FCC Building Update

The footers have been poured and the steel for the new church is starting to be erected. In addition, the conduit is being run for the electrical and communication lines. This is definately an exciting time, as all who pass will be able to see that First Christian Church will soon be in their new home.

Christmas Eve at First Christian Church

The season of advent is fast approaching and once again, we look forward to celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior. There is a reason why Christmas is celebrated December 25. It is not a historical date, of course, but neither was it chosen at random. It was chosen because it is the time of year when days begin to grow longer. The coming of Christ means the coming of light into the world; darkness is being rolled back. This year on Christmas Eve we will begin a new tradition and will start our service at 5:30PM just after sunset, so we may remember and celebrate the coming of light into a dark world. We invite our church family and friends to gather in worship as we begin a new tradition of hearing the story of the birth of Jesus, through word, song, communion, and candlelight. I will be delivering my special gift to the congregation in my message, “Reflections of a Life Changing Presence.”

The Best Thing About Christmas

Ok, now that Thanksgiving is over with, I am finally ready to acknowledge that the Christmas season has begun. However, if have been to any of the major retailers, Christmas begins at midnight on Halloween. This is especially true at Wal-Mart. On Halloween night around 10:00 pm, I had to stop in and get a few things and I could not believe what I was witnessing. While one group of employees moved the last bags of Halloween candy and costumes to the sale shelf, another group started rolling out the Christmas displays, including a nativity set that caught my eye. It was actually a well orchestrated event, but inside my head I was thinking, “Really?” Retailers are not the only places that kick off the Christmas season a little too soon. I was making some visits at Methodist Medical Center the first week in November and was shocked that even the player piano in the lobby was already programmed to play Christmas carols.

I do however have to make a confession. When I saw the transformation from Halloween to Christmas at Wal-Mart and heard the player piano at the hospital, my mind began to wonder. I know this is normal, but this time my thoughts lead me to reflect on the Christmas season a little different this year.

I began to think of our focus on the babe in the manager and all the other pieces of the first Christmas story, both the realities and the traditions, which many of us have grown up with. It was then I really think I began to comprehend that the babe in the manger is the main event.

But He is so much more than our hymns and nativity scenes express. How can we as a church sing a handful of songs and recreate the manger scene with a miniature tabletop nativity set that truly captures the best things of Christmas? For that matter, how can we as individuals and families truly capture in our traditions the best things of Christmas?
Friends, while as we approach this Christmas season, and get busy with all of the events, which go along with it, let me leave you with this. The best thing about Christmas is not those little moments we try to capture, it is simply, Christ.

Something to Think About

Over the past few weeks, a very dear friend and I have been doing a little political razzing of one another. It all started with a life size cut out of John McCain and has escalated to decorating each other's homes and it has reached a level of decorating genius just shy of that of Clark Griswold's in Christmas Vacation. In the midst of all this back and forth, I have realized one thing.

Change is not going to come from electing one person or another to some government office. Change can only come when we remember that all of us are called by God to bring about change to this broken world, by living a life modeled by Jesus Christ. Following his teachings and his examples, and caring about the other, will prove to bring about more change than any candidate could ever promise.

John Ortberg wrote a great book entitled, When the Game is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box, and like the title of that book, when November 4th comes, the game my friend and I have been playing too, will go back in the box. However, we realize that it is just that a game. And while it may appear that we are very different, we actually have alot in common and may make our own run in 2012. But we also realize that we can come together to bring about change and make a difference in the lives of those we come in contact with each day.

I thank God each day for friends like DG who may not know it, but have helped inspire me and helped to keep me focused on making a difference in the lives of others. Next Tuesday night when the game is over, I pray that everyone, like my friend and I, will be able to put aside thier differences, and realize they are more alike than they are different. I also pray that everyone will realize that only God is able to bring about the change we so desperately need and we can all play a part of being difference makers in this world.

