First Christian Church, Flora, Indiana

All youth who are considering baptism this spring are invited to the Christian Foundation Class, led by Pastor Woody.

• These classes will meet on Sunday afternoons, from 3:30 to 4:30 on February 28, March 7 and March 14.
• If you are interested, please let Pastor Woody know no later than February 25.
• If these times are not convenient, let him know and something can be worked out.

In her book, Unbinding Your Heart”, Disciples of Christ author Martha Grace Reese says, “We have heard stories of inspiration, struggle, excitement, disappointment, spiritual learning and changes in lives in churches for years. We have found no rigid formula for success, no magic plan that will work for every church. Each individual must enter the great adventure by thinking, learning, learning more, praying and asking God a humble question, Which small things can I do today to help more people know you?”

Flora First Christian Church will use Reese’s book as the basis for a study into ways the church can reach out to those who do not know Christ, or have allowed that relationship to become less important in their lives. This is a class about Evangelism, an often misunderstood word that is tossed around in the church today. All think it should happen, but few want to do it.

After talking with more than 1200 lay people and pastors, Reese came up with the following answers to the question, “What do you think about when you hear the word evangelism?

• I don’t want to knock on the doors of strangers and give them a pamphlet.
• Our pastor gives this boring, annual muddled sermon that “evangelism is pointing out the laden table to a hungry man . . . ” whatever that means.
• I cringe at the memories from the years when I pummeled people with these embarrassing questions about salvation.
• I don’t even want to think about evangelism. We’re doing a bad job, period.
• I know we are supposed to talk with people about faith and invite them to church but I don’t want to lose friends.  I feel guilty.

The format for the Unbinding Your Heart study is simple. There will be 3 groups that meet each week, each one repeating the same lesson. If you are unable to come to your regular meeting, you can “make it up” at one of the others. We will be led by Pastor Woody as he shares the following topics:

Why Do Evangelism

Unbinding the Gospel - with prayer

Real Life

What New Members Want - transformed lives

How’s Flora First Christian Church doing?

Smart Sailing - navigating distractions and getting started

Class 1: Sunday afternoons 4:30 - 6:00. February 7, 21, 28, March 7, 14, 28 (3:30 on Feb. 7)

Class 2: Wednesday noon hour 11:00 - 12:30. February 10, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 31

Class 3: Wednesday evenings 7:00 - 8:30. February 10, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 31

There are at least 4 important questions we must consider, and answer, if possible:

1. What do we think when we hear the word “evangelism”?
2. What difference does it make if people are Christian?
3. What motivates us to share the gospel?
4. How could being a Christian matter in someone else’s life?

Sign up forms are available in the church, or you may (E-mail Pastor Woody) pastorwoody (at) ffni (dot) com.

Sunday Evening Bible Study: Held at 7:00 p.m. at the church

We will resume classes after Easter

This is led by Randy and Teri Larimore. Their material is “Unlocking the Bible Story” by Colin Smith, as they study the relationship between God and His people revealed in the Old Testament. They meet Sunday evenings at 7:00 p.m. unless otherwise stated. Feel free to join in!

Thursday night coffee café at First Christian church offers a comforting place to study with friends, a place to gain internet connection for studies after the library closes, and a place to share a snack with friends.

The “café” is open to junior high and high school youth from 7 - 9 p.m. each Thursday night.

Youth may bring laptops, study, visit quietly, and listen to music.

Coffee, lemonade and light snacks are provided.

Adults who are able to assist may contact Marge Spray, Miriam or Pastor Woody.

30 people have agreed to participate in the “Unbinding Your Heart” evangelism study that begins on February 7. If you did not sign up, there are still a couple of spots available. Please see Pastor Woody. All of us need to join together in prayer for these students as they consider the possibilities of evangelism in the Flora First Christian Church. Please lift them up in prayer daily.

40 Days of Prayer & Faith Sharing

A 6 week journey in finding out what evangelism is all about and how it can be an effective church tool, and seeking the will of God in our lives.

Class 1: Sunday afternoons 4:30 - 6:00. February 7, 21, 28, March 7, 14, 28 (3:30 on Feb. 7)

Class 2: Wednesday noon hour 11:00 - 12:30. February 10, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 31

Class 3: Wednesday evenings 7:00 - 8:30. February 10, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 31

This year’s Vacation Bible School really rocked! Its theme “SonRock Kids Camp” led children through the relationship of Jesus and what God has done for us as we are: Accepted by Jesus, Saved by Jesus, and Forgiven by Jesus that leads us to Live for Jesus. Sixty-one children were enrolled, with fifty adults and youth providing leadership and assistance. It takes numerous people, all with specific duties, to pull off an event of this size. We thank Teresa McGill who was director of the United VBS. Her team of adults and youth from FFCC included: Laura Myers, Rhonda Hicks, Miriam Robeson, Ben Pickens, Caitlin Pickens, Samantha Pickens, Cassandra Proffitt, Brian McGill, Michael Rosinski, Camille Rosinski, Carissa Hicks, Teri Larimore, Jessica Redmon, Autumn Filbrun, Nancy Hicks, Doug Winger, Vicki Winger and Dawn Clawson. The partner churches of United VBS are Cutler Presbyterian Church, Flora Presbyterian Church, and Flora First Christian Church.

When: July 19 - 23 (Sunday - Thursday)

Nightly Schedule:

6 p.m. - Light Supper

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.- Learning Activities

Where: Flora First Christian Church, 8 E. South Street Flora

Ages: Children age 3 through Jr. High

Registration Sunday Evening July 19 starting at 5:30 p.m. Parents must be present to register children.

Adult bible study led by Chuck Compton, pastor at Flora Presbyterian Church.Tuesday evening will be held at the Flora Community Park.

Tuesday evening will be held at the Flora Community Park.

Closing “Campfire” Program and Celebration Thursday July 23

Parents are invited to join their children for dinner, the rotation groups and the closing program on Thursday evening.

We begin each evening with a light supper, then we we’ll jump into our “camp” activities from 6:30 - 8:30. We will have songs, games, stories and activities one might enjoy at a “real life” outdoor church camp.

Sponsored by: Cutler Presbyterian Church, Flora Presbyterian Church, Flora First Christian Church

October 10 - 11 at the Purdue Memorial Union

In October the Christian Church in Indiana will meet for its Regional Assembly under the theme “Nothing is Impossible with God.” The region meets every other year for fellowship, education, business, training, worship and inspiration. The 2008 assembly will be held close by at Purdue’s Memorial Union, October 10 - 11.

Numerous workshops will be held for local church leadership on Saturday, October 11. It is our hope that we can have a good delegation from Flora First Christian attending the workshops. Desire to attend? Need more information? Please see Pastor Sam.

This web page has more details on the assembly.