The Spirit October 20, 2022

THOUGHTS FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER

   Let me begin by thanking all who have offered me their appreciation as we celebrate minister appreciation month. I will go ahead and thank the church now for what I’m sure will be a wonderful minister appreciation reception prior to worship on Oct. 30. I am grateful to be a part of a congregation that so values their minister (and one another). I am appreciative to get to serve in ministry with such wonderful and thoughtful people.  I am also grateful to share such a historic position with the ministers from our church’s history. Upon beginning my ministry, I spent a little time looking into the depth of history that makes up our congregation. I’d like to share a little about one of our early ministers as we celebrate minister appreciation month together.

   If you look at the history of our church’s ministers on the website, you will find that it begins with WB Taylor in 1887. However, the history our congregation dates back to 1841 with Phillip and Nancy VanBussum. In those 46 years our congregation experiences a number of false starts, the building of our first church, the civil war, and at least 14 ordained Elders and minsters that preach the Word of God to the “Christians” (sometimes called “Campbellites”) of Henderson, KY.

    One such minister was Benjamin Cassel Deweese (BC Deweese), who lived from 1851 to 1924. I’m not sure what exactly draws me to BC Deweese. It may be a slight resemblance in our looks, but mostly I think the life of Deweese highlights much of the values of our congregation even to this day. Deweese’s ministry at First Christian was early in his career, but I believe his personality is still felt through the spirit of our congregation.

   I do not have the exact dates of Deweese’s ministry at our church. He served prior to WB Taylor in the mid-to-late 1800s. Both Deweese and Tylor were students of famous preacher and professor J.W. McGarvey, who himself was a student of Alexander Campbell at Bethany College. Prior to coming to Henderson, Deweese served in Cadiz, KY where he was elected as principal of the Cadiz High School. He would go on to be elected to the chair of Ancient Languages in South Kentucky College in Hopkinsville and spend time on the denomination’s Executive Committee of the Foreign Christian Missionary Society. Later in life, Deweese would teach at both Kentucky University’s College of the Bible (precursor to Transylvania University and Lexington Theological Seminary) and Eureka College.

   Even a brief glance of Deweese’s biography highlights the importance of education within his life. A rather interesting note is that he had no formal education himself until he entered Kentucky University in 1870. As noted even in my brief overview of his life, education was a vital part of Deweese’s ministry and faith. I also recognize the importance of education in the faith of our congregation: from our relationship with Jefferson Elementary to the various teachers who make up our community. I am constantly amazed at the high level of intelligence and education among our members.

   I celebrate minister appreciation month with each of you (as you are also called to be ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ) and we get a jump-start on our celebration of the Saints (All Saints Day being Nov. 1) of our congregation by remembering this wonderful minister from our church’s past. I find it no mere coincidence that such a minister has a part of his calling interconnected with our own congregation. This church continues his own legacy as we are forever shaped and formed by those Saints that have served before us, and now serve with us. In the same way, each of you are helping to form and shape the future of First Christian Church. I am truly grateful to be participating in such shaping and formation through our current ministry. I hope you look forward to witnessing our future as much as I do.

Peace Always,

Rev. David Clifford

FCC Henderson Stories of the Past

By Bill Aldridge

Editors Note: Thanks to Bill Aldridge for these stories that are an important part of the history of FCCH. We wanted to celebrate our church’s birthday by remembering the personalities of individuals who created that history. Here are several stories from our past that will tend to get lost in the history books.

             At one time the order of service had the sermon last, just before invitation and benediction. One Sunday Lon Oliver, pastor, had prepared a truly great sermon that he was really enthusiastic to present. After giving the announcements he launched into the sermon with gusto. It was exceptionally good, everyone enjoyed it, and at the conclusion he was about to give the benediction when a calm voice from somewhere in the front pointed out that the choir had not presented their anthem, we had not had communion nor had we taken up the offering. After an “aha” moment he rolled straight into the program like normal, minus the sermon and everyone commented later on how good the message was that day.

1. Lon Oliver liked to layout his sermon notes in order on the pulpit and then put the bulletin and announcements on top of them well before the service began. Larry Silvis, organist/choir director sneaked up to the pulpit before anyone was in the sanctuary and put half dozen sheets of typed paper from the recycle bin over the sermon notes and under the announcements and bulletin. All went smoothly until sermon time, at the first page of notes Lon had a confused look, then after a few more pages pure panic was setting in, finally near the bottom he found his notes and launched into the only sermon I ever recall that began with a huge sigh of relief. Meanwhile Larry, six feet behind him at the organ, was choking back laughter.
2. Many years ago, we were launching a search committee for a new pastor. To clarify some issues, we held a dinner in the fellowship hall followed by a congregational meeting with voting on each issue by a show of hands. There were only a few items and I don’t remember all of them but two votes stood out (1) that the new pastor did not have to be a male, female pastors would be considered. (2) that the new pastor could be a divorced person, that would not exclude them. Both of these passed by a huge margin and being a relatively new member, I was impressed that we were a forward-looking church.
3. In more recent times our pastor, Chuck Summers, wife, Bonita, became gravely ill during Sunday School and an ambulance was called. I was teaching a Sunday School class at the far end of the hall and was totally unaware. Chuck opened the door and motioned for me to come out in the hall, he asked me if I could do the announcements and the communion table. I told him to go and not worry about it as the ambulance was just pulling up. With all of ten minutes to prepare I grabbed my Sunday School lesson notes, found the lay leader and changed the scripture to my Sunday school lesson passages, explained to Chanda what was happening. Then stepped in the pulpit and announced what was going on, asked for prayers for Bonita and Chuck, went through the regular announcements and proceeded to preach an expanded version of my Sunday School lesson. I was totally petrified but explained that everyone deserved to hear a message and I would do my best. The whole service went well and I felt happy that Jesus was served even by a last second elder.

