History of Juneteenth - Marc's Music Notables

Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. On June 17, 2021, it officially became a federal holiday.

Confederate General Robert E. Lee had surrendered at Appomattox Court House two months earlier in Virginia, but slavery had remained relatively unaffected in Texas—until U.S. General Gordon Granger stood on Texas soil and read General Orders No. 3: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.”

In Texas, slavery had continued as the state experienced no large-scale fighting or significant presence of Union troops. Many enslavers from outside the Lone Star State had moved there, as they viewed it as a safe haven for slavery.

After the war came to a close in the spring of 1865, General Granger’s arrival in Galveston that June signaled freedom for Texas’s 250,000 enslaved people. Although emancipation didn’t happen overnight for everyone—in some cases, enslavers withheld the information until after harvest season—celebrations broke out among newly freed Black people, and Juneteenth was born. That December, slavery in America was formally abolished with the adoption of the 13th Amendment.

The year following 1865, freedmen in Texas organized the first of what became the annual celebration of "Jubilee Day" on June 19. In the ensuing decades, Juneteenth commemorations featured music, barbecues, prayer services and other activities, and as Black people migrated from Texas to other parts of the country the Juneteenth tradition spread.

In 1979, Texas became the first state to make Juneteenth an official holiday; several others followed suit over the years. In June 2021, Congress passed a resolution establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday; President Biden signed it into law on June 17, 2021.

Women of the Bible - Reece's Peace's

We are excited to announce a brand-new sermon series that will be starting June 11th! As we delve into the Scriptures, we will be exploring the remarkable stories of some incredible women of the Bible. This series is titled "Women of the Bible," and it will shed light on the lives of Rahab, Ruth, Esther, and Lydia.

Throughout history, women have played significant roles in God’s plan, and their stories are not only inspiring but also provide valuable lessons for us today. Each of these women exhibited exceptional faith, unwavering dedication, and profound influence in their respective contexts.

Our series will start with the story of Rahab, a Canaanite woman known for her remarkable courage and her pivotal role in the conquest of Jericho. Rahab’s extraordinary faith and her willingness to take risks for God’s people serve as powerful reminders of God’s ability to use anyone who is willing to trust and obey.

Following Rahab, we will examine the life of Ruth, a Moabite woman whose loyalty and commitment to her mother-in-law, Naomi, are an exemplary demonstration of selflessness and devotion. Ruth’s story teaches us about God’s faithfulness and His heart for the marginalized.

In the third sermon of our series, we will focus on Ester, a young Jewish woman who became queen of Persia. Her bravery in standing up for her people and her unwavering trust in God’s providence amidst life-threatening circumstances will encourage us to remain steadfast in our own walks of faith.

Finally, we will conclude on July 2nd, by exploring the life of Lydia, a prominent businesswoman in the city of Philippi. Lydia’s open heart to the message of the Gospel and hospitality provide us with insights into the power of God’s transformative Grace and the importance of extending our faith to others.

Join us every Sunday as we embark on this journey of discovery, celebrating the extraordinary women of the Bible. Through these sermons, we hope to deepen our understanding of God’s love, God’s faithfulness, and the profound impact that women have made throughout history. We encourage you to invite your friends, family, and neighbors to join us for this enlightening series. Let us be inspired, challenged, and motivated by the faith and resilience of these incredible women in this summer series

Be Thou My Vision - Marc's Music Notables

The hymn, “Be Thou My Vision,” has its origins almost fifteen hundred years ago in Ireland. We believe that it was written by the sixth-century Irish poet, Dallán Forgaill, also known as St. Dallán. Monks chanted his poetry, and someone much later used it as the basis for this hymn.

We believe that St. Dallán lost his sight, which inspired the first line, “Be Thou our vision.” Legend has it that he recovered his sight after writing a poem praising St. Colomba. The hymn is a prayer—a prayer that Christ will be our vision—our best thought— our presence—our light.

What would it mean if Christ were our vision? How would it change our lives?

