Welcome Guests!

Welcome Guests!

Please see page two for important information about today’s service and how to get the most out of your visit with us.

4801 FRANKLIN AVENUE

DES MOINES, IOWA 50310

515.255.2122

WWW.FIRSTFEDERATED.ORG

We Are Blessed!

Thanksgiving Outreach! Although we want to extend an invitation for Thanksgiving

In 1897, Johnson Oatman Jr. wrote a song that found its way into our hearts and hymn books. “Count Your Many Blessings” is a song that acknowledges the difficulties of life but encourages us to remember the many blessings of God. The point of the song is to help us see that when we take the time to recount all the good that God has given us, we will be encouraged despite the hardships we may face. That is the spirit of Thanksgiving Day. The first Thanksgiving was surrounded by many trials and hardships. At least half of the pilgrims who came on the Mayflower died that first year. Many more would have died if the Native Americans had not helped them learn how to grow and harvest their crops. After their harvest, the pilgrims gathered with their Indian neighbors to recount God’s many blessings on their lives. Today, we are gathering to acknowledge God’s many blessings to us over this past year. Like you, my life is at times difficult, but when I look beyond my difficulties to how gracious God has been to me, my heart is encouraged and my faith strengthened. As we celebrate God’s goodness today, we will look at three aspects of His blessings upon us: God’s general blessings that flow to all, His blessings that come from obedience to His laws and commands and, finally, His blessings reserved for those who love and follow His Son, Jesus Christ. My hope is that today’s service helps you remember God’s rich blessings on you and your family. We all have trouble, that’s for sure, but despite life’s challenges God is good and He is with us each day, providing, strengthening, protecting… in one word, blessing. May God bless you this Thanksgiving season.

dinner to our international students, refugees and those who visit our Clothes Closet and Food Pantry, we certainly don’t want any of our members or regular attendees to spend Thanksgiving alone. This is your chance to share a meal with others and, if you’d like, host a table and extend a Federated welcome to our visitors. If you don’t feel comfortable hosting a table, come anyhow—we want you to be able to have your FFC family around you at Thanksgiving. Sign up on the Care & Communication Card if you’re planning on coming for dinner between 4 and 6pm and if you’d like to be a host or hostess.

By Mike Rose, Senior Pastor

600…and more! Mary Tesser, Project Coordinator

Volume 11

Number 24

First Federated Church

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Praise the Lord! As of press time, our shoe box count is just over 600 and more continue to trickle in. We’ll report our final count next Sunday. Thank you to everyone who packed a shoe box or donated funds for Operation Christmas Child. A very special thanks to our expert wrapper, Larry Jones, and his wife Nancy for once again pre-wrapping well over 500 boxes for us and for assisting at the OCC tables on Sunday mornings. We are excited to send our gifts on the next leg of their journey to needy boys and girls around the world. Please continue to pray for the boxes and for the children who will receive them. Pray that hearts will be open to the Good News of Jesus Christ. Pray also for Samaritan’s Purse and the logistics of this huge project. We love shoe boxes! Sunday, November 22, 2009

WELCOME TO FIRST FEDERATED CHURCH!

Thank you for choosing to worship with us this morning!

Celebration Guest Reception

Have Questions? If you have any questions, simply ask someone wearing a name tag with “Here to Help” on it or visit the Welcome Center in the foyer.

Welcome Center

Guest Reception

North Parking Lot

If you are visiting with us for the first time or have just recently started attending First Federated Church, we cordially invite you to a reception immediately following the service (see map for locations). We would love to have the opportunity to meet you, get to know you better, and answer any questions you may have.

Resource Center

115 119 WEST GYM

117 EAST GYM

A

If you have never completed a Care and Communication Card, please take a moment to do so. This allows us, as a church family, to better know your needs and how we can serve you. The Care and Communication Card is located inside this newspaper. Just fill out the card completely and leave at the end of your pew, give to an usher, or hand it in at the Guest Reception. Thank you for taking the time to visit First Federated Church. If you are not presently a member of a Bible teaching church, we invite you to join our church family.

B

114

AUDITORIUM

Fill Out the Care & Communication Card

111C 1116

PARISH NURSE➤

The River Guest Reception

111B

1164

1117

1118

1165

111A 109 R

KZ Church

If You Have Children, Visit the Children’s Ministry Registration Station

DOCK SW Entrance South Entrance

A.E.D.