Real Change

One of the requirements I once had for a class while in seminary class was to watch several movies and reflect theologically on each one. Now, these movies are not one’s that I would go see or pick up and rent at the video store. However, by the end of the movies, I found that I would watch them again and recommend them to others. This past week, I found myself watching one of those movies again. The movie is titled Ikiru.
This is a Japanese movie, with subtitles, made in 1952. It is about a government bureaucrat, Mr. Watanabe, who spends 30 years accomplishing nothing. One day he finds out that he has gastric cancer and begins seeking out how to live life. He never told anyone of his condition though. He would venture out and go to taverns and nightclubs but found nothing there. He began talking with a young woman who had worked for him at one time and found that she left her government job for a menial job in a factory making kids toys. When she showed him one of the toys that she makes, he finally realized that he could enjoy doing something and found out how to get the most out of life.
He went back to work with enthusiasm and began working to turn a mosquito infested neighborhood field into a park for children. He began working and doing things that were unheard of in government. He went to every department to make things happen, and would not give up, until the project came to its completion. The movie ends with all of those he worked for mourning his death. He went out to visit the park that he worked so hard for and died sitting in a swing.
As his fellow workers discussed his life and the changes in him they realized that he must of known of his illness. One man made the comment that “this goes to show us that life is short and we could die tomorrow.” Everyone decided that each of them would change their ways and begin working for the people trying to make a difference everyday. About a week later, the movie shows everyone back to work in their government jobs, back to the way it had always been.
When the movie was over, I found myself once again reflecting on the events that transpired. I realized that so many of us live our Christian lives in the same way. How many times have you got inspired from a church service or from the way someone in the church is living his or her life and vow to make a change? How many times has it taken a painful situation to make you change your ways? How long is it going to take you to go back to the way you were living and forget the reason you began to live again in the first place? These are questions that only you and I can answer ourselves.

A Look Back

Recently, someone asked me what I looked like before I started loosing my hair. See for yourself.

FCC Adding New Ministry

And Jesus said, “Let the children come to me for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Friends like Jesus, we too are making FCC a place for children. Yesterday, there was such an overwhelming response to the Children Worship & Wonder experience, that we are moving forward with this exciting ministry.

“Truly amazing.”

“When can we start?”

“I want to buy a story.”

“I want to be a greeter.”

“When can I go through the story-teller training?”

“Every adult in the room was drawn into the experience, I can only imagine how the children will respond.”

“Everyone stayed after church and no one was in a hurry to leave. This just doesn’t happen that often. There is definitely something good happening here.”

These are just a few of the comments I have heard and to be honest, it makes me proud to be a part of a church that truly sees the benefit of, and has the passion for ministry to our children.

If you remember, yesterday the message was on stepping up our stewardship of time and so right now, I challenge you to do just that. If you are interested in being a part of the Children Worship & Wonder ministry here at FCC I am asking you to give of your time and join us on Monday October 27th at 7:00 PM for an organizational meeting. For those of you who want to be a part of this and have children, there will be child care provided at this meeting.

In this new ministry, there will be opportunities to give as little or as much time as you want. Please prayerfully consider your role in the Children Worship & Wonder ministry here at FCC and then join us next Monday.

Weekly FCC Update

What a great time to be a part of First Christian Church. There is a great excitement in the air as our calendar is full of ministry and fellowship opportunities. So here we go……..

Starting this Sunday, October 19th we will begin a month long series on Stewardship entitled “Stepping Up”. The word Stewardship often makes us uncomfortable as the first thing that comes to mind is money. However, stewardship is so much more than money and that is why I encourage everyone to be here each Sunday as we look at what stewardship really is. We will be focusing our attention on Time, Talents, Earth, and Treasures. Stay tuned for more information for upcoming events that will be part of our Stewardship month.

Also this Sunday, after a special fellowship hour, there will be a presentation for the adults of the church on the Children Worship & Wonder program. This program is a Montessori based program that allows children from the ages of 3 to those in the fifth grade to hear Bible stories and learn about God while experiencing the presence of God. The stories are told in a way that allows the listeners to enter into the stories and form responses from their own life experiences. Following the presentation we will take time to discern if this is a ministry that God is calling us to begin here at First Christian Church.

If you have not heard it said yet, “Everything is happening on the 19th.” Also this Sunday at 5:30 PM is the youth bonfire at the Plaster’s new home. Directions are available at the church.

In addition to the bonfire, First Christian Church has also been invited as new neighbors to attend the Country Club Estates Neighborhood Association’s picnic this Sunday at 4:30 PM. More information is available on the bulletin board at the church. IF you may be interested, please notify Bill McMillan and let him know you will be attending so that he can give those in charge an idea of how many to expect. Let us join our new neighbors in a time of fellowship and show our appreciation for their hospitality.

On Sunday afternoon October 26th, we will be going golfing. Everyone is invited to join and for those of you who are non-golfers, we are in desperate need of caddies. A sign up sheet is on the bulletin board or contact Rex Harris for more information.

Finally, beginning Monday November 3, we will begin a small group study on the Psalms. There is an afternoon group that will meet at the church at 1:00PM each Monday and one that will be meeting at the church at 6:30PM. If you are interested, there is still time to sign up and if Monday’s are not good for you I am more than willing to start a third group to accommodate the schedules of others. For more information, please see me by October 26th so the books can be ordered.

