My Transitions at First Christian

Transitions can be exciting.  Transitions can be scary.  Transitions can be painful.  Sometimes they are all three.  

When I took a sabbatical last year, I had no idea where God would lead me.  I knew I needed the time away.  I sensed a stirring in my heart.  And, I prayed God would show me His will for my life.  I told Him I would follow regardless of where it led me - even if it meant away from the Women’s Ministry I deeply loved.  

I drove to the office the first day after my sabbatical still unclear.  Was I where God wanted me to be or was I going where I wanted to be?  How could I discern the difference?  So, as I pulled into the parking lot, I prayed, “Lord, I’m going to back to the office.  I’m going back to the ministry I love.  You haven’t told me not to, so here I go.”  

A few weeks later God confirmed in my heart the call to ministry at First Christian.  Soon thereafter I started leading the entire Adult Ministry Team.  And, as the months unfolded, God took me into a deeper personal level of dependence on Him.  I realized how I had much to surrender.  I saw the trust issues needing to be resolved.  I acknowledged the control I desired over my life.  And, I let God smash the labels I had placed upon myself and the comfortable box I tried to live in.

Little did I know that the journey of discovering true surrender and the declaration of my willing heart to do anything would lead me away from Women’s Ministry and into a broader ministry to all adults at First Christian.  

My friends, I am beyond excited about this new direction...  this new call God has placed in my life as the Adult Ministry Director at First Christian.  The transition is good.  It is right.  Every transition carries questions.  And, I’m grateful for a God who has all the answers.  In His goodness he is revealing one step at a time for Adult Ministries. I’m starting the process of getting to know current leaders and what they are doing.  Along with Fritz Kaufman and a wonderful team of elders, we are building teams for ministry which I pray will allow us to grow more disciples who make more disciples.  

During the transition, Selena Fetherman has accepted the role of Women’s Director and is volunteering to minister to and lead our women.  God has truly gifted and called her for such a time as this.

For now, this is the last personal post I’ll make on this blog.  You will find updates and reminders on Women’s Ministry “happenings.”  I’m still unclear as to whether God  is calling me to continue to minister through writing via a blog.  If He does, we’ll update you later as to where to find it.  I assure you, though, He continues to place words upon my heart which flow free most days.  It is there I find a deeper connection with Him...  the Author and Perfecter of my faith.

I pray you too, will continue to seek Him above all.  To seek Him with all your heart.  To give Him every aspect of your life.  To pursue the next greater thing He has just ahead for you.  Keep running the race, my friends.  Keep your eye on the prize which is eternal life with Him not just for us, but for those who have yet to find Him.

Philippians 1:3-6, “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.“

In Him and Surrendered,

Holly

Fall Bible Study Line-Up!!!!

The Law of Love Video Study by Beth Moore

Are you stuck?  Wandering?  Looking for your promised land?  Are you asking, “What’s the point?”  This overview of the entire book of Deuteronomy will help you narrow your focus and understand the truth behind Deuteronomy 6:23, “he brought us out...  that He might bring us in...”  Please note in this study, class time will include a 90 minute video teaching of Beth Moore and 30 minutes of discussion.

Date and Time:  Monday evenings 6-8 p.m. beginning September 30 and ending November 11                         Thursdays, 9-11 a.m. beginning October 17 and ending November 21

Location:  Room 218

For the Kids:  Available Thursday mornings only

Book Cost:  $10

Personal Study Commitment:  30-45  minutes per week

Always True: God’s Promises When Life is Hard by James MacDonald

This study leads individuals and churches to understand the nature of God's promises, which are always true whether in good times or trials in the believer's life. During an extended season of personal crises in his life James discovered that God's promises are always true and that we can trust God to be faithful to His word no matter what we face. These universal promises are based on biblical truths and principles that will provide hope to all believers who face hardship.

Date and Time:  Mondays 6-8 p.m. beginning August 19 and ending September 23

Location:  Room 219

Childcare:  None

Book Cost: $12

Fee:  $5

Personal Study Commitment:  20-25 minutes per day, 5 days per week

Missing Pieces, Real Hope When Life Doesn’t Make Sense Video study by Jennifer Rothschild

Does God care? Is He fair? Is He even there? Although you may know all the right answers, they don't always feel right. Explore these and other questions in this realistic look at the messy, mysterious uncertainties of faith. God's ways don't always make sense, but He is trustworthy. Come close to Him. Trust Him more than your feelings. God will reveal Himself and fill in your missing pieces.

