Pastor's Corner

Financial Peace University Coming to Union Chapel this Spring!

2010-02-16T19:17:00.000-08:00

Union Chapel United Methodist Church, located at 1012 old Joppa Rd Joppa Md 21085 will be hosting a spring session of the Financial Peace University!

For more information contact Union Chapel at 410-877-3246, sign up online at www.daveramsey.com or message me here!

The Previews are free, the course material is $100.00.

What is Financial Peace University?

FPU is the most important step to changing your financial future. It is your Total Money Makeover Program. It takes the knowledge from God and turns it into real action in our lives through a step-by-step process taught by best-selling author and financial counselor Dave Ramsey.

FPU is a 13-week life-changing program that empowers and teaches you how to make the right money decisions to achieve your financial goals and God's plan for your life. The course includes practical lessons on eliminating debt building wealth giving like never before and much much more!

Who is Financial Peace University for?

It's for EVERYONE!...from the financially secure to the financially distressed. Over 650000 families and individuals have attended Financial Peace University.

Applying God's Word radically changes your life. On averageFPU graduates have paid off over $5300 in debt and saved $2700 during the 91-day program!

Previews

1. FPU Lesson Preview 1 : 7:00 PM 03/02/2010

2. FPU Lesson Preview 2 : 1:00 PM 03/07/2010

Lessons
1. Super Saving : 6:00 PM 03/14/2010

2. Relating With Money : 6:00 PM 03/21/2010

3. Cash Flow Planning : 6:00 PM 03/28/2010

4. Dumping Debt : 6:00 PM 04/04/2010

5. Credit Sharks In Suits 6:00 PM 04/11/2010

6. Buyer Beware : 6:00 PM 04/18/2010

7. Clause and Effect : 6:00 PM 04/025/2010

8. That's Not Good Enough! : 6:00 PM 05/02/2010

9. Of Mice and Mutual Funds : 6:00 PM 05/9/2010

10. From Fruition To Tuition : 6:00 PM 05/16/2010

11. Working In Your Strengths : 6:00 PM 05/23/2010

12. Real Estate and Mortgages : 6:00 PM 05/30/2010

13. The Great Misunderstanding 6:00 PM 06/06/2010

Called To a Revolution!

2010-01-06T06:26:00.000-08:00

Opening night began with almost an hour of music from an combined choir of local churches. The music and voices excited all who were gathered to move from quiet contemplation of such Gospel Hymns as Order My Steps In Your Word, to a stirring rendition of Ava Maria with a Southern twist.

By the end of the music the attendees were more than ready for the speaker of the Pastor Rudy Rasmus is pastor of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Houston, TX. Pastor Rudy used the story of the Good Samaritan to challenge us to go beyond the normal everyday experience of church. He called us to be like the Samaritan, willing to reach out to the "other", no matter who that "other" might be.

He suggests that the Church is in need of a revolution, a revolution of Love. He reminded us that there is no one among us who is where they are except for the gift of Grace from a God who freely gives. If thats the case,then how can anyone pass by one of Gods children in need?

So, are you ready for a Revolution? One that reminds that all we have is a Gift from God, a gift we are called to freely share!

Opening Tonight.

2010-01-05T15:42:00.000-08:00

The Congress will be in full swing tonight at 6:30 p.m. There will be a Welcome from Dr. David Kerr,the President of the COE, followed by Opening Worship with Pastor Rudy Rasmus.

I have seen a number of Pastors a leaders form the Baltimore Conference here today. Hopefully all of us will find something helpful and exciting to bring back home.

There are some interesting displays from various groups that work in the area of evangelism, as well as some very creative banner and worship materials. I hope to by a pattern or two to bring back for all my crafter to take a look at and see what they can do.

I spent some time walking along the Riverwalk. Sky was very blue, but it is the coldest its been in a long time according to the locals. It figures, I go south for warmth and I get weather in the 20's and 30's.

Take Care, more tomorrow.

Made it to the Big Easy!

2010-01-04T12:52:00.000-08:00

Well, I made it. Slight hiccup at the airport, we were 20 minutes late leaving, but other than that it was a good flight.

Got to the Roosevelt hotel OK. Boy, it sure is nice. Now I feel like I am part of the "other half".

Looking forward to the workshops and speakers. I hope to have a little time to look around- at least at what I can walk too. One small disappointment. Its COLD! I knew I should have brought my scarf and long heavy coat.

Off now to find dinner.

Where is Pastor Vic????

2010-01-03T13:03:00.001-08:00

The Congress on Evangelism is sponsored by the Council on Evangelism and the General Board of Discipleship with the support of The Foundation for Evangelism. The congress meets every January at different locations presenting motivational speakers and workshops based on evangelism. This year the Congress will meet in New Orleans, Louisiana. Primary Lodging will be provided by The Roosevelt Hotel. Please pry that God will use this time as a time of blessing and leaning. I will be posting updates on my Pastor Blog as I am able to this week. See you next Sunday!

Blessings,

Pastor Vic

Speakers

Bishop Minerva Carcaño

In 2004, Bishop Minerva Carcaño became the first Hispanic woman to be elected to the episcopacy of The United Methodist Church. Not forgetting her roots and early hopes, her ministry has always involved work with the poor, with farm workers, immigrants, and refugees, even as she encourages congregations to work ecumenically and to be active in community organizing.

Desert Southwest Conference website – desertsouthwestconference.org

Rudy Rasmus

Rudy Rasmus is pastor of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Houston, TX. In his 17 years at St. John’s the congregation has grown from 9 to over 9,000, one-third of which are or were formerly homeless. It is considered to be one fo the most culturally diverse congregations in the country and is the base for numerous ministries serving the poor and homeless.

Visit St. Johns Downtown website - www.stjohnsdowntown.org

Bishop Will Willimon

Bishop Will Willimon is the Episcopal leader for the North Alabama Conference. Prior to his appointment, he was the Dean of the Chapel and Professor of Christian Ministry at Duke Divinity School. He is an editor for the Wesley Study Bible and author of 60 books.

Visit North Alabama Conference website – www.northalabamaumc.org Visit Bishop Willimon’s Blog – willimon.blogspot.com

William P. Young

William “Paul” Young is the author of the book The Shack. Born in Alberta, Canada to missionary parents, he holds an undergraduate degree in Religion from Warner Pacific College in Portland, Oregon.

