Capital Christian

Worshiping God in Word and Deed

Published twice a month
Vol. 53 No. 10 June 30, 2008

First Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)

701 Franklin Street SE
PO Box 2850
Olympia, Washington 98507
360-943-8025
website:
www.firstchristianolympia.org

Sunday Worship Schedule:

8:30 AM - Sacred Ground
     9:30 AM - Adult Class - Koinonia
   10:45 AM - Children in worship - excused after Time for Children
   10:45 AM - Worship

Pastor
Rev. Mary C. Olney-Loyd
marycolney@qwestoffice.net

Administrative Assistant
Sherrie Fisher
ccfirst@qwestoffice.net

Sunday, July 6

"Sacred Rest"

 Reverend Mary C. Olney-Loyd, Minister

Scriptures:

Sunday, July 13

"Abundant Possibilities"

 Reverend Mary C. Olney-Loyd, Minister

Scriptures:

Sunday, July 20

"Wheat and Weeds Together"

 Reverend Mary C. Olney-Loyd, Minister

Scriptures:

Church Office Closed

The church office will be closed on Friday, July 4 for Independance Day.

A Message from the Pastor

Rev. Mary C. Olney-Loyd     360-943-8025     marycolney@qwestoffice.net

Dear Friends in Christ,

I have been studying discipleship along with Rachel Crum at a gathering with scholars, Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan.  I am so grateful for lay persons, like Rachel, and many of you who are hungry for learning, studying, and sharing your faith with others!  We share our love for God by serving others in word and deed.

Our True Identity

Love is our true destiny.
We do not find the meaning of life
by ourselves alone - we find it with another.

We do not discover the secret of our lives
merely by study and calculation
in our own isolated mediations.
The meaning of our life is a secret
that has to be revealed to us in love,
by the one we love.

And if this love is unreal,
the secret will not be found,
the meaning will never reveal itself,
the message will never be decoded.

At best, we will receive a scrambled and partial message;
one that will deceive and confuse us.

We will never be fully real until we let ourselves fall in love -
either with another human person or with God.

This quote from Thomas Merton speaks of loving God and others.  This is where we begin in our faith - to love and be loved.  The rest is how we live it out.  Thanks be to God for the loving, living, and learning!

Peace and Joy,

 Mary

Prayer Concerns

Members:

Fontelle Cunningham
 Don Huntoon         Gladys Trotter

Friends:

Faye Henderson    Courtney Montour
Danny Miller    Gary Miller
Sarah Knight   Crystal Rivera
Ronni Woolrich           Donna Sorrell
Peter Olney      Rebecca & Jess Hale
Amber & Jeffrey Saladino

Locally:

Camp Quixote

In the USA:

flood victims in the Midwest
fires in California

In the World:

Africa
Middle East
Far East (China & Myanmar)
U.S. forces killed in action
Unknown combatants and innocents killed in conflicts everywhere.

The Heart of Christianity

In the Bible and the Christian tradition, the "heart" is a metaphor for a deep level of the self, a level below our thinking, feeling, and willing, our intellect, emotions, and volition.

The heart is thus deeper than our "head," deeper than our conscious self and the ideas we have in heads.

Faith concerns this deeper level of the self.

Faith is the way of the heart, not the way of the head.

--Marcus J. Borg, The Heart of Christianity

Special Congregational Meeting

Sunday, July 13, 2008  -  following worship

Agenda:

To approve this congregation¹s embarking upon the Modified Parallel Church Start model as recommended by our New Beginnings Consultant.

Two more times have been set for those who feel the need for more conversation regarding a Modified Parallel Start:

Tuesday, July 8  -  1 PM
Thursday, July 10  -  5:30 PM

You are also welcome to contact your New Beginnings Leadership Team with questions or clarification.

Don and Jan Carlson, Judy Gregorius, Vern Kunze, Karen Nye, Barbara Reynolds, Robert Smith, or Leah Wilson

It's Not Too Late!

If you missed worship Sunday, June 29, it is not too late to contribute your monetary gift for Karen Ferguson. With Global Ministries support, she leaves soon for her trip to China where she will train Chinese teachers how to teach English to their students.  Karen is paying for this trip herself, however, you can help by making a check out to First Christian Church, and marking on it "Karen Ferguson, China".  We'll see she receives your gift.

