It Won’t Be Complete Without You!

Sign up for your Portrait Appointment for our new

Pictorial Church Directory. The photographer from Olan
Mills will be here:
Thursday, November 19th –3:00 p.m. to 9:20 p.m.
Friday December 4th –3:00 p.m. to 9:20 p.m.
Saturday, December 5th –10:00 a.m. to 4:50 p.m.
Reserve a spot now at our sign-up location in Sippel
Hall before or after both services. The sooner you sign
up, the greater the chances of getting a preferred slot.
Each family/household coming for a sitting will receive a
complimentary 8 x10 color portrait and a free Church
directory. You will be able to view and select your
portrait for the directory immediately following your ses-
sion. Additional portraits will be available for purchase
only if you wish. Appointment time will be about 1 hour.
Our church goal is to have EVERYONE included. It sim-
ply won’t be complete without you.

Page 1 October 22, 2009

 Disciples Women’s Ministry
Car Wash – Funding for Quadrennial
Sunday morning started out gloomy and overcast, but by noon the
weather was bright and sunny – just right for our car wash. Our
group worked hard to make everyone’s car shine and we made a
total of $481!! Thank you to everyone who supported our cause by
letting us serve your car wash needs, selling baked goods to you and special thanks
to all the people who made donations. Thank you for your support!

Are you making something to donate to the boutique? Please call Angie Ahumada at
(310)375-6037. Handmade items from our church members are what help to make
this a big success. If you don’t have time but would like to make some items, there is
still one craft workshop left, on November 1st.
We have an exciting list of raffle prizes this year which include:

Candy Cane Triangular Shawl

Lap Afghan
Handmade Reindeer
Raggedy Ann and Andy
Hand Painted China
Gift Certificate for a family portrait.

Tickets for the raffle will go on sale starting on Sunday, October 18th. If you would
like a batch of raffle tickets to sell to your neighbors and friends, please ask for some
from the person selling tickets. Flyers are also available for you to hand out.

Look around your home for gently used and loved items to give to
Gramma’s Attic. This is a big hit every year and we need your help.
Please bring the items to the church after November 1st.

Page 2
120 people attended the David Matson dinner on October 4th. Thank you to the
Christian Men’s Fellowship for helping with the set up of the tables for the event.
Thanks to everyone for all the help in making this event a success. Special thanks
to Judy Rickabaugh for her expertise in the kitchen!

Prayer requests
The Disciple Women’s’ Fellowship have several events that are coming up. One of
these is a church service that we will be conducting in January. Please pray for the
ladies who are planning the service as well as those who will be called upon to
serve on this Sunday. Your prayers are appreciated.

Donations needed
Doreen Jackson and Sue are working on getting an ice machine for the kitchen.
The machine will be a tabletop version that will sit on the counter top. We need
your donations to make this possible. The cost of the machine is $300. Thank you
for your support.

Luncheons – Babysitter needed

Our babysitter for the DWF luncheons has retired. We are looking for someone
who would be available on the last Sunday of the month to help watch the children
during our luncheons. Please talk to Lynne Redderson or Michele Wood if you are
interested. Pay is $20 per luncheon.

Prayer Shawl Ministry Expands Meetings

Our Prayer Shawl Ministry is now meeting in the Fireside Room every
Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 pm. Our time includes working on shawls
in progress, blessing finished shawls, sharing in fellowship and iced tea.

We will also continue to meet at on the fourth Tuesday evening of every

month, at 7:00 pm.

Wanted: Used Car to Purchase

Carrie Fontaine is looking for a reliable, low mileage used car for
school/work. Budget is $2,000-$3,000. Please contact Carrie at 424-
247-9839, 310-619-0185 cell. Or e-mail at cfontaine333@adelphia.net

Page 3
 Giving
Summertime has traditionally been a low point in our giving and this summer has
been no exception. We now find ourselves able to cover our expenses and pay our
bills but at the end of each month we have little left over in reserve. Of course, the
good news is we are able to pay our bills and that is a blessing. But cutting it so
close at the end of each month leaves our financial team concerned and it does not
allow us to perform maintenance projects and fund the outreach projects God has
given to us.
These are indeed financially stressful times for our country and no one has been un-
affected by the repercussions of our present economy. So, in order to work our way
through this challenge, we need to pull together, give to God what we can and watch
our spending. We have a history of generous giving, meeting the challenges that
come our way and we can be certain through our faith in God, this challenge will be
no different.
Thank You/Doug Crawford, Chairman of the Board

