First Christian Church, Flora, Indiana

December, 2011

Over the years, I have been given and I have purchased several Nativity Scenes. I think that I have about 40, but I never get them all out at one time. These nativity scenes are what we should think about as Christmas draws near.

They come in all sizes. One has 3 pieces and could fit inside a thimble. Another is a complete village. Made of wood, metal and ceramic, these figures remind me of what this is all about: the birth of Jesus Christ. Sometimes we are lured into thinking otherwise, but the truth is, without the birth of the Savior, there would be no store sales, no wrapping paper, and no rushing about. And, even more importantly, we would not have salvation in our lives. We need to stay focused. We might need to consider priorities. We certainly need to know why we do the things we do.

Long ago, on a cold night, a man and woman took a journey. Mary was expecting her first child and was scared. Joseph was too young to have the responsibility of being a father. They were poor but had to follow the rules: register for the census. The journey they took was long and hard and by the time they reached Bethlehem, the labor pains had begun and it was time for Mary to have her baby. She gave birth in a stable, laid the baby in a manger and pondered what it meant to be the mother of the Son of God. Soon shepherds came because they had seen a star and heard the angels. they followed the star to where the baby had been born. Others came as well and soon all the region knew that God had fulfilled his promise: this was Emmanuel, the Christ Child, the Son of God. No Christmas trees. No strings of lights. There were no great feasts or gifts wrapped up in fancy paper and adorned with bows. No one had displays in their front yards and not a store had a sale. This was a sacred day: Jesus had been born.

My wish for you this Christmas is that this baby lives in your heart and that you celebrate His birthday. Barbara and I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2012. May God bless all of you. We love you so much.

Pastor Woody

November, 2011

I am amazed at how fast life is these days. It seems like it was yesterday that I was digging in the ground, planting seeds and flowers. Those days are gone, if for a short time, as leaves fall and plants die for the season. But there is much more to this “rushed life” than the change of seasons. Way before Halloween, I saw Christmas decorations out in the stores. Last week I saw a family decorating their house with red and green lights. I get caught up in the hustle and bustle too, as I rush from one thing to another, hardly completing one task before the next one comes along. I’m not complaining (well, yes I am). I guess I’m complaining to myself, for allowing the often busy and complicated calendars of life to get in the way of taking the time to enjoy all that is around me. But that is going to change, or at least I hope it will.

There is the possibility, I guess, of it getting more hectic, but I will try to not let it. Thanksgiving is less than a month away, Christmas two months, and the start of a new year around the corner. I could, and will be tempted, to put more on my platter than I can handle. I will book myself, coming and going, burning the candle at both ends, and in the middle, so to speak. But I will also enjoy life. I promise myself to take the time to enjoy family and not be concerned about the little things that distract me. I will visit with friends in the church and not be so rushed that I don’t take the time to listen. I hope to sit down and read a little more, watch TV a little less, and talk to Barbara a whole lot more. I will stop taking things for granted.

Those Christmas cards will get addressed, even if it is on December 24th. The presents will get wrapped and I will make the time to call an old friend or two. Taking care of oneself is important, I think, no I know, it is God’s desire that we do this. If it means an event that is so “important” has to be missed, that’s OK. If it means that not everything gets done, I don’t think everyone will mind. Work ahead a bit and enjoy life each day. That’s my motto for November and December.

By the way , I will and I hope you will too, find time for God in all of this. Prayer, Bible verses, meditations, paintings, nature, all of which is God speaking to us. So, if I seem more concerned with “God’s things” than meetings, plans or getting to the sale, I hope you understand. I think this is what God is calling me to do. How about you?

Pastor Woody

October, 2011

The month of  October comes and several things cross our minds: leaves that need to be raked. The first frost. Harvest. Ministerial Appreciation Month? Well maybe that’s not on the tip of everyone’s tongue, but it is a time we pause and celebrate the ministry that we as a church claim. This church is blessed with so many ministers, or pastors if you desire. People who do the real ministry every day, from helping out at the food pantry to caring for someone who is home bound. It involves reading lessons and preparing to teach Sunday School and it means we might miss a favorite TV show so we can come to choir practice. All sacrificial and important gifts we use to accomplish what God places on our hearts to do. I thank each and every one of you for the gift of ministry that you share in this church.

