Ash Wednesday

Drive Thru and Walk Up to Receive Ashes
FCCG is joining with the United Methodist Church this Ash Wednesday and we will be providing two opportunities for you to receive the imposition of ashes, a blessing and a Lenten calendar. On Wednesday, March 2 between 7 – 8 a.m., you can drive thru or walk in to the First Christian Church parking lot, 300 N. Glendora Ave., or you may go to the United Methodist parking lot, 201 E. Bennett Ave., between noon – 1 p.m. If you have questions, please contact Pastor Karen.

February Birthdays and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday to our February Birthdays!
Happy birthday!! We hope your day is filled with lots of love and laughter! May all of your birthday wishes come true. God Bless!

1             Barbara Nelson
8            Pamela Sandstrom
11           Kelley Tramper
13           Staci Quiroga
16           Chris Velky
16           Daniel Velky

Congratulations & Happy Anniversary to Our February Couples!
Sending anniversary congratulations and best wishes for the years ahead to all those celebrating wedding anniversaries.

17          Barbara & David Nelson

Show Love

When we think of the month of February, we often think of Valentine’s Day and think of hearts, roses and candy. According to historical sources, the roots of Valentine’s Day–and the story of its patron saint–is shrouded in mystery. St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. But who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl–possibly his jailor’s daughter–who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is unclear, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and–most importantly–romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine would become one of the most popular saints in England and France.
Regardless of what February 14 signifies for you, I would encourage you to go beyond the “Hallmark” marketing to find ways every day to show love, kindness, compassion and encouragement to those around you. What are you doing to show love as Paul wrote about it to the Corinthians? A love that is patient, kind, not envious or boastful, not proud, not self-seeking, slow to anger, keeps no record of wrongs, love that protects, hopes and perseveres. Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 again, and read it not as a romantic vow, but as a Christian mandate for our every day lives. Go forth and show love in all that you say and do.

Sabbath Sunday

If your normal week is busy with work and overflowing with activities, then sometimes the best thing you can do on a Sabbath is to rest. As one author put it, “The Sabbath is a day to let go, to stop trying to control people and situations. It’s a day to unhook from performing for people or pleasing people. It’s a day to focus on what God is graciously doing all around you and respond to God rather than depending on your own abilities to make things happen.” Keeping the Sabbath teaches us to trust God and appreciate all that God is doing. By taking time to hit “reset”, it is a way for God to set us free from worry and anxiety, ambition and adrenaline, self-importance and anger. As Psalm 23:3 tells us, it is in the green pastures of the Good Shepherd’s grace and beside his still waters of reflection that we allow God to “restore my soul!” When we reflect upon God’s grace and goodness, we can honestly say, “Everything doesn’t depend on me. Things don’t have to happen my way. I will put my trust in God.”

May you find a time each week to have Sabbath rest. Here are some readings for reflection, and some ideas for hopeful and helpful Sabbath activities. Enjoy and be blessed!

Recommended reading: Psalm 23, Psalm 92, Psalm 127:1-2

 

Ideas for Sabbath day activities

  • Spend time worship, giving thanks to God.
  • Spend time in quiet prayer and reflection.
  • Spend time getting much needed rest.
  • Visit family and friends.
  • Write in a journal.
  • Go for a walk and enjoy God’s creation.
  • Take food to someone who is sick.
  • Call, text, or message a friend who’s been on your mind.
  • Plan or participate in a service project.
  • Plan a family activity or game night
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Take a Break

We tend to think of sabbatical in academic terms, as a school year free from teaching duties that can be devoted to research, travel, and writing; a time to do something different than the routine. Traditionally, this occurs every seventh year. Because of this scholarly context, we may easily miss what is hiding in plain sight: that sabbatical is related to Sabbath, which refers to the Biblical day of rest, or the seventh day. We trace the origins of both sabbatical and Sabbath to the Greek word sabbaton. Sabbaton itself traces to the Hebrew word shabbāth, meaning “rest.”

The Old Testament refers to God’s “day of rest” and the most familiar passage found in Genesis, but Sabbath referring to an entire year of rest is mentioned in Leviticus (25:3-5).

At First Christian Church of Glendora (FCCG) beginning this month, we are going to practice a “Sabbath Sunday” every 5th Sunday, which equates to once a quarter. The first Sabbath Sunday we will be observing is January 30, 2022. On the Sabbath Sundays, we will not be gathering for worship together, but instead invite you (encourage you!) to spend time with family, friends, nature…..however you best “recharge” and “renew.” We will provide some devotional materials for you to reflect upon, and encourage you to experience “communion” as you commune with your loved ones and God’s wonderful creation. May you experience God in the world around you and pause to give thanks for life’s most precious gifts.

Gift Worship Handout

January Birthdays and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday to our January Birthdays!
Happy birthday!! We hope your day is filled with lots of love and laughter! May all of your birthday wishes come true. God Bless!

Jan 3      Catherine Black
Jan 7      Moose Healy
Jan 7      Noah Groom
Jan 13    Dominic Kolodziej
Jan 15    Liryn Osorio
Jan 15    Nicholas Lopez

Congratulations & Happy Anniversary to Our January Couples!
Sending anniversary congratulations and best wishes for the years ahead to all those celebrating wedding anniversaries.

17           Gary & Connie Andrews

Light the Way

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Memorial Lanterns. It was a beautiful way to pay tribute to those who have been important in our lives and have been a light on our path.

Thank You!

Many thanks to the congregation for the generous Christmas gift! I appreciate your kindness and generosity. This January will mark 29 years at FCCG. Thank you for the opportunity to serve with you.

Thanks again,

Karen

New Structure and Newly Elected 2022 Board Officers

President/Chairperson – Judy Thorndyke

Secretary – Phyllis Lopez

Treasurer – Branden Hendricks

Member at Large (Trustees) – Stacy Velky

Member at Large (Pastoral Care Team) – Pam Sandstrom

FAA Art Committee (meet 6 times/yr.) –   That committee will nominate a Board representative

In addition to the leadership of the Board, the current New Beginnings Task Force Teams will continue until the assigned tasks are completed or reassigned.

The PPP (Planning Programs & Pizza) Meetings will be held quarterly to “create” ideas and make plans for activities, events and programs. The planning meetings are open to all who are interested to attend and participate in.

The Trustees will continue to handle business issues, and a Pastoral Care Team consisting of Elders, Deacons and other interested individuals will assist the Pastor in providing support and care for our participants.