THOUGHTS FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER
Rev. David Clifford
The resurrection of our Lord was a most joyful celebration this Easter Sunday. Not only did we celebrate Christ’s defeat of death and the joy of what it means that those first disciples found the tomb empty, but we celebrated such a joy-filled wonder in beauty and wonder. First Christian witnessed close to 150 people in worship for our Easter Morning service. It was wonderful seeing so many of our congregation in the church that morning after COVID and the struggles we have been having. I count it a joy that there were folks present for Easter worship that I didn’t even get a chance to speak to. What a wonderful problem for a minister!
The only issue with Easter this year was the handful of things I kept putting off leading up to Easter. I found myself saying more times than I should, “We can just deal with that after Easter.” Well…here we are after Easter and all those things I kept pushing off till after Easter are now staring straight at me from the pile on my desk. I truly thought things would slow down a bit after we got through our Easter worship. However, First Christian is preparing for an extra busy May and June. And, I couldn’t be any more excited.
If you haven’t already noticed, we have moved into a new sermon series for the Easter season. Our Surprise! series focuses on the unlikely, ironic, and surprising stories found in the lectionary readings from the book of Acts. It leads us all the way up to Pentecost on June 5 and our surprise birthday party for the church.
Throughout the month of May, we will be celebrating a number of wonderful people. The celebrations kick off on May 8 as we celebrate Mother’s Day. The next Sunday, May 15, will be a special celebration of the graduates of First Christian as we recognize our graduates during the Sunday morning worship service. And, the following Sunday, May 22, will see the installation of new Jr. Deacons during our morning worship service.
Don’t forget that May 15 will be our Family Fun Night from 5-7 pm. I know a number of folks have already filled out our Family Feud Survey, and I am looking forward to getting share in the fun of seeing some of the answers during our Church Feud game.
All of these events lead us up to a very special celebration in the life of our congregation and church: on June 12 at 2:00 pm First Christian will officially celebrate in worship my instillation as Senior Minister of First Christian Church in Henderson, KY. Plans are well underway for a wonderful celebration of my vision for ministry with you all at First Christian Church. I do hope you will each be able to share in this glorious moment of worship.
I told you there was a lot we put off to after Easter and now we get to celebrate together! I want to invite you each to celebrate with us. It has been a long time since we have been able to gather and share in such joyous moments with one another. One of the greatest parts of ministry is sharing in life with one another and I am joyously looking forward to sharing in these special moments with each of you.
Easter Peace,
Rev. David Clifford
THANK YOU FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH!
Goal accomplished! Above Rev. David Clifford presents a check to Jefferson Principal Gwen Courtney to help build a new playground at Jefferson School. The check is the culmination of the church’s efforts to raise $10,000 to help the school realize its dream of a new playground for the children from this community.
FCCH Christian Women's Fellowship
On April 30, members of FCCH Christian Women's Fellowship joined with women Disciples across Kentucky for 2022 Spring Conference. Again, this year the conference was a virtual event. Pictured above are women from our church participating via Facebook
REBUILDING GOD’S HOUSE
(The reflection below, by Dianne Fegan of Queensland Australia, was published in the Upper Room. . It is her heart’s response to Haggai I:9. We re-print it below as a reminder of the wisdom the Old Testament has for us today).
The lord of Hosts said, “My house lies in ruins while all of you hurry off to your own houses” Haggai I:9.
“My church has recently undergone a split where half of the congregation has left for a variety of reasons ranging from doctrinal disagreements to personality differences.”
“In the reading, Haggai challenged the governor and the high priest about their priorities. The temple that had been demolished by the Babylonians when Judah went into exile had lain in ruins ever since.
“These verses challenged me regarding the situation of my church. Amidst the rubble of hurt, questions and doubt there is also a sense of growth and rebuilding. So I asked myself, How can I be involved in rebuilding our congregation?” I can participate in the many prayer sessions, Bible studies, and activities. I can invite friends to come with me and to share Christ with others more often. I can offer a positive outlook when negativity emerges, and I can support our pastors. When we are willing to participate in rebuilding rather than simply attending to our own desires, we can rebuild our church—renewing our faith in the process.”
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Elders at the Table for the month of May are Davis & Barbara Sprague.
Lay Leaders:, May 15 Johnda Hazelwood, May 22- Barbara Kammerlohr, May 29- Priscilla Perry
We will have a 2022 Graduate Recognition during worship Sunday, May 15. Please call or email the church office with your graduates’ information. Deadline for information is May 10.
The Deacons have a meeting scheduled for May 24. Please prayerfully consider joining this ministry meeting.
The Senior Saints will travel to Newburgh and the Edgewater Restaurant May 17 for their gathering. Lunch is scheduled for 11:30 but “saints” are encouraged to gather at the church at 11 a.m. Please call the church office by noon May 16 if you plan to join them. Those who need a ride, can let the church office know that information at the same time. Evina Bell reports that the plan for the summer months is to gather for lunch at one of the area’s restaurants. Details about the June and future meetings will be available at a later date.
SAVE THE DATE: June 12 @ 2:00 p.m. we will celebrate the Installation of Rev. David Clifford. We ask all to come out and show their appreciate for Rev. David dedication to his ministry here at First Christian Church.
CWF will be collecting deodorant throughout the month of April.
