The Spirit: February 2, 2023

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 the midst of death, the story is not over. New life can spring forth from the grave. The beauty of our faith is that this irrational belief is not tied solely to the resurrection of Jesus: out of chaos God speaks forth creation, even with the destruction of the flood Noah is promised new life, through the leadership of Moses Israel finds freedom, the prophet Ezekiel witnesses dry bones come to life.

Our scriptures are filled with example after example of new life popping up in the most unexpected of ways and circumstances. After my sermon this past Sunday (January 29) as we focused upon the promise of God’s blessing even in the midst of tragedy, I have heard a number of stories from the congregation that have experienced such faith in their own lives. A number of individuals have shared with me their own stories of finding blessing through tragedy and frustration. I know this church believes in such miracles and has even experienced them.

At the same time, there is still frustration with what is perceived to be a lack of blessing upon our current congregation. There are a number of us (myself included at times) that believe our congregation is on the cusp of radically shifting or becoming forever irrelevant. We see the decreasing numbers and the overwhelming struggle to get engagement with volunteers; all the while, we struggle to find a grasp on our vision for ministry and discernment of God’s guidance. I feel the frustration and struggle. I recognize that many within this congregation have struggled much longer with these realities than I have. I want to lift up the pain and grief that comes with being a part of the church.

However, as your pastor, I also lift up the persistent hope of an irrational reality of our faith. I know our denomination has often prided ourselves on being a rational faithful community. We have, historically, allowed our reason and intellect to guide our faith and theology. But following Christ doesn’t always make sense to us.

I have recently been reading through the book of Joshua as the wandering Israelites finally make their way into the promised land. I think there are a number of analogies that are appropriate for our own church. After Moses’ death, the next generation is tasked with fulfilling God’s promises to the Israelite people. I can’t imagine the fear and frustration associated with such an impossible task. You can almost hear the questions being asked to Joshua: We’ve been talking about entering this promised land for generations, what makes you think we can do it now? If Moses couldn’t figure it out, how will we?

But the persistent hope of God goes with them. In fact, Joshua (and all of Israel—and all of us reading this account) are commanded by God to, “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). I pray through our fear and frustrations that we may each find the strength to persist in hope. Join me in following God’s command: be strong and courageous, church. For God is with us.

Peace Always,

Rev. David Clifford

Leadership Teams’ Work Continues

 This year both the Board and Ministry team are studying issues regarding the church’s resources and ministries. As congregation members hear or read about proposals from these groups, it is important to remember that constructive feedback is both welcome and expected. Congregation members are welcome to attend Board meetings or talk with individual members of the Board, Ministry Team or task forces.

At its meeting January 19, the Board named the first three members of   the task force that was promised when the congregation approved using money from the permanent fund to meet operating expenses. The task force will study and make recommendations regarding the best use of the church’s diminishing resources. To date, members of the task force include Nic Womack, Bill Aldridge and Barbara Chaney.

Board members are: Nic Womack, Sandra Dietz, Nonnie Hopper, Barbara Chaney, Bill Aldridge, Cheryl Griffee, Barbara Kammerlohr, Rev. David Clifford. Barbara Kammerlohr recently joined the Board as a representative from the Ministry Team.

The Ministry team meeting scheduled for Tuesday (Jan 31) was cancelled because of weather. The Ministry team meeting has been re-scheduled to Tuesday, February 7, at 6:30 p.m.

ANOUNCEMENTS

ASH WEDNESDAY: On February 22  we will have a joint worship service at Community Baptist Church 6:00 p.m. We ask FCC to join in this celebration as we move forward into this Lenten season.

FCC Board meeting scheduled for February has been move out a week to February 23, @ 6:30 p.m.

Weekly Bible Study continues on Wednesday nights at 6:00 p.m.

Senior Saints will gather at FCC on February 21 @11:30. This month Gail Myers will be our host. As always, we ask that you RSVP by Sunday the 19^th.

Each year in February, congregations across the United States and Canada collect a Special Offering for Week of Compassion. While many congregations choose to collect their offering during this designated week, the offering truly fuels Week of Compassion's work and witness throughout the whole year!  Funds received through the offering enable Disciples to respond to disaster when it occurs, because Week of Compassion works with partners to immediately provide grants for urgent needs like emergency supplies, water, shelter, and food. The February Special Offering is set aside for congregations to lift up and celebrate this this important work that we do together - not just in domestic and international disaster response, but in refugee and immigrant response, and sustainable development funding around the world. International disaster response, but in refugee and immigrant response, and sustainable development funding around the world.

Epiphany Sermon Series: New Year, Same Promises

 A Six-Week sermon series focusing on God’s promises.

Sprinkles of Joy    

     
Six men from the FCCH choir attended the 28th Annual Kentucky Regional Mens’ Chorus retreat at Madison Christian Church last .  Sunday. They are pictured here from left to right: Dr. Dave Leslie,  Ken Enyart, Elliot Myers, Dwayne Pfingston, Isaac Myers and Terry Cobb