I do want to thank a small group of “ministers” whom we could very well take for granted and forget what effects they have on our ministry as a church. These 4 individuals give of themselves, not expecting a thank you, but because they love the church and because they love doing what they do. As a team, they join me in the daily activities of opening and closing the church, of doing “church business”, of preparing our worship service, and they often add so much to the actual worship that anyone who follows them is going to fall short. I appreciate this team so much and you need to make an effort to thank them in October.

Phyllis Reinke is our church administrator. She is more than a secretary. I depend on her to get me where I need to go and to make sure everything you read is clear and timely. Phyllis is often the first person a visitor comes into contact with when they call the church or when they stop by the office. She orders materials, responds to phone calls, reminds me and others of our responsibilities, types the bulletins and Tidings and runs the office. Not only do I consider Phyllis my friend, but a co-minister of Flora Christian Church. Her time spent doing church work and volunteer work for Keepin’ It Real speak of her character and her drive in life. We are fortunate to have Phyllis as one of our ministers.

Jennifer Archibald is one of those behind the scene ministers. But her responsibilities are great and she always gets the job done. Because of Jennifer, the church is immaculate and clean, not only for Sunday morning but for any meeting held during the week. It is not unusual to see the lights on at the church late at night as she completes her tasks. Jenny picks up after me and whether or not you realize it, she also picks up after you. And she takes pride in keeping God’s house in a proper order. Again, we are fortunate to have Jennifer as one of our ministers.

JoAnn Smith, our organist, blesses us with her talents and her love of music every Sunday. A talented musician, JoAnn is one of those “saints of the church” that we can very well overlook. No one knows the countless time she spends practicing the organ, preparing for Sunday morning. She is often tossed a change at the very last minute, and goes on, doing whatever she needs to do. Her playing of the organ adds so much to our worship and brings us together as we feel the presence of God in her playing. She is joined by Miriam Robeson, who besides directing our choir, helps prepare the visual presentations for Sunday morning. Miriam, who loves music just as much as JoAnn, has dedicated her life to sharing her God-given talents so we all can worship in a way that is pleasing to God. I depend on Miriam to let me know when I’ve picked a hymn unknown to the congregation. Often times once the choir has sung, I feel I have “been to church” and enough has been said. I appreciate her and her ministry so much, and I am sure you do too.

Minister’s Appreciation Month. It is a time to thank those who serve this congregation in various ways. That includes you as well. So I thank you, but I especially lift this team of 4 people whom I could not get along without. May God bless us all as we answwer the call of our Father.

Pastor Woody

August 2011

Have you ever dreamed of what could be? Or what it should be? Maybe you have dreamed about a place where you once visited and wanted to go back again. Or dream of someplace you have never been and want to go there with your family. It is good to dream. Make plans and find ways to get those dreams to become realities.

The church should dream, too. Without dreamers more than 100 years ago, what we now know as Flora First Christian Church might not be here. Someone once, in fact several people, had a vision and a hope that a church would begin in Flora and that the church founded on South Street would be around for a long time. Most recently, a dream was realized with an addition built on to the church and a parking lot paved. The dreams go beyond physical structures, however, as persons give their life to Christ and find meaning and purpose in the programs of the church. That is where we are today: trying to find ways to meed the needs of people in a brand new world, much different than the one when the church was created.

On Sunday, September 18, the church will have an event that will help us to continue to accomplish the goal of meeting the needs of God’s people. Called the “Dream Session”, each and every person in the church, from infant to 100, will be given the opportunity to do a little dreaming about what direction they would like to see the church go. We will remember past experiences that were successes, and failures. We will think about what other congregations are doing and what we, the members of First Christian Church in Flora Indiana can do to attract new members, keep the members we have, and challenge all to have a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. The Dream Session will help us to “think outside the box” as we brainstorm about what could be at our church. Everyone is encouraged to attend and share their ideas. No idea is a bad one.

After Sunday School on September 18, we will have a carry-in lunch in the fellowship hall. The elders will then lead us in a time of idea sharing, in small groups, with many topics being discussed. Right now, write on your calendar DREAM SESSION for September 18. Something is going to happen and you will want to be a part of it.

