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!

By Mike Rose, Senior Pastor Although we want to extend an invitation for Thanksgiving
In 1897, Johnson Oatman Jr. wrote a song that dinner to our international students, refugees and those who
found its way into our hearts and hymn books. visit our Clothes Closet
“Count Your Many Blessings” is a song that ac- and Food Pantry, we
knowledges the difficulties of life but encourages us certainly don’t want any
to remember the many blessings of God. The point of our members or regu-
of the song is to help us see that when we take the lar attendees to spend
time to recount all the good that God has given us, Thanksgiving alone.
we will be encouraged despite the hardships we may face. This is your chance to
That is the spirit of Thanksgiving Day. The first Thanksgiving share a meal with others
was surrounded by many trials and hardships. At least half of the and, if you’d like, host a table and extend
pilgrims who came on the Mayflower died that first year. Many a Federated welcome to our visitors. If you
more would have died if the Native Americans had not helped don’t feel comfortable hosting a table, come
them learn how to grow and harvest their crops. After their har- anyhow—we want you to be able to have your
vest, the pilgrims gathered with their Indian neighbors to recount FFC family around you at Thanksgiving.
God’s many blessings on their lives. Sign up on the Care & Communication Card if you’re plan-
Today, we are gathering to acknowledge God’s many blessings ning on coming for dinner between 4 and 6pm and if you’d like to
to us over this past year. Like you, my life is at times difficult, be a host or hostess.
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.

600…and more!
Mary Tesser, Project Coordinator
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!
Volume 11 Number 24 First Federated Church 1 Sunday, November 22, 2009
 WELCOME TO FIRST FEDERATED CHURCH!
Thank you for choosing to worship with us this morning!
Have Questions? Celebration
If you have any questions, simply ask someone wearing a Guest Welcome Children’s
name tag with “Here to Help” on it or visit the Welcome Center
Reception Center Registration
in the foyer.
Guest Reception North Parking Lot Station
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 Resource 115

Center
119 117
WEST GYM EAST GYM

meet you, get to know you better, and answer any questions you A B

may have. AUDITORIUM

114

Fill Out the Care & Communication Card

If you have never completed a Care and Communication Card,
please take a moment to do so. This allows us, as a church family, 1116
111C

PARISH
The River
111B

to better know your needs and how we can serve you. The Care NURSE➤ 1117
1164
111A

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
1118

Guest 1165
109
R

usher, or hand it in at the Guest Reception. 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 KZ Church
invite you to join our church family.

If You Have Children, Visit the Children’s DOCK

Ministry Registration Station

SW Entrance
South Entrance

A.E.D.
M Men Restroom

Trust your children to the care of our dedicated, loving W Women Restroom
South Parking Lot

Children’s Ministry staff. Our children’s programs provide qual-

ity 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.
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).
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.

First Federated Church 2 Sunday, November 22, 2009

 PRAY FOR
ONE The contents of this page have been removed to protect the
ANOTHER 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)
Pray for Those Who Serve our Church
Our Encouragement
“For to me, to live is
Christ, and to die is gain.”
Philippians 1:21

First Federated Church 3 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.
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.
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.
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 con-
fronted 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:
• 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.

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 fellow-
ships 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 wel-
come 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 4 Sunday, November 22, 2009

 CONNECT PEOPLE
Sunday Mornings Adult Bible Fellowship (ABFs) HUB Bible Studies
Once you’ve joined us in worship, our Adult Bible Fellowships are Young adult singles ages 18–26
a great next step to connect with others and grow in your faith. We Study of Romans
have a variety of opportunities available that include: Thursday Morning | 11AM | HUB Room 244
Thursday Evening | 7PM | HUB Room 244
Sundays l 8:00–9:00AM HUB Women’s Bible Study
Women (all ages) | Room 208 Fridays | 6:30PM | HUB Room 244
Men (all ages) | Room 210
Sundays | 9:10–10:25AM New Men’s Group: “Job’s Garage”
The HUB (ages 18-26) | Room 244 Sunday | 9:10AM | Room 131 (Library)
The Channel/Connections (ages 25–35) | Room 1254–55 Where guys hang out. Questions? Brian at 208.0412.
Homebuilders (all ages) | Room 1250–1251
Prayer (all ages) | Room 100
Job’s Garage (all ages, men) | Room 131 (Library)
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
Regular Submission Deadline: Tuesdays by noon
We prefer that items be submitted electronically!
E-Mail: NEWSPAPER@FirstFederated.org
All submitted items are subject to submission guidelines and editorial review by
the church staff. FFC reserves the right to edit submissions for length.
Disclaimer:
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.
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.
Deaconess of the Month
Cyndi Murphy | 277.2040
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.

