From Here to Zehr

What do you do when life just keeps on coming at you? This has been on my mind as I survived 2 blizzards in Baltimore this month and arrived home just in time for the record snowfall here last Monday. Sometimes it seems , like the stories of so many Olympians, life conspires to put in your way so many obstacles to overcome. A few things have become clear to me as I watch the snow melt and watch the Olympians ‘do their thing’!

1)  We don’t do this alone. Surviving and thriving in this world means you live in community. There are no Lone Rangers on the snowboarding slopes or the ice rink or the ski jumps. It may look to us like they are the sole persons responsible for their success but as you hear their stories it becomes increasingly clear that they are who they are because of the mentoring and support and care they have received from their families, their coaches, their friends.

 2)  Focusing on our strengths and blessings keeps us grounded and able to meet our challenges. Lindsey Vonn had to not think about her pain in her shin injury. Shawn White had to think about ‘putting down’ the new spins he did in snowboarding instead of remembering the times he crashed while creating them.

3)   Life works best when we do our best. The challenges will come and sometimes they are great but so is the celebration of meeting those challenges.

So as you wait for the next snowfall or watch the Olympians or meet your own moments of challenge, reach out to those who support you and help you reach your goals and maybe even thank them. Look beyond the things that seem to hold you back and focus on what IS possible as you create a life every day. Do your best and celebrate the victories with God who gives you the tools you need to “have life and have it abundantly”.

Thanks be to God!!!
Rev. Diane

Creation Care

Start Planning for Spring!

Want to save money and help the environment? Install a rain barrel this spring! Nearly 40% of total household water use during the summer is for lawn and garden watering. A rain barrel will collect water and store it for when you need it – to water plants, the lawn, wash your car and windows. Since the barrel provides “soft” water (without chlorine, lime or calcium), plants love it and no film is left on your car or windows. Most homeowners can save 1,300 gallons of water using the rain barrel!

Worship at FCC and Harmony Place

Our Lenten worship series is entitled “The Power of the Cross.” Each Sunday during Lent we are considering a different aspect of the cross that gives us a source of strength for our faith and daily walk with Christ. To help us on this daily journey, there is also a daily devotional available. You can pick up your copy in the gathering area at both the Main Street and Harmony Place campuses.
Worship themes for March include:

March 7 The Woe and Wow of Worship
March 14 No Strings Attached
March 21 A Stone’s Throw
March 28 (Palm Sunday) The View from the Donkey

Please join us for worship as we journey to the resurrection and seek strength and comfort in the cross of Christ.

Holy Week 2010 - Please join us!
Please mark these dates on your calendar for upcoming Holy Week activities and services.

March 28 Palm Sunday Regular services, Main Street & Harmony Place
April 1 7pm Maundy Thursday Service, Children’s Musical and Communion
April 2 12:00 Noon Florence Community Good Friday Service at Florence Christian Church Main Street Campus Sanctuary
April 3 Easter Eggstravaganza 10am at Main Street 1pm at Harmony Place
April 4 Easter Sunrise Service - Harmony Place (Time TBA)
April 4 Easter Sunday Resurrection Services at Main Street and Harmony Place, 8:45, 9:45 and 11:00 am at Main Street, 10:30 am at Harmony Place

Music Ministry

We are beginning to plan and prepare for Holy Week and Easter. The choir will sing for the Maundy Thursday service on April 1, and will present special music on Palm Sunday and Easter. If you would like to be a part of this very special season of celebration, please join us for rehearsals and on Sunday mornings. Following is information about rehearsals. Child care is available upon request.

Main Street Chancel Choir meets for rehearsals on Thursdays at 7:30 pm in the Music Room on the lower level of the Main Street Campus. We sing for the Sunday morning 8:30 & 11:00 worship services at Main Street.

Main Street Praise Team meets for rehearsals on Thursdays at 6:30 pm in the Sanctuary at Main Street campus. We lead music & worship for the Sunday morning 9:45 contemporary service at the Main Street Campus.

Harmony Place Praise Team meets for rehearsal on Sunday mornings at 8:30 in the Harmony Worship Hall. We lead music & worship and provide special music for the Harmony Place worship service on Sunday at 9:30.

