• Our Deepest Sympathy

Orvalyn Murry, a long time member of First Christian passed away April 3, 2008. A graveside service was held Wednesday April 9 at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Gregory Gene Minner, the son of Doug & Beverly Minner passed away. His servicde was held April 22 at 3 p.m.

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• Minister's Musings

Ministers Musings

As Teri Smith has repeatedly said, “2008 - Change is Great!” Well, if not great, at least inevitable. As you can see even the Mirror is not exempt from change. Let us know what you think. It is our hope that it is more user friendly and easier to read. Some of our eyes are getting a little older and in need of assistance.

I will be journeying to Yakama Mission church on May 6, and returning to the office on May 14, 2008. I will be meeting with Lonna Owens and Don Shelton from Disciples Home Missions and members of the Yakama board. Keep us in your prayers as we discover newer ways to be a presence and witness to the Yakama Nation. We are ever diligent in maintaining a proper relationship with those whom we serve. (To refresh your memory, the four historic missions of the church are: Yakama (Washington), Inman (Texas), Appalachian (Kentucky), and All Peoples Christian Center (Los Angeles).

This is not the most expressive article (news wise or theological) that I have shared, but alas, time and situations have a way of shifting our objectives. I do, however, want to share with you the closing passage of scripture that will be used on Sunday, May 18, 2008, during our worship. It is found in Matthew’s Gospel, 28:20b and says, “And remember, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” What more is there to say! Thanks be to God for such a gift.

Blessings

Alan

• Minister's Musings

Minister’s Musings …

“Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘1have seen the Lord’; and she told them that he had said these things to her.” (John 20:18 NRSV)

Having quoted Scripture allow me, too, to quote Verity A. Jones Easter Sunday devotion in our Lenten Season Fellowship of Prayer. She begins “Alleluia, Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen, indeed. Alleluia!” An appropriate beginning for an Easter message, and combining her opening with the John passage brings me to her next to closing paragraph. A statement that has caused me to consider, rejoice, reflect, and celebrate.

“Easter is not the end of our journey; even if it arrives at the end of the Lenten season. Easter is the beginning, the new beginning that God offers to each of us through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is now our time to step out in faith, to turn our lives around, to seize the opportunities of discipleship and fellowship laid out before us.”

She then concludes with the following, “The risen Christ call us by name. May we answer with confidence and hope as we step forward into new life.”

I wish I had written these passages. But, thanks be to God, I can share them with those with whom I worship. How blessed we are to be so loved by God and so blessed by the life, teaching, death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ. For all who believe we know that each day is a new beginning. And to that I can only add, Thank You! Amen.

Blessings,

Alan

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• Thank You

A grateful thank-you to everyone for the prayers, cards, visits and calls of concern following my recent surgery. It’s a blessing to be part of a church family such as First Christian.

Gay Smith

• Thank You

We would like to thank Paul and Liz, Jaytee and Barbara for giving us a most wonderful 4oth wedding anniversary Coffee Hour at church. We are so blessed to have such  and caring church family.

God bless you all,

Pete and Pat Waltman

• Thank You

I have returned to work on a limited basis and am so happy to be “back in the groove”. Thank you for all the prayers, visits, cards, phone calls & gifts. You are a wonderful group of people to serve. Thank you Alysce Schofield and Pat Waltman for filling in for me.

Thank you again,

Linda Peterson, Secretary