Temple Bells

August 2022

  The mission and ministries of First Christian Church are to share the Good News of Jesus Christ by being instruments of God’s unconditional love and grace for all people. We strive to live and practice Jesus’ command to “love one another as you would love yourself.” We are a dynamic and diverse congregation and would like to invite you to become a part of our church family.
215 South Congress Ave. West Palm Beach Fl. 33409
    Phone 561-683-8811
Visit our website
Sunday Church Service 10:15


By Rev. Donn


A husband and wife, living in Chicago, go to bed one night and in the middle of the night there is a loud beeping noise. But the husband knows if he acknowledges it he will have to get up and investigate it so he pretends to be sleeping until his wife shakes him and asks, ‘What’s that noise?’ and he answers, ‘What noise?’ But he has to ask very loudly because of the loud beeping noise. So he gets out of bed, goes down the hallway and takes care of it. And his wife asks him what it was and he answers it was the smoke alarm. And she asks what made it stop and he says I took the battery out. And she says, ‘You can’t do that, there could be a fire in the house!’ And he answers, ‘There’s no smoke, no heat coming from anywhere, and we don’t smell anything. It’s clearly a battery problem I’ll replace it tomorrow.’ And they go back to sleep.


The next day he has to get up very early to make an important presentation at work, everyone in the house is still asleep when he leaves, though he does notice there seems to be a few odd malfunctions, the hall light and the coffee maker didn’t work, but he does’t think much about it and went to his breakfast meeting. About 30 minutes into the breakfast he was approached by the server who told him, ‘Your wife called and asked you to come home. She said the house is on fire.’ He went home. Fire trucks were parked all over the cul-de-sac. He joined his family and dog as they watched the outside of their white house turn brown, with great clouds of smoke billowing up.


It turns out some birds had built a nest in their chimney which eventually started smoldering which set off the smoke alarm which he had disabled, and so a fire started behind the wall and did unbelievable damage. All from a little bird’s nest and a battery removed from a smoke alarm because a husband wanted to sleep. As he says, ‘What kind of idiot removes a battery out of a smoke alarm so he can sleep better during a fire? That would be me. The smoke alarm was not my enemy, the fire was. The smoke alarm was trying to help me.’


We have a life, that’s our house. We have a soul, do you hear any beeping sounds? It might be a feeling of guilt because you’re aware there are people who need food but you wonder what good the little money you could give can make and so you go shopping instead. Or, you’re aware that you’ve been working too much and neglecting your family too much, but you decide that if you just work to the next promotion and raise, then you can make it up to them. It may be there is a loneliness that is consuming you but rather than deal with it, rather than deal with the ‘beeping sound’ you take the batteries out of the smoke alarm and convince yourself that the problem is other people.


Sometimes the Spirit will bring a sense of conviction, and when it does the best response is not to suppress it, not to take out the batteries, but to get out of bed (our comfort zone), take a look around (examine our life), and put out the fire before it does more damage. Jesus forgives our sins, but we have to confess and repent because ignoring it and denying it only makes it worse. God Bless, Donn

UPDATED MASK POLICY

Because the church has tried to follow the CDC guidelines throughout this pandemic and because the CDC has changed their guidelines, the church no longer requires people to wear masks. Obviously people are welcome to wear a mask if they choose.Thank you for your patience and understanding.


August

(Sermon titles and sermon texts are subject to change; * indicates sermon text)


8/7/22

Isaiah 1:1, 10-20

Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23

*Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16         

(Sermon: “Faith”)

Luke 12:32-40

 

8/14/22

Isaiah 5:1-7

Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19

*Hebrews 11:29-12:2           

(Sermon: “The Secret To Finishing Is Not Quitting”)

Luke 12:49-56


8/21/22

Jeremiah 1:4-10

Psalms 71:1-6

Hebrews 12:18-29

*Luke 13:10-17                   

 (Sermon: “Who’s Really Bent Out Of Shape?”)


8/28/22

Jeremiah 2:4-13

Psalm 81:1, 10-16

Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16

Luke 14:1, 7-14

*OFF LECTIONARY, using last week’s Old Testament Reading:

Jeremiah 1:4-10

(Sermon: “Created, Called, And Consecrated”

We are pleased to welcome three new members who joined Sunday, (7/10):

Keith Legler (son of Linda Legler) has been worshiping with us for many months and is a faithful member of our Wednesday Night Bible Study.


