
tual interest.
Praises:
• For believer Gabrielle who is sharing her faith.
Prayer requests:
• For the young people’s group, that God would continue to
make His love and provision through Christ known to them.
• For a breakthrough among teachers who have been overseas
and had good church experiences, but are under pressure in
their homeland.
• For students struggling to have regular devotions; for more
discipline and application.
• For guidance in starting a study with four older students.
First Federated Church
Boaz & Ruth
Closed Country
What do they do? Boaz and Ruth were born of Muslim fami-
lies in North Africa. They were brought to faith in Christ
through missionaries there. Boaz serves as a radio producer,
presenting programs in Arabic. He conducts training, Bible,
music and worship seminars. Together they visit their home-
land to contact radio listeners and Bible students. Ruth leads
the Bible Correspondence Course ministry.
Praises:
• Many Muslims are writing for Christian literature, asking
questions via the phone.
• For those who were saved and introduced to local believers
in their area.
Prayer Requests:
• For Chourouk, a believer, and the baby she is carrying—the
brain is not developing normally.
• For the media center (radio, TV, Bible correspondence
course, web page, Paltalk Forum and telephone ministry.
• For the national church and for those answering the phone
calls and doing follow-up visits.
• For the radio listeners and TV viewers to know Christ is the
only way to heaven and to trust Him for salvation.
• For funds needed for national workers in North Africa.
Paul & Violette Bridgman
Mission Board: TEAM
Location: Okayama, Japan
What do they do? The Bridg-
mans are church planters
and established Sanyo Grace
Church. They reach out
through evangelistic meet-
ings, a ground golf club,
English classes, American
culture, Bible and cooking classes. Paul, the son of mission-
ary parents, was born and raised in Japan. Jeffrey is a stu-
dent at Arkansas Tech and Kevin is in high school in Tokyo.
Praises:
• For the wonderful piece of land God provided for Sanyo
Grace Church.
• Two believers have decided to officially join their church.
Prayer Requests:
• For financial support to increase.
• For outreach to neighborhood kids this Christmas.
• Wisdom and unity of believers as they plan the new church
building.
• For a citywide Christmas evangelistic event Dec. 14th.
• For replacements needed during their one year home assign-
ment beginning in July 2009.
7 Sunday, December 7, 2008
Hangtimes
Dec 7—SMT Meeting 7th–12th Grades
Dec 14—Heirborn VS Hub Dodgeball
TODAY:
SMT meeting in the Backdoor | 6-8PM
Have You?
The clock is ticking for those of you who have NOT
done the following:
 Turned in your $50 deposit for Senior Ski Trip.
Don’t miss this great event, gang!
 Signed-up for Sleepy Hollow
 Acquire the Fire Payment
($43.50 by December 17, $63.00 after)
What’s Going On?
Acquire the Fire Feb. 20-21
It’s coming to First Federated this year!!! Come hear awesome
bands Kutless, Building 429, Everyday Sunday, and Phil Joel
leading worship. Not to mention the amazing speakers: Joel
Johnson, Casey Johnson and Ron Luce! Cost: $43.50 only until
Dec. 17. After that date the price goes up to $63.00. Reserve your
tickets now! (JH, SH)
Dodge Ball Mondays | 6:30–8:00PM
It’s back! We have weekly match-ups on Monday nights,
6:30–8:00PM. Parents and youth leaders are welcome too! (basi-
cally anyone who loves dodge ball). Look for Heirborn vs. Hub
match-ups during the school year!
For Moms—Moms’ Prayer Group
Wednesdays | 5:30–6:15PM | RM 131 (Library)
Facilitators: Lori Blake & Julie Harper
If you are a mother of a senior / junior high youth, this is a
wonderful opportunity for you to get together with other moms
for encouragement and to pray for our youth. You can pick up a
meal in Fellowship Hall and join us in prayer.
Turn in Your Schedules
Parents and/or teens, please turn in, email, or call Howie
with fall event schedules. The Howlands want to see your ball
games, show choir concerts, etc… but we need to know when
the events are, MHowland@FirstFederated.org
Wednesday Night Bible Study
Help, My Friend Is Hurting
Description: This will be a valuable series for teens. It will
help them know how to cope when they are hurting and will
equip them to know better how to help their friends when they
struggle. We are open to suggestions for topics, but at present we
are going to cover the following: suicide, eating disorders, and
cutting. Parents are welcome to sit in during the series.
First Federated Church
In December
Guys’ Night Out December 14 | 6:30–9:00PM
We’re going to play dodgeball vs. HUB in the west gym! Lets
keep our undefeated record going! Remind the Hub team that
revenge is not Biblical, but Howie will buy coffee for the first one
to take out Aaron and his mohawk. :)
Christmas Parties
JH | Friday, December 12 | 6–9PM
SH | Friday, December 19 | 6–9PM
Hard to believe it, but the Christmas parties are almost here!
