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 First Christian Church ( Disciples of Christ )                                                 November 2009
P O Box 872
Burnet TX 78611                                                     Rev. Dawn Rosignol, Senior Minister
512 756 2223                                                    Ernest Spiekermann, Associate Minister
                               Website:                                    fccburnettx.org
                               Pastor's Cell Phone:                    830/613-9393

THOU ART THE POTTER; WE ARE THE CLAY.

Dawn reflections….
                                                                                                                        10/27/09
Do you see the irony in this: on the Sunday that my sermon is about how we serve God, not for positions of honor, not for the attention or appreciation, but because Jesus did – on this Sunday, you chose to surprise us with a Minister Appreciation reception! I found this an interesting reminder of God’s sense of humor that can be played out in our lives. I had to laugh at the irony.

After the reception (with another of Sharon’s spectacular cakes!) and a lunch invitation that I gratefully accepted, I went home with my basket of cards. Ron was still in Colorado for his elk hunt so I spent the afternoon sitting on the patio with my dogs (one of my favorite relaxing pastimes). This time I took the basket of cards with me and enjoyed reading through them all. As I read all your kind words of appreciation I found myself becoming more and more filled with gratitude for you (as if that were possible) and the ministry to which God has called me. For over 2 years now, I’ve been very grateful for the ministry that we share.

This year’s Fall Festival reminded me of how important it is for all of us to do our part in the ministry of Christ’s church. What a wonderful example of the church pulling together to offer a fun event for the community! I thoroughly enjoyed sharing in this important event that we’ve offered local children for 3 years now. It gets bigger and better every year. In watching all the activity, I really believe the adults had just as much fun as the children.

Your enthusiasm about the exciting ministry that God calls us to, and your willingness to be a part of it, is our gift to God. None of us could do it alone, and none of us was meant to either. We need each other and we need to give ourselves to the ministry for God’s glory. Thank you for all that you do to make the ministry of FCC Burnet what it is today.

[I] always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in [my] prayers, constantly. 1Thess. 1:2

With continued gratitude for you and the ministry we share,
Dawn

DISCIPLES WOMEN’S NEWS
Update on the Women’s Retreat
The most recent Disciples Women’s Retreat has come and gone, but wonderful memories linger on…

Women from 18 different churches gathered for a weekend of incredible keynotes and Bible study and spiritually-uplifting music. First-time attendees, “newbies,” made up about 30% of the total attendance. There was a four-way tie between Shepherd of the Hills-Austin, Central Christian-San Antonio, Hill Country Christian-Spring Branch, and First Christian-Kingsville for the “Newbie” Award, for bringing 100% “Newbies” to the retreat. FCC Burnet once again won the “Judy” Award, for having the highest attendance with 16, with Iglesia Cristiana Ebenezer and Round Rock Christian each bringing 8.

We were spellbound as we listened to Irie Session, our keynoter, weave her faith story throughout each of her keynotes. Words cannot describe the power, passion, and Irie’s personal testimony in her keynotes. It was obvious to all in attendance that she had lived our theme in her very life.

Dawn Rosignol, pastor of FCC Burnet, led our Bible study, and also shared her faith story with us. Never have I been at a retreat where so many women shared their stories with us.

The music team of Stevie Linn of Dallas and Miriam Martinez of Los Fresnos led us in many old and new songs. Stevie’s energetic approach led us to sing in such a way that we almost raised the roof. Workshops were led by Joan Stone, Brenda Williams, Liz Maybaum, Cathy Lutz, Kristin Galle, Pat Oringderff, Connie Burke, Esther Rodriguez, and the Kerrville Ladies.

Our Saturday evening offering of $681.00, will be evenly divided between SWGSM, Inman Center, and Week of Compassion. The Silent Auction raised $371.75, which will be used to purchase Chalice Praise hymnals for Disciples Oaks Retreat Center. Our Blessing Boxes brought in $31.51, reflecting the many blessings of the weekend.

I joyfully announce that Melanie Holtz of Shepherd of the Hills has agreed to fill the position of Coordinator Elect for this next year. She will shadow my position this next year, and then take on the position of Coordinator for two years. Reverend Dawn Rosignol installed Melanie Holtz for this new position, and Raquel Garcia, who will complete the year as LRGVD consultant.

Dani Loving Cartwright, our Regional Minister, will keynote the next BBA/LRGVD retreat which is scheduled for September 24-26, 2010.

