The year I graduated high school someone had bought me a book titled “Christian Wisdom of the Jedi Masters.” It was a book by Dick Staub that used the imagery of the Star Wars universe to explore the spiritual quest of Christians searching for life’s various truths through the faith in a similar way that young Luke Skywalker searches for the wisdom of the Jedi.
I was reminded of this book because when our newsletter goes out this Thursday, it will be May 4th. May 4th has become known as “Star Wars Day” due to the similar sound of “May 4th” and “May the Force be with you”—an often-quoted phrase from the Jedi of the Star Wars universe. In fact, you may hear a number of folks stating today, “May the 4th be with you.”
I can’t recall who it was that bought me this book, but I remember the circumstances. I was young teenager, who had answered the call to ministry and was about to begin my academic journey searching for the wisdom of my faith and the training to teach this faith on to the folks that I would be leading as a minister. In many ways, I relate deeply to Luke’s journey. Except for the fact that I have fight my father who has joined the dark side in order to bring balance to the faith. I also hope that the entirety of our religion doesn’t hang on my shoulders the way it seems to with Luke.
None-the-less, the search for wisdom within the depths of this thing we call faith and Christianity has been my life-long journey. I don’t expect that I will ever truly arrive, but that the journey will continue as we learn more and grow with the other characters along our paths. One of my greatest learnings has been that the journey itself is less about our beliefs and theology and more about the people we journey with.
One of the things that makes the Star Wars movies so connecting to our lives are the friendships throughout the films. In the original movies we see deep connections between Luke, Han, and Princess Leia. But we also see connections between the non-human characters as well: Chewbacca comes to mind, but also the droids R2-D2 and 3-CPO. At one point in the movies, the Emperor even mocks Luke, telling him his greatest weakness is his faith in his friends.
In the letter to the Hebrews, we see this connection to the life of our faith. “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
I pray you each are able to find friends such as these through the journey of your faith. I often pray that our own community of faith would come to life through each of us and that we would find renewed commitment to pursuing God in the company of one another. These friends are not our greatest weakness, they are our greatest strength. This Star Wars Day, I am thankful for each of you to be on this journey with me. I hope you may find the same encouragement as the heroes of our favorite movies and of the faith itself.
In both the Force and Peace of Christ,
Rev. David Clifford
Growing a Relationship with God
By Taylor Womack
My New Year’s resolution for 2023 was to become closer with God and build more of a relationship. So, I thought to myself, what ways can I build my relationship with God? I couldn’t just show up to church and not accept the message. I had to go to church to accept the message, try to figure out what David was talking about, and apply it in my real life. I couldn’t just show up to the class and automatically get a A+. I had to learn and work for it. Now I attend a local youth group on Wednesdays with friends, not only does it build my relationship with God, but I am also able to connect with my friends through faith. I’ve learned so much about myself in the last four months, I can truly say that I’ve never been as happy and I believe my life is headed in the right direction. Don’t ever think it’s too late to build your relationship.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Men’s Breakfast will be held Sunday, May 7 at 8:30 a.m.
We will have a 2023 Graduate Recognition during worship in May. Please call or email the church office with your graduates’ information. Deadline for information is May 7.
Pastor’s Bible Study: Rev. David Clifford’s Bible Study is focused on the Gospel of Matthew. Our next class is Wednesday, May 10 at 6 p.m. An Anti-Triumphal Entry: please read Matthew 21: 1-17
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.
Senior Saints will be going to Red Lobster on Tuesday, May 16. We will meet at the church at 11:00 and then leave for Evansville. Please call Evina or the church office to RSVP.
The FCC Board Meeting is scheduled for May 18 @ 6:30 pm.
The Ministry team meeting is scheduled for Tuesday May 30 @ 6:30 pm.
Mother’s Day is May 14! We are asking that everyone consider making a donation to the Father Bradley Shelter for Women and Children in honor of all the mothers of FCC. Please fill out the insert that will be included Sunday bulletins. A list of those who gave in honor or memory of their mothers will be printed in the Mother's Day bulletin on May 14.
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. This, coupled
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.
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On Sunday, May 7 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. the Watkins will host an open house for family and friends at their home at 2849 Wildwood Creek Lane in Henderson. Members of the FCCH congregation are invited to this celebration also.
