Get ready for Vacation Bible School (June 24-28)

It is not too early to start thinking about Vacation Bible School which will be held June 24-26.

This ecumenical program is organized by First Christian Church, First Presbyterian Church, United Methodist Church and Trinity Presbytertian Church.

The summer program is Sky - Everything is Possible with God. Children will learn more about God's love through hands-on Bible adventure, songs, games, crafts and more. The program is open for children ages 3 to eighth grade.

High school youth and adults are needed.

The five-night program starts each evening at 5 pm with a light dinner. The program will be from 6 to 8 pm.

Activities will be held at Westminister Hall, 417 W. Lexington and First Christian Church.

The communty is welcome.

Raymond Hankins graduates from seminary

Congratulations to Raymond Hankins upon his graduation from St. Paul School of Theology with a masters of divinity degree.

Raymond Hankins: St. Paul Theology graduateRaymond went to seminary at a later career student and been able serving our congregation as part of our ministry staff while a student.

This is the first of two big events this month.

Raymond will be ordained Sunday, May 27^th at 3 pm at Raymore Christian Church. 

First Christian Church is co-hosting this event and you are all invited to the celebration which will include a reception after the special service. 

Raymond has been a blessing to this congregation for quite some time and in many ways.

If you would like to support Raymond’s gift and celebration, bring your contribution to the church office or put them in the offering tray (labeled for his ordination).

Church calls new Senior Minister to serve

Rev. Linda Miller is the new senior minister at First Christian Church of Independence.

The call was approved April 29 at a special congregational meeting and accepted by Rev. Miller. She officially starts July 1.

Rev. Linda MillerRev. Linda Miller currently serves as Senior Pastor of Chalice Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Gilbert, Arizona. 

During Chalice’s formation she served as Associate Pastor of the founding congregation, Community Christian Church in nearby Tempe, Arizona, and was instrumental in designing the new congregation’s organizational structure. 

As Chalice separated from Community and prepared to become a chartered congregation of the Christian Church (DOC) they called her to be their first pastor. 

During this time Rev. Miller was actively involved in New Church Development on the Regional and General church levels, as Chair of the New Church Team in the Arizona Region and as a Coach for three other new church planters through the New Church Ministries of Church Extension.

Rev. Miller worked with Arizona Ecumenical Council’s Earth Care Commission from 1998 to 2007.  She served on Arizona’s New Church Team from 1997 to 2007, serving as Chair from 2003 till 2007. 

She has served on Arizona’s Mission Focus Team from 2008 to the present; Regional Staff Relations Team from 2006 to the present; and the Regional Assembly worship team in 2010.  She currently serves as Regional Moderator, her term beginning in 2010 and concluding in 2012. Concurrently she represents the Arizona Region on the General Board of the Christian Church (DOC).

Having completed a Transforming Congregations Summit with the Western Regions and General Church representatives from Disciples Home Missions, Higher Education and Leadership Ministries, and Church Extension in October 2010, she now serves on Arizona’s Regional Congregational Vitality and Transformation Team.

In 1970 Rev. Miller completed her undergraduate studies at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri with a BA in Sociology. After completing her college degree she spent the next several years as a homemaker and mother of two daughters. 

Following their graduations from high school she relocated to Phoenix, Arizona and began her seminary studies at Claremont School of Theology in Claremont, California. She graduated in 2002 with a Master of Divinity degree, and was ordained in November of 2002 by Community Christian Church and Chalice Christian Church where she still serves. 

Miller grew up on a farm near Carrollton, Mo. and has family in the area.

The congregation thanks the Search Committee for its considerable efforts.

Miller becomes the 21st minister to serve the congregation which was founded in 1835.

Stepping Forward in Faith projects resume

With the beautiful spring weather we are finally able to resume work on one of the major projects in last year's Stepping Forward in Faith effort.

Construction work on Kansas Street sidewalk

WorThe new sidewalkkers are replacing the sidewalk on the Kansas Street side of the building.

This will improve access to our lower levels including the Fellowship Hall and Tabitha's Closet.

The grade will not be as steep and there will be other improvements made in the process.

The work is being done by Downey Construction which did the front entrance steps last year.

While this project is funded, additional contributions to Stepping Forward in Faith are welcome and would be greatly appreciated.

This projects have been important in addressing needed repairs and improvements in the church. In addition to the sidewalks, work was done on our roof.

Other recent projects that have been completed include repair of the ceiling near the church parlor.

Church sends youth to camp

Twelve children and youth will attend summer camp sessions at Tall Oaks in Linwood, Ks. with support from the church.

The regional camp and conference center has programs for children and youth of all ages including a grandparents camp.

The church helps youth attend the camp believing it is an important personal and religious experience.