July Mission of the Month

Member Assistance Fund

Several years ago our congregation started a Member Assistance Fund.  The purpose of this fund is to help our members deal with a onetime financial problem.

None of us knows when we might need a little help paying an unanticipated bill or in dealing with a financial crisis.  So . . . consider a donation to the Member Assistance Fund this month.

--Cheri Gonyaw, Deed Coordinator

Congratulations to Jennifer Roberts who has a new job with GHB Insurance doing office work!  Way to go, Jennifer!!

A GIANT "Thank You" to the choir and congregation for the beautiful party and gifts at the close of my tenure as your Music Director.  Trust me: you will have other fine musicians and directors, but no one will ever love you more than I love you.  You are the greatest!

Again, thank you for your kindness!

--Karen Nye

New Officers Elected

The slate of officers presented to the congregation was duly elected at the Annual Congregational Meeting held on Sunday, June 8. 

Let us pray for them as they lead us wisely in this coming year.

Laptops, Etc. Needed

Our son, Larry Goodwin, has become involved with 8 small farm schools in South Africa.  He and his family got acquainted with the schools when they were on a South Africa vacation.  Land owners donate a corner of their properties for one room schools (grades K-8).  A couple, David and Lizette, manage the schools under the title of Bushveld Mission.  They are not connected to any particular denomination.  There are many needs for these children.  This year Larry and family are concentrating on Laptop Computers, and I'm hoping to increase the number that can be taken/sent.  This is a request that comes as a result of my passion for helping children/youth.

Here's the list of items they are looking for:
       Laptop Computers
       Keyboards with mouse
       USB Hubs
       Old Programs

Larry is working with a computer shop in the Tri Cities who will remove whatever you have on the computer so that private info doesn't go along with the computer. 

Let me know if you have any of these items stashed in your drawers/cupboards that you no longer use. Thanks much for your help.

--Joanne Goodwin  -  491-0902

"Delicious Peace" Coffee

The sale of this coffee supports the Mirembe Kawomera (Delicious Peace) Interfaith Cooperative in Uganda.  If you wish to join in the monthly ordering of Peace Coffee please contact Danny Kadden by phone: 786-0843 or by e-mail at dkadden@comcast.net.

Wholesale Prices:
                       Standard 12 oz. Package
                           $8.00 Regular / $9.00 Decaf
                       5 Lb. Package
                           $40.00 Regular / $45.00 Decaf
                       Shipping:
                           add 5% to your total order

Please specify number of packages, type of roast (Reg. Dark, Reg. Light or Decaf) and type of grind (Whole Bean, Auto Drip, French Press, or Espresso).

Payment is due to Temple Beth Hatfiloh at the time orders are picked up.

What a Wonderful Barbecue!

This past Wednesday for the third year First Christian Church hosted a barbecue for the residents of Evergreen Vista Apartments.  The weather was perfect - no rain and not too hot or too cold.  Thanks to the many who participated.

Setup and Servers

   Roberta Curfman    Peggy Frazier    Joyce Gillie
   Judy Gregorius    Sylvia Harkness    Linda Schmidt
   Elaine Ulry    Gayle Wilson    Barbara Wood

Grill Masters

   Dale Curfman    Vern Lacewell    Gary Loyd John Wilson

Game Leader

   Helena Wilson

Photographer

   Virginia Muntman

We were overwhelmed by the number of residents who participated, which was around 160, but we were more overwhelmed by some of their comments.  An eleven year-old asked if we were from First Christian Church.  When we replied we were, he told us that he knew that because he read it on the bulletin board.  One of the parents told us that our event was a blessing when so many of the residents are out of money for food at the end of the month. 

And certainly - there were many "thank you's".

Through the New Beginnings process we became aware once again that the church is the mission.  At the barbecue we lived that out.  We, as church, were indeed the mission.

--Cheri Gonyaw, Deed Coordinator

You're Invited!

On July 4th we are inviting anyone that wants to join us for a late afternoon potluck picnic.  You are invited to stay for the fireworks on Long Lake, which start when it begins to get dark.

