The Spirit - March 22, 2022
THOUGHTS FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER
Rev. David Clifford
The great American theologian and preacher, Jonathan Edwards, once said, “God is a communicative being.” For those that have not heard of Jonathan Edwards, but have watched Hamilton, Edwards was the grandfather of Aaron Burr. Hopefully I now have your attention. The reality of our busy and hectic lives is that there are any number of things attempting to gain our attention. Between new TV shows and movies to social media and the news, we are constantly being told to look here and look there. Hey! Notice this new thing or this latest story.
Edwards noticed a similar thing about God. For Edwards, everything God does is an attempt to communicate the truth of who God is – this is true for creation, to the incarnation of Christ, and even to the outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit. You might have heard how deeply relational God is in that God seeks relationship with creation. Edwards seems to suggest that God is not only relational, but is actively attempting to communicate the truth of who God is to the world.
There have been a few moments in my life as a parent that I have tuned out my children. They aren’t my proudest moments, but sometimes when I find myself tired and not quite feeling 100%, I find my brain blocks out the noise that can sometimes be children wanting to play or tell you that same story for the 1,000th time. However, my kids are both persistent and tenacious. And, I love them for it. My children refuse to let me off the hook that easy and have a way of pulling me out of my exhaustive state. If I’m honest, I am always thankful they do. I usually need to go play or be told that story.
The prophet Isaiah tells us that a little child will lead the way to peace. I believe that in these moments, my own children help lead me back to the truth of who God is. God’s communication to us never ceases. And yet, we so infrequently hear God’s voice. I think we have become too distracted, too tired, and too overwhelmed that our brains have tuned out God’s voice in a similar way that I sometimes tune out my own children. We must find a way to reconnect to the voice of God.
Each and every Christian believer must find a daily practice of connecting with God. It might look, traditionally, like daily prayer, bible study, or attending worship. It might be something less traditional. The what matters less than the who. If we are not able to stay connected to God’s eternal communicative voice, we will lose the truth of who God is. God is calling each of us to strengthen our connection this Lenten season. I would encourage each of us to examine the ways in which we hear from God and to strengthen our daily connection to the communication we receive from God.
Lenten Peace,
Rev. David Clifford
BILL ALDRIDGE: ELDER REPRESENTATIVE TO THE BOARD
By Barbara Kammerlohr
Bill Aldridge is perhaps the most widely recognized member of FCHC’s Board. He is the man who, before COVID restrictions, welcomed every Sunday morning worshipper with a handshake and special greeting. Bill became a member in 1988 and since then, has shared his deep Christian faith continually with this congregation.
Bill reports, that over the years, he has done just about everything in this church: elder, deacon, board member (for 15 years), board chairman, member of committee to re-write by laws, Sunday School and Bible study teacher, and substitute preacher. Among other tasks, he reprogrammed the carillon which had been out of operation for about seven years and volunteered for countless tasks.
The Aldridge’s came to Henderson from the Church of Christ in Salem, VA, a suburb of Roanoke, when the company for which Bill worked reorganized and offered him a transfer. Two years later, they made the decision to join FCCH. Bill’s career has been as interesting as his service to this church: ironworker, welder, ambulance driver, electrician, and engineer technician.
Bill has several goals for this year of service: continue his efforts to promote forgiveness and loving kindness with each other, re-start the Sunday School Class and revise the Tenebrae service, including crafting the candelabra needed during the service.
For those unfamiliar with Tenebrae, it is a religious service held sometime during the three days preceding Easter. During the traditional service, the candles are gradually extinguished until the entire room is in total darkness. One example of a Tenebrae candelabra is at the right, found on Wikipedia.
