April's Book of the Month

For book group this month, please join me in exploring a few short stories by Karen Blixen, who primarily wrote using the nom de plume Isak Dinesen.  We’ll be considering her book Anecdotes of Destiny. I’d love to see what you think. Honestly, I’m curious to see what I think so many years after I first encountered Blixen’s work, and I can’t wait to hear other folks’ viewpoints as we discuss some fantastical, strange, and also dated stories.  That said, I can’t look away.

A Special Pastoral Word

Happy feet like to dance.  Happy hands applaud.  Happy faces wear happy smiles.  But everything over these past two challenging years has not been particularly happy.  A world-impacting pandemic has outfitted us with lead boots and handcuffs.   Even if we felt like smiling, few might notice while we cooperated, as was necessary, with the simple courtesy of wearing a mask during such a time of trial and testing.

Community Connections with Dr. Deborah Alexander (video)

At our first Community Connections meeting, we had an enlightening discussion with Dr. Deborah Alexander about her current work with Afghan refugees in our community.  Dr. Alexander is uniquely qualified from her own experience as one of the first civilians to enter Afghanistan after the September 11 attacks.  

Ukraine Support

Our hearts continue to turn to the needs and sufferings of the people from Ukraine. We often don’t know what to do beyond our shared sorrow and frequent prayers.  A recent conversation with my friend and Kentucky pastor, Roger Jasper offered me some consolation.  Some of you might recognize Roger's last name by way of his mother, Scarlette Jasper.  She is the person we have partnered with and supported through the excellent care and compassion she offers to the needs of Eastern Kentucky with Together for Hope.

Celebrating the Voices of Women During Lent

During this season of Lent, we hope you will join us for worship as we encounter familiar texts from women's perspectives.

At the end of the Summer in 2021, Hebrew Scholar Dr. Wilda Gafney offered the church a new lectionary for consideration. The “Woman’s Lectionary For The Whole Church” is a new resource she has developed for congregational use in addition to the Revised Common Lectionary that has been in use for over 70 years by mainline congregations.  Her new work invites churches to consider many of our familiar Biblical texts from the perspective of women.

A Prayer for Ukraine

While we watched with much of the world, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the Russian advancement on Ukraine, we are deeply saddened at the needless violence and loss of life. We join with people of faith around the world in prayer for peace in Ukraine.  This prayer from the Week of Compassion, the Disciples of Christ global relief ministry is a good place to begin when it's difficult to find words for such tragic and senseless events. 

How to Volunteer for Afghan Relief

Hear how a short story from Deborah Alexander inspires our calling to help be good neighbors.

New Song by Daniel Bailey

Daniel Bailey has written a new song responding to the journey of women in ministry. A long-time Central member now in Oklahoma, Daniel is currently studying at Baptist Seminary of Kentucky.

Tornado Disaster Relief Update

CBF Kentucky has raised over $70,000 to support relief efforts in Mayfield and Bremen. There's still plenty of time to help with these ongoing efforts to support those affected by this disaster.  Whether you'd like to offer financial support or even volunteer to assist with cleanup efforts, there are opportunities to help.