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A Generous and Supportive Congregation
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August 17, 2010
by Jacob Kines
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Even before my arrival at First Christian, the people of this community have been more thoughtful, generous, and supportive than I could have imagined or dreamed possible. First Christian has made my family and me feel that we are loved and embraced by the community, and that our presence makes a contribution to the life of the church.
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Becoming ever more faithful to the ministry with which we have been entrusted
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July 27, 2010
by Jacob Kines
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Becoming ever more faithful to the ministry with which we have been entrusted
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Experience Community within the Church
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June 8, 2010
by Jacob Kines
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A couple of weeks ago a minister shared with me that there is a growing need among some who are differently-abled to experience community within the church. I could see in the minister’s eyes the passion that was born of the pain that we experience when we see someone we love suffering. Never one to capitulate either to the status quo or unnecessary suffering, my friend and colleague sees this state of affairs as an opportunity for ministry rather than an unfortunate reality merely to be lamented. The challenge, and I know he is up to the task, is to communicate the need in such a way that it “touches” others. For is it not true that we sometimes find it difficult to respond to needs that do not directly touch us?
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Discernment
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May 25, 2010
by Jacob Kines
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The Discernment Team strongly encourages your questions, concerns, and input at all stages of the process.
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Mission and Vision
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May 18, 2010
by Jacob Kines
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As you can see from this week’s newsletter, there is a great deal happening in the life of the church. . .
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Our weaknesses are complemented by others’ strengths, and the hurdles we face, we face together
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May 4, 2010
by Jacob Kines
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From the Minister’s desk…..
As many of you know, I gave my best effort but was unsuccessful in my first attempt to pass a Spanish proficiency exam. Foreign language proficiency has been without question, the single most difficult hurdle standing between me and the completion of my formal education. Admittedly, foreign language is not a strength of mine. Although language proficiency does not affect my transcript, and I am permitted to take the exam until my score reflects the appropriate level of proficiency, the trip back and forth to Denver is costly in a number of ways. As the next test date draws near, I find myself experiencing a growing sense of urgency. Is my current method of preparation the most effective and efficient method? With little time left to prepare, there is no time to waste.
On a much larger scale, perhaps this is what the matriarchs and patriarchs, Reformers, abolitionists, civil rights activists, and those in search of cures for both physical and social ills experienced. It is my hunch that a sense of urgency was a common characteristic shared among both the usual suspects and those whose names we've never heard, but whose lives have touched ours directly and indirectly. Compassionate people throughout history have been moved with a sense of urgency to end suffering and restore wholeness in a fragmented world.
I am grateful to be part of First Christian Church where our weaknesses are complemented by others’ strengths, and the hurdles we face, we face together. I am grateful to be part of a community that occasionally pauses to evaluate its strategies, effectiveness, and efficiency. Above all, I am grateful to be part of a community that is so inspired by the compassionate love of God that it is moved with a divine sense of urgency to participate in God’s mission to bring healing, liberation, and reconciliation to all of creation.
Peace and love,
Jacob
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Ways we are interconnected
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April 20, 2010
by Jacob Kines
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From the Minister’s desk…..
This past Sunday we were fortunate to have Rev. Randy Wilson with us to broaden and deepen our understanding of the ways in which we are all interconnected with one another and with our environment. There were a number of remarks that Randy made that I found illuminating, but there was one that I found particularly insightful. He said, essentially, the appropriate response to raised consciousness in any area of our lives is not one of “should” or “ought.” Such responses are short lived and unsustainable. Like the early church who had “seen” and “touched” new life and whose joy had been made complete in community, Randy recommended that we discover the joy of participating with others in God’s restoring work in the world.
This Saturday, April 24, we have an opportunity to discover how we can be a more faithful community as we learn about “clean water, bees, and other pollinators, gardening, Earth friendly coffee, and alternative energy.” For those of you who were here last year, you know how much fun this event is for people of all ages. We still have a picture of Sam in a fire truck hanging on our refrigerator, and each time I think about last year’s Earth Day Spring Fling a smile comes over my face (Malcolm in the chicken suit, children playing in the inflatables, live music, the smell of the barbeque, meeting new people from the neighborhood).
If you haven’t made plans to do so already, I would like to encourage you to participate in this year’s Earth Day Spring Fling. Come not because you “should” or “ought.” Come and discover the joy of celebrating the new life we see all around us this time of year, and the joy that comes from participating with others in God’s restoring activity in the world.
Peace and love,
Jacob
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Thank you
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March 30, 2010
by Jacob Kines
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From the Minister’s desk…..
In the spirit of not being able to say “thank you” enough, on behalf of my family, please allow me to say it again. Thank you! The prayers, well wishes, gifts, meals, cards, and kind words have not ceased, and we cannot express in words how very grateful we are. It is a blessing to be surrounded by so many “witnesses” (Easter Sermon) of God’s love. We look forward to celebrating that love with you this Sunday.