A NOTE OF GRATITUDE
I want to express my gratitude for each of you who reached out during Roy’s lengthy illness, final weeks in the hospital and Hospice, and to me after his passing. I appreciate all the love and prayers and other acts of kindness during this time. Roy loved his time at FCC and treasured each and every one of you and was so happy to be accepted and loved and able to serve when called. I remember the very first Sunday he walked in the door at FCC with me, and Bill Edwards welcomed him and grabbed him by the arm and led him down the hall to the Sunday School class that he would eventually teach. He loved singing in the choir, and it actually choked him up to sing some of the beautiful music and to be a part of all the voices coming together. He was present in worship every Sunday until he could no longer walk and participate. I love each of you and look forward to being able to worship with you again regularly. With love and gratitude, Carolyn Dorsey
FCCH BOARD NOTES
The FCCH February Board meeting consisted of the members of the Transitional Board and the chairperson of each Ministry Team. An agenda item for the combined Board meeting, was to address and vote on making the Transitional Board the “new” FCCH Board. The objective is to allow for the Board to conduct the business of the church in timely and a more efficient manner.
After some discussion, it was decided, the FCCH Church Policy should be reviewed prior to taking a vote. The Policy handbook will be updated to reflect any changes made to the size and responsibilities of the Board.
Board Chairperson, Nic Womack was tasked with appointing a Policy Review Committee. The members are: David Thomson, Mike Hazelwood, Sandra Freeburger-Deitz, Zack N. Womack, Barbara Sprague and David Clifford.
The first committee meeting was held Thursday, March 20, 2022. The Review Committee is expected to have its work completed by late April. The updated Policy Manual will be presented for review and a vote at the May Board meeting. However, all dates are tentative.
GOD ON THE MOVE
“God on the Move”, A series of sermon based on the Lectionary Gospel Readings, is an exploration of God’s work through the travel and teachings of Jesus. We now are moving into our fourth of The seven sermon titles.
April 3: God Moves Us to Empty Ourselves: As Mary anointed Jesus with the scent of sacrifice, we are called to pour out ourselves for Christ.
April 10 (Palm Sunday): God Moves to the Cross: Throughout his story, Jesus has been moving in one direction—to the cross.
April 17 (Easter): God Moves Out of the Tomb: Even the grave could not still Jesus. He is alive and active and on the move in our lives and our world.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Worship Leaders for April: Serving elders are Sandra Deitz& Sue Wilson.
Lay Leaders: April 3 – A.D. Sprague, April 10 - Zack Womack, April 17- Baylee Womack
The next Lenten Service and luncheon will be held at Community Baptist Church @ 12:00 pm.
CWF is collecting bars of soap in March; in April it will be deodorant. A big thanks to all who support our CWF group and Community Outreach.
Hospitality Group is asking for candy filled Easter eggs. We will need them before the Easter Luncheon on April 10.
PLANS FOR NEW SIGN APPROVED
BLOOMING HOPE AND PEACE
By Tyler M. Haynes
“Where flowers bloom, so does hope.” -- Lady Bird Johnson
About a month ago, I wrote a piece about the season of winter and how it was a time of rebirth, renewing and reflection. Here we are a month later and the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, it is getting warmer outside, the days are longer and the daffodils are blooming. Spring is just around the corner and it is such a peaceful season. For many, it is your favorite season of the year.
The last few weeks have shown us many events across our nation and the world. This conflict in Russia and the Ukraine certainly weighs heavy on our hearts. We sympathize with Ukrainian citizens. Our hearts and prayers go out to them during this dark time for their country. We certainly pray for peace, not just for the Ukraine, but the entire world.
In 1955, Jill Jackson and her husband Sy Miller wrote “Let There Be Peace on Earth”; a familiar hymn for us here at First Christian Church. The first two stanzas say “Let there be peace on earth; And let it begin with me; Let There Be Peace on Earth; The peace that was meant to be. With God as our Father; Brothers all are we; Let me walk with my brother; In perfect harmony.”
The words of that song speak volumes. My favorite part “let me walk with my brother; in perfect harmony.” How amazing would that be if the whole world was able to be peaceful in perfect harmony? Romans 12:16-18 says “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
God calls us all to live as brothers and sisters. He calls us to love one another. He calls us to be there for each other and to lend a hand. My hope and prayer continue to be that God’s word will lead us to be caring and loving individuals to all walks of life and to all ideology. Let us walk with our brothers in perfect harmony.
The Spirit July 3,2024
