THE SPIRIT - May 17, 2022
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 election day. I happen to agree with them. I’ve often heard that the United States of America and our government is an on-going experiment—mainly we are constantly testing the hypothesis of those leaders that we look back on with humble nostalgia as they attempted to set up a governing system for a new nation.
One of the key components in this new nation (which is now 244 years old) was that every individual should have a say in the governance of the nation. We acknowledge now that those leaders had a rather narrow understanding of the term “individual,” as it only seemed to apply to white, male, landowners. However, the theory and premise seemed to make a lot of sense. We now hold open elections so that every citizen has the right to make their voice (or checked box, as it were) heard.
The only way this system truly works is if the citizens do, indeed, vote. I know I have had some moments in my own young adulthood in which the frustrations of the system itself lead to cynicism that my vote was not heard nor mattered. However, I recognize that this thinking not only impacts me, but the entire system. To be in community is to have responsibilities. To have the freedoms that we do, is to have increased responsibilities to use our freedoms appropriately and with great care. We each have the responsibility of continued participation in the system. We pray we can help make it better than worse, but we must never give up our participation.
One of the fascinating realities about our own denomination, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), is that our own founding and birth happens at a similar time and place as the founding and birth of our nation. One of the things that many Disciple historians have pointed out over the years is the way in which our denomination values look similar to the values of our nation. For instance, our denomination has valued unity and the individual freedom to interpret scripture and beliefs. We have also always highly valued the individual freedom of each local congregation.
With such freedom comes increased responsibilities. Similar to our nation, the only way this structure will work is if you continue to participate in the relationship. While it is true for every denomination, it is truer for the system created by those Disciples that have come before us—your church NEEDS you. We need you to actively participate in the life of our congregation. We need you to actively build and grow your relationship with Christ through reading scripture and prayer. We need you to actively build and grow your relationships with those others who have joined us in the wonderful experiment of continuing to be the body of Christ on earth.
I am thankful this day for the opportunity to participate is two wonderful institutions: the United States of America (specifically the Commonwealth of Kentucky) and the Body of Christ (specifically First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Henderson, KY). I am both thankful and grateful you each do this work with me. I constantly pray, that no matter the frustrations or shortcomings, our resolve to continue our participation will never faulter. May the strength of Christ continue to lead us in never giving up to live into our callings and the faith.
Easter Peace,
Rev. David Clifford
DEACON REPRESENTATIVE TO THE BOARD
NONNIE CAMPBELL HOPPER
By Mara Beth Womack
Twenty years ago, Nonnie was ordained as a FCCH Deacon. Since that time, she has served in various capacities. She is always quick to volunteer. You will find her on Sunday mornings either preparing, organizing Deacon teams or serving communion. She acts as a friend to the FCCH shut-ins, provides transportation to those who no longer drive and enjoys visiting the sick. Nonnie is always sharing her gifts and talents and is seldom found with idle hands.
Nonnie is a retired junior high math teacher. Rumor has it, that she had a positive impact on many young people through her teaching and coaching of successful high school tennis teams. Along with her years of community involvement, she has organized regional tennis tournaments, numerous golf outings and raised money for the Father Bradley Women’s and Children Shelter. Golf, tennis, yoga and traveling are only a few of Nonnie’s favorite hobbies.
OUR 2022 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
William & Meredith will attend the University of Kentucky this fall. Hugh Patrick will continue his work experience as an intern in Toyota’s Engineering program and development in Princeton, IN and attend the University of Mississippi (OleMiss) as an engineering student in the fall. Abbie will enter Murry State to pursue a degree in education. This week each graduate will be featured on the Church’s social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram.
CHANGES ARE COMING!
By Tyler M. Haynes
Some of you may have heard that the editorial committee was changing things up a bit. Yes, we can’t keep quiet any longer; the rumors are true. We are now the “Communication’s Committee”. This committee is made up of Barbara Kammerlohr, myself, Mara Beth Womack and Rev. David Clifford. The ultimate goal of this committee is to streamline the information that you (the congregation) need to know.
You may have noticed one change in particular already which is the publication times of The Spirit. We are now publishing the latest editions every 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month. Over the years many of you have found The Spirit to be the ultimate newsflash for all things First Christian Henderson. We still want The Spirit to do just that and hopefully we will continue to provide that information to you in a timely manner twice a month.
Going forward, I will spearhead a column to highlight outreach activities that are going on inside and outside of the church. It is extremely important that the congregation be made aware of activities that are going on in and outside of the church. If you have an outreach activity coming up or something that you feel the church should be made aware of, please let me know about it. You can email me the information regarding the event to thaynes91@yahoo.com. It would be my pleasure to be sure the congregation is aware.
While The Spirit is an excellent tool for communication, we also have to be mindful of the ever-changing dynamic with social media. First Christian Church has a great presence on Facebook and that social media platform is an excellent tool for communication. So, same goes for social media as does any printed material. Please email me the details of any event that you would like highlighted to thaynes91@yahoo.com and I will get that done for you.
All information, whether it is electronic or printed, is due to me no later than end of day the Thursday before the next publication date. Remember those dates are the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. Also, please be sensitive to the event dates of any activities you may that need to be highlighted.
Should you ever have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to send me an email!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Elders at the Table for the month of May are Davis & Barbara Sprague.
Lay Leaders: May 22- Barbara Kammerlohr, May 29- Priscilla Perry.
The General Board meeting has been moved from Thursday, May 19 to Tuesday, May 24 at 6:30 pm.
The Deacons meeting that was schedule for May 24 has been postpone due to the rescheduling of the board meeting. The new date for the Deacon’s meeting will be posted at a later date.
The church office is closed Monday May 30, Memorial Day.
Family Fun Night has been postponed! We look forward to making this a fall event.
The Secret Place are in! They have been placed at both entrances of the sanctuary.
The Jr. Deacon’s Installation will take place on May 22 during worship. Please be in prayer for our Jr. Deacon’s planning on joining this ministry.
The Pentecost Offering supports Disciples new church development. Planning, nurturing and sustaining new congregations is part of the Disciples’ vision. This offering supports the specialized ministry of new church development through both regional and general programs. Gifts for this offering are divided equally between the region in which they’re given and the New Church Ministry. Collection dates are May 29 and June 5.
CMF Men’s breakfast is schedule for June 5 @8:30 am. Please come, eat and enjoy.
CWF business meeting is scheduled for June 7 @ 10:30 am.
Commodities will be delivered on June 18.
CWF will be at Christian Community Outreach volunteering on June 19 from 1-3 pm. They will be assisting families with food.
SAVE THE DATE: June 12 @ 2:00 p.m. we will celebrate the Installation of Rev. David Clifford. We ask all to come out and show their appreciate for Rev. David dedication to his ministry here at First Christian Church.
Just a reminder that our prayer box is located in the office window. Please feel free to stop by and fill out a prayer request if you have one.
The Spirit July 3,2024