Dear Church Family,

A special thank you to all who had a part in making our “Great Communion” Sunday
such a huge success. It was truly a meeting of historic proportions as all three
“streams” of the Stone-Campbell Movement met for table-fellowship, worship, and
observance of the Lord’s Supper. I have never been more proud of our church than I
am right now. May we go forward in the spirit of the “Declaration and Address” to
embody the unity that Thomas Campbell envisioned two hundred years ago.
David Matson

Clothes Closet Needs

Working with Love INC, we have for some time now maintained a clothes closet for younger
children. Lately, though, we had been receiving fewer referrals. But that’s about to change!
We have just arranged to begin working with social worker Tiffany Gossett to help supply
clothing for displaced and needy children. Tiffany works at the Lakewood area Department
of Children and Family Services (DCFS). She is also a member of East 105th Street Christian
Church in Los Angeles.
Donations of clothing from newborn through children’s size 14-16 are encouraged. We have
a special need for boys clothing, and for older girls clothing. There is also a great need for
gently used school uniforms.
Questions may be directed to Janie Fietz (310-212-5950) or Chery Carew (310-650-0950).
Page 4
 CHURCH FAMILY PRAYERS & CONCERNS
Doreen Jackson is being treated for damage to her eye from splashed clean-
ing solution. Her vision appears to be getting better, but it looks like there
will be lasting effects.

Doug Crawford split his knee-cap in a fall. There looks to be no more serious damage.

Susie Noble is recovering from October 13 knee surgery. Susie also asks prayers for her
friend, Dave Cheetham and family, whose five-month old son has a brain tumor.

Carol Wilk continues to recover from her knee injury, but has had trouble with infections.

Lynne Redderson is recovering from October 23 foot surgery.

Sarah Iannucci asks for prayer as she undergoes a medical procedure on November 6th at
Torrance Memorial. Also she would like to thank everyone for their prayers while she was
in the hospital and at home recovering from her hysterectomy.

Gerri Stoodley is out and about, but dealing with oxygen depletion in her body.

Judy Musser asks for prayer from her bronchitis illness. She’s hoping to have relief soon
and to breath easily.

Sue Zukas’s mother is doing much better after what appears to have been a mini-stroke.
Symptoms were apparently not from any kind of dementia.

Anna Rogers asks prayers for her sister-in-law, Julie Chavez, who has been hospitalized so
that symptoms of cancer can be treated. His Hands is helping with food for the family—
contact Gail Grove if you wish to be part of this ministry.

Dottie Taggart is thankful that her unemployment compensation issues have been re-
solved.

Paul Hextall visited recently from Chapman University, where he says he is having a won-
derful time and receiving a great education.

With Sympathy
Jimmy & Sakura Koontz ask prayers for the family of Christopher Kinney, and the commu-
nity of Stephen White Middle School, where they teach. Christopher was killed in an acci-
dental shooting, the second student this fall to die from gunplay.
Page 5
 November 2009
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thurs

WORSHIP SERVICES
8:30 and 10:30 am
Sunday School 9:30 am
1 2 3 4
Amazing Gray’s
Youth Adventure
1:00 Ruby’s Fun Raiser Bible Study 10:00 a.m. Unbinding t
CYF
Newsletter 5:00-9:00 Prayer Shawl 2:00 2:00 &
Craft Workshop
Unbinding the Gospel Trustees 7:00 New Hop
Unbinding the Gospel Prayer Ministry 5:45 Education 7:00 Choir
7:00
7:00
8 9 10 11

Choir Pr
CYF Unbinding the Gospel
Prayer Ministry 5:45 Veteran’s Day 7:00
Unbinding the Gospel 7:00
Disciple Women 7:00 Church Office Closed Unbinding t
7:00 Worship 7:00
2:00 &

15 16 17 18
Love 9:30 Choir Pr
CYF Bible Study 10:00 a.m.
Faith 1:30 7:00
Chi Rho Unbinding the Gospel Prayer Shawl 2:00
Prayer Ministry 5:45 Unbinding t
Youth Adventure 7:00
Elders 7:00 2:00 &
Unbinding the Gospel Newsletter Cabinet 7:00
Olan M
7:00
3:00-9
22 23 24 25
Bible Study 10:00
Feed The Hungry
Prayer Ministry 5:45 Prayer Shawl 2:00
Sunday
Prayer Shawl 7:00

