w w w . f c c t u s c o l a . c o mw w w . f c c t u s c o l a . c o m

CC ONNECT INGONNECT ING P P EOPLEEOPLE TOTO G G ODOD THROUGHTHROUGH J J ESUSESUS , L, L I V INGIV ING OUTOUT H H I SIS S S TORYTORY

A PUBLICATION OF F IRST CHRIST IAN CHURCH , TUSCOLA , ILL INOIS August 2012, Vol. 52

It’s time to think about It’s time to think about It’s time to think about It’s time to think about

Christmas shoeboxes! Christmas shoeboxes! Christmas shoeboxes! Christmas shoeboxes!

We have a few short months to get ready to pack shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. As in the past few years, Bruce and Lori Thompson are heading up the church-wide drive to pack shoe-boxes for Samaritan’s Purse. These boxes will go to children around the world. We urge you to get involved and help make this year another great effort to share the love of Christ with children of many different countries.

This is the time to shop “back to school” sales at Walmart, Target, Staples, etc. Remember it will take hundreds of items. Here is a list of some specific items that we need:

Empty shoe boxes Wrappers to wrap them! 80 sheet spiral notebooks (wide rule) Small bouncy balls Pencil sharpeners Paddle balls Crayons Yo-yos Colored pencils Jump ropes Markers Erasers (school size)

If you would like to help, but not sure in what capacity, contact If you would like to help, but not sure in what capacity, contact If you would like to help, but not sure in what capacity, contact If you would like to help, but not sure in what capacity, contact Bruce Bruce Bruce Bruce or Lori Thompson at (217) 856 or Lori Thompson at (217) 856 or Lori Thompson at (217) 856 or Lori Thompson at (217) 856----3550. 3550. 3550. 3550. Thanks so much for your help! Thanks so much for your help! Thanks so much for your help! Thanks so much for your help! It truly is changing the lives of children around the world. It truly is changing the lives of children around the world. It truly is changing the lives of children around the world. It truly is changing the lives of children around the world.

Page 2

How we handle disappointment

is a reflection of where we place our

trust. Have we been disappointed?

Sure, and there are a variety of ways

we can respond. Some include pout-

ing, retaliation, revenge and fits of rage

(Gal 5:20). But these responses never

make what it is we are disappointed

about any better. However, it is cer-

tainly easier. The truth is that the mo-

ment we do not care about what God

would want is the moment we al-

low ourselves to serve some-

thing other than God.

But then there are those

people, who, when presented

with a “curveball” in life that they

weren’t expecting, respond with

praise, love, and patience (Gal

5:22). How is this possible? I

think of the man named Job,

who lost not only everything he

owned, but his family and his

health as well. Rather than curs-

ing God and men, he said, “The Lord

gave and the Lord has taken away; may

the name of the Lord be praised.” (Job

1:21) I think of Paul, who embraced

suffering for the gospel (2 Tim 1:8).

How can this be?

What I have come to know, al-

though not perfectly, is that in every

situation I have the choice to look to

God and desire His working in my life or

look to myself and depend on my

strength and abilities. I can trust in the

MINISTER’S CORNER

Lord or trust in something or some-

one else. Trusting in myself is so

very limited, self-absorbed, and im-

pure whereas the life that depends

on the Lord, who is all-knowing, self-

less, and pure, will be given the abil-

ity to respond in a way that honors

God and displays trust in Him.

Trusting in God is not easy.

Doing so involves dying to what we

want and embracing the life God has

for us. It involves behaving in

such a way that reveals our

trust. The ability to trust cannot

be faked and is rooted in Je-

sus. I think of Oswald Cham-

bers who wrote, “The only thing

that exceeds right-doing is

right-being.”(July 24 of “My Ut-

most For His Highest.”) It’s so

true! We can respond out-

wardly the way we know we

should, but we will not succeed

all the time. And even if we

could, would our motives be pure?

The reality is we need Jesus for, well,

life. Without Jesus we cannot be the

people Jesus died for us to be. We

cannot enter the kingdom of

heaven, and we cannot bring glory to

Him when faced with disappoint-

ment. When difficulty and disap-

pointment find you, how will you re-

spond? The choice is yours.

