Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God.
Psalm 100: 1-3a NIV

 

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Edgwood Lutheran Hosts Annual Community Thanksgiving Service Tonight

Nov. 21--The Out-the-Pike Thanksgiving Service will be held this evening, Wednesday, October 21 at 7 p.m. at Edgwood Evangelical Lutheran Church. Rabbi Beth Jacowitz Chottiner will be preaching. Edgwood�s Bell Choir and singers from the Temple will highlight the service. Monetary offerings will go to Laughlin Chapel with food donations to House of Carpenter.  Rev. William Flewelling, a member of First Christian, will represent the congregation of the big round window in Rev. Sebastian's absence.

Forty Days of Prayer for Children Begins

Sept. 5--Sunday begins a period of 40 Days of Prayer for Children leading up to the National Observance of Children's Sabbath.  This year's theme is "My Boat is So Small:  Creating a Safe Harbor of Hope and Health Care for ALL Children." 

 

The focus of First Christian's service for the week of September 9 is "A Safe Harbor for Children in Natural Disaster."  A devotional prayer book for the 40 days of prayer will be available September 9 at the church. 

 

Only Three More Vespers Services Left

July 17--Be sure to invite a friend and take part in our mid-week outdoor vesper services this summer. We only have three services left to the season. (Remember, if it is oppressively hot or raining, we meet inside.) Services are at 7 p.m. and last about 45 minutes. Offerings go to local missions. Refreshments are served afterwards. It is a holy and relaxed worship atmosphere.

Tues. July 24 Taize Service led by Rev. Phil Van Dam of St. John�s Lutheran Church, Martin�s Ferry

Tues. Aug. 7 Bethlehem Apostolic Church

Tues. Aug. 14 FCC Youth Orchestra

 

For more information call 242-1520 or 242-3290. Rides are available by calling 242-1520. 

 

Pastor's Sermon Series on the Six Marks of

Discipleship Begins with Daily Prayer

May 24--Rev. Maggie Sebastian began her sermon series on the Six Marks of Discipleship last Sunday with Do Your Hear My Sighing?   The Six Marks have been guiding congregational life at First Christian for the last
year and a half.  This week Rev. Sebastian sermon will focus on the second mark, worship weekly as she preaches "Trembling Worship".  Click here for a printed copy of last week's sermon.	Rev. Sebastian delivers her sermon from "New Jerusalem" on May 13th.  Not all of Pastor Sebastian's sermons are delivered in jeans but most are delivered in the oral style outside of the pulpit.

 

New Communion Table Consecrated During Easter Service Yesterday

April 9--A new oval communion table, one without corners that exclude anyone, was consecrated during Easter morning worship yesterday.  John Cole and David Kappel were inspired by a sermon by Rev. Maggie Sebastian in which she talked about the symbolism of a round Lord's Table and began to design and plan for this new table.  The new communion table was created by  Albert Postlewait, Tom Ream, Nick Sebastian, Ed Wharton, Jim Wharton, and David Kappel.

 

The old table is being given to the Crockett State Boys' School in Crockett, Texas. The Rev. Shane Mize, Disciples of Christ chaplain at the boys' school responded to First Christian's offer of the table to some group who was in need of a communion table.

 

Communion Table To Be Consecrated Easter

At the time of communion during Easter morning worship, the congregation will consecrate a new communion table designed and crafted by several men of the congregation.  The new communion table will be oval and  will include changeable etched and stained glass inserts below the tabletop that will represent each season of the liturgical year. A model of the communion table is shown on the left.

 

New Communion Table Approved

Oct. 24--At the October Board meeting, the Worship Committee proposed and the Board approved the building of a new communion table "without corners." The round communion table was inspired by a sermon in which Rev. Sebastian talked about a round communion table in which all are welcome. The new communion table which will include changeable stained glass inserts below the tabletop.  Each stained glass will represent a season of the liturgical year. The new table is expected to be completed and used for the first time on Easter 2007.  The current communion table will be donated to a church in need of a table, perhaps one that lost their table during last year's hurricanes.

 

Ethan & Anna Dedicated

Jan. 12--Two infants were dedicated during worship yesterday morning. Ethan's mother and father and Anna's mother, father, sister, and brothers came forward to commit to raising the infants' in God's church. The community of First Christian committed to supporting the families in raising their infants as well as directly helping both Ethan and Anna to grow in their faith. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) practice "believers baptism" which means that when children or adults are ready to make a conscious decision to follow Christ, they come forward, make a commitment of faith, and then are baptized.  Infants and young children are typically dedicated to God publicly within the community. 

