Issue #9 - January 2007

Minister's Message

I have three words for you: Cuidado al pisar. When Lisa and I went to Mexico, we saw these same three words again and again. Every time I went up the steps, those words were in front of me. When I entered stores and restaurants, there they were again: Cuidado al pisar. When I got off of the plane in Mexico, there they were. When I got into the van, there they were. I only know one phrase in Spanish: donde esta mi pantolones? Which roughly translates to: Where are my pants? So, I had no idea what "Cuidado al pisar" meant. According to Lisa, it literally means "Caution of the step." However, most Mexican folks loosely translate it to mean, "Be careful of your step."

As I told you, I came across these words numerous times in Mexico during our honeymoon. And, I have to confess, that Lisa and I made a rule that we wouldn't talk about work or Louisa while on our vacation. However, about half way through the week I was reading those same three words for about the hundredth time and suddenly it hit me: that'll preach. Whenever a preacher runs across good sermon material, that is what he or she will say: that'll preach. Cuidado al pisar!! I drove Lisa crazy the rest of the week. I was so proud that I had added one more Spanish phrase to my collection. Everywhere we went I said, "Cuidado al pisar, Senorita Ricks."

Paul's admonishment from Colossians 3 could be summed up in three words: cuidado al pisar. Paul cautions us to be careful of every little thing that we do. Everything that we do should be done in love and humility. We should be thankful for every little thing. Paul says that EVERYTHING that we do should be done in the name of the Lord.

You may remember that Colossians 3: 12 - 17 was one of the readings from my wedding ceremony. Lisa and I picked it because it reminds us to be careful of how we live our lives. Even the smallest details will make a difference in our marriage and in the world.

As we venture forth into this new year, be cautious of your every deed, word, and thought. Let everything you do be filled with love and humility. In the end, not many of us will be able to do great things in life. However, all of us can do small things; so, let them be done with care, filled with love and humility.

I can't resist a little self-deprecating humor from time to time. So, I have to tell you one more thing that happened on our honeymoon in Mexico. After reading the words "Cuidado al pisar" all week, I grew a little tired of seeing them. I remember finally thinking to myself, "What kind of moron would trip over a step? I don't need a sign telling me to watch my step. I can see the steps right there in front of me." Well, about two hours later I tripped over a step. Lisa thought it was hilarious. Even when we know what to do, we still must pay careful attention to how we live every day. Cuidado al pisar.

~ Matthew

New Disciples Pastor Helps California Congregation Reconnect With Community

A little more than a year ago, plenty of folks wondered if First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oakland, Calif., might need to close its doors. The congregation was struggling with dwindling membership, a deteriorating infrastructure and no permanent minister.

But that was before 250 Disciples from across the Northern California-Nevada region rolled up their sleeves for a "Miracle Day" event, which was part of the impetus that led to the hiring of a new pastor.

"It's really exciting to be at First Christian Church of Oakland, that many people had given up on," said Sandhya Jha, who became the church's pastor in April. "A lot of people over the past 10 years had been saying the church was as good as dead and needed to close its doors." But these days, members of that church are quick to tell you "God's not finished with us yet!"

The "Miracle Day" event that preceded Jha's calling, took place in the fall of 2005. People of all ages and cultures turned out to work on repairs at First Christian. That act of giving so inspired church members that the congregation took the next step of finding ways to repair the church's aging roof.

Jha, who graduated from divinity and policy school at the University of Chicago last year, realizes that she faces a difficult task to get the church back on its feet. Oakland is beset with the same social problems typically found in other big cities - high crime rates, homelessness and persistent poverty. But she also believes her congregation can play a significant role in reviving the community.

~ From www.disciples.org

Behind the Scenes

Have you ever wondered who pays the bills at church? Who prepares the fellowship hall and cleans up meals after you leave? How did those pipes behind the church ever get fixed? Who puts up the numbers of the hymns on the board every week?

There are tons of things, just like these, that must be done for a church to function. If we even want to come here every Sunday, all of these things have to be done. Furthermore, they have to be done every week of every year. That is a lot of work!

Fortunately, Louisa Christian Church also has a lot of wonderful people who will pitch in and not complain at all. Quite simply, this church would not be where it is without all of the people who work so diligently to make everything come together.

If you are one of those folks who takes on this multitude of tasks, thanks. If you are new to the church or not really involved, tell someone thanks. In this new year, check to see if God is calling you to do something in the church. Often, God is speaking, we just need to listen.

Schedules

Acolytes

January: Amber W. - Shawn L.
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

January 7, 2007 - Becky Cavanaugh
January 14, 2007 - Patsy Lunseford
January 21, 2007 - Sherri Davenport
January 28, 2007 - Steff Throckmorton

A Great Joke

"Do you take this woman for your wedded wife," the minister asked the nervous groom. "For better or worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness or ..."

"Just a minute, Pastor!" interrupted the bride. "Stop now or you'll talk him right out of it."

~ From World's Greatest Collection of Church Jokes ... seconded by your newly married minister.

Lectionary

Jan 7, 2007
First Sunday after Epiphany
Isaiah 43: 1-7
Psalm 29
Acts 8: 14-17
Luke 3: 15-17, 21-22

Jan 14, 2007
Second Sunday after Epiphany
Isaiah 62: 1-5
Psalm 36: 5-10
1 Corinthians 12: 1-11
John 2: 1-11

Jan 21, 2007
Third Sunday after Epiphany
Nehemiah 8: 1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Psalm 19
1 Corinthians 12: 12-31a
Luke 4: 14-21

Jan 28 2007
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Jeremiah 1: 4-10
Psalm 71: 1-6
1 Corinthians 13: 1-13
Luke 4: 21-30

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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