Young had written primarily as a way to create unique gifts for friends, until his wife repeatedly urged him to write something for their 6 children in order to put down in one place his perspectives on God and on the inner healing Young had experienced as an adult. The resulting manuscript (which later became The Shack), was intended only for his 6 kids and for a handful of close friends. Young initially printed just fifteen copies of his book. Two of his close friend encouraged him to have it published and assisted with some editing and rewriting in order to prepare the manuscript for publication. Rejected by 26 publishers, Young and his friends published the book under the name of their newly created publishing company, Windblown Media in 2007. The company spent only $300 in advertising; word-of-mouth referrals eventually drove the book to number one on the New York Times trade paperback fiction best-seller list in June 2008. The Shack was the top-selling fiction and audio book of 2008 in America through November 30.

Visit The Shack website – theshackbook.com

Visit William Young’s Website – www.windrumors.com

Jim Walker

Jim Walker is co-pastor of Hot Metal Bridge in Pittsburg, PA, a faith community that reaches young people through drama and alternative worship forms as well as traditional practices. Jim is a Full Ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church.

Visit Hot Metal Bridge website – www.hotmetalbridge.com

Kenda Creasy Dean

Kenda Creasy Dean is an ordained elder in the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, and Associate Professor of Youth, Church and Culture at Princeton Theological Seminary, where she works closely with the Institute for Youth Ministry. Her most recent books include Oblivious: What the Faith of American Teenagers Is Telling the American Church (Oxford, forthcoming) and Generation OMG: A Youth Ministry Handbook, ed. (Abingdon, forthcoming). s.

Bishop William Hutchinson

Bishop William Hutchinson is the Episcopal leader for the Louisiana Conference and was the acting bishop following Hurricane Katrina’s destruction on New Orleans. Hutchinson led the effort of rebuilding the city following the aftermath of the destructive storm.

Visit the Louisiana Conference website – www.la-umc.org

Jonathan Dow – Worship

Jonathan serves as the Executive Director of Aldersgate Renewal Ministries in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. He is a worship leader and teaches and preaches on Biblical worship at retreats and conferences. He comes with a passion to see people deepen their intimacy with God through worship.

Workshops ( I'm Taking)

Workshop 1 Wednesday, January 06, 2010 - 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM (Eastern Time)

Selection: 4 Welcome ... Beyond Walls - Kwasi Kena..

Workshop 2 Wednesday, January 06, 2010 - 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM (Eastern Time)

Selection: 2 Building Bridges to the Kingdom of God - Jim Walker

Workshop 3 Thursday, January 07, 2010 - 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM (Eastern Time)

Selection: 3 Evangelism as Initial Spiritual Direction - Tom Albin

Workshop 4 Thursday, January 07, 2010 - 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM (Eastern Time)

Selection: 9 Small Groups for Small Churches - Joe Peabody Jr.

Each morning and evening is filled with times of worship, study and fellowship. for those in attendance.

Sometime you just need a good laugh.

2009-12-14T18:08:00.000-08:00

Life is so busy right now. Its the season that truly tests your stamina and even your faith. Yes, that's right Christmas is here once again. So I thought maybe this would be a good time to just stop and have a goo luagh.

Here ie a delight "Laugh List" that I came across. Have good laugh and take a moment to relax. After all there are at least 10 days yet before Christmas.

Morning Belly Laugh List

Posted by Brandon on Monday, March 9th, 2009 under Living

http://www.brandonacox.com/

At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.
Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don’t Disguise Your Voice.
Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, Ask If They Want Fries with that.
Put Your Garbage Can On Your Desk And Label It “In-Box.”
Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks. Once Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to Espresso.
In The Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write “For Smuggling Diamonds.”
Finish All Your sentences with “In Accordance With The Prophecy.”
Dont use any punctuation
As Often As Possible, Skip Rather Than Walk.
Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face.
Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is “To Go.”
Sing Along At The Opera.
Go To A Poetry Recital And Ask Why The Poems Don’t Rhyme.
Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Work Area And Play tropical Sounds All Day.
Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can’t Attend Their Party Because You’re Not In The Mood.
Have Your Co-workers Address You By Your Wrestling Name, Rock Bottom.
When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream “I Won!, I Won!”
When Leaving The Zoo, Start Running Towards The Parking lot,Yelling “Run For Your Lives, They’re Loose!!”
Tell Your Children Over Dinner. “Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go.”
And The Final Way To Keep A Healthy Level Of Insanity…

Summary of A UMC Survey on Clergy Health

2009-12-02T06:35:00.000-08:00

I participated in the following survey this past year. I offer the summary here for your reading. I encourage you to keep me and all pastors in your prayers.

Richard Day Research (RDR) conducted an online quantitative survey of 1,006 clergy of the United Methodist Church to learn about church systems factors that may adversely affect clergy health. The objective was to identify the strongest predictors of health from among a wide range of potential variables.

Survey respondents answered approximately 150 questions about their health, personal background, spiritual practices, appointment history, career trajectory, congregational context and fit, work stresses, outlook on life, living and working conditions, and personal finances.

The survey data identified thirteen key factors that are highly correlated with health and that differentiate those who are healthy from those who are unhealthy. The absence of risk factors has a positive association with health.

- Personal centeredness: Risk factors include feeling a lack of control over one’s life; ruminating about the past; difficulty experiencing the presence of God.

- Eating habits with work that often involves food: Risk factors include struggling to maintain a healthy diet with food available at church meetings, social gatherings and house calls.

- Work-life balance: Risk factors include having difficulty balancing multiple roles;
feeling guilty taking time to exercise; avoiding health care because of time demands; struggling to achieve overall work-life balance.

- Job satisfaction: Risk factors include feeling dissatisfied with one’s appointments; feeling isolated at work; feeling disappointed with ministry; wishing for a way to exit the system.

- Personal finances: Risk factors include high debt; low income; few assets; little to no personal savings.

- Outside interests, social life and friends: Risk factors include a lack of hobbies, outside interests and/or participation in group activities for personal renewal; having few friends or people with whom one can share personal issues; feeling detached from one’s community.

- Relationship with congregation: Risk factors include feeling judged rather than supported; feeling the congregation’s expectations are too high or do not match one’s own beliefs about the appropriate pastoral role; feeling the congregation desires a pastor with a different leadership style; avoiding relationships with congregation members so as to avoid improprieties; avoiding health care for fear that parishioners might find out.

- Stressors of the appointment process: Risk factors include feeling stressed by the appointment process; feeling reluctant to talk to one’s DS because of the power he or she holds over appointments; feeling resentful about being paid less than non-clergy in similar professions.

- Marital and family satisfaction: Among clergy with families, risk factors include low marital satisfaction; low appointment satisfaction among spouses and/or children.

- Existential burdens of ministry: Risk factors include feeling obligated to carry the weight of others’ emotional and spiritual burdens; being overwhelmed by the needs of others and the sheer importance of the issues to be addressed in ministry; feeling expected to solve unsolvable mysteries.

