April 2021 - First Christian Church
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Courier April 2021
Miller in the Middle
My first “job”, in ministry (for a room in my brother’s In This Issue...
basement and meals in his house) took place the summer
of 1966 in Clear Lake, Iowa, the town where Buddy Holly Church Calendar
had recently died. My brother and his forbearing wife had Outreach Update
invited me. The heart of my work was a door-to-door Easter Tea & Palm
canvass looking for people to invite to the church.
Sometimes it was rewarding, but as the weather grew Sunday Pics
hotter and more humid, I preferred mowing the church Elder Serving
lawn on a riding tractor mower pulling a trailer of three Schedule
rotary blades.
Birthdays
My brother recalls teaching a “pastor’s class” in that
church to prepare fifth and sixth-grade kids for baptism Upcoming Events &
and church membership. One girl had come with her More!
single mom, who had been sentenced to attend church as
part of her probation for a drug possession charge. This
girl brought an outsider’s perspective to the class.
When they read the stories of the Resurrection, she
blurted out, “I don’t believe it! That couldn’t have
happened!” I wasn’t there, but I assume she was
permitted to join the church anyway. After all, she and her
mother had enough problems to face as it was.
As if to complicate matters, Paul wrote to the Corinthians
(first letter, chapter 15) that the Resurrection of Christ
presumes the more general resurrection of the dead.
However, the gospels (written later than First Corinthians)
seem to portray everyone as astonished by the
Resurrection.
(Cont.)
Alfred, Lord Tennyson said, “There lives more faith in
honest doubt, believe me, than in half the creeds.” The
doubting Thomas types among us love that quotation.
However, our “honest doubt” can lead to “more faith” as
we continue to ponder the varying presentations in the
gospels, and as we seek meaning for our own lives by We are currently
viewing them through the lens of the Resurrection. looking for
Often, it has been a challenge for me, yet always my volunteers to join us
good fortune, to teach and preach a story I’ll spend my for Worship &
entire life trying to comprehend. My understanding of the Wonder training, as
Easter story has changed a number of times since I was
well as individuals
the age of that young girl in Clear Lake.
18+ who would be
Anselm, a Benedictine monk who became Archbishop
of Canterbury a thousand years ago, said, “For I do not
interested in working
seek to understand in order that I may believe, but I in the church
believe in order to understand. For this also I believe-that nursery!
unless I believe I shall not understand." I’ll be interested
to hear how it shapes your faith.
—Phil Miller
Earth Sunday
Event- All Ages
Join us for a special outreach project, young & old
together! We will plant veggies and fruits, container-
garden style, for individuals who may not have regular
access to fresh fruits and veggies. ITs a fun chance to
gather together and share skills and sow seeds of
connection and fellowship.
Palm Sunday
A beautiful tradition at First Christian Church,
the Palm Sunday Procession was precious! So
glad to have our children and adults able to
participate this year in person! It is lovely to see
so many generations represented and 'new'
friends and families too!
Sending out special thanks to
Martha Cobb, Gina Dixon, Jillian
Fitchetola, and the Young
Disciples & Youth that helped
make our first Easter Tea & Treats
a success!
APRIL BIRTHDAYS
Judy Ridings April 1
Edwin Luxon, Jr. April 1
Bruce Begley April 4
Jennifer Brandenburg April 4 New Babies
Martha Cobb April 8
Clay Fichetola April 10 Congratulations to Dr. Jenna Begley Bishop
and Danny Bishop on the birth of their son,
Cameron Goucher April 11
Barrett Rex Bishop on February 25. The proud
Grant King April 11 grandparents are Bruce and Cathy Begley.
Jilllian Fichetola April 12
Austin Ramey April 12 Kate Congleton and Aaron Morris welcome a
Barbara Hendren April 15 new baby girl, Kamiyah Danielle Morris, born
Becky Sills April 16 on March 29. She is welcomed home by her
big brother Kayden, proud grandparents, Rob
Bill Adams April 17
& Kathy Congleton, and prouder grandparents,
Hunter Conner April 17 Edwin and Janice Luxon and Tommy and
Kathryn Cosby April 17 Darnetta Congleton.
Cady Gordon April 18
Abby Tudor
Graham Edwards
April 18
April 20
April
Kristin Congleton April 20 25th,
Cathy Roberts April 22
Brennan Horn April 23 2021
Shirley Kearns April 23
Shellby Poindexter April 23 The Women's Fellowship Group would like to
Linda Fortney April 25 invite everyone to a "Baby Shower" on
Sunday, April 25th. Kayla Whitlock Pitts is
Lloyd Rhodes April 25
expecting a baby boy in May. Due to Covid
Norma Robinson April 25 restrictions, we are unable to celebrate with
Lauren Stapp April 25 her at a traditional baby shower. We plan to
Tonya Singleton April 26 have a table set up in the loggia to leave a gift
or card for Kayla and the baby, either before
John Tudor April 26
or after the service. Gift ideas include-
Kathryn Brown April 27 diapers, wipes, books, and 9 month+ clothing.
