First Congregational Church of Hamilton

Christianity Explored: Praise & Prayer

We thank God for the fine meetings on February 7 and 14. Thanks to all who are small group leaders, and on the hospitality, prayer support, and food prep/serving teams. It is so wonderful to have all of you helping in the Body of Christ. People are welcome to come for the first time on February 21. Due to busy schedules we know some could not make the first meetings, so be sure to encourage those you’ve invited to come this Tuesday at 6:30 pm. Please keep praying that God will continue to work in the hearts of those attending as they read this week through their lesson in the Gospel of Mark. Also pray for wisdom for the small group leaders as they follow up with discussion topics. We need extra help each week with clean-up in the kitchen from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. If you can volunteer for just one night to help us, please sign up on the clipboard down-stairs in the Fellowship Foyer. Can you join our prayer team? Brothers and sisters, we need you to be praying for each meeting. Please sign up downstairs. God is at work. Let’s praise Him and give Him all the glory for all He is doing in our midst.
John Tobey • johntobey@aol.com

Bakers Needed

Bakers are needed to provide dessert for the Christianity Explored program. If you can bake a 9x13 dessert, please contact me. Most of the desserts can be baked ahead and frozen until they are needed.
LuBeth Kuemmerle • lubethk@comcast.net

Nursery Volunteers Needed

Please consider volunteering on a Sunday in the nursery. It promises to be a fun-filled hour with the littlest ones of our church family. Be a blessing and volunteer today. Volunteers are needed especially during the 11:00 am service. Please contact me or stop by the nursery to sign up. Thank you in advance for lending a helping hand.
Gail Gowman, Nursery Coordinator, • feeni5@verizon.net

Mission House Shower

Thank you all for such a great turn-out and your generosity! You made the first Mission House Shower a great success! We are still taking donations so please check the registry at myregistry.com/FCCH Missions, or there is a table for donations downstairs in the Fellowship Foyer. We will gladly accept gift cards (Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, grocery stores) Laurie Hoover • lh22europe@yahoo.com

New Member Classes

Would you like to join FCCH or simply like to learn more about our ministries? If so, join us in Heritage Hall at 9:45 am for membership classes on the following Sundays: March 4, 11, 18, 25, and April 1. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the church, and to have your questions answered. Please call to let us know if you will be attending.
Pastor Robert Tansill, rtansill@fcchamilton.org

Missions Update

Please pray for Mission Chad and for the schools and programs it runs in this impoverished country (#7 on the UN’s list of poorest in the world). Ask God for the provision of food as the last harvest was bad and there is famine. Praise God for the completion of the high school building in the orphan school; completing the school from kindergarten through high school. Praise also for a door-to-door evangelistic campaign that took place November 25-27 and resulted in 4250 people coming to the Lord!

Adult & College SS Classes Begin February 26

Work and Faith: Ministry Center Room 21 Facilitators: Ariana and Sean McDonough

In this class we will explore both the theology and practice of Christians in the workplace. Topics will include: the meaning and value of “secular” work, the futility of work in a fallen world, relationships in the workplace, a Christian work ethic, work/life balance, and sharing your faith at work. For a head-start, read articles at www.theologyofwork.org.

Chores, Consequences & Community Living and Teaching Adults to Lead Their Kids: MC Room 23 Facilitators: Pam Heintz and Freddie Jones

This two-part class will focus first on the role kids play in the family as they live in community. Parents will look at how to shape the mindset of their very young children (or recalibrate the thinking of older children) toward an appreciation of community living and how vital a role they play. The second part of this class will focus on how parents can have open, honest, and theologically rich conversations with their children about sex, and learn practical ways of engaging kids in conversations and thinking through how God intended His good gift of sex to be used.

The Person of Jesus Study: Ministry Center Rm 22 Facilitators: Robert Tansill and Jason Schrock

Many Christians are so aware of Jesus’ divinity that they have forgotten He is a person. Reintroducing people to their first love through an interactive method of Bible study, this class invites you into the crowd that followed Jesus. See firsthand Jesus’ compassion to the widow of Nain, His honesty towards Simon the Pharisee, and how He loves a woman with a reputation.

Men’s Class – Study of Costly Grace: MC Café Facilitator: David Rox

Men, join us for a challenging look at Jon Walker’s new book, which is a contemporary look at the classic work by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship. Grace is a central theme of our faith, but it is greatly misunderstood. Grace does not allow for “flabby faith.” Come and learn more of what it means to follow Jesus wholeheartedly!

College Class: Gospel of John: WC House Living Rm Facilitator: David Horn (WC House Living Room)

All college-aged students are welcome to join us for breakfast refreshments followed by our study. We are working our way through the Gospel of John.

Youth Ministries:

Sunday Morning Bible Study meets in the Barn at 9:45 am every Sunday. Our February offering will go to furnish the Missions House (12 Cutler Road).