We’ll meet at the Backdoor. Be thinking about white elephant
gifts to exchange, plus caroling, Christmas goodies, hot chocolate
and cider!
Senior Ski Trip December 27–31
Hey there, class of 2008! You’ve spent up to six years in the
youth group trenches and now comes a really cool payoff. Come
join us for this year’s Senior ski trip to Wausau, WI. Consider par-
ticipating in the work projects to earn your way there. Information
is available in the Backdoor. Ten Bible studies on life after high
school are incorporated in this exciting trip. Cost: $400.
In January
Sleepy Hollow January 11 | 5-8PM
Come for a Hangtime at Sleepy Hollow! Choose your fun:
tube for $16 or ski for $25. Parents and/or youth leaders are
needed to carpool and chaperone and are welcome to stay and
ski! Meet at Sleepy Hollow at 5PM. Sign-up in the Backdoor.
Nursing Home Ministry Night January 18 | 6:30-8:30PM
Let’s have a night of nursing home ministry, inspired by all
that we did at M-Fuge last summer. We are heading to Calvin
Community to lead them in worship, perform and drama and
more! We’ll go out for coffee after!
Senior High Lock-In Friday, January 30 | 8PM-8AM
It’s a Lock-In! Come join us for a great night of food, fun, a
mystery, games and much more. Bring your favorite muchies or
a 2 liter drink and we’ll be set for an awesome night. For regular
Heirborn attendees only. Chaperones/youth parents needed for
this event.
Upcoming
December
SMT meeting ................................................................................................................7
JH Christmas Party ...................................................................................................12
Guys’ night out..........................................................................................................14
SH Christmas Party ..................................................................................................19
Christmas Eve Service (No Youth Group) ....................................................... 24
Senior High Trip ................................................................................................. 27-31
January
Sleepy Hollow............................................................................................................11
Nursing Home Ministry Night .............................................................................18
Senior High Lock-In ................................................................................................ 30
8 Sunday, December 7, 2008
 CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
KZ Church Parent/Child Dedication
Today in KZ Church we talked about Parents desiring to have their baby
what Jesus gave up when He came to dedicated to the Lord will be given this
earth as a baby. He gave up everything to opportunity during the combined wor-
come and save us. He left his beautiful, ship service on January 4, 2009.
peaceful and wonderful home in heaven First Federated does not baptize in-
to be born as a baby here on earth. He fants. We believe that baptism is a step
lived like a poor man, even though He of obedience made by a person who has
deserved to live like a king. Then, He put his faith and trust in Jesus Christ for
died to pay the price for our sins. And He salvation. Baptism is an outward expression of what has already
did it all so we could be forgiven and have joy and peace! Talk occurred in the life of a believer. In Parent/Child Dedication,
with your children about the significance of this sacrifice! Make parents and church make a public commitment to “train up a
certain they understand what decision they each have to make to child in the way he should go,” as God instructs in Proverbs 22:6.
have that joy and peace…(to place their trust in Him). We give thanks for the gift of life and ask God’s blessing upon
All K-4th graders are invited to join us in KZ Church, whether parents and children in the hope that each child will trust Jesus
your family is attending the Celebration Service or The River. as Savior and Lord someday.
Follow the colored footprints up the stairs to Room 240. Please contact Mary in the Children’s Ministry office at
255.2122 by Monday, December 15 to be included or for more
Do You See What I See? information.
Remember, choir rehearsal for the Christmas productions
will be held in Room 240 (that’s the Shoes for Christmas
KZ Church room) from 10:30 am until Remember to stop by the tree in
11:15 am today. Parents, please pick up the foyer and select the name of an
your children from their Sunday School Oakridge child who could use
classrooms and bring them directly to the a new pair of shoes this
KZ Church room for rehearsal. KZ Church Christmas. Make it a
will take place immediately following family project to shop
rehearsal. for shoes and then to
pray for that specific
Who are you inviting to this year’s child and his/her family.
special Christmas celebration on
Sunday, December 21?

