THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER Issue 21

May 26, 2016

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

First Christian Church Disciples of Christ

316 Ann St., Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: (502) 223-2346

Website: http://www.firstchristianfrankfort.org Email: firstchristianfrankfort@gmail.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/1stchristianfrankfort

Rev. Meredith Siler Associate Minister Email: meredithbsiler@gmail.com

"At First Christian Church our mission is to be and share the Good News of Jesus Christ, witnessing, loving and serving ‘from our doorsteps to the ends of the earth.’ To be a faithful church demonstrating true community, deep spirituality and a passion for justice.”

IN THIS NEWSLETTER

Joys and Concerns

Keenagers Cancelled

Deacons/Elders Challenge

Children’s Choir End-of-Year Party

Calling All Graduates

Cheryl’s Reception Photos

WORSHIP HIGHLIGHTS Sunday, May 29, 2016

Rev. Dr. John T. Opsata

Senior Minister

Rev. Meredith Siler Associate Minister

Scripture: Galatians 1:1-12

Sermon: Grace

8:30 AM Chapel Worship

Elder: Diana Geddes

9:30 AM Faith Development

10:15 Family Faith Fellowship Chenault Christian Life Center

10:45 AM Sanctuary Worship Elders: Glenn Ellis & Patty Peavler

5:00 PM Coffeehouse

Communion Team Leader: John Geddes

Offertory Team Leader: John Scott

Kroger Community Rewards YTD: Dec. 1-Feb. 29, 2016 WE CAN YTD: $567.37

ATTENDANCE: MAY 22, 2016

8:30: 41 9:30 (FAITH DEVELOPMENT): 29 10:45: 127 5:00: 14 ASHWOOD: 0

Dr. Opsata’s Opus Each year the First Christian Church Foundation awards scholarships to members of the First Christian family who are students in institutions of higher education. This year, the Foundation awarded four scholarships, Those receiving financial assistance this year are: Sarah Blevins, Coleman Scott, Brian Tramontin and Elizabeth Tramontin. We are proud of our young people and grateful for the opportunity to assist them in their educational pursuits. Congratulations to all! On Sunday, June 5, we will be honoring our young people who are graduating from high school, college or a trade school. It is a special time for each of them as they go through all the pre-graduation activities and ceremonies. This is a time of appropriate pride, and not just for the graduate. Parents, especially can take pride in the accomplishments of their children. In some cases, it will mean that the "nest is emptying," but for others it may mean the nest is being refilled! Either way, parents are going through many of the same emotions as their now young adult child. I think education is important. That should surprise no one who knows how many years I have spent in institutions of higher education. With manufacturing jobs on the decline and the service industry being a rather low paying proposition, having the right education is more important than ever. In my mind, a liberal arts education is a good investment. While it may not bring all the technical training that one may need, it does engage the learner in

using their minds in creative problem solving ways. There is only one thing that they can't "take away," and that's our education - what we have learned and what we know. Christian education is also critically important. If one engages with passion and consistency, one will be offered the opportunity to confront every compelling issue of the day, for there is nothing that goes on in this world that does not have moral and spiritual implications. It is easy to leave one's faith and moral radar at the door of the church. It takes work to carry it each and every day. Perhaps Jesus was tuned in when he asked us to take up our cross. Could anything be more arduous? But the truth is, that being faith-full, when faced with a faith-less situation is the only way to successfully navigate. Once again, "they" can't take away our education - what we have learned and what we know. Summer is upon us. I'd like to say that things slow down, but I'm not certain that's true! What I do know, is Faith Formation continues right through the warm months. Every Sunday from 9:30 - 10:30 classes meet and our faith is enriched. Every week we talk about what seems real and what is real. If you are looking for answers, you may be surprised, that rather than answers you discover partners who are often asking the very same questions. Just knowing you aren't the only one can be a life transforming discovery. Yes, I do believe education is critically important. I hope you are engaged in "Higher" education. If not, there is no better time to start.

FAMILY MINISTRY CHILDREN YOUTH

MS. ELLE TRAVIS DIRECTOR-CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

email: elletravis0@gmail.com

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

Vacation Bible School:

June 16th & 17th ~ 5-8pm

June 18th ~ 9am-12pm

Music Camp:

July 11th-15th ~ 9am-4:30pm

Join Us!

1st Friday

June 3rd

5-8pm

Interested in volunteering?

VBS Volunteer Training will take place on Sunday, June 5th in Fellowship Hall.

This will be a time for volunteers to collect important training materials and hear about

this year’s theme!

Contact Ms. Elle at 502-229-4686 for more details!

Join us tonight for the WEF End-of-Season Picnic at 5:30 on the

parking lot.

We will resume our regular WEF schedule on September 7th.

Have a great summer!

FCC Youth members

Curtis Green and

Elizabeth Tramontin attended

FCHS prom.

Join us TONIGHT for the Children’s Choir End-Of-Season Party

which will be held following the WEF

picnic. We will meet to enjoy dessert and

fellowship!