His address is 2943 Nokomis Ave., WPB, FL 33409; Ph: (561) 707-7752; Birthday: 10/27.

 

Rachel Tramell has been worshiping with us for the past month and has recently joined our choir.


Her address is 1509 15th Terrace, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418; Ph (561)543-2930, (561)729-9183; Birthday: 8/21.

 

Dennis Tramell (Rachel’s father) has also been worshiping with us for this pas month. His address is the same as Rachel’s:


1509 15th Terrace, PBG, FL 33418; Ph (561)228-9495; Birthday: 10/2.

Please make a note of this information for your records and make sure to welcome them to our church family.


Thank you.

AMAZON WILL MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO OUR CHURCH
WHEN YOU SHOP WITH

SMILE.AMAZON.COM


HERE IS HOW IT WORKS:

INSTEAD OF LOGGING ON AT AMAZON.COM,
USE THE LINK BELOW ONE TIME TO SET UP SMILE.AMAZON.COM

( its the exact same site except using this link
instructs Amazon who to contribute to )
Click For Amazon Smile
(YOU CAN ALSO SELECT THE “SMILE” OPTION ON YOUR APP!)


PLEASE LOG IN WITH YOUR NORMAL AMAZON SCREENNAME AND PASSWORD
.
THEN, ON THE TOP LEFT, YOU WILL SEE A LINK TO PICK A CHARITY.

SEARCH FOR:
( FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF WEST PALM BEACH)

SELECT THIS AS YOUR CHARITY

NOW, SIMPLY USE SMILE.AMAZON.COM INSTEAD OF AMAZON.COM


ONCE SELECTED AS YOUR CHARITY AND EVERYTIME

YOU SHOP MOVING FORWARD,

AMAZON WILL MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO THE CHURCH.



WE ARE ALL SIGNED UP AND IT

DOESN’T COST YOU A THING!


THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.



If you have any questions, please reach out to Teddi at 954-270-9508


ABOUT THOSE GIFT CARDS 


 We are no longer participating with the Gift Card Program 

FOOD MINISTRY

We are a satellite food pantry for CROS (Christians Reaching Out to Society) ministry. Qualified participants are be able to pick up food at our church on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:30. As you know, hunger is a big problem in our community and this is a great way for us to help feed people, not only food, but also hope, reminding them that others care.

In order for this to happen we need volunteers, who, after being trained by CROS personnel, will assist people as they come to collect food. In addition to sharing food, we can share a warm welcome, and a smile. You must fill out a form and turn it in to CROS before you will be able to participate. We also have other information about the CROS food pantry program including other locations and eligibility requirements (in English, Spanish, and Creole).

By the way we are still collecting food donations to CROS at the church and we are grateful to others who give to the Migrant Family Ministries. Many people are blessed by your generosity.

Thank you!


While we are blessed to be able to offer In Person Worship, we are still recording the worship services for those who are unable to attend. Please note: the worship services will not be available until later on Sundays or possibly on Mondays.

Click to watch our online Sermons
SUCCESS!!!!
We are pleased to report that the purchase of a new camera has led to GREAT IMPROVEMENTS on our video and audio according. If you are unable to worship in person, check it out, it’s almost as good as being here. Thank you for your patience throughout this very long process and thanks to Stacey Sofoul for his continued diligence and untiring efforts to bring us success!

HEARING ASSISTED DEVICES
Our hearing assisted devices are now working and available. If you would like to make use of this device,
please see the attendant at the Sound Board before worship.

We have also posted a separate Communion Video for those who do not have time for an entire worship service but who want to partake in a communion service.

Click for Online Communion
online bible
Bible Study Lectures have been recorded that you can listen to online. These lectures are currently audio only and range from 12 to 20 minutes, though some have been as short as 7 minutes and some have been so long they required two appendixes, smile! Typically these lectures are designed to go with the coming Sunday’s sermon, but sometimes this may
not be the case. 
Click here for online Bible Study
Fireside Chats Archive

While we are no longer offering new Fireside Chats, there are 56 Chats available on our website. These Chats as a way of offering encouragement and support, and now you can access them whenever you want!

