Come Join Us at

Ruby’s Diner!

Summer is just around the corner and you know what that
means—VBS is near! To help raise money for class and
teacher materials, we are having a fundraiser. We will receive
20% on all dine-in, take-out AND gift card purchases. Please
join us and be sure to bring your friends, family, and neighbors!

Where: Ruby’s Diner in Redondo Beach

(245 N. Harbor Drive)
When: Monday, June 22
Time: 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.

**Be sure to bring the fundraising flier with you! If you need
one, there will be a stack in the church office.

See you there!

June 4, 2009
Page 1
 Disciples Women’s Ministry
Family Night is a time for church families, and this church family had a
wonderful time. Many, many thanks to Judy Rickabaugh for providing
leadership and helping to pull the whole thing together.

And thank you to all the volunteers who helped. Thanks to Maureen
for bringing the quilts, Roger Grove for bringing the hay, Hilda Cole-
man for bringing the fancy jam jars, Lynn Redderson for the banner, Gail Grove for
the games, Lynne Redderson for the cakewalk (and all the cake suppliers!). Thank
you to Sakura Koontz and Chery Carew for help with coordination and the printed
program, and to Marlen Sanchez for being a great MC! Thank you to Angie Ahu-
mada, Susie Noble, and Anna Rogers for help in the kitchen, to Arlene Zingery for
coming early and staying late to help set up and take down, and to the servers (who
are too many to name).

And a very special thanks to all our great performers who shared a bit of themselves
with us, and to the audience, whose applause, laughter, and smiles made it all so
much fun.

Blessings to a happy healthy family,

Michele Wood
Disciples Women President

Thank you New Hope for the absolutely beautiful tea last Sunday. Not only was there
really, really scrumptious tasting food, but beautiful décor, the pretty china and espe-
cially the eye catching peonies were precious.

Page 2
 Feed the Hungry Sunday
Our first Feed the Hungry Sunday was a huge success. Your gen-
erous donations make it possible to provide food for about 3,000
people a month that come to the Salvation Army His House Pro-
gram. Our next Feed the Hungry will be on Sunday, June 28th.
Here is a suggested list: canned tuna, granola, nuts, boxed juices,
raisins, canned vegetables and canned soup.
Thank you for your continued support to this much needed ministry.

“for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was
a stranger and you welcomed me”. Matthew 25:35.

Vacation Bible School

July 20th - 24th
9:00 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
“How great is the love the father has lavished on us, that we should be
called children of God!” 1 John 3:1
As Son Rock Campers you will learn how your life can be transformed by God’s great love
for you. Registration forms are now in the church office.

Page 3
 Welcome New Member
Marilyn Roehl reaffirmed her faith in Jesus Christ on May 24, during our 8:30 service.
Marilyn has been attending First Christian since last summer with her son, Larry
Campbell and his family. She lives with Larry and Peggy, and loves being the in-
house grandmother to their five delightful children.

Congratulations to our 2009 Graduates

Be sure to be here on this important Sunday, June 14 where we honor
our young people who have finished a chapter in their lives and look for-
ward to new beginnings.
Glenn Oden is graduating from Torrance High School, Amanda Ruhs is
graduating from Huntington Beach High School, Dylan Rogers is graduating from
South High School, Robert Reeley is graduating from Mira Costa High School, Mike
Mine is graduating from South Bay Academy and Brandon Matson is graduating from
UCLA.

Trustees Update
It is with deep appreciation we honor our two Trustees who are finishing their terms
this year; Al Lubrani and Jeff Woods. Their service has been a blessing, and they
have educated, inspired and uplifted us all. The gifts they shared with this committee
will remain with us in the coming year.
Thanks also to the members of the Nominating Committee who produced our two
new members to serve as Trustees for the next three years. We look forward to
working with Wally Sandberg and John Beecher as they respond to the call for ser-
vice.
And thanks to so many of our congregation who stepped forward and helped with ex-
tra financial assistance when two special needs arose with, short notice. The Trus-
tees had many successful accomplishments of our committees responsibilities this
past year.
Doreen Jackson
Chair of Trustees 2008-2009