Pastor Woody

September, 2011

September 18, 2011 will be one of the most important days in the most recent life of our church. After Sunday School the Elders will host a luncheon (nothing for you to bring – all food, etc, will be provided) and then a time of dreaming for our church. We will share ideas and hopes, dreams and possibilities for our church. Each person who is willing, will be offered the chance to share what they want to see happen in First Christian Church in the months and years ahead. This might include the formation of new groups, new ministries, reclaiming our heritage or opening ourselves to the power of God. It will be a time to share what works well in this church, as well as other churches you know about and allow the Dream Session Team to draw up a hundred different possibilities for ministry. Not all of your dreams will become reality, but consideration will be made of all the do-able ones and we will continue to be a church making a difference on people’s lives and in this community. After the dream session on the 18th, your involvement will not stop. This will be a congregation-wide effort to move the church forward and to provide programs and ministries that are needed in this changing world we live in. Soon you will receive a phone call to secure your participation in the lunch and dream time. After lunch, we will be asking questions, in small groups and will brainstorm with ideas and dreams. Your voice and your ideas are needed and are so important. Make plans now to be at the Dream Session on September 18, 2011.

I want to thank you for the encouragement you have given me during the month of August as I began a new (at least for me) method of sharing what God put on my heart on Sunday mornings. My sermon time with you has transformed from a fully written sermon on paper, to an outline in my mind, about what God is telling me to preach. Call it what you will, I feel this is my best effort to share God’s message with you. Your kind words have been appreciated. Not all will hear the message each week, but if God places it on my heart, it has to be told. Pray that we all hear His message.

I also want to take a few words to address an issue that is being taken very seriously by the church membership: the placement of the painting that was removed from the sanctuary this summer. When this ocurred, it was not evident to me, or to others, the importance the painting has to the members of the church. Careful consideration is being made as we find a place for the painting to glorify God and give tribute to the artist. Please be assured that much prayer has been spent on this issue, and more will be offered as the church places this painting in an appropriate place. Thank you for your comments and your understanding as decisions are made.

Pastor Woody

July 2011

Have you complained about the heat? If so, just think back to January. Put it in perspective. We often fail to do that. When we look at life and compare it with the past or even what might happen in the future, we have it pretty good. Can you walk a half mile? Many are confined to a wheel chair. Can you listen to music? Some cannot hear. Do you have a family, even if they are at times a nuisance? Many would  love to have someone to be with.

Perspective. Its a thing the church needs to think about too. We will be doing that this month as I share my morning messages. Hope you can be there. Let’s all  keep it in perspective.

Pastor Woody

June, 2011

Thank you for the comments you have made these last couple of weeks about the series of sermons centering on the idea of “Why do we do that?” I have covered a few of these questions, but I am sure that there are more questions you might have as to why we do this or that in the church. So please, I invite you to keep the ideas coming. I will put them into my preaching rotation and try and figure it all out with you.

May is one of those months that is so busy. Some of you have graduations from high school or college. There are birthdays. School is winding down. Memorial Day weekend is a big deal, not only because of the race but because of those who we remember who have served our country. This year May has been even more of a whirlwind because of the rain, the storms and uncertainty about what is around the corner. But, that is just part of life! Don’t we all wish that everything ran smoothly? That there were no surprises? And that everything was easy? Well, we may think that, but in reality, it is never going to happen. All we can do is take each day (or hour) as it comes and deal with whatever it is we have to deal with. But there is lots to be thankful for: gas prices have come down a bit. The rapture did not happen last week. Those little kids are growing up and will get their high school or college diplomas. And the church is thriving!

Many things are happening around Flora First Christian Church. Vacation Bible School is right around the corner. The upstairs Sunday School classrooms are being remodeled. We are in the process of upgrading the sound system and putting visual equipment in the sanctuary. The General Assembly is coming in July. And so is Gospel Fest! A major event will happen in August as Phil Gulley visits our church for a community wide speaking engagement. New air conditioning units are being considered as well.

Just so you know we are a busy congregation. A new fellowship group of 50+ year old members is forming. New teachers in Sunday School. Special music is coming this summer. And in all of these things, God is active in our lives through His son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. When things get us down, or try to get us down, He will save us!

A final thought about high school graduation. I attended the baccalaureate service last Sunday night at the high school. It was wonderful. Shelby Spray gave the message and she had lots of good things to say. To all the graduates, look to the stars and hold fast to your dreams. God is with you!

Pastor Woody