Peace and love,
Jacob
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Sincere Thanks
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March 23, 2010
by Jacob Kines
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From the Minister’s desk…..
Valerie and I would like to express our sincere and profound gratitude for the love and support we have received from our extended family, the Church. We have never experienced anything like what we have experienced these past few weeks. For the “Sprinkle” (much more like a downpour), the meals, the flowers, the phone calls and so much more . . . we cannot say thank you enough. Thank you also for your prayers and well wishes with Evie. Her jaundice has subsided over the past couple of days and she is beginning to gain some of the weight she lost. Again, as Sam would say, “Thank you very so much!”
Peace and love,
Jacob
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Youth Sunday
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March 9, 2010
by Jacob Kines
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From the Minister’s desk…..
People have not stop raving about the wonderful job our youth did leading both Worship Services this past Sunday. We were reminded that the young people are not the church of tomorrow, they are the church today! Thank you to all who contributed to an inspired and inspiring service.
Peace and love,
Jacob
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We continue to be Challenged
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March 2, 2010
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On Sunday, we were challenged and inspired again by the ways in which we can respond to our fundamental calling of being the compassionate presence of God in the world by living in solidarity with those who suffer from stigmatization and isolation in general, and those living with HIV/AIDS in particular.
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This week begins Lent
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February 11, 2010
by Jacob Kines
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As most of you are aware, next week marks the beginning of our Lenten journey toward Easter. This is one of the richest times of year in the life of the church.
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Pastor's Class Beginning
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February 2, 2010
by Jacob Kines
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On Sunday, March 7, we will begin a minister’s class for everyone interested in being baptized on Easter (April 4). Each week from 5:00-6:00 PM we will gather to discuss a number of important and helpful topics
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Ways you can make a difference in Haiti
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January 19, 2010
by Jacob Kines
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There are a number of ways in which individuals, families, youth groups, Sunday School classes, men’s and women’s groups, and the Church collectively can make a difference as the people of Haiti seek to rebuild their lives.
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All God's children are beautiful.
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January 5, 2010
by Jacob Kines
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A simple reminder of our blessings, that all God’s children are beautiful.
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It's been almost a year
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December 15, 2009
by Jacob Kines
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This time last year Valerie and I were in Denver packing up all of our belongings
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Two weeks and counting…
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November 10, 2009
by Jacob Kines
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Two weeks and counting…
I’ve already asked several people if there is a local radio station that plays only holiday music beginning Thanksgiving Day.
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Spiritual but not Religious
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October 27, 2009
by Jacob Kines
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I have read a number of articles in newspapers, magazines, and journals in which people who do not participate in faith communities take great pride in being able to articulate how they are “spiritual,” but not “religious.”
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A Grateful Thanks
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October 13, 2009
by Jacob Kines
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Thank you all for the generosity
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I am grateful to be where we celebrate the tradition of giving.
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October 6, 2009
by Jacob Kines
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Discernment is a Communal Activity
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September 15, 2009
by Jacob Kines
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I have become increasingly convinced that discernment is a communal activity.
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Profound Gratitude and Heartfelt Thanks
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September 1, 2009
by Jacob Kines
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I would like to express my profound gratitude and heartfelt thanks to everyone for making our Commissioning Service so very special. I cannot imagine a more perfect service and reception.
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Something Larger Than Ourselves
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August 18, 2009
by Jacob Kines
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From time to time we may catch ourselves floating along with little awareness of the ways in which our lives are part of something larger than ourselves.
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Something wonderful is happening
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August 11, 2009
by Jacob Kines
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Something wonderful is happening in and around First Christian Church that is larger than us all, and yet it includes us all.
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This Past Sunday
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August 4, 2009
by Jacob Kines
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This past Sunday was all that I hoped it would be and so much more. With the presence of Niki, Canaan, and Ezekiel, we celebrated a “homecoming” for some dearly loved members of our church family.
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An Exciting yet Bittersweet Time
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July 28, 2009
by Jacob Kines
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As you have most likely heard by now, this Sunday is an exciting and yet bittersweet time in the life of our church.
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If you don’t believe God has a sense of humor, just make plans
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July 21, 2009
by Jacob Kines
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It has been said, “If you don’t believe God has a sense of humor, just make plans.” Sometimes it is difficult if not impossible to know what the future holds.
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Thank you Sara
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July 14, 2009
by Jacob Kines
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You should have found in this week's Caller a letter from Sara announcing her acceptance of a 3rd grade teaching position in Hopkins County beginning in August.
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It’s great to be home.
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July 7, 2009
by Jacob Kines
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It’s great to be home.
