en First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) http://www.fccscottsbluff.org © Copyright 2000 - 2010Church Community Builder. All Rights Reserved. http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=13 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=13&article_id=145 OFFICERS President: Joy Fergusion 635-1279 Vice-President: Barbara Babcock Secretary: Kay Reisig Treasurer: Betty Beals DIRECTORS Study/Worship: Karen Nichols Service/Action: Joyce Ferguson Health Ministry: Kay Reisig Bereavement Meals: Joyce Ferguson Weddings/Receptions: Karen Nichols Kitchen: Val Karsjens Courtesy: Gloria Applegate Publicity: Wanda Selby Yearbook: Joyce Ferguson Co-Operative Ministries Rep.: Barbara Bacock Sun, 4 Jul 2010 09:27:02 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=13 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=13&article_id=146 First Christian Church Christian Women's Fellowship offers leadership and service to the church, our local community, and to national and international outreach programs while providing fellowship for its members. Please join us, God's love is all around. CWF currently has 4 circles that come together at the General Monthly meeting. New circles/new times can be developed at any time. Circle 1 1st Tuesday of each month, 9:15 am, location varies Leader: Sally Dyer or Eva Johnston Circle 2 1st Tues of each month, 1:30 pm, location varies Leader: Betty Beals Circles 4 & 5 2nd Monday of each month, 7:30 p.m., location varies Leader: Karen Nichols Circle 7 Varying times/varying locations Leader: Kris Rien Sun, 4 Jul 2010 09:25:36 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23&article_id=115 Upon the passing of loved ones in our congregation, this page features obituaries and funeral information. Sat, 3 Jul 2010 22:38:32 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2&article_id=71 Celebrating and affirming God’s love and Christ’s welcome for every person. Embracing the traditions, heritage, and covenant relationship of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), especially Christ’s open invitation to the Communion Table. Respecting the traditions and heritage of other Christians, and committing to working with them for the unity of the Church. Affirming the freedom and responsibility of every Christian to understand the scriptures through study, experience, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Acknowledging that faithful Christians may disagree regarding God’s word and God’s will, we commit to maintaining mutual respect and continuing covenant. Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:08:45 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2&article_id=69 Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:37:40 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2&article_id=7 On December 11, 2005 our congregation approved a statement of vision, mission, and values to guide our minstry into the future. The statement was developed through the leadership of our Fellowship of Elders and involved the entire congregation in prayer, biblical study, and discernment. These are the fruits of that year-long process. Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:37:19 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24&article_id=107 Each year, walkers from our congregation participate in the Scotts Bluff County CROP Walk. Walkers raise money by obtaining commitments from sponsors, and the funds help to relieve hunger and poverty locally, nationally, and throughout the world. A fourth of the funds raised locally stay in our community to help our neighbors in need. The 2008 CROP Walk will be Sunday, October 5 at 2:00pm. We'll be at the Scottsbluff-Gering Pathway, near the Riverside Zoo. CROP walk is sponsored locally by the Cooperative Ministries Council and worldwide by Church World Service. To learn more, visit the CWS site. Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:12:45 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24&article_id=65 The DOVES Program provides services and support for victims of domestic, dating, and sexual violence in Scotts Bluff, Cheyenne, Morrill, Kimball and Banner Counties. The Christian Women's Fellowship (CWF) and the congregation of First Christian Church regularly provides donations of money and supplies in support of DOVES. Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:12:45 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24&article_id=26 The Salvation Army, "an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination." Members of First Christian Church help provide financial and administrative support for Salvation Army activities in our area, including the annual holiday bellringing campaign. Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:12:45 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24&article_id=21 Panhandle Community Services is a non-profit community based organization which serves low-income, disadvantaged, and/or those unable to meet their needs through other sources. First Christian Church provides and direct and indirect support to PCS programs such as the Community Food Pantry, Foster Grandparents Program, and others. 