 

Click here to view more pictures of the dedications yesterday.

Click here to learn more about Disciples' beliefs and practices of baptism and baby dedication.

 

Longest Night Service Recognizes Bittersweet & Sad Feelings

Nov. 28--First Christian will be offering a �Longest Night� service on December 21 at 7:00 p.m.

 

�What is the Longest Night service? For many of us, Christmas is a bittersweet time of year. It is a time for remembering both persons and events that have been a part of our lives in the past, but that are now changed or gone. December 21 is the longest night of the year. On that date, we offer a quiet, meditative worship service that makes time for remembering, time for sharing our hurting places with God, and time for preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ.�

 

The Elders of First Christian Church will be leading this service that will include communion and an alternate form of advent candle-lighting. Click here to read about ways to deal with the sad feelings that many experience during the Advent and Christmas seasons.

 

Holiday Concert Tuesday Evening

Dec. 17--Dave Parsons will be leading a free Christmas concert and program on December 19 at 7:00 p.m. at First Christian. He will use stories, songs and testimony, to bring the stories of Christmas from everyday people to life. There will also be a visit from �Harold� the angel who tells his version of the Christmas story as an eye-witness.
Please join Dave as he shares his gifts with us and the community for this event.

 

Quilt Panel for Dan Dunable Presented at AIDS Day Service

Dec. 2--A quilt panel was presented in memory of Dan Dunable at the AIDS Day service last evening. 

• Click here to read the story in the local newspaper.

• Click here to view photos of the AIDS Day Service

First Christian Hosts AIDS Service for Third Year; Will Present Panel for Dan Dunable

Nov. 28--As First Christian Church hosts the World AIDS Day Service this week for the third year, the pain of AIDS hits close to home. At the service sponsored by the AIDS Task Force of the Upper Ohio Valley, the First Christian community will be presenting a quilt panel in memory of our own Dan Dunable.

 

Youth from the Wheeling Park High School�s HOPE group, including Hannah Scott, will  participate and share with the community what they have learned about AIDS.  The students will also present new panels for the NAMES quilt.

 

 Lee Cunningham will provide keyboard accompaniment and David Alfred will be the soloist. Two panels of the quilt are hanging in the sanctuary and will remain until  December 1. The service is at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 1.

 

Advent Begins Sunday, Dec. 3

Nov. 28--Advent services will begin December 3 at First Christian. Instead of our traditional Hanging of the Greens Service, some of the sanctuary will be prepared for the season prior to our worship on December 3. Then as we Watch and Wait for the Coming of the Christ Child, we will add something new each week to the sanctuary. The themes this year for our Advent Candle Lighting will be Awake! Wait! Watch!; Prepare the Way!; Proclaim Christ�s Coming!; and Rejoice and Believe! Christmas Eve evening�s service will have the candle lighting theme of Let Us Go Over to Bethlehem.

Bonnie Thurston will be leading our services on Christmas Eve morning and evening. The evening service will be a traditional service of candlelight communion with hymns and brief meditation.

 

First Christian Hosts Community World AIDS Day Service

Nov. 21--First Christian Church will once again be hosting the World AIDS Day Service on Friday, December 1 at 7:30 p.m. sponsored by the AIDS Task Force of the Upper Ohio Valley. Lee Cunningham will be providing keyboard accompaniment and David Alfred will be the soloist. We will have two panels of the quilt hanging in the sanctuary beginning on November 22 through December 1.

The youth from the Wheeling Park High School�s HOPE group will be participating. In addition to the young people (including Hannah Scott) sharing with us what they have learned about AIDS and the NAMES quilt panels that they have made, First Christian Church will be presenting a quilt panel made in memory of Dan Dunable. You will not want to miss this special service.

 

Special Healing Service Sunday

Nov. 21--There are always times in our lives where we need to ask for the healing presence of God to descend upon us. Times of grief, times of uncertainty, times of broken relationships, times of stress, times of illness. Our morning worship on November 26 will be a special service of healing. Instead of a sermon, there will be a special time of prayer for healing leading us to the ultimate place of healing�the Table. If there is anyone you know who needs God�s presence in their lives, please invite them to this special service.

