ARLINGTON CHRISTIAN CHURCH
(Disciples of Christ)

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THE  ARLINGTONIAN
February  2012


TABLE OF CONTENTS
 (Click on a title to go to that section or article)
  
DEADLINE FOR THE ARLINGTONIAN
LENT BEGINS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22
JANUARY BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
2011 MISSIONS REPORT
IT'S TIME FOR NOMINATIONS!
DISCIPLES WOMEN/CHRISTIAN WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP
ARLINGTON SPECIALS
"SOUPER BOWL OF CARING"
WELCOME, NEW MEMBER
PRAYER CONCERNS AND CELEBRATIONS
GRATITUDE
ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL
CHILDREN WORSHIP & WONDER SUSPENDED
EDUCATION BUILDING FURNACE AND AIR CONDITIONER REPLACEMENT
INCLEMENT-WEATHER REMINDER
OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORSHIP, LEARNING, AND
FELLOWSHIP DURING LENT AND HOLY WEEK 2012
JOIN US FOR A PULPIT EXCHANGE!
  
  
CONTENTS


DEADLINE FOR THE ARLINGTONIAN

Just a reminder:  The deadline for the next issue of The Arlingtonian is Sunday, February 12, 2012.  Please bring any information to be included in the newsletter to the church office by then, or email your submission to the church office at "arlingtonchristian@windstream.net".

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LENT BEGINS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Sermons in Lent:  "The Frontier of Our Faith"

Hold up your hands - during Lent we will use the five-finger exercise of early Disciple preacher, Walter Scott, as we examine some of the basics of our faith in Jesus Christ.

We will also hold our traditional Wednesday night Soup and Bread Suppers, followed this year by a study, "Talking Faith."  The study this year focuses on the growing and sharing of your faith.  (See the full listing of the Lenten programs and worship in a later article.)

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JANUARY BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

Happy New Year!  I think we are off to a good start.  Even though we had very low attendance we still had a quorum.

In her Minister's Moment, Pastor Kris reported that we will have student nurses this semester.  We will have a pulpit exchange Feb 19th and she shared how much she enjoyed worshiping on Christmas morning this year.

Reporting for Missions, Joe Jones told us about all the wonderful things that ACC did for others during Thanksgiving and Christmas.  We are blessed here at Arlington with many opportunities to be of service.

Bruce Wall reported for the Property Committee.  We have furnace and air problems on the second floor of the education building.  The Board called an emergency meeting of the congregation on January 8th to cover this.

Betty Frazer reported for the Staff and Pastoral Relations Team.  They continue to work on operational guidelines.  The team needs your help in hiring a paid nursery attendant.  Let this committee know if you know someone for the position.  It pays $10.00 an hour (three hours on Sundays).

Lonnie Jackson reported for Stewardship.  He told us the plan for paying for the new furnace and air conditioner.  The plan includes our gift that came in the mail and several other funds from accruals, etc.  The Board voted and approved this plan.  A congregational meeting was planned for Sunday, January 8, to vote on proposals from the board.

For a complete report on the board meeting, you will find a copy of the minutes on the table at the top of the stairs, near the rear awning door.

As Moderator, I have appointed the new nominations team.  Larry Brown will chair this committee.  Members are Barbara Borchardt, Beverly Bowman, Jean Cox, Lavina Hughes, and Cathy Hunt.  The Board voted and approved these appointments.

Thanks to the Crusaders Class for a great meal.

Our next Board Meeting will be March 13, 2012.

Respectfully submitted,
Betty Nevius,
Moderator

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2011 MISSIONS REPORT

In the month of December our church provided over-night shelter 12 nights for approximately 155 men.  We provided 100 cookies, 100 sandwiches, and 240 cups of coffee to men visiting the Hope Center.  We also gave out 63 pairs of mittens and gloves and six Christmas Food boxes.  Christmas gifts were given to 15 children or youth who live in our church neighborhood.

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IT'S TIME FOR NOMINATIONS!

We have a nominations committee in place to develop a new slate of officers.  Please help them out by nominating individuals from the congregation to be Board Officers, Elders, Deacons, Trustees, and Committee Chairpersons.  Forms are available at the church for nominations.  The Nominations committee chairman is Larry Brown.  Committee members are Barbara Borchardt, Beverly Bowman, Jean Cox, Lavina Hughes and Cathy Hunt.