Date and Time:  Thursday mornings 9-11 a.m. beginning August 29 and ending October 10

Location:  Room 218

For the Kids:  Available for a fee

Book Cost: $13

Fee:  $5

Personal Study Commitment:  20-25 minutes per day, 5 days per week

A Stroll Through the Bible: Genesis to Revelation by Renee Haws

Have you ever wondered how the Bible fits together as a whole? Despite spanning thousands of years, dozens of authors, and multiple languages, the single narrative of God’s redemptive plan runs through this amazing book from beginning to end. Come, and fall in love with your Bible as we stroll through the lives of the Patriarchs, Prophets, Kings, and Apostles. Accompanied by easy to understand charts, maps, and timelines, this study examines how all the books of the Bible fit together from Genesis to Revelation by identifying the key people, places, and events in the historical period and geographical location in which they occurred.  Since this class is taught from the ground up, it will grow your understanding of how the Bible fits together as a whole whether you are new or very familiar with God's Word.

Date and Time:  Thursday mornings 9-11 a.m. beginning August 29 and ending November 21

                        Thursday evenings 6-8 p.m. beginning August 29 and ending November 21

Location:  Room 217

For the Kids:  Available mornings only

Supply Cost: $12 (You will put together your own notebook)

Fee:  $5

Personal Study Commitment:  10-15 minutes per day, 5 days per week

Romans Part 2 Video Study by Kay Arthur

This study on chapters 6-8 will reveal the freedom you have from sin.  You are free from the guilt and power of sin, but what about the flesh? Discover how justification by faith relates to day-by-day living through the Holy Spirit's power - the amazing process of sanctification.  Note: Previously taking Part 1 is not a prerequisite for this study.

Date and Time:  Thursday mornings 9-11 a.m. beginning August 29 and ending October 24

Location:  Room 219

For the Kids:  Available

Book Cost: $22

Fee:  $5

Personal Study Commitment:  45-60 minutes per day, 5 days per week

Respectfully Yours Video study by Emerson & Sarah Eggerichs

God has designed men and women differently.  We know love best motivates a woman.  But do we know what best motivates a man?  Discover the secret that empowers a woman to influence the man in her life. In this study you will learn the difference between biblical respect and being a doormat; how to stop negative thought patterns; powerful ways to apply respect; and reap eternal rewards in doing marriage God’s way.

Date and Time:  Thursday mornings 9-11 a.m. beginning August 29 and ending October 31

Location:  Room 221

For the Kids:  Available

Book Cost: $13

Fee:  $5

Personal Study Commitment:  20-25 minutes per day, 5 days per week

Gideon Video study by Priscilla Shirer

When we hear the name Gideon, most of us think about his 300 soldiers or the fleece he laid out under the evening sky. But Gideon's story is so much bigger than that—bigger than any one man and his mark on Israel's history. Like everything else in the Bible, this is a story about God and His people. His love for them, as well as His strength operating in spite of their weakness—even through their weakness. And because God's people includes you and me, Gideon's story is also about us—our lives, our doubts, our struggles, and our possibilities as believers. From a state of fear, weakness, and insecurity, Gideon emerged as Israel's hero, filled with God's presence and His passion for deliverance. This study will encourage you to recognize your weakness as the key that the Lord gives you to unlock the full experience of His strength in your life. In what ways do you feel insufficient? Those places create the greatest opportunity to experience the sufficiency of God. Instead of ignoring, neglecting, or trying to escape your weaknesses, see them as the gifts that they are, given specifically and strategically by God to unlock the door of God's strength.

Date and Time:  Wednesdays, 10:45-12 p.m. beginning September 4 and ending October 30

                        Sundays, 6-7:30 p.m. beginning September 8 and ending October 20

Location:           Wednesdays, Room 218

Sundays, Room 219

Childcare:  Mom’s Morning Out is available for a fee if they have openings

Note:  Sunday evening programming is available for ages 2 thru high school

Book Cost: $13

Fee:  $5

Personal Study Commitment:  20-25 minutes per day, 5 days per week

Class Fee

The class fee is $5.00 per person per semester regardless of the number of studies taken.

Study Books  

Your materials may be purchased in the FCC Library/Bookstore.  Prices are listed in this brochure.  Please purchase your book one week in advance for guaranteed book availability!  Note:  You do not have to purchase your book at FCC.

For the Kids

Birth thru Kindergarten:

Childcare is available on a first come, first serve basis for birth thru kindergarten.  The fee is only paid once per semester.  Moms can serve one time during the semester in childcare OR opt out of serving and pay an additional $15.  More information will be sent after registration.