- Living authentically: Risk factors include feeling unable to be one’s “authentic self”; failing to live according to deeply-held personal values and beliefs.

- Education and preparation for ministry: Risk factors include feeling unprepared by seminary for the everyday responsibilities of ministry; feeling one lacks the skills and training necessary to excel at pastoral duties.

- Appointment changes and relocation: Risk factors include more frequent appointment changes; more frequent long-distance moves.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-23T21:02:00.000-08:00

Ok, I admit it! Its technically Tuesday when I wrote this ( 12:03 am), but in all of the hustle and bustle of trying to get ready to go away......you know how it goes. Best laid plans sometimes go off course.

So let me just say, I hope you have fun eating turkey and stuffing this week!

I know I will - well sort of - no stuffing, no cornbread, no pie, no potatoes... I think there is a lettuce least and maybe a small piece of turkey with my name on it. Being healthy is hard work!

BTW, make sure to take time and say thanks for all the blessings that have come your way - even those that seem like anything but, I'm sure in the end God will use for Good.

Psalm 55 sometimes you feel like running...

2009-11-16T10:28:00.000-08:00

Pslam 55 ( The Message)

1-3 Open your ears, God, to my prayer;
don't pretend you don't hear me knocking.
Come close and whisper your answer.
I really need you.

16-19 I call to God;
GOD will help me.
At dusk, dawn, and noon I sigh
deep sighs—he hears, he rescues.
My life is well and whole, secure
in the middle of danger

22-23 Pile your troubles on GOD's shoulders—
he'll carry your load, he'll help you out.
He'll never let good people go topple into ruin.

And I trust in you.

Sometimes in life you just seem to feel like running, and I dont mean in a helathy way! Life seems to pile on top of you, weighing you down with all the diffcuties that it can bring to bear.

Wetehr its a child who is having diffcultes, a spouse who is hurtings, bills that are pilling up or even a job that just seems filled with stress. No matter what is hapeening today, trust God! Remember that God can see you through!

Bonus Post: Fall Bazaar!

2009-11-09T11:24:00.000-08:00

The Fall Bazaar was a great success! More pictures coming to a website near you!

Ahh, Numbers!

2009-11-09T11:21:00.000-08:00

It's amazing to me how numbers can affect a person's life.

Whether its getting on the bathroom scale in the morning ( no - I'm not going to tell you what it said - but I did lose this week), or hearing from the doctor that your total cholesterol is only 91 ( yes - 91 - not 191), numbers have a way of effecting our life at an emotional, physically even spiritual level.

If the blood test or the scale had said something, "bad" It most likely would have put my day into a tail spin - emotional I would have been a wreck. Spiritually, I would have felt weighed down and burden by what I had heard. Physically, my head would have hurt, my body would have ached and my heart would have felt like it was breaking.

It's sort of like seeing red lights in your rear view mirror on the highway - numbers have a way of suddenly, taking on a new meaning.

The amazing thing to remember is that no matter what numbers are bothering you: your weight, your blood pressure, your finances or even the number of things ion your To Do list; we have a God who can overcome.

Ours is a God of abundance. Ours is God who seeks to give and give.

We should never underestimate what God would do for us. We should never doubt that it is in Gods ability and heart to give to us enormous blessings.

We should always remember that God can take the chaos that numbers seem to create in the midst of our life and turn them into unlooked for and unplanned blessings.

May all your numbers bring you blessings!

Pastor Vic

Where Do Go From Here?

2009-11-02T10:17:00.000-08:00

The following come from the Re-Think Church web site - a part of our UMC denomination. So what do you think? Can we move beyond our pews? Can we truly be "unbound and outbound" in how we live for God? Will we be a part of the Spirits movement to make a difference in the world? Can we Re-Think our church and become all that God wants us to be?

Blessings,

Pastor Vic

Does your welcome extend beyond the doors of your church? Does church only happen on Sundays?

We can no longer wait for the unchurched to find us. We must prepare to receive others where they are and help them feel accepted through authentic caring and kindness that anticipates their needs. Our neighborhoods are not just down the street, but around the world.

Seekers will find welcome messages on our social networks, aired on our media and carried by our missionaries. Welcoming others is just part of who we are as Christians, a gift we offer to others with no strings attached. Together we can open hearts, open minds and open doors because we are the people of The United Methodist Church.

Troubling Moment.

2009-10-26T12:59:00.000-07:00

Today I found myself out running an errand at a local store. While there I happened to be next to a young man and his mom (?). He was about 16 or 17 and was looking through the clothes in the same area as me.

While browsing he was keeping up a constant stream of comments about life, the clothes he was being asked to look at and just about everything else under the sun. I won't repeat what he said, it really wasn't for public consumption.

What I found most interesting about this even was my own reaction. When it first occurred I was ready to chalk it up as another example of a "young punk" who was most likely going to end up on the six o'clock news with a wanted sign under his picture. I was bothered by what he was saying and how he was acting. I felt like saying somethings, but frankly was unsure of what would happen next. so I just grit my teeth and moved on.

Later in the the day as I had time to to sit with what I had experienced and what I had thought while it was occurring it gave me pause to think. Yes, what the boy had done was inappropriate, but then again so was my reaction.

I have no idea what this young mans life was like. I have no idea what burdens or troubles he may have. I have no idea what role models or mentors may be in his life. I have no idea what may have just occurred in his life to make home feel that way he did.

Yet, here I was, ready to convict him and throw away the key. I wonder is that what Jesus would have done? Would he have condemned him or offer him a hand of friendship? As a disciple of Jesus, shouldn't I be willing to reach out, no matter what the situation or how difficult it might be.

Lord, forgive. Help me to be faithful even when it is difficult. Help me to see past the outside and look inward. Help me to look at others with the same eyes of love that I believe you look at me.

Life List - The 43 Things I Want To Do.

2009-10-19T05:56:00.000-07:00

Recently, I have found myself spending thinking about what I want to do with my life. I know, I know at 47, married, with a wife and two kids you would think I would have some clue. After all I have been serving full-time as a Pastor since 1987 so a career change and a move to Thailand seems just a little bit out of the question.

I guess it really comes down to the changes that I have personally been going thorough lately, as I change physically, it affects me spiritually and emotionally as well. Working on my health issues has caused me to stop and think about the choices that I have to make in order to be healthy. This has led me to examine not only my current state of being, but what I hope to accomplish in the years to come.

It got me thinking about a movie that Kim and I watched awhile back, "The Bucket List" starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. In it both men are faced with severe illness. This leads Freeman a wealthy self mad man to create a list of things he wants to do before he "kicks the bucket". What follows is a three month adventure and the men seek to do all of the things that have been put on Freeman's list before he dies.

