Worship attendance, Prayer, Bible Study, and Service Good for Our Health

The focus of the recent National Christian Counseling Conference which I attended last Thursday-Saturday in Arlington, TX was Neuroscience, Brain Health, Attachment, and Human Flourishing. One of my heroes of the brain science field, Daniel Amen M.D. author of Healthy Brain Healthy Life and Healing the Hardware of the Soul was a Keynoter. I attended one of his medical continuing education workshops in 2003 and I have been a fan ever since.

He bridges neuroscience and faith, noting that the brain's ability to rewire itself (neuroplasticity) mirrors biblical principles like the renewal of the mind (Romans 12:2). He teaches Spiritual Fitness as Brain Health: Practices like prayer, and active community involvement (such as attending church) release beneficial neurotransmitters, calm stress, improve prefrontal cortex function, and build emotional resilience.

Researchers at Duke have documented that people who attend religious services regularly get better faster when they're sick. They have lower rates of mental health issues. It's not just the community, though that helps. It's the belief itself. Believing you're here for a purpose, that your body is sacred, that you're wonderfully made. Those beliefs create actual neurotransmitter benefits in your brain.

I also attended a wonderful workshop presented by Duke University Medical School professor, Dr. Harold Koenig, where he offered empirical evidence on the positive relationship between religion, spirituality, and health, drawing from major findings presented in the third edition of the Handbook of Religion and Health. Most studies report significant associations between religious or spiritual involvement and multiple health domains, including mental health, social functioning, health behaviors, longevity, and physical health.

Findings indicate that religious and spiritual engagement is commonly associated with greater positive affect, lower rates of emotional disorders, stronger social support, healthier lifestyles, increased participation in preventive health behaviors, and improved treatment adherence. Positive Associations with physical health outcomes and longevity were presented.

Of course, as believers in the Truth of the Gospel, we know that following Jesus, studying Scripture and being in the fellowship of the Church results in Life and Life Eternal. However, it is fun to have your beliefs supported by science. See you Sunday or Thursday!

In His Service, Pastor William Mitchell

Bring a friend because Church is the Intentional Community of Christ

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24–25)

In an increasingly isolated world, it is easy to treat faith as a solo journey. We stream sermons from our couches, listen to worship music on our commutes, and pray in the quiet of our own hearts. While these personal habits are vital, the writer of Hebrews reminds us of a profound truth: Christianity was never meant to be a solitary pursuit. You cannot fully walk out the Christian life alone. Spiritual isolation is a danger for us.

The text in Hebrews uses a fascinating phrase: "let us consider." This means community requires active, deliberate mental effort. We are called to study the people around us—not to judge them, but to know them so well that we know exactly how to "stir them up" toward love and good actions. The word "stir" implies friction and energy; it means provoking someone to be their best self in Christ.

But this spiritual sparks-flying connection can't happen if we aren't in the room. The warning against "neglecting to meet together" is not about checking a religious attendance box. It is a protective warning. When we isolate ourselves, our faith grows cold, our perspective narrows, and we become vulnerable to discouragement.

Every time you gather with other believers, whether in a church pew, around a living room coffee table, or in a purposeful group chat—you are participating in a divine rescue mission. Your presence is someone else's encouragement. Your words are the fuel someone else needs to keep running their race. As the world grows more chaotic, we need each other more, not less.

On October 25th we are Inviting You to Bring a Friend that Sunday for Worship and a Lunch.

We can run ads, but some endeavors are by their nature very personal, and nothing can replace a personal invitation from a friend to attend worship and a meal. On a special day, like Bring a Friend Sunday, people understand that we are extending our hospitality to the friends of our friends.

The Lord can use us to touch the lives of our friends, their family, friends and connections.

I am proud of all of you and what God is doing in our church in the Atchison Community.

October 25 is Bring a Friend Sunday! This could be your opportunity to share the blessing of the Lord with those that are a part of your circle.

In His Service, Pastor William Mitchell

Come — Invite, Worship, Fellowship

As summer winds down, we don’t just look forward to cooler weather—we look forward to the joy of being together again in church!

Fall is a wonderful time to invite old friends you haven’t seen in a while, who may have drifted away, as well as to welcome new friends who may have been thinking, “I want to connect somewhere spiritually.”

Worship is more than a service—it’s a place, a community, where hearts are encouraged, faith is strengthened, and people are reminded they belong.

And Christian fellowship is where faith becomes real in everyday relationships.