Kayla Horn April 27 Gifts may also be dropped off at the church
Betty Ward April 27 prior to the 25th if you will not be attending in-
Evie Mullins April 28 person worship on that day and would still like
to participate.
George Ridings, Jr. April 30
Community Elder Serving Schedule
. April 4 Bob Vickers
Susan Willis
April 11 John Tudor
Carol Vickers
April 18 Mike Stapp
Leslie Stapp
April 25 Robin Tudor
Bill Shaffer
Craft Fellowship Group Meets
Each Monday from 6-8- Join us
to learn a new skill, explore
different mendiums, or share
SUPPORT LOCAL SMALL
your talents. No previous BUSINESSES IN APRIL-
experience required! Use our
FOOD TRUCK TUESDAY AT
THE IRVINE-MCDOWELL
supplies or bring your own
project to work on!
PARK FROM 5-8
Reminder- if you weren't able to or forgot to turn in your
yearly pledge card, please contact the church office and we
Financial
can assist you with this!
Update
SUN
APRILMON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT
1 2 3
Maundy
Thursday
Service- 6PM
Easter 4
4 5 10:00 Staff 6 7 8 9 10
7:15 Sunrise Service
FCC Parking Lot Meeting
10:40 Worship Service
No Young Disciples or
Youth Group
6:00 Craft Class
11 12 10:00 Staff 13 14 15 16 17
10:40 Worship Service Meeting
4:00 Young Disciples 7:00 Elders'
5:20 Youth
6:00 Craft Class Meeting
10:40 Worship 18 19 10:00 Staff 20 21 22 23 24
Service
Meeting Deadline for
3-5 Earth Sunday
Event May Courier
5:20 Youth
6:00 Craft Class
25 26 10:00 Staff 27 28 29 30 1
10:40 Worship Service Meeting
Youth Lock-In
4:00 Young Disciples
5:20 Youth
6:00 Craft Class
Celebrating our Children & Youth
ADNU Y
2020 made our plans to spark new life in our children's and
youth ministry programs more difficult than we ever
O
S
I
imagined- we tried different approaches and ways to
P R O M O T N connect- but with busy families and digital burn-out, it was
very challenging. There were so many milestones we didn't
get to celebrate with our congregation- of course our
graduates, but also those children who moved from nursery
to our children's program, from our children's program to
our Youth group, and more. We want to recognize and
Yo
Y un
ou ng
g affirm these moments, these rights of passage, for our
pllees
children and youth. We invite all parents and guardians to
scciip s
Diis
D let us know if your child/children have had milestone such
Our K-5th grade group, Young Disciples, as those mentioned above in the past year, and invite them
continues to meet on Sunday afternoons to be present on May 30th for a special recognition moment
from 4-5:15. We invite children to join us in our church service. We will be handing out special
for fun and fellowship, God, and games! momentos such as Bibles and devotionals at certain
We will be helping to plan for the May 30th milestones as well. Thanks- if you have questions, email
Youth & Children's Sunday event soon- so emily@fccrichmond.com.
make sure to attend so you can learn how YOUTH SUNDAY- MAY 30TH- MARK YOUR
we will be involved!
CALENDARS NOW. SOMETHING DIFFERENT!
H C A MP
U R
CH ATEC Camp registration forms for children, youth, and
volunteers are now available. Additional information is on
UPD
our website and the regional church website.
Hi everyone!
We are continuing to meet in person for the youth group on Sundays from 5:30-7. I am so
excited for the upcoming months as I am working on several fun events for the youth! This
month we are going to have a small lock-in on the last Friday of April. This will serve to
help us prepare for youth Sunday that is planned for May 30th. We will also have games
and other activities to keep it fun. If anyone has ideas that they would like to do with the
youth group don’t hesitate to contact me and we will see if we can fit it into the schedule!
The school year is coming to a close! Please help us recognize our graduates this year by
YOUTH sending in any pictures you would like to be used.
Registration forms for Camp Wakon’da-ho are now available! This year the guidelines
have changed a little. Youth are being asked to only sign up for one week so make sure
you register early to get the same week as your friends! This does not apply to anyone
registering for Eighters camp as their second week. Digital and paper copies can be sent
out to anyone who needs them!