▶High School: The last days of the Kingdom of Judah from 2 Kings

▶7-8th Grade: Exploring the NT book of Acts

▶6th Grade: An in-depth look at the Apostle’s Creed and what Christians believe

High School Youth Group: Join us starting at 5:30 pm for dinner and a movie with some discussion afterward. It should be a lot of fun. Get picked up at 9:00 pm.

Middle School Youth Group: Shannon’s favorite all over the campus game! Plus a whole lot more. See you at 6:45 pm this Wednesday.

Upcoming Events & Great Trips:

MS Deep Freeze is March 2–4 at Camp Berea. We have a limited number of spots and time is running out, so sign up today! $50 and a registration form reserves your spot! The cost is $130. See you there! (* see below to sign up)

HS Boston Project: April 13–18 Our annual service learning trip. The cost is $200, with a $50 deposit holding your spot. Sign up today! Give a little and grow a lot! (* see below to sign up).

HS Mission Denver: June 25–July 2 We are planning a trip sponsored by the Providence Bible Church of Denver ― a tremendous opportunity to serve, learn, grow, and see God’s heart for you and the world. If you are interested sign up in the Barn. Visit Missiondenver.org for more information.

Sign up today in the Barn or go to the youth section under ‘Resources’ at fcchamilton.org to download the form.

Pastor Kevin Baird 978-468-1940 • kbaird@fcchamilton.org

Church Cancelled?
In inclement weather, to see if we are having church services check: · Church office (978-468-1940) · Church website (www.fcchamilton.org), · Web (www.cancellations.com, WBZ.com or WBZTV.com) WBZ radio (1030 AM) or WBZ-TV

Movie Night at Church this Saturday

Please mark your calendars and join us as the Men’s Ministry sponsors another “Night at the Movies” beginning at 5:30 pm this Saturday, February 11, in Heritage Hall. We will be showing the Disney/Pixar Movie “Up”, a film for children of all ages! We will serve popcorn and lemonade, and after the film there will be make-your-own sundaes! It will be a great family event! Contact me for more information.
David Rox

Missions House Shower Next Sunday

You are cordially invited to a Missions House Shower next Sunday, February 12, from 9:45 am to 1:00 pm. FCCH’s residential property at 12 Cutler Road has recently been converted to a Missions House. This is a wonderful opportunity for our church to engage in a meaningful way with missionaries who are home on furlough with a housing need. Our first missionaries will arrive around March 1, and we would be grateful for your assistance in furnishing and stocking the home. If the “Church is the Bride of Christ,” think of this as our wedding shower. A Shower Gift Registration has been created listing items that we need. Go to myregistry.com and enter ‘FCCH ’, or click on the tab on the FCCH website for the Missions House Shower. All gifts will be tax deductible. There are many needs (furniture, bedding, kitchen items, lamps, cleaning supplies, etc) and there are many ways you can participate: 1.Cash or store gift cards (Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Grocery Store) 2.Items purchased listed on the gift registry 3.Gently used larger items: furniture, rugs, art work ― please check with us first The Missions Committee will be hosting the shower next Sunday from 9:45 am to 1:00 pm so please stop by to bring your gift and tour the Missions House. Refreshments will be served. If you have any questions, please contact me. Laurie Hoover • lh22europe@yahoo.com

Sign Up Today for Christianity Explored

Please be sure to let us know if you are coming on February 7 and how many people you are bringing by signing the clipboard at the Christianity Explored table. We need an accurate count in order to prepare our meal. If you are uncertain whether those you’ve invited will come, please put the number of people and place a question mark next to the number. Please consider joining our Prayer Support Team. We would like to have 30 people praying for this new ministry. You will receive a list of specific prayer needs for the program each week via email. You do not need to attend the weekly meetings, but we do need you to be in prayer for us as we meet ― wherever you are. Please sign up on the Prayer Support Team clipboard today. We need 2 more people to be greeters for the Hospitality Team. You will greet people as they arrive, show them to their tables, help them locate restrooms, coat racks, etc. and answer questions about our facilities. Please sign up on a clipboard for the Hospitality Team. Please contact me if you have any questions.
John Tobey • johntobey@aol.com

First Place 4 Health

A new 12-week session has begun and we meet on Monday mornings in the MC Café from 9:00 to 10:15 am. The Power of Hope is our study, and new members are welcome. If you would like to participate but this time does not work for you, please contact me as we would love to begin an evening group and a men’s group. Please join us in praying for leaders for these new groups, and for new members to join our existing group.
Maribeth Ting • mbting@verizon.net

Missions Update

Please pray for George and Anne Harper as they teach, advise, and recruit students at the Asia Theological Seminary in the Philippines. George and Anne also function as program directors for the school. Please continue to pray for Anne’s health as she battles the after-effects of the radiation therapy she had in the fall of 2010.

