Christian Unity as Our Polar Star
Beginning last week and extending 3 more, the youth of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) are participating in community ecumenical events called 'Roaming Revivals' each Wednesday at 7 p.m. These events are open to youth and adults primarily in middle school and high school, but can extend to upper elementary ages. The evening includes music, worship, fellowship and fun in an effort to share the good news of Christ with one another and celebrate our oneness in the body of Christ. All local congregations are encouraged to participate, though the planning is implemented by those few with paid staff called to serve in youth ministry and volunteers willing to lend aide.
Wednesday, January 23rd, our congregation will host one such event and our newly formed musical group, "Praise on High" will offer their musical gifts for the enjoyment and worship of all.
The Bourbon County Ministerial Association joins the efforts of participating congregations to provide for the needs of the community through ministry programs such as The Well and Operation Food Basket as well as providing worship opportunities to come together and communally praise God as one body. Rev. Jeff Bell has actively served this organization and the community for years and Monday we opened our doors to scores of visitors to celebrate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., his ministry and dedication to racial reconciliation. This worship event was also a celebration of the uniting efforts of the Bourbon County Ministerial Association.
The Bourbon County Youth Ministers Network began officially shortly after I arrived at First Christian Church and I became active participant in this organization. Throughout the last 2 1/2 years I have worked with youth ministers within our community and forged friendships and allies in sharing faith with today's youth as I have also gotten to know a little better the children of this community.
This past week we recognized the 'Week of Prayer for Christian Unity' by praying for other congregations as well as our own and the ministries we support. These efforts all fit beautifully with who we are as members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denomination. I am reminded of words from one of our denominational founders, Barton W. Stone, when he said, "We hear a special calling to make visible the unity of all Christians, proclaiming that in our diversity we belong to one another because we commonly belong to Christ." Dr. Kinnamon, Disciples minister and former General Secretary of the National Council of Churches reminds us, "The first assembly of the World Council of Churches put it succinctly: 'Christ has made us his own and he is not divided.' Christians of different races, classes, nations and political affiliations may not agree with one another, but because of our shared communion with Christ we cannot say, 'I have no need of you.'" (1 Corinthians 12)
These efforts towards Christian unity are not always easy. We are a varied group of individuals with more differences than similarities. In a world of continuous challenges and changes, the one thing we hold in common far outweighs any of our differences and that is a tremendous love of Christ and our dedication to our mission of witness and service to all people in his name. "In the bonds of Christian faith we yeild ourselves to God that we may serve the One whose kingdom has no end." (Preamble to the Design of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ))
Blessings,
Tracy