“Numbers” – Looking Toward Growth Together | Reece's Peaces

This November, we begin our annual stewardship campaign, and this year’s theme is “Numbers.” At first glance, numbers might sound like something best left to accountants or mathematicians, but in the life of the church, numbers tell a story. They reflect the people we have welcomed, the lives we have touched, the ministries we have supported, and the ways we have seen God at work among us. Numbers help us reflect on where we have been and imagine where God is calling us next. 

Over three Sundays, we will explore what our numbers mean, not just in dollars and cents, but in purpose, growth, and vision for the future. 

November 9 – Stability: What’s the Point of the Church? 

We begin by asking the foundational question: Why does Hurstbourne Christian Church exist? In a changing world, stability is not about standing still. It is about grounding  ourselves in our mission and remembering what God calls us to be. This week, we will reflect on the heart of who we are as a community of faith. 

November 16 – Growth: Why Grow? 

Next, we will look honestly at how we are growing. Growth is not only about              attendance; it is about spiritual deepening, outreach, and renewal. We will ask: Are we growing in ways that reflect God’s love and purpose? and What does healthy growth look like for us? 

November 23 – Future: How Can We Set Up the Church for What’s Next? 

Finally, we will turn our eyes to the future. Stewardship is not just about sustaining the present; it is about preparing the soil for the next generation. Together, we will dream about how to invest in our ministries, our building, and our people so that Hurstbourne Christian Church continues to be a place of hope and belonging for years to come. 

Through this series, we invite everyone to consider how your giving, your presence, and your participation help write the next chapter of our story. The numbers matter, not     because they measure success, but because they represent people, potential, and the movement of God’s Spirit in our midst. 

Join us this November as we count our blessings, reflect on our mission, and commit to a faithful future together. 

Simple Gifts: The Story Behind a Beloved Song | Marc's Music Notables

On Sunday, November 23, the Sanctuary Choir will sing the timeless tune “Simple Gifts” as part of our Thanksgiving Service. This well-loved song comes from the Shakers - a group known for their quest to live out their faith as purely and simply as possible.

The Shakers, or “Shaking Quakers,” were part of a wave of religious communities in the early 1800s that tried to create utopias on American soil. Like the Harmonists, Zoarists, and the communities at Oneida and Ephrata, they wanted their daily lives to reflect their highest ideals. For the Shakers, that meant equality between men and women, communal living, and - crucially - simplicity in all things.

Music and dance were central to Shaker worship. Their gatherings were lively, full of singing, rhythmic marching, and a signature spinning dance called the “quick dance.” These weren’t just performances - they believed such movements could cast out evil and bring them closer to God. It was during this era of spiritual fervor, in 1848, that Elder Joseph Brackett composed “Simple Gifts” at the Shaker community in Maine, inspired by what the Shakers called “gift songs” - melodies and words received in visions or dreams, often believed to come from Mother Ann (the Shakers’ founder), angels, or other spiritual beings.

The lyrics - "'Tis a gift to be simple, 'tis a gift to be free…” - capture the heart of Shaker theology. Simplicity wasn’t just a style; it was a holy calling. The Shakers saw every aspect of life, from their architecture to their furniture, as an opportunity to honor God through humble workmanship and honest design. Their buildings and furnishings, still admired today for their clean lines and practical beauty, were the physical expression of the same ideal “Simple Gifts” celebrates: that true richness lies in living simply and gratefully.

 Though “Simple Gifts” began as a dance tune for a small       religious group, its message has traveled far. It’s been           embraced by countless Americans, especially after famous composer Aaron Copland wove its melody into his 1944 ballet “Appalachian Spring,” introducing it to a whole new audience.

So as the choir sings “Simple Gifts,” remember: as we’re    joining hands with generations of seekers who believe that      in simplicity, freedom, and gratitude, we can find the           presence of God. 

Apple Cider Roasted Veggies | Jenna's Favorite Recipes

With the classic comfort of roasted vegetables and the seasonal essence of apple cider, these veggies make the perfect Thanksgiving side dish! You can swap out any of the veggies listed here for your favorites, such as zucchini or green beans. Then just chop, toss, and roast! Finish them off with a little maple syrup and butter, and you might just think these veggies transformed into dessert! It’s an easy (yet impressive!) addition to your holiday table.