3350 North 10th • Gering, NE 69341 • 308-635-3089 Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:12:45 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32&article_id=92 The Revised Common Lectionary is a three year cycle of readings from scripture that follows the traditional church calendar. Many different denominations use these readings as a part of worship, and participate together in their selection. Reading the Lectionary can be a wonderful daily devotion, or may help prepare you from a better worship experience on Sunday. A full text of the readings may be found at The Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Fri, 6 Jul 2007 10:24:40 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=68 Click the "request new/forgotten" text at left to receive a login and password by email. Participate in group discussion boards and access information intended for our church community. Sun, 15 Apr 2007 18:33:16 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=8 Do you need to be spiritually fed? Are you hungry for love and relationship that extends beyond your own life? Jesus recognized that spiritual nourishment was just as necessary for life as bodily food. Throughout the Gospel accounts of his ministry, there are stories of his sharing meals with people to show them his acceptance and God's love. In fact, Jesus was often criticized for eating with people the rest of society considered outcasts. Following his example, First Christian Church welcomes YOU to the table Jesus set for us. In the tradition of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) we believe that Christ is the host at the table and all who come in faith are welcome. Nearly all Christians celebrate some form of this tradition, called by different names. Some call it the Eucharist, others Holy Communion or the Lord's Supper. We don't think it's so important what you call it, as long as you're there; and it's so important to us, the table is central to every service of worship. So whether you're a spiritual seeker, a skeptic, a sinner or a saint, come join us at the table! Sun, 15 Apr 2007 18:33:16 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=9 Many folks in Scottsbluff know us from the sound of our carillon bells, which play traditional and modern hymns at nine, noon, three, six, and eight each day. Our church is located on the corner of 21st and A streets in Scottsbluff, just north of downtown. For a detailed map, click on the "directions" button at the top of the page. Sun, 15 Apr 2007 18:33:16 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2&article_id=81 During the annual meeting of the congregation, revisions were made to the articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of First Christian Church. these documents may be downloaded by clicking the links below: Articles of Incorporation DivShare File - Articles_of_Incroportation_-_Approved_12-.doc Bylaws DivShare File - By-laws_-_Approved_12-10-06.doc Sun, 21 Jan 2007 18:24:47 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19&article_id=10 A.K.A. "Archangel". See below for a more current photo. Email Pastor Michael After nearly 20 years in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement, Michael heard God's call to pastoral ministry in 1996 and left Colorado to attend seminary in Oklahoma. He was ordained in May 1999. Our congregation called him to be our pastor that following August. Michael's Education includes: B.S. in Criminal Justice and Sociology University of Nebraska-Lincoln M.S.J.A. University of Denver College of Law M.Div. Phillips Theological Seminary He is currently a candidate for the D.Min. degree through Drew University. In his sermons, teaching, and pastoral leadership, Michael brings both the wisdom of scholarship and the compassion of the streets into his ministry with our congregation and community. He is passionate about doing God's work cooperatively with other Christian churches and other faiths, and serves as Chair of the joint Outdoor Ministries Committee of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Nebraska and the Nebraska Conference of the United Church of Christ. Michael's wife Carla is an Elder in our congregation and Assistant Dean of Student Services at Western Nebraska Community College. Their daughter Emily studies at Disciples affiliated Drury University in Springfield, Missouri. Their son David is a student at Scottsbluff High School. Tue, 28 Nov 2006 12:04:42 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=25 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=25&article_id=3 Our Health Ministries Team promotes physical and spiritual health through educational and service activities. The team regularly conducts health screening sessions, workshops, and other ministries to encourage wholeness and health of body and soul. Tue, 28 Nov 2006 10:19:42 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=31 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=31&article_id=77 It's popular in Christian circles these days to believe that there's a deep divide between Hollywood and the Holy. If you dig deeper, you may find that many popular films portray (or at least invite thought about) more themes about faith than you might have thought. That's the idea that led us to begin FOURTH FRIDAY FILM night at First Christian Church. As the name implies, we screen a different popular movie on the fourth Friday of each month at 6:30pm. We serve refreshments, enjoy fellowship, and spend a little time aftwerward talking about what we saw. The FFF ministry is made possible through an agreement with Christian Video Licensing International . Unfortunately, the terms of our license agreement prohibit publicizing specific titles of films. Please call or email the church office for more information. Fri, 23 Jun 2006 13:57:39 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19&article_id=72 Wed, 28 Dec 2005 16:46:50 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2&article_id=70 Following Christ’s example, we are committed to inviting EVERYONE to experience God’s love, to grow in deeper relationship with God and God’s people, and to serve God in our community and throughout the world. Wed, 14 Dec 2005 12:05:31 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16&article_id=66 Keep up with the news