THE NORTHERN KENTUCKY SEARCHER
"Search the scriptures: for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. " (John 5:39)

VOLUME 6, NUMBER 47, NOVEMBER 26,2006

JUST THINKING

            It is early Thanksgiving afternoon as I sit at the computer and write this article.  It has been quite a year since last Thanksgiving and while the congregation has certainly had its ups and downs, there really is just so much to be thankful for.  Just think of all the new brothers and sisters in Christ who have come to worship and work with us.  They are Alex and Emily Anderson; Kyle and Alisha Proctor; Scott and Sarah Rice back once again with Julia, Ellie, and Max; Matt and Loreli Privett rejoined us with Corey, Ian, and Andrew; Chad and Amy Scott with Caleb, Ryan, and Matthew; Todd and Karen Moore; Ben and Rachel Scott; Ian and Marta Fisher; Rachel Litmer; John and Judy McKay; Scott and Kellie Grogan, with Nathaniel and Serena; Sandy Hammond; Bob and Barbara Rice; Brent and Randi Mullaney.  If I have forgotten any one, please understand that it was just an oversight on my part.  Each and everyone is a welcome and beloved addition to the Northern Kentucky Church of Christ.

            Think of the new babies that have come to add their “baby amens” during services since last Thanksgiving.  Lily has arrived, Max is with us, Allyson made her appearance, and Serena has come. Even though they are not members at Northern, we all rejoiced with Darren and Mandi as little Carson Scott came along. As far as I know, there are two more little ones on the way for Scott and Kellie Grogan and for Rick and Debbie Curtis – one for each they hope.

            I think that we would all agree that the congregation has grown closer and even more loving since last Thanksgiving.  It is a wonderful thing and it makes me proud to be with brethren who have said “I will stand on God’s word, come what may.”  Even though they had to leave us for work, I received an email from Phil and Kim Kraft last week in which Phil stated that they had learned more in the one short year with us about how to be good faithful Christians than they had in the 20 years before.  What a compliment!  It is a joy to come to services, and so many brothers and sisters are saying so, that the atmosphere is wonderful and conducive to worship.  We are also blessed with a host of very good song leaders and that is not true in every congregation.

            We had the sadness of losing some brothers and sisters since last Thanksgiving.  Jasper passed away and we all miss his gentleness and kindness.  Sarah Rollins also left us, and even though she had been shut-in for such a long time, we miss her.  Also Bonnie went home in April and Vicky and I cannot express the void that her passing has left behind.  However, each one of them was a faithful Christian and their deaths represented a victory, not a defeat.  So we were able to say not “good-bye” forever, but “we’ll see you later.”

            We should all be thankful for the good work that the elders did in trying times since last Thanksgiving.  I often found myself praying for them spiritually, emotionally, and physically.  A congregation can only be as good as its leadership.  This is something that I know to be true.  We continue to be blessed with a good group of deacons who are willing to do whatever is asked of them.  It is often a work that goes unnoticed and under-appreciated.  God knows.

            At Northern Kentucky we have so many young people and young families and that is a tremendous blessing.  But you know what is an equal blessing?  All of the older saints who attend and are so faithful in their service and so wonderful in their example.  Always remember to be thankful for older brothers and sisters in Christ.  They are a treasure.

                                                            Greg Litmer

MEETING MUSINGS

            Since my meetings for the year are done and so are the meetings at Northern, I want to make just a few observations.  Didn’t Donnie Rader and Allen Dvorak both do wonderful jobs!  I personally think that they were two of the best meetings that we have had since I have been here.  The congregation here prepares for the meetings and does more than simply mail out invitations to the other churches in the area.  As a preacher who holds a number of meetings from time to time (a number that I am lowering on a yearly basis) I can tell you how much it is appreciated when you arrive to preach and it is obvious that the brethren have worked hard in anticipation.  It is also greatly appreciated that Vicky is now able to go with me.  During the years when the kids were at home she could not travel. Then she was working at a secular job and could not travel.  Now she can go with me and that is great.

            I have yet to find a congregation that has not, from time to time, experienced problems.  This year was no different. I was with a congregation that has had over the last year, and is still having, some very difficult situations.  I have known a lot of those brethren for close to thirty years and love them dearly.  The pain they were feeling was apparent, you could feel it.  The only thing a person, or a congregation, can do in difficult times is to cling to the Word of God with every ounce of energy and determination that they have.  Let’s remember to pray for other congregations as well as our own.

                                                            Greg Litmer