FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST)
THE CHRISTIAN
AUGUST 2016
115 Courthouse Plaza
785-776-8790
Reaching In…..Reaching Out…..Reaching Up
INSIDE
From the Pastor
Page 2
From the CE Director
Page 3—4
Knowing Your Church
Family
Page 5
Concert & Potluck
Page 6
Coordinating Council
Page 7
Stewardship
Page 8
.
All About Us
Page 9
We come to know Christ through our study of
STATEMENT OF
MISSION
Scripture, the praise and worship of God, and our
First Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
is called to witness to all
humankind with a
spiritual vitality that
embraces inclusiveness
and Christ-like justice.
Therefore, we seek to be
a community that reaches
in to one another,
reaches up to God,
and reaches out to the
world with the love of
Jesus Christ.
service to others in His name. We make Him known
to others through our love for, acceptance of, concern
for, and respect of every human being.
Message from Interim Sabbatical Pastor
Rev. Ben Duerfeldt
I want to thank you once again for the
opportunity to serve as your interim pastor
during Paul’s sabbatical. Please continue to
hold him and his family up to God in prayer.
And welcome him back with love and
enthusiasm.
AUGUST MESSAGES
August 7
“Faith” Rev. Ben Duerfeldt
Psalm 50:1-6; Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
Rev. Paul Allen returns to the pulpit on
August 14, following his sabbatical.
It has been a real joy for me to preach again.
I’ll not write more for the newsletter this month,
but Marian (God bless her for the constant and
dependable way she serves us) has duplicated a
sermon I wrote about thirty years ago titled
“Why I’m A Disciple”. I still believe what I wrote then. I invite
you to pick up a copy from the literature shelf in the church foyer.
~~Ben
3 John 1:5 Beloved, you do
faithfully whatever you do for
the friends, even though they
are strangers to you; they have
testified to your love before
the church. You do well to
send them on in a manner
worthy of God; for they began
their journey for the sake of
Christ, accepting no support from non-believers. Therefore we ought to support such people, so that they may
become co-workers with the truth.
Of all the things that I have learned from all of you in my almost 2 years here is that you are a kind and generous
people. We are all doing the best we can in this life and we are trying to help others along the way. Sometimes we
think that giving money is the only way to help the community and the organizations who are serving the people of
Manhattan who sometimes do not have a voice. Don’t get me wrong giving money is great if you are blessed in that
way, but you can give by helping others. Everyone can give something whether it is time, money or some other way
of helping others. Helping others includes the times when you visit the sick, run errands for someone who is unable
or even when you offer to cook them a meal.
Putting others first. Galatians 6:2: Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
We as a church have a chance to make a difference in some people’s lives by helping with Everybody Counts
Manhattan on Saturday, August 9th from 9-1. This event does gr eat things for some of our under ser ved
population here in Manhattan. Currently they are in need of donations of food items for breakfast (boxed juices,
muffins, pastries, etc.), bottled water, and ice. If you can help with any of those you can contact
[email protected] or me. If you are someone who wants to attend but do not have a ride let me
know or the email above. We are organizing bus routes, and I am driving one.
Hebrews 13:2: Do not neglect to show hospitality to str anger s, for by this some have enter tained angels
without knowing it.
You have all been a blessing,
Liz Krieger [email protected]
Chair of Local and Global Outreach Ministry Team
Page 2
CE DIRECTOR NOTES — Ashley VanGilder
We are offering a FREE ride to any college student who would like to attend our service. This is a new ministry
that has the potential to bring in many college aged members. Many students do not like to move their vehicles
once they find a good parking spot. This ministry allows them to attend without moving their car. We will be
using the church bus to pick students up at the Derby Dining Center, the Kramer Dining Center, Jardine
Apartments at the Frith Community Center, the ECM building, and Manhattan Christian College. There will be
alternative rides for students who are looking at participating in our music ministry.
With the potential for a group of college students attending our service and Sunday school classes, please let me
know if you are interested in leading a college/young adult class, [email protected]. I have many
resources available for anyone interested.
CAMP REFLECTION—Sierra Flowers
1. What camp did you attend?
CYF Alpha
6. Did you hear anything that was meaningful to you?
All the struggles that everyone is going through
at such young ages.
