Capitol Hill Christian Church Staff

Congregational Staff
Rev. Craig Robertson, Pastor

Rev. Craig Robertson
Pastor

Kristy Urie
Secretary

Jessica Hove
Child Care

Something to think about . . .

Sometimes we must remember that we don’t have to reinvent the wheel to get our message across. Rose Taylor has said this better than I did, and I want to share it with all of you.

https://www.ministrymatters.com/all/entry/9957/thanksgiving-dont-forget-the-giving

THANKSGIVING: DON'T FORGET THE GIVING!

We are told by Paul in his letter to the Hebrews: Hebrews 13:16: “Do not forget to do good and to help one another, because these are the sacrifices that please God.”

Paul also tells us in his letter to the church in Corinth: “And God, who supplies seed for the sower and bread to eat, will also supply you with all the seed you need and will make it grow and produce a rich harvest from your generosity. He will always make you rich enough to be generous at all times, so that many will thank God for your gifts which they receive from us. For this service you perform not only meets the needs of God's people, but also produces an outpouring of gratitude to God. And because of the proof which this service of yours brings, many will give glory to God for your loyalty to the gospel of Christ, which you profess, and for your generosity in sharing with them and everyone else. And so with deep affection they will pray for you because of the extraordinary grace God has shown you. Let us thank God for his priceless gift (2 Corinthians 9:10-15)!

Thanksgiving seems to be the middle-child holiday that becomes more and more overshadowed by its siblings, Halloween and Christmas. After all, Thanksgiving does not have the pageantry of Halloween, with its costumes, parties, and candy. Neither does it have the glitz, glamour, hustle and bustle of Christmas, with colorful lights, frenzied shopping, and expensive gifts. However, many people claim Thanksgiving as their favorite holiday

Perhaps Thanksgiving is a more peaceful time after the chaos of Halloween and before the overwhelming rush toward Christmas. Families gather during other holidays, but Thanksgiving tends to lead our thoughts to family scenes of eating together from a bountiful, beautifully decorated table and of relaxing together while enjoying a football game. Unfortunately, those visions of peaceful fellowship have been a bit tarnished recently by the specter of Black Friday events that begin on Thanksgiving Day. However, Thanksgiving seems to be the holiday when the road leads to home.

As we enjoy the abundant blessings of family, food and security, we should be mindful of another road many travel that leads to poverty, homelessness, fractured families, abuse, hunger and despair. Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday to gather to celebrate the blessings God has given to us, but the spirit of the holiday should call us to action throughout the year. Our Thanksgiving must become Thanks Living. The giving and living part of our thankfulness to God is found in compassionately serving those on the beaten path. Hebrews 13:16 urges, “Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have because God is pleased with these kinds of sacrifices.

Sometimes, we become so focused on thanking God for being the recipients of God’s blessings (and we should) that we forget the giving aspect of Thanksgiving. God has blessed us so that we may multiply God’s blessings by our giving of blessings to others.

Something to think about and do . . .

Love You All and Happy Thanksgiving,

Rev. Craig

Sheryl Miller
Parish Nurse

Deb Carpenter
Custodian

Tom Hubbell
Pianist

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