This fall, let’s take seriously the instruction from Scripture: “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25, RSV)

That means we don’t simply attend—we encourage. We don’t just sit through—we welcome. We don’t only grow personally—we help others grow by making room at the communion table and in the church seats.

Invitation is an act of love!

Whether someone is returning after time away or walking in for the first time, an invitation can be the difference between staying on the outside and stepping into belonging.

This fall, consider inviting:

• a neighbor you’ve chatted with but never brought to church
• a friend who used to worship with you
• a family member who’s been curious
• a co-worker who is new
• someone who seems alone and might need community

At First Christian Church, you’ll find worship that centers on God’s presence, and fellowship that helps people feel known.

Come for worship—then stay connected by attending Bible Study on Wednesday at 6 pm or Sunday School at 10:40 AM on Sunday.

Whether you’re bringing someone who’s familiar with church or introducing someone completely new, your presence and your kindness matter.

A simple challenge for this season

This fall, choose one person to invite—and do it with prayer and joy. You can say something as simple as:

“I’d really love for you to come worship with me this Sunday.”
“We’d be glad to see you—come join us.”
“There’s always a place for you at First Christian Church.”

Let’s help one another keep meeting, keep encouraging, and keep inviting—especially as the days move forward.

We can’t wait to worship and fellowship with you this fall at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Atchison, KS.

In Christ’s Service,
Pastor William Mitchell, M.Div.

August 2026

How God Uses Our Suffering

Esther 4:14 · Genesis 50:20

Life can feel unfair—especially when what we’re walking through costs us something.

But Scripture shows that God can use difficulties to shape people, protect others, and bring purpose out of pain. Esther and Joseph show us what it means to ask God for direction in hard seasons, then serve through sacrifice and painful relationships.

Esther lived with pressure, risk, and real consequences. Her cousin Mordecai told her something bold: “Who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)

Esther didn’t get a “safe” moment. She faced a time where following God could cost her status and maybe even her life. The sacrifice in Esther’s story isn’t just bravery—it’s relational.

Esther’s difficult decision wasn’t random. It was connected to God placing her in the right moment.

Esther’s question for us: In the middle of hard relationships and difficult seasons, are you still asking God, “What do You want me to do next?”

Joseph knew betrayal. Joseph knew being misunderstood. Joseph knew the sting of harm done through relationships that turned on him.

And still—Joseph didn’t deny what happened. He faced it honestly and trusted God’s redemption: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” (Genesis 50:20)

Joseph doesn’t pretend the pain wasn’t real. He shows that God can take what was meant for harm and turn it toward good—without erasing the truth that evil was done.

God can redeem: Joseph teaches that suffering relationships can become part of God’s healing and restoration plan.

A Prayer of Obedience in Difficult Times

God, help us in our hard seasons. Give us wisdom and courage like Esther. Give us faith and forgiveness like Joseph.

Help us serve You even when it hurts—especially in relationships. Teach us not to waste difficult moments.

Turn what was meant for harm into good, and use our lives to bring Your purposes forward. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God doesn’t only move in easy moments—our Lord and Savior shows up in difficult ones too.

In Christ’s Service,
Pastor William Mitchell, M.Div.

August 2026

The Irreplaceable Gift of Church

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20, RSV)

We live in a world overflowing with information. At any hour of the night, artificial intelligence can answer our questions, and search engines can give us endless content.

But as wonderful as technology can be, there is a deep, human hunger that a screen simply cannot satisfy.

Our church is not an information delivery system. What we offer at our best—and what no search engine or AI chatbot can ever replicate—is real, holy, human-divine connection.

Think about what makes our church family so special:

Tools can help us do things faster; they can never replace the heart of our mission.

As we look to the future, let’s remember what truly matters. If someone could get all the biblical information they wanted by spending an hour online, what would they be missing?

They would be missing you. They would be missing us. Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” They would be missing the incarnational Spirit of Christ, through the warmth of a handshake or a hug, the comfort of a shared prayer, and the beautiful reality of Christ’s love alive in a community of believers.

Thank you for being a part of this family, for investing in real relationships, and for making our church a sanctuary of genuine connection. The tools we use will always change, but our mission to love and walk with one another remains forever.

