Christian Courier

First Christian Church of Minneapolis (Disciples of Christ)

September 11, 2010 Bill Stump says goodbye after 12 years

leading music program at FCC
Inside the Courier:

• A Look at the Brite

Side, page 2

• New feature:
Disciples 101, p. 3

• Spotlight on Wes,
page 3 ourier
• Photos from Out-
door service, p. 4

• News briefs, p. 5

On the Web:

FCC’s website
Disciples in Upper
Midwest
Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
national organization Bill Stump’s stirring postlude, “Pre-
In the coming year, Bill will be off on a
lude in the Classic Style,” brought his
walk across England and a visit to Bu-
many years as music director at First
enos Aires, Argentina, to view great
Christian Church to a close on Sun-
church organs in that city.
day, Sept. 5.

Bill retired from teaching six years

ago, and has now decided to retire
from his church music post as well in
order to devote more time to travel
and other retirement pleasures. On
his last Sunday at First, Bill was pre-
sented with a plaque and a photo-
graph when he was recognized during
Fellowship Hour. The plaque noted
his new status as “Music Director
Emeritus,” a title bestowed recently
by the FCC Board.
Page 2

On striving to be liminal, not liminoid

A Look at the Brite Side
Pastor Bob Brite
“ . . . chaos and uncertainty
are balanced with the hope
and excitement of new begin-
nings.”
I learned two new words at the
School for Congregational
Learning a week ago Saturday:
Liminal and Liminoid. Liminal
means being in an “in-between”
state or phase; it’s where a per-
son or group moves to a spot
where we don’t quite know
where we’re going, but are work-
ing hard to get there, a space (as
one of the definitions given
states) “in which chaos and un-
certainty are balanced with the
hope and excitement of new be-
ginnings.”
Liminoid is the tendency to want,
when you’re in a liminal cir-
cumstance, to revert to previous
habits or comforts rather than
developing new ways of doing
and relating. Liminoid tenden-
cies can be liminal killers. When
you’re in the uncertain sea of a
liminal circumstance, liminoid
tendencies have you wanting to
row back to the safe shore rather
than forge ahead to the other side
of the sea, and the adventure of a
new territory.
We’re in the midst of a liminal
circumstance at FCC; we cannot,
with the sale of the building, go
back to the way life has always
been. Yet there is still a danger
of being liminoid, of carrying as
much of the baggage of the past
into the future as we can. As we
come up to the Forum on con-
gregational future on Sunday,
Sept. 12, it behooves us to think
and pray, not only about where
we might move, but about what
kind of church we want to be-
come. The central question of
the circumstances for us is:
What is the best future FCC can
move towards for building the
body of Christ? Think and pray
about that, would you?
I’d like to see YOU on Sunday,
Bob

In our prayers We pray in concern for Stan Moe, who has been moved to hospice care,
and for Elaine Moe, who is staying with her daughter after a fall; in joy
Gracious God, we over the safe return of Pastor Bob’s daughter Katie, from her summer
lift up these persons in Tanzania; in thanksgiving for all workers and in hope that all who
in our prayers, ask- want to work will soon find appropriate employment; in gratitude to Bill
ing the blessing of Stump, for his music leadership at FCC; for the Transition Team, as
your Grace and out- they guide the congregation in decision-making for the future; for all our
pouring of your love homebound members including Velma Fancher and Lois Swenson.
upon them. Amen.
 Christian Courier Page 3

Disciples 101 Disciples roots found in Restoration Movement

This is the first installment of a series that will be
written in the Courier on the roots of the Christian
Church, Disciples of Christ. It will be a mix of his-
tory of what was the Restoration Movement, who
were the major players in the Restoration Move-
ment of which the Disciples of Christ are a part,
basic theological beliefs, how did the movement
begin and how has it perpetuated itself, who are
our brothers, sisters and cousins in our dysfunc-
tional family, and where might we be going.
Did you know: The Restoration Movement in
America happened mostly at the frontier of the
western settlements during the late 1700’s and ear-
ly 1800’s among highly independent people who
did not want to be told what to believe in the form
of old and highly refined creedal statements like
the Nicene Creed or the Apostle’s Creed.
This resulted in a very wide variation of accepted
theologies within the Movement as it has evolved.
Some congregations within this wider Movement
(but not necessarily in individual denominations)
accept a wide variety of theological ideas that other
congregations do not. (Much more on that later.)
The churches of this frontier Movement are now
represented in several current denominations: the
Churches of Christ (non-musical), Independent
Christian Churches, Churches of Christ (non-DOC)
and Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ). First
Christian Church of Minneapolis is a member of
the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). More to
follow about------ who we are!
Blessings to all,
Mike Brady, Lay Minister and Elder