It would mean simply this—that instead of seeing the world through the eyes of a Madison Avenue advertising agent or a Hollywood movie or a television newscaster, we would see the world through Christ’s eyes. It would change our lives, because seeing the world through Christ’s eyes would cause us to love as Christ loved. It would cause us to focus less on getting the things that we want and more on giving what we can to help others. It would cause us to care less about other people’s opinions and more about the direction that God would have our lives to take.

In some ways it would complicate our lives, because we could no longer be as focused on the things that the world considers important—more money, bigger houses, more prestigious cars. But in other ways it would simplify our lives, because it would allow us to stop striving for ever-larger piles of things and would allow us to focus on spiritual values. People who have come to see the world through Christ’s eyes tend to be centered—less troubled than most— strong with a strength that comes from God.

“Be thou my vision.” So, next time we sing it, let’s remember that it is a prayer.

Let us make it our prayer.

Will Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) Replace Preachers?

I saw an interesting seminar a few weeks back talking about the ethics of using artificial intelligence to write a sermon. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the seminar, but I did laugh. Frankly, I thought it was a bit absurd to think that artificial intelligence could ever write a sermon like a pastor.

Ministers spend years studying the Bible and even more time with people. All of the knowledge contained in books doesn’t come close to the knowledge one gains from interacting with individuals. Each moment spent with people in their times of joy and sadness informs every word written in a sermon. Yet, even more than biblical and practical knowledge, I feel the spirit comes into a sermon. You should feel God’s presence in every moment and every word.

I went on the Al website that the seminar was talking about, Chat GPT. I was surprised. I typed in the prompt, “Write a sermon about artificial intelligence based on Romans 1:21-23 and Genesis 1:26,” and the result was surprisingly good. As I read the Al’s short sermon, I found myself unable to tell the difference between the artificially—generated sermon and many sermons I have heard humans preach before.

At first, I thought it was ludicrous to think that any minister could possibly use a sermon written by artificial intelligence without everyone in the congregation immediately knowing it was written by a robot. I assumed that the sermon would be so riddled with inconsistencies and errors that it would be impossible to follow. However, after seeing what this artificial intelligence could produce, I was left unsure. I needed more answers.

This Sunday, April 2, I will hand out two printed copies of two short sermons focusing on the same topic or you can find them by clicking the link on the bottom of this article. One is the sermon written by Al and the other is written by me. The goal is for you to choose which one is which. Then the Sunday after Easter, April 16, we will focus on artificial intelligence and faith, looking not only at how technology affects our spirit but how it affects our lives .

http://hurstbournechrisitanchurch-AI-sermon-docx

Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's "Messiah"

While it is one of the top downloads during the Christmas season, it was actually written for Easter. The “Hallelujah” chorus proclaims Christ’s Resurrection and makes a splendorous finale to Part Two of Messiah. It was early in the 19th century that more and more choirs began to co-opt the famous chorus for Christmastime.

Handel composed Messiah in 24 days, without much sleep or even eating much food. When his assistants brought him his meals, they were often left uneaten. His servants would often find him in tears as he composed. When he completed “Hallelujah,” he reportedly told his servant, “I think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God Himself seated on His throne, with His company of Angels.”

Although the first performance in Dublin on April 13, 1742, was a huge success, Messiah wasn’t met with the same excitement in London the following season. Six scheduled performances were cancelled by Handel in 1743, Messiah was completely removed from the 1744 schedule, and it wasn’t performed in London until 1749.

In another reversal of fortunes, London’s Foundling Hospital held a fundraising concert, where Handel performed a mix of new music and well as older pieces including the “Hallelujah” chorus. At the time, Messiah was still somewhat unknown to London audiences, but the concert was so well received that Handel was invited back the next year, where he performed the entire Messiah oratorio. Performances of Messiah became an Eastertime tradition at the Foundling Hospital until the 1770s. Earnings from many early performances of the oratorio were used to help the poor, needy, orphaned, widowed, and sick.