7. What did you learn at camp that will impact your
2. What is your most memorable part about camp?
Seeing all my old friends and making new ones life?
I learned who is really family.
and all the bonds we will build.
3. What was your least favorite part?
The heat was intense.
4. Tell us about your week?
It was my most favorite and memorable week.
8. If someone is hesitant to attend camp next year,
what would be your advice to them?
Go and just be you. Enjoy the experience, even
if you really don't want to.
5. What was the schedule like? Did you feel that you
knew what you should be doing at all times?
There were three meals a day. There was
always something to do, hardly any time for
naps.
DISCIPLESHIP ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS
NEW STUDY!
As we leave our summer and vacation times we will welcome a new
“school” year on August 21st and commence the study of a new
DVD series, “Confucius, Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad.” This
series will provide a study on new perspectives on the moral and
spiritual precepts on which much of human civilization is built. We
will discover what these four of the most influential spiritual leaders
in history had in common. The lectures will be presented by Dr.
Mark W. Muesse, Professor of Religious Studies at Rhodes College.
Dr. Muesse has degrees from Baylor University and Harvard
University. His doctoral thesis focused on the relationship between
liberalism and fundamentalism. That might be an interesting read by
itself! Come join us, Sundays at 9:45am, for some insightful
presentations and great discussions.
Page 3
REACHING UP, REACHING OUT, REACHING IN
:
8/28/16
TRUTH YOUTH LUNCH FUNDRAISER !!
SUNDAY, AUGUST 28TH
FOLLOWING WORSHIP
Fellowship Hall
A mouth-watering meal prepared by Elaine Hwang !!
·
Appetizer = Steamed Soup Dumplings & Fried Dumplings
·
Entrée = Choice of Chicken, Pork or Seafood
·
Delicious Dessert
Price of the meal will be a donation to the TRUTH Youth Fund.
Come all! And invite your friends!! This will be the best meal served in
town that day! The TRUTH Youth Group will be setting up, helping with
preparations, serving and bussing tables, and helping with cleanup after
the meal. All proceeds from this meal will be donated to the TRUTH Youth
Group. Thank you for supporting your youth!!
With Love and appreciation ~Abby, Caleb, Carolyn, Cheyanne, Clay,
Dakota, Elizabeth, Harlie, Jenn, Kayla, Marlee, Meganne and Rose!
Page 4
KNOWING YOUR CHURCH FAMILY
Liz Krieger
Our “Knowing Your Church Family” for August is “Liz” Krieger. Many of you
know her already. Since joining First Christian Church she has been very active
by accepting the position of chair of the Outreach Ministry Team, a participant in
the Discussion Sunday School Class, assisted with Vacation Bible School, and is
a member of the Larson Women’s Group. And she faithfully brings two of her
grandchildren to church every Sunday morning. How did she arrive at FCC…she
met Paul at a Purple Power Play on Poyntz in 2014. She liked what she heard
from him, gave us a try, liked that we were such a welcoming congregation, and
the rest is history.
Liz’s story could be told very simply. She is a PK (preacher’s kid); therefore she
moved around a lot as a child. She married early (while still in high school). Her
husband joined the army and they traveled the world for several (+/- 10) years.
Her four children were born between 1975 and 1981. In 1986 Liz was forced to
divorce her first husband and she later married a man of the Jewish faith with
whom she has now been happily married for 19 years. She moved to Manhattan
(for the second time) in 2009 (or somewhere around there) where she knew she was back home.
Pretty simple, but interesting story, don’t you think? It is until you look into the details. Liz has a much more
interesting story to tell. Read on to learn just some of it.
Liz was born in Hoxie, Kansas and lived there until she was four years old. Her father was the minister of the First
Christian Church in Hoxie, KS before moving to Ransom, KS where he served in the Church of Christ. After four
years in Ransom, the family moved to Albion, Idaho where her father taught at a Christian College for four years
(until the college closed); then the family moved to Baker, Oregon for a year where, again, her father taught in
another Christian College (which also closed). And finally a move to Miltonvale, KS where her father preached
(First Christian Church) and Liz graduated from high school.
