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The Disciples Mission Food Pantry of FCC
Marietta needs your help! The food pantry is
currently serving 400 to 500 families a month. We are open only on
Mondays from 9 am 1 pm. We hope to be able to shorten those hours and be
open two to three days a week. Families must live in Cobb County, are
limited to one visit per month, and eight visits per year total.
Although we would love to serve more we must draw the line of
stewardship somewhere.
Currently, the food pantry operates out of the main
building of First Christian Church in Marietta; however due to various
storage/traffic concerns as well as financial ones, the pantry will be
moving to the old parsonage/garage area adjacent to the church. For the
move to be successful, the parsonage will require some renovation, to
include the purchase/donation of a walk-in freezer, a commercial
refrigerator, building shelving, rehabbing the bathrooms, electrical,
roof vents, etc. and a new computer and printer/copier.
Due to the current economic situation we are also in
dire monetary troubles. The cost of food (in order to feed this many
people we purchase food from the Harvest Food Bank and the USDA) is up
and food donations are down. Also in jeopardy is the ability to afford
our part-time Director. A Director is necessary in order to maintain the
vitality of the ministry. Monetary donations are always needed and
greatly appreciated.
Although this is a ministry of First Christian Church
of Marietta we see it as a vital ministry of the whole church and as
such are led by the Spirit to make this passionate plea for your help in
both word and deed. Together we can not only continue to squeak by but
grow this ministry of food and hospitality to the “Least of These”.
Interim Minister: Introducing Rev. James Cotten
 James
is a lifelong Disciple. He hails from Texas and currently resides in
Jacksonville, Illinois. He graduated from Christian Theological Seminary
(Indianapolis) and was ordained in 2001. Prior to entering seminary,
James served in the military.
James most recently served as Associate Minister of
Central Christian Church in Jacksonville, IL, where his responsibilities
included Christian Education. His career plans focus on intentional
Transitional (Interim) Ministry.
James is married to Shelley and they have a daughter
Tabitha, age 16. Their household includes Princess the cat and Alexander
Stone the boxer. Shelley and Tabitha will continue to live in
Jacksonville during James’ ministry with First Christian.
James describes his gifts for ministry as
“Communication and Teaching.” His leadership method is geared primarily
towards empowerment – encouraging and supporting lay leaders in the
church. One of his references stated, “He truly has a gift for reaching
both young and old alike.” Also, “James has a strong preaching style
from the pulpit that reaches people and makes them think and grow in
their faith walk.”
When asked what he would like to tell First Christian
Church about himself, James replied, “Tell them
how eager I am to begin our new ministry together.”
Rev. Dr. Jerry Gladson to Retire
 The
members of First Christian Church in Marietta meet the retirement
of the Reverend Doctor Jerry Gladson with mixed emotions. On one
hand we are saddened to lose him as our minister. We will miss his
leadership and involvement in almost every aspect of our church lives.
On the other hand we celebrate with Jerry as he takes another step in
his journey to serve God. Jerry retirement will give him the opportunity
to focus his attention on teaching and writing. These are two things he
has always dreamed about doing. He is currently serving as a professor
at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia.
Jerry has served at First Christian for the past ten
years. He has served faithfully and tirelessly for those many years and
has seen the church and the congregation through many changes and
challenges. The members of First Christian wish Jerry good luck in his
new endeavors and pray that God continue to bless him and his wife,
Laura as they move into the next stage of their journey together.
Meet the Band
 by
Amy Verner
Five men, a
keyboard, a couple of guitars and a set of drums called "Soulfire” lead
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 569 Fraiser Street,
Marietta, on Saturday nights in worship. If you are a fan of the new
wave of Christian Rock groups, you will not want to miss out on this.
Many of the groups’ songs are written by the band members, and some you
will hear on the Christian Rock Stations today.
Soulfire
began in the fall of 2000; Sean Warner began a Saturday evening worship
service. Sean would bring his guitar, pick a few songs, he would have
someone provide a sermon and we would share communion. One Saturday
evening Jeff Shimizu attended the service and was really excited to see
Sean having such a great time that he asked if he could join in at the
next service. Sean welcomed Jeff with open arms and was thrilled that
someone else was interested in a new way to praise our Lord. Well, it
was not long after this that another one of our congregations’ very
talented individuals, Jeff Johnson, joined with Sean and Jeff.
 The three of these men,
gathered every other Saturday evening and played some really great
music, afterwards everyone would meet at the closest pizza restaurant
for dinner and fellowship. The group originally named themselves “Souled
Out”, but then realized another group had already been using this name.
Sean purchased a T-Shirt form a Christian Bookstore that read Soul Fire,
the guys simply put the two words together and Soulfire was born.
For a few years the three men
continued their Saturday Nite Alive service, which was growing in great
numbers, as well as, playing for the congregation on Sunday mornings. In
2002, Steve Wood came to kick it up on the keyboard. Next thing you
know, a set of drums appeared along with Scott Hopkins.
This group has been playing
for benefits and charitable causes within our congregations, as well as
many others. They have appeared on the Grave Digger Show, seen on WATC
TV57 Friday nights at 10:00p.m. and Saturday afternoons at 4:30 p.m. They have recently been in the recording studio.
Soulfire’s mission is to
spread God’s word through their music. Music is said to “move the soul”
and Soulfire’s music moves the souls of those who listen. Their music
appeals to all ages, young and old. The group is looking forward to
spreading beyond our community to reach all those who are looking for a
musical way to praise our Lord. Soulfire has performed for Senior
Citizens Homes, a Homeless Shelter in downtown Atlanta. If you are
interested in booking them for any programs, please contact them at
their website:
www.fccmarietta.org/soulfire.htm or
www.soulfireministries.com.
Watch for coming articles on
Soulfire, where I will introduce you to each band member and give you
some insight into his passions, his praises and his glory for Christ.
Soulfire plays every first,
third and fifth Saturday night at 6:30 p.m., as well as on the fourth
Sunday of each month at 10:00 a.m. |