M W Women Restroom Men Restroom

Trust your children to the care of our dedicated, loving Children’s Ministry staff. Our children’s programs provide quality care and learning for kids of all ages. If your child has not already been enrolled in our Children’s Ministry, a quick visit to the Children’s Ministry Registration Station will provide you with temporary security tags and give us the information we need to effectively minister to your child.

South Parking Lot

Cellular Phones & Pagers Thank you for turning off or muting your cell phone, pager and other electronic devices during this morning’s worship service. Assistive Listening Devices (Auditorium Only) ALS devices are available for check-out at the Resource Center in the foyer. AED (Automated External Defibrillator)/First-aid Facilities for guests needing first aid, health counseling, and blood pressure checks are provided by our Parish Nurses located in the west hallway in Room 1117, Sundays, 10:30AM–Noon. Please contact an usher if you need immediate assistance. Lost and Found Lost items may be reported or claimed at the business office of the church during regular M-F office hours. Lost and found items are kept for 30 days. Safety First Federated Church regards your safety as our highest priority. If you have any concerns, please inform one of our ushers or staff. If a building emergency arises, directions will be provided over the public address system. Recordings of Today’s Message CD recordings of the morning message can be picked up immediately following the service at the Resource Center in the foyer for $3. You can also listen to the message for free at www.FirstFederated.org. Prayer Team Up Front If you would like to pray with someone today, please come to the front of the room following this morning’s service. Members of our church leadership stand ready to serve you.

Infants & Preschool Children Childcare and teaching are available during the 9:10 and 10:45 hour in the Nursery and Preschool Departments. Kindergarten–4th Grade During the 9:10 hour, K–4th graders gather in the gym and then go to graded classroom groups for Bible learning and fun. K–4th graders normally attend their own age-appropriate children’s church, called KZ Church, in room 152 at 10:45. Today, 11/22, they will stay with us in the service.

Xtreme AM (5th & 6th Grade)

Our preteens meet in their own Xtreme spot, Room 205, at 9:10 for a time of Xtreme learning, Xtreme prayer and Xtreme relationship-building.

Youth (Grade 7–12) & Adults

Groups for ADULTS normally begin at 9:10AM and 10:45AM. Stop by the Welcome Center (or see inside today’s newspaper) to find out about each of the groups and how to get there. Today, 11/22, all adult groups are meeting at the

9:10AM followed by a reception in the foyer at 11:15AM.

Our YOUTH (Grade 7–12) meet at 9:10AM in the Backdoor (148).

First Federated Church

Children’s Registration Station

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Sunday, November 22, 2009

PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER

The contents of this page have been removed to protect the privacy of those in our congregation. Printed copies of this page can be obtained at the church. Items found on this page include: Pray for Those Who Grieve Happy Birthday! (Birthdays are listed for Federated members & missionaries)

Pray for those with Physical Needs

(In the Hospital, Upcoming Surgery/Procedures, Partial List of the Ongoing Needs of Our Members & Regular Attenders)

Our Encouragement

Pray for Those Who Serve our Church

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21

First Federated Church

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Sunday, November 22, 2009

MISSION ONE

Reaching others for Jesus Christ

Jim & Ruth Finke

Jerry & Patty Van Cleave

Mission Board: Greater Europe Mission Location: Athens, Greece What do they do? Jim teaches at the Greek Bible College, inspiring, training and equipping servants of God, preparing them to assist in the building of the body of Christ in Greece and throughout the world. He is the Registrar, an academic advisor and coordinates the 4th year Greek studies program. Ruth leads a weekly English Bible study in Athens and helps with special needs at the Institute.

Mission Board: Polk County Jail Ministry Location: Iowa What do they do? Jerry is Chaplain at the Polk County Jail in Des Moines. There are approximately 1260+ inmates and 385 employees in the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The ministry is confronted daily with the struggles and burdens of those who are incarcerated. Jerry oversees the ministry and volunteers, serves among deputy sheriffs and detention officers. He’s responsible for fundraising from churches and individuals, and he videotapes Sunday service messages.

Praises:

Praises:

• For a pastor for their local church which has been without one for about 5 years. • Their apartment and possessions were spared from a fire in the area. • For a temporary permit to operate the Greek Bible College for the next semester; then later a 3 year permit.

• For new volunteers to assist and expand the ministry. • Inmate attendance continues to grow for Bible studies.