AWANA
This Wednesday night is Pops’ Night at
AWANA. Bring your pop, grandpop, or a
favorite substitute pop with you to Sparks
or T and T. There will be special POP
prizes, too!

Deacon of the Month

WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Regular Submission Deadline: Tuesdays by noon
We prefer that items be submitted electronically!
E-Mail: NEWSPAPER@FirstFederated.org
All submitted items are subject to submission guidelines and editorial review by
the church staff. FFC reserves the right to edit submissions for length.
Disclaimer:
First Federated Church does not claim to own any copyright privileges on items
printed in this newspaper, unless otherwise stated. All items published are
quoted in good faith and believed to be free for circulation or public domain.
Phil Olson, 255.2122 ext 139
Our Deacons stand ready to help with the physical needs of the
members and attenders of this fellowship. Should you have a
short-term, emergency need, do not hesitate to call the church
office and leave a message for the “Deacon of the Month.” This
ministry is made possible by your gifts to the Deacons’ Fund.
Deaconess of the Month
Cyndi Murphy | 277.2040
Our Deaconesses are available to the women of the church in
areas of encouragement and spiritual support. If you need a
listening ear and someone to pray with you, please call Cyndi.

First Federated Church 9 Sunday, December 7, 2008

 UPCOMING EVENTS OTHER NEWS
Wednesday Night Meal Sympathy
Fellowship Hall | 5-6:15PM Our sympathy is extended to those in our church family who
Children (age 2-12) $2 | Adults $3 | Family $10 have lost a loved one recently:
Make reservations on the Care & Communication Card or call the
Camille Roth at the death of her grandmother, Charlene
church office before noon on Mondays.
Dec 10: Tacos, Corn, Dessert Hedberg, on December 1.

60 Plus | Tuesday, December 16 Thank You

10:30AM Program (NOTE: earlier start time!)
A special thank you to all our Federated family and the staff
for all your prayers for our daughter, Lori, during her most recent
12:00PM Lunch | Fellowship Hall
surgeries in Colorado. She is doing very well and even went so
Our special Christmas program
far as to cook the turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. She felt that
will be students from Des Moines
was the least she could do after everyone worked so hard praying
Christian School. The pre-schoolers,
for her. God is good!!! Marilyn and Dale Ogle
under the direction of FFC member
Priscilla Reynolds, will bless us Reminder…
with Christmas carols. We are also Food Pantry Sunday is December 14. Will you help us fill our
privileged to have Des Moines Christian’s Victory choir sing Christmas food boxes?
Christmas music for us. You will not want to miss it! In order
to accommodate the students’ schedule, we will be starting at
Needed items include:
• Dry cereal
10:30AM. Don’t be late!
The meal will be ham and sweet potatoes with all the holiday • Baked beans
trimmings! • Canned soups
To make your reservation check the appropriate box on the • Pudding & Jello mixes
Care & Communication Card at church or call Colleen at the • Macaroni & cheese
church office, 255.2122, no later than noon on Monday, Dec.15. • Cake mixes & cans of frosting
• Boxed mashed potatoes
Community Handbell Performance • Hot cocoa mixes
Sunday, December 14 | 4:00PM
Valley West Mall | Center Court area by the train and Santa Christmas Food Boxes
Christmas food boxes are available again this year. Members,
Congregational Meeting regular attendees and those recommended by members and
Sunday, December 14 | 6:00PM | Franklin Hall
Agenda: Debt Reduction, Church Constitution regular attendees are eligible. This project is available because of
your donations to the Deacon Fund. Please call the church office
December at 255.2122 with your names no later than Monday, December 15
Congregational Meeting (Franklin Hall | 6:00PM) .......................................................14 at 4:30PM. No names will be accepted after that date. Boxes
No Regular 9:15AM Sunday Activities.................................................................21 must be picked up on Saturday, December 20, between 8:00AM
Fellowship Reception (Auditorium Foyer | 9:15–9:45AM) ................................................21 and 9:00AM in the church foyer.
Combined Christmas Celebration (Auditorium | Combined Service 10:00AM) .............21
Please note that those recommending someone for a basket
No Regular Wednesday Night Activities (Christmas Break) ................................ 24
are asked to pick up the basket and deliver it to the recipient.
Christmas Eve Services (Franklin Hall | 6PM & 9PM) ...................................................... 24
Building Closed (Christmas) ....................................................................................... 25
Combined Year-end Worship Service (Auditorium | Combined Service 10:45AM) ...... 28
Offering Envelopes
No Regular Wednesday Night Activities (Christmas Break) .................................31 Offering envelopes for 2009 have been received and are avail-
able for pick-up in the auditorium foyer. If you do not currently
use numbered envelopes, please consider doing so. The accuracy
Financial Report and efficiency of recording financial gifts is much greater and
Attendance 11/30/08 General Fund Offering you can save yourself the bother of writing your name and ad-
8:00AM ......................................... 173 Last Week dress on the outside of the envelope. Please call Karen or Cindi in
10:45AM ....................................... 707 Weekly Need ........................ $34,419 the church office to request that a number be assigned to you so
Offering ............................... $24,943 that your box of envelopes will be ready along with the rest.
Budgeted Missions:
Year to Date: 9/1/08–present Shortage...............................($9,476)
Need .....................................$70,500 Year to Date: 9/1/08–present
Need ................................... $447,447
MOPS This Week
Offering .................................$62,411 Tuesday, December 9 | 9-11:15AM
Shortage.............................. ($8,089) Offering ..............................$402,489 Fellowship Hall
Mortgage Shortage............................ ($44,958) Speaker: Sherry Fiscella
Tuesday is the Christmas Brunch,
Current Balance ..................$205,628 and a cookie exchange. Bring 2
Next Payment December 25 dozen cookies.

First Federated Church 10 Sunday, December 7, 2008