Vacation Bible School

VBS will be held July 9-13 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Save these dates and plan to discover God’s Promises as we share a fun-filled week together. If you like to meet people and take part in reaching our families and community neighbors, VBS is the place for you! Please contact me if you would like to join the team.
Cece Gough • cmgough@fcchamilton.org

Adult S.S. Classes Through February 12

•Christian Perspectives on Current Political Issues — Teacher: Steve Jamison (MC Rm 21) This class will apply principles derived from the Bible to current political and economic issues.

•The Divine Conspiracy — Teachers: Robert Tansill and Michael Armentrout (MC Rm 22) This life-changing class will seek to capture the core of Christ’s teachings on the Sermon on the Mount in a fresh, relevant, and revealing way.

•Gospel Is Life —Teacher: Eliot Fay (MC Rm 23/24) The purpose of this class is to discover afresh the gospel and the ways to live it out in everyday life.

•Men’s Class: A Study in the Book of Revelation Teacher: David Rox (Café) The Apocalypse of John, one of the most talked about and misunderstood of New Testament books.

Church Cancelled?

In inclement weather, to see if we are having church services check: •Church office (978-468-1940) •Church website (www.fcchamilton.org), •Web (www.cancellations.com, WBZ.com or WBZTV.com) •WBZ radio (1030 AM) or WBZ-TV

Youth Ministries: This Week

•Sunday Morning Bible Study meets in the Barn at 9:45 am every Sunday. Our February offering will go to the FCCH Missions House (12 Cutler Road). ▶High School: We’ll pick up our 2 Kings Study ▶7-8th Grade: Exploring the NT book of Acts ▶6th Grade: The Apostle’s Creed

•High School Super Bowl Party Tonight: Hosted by Caleb Hanna. Bring your friends! Meet at 104 North Street in Topsfield from 5:30 to 9:00 pm. Bring $2 to help cover the cost for food and drink.

•Middle School Youth Group: Bring friends as we continue to look at the character of Jesus. Wednesday from 6:45 to 8:30 pm.

Upcoming Events & Great Trips:

•Broom Hockey: February 10 High Schoolers, the time has come! We challenge Ipswich Presbyterian for the Broom Hockey Trophy. It is time to win back what’s rightfully ours. 9:00 pm to 1:00 am. Bring $5 for food and ice time.

•Deep Freeze: March 2–4 Middle School is back at Camp Berea in N.H. The cost will be $130 and we want you and all your friends to come! (* see below to sign up)

•Boston Project: April 13–18 Our annual HS service learning trip over Spring Break. The cost is $200, with a $50 deposit holding your spot. Give a little and grow a lot! (* see below to sign up)

•Mission Denver: June 25–July 2 We’re planning a HS trip to serve in Denver. If you are interested sign up in the Barn. Visit Missiondenver.org for more information.

• Sign up today in the Barn or go to the youth section under ‘Resources’ at fcchamilton.org to download the form.

Give to Mission Guatemala

Rich and Brian Schonewald will return to Guatemala with a North Shore team to build a house for a family in need and run a VBS for over 100 children. They will bring needed supplies with them, including children’s summer clothes, shoes and flip flops in good condition, school supplies, pens, pencils, small notebooks, stickers, markers, crayons, over the counter medicine like children’s liquid Tylenol, ibuprofen, and vitamins, towels, sheets, soap, hygiene items, Frisbees, jump ropes, and other kid games. If you can bring any of these to church on Sunday Feb 12, there will be a box in Heritage Hall.
Pastor Kevin Baird 978-468-1940 • kbaird@fcchamilton.org

Dedication Today

Being dedicated today at the 8:30 am service is Maeve Elizabeth Roberts, infant daughter of Kevin and Catherine Roberts.

Concert Tonight at 6:00 PM

Please join us tonight in the Sanctuary as the North Shore Christian Men’s Choir presents their Concert of Faith. The concert will also feature a special visiting artist, Collette Daniels, a handbell soloist. Many men in our church sing in this choir which was established 14 years ago right here at FCCH, and many of you have been faithful in praying for the choir as they sing each year in prisons, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, the Topsfield Fair, the Rockport Christmas Festival, and at local churches. Come and let’s praise God together as we hear in song and in word what He has been doing and how your prayers have been answered. A freewill offering will be taken to help cover the cost of the choirs’ ministry trips.
John Tobey • johntobey@aol.com

First Place 4 Health

Join us tomorrow, January 30, as we begin our next 12-week session on Monday mornings from 9:00 to 10:15 am. The Power of Hope will be our study, and new members are welcome. If you would like to participate but this time does not work for you, please contact me as we would love to begin an evening group and a men’s group. Please join us in praying for leaders for these new groups, and for new members to join our existing group.
Maribeth Ting • mbting@verizon.net