Prayer Requests: • For winter coats and shoes. • Continued need for paperback Christian Hispanic reading materials. • Safety for deputies and detention officers in the jail; deputies out on patrol. • The safe return of some deputies and detention officers on duty in Iraq. • For God to break down barriers and pride that keep people from responding to the Gospel.

Prayer Requests: • Due to recent national elections there was opposition to state recognition of private colleges. The minister of education has said that there would be a freeze on these permits. • Ask God to move in the minds and hearts of the authorities in Greece to ultimately grant them college status. • Pray for Ruth as teacher/facilitator this fall for the English Bible Class.

Alan & Helena, One Son Location: Asia What do they do? Having been expelled from their former area of ministry, they have now moved to a different country. They are part of a team made up of three couples and a single man. They are partnering with like-minded people in their aim to see small fellowships of Muslim background believers gathering and multiplying. Alan is working as an English language teacher. Helena (besides looking after their baby) helps with administration for the language center.

Prayer Requests: • For follow-up with several of their neighbors. • For the ability to build trust and to live their lives in such a way that it leads to opportunities to share God’s Word. • For discernment in spending time with those who welcome them not only as their friends, but also welcome their message. • For some local believers who recently started a study of God’s Word with some very influential leaders. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead and that some will be receptive. First Federated Church

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Sunday, November 22, 2009

CONNECT PEOPLE Sunday Mornings

HUB Bible Studies

Adult Bible Fellowship (ABFs)

Young adult singles ages 18–26 Study of Romans Thursday Morning | 11AM | HUB Room 244 Thursday Evening | 7PM | HUB Room 244 HUB Women’s Bible Study Fridays | 6:30PM | HUB Room 244

Once you’ve joined us in worship, our Adult Bible Fellowships are a great next step to connect with others and grow in your faith. We have a variety of opportunities available that include:

Sundays l 8:00–9:00AM

Women (all ages) | Room 208 Men (all ages) | Room 210

New Men’s Group: “Job’s Garage”

Sundays | 9:10–10:25AM

Sunday | 9:10AM | Room 131 (Library)

The HUB (ages 18-26) | Room 244 The Channel/Connections (ages 25–35) | Room 1254–55 Homebuilders (all ages) | Room 1250–1251 Prayer (all ages) | Room 100 Job’s Garage (all ages, men) | Room 131 (Library)

Where guys hang out. Questions? Brian at 208.0412.

Sundays | 10:45AM–Noon

Cornerstone (born in the 1950s) | Room 1240–1241 Galilean (born in the 1930s) | Room 1244–1247 Immanuel (born in the 1930s) | Room 1105 Friendly Fellowship (born in the 1920s) | Room 120 Ezra (all ages) | Room 1118 Homebuilders (all ages) | Room 1250–1251 Prayer (all ages) | Room 100 Analysis of Prophecy (all ages) | Room 1238–1239 Worship | Room 1116 Women (all ages) | Room 208

Tuesdays

Ladies: Women in the Word | Started Tuesday, Sept. 15 9:00–11:00AM | Rooms 100 and 131 (Library) MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Second & Fourth Tuesdays 9:00–11:00AM | Fellowship Hall November 24 | Speaker: Anne Cundiff December 8 | Speaker: Margaret Welder January 12 | Speaker: Mary Sigman Men’s Basketball November 17 | 6:30PM Celtics vs. Bulls | 8:00PM Lakers vs. Rockets

Wednesdays

For All—Prayer Community

Ongoing | 6:30–8:00PM | Room 1244–47 | Facilitator: Pastor Mike Rose Join us as we learn how to build BRIDGES to the Islamic community. Presented by Glenn and Carol Ginder, the series is titled “Bridges, Christians Connecting with Muslims.” Card Ministry | 1:00–4:00PM | Room 139

Fridays

Men’s Prayer Meeting | Friday Mornings | 6:45–7:30AM | Room 100

Deacon of the Month

WEEKLY NEWSPAPER

Larry Harker, 255.2122 ext 139

Our Deacons stand ready to help with the physical needs of the members and attenders of this fellowship. Should you have a short-term, emergency need, do not hesitate to call the church office and leave a message for the “Deacon of the Month.” This ministry is made possible by your gifts to the Deacons’ Fund.