Now before anybody starts a rumor - let me be clear - I am not suggesting that my time is short or that I am creating a "a bucket List" in preparation of that event.

What I am talking about today is something slightly different - a "Life List". A list of things that I am currently working on and seek to accomplish in my life. Some might be as specific as, " read War and Peace or as broad as Make a Difference in the World.

I came across a fascinating book and related web site,Dream It. List It. Do It!: How to Live a Bigger & Bolder Life, from the Life List Experts at 43Things.com

The book puts forth the idea of creating a Life List that answers the question: "What is it that you'd like to do but haven't taken the time or had the motivation to do? We believe that the very act of writing ideas down helps you answer the question, "What do I really want to do with my life?" and puts you on the path towards accomplishing it."

The book and the web site offer suggestions as well as motivation to create your list and then seek to accomplish them. The web site in particular is helpful in that it provides you a chance to create your own personal list as a way of being motivated and accountable to others. You can check it out at: www.43things.com/. You can check out the list I have start by searching for rovervicb.

Also on the web site is an interesting little personality quiz.Here is what I came up as: You are an Extroverted Spiritual Self-Knower 1.43% of the 223276 people who have taken this quiz are like you. Not sure exactly yet what it means for me, but at least it seems to say I am unique - grin.

One word of caution - this is a web site that is public and open to the world. Therefore you may encounter people with thoughts and ideas that are different and from an entirely different perspective. Just keep that in mind if you go looking around, some things might not be G rated or mother approved.

Here We Go Again!

2009-10-12T08:04:00.000-07:00

Recently, I came across a blog post over at http://www.desiringgod.org/ by Abraham Piper. It was entitled, "6 Reasons Pastors Should Blog". The following is an excerpt from the article. Read on, afterward I'll give you my thoughts.

1. To write -

Through writing, you delve into new ideas and new insights. If you strive to write well, you will at the same time be striving to think well.

2. To teach.

Here is where a pastor has an outlet for whatever he didn’t get to say on Sunday.And more than just a catch-all for sermon spill-over, a blog is a perfect place for those 30-second nuggets of truth that come in your devotions or while you’re reading the newspaper.

3. To recommend.

With a blog, you can recommend something to hundreds of people instead of just a few. Recommendation, however, is more than pointing people to helpful things. It’s a tone of voice, an overall aura that good blogs cultivate. If you use your blog to encourage people through suggesting and commending everything from local restaurants to Jesus Christ, it will complement the biblical authority that you rightly assume when you stand behind the pulpit.

4. To interact.

There are a lot of ways for a pastor to keep his finger on the pulse of his people. A blog is by no means necessary in this regard. However, it does add a helpful new way to stay abreast of people’s opinions and questions.

5. To develop an eye for what is meaningful.

For good or ill, most committed bloggers live with the constant question in their mind: Is this bloggable? It nurtures a habit of looking for insight and wisdom and value in every situation, no matter how mundane.If you live life looking for what is worthwhile in every little thing, you will see more of what God has to teach you. And the more he teaches you, the more you can teach others.

6. To be known.

This is where I see the greatest advantage for blogging pastors.

Your people hear you teach a lot; it’s probably the main way that most of them know you. This is good—it’s your job. But it’s not all you are.Ideas are a crucial part of your identity, but still just a part.You’re a husband and a father. You’re some people’s friend and other people’s enemy. Maybe you love the Nittany Lions. Maybe you hate fruity salad. Maybe you struggle to pray. Maybe listening to the kids’ choir last weekend was—to your surprise—the most moving worship experience you’ve ever had.These are the things that make you the man that leads your church.

Sometimes your people need to look in—not all the way in, and not into every room—but your people need some access to you as a person. A blog is one way to help them. You can’t be everybody’s friend, and keeping a blog is not a way of pretending that you can.

It’s simply a way for your people to know you as a human being, even if you can’t know them back. This is valuable, not because you’re so extraordinary, but because leadership is more than the words you say. If you practice the kind of holiness that your people expect of you, then your life itself opened before them is good leadership—even when you fail.

My Thoughts:

After reading this article I truly felt convicted. I had started my Pastors Corner Blog with lots of good intentions, but life always seemed to get in the way of me sharing something. It became in some ways almost "busy work". It seemed as if it was more difficult to do than preparing for Sunday worship.

This article and the reasons contained in it got me to thinking about trying again and shifting the focus from making sure I had the latest and greatest idea or thought for the world to see and just use it a opportunity for share myself. So comment, ask questions, offer a suggestion, maybe even be a "guest author".

I hope to use the reasons listed the the article to guide what I write. Hopefully, with God's guidance it will be a blessing to me and to you. So come along on the journey with me as we see where this blog takes us together.

Blessings
Pastor Vic

Radical Hospitality

2009-04-06T12:59:00.001-07:00

The Practice of Radical Hospitality

“Christian hospitality refers to the active desire to invite, welcome, receive, and care for those who are strangers so that they find a spiritual home and discover for themselves the unending richness of life in Christ.”

“It describes … a love that motivates church members to openness and adaptability, willingness to change behaviors in order to accommodate the needs and receive the talents of newcomers.” ( Pg 11)

“Radical means "drastically different from the ordinary practice, outside the normal," and so it provokes practices that exceed expectations, that go the second mile, that take welcoming the stranger to the max. “ (p.21)

As a church we pride ourselves on being friendly and welcoming, but what does that really mean in the context of the world we live in today?

Are we only welcoming to those who are like us or do we earnestly seek out the stranger who is different?

Are we willing to make the changes that might be necessary in order to truly “accommodate” the needs of others?

What would we look like if we were willing to be truly radical in our hospitality? What actions would we take?

In the end the question becomes are we truly willing to do all that we can to make disciples in the name of Christ? So tell me – what are you willing to do?

Ok, Catch up time!

2009-04-06T05:59:00.000-07:00

The last two months have been a bit of a whirlwind. Between family, church and other things, my blogging has been put on hold. So its time to play catch up and get back on track. Later today I will post the first part of the Five Practices of a Fruitful Congregation thoughts for our church, but its off to the office for now!

The Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations

2009-01-12T18:15:00.001-08:00

The Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations
by Bishop Robert Schnase of the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church.
• Radical Hospitality
• Passionate Worship
• Intentional Faith Development
• Risk-Taking Mission and Service
• Extravagant Generosity
Bishop Schnase has written an incredible book to help the church in this modern era as we strive to define who and what we are in the 21st century.

“Each of the practices, Schnase said, is designed to stretch everyone’s imagination and focus them on ministry in Jesus’ mode.”

