THOUGHTS FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER
Rev. David Clifford
A few weeks ago, First Christian held a congregational meeting after worship in which the congregation was presented the 2022 budget. Ultimately, this budget was approved by the members present. To many, it might have seemed like any other congregational vote on the church budget. To those of us working on the budget, this year’s budget was quite different. Due to COVID and our leadership transition as the board seeks to figure out our church governance structure for the future, we have had to change the ways we think about most of our ministry at First Christian. This includes our budget process.
In the past, we have created a budget based on the money spent in the previous year. The thought process was that we would continue to do ministry roughly the same as we did in the past year. Of course, if we were expecting any major shifts, we would attempt to build that into our budget. However, thanks to COVID, we can no longer plan ministry in this way. If we continue to do the ministry we did last year, we would do no ministry. Therefore, we are having to be more proactive in the creation of our budget. The leadership that worked on the budget took into consideration the conversations happening within the newly formed ministry team and the plans they have for First Christian’s ministry.
For those that have looked at the budget, you will notice a few things that are different from previous years. The first is that we have added a “Technology” line item. With our increased use of technology and our online ministry, we are anticipating spending more money on continuing and upgrading our online ministry. We have also increased the “Membership/Hospitality” line item from the past. This was due, in part, to the ministry team’s desire to host more fellowship meals as we move out of COVID. Of course, with food costs being more expensive, we have increased the amount we expect to spend.
Planning ministry seems impossible right now. However, our church leaders have been able to do just that. I have heard a number of people thankful for Barbara’s and Sonny’s explanation in their presentation of the church budget. I would also highlight that not only did they do great work in explaining the budget, they did fantastic work in creating a budget as ministry seems to be shifting. I am excited about the future of our church because our leadership is working diligently in attempting to decern God’s future for us in the midst of changing tides.
Church budgets can often be extremely boring or extremely conflictual as various ministries seek a limited amount of funds. However, I am encouraged by our church budget. It many respects, it is a microcosm for the ministry and mission of our church. We may not get it 100% correct, but we are willing to prayerfully and diligently work toward the goal and purposes of God’s Kingdom. I hope you are each as excited about the future of our church as I am. I can’t wait to see where God is leading us. And, I am thankful to get to walk the path with each of you.
Peace Always,
Rev. David Clifford
CHERYL GRIFFEE: SECRETARY TO THE BOARD
By Barbara Kammerlohr
Cheryl Griffee, this years’ secretary of the board, is probably the busiest retiree most of us know. She volunteers almost 40 hours a week at New Hope Animal Rescue and, with husband Arnold, is grandmother of 9 and great grandmother of 13. She and Arnold are both deacons and frequently help serve communion on Sunday mornings.
8 years ago, Cheryl retired from her position as Assistant Manager for the Credit Union in Owensboro. For 12 years, she also served the Green River Chapter of Credit Unions as treasurer. During this period of her life, she spent as much time as she could volunteering to care for and find homes for homeless animals. Note the picture where two recipients of her generosity express their love and affection.
Retirement provided the opportunity to spend even more time nurturing her life-long passion. “Getting to spend time with the animals is the reason I get up in the morning”, she volunteered.
Indeed, many FCCH readers are grateful for Cheryl’s role in helping them adopt a fur baby that brought years of joy to their lives. Serving as secretary this year is Cheryl’s first leadership role since joining FCCH 15 to 20 years ago. She reports that she has no specific goals for her tenure on the board. She simply wants to be a good secretary and do everything right.
God On The Move
The Mardi Gras celebration after services on February 27 was a successful, joyous occasion of food and happy conversation—another of the great meals for which First Christian Church in Henderson is known. Mardi Gras is French for “Fat” Tuesday, reflecting the practice of a last night of eating rich, fatty foods before the ritual Lenten sacrifices and fasting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Worship Leaders for March: Serving elders are Cindy Evans and Anita Watkins.
Daylight savings time begins Sunday March 12. Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed Saturday night.
The next Lenten Service and luncheon will be held at Presbyterian Church @ 12:00 pm. March 16. The Presbyterian church is located at 100 S. Main Street.
The Senior Luncheon will be held on March 15 at 11:30 am. Meal will be catered for around $10. Please call the church to RSVP.
CWF ‘s March service project: Christian Community Outreach assisting clients on March 17 from 1- 3 p.m. They will be collecting bars of soap in March and their service project is WA Church/Mayfield.
FCC Transitional Board meeting will meet this month on March 17 at 6:30 p.m.