To follow Liz’s story from here, it will be easier to list a chronological order of events (rather than in story form).
While a senior in high school Liz married Charles Neef, a young man from Clay Center. After graduating from High
School, Charles enlisted in the Army. After basic training, their first duty station was in Gelnhausen, West Germany,
where they spent the next three years. Next stop was Fort Knox, Kentucky…for one year, and then Fort Hood, Texas
for the next 18 months. Then it was back to Germany, this time in Bamburg for three years.
This should take us to 1981 when Charles resigned from the Army, and the couple moved back to Salina, Kansas.
In 1982 Liz moved to Pratt where she enrolled at Pratt Jr. College and graduated with associates degrees in computer
science and accounting (1985).
In 1986 Liz divorced Charles and moved with her four children to Chanute, KS where she worked as a manager for
Stop-N-Shop. She and her family were finally stable…for five years. In 1990 they all moved to Manhattan and Liz
worked as the assistant manager for Famous Footwear in the Town Center Mall, a job she had for four years. This
was a good situation for Liz and her family until her home, located at Nelson’s Landing was first hit by lighting
(electric water heater knocked out and replaced by a gas water heater). Her home was spared the 1993 flood (water
came up to floor level), but when the water receded, it left a nest full of snakes under her home! Then in 1994, a
defect in the gas water heater caused a fire which destroyed the home.
So, in 1995 Liz moved her family back to Salina where she worked in a “temp” agency (for one year) and she
learned a lot more about computers.
Cont’d. on Page 6
Page 5
KNOWING YOUR CHURCH FAMILY
In 1996 she worked for Tony’s Pizza, and also spent some time on the computer where she met a man named Michael Krieger
(he was living in NY City). These electronic message exchanges were most successful as Liz and Michael married in 1997
(19 years ago).
Now the timeline becomes hazy. Liz shares that she lived in New York City (Queens) for a couple of years before she and
Michael moved to Denver. They lived in Denver for the next six years and Liz studied to complete her Bachelors degree
(online) from AIU in Georgia and a Masters degree in Management and Information Technology from Colorado Tech
University.
In August of 2001 Liz experienced a serious medical crises which included being in a coma for 10 days. The family was
summoned to be with her for her final days. However, she woke up just in time to witness the fall of the twin towers on
September 11. Thankfully, and by the grace of God, Liz recovered. In 2005, Liz’s mother passed away and she moved her
family back Kansas and they settled in Overland Park, where Liz worked as a Data Analyst for an Advertising Agency for the
next four years.
Again, the timeline is a little fuzzy, but sometime around 2009 – 2010 they all moved back to Manhattan. Michael currently
works in the appliance sales department at Home Depot, and Liz is the church secretary at First Lutheran Church.
A little more about Liz’s children…Jeremy, who was born in 97th General Hospital in Frankfurt, West Germany in 1975 and he
now lives in Overland Park, KS and has one daughter who is in college in Johnson County Community College. Amanda, born
in 1978 was born in Darnell Army Hospital in Ft. Hood, TX. She now lives in Manhattan with her three children and two grand
children (yes Liz is also a great-grandmother!) Lori, born in 1980 in Nuremburg, West Germany now lives in Manhattan with
her two children, and attends FCC when not scheduled to work on Sunday mornings. Annabell was born in 1981 at Memorial
Hospital in Manhattan. She currently lives in Salina, KS.
Liz is not only active in our church, she also is the precinct committee woman for her political party, and she serves on the board
of the Special Alcohol Fund for Manhattan. For fun, Liz loves to bake…cookies and pies; and she likes to watch “old movies”
on TV.
Liz has been a wonderful addition to our church family. A lovely person, with a giving, sharing, and open heart. If you have
not had the opportunity to meet her, be sure to do so. Liz, we look forward to growing and sharing the love of God with you for
many more years!
FRIENDS, ROMANS, COUNTRYMEN
AND MEMBERS OF FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH —
LEND ME YOUR EARS!
