Our Mission

To be and to share the Good News of Jesus Christ,

witnessing, loving and serving from our doorsteps “to

the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

celebrate his new living arrangements. Praise God! Then I read a lyric like the one below and I know that all will be ok in a little while.

“And then one day I'll cross the river I'll fight life's final war with pain And then, as death gives way to vict'ry I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know he reigns

Because he lives I can face tomorrow Because he lives All fear is gone Because I know he holds the future And life is worth the living Just because he lives”

BECAUSE HE LIVES!

Life, is worth the living!!

Shalom my friends!

PDoug

Our Vision

To be a faithful, growing church that demonstrates true

community, deep Christian spirituality and a passion

for justice. (Micah 6:8)

The title of this Pastor’s Note installment sums it all up for the redeemed of the Lord. Life really is worth the living – BECAUSE HE LIVES! Amen and AMEN!

Happy day beloved of God!

Last week I was supposed to fly into Florida on Monday afternoon and hang out with some special friends. There was a golf game planned and lots of good conversation and laughter on tap. Not to mention the excellent food that we would experience. My entire plan was centered around the idea that I needed a break and a sunny state to take it in.

Then, the unthinkable happened. My trip that I had anticipated for two months didn’t seem to matter so much anymore. The priority of getting to and through the airport was no longer on my radar. My focus was no longer on the fun and sun of Florida, but on a grieving family on the sudden loss of their precious loved one.

Lots of thoughts, and lost sleep followed by the occasional snot-fest. I even question myself now, if I should even be sharing this. But I’m going to in hopes that someone might read it and be reminded of a couple key truths today.

ALL life is precious! Psalm 139:13

YOU are fearfully and wonderfully made! Psalm 139:14

YOU are made in His image! Genesis 1:27

I don’t know where that leaves you today, but sometimes I need a little refreshing from God’s word. I hope you receive refreshment from God’s truth today.

Life is worth the living, because it’s so precious and yet so very fragile. It’s here today and gone tomorrow. James 4:14 reminds us that we are only here for a little while, and in comparison, to all eternity our short lives can’t even be measured, but they so matter!

So, is your life worth the living? Have you invested well in the life you have been given? How about your eternal life? How do

others see you and value you? I want to share a poem that I use from time to time. I hope it grabs at your heart strings and I hope it makes you think. But most of all I hope and pray it makes you respond.

The Dash - 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. (You could be at "dash midrange.")

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 eulogies being read with your life's actions to rehash... would you be proud of the things they say about - how you spent your dash?

Every time I read this; I am challenged to get my dash in gear!

I’ve been thinking a lot about my friend’s dash. I really don’t think I can put into words how much he will be missed and yet I

LIFE IS WORTH THE LIVING – BECAUSE HE LIVES!

Prayer Requests

SHUT INS June Turner Margaret Goodwin Pat Hartley HEALTH CONCERNS Nick Whited Nancy Neal Bill Fuzia Paul Lester Wanda Collier Charlotte Dunahoe Burger Boerboom Nina Adams Judy Tabor Randy Stevens Glenn Woolwine Ruth Stevenson Jeep Grim Shirley Hines Frank Tinder Eddie Williams Amber Ross John Gibson Boerboom Family Sue Shields

Zack Carter Wayne Collins The mother of George Smith Paris Swisher Sarah Wall Rev. Paul Lantis Betsy Canterbury Chuck & Susan Allen Maggie Hancock Cooper Muncy Debbie & Her Husband Barbara Danny Mike Keefer Jackson Arthur Stafford Todd Brinkley Charlie Coe Charles and Wendy Paynter Dawn Lawless Roger Coe Gerald Reed Doris Holmes Cookie Martin Eddie & Regina Hall Barbara Martin Sharon Farley Patty Neilson Viar Gene Davis Margaret French Farmer Betty Rorrer

Nancy Mullins Sylvia McKenize Mary Baldwin Jennifer Harris Dr Paul Gilley & family Theresa Thomason Johnny Melvin Elizabeth LeGrande & Family Chuck Law Mark Riley Lori Hale Cathy Buzzo’s Sister Scott Smith’s Mother Nancy Tabor’s Sister Eve Shrader Sarah Haller Clay Thomason Cherie Thompson Karla Korst Haley Thompson & family Jim Light Martha Morris 5 month old with Covid Freda Carter

BEREAVEMENT The Family of Mark Johnson

PRAYER REQUEST Randy & Jan Bailey Retha Smith & Family Our Pastor Our Country Our Church Family Robert Searle Jon Gendron Our First Responders General Church Regional Church Regional Minister & Staff Candice Humphrey Celebrate Recovery Amber Ross & Family Gretchen Honaker & Family Todd Brinkley Al & Sonia Hancock Ann Gilbert Jerry Fritz The Hayes Family Justin Simon Paul & Theresa Dodson Smith Family Margaux Hudson & Family Wade Center Stacy Travis Craiger Melissa & Scott Smith

Join us each Sunday morning at 10:00AM for our Worship on Facebook live.