Love in Christ,

Jason

RRRRRRRRRRRRESPONDINGESPONDINGESPONDINGESPONDINGESPONDINGESPONDINGESPONDINGESPONDINGESPONDINGESPONDINGESPONDINGESPONDING TOTOTOTOTOTOTOTOTOTOTOTO D D D D D D D D D D D DISAPPOINTMENTISAPPOINTMENTISAPPOINTMENTISAPPOINTMENTISAPPOINTMENTISAPPOINTMENTISAPPOINTMENTISAPPOINTMENTISAPPOINTMENTISAPPOINTMENTISAPPOINTMENTISAPPOINTMENT

Church Website: www.fcctuscola.com Some items have been updated on the church website. Take a look! You can find the sermons from Sunday and the church calendar is now linked to the website. There is also a place where you can send a prayer request to the church office & ministers. Any comments or suggestions, please contact the office. Thanks!

“Trusting “Trusting

God God

is not is not

easy.”easy.”

Page 3

How Was VBS?How Was VBS?How Was VBS?How Was VBS? What a joy VBS was this year! It was a joy because the Lord Jesus was the focus. Everything we did was de-signed to help children and volunteers trust Him. Take a moment to read the following comments from some of our VBS volunteers. Doing so will give you a taste, a glimpse of how the week impacted not only the children, but the volunteers as well.

� “The children were wrapped up in the songs. They were uninhibited in their worship and excited. There was much laughter throughout the week.” (Judy Harriss)

� “I had a rough first day, and then went home and prayed about my attitude. God taught me that ‘I need to change.’ From that mo-ment on I had a great week!” (Mike Otto)

� “I was impressed by the effort of the children in all their activities and grateful to the station leaders who were so organ-ized.” (Marney Foltz)

� One night at VBS, the kids were encouraged to go bare foot in or-der to help them identify with children we were supporting for our mission. Paula Griffin recalled, “I remember overhearing children say, ‘I wouldn’t want to do this all the time.”

I personally observed children learning, laughing, and connecting with others. Children learned to trust God no matter what happens, no matter who they are, no matter what people do, no matter how they feel and no matter where they are. I appreciate so much all your prayers and the donating of materials. It was truly a week of joy! -Jason Rennert

SSSSSSSSSSSS.O..O..O..O..O..O..O..O..O..O..O..O.SSSSSSSSSSSS. . . . . . . . . . . . The S.O.S. “Summer of Service” program is still underway on Sunday mornings at 9:15 a.m. The

children are being taught the fun and value of serving others through the use of Christ-centered service activities. Children have even blessed our staff with an encouraging scavenger hunt. Thanks kids! Our hope is to see children grow spiritually as they serve God by serving others. We expect to see their confidence soar and their enthusiasm grow! Any and all first through fourth graders are welcome to attend!

Sunday’s This MonthSunday’s This MonthSunday’s This MonthSunday’s This Month 5 Programming from nursery—4th grade at 9:15 and 10:30. 12 Programming from nursery—4th grade at 9:15 and 10:30. 19 Programming from nursery—4th grade at 9:15 and 10:30. 26 Family Sunday at 10:30! Children ages 4 and up will sit with their families in

the adult worship service. Nursery – age 3 will attend their usual classes.

What’s Happening at Elevate (1 What’s Happening at Elevate (1 What’s Happening at Elevate (1 What’s Happening at Elevate (1 –––– 4 grade program at 10:30) 4 grade program at 10:30) 4 grade program at 10:30) 4 grade program at 10:30) We begin a new focus over the course of the next eight sessions. Kids will learn what the book of Nehe-miah has to say about not giving up.

