One of the things we looked forward to with our move to 3476 Main was the ability to open our church to the community. The doors are constantly opening and closing with a buzz of activity. With the recent closing of Lake Cooper, we have found ourselves even busier hosts. A building usage committee was…
I keep reading about studies that say spending too much time with online social media can lead to depression. You see, most people present an idealized version of their lives for others to see. When we compare our ordinary, less-than-perfect lives with the carefully curated pictures of our friends, sometimes it can be a little…
I am already starting to pre-plan for VBS even though it is months away. There are several planning steps to make a successful VBS and it will be here before I know it. Our journey toward eternity needs to have an active plan too. Some might say a large portion of their journey toward eternity…
With cable news now covering the presidential primaries 24/7, it can be easy for people to get caught up in a kind of partisan fever. The job of the communications teams for all those would-be leaders is to build up their candidate and tear down everyone else. In heated political moments like this, it’s good…
“The reason a lot of people do not recognize opportunity is because it usually goes around wearing overalls looking like hard work.”– Thomas A. Edison On June 12, the FCC Youth Mission Team will head for the Kansas Christian Home in Newton, Kansas. Not only are we preparing for the ‘hard work’ of painting, cleaning…
Over the years, I’ve had folks come to me seeking counsel about some person in their life. Sometimes it’s a spouse, friend or co-worker. Oftentimes a conflict is involved. One of the most effective counseling strategies I have at that point is simply to listen. And most of the time that’s all that’s required. But…
I read a blog from a Texas pastor the other day who explained his reason for not promoting a particular political party or candidate as a pastor. He said, “I have concluded, that I am fundamentally more a Christian than I am either a Republican or a Democrat, and who Jesus Christ is and what…
Do you ever wish there was a guidebook for how to navigate the modern world faithfully? Do you ever long for clear, practical advice about how to live as a disciple? Well, you are in luck, because it turns out that was one of Jesus’ major concerns, as well. During the Lenten season, we not…
I couldn’t help but smile as communion was passed this last Sunday, everyone was glad to move quickly and help pass communion to the next person. Some even moved over and sat closer to their neighbors to make it easier to pass. Probably doesn’t seem like much and I guess I usually miss this because…
Last night, one of Keokuk’s presidential caucuses was held in our fellowship hall. Many people came to our church that may not enter a church at any other time. In case you didn’t know it, First Christian is a very important part of the fabric of the tri-state area. This morning, I asked Mitzi (our…