Just a note you do not have to have a Facebook account to be able to view the live video!

If you are unable to watch it live, no worries you can always go back and watch the service from the beginning.

Just go on the link to the church’s Facebook which is: https://www.facebook.com/bluefieldfcc

May Lectionary April 25: Acts 4:5-12, Psalm 23, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18 April 26: Psalm 95; 1 Samuel 16:1-13; 1 Peter 5:1-5 April 27: Psalm 95; 1 Chronicles 11:1-9; Revelation 7:13-17 April 28: Psalm 95; Micah 7:8-20; Mark 14:26-31 April 29: Psalm 22:25-31; Amos 8:1-7; Acts 8:1b-8 April 30: Psalm 22:25-31; Amos 8:11-13; Acts 8:9-25

May 1: Psalm 22:25-31; Amos 9:7-15; Mark 4:30-32 May 2: Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 May 3: Psalm 80; Isaiah 5:1-7; Galatians 5:16-26 May 4: Psalm 80; Isaiah 32:9-20; James 3:17-18 May 5: Psalm 80; Isaiah 65:17-25; John 14:18-31 May 6: Psalm 98; Isaiah 49:5-6; Acts 10:1-34 May 7: Psalm 98; Isaiah 42:5-9; Acts 10:34-43 May 8: Psalm 98; Deuteronomy 32:44-47; Mark 10:42-45 May 9: Acts 10:44-48, Psalm 98, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 May 10: Psalm 93; Deuteronomy 7:1-11; 1 Timothy 6:11-12 May 11: Psalm 93; Deuteronomy 11:1-17; 1 Timothy 6:13-16 May 12: Psalm 93; Deuteronomy 11:18-21; Mark 16:19-20 May 13: Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 May 14: Psalm 47; Exodus 24:15-18; Revelation 1:9-18 May 15: Psalm 47; Deuteronomy 34:1-7; John 16:4-11 May 16: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, Psalm 1, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 May 17: Psalm 115; Exodus 28:29-38; Philippians 1:3-11 May 18: Psalm 115; Numbers 8:5-22; Titus 1:1-9 May 19: Psalm 115; Ezra 9:5-15; John 16:16-24 May 20: Psalm 33:12-22; Genesis 2:4b-7; 1 Corinthians 15:42b-49 May 21: Psalm 33:12-22; Job 37:1-13; 1 Corinthians 15:50-57 May 22: Psalm 33:12-22; Exodus 15:6-11; John 7:37-39 May 23: Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 May 24: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; Joel 2:18-29; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 May 25: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; Genesis 11:1-9; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 May 26: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; Ezekiel 37:1-14; John 20:19-23 May 27: Psalm 29; Isaiah 1:1-4, 16-20; Romans 8:1-8 May 28: Psalm 29; Isaiah 2:1-5; Romans 8:9-11 May 29: Psalm 29; Isaiah 5:15-24; John 15:18-20, 26-27 May 30: Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 29, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 May 31: Psalm 20; Numbers 9:15-23; Revelation 4:1-8

Greetings,

Things are beginning to pick back up at First Christian

Church!!! The Teen Believers will be having their first in

person meeting in over a year on Sunday April 25, 2021 at

7:00PM. This is very exciting news for the youth team, as we

have longed for the day when we would be able to have in

person meetings again.

In mid-March we had an all youth bon fire! All

together we had about 30 people there (youth and adults).

Fun was had by all from the littlest in Pre-K to the high

school Seniors. It was a great time for the youth to get out

and to see each other’s faces.

We look forward to being able to start Sunday School

back for the youth (Pre-k—12th grade) in the near future.

Please be on the look out for information about Sunday

School in the near future.

Thank you & God Bless,

Sarah Neal

We’re Opening Up! Hello Church:

After a meeting of the Cabinet and the Sunday April 18 Board meeting, our discussions are leading us to begin more activities within our church. And if you are like me, I have missed our church family!