With Christian Sympathy

We hold Shirley Brummett and her extended family in our prayers as they mourn the
death of Shirley’s brother-in-law, Lloyd Brummett, in North Carolina.
Page 4
 CHURCH FAMILY PRAYERS & CONCERNS
Betty Donley has been at Torrance Memorial since suffering a minor stroke. Betty
is experiencing no symptoms from the TIA episode. At this writing, doctors and
family are exploring treatment options, including surgery.
Delores Koontz has been placed on hospice care. She is still sharp of mind, and full of spirit, even
as her body weakens. We pray for her son Rich as he also ministers to her.
Mabel Crossman is at a particularly difficult stage of Alzheimer’s—we hold her and Paul in our
prayers.
Moggy Emmen has left for an extended stay with family in Botswana, Africa. We pray for a mean-
ingful reunion, and especially for the health and comfort of Moggy’s mother….Moggy’s daughter,
Melanie Emmen has begun a two-year commitment to the Peace Corps in Cameroon, Africa—we
commend her, and send our thoughts and prayers with her.
Lilian Asomugha asks for traveling prayers, as she is making many trips in the next month; also
prayers for the strengthening of her 87 year-old mother in Nigeria.
Ed Apodaca asks for prayers on behalf of his Uncle Dick, who is being treated for cancer. Laura
Apodaca asks prayer for a friend, Tiffany, who has been placed on bed rest very early in her preg-
nancy.
Carole Jones’s granddaughter, Cassandra, is back in the hospital with heart problems.
Bonnie Evans asks us to pray for her caregiver, Sonya, who has been ill.
Charlotte Sandberg asks for prayers on behalf of a family friend, Lisa, who is facing physical and
emotional challenges.
Dave Stewart, a former interim pastor for our church, is battling lymphoma.
Gail Grove asks prayers for her son’s mother-in-law, Toni Hall, who is suffering from the effects
of Hepatitis C.
Marilyn Roehl’s brother, Don, will be having radiation treatment for lung cancer, as surgery has
turned out to not be an option. Marilyn also asks for prayer for her sister, Nona
Shirley Woodman asks prayers for our Youth Adventure Mission partner, Anil Henry and his fam-
ily.

We are praying for Lynne Redderson’s father, who is waiting for word on possible lung cancer.
Al Lubrani is recovering from elbow surgery—his fifth surgery in an effort to relieve pain and
numbness in his hands, which is getting better.
Keith McGriffin is struggling against a staph infection.
Frances Marshall’s daughter is recovering from surgery to help restore hearing to one of her ears.

Page 5
 June 2009
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thurs

WORSHIP SERVICES
8:30 and 10:30 am
Sunday School 9:30 am
1 2 3

Prayer Ministry 5:45 Bible Study 10:00 a.m.

Newsletter New H
Worship Meeting Education 7:00
Trustees 7:00 7:00 p
7:00

7 8 9 10

Prayer Ministry 5:45

Youth Adventure 12:00 Bible Study 10:00 a.m. Cho
Disciple Women
Cabinet 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p
7:00

14 15 16 17
Love Group 11:30 a.m.
Graduation Sunday (Hof’s Hut)
Bible Study 10:00 a.m. Cho
Chi Rho 12:00 Newsletter Faith Group 1:30 p.m.
7:00 p
CYF 12:00 Prayer Ministry 5:45
Elders 7:00 p.m.
21 22 23 24
Father’s Day
Education Prayer Ministry 5:45 Bible Study 10:00 a.m.
VBS Fun-Raiser Cho
Appreciation Sunday Prayer Shawl 7:00
Youth Adventure 12:00
Ruby’s 5:00-9:00 7:00 p
Prayer Shawl 2:00
CYF 12:00
28 29 30
Feed the Hungry
Women’s Lunch
12:00
Junior Camp thru July 4
Prayer Ministry 5:45
CYF 12:00 Page 6
sday Friday Saturday

