Greetings! 

I have a history of submitting newsletter articles at the wire. Actually, at the wire in generous. I often submit my articles after a subtle nudge by whoever is responsible for putting the newsletter together (sorry, Michelle.) At least this time I have an excuse. Moving across the country is a lot of work!

Much of my time this past few weeks has been spent just being present. I have sat in groups listening to stories about the church, I've dug through every drawer in my desk multiple times reading copies of old board notes and random collections of reports and letters from the past. I have stood in the sanctuary several times each week, just soaking up the experience of the place, imagining what has happened in this church, dreaming about what the future will hold. I even spent some time in my first few days walking from room to room on the 3rd floor, staring at the windows to the courthouse in downtown Lafayette. In all this, my time so far feels as though I have been dropped into a story that has been going on for a long time, one that is still in the process of being told. 

These first few weeks have been spent listening to that story. And there's probably a lot more listening to be done. I have appreciated everyone's hospitality and welcome as Amanda and I get set up here. But in particular, I appreciate your willingness to share with us what this place, both First Christian and Lafayette, are all about. 

Blessings, Rev. Andrew Guthrie
Join us Sunday, February 3rd at 10am for Rev. Guthrie's Installation Service. There will be a reception and luncheon at 11:30am in Fellowship Hall. Everyone is welcome!
Please keep in your prayers:
M. Charlene Bowman--Mulberry; Sally Brunger—Astor Place (167); Marylou Curtis—Westminster (3404); Sue England--Cumberland Point (105); Charles Fairfield--Signature Health Care; Marilyn Galloway--Creasy Springs (201); Gordon & Joyce Hamilton--home; Vernetta Lynn--Rosewalk; Lucille Maris—Westminster (2401); Suzie Mounts—Elmcroft (124); Flo Peters--Friendship House (320); Wanda Sharp--Indianapolis; Ralph Ward—Rosewalk (87); Ruby Ward—son Marcus Haley’s home; Connie Zarzour—home 
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER REQUESTS :               
Cindy Lindstrom
Thank you for your generous gift of $1,875 to the Lafayette Urban Ministry's 38th Jubilee Christmas as well as your generous gift of $907 from your Christmas Eve offering, to the work of Lafayette Urban Ministry.
Gratefully, Joe Micon

THANK YOU!
Thank you to Dee Chitty for the lovely baby shower for Megan Eberhard.

CWF (Christian Women's Fellowship) News
We will be having a CWF Board meeting on Feb. 1 at 1:30 in Room 110. ANY women at First Christian Church is WELCOME to attend!!!!

We will be discussing upcoming events, purchases needed for the kitchen, and other items affecting our church women.  

IF you don't belong to a group and would like more information please contact Dee Chitty at  dsbzybnch@yahoo.com  or 765-572-2592 (leave a message). We have 2 groups - 1 day time and 1 evening.


Youth & Kids Events for February
February 3 Rev. Andrew's Reception & Luncheon in Fellowship Hall!
February 10 Game Night at Pizza King (18th St. & Veteran' Memorial)
from 4:30-6pm. Pizza provided just bring money for a drink
February 17 Lunch and trivia at Buffalo Wild Wings (South) at 11:30am.
February 23 Ski trip at Bittersweet, MI

Contact Michelle at 765-490-9297 with questions or if you need a ride!
You will need a waiver form and a copy of your insurance card for the ski trip. Click to print a form: Parent Permission Form
We will be hosting the "Music of the Faith Festival" with a reception to follow on February 17th from 4:30-8pm.
February 2019 Muggers
Dick & Shirley Ellsworth


Diaconates
February 3rd
10am
Team Leader: Donna Adams
Serving: Kathy Kremer
Serving: Gery Kremer
Serving: Carolyn Weedon
Serving: Zach Dismore
Set Up & Clean Up: Kathy & Gery Kremer

February 10th
10am
Team Leader: Dave Schluttenhofer
Serving: Linda Brammell
Serving: Richard Brammell
Serving: Sue Dismore
Serving: Harriet Beeler
Set Up & Clean Up: Sue Dismore & Harriet Beeler

February 17th
10am
Team Leader: Cindy McDonald
Serving: Cathy Goldberg
Serving: Greg Smith
Serving: Denise Jones
Serving: Howard Jones
Set Up & Clean Up: Cathy Goldberg & Greg Smith

February 24th
10am
Team Leader: Cindy McDonald
Serving: Cathy Goldberg
Serving: Robin Sturgeon
Serving: Denise Jones
Serving: Howard Jones
Set Up & Clean Up: Denise & Howard Jones