The Spirit - November 2, 2023

As the autumn leaves begin to change colors and fall from the trees, we find ourselves entering the season of remembrance and reflection. Yesterday, the universal church officially celebrated All Saints’ Day. It is a time for us to pause and honor the saints who have gone before us, those exemplary souls who have illuminated the path of faith with their unwavering devotion to God. This Sunday, FCCH will gather in remembrance of All Saints’ Sunday, not just to remember the departed, but to celebrate the enduring legacy of faith they have left behind.

In our scriptures, the term “saints” refers not to a select few but to the entire community of faithful believers. Each one of us, by virtue of our faith in Christ Jesus, is counted among the saints. Yesterday, and our worship Sunday, is a reminder that holiness is not reserved for a chosen elite but is the calling of every believer. It is a time to recognize and celebrate the divine potential within each soul, encouraging us to live lives worthy of the gospel.

As we remember our fellow church members who have departed this earthly life, let us recall their acts of kindness, their words of wisdom, and the love they shared. In their lives, we find inspiration to live with purpose and compassion. Let us give thanks for the memories that continue to shape our faith and strengthen our resolve to follow in their footsteps.

All Saints’ Day is not just a time of looking back; it is also a celebration of hope for the future. As we gather to remember this Sunday, let us also look forward with anticipation. The same God who sustained the saints of old continues to be with us today, guiding us toward a future filled with grace and boundless possibilities.

This special day in the life of the church challenges us to reflect on our own lives and consider the ways in which we can grow in our own holiness and discipleship of Christ. It prompts us to ask ourselves: How can we live more authentically as followers of Christ? What acts of love and kindness can we extend to our neighbors? How can we be beacons of hope in a world often shadowed by despair? How can our own light shine like the lights will shine in honor of FCCH’s Saints this Sunday?

May we approach All Saints’ Day and our worship this weekend with hearts full of gratitude for the faithfulness of those who have gone before us. May their example inspire us to live lives of unwavering faith, selfless love, and enduring hope. As we celebrate the communion of saints, let us remember that we, too, are called to be saints in the service of our Lord and Savior. May we be filled with the joy of remembrance and the hope of a future shaped by the enduring love of God.

Peace Always,

Rev. David Clifford

Happy 100th Birthday, Augusta King

On November 25, Augusta King will celebrate her 100th birthday with a party at the long-term care facility in Louisville where she now lives. It has been about six years since Augusta worshiped with us regularly. But she continues to miss us and to verbalize a desire to be here with us in spite of the fact that she likes her new home. As part of the celebration, we are asked to send her cards with well wishes. Address is at the end of this article.

Augusta first moved to Louisville to stay with daughter, Norma Sangster, about six years ago but later moved to Westport Place where she currently lives. Her days are spent participating in activities with fellow residents—Trivia, Bingo, board games and field trips in the facilities’ bus or van. The most recent trip was to a part of Louisville where the entire neighborhood attracts sight seers because of their extravagant decorations for Halloween. Norma also visits daily, spending as much as six hours each visit taking her for walks around the property and neighborhood. Augusta now walks with difficulty but a wheel chair makes it possible to navigate most places. But she still misses us—as we miss her. It was in the 1960s when she became part of FCCH where she made so many friends.

When Norma was asked what message Augusta might have for FCCH members Augusta did not hesitate to answer: “Tell them how much I miss them,” she said.  She likes her new home but longs for friends in Henderson.

Members of our congregation are asked to send cards with well wishes to: Augusta King, 4247 Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40207. Brave souls who might consider driving to Louisville for the party are cautioned to check first about the feasibility of attending. Louisville has had several COVID outbreaks and the openness of a facility to visitors is always in question.

Thanks to Norma Sangster for the recent picture of Augusta.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Daylight Savings Time– Our clocks fall back one hour, Saturday night, November 4.

CMF Men’s breakfast is Sunday, November 5 @ 8:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

Teen Sunday School class:  Join FCC Henderson’s Youth ministry team for our Teen Sunday School class. As Jada explores mental health topics and tools that are vital to growing teens. The next class is November 5, at 9:30 a.m., before worship. This class welcomes all middle school and high school students.  

Rev. David’s Bible Study: Songs of Pain and Anger, Wednesday, November 8 @ 6:00 p.m.  Please read 2 Samuel 1:17-27; Psalm 137

The Prayer & Outreach Ministry: FCCH’s new prayer and outreach ministry. Our meetings take place at the church on Monday mornings at 9:30 am. Our hope is to provide a brief prayer service and then go visit folks from the congregation. All are welcome to join us as we kick off this new ministry.

“Women of the Bible” study continues Tuesday, November 28 @ 3:00 p.m.

The CWF General meeting and Senior Saints will not meet in November.

Don’t forget to turn in your pledge cards in by November 12.

Our Elders will be collecting canned goods for Thanksgiving baskets until November 19. There is a place in the library to place your offerings. In addition to the canned goods, each basket will have a certificate for each recipient to receive a turkey or ham.

The Church office will be closed November 23 & 24 for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Rev. David will be in Paducah Sunday evening for the West Area Annual Meeting. Please be in prayer for all that are attending.

November Sermon Series:

The Good News about Death

A Four-Week series that explores a difficult topic as people with resurrection hope.

Series Overview: While we speak of death often at funerals, we rarely tackle the subject head on in our Sunday worship routine. Yet at the core of the Christian faith is a word about death and life beyond death. The Lectionary for this period, beginning with All Saints Day to Christ the King Sunday, offer us a wonderful opportunity to explore death and the Christian hope of resurrection. Perhaps we can clear up some of society’s misguided notions along the way.