Newsletter
Minister's Message:
Though it seems to me Christmas has been celebrated longer and with more enthusiasm this year than in past years, truth is, the actual date of Christmas is still several days away. Don’t misunderstand, I love the lights, the music, the special events that surround this wondrous season and lead up to Christmas day. Maybe, as the old song title says, “We Need a Little Christmas.”
Cindy and I provided entertainment for a corporate volunteer Christmas celebration a few weeks ago and we started with that song. I remember Johnny Mathis singing the popular version, but did not know until we began preparing for our event that the song actually came from the Broadway musical, “Mame.” I also never really paid that much attention to the text, but found it interesting when compared with some of the other popular tunes of the season. The second chorus goes, “For I’ve grown a little leaner, grown a little colder, grown a little sadder, grown a little older, and I need a little angel sitting on my shoulder, need a little Christmas now.”
Maybe that’s it. Maybe the challenges of this past year have hit some of us a little harder than at other times. Maybe we feel uncertain about what is to come, overwhelmed by all the possibilities. Perhaps we need that angel on our shoulder, whispering in our ear, “Don’t be afraid, for I bring you tidings of great joy for all people…a Savior has been born to you; Messiah, Christ, the Lord.”
Indeed, we need a little Christmas now. Actually, we need a lot of Christmas, always.
So, with that angel on your shoulder calling you to courage, remember also the response of the shepherds as they left that amazing nativity scene, “glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen…”
Yes, we need a little Christmas, now! Jim
******************************************************
YOUTH NEWS
Wednesday, December 18th: Jr. Chi Rho will meet from 4:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
******************************************************
Worship Service Recordings
Did you know that our worship services are available on multiple platforms, for you to listen to anytime? We have audio recordings, video recordings, and we broadcast over WCYN each Sunday morning. These recordings are accessible on your computer, smartphone, tablet, or other device connected to the internet. These resources are a great way to pass the time while traveling. Go to the church web site and click on Service Recordings ( Link ) to access the following:
********************************************************
CANDLIGHT COMMUNION SERVICE
The Cynthiana Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) cordially invites the community to their Candlelight Communion Service that be held at 11:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 24th, 2024. This year, the 30 plus year traditional service will be preceded by special music by the Bel-Lairs handbell choir. These quiet and worshipful services will emphasize with their devotional nature and candlelight, the meaningful peace of the Christmas season, as well as share the love to be found at the Lord’s Table for all believers in the Christ Child.
Special music will be provided by the church’s choir under the direction of Pam Henson. Conducted by Rev. Dr. Jim Abernathy the services are gifts of love to Cynthiana and Harrison County given by the Cynthiana Christian Church, “A People Who Care.” May all who come be blessed in the quietness of the historic sanctuary, decorated and lighted with Christmas hope, love, peace, and joy.
**********************************************************
OFFICIAL BOARD AND CABINET MEETING
There will be no Church Cabinet or Official Board meeting in January.
********************************************************
OUR CHURCH FAMILY
----Victor Colvin is recuperating from a broken wrist in a fall. His address is 3963 Cynthiana Rd, Georgetown, KY 40324….Wes Foster, son of Sharon Ratcliff was admitted to UK Hospital for tests and observation, his address is 113 Eastland Estates….Jane Stritesky is recuperating from a fall, her address is 117 Smith Martin Lane…Kenny Ross continues to recuperate from treatment, his address is 3523 US Hwy 62 E…Michael Partin is having ankle surgery at HMH Wednesday, December 18th, his address is 5199 US Hwy 62 W.
********************************************************
NOTES OF APPRECIATION
The Backyard Ministries Committee would like to thank everyone for their support of the Bake Sale/Craft Sale. Over $ 2,000 was raised to help those in “Our Own Backyard.”
“Thank you for calls and cards that I have received. I appreciate them very much and all the lunches have been so delicious. My church family is the best.” Bonnie Whalen
Carol McDanell would like to thank everyone for the cards, calls and prayers following her fall.
