The Spirit June 23, 2022

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 prayer is that each and every person within our congregation feels the same. As Rev. Dr. Daniel Lovell stated in his sermon, the work of the church means, “All Hands On Deck!” We are each called to the ministry of the church and I pray you each have ways that help renew and refresh your calling from Christ. With that very thought in mind, I would like to call your attention to our upcoming Pastor’s Bible Study. If you are not aware, I am planning on teaching a 6-week Bible Study on Discipleship. Our primary focus will be from the Gospels and Prophets, but we will also read from the Epistles to the Romans and the Corinthians.

Discipleship refers to process of intentionally growing in our relationship with Christ. Just like those first disciples of Jesus, we are each called to follow the way of God’s Kingdom Jesus reveals to us through his life, ministry, death and resurrection. In order for us to truly have “all hands-on deck” we must each continue to grow in our discipleship—living the way of Christ. As part of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) we place our faith firmly on our belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior. Thus, our on-going growth through discipleship must explore what it means for each of us to profess Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Throughout the Scriptures, the word “faith” speaks to the trusting relationship we have with God. Faith is our reliance and obedience upon God. It was not until Jesus was raised from the power of death that the language of faith begins to shift. Faith, starting with Paul, for the earliest Christians begins to be experienced as faith “in Jesus Christ.” As Christians today, we speak of faith in Christ. As members of this church, that neither ascribes to or requires specific confessions of faith, the responsibility falls upon each of us to make sense of what we mean by “faith” and “Christ.” Each Wednesday, from July 6 to August 10: 6-7pm, we will address these and related matters to our own discipleship as we study the scriptures.

I often tell people that one of the best ways to grow in their faith is to turn to the Scriptures. While it is nice to pick up the good book and start reading, it is even better to intentionally study the Scriptures together with other Christians. In open and honest dialogue with the biblical texts and with each other we open our beings to God’s Word and allow the Spirit to transform us so that our lives may echo today the ways of God expressed through Jesus Christ. I hope you will consider joining us in growing and deepening our faith as we explore the concept of discipleship within our faith and scriptures. Through this journey, I know our relationships will deepen—with the scriptures, with each other, and with Christ.

Outline of Pastor’s Bible Study:

Each class will meet at 6:00 pm

July 6:                Introduction

July 13:             The Call to Discipleship (Mark 1:14-20; Mark 2:13-14; Luke 19:1-10; Exodus 3)

July 20:             No Cheap Grace (Mark 8:27-38; Matthew 16:13-27; Luke 9:18-26)

July 27:             Radical Discipleship (Luke 9:57-62; Matthew 8:18-22)

August 3:        The “Lord’s Supper” (1 Corinthians 11:17-34; Matthew 25:31-40)

August 10:       Christian Worship (Romans 12:1-2; Amos 5:21-24; Micah 6:6-8)

In Christ’s Peace,

Rev. David Clifford

A COMMUNITY’S GIFT TO THE COMMUNITY

Henderson has just finished the W.C. Handy Blues Festival—widely recognized as the largest free music event in the nation. Every year members of the community come together to bring entertainment, music and an opportunity to enjoy the city’s beautiful waterfront to everyone—a gift that enriches all. Members of First Christian church have always contributed generously of their time, talent and resources to help make the event a success. Some have served as officers of various committees and others have donated time and other resources to make sure the work was done. We note this in the Spirit because FFC has been an advocate for outreach that improves the lives of all since it’s beginning in Henderson. Gail Myers notes this below in her Thank Yous.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Elders at the Table for the month of July are Debbie Enyart and Sandy Hester.

        Lay Leaders: June 26 - Barb Chaney,  July 3 - Gail Myers, July 10 - Sandra Deitz,

        July 17 - Onnastasia Clifford,  July 24 - Alma Strother and July 31 - David Thomason.

• The Large General Board meeting will meet tonight Thursday, June 23 @6:30. All board members are asked to attend. This is a very important time for the church.

        Starting in July the CWF will collect Lotion for Christian Community Outreach. They          have a container in the Narthex if you wish to help out with a donation.

• CMF will have their men’s breakfast Sunday July 3 at 8:30 a.m. Please come and join them.
• The Church office will be closed Monday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day. Have a Safe and Happy Holiday!

  Pastor's Bible Study

• David Clifford will be teaching a Bible Study on the theme of Discipleship. This 6-week class will take place each Wednesday evening from 6pm-7pm, starting July 6.

Adult Sunday School Class Returns

• Bill Aldridge’s Sunday School Class/Bible Study is back after a two-year hiatus because of COVID. Bill reports that the first class included 10 people who met at 9:30 on Sunday morning. So far, discussion has focused on the Sumerian Cuneiform Tablets and their relationship to the Bible. While there are also plans to look at the Flood Stories, the class itself decides what future discussions will include. The class is open to all who are interested in attending and meets at the church at 9:30 on Sunday mornings

• Note to All: In Memory of: John C. Danheiser and Merle Hetrick from Joyce Chandler and Linda Danheiser was regretfully left off the Father’s Day insert.