VBS Volunteer Update

We are thrilled that one person has stepped forward to co-lead Children of the Promise, Vacation Bible School. Please consider joining the team. We are looking for three additional volunteers to lead this effort. VBS will be held July 9-13 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Save these dates and plan to discover God’s Promises as we share a fun-filled week together. If you like to meet people and take part in reaching our families and community neighbors, VBS is the place for you! Please contact me if you would like to join the team.
Cece Gough 978-468-1940 • cmgough@fcchamilton.org

Bring Friends to Christianity Explored

Please plan to bring your friends, neighbors, and colleagues with you to the Christianity Explored weekly meetings which begin on Tuesday, February 7. The people you bring will feel more at ease if you are there with them, so let’s work together to make our guests feel welcome. Please be sure to sign up to let us know how many people you have invited. We need accurate lists so we know how much food to prepare. Please stop by the Christianity Explored table downstairs in the Fellowship Foyer today to sign up. We need more help! Especially people to welcome our visitors and guide them to tables, and also people who will commit to praying for Christianity Explored each week. Would you be willing to be part of our hospitality team or on our prayer team? Please sign up on the designated clipboards. This Saturday, February 4, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm in the MC Café is the small group leadership training session for anyone who wants to serve as a small group leader. Please sign up if you are interested.
John Tobey • johntobey@aol.com

Mission House Workday: February 4

We are on a mission to get the Mission House ready for our first guests who will arrive around March 1. We’ve already installed some new carpeting, refinished all the wood floors, and have done a considerable amount of painting. For our workday from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon this Saturday, February 4, we need volunteers to do some cleaning including all the windows, and some clean up around the yard if the weather remains mild. To help plan for this work day, please contact me if you can participate. We look forward to seeing you there!
Phil Best• bestpa@msn.com

Missions Prayer Continues

Please join us on Tuesday, January 31, as we continue praying for our missionaries needs around the globe. We meet every other week from 7:45 to 8:30 am in the Ministry Center upstairs classroom 22. We hope to see you there. Please call with any questions.
Tricia Payne

Communion Next Sunday

Communion will be served next Sunday, February 5. Please take time this week to prepare your hearts as we come together to celebrate the Lord’s Supper. Gluten-Free Crackers will be included in a separate container on the communion plate as part of our effort to enable all believers to participate in communion.

Deacon’s Fund Collection Next Sunday

One of the ways the Deacons serve our church is through the Deacon’s Fund which assists people in our congregation who are struggling financially. Please prayerfully consider giving to the Deacon’s Fund so that we can continue this important ministry. Next Sunday, February 5, place your donation (marked ‘Deacons’ Fund’) in the offering plate. Thank you for extending Christ’s love this way! It is greatly appreciated.

Adult Sunday School Classes

Beginning January 8 through February 12 •Christian Perspectives on Current Political Issues — Teacher: Steve Jamison (MC Rm 21) This class will apply principles derived from the Bible to current political and economic issues. •The Divine Conspiracy — Teachers: Robert Tansill and Michael Armentrout (MC Rm 22) This life-changing class will seek to capture the core of Christ’s teachings on the Sermon on the Mount in a fresh, relevant, and revealing way. •Gospel Is Life —Teacher: Eliot Fay (MC Rm 23/24) The purpose of this class is to discover afresh the gospel and the ways to live it out in everyday life. •Men’s Class: A Study in the Book of Revelation Teacher: David Rox (Café) The Apocalypse of John, one of the most talked about and misunderstood of New Testament books.
Pastor Robert Tansill 978-468-1940 • rtansill@fcchamilton.org

Missions Update

Pray for Carl and Ursula Williams serving with Wycliffe in Benin, African. Wycliffe developed materials for a literacy project and has trained local teachers in the small villages to use them. However, this program was derailed when a non-governmental organization hired all the teachers to take part in a new government-sponsored literacy program, and they need to use Wycliffe’s materials to teach in the local languages. Please pray that everyone will work together for the good of the people who wish to learn to read in their own language. Also pray that Ursula, a German citizen, will be able to obtain a visa.

Church Cancelled?

In inclement weather, to see if we are having church services check: •Church office (978-468-1940) •Church website (www.fcchamilton.org), •Web (www.cancellations.com, WBZ.com or WBZTV.com) •WBZ radio (1030 AM) or WBZ-TV

Youth Ministries

•Sunday Morning Bible Study meets in the Barn at 9:45 am every Sunday. Our January offering will go to the Deacon’s Fund. ▶High School: This morning we will take a break from our series and hear about the India trip from Paul Kelly, Pastor Dori, and Kevin ▶7-8th Grade: Exploring the NT book of Acts ▶6th Grade: An in-depth look at the Apostle’s Creed and what we really believe

•High School Youth Group: Enjoy a memorable January night from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Make youth group a highlight of your week by coming regularly to see how God wants to see you mature and grow.