Regular Submission Deadline: Tuesdays by noon We prefer that items be submitted electronically! E-Mail: [email protected] All submitted items are subject to submission guidelines and editorial review by the church staff. FFC reserves the right to edit submissions for length.

Deaconess of the Month

Disclaimer:

Cyndi Murphy | 277.2040

First Federated Church does not claim to own any copyright privileges on items printed in this newspaper, unless otherwise stated. All items published are quoted in good faith and believed to be free for circulation or public domain. First Federated Church

Our Deaconesses are available to the women of the church in areas of encouragement and spiritual support. If you need a listening ear and someone to pray with you, please call Cyndi.

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Sunday, November 22, 2009

NOTES Thanksgiving Celebration | Sunday, November 22, 2009 | 10:45AM Mike Rose, Senior Pastor Title: God’s Blessings

Hangtimes

Nov 22—No hangtime Nov 29—None, Turkey weekend Dec 6—SMT meeting Dec 13—Bears Vs. Packers—Lunch

7th–12th Grades

TODAY

No, no, no, no, no, no hangtime.

Dodgeball Recess! We will take a short break from dodgeball during the holiday season. Our last night of dodgeball was Monday, Nov. 16. We will resume Monday, Jan. 4. Keep your throwing arm warmed up in the meantime!

THIS WEEK Wednesday Nights

Wednesdays | 6:30–8:00PM | Backdoor

Sunday Mornings Sundays | 9:10–10:25AM | Backdoor

In December Heirborn Christmas Party

December 4 | 6PM

We will combine JH and SH ministries for an awesome night of fun and fellowship. Join us in the Backdoor at 6PM where we will have a pizza dinner and then decorate the Backdoor as we watch classic Christmas movies. Stay for our annual white elephant gag gift exchange! Bring your favorite Christmas goodies to share! (JH, SH) Annie December 11-27 | Des Moines PlayHouse The sun will come out…TOMORROW! Come see our very own Pastor Howie perform in the Broadway musical, ‘ANNIE’ at the Des Moines Playhouse. Check out www.dmplayhouse.com for ticket and performance information.

Senior Ski Trip December 28–January 1 Gather up your warm gear, pack your bags and let’s head to Wausau, WI for our annual Senior Ski Trip. Join Howie and Julie for a weekend of skiing, snowboarding and an amazing Bible study aimed to take your relationship with Jesus to the next level. We will leave at 6am on Dec. 28. If you are an adult and would like to scholarship a teen who would otherwise not be able to attend, please see Pastor Howie. Total Cost: $400 ($50 deposit due asap)

NEEDS Work Projects Hey Teens…it’s time to be thinking work projects for this summer’s mission trip! There are lots of leaves to rake and homes that need getting ready for winter! Projects are filling up quickly! See Nikki Jackson to get the ball rolling!

First Federated Church

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Sunday, November 22, 2009

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY NO KZ Church Today

Come Check Out...

Enjoy a special time of family worship together today. We’ll see all you K-4th graders back in KZ Church next Sunday.

Wee Worship—a great music program for moms and children. Wednesdays | 9:30–10:15am| Room 1163 followed by snacks and fellowship time.

NO AWANA clubs this week

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends.

(Ages birth to 4 years old). It’s a time to sing, dance and play instruments – together – for the glory of God! Have questions? Call Sherri Stufflebeem at 255.2122. It’s FREE!

Thanksgiving for Families

It’s not about the turkey, the pumpkin pie, Grandma’s house, football or even the long weekend vacation. Thanksgiving is just what the word says—thanks giving. How great is that? A non-commercialized holiday set aside for a gratitude attitude adjustment! Take some time this year to help your children (and you, too) recognize all the good things in your lives and then express or demonstrate gratitude. First, thank God for your blessings. Then, as a family, find ways you can share those blessings with others. It could be as small as a note of encouragement to someone who is ill or it might be sharing a meal with a family in need. Whatever you choose, make sure your gratitude attitude is growing and blooming big time this year!

Family Christmas Celebration Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 20! We’re planning a very special Family Christmas Celebration for that morning. Our preschool choir AND our KZ Choir (Kindergarten–6th grade) will be singing that morning!

Preschool choir rehearsals: Sunday mornings during the 10:45 hour. KZ Choir rehearsals: Sunday mornings 10:30ish–11:00 in KZ Church. Other Rehearsals: 1 or 2 additional rehearsals/sound checks in December—likely on a Saturday. AUDITIONS for solo parts: Wednesday, November 18, 5:30–6:00pmOR Sunday, November 22, 1–2pm. Please call Sherri to schedule a time to audition, 255.2122.