5 Nehemiah Prays to God for Help (Neh. 1-2:8) 12 Nehemiah Leads in the rebuilding of the wall (Neh 2:11-3:32) 19 Enemies Oppose Nehemiah and the people (Neh 4) 26 Family Sunday - the family worships together

Page 4

Dates for August 2012Dates for August 2012Dates for August 2012Dates for August 2012

5,12,19,26 - Sunday School, 9:15 amSunday School, 9:15 amSunday School, 9:15 amSunday School, 9:15 am

1 - JR HI JR HI JR HI JR HI Lake Day, 9 amLake Day, 9 amLake Day, 9 amLake Day, 9 am----8 pm8 pm8 pm8 pm

6-7 - SR HI SR HI SR HI SR HI Six Flags TripSix Flags TripSix Flags TripSix Flags Trip

8 - JR HI JR HI JR HI JR HI Plugged In, 1Plugged In, 1Plugged In, 1Plugged In, 1----2:30 pm2:30 pm2:30 pm2:30 pm

13 - SR HI SR HI SR HI SR HI Dodge ball, 7Dodge ball, 7Dodge ball, 7Dodge ball, 7----9 pm9 pm9 pm9 pm

15 - JR HI JR HI JR HI JR HI Plugged In, 1Plugged In, 1Plugged In, 1Plugged In, 1----2:30 pm2:30 pm2:30 pm2:30 pm

Fall Youth Groups Fall Youth Groups Fall Youth Groups Fall Youth Groups begin on September 9th!begin on September 9th!begin on September 9th!begin on September 9th!

See Lori Reed, Paul Lemay, or Phil Davis

with any questions.

STUDENT MINISTRYSTUDENT MINISTRYSTUDENT MINISTRYSTUDENT MINISTRYSTUDENT MINISTRYSTUDENT MINISTRYSTUDENT MINISTRYSTUDENT MINISTRYSTUDENT MINISTRYSTUDENT MINISTRYSTUDENT MINISTRYSTUDENT MINISTRY

PPLUGGEDLUGGED I INN

Birthdays & Anniversaries— August 1- Rebekah Manzella 2- Caleb Haste, Steve Quinn, Adam Seip 3- Rachel Rudder, Rob Boyd, Patrick Bare 4- Jeannine Fortney, Craig Warner, Rich & Kelly Whitting-ton (A), Mark & Peggy Carie (A) 5- Matt Whittington, Courtney Salmon, Heather Dixon Derra, Steve & Theresa Quinn (A), Ron & Carol Winn (A), Mark & Linda Smith (A) 6- Corrie Poe, Randy & Cathy Wallace (A) 7- Colton Postlewait 9- Sharri Kerkhoff, Kylie Amick, Adam Singley 10- Jan Wigall 11- Allen & Lynnette Reeder (A) 14- Devon Crowe, Jack Ehrsam 15- Jamison Boyd, Jordan Middleton, Gale & Connie Un-derwood (A) 16- Danny & Joyce Ragle (A) 17- Joe & Norma Harris (A), Mike & Mary Snider (A), Eric & Lori Icenogle (A) 19- Noah Hornaday, Mackenzie Quinn, Curtis Root, Harrell Kerkhoff, Ginger Campbell, Jeff & Carol Martin (A) 20- Julia Anderson, Jon & Cindy Surma (A), Geoff & Amy Summerville (A) 21- Logan Tabeling 22- Lily Yoder, Brogan Rennert 23- Kayla Griffin, Melissa Lemay 24- Emily Icenogle, Ada Farris, Justin Oye 25- Brian Alcorn 26- Rachel Gingerich, Tara Martin 28- Brandi Boyd 30- Gary & Marney Foltz (A) 31- Lori Icenogle

Day of PrayerDay of PrayerDay of PrayerDay of PrayerDay of PrayerDay of PrayerDay of PrayerDay of PrayerDay of PrayerDay of PrayerDay of PrayerDay of Prayer Saturday, August 4Saturday, August 4Saturday, August 4Saturday, August 4Saturday, August 4Saturday, August 4Saturday, August 4Saturday, August 4Saturday, August 4Saturday, August 4Saturday, August 4Saturday, August 4

We want to encourage everyone to be praying for the church during this transition time. This Satur-day, August 4th will be a prayer vigil at the church from 7:00 am-7:00 pm. Half hour time slots are still available for you to come and pray at the church. Specific prayer requests and material will be avail-able to guide you. Call the church office for a spe-cific time or just show up to support the prayer time. More people praying are always needed! If you have any questions, contact Rachel Haste.