********************************************************
PLEASE NOTE: THOSE SCHEDULED TO SERVE THE MONTH OF JANUARY:
Elders serving at the table: Mary Bell, Wayne Conner
Helping Elders: Debbie Kendall
Correspondence Elder: Charlie Brunker
Diaconate: JD Ashbrook, Mary Todd Ashbrook, John Lair, Lindsey Florence, Seth Florence, Jennifer Renaker, Debbie Spicer, Ronnie Spicer
********************************************************
CHRISTMAS OFFERING
Sunday, December 22nd we will receive our Christmas offering that supports regional ministries. In 31 regions across the United States and Canada, ministers are nurtured and congregations are provided opportunities for work and worship. Often recognized for the ministries of camps and conferences, regions also play a critical role in the preparation and authorization of ministerial ordination. Both are key to church leadership and development. Regions partner with congregations to support the work required to call a new minister. Please make checks payable to Cynthiana Christian Church marked Christmas offering.
******************************************************
Please note: The church office will be closed Wednesday, December 25th and Thursday, December 26th.
*******************************************************
DECEMBER BIRTHDAY CALENDAR
Dec. 21st: Carl Nunnelley
Dec. 22nd: Cindy Moore
Dec. 23rd: Lisa Duckworth, Danny Price
Dec. 24th: Peggy Lair, Joe Thomas, Luanne Wilson
Dec. 25th: Deanna Lunsford
Dec. 27th: Jeremy Beagle
Dec. 28th: Jaxon Woodrum, Paul Foster, Kristin Marsh, ♥M/M Ishmael Hopkins,
♥M/M Robbie VanHook
Dec. 29th: Hayden Lunsford, Carole Harris
Dec. 31st: Ruthie Antle, ♥M/M Peachie Herrington
JANUARY BIRTHDAY
CALENDAR
(Jan. 1st – 8th)
Jan. 1st: Ardyth Whitson, ♥M/M Larry Carey
Jan. 2nd: Jane Hayes
Jan. 3rd: Carol McDanell, Jenna Nunnelley Wells
Jan. 5th: Robbie Stroub
Jan. 6th: Shirley McKee
Jan. 7th: Jane Stritesky, Donna Williams
Jan. 8th ♥M/M Jacque
Brown
Though it seems to me Christmas has been celebrated longer and with more enthusiasm this year than in past years, truth is, the actual date of Christmas is still several days away. Don’t misunderstand, I love the lights, the music, the special events that surround this wondrous season and lead up to Christmas day. Maybe, as the old song title says, “We Need a Little Christmas.”
Cindy and I provided entertainment for a corporate volunteer Christmas celebration a few weeks ago and we started with that song. I remember Johnny Mathis singing the popular version, but did not know until we began preparing for our event that the song actually came from the Broadway musical, “Mame.” I also never really paid that much attention to the text, but found it interesting when compared with some of the other popular tunes of the season. The second chorus goes, “For I’ve grown a little leaner, grown a little colder, grown a little sadder, grown a little older, and I need a little angel sitting on my shoulder, need a little Christmas now.”
Maybe that’s it. Maybe the challenges of this past year have hit some of us a little harder than at other times. Maybe we feel uncertain about what is to come, overwhelmed by all the possibilities. Perhaps we need that angel on our shoulder, whispering in our ear, “Don’t be afraid, for I bring you tidings of great joy for all people…a Savior has been born to you; Messiah, Christ, the Lord.”
Indeed, we need a little Christmas now. Actually, we need a lot of Christmas, always.
So, with that angel on your shoulder calling you to courage, remember also the response of the shepherds as they left that amazing nativity scene, “glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen…”
Yes, we need a little Christmas, now! Jim
******************************************************
YOUTH NEWS
Wednesday, December 18th: Jr. Chi Rho will meet from 4:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
******************************************************
Worship Service Recordings
Did you know that our worship services are available on multiple platforms, for you to listen to anytime? We have audio recordings, video recordings, and we broadcast over WCYN each Sunday morning. These recordings are accessible on your computer, smartphone, tablet, or other device connected to the internet. These resources are a great way to pass the time while traveling. Go to the church web site and click on Service Recordings ( Link ) to access the following:
- An audio recording of each week's worship service
- An audio recording of an edited version (30 minutes) of the worship service that is broadcast on WCYN the following Sunday
- A link to the corresponding YouTube video of the worship service
- A link to the WCYN web site, where you can listen live to the worship service if you are out of range to receive their radio signals Sundays at 9:30 AM
- A link to our YouTube Subscription Channel, where you can browse to find other previous service recordings
********************************************************
CANDLIGHT COMMUNION SERVICE
The Cynthiana Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) cordially invites the community to their Candlelight Communion Service that be held at 11:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 24th, 2024. This year, the 30 plus year traditional service will be preceded by special music by the Bel-Lairs handbell choir. These quiet and worshipful services will emphasize with their devotional nature and candlelight, the meaningful peace of the Christmas season, as well as share the love to be found at the Lord’s Table for all believers in the Christ Child.