New Arrivals

Two new grandchildren have been added to our extended Federated family recently. Paul and Peg Olson are the proud grandparents of Moses Ted Noble who was born on November 14 in Vancouver. Moses is the fourth son of Jason and Polly Olson. He joins Caleb, Micah and Josiah in the busy Noble family. Vern and Thelma Shelton are the button-poppin’ grandparents of Bethany Nicole Gray. Bethany was born on November 16 to the Sheltons’ daughter Trisha and her husband Rob. The Grays make their home in Estes Park, Colorado. Welcome, precious little ones!

First Federated Church

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Sunday, November 22, 2009

UPCOMING EVENTS

OTHER NEWS

Wednesday Night Meal

Thank You

Fellowship Hall | 5-6:15PM Children (age 2-12) $2 | Adults $3 | Family $10 Make reservations on the Care & Communication Card or call the church office before noon on Mondays. Nov 25: Happy Thanksgiving--no meal

We want to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks for all the cards, visits, phone calls, and other acts of kindness shown to us in the last 7 months since Dean had his stroke. We especially appreciate the assistance of John Porter and Marabel Kersey for their help in getting us set up to bring Dean home and to be able to comfortably care for him. We also appreciate all of the many prayers on our behalf. I don’t know what we would do without our wonderful Federated family. A “big thank you” seems so inadequate for all you’ve done. Dean and Alice Hall

Hope@Work Upcoming Job Fair and Career Workshops

Saturday, December 5 | 9AM–Noon | No cost for attendees Elim Christian Fellowship Church, 525 East 9th Street, Des Moines (1/2 block north of Capitol Building)

For more information or questions please contact Jim Adams at 986.9842 or 556.4920, Brian Berry at 669.0419, or Craig Morkert at 333.9469.

Happy 100th Birthday!

Audrey Penn, a long-time member of First Federated Church, turns 100 years old on December 8, 2009! How awesome! We would like to help her celebrate with a “card shower” from her friends at Federated! If you would like to send Audrey a card, here is her address: Audrey Penn Fountain West Care Center 1499 Office Park Rd. Heritage Court - Room 130 W. Des Moines, IA 50265

Ladies Christmas Tea | Spirit of Christmas Tuesday, December 8 | 6:30–8:30PM | Fellowship Hall

Cost: $15—Includes meal, program, music, fun and fellowship Speakers: Brooke Bouma Kohlsdorf (WHO Personality), Eloise Gardner and Sharon Johnson. Limited tickets available through Lois Grove 254-1141. If you don’t get a ticket for the Tea, you’re still welcome to attend the program in Franklin Hall at approx. 7:30PM at no cost.

November

Thanksgiving Celebration (9:10AM All Groups | 10:15AM Foyer Reception | 10:45AM Combined Worship in Auditorium) ............. 22 Thanksgiving Dinner (4–6PM | Fellowship Hall) ......................................................... 26

December

Work Projects

Town Hall Meeting (6:00PM | Franklin Hall) ....................................................................6 Ladies Christmas Tea “ Spirit of Christmas” (6:30PM | Fellowship Hall) ..................8 Christmas Celebration (No Groups | 10:45AM Combined Worship in Auditorium) ............. 20

Do you need your lawn raked of the abundance of leaves? Your house winterized? Consider calling on our teens! Many of them are ready to begin raising money for next summer’s mission trip and are willing to work hard! Before hiring out your much needed chores…consider our Federated teens! Contact Nikki Jackson in the Youth Office, and she will get you paired up with some of our teens to get the job done!

Financial Report Attendance 11/15/09 9:10AM Celebration ......................466 10:45AM River ..............................340 Early Childhood ............................. 59 Children’s Church .......................... 62 Budgeted Missions Year to Date: 9/1/09–present Need ......................................$59,312 Offering ................................ $53,426 Shortage.............................. ($5,886)

[Worship Fully] [Spend Less] [Give More] [Love All] First Federated Church

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Sunday, November 22, 2009

General Fund Offering Last Week Weekly Need .........................$31,932 Offering .................................$32,131 Overage ..................................... $199 Year to Date: 9/1/09–present Need ...................................$346,252 Offering ...............................$328,166 Shortage.............................($18,086)