from across our church -- across the country and across the world. Thu, 17 Nov 2005 11:56:31 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24&article_id=20 Jesus said, "for whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." Matthew 12:50 For this reason, First Christian Church seeks to be a leader in shared ministry, uniting people of different churches, faiths, and community organizations. Many of them are listed below: Tue, 25 Oct 2005 17:13:35 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=26 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=26&article_id=36 Mon, 24 Oct 2005 14:22:53 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=26 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=26&article_id=35 Wayne Ferguson, Michael Stein and Leonard Tindell take a break from blowing insulation. Mon, 24 Oct 2005 14:18:47 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=15 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=15&article_id=33 Mon, 24 Oct 2005 13:17:30 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=15 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=15&article_id=31 On Saturday, October 22, Troop 13 held a work day at First Christian Church. Cleaning, landscaping, finishing floors in our meeting area was the order of the day. Thanks to all the scouts and leaders who volunteered to help! Mon, 24 Oct 2005 13:16:25 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=15 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=15&article_id=32 Mon, 24 Oct 2005 13:15:53 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=26 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=26&article_id=5 Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. HFHI seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 22:17:00 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=27 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=27&article_id=35 Beliefnet is not an exclusively Christian site, but includes a great deal about Christianity among other religious beliefs. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 03:28:54 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=27 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=27&article_id=36 Gospelcom.net claims to be "the most popular Christian website in the world". The site links to over 300 Christian ministries and websites. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 03:28:54 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=27 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=27&article_id=39 Religion & Ethics Newsweekly is the PBS weekly program devoted to reporting on religion. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 03:28:54 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=27 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=27&article_id=31 Christianity Today Online is the cyberhome of Christianity Today and its sister journals. There are lots of articles and features for leadership and life in Christ. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 03:28:54 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=27 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=27&article_id=34 Hollywood Jesus looks at popular movies from a spiritual point of view. A great site if you\'re a movie buff! Thu, 29 Sep 2005 03:28:54 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=23 The Scottsbluff Star Herald is our community daily newspaper. Find out the latest news, as well as links to other area sites. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 03:28:54 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=24 Scotts Bluff National Monument is a historical landmark on the Oregon and Mormon Trails. To find out more about the history and geology of the monument, visit the National Park Service site. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 03:28:54 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=25 The Scottsbluff-Gering Chamber of Commerce site provides valuable information about our community, including commerce, attractions, and demographics. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 03:28:54 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=19 For more in-depth information and study resources, take a look at the Bible Resource Center. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 03:28:54 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16&article_id=15 In a tradition where freedom of belief is a hallmark, we can't really say that "all" Disciples believe something. In our congregation you'll find faithful people with a wide variety of convictions about what it means to be Christian. However, there are some beliefs and practices that have evolved over time as distinctively Disciple. If you'd like to learn more about how we view salvation, baptism, communion, and other beliefs, visit What DO Disciples Believe? Thu, 29 Sep 2005 03:28:54 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=13 Like many Christian churches, our congregation generally follows the church year and the Revised Common Lectionary in worship. The Lectionary is a 3-year cycle of readings that takes us through the bulk of the scriptures in an organized fashion. We choose to follow the Lectionary (for the most part) for these reasons: • It gives greater assurance that we are beginning with the Bible in mind, rather than a pet topic or issue. • Each week we are addressing the same scripture readings as millions of other Christians in thousands of other churches. We hope this encourages those who worship with us to continue studying and discussing the scriptures throughout the week. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 03:28:54 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16&article_id=5 First Christian Church is a self-governing congregation in covenant relationship with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). This means that our congregation holds title to our property and assets, elects our leaders, and calls our pastor without direction from any other body. At the same time, we affirm that the church is much larger than our own congregation. Our ministry is strengthened and extended by our covenant partnership with the regional and international bodies of our tradition. Together, we share resources and hold each other accountable for our continuing work in Jesus' name. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 03:28:54 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=27 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=27&article_id=29 If you're reading this page, you already know the internet is a tremendous resource for information, communication, and entertainment. You may not know, however, that "cyberspace" is a great place to learn about and strengthen your practice of faith. On this page are some interesting cyberspaces for Christians to visit. First Christian Church does not necessarily endorse the content of any linked pages. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 03:28:53 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=28 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=28&article_id=20 Our softball team ended the 2005 season with a "perfect" record, unmarred by victory. We did have a lot of fun and enjoyed fellowship with teams from other churches in the Carpenter Center League. Come play with us next summer! Team "skipper" John Brehm Jr. (in floppy hat) rallies the team before our first game. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 03:28:53 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=22 The County of Scotts Bluff and City of Scottsbluff (yes, they're spelled differently) derive their names from a nearby geographic formation. We are located in the extreme Western portion of Nebraska, known as the "Panhandle". Denver is about 200 miles southwest, and the Black Hills are about 200 miles north. To learn more about our area and our community, we invite you to visit these sites: Thu, 29 Sep 2005 03:28:53 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=22 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=22&article_id=14 A genuine carillon is a musical instrument of many bells, played on a keyboard-like console. The instrument and housing often costs millions of dollars to build and maintain. The late Lawrence and Pauline Lemmons became enamored of the carillons they heard while touring Europe, and gifted First Christian Church with an electronic version when our current church building was constructed in 1955. As technology improved, the family revamped the carillon and endowed a fund for its maintenance. The latest version is a Chimemaster® computerized controller, which plays digital recordings of genuine carillons from all over the world. The instrument selects from a library of over 600 tunes, according to the time of the Christian year. Hear our Carillon Thu, 29 Sep 2005 03:28:53 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=12 What Christians today call "The Bible" came to us through many centuries, many translations, and more complicated processes than many Christians know. Faithful understanding of The Bible requires not only reading what it says, but also learning about where it came from and how it came to be in its present form. A good place to start online are resources from the American Bible Society. The non-denominational ABS has been around since 1816, providing and promoting faithful translation and understanding of the scriptures. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 03:28:53 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=20 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=20&article_id=11 In partnership with Cokesbury, our Virtual Bookstore allows you to order books and Christian materials 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Purchases through our virtual bookstore help support the ministries of First Christian Church. We thank you! Thu, 29 Sep 2005 03:28:53 MST http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15 http://www.fccscottsbluff.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15&article_id=6 Like most cities in the United States, our community has many congregations and church bodies who call themselves "Christian". This diversity shows us that there is no universal agreement on Christian belief and practice. At First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), we believe that faith is not limited to or defined by a set of creeds, dogma, or confessions. Instead, faith is a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and is lived out in community with each other. We don't pretend to have all the answers. Instead, we are a community of believers constantly exploring and practicing our faith together. We have found through painful experience that labels like "conservative" and "liberal" do more to divide than to bring people together. So we start with a simple confession of faith that few Christians would dispute: "I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and I accept him as my Savior". From there, we trust in God and the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide each of us to authentic faith through study of the Bible, examination of church traditions, the witness of individual Christians over the centuries, and our own experiences. If you are a spiritual seeker, a skeptic, a sinner, or a saint, you will find company among in the community of First Christian Church. Come be with us! Thu, 29 Sep 2005 03:28:53 MST