If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please contact Rev. Bob (647-5000 x.554) for more details.

Youth Ministry

FAITH ZONE is our children’s education program. It is a time for children and youth to grow in their faith and knowledge of God.

SUNDAY MORNING Schedule on the Main Street Campus:
9:45 AM: Preschool- 3-5 year olds – Atrium (downstairs)
K-2nd grade - Atrium (upstairs)
11:00 AM:
3rd-5th Grades - Atrium (upstairs) 6th-8th Grades—Activity Center 9-12th Grades—Activity Center
CHILDREN’S THEME at the MAIN STREET CAMPUS FOR MARCH/APRIL:
“EASTER—Following the Light”
Mar. 7 - ART WORKSHOP Mar. 14—COOKING WORKSHOP Mar. 21—STORYTELLING Mar. 28—SCIENCE WORKSHOP

FAITH ZONE AT THE HARMONY PLACE CAMPUS:
All children, ages 4-5th grade meet upstairs at 10:30 AM (after the Worship Service)
The Harmony Place campus is using the curriculum:
Exploring Faith-God’s Word for God’s Children.
For March/April we will be learning about “Lent/Easter”

Middle & High School Main St.—offers an 11:00 AM class for Middle School only
Harmony Place-If you are in 6th grade – 12th grades , we encourage you to meet with Rev. Dexter Simpson at 10:45 AM. It is important to grow your faith through Bible Study and sharing with one another. And you never know when a Surprise visit to Sonic will happen!

YOUTH ZONE ACTIVITIES AND MEETINGS IN MARCH

CCF—5 YR-2ND GRADE Mar. 7 Noon-2:00PM Can’t wait to see you all!

CJF—3RD-5TH GRADES____
Mar. 7– Noon-2:00 PM Service Project
Mar. 14—Noon-2:00 PM The Old Testament
Mar. 21—Noon-2:00 PM Old Testament Books
Mar. 28—Noon-2:00 PM Old Testament Books

CHI RHO-6TH-8TH GRADES
Mar. 7 –11:00-2:00 PM The Perfect Life? “Transformation”
Mar. 14—11:00-2:00 PM “The Good Pens”
Mar. 21—11:00-200 PM “Christen Cross Journey Story”
Mar. 28—11:00-2:00 PM “The Sin Vibe”

CYF—9TH-12TH GRADES
Mar. 7 - 2:30-6:00 PM Henry Hosea House
Mar. 13—7:00-10:30 PM SLIPPER FORMAL Mar. 14—No Meeting
Mar 21—6:30-8:00 PM Prayer Labyrinth
Mar. 28 –6:30-8:00 PM Nooma—”Lump”

HARMONY LIVE! YOUTH—6TH —12TH GRADES Meets Weds. Evenings 6:30—8:00 PM Harmony Place Campus 6:15 -Light Dinner $3.00 Mar. 3— 6:30-8:00 PM “Action & Service” Mar. 10—No Meeting Mar. 13—4:00 PM Set-Up for Slipper Formal 6:30 PM—Arrive Early to Formal Mar. 17—6:30-8:00 PM “Action & Service” Mar. 24—6:30-8:00 PM TBA Mar. 31—6:30-8:00 PM TBA

FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN LENTEN DEVOTIONS Have you picked up your Family Lenten Devotions Packet yet? This special packet contains 6 short, weekly family devotions to use with the 6-piece cross magnet enclosed. This is a great way for your family to spend some faith time together. These white packets are located on the information tables at both campuses.

WE HAD A BLAST!
What a great day we had with eleven teams (fifty-three people) participating in our event. But our thanks goes beyond just the bowlers. It belongs to all of you who supported us with your donations. Even in this economy, you generously gave $5,250.00! Thank you to everyone who helped in any way: donations, bowling, food for lunch, parents, sponsors, youth and children. Special thanks also to Party Towne, “Just Friends” Hair Salon and Game Works for the wonderful prizes!”

