Fifth Avenue Church of Christ

115 W. Fifth Ave. Lancaster, OH 43130

740-654-0626 www.myfacc.com e-mail info@myfacc.com

December 9, 2012

The Christian Messenger

Brad Seevers Senior Minister (740-550-9882) David Tingler Associate Minister Scott Brown Worship & Outreach Minister Hannah Martin Director of Childrens Ministries Sunday Services 1st Worship 8:00 a.m. 2nd Worship 10:30 a.m. Bible School 9:15 a.m. Evening Worship 6:00 p.m.

Friday, December 14th ~ 6-8pm

For Kids of all ages. Parents!! Take this opportunity to do any extra shopping, wrapping, or hiding of gifts that you may have left. So, let your kids dress in their most comfy PJs and head on over to the church for a fun movie, hot chocolate and a time of fellowship!

Polar Express Movie Night

Christmas Variety Show and Spaghetti Dinner

Sunday, December 16th ~ 6pm Come and have fun! All proceeds will benefit the projector fund.

THOUGHTS FROM BRAD

General William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, once said that his desire, had it been possible, would be to dangle his evangelism trainees over hell for twenty-four hours. That way, they could see the reality that awaits those who dont know Jesus Christ. Similarly, Paul had that same passion as he cared deeply for his own people, the Jews. He once wrote: My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. It was at this point that Paul tacked on this statement: If it were possible, I would give up my hope for eternal life so that others who do not know could come to faith (Romans 9:2-3). Wow! That is one dramatic declaration. You may wonder, Why would he say that? I believe it was so we dont become so obsessed with our own struggles and spiritual growth that we forget about people who need to know Christ. The Lorddoes not want anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9). In this Christmas season, why not ask God to give you a burden for those who need Jesus and may you begin this passionate quest to invite them to one of our services. Outside of Resurrection Sunday, Christmas is the one time that many choose to walk through the doors of our building. Maybe God will work through you to ignite a fire in their heart. I hope so! In His Service, Brad

BITS FROM BRO. DAVE

SUNDAY EVENINGS IN THE SANCTUARY: Heres a peek at the schedule of messages through the remainder of the year. This week (12/9), the message is, Lets Get Organized (II Corinthians 8:16-24). On December 16, we will break for the Talent Night. On 12/23 Investing Wisely (II Corinthians 9:1-15) and on 12/30 Coping With Criticism (II Corinthians 10:1-18). This series will continue into the new year with an additional six messages. If you are not involved in a small group, on Sunday evenings, I encourage you to join us. Communion is available for those who desire. Also, remember that we now have activities for children each Sunday evening. WEDNESDAYS: Our Wednesday study groups will, this week (12/12) be examining Religion in America in the 19th Century. On December 19, we will complete this current study as we take a look at The Church in the Twentieth Century and Beyond. We will not be meeting on December 26 or January 2 but on January 9 we will begin a new study on the book of Ephesians. Why not join us for the final two sessions of the current series? GIANT PRINT BIBLES: I still have, on hand, three of the giant print NIV Bibles. These are soft cover editions that sell for just $12.50 each. These might make good Christmas gifts for those with vision issues. If interested, you may contact me or our Church Secretary. FINAL THOUGHT: Poverty is hereditary. You can get it from your children. The same is true of insanity. The special Christmas offering is designated for the Bible College Tuition Fund to help students with their tuition/room and board while attending a brotherhood Bible College. Currently we have two students who are benefitting from this fund: Patrick Hinson, who is majoring in Urban and Intercultural Missions, and Joseph Hoagland, who is majoring in Preaching.

SCOTTS THOUGHTS
The worship God seeks relies completely on His initiative, knowing that the only true expression of worship is through the abandonment of all our agendas for His, as we trust in His sovereign power and unlimited grace. David Ruis in The Worship God is Seeking. It is only when we seek to see God as He is and honor Him for who He is that we can worship Him in spirit and in truth. When we pursue His blessings rather than the blessing of knowing Him, we will worship the gift rather than the Giver, the creation rather than the Creator, and the salvation instead of the Savior. Father, let us glimpse anew your glory and majesty, that we might be again awed by you and worship you for who You are. Amen

SPIRITUAL STATISTICS December 2, 2012

Sunday School 1st Morning Worship 2nd Morning Worship Total Morning Worship Evening Worship Wednesday (12/5) Weekly Budget Budget Received Thanksgiving Christmas Bible College Tuition Fund Sound Fund Van Fund 85 103 62 165 69 26 4,633.00 5,774.74 75.00 10.00 190.00 20.00 25.00

