THOUGHTS FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER

Throughout church history there are any number of disciples who courageously shared the message of Christ throughout the world. There are probably a number of these disciples through the history of your own faith. Think of the individuals who helped to teach you the faith. Think of those church members that provided examples for you about how we are to live out our faith. Think of the people who continued to show up and put in the work of being the church together even through the most difficult of times. These individuals did not keep their faith hidden, or private; they became powerful witnesses for Jesus, sharing Christ’s love, teachings, and salvation.

We are called to continue this tradition of being witnesses for Christ. Most people think of the courtroom when they hear the term “witness.” The witness is someone that has seen something take place and is there to tell what they saw, heard, and experienced. Likewise, as Christians and Disciples of Christ, we are called to be witnesses for all the ways we see and experience Christ at work in our lives and in the church. To be a witness means that we must actively seek out Christ in our lives in order that we might reflect Christ to all those around us.

Our culture seems to challenge both steps to this most important part of our faith. We are no longer taught to search for Christ in our lives. Unfortunately, this is true even in the church. We too often believe that the things around us happen in direct response to the things we do. But what about the things God is doing? When was the last time you saw God radically at work in your life? In order to be a witness to what God is doing, we must first be able to experience God at work. God is doing big, bold, and beautiful things at First Christian Church in Henderson. Have you experienced them? Have you seen them? How can you witness to them if you aren’t looking for them?

The second challenge is that we too often believe that it is taboo to talk about our faith. Even for those that are experiencing the ways God is at work in the life of our church, how often do they talk about those things to others? Satan will convince us that the world does not want to hear about God’s mighty works of love, reconciliation, and hope. But the reality is that the world desperately needs to hear such a message. Too often the church only adds more messages of conflict, division, and judgement to a world that is full of such negativity. What would it look like to spread the messages of love, hope, peace, and joy to the world.

Where do you see Christ at work in your life and in the church? How are you sharing/witnessing to that in your life? As First Christian works at transforming our lives through the faithful relationships we share with each other and Christ, I invite you to join me in diligently searching for the goodness of God in our midst. I’d love to hear about where you are seeing God at work in your life and in the life of our church. But don’t stop at sharing this good news with me; let’s share it with the whole world. It most certainly and desperately needs to be heard.

Peace Always,

Rev. David Clifford

Pastor’s Bible Studies

Faith and the Spirits of Politics: It has been said that you do not discuss religion or politics in polite company, but it seems that this advice has only made it more difficult to discuss these topics at all. This class will explore how we might approach politics from our faith. This is not a political class. We will not discuss partisan politics, various political parties, or ideologies. Instead, we will focus on the social systems and relations that involve both authority and power. This 5-week class will meet each Wednesday thru Oct. 4 at 6:00 pm.

Singing the Lord’s Song: The songs of the faith can be a deeply moving part of worship. However, our musical preferences can also divide congregations when it comes to song selection for worship. This 5-week class will explore a number of ancient songs that are found through our scriptures. We will explore songs of hope, victory, pain, and glory. No singing will be required, but we will dive deeply into some of the most ancient parts of our scriptures. This class will meet each Wednesday from Oct. 18 thru Nov. 15 at 6:00 pm.

October Stewardship Sermon Series:

The Enemies of Gratitude: A Three-Week stewardship series exploring the things that keep us from being content and grateful.

Series Overview: This series is an opportunity to teach gratitude by calling out the things that keep us from being truly grateful. In each sermon, we see how a misplaced focus prevents us from seeing all the blessings that are right in front of us. This series could connect us to the work the Ministry Team is doing.

                                     Back to Church Sunday

Back to Church Sunday was a perfect day to reunite with the body of Christ, our fellow church members and visitors at First Christian Church of Henderson. We enjoyed an early morning reception of coffee, appetizers and fresh fruit.

And as part of our worship service, Nic Womack, the FCCH Board Chairman, provided a positive update as to the State of our Church.  Rev. David Clifford lifted us up with his powerful message and celebrated God Our Creator. All those in attendance were blessed!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Rev David’s Bible Study, Faith and the Spirits of Politics. Wednesday, September 27 @ 6:00 p.m. We will cover The Politics of Domination – Deuteronomy 24:16-22; Leviticus 25:8-22.  Please read scriptures ahead of time.

The FCCH board will meet today, September 21 @ 6:30 p.m.

The Ministry Team will meet Tuesday, September 26 @ 6:30 p.m. We ask that all team members mark their calendars and attend this ministry journey.

 Our Reconciliation Special Offering will be received September 24 and October 1, 2023. Your advocacy and financial support are much appreciated. For more than 40 years, Disciples have had a visible ministry to address racism in society. Gifts to Reconciliation Ministry, through its Offering or throughout the year, support programs and initiatives aimed at dismantling racism.

“Women of the Bible” bible study, Tuesday, September 26 @ 3:00 p.m.

 Saturday, October 7 – CWF Yard sale 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.   Saturday, November 4 – Bazaar

Teen Sunday School class:  Join FCC Henderson’s Youth ministry team for our Teen Sunday School class. Jada will lead this five-week class as we explore mental health topics and tools that are vital to growing teens. We will meet for five Sundays starting after Fall break, October 15th, at 9:30a.m., before worship. This class welcomes all middle school and high school students.  

Children's Bulletins are at the back of the sanctuary and have activities based on the lectionary scripture readings for the day. There are two options: a "reader" bulletin for older children, and a "pre-reader" bulletin for younger kids. Some adults enjoy them too!

The CWF ladies serve the families of Christian Community Outreach the third Thursday of each month. Some of things we do are: Check client in at front desk, interview the families for qualification or update changes in information, help them shop for the groceries, help them select frozen and refrigerated items available and share a devotion. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to participate in hands on missions, Serving God by serving others! If you would like to join us, please contact me and I will help you get started.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            … Debbie Enyart