Capitol Hill Christian Church Staff

Congregational Staff
Rev. Craig Robertson, Pastor

Rev. Craig Robertson
Pastor

Stephanie Collins
Secretary

Jessica Hove
Child Care

Deb Carpenter
Custodian

Something to think about . . .

The Message interprets Ephesians 3:20-21 this way: “God can do anything; you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.”

Now that we have started the Lenten Season, it is time to ask ourselves, what can I do to grow my faith and relationship with God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit and each other?

Yes, Lent is a time to listen more to God, Jesus and The Holy Spirit to grow our faith. But how do we grow our faith and spiritual relationships? Ephesians reminds us not to be afraid to use our spiritual imaginations, but God is greater than we can imagine. So don’t be afraid to use our spiritual imagination. If this is true, can we imagine what God can do for us and through us this Lenten season? Are we willing to let God work through us in new and different ways?

Nicodemus blocked his spiritual imagination with his narrow-minded thinking about how God works in the world through Jesus. Jesus was doing things that showed God was working through him on earth. But he could not imagine or see that when he came to see Jesus at night.

We are no different than Nicodemus. We don’t want to use our spiritual imagination because, like Nicodemus, we don’t like to change.

Peter could not use his imagination in Acts 10:9-19 and 34-35: “The next day, as they were on their way and coming near Joppa, Peter went up on the roof of the house about noon in order to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat; while the food was being prepared, he had a vision. He saw heaven opened and something coming down that looked like a large sheet being lowered by its four corners to the earth. In it were all kinds of animals, reptiles, and wild birds. A voice said to him, 'Get up, Peter; kill and eat!” But Peter said, 'Certainly not, Lord! I have never eaten anything ritually unclean or defiled.” The voice spoke to him again, 'Do not consider anything unclean that God has declared clean.” This happened three times, and then the thing was taken back up into heaven.

While Peter was wondering about the meaning of this vision, the men sent by Cornelius had learned where Simon's house was, and they were now standing in front of the gate. They called out and asked, 'Is there a guest here by the name of Simon Peter?” Peter was still trying to understand what the vision meant, when the Spirit said, 'Listen! Three men are here looking for you . . .

. . . Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize that it is true that God treats everyone on the same basis. Those who fear him and do what is right are acceptable to him, no matter what race they belong to.’ "

Peter finally started to use and understand his spiritual imagination and brought the Good News to Gentiles and got the church to be open to the ministry of Paul to the Gentile. God gave Peter a new ministry and worked through Peter.

Can you imagine what God can do differently with and through you? Can we as a congregation use our imagination to see how God can do something new through us this season of Lent?

May we be open to use our spiritual imagination this Lenten season and do something new with God. May we share God’s love, hope and joy in new and different ways this Lenten Season.

Something to think about and do something about!

Love you,

Rev. Craig

Phineas Pope
Pianist

Sheryl Miller
Parish Nurse

Disciples of Christ History

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) began in the early 1800s in the United States. Seeking to move beyond denominational disagreements, the founders envisioned a united church modeled on the New Testament.
Disciple congregations today share these characteristics:
  * Each congregation is self-governing and calls its own pastor.
  * Worship services may be formal or informal, and include lay women and men in leadership.
  * Open discussion of issues is encouraged. Diversity of opinion is common.
  * We are growing in racial and ethnic diversity.

Disciples affirm that Jesus Christ is the son of the Living God, and offers saving grace to all. Disciples also believe that all persons are children of God.

Disciples practices and beliefs include:
Open Communion - The Lord's Supper, or Communion, is celebrated in weekly worship. It is open to all who believe in Jesus Christ.

Freedom of Belief - Disciples are called together around one essential of faith: belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Persons are free to follow their consciences guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit, study and prayer, and are expected to extend that freedom to others.

Baptism by Immersion - In baptism the old self-centered life is set aside, and a new life of trust in God begins. Although Disciples practice baptism by immersion, other baptism traditions are honored.

Belief in the Oneness of the Church - All Christians are called to be one in Christ and to seek opportunities for common witness and service.

The Ministry of Believers - Both ministers and lay persons lead in worship, service, and spiritual growth.

The symbol of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a red chalice, emblazoned with a white St. Andrew's cross. The chalice symbolizes the central place of communion in worship. The X-shaped cross of the disciple Andrew is a reminder of the ministry of each person and the importance of evangelism.

Spreading GOD’s
Love…
Hope…
Joy…
with YOU!

Capitol Hill Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) * 3322 E. 25th Street * Des Moines, IA 50317