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 celebrate Christmas together with our annual Christmas dinner. We even had Santa join us to spend a little time with our children and take some pictures. Not only was this past Sunday a great day for First Christian of Henderson, but it was also a great day for the universal church.

Many of you are aware (especially those that joined us Sunday), but I was absent from the worship service. I actually spent the day at Sebree First Christian Church—the church I grew up in. This past Sunday, Sebree installed new Deacons and my mother was ordained an Elder of their congregation. I had the honor and privilege of being present to the wonderful ceremony as well as getting to participate and preach at my home church.

When I first heard the news that my mother was being ordained an Elder, I reached out to the minister at Sebree asking about the service and wondering about any opportunity to participate. When Bill informed me the date, I had assumed I would not be able to attend. Missing a Sunday in Advent is challenging. However, missing the Sunday of our annual Christmas Dinner seemed nearly impossible. Us ministers seem to think we are more important than we really are, at times.

I want to express my sincere thanks to this wonderful congregation. After having multiple conversations with our leadership and talking it over with our board not only was I told it wasn’t a problem to miss Sunday, but I was strongly encouraged to attend worship with my mother on this most important day. Sometimes we need more than just permission—sometimes we need caring siblings in Christ that will help push us in the right directions. At our best, this congregation brings out the best in each other—even their minister.

I still regret missing such an important day in the life of our congregation, but as one Elder shared with me this past Sunday: I would have regretted missing being with my mother on this most important day in the life of the church. Afterall, the church is bigger than any one of us. And, the church is bigger than any one congregation.

This past Sunday was a great day in the life of Christ’s church. I was able to celebrate the Joy of Advent with the congregation that helped lay the foundation of my faith. I was able to preach in the very same pulpit that I preached my first sermon as I explored what it might look like to be called to ministry. I was able to lay hands on my mother as she accepted her own call to the Eldership of a most holy and important congregation.

I truly believe that you each played a part in such a glorious day. For without this church, I would have missed such an opportunity believing that my call and job are to be here in Henderson. Thank you for the reminder, church. May we each seek out the true joy of the Christ-child that we celebrate this season. May we cultivate lives that hear and respond to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit that we may not miss the opportunities for the ministry to which we have been called.

Joyous Advent Peace,

Rev. David

                                                                  Annual Congregation Meeting

Major points of the president’s message regarding the State of the Church included:

  The Board has updated, and continues to update, the policies of the church, creating a stronger foundation for growth. For example, board positions will alternate every other year to make sure that there is continuity in board membership.

  There has been a positive spirit about challenges the church has undergone this year. Most churches in a similar situation would have fought the changes and failed.

  One major focus for the Board during 2023 will be the Ministry Team. A representative from the    Ministry team has been added to the board to help provide communication and direction. Additionally, the pastor and board chairman will meet with the Ministry team to help with the transition.

 The Board also had a challenge for the congregation: Invite at least one person per quarter to our church. Tell our story to your friends.

In conclusion, Nic noted:

“As a church family, we need to continue to evolve and be positive. Try new things. Most successful people and businesses at times have a taste of failure and that typically makes them stronger. Don’t be scared of failure with your ideas.

Return of the Christmas Potluck

Santa visited First Christian Church during the after-church pot luck Last Sunday. At left,  he poses with members of the dishwashing team: the generous souls who  still man the dishwasher long after most others have gone home. 

Sunday was also the day after the Winter Formal on Saturday and most members of this team showed up for church and the potluck. Pictured from left to right are: Lara Schelp (German exchange student), Taylor Womack, Baylee Womack, Sophie Presley (a visitor) and Hadrian Clifford.

Mara Beth Womack, chief of the dishwashing squad, wrote: “I am one proud grandmother. After a magical evening at their Winter formal, these sweet girls showed up at worship service. They “manned” the dishwasher for the Christmas dinner and had enough energy and smiles left over to get their pictures made with Santa!

get their pictures made with Santa!

In addition to dinner, there were opportunities to have one’s. picture taken with Santa Claus. Below he poses with the younger crowd.

                                                    News from Christian Church in Kentucky

Next summer the General Assembly for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will be held in Louisville July 29-August 1, 2023. For the first time in four years the church will gather as a whole and it will be in Kentucky! Registration began October 22 and continues.

Note that the planning committees need volunteers. Those committees include: Preschool Programming; Elementary Programming; Pre-registration and Communication; Registration; Transportation; Hospitality; Guest Reception; Special Needs; Pulpit Supply; Local Missions, Experiences; Communion and Diaconate; Green Room; Chapel and Volunteer Services. Volunteers for these committees will receive a discounted registration fee. Visit www.ga.disciples.org for more information.

Long Term Tornado Recovery First Christian Church in Madisonville is hosting a long-term tornado recovery site operated by the Fuller Center for Housing. If you are interested in volunteering on their building projects call: 346-763-7499 or contact Lyn Wilson, scheduler at: disasterrebuilders@fullercenter.org

First Christian Church in Princeton is partnering with Cross Roads Missions of Louisville to schedule groups of volunteers for Western Kentucky Projects. Housing is available for overnight volunteers. Contact Tim Anderson at: Tim@crossroadsmissions.com.

Kentucky Regional Men’s Chorus Retreat is scheduled for January 27–29, 2003 in Covington, KY.

Kentucky Women’s Choral Retreat will be held February 24–26 at Crestwood Christian Church in Lexington.

Summer 2023 Dates for Camp KumBaYa:                                 June 5-10 Chi Rho Camp (Grades 6—8)

June 11–17 CYF Camp (Grades 9—12)                                        June 19–23 Spirit Sailing Camp (Grades 6—12)

June 23–25 Discovery Camp (Grades K—12 and Adults)            June 26–30 Junior Camp (Grades 3—5)

Ron Skaggs ad Santa Claus (aka Ken Enyart) took time from the frenetic Holiday season to spend a few minutes hanging out with an old friend.