The Spirit

THOUGHTS FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER Next week we will officially begin our celebration of Lent. Lent is the liturgical observance commemorating the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert and enduring the temptation of Satan. The 40 days leading up…

THOUGHTS FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER I consider it a part of my job as the Senior Minister of First Christian Church to continue to point us to the hope we have in Christ Jesus. For at the foundation of our faith is this irrational belief that even in…

THOUGHTS FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER I was lamenting recently to someone about how hectic and overwhelming my schedule has seemed lately as the church is trying to get started into 2023 with a strong foundation and this new governance structure. If fa…

Bible Study-The Gospel of Matthew Join FCCH as Rev. David Clifford facilitates a Bible Study exploring the plot, context, and role Matthew's Gospel plays in our own faith formation. We will gather, at the church, most Wednesdays at 6:00 pm. Below y…

THOUGHTS FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER   I don’t really go to the gym, but I am told that it is one of the busiest places to be the first week of January. It seems as if everyone has made getting healthier a goal and resolution for the new y…

THOUGHTS FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER This past Sunday was a great day for the church. First Christian celebrated the Third Sunday of Advent in which we are reminded of the Joy that comes in the form of the Christ-child. We also had the opportunity to …

THOUGHTS FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER Rev. David Clifford As a life-long learner, I am always coming across information that I find utterly fascinating. I usually share my learnings and fascinations with my family at dinner only to find that the thing…

THOUGHTS FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER   A Potluck People! This is one of the ways I describe our church to people. We love our fellowship time. Our Thanksgiving Dinner this past Sunday was a reminder of this fact. Many of you commented to me that…

THOUGHTS FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER    Let me begin by thanking all who have offered me their appreciation as we celebrate minister appreciation month. I will go ahead and thank the church now for what I’m sure will be a wonderful min…

THOUGHTS FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER Apparently, 4th grade science is rather difficult. At least that’s what my family is thinking as Onnastasia and I have been helping Hollan-Monroe better understand the structure and parts of plants. (To be ho…

THOUGHTS FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER Recently, I have found myself in a number of conversations in which the question arises, “How do we get people to come back to church?” To be honest, I’m not sure I have an answer. If I did, we wo…

THOUGHTS FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER Rev. David Clifford Now that school is back in session, my family and I have found ourselves attempting to enter back into the routine. You might know this routine. The daily getting up and getting ready, out the …

THOUGHTS FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER Rev. David Clifford I have two important things to share with you: Back to School Blessing: This coming Sunday (August 7), First Christian will have a special back-to-school blessing for all our students getting…

THOUGHTS FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER Rev. David Clifford As I write this (Tuesday morning), I find myself with a renewed energy. I am just getting back into the office after a 2-week vacation, which followed my installation service. I am thankful to …

THOUGHTS FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER Rev. David Clifford I want to take just a brief moment and thank each and every person that helped to make my installation service what it was. I find myself refreshed and renewed for the work of ministry. My pray…

Family of God By Rev. David Clifford I’d like to share a funny conversation I had with my wife while I was in the midst of planning the installation service. There were a number of important symbolic things I wanted to make sure we di…

THOUGHTS FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER Rev. David Clifford On Sunday, First Christian Church in Henderson, KY will gather with the faithful of Sebree Christian Church and many throughout the West Area of Kentucky, as well as friends and family, in offi…

THOUGHTS FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER Rev. David Clifford Today is the election day (at least for the primaries in Kentucky). My kids even got out of school for it. Of course, they don’t realize why everyone doesn’t get off work for electi…

THOUGHTS FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER Rev. David Clifford The resurrection of our Lord was a most joyful celebration this Easter Sunday. Not only did we celebrate Christ’s defeat of death and the joy of what it means that those first disciples f…

THOUGHTS FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER Rev. David Clifford For those that might not be aware, we have just concluded our Lenten Sermon Series, “God on the Move.” I had challenged both myself and the worship committee in testing a lectionary…

THOUGHTS FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER Rev. David Clifford The great American theologian and preacher, Jonathan Edwards, once said, “God is a communicative being.” For those that have not heard of Jonathan Edwards, but have watched Hamilton…

THOUGHTS FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER Rev. David Clifford A few weeks ago, First Christian held a congregational meeting after worship in which the congregation was presented the 2022 budget. Ultimately, this budget was approved by the members present…

THOUGHTS FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER Rev. David Clifford The church is getting ready to begin our season of Lent: the 40-day journey from Ash Wednesday up to Easter. Traditionally, Lent is a season of self-examination that has included fasting and da…