In 1910 the Mormon Tabernacle Choir made its first recordings, which included the “Hallelujah” chorus; this was most likely the first recording of Messiah music outside of England. It was also the first recording of a Messiah piece to use an established choir, as all early recordings were made using temporary choirs comprised of provisional singers.

Text for “Hallelujah” comes from the book of Revelation in the New Testament. Revelation 19:6:“Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” Revelation 19:16: “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.” Revelation 11:15 reads, “And he shall reign for ever and ever.”

Patti's Positive Praise - April. 2023

Movie/Show: 1923 with Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren

Book: Lessons in Chemistry

Place: Gallrein Farms Shelbyville

Quote: “A good day isn’t always Perfect . It challenges you to Release your potential and Inspires you to appreciate the Little, amazing things in life. “

The History of Lent - Reece's Peace's

Lent is a period of fasting and penance that is observed by many Christians around the world. The history of Lent dates back to the early days of Christianity, and it has evolved over time to become the observance that we know today.

The word “Lent” comes from the Old English word “lencten,” which means “spring.” Lent is traditionally observed during the spring season, and it is a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter.

Christians began observing a period of fasting and penance in preparation for Easter soon after Jesus’s ascension, but the length and timing of this period varied. By the fourth century, there was a growing consensus that Lent should last for 40 days, in imitation of the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness before he began his public ministry.

The practice of Lent was formalized in the Roman world by the Council of Nicea in 325 AD, which established the date Easter and the length of the Lenten season. They decided that Lent was to begin on Ash Wednesday, 46 days before Easter, but Sundays were not included in the fasting period. This brought the total number of fasting days to 40, in keeping with the biblical symbolism.

During the Middle Ages, Lent became an increasingly important part of the church calendar. It was a time of intense spiritual preparation, marked by fasting, prayer, and acts of penance. Many people would give up meat, dairy, and other important foods during Lent, and some would even fast completely for Monday-Saturday eating only on Sunday.

During the Protestant Reformation, the observance of Lent fell out of favor in may protestant communities. However, many Protestant denominations have since reinstated the practice, and it remains an important part of the church calendar for many Christians.

Today, Lent is observed in may different ways around the world. Some Christians give up certain foods or habits during Lent, while others choose to take on new spiritual renewal and preparation, as we reflect on the sacrifice that Jesus made for us and recommit ourselves to living a life that is centered on God

Mediation on “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” - Marc's Music Notables

One Sunday afternoon the young Isaac Watts (1674-1748) was complaining about the deplorable hymns that were sung at church. At that time, metered renditions of the Psalms were sung by a cantor and then repeated (none too fervently, Watts would add) by the congregation. His father, the pastor of the church, rebuked him with "I'd like to see you write something better!" As legend has it, Isaac retired to his room and appeared several hours later with his first hymn. It was enthusiastically received at the Sunday evening service the same night.

Although the tale probably is more legend than fact, it does illustrate the point that the songs of the church need a constant infusion of new life, of a new generation's praises. With over 600 hymns to his credit— many of them classics like "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross"—Isaac Watts has rightfully earned the title, "the father of English hymnody." This hymn, which is known as Watts' crowning achievement, was first published in Hymns and Spiritual Songs in 1707. Besides writing thousands of hymn tunes he was a church choir director, the president of Boston's Handel and Haydn Society, and a leading figure in music education.

Though “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” was intended originally as a communion hymn, it gives us plenty to contemplate during this Lenten season as our focus is on the cross of Christ. The hymn is said to be based on Galatians 6:14 (“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”) which is evident in a verse that Watts eliminated from later editions of the hymn:

His dying crimson, like a robe,

Spreads o’er his body on the tree;

Then am I dead to all the globe,

And all the globe is dead to me.