See you on Sunday,
Pastor William Mitchell

July 2026

“Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight.” (Acts 9:18)

“A farmer went out to sow his seed…” (Matthew 13:1–9)

I have been reflecting on the powerful message, “God Didn't Make Us to Hate Us,” inspired by the book of the same name by Rev. Lizzie McManus-Dail. It is a reminder that God's love is the foundation of our faith, and hatred has no place in the life God desires for us. Too many of us are given a fear-based Faith as children and then as adults we are tempted to give up on God, the Church and Faith. However, we can be loved by Jesus and love God without accepting a hate-filled or abusive theology (belief system) that condemns and punishes us for just being human. Like the seed sowed by the Sower, the love of God falls upon our hardened and broken hearts and peeps up like dandelions in the cracks of the concrete. We were made to love and enjoy God forever. God did not make us to hate us.

In Acts 9:18, Saul experiences a life-changing encounter with Christ. The scales fall from his eyes, and for the first time he truly sees. His heart is transformed from one driven by fear, violence, and persecution to one overflowing with grace and loving purpose. God did not create Saul to live in hatred; God created him to become Paul, a faithful disciple who would share the good news of Jesus with the world. We all are created for grace and love.

Jesus offers another powerful image in the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1–9). Seeds flourish where the soil is ready to receive them. Often, we think brokenness is something to hide or overcome before God can use us. Yet broken soil is exactly what allows new life to take root. Cracked earth absorbs the rain. Broken soil welcomes the seed. The same is true for our hearts.

Each of us carries wounds, disappointments, regrets, and losses. We are all broken in one way or another. Yet our brokenness is not a barrier to God's love—it is often the very place where God's grace begins its deepest work. When our hearts are softened by humility, compassion, and repentance, the seeds of love, forgiveness, and hope can grow into a rich harvest. Jesus can heal us from the pain of the past and use us to be a blessing to others.

Rev. McManus-Dail reminds us that God did not make us to hate one another because every person bears the image of God. Hatred blinds us, just as Saul was once blind. Love, however, opens our eyes. It helps us see our neighbors not as enemies but as beloved children of God. As followers of Christ, may we ask God to remove whatever scales remain from our own eyes. May God break open the hardened places within us so that the seeds of the Gospel can take root and flourish. Let us become people who sow kindness instead of division, mercy instead of judgment, and love instead of hate.

— Pastor William

“I thank my God every time I remember you.” (Philippians 1:3)

As I recently explained to a visitor representing Culver-Stockton College (one of our Christian colleges we support), I am filled with gratitude to be serving First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Atchison. It is truly a blessing to serve as minister of this remarkable congregation.

I am grateful for our inspiring worship services and the wonderful music that enriches our praise of God. Whether through choir anthems, praise songs, congregational singing, or Holy Communion, our worship draws us closer to the Lord and to one another. As Psalm 100 reminds us, “Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.”

I am thankful for our dedicated volunteers who give generously of their time and talents. From elders and deacons to committee members, Food Pantry volunteers, Youth and Children teachers, fellowship hosts, and those who quietly serve behind the scenes, our ministry depends upon faithful servants who answer God's call to serve. This type of commitment reflects the truth of 1 Corinthians 12:27: “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

I am also grateful for our strong and thoughtful leadership. Our elders, board members, ministry leaders, and staff work diligently to guide the congregation and support its divine mission. Their wisdom and dedication help ensure that First Christian Church remains a beacon of faith, hope, and love in our community.

We are blessed as well by the faithful financial support of our members and friends. Through regular giving, special gifts, and the foresight of those who established and continue to support our endowment, our church is able to maintain its ministries, care for its facilities, serve our neighbors, and plan for the future. Your generosity is a testimony to your commitment to God's work in this place.

Our congregation also enjoys a rich heritage. First Christian Church was the first pastorate of Rev. Jesse M. Bader, one of the most influential evangelistic leaders in American Protestantism. It was here in Atchison that he developed the spirit of outreach that later became known through his famous challenge, “Each One Win One.” That legacy continues to inspire us as we seek to share Christ's love with our community and invite others into the fellowship of the church.

Thank you for making First Christian Church such a wonderful church. It is a privilege and a joy to serve alongside you in the ministry of Christ.

Grace and peace,
Your Pastor, William Mitchell

“Above all, hold unfailing love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)

The writer of Proverbs 10:12 wrote “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.”

Among the many instructions given to Christians in Scripture, Peter's words stand out for both their simplicity and depth: “Above all, hold unfailing love for one another.” The phrase “above all” signals priority. In a community of faith, many virtues matter—faithfulness, service, prayer, generosity—but love is given first place.

