Issue #10 - February 2007

Minister's Message

Just about everyone loves a hero. And, just about everyone has at least one hero. Heroes are revered in our society. Even in our religions. The Christian faith was built on heroes.

What makes a hero? I have heard several debates over this issue. If you ask many young people, they will tell you that their heroes are Lebron James, Eminem, Larry the Cable Guy, and so on. Today, most people find their heroes in athletes, actors/actresses, and entertainers. These people obtain a hero status because they make tons of money, are popular, look beautiful, and they are powerful. To tell the truth, this is a sad situation. These people are not heroes in the most authentic sense of the word. These are not the kind of heroes that the world needs.

So, if money, fame, and power do not make someone a hero, then what does? I have heard that a hero is someone who acts courageously to do the right thing. And doing the right thing usually means being selfless, compassionate, and faithful. I think this comes very close to defining what a hero is from my point of view.

In the Bible and in the tradition of our faith, Moses, Jeremiah, and Jesus are the heroes. By modern standards, they were not heroes. They had little money, they weren't always well-liked, and they had rough lives. However, these folks are the heroes of the Christian faith because they lived their lives to serve others and to serve God. They are heroes because they did the right thing even when it was not popular and would bring harm their way.

All of this really started to churn in my soul last Monday, when we recognized Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. It really concerns me that in our country, we turn all the wrong people into heroes. Meanwhile, the people who really are heroes get tossed aside. Louisa, Richmond, and Charlottesville do a poor job or recognizing this day. It is a day to remember and honor the life and sacrifice of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. When we overlook it, it is our loss. Dr. King was a hero in every possible meaning of the word.

Dr. King was born in Atlanta in 1929. He was what we would call a double-PK. His father was a preacher and his grandfather was a preacher. So, I suppose he was doubly destined toward ministry as a career. He attended the famous Morehouse College in Atlanta. He also studied at Crozer Theological Seminary and Boston University. Along the way he earned a bachelor's degree, a Master of Divinity, and a Ph. D. in systematic theology. He had a brilliant theological mind.

However, his theological brilliance didn't hold a candle to his ability to inspire people through his preaching. As a minister, Dr. King truly is a hero for me. If you have never heard one of his sermons, find one and listen. You'll be blown away. I am also inspired by his non-violent activism for civil rights and peace.

Dr. King served in several churches. He practically led the Civil Rights Movement of the 50's and 60's. He peacefully fought tooth and nail for basic human rights and dignity for all of God's children. He was even willing to, and eventually would, die for his convictions.

He was a hero. Not the kind of hero that is beautiful, rich, and selfish. Just like Jesus, Dr. King was selfless, compassionate, studious of his faith, and willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice for others. If you missed celebrating his national holiday, then do it now.

~ Matthew

Alice Smith, Our Sister

Have you ever walked through the cemetery behind the church? If you ever remember, take a few moments back there. It's not just a cemetery, it's history. It's faith. The walls of this church did not go up by themselves. This church has not survived over 150 years by accident. The answers lie in that graveyard.

Too often, people forget the saints that have lived and passed on before them. It is such a shame because many wonderful people have been in this church. One such saint is Alice Smith. Or Alice W. Smith. Or Alice Mae Smith. According to Kenneth, her husband, her full name really depended on what day you asked her. At times, he liked to pick with her and call her, "Little Maggie," her own mother's name. She was born on August 9th, 1930 in Louisa, VA. However, she was raised in Spotsylvania.

Many people in Louisa knew her. Most likely, all who met her liked her. Alice was a simple person. However, she was also extraordinary. She worked for thirty years at Louisa Manufacturing. She liked flowers and crocheting. When you get a chance, go visit Kenneth and look at all of the wonderful things that Alice made. She even crocheted a picture of Louisa Christian Church.

Alice liked to be at church. She attended faithfully, helped with meals at church, and brought cheer to many folks for a long time. She not only made a difference in other people's lives here at church, but in her community. Alice spent a lot of time taking care of her parents and Kenneth's parents when they needed it.

However, Alice should not be remembered just as an individual. She was also a wife. She and Kenneth had a love and commitment for one another that is rarely found in our society. Alice lived out her wedding vows.

If you never had a chance to really know Alice, you missed out on something wonderful. Alice Smith, our sister in Christian faith, will be missed.

Child Protection Policy

On January 2, 2007 the General Board of Louisa Christian Church unanimously voted in favor of a Child Protection Policy. This policy was passed for three important reasons:

1. To protect children from potential abusers.
2. To protect staff/volunteers from baseless and harmful claims.
3. To demonstrate to our community, members, youth, and visitors that we take our youth's protection to heart.

A Child Protection Policy (CPP) was necessary for other reasons. For example, this policy will give the church valuable information in case children ever need medical/dental care while under church supervision. Most insurance companies now require churches to have such a policy. Every Catholic church is required to have a Child Protection Policy. Every library, little league, and school has such a policy. It's coming our way.

This policy will do a lot of good. However, it, unfortunately, requires paper work. All of the forms for the policy are on the church web site. You may also get them from Matthew.

There is much more information that needs to be distributed about the policy. A meeting will be held for all youth volunteers, parents, and anyone else on Feb. 4 after church. The Rev. Kaye S. Edwards will be preaching at the church on Feb. 18 about the importance of a Child Protection Policy. She will be available after the service to answer questions.

Feel free to talk to Matthew with any questions or concerns.

Schedules

Acolytes

February: Abbie S. - Corey S.
March: Andrew P. - David S.
April: Shawn L. - David S.
May: Abbie S. - Corey S.
June: David S. - Amber W.
July: Katelyn P. - Jack P.
August: Andrew P. - Amber W.

Nursery

February 4, 2007 ... Lucie Snider
February 11, 2007 ... Steff Throckmorton
February 18, 2007
February 25, 2007 ... Steff Throckmorton

A Great Joke

Bulletin mistakes make some of the best laughs:

~ From World's Greatest Collection of Church Jokes

Lectionary

February 4, 2007
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
Isaiah 6:1-8, (9-13)
Psalm 138
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Luke 5:1-11

February 11, 2007
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany
Jeremiah 17:5-10
Psalm 1
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Luke 6:17-26

February 18, 2007
Last Sunday after Epiphany
Exodus 34:29-35
Psalm 99
2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2
Luke 9:28-36, (37-43)

February 25, 2007
First Sunday in Lent
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
Romans 10:8b-13
Luke 4:1-13

Take a moment and read these scriptures each week!

Volunteer Opportunities

Upcoming Youth Activities

Worship

Sunday School every Sunday at 10 AM
Worship Service following at 11 AM
Prayer Service each Wednesday at noon

Every Wednesday we offer a Bible Study at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM
Community Youth Night every Wednesday from 5:00 to 6:15 PM

Louisa Christian Church
P.O. Box 1344
104 Elm Avenue
Louisa, VA 23093

www.louisachristianchurch.org

Rev. Burnette: 540-967-4884
Email

Rev. Ricks: 804-683-3537
Email

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