June Birthdays
Anne Beecher (1)
Trevor Baer (1)
Lisa Schwartz (2)
4 5 6 Mary Jo Kohlmiller (4)
Anne Colby (4)
David Stoodley (5)
Kelly Carmona (7)
Hope Betty Donley (7)
p.m. Hillary Gonzalez (9)
Shirley Woodman (10)
Rose Johnston (10)
Eileen Powell (10)
11 12 13 Amel Abdou (10)
Peter Galyardt (15)
Kathy Shroyer (15)
Youth Adventure Sarah Smotherman (15)
oir Gerri Stoodley (15)
8:45 a.m. Burt O’Neal (17)
p.m.
Madrona Marsh Elba Woods (17)
Mike Henderson (17)
Jim Whobrey (24)
18 19 20 David Eldik (26)
Michele Wood (27)
Verda Myers (29)
C.M.F.
oir 8:30 a.m.
p.m.
School is out

25 26 27

oir
p.m.

ANNIVERSARIES
Pat & Shirley Woodman (8)
Doug & Connie Hedde (9)
Rolbert & Sharon Dexter (18)
Duane & Shirley Johnson (29)
Steve & Janie Fietz (29)
Ryan & Kelly Rogers (30)
Page 7
 Education Notes & News
Volunteers Needed
It takes many volunteers to run a successful Christian education program and many have risen to that
challenge. I ask that you look in your hearts to see if you can serve as well. There are all levels of
commitment from one time only to once a month to weekly. I am starting to schedule for summer and
fall and am always looking for those willing to help. If you are interested in any of the following
please see me and we can see how to make it work in your busy schedule. (Teaching Bible Explorers
on Sunday morning. Helping out this summer during Worship and Wonder in an alternative sum-
mer program. High School Sunday Teacher. Adult Sunday School Discussion Leader. Worship and
Wonder Storyteller. Worship and Wonder Greeter.)

Summer Camp at Loch Leven

Registration due dates are quickly approaching so don’t forget to turn in your registration forms if you
want to attend summer camp at Loch Leven. Pick up forms in the church office or on the regional
church website at www.disciplespswr.org. Because the education department wants all youth to have
this great experience we are paying half of the registration fees.
This year’s dates are as follows:
Mini Camp, 6/24-6/27 (entering 2nd-3rd grade)
Junior Camp, 6/28-7/4 (entering 4th-6th grade)
Chi Rho, 8/2-8/8 (entering 7th-8th grade)
CYF I, 7/5-7/11 (entering 9th-10th grade)
CYF II, 7/19-7/25 (entering 11th-12 and ’09 grads)
Young Adult, 6/26-6/28 (’08 grads -30’s)
Bible Explorers
Here is our schedule for June. Join us on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m.

Samson
6/7 PRE K-1 Storytelling 3
2-5 Science 2
6/14 PRE K-1 Science 2
2-5 Storytelling 3
6/21 PRE K-1 Missions 4
2-5 Art 2
6/28 PRE K-1 Art 2
2-5 Missions 4
Page 8
 June Youth Calendar
June 7
12:00 Youth Adventure (grades 3-5)-Light lunch served.
Letters to missionaries and group activity.
No CYF meeting today.

June 13 (Saturday)
8:45 Youth Adventure-Madrona Marsh Clean Up-Bring sack lunch, water, hat, closed toe
shoes and work gloves. Adults welcome.

June 14
12:00 Chi Rho (grades 6-8)
12:00 CYF (grades 9-12)

June 21
12:00 Youth Adventure-Meet after church Room 4 – light lunch to be served – plan next
outreach event for July – group activity – bring journals
12:00 CYF

June 28
12:00 CYF (Need parent volunteer to lead. See Jimmy if you are interested.)

Upcoming Dates
Sunday, June 14
Graduation Recognition Sunday
Join us as we recognize our high school and college graduates during both church services.

Sunday, June 21
Education Appreciation Sunday
A time to recognize all those who have helped run the education program this year. That in-
cludes teachers, helpers, and those who gave time to setting up any and all education pro-
grams. There will be a short reception following each service. Join us!

