fcc to sponsor habitat for humanity home in mt. sterling!
“Back to the Future” “And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul” —Acts 4:32
As a child of the 1980’s, one of my favorite movies was “Back to the Future”. Of course, not only did I think Michael J. Fox was really cool and the silver Delorean with the flip up doors was pretty awesome, but the premise of the movie, that what happens in the past has a direct effect on the present and the future, stuck with me. This is certainly true as I look forward to our annual Heritage Sunday, which will be held at the Cane Ridge Shrine in Bourbon County on Sunday, September 18, 2016. Let me explain why in many ways as we return to Cane Ridge, we will, like Marty McFly, be going back to the future. The Cane Ridge Meeting House was erected 1791of blue ash logs that remain to this day. The old church was the location where Barton Warren Stone began his ministry at the Cane Ridge Presbyterian Church in 1796. In 1801, the Meeting House hosted the Cane Ridge Revival— the most famous camp meeting of the Great Revival in
FCC TO SPONSOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HOME IN MT. STERLING! We are excited to announce that First Christian will be the sponsor of the next Habitat for Humanity home that will be constructed in Mt. Sterling! This endeavor will be coordinated by the Outreach and Men’s Ministry Teams. Construction on the Habitat home is scheduled to begin in the next three to four weeks and is expected to be completed in approximately four months. First Christian will provide some funding for the project and also perform some of the construction by providing volunteer work teams. The teams will work on scheduled weekend workdays and will perform tasks that are not considered to require skilled workers. Next Sunday, there will be a sign up sheet in the front of the sanctuary for work team volunteers. You will be able to choose which construction tasks that you wish to help perform. We are so blessed to be able to help with this local mission!
JOIN US FOR A PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND! INFORMATIONAL MEETING—SEPTEMBER 11TH Under the direction of Ms. Carol Hayes, a pilgrimage to the Holy Land has been organized for March 12-22, 2017! The 11 day tour will visit Petra, Mt. Nebo, and Israel. This opportunity is not limited to members of First Christian Church! There will be an informational meeting on Sunday, September 11th at 6:00 p.m. in the FCC Chapel. For more information, see Carol or Pastor Scott or visit www.pilgrimtours.com/groups/fccisrael.htm. Spread the word! the West (1797-1805). It was also the site of the signing of the Last W ill and Testament of the Springfield Presbytery on June 28, 1804, a document in regards to Christian unity that would be an equivalent of the Declaration of Independence to democracy. The Cane Ridge congregation was integrated and stood as one of the few anti-slavery congregations in the area in the early 1800’s and was the first church of the Stone-Campbell movement to baptize by immersion by using Stoner Creek in Paris. For many Disciples of Christ historians, Cane Ridge is where the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) began. The history of Cane Ridge is more rich and important than one newsletter can convey. As one of our members likes to say, “You need only to walk the grounds of Cane Ridge to get a sense of the importance of this holy place.” For this preacher, the history at Cane Ridge represents the future that our movement so desperately needs. Integration of all people regardless of color or creed, an emphasis on Christian unity as opposed to focusing on the things that often divide us, and a simplicity of faith by prioritizing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. If we can be influenced by the values that stand as the foundation of our past, then our future will dawn as bright as the rising sun on the gentle bluegrass hills of a Kentucky countryside. Blessings, Pastor Scott
ATTENTION FCC MEN Men's fellowship groups are forming for our 2016-2017 calendar year. Our goal is to have groups of 4-6 men meet weekly to study, share, and pray with each other as a means to grow in discipleship and strengthen our church. The groups will be led by a facilitator and will provide curriculum for study. If you are interested contact the church office or Pastor Scott at 859.585.3444.
CELEBRATE WITH US! According to the 2016 Yearbook and Directory of the Christian Church (Disciple of Christ) First Christian Church Mt. Sterling is ranked 17th out of 3,300 churches in the United States and Canada in terms of church growth. We are ranked 3rd among churches of similar size (200-500 members). This is an amazing statistic considering the denomination as a whole lost 70 congregations and 14,000 members in the same time period. The takeaway: keep bucking the odds by growing spiritually and in zeal for your church family and the numbers will take care of themselves. Way to go!!
WORSHIP & LUNCH AT CANE RIDGE—SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH We will meet at the Cane Ridge Shrine for worship at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 18th. There will be a potluck luncheon following worship. The church will provide the meat and drinks. Please bring a dish according to your last name: (A-I: Salad, J-R: Dessert; S-Z: Vegetable). Bring a lawn chair and enjoy good food, fun, and fellowship where our story began.
