THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER Issue 31 August 13, 2015 Rev. Dr. John T. Opsata Senior Minister Email: [email protected]First Christian Church Disciples of Christ 316 Ann St., Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: (502) 223-2346 Website: http://www.firstchristianfrankfort.org Email: [email protected]Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/1stchristianfrankfort Rev. Meredith Siler Associate Minister Email: [email protected]"At First Christian Church our mission is to be and share the Good News of Jesus Christ, witnessing, loving and serving ‘from our doorsteps to the ends of the earth.’ To be a faithful church demonstrating true community, deep spirituality and a passion for justice.” WORSHIP HIGHLIGHTS Sunday, August 16, 2015 Scripture: 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 Sermon: What?! 8:30 AM Chapel Worship Elder: Jean Anne Webb 9:30 AM Faith Development 10:15 Family Faith Fellowship Chenault Christian Life Center 10:45 AM Sanctuary Worship Elders: Anna Grace Day, Jim Judge 5:00 PM Coffee House Fellowship Hall Come early for snacks and fellowship! Communion Team Leader: John Geddes Offertory Team Leader: John Scott DR. OPSATA’S OPUS: Anyone who participates in any kind of church ministry knows that it is difficult demanding work. They also know that it is wonderfully re- warding. For those of us who are privileged to serve in a professional ministry role, both the demand and the reward are intensified. Sometimes we see the result of our involve- ment immediately. Sometimes we never get to see how it all turns out. Either way, min- istry is always a maer of trust, believing that God will see to the harvest if we will be faithful in the planting and the tending. In pastoral ministry we are given the gra- cious gift of serving in the congregation’s stead. In a real sense, when we perform Baptisms, it is not the pastor who baptizes, it is the congregation and God. The pastor is given the joyous opportunity to be in the water and get wet so you don’t have to! The same can be said about Table service, bless- ing infants, and so many other acts of minis- try; you allow us and empower us to act on your behalf. Even the work of planning worship and preaching sermons are acts which you gracefully and trustingly allow pastors to do in your stead. Pastors are also given tremendous trust, as in private moments you share your deepest pains and concerns, joys and celebrations. You expect our confidence and listen for our wisdom and direction. You seek us out as more than friends, but having friend-like trust. You invite us into your lives and bare your souls, and in doing so, you gift us with the enormous power of discretion and the significant humility of knowledge. Your trust is our riches. Your confidence is our constant hope. And your compassion is our sustaining nourishment. People often talk of the burden of ministry, as if this wonderful calling is like a heavy sack of coal, weighing us down, demanding our time and energy. But from my perspec- tive (and nearly all of the colleagues in min- istry that are my friends) ministry is seldom a burden and even in those heavy moments, ours is a light sack filled with gifts and joy. Still, pastoral ministry is wearing. This church, responding with a deep and pro- found love for its pastors, and a profound understanding of the toll that pastoral minis- try brings, has established a policy that allows its pastors to take a three month sab- batical after five years of ministry. As you know, I have now served for nearly six and one half years as your Senior Minister. In consultation with my wife and my Pasto- ral Care Team, a proposal was made on my behalf to both the Elders and then to the Board, that I be allowed to divide this three month period into one month segments to be taken over the course of three years. Col- lectively, we all felt (Pastoral Care Team, Elders and Board) that the church would be beer served with my not being gone for such a lengthy period of time. Personally, I am much more comfortable with the shorter period and Jennifer can beer join with me than ever would have been possible for a longer one. This first month of time, set aside for relaxation, reflection and re- creation will begin on August 24. I plan to return to work on September 24. Part of the time away will be spent reconnecting with my side of the family in Minnesota. Part will be spent traveling in Utah and Arizona, seeing a portion of this beautiful country that neither Jenn nor I have ever seen. And part will be spent at Lake Cumberland. FCC and I are both blessed to have Rev. Meredith in place to assume greater leader- ship while I am away. The Elders, Deacons and Board members are all prepared to step in and fill whatever roles they may be asked. The pulpit will be shared by Rev. Meredith, Rev. Bill McDonald and Rev. Randy John- son. continued on page 3 In this issue: Children’s Choir Swim Party Youth Community Service Spellapalooza! Deacons Meeting Imogene Riddle turning 100! Fall Academy Dates Keenagers WEF Kroger Community Rewards YTD: $1,095.73 WE CAN YTD: $281.00 ATTENDANCE: August 9, 2015 8:30: 39 9:30: 802 10:45: 142 Ashwood: 7 est. 5:00: 24 TOTAL (Worship Svcs.): 212
"At First Christian Church our mission is to be and share the Good News of Jesus Christ, witnessing, loving and serving ‘from our doorsteps to the ends of the earth.’ To be a faithful church demonstrating true community, deep spirituality and a passion for justice.”
WORSHIP HIGHLIGHTS Sunday, August 16, 2015
Scripture:
1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 Sermon: What?!