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DISCIPLES WOMEN/CHRISTIAN WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP

February 2012 Schedule

The Christian Women's Fellowship of Arlington extends an invitation to all women, 18 years of age and older.  If you are interested in helping your community and discussing biblical topics that encompass your life in a feminine, social forum, then join us the first Tuesday of each month.  Schedule of Meetings:

The Esther Circle meeting to be announced.

The Rachel Circle will meet at 2:00 p.m. at the church on February 7th.

Service Projects

Each month a different service project is supported by the C.W.F.  To support these projects, you may give directly to a C.W.F. member or you may deliver your donation to the church office at 1206 N. Limestone St.  (phone:  252-4393).  The service project for February is The Hope Center.

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ARLINGTON SPECIALS

Arlington Specials are scheduled to resume in March after taking a winter break in January and February.  The next meeting is on Wednesday, March 21.

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"SOUPER BOWL OF CARING"

January 21 - February 5:  Youth have been helping "tackle" hunger this year by holding a food drive on Sunday February 5 (part of our regular First Sunday Food Drive).  All items collected will be given to God's Pantry to help with food assistance in Lexington (now helping an average of 1,800 household per month).  On January 21 youth around Lexington stood at the doors of Krogers stores and collect canned food as a part of the Souper Bowl as well.  Our youth and some supportive adults, are participating in this endeavor.  If you would like to help, see Joe Jones.

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WELCOME, NEW MEMBER

Welcome to John Austin Clemmons, who joined our church family on Sunday, January 8, when he was baptized.  John has been learning and growing among us for some time.  He is an active part of the Church School youth class and he is also a member of the Choir.  Welcome, John!

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PRAYER CONCERNS AND CELEBRATIONS

We are mourning the death of life-long church member, Florence (Rene) King.  As we trust the promise of resurrection and keep all her friends in our prayers, we remember Rene as one of the Saints of the church.  As well as being a dedicated church member, Rene served on the Church staff for many years, as the church secretary as well as organist.  Rene died on Friday, January 20, 2012.  Her visitation and funeral were held Tuesday, January 24, at the church.  After the funeral, a graveside service was held at Hillcrest Cemetery, followed by a meal at the church.

We give thanks for the birth of Brayden Alexander Menard on Sunday, January 22, at 1:05 p.m.  Brayden was 20 inches long and weighed seven pounds, eight ounces.  Brayden is the son of Shawn and Katie Menard, grandson of Jeff & Phyllis Breeze, and great grandson of Billie Breeze.

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GRATITUDE

I thank all who contributed 2012 calendars for the VA Hospital.  All 164 calendars from all sources were delivered.

Respectfully Submitted,
Louise S. Wieman

Thank you to the choir and to all who support their Kroger card ministry.  In the past couple of months, the choir has been able to make a financial contribution to the church's general fund and they are providing money to fund the hiring of a nursery attendant 2012.

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ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL

Here is the second installment of this series which tells the stories about some of the animals who enrich our lives.

JOY
by Nellie Reed

An advertisement in the local paper said "Rescue Puppies Free to a good home.  Small fee for inoculations and worming."  My husband and I had recently lost our 17-year-old dog, Dixie, and wanted to get another dog.  We decided to check out the ad.

There were four little black-and-white puppies bouncing around in their crate.  One, a female, was pushing the others out of the way to get our attention.  We made an instant decision to adopt her.  We knew she was of an unknown breed, but it didn't matter.

The chubby little ball of fur seemed to have boundless energy.  We laughed at her playful antics and enjoyed playing with her.  We named her Joy.  Her favorite toys were an old house slipper and an empty milk jug, which she proudly carried around by the handle.

Occasionally, to her delight, she was invited to take a ride in the truck with her master.  They would stop for a doughnut or package of Nabs, which they shared.

She was easy to train.  Beside the usual commands (stay, sit, etc), she learned to get her brush, bring in the newspaper from the porch, and help bring in the mail.

That was 15 years ago!

When Joy was nine year old, her master died.  She lay by the door for a week waiting for him to come home.  Since then, she has stayed by my side.  When I leave, she waits for me by the door.

An old dog now, Joy is deaf and has cataracts, but otherwise is healthy and contented.  She still gets the newspaper and the mail.  She still carries around an old house slipper (one of many).  She is my loving, faithful friend and is always by my side.

