1/6/19

“Perfect Examples”

Matthew 2:1-12

8:30 am Chapel Worship

Elder: Jim True

9:30 am Faith Formation

10:45 am Sanctuary Worship

Elders: Donna Perkins

Sandy Rhodes

5:00 pm Coffee House

Communion Leader: Larry Ellis

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

PAGE

Prayers, Condolences

& Announcements

2

Staff & Emails

Office Hours/Deadlines

2

Children’s Ministry 3

Youth Ministry 3

Calendar, Other

Announcements

4

THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER

316 Ann St reet Frankfort , KY 40601

(502) 223-2346

“At F i rst Chr ist ian church our mission is to be and share the Good News of Jesus Chr ist , witnessing, lov ing and serv ing ‘ f rom our doorsteps to the ends of the ear th . ’ To be a fai th fu l church demonstrat ing t rue community , deep sp ir i tual i ty and a passion for just ice .”

12/30/18 ATTENDANCE

8:30 SERVICE: 30 9:30 FAITH FORMATION: 58 10:45 SERVICE: 104 ASHWOOD: 3 COFFEE HOUSE: NO SERVICE

January 3, 2019

Issue 1

Rev. Dr. John T. Opsata Senior Pastor

Rev. Meredith Siler Associate Pastor

WORSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

DR. OPSATA’S OPUS Happy New Year everyone!

“Nothing good happens without commitment.” I heard those words in a commercial on my way to work this morning. I don’t even know what was being advertised, but I recognized the importance of those words for all of us as we begin the new year.

I don’t know if you are into the “resolution game” or not, but if you are, then the measure of your success will be directly related to your commitment. I have never been real good at commitment. Taking the first step is difficult enough, but taking the tenth, eleventh or twentieth step is even more difficult. In my experience, it never gets easier. Perhaps that is because my history is not one of long-term successes - short term - yes, long term - no.

We live in a time when commitment is often not viewed positively. We choose to live together rather than marry. We choose to attend a church but never join. Advertisers seek to seduce us with promises that our commitment to pay for what we put on a credit card can be reduced or even eliminated with just one phone call. Employers of athletic coaches fire them long before the time promised to build a successful program.

Commitment is difficult. It is painful when commitments go bad. Sometimes it seems like the current “American way” is to hedge one’s bets, rather than to live out one’s commitments. We see it in politics. We see it in business. We see it in personal life. We see it in churches.

I must admit that I am no longer part of the younger generation(s) (those words are not easy to say!), as I have, from time to time, been known to question the commitment to commitment of those who are, well, younger. As if my generation has been one of courageous and selfless commitment. But when I am honest, I recognize that my generation was one which not only chiseled away at the wall of commitment, we pretty much knocked it down. Distrust of organizations, government, organized religion and so on, led to walk-outs, sit-ins, marches, violence and more. I’m not sure we have ever recovered, and perhaps because of that, our children and grandchildren have come to shy away from commitments as well.

Does any of this matter? Well, if we want something good to happen, then we better figure out a way to make a commitment. If we want to reduce stress, we need to commit to meditation, exercise, diet, etc. If we want the church to grow, we must commit to willingly share our spiritual journeys with others, invite friends to come to join us, set good examples by our own involvement, including, perhaps, joining ourselves if we have not yet taken that step.

I guess, it is mostly about connecting desire with intentionality with implementation and with commitment. If we desire our church to grow in 2019, then we will be intentional about our own relationship with the church, plan when and how to invite friends and family, co-workers and colleagues to share in our spiritual journey at First Christian Church, and we will actually make those invitations.

I am ready to make that commitment; how about you?

Addison Judy, Karen Howser Judy (Fred Lee), Bob and Patricia Lippert, Jim McWilliams, Chuck Mitchell (Fred Lee), Gary Mitchum (Eva Ellis), Sally Monroe, Mary Helen Moore, Emily Murphy (MaryLinda Wells), Bob Pullen, Sue Ramsey (Larry Cox), Jacob Roberts (Lynda Jalbert), Anne Robbins (Judy Richards), Kathy and Rebecca Ryan (Jayne Arnold), Kenneth Smith (Judy Richards), Liz Smith, Marion Smith, Chester & Ann Snelling, James Tandy (Judy Richards), Betty Thurman, Francis Tileston, Allen Tipton (Jeanie Harmon’s brother), Carol Tuning (Judy Richards), Judi Turner (Elizabeth Schepens). Stephen Tutt (Sue Tutt), Beth Vernon (Bob and Linda Blair), Judy Walden (Donna Fiero), Jane Watts (Judy Richards), Will Webster (Dixie Grugin), Donna Williams, Ethan Witt (Bob Lewis), all victims of disaster and violence in our world.

IN OUR PRAYERS

Page 2

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH 316 Ann Street

Frankfort, KY 40601

Office: (502) 223-2346

Fax: (502) 875-7847

Website: www.firstchristianfrankfort.org Email: firstchristianfrankfort@gmail.com Facebook: 1stchristianfrankfort

