The Spirit- June 7, 2022

THOUGHTS FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER

Rev. David Clifford

On Sunday, First Christian Church in Henderson, KY will gather with the faithful of Sebree Christian Church and many throughout the West Area of Kentucky, as well as friends and family, in officially installing me as your Senior Minister. For the past month we have been working on making this worship service as meaningful as possible. The installation service is normally a small portion of a regular Sunday morning service in which the new minister and congregation covenant together for the work of ministry that is set before them. However, we each know that our “normal” has changed quite dramatically since the rise of COVID.

My own transition into your Senior Minister has been anything but “normal”, and many people have asked me how it feels planning an installation service so far into my tenure as the Senior Minister. To be honest, I think this service will be much more meaningful due to the time we have already spent together in ministry. It was extremely important for us as congregation to say goodbye to Chuck and Bonita in the best way possible. I believe we were able to accomplish that task, given the circumstances. Likewise, it is important for us as congregation to continue the strong tradition and history of ministry within the life of this church. The installation service will help us accomplish this task.

The installation service we celebrate on Sunday is an important moment in which we can each reaffirm our commitment to both the ministry of Jesus Christ and the congregation of First Christian Church in Henderson. I am excited to get to share this moment with the wonderful folks of Sebree Christian Church. This is the church I grew up in that helped to instill the faith of Christ within me and was fundamental in my own nurturing to the ministry. I never imagined that my ministry would bring my family so close to home, and I am thankful for the opportunity.

I am excited to introduce the wonderful folks from these two important congregations. My own past from growing up at Sebree Christian Church to my present and future at First Christian Church in Henderson will come together in a wonderful moment of celebrating our collective and shared ministry on Sunday afternoon. I do hope you will be able to join us. The challenge that is in front of the universal church is great, at this moment in history. However, if our past has taught us anything, it is that through our faith in Christ we can accomplish what is in front of us. I know our worship together for this special installation service will be a testament to such a reality of our faith and I look forward to sharing the moment with you and participating in our called ministry together.

In Christ’s Peace,

Rev. David Clifford

FOUR CHAPLAINS MEDAL TO OWEN CHANDLER

By Barbara Kammerlohr

Rick and Judy Chandler recently received word that son Owen, a military chaplain, was awarded the Four Chaplains Medal. This prestigious medal was authorized by Congress in honor of four chaplains who gave their lives during World War II.

On February 2, 1943, a German submarine torpedoed the Dorchester, a transport ship carrying over 900 soldiers to the United Kingdom via Greenland. The ship sank within 27 minutes with 672 men (including the chaplains) still aboard.

As it struck the ship, the torpedo destroyed many of the lifeboats as well as access to most life jackets. Many frightened soldiers, made it to the deck where the four chaplains began to organize them. They distributed life jackets from a locker and, when the supply ran out, gave their own life jackets to other soldiers.

When the last life boats were away, the chaplains joined hands and prayed with those unable to escape. The last anyone saw of them, they stood on the deck of the rapidly sinking ship, arms linked and praying together.

Exactly what Owen Chandler did to receive the medal authorized in their honor we will never know.  Something happened in the Middle East that not even his parents are allowed to know about. We do know that “one of our own” continues to distinguish himself with service to God, fellow man and country”. Congratulations to him, his family, his parents and members of this church who contributed to his early growth as a Christian and continue to support him and his family.

CAMP KUM BA YA IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!

By Tyler M. Haynes

 Beginning next week, Camp KBY begins in Kentucky.  This well-known and well-loved camp has been treasured by hundreds of Disciple families for years. 

This is a great time for Disciple children and teens to come together, enjoy fellowship and make lifetime memories.

Within this publication, you will find Kum Ba Ya’s contact information, a link to a YouTube video, and the camp schedule.

You will find the link to 2021’s Camp KBY video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB_tIClc09g&t=48s

Dear Friends

Thank You for your prayers, cards, phone calls and visits. For telling me “If you need anything just call.” I want you to know how much I appreciate you and your concerns. My Love to you all and God Bless.

                                                            Joyce Chandler