Spotlight on Wes Creighton, busy FCC youth leader

with his dad, Dean, at the
Boundary Waters; went to the
International Thespian Festival
in Lincoln, Nebraska; spent a
week at CYF camp in Newton,
Iowa - and was elected to be
one of the camp presidents for
next year; was in Kansas for an
annual family visit; and just got
back from a trip to the Grand
Canyon and Bryce and Zion
National Parks. And that was
just the Summer!
He is currently considering
Kansas State University, Iowa
State University, or the Univer-
sity of Minnesota to study
chemical or mechanical engi-
neering. Of course, as Wes told
me, he could easily change his
mind. Here's hoping you have a
great year, Wes!
--by Deb Murphy, Director
of Spiritual Formation and
Community Ministry

At school this year, Wes sings

Wesley (Wes) Creighton has
had a very busy summer and
will probably be even busier as
a senior this year at Cooper
High School. Wes spent time
with the Cooper Chamber
Singers; is hoping to be in-
volved with the school's theater
productions of Thoroughly
Modern Millie and You're a
Good Man, Charlie Brown.
Then in his copious free time in A younger Wes painting walls in youth
room
the spring, he'll be playing on
the Ultimate Frisbee Team.
Page 4 September 11, 2010

August 8 outdoor service and picnic at North Mississippi Park

included songs, smiles, salads and sunshine!

Mike Brady gathered the congregation for a group portrait.

The congregation sang accompanied by Pastor Bob’s guitar

Deb Murphy and children provided

percussion accompaniments with
homemade instruments.

Congregational Forum on FCC future to
be Sept. 12 following worship
The Transition Team will present its recommen-
dation regarding the future of the congregation at
this important congregational forum on Sept. 12.
These four options for the congregation will be
explained and discussed:
 Transformation through leaving a legacy
for new churches
 Transformation through becoming a port-
able/home church
 Transformation through moving (pur-
chasing property)
 Transformation through ecumenical part-
nership in a new space
A straw poll will be taken to gauge congrega-
tional interest. A Powerpoint presentation about
these four options is available online at
http://tiny.cc/evjmp.
Grande Day Sale coming in October
FCC’s Women’s Ministries, joined by Spirit of St.
Stephen’s Catholic Community, will once again
hold the annual Grande Day Sale Oct. 14-16.
Items for the sale can be brought to the church
starting Sunday, Sept. 19. Set up for the sale will
be following worship, Oct. 10.
Look for sign-up sheets for the sale. Many
hearts and hands will be needed to set up, take
down, and work sales tables during the three days
of the sale.
Blessing of the Backpacks
Bring school supplies (binders, paper, pencils,
scissors, etc) and backpacks to church on Sunday,
Sept. 12 for our Backpack Blessing during wor-
ship.
FCC is partnering with Central Lutheran in
downtown Minneapolis to provide backpacks filled
with school supplies for Minneapolis children who
need help with this expense. Also, FCC’s own
children are invited to bring their backpacks for
this special time of blessings for all school children
in the coming year.
Christian Courier
Sanctuary in the Stories is theme for
Women’s Retreat, Oct. 1-3
“Sanctuary in the Stories” is the theme for the an-
nual Midwest Women’s Fall Retreat, to be held
Oct. 1-3 at the Koronis Conference Center in Pay-
nesville, MN.
Marti Steussy will be the retreat leader. Steussy
is an ordained minister of the Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ), Professor of Biblical Interpre-
tation at Christian Theological Seminary in Indian-
apolis, where she focuses on the power of storytel-
ling.
Pastors Alison Robuck and Tammy Rottschaefer
are retreat coordinators.
Cabaret for Suicide Prevention at
First on Sept. 18 at 7pm
First Christian and Open Table Ministry will host
an evening of entertainment to raise money for
GLBT suicide prevention on Saturday, September
18 at 7pm in the Fellowship Hall. Radio personali-
ty Ruth Koscielak hosts an evening of musicians,
singers and stand up comedy.
Also featured at the event will be a silent auction
of show tickets, restaurant certificates and other
great things (checks, cash or credit cards will be
accepted). ADMISSION IS ONLY $10
As part of Jefferson Fietek's (a friend of our own
Deb Murphy) participation in the "Out of the Si-
lence Walk for Suicide Prevention," he has ar-
ranged this very special event to raise additional
funds for the American Foundation for Suicide
Prevention. 100% of the money raised at this event
will go towards American Foundation for Suicide
Prevention.
For more information, please contact Deb Mur-
phy or the church office at 612-870-1868.
 Bi-Weekly Calendar Reflections on the Word
from readings for 9/12/10
Sundays at First Christian Church
“There will be more joy in heaven
Sunday Worship at 10:30 am
over one sinner who repents than
Before Worship at 9:15 am
over ninety-nine righteous persons
Art of the Covenant Class Hearthstone/Adults Class who need no repentance.” Luke 15:7
After worship: Fellowship Hour 11:45 am

