THOUGHTS FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER
Apparently, 4th grade science is rather difficult. At least that’s what my family is thinking as Onnastasia and I have been helping Hollan-Monroe better understand the structure and parts of plants. (To be honest, 6th grade math is no joke either). One part of the plant that seemed to stand out to me during our family study was the root system. Not only does the root system take in the nutrients from the soil, it also provides the strength and support for the plant to help keep it firmly in place.
I know very little about plants. Henson and my neighbor, Darrel Pfingston, have been growing a maple tree over the past couple of years. In fact, Henson can probably tell you more about plants than I can at this time. I am constantly thankful for mentors who can teach my children things I cannot. I’m also amazed by the growth of the maple tree. It seems each time I walk past it, it is quite taller and has more leaves on it. Over the course of time, Darrel and Henson have moved the tree from smaller pots to larger. With each move, they acknowledge how much bigger the root system has become.
Life, and church, seems rather interesting in that we often judge health based on size and based on what we can see. But plants teach us a different lesson. Health can also be based on what we can’t see: the root system. It would be easy to look around our church and think things aren’t going very well. In fact, many have made such an interpretation. There may even be a hint of truth in the claim. However, things are not as bad and negative as they first appear on the outside.
I firmly believe we are laying a foundation that will root us into our future. Most of the work happening right now in the life of our church is happening in the soil. Like the wind, it can’t be seen, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. The opening lyrics of a song I heard recently state the following about God:
You made the rain. So, when it falls on me, should I complain? Or feel You’re calling me. It’s all on me to stay and really catch what You’re showing. It’s my roots that You’re growing, cause life is more than this moment.
I want to challenge each of us to focus less on the rain and more on God’s presence upon our lives and the life of our church. God is showing us something special right now. Can’t you see it? It is our roots that are growing. I pray we don’t miss what God is teaching us and where God is leading us in this very moment. Hopefully, we are each able to find the words to share our God moments with each other and with our friends and family—join me in witnessing to the acts of God in our midst.
Peace Always,
Rev. David Clifford
Justice, Kindness to All At Work at First Christian Church
Nominating Committee Named for 2023 Board Positions
The FCCH transitional board has selected the following individuals to serve on the nominating committee: Barbara Sprague, Ronnie Moore, Zack Womack, Taylor Womack, Paul Bird and Teri Cobb. The committee will be making recommendations for the positions of Board Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. If you have any recommendations for these positions, please let a member of the nominating committee know.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Pastor’s “Disciples Class” focuses on Discipleship and uses the Disciples of Christ Covenant Curriculum as a source guide. The Topic for September 21: The Light of Scripture: A Bible Study on Romans 8:38-39. On September 28: God’s Limitless Love: Covenant in Practice.
Rummage Sale Plans Going Well: Debbie Enyart, President of Christian Women’s Fellowship, reports that plans for the Fall rummage sale and the Christmas bazaar are coming together. The rummage sale is scheduled for the first Saturday in October (Oct. 1, 8 a.m.) It is at this time we ask that you bring your items for donation to the church that can be sold in the rummage sale.
Sunday School class every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. with Bill Aldridge leading the class.
Calling all choir members!!!! Choir practice will resume every Wednesday night at 7:00 pm. We welcome all new members. We hope to see you then!!
Senior Luncheon will take place on September 20. We will leave for Cates Farm at 11:30 a.m. Please rsvp!
During the month of September, the CWF will be collecting Ramen Noodles for Christian Community Outreach. They have a container in the Narthex if you wish to help with a donation.
Congregation to Approve Board Resolution Next Sunday, September 25th & October 2nd, the congregation will be asked to vote on the Board’s recommendation to make a withdrawal from the Permanent Fund. Below is a copy of the resolution:
The Board of First Christian Church Henderson recommends approval of up to $350,000, in total, to be withdrawn from the Endowment/Permanent Fund over the next four years, ending 12/31/2025. These funds are due to an emergency situation because of current and anticipated insufficient operating funds. Each year, within the approved timeline, the board will draw only the total monies needed to meet operating budget. During this period, a task force will be appointed by the Board Chair, and approved by the Board, to investigate options for remedying the operating fund shortage and vision for the future of the church. This task force, beginning in 2023, is expected to research and propose options to the Board for resolution. The Board will discuss and evaluate the options presented with conversation and input from members of the congregation. The goal is to implement changes during 2025.
Thank You!! Thank You!! I appreciate all the cards, phone calls, texts, and prayers during my surgery. This knee replacement has been more complicated. Thanks for remembering me!! Chanda Pfingston