“These words capture the core process by which God uses congregations to make disciples - congregations offer the gracious invitation, welcome, and hospitality of Christ so that people experience a sense of belonging; God shapes souls and changes minds through worship, creating a desire to grow closer to Christ; God's Spirit nurtures people and matures faith through learning in community; with increased spiritual maturity, people discern God's call to help others through mission and service; and God inspires people to give generously of themselves so that others can receive the grace they have known. (p.7)”

Over the next few weeks we will look at each practice in greater depth. I believe that as we make these practices more a part of our lives our faith will deepen and the church will be blessed.

Sometime You Just need a Good Laugh

2009-01-05T09:33:00.000-08:00

Church Bulletin Bloopers

Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles, and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

The outreach committee has enlisted 25 visitors to make calls on people who are not afflicted with any church.

Evening massage - 6 p.m.

The Pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday morning.

The audience is asked to remain seated until the end of the recession.

Low Self-Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 to 8:30 p.m. Please use the back door.

Ushers will eat latecomers.

For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

The Rev. Merriwether spoke briefly, much to the delight of the audience.

The pastor will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing, "Break Forth Into Joy."

During the absence of our pastor, we enjoyed the rare privilege of hearing a good sermon when J.F. Stubbs supplied our pulpit.

Due to the Rector's illness, Wednesday's healing services will be discontinued until further notice.

Stewardship Offertory: "Jesus Paid It All"

The music for today's service was all composed by George Friedrich Handel in celebration of the 300th anniversary of his birth.

Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.

The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the church basement on Friday at 7 p.m. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

The concert held in Fellowship Hall was a great success. Special thanks are due to the minister's daughter, who labored the whole evening at the piano, which as usual fell upon her.

22 members were present at the church meeting held at the home of Mrs. Marsha Crutchfield last evening. Mrs. Crutchfield and Mrs. Rankin sang a duet, The Lord Knows Why.

A song fest was hell at the Methodist church Wednesday.

On a church bulletin during the minister's illness: GOD IS GOOD Dr. Hargreaves is better.

Potluck supper: prayer and medication to follow.

Don't let worry kill you off - let the church help.

The 1997 Spring Council Retreat will be hell May 10 and 11.

Pastor is on vacation. Massages can be given to church secretary.

Let Us Rejoice

2008-12-15T08:16:00.000-08:00

O Come, All Ye Faithful' O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold him Born the king of angels: O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

It the midst of all that is happening this year, let us not forget that there is still a reason to rejoice: the birth of Christ our lord! Sometimes it is possible to lose sight of that simple fact. The world seems to grow busier with each passing day and it becomes harder for us to simply slow down and rejoice in the season. I challenge you this year to find some time to simply stop and rejoice in that precious gift that was given to us so long ago.

What a difference three weeks make!

2008-12-08T15:13:00.000-08:00

Three weeks ago today I was looking at myself in the mirror trying to figure out why I looked so funny. Ok, can the laughter you know what I meant. My face was drooping, my eye wasn’t working right and my smile was no where to be seen.

It truly is nothing short of a miracle that medication, rest and a lot of prayers have got me back on my feet in such a short time. I know that I need to be careful and not rush things, but I am so grateful for the miracle that God has done that I just can’t say thank you enough.

Thank you for all of your prayers and support!

What’s up With Pastor Vic?

2008-11-20T14:05:00.000-08:00

The story begins on Sunday. I noticed that my tongue felt a little “strange” and that things did not taste like they normally do. I Had bit my lip that morning on the right side an just chalked it up to that.

Monday I felt as if a few different times during the day I was slurring my words and speaking differently. I asked a few people but they said I sound ok. I had a bit of a headache and my tongue still felt weird, but I went to bed not really thinking too much about it.

Tuesday morning got up an got ready for the day. Went downstairs to eat breakfast. I quickly realized my mouth and tongue were not working the way they should. I felt a little like a two year old learning to eat. I went to the bathroom and stood in front of the mirror talking to my self and smiling to see if I could notice a difference. There was – drop to the right side, my eye was a little different and my lips were pulling to the left.

So off the ER we went. I was admitted and stayed there until about 230 on Wednesday. The final diagnose was Bell’s Palsy.

What caused it? Well the Neurologist said it was a “Idiopathic” disease which mean we know what the problem is but we have no idea what causes it.

Currently they have me on Valtrex ( an anti viral) and Prednisone ( a steroid). I need I drop s in the right eye due to in not blinking correctly. They also told me I need to rest and not stress out. I have a mild facial droop and when I talk for too long or get agitated I can feel the lips on my right side tightening. I can’t whistle and eating right now is different have to be more aware of what I am doing and how I am swallowing.

I seem to have a mild from currently as compared to what many other go through.

Currently the plan is for me to be out of the pulpit for the next two Sundays and I am working on getting coverage for eth next for emergencies. The recovery period varies form person to person. For some its days, other weeks, most about 4-6 months. Some however do have long last effects.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

If you want to know more I have included a web link to the Mayo Clinic or you can just look up Bell’s Palsy.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bells-palsy/DS00168

Don't Just Ask the Blessing, Be the Blessing

2008-11-10T07:53:00.000-08:00

Many of us will sit around a table on Thanksgiving day with a great feast before us. The table will be laden with all our favorite goodies.

Then someone will ask, " who is going to bless?" It some households it wont be a problem, a family tradition will decide whose turn it is to pray. In others there might be a pause until someone offers to take up the mantle and lift a few words in thanks.

The real challenge in life is not who is going to offer the blessing before the meal, but how will we be a blessing to others. This thanksgiving, stop and pause for awhile and think about how you might bless another with all that God has given you.

Press On !

2008-10-20T04:31:00.000-07:00

Philippians 3:4b-14

12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

What wonderful words of challenge from Paul! No matter what - we Press on.

Sometimes in our personal and corporate walks of faith we are faced with many difficulties. There is a tendency to want to focus on them in such away that it can almost immobilize us from doing anything to move forward. Paul's challenge to us is to do what every good runner knows - Don't look back, but press on towards the goal.

Changing Seasons

2008-09-22T06:42:00.000-07:00

As I write this there is a crispness in the morning air that lets me know that Fall is on the way. This personally is on of my favorite time of the year. When enter in to the season of not to warm days and nice cool nights. We begin to see the earth begin take on the beauty of the season with the changing color of the trees.

The changing of the seasons is in some ways reelection of our lives. Our lies also seem to be in a constant state of change. One day things seem to be going well, then next we wonder what happened as life difficulties seem to pile up.

Their is hope in the midst of this constant change - the love of an unchanging and compassionate God. We can take comfort in the reality that the God who created the universe, is the same yesterday, today and forever. We can find hope in the fact that God will never change in God's love for us.