Come any time after noon and enjoy the lake.  We'll plan to eat 4:30 - 5 PM.  We will provide hamburgers, hotdogs, plates, cups, plasticware, and napkins.  Please bring other food to share.  It would be helpful to us if you let us know you are coming (491-0902)

--Frank and Joanne Goodwin

Special Congregational Meeting

Sunday, July 13, 2008  -  following worship

Agenda:

To approve this congregation¹s embarking upon the Modified Parallel Church Start model as recommended by our New Beginnings Consultant.

Two more times have been set for those who feel the need for more conversation regarding a Modified Parallel Start:

Tuesday, July 8  -  1 PM
Thursday, July 10  -  5:30 PM

You are also welcome to contact your New Beginnings Leadership Team with questions or clarification.

Don and Jan Carlson, Judy Gregorius, Vern Kunze, Karen Nye, Barbara Reynolds, Robert Smith, or Leah Wilson

It's Not Too Late!

If you missed worship Sunday, June 29, it is not too late to contribute your monetary gift for Karen Ferguson. With Global Ministries support, she leaves soon for her trip to China where she will train Chinese teachers how to teach English to their students.  Karen is paying for this trip herself, however, you can help by making a check out to First Christian Church, and marking on it "Karen Ferguson, China".  We'll see she receives your gift.

Church Camp

Applications for summer Church Camp are available in the church office  A limited amount of funds are available for scholarship help on an "as needed" basis.  Contact Jan Carlson or Pastor Mary for more information.

Summer 2008

                           Grade        
Camp                    in Fall                   Date                        Cost            Deadline

Junior 1                4, 5, 6                   Aug. 11 - 16            $250            7/28/08

Chi Rho 1              7, 8, 9                  July 28 - Aug. 2        $250            7/14/08

Called to Serve in July

Deacons

Communion and Offering

Team 1
   Greg & Nancy King
Team 2
   Karen Ferguson & Laura Smith
Team 3
   John & Gayle Wilson
Team 4
   Dale & Roberta Curfman

Offering

Team 1
   Sylvia Harkness & Will Ulry
Team 2
   Leonard Nord & Jack Reynolds
Team 3
   Ross & Darci Fisher
Team 4
   Judy Bushell & Gary Loyd

Communion Prep and Setup

Team 1
   Nancy King
Team 2
   Laura Smith
Team 3
   Ellen Cholski
Team 4
   Si Sarton

Sound System
   Judy Bushell

Usher   
Team 1
   Will Ulry
Team 2
   Jack Reynolds
Team 3
   Larry Fisher
Team 4
   Gary Loyd

Greeters   
Team 1
   Open
Team 2
   Open
Team 3
   Open
Team 4
   Open

Elders

   Joanne Goodwin
   Helena Wilson

Worship Leaders

   July  6  -  Elsie Kunze

   July 13  -  Jim Dick

   July 20  -  Nancy King

   July 27  -  Mark Wilton

July Birthdays

•   1    Jim Dick
•   7    Corrine Bullpitt
•   8    Gene Dolan
•   9    Hayden Fisher
• 13    Cheri Gonyaw
• 15    Beatrice Bodette
• 19    Patricia Rice
• 28    Seth Gambetty

July Anniversaries

•   7    Russ & Darci Fisher
•   8    David & Sharon Lindley
• 31    Robert & Dorothy Smith

Our Upcoming Calendar

Recurring Events

Tuesday Schedule

   Lectionary Bible Study
   11:00 AM - Library

   Sew Crafty
   11:30 AM - Koinonia Hall

   Handbell Practice
     6:30 PM - Library

Wednesday, July 2

   Women's Potluck Picnic Luncheon
   11:30 AM - home of Joanne Goodwin

   Pastoral Relations Committee
     2:00 PM - Library

Friday, July 4

   Office Closed

Tuesday, July 8

   New Beginnings Questions
     1:00 PM - Koinonia Hall

Thursday, July 10

   New Beginnings Questions
     5:30 PM - Library

Wednesday, July 16

   Board Meeting
     7:00 PM - Library

Thursday, July 24

   July Newsletter Deadline - noon

Monday, July 28

   August Newsletter Published

Hot Meals for Camp Quixote

If you or your organization would like to provide a hot meal on a regular basis, such as once a week, please contact Selena Kilmoyer at 951-0326.

We Collect . . .

Campbell labels . . . in order to be counted, they must have the bar code intact and included.