•Middle School Youth Group: Join us this Wednesday from 6:45 to 8:30 pm for some great moments you will not soon forget. Cheers!

Upcoming Events & Great Trips:
•Super Bowl Party: February 5 High School students, come to enjoy the biggest football game of the year, hosted by Caleb Hanna and his family. Meet at 104 North Street in Topsfield from 5:30 to 9:00 pm. Bring $2 to help cover the cost for food and drink. Feel free to bring lots of friends.

•Broom Hockey: February 10 High Schoolers, the time has come! We challenge Ipswich Presbyterian for the Broom Hockey Trophy. It is time to win back what’s ours. 10:00 pm to 1:30 am. Bring $5 for food and ice time.

•Deep Freeze: March 2–4 Middle School is back at Camp Berea in N.H. so mark your calendars! We have a limited number of spots and $50 plus the registration form will reserve your spot! The cost is $130 and we want you and all your friends to come! (* see below to sign up)

•Boston Project: April 13–18 Our annual High School service learning trip over Spring Break. The cost is $200, with a $50 deposit holding your spot. Give a little, grow a lot! (* see below to sign up)

•Mission Denver: June 25–July 2 We’re planning a High School trip to serve with this youth program sponsored by Providence Bible Church of Denver. This is a tremendous opportunity to serve, learn, grow, and see God’s heart for you and the world. If you are interested sign-up in the Barn! Visit missiondenver.org for more information.

• Sign up today in the Barn or go to the youth section under ‘Resources’ at fcchamilton.org to download the form.

Youth Artists Wanted!

We are interested in presenting artwork from MS and HS students in the Fellowship Foyer to be displayed in April. These pieces may be framed or unframed, but start planning and creating now for this great opportunity to show your work. You may turn in any artwork to me.
Pastor Kevin Baird 978-468-1940 • kbaird@fcchamilton.org

First Place 4 Health

We will have an orientation meeting for our next session tomorrow morning, January 23, at 10:30 am in the Ministry Center Café. Then on January 30, we will begin our next 12-week session on Monday mornings from 9:00 to 10:15 am. The Power of Hope will be our study, and new members are welcome. If you would like to participate but this time does not work for you, please contact me as we would love to begin an evening group and a men’s group. Please join us in praying for leaders for these new groups, and for new members to join our existing group.
Maribeth Ting • mbting@verizon.net

Fifty Plus

The group Fifty Plus, formerly the Half Century Club, will be starting this Saturday, January 28. This group will be led by Kathie and Blake Gilson and is for people age fifty and over… or close enough. We will meet every 4 to 6 weeks for potluck soup, salad, and dessert. You are invited to attend the first meeting in the Ministry Center Café at 5:30 pm, to help set the yearly agenda. Contact us for more information and to be placed on our mailing list to receive notices and updates.
Kathie and Blake Gilson • kathiegilson@comcast.net

Missions Update

Steve Payne reports that Laura’s latest CT scan revealed no new tumors in her abdomen since her surgery in November. The Paynes are also thankful for a divine appointment that came about through a man who answered their Craigslist ad to sell a tripod. The man happened to be the son of a former supporter who had passed away. This son now plans to support Steve and Laura. Please pray for Steve as he leaves for Nepal in a week to start a new cluster of translation projects, a trip that was postponed last fall because of Laura’s surgery.

Vacation Bible School: July 9–13, 2012

Join us for Children of the Promise Vacation Bible School! Save these dates and plan to discover God’s Promises as we share a fun-filled week together. We are looking for four volunteers who would love to make this week happen, and begin to plan VBS together. If you like to meet people and take part in reaching our families and community neighbors, VBS is the place for you! Please contact me today and let us know you’d like to join the team.
Cece Gough 978-468-1940 • cmgough@fcchamilton.org

North Shore Christian Men’s Concert

Next Sunday, January 29, at 6:00 pm, the North Shore Christian Men’s Choir will present a Concert of Faith in the Sanctuary. Many men in our church sing in this choir which was established 14 years ago right here at FCCH, and many of you have been faithful in praying for the choir as they sing each year in prisons, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, the Topsfield Fair, the Rockport Christmas Festival, and at local churches. Come and let’s praise God together as we hear in song and in word what He has been doing and how your prayers have been answered. A freewill offering will be taken to help cover the cost of the choirs’ ministry trips.
John Tobey • johntobey@aol.com

Christianity Explored

All-Church Prayer Meeting: January 24

Join us for an all-church prayer meeting in the WC Living Room this Tuesday, January 24, at 7:00 pm. Now is the time to ask God to use our church family to share the Good News and bring the love of Christ to our community. Please pray: ▶ That those being asked to attend the sessions will be open to learn more about who Jesus is and how they can develop a personal relationship with Him ▶ For the leaders who will be guiding the small group discussions ▶ For meals to be a time of friendship and welcoming newcomers to our meeting We need to depend on God and ask for His direction, power, and enabling in every aspect of the program and in all that we do.