First Federated Church 5 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 7th–12th Grades
Nov 29—None, Turkey weekend
Dec 6—SMT meeting
Dec 13—Bears Vs. Packers—Lunch

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 el-
ephant 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 6 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 Wee Worship—a great music program
see all you K-4th graders back in KZ Church next Sunday. for moms and children.
Wednesdays | 9:30–10:15am| Room 1163
NO AWANA clubs this week followed by snacks and fellowship time.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your (Ages birth to 4 years old).
family and friends. It’s a time to sing, dance and play instru-
ments – together – for the glory of God!
Thanksgiving for Families Have questions? Call Sherri Stufflebeem at 255.2122. It’s FREE!
It’s not about the turkey, the pumpkin
pie, Grandma’s house, football or even Family Christmas Celebration
the long weekend vacation. Thanksgiv- Mark your calendars
ing is just what the word says—thanks for Sunday, December 20!
giving. How great is that? A non-com- We’re planning a very special
mercialized holiday set aside for a grati- Family Christmas Celebra-
tude attitude adjustment! Take some time tion for that morning. Our
this year to help your children (and you, preschool choir AND our
too) recognize all the good things in your lives and then express KZ Choir (Kindergarten–6th
or demonstrate gratitude. grade) will be singing that morning!
First, thank God for your blessings. Then, as a family, find Preschool choir rehearsals:
ways you can share those blessings with others. It could be as Sunday mornings during the 10:45 hour.
small as a note of encouragement to someone who is ill or it KZ Choir rehearsals:
might be sharing a meal with a family in need. Whatever you Sunday mornings 10:30ish–11:00 in KZ Church.
choose, make sure your gratitude attitude is growing and bloom- Other Rehearsals:
ing big time this year! 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 7 Sunday, November 22, 2009

 UPCOMING EVENTS OTHER NEWS
Wednesday Night Meal Thank You
Fellowship Hall | 5-6:15PM We want to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks
Children (age 2-12) $2 | Adults $3 | Family $10 for all the cards, visits, phone calls, and other acts of kindness
Make reservations on the Care & Communication Card or call the shown to us in the last 7 months since Dean had his stroke. We
church office before noon on Mondays.
especially appreciate the assistance of John Porter and Marabel
Nov 25: Happy Thanksgiving--no meal
Kersey for their help in getting us set up to bring Dean home and
Hope@Work Upcoming Job Fair 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
and Career Workshops do without our wonderful Federated family. A “big thank you”
Saturday, December 5 | 9AM–Noon | No cost for attendees
Elim Christian Fellowship Church, 525 East 9th seems so inadequate for all you’ve done.
Street, Des Moines (1/2 block north of Capitol Building) Dean and Alice Hall
For more information or questions please contact Jim Adams
at 986.9842 or 556.4920, Brian Berry at 669.0419, or Craig
Happy 100th Birthday!
Audrey Penn, a long-time member of First
Morkert at 333.9469.
Federated Church, turns 100 years old on De-
cember 8, 2009! How awesome! We would like
Ladies Christmas Tea | Spirit of Christmas to help her celebrate with a “card shower” from
Tuesday, December 8 | 6:30–8:30PM | Fellowship Hall
her friends at Federated!
Cost: $15—Includes meal, program, music, fun and fellowship If you would like to send Audrey a card, here
Speakers: Brooke Bouma Kohlsdorf (WHO Personality), is her address:
Eloise Gardner and Sharon Johnson. Audrey Penn
Limited tickets available through Lois Grove 254-1141. Fountain West Care Center
If you don’t get a ticket for the Tea, you’re still welcome to 1499 Office Park Rd.
attend the program in Franklin Hall at approx. 7:30PM at no cost. Heritage Court - Room 130
November W. Des Moines, IA 50265
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
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
Work Projects Do you need your lawn raked of the
abundance of leaves? Your house winter-
ized? 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
[Worship Fully] Budgeted Missions
[Spend Less] Year to Date: 9/1/09–present
[Give More] Need ......................................$59,312
[Love All] Offering ................................ $53,426
Shortage.............................. ($5,886)
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)

First Federated Church 8 Sunday, November 22, 2009