8:30 AM Chapel Worship Elder: Jean Anne Webb
9:30 AM Faith Development
10:15 Family Faith Fellowship Chenault Christian Life Center
10:45 AM Sanctuary Worship
Elders: Anna Grace Day, Jim Judge
5:00 PM Coffee House Fellowship Hall
Come early for snacks and fellowship!
Communion Team Leader: John Geddes Offertory Team Leader: John Scott
DR. OPSATA’S OPUS: Anyone who participates in any kind of church ministry knows that it is difficult demanding work. They also know that it is wonderfully re-warding. For those of us who are privileged to serve in a professional ministry role, both the demand and the reward are intensified. Sometimes we see the result of our involve-ment immediately. Sometimes we never get to see how it all turns out. Either way, min-istry is always a matter of trust, believing that God will see to the harvest if we will be faithful in the planting and the tending. In pastoral ministry we are given the gra-cious gift of serving in the congregation’s stead. In a real sense, when we perform Baptisms, it is not the pastor who baptizes, it is the congregation and God. The pastor is given the joyous opportunity to be in the water and get wet so you don’t have to! The same can be said about Table service, bless-ing infants, and so many other acts of minis-try; you allow us and empower us to act on your behalf. Even the work of planning worship and preaching sermons are acts which you gracefully and trustingly allow pastors to do in your stead. Pastors are also given tremendous trust, as in private moments you share your deepest pains and concerns, joys and celebrations. You expect our confidence and listen for our wisdom and direction. You seek us out as more than friends, but having friend-like trust. You invite us into your lives and bare your souls, and in doing so, you gift us with the enormous power of discretion and the significant humility of knowledge. Your trust is our riches. Your confidence is our constant hope. And your compassion is our sustaining nourishment. People often talk of the burden of ministry, as if this wonderful calling is like a heavy sack of coal, weighing us down, demanding our time and energy. But from my perspec-
tive (and nearly all of the colleagues in min-istry that are my friends) ministry is seldom a burden and even in those heavy moments, ours is a light sack filled with gifts and joy. Still, pastoral ministry is wearing. This church, responding with a deep and pro-found love for its pastors, and a profound understanding of the toll that pastoral minis-try brings, has established a policy that allows its pastors to take a three month sab-batical after five years of ministry. As you know, I have now served for nearly six and one half years as your Senior Minister. In consultation with my wife and my Pasto-ral Care Team, a proposal was made on my behalf to both the Elders and then to the Board, that I be allowed to divide this three month period into one month segments to be taken over the course of three years. Col-lectively, we all felt (Pastoral Care Team, Elders and Board) that the church would be better served with my not being gone for such a lengthy period of time. Personally, I am much more comfortable with the shorter period and Jennifer can better join with me than ever would have been possible for a longer one. This first month of time, set aside for relaxation, reflection and re-creation will begin on August 24. I plan to return to work on September 24. Part of the time away will be spent reconnecting with my side of the family in Minnesota. Part will be spent traveling in Utah and Arizona, seeing a portion of this beautiful country that neither Jenn nor I have ever seen. And part will be spent at Lake Cumberland. FCC and I are both blessed to have Rev. Meredith in place to assume greater leader-ship while I am away. The Elders, Deacons and Board members are all prepared to step in and fill whatever roles they may be asked. The pulpit will be shared by Rev. Meredith, Rev. Bill McDonald and Rev. Randy John-son. continued on page 3
In this issue:
Children’s Choir Swim Party
Youth Community Service
Spellapalooza!
Deacons Meeting
Imogene Riddle turning 100!
Fall Academy Dates
Keenagers
WEF
Kroger Community Rewards YTD: $1,095.73 WE CAN YTD: $281.00
ATTENDANCE: August 9, 2015 8:30: 39 9:30: 802 10:45: 142 Ashwood: 7 est. 5:00: 24 TOTAL (Worship Svcs.): 212
Our youth were up and at it early this Saturday; living out
their faith and sharing the love of Jesus by fixing and
serving lunch at Access Soup Kitchen.
Junior Worship learning books of the New Testament by playing Bingo and Hangman. What a fun way to worship and learn!
CHILDREN’S CHOIR SWIM PARTY
Tuesday, August 18, 5 pm - 7:30 pm
@ Dr. Bob and Linda Blair’s home
PLEASE R.S.V.P. BY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16th to Ms. Elle at [email protected] or 229-4686
so that Dr. Bob and Linda know how much food to prepare.
The Christian Messenger, Page 3
Jackie Barney, Beulah Dunn, Shere-maine Hall, Gene Flynn, Eulane For-tune, Beth Blackburn Fraley (Eva Ellis), Terry Harrod (Sandy Rhodes), Lynda Jalbert, Elijah McWhorter (Delle Blair), Chuck Mitchell (Fred Lee), Mildred Polsgrove, Nancy Cleveland Preuss (Eleanor Penn), Shawn Ramsey, Sue Ramsey (Larry Cox), Justin Rhodes (Sandy/Jerry’s nephew), Raymond Rice (Sandy Rhodes), Imogene Riddle, Jacob Roberts (Lynda Jalbert), Shirley Rogers, Mike Rosenstein, Beckie Schneider (Military/Nadine Cox), Grant Stapleton (Val Ramsey), Susan Tileston (Sue Care), Judy Walden (Donna Fiero), Phyllis Yocum (Larry Cox)
KEENAGERS ROADTRIP! Thursday, August 20; Lunch at Darlin’ Jeans Apple Cobbler Café, Midway Meet in the FCC Parking Lot at 11:00 to ride together on the new church bus! Please R.S.V.P. to Rev. Meredith ([email protected])
FALL ACADEMY DATES SET: October 15, 22, 29 and November 5. More details soon!