29 30

Hanging of the Greens

12:00

Page 6
 sday Friday Saturday

November Birthdays
Julie Vernon (1)
Lyrae Monson (2)
Alyssa Zukas (3)
5 6 7 David Drolet (4)
Jill Foster (4)
Dorie Hernandez (7)
the Gospel Lorraine Colston (8)
& 7:00 Beverly Townsend (10)
pe 7:00 Jimmie Talley (11)
Nancy Johnson (11)
7:00
Donna Stent (11)
Doug Hedde(12)
12 13 14 Pat Woodman (12)
Madison Noble (13)
Donald Bowring (20)
ractice Marlen Sanchez (26)
0 Boutique Samantha Lubrani (26)
the Gospel 9:00—2:00 Carol Wilk (27)
& 7:00 Benjamin Koutny (27)
Mark Thompson (29)
Chuck Bruley (30)
19 20 21 Kim Silagy-Silva (30)
ractice Megan Bell (30)
0 C.M.F.
the Gospel 8:30 a.m.
& 7:00 Junior Greeter
Mills Training
9:30
26 27 28
ANNIVERSARIES
Jack & Ruth Perry (3)
Francisco & Marlen Sanchez (9)
Jun & Nora Pagdilao (25)
Frank & Joan Paour (26)

Page 7
 Education Notes & News
Ruby’s Diner Fundraiser-Tuesday, November 3
Our CYF group has graciously offered to host a fundraiser to help pay for the horse and car-
riage that will take us caroling at our All Church Christmas Party. Come on down to Ruby’s
Diner Redondo Beach on Tuesday, November 3rd anytime between 5:00-9:00. 20% of the
proceeds (including gift card purchases) will come back to us !

Junior Greeter Training

Plans are in the works for a training for our new Worship and Wonder greeters. The training
will be focused on our junior greeters, but adult greeters are welcome to join in for any or all
of the training. The date is Saturday, November 21 and will include dinner and a sleepover at
the church.

Bible Explorers
th
All children ages Pre-K through 5 grade are invited to Bible Explorers at 9:30 on Sunday
mornings. See schedule below.
Middle School students are invited to be shepherds for this program. See Jill if you are inter-
ested.
High schoolers will continue to meet for their Sunday School in Room 8 with Jeff Wood as
their teacher.

BIBLE EXPLORER SCHEDULE

DATE CLASS WORKSHOP ROOM TEACHER

Noah’s Ark
10/25 PRE K-1 SCIENCE 2 JIMMY
10/25 2-5 MEDIA 4 SAKURA

Jonah and the Big Fish

11/1 PRE K-1 STORYTELLING 3 DORIE
11/1 2-5 ART 2 KARA
11/8 PRE K-1 ART 2 KARA
11/8 2-5 GAMES 4 SHIRLEY
11/15 PRE K-1 GAMES 4 JILL
11/15 2-5 STORYTELLING 2 DORIE

Page 8
 October-November Youth Calendar
Sunday, October 25
12:00 CYF (grades 9-12)-Boys will meet with
Jimmy. Girls will attend Disciple Women’s
luncheon and program.
Sunday, November 1
12:00 Youth Adventure (grades 3-5) at church;
light lunch provided
12:00 CYF at church
Tuesday, November 3
5:00-9:00 Fundraiser for Sleigh Ride at
Ruby’s Diner, Redondo Beach
Sunday, November 8
12:00 CYF at church
Sunday, November 15
12:00 CYF/Chi Rho/Youth Adventure joint
activity-stay tuned for details

Sunday, December 13
Mark your calendars for 2 fun events. During the second service our chil-
dren will be presenting a special Christmas program. That evening will be
our annual All Church Christmas Party and Sleigh Ride. Come prepared to
eat, sing, decorate gingerbread men and celebrate the birth of baby Jesus.
Details coming soon!

Loch Leven Retreat

Our 2nd annual Loch Leven All Church Retreat is going to be the weekend of January 29-31,
2010. Mark your calendars and look for more information to come.

Page 9
Upcoming Sermons
October 25 – “The Spirit God Gives” (2 Timothy 1:1-9a)
One of the core tasks of the church is to discern its own leadership—who among us has gifts
for what kind of ministry? Who among our young people—and our adults!—might be
called to ordained or pastoral ministries? We will hear from some of our own who have
heard the call.
November 1 – “Cloudy with a Chance of Sainthood” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
With All Saints Day falling on Sunday, we will take time to celebrate some of the “saints”
who’ve moved through our lives; who helped make each of us who we are, and who helped
form the church to be what it is.
November 8 – “A Separate Peace?” (2 Kings 20:12-19)
King Hezekiah lays the groundwork for a disaster that falls on his descendants—but doesn’t
seem to care, as long as there is “peace in his time.” Can we confess our own temptation to
this kind of complacency? And what then can God do with our confession?