Like I said, it is a great time to be a part of First Christian Church. Make sure to mark your calendars for these ministry and fellowship opportunities and share this excitement with everyone you know. May God bless each of you in all that you do.

Soup & Psalms

Tonight was a very exciting evening here in the church. To kick off our study on the book of Psalms, we had a soup supper and an introduction to the Psalter itself. Following both, TWO small groups, one day and one evening, were organized.

The excitement, energy, and interest of everyone here is contagious. It is amazing to see how much God has done here in the last two months. Each day I look forward to see what amazing thing God is going to do next in the life of First Christian Church.

FCCOR Weekly Building Update

In case you have not heard, the grading of the lot has started. As I sit here and type this update, the choir is practicing their anthem for Sunday entitled Joy In The House, and that is so appropriate for what is going on in here at First Christian Church. There is a sense of renewed energy and excitement among the congregation, and I have been told it is an the energy and excitement which has not been experienced here in many years.

While I am sure everyone is eager to stop by the new site and watch our new church take shape, it is important that we follow some guidelines. It is absolutely vital due to insurance and safety guidelines, that anyone who is visiting the site remain behind the silt fencing and not make their way on to the actual work site. There will be several times throughout the next several months that the congregation will be able to view the progress up close and those times will be communicated to all of you at the appropriate times.

In addition to driving out and observing the progress, be sure to visit the church website at www.fccor.org and view the pictures which will be updated each day that work is taking place.

Again, we are moving dirt and there definitely is JOY IN THE HOUSE!

Wrong Turn!

The best purchase I have made in the last year was a GPS (global positioning satellite). I can get directions to and from anywhere in the country. The directions are clear and precise. The soft voice alerts me to upcoming turns, and if I make a wrong turn or miss the directions the GPS will give me a friendly reminder that I need to turn around. I have become so fond of the voice in my GPS that I have gone as far as to give her a name. Her name is Brandy and some of you have already met her. Since my arrival in Oak Ridge two months ago, Brandy and I have been virtually inseparable. If I am in my car, she is there with me.

Now, to make a long story short, for a brief time two weeks ago, I remembered that I was a man and did not need Brandy to get me where I was going. I knew exactly where to go and where to turn. Now this would not have been such a problem anywhere else, but I found out real quick if you make a wrong turn in Oak Ridge, you may end up surrounded by men with guns strapped to both arms and both legs, as well as bomb sniffing dogs. Yes my friends, if you make a wrong turn in Oak Ridge, like me, you may end up at the gates to Y12. Unlike Brandy, these less than friendly voiced men, did not speak in a nice soft voice telling me that I needed to turn around. Instead, in a voice that could make a grown man cry, I was told to turn the car off, place the keys on the dash, and do not move. Now, many of you may know by now that I am seldom at a loss for words, so I made it known to men that I was a minister and I was just going to turn around and go about my business. (FYI- normally the whole minister thing works in certain situations, but obviously not at the gates of Y12). After 15 minutes of interrogation, an identification check and an unsuccessful attempt at evangelism, I was allowed to turn around and find my way back in the right direction. If only I would have had Brandy with me, this whole thing would not have happened; I would not have made a wrong turn. You can bet she was back in the car with me the next morning.

Well, I think that life in general is like that. At times we make wrong turns and sometimes we get off track. Do you know why that happens? It is because we refuse to listen for that still small voice that comes from our other GPS, the bible. We refuse to believe the directions God gives us for living are clear and precise. We do not take the time to read and apply the bible to our everyday lives, as we should. Then when we are faced with problems, we get the attitude I had, when I did not need Brandy to get me where I was going. We know how to get through life on our own and we do not need anyone’s help. Then suddenly we find we have made a wrong turn and it may take us a while to get turned around and find our way back in the right direction. Friends, if ever you are searching for direction and not sure which way to go, you do not have to figure it out on your own. Listen for the directions, which come from the bible and you, will see that it truly is a GPS full of Godly Perspectives and Strategies on direction for your life.

We are Breaking Ground and Moving Dirt!

The grading and building permits have been issued, the equipment is arriving on the site and First Christian Church is moving forward.


Join us in celebrating!!

Stay tuned for weekly updates during the service and in weekly emails from Michael.

A New Way to Teach!