Rev. Sco Holley, Senior Minister
Volume CLXIV, Issue 9, Monthly September 1, 2016
Postmaster: Send address changes to Christian Messenger, 222 West Main St., Mt. Sterling, KY 40353
SMALL GROUP AND BIBLE STUDY GROUPS FOR SEPTEMBER Please contact your group leader for the certainty if your group meets and location. *SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES meet each Sunday at 9:30 a.m.— nursery is provided! Join one of the following classes: Open Door (Bill Bramblet, facilitator), Hazelrigg (Bill Smathers, facilitator), and Youth Class (taught by Gayle Baskey & Edd Pittman). *WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will resume meeting Wednesday, September 7th at 9:30 a.m. in the Carolyn Snyder Room! Sherry Taul, Facilitator *MERGE continues each Wednesday evening at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel. Childcare is provided. (Pastor Scott, Facilitator) *YOUTH GROUP for 6th-12th graders will meet on Sundays, September 4, 11, & 25 from 5-7 p.m. Bring a friend! *MEN’S MINISTRY—Sign up this Sunday to participate in a men’s group this fall! *HISTORY COMMITTEE meets each 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. in the Archives Room. See Mary Alice Duff, chair of the History Committee, for more information. They will meet on September 6th & 20th. *CHOIR practice is on Wednesday evenings 7:15-8:15 p.m. in the choir room. Everyone welcome! *KNITTING GROUP meets each Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Contact the church office for more info. Everyone welcome. *LAF (Living Alone with Faith) will meet on Thursday, September 1st at noon at Indian Creek. Pat McGlothin, Facilitator *BETH MOORE BIBLE STUDY FOR WOMEN—1st Tuesday of each month, beginning September 6th, at the church. See Roberta Gilbert for details. *CELEBRATE RECOVERY— meets each Friday from 6-9:00 p.m. at FCC! See Scott or Kim Halsey for more info.
FCC YOUTH All youth in 6th-12th grades are invited & encouraged to attend Youth Group each Sunday from 5-7 p.m.! Friends are always welcome! September 4—MISSION DAY We will shop and come back to the church to put together Homeless Care Packages! Dinner not provided. September 11—FUN DAY Wear your old clothes and prepare to play Shaving Cream Whiffleball! Dinner not provided. September 18—NO YOUTH DUE TO CANE RIDGE Join together at Cane Ridge on September 18th for worship & lunch! September 25—GATHERING AT THE BAKER’S! We will gather at the home of Chloe Baker for dinner and discussion! (404 Holt Ave.) Adult Volunteer(s): Thomas & Becca Baker
OUTREACH NEWS The members of the Outreach team want to thank all that donated school supplies for the Family Resource Center at the schools and for the children at Celebrate Recovery. Recent outreach activities: *DOVES—donated items delivered by Jimmy Robinson. Continue to bring cleaning supplies & paper goods! *Donation to Abby Ratliff for her birthday *Donation to Finn Collier for medical expenses *Sponsor of HopeFest *Donation to Janie Wise for mission work *Sponsor for Gateway Children’s Services Small Town America Corn Hole Tournament Please see Ann Duff or Sally Purvis to join the Outreach Team!
THANK YOU The family of Nancy Hurst wishes to express our sincere thanks and gratitude for your kindness, prayers, and love during our time of need. The luncheon was lovely and served with such grace! And God led Pastor Scott to deliver a eulogy that was so in tune with the thinking of the family’s favorite bible passages, songs, and poetry. We are so fortunate to be a part of a wonderful Christian group. —Bernadean Markland
HOLY NUMBERS FOR 2016 Sunday’s Offering Pledges Given Contributions Plate Offering
8/7 5331 1340 152
8/14 2777 1435 149
8/21 2187 1257 235
8/28 2186 710 100
Leadership moments FOR September Monday, September 12, 6:30 pm: Search Committee Tuesday, September 13, 6 pm: Elders Meeting Tuesday, September 20, 5 pm: Executive Team Meeting ATTENDANCE:
Total Pledges Needed in 2016: $278,382.00 Rc’d thru 8/28/16 $174,016.06
Unpaid 2016 Pledge Balance ($104,365.94)
July 31: 155 August 7: 167
August 14: 191 August 21: 203
August 28: 137
On Sunday, August 28th, four teams of FCC youth competed in The Amazing Race Bible Edition! The teams were given clues and scripture references and tasked with finding the location that corresponded with the clues. The winning team was (left to right) Hadley Beckham, Addy Holley, Emily Griffith, & Ansley Shields, and driver Robert Reynolds! A special thank you to our volunteers (Will & Susan Clark, Dee Dee Stilz, Jimmy Robinson, Robert Reynolds, & Mary Alice Duff) for making our fall youth group kick-off so much fun!
SEARCH COMMITTEE FORMED A search committee has been formed as we seek to find a new minister of children and youth. The committee will be chaired by Phil Gross. Committee members are Nicole Letcher, Cay Lane, Janna Godby, Noah Mascle, Josh Preston, Dee Dee Stilz, Lesley Butcher, and Rusty Skinner. Please be in prayer for the committee and our search for a new minister.
