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First Light

FIRST LIGHT CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
Ministry of Racial Reconciliation

 

First Light Christian Fellowship was founded in February of 1996 by the Rev. Rufus Johnson and Betty E. Johnson, who shared a vision of a city-wide racial reconciliation experience in which people from churches throughout our community would join together to worship God and seek God's inspiration in overcoming racial conflict.

To share in our community's important reconciliation ministry, please contact Rufus and Betty at 319-377-9710 or EMAIL the webmaster. Many opportunities are available. Thanks for visiting our web site!

EXEMPLIFYING THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

First Light Christian Fellowship received notification of the following 2010 awards for community and statewide racial reconciliation efforts:

NAACP Community Service Award

Heritage Legacy Organization - State Heritage Legacy Award

And, in 2009 First Light Christian Fellowship received the following social justice access to healthcare state awards:

American Cancer Society - Health Promotions Award of Merit

Comprehensive Cancer Control - Karen Packer Spirit of Collaboration Award

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15: 4,5  
 

SIX POWERFUL ACTION STEPS to
BREAK DOWN RACIAL BARRIERS in YOUR CHURCH

 

1. Develop a friendship with someone of another race, with the intention of forming a friendship.

2. Encourage your pastor or congregational leaders to contact pastors of other races for pulpit exchanges.

3. Invite a church of another race to join your church in organizing an activity that focuses on relationship building. ( potlucks, plays, retreats, watching a movie).

4. Encourage fellowship with activities related to ethnic-cultural holidays (i.e. Kwanza celebration, Martin Luther King Jr. birthday)

5. Initiate a diverse community wide study circle program on race relations. Suggested material...Facing the Challenges of Racism and Race Relations. ...Study Circles Resource Center scrc@neca.com

6. Initiate special race reconciliation prayer meetings. 
 

ACCEPTING ONE ANOTHER

 

One of the reasons Christians don't experience the unity God intended is that they don't accept one another. Unfortunately, we have a tendency to reject, despise, or refuse fellowship to those who are different or don't measure up to our standards.

We've accepted many of the world's prejudices, prejudging others based on stereotypes rather than facts and personal knowledge.

Take time to read and meditate the following scripture:
"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God" Romans 15:7

Please answer the following short quiz:

A. Do have difficulty accepting others in a different social class, race, ethnicity, or culture as your brothers/sisters in Christ, if you do, why do you think that's so?

B. According to the above scripture, How are we to accept one another?

C. What is the opposite of accepting others?

Please feel free to SHARE YOUR ANSWERS with us as well as your special need for prayer.  
 

First Light Values

 

There is one race -- the human race

Racism is contrary to God's will

The Church is commanded and empowered to overcome racism with God's love

As Christians, we are called to carry on the ministry of reconciliation, respecting the dignity of every human being

Institutions and policies that cause oppression must be confronted by the power of god's love.

First Light Ministry Opportunities

Worship Services

Education/Awareness Events

Youth Participation

Annual Picnic and Socials

Community Outreach Projects

Guidelines for Hosting
a First Light Worship Service

Because First Light Christian Fellowship is an interdenominational ministry of racial reconciliation, our worship services express the love of God and its reflection in our love for ALL of God's children. Hosting a worship service is a wonderful opportunity for fellowship with other Christians as we strive together to break down racial and denonminational barriers by sharing the love of Christ.

First Light is available to meet with you and assist in planning any element of the fellowship time and service. 
 
 

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News
Read the new article, "Accepting One Another" in the center section and then click on SHARE YOUR ANSWERS and let us know your thoughts.  
 
First Light Christian Fellowship T-Shirts
are still available in various sizes and colors.
Email us at firstlight@mchsi.com
for more information. 
 
We are currently working on our 2010 schedule of events and services and will post it as soon as possible. Please check back. Thank you. 
 
 
 
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