Thoughts from Our Senior Minister
One of the things that I usually highlight about our church is that we provide the freedom for each member to define their own understanding of the faith through their beliefs. It could be argued that this is a challenge for our church. In our desire for unity, one could make the argument that we need to agree on what we believe about God and our faith. However, our founders were convinced that the spiritual and biblical unity we are striving toward is more possible in our diversity than our uniformity. This concept actually lines up nicely with Paul’s theology in our New Testament.
One of my hopes with the changes we are making to our newsletter and some of our communications from the church is to highlight our individual members and their beliefs in order to help work toward the unity that our church desires within our mission. Below, you will see a very special response from Tyler Haynes to the December 10th tornados that have so disastrously affected our neighbors. Tyler felt lead by God to share his own thoughts from these devastating storms. By sharing our responses to God’s leading, we are better able to truly become the church we are called to be.
I want to thank Tyler for sharing his thoughts with us (and we look forward to potentially seeing more stories in the newsletter from him). I also want to encourage each of us to begin sharing our own faith as lead by God through the power of the Holy Spirit. In this way, we are able to build the church Christ is calling us to be.
Peace Always,
Rev. David Clifford
We Are Kentucky Strong
By Tyler M. Haynes
The other day I shared 1 John 3:18 “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” on my Facebook page. I shared that line of scripture because of the good will gestures and outpouring love that we are all seeing as Kentuckians from around the world. December 10, 2021 will go down in history as a day of sorrow for Kentucky. Many woke up to a new reality on December 11. A reality many were probably not prepared to face. A reality without loved ones, homes, transportation and so much more.
These past few days the citizens of Mayfield, Dawson Springs and other Kentucky counties have been embraced by the servant’s heart of many. The neighbor from down the street stopped by to help clean up the rubble. The barbecue restaurant from 200 miles away, brought them a hot meal. The police officer from middle Tennessee helped them tarp what was left of their roof before the rain. The young lineman from Alabama stopped to cry with them and offer a shoulder to lean on. Without hesitation, thousands sprang into action to help. Offering the resources, they had and lending a hand with their talents.
God calls us to love one another. I still believe that all people have a good heart, even though sometimes, it is hard for us to see. This tragedy that has rocked our commonwealth has brought the people of Kentucky together. It has brought out the love from around the world. While we pray for those who were affected, we know that there is hope for tomorrow. What this disaster has shown us is that love will always shine through. The love of God for His children will always shine through. And that is what we need to heal, rebuild and renew.
What Does A “Good” Disciple of Christ Believe?
by Barbara Kammerlohr
Finding something to read about what “Disciples” believe is difficult. Just coming to church service taught me that “We are a table people.” All are welcome to join in communion and we celebrate the Lord’s supper every week. But there are also deeply held beliefs that go beyond that. I discovered one of those truths while researching the history of our movement for articles for the Spirit. At the core of our theology is the truth that no “expert” can tell individuals what to believe. We must all work with God and the Holy Spirit to figure this out for ourselves.
The Disciples of Christ movement emerged from the frontier when church attendance was even lower than it is today. At that time most American churches had roots in Europe, an established society whose religious belief systems had been articulated by theologians in an entirely different culture. Pioneers rejected many of those precepts as silly and out of place in this new and rougher land. Church attendance declined radically but a growing number joined the Disciples in the belief that God speaks to each of us. It is, therefore, important to have such a relationship with Him that our lives are governed by his guidance and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Rules from a church hierarchy were too out of touch with the daily lives of Christians.
At first, this seems like freedom to do whatever comes to mind. However, viewed more deeply it is a heavier responsibility. There are few rules, no catechism, no creed, nothing that defines God or right relationship with him. There are guiding principles about right relationship with God and fellow man, but translating them into a Christian life well lived is the responsibility of each individual. Each of us must consult God and the Holy Spirit for our unique answers about how to please God and live in right relationship with him and others. The church community is the place to learn how to do this but it does not claim to have the answer for specific individuals.
In talking with others in our congregation and listening to the podcasts, I have been impressed with the different ways individuals pursue a relationship with God. Some of them are listed below for your consideration if you are seeking ways to deepen your own spirituality. Not all of the suggestions will necessarily work for you but it may be interesting to try some of them.