B I G WEDS.!
4YRS-5TH GRADE Join us Weds. evenings, 6:30—8:00 pm in the upstairs classroom on the Harmony Place Campus. This Bible Club style is full of fun and games and Bible and crafts and snacks ! March's BIG Theme: “Jesus Is God’s Son”

SLIPPER FORMAL—MAR. 13TH FOR 8TH GRADE– 12TH GRADE
Plans area being made to offer the community of youth a dance with a twist: You dress up, but you wear slippers! There will be music, dancing, refreshments, door prizes, slipper contest, and fun times for all! Get this on your calendars now and INVITE YOUR FRIENDS!! Watch for more details or call Katie Henry, 380-0055

Florence Christian Church is a Church with a BIG heart for Children and Youth! It is the policy and practice that NO child or youth who wants to participate in camps or retreats will be excluded because of finances. First, the church pays 1/2 of one camp’s fees. After that, if there is still a need, scholarship money is available. See Rev. Sue for more information.

CAMP DATES:
CAMP 101 (grades 1-2) - June 5-6 $45
MINI CAMP (3rd grade) - June 11-13 $95
JUNIOR CAMP (grades 4-5) $155 1. June 14-18 2. July 19-23
CHI RHO CAMP (grades 6-8) $185 1. July 5-10 2. July 12-17
EIGHTER’S CAMP (8th grade) $200 June 21-26 (held at KBY Camp in West KY)
CYF CAMP (grades 9-12) $185 1. June 21-26 2. June 28-July 3
Y’ALL FAMILY CAMP—Sept. 4-6 $40/family
Check www.ccinky.net for Specialty Camps

Fellowship and Study Opportunities

Wednesday Nights at Harmony Place are BIGGER than ever!
Wednesdays at Harmony Place really are a big deal!  Just look at the lineup! Here’s what’s happening...

B.I.G. (Bible Insight Group, a.k.a. Adult Bible Study Group): The adult are having fun in the Bible again.  This time it’s in the Old Testament.
B.I.G. (Belief in God): The children’s Bible Club includes stories, games, music, movies, and prizes.
Harmony Live (youth in grades 6-12): Do you wonder if your teenager has a pulse?  Take them upstairs at Harmony Place.  They’ll feel more alive.
Nursery: For children three and under, a competent teacher is available in the nursery so that parents and big kids can attend the other classes.
There’s a class for all ages.  Bring your friends.  And, oh yeah, there’s pizza every week.  It’s $3 per a person or $10 for the whole family.

Our Aerobics Classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday in the Main Street Activity Center at 5:45 pm. They will reconvene on Tuesday, January 5th. There is no charge for this class. Please bring your mats, weights, towel and water bottle and be prepared for a great workout. Start your New Year off in a healthy, positive way by doing something good for yourself!

OUR LUNCH BUNCH meets on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. This is a wonderful group of people who gather for fellowship, great food, and friendly conversation. These people know how to have fun and it’s a great way to make new friends. Please bring a covered dish to share with others. If you’d like to learn more about the Lunch Bunch, please call Myrtle Schafer at 371-6949. Next meeting: March 17 at 11:30 am in the Well. Hope to see you there!

Christian Women’s Ministries

March 14, Bake Sale Theme: St. Patty/Spring
CWM will have their next Bake Sale on Sunday, March 14 at both campuses. Please be sure to stop by the table. You’ll be able to purchase lots of goodies for your family and friends. Your donations and purchases help support our many missions throughout the year. Thank you.

CWM Executive Board - will meet on Monday, March 8, 6:00 pm in the Conference Room.

Women’s Circles:
March 5 Young Women’s Grp, 7:00 pm Indigo’s
March 22 Deborah Group - 6:30 pm at Harmony Place
March 22 Mary Group - 7: 00 pm in the Well at Main Street
Naomi Group - 2nd through 4th Thursdays @ 1:30PM at Arcadia Park.

CINDERELLA’S CLOSET
CWM will again collect gently worn, cleaned party dresses for Cinderella’s Closet. Just bring dresses, shoes and accessories to church before March 14th. While they always need dresses and accessories of every size and color, their two greatest needs right now are:
Gold, Silver or Black Strap Sandals (any size) - Many shoes can be found on sale for as little as $10.00
Jewelry - Their princesses love rhinestone and crystal jewelry.  It’s often on sale—please consider purchasing a necklace, bracelet and/or earrings.
If you would like to volunteer and be a “Fairy Godmother”, help with organization or alterations go to: www.cinderellasclosetnky.org to learn more.

