THOUGHTS FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER
One of the things us ministers do in preparation for the work of ministry is spend a lot of time discerning and “figuring out” our call stories. You might think this should be relatively straight forward, but for a number of different reasons, us ministers can spend our entire lives in this discernment and “figuring out.” A number of different classes throughout my seminary experience had me write papers not only describing my own story of God’s calling to ministry, but also interpreting and analyzing the story. The nurture and certification process—that is the process by which Regions of The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) evaluate and certify candidates for ministry—also had me spend a lot of time sharing this call story and answering questions about it.
The notion of being “called” by God is a deeply biblical and tradition concept from our faith tradition. Jewish tradition includes a number of famous call stories: Moses, King David, Ruth, Nehemiah, and Isaiah. We also see call stories with Christ and a number of his disciples; and the resurrected Christ famously calls Saul that we know as the Apostle Paul. My own call story is nowhere near as exciting or transformational as any of these most important figures to our faith tradition. And yet, I thought I might share it with each of you in this space.
It was my sophomore or junior year of high school and while I’m contemplating my life and future career opportunities, I am also being forced by my mother to deepen my faith. I use the term “forced” intentionally. Like most high schoolers, the only reason I went to church and explored my faith was because that was the expectation of my mother. During high school I attended a weekend-long retreat with a number of other boy’s lead by various Godly men. The theme of the retreat focused on Isaiah 6:8: “I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
Having already dedicated my life to be a disciple of Jesus and having been baptized, there was a part of me that felt as if I had already answered this question. I was a dedicated disciple (even if my mother was pushing me), I attended church regularly, and was comfortable talking about my faith with my peers. In many ways, that weekend I felt as if I had already claimed to be there with God. And yet, something was also missing. I hadn’t quite felt sent. I spent the weekend quietly reflecting upon what my sending might actually look like.
Towards the end of the weekend, this strange thought was moving through my mind. I had dedicated my life to Christ, but who would go for the church? I responded… “Here am I.” My sending would be to the church. My next dedication would not merely be between myself and Christ, as my Lord and Savior. I would also dedicate myself to Christ’s church—and all the fellow disciples that would journey with us. I will never forget the moment I shared with one of the group leaders, “I think I want to be a minister.” His eyes got quite big and I can almost see his mind frantically attempting to make sense of the statement— “umm…no one said this would be a reaction.” He quickly passed me on to one of the local pastors who helped guide the beginning of my discernment process.
As I mention, it continues to be a process in discerning this encounter with God and the prophet Isaiah. I believe we each have a call story. Maybe not to the profession of ministry or dedication to pastor a church. However, we must each draw upon our call stories throughout our lives. I believe one of the reasons we ministers spend so much time with our call stories is because of the strength and guidance they continue to give us through the difficult moments of our vocations. In the darkest of times, I am able to recall that moment I answered God… “Here am I. Send me!” I pray you each are able to encounter God in such ways that lead to strength and courage in the darkest moments of our shared lives together.
Peace Always,
Rev. David Clifford
Since the Board and Ministry team retreats in January, the two groups have worked to implement the recommendations from the meetings—-mostly visioning the future of the church given the changes society (and churches including FCCH) have endured the past few years. As some time, each meeting is spent discussing questions posed during the retreats. The two getting the most attention have been: “How might our church respond to the significant size transitions we have undergone?” And, “How might we build enthusiasm and engagement given this transition”?
While the work is still in its initial stages, several concrete steps have been taken. The Board appointed a task force to study budget issues in light of the need to withdraw funds from the permanent fund. The Board is also sending representatives to a Disciples Stewardship Initiative entitled Sustaining Generosity. The Ministry team discussions focus more on creating a community where participants grow in relationship with God and with one another.
Such serious discussions have the power to create significant changes in a church where the organizational structure was created during a time when church membership, attendance and giving were at a higher level. Some readers of the Spirit may want to avoid the inevitable surprise by becoming aware of these discussions as they continue. Talking with members of the Board and Ministry team is one way to know where discussions are going.
Reading The Other Half of Church by Jim Wilder and Michel Hendricks can contribute to understanding the Ministry Team’s discussions. The book describes the role of the right brain in spiritual development and has personal and group exercises designed to create community and develop stronger relationships with one another. The team has committed to studying the book together as well as working through the exercises. Ultimately, the team will make a decision about how recommendations in the book can be used to create closer community within our church and develop closer relationships with one another and with God. The book is available at Amazon.com.
Another possibility is dedicating your time and joining one of the two groups. Currently, the Board has a vacancy for a member at large. The Ministry team is looking for an individual to coordinate the youth ministry. Rev. David or Board president Nic Womack are good sources for discussing volunteering for a vacancy.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The FCC Choir has done a great job singing each Sunday and rehearsing on Wednesday evenings. Their dedication and talents are outstanding and I appreciate them immensely. The choir will take time off during June and July and return in August. Consider joining & singing in the choir!! Thank You, Choir!!
...Chanda Pfingston
Psalm 135-vs.3 Praise the Lord; for the Lord is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.
Pastor’s Bible Study: Rev. David Clifford’s Bible Study is focused on the Gospel of Matthew. Our next class is Wednesday, May 24 at 6 p.m. Jesus’ Death: Four Perspectives please read Matthew 26:1-16.
New Children's Bulletins: The worship committee is now providing children's bulletins for all children who are in worship. These bulletins provide activities based on the lectionary scripture readings for the day. There are two options: a "reader" bulletin for older children, and a "pre-reader" bulletin for younger kids. We invite parents and/or guardians to help their children use these bulletins to dive deeper into our worship.
Easter Sermon Series: Closer and Closer: An Eight-Week sermon series focusing on the resurrection—deeper relationships with God and one another. This sermon series will highlight the resurrection narratives—people coming together to hear and respond to this amazing news. Like bedtime stories and old family lore, we share our stories in relationships close and safe so that we will be equipped to boldly share the story of Jesus in the world. Sunday’s sermon is titled “Living Stones” based on 1 Peter 2:2-10.
The Ministry team meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 30 @ 6:30 pm.
We have two special collections coming up: The Pentecost offering: May 21 and May 28 will support new church ministers of the denomination. Father’s Day’s collection: June 4 and June 11. Gifts in memory/honor of FCCH fathers will go toward Camp Kum-Bay-Ya’s “Furnishing Fundraiser” which is attempting to raise $90,000 to purchase new beds, mattresses, storage, and other furnishing for the 12 new camper cabins and 2 new retreat cabins.
The W. C. Handy Blues Festival will be taking place June 14-17. As in the past, our church will be an “In-Kind” sponsor for providing food for the visiting musicians at the hospitality tent. You can help support this by either providing food during the event or through cash donations to help purchase food. If you are interested in doing either, please contact Mrs. Gail Myers @ 270-831-0745.
Fill the Gaping Hole in Our Ministry Team: The growing number of young people present on Sunday mornings brings an exciting change to the energy of the church. But one thing is missing—a leader for the youth ministry. Absent from Ministry team meetings is the wisdom of an individual committed to developing programs for those young people we have wanted in our midst for a long time. If you have an interest in programs for youth, we need you. Rev. David would love to talk with you. And, if you decide to join us, you will discover a support team of leaders of other programs eager to be there with you.
SPRINKLES OF JOY
Sprinkles of Joy to Evina Bell Bryan. This month her grand daughter, Beth Jewel, graduates from Southern Indiana University and has agreed to teach math at North Junior High in Henderson this Fall. During the same time frame, she has become engaged to Alec Brown who also graduates from USI. Congratulations to Both of Them!