Christianity Explored Begins February 7

Our all-church outreach to the community will begin Tuesday, February 7. Please stop by our table in the Fellowship Foyer today to look over the course materials, and to pick up invitation postcards to give to your friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Also please take some posters to post in local stores, libraries, and churches. The program will include a weekly dinner, a short video, and small group discussion. You can sign up to help with set-up, meal prep, publicity, hospitality, welcoming center, prayer team, and small group leaders (small group leaders will need to attend a training session on either January 28 or February 4 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm). We expect 60 to 80 people each week, so for meal planning if you plan to attend please sign the attendance roster and include the names of people you’ve invited and expect to come.
John Tobey • johntobey@aol.com

Adult Sunday School Classes

Beginning January 8 through February 12

•Christian Perspectives on Current Political Issues — Teacher: Steve Jamison (MC Rm 21) This class will attempt to apply principles derived from the Bible to current political and economic issues. After developing the foundational concepts, we will then relate them to present day election year issues in a discussion format. Political involvement is not an option, but rather a responsibility for the Christian living in the U.S.

•The Divine Conspiracy — Teachers: Robert Tansill and Michael Armentrout (MC Rm 22) Based on Dallas Willard’s book, this life-changing class will seek to capture the core of Christ’s teachings on the Sermon on the Mount in a fresh, relevant, and revealing way. It will also call Christians into a more authentic faith and then offer a practical plan by which we can answer the call. Topics will include: (1) The Divine Conspiracy, (2) The Path to a Blessed Life, (3) Becoming a Good Person, (4) Treasuring What Matters Most, (5) Becoming a Community of Prayerful Love, and (6) Living as a Disciple of Jesus.

•Gospel Is Life —Teacher: Eliot Fay (MC Rm 23/24) Utilizing Tim Keller’s DVD series, “The Gospel in Life”, the purpose of this class is to discover afresh the gospel and the ways to live it out in your everyday life. From exploring the world you live in now to preparing for the world that is to come, you will learn how the gospel can change your heart, your community, and how you live in the world.

•Men’s Class – Continuation of a Study in the Book of Revelation — Teacher: David Rox (Café) Join us as we continue studying the Apocalypse of John, one of the most talked about and misunder-stood of New Testament books. We will continue to wrestle with understanding the type of literature it is, understanding to whom it was written and why, and focusing on its central message that Christ is both Lord of the church and Lord of history, in spite of our circumstances.
Pastor Robert Tansill • rtansill@fcchamilton.org

Church Cancelled?

In inclement weather, to see if we are having church services check: •Church office (978-468-1940) •Church website (www.fcchamilton.org), •Web (www.cancellations.com, WBZ.com or WBZTV.com) •WBZ radio (1030 AM) or WBZ-TV

Youth Ministries:

•Sunday Morning Bible Study meets in the Barn at 9:45 am every Sunday. Our January offering will go to the Deacon’s Fund. ▶High School: 2 King series on the characters and stories at the end of the Judaic Kingdom ▶7-8th Grade: Exploring the NT book of Acts ▶6th Grade: A new series based on the Apostle’s Creed, looking at what we really believe •High School Youth Group: Start you week off right and join us tonight from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. We will get to know our small groups better, and we will talk about ways to help each other stay strong in our relationship with Jesus.

•Middle School Youth Group: Come one, come all, this Wednesday from 6:45 to 8:30 pm to walk the tightrope of adventure and also hear more about the character of Jesus from Shannon “Twinkle Toes” Sullivan. Don’t miss it!

Upcoming Events & Great Trips:

•Super Bowl Party: February 5 High School students, come to enjoy the biggest football game of the year, hosted by Caleb Hanna and his family. Meet at 104 North Street in Topsfield from 5:30 to 9:00 pm. Bring $2 to help cover the cost for food and drink. Feel free to bring lots of friends.

•Broom Hockey: February 10 High Schoolers, don’t miss out on this awesome annual event as we challenge Ipswich Pres for the Broom Hockey Trophy. It is time to win back what’s ours. 10:00 pm to 1:30 am. Bring $5 for food and ice time.