Click to watch our Fireside Chats
Did you know that our website currently hosts over 190 Sunday Sermons that are just 1 click away and over 50 monthly blog messages from Donn

These powerful and uplifting messages are just a click away and can be sorted and selected through the use of key words. .
So go ahead
"Make Our Day" and click away!
Click for sermons
Click for Donn's monthly  Blog
Prayer Warriors: We have a dedicated group of people who pray every day not only for the church and its ministries, but also for friends and families who are in need of healing, comfort, guidance, and strength.

Members are notified through email and are given daily (sometimes more) updates and each week a Prayer List with all of our concerns are listed. If you would like to be a part of this ministry, please give Donn your email address and let him know.

Thank you.

Some Things Do NOT Change

One of the things that has not changed during this Covid-19 impact is the expenses of the church. Please feel free to mail in your offering, smile! Expenses continue and we hope that you will also continue to practice your Christian giving and tithing. We also now have ‘online giving’ available. Simply go to our website, and follow the instructions.

Thank you always for your generosity and faithfulness.

First Christian Church
 215 S Congress Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33409


Or click to give online

Wednesday Evenings

By Rev. Donn


    We are offering in Person Bible Studies on Wednesday evenings

from 5:15 to 6 pm in the Fellowship Hall.


Aug. 3            NO CLASS

Aug. 10          Hebrews 11:29-12:2

Aug. 17          Luke 13:10-17


                                Aug. 24                         

                  OFF LECTIONARY, using last week’s Old Testament Reading: Jeremiah 1:4-10





2nd Thursday Of The Month

Afternoon Bible Study

By Rev Norma Anne Chattin


Norma Anne Chattin leads a Bible Study on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 2 pm in the Fellowship Hall. She is teaching from the book “Bible Women, All Their Words and Why They Said Them.” You do not need the book to participate but please read the Bible passage listed.


The Bible Study is open to all whether you are available to attend once or every month. The study usually lasts 45-50 minutes. This month’s study will be August 11th, Topic: “Ruth and Orpah-Sisters at Heart,” please read all Ruth 1:1-14 in preparation for the study. These lively sessions every month discuss what women have said in the Bible and how it relates to us today. Come one time or every time—all are welcome. Hosted by Sojourner Sisters.


Contact Norma Anne Chattin or Claudia Schwenk 561-634-5071 for more information. 



Thanks!



On the bulletin board between the offices is a sign up sheet for ‘Worship Leader.’ A Worship Leader leads us in The Call To Worship (already printed), an Invocation (also printed), leading us in the Lord’s Prayer, announcing The Hymn of Praise, leading us in a Unison Prayer Of Confession (printed), giving the Affirmation of Pardon (printed) reading the Scripture Reading for that Sunday and announcing the Offertory/Communion Hymn.


A draft of the bulletin, the Scripture Reading, and a letter outlining the responsibilities is made available usually 2-3 weeks in advance and placed on the counter in the office. If you do not pick up your copy by the week before a replacement will be secured.



Aug. 7    Arturo (Art) Wittman

Aug. 14  Andrea White

         Aug. 21  Marjorie Mott

Aug. 28  Bill Hambright






On the bulletin board between the offices is a sign up sheet for ‘Greeter.’ A Greeter serves for one month and simply welcomes people as they enter the church for our worship services. There is nothing to hand out except a smile and a warm welcome! The current schedule is

August:        Verdina Coleman

September:  Karen Amburn

October:      Leon L. Walker

November:      Erykka Emmans

               


Deacons Serving This Month



Aug. 7   Carol Capanna

Aug. 14 Chere Wilson

Aug. 21 Karen Kelley

Aug. 28 Dustin Skinner




Elders Serving This Month

Aug. 7   Barbara Braswell

Aug. 14 Donn Brammer

Aug. 21 Glenn Kelley

Aug. 28 Nicole Richardson






Aug. 7   Bryan Kelley / Donovan Kelley

Aug. 14 Elizabeth Kelley/Lorelei Kelley

Aug. 21 Nicole Richardson

Aug. 28 Glenn Kelley


We have resumed Fellowship Table, a time of light refreshment after worship. Hosts are responsible for providing the refreshments, setting up, serving, and cleaning up. The church provides paper plates, napkins, punch bowl, etc. If you would like to host please sign up on the sign-up sheet in the Fellowship Hall on the bulletin board next to the glass doors.