May that promise bring us peace.

Changing Times - the new TV

2008-09-08T07:56:00.000-07:00

I recently came across the following statistic: NBC aired about 1,200 hours of Olympic coverage on its various television networks—and another 2,400 hours online. Where once TV was King - The Internet is catching up.

What dose this say to us about how we do church in the 21st century?

Those under 40 are more and more turning to technology as their medium of communication. It not unusually to see a 20 something texting on their phone, listening to there i pod and using Face book on their computer all at the same time.

How will we seek to meet the needs of this new generation? How do we share the "old, old. story that we love so well" in such a way as to capture the hearts of these new generations?

How we deal with the technological onslaught is perhaps one of the greatest challenges we have in this new age.

Charge Conference

2008-09-02T06:24:00.001-07:00

Fall is here and as usual that means Charge Conference is right around the comer – October 6th to be exact.

Charge conferences are often looked at as more of a problem than a help. It involves filling out paper work and who really likes to do that?

Perhaps the most critical part of Charge Conference is the election of officers and the establishing of goals for the churches ministry. I encourage each of us to pray for the church and for the leaders that we might continue to move forward in our efforts to become fully devoted followers of Christ.

2008-08-18T06:00:00.001-07:00

While away on vacation I learned a few important things:

1. What you see is not always what you get.. The hotel we stayed at in Lancaster - looked like a really nice place - online. Turns out it wasn't. The room was not at all what we thought it would be, there were problems with the several things in the room and frankly the staff wasn't exactly helpful.

It was a reminder to me to be careful about judging things by what I see or with only knowing part of the story.

2. " Daddy I flew over the sky". Two years ago we had a somewhat disastrous trip to Disney, in part because our youngest just couldn’t handle the rides. After that we figured we would never get her on a ride again. While on vacation her Mom and her went to Dutch Wonderland. They were there a half hour and my phone rang. My first thought was they were calling to come home, but imagine my surprise when I heard Becca say, " Daddy I flew over the sky".

They had a great time and it reminded me with patience and a lot of prayer all things truly are possible.

Afternoon Musings

2008-07-28T12:34:00.000-07:00

Monday Morning Musing - got derailed this week by sickness in the Harner household.

Becca camp home from a week at Camp Sandy Cove feeling lousy, no voice and a fever. So today was mostly spent playing daddy - in between trying to get some work done.

It got me thinking though about how being a parent can be one of the most spiritual activities that a person engages in. As parents we play a major role in shaping how our children see God. What we do, what we say, how we live our lives, all of those activities have an impact on what our children think and believe.

What more awesome responsibility could their be than helping a young child come to know Christ?

Service

2008-07-14T07:51:00.000-07:00

Service perhaps does not first come to mind when Christians think of Spiritual Disciplines, but it is perhaps one of the most profound of all the Disciplines. Service moves us from beyond ourselves in to a relationship with others. Service to others is a the most basic level the life that we are called to live as followers of Christ. What could be more spiritual than that?

Here are some guidelines for the practice service as a discipline. ( From the Waters Edge Blog)

1) Begin with a right orientation before God. Examine your heart and ask yourself if you are doing it to please God or to please people? Whatever you do, do it in the name of Jesus.

2) Whenever possible do your service in relative secrecy. Do not use deception to conceal your service, and don't be bothered if someone finds out.

3) Pay attention to your desires for recognition, appreciation, and admiration. Humility is about taking your mind off yourself and focusing on God. Meditate on Jesus words in Matthew 6:1-4.

4) Keep yourself open to serve anyone who you meet. Don't force yourself on someone, but don't refuse anyone any good deed.
5) Identify with people of low position. Look at people through God's eyes as someone who is in need just like you. Dallas Willard encourages us to see ourselves as "a particularly lively piece of clay who, as (a) servant of God, happens to be here and now with the ability to do this good and needful thing for that other bit of clay there."

Sabbath

2008-07-06T17:12:00.000-07:00

Sabbath is a concept as old as Creation itself. The word comes from the Hebrew word shabbat, which means “to cease.” It is this word that we read in the story of Creation, when on the seventh day of creation, God rested.

Gods people are instructed to do the same in the 10 Commandments:"But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns."

The practice of a weekly Sabbath can be a means of reclaiming a sense of well being and balance in your life. If you are feeling the need for some Sabbath rest? Here are some questions that will help ( borrowed from a reading on Sabbath by Rachelle Mee-Chapman):

· How much time am I willing to release from busyness right now? An hour after work? One night a week? Half a Saturday?

· At what point in the week would a day of rest be most restorative to me? An unscheduled evening to get through the Wednesday hump? A relaxed Saturday to flip the switch in your mind from ‘I’m working’ to ‘I’m playing’?

· What do I need to stop so I can start doing things I find to be restorative? Saying no to emailing one night a week, to free up time for a bath; avoiding the mall in order to sit in the quiet of the living room…?

· Answer this visioning question: “My perfect day of rest would be…

Fasting

2008-06-30T03:58:00.000-07:00

Fasting

Fasting, as a spiritual practice has been a part of the church since the Christians
practiced it every Wednesday and Friday as an exercise in penitence and sacrifice.

John Wesley was convinced that fasting, abstaining from food or drink was a spiritual practice firmly grounded in Scripture. In the Old Testament numerous accounts of fasting are found. These are but a few:

1. Daniel fasted as he confessed the sins of Israel - Da 9:3-5,
2. David fasted and wept for his son while the boy was ill - 2 Sam 12:16-23
3. The psalmist also mentions fasting for his enemies - Ps 35:11-13
4. Day of Atonement. Lev 16:29-31; 23:26-32; Num 29:7

In the new testament we find accounts of Jesus and his followers fasting as well, Matthew 4:2; Acts 13:3.

Wesley saw noting in Scripture to suggest that modern Christians should not follow the practice of fasting as well. His personal weekly fast was to pray and fast each Thursday evening, after the evening meal, until the afternoon each Friday

While fasting form food is the most common and what we find clearly spoken of in Scripture sometimes person will chose to fast from other things that have a hold on their lives: television, shopping, music or anything that seems to hold on a persons life.

Fasting can provide a new way to connect and re-connect with God, but as with all tings that potentially involves ones health. Do some research first. Be careful about what you are doing and if you have any medical conditions talk to your doctor first, explain why you want to fast and ask their advice.

Prayer

2008-06-16T05:14:00.000-07:00

If the reading of Scripture is the foundation for who we are as Christians then prayer in the very lifeblood of our lives of faith. Prayer is our opportunity to connect with the divine in an intimate personal way. It provides us a way of communicating directly with a God who desires to be in a relationship with us.