This Week at FCC
Sunday, September 12
Rally Sunday, Backpack Blessings
Monday, September 13
Carter Circle at Hurlockers’
Tuesday, September 14
Property Committee
Wednesday, September 15
Nikkei
Finance Committee
Bible Study
Choir
Thursday, September 16
Handcrafters
Saturday, September 18
Men’s Group
Laura Lynn/Naomi Circle
Serve meal at St. Stephens
Cabaret at First
Next Week at FCC What? Some people are not sinners
in need of repentance? This famous
Sunday, September 19 parable of the lost sheep may indeed
Food Pantry Sunday have led to the idea that some are lost
Elders meet at Hillestads’ 5-8 pm
sinners, and others are found “righ-
7 pm Monday, September 20
teous.” No. That 99% of people are
Book Club @ Westphals’ 7 pm righteous? No. Indeed, in the con-
7 pm text of Jesus’ teachings, the idea of
Tuesday, September 21 our being righteous (think of the Pha-
Retired Teachers’ Luncheon 11 am risee, the “good” teacher, and the
9:00 am FCC Board Meeting 7 pm
5:30 pm
first one to cast a stone) sinks like a
6:00 pm Wednesday, September 22 Titanic-sized ego. Our merit comes
7:45 pm Bible Study 6 pm only through Jesus, as a gift.
Choir 7:45 pm
9 am Thursday, September 23 Turn us, Healing God, from our com-
Handcrafters 9 am
fortable seat in front of our own mor-
Saturday, September 25 al mirror, to look at you alone. For
9 am Men’s Group 9 am you are the source of all that gives
10 am
6 pm life and light. Amen.
7 pm --Chris Wogaman

A Thoughtful Church in the FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH

OF MINNEAPOLIS
Heart of the City
(DISCIPLES OF CHRIST)
2201 1st Avenue South
Ministry Team
All Members of the Congregation Minneapolis, MN 55404
Robert Brite, Interim Minister
Dennis Sanders, Minister of Diversi- Address Service Requested
ty and Mission
Chris Wogaman, Office Manager
Rick Bowman, Building Manager
Deb Murphy, Director of Spiritual
Formation & Community Ministry
James Barnett, Pianist
Serena Carlson, Nursery Attendant
Martha Harris, Courier Editor
Telephone: 612.870.1868
Prayer Phone: 612.870.0984
www.fccminneapolis.org
E-mail: fcc-mpls@qwest.net
Fax: 612.870.1860

Christian Courier is published bi-

monthly. Send items and ideas to
church office or to Martha Harris
harrismartha@mac.com by Fri
Sept. 17 for next issue.