As a child of the 1980’s, one of my favorite movies was “Back to the Future”. Of course, not only did I think Michael J. Fox was really cool and the silver Delorean with the flip up doors was pretty awesome, but the premise of the movie, that what happens in the past has a direct effect on the present and the future, stuck with me. This is certainly true as I look forward to our annual Heritage Sunday, which will be held at the Cane Ridge Shrine in Bourbon County on Sunday, September 18, 2016. Let me explain why in many ways as we return to Cane Ridge, we will, like Marty McFly, be going back to the future. The Cane Ridge Meeting House was erected 1791of blue ash logs that remain to this day. The old church was the location where Barton Warren Stone began his ministry at the Cane Ridge Presbyterian Church in 1796. In 1801, the Meeting House hosted the Cane Ridge Revival— the most famous camp meeting of the Great Revival in
FCC TO SPONSOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HOME IN MT. STERLING! We are excited to announce that First Christian will be the sponsor of the next Habitat for Humanity home that will be constructed in Mt. Sterling! This endeavor will be coordinated by the Outreach and Men’s Ministry Teams. Construction on the Habitat home is scheduled to begin in the next three to four weeks and is expected to be completed in approximately four months. First Christian will provide some funding for the project and also perform some of the construction by providing volunteer work teams. The teams will work on scheduled weekend workdays and will perform tasks that are not considered to require skilled workers. Next Sunday, there will be a sign up sheet in the front of the sanctuary for work team volunteers. You will be able to choose which construction tasks that you wish to help perform. We are so blessed to be able to help with this local mission!
JOIN US FOR A PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND! INFORMATIONAL MEETING—SEPTEMBER 11TH Under the direction of Ms. Carol Hayes, a pilgrimage to the Holy Land has been organized for March 12-22, 2017! The 11 day tour will visit Petra, Mt. Nebo, and Israel. This opportunity is not limited to members of First Christian Church! There will be an informational meeting on Sunday, September 11th at 6:00 p.m. in the FCC Chapel. For more information, see Carol or Pastor Scott or visit www.pilgrimtours.com/groups/fccisrael.htm. Spread the word! the West (1797-1805). It was also the site of the signing of the Last W ill and Testament of the Springfield Presbytery on June 28, 1804, a document in regards to Christian unity that would be an equivalent of the Declaration of Independence to democracy. The Cane Ridge congregation was integrated and stood as one of the few anti-slavery congregations in the area in the early 1800’s and was the first church of the Stone-Campbell movement to baptize by immersion by using Stoner Creek in Paris. For many Disciples of Christ historians, Cane Ridge is where the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) began. The history of Cane Ridge is more rich and important than one newsletter can convey. As one of our members likes to say, “You need only to walk the grounds of Cane Ridge to get a sense of the importance of this holy place.” For this preacher, the history at Cane Ridge represents the future that our movement so desperately needs. Integration of all people regardless of color or creed, an emphasis on Christian unity as opposed to focusing on the things that often divide us, and a simplicity of faith by prioritizing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. If we can be influenced by the values that stand as the foundation of our past, then our future will dawn as bright as the rising sun on the gentle bluegrass hills of a Kentucky countryside. Blessings, Pastor Scott
ATTENTION FCC MEN Men's fellowship groups are forming for our 2016-2017 calendar year. Our goal is to have groups of 4-6 men meet weekly to study, share, and pray with each other as a means to grow in discipleship and strengthen our church. The groups will be led by a facilitator and will provide curriculum for study. If you are interested contact the church office or Pastor Scott at 859.585.3444.
CELEBRATE WITH US! According to the 2016 Yearbook and Directory of the Christian Church (Disciple of Christ) First Christian Church Mt. Sterling is ranked 17th out of 3,300 churches in the United States and Canada in terms of church growth. We are ranked 3rd among churches of similar size (200-500 members). This is an amazing statistic considering the denomination as a whole lost 70 congregations and 14,000 members in the same time period. The takeaway: keep bucking the odds by growing spiritually and in zeal for your church family and the numbers will take care of themselves. Way to go!!
WORSHIP & LUNCH AT CANE RIDGE—SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH We will meet at the Cane Ridge Shrine for worship at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 18th. There will be a potluck luncheon following worship. The church will provide the meat and drinks. Please bring a dish according to your last name: (A-I: Salad, J-R: Dessert; S-Z: Vegetable). Bring a lawn chair and enjoy good food, fun, and fellowship where our story began.
