A friend sent me a video of her dog barking intermittently in an otherwise quiet room. Her message read, “My meditation time this morning gave me plenty of opportunities to return to the breath.”

“Return to the breath” is a phrase often attributed to Zen Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh. Spiritual directors use it as a reminder to focus on breathing as a way to stay grounded in the present. Because breathing practices can support emotional and physical well-being, I am trying—encouraged by my primary care physician and the spiritual directors in my life—to return to the breath when daily tasks feel overwhelming or anxiety rises. When my thoughts spin or I begin worrying about something that has not happened, I can pause, notice my breathing, or practice a simple 4-7-8 breath: inhale through the nose for four seconds, hold for seven seconds, and exhale slowly through the mouth for eight seconds.

Focusing on the breath is a mindfulness practice. It helps regulate the nervous system, keeps us present, and invites us to respond to ourselves and others with greater gentleness, curiosity, and generosity. We can return to the breath during meditation, even when the dog barks at a cat across the street; in stressful moments when anxious thoughts appear; and throughout the ordinary routines of the day. So I encourage you, as others have me, to set an intention to return to the breath.

Click here to view our Prayer List or visit firstchristianfrankfort.org/prayer

Weekly Prayer:

Loving and abiding God, we bow our heads to you with hope for peace. Lifting before you our joys and concerns and this list of people connected to our church family, we seek your care and comfort. Amen.

New Additions:

• Jordon Lee

• Aliyah and David Chadwell

• Pam Hancock

• Serra Doss

Hoping to be deliberate about our prayer life, we are updating our prayer list. People who are Friends of FCC will remain on the prayer list for one month and then we will rely on you to add them to the prayer list again if needed.

VISIONS AND VALUES COMMITTEE

The newly formed Vision and Values Committee will meet after church in Fellowship Hall on July 26. I promise not to keep you long. Thanks! Patty Peavler 

TURNING BARE FEET INTO LEARNING FEET

In anticipation of the new school year, help students “Turn Bare Feet into Learning Feet” by donating new athletic shoes or croc-like shoes, Youth sizes 8 to Adult 14.  Shoes can be dropped off at either Bondurant Middle School or the Welcome Center here at Church no later than Sunday, July 26th.  On August 1st, students will be able to come and receive a free pair of new shoes.  Monetary Donations are welcome and volunteers are needed to help staff the event on August 1st. For more information, contact Mandy Heacock, Youth Services Coordinator, Bondurant Middle School, (502) 209-9041.

FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

The FCC Foundation offers financial assistance to our members who are enrolling in post-high school educational institutions for the 2026-27 school year. It is because of the generosity of some of our faith family that the Foundation is able to offer education scholarships. Only accrued interest is used, as the Foundation seeks to maintain and grow these permanent funds given specifically for this purpose. Therefore, amount of each award varies year to year and may vary from recipient to recipient.

The Foundation requires the following application process be followed:

• A letter of application must be received by the Church Office on or before July 31, 2026 (316 Ann St., Frankfort, KY 40601).

• The names and contact information of two non-family member references must be included for consideration.

• A copy of the most recent school transcript must also be attached.

Additional requirements that must be met include

• being a member of First Christian Church in Frankfort

• being enrolled in a course of study at a post-high school institution

The Foundation Scholarship Team will determine qualifying recipients and awards will be announced in early August.

THE GENE FLYNN UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY SCHOLARSHIP

Any First Christian Church member attending the University of Kentucky (UK) is eligible to apply for the Gene Flynn Scholarship in addition to the Foundation Scholarship. Monies donated in memory of Gene Flynn are making this scholarship available. Gene loved our young people and loved the University of Kentucky. If you are attending UK for the 2026-27 school year, please note your request to be considered for this additional scholarship when you submit your application for the Foundation Scholarship. 

Eligible students may apply for each of the following scholarship opportunities for post high school education: 

• Foundation Scholarship

• Gene Flynn University of Kentucky Scholarship

• Disciple Women’s Ministry love-gift program (using a separate application process scheduled for a later date).

SPELLAPALOOZA IS ALMOST HERE!

Spellapalooza is scheduled for Friday, August 7th.   FCC usually hosts a team to compete in this fundraiser to support the Thornhill Education Center.  Four eager spellers are needed to represent us and one person to coordinate the team and also serve as an alternate. Contact the Church Office ASAP if you are interested in participating. The Church needs to quickly submit our team application and fee if we are going to participate this year.