Perhaps Watts eliminated this verse in order to focus more attention on our response to Christ’s crucifixion than the crucifixion itself. Notice how he starts with contemplation of the cross and the fact that all our worldly achievements and possessions pale in comparison. Next, he shows that Christ went to the cross out of love for us. In the most powerful image of the hymn, he affirms the deity of the suffering Christ with the brilliant juxtaposition: “Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown?” And the last verse shows that the only proper response to this amazing love is complete devotion.

Take some time during Lent to meditate upon the words of this hymn and see if it works in you a new understanding of the depth of Christ's love. Here are some related verses:

Phil. 3:7: But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.

Gal. 2:20: I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Patti's Positive Praise - Mar. 2023

Movie/Show: Ted Lasso returns for Season 3 on Apple TV

Book: Where the Crawdads Sing and The Four Winds

Good News: First Day of spring is March 20. Pansies are in stock.

Places to Visit: Asheville, NC -The Biltmore and hiking.

Send me any of your favorites too!

Blessings,

Patti

Patti's Positive Praise - Feb. 2023

Let’s Celebrate February with love for everyone.

Movie: The Banshees of Inisherin

Book: Unoffendable, by Brant Hansen

Good News: Scientist say, “Cheese isn’t bad for you.” Places to Visit: The Pinnacles in Berea for hiking.

Norton Hospital is asking the public to send cards, to child patients through Feb 10.

Why Do We Sing in Worship - Marc's Music Notables

I heard this question on a podcast called “The Studio” about worship and the arts at Samford University and thought it was worth sharing. Think back to the last birthday party you attended. Did you sing “Happy Birthday?” My guess is that your answer is “yes.” Whether it’s singing with family at a funeral, or with friends at a concert, singing occurs naturally. So what about singing with the body of Christ?

So, “Why do we sing in worship?” This may be a question you’ve always asked yourself but haven’t heard discussed within the church. Generally speaking, singing in a congregational setting has been a widely- accepted practice amongst various denominations, age groups, and even cultures. So why is that? Why do we sing? Here are five reasons that we sing in worship.

1. God commands us to sing. There are hundreds of references of singing within the Bible. Jesus Himself sang songs of praise after the Last Supper. If we are called to replicate the character of Christ, I’m confident that singing should always be involved.

2. Christians have sung throughout history. The earliest Christians put their community beliefs in songs, which is why Christian hymnody as a whole began. Songs are recorded in scripture and other historical texts. The Book of Psalms in the Bible is a great resource for reading songs of believers that have gone before us.

3. Songs can give us theology. As you may know, hymns and other Christian songs are full of rich, theological text. The act of singing uses both parts of the brain, therefore it can educate us and teach us about the gospel of Jesus Christ.

4. Singing connects us emotionally. Songs of celebration have the power to lead us to dance. Songs of lament have the power to lead us to tears. Music has a way of piercing into the deep parts of our soul, that assists in our expression and response to God and to the church.

5. Singing helps unites us in the church. The gospel alone unites believers with one another. However, music is a tool that allows us to do so. As we gather on Sundays, we join together as one body and praise God with one voice.

We recognize that God gives each of us different gifts. But at the end of the day, we all are called, wanted, and expected to sing. Music is such an integral part of worship, especially at Hurstbourne Christian Church. I hope that the music we sing is a reminder of God’s love, grace, and presence in our worship. My prayer is that the music we sing in worship helps you feel closer to our Savior and that you feel a deeper connection to him through our music.

Personally, my hope for you comes from the proclamation found in Psalm 96. “Sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord! Bless His name! Share the news of his saving work every single day!”

General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) - Reece's Peace's

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the US and Canada General Assembly is in Louisville this year! The assembly will be held from July 29 through August 1, 2023. Louisville has hosted General Assemblies in the past, but it has been many years. The General Assembly is a gathering of Disciples of Christ from all over North America, where we come together as one large community.

This year’s theme is “Kingdom of God: Within Us and Among Us.” There will be a series of workshops and sermons based around seeing the Kingdom of God in everything we do. Many of the speakers and teachers will be prominent members of our faith community, including our general minister and president.