We are indeed fortunate to have such a wealth of talented women and licensed and ordained ministers to call from when planning a retreat. If you missed this one, mark your calendars and come to the next one.

Marilyn Petrick

DISCIPLES MEN’S NEWS
What a great bunch of men to work with. I was out of pocket for a couple of weeks and projects continued as usual. Jerry got the men started on the rental property and progress is obvious. We will continue on that project until it is completed.

The men who worked on the church construction in Jacksonville were invited to the church dedication on Nov. 28th but will not be able to attend due to conflict. The same men work on the tamale sale in Bertram that raises money for projects like church re-builds. Bobby, Ernie, Chuck, Ron Petrick and myself are scheduled to work the tamale booth. I urge the other Disciple men to participate in a day of fun and fellowship selling tamales in Bertram on Nov 27th.

It was good to have Ernie back in the kitchen for our monthly breakfast fellowship. All men of the church are invited to attend and bring a friend. The next breakfast is scheduled for Nov. 21st. Hope to see you there.

Ron Rosignol,    President

A WORD FROM THE MODERATOR…

      Thanks to all who worked on the fall festival to make it the success that it was! Please mark Nov. 23rd on your calendar. This is the day we will be decorating the church for Christmas. Have a great month. Jerry

FROM THE ELDERS

      It is hard to believe that the end of the year is coming upon us! Besides all the activities in the life of the church, we will be changing leadership, elders and deacons will be rolling off, new elders and deacons coming on, new board members, new committee chairs, etc. So much change, but the most important thing remains----our service to God! Prayerfully consider your role in the life of the church! Please continue to count on each of us to be there for you should you have care, joys, or concerns!

Dear Members,
      Thank you so much for your prayers, phone calls, food, cards, and visits during Gerald's hospitalization and since his passing. Thank you for the lovely plant, the meal, attending the nursery, and the many other kindnesses and blessings from this wonderful church. Thank you, Ernest for being there for Gerald by phone while he was in the hospital. You were such a comfort to him. Special thanks to Rev. Dawn and Ron for the trips to Austin offering prayers, comfort and support.

Marcie Guthrie                

LOOKING AHEAD...

November 1   All Saints Day   John 11:32-44
Preaching                                  Pastor Dawn
Worship Leader                             Laura Orr
Children’s Moment                      Tom Evans
Nursery                               Brenda Williams

November 8   CROP Walk    Romans 6:3-11
Preaching                                  Pastor Dawn
Worship Leader                          Art Johnson
Children’s Moment                    Pastor Dawn
Nursery                                   Sharon Tippie

November 15                     1 Samuel 1:4-20
Preaching                        Ernie Spiekermann
Worship Leader                      Greg Williams
Children’s Moment              Brenda Williams
Nursery                                   Sharon Tippie

November 22  Reign of Christ   John 18:33-37
Preaching                                  Pastor Dawn
Worship Leader                          Susie Hearn
Children’s Moment                        Laura Orr
Nursery                                       Ann Knight

November 29 Advent begins 1 Samuel 2:1-10
Preaching                                  Pastor Dawn
Worship Leader                          Ron Petrick
Children’s Moment                Michele Darling
Nursery                                Brenda Williams

AND BACK...
Attendance
October 4                 65
October 11               58
October 18               65
October 25               64

Treasurer's Report
Balance, August 31 2009                 $32,027.90
Deposits during September                  8,795.79
Disbursements during September       10,443.98
Balance, September 30, 2009           $30,379.71

Ron &Marilyn Petrick
433 N. Chaparral
Burnet, TX 78611

OUTREACH REPORT/OPPORTUNITIES

November 8, Sunday, 2:00 PM

Some 2000 communities across the country take part in an annual CROP Hunger Walk. CROP means Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty. Walkers and their supporters are taking a stand against hunger in our world and raising awareness and funds for international relief and development as well as locally for Lakes Area Care (LACare).

The Burnet CROP Hunger Walk is scheduled for Sunday, November 8, 2009, at 2:00 PM. Smoking for Jesus Singers from Marble Falls will energize us for the walk with a concert at the registration site, First United Methodist Church.

FCC has a great team of walkers all signed up and ready to show they care about these issues. Find a walker and make a donation to show your support. One-fourth of the money we raise will return to Burnet to assist with poverty issues through LACare.

