Dear Church,

Just yesterday I heard that a pastor I admire greatly, Francis Chan, had decided to step down as pastor of his church. His reason . . . Well, read this little excerpt.

Chan made clear that his decision to depart wasn't prompted by immorality, discipline or disputes within the church. Rather, he has long felt a restlessness and stirring to let go of the church he founded 16 years ago to "do something different." "I'm excited about it," Chan told members and visitors at Cornerstone Church. "I'm sad about it. At moments, I'm afraid of it." Though a difficult decision, the teaching pastor said he trusts God and is willing to forsake everything for Him. The elders at Cornerstone and Chan's family have affirmed his decision. Chan, author of Crazy Love, has been wrestling with the calling for a couple of years and more so in the last couple of months, he said in an interview with Catalyst. "I started to just feel too much like this earth was my home in some ways – you know you just get your roots in and get comfortable. And then I started feeling this call and there's all sorts of fears," he said.

I admire Pastor Chan’s courage but even more I admire his willingness to go where God would have him go. In our new Sunday School class (Experiencing God) we see how God simply asks us at times to go, he doesn’t give details or specific instructions, but tells us to go. Abram did, he loaded up his family and his possessions and left his homeland. He did not know where he was going or how long it would take, but he simply followed God.

As we move forward, there may be places you go where you had no intention of going. You may be asked to embrace changes that make you feel uncomfortable or you may be asked to serve where you thought you had no gifts. Let me just remind you to be sure to hear the voice of God, and then respond to Him. It is so easy to dismiss opportunities before we hear from God.
Blessings on your Journey,

Jay

Sunday, April 25, 2010
SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9:30 a.m.
WORSHIP: 10:40 a.m.
ATTENDANCE
Sunday School: 47 Worship: 110

OFFERING: $2,774.51

VISITORS:
Mark and Janet Eldridge, Mike Townley, Ann Foust, John Cole, Irmgard Street,
Brian and Stephanie Nixon, George and Carol Baumgarden,
Herbert, Bobbie and Lana Greenup

Dan Atkeson family, Jack Braden, Ernie Hurdle, Lynn Garrelts family, Tom VonFeldt, Beulah Rees, Kirby and Pat Barnes, Neva Middleton, George Hatcher, Ed Carr,
Shirlene Crain, Michael Galvan family, Janet Goldwater, Mary Jane Bell, Shannon Lisk, Annette Beal, Anetta Kay Webster, Mary Ellen Shockey, Eric Daly, Dick Eastman, Pierce Noah, Roy Whitney, Mary Ann Morgan, Paul Smeltzer, Matthew Proctor, Walt and Joeann Strawder, David Dalrymple, Beaulah Eastman, Don and Darrell Fletcher, Vanessa West and family, Sandy Chambers, Charlene Braden, John Walker, Melvin DuBois, Cookie Martin, Bob Silvester

Sandy Chambers, sister of Kathy Clubb had surgery Monday, April 26.

Charlene Braden had hip surgery Wednesday, April 25 at Shawnee Mission, Kansas. She was scheduled to be released Sunday, April 25. Her address is Charlene Braden, 24385 Irving Road, Humboldt KS 66748. I’m sure she would enjoy cards.

Prayers for Melvin DuBois, father of Margo Walker and John Walker son of David Walker.

Normada “Cookie” Martin is in Via Christi St Joseph Hospital. Her organs are shutting down; doctors say she has 1-6 months. Johnna Hall

Bob Silvester lost his wife Jennifer in childbirth. This is the second wife he lost during childbirth. He is bringing home their new daughter to join two older brothers. (Three children under five years of age) Bob is a Dr. in the Air Force in San Antonio, TX. Jeanette Eastman-Falley

Irmgard Street is about to go through her fourth back surgery.

Nick Newsom (Marine) received his orders to report for service.

Eric and Allison Cole are trying to conceive a child.

Johnna Hall had a great trip to Las Vegas to visit Erin. DeAsia and DeLicia had a great time with the Shetlers. Johnna Hall

Zac Hall will graduate from WSU next month. Johnna Hall

My mother and sister are here for a visit from Ohio. Marsha Devan

Had a wonderful visit with my brother in Florida! Marsha Devan

Aaron and April are back safe in England after being stranded in travel by the Iceland volcano eruption. Marsha Devan

Cody Noble came forward Sunday to profess his faith and place his membership with First Christian Church. He will be baptized Sunday, May 2, 2010. Cody is the great grandson of Walt and Joeann Strawder.

Sunday, April 25, 2010 family and friends witnessed the baptism of Jacob Walker, Joshua Walker, Travis Cooley, Sarah Greenup and Connie Tucker. If you haven’t met these people, please introduce yourself and let them know how pleased we are to welcome them to our family at First Christian.

Don’t forget to let the office know if you have family members graduating.

Our final sign up date is Sunday, May 2nd before and after Sunday School and Church. There are a few times left but they are limited. Call the office to reserve a time. Remember! You will receive a FREE 8x10 picture plus a church directory. You are NOT obligated to buy anything. If you are pressured to do so, please let Jay, Dee or any committee member know.

If you have questions ask a committee member or call the office. Committee members are Pat Falley, Jennifer Lespagnard-Breese, Marlaine Holmes, Merrill Deck and Christy Lewis.

PHOTOGRAPHY REGISTRATION DATES
Sunday, May 2

PHOTOGRAPHY DATES
FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2010
SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2010

The Haysville Heat Semi-Pro baseball team is looking for host families for seven young men. These are college men in Haysville for the summer to play baseball. They all have had background checks and the average is 21. They will be in Haysville from approximately May 27, to August 14, 2010. If you are interested in becoming a host family call Dick Twyman at 239-1721 or 259-9365.

Saturday, May 1 7:30 a.m.

Call the office if you haven’t signed up and Dee will add your name to the list. We will need a count as soon as possible so we will know how many to prepare for. All men are invited!

Thursday, April 29
6:00 p.m.
Hog Wild
622 E 47th Street, Wichita, KS

Reservations aren’t necessary just come and join us for a fun evening.

Spring Tea
Ladies! This is a reminder that the Spring Tea is this coming Saturday, May 1, at 1:00 p.m. at the church. Dartha Lewis is our guest speaker and Janet Eldridge will be bringing the music.

If you would like to attend, please sign the sheet of paper on the table at the back of the sanctuary. Please indicate the number of family and/or guests that will be coming with you.

Remember! All women and young girls in the church are invited to come.

Ladies! Join us for an evening of fun and fellowship this coming Friday, April 30 for our monthly UFO (unfinished objects) craft night. Even if you don’t have a craft, just come for awhile to sit and talk. We always meet in the Cornerstone classroom from 7:00p.m. to12:00. Bring a snack to share. See you then! P.S. You don’t have to stay until 12:00.