•Deep Freeze: March 2–4 Middle School is back at Camp Berea in N.H. so mark your calendars! We have a limited number of spots and $50 plus the registration form will reserve your spot! The cost is $130 and we want you and all your friends to come! Don’t miss it. (* see below to sign up)

•Boston Project: April 13–18 Our annual High School service learning trip over Spring Break. The cost is $200, with a $50 deposit holding your spot. Give a little, grow a lot! (* see below to sign up)

•Mission Denver: June 25–July 2 We’re planning a High School trip to serve with this youth program sponsored by Providence Bible Church of Denver. This is a tremendous opportunity to serve, learn, grow, and see God’s heart for you and the world. If you are interested sign-up in the Barn! Visit Missiondenver.org for more information.

• Sign up today in the Barn or go to the youth section under ‘Resources’ at fcchamilton.org to download the form.

Youth Artists Wanted!

We are interested in presenting artwork from MS and HS students in the Fellowship Foyer to be displayed in April. These pieces may be framed or unframed, but start planning and creating now for this great opportunity to show your work. You may turn in any artwork to Kevin.

Pastor Kevin Baird 978-468-1940 • kbaird@fcchamilton.org

Men’s Breakfast

Men, join us this Saturday, January 21, at 8:00 am in Heritage Hall for some great food, fellowship, and discussion. John Szatkowski, David Rox and Robert Tansill of the Men’s Ministry Team will speak to us about The Log In My Eye: Exposing the Idols in Our Lives. You won’t want to miss it. The cost is $5 per person and you can sign up after first service in Heritage Hall or after second service in the Fellowship Foyer. Hope to see you there.
Robert Tansill 978-468-1940 • rtansill@fcchamilton.org

First Place 4 Health

We will have an orientation meeting for our next session on Monday, January 23, at 10:30 am in the Ministry Center Café. Then on January 30, we will begin our next 12-week session on Monday mornings from 9:00 to 10:15 am. The Power of Hope will be our study, and new members are welcome. If you would like to participate but this time does not work for you, please contact me as we would love to begin an evening group and a men’s group. Please join us in praying for leaders for these new groups, and for new members to join our existing group. Maribeth Ting • mbting@verizon.net

Fifty Plus

The group Fifty Plus, formerly the Half Century Club, will be starting on Saturday, January 28. This group will be led by Kathie and Blake Gilson and is for people age fifty and over… or close enough. We will meet every 4 to 6 weeks for potluck soup, salad, and dessert. You are invited to attend the first meeting in the Ministry Center Café at 5:30 pm, to help set the yearly agenda. Contact us or sign up today in the Fellowship Foyer for more information and to be placed on our mailing list to receive notices and updates.
Kathie and Blake Gilson • kathiegilson@comcast.net

Vacation Bible School: July 9–13, 2012

Join us for Children of the Promise Vacation Bible School! Save these dates and plan to discover God’s Promises as we share a fun-filled week together. We are looking for four volunteers who would love to make this week happen, and begin to plan VBS together. If you like to meet people and take part in reaching our families and community neighbors, VBS is the place for you! Please contact me today and let us know you’d like to join the team.
Cece Gough 978-468-1940 • cmgough@fcchamilton.org

North Shore Christian Men’s Concert

On Sunday, January 29, at 6:00 pm, the North Shore Christian Men’s Choir will present a Concert of Faith in the Sanctuary. Many men in our church sing in this choir which was established 14 years ago right here at FCCH, and many of you have been faithful in praying for the choir as they sing each year in prisons, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, the Topsfield Fair, the Rockport Christmas Festival, and at local churches. Come and let’s praise God together as we hear in song and in word what He has been doing and how your prayers have been answered. A freewill offering will be taken to help cover the cost of the choirs’ ministry trips.
John Tobey • johntobey@aol.com

Christianity Explored

All-Church Prayer Meeting: January 24 Join us for an all-church prayer meeting in the WC Living Room on Tuesday, January 24, at 7:00 pm.
Now is the time to ask God to use our church family to share the Good News and bring the love of Christ to our community. Please pray: ▶ That those being asked to attend the sessions will be open to learn more about who Jesus is and how they can develop a personal relationship with Him ▶ For the leaders who will be guiding the small group discussions ▶ For meals to be a time of friendship and welcoming newcomers to our meeting. We need to depend on God and ask for His direction, power, and enabling in every aspect of the program and in all that we do.

Christianity Explored Begins February 7 Our all-church outreach to the community will begin Tuesday, February 7. Please stop by our table in the Fellowship Foyer today to look over the course materials, and to pick up invitation postcards to give to your friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Also please take some posters to post in local stores, libraries, and churches. The program will include a weekly dinner, a short video, and small group discussion. You can sign up to help with set-up, meal prep, publicity, hospitality, welcoming center, prayer team, and small group leaders (small group leaders will need to attend a training session on either January 28 or February 4 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm). We expect 60 to 80 people each week, so for meal planning if you plan to attend please sign the attendance roster and include the names of people you’ve invited and expect to come.
John Tobey • johntobey@aol.com

Adult Sunday School Classes

Beginning January 8 through February 12

Christian Perspectives on Current Political Issues — Teacher: Steve Jamison (MC Rm 21) This class will attempt to apply principles derived from the Bible to current political and economic issues. After developing the foundational concepts, we will then relate them to present day election year issues in a discussion format. Political involvement is not an option, but rather a responsibility for the Christian living in the U.S.