 

Vance Presbyterian Hosts Community Thanksgiving Service

Nov. 21--The Out the Pike Community Thanksgiving Service is Wednesday, November 22 at 7:00 p.m. at Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church. There will be an ecumenical choir and participation by many of the �Out the Pike� houses of worship including Christ United Methodist, Edgwood Lutheran, Temple Shalom, First Christian, Covenant Community, and Vance Presbyterian.

Everyone is asked to bring a canned good for Catholic Neighborhood Services 18th St. Mission. The monetary offering for the night will go to the Greater Wheeling Soup Kitchen.

Seven Baptized and Two Choose to Reaffirm Their Infant Baptisms

Oct. 23--Six young people and one adult were baptized during worship yesterday.  Two adults who were baptized as infants also chose to reaffirm their baptisms as well. Disciples practice "believer's baptism" yet accept the validity of the baptisms of other traditions. Baptisms are typically by immersion.  (Special thanks to Dave Parsons for the photos and videos of the baptisms.)

• Click here for more information on Disciples' beliefs about baptisms.

• Click here to see videos of the baptisms.

• Click here to see photos of the baptisms.

Five Make Confessions of Faith;

Prepare To Be Baptized Sunday

Oct. 16--Five young people made their confessions of faith yesterday morning.  This Sunday, October 22 they will be baptized during morning worship.  They have been participating in a class with the pastor since July. In the class, they have explored their faith journeys through Walter Scott's Five Finger Exercise. Scott's Five Finger Exercise: "Beginning with his thumb, he stated that the gospel begins with faith. Second, he would use the pointing finger saying we must repent and turn away from our sins. The middle finger represents the act of Christian baptism. The fourth finger or ring finger stands for the forgiveness God gives to us, so that our sins are not held against us. The final small finger is a reminder of the gifts of the Holy Spirit � God�s living presence among us today." Source: http://www.fcc-bhm.org/default2.asp?id=2

 

Church Service Blesses Alligator, Hermit Crab, Owl, Dogs, Cats, & All of God's Creatures

Oct. 5--Despite a major rainstorm a hardy group of animals and humans gathered to bless our animal friends at Edgwood Lutheran Church yesterday.  A child brought his hermit crab, Oglebay Park brought an alligator, possum, and owl.  Several dogs and cats and a goldfish were also blessed by Rev. Beth Welsch of Edgwood and Rev. Sebastian.  The service celebrated the commemoration of St. Francis of Assisi.    Click here to view pictures of the animal blessing.

 

FCC Participates in the National Observance of the Children's Sabbath

From September 10 through October 19 we will be participating in 40 Days of Prayer for Children leading up to the National Observance of Children�s Sabbath. The theme this year is: Congregations Stand for Healthy Children�Bringing Hope and Healing. First Christian Church will have the following emphases each week:

Sept. 10 Children and Preventable Disease
Sept. 17 Children with Chronic or Terminal Illness
Sept. 24 Children with Mental Illness
Oct. 1 Children and Abuse
Oct. 8 Children with Spiritual Illness
Oct. 15 Healthy, Happy, Children
 

As you have already observed during service, we have a symbol to help focus on our attention on the weekly emphasis placed around the candle that is lit each week. Last week, we had a ring of ribbons symbolizing the many chronic and terminal illnesses which afflict children. We blessed health care workers in our congregation who help to combat those diseases.
In celebration of the National Observance on October 22, we will be baptizing the children in our Faith Formation Class as well as some adults. The care of children and their families is one of our four mission areas. Disciples care for children. First Christian cares for children. Join us for these special worship services.

 

Youth Orchestra Leads Vespers

August 21--The First Christian Church Youth Orchestra led the Vespers service last evening.  "The youth are not the future of the church," commented Rev. Maggie Sebastian, "they are the church today.  This is one of their ministries to us and the Wheeling community."

 

Vespers, an informal, short service  is a joint ministry of Edgwood Lutheran and First Christian Churches. Services begin at 7 p.m. each Sunday during the summer months at the Outdoor Amphitheater at First Christian Church. The First Christian Church Praise Team will lead the final Vespers service of the season next Sunday, August 27. 

 

Vacation Bible School Kids Sing at Ecumenical Vespers

August 7--The children from Vacation Bible School sang at the Vespers program last evening.  Over 100 people, finished communion before running to the Fellowship Hall to avoid the rain.  The service was finished indoors followed by refreshments.

 

Vacation Bible School is an ecumenical event sponsored by Edgwood Lutheran, Christ United Methodist, and First Christian. Vespers, an informal, short service  is a joint ministry of Edgwood Lutheran and First Christian Churches. Services begin at 7 p.m. each Sunday at the Outdoor Amphitheater at First Christian Church.

