Flora First Christian Church - Flora, IN

This article originally appeared in the January edition of FFCC’s newsletter, “The Tidings.”

“Hence we can say confidently, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid; what can man do to me? Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:6 -8)

As a child I could never picture living in the 21^st century. I did wonder what it would be like. Would it be like those science fiction movies of domed cities and colonies set up on Mars and the Moon? Would we be wearing metallic clothing? Would life be like “The Jetsons” on TV? The year 2000 seemed so far off and by then I would be . . . old, so I thought. During the last year there has been so much said and writing about the rapid changes in technology just since this New Millennium began eight years ago. Journalists are still writing about tragedies and terrorist acts of the past few years and the possibilities of the unknown factors. In spite of the unknown factors, the concluding of year doesn’t seem any different from any other year. In Christian faith we have the same opportunities we have any year. We never know what the coming year will bring. It is not my intention to make light of recent tragedies. Any year can bring war, terrorism, ill health or financial hardship. For this reason I find the words of the writer to the Hebrews in chapter 13 so comforting. God’s love for us through Jesus Christ is still the same yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever. That never changes. The proof that we believe this is in the response we make in our living. As it has been said in past years, the coming year still gives us the opportunity to re-covenant our side of the promise with God, or to name anew the responsibilities we have as faith people. As in any given year we can make one of the following commitments. (From “This Year” by Ruth A. Richie.)

• Mend a quarrel
• Keep a Promise
• Apologize if we are wrong
• Find time alone with God
• Listen to another point a view
• Forego a grudge
• Think of the needs of others
• Forgive an enemy
• Say “thank you” for the small gifts
• Laugh a little
• Be kind
• Laugh a little more
• Welcome a stranger
• Seek a forgotten friend
• Introduce yourself to a guest
• Dismiss suspicion & replace it with trust
• Take a deep breath
• Thank God for the new day
• Give a soft answer
• Encourage youth
• Listen to children
• Visit someone who lives alone
• Speak with Love
• Speak with love, again.
• Whisper a prayer in the morning (and at noon and night, as well).

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17)

Peace, Joy & Hope

Pastor Sam

(Adapted from a previously published letter in the November edition of “The Tidings”)

I find it fitting that my ministry as Interim Pastor at Flora First Christian Church began in the middle of fall as the leaves were beginning to turn their vibrant colors. Due to the dry summer season, the fall foliage began their “fire- works” display much later than usual, and stuck around much longer as well. I arrived in Flora following one of our driest Indiana summers in recent years, and even in October I found myself in the middle of the changing of the seasons.
An intentional interim ministry, or transitional ministry, is quite similar to the changing of the seasons that we are experiencing here in scenic North Central Indiana. I have often heard it said that the only sure thing in life is that things will change. An interim ministry is the in-between period of two full time, permanent pastors. In recent years this period has become known as transitional ministry.

In transitional ministry, an interim pastor seeks to prepare a congregation for their next pastor, and the ministry they will share together. The Elder leadership of Flora First Christian Church set an intentional direction that this period of time will consist of training with the elders, committees, and teams in the development of some new and different skills. It is my privilege to be a part of this ministry.

I am enjoying my time of change and discovery as we explore together meaningful worship expressions, our service through outreach, study as we grow in God’s written Word, the Bible, and in the fellowship of God’s living Word, Jesus Christ.

The changing of the seasons fills us with the promise that God is with us through nature’s changes, but more so, God is present to lead us through life’s changes, challenges, obstacles, and victories. (Ecclesiastes 3: 1-10) The changing season is a visual picture of where we are as a congregation.

Change is representative of the world in which we live that calls us to discern how God would lead us to reach others for Christ.

Change is also representative of what happens to us as Christians: If anyone is in Christ the old has passed away the new has come. (II Corinthians 5:17) “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you in a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)

As new creations . . . Christians . . . we are to be constantly changing or transforming into the way and image of Jesus Christ through God’s Holy Spirit. There’s a quote that has found its way to many plaques and posters that announces: “Be patient with me, God’s not done with me yet.” That should be every one of us. If we’re not transforming, we’re not growing.
In His Grace,
Sam