It may be a bit of “midsummer madness” (Twelfth Night), but the
Manhattan Summer Chorus will be performing music in honor of William
Shakespeare on Tuesday, August 16th at 7:00 p.m., at Fir st Chr istian
Church. Shakespeare has been described as “Not of an age, but for all
time” (Ben Jonson), and is one of the most quoted authors in history. So,
in recognition of the fact that 2016 is the 400th anniversary of his death, the
program will focus on pieces of music that have a connection to
Shakespeare in some way—including modern takes on some of his most
famous plays (e.g. Bernstein’s W est Side Story after Romeo and Juliet;
Cole Porter’s Kiss Me, Kate after The Taming of the Shrew).
CONCERT &
Admission to the performance is free, and the concert will be followed by a potluck dinner.
Orsino may have thought that “music be the food of life” (Twelfth Night), but edible contributions to the potluck would be
appreciated! And while some of us in the chorus may have “seen better days” (Timon of Athens), we’re just trying to follow
Orlando’s advice: “Live a little, comfort a little, cheer thyself a little” (As You Like It). All are welcome to attend, and let’s
hope you don’t agree with Polonius by the end of the evening: “Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice” (Hamlet). Just
remember, “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so” (Hamlet), so I think you will all have a jolly good
time! [“Lord, what fools these mortals be!” (A Midsummer Night’s Dream)…]
Page 6
COORDINATING COUNCIL NOTES
The FCC Planning Task Force met with our architects, Gould Evans, on July 14th. A location for our church campus
in Grand Mere has been selected close to the center of the 7 acre site. Discussion then focused on program needs related to
square footage and program spaces within the church campus.
Members of First Christian Church serve on a number of local boards and organizations representing FCC. Thank you for
your dedication to our local and global community.
Shepherd’s Crossing—Ann Foster, Dave Rogers
Meadowlark Hills – Kay Stith
ECM—Mickey Bogart, Sarah Buchanan, Richard Gallagher, Paul Allen
Thanks to Waide Purvis for his years of service on the ECM Board during
the construction of and move to the new facility on Sunset.
Scouting—Robert Russell, Matt and Melissa Hertz, Paul Allen
Phillips Theological Seminary—Richard Gallagher
Second Helping—Sharon Purvis, Paul Allen
Kansas Disciples Women Cabinet, NE District Representative – Tanya Purvis
Pastor Paul Allen also serves on the Manhattan Ministerial Association, Christian Church in Kansas Camp Board,
and Christian Church in Kansas Bethany Group.
Visit with these people to find out more about these organizations.
Cindy Garwick
Chair, Coordinating Council
DISCIPLES WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP NEWS
The DWF cabinet has several events coming up that we are discussing and want to encourage participation by all
who are able.
Pumpkin Patch is scheduled for September 30 and October 1 of 2016 so it is time
to start thinking about what you would like to bake or make for our booth. This
booth at the craft fair is the main source of DWF funding. Our DWF supports
many different charities throughout the year and we rely on the generous
donations to the Pumpkin Patch. We will continue to put offering envelopes in
the bulletin on October 2.
October is KDWF retreat at Camp Tawakoni and we are looking forward to
having our Manhattan sisters join us for this regional event. Please register early
as there are a limited number of beds (and no guarantee of a lower bunk for late
registrations). Mid-week retreat is October 5-7 and the weekend retreat is
October 7-9.
At our June meeting, the DWF cabinet decided to contribute $600 to the church general fund as a thank you to the
church for the use of the building for our meetings.
Page 7
STEWARDSHIP
STEWARDSHIP LAW #7
The Law of Paradoxical Participation – The riches generosity
often comes out of the deepest poverty.
Do you know the difference between a paradox and an oxymoron?
Both involve words that seem to be contradictory or incongruous.
Oxymorons are always funny and certainly interesting. Here are just a
few examples:
Government Organization
Plastic Glasses
Pretty Ugly
Jumbo Shrimp
Same Difference
Peace Force
Working Vacation
Tax Return
Paradoxes on the other hand seem opposed to common sense, however are actually true. We find that Jesus often
spoke and taught in paradoxes. For example:
To find you must lose
To be rich you must be poor
To live you must die
To be first you must be last
To be honored you must be humbled
…and many more. In our resource for these articles, the writers use Paul’s description of the Macedonian
believers: “Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich
generosity.” The Christians of Macedonia personified the Law of Paradoxical Participation…that the richest
generosity often comes out of the deepest poverty.