Thanks a bunch,
Kelsey
Prayer Concerns
Recent: Sharla Davidson, Bill Curwood, Betty Blakemore, Jimmy Lynch, Bob
Turpin (Billy Glenn Turpin's brother), Bob Salmans (Billy Glenn & Mimi Turpin's
son-in-law), Jennifer Neal (Ronnie & Mary Jane Ginter's daughter), Mike Sills,
Raisa Lynn Mohon, (Rebecca Hall Davis' granddaughter), Stephen Robbins
(Glenn & Jayne Birkett's nephew)
Ongoing: John Baker, Patricia Beck, Pearl Biggin, David Cosby, Laura Cruse,
Elizabeth Duerson, Ed Ford, Ronnie Ginter, Kay Jones, Jeffery King, Lacey
Luxon, Jean Metcalf, Kathryn Power, Julia Ramey, Angie Rhodus, Norma
Robinson, Tonya Singleton, Aaron Stidham, Martha Witt
Family: Wanda Dixon (Gina Dixon's mother-in-law), Margaret Grindstaff,
Patricia Hicks (Joe Rice's mother), Matti Houndshell (Karen Tilllie's sister),
Kenny Jones, (Kevin Jones' brother), Carol Kinzer (Scott Browder's mother),
Butch Lane (Jackie Goucher's brother-in-law), Betty McLocklin Morris (sister to
Martha Craft and Peggy Coy), Mike Morgan (Heather Shepherd's cousin),
Charleen Powers (Anna Land's sister), Leona Stark (Frank Abraham's
mother), Kimberly Stephens (Gina Dixon's sister), Susan Waters (Richard
Waters' mother)
Friends: Angela Blair ( friend of Lisa Gamble), Susan Long (friend of Jennifer
Brandenburg)
In Loving Memory...
David M. Jones Given by: Nancy Cotton
Fanny Rice
Jan Barnes
Frank & Mary Lillian Abraham
Richard & Rita Smart
Clyde & Martha Craft
Hank & Linda Everman
Mike & Jane Gordon
Mildred Brandenburg
Melony Lane
Bert & Donna Cox
Eight members of the Board (not a quorum) postponed
official business at the March 17 meeting but discussed
some of the ideas brought by those in attendance,
SPLINTERS FROM
including the feasibility of having a “garden for others” NO BOARD
either on church property in partnership with First MEETING IN
Presbyterian Church or elsewhere, not far from the APRIL
downtown area. No decisions were made on anything
discussed. THE BOARD
Parents, students, and families- we will be
Achievements recognizing our graduates on May 30th during
a special moment in the service. We would love
to Celebrate! to have photos and information about each
graduate we have had in the last 12 months to
share on our online site and our livestream as
well. E-mail info to emily@fccrichmond.com
Dear Congregation,
It has been great to get back together face to face, or at least mask to mask. Hopefully, we are all getting
vaccinated and will be able to do more of this. To keep you all in the loop, the Vision team has been
meeting and we are actively looking for and installing leaders into the various ministries. In addition, we
have been getting Phil acquainted with the church and its members and the historic views and future story
of First Christian. Soon we hope to start the search process for a new minister. However, we just want to
do this right. So we appreciate the understanding and patience. It has been a difficult time to keep those.
2020 was a rough year for many and only now does some of that seem to be getting behind us.
Also to note, I want to thank all the First Christian staff for their dedication and hard work. For years we as
a church had not made new investments in technology and training. Emily Fritz has worked very hard,
donating her time, to keep us afloat. Now we are making all the right steps with a new service provider
installing fiber optics and purchasing updated equipment to meet our needs. COVID has taught us a lot of
things. And nothing is more important than coming together to help do God's work.
And speaking of God's work. The Room In The Inn wrapped up our Emergency Motel Voucher Program
on the 15th. We housed 127 different individuals, rented 1586 rooms, and served over 4700 meals in a 13
week period. The work of RITI and the continued work of MadisonHome to help house and council those
in need is making a lasting difference in the lives of many. Thank you Kathy Congleton for working on the
Outreach
meal program for us with RITI. This work is a fruit of the Epiphany process we started in 2018.
I am excited about the work and good we can do when we work together. Thank you for the wonderful
support.
God Bless
Reid Singleton
MadisonHome, Inc
Health Safety Assessment Team
News
Five members of the HSAT met with Phil Miller via Zoom on March 18 to analyze the
details of reopening the church building for worship and other activities. During March,
from the the average in-person attendance was 48.
The team requested our Elders to call their care group members to see if anyone
Health & needs help scheduling a vaccination and to get an idea of how many people expect to
Safety
attend on Easter.
The team determined that our children would be able to safely process in the opening
Committee ceremony of Palm Sunday.
The team also followed up this meeting by reconfiguring the seating arrangement in
the sanctuary to expand our capacity within the safety guidelines. There’s space for
you, and if by chance we fill the available seats, we will have space downstairs with a
live telecast of the service.
Emily Fritz has set up the nursery in the Banquet Hall to allow for more social
distancing among parents, workers, and children. She has prepared extra sanitation
in this environment and fun activities for the little ones.
Non Profit Org.
P.O. Box 216 U.S. Postage Paid
Richmond, KY 40476 Richmond, KY
Permit No. 100
Find us on Facebook-
www.facebook.com/fccrichmondky
Follow us on Instagram- @fccrichmondky
Our Website- www.fccrichmond.com
Location- 412 W. Main St.
Richmond, KY 40475
(859) 623-4383
phil@fccrichmond.com
margaret@fccrichmond.com
heather@fccrichmond.com
emily@fccrichmond.com
heather@fccrichmond.com
kelsey@fccrichmond.comYou can also read