Worship Service at Tuscola Worship Service at Tuscola Worship Service at Tuscola Worship Service at Tuscola Healthcare CenterHealthcare CenterHealthcare CenterHealthcare Center

Sunday, August 5 Sunday, August 5 Sunday, August 5 Sunday, August 5 ---- 2:30 pm 2:30 pm 2:30 pm 2:30 pm It is our turn to sponsor the worship service for the residents this Sunday. This can be a great way to minister for families and individuals. Everyone is welcome to attend the half hour service in the activ-ity room at the nursing home. Katherine Irene Snider Katherine Irene Snider Katherine Irene Snider Katherine Irene Snider was born to Justin & Miriam on June 17th. She weighed 6 lbs 13 oz and was 19 1/2 in long. Proud grandparents are Mike & Mary Snider!

Dawson Wesley Martin Dawson Wesley Martin Dawson Wesley Martin Dawson Wesley Martin was born to Wyatt & Kendra on June 26th. He weighed 6 lbs and 12 oz. Proud grandparents are Jeff & Carol Martin!

London Michelle Blackburn London Michelle Blackburn London Michelle Blackburn London Michelle Blackburn was born to Brittany Blackburn on July 3rd. She weighed 9 lbs 14 oz. London has a big brother Christian. Proud grand-mother is Paula Griffin!

Leah Jean Hornaday Leah Jean Hornaday Leah Jean Hornaday Leah Jean Hornaday was born July 12th to Brad & Leslie. She weighed 7 lbs and 4 oz and was 21 1/4 in. long. Big brothers are Tytus and Noah. Happy grandparents are Brad & Terry Hornaday.

Watch for new events and activities Watch for new events and activities coming in September!coming in September!

“The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him “The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him “The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him “The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him

with all my heart.” with all my heart.” with all my heart.” with all my heart.” Psalm 28:7 �

Greeters/Fit Team 5 Joyce Allison/Myron Gingerich; Team #3

12 Robbie/Sandy Robinson; Team #1

19 Dave/Val Morgan Team #2

26 Shirley & Steve Quinn; Team #3

Communion Meditation 5 1st - J. Fortney

12 1st - H. Bossle

19 1st - D. Pickett

26 1st - C. Romine

Serving Out 5 A. Reeder

12 H. Bossle

19 D. Dundas

26 M. Otto

Attendance Worship Sun. School

July 1 274 63 July 8 300 66 July 15 271 64 July 22 265 60 July 29 234 61

JULY 7/17/17/17/1 7/87/87/87/8 7/157/157/157/15 7/227/227/227/22

7/297/297/297/29

General Fund General Fund General Fund General Fund (missions giving is 10%

$ 8890.05 $11,439.84 $ 6765.00 $ 7933.05 $ 5814.38

Benevolence 310.00 245.00 125.00 245.00 55.00

Memorial 20.00 50.00 —- 40.00 —-

Debt Reduction —- 250.00 —- —- —-

Other/Reimbsmts. 142.84 358.70 144.96 794.72 42.35

TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL $ 9,362.89 $ 9,362.89 $ 9,362.89 $ 9,362.89 $12,343.54 $12,343.54 $12,343.54 $12,343.54 $ 7,034.96 $ 7,034.96 $ 7,034.96 $ 7,034.96 $ 9,012.77$ 9,012.77$ 9,012.77$ 9,012.77 $ 5,911.73$ 5,911.73$ 5,911.73$ 5,911.73

Jake Groves Charles Savoree (Lori Reed’s bro-in-law) Millie Oakley (neighbor of Dale/Martha Burns) Tom Burns (Dale’s brother) Maj. Ethan Allen (Gale/Connie Underwood’s nephew) Peggy Deckard (aunt of Emily Tillis) Alonna Dukeman (Lynnita Brown’s sister) Orlena McDaniel Mike Graber Jim & Brinda McCumber Ashley Addis Janet Miller (Eric Miller’s mother) Joe Kramer Kelly Clarkson Mitzi Koberlein (friend of Stephanie Taylor) Linzie Nichols Nancy Gire RAIN

Missions we support: Sairattanyu’s (Thailand), Swanson’s (Chile), Hancock’s (Mexico), Claudia Munoz (Italy), Pleasant Meadows Christian Village, Little Galilee Christian Assembly, Lincoln Christian University, Christian Campus House EIU, Illini Christian Ministries, Stadia Church Planting Military service men and women and families from our church, national, state & local leaders. Church Leaders, Small group leaders and teachers, Phil, Jason, Adam.