Special music will be provided by the church’s choir under the direction of Pam Henson. Conducted by Rev. Dr. Jim Abernathy the services are gifts of love to Cynthiana and Harrison County given by the Cynthiana Christian Church, “A People Who Care.” May all who come be blessed in the quietness of the historic sanctuary, decorated and lighted with Christmas hope, love, peace, and joy.
**********************************************************
OFFICIAL BOARD AND CABINET MEETING
There will be no Church Cabinet or Official Board meeting in January.
********************************************************
OUR CHURCH FAMILY
----Victor Colvin is recuperating from a broken wrist in a fall. His address is 3963 Cynthiana Rd, Georgetown, KY 40324….Wes Foster, son of Sharon Ratcliff was admitted to UK Hospital for tests and observation, his address is 113 Eastland Estates….Jane Stritesky is recuperating from a fall, her address is 117 Smith Martin Lane…Kenny Ross continues to recuperate from treatment, his address is 3523 US Hwy 62 E…Michael Partin is having ankle surgery at HMH Wednesday, December 18th, his address is 5199 US Hwy 62 W.
********************************************************
NOTES OF APPRECIATION
The Backyard Ministries Committee would like to thank everyone for their support of the Bake Sale/Craft Sale. Over $ 2,000 was raised to help those in “Our Own Backyard.”
“Thank you for calls and cards that I have received. I appreciate them very much and all the lunches have been so delicious. My church family is the best.” Bonnie Whalen
Carol McDanell would like to thank everyone for the cards, calls and prayers following her fall.
********************************************************
PLEASE NOTE: THOSE SCHEDULED TO SERVE THE MONTH OF JANUARY:
Elders serving at the table: Mary Bell, Wayne Conner
Helping Elders: Debbie Kendall
Correspondence Elder: Charlie Brunker
Diaconate: JD Ashbrook, Mary Todd Ashbrook, John Lair, Lindsey Florence, Seth Florence, Jennifer Renaker, Debbie Spicer, Ronnie Spicer
********************************************************
CHRISTMAS OFFERING
Sunday, December 22nd we will receive our Christmas offering that supports regional ministries. In 31 regions across the United States and Canada, ministers are nurtured and congregations are provided opportunities for work and worship. Often recognized for the ministries of camps and conferences, regions also play a critical role in the preparation and authorization of ministerial ordination. Both are key to church leadership and development. Regions partner with congregations to support the work required to call a new minister. Please make checks payable to Cynthiana Christian Church marked Christmas offering.
******************************************************
Please note: The church office will be closed Wednesday, December 25th and Thursday, December 26th.
*******************************************************
DECEMBER BIRTHDAY CALENDAR
Dec. 21st: Carl Nunnelley
Dec. 22nd: Cindy Moore
Dec. 23rd: Lisa Duckworth, Danny Price
Dec. 24th: Peggy Lair, Joe Thomas, Luanne Wilson
Dec. 25th: Deanna Lunsford
Dec. 27th: Jeremy Beagle
Dec. 28th: Jaxon Woodrum, Paul Foster, Kristin Marsh, ♥M/M Ishmael Hopkins,
♥M/M Robbie VanHook
Dec. 29th: Hayden Lunsford, Carole Harris
Dec. 31st: Ruthie Antle, ♥M/M Peachie Herrington
JANUARY BIRTHDAY
CALENDAR
(Jan. 1st – 8th)
Jan. 1st: Ardyth Whitson, ♥M/M Larry Carey
Jan. 2nd: Jane Hayes
Jan. 3rd: Carol McDanell, Jenna Nunnelley Wells
Jan. 5th: Robbie Stroub
Jan. 6th: Shirley McKee
Jan. 7th: Jane Stritesky, Donna Williams
Jan. 8th ♥M/M Jacque
Brown