Month: February 2013

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2013 CFA Chili Bowl Results

The 2013 Coffeyville Friends of Animals Chili Bowl was an astounding success. Denise Tatman has provided the following statistics (she provided them in a timely manner, the delay is my fault):

  • Over 600 tickets were sold, a little over 400 were redeemed.
  • Over 70 gallons of chili were served.
  • Almost 200 people ate in.
  • Over 230 pints of chili were taken out.
  • Almost 100 people worked to make the event a success.
  • The event netted over $4,000 for Coffeyville Friends of Animals.

They plan to be back on February 2, 2014 and we’ll be happy to see them. It was an honor to host this event.

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Christian Symbols: the Chi Rho

Blog Chi-RhoAs you may already know, Wikipedia.com is not always 100% accurate, but it is a great reference tool if you already know about something and simply want a succinct summary to share with someone else. So here’s Wikipedia on the Chi Rho:

“The Chi Rho is one of the earliest forms of christogram [that is a monogram for Jesus], and is used by some Christians. It is formed by superimposing the first two (capital) letters chi and rho (ΧΡ) of the Greek word “ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ” [that is, Christ] in such a way to produce the monogram. Although not technically a Christian cross, the Chi-Rho invokes the crucifixion of Jesus, as well as symbolizing his status as the Christ.” (WP:CC-BY-SA)

Because crucifixion was considered a shameful way to die (Paul spends a lot of time working this out) and the cross a painful reminder of the tyranny and domination of the Roman Empire, the cross was not immediately adopted as a symbol of Christ and Christianity. For this reason, the Chi Rho actually predates the cross as a symbol for Jesus Christ.

The Chi Rho on the front of this week’s bulletin is a stylized variation (that could also be interpreted as a monogram of the cross) by Placid Stuckenschneider. A more traditional version can be seen above.

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Children's Choir to Perform March 24, 2013

Received from Nikki Kirk:

“I’m excited to announce that our 3rd through 6th grade Sunday school students will be performing a special combined number with the Adult choir on Palm Sunday, March 24th. Rehearsals will take place during regular Sunday school time and begin this Sunday. I look forward to seeing all of the children there!”

Like Nikki, Jenny and I are excited. We’re also thankful that Nikki is willing to take this on so soon after the birth of her second child.

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Family Fun Event: Rescheduled

Due to the fact that there is only a half-day of school on Friday, March 1, the Family fun night has been moved to Sunday, March 3 at 5:30 pm. Below is an updated announcement:

A Family Fun Night has been scheduled for Sunday, March 3, 2013 at 5:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall downstairs at the church. Children on their own are welcome, but their parents are also invited as we’re combining carryout pizza and the VeggieTales feature: The Little House That Stood.

Big Idea provides the following description:

“The Wise Pig Built His House Upon the Rock! When the Three Little Pigs roll into Cabbageville looking to build some new houses, they meet one builder with a plan and two without a clue! Larry builds with hay, Mr. Lunt with bricks, but only Bob builds his houses on a firm foundation – following the wise plans from the Master Builder’s Handbook!” Will the Little Piggies make the right choices when it comes to building their houses – and their lives – on solid ground? Find out in this parable that shows kids when they follow God’s blueprints, they can stand strong when the storms come! PLUS! Ever wonder what happened before Humpty cracked? Find out in this very Veggie retelling of the classic Humpty Dumpty story “The Good Egg of Gooseville” where we learn that a good neighbor always “lends a little hand” to those in need.”

We’ll have coloring sheets for those who arrive early or want to stay late. This is a free event, everyone is invited, and you’re encouraged to bring friends. Feel free to bring sleeping bags, camp chairs, and whatever else you need to get comfortable.

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Memory Game Needed: Clarified

Does anyone have a game of memory that I can use for the children’s story this Sunday? If so, drop me a line (john@revcollins.com).

Clarification: I mean the old style of memory game that involved cards. You turned two cards over at a time when it was your turn and when you turned over two that matched, you got to keep them. Whoever collected the most cards won.

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School is Closed and So Are We

In keeping with our policy of closing the church office when school is closed … we’re closed. I’ll be working from home, so if you call me on my cell you won’t be interrupting.

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Intersection Open

After almost a full week with no work being done on the intersection of 10th and Elm, after another Sunday without any parking close to the building, and with only a very small section of the intersection still needing to be filled in I called the city today. The intersection is now open. I don’t know why it couldn’t have been made this way last Wednesday or why it took a phone call to suggest the obvious. I am glad it is open and I must admit that they responded to my call in less than two hours.

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Next Sunday's Sermon

Next Sunday, I’ll be preaching on one of the readings from last Sunday, Deuteronomy 26.1-11. I plan to focus on the importance of remembering who and whose we are in a world that would prefer we forget.

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New Adult Sunday School Class

Received from Nancy Wright:

A new adult Sunday School class will begin March 3 with a six-week study of the book, Hebrews from Immersion Bible Studies.  This class anticipates studying a variety of books to explore the Scriptures and our personal faith. The class will meet at 9:30 am in Room 101. This is also the room where UMW meets and were MOMS meets.

The new class offers a different format of study. According to an introduction in Hebrews, the Immersion series is “about God and God’s Word, and it is also about you-not just your thoughts, but your feelings and your faith.” Immersion uses the new translation of Scripture, the Common English Bible. Organizers of the class  Janice and Burton Walker and Larry and Nancy Wright agreed that their goal was to attract people who are not attending a class and who want to explore a variety of  faith-based books.” After prayerfully considering such a class for about five months the two couples agreed to step out and start the class. Books have been ordered and should arrive the last week of February. A suggested donation of $10 will defray costs of the book.

Want to know more? Ask Janice, Burton, Larry and Nancy.

Jenny and I are excited about this new class and hope that you are as well.

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Jax Reiner Murdock

JaxWe’re happy to announce the birth of Jax Reiner Murdock to Amy and Brendan Murdock on February 14, 2013. Jax came into this world at 19 1/2″ in length and weighing 5lbs, 15oz.