June 2015 Newsletter 
A Farewell Note from Brian VanArsdale 

First Christian Church Family,

 

As my time here at FCC grows short, I wanted to take a minute and thank you for all of your friendship and support through the last 11 years.  We have been through many things together - from Youth, to Worship, and to my current role as Outreach Minister.  From mission trips and leaving kids at a camp site (yes that happened!), to fire destroying an old building and building a new one, to explosive growth and unforeseen challenges. You, my FCC family have been there, serving beside me, doing your best to show Jesus to anyone we can.  Thank you so much for being a part of that journey. 

For the next chapter in our lives, my family and I will be moving to First Christian Church in Monmouth, IL to serve as the Next Steps and Worship Minister there.  We have spent much time praying about and seeking wise counsel on this decision, and we are confident that this move is what God has been preparing us for.  While we are excited and looking forward to this new opportunity, we will miss you all and will continue to pray and hope for great things here in Jacksonville.  Our last Sunday here in Jacksonville will be July 5th.

I'll close with Galatians 6:9 - "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up."  God has done some great things in Jacksonville, but the work is far from finished.  Work hard, pray hard, and follow God's leading. 

Thanks again and God bless!
Brian VanArsdale  

 

Please join us for a reception for Brian and his family on
Sunday, July 5 after the 11:00 a.m. service.
Now Available - Online and Text Giving 
First Christian Church is excited to now offer online giving with your debit/credit card or by electronic check. You may also sign up online to utilize a gift by text option. To get started, access the link by visiting fccjacksonville.onlinegiving.cc
Upcoming Events
Hot Dog Festival - Saturday, June 13 at 3:00 p.m.

Mark your calendars for FCC's first Hot Dog Festival! Come on out for a hot dog cooking contest, hot dog eating contest, wiener dog races and games for kids! Contact the Church Office to register for the wiener dog races. If you have any questions, contact Brian VanArsdale
at 243-6445.
Vacation Bible School - Camp Kilimanjaro 
Monday, June 22 - Friday, June 26
6:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.  

Welcome to Camp Kilimanjaro! VBS is June 22 - 26 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. You can register at fccjacksonville.org or by calling 243-6445. Children starting Kindergarten in the Fall - 6th grade are eligible to come. It's going to be an exciting week - so don't miss out! 

**For all who are volunteering with VBS, please join us for a meeting on Wednesday, June 17 at 6:30 p.m. **
Vacation Bible School Family Kick - Off
Sunday, June 21 at 6:30 p.m.  
Join us as we kick off VBS 2015! This gives all families the opportunity to find out what Vacation Bible School at
FCC is all about! 

Men's Church Softball Schedule 

If you have any questions, please contact Brian VanArsdale at
243-6445. Games are every Monday until July 27 at the YMCA
in Jacksonville. 
 

Monday, June 8 FCC maroon team 6:30 p.m.

FCC green team 7:30 p.m.

FCC orange team 8:30 p.m.
Monday, June 15 FCC green vs maroon 6:30 p.m.

FCC orange team 7:30 p.m.
Monday, June 22  FCC orange vs maroon 6:30 p.m.

FCC green team 7:30 p.m. 
Monday, June 29 FCC maroon team 6:30 p.m. 

FCC orange team 7:30 p.m.

FCC green team 8:30 p.m. 


 

 
Summer Church Camp
Summer Church Camp Discounts Available
If you have student in Kindergarten - 5th grade who is attending Church camp this summer, call the Church to register for a discount up to 50%. Offer is for one week of camp per student per camp. 
 
Care Corner
Are you ready for Summertime fun, vacations, outside events & so much more? Below are a few friendly reminders as we anticipate warmer weather in the next 3 - 4 months:

Stay hydrated - choose water to hydrate on those hot days (add lemon, strawberries, and other fruits to add flavor); alcoholic and sugary drinks  dehydrate  our bodies during extreme heat. 
           Suggested foods that add hydration: watermelon, cantaloupe, celery,                pineapple, tomatoes, cucumbers and blueberries!

Sun protection - 
The popular myth of "getting a good tan" is not nearly as important as using a protective sunscreen to block the UVA rays. Protecting exposed skin from the risks of skin cancers should be a priority. Skin damage from the sun may not be seen for 8 - 10 years later! Does your sunscreen have UVB or UVA protection? UVA protection (broad spectrum), provides better protection from harmful cancer-causing ultraviolet A rays.

Fresh fruits & vegetables - 
With our local Farmers Market now open, shop at your convenience for local, fresh fruits and vegetables as they come in season! Berry assortments add rich antioxidants - to prevent damage to tissue and reduce risk of age related illnesses; plus the berries add fiber (which lowers cholesterol). Local fresh fruits & vegetables are picked at a more ripened state, which provides more nutrition!

Ticks - 
Be aware of ticks after being outside, walking, mowing, etc. Check ears & scalp especially. A quick safe removal - soak a cotton ball with liquid detergent; hold on to the tick for a short time, then remove with tweezers, gently but firmly - pull straight off (do not twist). Make sure all of the tick is removed, especially the head. Wash the area of skin where the tick was and hands with soapy water. Apply antiseptic ointment to the area. If a tick is found on clothing, use masking tape, lint remover or any type of tape to remove them. Dispose in plastic bag and seal. It is also important to check your animals for ticks!

To your health,

Kay Welsh, R.N. 
Care Coordinator  

May statistics 
8:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Total General Fund
The Next Step
Sunday,
May 3, 2015
138 469 290 897 $25,915.37 $4,585.00
Sunday,
May 10, 2015
172 426 329 927 $18,445.88 $2,343.00
Sunday,
May 17, 2015
110 399 301 810 $22,287.41 $4,552.00
Sunday,
May 24, 2015
133 398 257 788 $12,014.71 $1,470.00
Sunday,
May 31, 2015
135 402 279 816 $22,277.46 $2,850.00

First Christian Church
2106 South Main | PO Box 39 | Jacksonville, IL | 62651 | 217-243-6445