 Ingredients:

· 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed into 1-inch pieces

· 1 cup Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

· 1 cup carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds (use the multicolored ones to feel extra fancy!)

· 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

· 1/4 cup apple cider

· 2 tbsp pure maple syrup

· 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped

· Salt and pepper to taste

 Directions:

1.  Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2.  In a large mixing bowl, combine the butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and carrots.

3.  In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider, maple syrup,     rosemary, sea salt, and black pepper until well blended.

4.  Pour the apple cider mixture over the vegetables and toss until evenly coated. Tip: For maximum flavor, let the vegetables marinate in the mixture for 10 minutes before roasting.

5.  Spread the vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re not overcrowded to allow for even roasting.

6.  Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the          vegetables are tender and caramelized. Tip: For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

7. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Tip: This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

 This recipe took inspiration from the website simplyfamilyrecipes.com

Christian “Contemplatio” | Reece's Peaces

From the earliest days of the church, many of the Church Fathers and Mothers practiced what they called contemplatio, a prayerful “gazing at God.” These practices, which     today are often described as Christian mystical or meditative disciplines, are simple but profound ways of opening ourselves to God’s presence. They move us beyond the limits of body and mind into the deeper life of the spirit. 

Following our recent series Thinking Theologically, we will now turn toward the      complementary practice of Christian Contemplatio. If theology engages the mind, these practices engage the heart and spirit, helping us experience God in ways that surpass  understanding. These disciplines have been a vital part of the Christian tradition,         especially in the Eastern church, and continue to strengthen faith in every generation. 

This October, we will focus on four ancient practices of the Christian life: 

· October 5, 2025 – Fasting  Not about weight loss, but about self-discipline. Fasting teaches us to release our grip on the material world so we may focus on the power and presence of God. 

· October 12, 2025 – Contemplative Prayer  God invites us into stillness not as absence but as presence. In a noisy, distracted world, contemplative prayer helps us hear God’s quiet voice. 

· October 19, 2025 – The Examen  The Examen invites us to prayerfully reflect on our day, noticing where God was present, where we resisted, and how we can grow in gratitude, repentance, and readiness for tomorrow. 

· October 26, 2025 – Lectio Divina  More than study, Scripture is an encounter with the living God. Lectio Divina teaches us to let the Word dwell within us, moving from reading to resting in God’s presence. 

 To complement this series, the sanctuary will open each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for a 20-minute time of Lectio Divina before worship. During this quiet period, Scripture will be read and reflected upon, preparing our hearts to enter more fully into God’s presence. 

Join The Choir! | Marc's Music Notables

We warmly invite you to be part of the Hurstbourne Christian Church Sanctuary Choir as we prepare for our 2025 Christmas Cantata. This year’s celebration is themed “Festival of Christmas,” and we’re pulling out all the stops—a joyful mix of classic carols, beloved Christmas hymns, and a moving, modern arrangement of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.”

The service will weave together music and narration, inviting us into the story of Christ’s birth. Together, we’ll follow the journey to Bethlehem, hear the angels’ proclamation of peace, and reflect on the wonder of God’s greatest gift to the world: His Son, Jesus Christ. The choir, accompanied by soloists and a chamber orchestra, will help bring this sacred story to life, reminding us all why Christmas is a season of hope, love, and celebration.

Whether you’ve sung in choirs for years or have never tried it before, we’d love for you to join us. No experience is necessary—just a love of music and a desire to honor Christ through song. Rehearsals are held Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00 PM in the sanctuary. Each week, you’ll find encouragement, friendship, and the joy of preparing something truly meaningful for our church and wider community.

Our Christmas Cantata has become a cherished tradition at Hurstbourne Christian Church, a highlight of the holiday season that brings together family, friends, and our community. This is more than just a musical event—it’s a time to gather in worship, to celebrate the miracle of Christ’s birth, and to share the message of God’s love with one another.

Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 21, during the worship service. Even if you can’t join the choir, we hope you and your loved ones will attend and experience the beauty and truth of Christmas with us.

 Let’s come together to remember the night when hope entered our world in a humble manger and rejoice in the promise that Christ’s light still shines. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!