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Nov. 9, 2021

The Spirit - November 9, 2021

The Spirit - November 9, 2021

Thoughts from Our Senior Minister

Rev. David Clifford

On November 9, when this publication of The Spirit is scheduled to release, I will be celebrating the life and ministry of Barton W. Stone. In the ancient tradition of Christianity, the holy men and women of the faith would be celebrated on the day of their death, or more accurately, the day their spirits united with Christ and the heavenly saints. These holy feast days would be a day to remember the individual life and ministry of the saint that had helped to pass on the faith before us.

November 9 is what I will sometimes refer to as the feast day of Barton Stone, who passed into life eternal on November 9, 1844. While our denomination does not promote the adoration of saints, it also does not expressly forbid it. For many Protestants of the Reformed tradition, the notion of saint adoration is foreign and (for some) against the teaching of scripture. I would imagine Stone himself would struggle to make sense of a collective understanding of saint adoration. However, I am merely pointing out the importance of Stone’s faith upon my own. So, I remember Barton Stone on this anniversary of his death.

For those that may not be aware, Stone was an American evangelist first ordained in the Presbyterian church. Stone would preach at the Cane Ridge Revival and work toward the unity and restoration of Christ’s church as found in the New Testament. After getting into some arguments with the Washington Presbytery of the Kentucky Synod (the body overseeing his ordination), Stone and others would resign and create the Springfield Presbytery. After a year, The Springfield Presbytery was dissolved and the Christian Church, with its bases on scripture and Christ over creed and belief, was formed.

Stone was a man of deep convictions and even more deeply held beliefs. He opening and publicly struggled with the classical views of the Trinity and Atonement. Which often got him into trouble with fellow Christians. However, Stone and his later association with the Campbells would push a vision of the church that could share in unity under the Lordship of Christ even in the midst of differences and disagreements.

It is a vision that continues to drive our church and denomination to this day – a hope and desire to move toward a fellowship of unity under nothing more than Christ as our Lord. It is a challenging notion of church, to be sure, given the stark differences we hold even across our own congregation. However, as the one, unified and holy body of Christ, it is a challenge worth participating within. We each, individually, come to the table as participants in this united body. There are times (seemingly increasing in number and duration) in which we gather with individuals we struggle to get along with. However, we follow Stone’s example in seeking unity under Christ, who sits at the head of the table.

As we remember and celebrate Barton Stone this day, I encourage us not to give up our convictions and beliefs, but to hold strong to them. However, we must not hold to them in such a way that it keeps us from participating in the body of Christ. Each Sunday, our church gathers around God’s Holy Table as a reminder of this most important reality of our faith: no matter our differences, theologies, opinions, or beliefs, we are united by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

May you have a peaceful Barton Stone Day,

Rev. David Clifford

November 

                                                  Meetings / Events / News

On Wednesday, November 10th at 7:00p.m. the choir will begin rehearsing. Come and join us if you’re interested in singing to make a “Joyful Song 🎶 for the Lord!”

The Elders are collecting Sureway stamps for their Thanksgiving Basket. They are also asking for can goods to put in the baskets. If you have stamps or can goods (stuffing mix) and would like to make a donation, you can drop them off at the office or put them in the Library on Sunday. Supplies are down this year! Please consider gifting for these baskets! The deadline is November 19. Monetary donations are accepted.

The Christian Women’s Fellowship will be collecting boxed Mac & Cheese during the month of November for the Christian Community Outreach’s food bank.

 Ministerial Association Thanksgiving Service will be held Sunday evening November 21, at 7:00 p.m. First United Methodist Church will host in-person and an on-line service. The new chaplain at Deaconess Hospital Patrick Wallace will be preaching. If possible, please join the community in this Thanksgiving service. All donation goes to the Good Samaritan Fund.

Thanksgiving Offering – November 14 & 21, 2021 The Thanksgiving Offering Supports Disciples colleges, universities and theological institutions. Disciples have a long history of post-secondary and theological education. This offering provides a direct connection to 15 colleges and universities, 7 seminaries and theological programs. Gifts from this offering continue the Disciples tradition of developing leaders for our communities and the Church.

The Seniors Saints will not meet during the month of November. They will meet first of December and it will be a Christmas theme.

Sprinkles of Joy

Onnastasia stopped in to see Rev. David and maybe gave him a few pointers while she listened to him practice her favorite Christmas song.