THOUGHTS FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER
A Potluck People! This is one of the ways I describe our church to people. We love our fellowship time. Our Thanksgiving Dinner this past Sunday was a reminder of this fact. Many of you commented to me that if we simply feed them, they will come. We are, after all, a table people. Being a potluck people is so much more than merely loving food. Any southern community could share their hospitality over a good meal. At First Christian, it’s so much more than that.
Potluck People live for the church potluck, but it’s not all about the food: maybe 80/20 (I joke). This Thanksgiving was our first church dinner, following COVID, that we returned to potluck style. To be honest, we were a little concerned about it. Would people be comfortable eating food someone else had prepared? Would people be willing to prepare food and bring it in? Would we have any sides other than green beans? But such worries were not justified. Mainly because we are a Potluck People.
Words cannot express the amount of joy I witnessed on the faces of each person that brought in a dish to be served at our meal. Potluck People aren’t focused entirely on the food itself. Potluck People flock to the spaces where people gather and share life together; they aim to make those spaces as hospitable as possible. It’s true that we have great cooks in our church. We also have the folks that know how to spread the food out just right and who make sure that the centerpieces and decorations are perfect for the occasion.
We also have a church full of people that are willing to share of themselves and their talents: be it cooking, decorating, taking pictures, cleaning up, or washing dishes. Most importantly, we have people who genuinely love and care about the other people around them. The smiles and friendly conversations around the tables of the potluck are as important as the food itself. Our church loves people. In many ways we are defined by the Great Commandment: love God and love people.
I want to encourage each of you to continue being a Potluck People, but not just with food and our dinners. Find ways to prepare something for God’s people other than food and a meal. You have gifts from God that our church is desperately needing. Find ways to share your gifts with the people of God. Our potlucks remind us that there is deep joy in sharing and serving together. And I promise you – it is much more than just the food.
Potluck Peace,
Rev. David Clifford
A Season of Thankfulness
Wanting to celebrate this season, the Spirit’s editorial team asked members of the congregation about their own inner reflections during this time. We asked, “What are you particularly grateful for this season of Thanksgiving?” Most of the responses are recorded in the word collage created by Rev. David Clifford. Other responses were longer, too precious to lose. They are printed below.
From Johnny Strother: “I, too, am grateful for parents who taught me right from wrong and the value of an education. I’m grateful for a boss who taught me that persistence and hard work can overcome most obstacles, putting me on the road to success. I’m grateful for children who were healthy and successfully made their own way in the world. I’m grateful for my wife who has been there for support and the home maker who we all revolved around. I’m grateful we have had good health, so we could enjoy a full life, and with friends to enjoy it with. I’s grateful for many more things, but mostly I’m grateful for so many people who have been watching over me throughout my life. I’m a very lucky guy!”
From Jackie Calvert: I’m most thankful this season that God led me to move to Henderson, and that, in spite of COVID, I was able to move into my home on Elm Street. I was then led to First Christian Church. It has been a time of healing and real peace and community. It was my prayer.”
From Joyce Chandler: “For my church, for the blessings I’ve been given; for my family; for all the volunteers who help feed the poor; for friends; that, at this stage of the game, to be able to do what I can do, For everything.
Thanks to everyone who responded to our requests for information about their inner reflections and shared their thoughts
It is Done! Sign in Front of Church Restored
After nearly 18 months, the sign on the Green Street side of the church has been restored. The original met its demise in the pre-dawn hours of July 17, 2021, when a motorist lost control of his car and plowed into it.
The new sign, designed by Bill Campbell and Gale Myers, is similar to the old one, but with modernized lighting and features that make it sturdier than its predecessor. The stone surrounding and supporting it was left from the remodel of the church 15 years ago and contributes to a more compatible match with the building’s original architecture.
Another Successful Craft Fair
(Left to right: Cindy Evans, Sue Wilson, Martha Ann Otey and Barbara Chaney) finished preparing for the successful November 6 Craft Fair. Especially appreciated was the return of sit-down lunches which had been suspended during COVID.
Thanksgiving Dinner: Fun, Food and Dishwashing
ANOUNCEMENTS
The Thanksgiving Offering benefits the Colleges, Universities, Seminaries, and Divinity Houses affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Higher education has been an important focus for Disciples since the very beginning of the movement. Throughout our history, Disciples have founded institutions of higher learning to educate students and form leaders to make a difference in the world. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is still committed to higher education. Your gift to the Thanksgiving Offering helps support the education of thousands of students at our fifteen colleges and universities as well as our seven seminaries and divinity houses. Collection date November 20.
The Ministerial Association Thanksgiving Service will be held November 20, at the Presbyterian Church at 7:00 p.m. There will be a pie fellowship following the service.
Pledge Cards: Please don’t forget to return your by November 30. You can mail it, drop it off at the church office, or place it in the offering plate. The pledge cards help the budgeting process significantly.
The Men’s breakfast is Sunday, December 4 at 8:00 in the fellowship hall.
Congregational note: The Transitional Board has accepted the nominating committee's recommendation of officers for next year's board: Chair: Nic Womack (1 year); Vice-Chair: Sandra Deitz (2 years); Treasurer: Barbara Chaney (1 year); Secretary: Cheryl Griffee (2 years). The congregation will vote to approve these positions at the annual congregational meeting on December 4, following worship.
Our Christmas Dinner will be on Sunday Dec. 11, following morning worship. The Meat, Drinks, Rolls and Desserts will be furnished. Mark those calendars and bring your favorite vegetable or salad dish and enjoy the followship. Also, planning on having a special guest. Sign up will be on Nov. 27th and Dec. 4th in the attendance register. Any questions contact Mrs. Gail Myers 270-831-0745.
The Senior Saints Christmas luncheon will be held on Tuesday, December 13, at 11:30 am. Everyone is asked to bring a small gift to exchange. Carl and Evina Bryan will prepare the meal and request RSVPs as early as possible.
This year’s Christmas Eve Service will be held December 24 @ 9 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to join us as we gather to hear the Christmas story through Scripture and song.
The Worship Committee has purchased Advent Devotional Guides for each family in the congregation. They will be placed in the sanctuary at each entrance and the church office window. If you do not have a daily devotion period, use of this pamphlet is a good way to start. Remember to pick up a copy for your family.