SPELLAPALOOZA 2015 FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 Spellapalooza VI is scheduled for Fri-day, August 14, 2015, in the Thorn Hill Education Center's Gym at 700 Leslie Avenue. Please note that this is a change in location from last year's Bee. The doors will open at 5:00 pm. A chicken dinner prepared by the Thorn Hill Learning Center staff will be available for purchase. We will also have baked goods for sale and a coffee bar as well as a silent auction. Come on out and support the THLC!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY IMOGENE! Bradford Square will be having a birthday celebration for Imogene Riddle's 100th Birthday on
Tuesday, August 25 at 2:00. Rev. Meredith will be taking a card from the congregation and one from the children. Stop by and wish Imogene a Happy Birthday if you can!
KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS: AUGUST RE-ENROLLMENT NPO #10884 Re-enroll at www.Kroger.com/community rewards August 1-31. Need additional support? In August enrolled supporters that need help re-enrolling can call 1-800-KROGERS, Option #3, for assistance. You may also call this number if enrolling for the first time.
DISCIPLE WOMEN’S MINISTRIES FALL RETREATS: Retreat 1: October 24-25 @ Barren River State Resort Park. Registration fee: $30 Retreat 2: Silent Retreat, November 13-15 @ Knobs Haven Retreat House. Registration fee: $90 Registration forms are available at the Welcome Center.
THE SEPTEMBER ADMINISTRA-TIVE BOARD MEETING AND FINANCE COMMITTEE will be held Monday, September 14 due to the Labor Day holiday. Please note this date change on your calendars!
DEACONS MEETING: The Deacons will meet Sun., August 16, in Fellow-ship Hall following the 10:45 AM wor-ship service. Lunch will be served. R.S.V.P. to the church office (223-2346) and if you need child care.
THE FELLOWSHIP CLASS My sincerest apologies for omitting one of our most faithful Sunday School Clas-ses in my article several weeks ago. The Fellowship Class has been meeting for many years and is adding new members almost every week! Please feel free to join them for coffee and conversation in the Fellowship Hall during the Sun-day School hour. I was going to include a photo of the group, but while they're a good looking bunch, they are far too humble for such a thing! Rev. Meredith
Bob Pullen delivers a food
order. Thank you Bob!
FCC GOLF: Join us on Tuesdays at the Juniper Hill Golf Course at 5:15! We play for fun and bragging rights! Call the Pro Shop, 875-8559, to put your name on the list.
DR. OPSATA’S OPUS: CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1: Lee Cowherd will assist with some of the preaching for the 5:00 service. Rev. Phil Case will take leadership of my Faith Formation class. Altogether, I am com-fortable and confident that both you and I will be well served during this time. Thank you for giving me this opportuni-ty. My prayer for both you and I is that our time apart will deepen our already strong bond of love. That our collective vision for ministry in this place will grow. And, that this time will be for you, a time of relaxation, reflection and re-creation as well. In the mean time, I’ll see you Sunday!
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH 316 Ann St./Frankfort, KY 40601 (502) 223-2346, Fax (502) 875-7847 Email: [email protected] Facebook: www.facebook.com/1stChristianFrankfort Website: www.firstchristianfrankfort.org
Place label here
Periodicals - postage paid
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 9:30 Newsletter, Bible Buddies Rm. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 5:00 Doors open for Spellapalooza at Thorn Hill Learning Center - 6:00 Spellapalooza Event!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 9-12 7th Day Adventist, Chapel/Library SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 8:30 Chapel Service 9:30 Faith Development 10:15 Family Faith Fellowship, CCLC 10:45 Sanctuary Worship 12:00 Deacons Luncheon, FH 3:30 Youth, Room 314 5:00 Coffee House, Fellowship Hall MONDAY, AUGUST 17 10:00 Prayer Group, Rev. Mere’s Office 11:30 Staff Meeting, Office 6:30 Boy Scouts, 4th Fl. TUESDAY, AUGUST 18 12:00 Al-Anon, Keystone Rm. 5-7:30 Children’s Choir Swim Party 5:15 FCC Golf @ Juniper Hill
The Christian Messenger: (USPS 108-680) Published weekly, except last wk. in Dec. by First Christian Church, 316 Ann Street, Frankfort, KY 40601. Periodi-cal Postage Paid at Frankfort, KY. POSTMASTER: send address changes to: THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER, 316 Ann Street, Frankfort, KY 40601-2886. 502) 223-2346.