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Remembering Everything for a Vacation
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June 16, 2009
by Jacob Kines
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When getting ready to take an extended trip or vacation, have you ever experienced that nagging feeling that you are forgetting something? It seems there are so many things that we simply can’t live without.
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The People of First Christian are "Amazing"
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June 2, 2009
by Jacob Kines
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It was pointed out a few weeks ago that I had used the word “amazing” on a number of occasions when describing the ministry teams and the people who make up those teams at First Christian Church.
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What does Memorial Day mean to you?
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May 19, 2009
by Jacob Kines
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What does Memorial Day mean to you? For some it is a day to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the military. For others this will be a three-day weekend filled with barbequing, trips to the lake, playing golf, and getting together with friends and family. For still others this Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer.
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What does Memorial Day mean to you?
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May 19, 2009
by Jacob Kines
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What does Memorial Day mean to you? For some it is a day to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the military. For others this will be a three-day weekend filled with barbequing, trips to the lake, playing golf, and getting together with friends and family. For still others this Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer.
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Never Underestimate the value of your Enthusiasm
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May 12, 2009
by Jacob Kines
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There has been a lot of talk lately about the energy in and around our Church. A perfect example of this enthusiasm was evident at our Earth Day Spring Fling. It was well attended by members of FCC as well as many throughout the neighborhood and city.
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Mother's Day
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May 5, 2009
by Jacob Kines
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It is fitting that in our lectionary reading this Sunday, we will be reminded that “God is love.” It is fitting because, reading this passage on Mother’s Day, many of us have come to know what love is through our mothers’ incarnational example.
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An example of the many gifted people who make up this local manifestation of “Christ in the world.”
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April 28, 2009
by Jacob Kines
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In a sermon a couple of weeks ago, I shared my sense of the importance of churches in general and of First Christian Church in particular. I acknowledged that the sermon was one of those in which I was “preaching to the choir.” You are all deeply committed to the church and you have a strong sense of its importance. You are well aware of what a special community FCC is and the many gifted people who make up this local manifestation of “Christ in the world.”
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Jacob Kines
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April 21, 2009
by Thank You Jesus
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What a wonderful Easter Sunday celebration! A special thank you to Phyllis, Ann, Robert (trumpet), and all of our choir members. The music was magnificent! I would like to thank all of the staff at FCC.
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Easter is a time to be home
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April 7, 2009
by Jacob Kines
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Easter is a time when we want to be home . . . to be with family.
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When we think of Lent
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March 31, 2009
by Jacob Kines
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When we think of Lent, we normally think of a time of fasting. We often think in terms of those things we might have to “give up” in order to draw closer to God and to one another.
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“Wherever two or more are gathered . . . there will be conflicting opinions.”
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March 24, 2009
by Jacob Kines
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Sometimes a statement rings true and it can become a maxim in our lives with far reaching consequences. I have occasionally heard people cite the ostensible truism, “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.”
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Church Membership Classes
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February 24, 2009
by Jacob Kines
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This Sunday, March 1, we will begin a minister’s class for everyone interested in being baptized on Easter (April 12). Each week from 5:00-6:00 p.m. we will gather to discuss a number of important and helpful topics including:
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Organizing Calendars
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February 17, 2009
by Jacob Kines
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I was recently discussing with someone how busy life can be. We sometimes need several calendars to help us organize the many important dates in our personal and professional lives.
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Two things that have surprised me
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February 10, 2009
by Jacob Kines
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I was asked at February’s Church Board Meeting to name two things that have surprised me since I have been with First Christian Church. Surprise is a neutral word or concept, neither positive nor negative per se, but related to our expectations. We are surprised when our expectations are not met or when they are exceeded.
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From the Minister's desk
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February 3, 2009
by Jacob Kines
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Each time I think that I could not be more proud to be a part of this church, the people of First Christian prove me wrong. During the past week of power outages, long lines, and the scarcity of basic resources, First Christian responded with care and concern that exceeded mere sentimentality. You responded with compassion in practical and concrete ways.
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Celebrating an important holiday
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January 13, 2009
by Jacob Kines
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By the time you receive our next newsletter an important holiday will have been celebrated. At least, I hope it will have been celebrated.
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Being Overwhelmed
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January 6, 2009
by Jacob Kines
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With the recent move across the country, moving into a new home, beginning a new position, placing our daughter in a new school, and adjusting to our new environment, many have asked if my family and I are overwhelmed. The truth is . . . we are. Not for the reasons you might expect, however. Of course, change is rarely easy and relocation is considered one of the more stressful events one can experience, but this transition has not overwhelmed us.
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The kind of church I would most like serve
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December 9, 2008
by Jacob Kines
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Several months ago I was invited by a colleague to share my vision of the kind of church I would most like to serve. Beyond what might be considered “normal” characteristics one might hope for in a church, there were others that came to mind.
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