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CHILDREN WORSHIP & WONDER SUSPENDED

During the fall we experimented with offering "Children Worship & Wonder" for children during the worship hour Sunday mornings twice a month instead of every Sunday.  The Ministry Team evaluated the twice-a-month schedule and the number of volunteers this fall and decided that it would be best to discontinue the Children Worship & Wonder ministry for the time being.  The younger children's Church School class will move downstairs to the room that has been used by Children Worship & Wonder.  We will hold a "grand opening" of the new Church School classroom on Sunday, February 5.  The Ministry Team affirmed the importance of educational ministry for our children and is seeking to strengthen the nursery, the children's Church School program, and the various ways we support the faith formation of children who remain in our Sunday morning worship service.

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EDUCATION BUILDING FURNACE AND AIR CONDITIONER REPLACEMENT

The replacement of a furnace and air conditioner was necessary for one section of the Education Building, second floor.  The congregation approved an expenditure of $13,680 on Sunday, January 8.  The Stewardship committee has recommended monies set aside for building maintenance, year-end operating surplus, and from a generous donation made to the church be used to fund this expenditure.  Some other maintenance projects will be delayed till the monies are replaced.  If you desire to contribute to the cost of the replacement of furnace and air conditioner, note "Furnace" on your contribution.  Any surplus funding will be used for the other maintenance projects.

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INCLEMENT-WEATHER REMINDER

On week days we cancel our church programs and meetings when Fayette County Public Schools close due to weather.  On Sundays, if we cancel our classes or worship, we use the television and radio to notify people.  Whenever the weather is bad, all are encouraged to think of their safety as they travel to worship.

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORSHIP, LEARNING, AND
FELLOWSHIP DURING LENT AND HOLY WEEK 2012


February 22 - Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday Worship Service, 7:00 p.m.
Location:  Crestwood Christian Church, 1882 Bellefonte Drive

Lenten Soup & Bread Suppers

5:30 p.m., Wednesdays, February 29 - April 4

(Volunteers take turns providing the soup and bread.  Sign up to volunteer on the sheet posted near the church office)

Lenten Bible Study - "Talking Faith"
6:00 - 7:00 p.m., Wednesdays, February 29 - April 4

This six-week study meets after the supper in Fellowship Hall.  The study will lead us to examine what we believe, how faith strengthens us, and how we can share faith with others.  Pastor Kris Bentley is leading the study.

Palm Sunday - April 1

Our 10:30 a.m. worship includes a palm parade!

Maundy Thursday - April 5

Dinner in Fellowship Hall at 6:00 p.m.
Worship Service in Sanctuary at 7:00 p.m.

April 6 - Good Friday Prayer Vigil

We remember the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ on Good Friday in a 12-hour prayer vigil, 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.  Individuals may covenant to pray at home or in the sanctuary for half-hour time segments.  Feel free to participate in groups or individually.  Scripture readings and devotional materials are provided.

April 8 - Easter Sunday

9:00 - 10:00 a.m.:  Easter Pot-Luck Breakfast in Fellowship Hall
(no Church School classes on Easter)
The church provides fruit and beverages for the pot-luck breakfast.
9:30 a.m.:  Easter Egg Hunt and Games in Fellowship Hall
10:30 a.m.:  Worship in Sanctuary

Prayer Resources and Devotional Materials During Lent

Devotional materials and prayer booklets will be available in the literature rack near the church office throughout the season of Lent.  Copies of the 2012 Fellowship of Prayer, written this year by Mary Ann McKibben Dana, will provide daily readings, meditations, and prayers.  Other resources this year include:  At the Lord's Table (a booklet of Lenten table devotions for children), Safe Passage (a resource for teens, tweens, and college-agers), and Holy Habits for the Holy Season of Lent, by Rich Bimler.  Other materials are also available.  Please leave $1.00 in the donation box for each booklet.  All other materials (prayer cards, book marks, and brochures) are free.

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JOIN US FOR A PULPIT EXCHANGE!

On Sunday, February 19, we are swapping preachers with East Second Street Christian Church!  Rev. Don Gillett will come and preach in worship at 10:30 a.m. at Arlington Christian Church and Rev. Kris Bentley will preach that morning at East Second Street Christian Church.

We're invited to a "Soul Food" meal at 1:30 p.m. at East Second Street Christian Church that afternoon.

Join us and participate in the movement of the Holy Spirit as we praise God.

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