 

Young Lions Drum at Vespers

July 17--Forty-five members and friends of Edgwood Lutheran and First Christian gathered last evening for the Vespers series.  The Young Lions, a drum corp for boys from Laughlin Chapel in Wheeling, provided the music.  Due to the heat, the outdoor service was moved indoors. Offering was donated to the ministry of Laughlin Chapel.   This informal, short service  is a joint ministry of Edgwood Lutheran and First Christian Churches. Services begin at 7 p.m. each Sunday at the Outdoor Amphitheater at First Christian Church. Click here to watch a video of the Young Lions at the Vespers service. (23.2MB)

 

Summer Vespers Series Continues

July 10--Members and friends of Edgwood Lutheran and First Christian gathered for a moving Taize worship service at the Outdoor Amphitheater last evening. Offering was donated to Faith in Action. The youth from Laughlin Chapel will provide the music for the Vespers service on July 16.  This informal, short service is a joint ministry of Edgwood Lutheran and First Christian Churches.  Click here to see pictures of the Vespers series from last summer.

 

Lutherans & Disciples Gather for First of Season Vespers Service

June 20--The first in the summer series of Sunday evening outdoor vespers services  cooperatively sponsored by Edgwood Lutheran Church and First Christian drew  approximately 35 on Fathers Day. 

 

First Christian launched their first Community Outdoor Vesper Services last year.  This year, First Christian is  partnering with the Edgwood Evangelical Lutheran Church to once again be holding these services in the outdoor theater at First Christian.  The services follow the same format as last year with various Christian groups in the valley invited to share the word in music.  Each "guest" church designates a local mission to receive the evening's offering . Last summer nearly $1,000 was raised for local organizations.  The services are relaxed and informal. Each service includes the offering for missions as well as communion.  Refreshments are served afterwards.  In case of inclement weather, the services are held in the sanctuary of First Christian.

Schedule
Following is the tentative schedule for the summer:
June 18 Edgwood Lutheran Church
June 25 Old Fashioned Hymn Sing
July 2 No service
July 9 TBA
July 16 Laughlin Chapel Youth
July 23 FCC Praise Team
July 30 First Presbyterian Church
Aug. 6 Students from Vacation Bible School (Christ United Methodist, Edgwood Lutheran, and First Christian)
Aug. 13 TBA
Aug. 20 FCC Youth Orchestra

 

Liturgy Workshop Inspirational

May 7--The Authentic Worship: Developing Vital Liturgy led by Darrell and Joy Faires of Shalom Ministries inspired those present with pragmatic ideas.  Darrell Faires, who conducted the workshop, is the author of First Christian's Lenten Liturgy, From Ashes to Easter. 

 

Worship & Music Workshop Is May 6

It is not too late to register for Authentic Worship: Developing Vital Liturgy in the Local Congregation.

 

This workshop is sponsored by the Worship Committee and is open to all members of First Christian Church and the community. Darrell Faires, who is conducting the workshop, is the author of our Lenten Liturgy, From Ashes to Easter.  Call the church at 304-242-1520 or e-mail Maggie at maggie@revmother.org to register.

 

What are they doing in the Big Round Window?

Ashes to Easter

Feb. 27--We welcome everyone to join First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Wheeling for Our Lenten Journey � Ashes to Easter. Ashes to Easter is a liturgy for the season written by Rev. Darrell Faires, a long-time Disciples minister, musician, and composer.

Each day of liturgy takes us from our Human Condition to the Gospel Affirmation and Our Response. The Outline of Ashes to Easter is as follows:

 

Ash Wednesday

From Fear to Forgiveness
 

First Sunday

From Darkness to Light
 

Second Sunday

From Doubt to Faith
 

Third Sunday

From No People to New People
 

Fourth Sunday

From Law to Grace
 

Fifth Sunday

From Winter to Spring
 

Sixth Sunday

From Empty praise to True Commitment (or) From Lip Service to Life Service

Maundy Thursday

From Remembering to Re-membering

Good Friday

From Denial to Discipleship (or) Easter People in a Good Friday World
 

Easter

Remembering Our Lenten Journey

In addition, each special day of Lent will be represented by symbols brought forth during the worship. An installation of fabric, each piece representing a theme, may be seen unfolding in the Big Round Window each week. Don�t miss watching it as Our Lenten Journey progresses.