A couple of weeks ago, I was playing video games with one of the youth in our
church, and seeing the mural on his bedroom wall reminded of a time shortly after I
became an uncle to the greatest niece and nephew a guy could have. You see, when I
first became and uncle there were several things that I was looking forward to
teaching my niece and nephew. Since I am the smarter of my mom’s two children (I can say that as I am sure my sister will not see this newsletter article), there are certain things that Ashley and Zachary will not learn unless their Uncle Michael teaches them. One of the things I looked most forward to teaching them has now come under some revisions and I am not sure how I will accomplish the task. I so looked
forward to teaching them how to name the planets in order. Well, I have struggled how I am going to do this since some group of know-it-all scientists have stripped Pluto of its official planet status. At the time, this change led to many discussions with students at Lexington Theological Seminary as well as
some talk among other colleagues. I am sure at this point, you are wondering how this minor change will affect the way I teach them the planets in order. Well, let me explain. Not all that long ago when I was in third grade, I memorized the planets by a nice little mnemonic that went something like this. My Very Energetic Mother Just Served Us Nine Pickles. I thought this was brilliant. Each letter in the sentence corresponded with the order of the planets. (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto) This was something that I was sure I would be able to pass on to children, as I grew older. Now, comes the dilemma. What will my very energetic mother serve now? Nachos? Noodles? Nectarines? I am sure I will find an “N” word that will make the planets teachable again, but is it that important. Is there something else that I can teach my niece and nephew that will benefit them as they grow? There is, and it has nothing to do with the planets or anything they will learn in school.
So often, we want to teach our children so that they can get passing grades in school, so they will receive full scholarships to college, in order to go out and get high paying jobs in the future. What benefit is that to them though? Sure, a good education helps, and we all want the best for the children in our lives, but there is something we tend to overlook. Something found within scripture. Proverbs 22:6, tells us we are to “Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray.” This is not a suggestion from Solomon; it is a command. We are to train children in the faith. We are to train them up to know and believe in a loving God, we are to train them up to know the saving grace we received from the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus. We are to train them up so that in times of trials
and tribulations, they will not turn away from, but turn to God and the Bible for support and guidance.
The next time you are looking for something to teach your child, introduce them to the teachings in the greatest textbook they will ever possess. Train them up in the way of the Bible and when old, they will not stray.

The Flashlight Guy

I spent the past few weeks between seminary and moving to Oak Ridge, back home in Ohio visiting with my mom and grandparents, and covering the funeral home that I worked at before going to seminary, so the owner and his family could take a long needed vacation. The funeral home, located in Sugarcreek, Ohio, is right in the heart of Amish Country. Therefore, we would take care of about 90 percent of the Amish deaths.

Now to be Amish, there is a major requirement that one must follow. That is, when you die, you must die in the middle of the night. (I think that is one of the two questions they ask at their baptisms. I picture an Amish Baptism to go something like this. 1. Do you accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior? 2. Do you promise to die in the middle of the night? By answering yes to both of these questions, you are baptized into the Amish Church.) I am not sure whether that is true but there is a pattern that when the Amish die, they die at home in the middle of the night.

For an “English” (non-Amish) family, this is not a problem, we get into the hearse and drive out to the house, usually they have the porch light on for us and we have no trouble finding the house. The Amish however, do not have electricity and therefore are not able to turn on a porch light. When you arrive at the home, which is on a road that is not to be found on yahoo maps, there is complete darkness. That is until the flashlight guy comes out of nowhere, and leads us into the oil lamp, nonair conditioned home to meet with the family and take the deceased into our care at the funeral home.

Now I have described this, not to give you a lesson on Amish funerals, but to talk about the flashlight guy. The flashlight guy, directing your path, is your only hope in not stumbling around in the dark and finding your way. At the point of meeting the flashlight guy, we can either follow him and his light into the home or stumble around in the darkness, running into trees, small animals, and other obstacles that get in the way. When you leave the home, the flashlight guy has become your most trusted friend.

Every time I see the flashlight guy, I am reminded of what Jesus said in John 8:12 when he said, “I am the world’s light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.” Just like the flashlight guy, during our darkest hours, Jesus can show up in our lives out of nowhere and lead us by his light. We of course have two choices, we can choose to follow in the light or we can wonder off on our own in the darkness stumbling through the obstacles of life that get in our way. It is my hope that when the flashlight guy shows up in the darkest hours of your life, that you will choose to follow him, because he will become your most trusted friend.

Published in the August edition of The Proclaimer, a monthly newsletter of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Oak Ridge

Something to Live By

The other night I read this statement on how to live life. It is something that immediately made me think. "Am I living this way? Can I live this way?" I have made it a goal to begin living this.

Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at

death. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained

passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail

without divine intervention. Keep asking questions.

Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Don't try to

be who you're not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit

holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away.

Chase the lion!