In his commentary on 1 Peter, “The Power of Love,” William Barclay reflects on this verse by noting that Christian love is not sentimental feeling but active, determined goodwill toward others. The word Peter uses suggests love that is stretched to its fullest extent—love that persists, endures, and continues even when relationships become difficult.

Peter continues, “since love covers a multitude of sins.” This phrase does not mean ignoring wrongdoing or pretending sin does not matter. Genuine Christian love does not delight in exposing faults or keeping a record of failures. Love seeks restoration rather than humiliation, forgiveness rather than resentment, understanding rather than judgment.

Every church family is made up of imperfect people. Misunderstandings happen. Words are spoken hastily. Expectations are missed. Yet Peter reminds believers that the strength of Christian fellowship is not perfection—it is love. Love allows grace to operate where disappointment might otherwise divide.

This kind of love reflects the character of Christ Himself. Throughout His ministry, Jesus met people with truth and compassion. He corrected, forgave, restored, and welcomed. His love did not excuse sin, but it opened the way for healing and reconciliation.

May we ask ourselves:

• Do I seek reconciliation when relationships become strained?
• Do my words and actions strengthen the unity of Christ's church?

The Bible teaches us that love has transforming power. When we choose steadfast love, we create space for mercy, healing, and deeper fellowship. As we minister and serve this community, we realize that our calling is both encouragement and challenge. We are called to build a community where patience replaces criticism, forgiveness overcomes bitterness, and kindness becomes our witness to the world. Thank you for your faithful and loving service to Christ, His Church, and those Christ has sent us to serve.

In His Service, Pastor William Mitchell

“Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” (Matthew 19:14, NRSV)

Summer is an excellent time for children and youth to expand their joyful and important Christian experiences. As families settle into new summer routines, our church continues to offer opportunities for spiritual growth, friendship, service, and faith-filled fun.

At First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Atchison, we believe that young people are not only the future of the church — they are an important part of the church today. Through worship, learning, fellowship, and mission experiences, we help nurture faith that can guide our children and youth throughout their lives.

We are excited to announce our upcoming Vacation Bible School, taking place July 20–24. The Christian Education Committee will have a fantastic VBS week filled with Bible lessons, music, crafts, games, prayer, and opportunities to grow in God's love together. We invite all children and families to join us for this special time of learning and celebration. As we get closer to the VBS you may register your children for this great week.

On Sunday, July 26, we will gather for our Celebration of Vacation Bible School during worship as we share songs, stories, and the joy of what God has been doing in the lives of our children throughout the week.

Following VBS, our Youth Activities Week for Junior High and Senior High youth will begin July 25 and continue through August 1. This exciting week will provide opportunities for fellowship, recreation, devotionals, prayer and deeper conversations about faith and Christian living. As we get closer to the dates of the Youth Activities Week, July 25–August 1st, we will allow the students to register. This time is open to friends of our students as well as our youth group regulars.

We will conclude Youth Activities Week with Youth Sunday on August 2, when the youth/students will help lead worship and share their gifts and experiences with the congregation.

Scripture reminds us, “Train children in the right way, and when they are old, they will not stray.” (Proverbs 22:6, NRSV) Thank you for your generous support of our Children's and Youth Ministry.

— Pastor William Mitchell

On behalf of the faithful members that supported Miracle Sunday, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for making Miracle Sunday such a powerful and successful day. Like the miracle of the Lord feeding the 5,000, we witnessed God multiply what was given with faith and generosity.

Because of your sacrificial giving, we raised a total of $39,712.41, with $27,062.00 going toward the Elevator and $12,650.41 supporting our Children and Youth Ministry. Your gifts on Miracle Sunday will make a lasting impact on our church's future. We are deeply grateful for each gift, every prayer, and all who participated.

Your Pastor,
William Mitchell
The total is subject to change as additional special offering checks are still being received by mail.

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God gives you.” (Exodus 20:12)

Mother's Day is a time to honor the love, sacrifice, and quiet strength of mothers and those who nurture others. Yet for many, this day carries both joy and pain—memories of loss, strained relationships, or unfulfilled hopes. Modern families often walk through both deep blessing and deep hurt at the same time. During it all, we are reminded that God sees every heart. The Lord meets us with our gratitude and in our grief, offering comfort, healing, and hope.

Mother's Day also reminds us of the Lord's commandment to honor our father and mother—a calling that isn't limited to perfect relationships or easy circumstances. For many, this day holds both gratitude and grief. Honoring does not mean ignoring hurt, but choosing a posture of respect, grace, and, when possible, forgiveness. It may look like expressing love, setting healthy boundaries, or simply entrusting the relationship to God. In every situation, God sees the full story.