If you would like to attend, you can pre register by visiting www.ga.disciples.org. On that website, you will also find a full list of the various activities and workshops. For those of you who have never attended a General Assembly, it is important to remember that the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a large and diverse community.

The practices of our local church might be different in some ways than the practices of other churches in our denomination. For those of you who have attended general assemblies in the past, you may remember a time when speakers said something that made you slightly uncomfortable. However, just because an idea is expressed at the General Assembly does not mean Hurstbourne Christian Church must accept it. One of the beautiful features of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is that we are a congregational denomination. We as a congregation can forge our own path. Often Hurstbourne Christian Church is in step with the national church, but occasionally we walk in our own direction.

In our general body meetings, you will hear various ideas from all around the nation. People From New York, California, Canada, Puerto Rico, Texas, and everywhere else in North America will share their ideas. However, no one person, not even our General Minister, Terri Hord Owens, speaks for all Disciples of Christ churches.

Still, through the process of coming together and sharing sometimes uncomfortable ideas, we can grow as a church in faith and spirituality. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was started by people with big ideas and it was only through their sharing of those ideas that we are here today. I hope that many of you will consider attending at least some of the General Assembly. We will have a guest preacher at Hurstbourne Christian Church on Sunday, July 30, who will preach about uniting with the greater Disciples’ world!

Patti's Positive Praise - Jan. 2022

Happy New Year to everyone at Hurstbourne Christian Church.

Each month I will Give Praise to things I have found enjoyable and I would like to share with you.

Movie: Ticket to Paradise

Book: The Boys From Biloxi-Grisham Good

News: Gas Prices Went Down

Places to Visit: French Lick West Baden

Favorite Scripture: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

Send me any of your favorites too!

Blessings,

Patti

Silent Night - Marc's Music Notables

"Silent Night" is about a calm and bright silent night, and the wonder of a tender and mild newborn child, words written in 1816 by a young priest in Austria, Joseph Mohr, not long after the Napoleonic wars had taken their toll. The backstory is that the priest went for a walk before he wrote it, and he looked out over a very quiet, winter-laden town," says composer/conductor John Conahan, who co-organized the Silent Night Sing-In with WRTI in 2018 and 2019, and created a new arrangement of the famous carol. "He was inspired...the town was at peace."

It was Christmas Eve, 1818, when the now-famous carol was first performed as Stille Nacht Heilige Nacht. Joseph Mohr, the young priest who wrote the lyrics, played the guitar and sang along with Franz Xaver Gruber, the choir director who had written the melody. An organ builder and repair man working at the church took a copy of the six-verse song to his home village. There, it was picked up and spread by two families of traveling folk singers, who performed around northern Europe.

In 1834, the Strasser family performed it for the King of Prussia. In 1839, the Rainer family of singers debuted the carol outside Trinity Church in New York City. The composition evolved, and was translated into over 300 languages with many different arrangements for various voices and ensembles. It was sung in churches, in town squares, even on the battlefield during World War I, when, during a temporary truce on Christmas Eve, soldiers sang carols from home. "Silent Night," by 1914, known around the world, was sung simultaneously in French, German and English.

Over the years, the carol's mystique grew with its popularity. After the original manuscript was lost, for decades, some speculated that the music had been written by Haydn, Mozart or Beethoven. In 1994, an original manuscript was found in Mohr's handwriting, with Gruber named as composer.

Join Us to Welcome Regional Minister Rev. Donald Gillett - Reece's Peace's

On Sunday, January 8th, our new regional minister, Rev. Donald Gillett, will visit Hurstbourne Christian Church! It is always exciting for our church to host a regional minister, but hosting our new regional minister Don Gillett will be something even more special. Don has been working hard to build up the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kentucky. Since being called as our regional minister on August 1, 2021, Don Gillett has helped to secure the regional budget, build up several struggling churches, plan a regional assembly, and a general assembly, and so much more.