The Divine Conspiracy — Teachers: Robert Tansill and Michael Armentrout (MC Rm 22) Based on Dallas Willard’s book, this life-changing class will seek to capture the core of Christ’s teachings on the Sermon on the Mount in a fresh, relevant, and revealing way. It will also call Christians into a more authentic faith and then offer a practical plan by which we can answer the call. Topics will include: (1) The Divine Conspiracy, (2) The Path to a Blessed Life, (3) Becoming a Good Person, (4) Treasuring What Matters Most, (5) Becoming a Community of Prayerful Love, and (6) Living as a Disciple of Jesus.

Gospel Is Life —Teacher: Eliot Fay (MC Rm 23/24) Utilizing Tim Keller’s DVD series, “The Gospel in Life”, the purpose of this class is to discover afresh the gospel and the ways to live it out in your everyday life. From exploring the world you live in now to preparing for the world that is to come, you will learn how the gospel can change your heart, your community, and how you live in the world.

Men’s Class – Continuation of a Study in the Book of Revelation — Teacher: David Rox (Café) Join us as we continue studying the Apocalypse of John, one of the most talked about and misunder-stood of New Testament books. We will continue to wrestle with understanding the type of literature it is, understanding to whom it was written and why, and focusing on its central message that Christ is both Lord of the church and Lord of history, in spite of our circumstances.
Pastor Robert Tansill • rtansill@fcchamilton.org

Missions Update

Peter Kuzmic requests prayer for the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Osijek, Croatia. Pray for: · Safety for workers, alumni and their families, in areas where there is discrimination against ethnic and religious minorities · Church plants and evangelism, especially in the sensitive regions · Funds to set up the new education extension center to provide basic biblical training and serve the Roma population in southern Serbia

Church Cancelled?

In inclement weather, to see if we are having church services check: · Church office (978-468-1940) · Church website (www.fcchamilton.org), · Web (www.cancellations.com, WBZ.com or WBZTV.com) · WBZ radio (1030 AM) or WBZ-TV

Youth Ministries

This Week · Sunday Morning Bible Study meets in the Barn at 9:45 am every Sunday. Our January offering will go to the Deacon’s Fund.
▶High School: 2 King series on the characters and stories at the end of the Judaic Kingdom

▶7-8th Grade: Exploring the NT book of Acts

▶6th Grade: Our final week in the book of Jonah

· High School Youth Group: Join us tonight from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. We will spend some time getting to know our small groups better. We will eat and learn together, have fun times, and help each other to grow in faith.

· Middle School Youth Group: Bring your friends this Wednesday from 6:45 to 8:30 pm to have a great time and hear some delightful truths from the Bible presented by Scott “The Oracle” Addis.

Upcoming Events & Great Trips:

· Super Bowl Party: February 5 High School students, plan now to enjoy the biggest football game of the year, hosted by Caleb Hanna and his family. Meet at 104 North Street in Topsfield from 5:30 to 9:00 pm. Bring $2 to help cover the cost for food and drink. Feel free to bring lots of friends.

· Broom Hockey: February 10 High Schoolers, don’t miss out on this awesome annual event! We will be challenging Ipswich Presbyterian for the Broom Hockey Trophy. It is time to win back what’s ours. From 10:00 pm to 1:30 am. Bring $5 for food and ice time.

· Deep Freeze: March 2–4 Middle School is back at Camp Berea in N.H. so mark your calendars! We have a limited number of spots. $50 and registration form reserves your spot! The cost will be $130 and we want you and all your friends to come! Don’t miss it. (* see below to sign up)

· Boston Project: April 13–18 Our annual High School service learning trip over Spring Break. The cost is $200, with a $50 deposit holding your spot. Give a little, grow a lot! (* see below to sign up)

· Mission Denver: June 25–July 2 We’re planning a High School trip to serve with this youth program sponsored by Providence Bible Church of Denver. This is a tremendous opportunity to serve, learn, grow, and understand God’s heart for you and the world. If you are interested sign-up the Barn! Visit Missiondenver.org for more information.

• Sign up today in the Barn or go to the youth section under ‘Resources’ at fcchamilton.org to download the form.

Youth Artists Wanted!

We are interested in presenting artwork from MS and HS students in the Fellowship Foyer to be displayed in April. These pieces may be framed or unframed, but start planning and creating now for this great opportunity to show your work. You may turn in any artwork to Kevin.

Pastor Kevin Baird 978-468-1940 • kbaird@fcchamilton.org