Monday- Friday, July 20-24

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Registration forms available in the church office or online at http://www.fcctorrance.org/.
Volunteers still needed. See Jill Foster or Chery Carew if you are interested.

Page 9
Upcoming Sermons
June 7 – “Church Math Is Hard” (2 Corinthians 13:11-13)
Disciples have historically shied away from questions about the Trinity, believing that many
non-biblical debates have only confused people inside and outside the church. Still, how do
our images of God, and the kind of God-talk we use, shape how we live our faith?
June 14 – “Who Sets the Bar?” (Romans 12:1-2)
As we celebrate our graduates, we also ask what (or who) sets the standard for our behavior
as Christians? By what or who are we being “formed”? And what responsibility does the
church body have for the “formation” of our young people?
June 21 – “Prodding or Provoking?” (Colossians 3:20-21)
As our culture observes Father’s Day, we will try to consider scriptural advice to parents in
a way that is also helpful for spouses, coworkers, friends and other roles of influence. It is
particularly appropriate that we will also honor our educators on this Sunday.
June 28 – Ted Oden will bring the message while Steve is at Junior Camp.

Adult Sunday School

Our Adult Sunday Morning Class will meet through the summer. Steve Fietz continues a
study of Jonah through June 14. Lilian Asomugha will be teaching on prayer in July, and
Ted Oden and Barbara Myers will take turns facilitating the class, where a number of topics
and views all mingle together in seeking what it means to be a Christian.

Wednesday Morning Bible Study

Our Bible Study meets in Sippel Hall every Wednesday morning from 10 to 11:30. We
have just begun a study of the Epistle of James, one of the more provocative letters in the
New Testament.

Come Pray with us…

A group of members have begun a special Prayer Ministry. The goal is to regularly lift up
the membership and mission of First Christian Church, and to place before God the needs of
our world.
We meet in the sanctuary each Tuesday at 5:45 pm. We take time to hear a word of scrip-
ture, observe some prayerful silence, and then lift up our prayers of thanks and our requests
for help. As Anne Lamott has written, all prayer boils down to two versions: “Thank you,
thank you, thank you!” and “Help me, help me, help me!”
All are welcome—please check with Pastors Steve or Ted if you have questions.
Page 10
 Footnotes
“You shall not go out in haste, and you shall not go in flight—
for the LORD will go before you,
and the God of Israel will guard you from behind.” (Isaiah 52:12)

A word of appreciation is due to the folk who placed two very important decisions be-
fore our congregation this last Sunday: the Nominating Committee, who offered a
slate of servants from our midst for our various offices and chairs; and the Finance
Committee, who brought our budget for our next fiscal year, which, like the upcoming
Leadership Year, begins in July.

It was particularly gratifying to see that, though their tasks were important, both com-
mittees refrained from rush or panic. Both took their time. Both prayed, and both in-
vited prayer from those whom they asked to serve and to give. Chairs Ted Oden and
Paul Ryan are to be commended, as well as Treasurer Bill Wysong, and, of course, all
those who offered a prayerful “Yes” when the call came. (We also bless those who
prayed when asked, and then said “No”—because they knew that God was using them
for a different purpose!)

And so we step out into another year, empowered to do so because we believe that the
God who goes before us, as the prophet says, also has our back. How wonderful it is
that faith can free us to live and serve together!

Shalom, Steve

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

Sermons on line
Those wishing to listen to past sermons, or our Easter cantata, can access them on our
church website (www.fcctorrance.org) by clicking on Worship Media, and then the
title or date of the sermon. Dates are listed by year, month and day—for example,
April 26, 2009 is 20090426.

Next Newsletter articles need to be need to be at the church office by 6/15/09.

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
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 - Sherril Wiechmann
The Christian Messenger

Officers
Chair - Doug Crawford
TIME VALUE DATA

Vice Chair - Don Zukas

2930 El Dorado Street

DO NOT DELAY
First Christian Church

Torrance, CA 90503

Treasurer– Bill Wysong

EXPEDITE

Financial Secretary - Moggy Emmen

Clerk– Chery Carew

Page 12