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

SERVING SCHEDULE December 9, 2012

At the Table 1st Serving 1st Serving 2nd Pastor of the week PM Deacon Dave Tingler and Ralph Conrad Tim Huffman, Jerry Baker, Richard Boyer, Dan Brown Tim Huffman, Nick Hinson, Jacob Neff, Tom Puckett Dave Tingler Tim Huffman

Last week in Childrens Church we read a story about a little tree. Even though this tree was the smallest of all the trees in the forest, it was chosen to be decorated and laid before the manger of baby Jesus. They decorated it with the best things they had in order to Glorify baby Jesus. Though this is a fictional story, there are a few great things we can take from it. Anyone can be used to Glorify the Lord, even if you do not think you are worthy, like the small tree did. Also, in this season we will use our best decorations, ornaments and lights to place upon the tree. Let this be to the Glory of God! I hope that during this Holiday Season we remember that the Reason for the Season is the Lord! *Polar Express Movie Night next Friday!!!! 6:00-8:00 pm. Wear your PJs and be ready for a great time! -Hannah

COMMUNION PREPARATION 1st Worship Dan and Janet Brown nd 2 Worship Fred Griffith GREETERS 1st Worship 2nd Worship NURSERY Sunday School 2nd Worship VISITOR CENTER 1st Worship 2nd Worship SECURITY 1st Worship Bible School 2nd Worship Evening Worship Nancy Speakman and Lori Highfield Dick and Marg Shumaker Shirley Marsh and Margie Ayers Nick and Tracy Hinson Mary Alice Coats Bev Puckett

Due to the generosity of our church family we were able to forward a check for $2,966.00 to IDES to help those who were impacted by Hurricane Sandy.

Dan Brown Ray Coats Mike Bussey Jim Puckett

Our deepest sympathy to Samantha Hendricks and family on the passing of her father, Paul Poston. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jeane Goldfarb Barbara Kerr Mira McCarthy Andee Caudill Wanda Dickson Ray Coats

Prayer Requests
Ron Ogden Jane King Our Troops Sharon Britch Alice DeLong Naressa Allen Barbara Benadum Sharon Shuttleworth Brandon Cupp Roger Sargent

Dorcas Christmas party on Tuesday, December 19th at noon at The Villa. All ladies are welcome! A sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board. For transportation information call Linda Daubenmire at 653-0149.

SERVING SCHEDULE December 16, 2012

At the Table 1st Serving 1st Serving 2nd Pastor of the week PM Deacon Larry Bussey and Patrick Wersell Dale Rose, Ray Coats, Ralph Conrad, Don Gardner Dale Rose, Neal Rudolph, Dale Thornton, Ned Tomlinson Larry Bussey Dale Rose

COMMUNION PREPARATION 1st Worship Dan and Janet Brown nd 2 Worship Fred Griffith GREETERS 1st Worship 2nd Worship NURSERY Sunday School 2nd Worship

The military hero for December is Jeremy Griffith. Jeremy is a Staff Sergeant in the Florida Army National Guard stationed in Sarasota, Florida. He served 6 years in the Marine Corps in the Lima Company in Columbus, Ohio. He is working on a Masters Degree at the University of South Florida. Jeremy Griffith 926 Seminole Sky Avenue Ruskin, FL 33570 Jeremy is the grandson of Don and Judy Gardner. A gift from the church has been sent to Michael Seidl.

Don Taylor and Dorothy Henderly George and Alberta Ellis

Courtney Beiter and Thea Kallenberg Courtney Beiter and Julie Stuck

When filling out your Christmas cards this year, take a card and send to this address: A Recovering American Soldier c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20307-5001 Also, please remember our own service members when sending out Christmas cards. Addresses are on the bulletin board in the parlor.

VISITOR CENTER 1st Worship 2nd Worship SECURITY 1st Worship Bible School 2nd Worship Evening Worship

Becky Wellman Deb Cooper

David Will Carmel Marsh Josh Czich Dick Shumaker

Copies of The Messenger from previous weeks can be found in the rack over the water fountain.

The Standard Publishing devotion books for 2013 are on a table in the parlor for anyone who would like one. This is a pocket edition with a devotion for each day of 2013. Please only take one per family.

WELCOME TO FIFTH AVENUE! At FACC, we focus on loving God, loving people, and turning the world upside down. We are happy you chose to worship with us today. We hope you return next week and bring your friends with you. If you would please take a few minutes to fill out a Silent Roll Call Card, located on the back of the pew, you can then place it in the offering plate as it is passed. Thank you. For more information about our great church, contact our minister, Brad Seevers at Brad@new-churches.org or call him at 740.550.9882. Have a great week and may God bless your life.