For the Kids Fees:      

Early Bird by August 11 —$30 for one child and $10 for each additional child.

Fee after December 11:   $35 for one child and $12 for each additional child.

Registration cards are available at the Connection Center.

Other  

Registration forms are available at the Connection Center or in the church office.

The class leader will contact you via email or phone 5-7 days prior to your class start date.

Financial assistance is available.   Call or e-mail Holly Gillespie with your request (858-5000 or hgillespie@fccn.org)

Mini-Muffins, Women's Groups and Fresh Grounded Faith Info!

Enjoy a mini-muffin and check out the Connection Center this Sunday morning for more info on serving at the November Fresh Grounded Faith Conference and a complete list of Women’s Bible Studies starting in August!  

Being a “People Pleaser”

I’ve been edgy and irritable.  Something within my heart has been agitated.  My head tells me if I just lash out then I’ll feel better.  But, I know better.  So, I try to control it somewhat.  I snip at my family rather than lash out.  I raise my tone a few notches rather than yell.  And, for days, I haven’t known why.  

The other morning, I asked God to pour his Living Water to drench the raging anger inside of me. To show me why my heart feels so angry and frustrated.  And, in what appeared to be a random time and place, Galatians 1:9, rushed inside my head, “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

I had my answer.  In fact, the verse come through my mind and heart at the exact moment I was wondering what others were thinking of the words I had spoken.

Because of His answer, I realized I had fallen back into old habits of trying to please people.  I think at some level we many of us want to please others.  Being a wife and mom who wants to keep her family happy isn’t a bad thing.  Wanting to help others walk through life isn’t wrong.  Wanting my boss and co-workers to be pleased with my efforts isn’t horrible.  But, when my ultimate goal is to please any of them, I fall into the trap of sin.  

My first and foremost goal must be to please God.  To follow Him -  His ways, desires, thoughts and will -  must be my heart’s desire.  

My heart was askew because I exhausted myself trying to make sure all the people in my life were happy.  However, over the past few days of shifting my focus to God first, I’ve found freedom.  It has reset my heart.  The anger and frustration are gone.  And, honestly, those around me are much happier now that I seek to please God because peace is once again reigning in my life.

How’s your heart today?

Thank you, Father, for always answering when your children seek you.  May I seek You more every day.  Give me a hunger for You.  For when I seek You first everything else falls into place.  Amen

No Brakes, Head Lice, and a Bad Attitude

I. Have. No. Control.

I. Will. Live. A. Surrendered. Life.  

I. Have. No. Control.

I was driving home in our very “broken in” car.  Being grateful it even started, I pulled onto the highway for the short 5 minute drive home.  As I was enjoying the wind in my hair, I was peaceful and happy.  I didn’t even get mad at the driver who realized she was in the wrong lane and darted in front of me.  But, then I heard a noise.  It wasn’t good.  My power steering went out.  “No problem.  I’ve had this happen before,” I thought.  Then another sound.  Even worse.  

It was time to pull over.  I turned my wheel hard to direct myself into the Donut Bank.  As I was turning, I suddenly realized their entrance is really a steep embankment.  I doubt I would have ever considered it steep.  But, I suddenly had no brakes.  That’s right!  I pushed the pedal and nothing happened.  No steering and no brakes.  I threw the emergency brake.  I came to a screeching halt in front of their dumpster.

I.  Have.  No.  Control.

Today, I had great plans.  I even started my day with great quiet time!  And, then, as I brushed my sweet girl’s hair, I saw something.  Upon further investigation, I realized she had head lice!  I’m a super clean freak.  Some might call it OCD.  I call it cleanliness.  Head lice weren’t part of my “great plans.”  

I.  Have.  No.  Control.

Now, sitting here after hours of treatments and cleaning with my washer and dryer still humming, I have one more confession.  I’ve also had a really bad attitude. the past week before these events even happened. Why?  Because I’ve felt out of control.  

I’m beyond blessed and have no reason to be snippy and demanding.  But when my mind is preoccupied with the things of life, it is what I revert to. I try to take control by making plans or controlling others.  And what is worse, my kind, sweet children have started to dish the snippy tone right back at me.  Not a shining moment of parenting.

But, I’m learning.  This “Type A” girl who loves Jesus continues to have control issues.  I’m a work in progress and need grace daily.  This week, I’ve needed a lot of it.  I’ve been in what  I call my “crazy cycle.”   Last night I determined to get off of it.  And, today I did not allow the head lice to put me back on it.  Instead, I remembered a lesson learned last week when I got away and went tubing for the first time.  