Prayer for Others Really is Outreach

As the Spirit began highlighting FCCH outreach activities several editions ago, the prayer circle was not the first group that came to mind. But that group, sometimes referred to as prayer warriors, has evolved into one of the church’s most active outreach groups.

 The group was born as COVID caused a shut-down of most other activities in the church. Organized by Jean Marie Gadient, it began meeting weekly as a regular prayer circle, but rapidly grew into something greater. In addition to praying weekly as a group, individual members also pray daily and include people on the prayer group’s lists.   The Spirit’s regular prayer column is written by Barbara Chaney on behalf of that group. The column includes not only suggestions for people who need prayers but ideas for improving one’s own prayer life. The group welcomes prayer requests for names of church members, friends, relatives, disaster victims, social and other issues.

     As the expanded community become more aware of the prayer group, it gets more requests to pray for people and organizations outside of FCCH. Other activities include sending cards and notes of encouragement. They have also placed a prayer box in the church office where everyone is encouraged to leave notes or requests. As church members, we typically think of outreach as something the church is doing for others. Praying for others may just be one of the most important things we “do” for one another.

(Pictured above are members of FCCH prayer group that meet weekly to pray for others)                                                                                           

Stewardship @ FCCH

Each year, First Christian’s treasurer and vice-treasurer conduct a stewardship pledge drive as an initial way in which to begin thinking about our church’s budget for the following year. This year, our pledge drive will start November 1 with the congregation receiving a letter and pledge card. We would like for you each to begin praying about how God may be guiding you to financially contribute to the ministry of our congregation.

As we consider our stewardship to the church, please be aware that First Christian Henderson’s By-Laws outline methods for individuals, so desiring, to include the church in their financial planning.  If you have an interest in endowing the church for future generations and your personal situation is conducive to such a gift, please consider the following opportunities you might consider:

• Make an outright gift of money or other property to the church.
• Monies given to the memorial fund in memory of a deceased member of the church and designated for the Permanent Fund are added to the Permanent Fund.
• Make a gift through a will. It can be all of an estate, a specific sum or all or part of one’s residuals estate.
• Establish a trust. The church may be the ultimate recipient of the trust funds, with incomes going to you or another person of your choosing for life.
• Establish a private annuity. These are gifts made on condition that the church give the contributor a fixed income for life, commencing immediately or at a later date.
• Make the church a primary or contingent beneficiary on one or more life insurance policies.
• Gift the church “remainder interests”. These are gifts to the church of whatever remains of a piece of property after the death of a separate beneficiary who passes and/or receives all income from the property during his or her lifetime.

If you are going to be doing some tax planning, estate planning, or preparing a will, you may want to consider the Permanent/Endowment Fund, in even a small way, as an investment in the future of this church.  You should always consult your tax professional, financial planner, and/or attorney before making any significant donation or bequest.  

Up Coming Meeting/Event Dates

Oct 20   6:30 p.m. Transitional Board Meeting

Oct 22 11-1 p.m.  Boston Butt Pickup

Oct 23   Deacon’s Meeting right after worship

Oct 25   6:30 p.m. Ministry Team Meeting

Jefferson School – Trunk or Treat

Jefferson School needs donations of candy for its Halloween Day. “Trunk or Treat” There is a box in the Nathex for those who wish to contribute to this day of fun for Jefferson students.

It’s Time for Trick or Treating!

By Tyler M. Haynes

“When hinges creak in door less chambers and strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls and candle lights flicker; where the air is deathly still; that is the time when ghost are present; practicing their terror with ghoulish delight!” Walt Disney’s Haunted Mansion

With Halloween approaching so quickly, we wanted to ensure that the parents of our young members were aware of the various Halloween activities.  Below you will find a list of fun Halloween themed activities:

TRUNK OR TREAT

Zion Baptist Church -October 30,    4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

First United Methodist Church -October 31,  3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Community Baptist Church October 30,  4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Redbanks Nursing Home- October 27,  4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Announcements

We will have a Ministers Appreciation reception Sunday October 30 starting at 9:00 a.m.  leading up to time of worship. Lite finger foods will be available.

The Men’s Breakfast will be November 6

The CWF General Meeting November 1 @ 11:00 a.m.

The CWF’s Fellowship Christmas bazaar is scheduled for November 5. Items to be donated can be dropped off at the Church. All baked goods need to be dropped off by 2:00 p.m. Friday November 4. 

POTLUCK IS BACK Our Thanksgiving Dinner will be on Sunday Nov. 13, following morning worship.  The Meat, Dressing, Drinks, Rolls and Desserts will be furnished.  So, mark your calendars and bring your favorite vegetable or salad dish and enjoy the fellowship. Sign up will be on October 30 and November 6 in the attendance register.  Any questions contact Mrs. Gail Myers 270-831-0745.

 Jefferson Elementary Reading Program: Jefferson is beginning to put together a “Reading Buddy” program. They are in need of volunteers that would be willing to come into the school and read to students. If you would like to volunteer to be a reading buddy, please contact Linda in the church office. Volunteers will need to pass a background check and share their availability.

End of Year Sermon Series: What Disciples Do

A Five-Week Sermon Series Focusing not on what disciples believe, but what they do.

 Series Overview: Although Christians are often identified by what they believer, Jesus seemed to care more about what his followers did. Faith practices, along with theological beliefs, are crucial to Christianity. This series will explore what disciples do. The challenge is to live out the exciting call of Jesus: “Follow me.”

CWF FALL BAZAAR

Saturday, November 5, 2022

9:00- 1:00 p.m.

Crafts, Bake Sale, Rada Knives & much more!

Lunch Available