Regional News


 It has  been my distinct pleasure to serve as "Acting" Regional Minister since March 1st. This time has given me a greater insight into the important and often challenging work that our Regional Ministers do for and with us. I believe it has strengthened me to be a better ministry partner, too.


We were blessed by the ministry of Betsy Goehrig for 6 years. I look forward to the new and different ministry that Sandy Messick will begin with us on Monday, July 25th. Ours is a diverse and rich region with many gifts and unique challenges. I whole-heartedly look forward to how Rev. Sandy will lead us as we continue to grow and develop as a region. We're in a good place as a Region, and I know it's just going to keep getting better!


I appreciate the opportunity to serve as Acting Regional Minister. I appreciate the support and encouragement I've received from many of you as I've sought to serve with love. Special thanks to my family for their patience and grace. Special thanks to moderator Day Broers-Case, Moderator-Elect Tony Rodriguez, Regional Support Pastor Selena Reyes-Martinez, and our Regional Administrative Assistant, Brenda Turrentine for their hard work. It's definitely been a group effort


Please keep Rev. Sandy Messick (husband Tom) in your prayers as she gets settled in as our new Regional Minister. I know you will be patient, loving, and encouraging toward her as you've been to me and those who have served before. 


In Christ's love and by God's grace, 

Mary Beth Harper

Acting Regional Minister






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At times, we all could use someone walking along beside us, praying for us, supporting and encouraging us. We want to provide the opportunity for you to do just that! We would love for you to feel free to post your requests on the wall or if you feel more comfortable, you can keep your request confidential and our staff will pray for you.

 It is privilege for us to support one another during difficult times, and we want to thank those of you who are faithfully praying for others!

Remember to share those praises as well!

Click to Receive Prayer


AUGUST BIRTHDAYS

1         Misha Kite

1         Linda Likavec

1         Jane Trauschke

2         Henry Verlander

3         Janice Sofoul

4         Andrea White

10       Alexia Holmes

10       Roz Homer

12       Linda Legler

13       Lorna Francis

14       Michael (Mike) Popple

14      Leon L. Walker

16       Mavis McClaren

17       Judy Pastor

20       Gabriel Artero

22       Anika Kinnear

23       Michelle Church

23       Sandra Lemon

24       Erica Gordon

24       George Long

26       Chere’ Wilson

28       Roosevelt Daniels

30       Eunice Kamman


SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS 2022

1         Irene Leffew

1         Shirley Pierre

6         Lynn Branch

10       Iris Chmura

17       Dee Dee Scott

20       Chelsea Groelle

20       Susan Ysaguirre

21       Dustin Skinner

22       Jammie Kamman

22       Frances Tapp

27       Georgia Lynch

29       Karen Amburn


WEEK OF COMPASSION

Week of Compassion is the relief, refugee and development mission fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. Serving on behalf of the Church, working with partners to alleviate suffering throughout the world, toward the vision of a world where God’s people transform suffering into hope. That is the work and witness of Week of Compassion.


Week of Compassion is responding in Ukraine and in neighboring countries where families are fleeing for safety, through our ecumenical partners in ACT Alliance. Recently, Simon Chambers, ACT’s Director of Communications, visited ACT partner AIDRom in Bucharest, caring for Ukrainian refugees as they escape, resettle, and imagine life in new ways and places. Here is just one of many stories Simon shares from the people he met: June 6, 2022 was an important day for the Litvinov family. There were smiles, tears, and even a cake. This was the day that the Litvinovs were moving out of the refugee shelter in the offices of ACT member AIDRom in Bucharest, Romania, and into a flat for the six of them.


​Sergiy, a 37 year old dentist from near Kharkiv; his wife Iulia, a family doctor; their three children, ranging in age from 2 to 8 years old; and Sergiy’s mother Ludmilla fled from their home on March 5 as the war in Ukraine raged around them. They hid in their basement while the situation continued to deteriorate. “Russian soldiers were shooting people, food was getting more and more expensive and hard to find, everyone was afraid,” Sergiy recalled. On March 5, the family began a two-day drive to the border with Moldova. A further twelve hours saw them across the border, and they headed through Moldova and into Romania.

 

“The Romanian authorities were very helpful,” Sergiy reported. Even more helpful were the staff from AIDRom, who have worked with the Litvinov family with everything from food and shelter to legal assistance, cultural activities, and Romanian lessons. The Litvinovs applied for refugee status in Romania, and from March until June 6 were living in rooms that AIDRom maintains in its headquarters for families seeking asylum in the country.