I’ve never been very adventurous.  But, put me with a more adventurous person, and I’m in!   I held on tight with anticipation and fear, as my friend and “captain” took off.  Suddenly, I realized I had no control at all.  She was at the helm.  She directed the boat.  She directed the jet ski.  I had to trust, hold on, follow her directions, yield, and do my best to enjoy the ride.  As I was pulled around Lake Barkley, I had moments of relaxation and peace and other moments of screaming laughter as I held on for dear life!  

And, somewhere in the fun, I realized, my life is similar.  God is at the helm.  He is guiding me over the still water and the rocky water.  He knows where he is taking me.  He knows when I’m about to catch a wave and lose my breath.  He knows when I fly off in spite of how tight I’m holding on.  He knows when I sit back, close my eyes and enjoy the wind blowing through my hair.  He never leaves me.  He always knows the way.

I love my beautiful yet messy life.  It is beautiful because I have a relationship with Jesus.  It is messy because I am a real woman with real struggles.  And, it is blessed because Jesus walks with me loving, guiding, forgiving, and encouraging me to keep holding on.  

With a giant smile and peace within I say again, “I.  Surrender.”      

Two Words That Touch My Heart

This mom thing is hard.  Very hard.  No one could have prepared me.  Being a mom is the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life.  It is also the most rewarding.  And, my children are only 7, 6 and 2...  I’ve only just begun.

Adjusting to summer vacation has been fun and challenging.  On one of the challenging days (or what I call a “grumpy” days), the cycle was suddenly broken by a huge tickle-fest.  I caught each one of our children and “flipped their switch” from grumpy to happy by tickling them.  Soon, thereafter, my ears heard the most sweet sounds.

“Thanks, Mom,”  my oldest said.

“Yeah, thanks, Mom,” my middle one said.

“Thank you, Mama,” said my youngest one with her sing-song voice.

Those precious words reached into the deepest part of my heart.  “Thank you.”  So simple, yet so powerful.  Appreciation.  Gratitude.  Encouragement.  And, a sign of hope for me that they really are learning manners!

How much more do those words touch the heart of God?  

Our family has gone through a season of many ups and downs over the past two years.  Health issues, cancer scares, developmental challenges for one of our children, and negative job changes are just a few of the stresses we encountered.  Some of them brought our family closer together while others tried to rip us apart.  But, in the midst of it all, God was there.  His presence was evident even when I cried myself to sleep in fear.  And, when I was at the end of my rope, He always sent me an unexpected blessing.  

Today, our family is in a good place.  I stand at the top of a mountain in victory and shout, “Thank you, Lord!”  I thank my husband for walking by my side.  I thank my friends and family for being incredible support and encouragement.  I am grateful.

Each of us goes through seasons.  And, whether we are strolling through a lush, green valley, climbing a mountain, standing at the pinnacle in victory, or withering up in a dry, desert, we must remember it is only but a season.  And, God is there.  He is present.  For that alone, we can give thanks.

Today, in your season, may I encourage you to be intentional and simply say, “Thank you,” to those you love?  Let those two words touch the heart of our Father in heaven and the ones who mean the most to you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18, “...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Here is what is happening with FC Women's Ministries...

-Women's Groups start this week.  It isn't too late to join one!  Tonight 6-8 p.m. in Room 218 and Thursday morning 9-11 a.m. in Room 218.

-Tuesday, June 11 come to the Dining Room at 9:30 a.m. and see what you can do with all those t-shirts you or your child no longer wear.  You will learn how to put them together to make a memory quilt.  No experience or skill is necessary.

-Don't forget!  We are collecting nice, used, clothing of all sizes to give away to Warrick County Families before school starts.  Please bring your donations to the church and place along the east wall of the gym under the sign.  We'll also need many volunteers to help sort the clothing at our work days.  There is a small table set up near the Connection Center with dates and more information.

-November will be here before we know it!  Purchase your Fresh Grounded Faith tickets now at the Connection Center for $34 before it sells out!  In addition, we still need many volunteers to serve at this conference.  Let me know if you are interested in serving!

-Are you a prayer warrior?  If you are interested in receiving monthly requests to pray specifically for areas of Women's Ministry, let me know!

-Do you like to cook?  If you are interested in preparing homemade freezer meals on a quarterly basis for us to share with families coming home from the hospital, please let me know!

Holly