Last month Cindy Garwick, chair of our Coordinating Council, asked me to generate a list of Jamaican
missionaries sent by First Christian Church. This list had 27 names on it. Each of us who have served on that
mission has witnessed and understands firsthand how Christians live this paradox: poor yet rich, pressed down yet
rising up, humbled yet exalted.
So, how should we live this law?
Respond to need, not to pressure. The gener ous giver is pr ompted to give by seeing a need and being
touched by it. The primary motive is spiritual in nature. We give because we want to give, love to give, and are
grateful we can give.
Have an open heart and an open hand. Openness is willingness, and nothing pleases God more than a heart
that willingly yields to Him and a hand that willingly gives to Him.
Be a river, not a reservoir. Believer s ar e channels, not container s. God’s love and grace are to flow through
us, not be held in us. Our compelling desire must be to constantly give and give and give as the river of God’s
blessing courses through our lives.
Page 8
ALL ABOUT US
THANK YOU!
I would like to thank Sarah Buchanan, Bill McReynolds, and
Rich and Linda Gallagher for their efforts during the work
day at ECM on June20. Along with two other volunteers,
several tables and door hinges were repaired, towel racks
were installed, and several other minor repair projects were
completed. The help was much appreciated!
—David Jones, ECM Campus Pastor
Thanks to all for your Dillons purchases that benefits First
Christian ! This quarter we received a check for $238.85!
Are you signed up for this with your Plus Card??
AUGUST BIRTHDAYS
August 1
August 2
August 3
August 4
August 6
August 9
August 10
August 13
August 14
August 27
PAINTING CLASS!
On Saturday, August 27th, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Melissa Hertz
and Tanya Purvis will be giving a painting class! Come 15
minutes early to set
up, and bring a snack
to share. Cost of your
canvas is $20, and
you’ll go home with
your own art work!
(Make checks payable
to Melissa Lesondak)
August 28
August 29
August 30
Bryce Buchanan
Ashley VanGilder
Mike Thomason
Alice Trussell
Janice Krienitz
Adi Honeycutt
Waide Purvis
Tim Berggren
Thomas Chaline
Aiden Chaline
Virginia Wesley
Michael Masterson
Andrew Guillen
Margaret Pickett
Steve Jankord
Chloe Purvis
Elizabeth Chapman
August 21st will be this year’s Spirit Sunday.
REGIONAL MINISTER RETIRING
Paxton Jones has announced that he will retire on December
31, 2016. We are all indebted to him for his guidance and
leadership to our region and to First Christian Manhattan
these past 9 years. Paxton has served our region for a total
or 35 years in various capacities. He has over 41 years in
ordained ministry.
We hate to lose him as our Regional
Minister, but we wish him well and
rejoice with him the time he will now
have for family, other activities, and
just to serve God in whatever way he
chooses!
GLUTEN FREE COMMUNION AVAILBLE
AT FCC. JUST ASK YOUR DEACON.
Page 9
We will be kicking off another great year of Sunday
school. Come and learn about all the growth
opportunities that are available.
Please come dressed to show your spirit for your
favorite team.
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH
(Disciples of Christ)
115 Courthouse Plaza
Manhattan, KS 66502
First Christian Church, 5th & Humboldt
Senior Pastor: Rev. Paul J. Allen, IV
Interim Sabbatical Pastor: Rev. Ben Duerfeldt
Christian Education Director: Ashley VanGilder
Campus Minister: Rev. David A. Jones, 904 Sunset
Church Treasurer: Don Foster
Financial Secretary: Leonard Purvis
Church Secretary: Marian Fuller
Custodians: Clay Reed , Kelly Reed
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Manhattan, KS 66502
Permit No. 575
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
785.776.8790
785.776.8790
785.323.7540
785-776.8790
620.218.2594
785.539.4281
785.776.8790
785.776.8790
785.776.8790
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FOOD COLLECTION
SUNDAY
AUGUST 7th
WE ARE AIMING FOR
DONATION OF
100 POUNDS OF
NON-PERISHABLE FOOD