Rev. Sco Holley, Senior Minister
Volume CLXIV, Issue 9, Monthly September 1, 2016
Postmaster: Send address changes to Christian Messenger, 222 West Main St., Mt. Sterling, KY 40353
SMALL GROUP AND BIBLE STUDY GROUPS FOR SEPTEMBER Please contact your group leader for the certainty if your group meets and location. *SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES meet each Sunday at 9:30 a.m.— nursery is provided! Join one of the following classes: Open Door (Bill Bramblet, facilitator), Hazelrigg (Bill Smathers, facilitator), and Youth Class (taught by Gayle Baskey & Edd Pittman). *WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will resume meeting Wednesday, September 7th at 9:30 a.m. in the Carolyn Snyder Room! Sherry Taul, Facilitator *MERGE continues each Wednesday evening at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel. Childcare is provided. (Pastor Scott, Facilitator) *YOUTH GROUP for 6th-12th graders will meet on Sundays, September 4, 11, & 25 from 5-7 p.m. Bring a friend! *MEN’S MINISTRY—Sign up this Sunday to participate in a men’s group this fall! *HISTORY COMMITTEE meets each 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. in the Archives Room. See Mary Alice Duff, chair of the History Committee, for more information. They will meet on September 6th & 20th. *CHOIR practice is on Wednesday evenings 7:15-8:15 p.m. in the choir room. Everyone welcome! *KNITTING GROUP meets each Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Contact the church office for more info. Everyone welcome. *LAF (Living Alone with Faith) will meet on Thursday, September 1st at noon at Indian Creek. Pat McGlothin, Facilitator *BETH MOORE BIBLE STUDY FOR WOMEN—1st Tuesday of each month, beginning September 6th, at the church. See Roberta Gilbert for details. *CELEBRATE RECOVERY— meets each Friday from 6-9:00 p.m. at FCC! See Scott or Kim Halsey for more info.
FCC YOUTH All youth in 6th-12th grades are invited & encouraged to attend Youth Group each Sunday from 5-7 p.m.! Friends are always welcome! September 4—MISSION DAY We will shop and come back to the church to put together Homeless Care Packages! Dinner not provided. September 11—FUN DAY Wear your old clothes and prepare to play Shaving Cream Whiffleball! Dinner not provided. September 18—NO YOUTH DUE TO CANE RIDGE Join together at Cane Ridge on September 18th for worship & lunch! September 25—GATHERING AT THE BAKER’S! We will gather at the home of Chloe Baker for dinner and discussion! (404 Holt Ave.) Adult Volunteer(s): Thomas & Becca Baker
OUTREACH NEWS The members of the Outreach team want to thank all that donated school supplies for the Family Resource Center at the schools and for the children at Celebrate Recovery. Recent outreach activities: *DOVES—donated items delivered by Jimmy Robinson. Continue to bring cleaning supplies & paper goods! *Donation to Abby Ratliff for her birthday *Donation to Finn Collier for medical expenses *Sponsor of HopeFest *Donation to Janie Wise for mission work *Sponsor for Gateway Children’s Services Small Town America Corn Hole Tournament Please see Ann Duff or Sally Purvis to join the Outreach Team!
THANK YOU The family of Nancy Hurst wishes to express our sincere thanks and gratitude for your kindness, prayers, and love during our time of need. The luncheon was lovely and served with such grace! And God led Pastor Scott to deliver a eulogy that was so in tune with the thinking of the family’s favorite bible passages, songs, and poetry. We are so fortunate to be a part of a wonderful Christian group. —Bernadean Markland
HOLY NUMBERS FOR 2016 Sunday’s Offering Pledges Given Contributions Plate Offering
8/7 5331 1340 152
8/14 2777 1435 149
8/21 2187 1257 235
8/28 2186 710 100
Leadership moments FOR September Monday, September 12, 6:30 pm: Search Committee Tuesday, September 13, 6 pm: Elders Meeting Tuesday, September 20, 5 pm: Executive Team Meeting ATTENDANCE:
Total Pledges Needed in 2016: $278,382.00 Rc’d thru 8/28/16 $174,016.06
Unpaid 2016 Pledge Balance ($104,365.94)
July 31: 155 August 7: 167
August 14: 191 August 21: 203
August 28: 137
On Sunday, August 28th, four teams of FCC youth competed in The Amazing Race Bible Edition! The teams were given clues and scripture references and tasked with finding the location that corresponded with the clues. The winning team was (left to right) Hadley Beckham, Addy Holley, Emily Griffith, & Ansley Shields, and driver Robert Reynolds! A special thank you to our volunteers (Will & Susan Clark, Dee Dee Stilz, Jimmy Robinson, Robert Reynolds, & Mary Alice Duff) for making our fall youth group kick-off so much fun!
SEARCH COMMITTEE FORMED A search committee has been formed as we seek to find a new minister of children and youth. The committee will be chaired by Phil Gross. Committee members are Nicole Letcher, Cay Lane, Janna Godby, Noah Mascle, Josh Preston, Dee Dee Stilz, Lesley Butcher, and Rusty Skinner. Please be in prayer for the committee and our search for a new minister.