 

They have now achieved refugee status. Sergiy is working as a dental mechanic, but wants to be able to practice as a dentist again. “We do not want to go back to Ukraine, we want to stay in Romania,” he said. “We want our qualifications to be recognized so we can work here.” Already, their children feel very welcomed, chasing each other in the AIDRom offices, playing with their mother, demanding to be picked up by Sergiy, and calling for 'Babushka', their grandmother.

 

“The children feel ok,” Sergiy confirmed. “They can play here. They play football, they do drawing. There is a school next door and they play with children from there.” As the Litvinovs move from the AIDRom housing to a new flat provided by another refugee resettlement agency, they presented the AIDRom staff with a cake to say thank you for the support they received. There were tears and hugs, smiles, and assurances that AIDRom staff would still be in touch, still support the family.

 

And AIDRom will continue to be there for the Litvinovs and for thousands of others displaced by the war, as they have for many other families over the ten years they have engaged in refugee work in Romania, living their diakonal mandate, supporting the most vulnerable people with dignity and respect.

 

For the Litvinovs, June 6 is a day they will not forget, a day made possible by their own tenacity and work, and also by the support received from AIDRom. Week of Compassion is grateful to serve on behalf of the Disciples church, and with our ecumenical colleagues in ACT Alliance partnerships. Your gifts to Week of Compassion are transforming suffering into hope.


Your Gift Makes A Difference!


Thank You!



Happy Anniversary


AUGUST 

 ANNIVERSARIES       

1         Rose and Andy Hertel

8         Norma Anne Chattin and Henry Verlander

12       Elizabeth and Bryan Kelley

27       Linda and Joe Likavec

30       Karen and Glenn Kelley 

              

                         




Disciples Women on the Move!



Working together as women of faith


Disciple Women of First Christian Church serving Christ through Spiritual Growth, Enrichment, Education, and Creative Ministries.

 

Disciple Women welcome all women of the church to join us in serving Christ through these activities. August Opportunities include:

 

Bible Study==August 11th, Thursday, 2pm, Fellowship Hall. Read all Ruth 1:1-14 before we discuss “Ruth and Orpah-Sisters at Heart” These lively sessions every month discuss what women have said in the Bible and how it relates to us today. Come one time or every time—all are welcome. Hosted by Sojourner Sisters.

   Contact Norma Anne Chattin or Claudia Schwenk 561-634-5071 for more information.

 

Fine Clay Women’s Group==Sunday (after worship), August 21st, Classroom 10, Living as Women of Faith in today’s world we explore topics facing us every day and how we as women can lift each other up and impact our own lives and our world. Contact Amy Young for more information 561-582-602-8969

 

Open Door Saturday ALL Welcome==Saturday, August 20th, 10-am-noon in Fellowship Hall. Disciple Women are hosting a “Creativity with the Great Creator Workshop” We will follow the path of fellowship and creative expression through art with this Welcoming Wreath project. Workshop is free to all who sign up in the Fellowship Hall.

 

Scrap ‘n Stamp Fundraiser is September 10th and it’s time to prepare. This is a wonderful fundraiser, fellowship, and witness opportunity for our church family. We are collecting raffle items this month and posting the sign-up sheets for volunteers.

 

Check the Disciples Women bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall for upcoming activities. Be sure and note any programs that may interest you on the chart there as well.

 

Disciples Women’s Ministries is a conduit for diverse connections empowering each woman to find her voice and live out her call.

 

Blessings, Norma Anne

Note from the Scholarship Committee 
The Scholarship Committee is proud to announce the first series of scholarships given to members of our congregation who are pursuing educational goals beyond the high school diploma.
We are pleased that our church has made this possible and would like to thank those of you who have donated for your donations to the scholarship fund.
For those who would like to donate, please include your donation amount along with your weekly tithe and designate the amount on your check/envelope. As always, we support our congregation in love.
 

  Every  Monday at First Christian Church 
( rooms 1-2)

7:00 pm- NA Courage to change group (open discussion)
8:30m - AA-Twelve & Twelve Group (closed discussion)


Be a Prayer Warrior
Every day a  faithful group from our congregation pray for those who  request and are in need of prayers
 
 Click to join and receive our prayer list
 

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