We still have pandemic concerns, though, so we are going to try to conduct this reopening carefully. We want everyone to feel safe and comfortable as we add activities. Please continue to wear a mask, socially distance and wash hands. And please don’t attend if you have been exposed to the covid-19 virus or if you have symptoms of the illness.

Pastor Doug has been preaching about the responsibility we all have to participate in church activities according to our spiritual gifts, so here is your chance. We need Sunday School teachers, Children’s Church teachers, helpers, cooks, and cleaners. Last Sunday’s sermon talked about how Noah built the Ark. He followed God’s instructions and he didn’t wait until it started raining. He began immediately. Otherwise, the Ark wouldn’t have been completed on time! Likewise, WE want to be READY!

Worship will continue as is for the time being with socially distancing and the communion service. Sue Luterick had Children’s Church for seven children last Sunday! We need volunteers to help her.

We hope to begin Sunday School as soon as possible. We have two adult classes ready to go. One concern is the need for youth teachers. The Christian Education Committee is meeting this week to discuss the opening. We can’t get started until we have teachers and substitute teachers. Please volunteer!

All throughout the pandemic, our Bible Studies and Prayer times have met virtually, and will continue also in person. Please wait until in-person meetings are announced.

Celebrate Recovery (CR) has continued to meet on a limited scale, and we hope will start to serve meals sometime soon. If you can cook or help serve, here is an opportunity. The Property committee is exploring the idea of placing an awning and some tables and chairs outside to increase ventilation and spacing for meals.

The Personnel Committee is in the process of hiring a nursery attendant for Sunday School, Church and other activities. Other activities are going to be offered like meals, bereavement dinners, showers, etc. It is very important that you check the church calendar before you schedule an activity. Some activities may need to be approved by myself or George Smith first.

And lastly, in accordance with recommendations by the CDC, we all will have to take responsibility cleaning after our activities. Cleaning stations with masks, gloves, cleaner and instructions will be set up in each classroom, nursery, and Bethany Hall. Please help us control the Covid Virus by cleaning when needed!

I look forward to worshiping with and seeing our members and visitors at our church.

Lois Mullins, Board Moderator

Treasurer’s Report

Below is the financial report for March 2021. God is good, all the time!! God continues to bless us as we are faithful to His call and guidance. You have been so faithful to keep up your gifts to God and His church (praise God for Give+ and the USPS!). Praise God for His faithfulness to His church! Praise God for each of you and your faithfulness to the ministries at FCC. I am grateful for your faithfulness to financially support God’s work in this place.

IT’S HERE: E-giving!! You can now make gifts to FCC online at the church website, www.bluefieldfcc.com, just click on the GIVE button and follow the directions. You can also download the Give+ mobile app to your smart phone. Sarah has more detailed instructions for the more technologically challenged among us. Just contact her if you need help. There is a charge for gifts made by debit or credit card, but you can also adjust your gift to help cover that cost as well.

As a reminder, please continue to check for LIGHTS, RUNNING TOILETS, A/C OR HEAT, etc. following all meetings at the church. Don’t assume someone else will lock up or turn off. This really helps to hold down utility costs. Also, if you become aware of maintenance issues with the property, please bring it to the attention of the Property Ministry Team or the church office. Delayed repairs can be more expensive than when they are caught early. Thanks to Scott Collier, Allen Neal, George Birkelbach and all the rest of the guys who selflessly give their time to keep our facilities in great condition!!!

Our Church is truly blessed!

Ronnie Hypes, Treasurer

March 2021

First Christian Church

Financial Information for March 2021

Month-to-date Year-to-date

Total offerings and other

sources $ 12,742.00 $ 37,232.70

Total expenses 12,149.07 38,473.86

Excess (deficit) of offerings to

expenses 592.93 (1,241.16)

Transfers from (to) savings 0.00 0.00

Increase (decrease) $ 592.93 $ (1,241.16)

Balances on hand

March 31, 2021:

General Fund $ 17,715.86

Memorial and Special Gifts 14,054.45

Property Repairs and

Replacement 4,739.11

Scholarship 5,083.56

Bequested Funds and other

savings 109,690.14

Total $ 151,283.12

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If you have any questions concerning youth events please contact Darrin Coe, Youth Minister at

276-245-8374 or Sarah Neal, Administrative Minister at 304-910-9933

Sunday Teen Believers 6:00PM

WOWZZA Wednesday

1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month

*Youth Outreach Ministry