The Apostle Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 that we are to “pray continually”. While this may seem like a daunting task – it is possible to develop an attitude of prayer that allows one to communicate on a continually basis.

Perhaps what first needs to occur as a simple acceptance that there is no correct form, posture or manner in which we are required to pray. Jesus offers His disciples an example of Prayer with the Lords Prayer, but this should not be seen as the only form or manner in which we can pray.

A very simple practice that an help you in beginning a life of prayer comes from the Eastern Orthodox monasteries in the 18th century. The Jesus Prayer was seen as a way to assist people to pray continuously. The practice itself was very simple: sit comfortable in a quiet place, begin to pray in time with your breathing.

As you breathe in pray: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God;” as you breathe out: “have mercy on me, a
sinner.” Your goal is to focus on the meaning of the words, praying them from your heart. Offering this prayer to the Lord over and over again for a period help to keep ourselves centered in Christ and our need for his mercy.

Take a risk this week, find a quiet place and give it a try. Remember in the end you are not trying to be perfect “pray-ers” – just someone who prays!

lectio divina: Sacred Reading

2008-06-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

The reading of Scripture is perhaps the most basic of spiritual Disciplines. It is in Gods Living Word that we find the bases of our faith and who we are as Christians. Christians read and study scripture in a multitude of different ways.

One form which evolved in monasteries in the Middle Ages is known as lectio divina. Lectio in Latin means reading; divina means holy or sacred. This form of reading follows a fixed format whereby one seeks to enter into communion with God around a particular sacred text. It can be done individually or in a group setting.

Select a time and place that is peaceful. A quiet room with few distractions is a good place. Give yourself ample amount of time as well. This is meant to be done slowly and not hurried through.

1. Slowly begin reading the passage that you have selected for the day. Be careful not to choose too long a section. A verse or two at most. Read it again and again until a word or phrase strikes you, grabs you, invites you or attracts you in some fashion.

2. Reflect on and meditate on, what the word or phrase offers you, or on its meaning in your life.

4. Rest silently with God, waiting for what God offers, you through your reading and reflection
.
5. As a final step express to God the prayers that rise out of your experience with the passage.

While it may take some time to find a way of doing this that is comfortable to you, it can be a way to find a deeper meaning in the scripture. It forces us to listen to what God would say through Word and Presence.

Monday Morning Musings

2008-06-01T20:29:00.000-07:00

Spiritual disciplines are practices that help shape us into the image of Christ. They provide a way in which we can draw closer to God and discover new things about our relationship with the Divine. Practices such as Bible
study, prayer, fasting and spiritual direction are common disciplines use over the centuries to help believers go deeper in their faith.

Over the next several weeks we will look at some of the common practices that have been used. You are encouraged to try them out. Some will fit your personality and feel like an old friend. Some may seem a little foreign and not be a perfect fit. Take chance and try them out – who knows – you may just find a new to deepen your faith,

Thought question for today: What disciplines do I currently practice?

Coming soon: Annual Conference!

2008-05-12T15:33:00.000-07:00

In ten short days Randy Robertson and I will be off to the 224th session of the Baltimore-Washington Conference.We will be meeting May 22-24 at the Gaylord Hotel in Oxon Hill. This year the theme for conference is "Poured Out: Serve Like Christ

Please pray for Randy and I that we will follow the leading of the Holy Spirit as we make decisions for the church.

General Conference Final Thoughts

2008-05-08T10:22:00.000-07:00

General Conference is over for another four years and most likely it will take that long for us to fully understand and figure out all of the changes that were made at this one. Some things stayed the same others changed. Sometimes it seemed as if the delegates passed proposals that seemed to be in conflict, but that’s the way the process works. One can only hope that on the whole the church listened to what God is calling us to do.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

The following is a summary of some of the highlights. It is based on information received from the United Methodist News Service the author was.: Peck, a four-time editor of the Daily Christian Advocate, served as an editor for United Methodist News Service during the 2008 General Conference—his 11th assembly.

The worldwide church

The assembly reflected changing demographics, as membership has shrunk in the United States while growing in Africa and the Philippines and parts of Europe.

This gathering was less centered on issues confined to the United States than at previous assemblies. That was partially because 278 of the 992 delegates came from outside of the United States––100 more than attended the 2004 session. It also was the result of proposals from a task force studying the global nature of the church.

Delegates approved 23 constitutional amendments that would make it possible to change the church's U.S.-centric structure to a more uniform global structure. A 20-member committee will bring recommendations to the 2012 assembly.

Budget

The delegates approved a $642 million denominational spending plan for the next four years built around four areas of focus for the immediate future: Developing principled Christian leaders, Creating new places for new people by starting new congregations and renewing existing ones, Engaging in ministries with the poor, Improving global health, especially attacking the killer diseases of poverty.

Homosexuality

General Conference essentially upheld the status quo on sexuality issues. In retaining its stance declaring homosexual practice "incompatible with Christian teaching," the assembly rejected a majority report from a legislative committee that recommended new language that faithful people disagree on the topic but that "all seek a faithful witness." The assembly affirmed that all people are "individuals of sacred worth created in the image of God." Delegates also retained statements asking "families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends."

Continued the policy of not funding groups that promote the acceptance of homosexuality, retained language defining marriage as a relationship between one man and one woman and let stand language in the Book of Discipline regarding pastoral authority over church membership.

Legislative process

Delegates created a 24-member standing committee on faith and order to help bishops and the church reflect on matters of faith, doctrinal teaching, order and discipline. The group also will provide study materials upon the request of the bishops, the Connectional Table or General Conference.

The conference called for a continuation of a study authorized by the 2004 assembly on the church's ordering of ministry. The 28-member study group is to address the ordering of ministry, the separation of ordination and conference membership, and the streamlining of the ordained ministry candidacy process.

Delegates approved the creation of a hymnal revision committee and authorized it to bring a proposed hymnal to the 2012 General Conference. An additional group will investigate the possibility of an Africana hymnal that incorporates music and liturgy from Africa––as well as Caribbean, African-American and other traditions with African roots.

Constitutional amendments

General Conference passed a number of amendments to the church's constitution, which now awaits action from annual (regional) conferences. All constitutional amendments approved by a two-thirds vote of General Conference must be ratified by a two-thirds affirmative vote of the aggregate number of voting annual members.

Other items

General Conference approved a full communion agreement with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, in which each church recognizes the other’s ministry and mission, the authenticity of the other’s baptism and Eucharist, and the interchangeability of ordained ministers. The ELCA’s assembly will act on the agreement in 2009.

Delegates learned that church members raised $3 million to restore churches damaged by Hurricane Katrina. More than $60 million was given through the United Methodist Committee on Relief for humanitarian aid in the Gulf Coast.