JOYS AND CONCERNS: Hazel Arnold, Jackie Barney, Suzanne Barnes (Pam Gilbert), Teri Chiles (Sue & Eddie Tutt’s niece), Beulah Dunn, Thelma Fincel, Eulane Fortune, Beth Blackburn Fraley (Eva Ellis), Arlene Gardner (Tim Smith), Cheryl Gayhart, Sheremaine Hall, Houston & Liz Hardy (military), Gayle Herring (Maurya Allen), Lynda Jalbert, Rita Kirtley (Sue Tutt), Frank McDonald (Patricia Roberts), Chuck Mitchell (Fred Lee), Sally Monroe, Wilma Payne, Bob Pullen, Sue Ramsey (Larry Cox), Justin Rhodes (Sandy/Jerry’s nephew), Mary Rhodes (Justin’s mother), Raymond Rice (Sandy Rhodes), Jacob Roberts (Lynda Jalbert), Beckie Schneider (Military/Nadine Cox), Jane Smith, Betty Thurman, Janet Thurman (Mary Thurman), Marty Thurman, Frances Tileston, Susan Tileston (Sue Care), Katie Boyd Travis, Judy Walden (Donna Fiero), Maxine Wells (Mary Linda/Tim Wells), Beverly Wilkins (Trina Koontz’s mother), Phyllis Yocum (Larry Cox)

MEMORIAL DAY: The church office will be closed Monday, May 30th, in observance of Memorial Day. FCC Staff wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend!

KEENAGERS CANCELLED: May is a busy time and so we've decided to cancel our lunch at Sage. Watch for details about June's meeting.

CALLING ALL GRADUATES: If you are graduating or know someone who is, please contact Debra Morgan (debramorganfcc@gmail.com) in the of-fice a.s.a.p.... As your church family, we want to recognize you and celebrate this accomplishment.

A CHALLENGE FOR ALL FCC ELDERS & DEACONS: Wednesday night at the Deacon’s Meeting, a challenge was ex-tended to all the Deacons to give $25 to-ward the CCLC Kitchen/Stove Project. $275 was collected at the meeting! If you weren’t able to make it to the meeting, please help the Deacon’s meet this chal-lenge with a donation marked “CCLC Kitchen Project.” Thank you, Deacons, for helping us “Raise the Dough!” Last minute update: The Elders have also received a challenge to “Raise the Dough!” Let’s all get on board so the CCLC Kitchen Ministry can continue for years to come!

SUNDAY BROADCAST: The Frankfort Plant Board is in the process of upgrading fiber optic cables which could possibly interfere with our June 5 & 11 Sunday Worship Service Broadcast. We apologize for any inconvenience.

GOLF REPORT: It was a great night for golf. The winners were Brenda Shipp, Robin Cotten, Ben Conway, and Glenn Ellis who picked the teams. Come join us next Tuesday—just call the pro shop and let them know!

CAPITAL CITY READING CAMP: June 20-24 at The Church of the Ascension. Volunteers are needed to help prepare lunches, read with campers, teach in small groups, provide transportation, and Youth are needed to be Buddy Counselors. If you would like to volunteer or make a donation to help this wonderful program please contact Rebecca Saager, Capital City Reading Camp Director frankfortreadingcamp@gmail.com.

CANE RIDGE DAY: will be held on June 25, 2016. Details can be found on the flyer hanging in the elevator. Anyone attending can meet at FCC at 8:30am to ride the bus together. Please RSVP to Rev. Meredith.

THANK YOU’S:

Dear 1st Christian family, I am so humbled and fortunate to have been so lovingly embraced by this church family. Your care was expressed in so many ways to both my mother and to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Georgene Scrivner

Dear First Christian Church, Thanks so much for everything you did for Lula. George and Karen Hukill

The Christian Messenger, Page 3

Cheryl’s Retirement Party!

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH 316 Ann St./Frankfort, KY 40601 (502) 223-2346, Fax (502) 875-7847 Email: firstchristianfrankfort@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/1stChristianFrankfort Website: www.firstchristianfrankfort.org

Place label here

Periodicals - postage paid

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 25 5:30 WEF Picnic, Parking Lot 6:00 Children’s Choir Party, FH 7:00 Adult Choir THURSDAY, MAY 26 9:00 Newsletter , BB Room 3:00 Homeschool Group, BB 3:30 Nan Rickerts, Keystone Rm. 6:00 Cub Scouts, 4th Floor SATURDAY, MAY 28 9-12 Seventh Day Adventist, Chapel SUNDAY, MAY 29 8:30 Chapel Service 9:30 Faith Formation 10:45 Worship, Sanctuary 5:00 Coffeehouse Worship, CCLC

MONDAY, MAY 30 MEMORIAL DAY OFFICE CLOSED Sweet Blessings, CCLC Kitchen TUESDAY, MAY 31 11:30 Staff Meeting 12:00 Al-Anon, Keystone Room 5:00 Personnel Committee 5:00 Golf, Juniper Hills

The Christian Messenger: (USPS 108-680) Published weekly, except last wk. in Dec. by First Christian Church, 316 Ann Street, Frankfort, KY 40601. Periodical Postage Paid at Frankfort, KY. POSTMASTER: send address changes to: THE CHRIS-TIAN MESSENGER, 316 Ann Street, Frankfort, KY 40601-2886. 502) 223-2346.

WEDNESDAY EVENING FELLOWSHIP

WEDNESDAY, MAY 25: End of Season Party CCLC Kitchen Fundraiser

Children’s Choir Party

5:30 Wednesday Evening Fellowship Meal

5:30 Kids Corner 6:15 Adult Program

6:15 Kids with Ms. Elle 7:00 Choir Practice