January 19 Letter from the First Christian Church of Louisville President

January 2021

Each week along with keeping you up-to-date on the search for the interim and permanent ministers for First Christian Church, we will also be bringing you an open letter from First Christian members. They’ll tell us why FCC is their church home. All of our members have great stories to share and I hope you enjoy their letters to the congregation.

I have an update about the interim minister search committee. Terry Minton has stepped down as the chair of that committee and Larry Olliges has stepped in. We are making great strides in interviewing the candidates and should have news for you on that soon.

Also, the search team for our permanent pastor is nearly set. Several people have graciously agreed to commit their time and talents toward finding an excellent pastor for First Christian.

We want everyone to have access to these communications. If you know someone who does not get the e-mails please have them sign up. If they prefer a letter sent to their home we can arrange that. Contact Gina.jennings@fcclouisville.org.

My contact info is mswan8@yahoo.com or call me at 502-644-4538.

Now, a letter from Rachel Platt and Gary Fogle:

WHY I ATTEND FCC

When I think of church, I think of connectedness, and how I want my church to connect me to my faith, my community, my congregation family, and certainly a connection to trying to make the world a better place by challenging me to be and do better.

I have found those connections with and through First Christian Church in every sense, with a home that makes me think and feel.

I am particularly proud of our role in the community, showing a servant’s heart with our ministry grants, making our mark literally around the globe to help others and in our backyard.

We became the first congregation to partner with Build-a-Bed, after seeing such a need with children who had no choice but to sleep on the floor.

Our continuing partnership has helped change lives.

We walk the walk, and I am so proud to walk alongside my church family as we continue to be called into service.

Rachel Platt

My husband now has his reflections on FCC.

I attend FCC because I feel a connection to the people and staff in this congregation. I also like the fact that you truly get the sense there’s no judgment of anyone. I know all churches are supposed to give that impression but I’ve never experienced a church as non-judgmental and welcoming as this one.

I also like the fact this church truly welcomes all walks of life. No one is excluded. Not because of race, background, sexual orientation, etc. One of the mottos of this church is that “All are Welcome” and it is truly practiced here.

Finally, there are a variety of projects available for members to get involved and give back to the community. I’ve taken part in some. In particular, “Forgotten Louisville” where supplies are taken to the homeless and, mostly, Build-a-Bed where church members actually build beds for children in Jefferson County Public Schools who don’t have a bed of their own.

This church has become an important part of my life and I hope to see it continue to grow.

Gary Fogle