Sermons on line
Those wishing to listen to past sermons can access them on our church website
(www.fcctorrance.org) by clicking on Worship Media, and then on the title or date of the
sermon. Dates are listed by sermon title, year, month and day—for example, September 7,
2009 is 20090907. Thanks to Jimmy Koontz for helping us to provide this service!

Adult Sunday Class

Our Sunday morning adult class continues its pattern of lively discussion with a number of
thought-provoking topics and facilitators. All people and views are welcome—and often
expressed! It’s also OK to come and just listen!
Ted Oden continues a wonderful discussion of Mike Yaconelli’s book Messy Spirituality
through November 1. We will once again be privileged to experience the scholarship of Dr.
David Matson as he addresses the biblical question, “Do We Have a Soul?” on November 8
& 15. Steve Fietz will guide a seasonal discussion during the four weeks of Advent.

Wednesday Morning Bible Study

Our Wednesday Morning Bible Study is looking at the First Letter of John, a
New Testament writing that struggles to hold things together after an early
church split. Bible Study meets in Sippel Hall, Wednesday mornings at 10:00.
Page 10
 Footnotes
Thank you all so much for the generous “Week of the Ministry” gift—the airline credit
will be a true Godsend for visiting family, and it serves as yet another humbling affir-
mation of our service and call here.

It continues to amaze me how many connections I had with Torrance years before I
ever thought of serving our church. Mindy Johns and Kathy Hammel were friends in
college, and I later had a good collegial relationship with Kathy as we served churches
in Northern California. John Hull and his wife Caryn Yoast were friends in semi-
nary—so far as I know, my only previous visit to Torrance was when I came to Doris’s
house for their wedding in 1983!

On this upcoming Sunday, we will be celebrating those roots and connections. As part
of our continuing observation of the Week of the Ministry, we will be lifting up some
of the servants whose call to the ministry was at least partly formed by this faith com-
munity. We will be hearing, directly and indirectly, of the journeys of at least four
people who’ve gone into the ministry from Torrance First Christian.

A call to ministry does not just rise up in an individual—it comes through God’s peo-
ple. So discerning gifts for leadership is one of the most important things the church
does. And part of that process is setting before our people—younger and older—the
possibility that God is calling them to ordained ministry, even as God calls all of us to
use the gifts the Spirit gives. So come listen to the testimony of others—and ponder
also how God may be calling you!

Shalom, Steve

Home phone: 310-212-5950 email: steefeets@hotmail.com

(LONG PS: I have also known a number of ministers who once served here: Bob
Jones, Mark Sandstrom, Gary Ivy. And Janie and I actually heard Dick Talley preach
on our honeymoon—not that our trip was the subject of his sermon, but because we
visited Bellingham First Christian on our way back from Victoria, BC, when he was
pastor there. To paraphrase comedian Stephen Wright, “It’s a small denomination—
but I wouldn’t want to paint it…”)

Next Newsletter articles need to be need to be at the church office by 11/2/09.

Page 11
 FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
NON PROFIT ORG.

(Disciples of Christ)
PERMIT NO. 109
TORRANCE, CA

2930 El Dorado Street

Torrance, CA 90503
(310) 328-2820 Fax 310 328-2929
E-mail - fcctorr@pacbell.net
Web address - fcctorrance.org
Sunday Schedule
8:30 a.m. - Worship - Informal
9:30 a.m. - Church School for all ages
10:30 a.m. - Worship - Traditional
Children’s Worship - Ages Pre-school through
2nd Grade
(During the Traditional Worship Service)
Nursery Provided
Or Current Resident

For birth through age 3 during Sunday School

and the Traditional Service
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Staff
Steven Fietz, Senior Pastor
Ted Oden-Minister of Contemporary Worship
Administrative Assistant– Camelia Olloque
Choir Director - Ken Potter
Nursery Attendant - Kim Larson
Dorie Hernandez
The Christian Messenger

Officers
TIME VALUE DATA

Chair - Doug Crawford

2930 El Dorado Street

DO NOT DELAY
First Christian Church

Torrance, CA 90503

Vice Chair - Don Zukas

EXPEDITE

Treasurer– Bill Wysong

Financial Secretary - Charlotte Sandberg
Clerk– Angie Ahumada

Page 12