As we honor our mothers and those that nurtured and cared for us, may we do so with honest hearts, trusting our Savior to bring healing, peace, and redemption in both beauty and the brokenness.

A Mother's love is often expressed by more than just biological mothers. It is fitting to honor with gratitude all those who step into nurturing roles, offering care, wisdom, and support: Grandmothers, Stepmothers, Adoptive mothers, foster mothers, Aunts, Older sisters, mentors and teachers, spiritual mothers in the church, as well as single fathers who carry both roles.

Let us respectfully honor each of these that reflects the heart of a mother—offering love, sacrifice, guidance, and presence.

With Love and Respect,
Pastor William Mitchell

The Longer, Sunnier Days

As we move into spring and summer, we look forward to a season filled with graduations, Vacation Bible School, Youth Activities Week, family vacations, and the simple joy of longer, sunnier days. When you're away, take time to rest and allow the Lord to refresh your soul. Whether worshiping with another church family (I enjoy visiting other church services in other communities when traveling) or finding renewal in time spent with loved ones and the beauty of creation, these moments can be deeply enriching. And when you are home, please remain faithful in attendance so we can continue to encourage and strengthen one another throughout the summer months.

God always does great things in the summer months at First Christian Church in Atchison, KS! Summer is a great time for ministry and service to others and the Lord.

“Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25)

Summer invites us into a different rhythm—longer days, lighter schedules, and moments of rest that feel like a deep breath for the soul. Yet even in this season of travel and activity, we are reminded that we are not meant to walk alone. Just as the warmth of the sun nourishes the earth, fellowship nourishes our spirits. In gathering together—whether in worship, conversation, prayer, or shared laughter—we find strength, encouragement, and renewal.

Scripture reminds us not to neglect meeting together, because we need one another. Summer gives us opportunity: to return refreshed, to connect with intention, and to uplift each other in faith.

In His Service,
The Rev. William Mitchell

At First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Atchison, a spirit of gratitude and anticipation is growing as we prepare for an upcoming time of celebration in the life of our congregation. Moments like these remind us that the church is more than a building—it is a community of faith, hope, and love that continues to grow through God's grace.

As we approach Easter, we are reminded of the greatest promise of our faith: that God brings life even out of the darkest moments. The resurrection of Jesus is more than a story from long ago—it is a living promise that hope, love, and grace will always have the final word.

In a world that can sometimes feel heavy with worry or uncertainty, Easter invites us to look again at the empty tomb and remember that God is always working to bring renewal and new beginnings. Just as the disciples discovered on that first Easter morning, God's power to transform lives is still at work today.

As we look ahead, this celebration offers an opportunity to reflect on the journey that has brought us to this point. Through seasons of challenge and seasons of joy, our congregation has remained rooted in the call to follow Christ, serve our neighbors, and welcome all who seek a place of belonging. Each generation that has gathered within these walls has added its own chapter to the story of our church.

Preparing for a celebration is also a time of renewal. It invites us to remember why the church exists: to worship God, to care for one another, and to share the message of Christ in our community. Whether through Sunday worship, fellowship gatherings, outreach ministries, or quiet acts of compassion, the work of the church continues every day through the faithful presence of its members.

In the weeks leading up to our celebration, we invite everyone to take part. Share your memories, reconnect with friends, and help us honor the past while looking with hope toward the future. Celebrations are not only about remembering where we have been—they are about renewing our commitment to where God is calling us next.

As we prepare together, may this season remind us of the many blessings we share as a congregation. May it strengthen our faith, deepen our fellowship, and inspire us to continue serving the Atchison community with open hearts.

In Christ's Service,
Pastor William Mitchell

On the Way to the Cross and the Resurrection

Lent is a journey—a slow, prayerful journey that begins with repentance and ends in the miracle of the Resurrection. As we move through these forty days, the Church invites us to travel with Jesus: to listen more closely, to let go more freely, and to love more deeply. Lent prepares our hearts for Holy Week, where the story of our salvation unfolds with breathtaking clarity, and it leads us at last to Easter morning, when death is defeated and life is renewed.

Along the way to the Cross, we are invited to notice the road itself. It is marked by compassion for the weary, courage in the face of suffering, and obedience rooted in love. Jesus does not rush past pain; He enters it. He carries the weight of the world's brokenness and our own, teaching us that God meets us not only in triumph but also in sacrifice. In prayer, fasting, and acts of mercy, we learn to walk that same road—sometimes faltering, often uncertain, but always held by grace.