Don has deep roots in Kentucky, having served 22 years as the pastor at East Second Street Christian Church in Lexington. Don is known for being a fiery and passionate preacher. As someone who has listened to his sermons, I can tell you that you can feel the spirit moving through him. But Don is more than just a fiery preacher. He is an extremely well educated man, and you feel that in each one of his sermons.

Theologically, he holds a Master’s Degree in Divinity and a Doctorate Degree in Ministry, but he also holds a Bachelors Degree in Mathematics and a Master’s in Business Administration. You will miss out if you don’t come in person to hear Don deliver our message on Jan 8 or at least tune in online if you are unable to come in person. It is an exciting time for our church and a great way to start the new year.

Why Do We Have Poinsettias at Christmas? - Reece's Peace's

Bright red poinsettias have become traditional in North America during the Christmas season, but why?

The tradition of poinsettias on Christmas Eve in Mexico can be traced to an old legend. A young girl, Pepita, was looking for a gift to give to Jesus on Christmas Eve. However, she was very poor and couldn't afford any gifts. So instead, she picked some weeds from beside the church and placed them on the church altar. From these weeds, a crimson blossom sprouted, and the weeds became a beautiful poinsettia. Beginning in the 17th century, Franciscan Friars in Mexico included poinsettias in their Christmas celebration. They viewed the star-shaped leaf pattern as a symbol of the star of Bethlehem and the bright red color as a representation of the blood of Jesus's sacrifice.

While poinsettias became integral to Mexican Christmas Eve celebrations, they were never seen as part of Christmas celebrations in the United States. That is, until an enterprising family, the Ecke family, decided to change that.

The Ecke family originally ran a vegetarian health spa in Germany in the early 1900s. However, they had trouble running a vegetarian spa in the sausage capital of the world. So, they moved to the United States where they began growing vegetables and flowers. They settled in California and became connected with the movie and television industry. They were looking for a flower to be marketed during the Christmas season. Unfortunately, not many flowers naturally bloom in the middle of winter. They noticed one flower that did blossom right around the Christmas season, the poinsettia. So, they began to market poinsettias as a Christmas tradition.

Their marketing campaign really began to take off in the 1960s. The family used their connections to Hollywood to make sure that poinsettias were featured prominently on all television Christmas specials. The family once claimed that poinsettias had even more screen time than prominent hosts like Johnny Carson. They even convinced popular magazines at the time to run spreads featuring Christmas trees, mistletoes, and poinsettias, saying that a Christmas spread needs more color than the Christmas trees and mistletoes can provide.

They began to advertise on television that they could ship you a poinsettia for free! Their family farm even bred their own kinds of poinsettias that would bloom three to four times more than a normal poinsettia, which would ensure plenty of red flowers for your house at Christmas. Until 1970, over 90% of all poinsettias came from the Ecke family farm.

In general, there is no biblical connection between Christmas and poinsettias. Even the creation of the tradition itself is a bit odd. Even still, Poinsettias do have an undeniable beauty and have become closely connected with Christmas. Whatever the reason, whenever we see those bright red blossoms, we know that Christmas is just around the corner.

 

What is God's Gift to Us? - Kayla's Korner

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” – 2 Corinthians 9:15

What is God’s Gift to us? The answer to this question is quite simple. God sent His one and only Son Jesus Christ to earth to be the final sacrifice for our sins. I don’t know about you, but to me, that is one of the most special gifts I have ever received.

Let’s breakdown 2 Corinthians 9:15 for a moment to really understand what Paul is trying to share with us. “Thanks be to God…”, Here we read that Paul burst out in an exclamation of appreciation to God. “…for His indescribable…” The Greek word for indescribable is not used anywhere else in the New Testament and is translated as “Unutterable.” This means that words cannot describe, and no human can fully appreciate the magnitude of the gift.