(1) Monday Morning Preacher has a number of suggestions in the interviews of members of the congregation about their spiritual practices; David and Jada comment on the different ways these members actively grow in their faith and relationship with God. The podcasts are still available on You Tube and well worth reviewing.
(2) Prayer is available at any time and it is hard to imagine any activity that is more important in seeking a relationship with God. There is also an active group in our church (The Prayer Warriors) that meets regularly to pray for anyone who asks.
(3) Bible Study does not require that we gather as a group even though Bible study is frequently available in your church. During times when the group does not meet, reading quietly at home and reflecting on the message also works.
(4) Reading inspirational literature and pondering what God thinks of the ideas found there.
(5) Spending time with Christian friends. Share thoughts and insights about your faith as a way of encouraging friends to share their insights with you. You will find a treasure trove of ideas worth pondering as you work on this practice.
(6) Serving with others. There continues to be many ways to do this even with church activities curtailed because of COVID.
(7) Setting aside quiet time for God always leads to a deeper relationship with Him. This quiet time is necessary no matter what activities are offered by the church.
Whether you reject or decide to try some of these ideas, the fact remains that the history of our movement challenges is all to meet the demands of Discipleship and undertake the task of making God center to each of our life’s.
Announcement
- Elders: January: Sonny Beaven and Gale Myers
- The lay leader for this Sunday, January the 2nd is Barbara Chaney.
- Men's Breakfast will be held January 2nd, 2022 in the fellowship hall.
- Commodities will be delivered on January 12th, 2022 at 8:30 a.m.
- Senior Luncheon: January 18, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. We will meet in the fellowship hall.
- Bill and Becky Aldridge will be providing the meal.
- Ministry Team meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 19th, 2022 at 1:30 p.m.
- FCC Transitional board meeting will be held January 20th, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.
Those affected by the recent tornado still need our help and prayers. If you haven’t done so already, consider helping tornado victims in our area by donating to the Week of Compassion. Simply write a check to First Christian Church, designate it for Week of Compassion and place in the offering plate. Remember, when you give to Week of Compassion you help rebuild, renew and restore. Your generosity means that—through it all- love remains.
- The Transitional Board decided at their December meeting to help in supporting the building of Jefferson Elementary’s new playground, which is not funded through the School District, a priority of our church’s outreach. The board is setting aside $5,000 of FCCH Outreach Funds to go toward this effort. Our congregation is being challenged by the Transitional Board to match the $5,000 gift. If you would like to donate to this cause, please denote “Jefferson Playground” on your check or giving envelope. To date, we have collected $1,150 toward our $5,000 goal.
- Prayer List Location: As you have probably heard, there have been several changes to the church’s website. Previously, you were directed to the website to locate a more detailed list of prayer concerns. It also contained lists of nursing home residents, homebound members, assisted living residents, college students, and active military personnel. Due to confidentiality and privacy concerns, this information will now be available on the “Prayer Corner” page of the membership version (non-internet) of the Spirit. A complete list of these groups and their addresses will be available in the church office. Each edition of the Spirit will contain a section on the “Prayer Corner” page titled “Prayer Hugs”. We will be highlighting, throughout the year, the groups mentioned above and recognizing of ministry groups within our church. Our hope is that you will make a special effort to say a prayer, send a note, or give a hug (Covid permitting 😊) to let each one knows they are loved and appreciated. (Check out “PRAYER HUGS” on the “Prayer Corner” page).
RECYCLING BIN IS BACK!
Just a reminder that the recycling bin is back and
Is located on the south side of the church.
The bin accepts cardboard only and is there for
the use of the congregation and the community.
FCCH, recognized as a Green Chalice Church,
Originally placed the bin as part of the Disciples of
Christ Green Chalice ministry. The national Green
Chalice Program is a ministry that offers
assistance and encouragement to congregations
that wish to live out their faith by caring for God’s
creation.
January Birthdays
1/2 Jeda Davis Kolioutas
1/6 Judy Chandler
1/7 Jill Samples
1/10 Dale Jenkins
1/13 Judy Thomason
Sue Cagle
Savannah Yawn
1/21 Dina Campbell
1/22 Noah Myers Jr.
1/27 Carol Ritter
1/30 John Strother