PRAYER CHAINPRAYER CHAINPRAYER CHAINPRAYER CHAIN To start a request on the prayer chain, please contact Phylliss Ehrsam (253-4928), Joyce Allison (253-3182), or Chris Johnson (253-2394, 253-4480).

Keep In Prayer . . . Serving for August

Page Page Page Page 5555

Serving Leader— August 8:00 am - Jeff Martin 10:30 am-- George Rotramel

Communion Prep Aug 12/19 check bulletin board Aug 26/Sept 2 “ “ “

Communion Clean Up Aug 12/19 Chris & Denise Brown Aug 26/Sept 2 check bulletin board

SSSSSSSSUNDAYUNDAYUNDAYUNDAYUNDAYUNDAYUNDAYUNDAY WWWWWWWWORSHIPORSHIPORSHIPORSHIPORSHIPORSHIPORSHIPORSHIP SSSSSSSSERVICESERVICESERVICESERVICESERVICESERVICESERVICESERVICES::::::::

8:00 8:00 8:00 8:00 8:00 8:00 8:00 8:00 AMAMAMAMAMAMAMAM & 10:30 & 10:30 & 10:30 & 10:30 & 10:30 & 10:30 & 10:30 & 10:30 AMAMAMAMAMAMAMAM

EEEEEEEEDUCATIONDUCATIONDUCATIONDUCATIONDUCATIONDUCATIONDUCATIONDUCATION CCCCCCCCLASSESLASSESLASSESLASSESLASSESLASSESLASSESLASSES::::::::

9:15 9:15 9:15 9:15 9:15 9:15 9:15 9:15 AMAMAMAMAMAMAMAM FORFORFORFORFORFORFORFOR ALLALLALLALLALLALLALLALL AGESAGESAGESAGESAGESAGESAGESAGES

Office Hours: 8am-4pm Mon-Fri Ministers: Phil Davis, Jason Rennert,

Adam Singley

August 2012 August 2012 August 2012 August 2012

100 E Church Street Tuscola IL 61953

Phone: 217-253-2394; Fax: 217-253-3869 Email: office@fcctuscola.com

EEEELDERSLDERSLDERSLDERS: : : : Mike Haste, Kevin Kauffman, Mike Otto

TTTTRUSTEESRUSTEESRUSTEESRUSTEES: Russ Brown, Suzanne Davis, Jeff Martin,

George Nichols

MMMMINISTRYINISTRYINISTRYINISTRY D D D DEACONSEACONSEACONSEACONS:

Benevolence—Matt Reed

Building/Grounds—Jon Higar

Caring— Clayton & Judy Harriss

Stewardship- Dan Wakefield

Student JR HI– Lori Reed

Student SR HI– Paul Lemay

Women’s– Laura Rudder

Treasurer– Lori Reed

Asst Treasurer– Kent McGillen

Financial Secretary– Barb Alexander

Asst Financial Sec– Phylliss Ehrsam

Calendar Highlights — AugustAugustAugust

1 Junior High Lake Trip, 9 am-8 pm

4 Prayer Vigil at the church, 7 am-7 pm

4 Building use (foyer), 12-5pm

5 Worship Service at Tuscola Healthcare Center

at 2:30 pm

6-7Senior High trip to Kings Island

8 Junior High Plugged In, 1-2:30 pm

10 Building use, wedding rehearsal

11 Building use, wedding

13 Senior High Dodge ball, 7:00 pm

15 Junior High Plugged In, 1-2:30 pm

19 Building use (foyer), 1-4 pm

20 Newsletter deadline

23 Elders and Trustees meeting, 6:30 pm

SKY VBS was GREAT! SKY VBS was GREAT! SKY VBS was GREAT! SKY VBS was GREAT! We would like to thank all the volunteers who made SKY VBS a soar-ing success! It was a great week with an average of 87 kids and 50 helper each night. Our offering total was $717.00 for WBGL’s Shoes for Orphan Souls program. What a blessing you have been! Your ef-forts are greatly appreciated. Thank you for helping us to share Jesus

with the kids.

Erin Beck & Stephanie Kauffman, SKY VBS co-directors

(read more about VBS on page 3)