In preparation for the walk, we are also looking for the following support:
  • Prayers for the walkers and the people in Burnet and around the world who need help.
  • You can be a Volunteer! We will need folks to help with registration, map out the route and put up signs, and provide food for a snack at the end of the walk right here at FCC. I can match you with a task; just ask me!

Laura Orr, Coordinator, 512-355-9227
Burnet CROP Hunger Walk
  • The October noisy offering for LaCare was $150.39.
  • The Reconciliation Ministry Offering to aid in anti-racism/pro-reconciliation initiatives was $361.00.
Community Kitchen Mondays

October 5                 99
October 12               61
October 19               88
October 26               106

We have the opportunity to provide Christmas again this year for 40 foster children in the Burnet County Child Welfare system. Look for the tree in the Gathering Area on November 22nd with information about a child printed on the back of each angel hanging on the tree. Prayerfully consider how many of these special "angels" you can help this year. Limit spending to $50 for children and $70 for youth. Return your unwrapped purchases (with the angel tied to the bag) to the tree by December 13th.
      We also have the opportunity to be a part of their Christmas Party on Saturday, December 5th. Can you help make this a special day for the children? If so, please call the office to sign up.

The 2009 Thanksgiving Offering benefits our 17 colleges and universities and 10 seminaries and divinity houses. For decades, Disciples have been providing resources to further the education of Disciples students at institutions of Higher Education. We will be receiving the Thanksgiving offering November 15th & 22nd.


Sunday Nov 22,
7:00 pm at
First Christian
Church

Organic
Community Garden
Coming Soon!

     Inks Lake Fish Hatchery has donated an acre of land for the Ministerial Alliance to begin a community garden which will benefit LaCare and the needy of our community. The Fish Hatchery is providing equipment work, and we provide volunteers to work the garden. We will begin preparing the ground on Friday, Nov. 6 at 10:00 a.m. Please let Pastor Dawn know if you are interested in helping with this great new venture.


Minister Appreciation 2009
STEWARDSHIP

The Dash Poem
by Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
from the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
and spoke of the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth
and now only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own,
the cars, the house, the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard;
are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
to consider what's true and real
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect
and more often wear a smile,
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is being read
with your life's actions to rehash,
would you be proud of the things they say
about how you spent your dash?


The Advent Season is almost here. We’ll begin with a soup supper and decorating party on November 23 at 6:00 p.m. Our wreath lighting themes will be: God’s Promises, God’s Mercy, God’s Salvation, God’s Presence, and God’s Light. If any of these themes especially speak to you, and you would like to share your thoughts and light a candle on the Advent wreath for that Sunday, please let us know in the church office.

Have a Christmas Worth Remembering
because Christmas Begins and Ends With Jesus
Nov. 29       First Sunday of Advent:           
God’s Promises
9:00 am – Breakfast                             
9:45 am – Hanging of the Greens        
10:45 am – Worship – 1 Samuel 2:1-10    
“Hannah’s Song”
Dec. 6         Second Sunday of Advent:     
God’s Mercy
9:30 am – Sunday School for all ages
10:45 am – Worship – Luke 1:39-56      
“Mary’s Song”
Dec. 13         Third Sunday of Advent:       
God’s Salvation
9:30 am – Sunday School for all ages   
10:45 am – Worship – Luke 1:67-79        
“Zechariah’s Song”
Dec. 20        Fourth Sunday of Advent:         
God’s Presence
9:30 am – Sunday School for all ages
10:45 am – Worship – Luke 2:8-14        
      “The Angel’s Song”
Dec. 24           Christmas Eve:                     
God’s Light
6:00 pm – Candlelight Service             


Bring Your Bibles and a Friend
4-week Advent Bible Study
led by Rev. Dawn Rosignol
Thursdays at 2:00 pm or
Sundays at 5:00 pm beginning Nov. 29th
(everyone meets for last study on Sunday, Dec. 20th)

“Advent Conspiracy:
Can Christmas
Still Change the
World?”
by
Rick McKinley,
Chris Seay, &
Greg Holder

Cost is $10.00
for the book.

Contact the church office to sign up.
512/756-2223 or fccburnet@verizon.net
204 E. Graves St. Burnet, Texas 78611

      

   

First Christian Church
P O Box 872
Burnet TX 78611

 

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Last updated by Hank Holt November 7, 2009