The assembly increased the retirement age of bishops from 66 to 68 and the retirement age of other ordained clergy from 70 to 72.

People who join United Methodist churches henceforth will promise to be faithful in "their witness" as well as in their "prayers, their presence, their gifts and their service."

Final session

The final gavel came down May 2 at 11:15 p.m., followed by worship, which ended shortly before midnight. The next General Conference will be in 2012 in Tampa, Fla.

Coming to an end.

2008-05-02T20:32:00.000-07:00

Its 10:35 pm and the 2008 General Conference is still going on. The delegates are trying to finish the legislation. My shift as a page has ended, earlier this evening. I needed to get away from all that was going on, so I went to dinner and back t the hotel to rest.

I need to spend sometime processing the last few days. So many things were passed that it is difficult for me to tell you all that was done. Somethings stayed the same ( the churches current stance on homosexuality), new studies were authorized, and changes were made in various places.

I will update the issues once I am home.

Tomorrow I hope to spend some time seeing the area that I have been in the last two weeks, but haven't seen at all.

Peace

Short Report

2008-04-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

Saturday and Sunday were long days. The worship was good. I really enjoy the message from Bishop Hutchinson - challenging us to be born of water and spirit in order to move beyond our four wall and be excited about what God can do. I had to be good yesterday morning. I sat between our Bishop and one of the German Bishops for worship.

The last two days was helping in committees. I was very tired Sunday night and a bit irritable to be truthful. Sometimes even Christians can be a little temperamental and I ran into a few of them on Sunday afternoon.

I was able to switch my schedule around to be off today. I went down to Innis TX to see our former daycare parents Charles and Polly Smith. They use to live on North Bend Rd in Jarrettsville and watched CJ for 7 years and Becca for 2. I go to see several large fire ant hills at their house as well as the wild pig there sun had just caught in a trap. Apparently the pigs and coyotes visit them often.

The pictures above are the tables being used for worship at conference. They are made from wood that had fallen after Katrina hit Mississippi.

See you soon!

Too Late to type last night!

2008-04-25T10:35:00.000-07:00

Got in Thursday night at 11:30 Texas time - too tired to type. Thursday began with catching the shuttle bus from a nearby hotel . The conference is using a fleet of charter buses to help with the parking issue around the convention center. Its not too bad, but last night I had to run to catch mine ( not a pretty sight) or would have not gotten back to the hotel until an hour later.

Thursday morning I was posted up on the stage with the Bishops. I mostly spent the time take notes for one Bishop to another. A little difficult at first - the seating chart was ready when we first got there. So I felt like I was playing " Find the Bishop" for most of the morning. The cool part was that I had a great view of the morning session.

The morning session included several major keynote address. A sampling of three of them follow.

1. A first ever Young People’s with persons ranging in age from 16 - 29. One of the speakers Rev. Annie Arnoldy, 29, of Grand Junction, Colo "What I know about the church is that it yearns for young people,” said Arnoldy. “What I know about young adults is that they yearn for a place to belong. This seems like a pretty fruitful situation"

2.Lyn Powell, lay leader of the North Georgia Annual (regional) Conference, gave the laity address. "If the laity of The United Methodist Church want to reclaim the Methodist heritage of winning communities for Christ, they have to invite people to church, carry the name of Christ with them and claim a personal ministry."

3. Illinois Area Bishop Sharon Brown Christopher gave the Episcopal address.It was filled with songs and multimedia and multi-sensory images about how people received and experienced hope, gave hope, and were transformed by encounters with Christ. "All around this world there is physical, mental and spiritual hunger for the bread of life," she said.

On of the most interesting presentations of the morning for me personally centered around the nothing but nets campaign that is currently going on to raise funds to send bed nets to fight the spread of Malaria in Africa.

Katherine Commale learned at age 5 that—somewhere in the world—a child dies from mosquito-borne malaria every 30 seconds, she said, “Mom, we need to send them bed nets right away.”Her mother, Lynda, agreed. Now age 7, Katherine has collected more than $40,000 . Her goal is that everyone in Africa who needs net will get one.

It really gave me pause to think. If a 7 year old girl can raise over $40,000 to help others. What could and should we a Christs church being doing for others?

The evening was devoted to the various committees beginning their work. I was assigned to the Board of Church and society for the first night. The pages normally rotate between groups so i will most likely be in a different group this afternoon.

All in all in going well. Making new friends, renewing relationshipswith others. Trying to take it all in and not get too exhausted. Thanks for your prayers.

First Day is Over - for me!

2008-04-23T19:09:00.000-07:00

It 910 pm Texas time on Wednesday. The day is over over me - but the evening session of General conference will most likely go on until about 11:00 pm.

The day began at 8:00 am at Forth Worth Convention center. Training went until 1230. We learned the dos and donts of Pages and Marshall's. Number one rule: smile! We had a short sensitivity session as apart of the training to help us remember we are dealing with a wide variety of cultures ( even with in our own country - I mean this is Texas you'all).

We spent about 1.5 hours practicing for the opening worship. Had a short break and then had to be at our station by 4:30pm. The evening was devoted to an hour of music before the service and then a two plus hour Communion service. It was incredible. The music, the visuals, the use of person praying in there native tongue, even the preaching wasn't all that bad.

I was amazed at how the organist could play everything form classic hymns to African spirituals to music that sounded and awful lot like funk! I didn't know an organ could do that.

I had the privilege of helping two of our bishops serve communion. Many of those who came to that station were the interpreters for the general conference. It was interesting to see all of the languages that they represented.

There are over 50 countries represented. 1000 delegates, about 250 support staff, lots of bishops and lots of visitors. All who need your prayers!

Speaking of prayers: right now I am sitting in my hotel while a huge thunder storm is overhead and a tornado watch is on for this area. So a prayer for Fort Worth would be helpful

My day starts and 5:30 tomorrow. The morning is spent up on the stage with the Bishops, the evening serving in a committee dealing with fiances of the church.

Good night to all!

Packing day !

2008-04-21T08:46:00.000-07:00

It's Monday the 21 of April and that means it time to pack for General Conference. I leave tomorrow morning for Fort Worth Texas and 10 days of serving the larger church as volunteer page.

We begin bright and early Wednesday with training and then the real work begins. The first week is filled with legislative work in committees as well as worship, full sessions and other special events. The second week is devoted to full sessions from morning until night.

Please pray for the delegates who will be voting on issues that will affect our church for the next four years and beyond. Please pray for me and that I will be up to the tasks given to me. Please pray for my family as they go it alone with out me.

I hope to be able to log in and do some updates from on site, so be sure to check back!