A Minister’s Perspective
By Rev. Dr. Isaac “Ike” Nicholson
Senior Minister
 
Study after study confirms that the most Influential people in a teen’s life is his or her parents. Anthropologists have summarized that the basic building blocks of every civilization are family, tribe and village. In simple terms, the most important relationships for a healthy civilization are a strong I immediate family, a supportive extended family or social network (i.e., church, sports teams, any social unit that consistently spends time together), and a healthy
neighborhood. Dr. Kenneth Harl of Tulane University has written on the expansion of many ancient empires. He suggests that all great empires rise and fall on their attention to these three building blocks. He also argues that the three are built in succession. That is, a strong neighborhood without strong families is not able to stand. In his description of how most civilizations fail, he suggests that they get too big to remember the basics. As our social
networks grow, we are able to advance in areas of science, technology, art and literature. If families were forced to live in
isolation, they would spend all their time hunting and gathering. When they rely on their extended family or tribe, they can then begin to expand into farming and developing tools to make life easier and work more efficient. The added help from more people allows for more time to devote to issues other than survival. When tribes agree to form around villages and neighborhoods, even more time is available to pursue art and literature. While some hunt and gather, others build and paint. The hunter/gatherers, share with the builders/painters/writers while the builders/painters/writers facilitate a better quality of life. Eventually, all villages continue to expand and become what Professor Harl calls the city-state. At this point, relationships are subject to legislative and legal definitions and are no longer mutually agreed upon by the participants. Of course, this allows for more efficiency, but our social identification becomes more and more individualized and less familial. The “state” eventually focuses on the individual while the mutuality and importance of the family unit diminishes.  Professor Harl and others make the point that mutuality and interdependence are important ingredients in the success of a civilization. He also suggests that throughout
history, we have seen that the necessary balance of self and other, independence and interdependence, have been best taught within the family structure.

Some say that holidays like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are just “Hallmark Holidays” that are better suited for selling cards and helping local restaurants. Ask any mother what she most wants for Mother’s Day. The majority will tell you that they just want their family together. They want you to visit, to call, and to bring the grandkids by the house. They want families to stay connected and united. It may be the Holy Spirit speaking through our beloved mothers or it may be a gene that was put into us when God created us - a string of DNA that says that our success, health and
happiness is determined by keeping our family close. Research suggests the same. Anthropological historians have written books on the subject. Even our own Scriptures speak to this aspect of our lives. “Children, you belong to the Lord, and you do the right thing when you obey your parents. The first commandment with a promise says, ‘Obey your father and your mother, and you will have a long and happy life.’ Parents, don’t be hard on your children. Raise them properly. Teach them and instruct them about the Lord,” (Ephesians 6:1-4).

You might be thinking, “Well preacher, what about that story in Matthew 12:46-50 where Jesus says, that anyone who does the will of God is Jesus’ mother and brother?” That’s a powerful story. It further emphasizes the importance of family, doesn’t it? My answer to you? Go, ask your mother, see what she says and then we can talk about it. Our mothers are an amazing fount of wisdom. From all of us, everyone who has a mother, to our mothers, Happy Mother’s Day!

Welcome New Member
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) joyously welcomes new member Benita Heath. She was received Sunday, May 7, 2017. If you would like to send her a personal note of welcome, her address is 1800 Ashland Ave, Ashland, Kentucky 41101.
 

  DWM Book Club
The DWM  Book Club is reading The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommended by Katarina Bivald. We will discuss the book on Thursday, June 29 at 7p.m. Join us!

Cane Ridge Day
The annual Cane Ridge Day is June 24, 2017, beginning at 10 a.m. with morning speaker James Trader and special music by David L. Edwards. Lunch on the grounds is noon – 1 p.m., with the
afternoon program to follow, featured speaker Mel Hankla.
For more information, call (859) 987-5350 or email
curatorcaneridge.org

 Youth News

• Christian Youth Fellowship (grades 9—12) will meet this
  Sunday, May 14 from 5—6 p.m. for a full rehearsal of Youth Sunday.
  
• Youth Sunday is May 21. There will be a rehearsal Saturday, May 20 at 7p.m. at the church after which we will enjoy ice cream sundaes. Youth need to be at the church on Sunday, May 21 at 8:30 a.m. for a final rehearsal and breakfast.
  
• High school students (incoming grade 9 – completed 12) are invited to join Rev. Ike, Amy and an Elder each Tuesday beginning May 23 for Summer Lunches. Please be at church by 11:45 a.m. and bring lunch money. Destination will be determined by the group upon arrival.