HOLD THE DATE – BETH MOORE EVENT First Church of Christ on Camp Ernst Road will be hosting a Beth Moore Simulcast Event titled “So Long, Insecurity” on Saturday, April 24th from 10 AM – 4 PM. Tickets are $20 including a box lunch and are available right now. You can contact the church at 586-4673.

Missions & Outreach Opportunities

We will be co-sponsoring the Fifth Annual Help Build Hope House Guild on Friday and Saturday, April 23-24. The event will take place at Christ United Methodist Church this year. Once again, we join with churches from all over Northern Kentucky to frame 3 houses for local Habitat for Humanity affiliates to place on foundations and finish on location. The homes will stay close to our area, going to Dayton and Columbus, Ohio.
Florence Christian Church will be sponsoring one of the homes. The expenses for one home usually run about $4500. So this is our goal for our Easter Special Offering.

You will have an opportunity to support this effort on Palm Sunday (March 28) and Easter (April 4). Please watch the bulletin in the upcoming weeks for more information and an offering envelope.

The Help Build Hope House Build has become a wonderful tradition and a great event that unites churches and individuals in the area who desire to make a difference in the lives of people we don’t even know. In the past five years, over 1000 people have participated in the event and we have now provided homes for nine families.

Please help make this year’s event a great success by financially supporting the Easter Special Offering and by coming to the
event on April 23 and 24th. Thank you.

The Zone Update - March, 2010

The month of March is a busy and productive month. We will celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday, study the meaning of Easter and listen to many stories of Jesus’ travels through Holy Week.

Discover Zone has partnered with Success by Six in an effort to continually improve our programming. Many staff members participated in a continuing education class whereas we were given and trained to implement Creative Curriculum. We feel that this new curriculum will enhance our current Pinnacle curriculum as well as enhance our learning centers. In addition to this training we will also participate in a day of training at the Cincinnati Museum Center and work with Success By Six to implement new screening tools for children ages 2 months through 5 years old. We are excited to continue to improve quality programming and stay up to date with the most recent educational tools for our staff.

I have recently learned that our budget for January and February 2010 has been met and we are currently meeting all of our expenses. We have enrolled several new families at both locations during the month of February. I am excited that Discover Zone can finally stand on our own and hopefully once again be a financially successful ministry of our church.

Julie Linville
Director, The Zone
859-647-5000 (ext. 600)

In the Life of our Congregation

REMEMBERING IN PRAYER - OUR FRIENDS...

Special Thanks from The Rachford Family in the passing of Nancy’s father, Malcolm Eads
“Dear Church Family, thank you all so much for the cards, calls, care and concern and for the prayers during this most difficult time for our family. The passing of a loved one is never easy, especially when it is unexpected. We will treasure our memories of my father forever. Thank you.” Nancy Rachford and Family

Congratulations Reverend Doctor Dexter Simpson!
on completing your doctoral work!

March, 2010 Birthdays

2nd Randy Barker, Sam Wright
3rd Shirley Wingfield, Amy Charley
4th Paula McLemore
5th Michele Reed, Angie Drake, Paul Rini
6th Cecil Baker
7th Ryan Oliver
8th Luke Iden
9th Sheryl Reynolds
11th Kristi Nelson
12th Summer Orcena, Julie Linville, Judy Brock
13th Steven Ryles
14th Shawn Watson, Ryan Gray, Kim Bell, Rev. Sue Bishop
15th Barry Ordu, Susan Mead
18th Todd Reed
19th John Reed, Paige Menke
20th Patti Murphy
21st Bernard McKinley
22nd Nathan Orcena, De Anna Haas, Samantha Charley
23rd Christopher and Zach Hart
24th Steve Proffitt, Erica Fisk
26th Pat Bhirdo, Barbara Bach
27th Kathy Crume
28th Josh Crabtree, Kenyon Smith, Katie Henry
30th Bud Jump
31st Talauna Hicks