Sunday School Classes for All Ages Classes at 9:15 unless noted
Nursery (Birth through 3 years old) Jesus Loves Me Room 102 Courtney Beiter, Coordinator Preschool (Ages 3-6) God the Creator Room 105 Marie Huffman, Teacher Early Elementary (Kindergarten through 2nd Grade) Shaping Hearts With Gods Word Room 101 Deborah Will, Teacher Middle Elementary (3rd, 4th, and 5th Grades) Be Wise and Trust God in His Power Room 106 Becky Hoagland, Teacher Junior and Senior High Acts of the Apostles Room 301 Nick Hinson, Teacher Young Ladies Class (8:00 a.m.) The Lies Women/Young Women Believe Room 306 Cassie Bull, Teacher Ladies Class "God as He Longs for You to See Him" Room 209 Beverly Puckett, Teacher Mens Class Hearing Gods Word Room 205

Leadership for 2013

Elders: Larry Bussey, Mike Cooper, Dave Tingler Deacons: Josh Czich, Tim Huffman, Dale Rose, Lowell Trimmer, Patrick Wersell Trustees: John Baird, Dan Brown, Bill Kelly, Larry King, George Lambert, Don Taylor Treasurer: Debbie Cooper Assistant to the Treasurer: Julie Stuck Financial Secretary: Marg Shumaker Sunday School Superintendent: Kathryn Albertson Missions Secretary-Treasurer: Patrick Wersell In addition to all of the leaders on the ballot being approved for 2013, both the amendment to the By-Laws and the Budget for 2013 were approved.

Christmas Wish Tree The Christmas Wish Tree is set up in the parlor. Please choose a gift tag and purchase a gift for a child in a needy family. The children are all from local families that we are sponsoring through Job and Family Services. They have requested that the items remain unwrapped, but donations of gift wrapping supplies would be appreciated. If possible, please include a gift receipt. Place the receipt in an envelope and label with the family/child assigned number. Job and Family Services will exchange items should there be any duplicates. All gifts need to be returned to the church by Sunday, December 16th.

Adult Class Room 214 Brad Seevers, Teacher Harmony Adult Class God Establishes a Faithful People Room 204 Dave Tingler, Teacher Philothean Adult Class Parables Room 108 Jim Love, Teacher

Theres Something About Mary Luke 1

Brad Seevers preaching

Core Values...
Values central to the life, mission and vision of Fifth Avenue Church of Christ are:

Sermon Notes ________________________

________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ _______________________________________ ______________________________________

Christ-Centered Worship
We make it a priority every Sunday to celebrate Jesus through our music. (Romans 11:36-12:1-2). We focus on Jesus through grace-based preaching and teaching & understand the Bible is our authority (2 Timothy 3:16).

Church Health and Biblical Balance

Church health becomes reality when God's people seek harmony & live consistently. We expect every member to protect the unity of Christ's Church. (Romans 12:16; 1 Peter 3:8)

Global Evangelism
We are constant to our founding call to worldwide evangelism, proclaiming to all that Jesus Christ is the Savior, Healer, and Soon-Coming King (Acts 20:27).

Fellowship and Ministry

After people begin their journey with Jesus, we will equip them to find a ministry based upon their strengths. We want everyone to serve in some capacity. (1 Corinthians 12:12-27) We also want His church to be the living evidence of His love and power to the world.

How Can I Respond Today?

At FACC we look to the Bible for guidance on all issues. We believe that Gods Word is clear concerning what a person must do to become a Christian. Trust that Jesus can bring you to salvation. Turn (repent) from the sin in your life. Confess your desire to make Jesus the Lord of your life. Be baptized (immersed) in water for the forgiveness of sins and to receive the Holy Spirit into your life. To make this life decision for Christ, we ask that you come forward during our commitment song at the conclusion of the Sunday message. Baptized believers are welcome to become members at FACC by coming forward on Sunday morning or by seeing our Senior Minister to discuss this further. We ask that you complete a series of Curious classes to help you better understand what you are committing to as a member.

Discipleship
We do not want you to "get religion" here at Fifth Avenue Church of Christ in Lancaster. We are all about teaching you that Jesus seeks a daily relationship with Him through a life of obedience. In other words, we want to see the things you are taught actually change your lifestyle & your daily decisions.

Social Conscience
We place high value on the sanctity of human life, of Biblical marriage and morality, and we welcome ethnic diversity (Isaiah 56:7; Philippians 2:15-16).

OUR PURPOSE WE EXIST TO

Exalt Gods Greatness; Evangelize Gods Work Equip Gods People Express Gods Love through Jesus Christ

OUR MISSION

To Love God and Love People!