Gift giving is something that I love to do, gift giving brings joy to my heart. Seeing the other person open their gift from me, and seeing their reaction warms my heart with Joy. I know gift giving isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and that’s ok. Jesus and His sacrifice is the most indescribable gift we could receive. Christmas time can be stressful, but it can also be a joyous time. While you are gift shopping this season, remember God who gave the most incredible gift to each one of us and maybe this year gift giving will be a little more joyous for you. I can’t begin to imagine how God feels each time someone accepts His gift of Christ.

Blessings Kayla Hass

Dear God,

We thank you for giving the gift of grace. For giving us the opportunity of receiving a relationship with you. As we move into the Christmas season this year, let us remember all you have done for us and continue to do. Let us not get wrapped up in the gifts, but rather focus on you and the gift you have given us. Amen

Kayla Marie Hass

Thanks and Giving - Reece's Peaces

November starts our stewardship campaign. It is time as a congregation that we take note of what God has given us and what we want to give toward in the future. I think this year is an incredibly important stewardship campaign because we just finished deciding our vision and our mission for the next 5 years. We are giving toward that mission and the vision that we have for the church.

Starting this quarter, we have refocused our Care-Share groups. We now have three Family Ministers, each headed by two of our church Elders. These family ministries will meet quarterly to create solid relationships and connections within each family. They will care for you and you will care for them, just as you care for your relatives now. You will support one another in good and bad times with cards, meals, and whatever else is needed. Our families will make sure that every member of Hurstbourne feels loved and supported.

Additionally, on January 1st, we will begin to examine how each one of our projects, events, and activities align with our new vision. Every event will be reimagined with our new vision and mission in mind. This will make every segment of our church aligned with our greater goals. We will continue to grow our Christian education program, expand our service to the community, and become a welcoming place for all.

This year, 2022, showed the resilience of our church. It was our first full year without a COVID-19 shutdown and it reminded us how good it feels to be back in church. It also shows us the possibilities of the future.

2023 will be a year of great and amazing changes to our church: changes as we continue to grow in membership and become a welcoming place for all God’s children changes as we continue to grow in discipleship, and changes as we seek new and unique ways to serve the community of which we are part.

So, as we start our stewardship campaign, let us remember what it is we are thankful for and what it is we are giving toward.

The Theology of the Russian War in Ukraine - Reece's Peace's

I was halfway through writing a wonderfully fun article on the turning of the season when I saw a report that the Russian Orthodox Patriarch stated that all Russians that die in battle will have all of their sins forgiven.

It stopped me in my tracks. Russia invaded Ukraine for no valid reason. They have spent months killing civilians and military personal fighting to defend their home country. Now the Russian Church has turned into a mouthpiece for this genocide and promises eternal salvation for those who die in this offensive war. Patriarch Kirill went so far as to compare the sacrifice of Christ to that of Russian Soldiers. This is against all Christian reasoning and theology. Christ never fought in a war. Throughout all of Christ’s ministry he fought against the oppression of good people by tyrannical authorities. The idea that Jesus offers salvation not because of faith in God, but instead because of participation in a vindictive war brought on by petty individuals, is completely inappropriate.

Even more troubling is the fact that more than 90% of Christians in Russia are members of the Russian Orthodox church. For almost all Christians inside Russia, this absurd theology is the only opinion they hear. They will not hear Pope Francis’s public address stating, “In the name of God, I ask you: stop this massacre,” calling the invasion an act of “unacceptable armed aggression.” They will not hear the number of other ministers and priests around the world that have condemned this act. They will not even be able to read this article.

In their own country, religious voices have been silenced as Russia continues it mobilization for war. In the beginning months of the conflict Russian parishes independently began to rid themselves of connection to the Russian Patriarch, removing Kirill’s name for church worship. However, inside Russia, those churches have now too been silenced.

I wish that I had a better topic to write about for this article. I wish I could have written a loving piece about the changing colors of leaves, bonfires, and hayrides. However, I couldn’t. It is not that there is much any of us can do to stop this, but still, we must acknowledge the problem with religious statements like this one. Jesus is not for war. Hopefully, we can come together as a community of faith and pray for a peaceful end to this senseless war.