Box Tops for Education  . . . these stamp-sized coupons are located on the bottom of square boxes of Kleenex and on the tops of Betty Crocker boxes - each is worth about 10¢!  Both of the above go to the schools. 

Aluminum can pull tabs . . .  these tabs are used by the Ronald McDonald House in Spokane. 

Please save these items and bring them to the church.  There are containers at the north end of Koinonia Hall on the credenza next to the office.  Thanks!

--Virginia Muntman

How to Support the Thurston County Food Bank

• Give cash:
             A dollar given will buy a third more food.
• Give food:
             High protein (canned tuna, peanut butter, beef stew)
             Children¹s favorites (macaroni & cheese, boxed cereal, canned fruit)
             Special needs (low salt soups/vegetables, fruit in water or juice,
             or items suitable for a vegetarian)
             Snacks (individual servings of fruit/cheese & crackers)
• Give paper bags in addition to plastic bags
• Please Avoid:
             Any items in glass, or bulk items requiring repackaging.

Pastor Job Description

The Pastoral Relations Committee spent the fall working on a Job Description for our Pastor.  It was officially adopted by the General Board at its January meeting.  If you would like a copy you may get one in the church office.

Your Pastoral Relations Committee:

       Ellen Cholski               Sylvia Harkness                 Vern Kunze
                       Barb Reynolds                   Mary Olney-Loyd

--Barb Reynolds

Church Membership

Please speak to our pastor, Mary Olney-Loyd, if you are interested in placing your membership with First Christian Church.

Everyday Living Prayers

How and when do you pray?

Some different ideas to bring prayer into our lives more frequently:

Prayers for the World
Pick a week in which you will pray for the world.  Assign a continent to each day.  In quiet moments during the day, or times like commuting, imagine the people of that continent, imagine the geography.  In simple language ask God to bless those places.

Driving Prayers
Tape words to your steering wheel.  Stuck in traffic?  Make a practice to bless all drivers in blue cars, or in pickup trucks, or with more than three people in the car.

Planting a Prayer
This is an example of "intercessory prayer" - asking God to intercede or help another person.  Pick a tree or other perennial plant in your yard, neighborhood, or park that you pass by often to represent a person who is in your prayers.  Whenever you pass by that plant, pray for the person it represents.

Prayers with Your Computer
Some examples: incorporate a prayer word (such as "grace," "truth," or "love") or the name of a person you are praying for into your password.

--Ideas from Rev. Jennifer Brownell, Magnolia UCC

Click here for more information on ways you can pray.

Food for Thought

Christ has no hands on earth but our hands.
--Teresa of Avila

Love cannot remain by itself - it has no meaning.  Love has to be put into action, and that action is service.
--Mother Teresa

For it is in giving that we receive.
--St. Francis of Assisi

The outrage of hunger amidst plenty will never be solved by "experts" somewhere.  It will only be solved when people like you and me decide to act.
--Frances Moore Lappé

Those Who Regularly Use Our Facilities

Al Anon Support Group  -  Monday Through Friday, 12:00 Noon  -  Payne Room

POWER (Parents Organizing for Welfare and Economic Rights)
Monday - Friday 10 AM - 5 PM  - Payne Room

Adult Children of Alcoholics Anonymous  -  Sunday, 3 - 4:30 - Payne Room

Co-Dependants Anon.  Support Group  -  Monday, 6:30 PM  - Payne Room

AA Support Group  -  Tuesday and Friday   -  6:00 PM
Koinonia Hall and Payne Room

Debtors Anon. Support Group
Friday 9:30 AM - 11 AM - Room 3 on Lower Level

Dispute Resolution Center - mediations and training sessions

OSPI (Office of Supt. of Public Instruction) - meetings and training sessions

First Christian Curch (Disciples of Christ) Building Use

Suggestions for Our Website

www.firstchristianolympia.org

Please let us know what you think about the look, feel and content.  Suggestions are welcome.  Judy Bushell, Jim Dick, or Judy Gregorius serve on the task force.

Next Newsletter Published:
Monday July 28, 2008

Deadline for Articles:
Noon - Thursday, July 24, 2008

Summer Newsletters

During June, July, & August the newsletter will publish once a month on the last Monday of the month.

Deadline for Articles is at noon on the last Thursday of the month prior to publication.