 

Worship Workshop Postponed

Dec. 28--The Authentic Worship: Developing Vital Liturgy in the Local Congregation workshop has been postponed until May 6, 2006. Joy and Darrell Faires have planned a fabulous workshop and have put many hours into the preparation. We will look forward to their visit, their instruction, and their fellowship in May.  For more information send an e-mail to maggie@revmother.org or call 304-242-1520.

 

AIDS Day Service Draws Nearly 75

Dec. 6--The World AIDS Day Service was held at First Christian Church for the second year.  Nearly seventy-five

individuals from the Ohio Valley gathered for worship, healing, and prayer. Two blocks of the AIDS Memorial Quilt hung at the front of the sanctuary.  Students from Wheeling Park High School presented quilt panels they had made as remembrance to individuals who have died of AIDS.  Click here to view photographs of the AIDS Day Service and the quilt panels presented by the students.

 

Youth Inspire as They Lead Congregation in Worship on Youth Sunday

Oct. 31--The junior high and senior high youth led worship yesterday. Through their creative use of visual images, song, word, and action they shared their understanding of prayer and its power in their lives. Rev. Sebastian reports, "I felt the Spirit whirling around me and carrying me closer to God."   Click here for more information about the youth of First Christian Church.

 

As benediction to the prayer service, participants came forward, lit a small candle from the large candle, and placed the small candle in the sand as they spoke a prayer.  Some prayed for families, some prayed for a son being deployed, and some prayed simply for world peace.

Remembering Those Hurt by War at Prayer Service Oct. 28--A small group gathered for a prayer service this evening to mark the passing of the 2000th American soldier in Iraq.   This thirty minute contemplative prayer service was part of Remembrance Weekend sponsored by FaithfulAmerica.org and supported by the National Council of Churches.  Houses of worship from all faith traditions are praying this weekend for the families of those lost, for those wounded, for those serving, for the uncertain number of Iraqi non-combatants lost, and for peace.

 

Pray for Peace & for Those at War

The worship committee is asking people to participate in a moment of prayer each day at noon. This 60 seconds is to be set aside � no matter where you are, what you are doing, who you are with � to pray for the world. Click here for sample prayers and more information.

 

Youth Sunday This Week

Oct.25--The youth of First Christian Church will be leading worship on October 30. They have been practicing extremely

hard to share special music, reflective prayer, and a thoughtful message.  Everyone will want to be sure to be present to support the youth's ministry. Guests are encouraged. Click here for more information about the youth.

 

National Children's Sabbath is October 16

August 24-Every child is a child of God and deserving of justice and compassion. That's the message proclaimed each third weekend of October during the National Observance of Children's Sabbaths services.

Endorsed by more than 200 denominations and religious organizations, the National Observance of Children's Sabbaths weekend unites tens of thousands of religious congregations of many faiths in speaking out and acting faithfully for children and families.
 

First Christian will celebrate this year by again participating in the Light a Candle for Children prayer vigil September 4-October 14. In addition, First Christian will again team with Christ United Methodist Church in hosting a Children�s Street Fair featuring social service agencies and houses of worship that minister to children. Stay tuned for details.
 

 

"We Love To Tell Stories" in Park

August 18-The Hopeful City Clergy Caucus sponsored telling of Bible Stories in Wheeling Park concluded last evening.  Rev. Sebastian took on the persona of Ezekiel during her story on Monday evening and the Rev. Bill Allen, Regional Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in West Virginia offered the opening prayer Wednesday evening. Each evening began with music 6:45 followed by stories and prayers and concluding shortly before 8 p.m.. 

 

Favorite Hymn Survey
August 14-The worship committee would like to know your favorite hymn as we plan worship. We encourage your to fill out the form below, listing your name, the name of the hymn, and why it is your favorite hymn. Then each week, one of these hymns will be selected for inclusion in the worship. We will also print your name and your testimony as to why this hymn has meaning for you. We thank you in advance for your willingness to share a part of your faith story. Click here to tell us your favorite hymn.

 

Pray Daily for Peace & for Those at War

The worship committee is asking people to participate in a moment of prayer each day at noon. This 60 seconds is to be set aside � no matter where you are, what you are doing, who you are with � to pray for the world. Click here for sample prayers and more information.

 

Worship Links

Transforming Worship

Worship Connection

Rev. Sebastian tells the Bible Story of the "dry bones" at the Hopeful City event Monday evening.