OFFICE HOURS

Monday— Thursday

9:00 am—3:00 pm Closed on Friday DEADLINES Messenger Deadline Tuesday by Noon

Bulletin Deadline Thursday by 9:00 am

STAFF Rev. Dr. John T. Opsata Senior Minister johntopsata@gmail.com

Rev. Meredith Siler Associate Minister meredithbsiler@gmail.com

Dr. Carl Smith Chancel Choir Directorchsmithksu55@gmail.com

Dr. Robert Blair Organist bandlblair7@gmail.com

Bonnie Reeves Coffee House Music bbigbars@aol.com

Trina Koontz Youth Ministry Director trinakoontz@gmail.com

Elle Travis Children’s Ministry Director elletravis0@gmail.com

Maria Bartholomew Children’s Music Maria.bart93@gmail.com

Beckie Glander Admin. Assistant/Facilities beckieglander@gmail.com

Donna Ritchey Administrative Assistant donnaritcheyfcc@gmail.com

Those serving in the Military and as Law Enforcement Officers, Barbara Abshire (Mindy McGirt), May Lou Alexander (Ashwood), Raymond Aubrey, Mattie Baker (Patti Pullen), Ed Ball, Marjorie Ballard (Patricia Roberts), Ann and Joshua Banta (Judy Richards), Jackie Barney, Maria Bartholomew, Melissa Benton (Jane McCord), Julia Blackburn (Tom & Eleanor Penn’s granddaughter), Ron Burgess, Frank Catron (Frances Cadle), Walter Chism (Judy Richards), Polly Coblin (Jane McCord), Phyllis DiCapua (Priscilla Barnes), Bill and Lucy Eddins (Billy Gayhart), Davey Fallis, Staci, Juan and Milo Garcia (Jayne Arnold), Cheryl Gayhart, Bill Grugin (Dixie Grugin), Richard Hite (Nancy Miracle), Hope Lutheran Church, Tyler Howard (Ann Howard), Liz Hutchison, Lynda Jalbert, Alex Jensen(Ann Winn Vansant), Elizabeth and

Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Chet Care, who died on Sunday, December 30. There are no arrangements available at this time.

Congratulations to Taylor Stamper and Heather McCoy who were married December 29 at FCC.

A heartfelt thank you to First Christian for your prayers, hugs, cards and numerous expressions of love and support during this difficult time of my sister, Cynthia Lyons’ passing. I would like to especially thank Dr. Opsata, Rev. Siler, Sue Wood, Mariane Braden, Joyce Albro, The Emily Tubman Circle, Healing Hearts and the Bell Choir who not only surrounded me, but extended kindness to my mother, Helen Hairston, in Cleveland, Ohio, as well. Richard, Maria, Zerlina and Marcus Bartholomew

Thank you to John Scott who has organized the collection of the offering at the 10:45am Service for several years. As John retires from this position, we thank him for his faithfulness.

Thank you for your generous Christmas bonuses. It’s a blessing to be in ministry with you all. The FCC Staff

We will be installing new Board Officers and Members, Deacons, Leadership Call Team and ordaining a new Elder on Sunday, January 6, at the 10:45am Service. Board Officers Elder Janet Lile, Chair Nelson Henderson Diana Geddes, Vice Chair Donna Perkins, Treasurer Deacons Jana Thompson, Secretary Kara Bales Elizabeth Peters Board Members Shawn Ramsey Ron Cadle Valerie Ramsey Linda Davis Sheila Wilson Marcia Garmon Misty Judy Leadership Call Team Nancy Lovitt Frances Cadle Sandy Rhodes Larry Ellis Elizabeth Schepens Mila Stivers Sheila Wilson

The Tubman Nunnelly Circle will meet on January 8 at 7:00pm and will be hosted by Sandy Rhodes in the Fellowship Hall.

~~~~~~~~ The Anna Merle Circle will resume their meetings in April.

2019 ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD The 2019 Administrative Board will retreat from our regular monthly meeting to kick off the new year on Saturday, January 12, from 9:00am to 1:00pm, in the Fellowship Hall. Lunch will be served. Please save the date!

Pastors Class 2019 - Dr. Opsata and Rev. Meredith will be leading a class for those interested in Baptism beginning on February 17. The class will meet on Sundays after the 10:45 Service for 9 weeks. Please let Dr. Opsata or Rev. Meredith or the office know if you or your young person is interested.

YOUTH

MINISTRY CHILDREN’S

MINISTRY

MS. ELLE TRAVIS DIRECTOR-CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

email: elletravis0@gmail.com

MS. TRINA KOONTZ DIRECTOR-YOUTH MINISTRIES email: trinakoontz@gmail.

Our Youth enjoyed Reindeer games, food and

the traditional reading of the Christmas

Lights poem at their Christmas party

First Families would like to give a big THANK YOU to Ms. Anne Winn Vansant for cooking breakfast for our rowdy crew every Sunday morning! We are so thankful to you for your dedication and the love you pour out on the children, youth, and families of First Christian Church. We’d also like to extend a special thanks to Donna Perkins for organizing our gift fund and presenting Anne with our gift!

First Christian Church Disciples of Christ 316 Ann Street Frankfort, KY 40601 (502) 223-2346

Website: www.firstchristianfrankfort.org Email: firstchristianfrankfort@gmail.com Facebook: 1stchristianfrankfort

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage

PAID Frankfort, KY

Permit No. 300

2019 KROGER REWARDS $0 2019 CAN RECYCLING $0

THANK YOU FOR MAKING THESE NUMBERS GROW!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR Monday, January 7 10:00 Prayer Group (Rev. Meredith’s Office) Tuesday, January 8 11:30 Staff Meeting 12:00 Al Anon (Keystone) 5:30 AA Meeting (Keystone) 7:00 Tubman Nunnelly Circle (FH)

Sunday, January 6 8:30 Chapel Service 9:30 Faith Formation 10:15 Family Faith Fellowship (CCLC) 10:45 Worship (Sanctuary) 5:00 Coffee House (FH)

Wednesday, January 9 4:00 Little Acorns 5:00 Children’s Choir 5:30 Fellowship Meal (CCLC) 6:15 First Families, Gentle Yoga, Prayer Group 6:45 Chancel Choir Rehearsal