Holy Week brings us close to the heart of the gospel. We wave palms and proclaim praise, then sit at the table of self-giving love. We watch as humility kneels to serve, and we keep vigil in the shadow of betrayal and loss. At the Cross, we encounter a love that refuses to let go—a love poured out completely. Here, we lay down our burdens, our fears, and our sins, trusting that nothing offered to God is ever wasted.

And then, at last, Easter. The stone is rolled away. The silence of the tomb gives way to joy beyond words. Resurrection does not erase the wounds of Friday; it transforms them. The risen Christ carries scars, reminding us that suffering has not won and death does not have the final word. Hope rises, not as wishful thinking, but as living truth.

As a church family, may this season shape us. May our Lenten steps lead us to be more attentive to God's presence, more generous in love, and more confident in the promise that life, in Christ, is stronger than death.

Alleluia.

In His Service,
William Mitchell

One of my heroes of the Disciples of Christ, Christian Church movement has been Jesse Bader. Recently, I happily discovered Jesse Bader's first full-time ministry was here at First Christian Church, Atchison, KS!

During his seven years in Atchison, the membership grew from around 300 to 1,400! Bader emphasized the role of lay people in evangelism with the slogan, “Each one win one.” Rev. Jesse Bader was the Pastor when the current church was completed! Imagine, while building this incredible sanctuary, the church was adding 180–200 members each year! What a period of growth!

After serving in WW1, he returned to a Kansas City church and drafted a proposal for a five-year evangelistic program, titled “Win a Million” for the International Convention of Disciples of Christ, the national assembly of Christian Churches in the USA and Canada at that time. According to his writings, Bader had developed a passion for the centrality and prioritization of evangelism in the ministry of the church, saying in a well-known quote, “What the Lord made primary, we have no right to make secondary.”

Later in life while holding a national office in Evangelism in the National Council of Churches, he gave valuable counsel to the young evangelist Billy Graham. (This counsel saved Billy Graham from the scandals that have hurt so many evangelists over the years.) Bader had been a pioneer in promoting the idea that evangelism and ecumenism went hand in hand, as opposed to being mutually exclusive. He died after a brief illness in New York City, on August 19, 1963. Bader was 77 years old. His funeral was held at First Christian Church, Atchison, Kansas.

What a wonderful minister and Disciple of Christ! A great example for us to study. Each One Win One!

Your Pastor, William Mitchell

“So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.” (Exodus 17:10–13)

Moses’ weary hands show that leadership is hard work; Aaron and Hur holding them up signifies the necessity of community, mutual support, and having people who help you stay connected to God.

This story highlights Moses’ physical limitations, emphasizing his humanity.

In the context of the battle against the Amalekites, Moses’ raised hands symbolize intercession and dependence on God for victory. The heaviness of his hands can be seen as a metaphor for the burdens of leadership and the need for support from others.

This moment underscores the importance of community and shared responsibility in fulfilling God’s purposes. As Moses needed help, so do all Christian leaders.

Christianity is not a “Lone Ranger” religion.

The outstretched staff of God symbolizes God’s power; victory isn’t from human strength but from God’s blessing, making it “The Lord’s battle.” God has a strategy that involves the teamwork of the Church, God’s people.

The passage illustrates a divine strategy: some fight (Joshua), while others intercede/pray (Moses, Aaron, Hur), showing that different roles are needed for victory.

The beauty of this story is that it shows Moses not as a prayer warrior but, like us, as a frail, vulnerable and weak human being. Moses got tired—and his arms dropped, but God could handle that—and what solution did God provide? Two wonderful companions—Aaron and Hur—to help him along.

The truth is—there is real power in prayer: it’s not some fairy tale, it’s not make-believe, it’s not fate, or luck or coincidence.

When we pray, things happen: people are healed, situations are altered, churches grow, grief is dealt with, spiritual battles are won.

Prayer is real. Prayer is powerful. Prayer works.

But for some mysterious reason that I can’t explain, the other side of the coin is true as well. When we cease praying, we inhibit the power of God at work in our lives.

Since my surgery last week, I have felt the power of your prayers. Thank you for your cards and messages, but most of all, thank you for your prayers.

God has given us a wonderful mission here in Atchison and in this world. I am blessed to have so many Aarons and Hurs.

I will be back in the pulpit soon strengthened by your prayers!

In His Service,
Pastor William Mitchell