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Lenten
posted : 03-22-10 by Susan
“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:4-8 NRSV
Often times during Lent, I choose to wear a cross I received back in 1981 when I made a Cursillo weekend. It’ a crucifix and during Lent, I often wear it as a precious reminder of the price Jesus paid for my salvation. As I have reflected on the meaning of Christ’s sacrifice this Lent, I have been humbled to think of what he gave up for me. I have also been wrestling with the reality that as a follower of Christ, I often fail to live up to his self-sacrificing love. In fact, over the last few months, I’ve been struggling with the reality of sin’s existence among those like myself who claim to follow Jesus. Why aren’t we living different lives? Why is it that people can’t see the love of Christ made visible enough in our congregations to want to come and explore the gift we have to offer them? According to David Kinnaman, the author of the book, Unchristian, part of the reason is that people do not see us practicing Christ’s example of self-giving love.
In the latest edition of Alive Now, author John Gooch heard similar sentiments from a person, who said,
Church people are so narrow-minded and judgmental. If you don’t measure up to some standard they set, you are made to feel like an outcast! If churches only practiced the love and openness they talked about, I might be interested. (Jan./Feb 2010 Alive Now, pg. 6)
Reading comments such as these has made me wonder how we have come so far from our Lord’s example as to actually keep people out of his church. And if our lack of hospitality and love is blocking entrance to the community Jesus founded, what hope do we have for the future? Can our actions negate the work of Christ?
As I have pondered these questions, I have been reminded of a small book of meditations written by Peter Storey on the seven last words of Christ from the cross. In this book, Listening at Golgotha, I have found words of encouragement and hope. While all the meditations are thought provoking, it is in the final meditation that I have found one thought that has carried me through some difficult days and given me hope that transformation is possible.
In this meditation on Jesus’ final words, Peter Storey begins by reflecting on the fact that every carpenter starts work with a vision in mind of how the product will look when it is completed. When the work is done, he suggested, it is natural for any carpenter to smile viewing the work and say with satisfaction, “It is finished.” How ironic that Jesus the carpenter’s mightiest work, contends Storey was done on the cross. Yet even then, he was able to turn the wood and nails into a good work; he was able to say at the end, “It is finished.”
However, it was costly work as its completion resembled that of two armies on a battlefield. In a critical battle, when everything is at stake, Storey suggests, each side in the battle will bring out their last reserves in an attempt to decide the outcome of the battle. In this case the forces of good and evil battled on the cross. He continued,
Here God did something that changed forever the moral equation of the universe, shifting the balance from evil to good, from the love of power to the power of love….On Good Friday in Jesus’ breaking heart the work is completed. Love wrestles to the death with evil and still remains love….Evil’s last reserves have been used up. Only love remains. (Listening at Golgotha, Peter Storey, pg. 78)
In Christ’s death on the cross, Peter Storey found evidence that people can be different. We can become new creations. “Because of Christ’s work on the cross,” he wrote, “we too can let go. We can leave the things that hurt, pierce, and suffocate our souls at the foot of the Cross.” (Storey, Listening at Golgotha, pg. 79) We can believe in and trust Christ to reshape our lives and our communities because when “love wrestled to the death with evil it still remained love”, it lost nothing of its innate nature and that is its triumph. The worst of humankind joined in the battle and was unable to negate the love Jesus offered. Instead those present received words of forgiveness and the offer of healing.
As we journey to the cross with Jesus this Holy Week, may we all find hope that the worst of who we are, our failures and hurtful actions are not enough to negate the work of Christ on the cross. Even as he poured out his life through his passion for our redemption, he never sacrificed his innate nature; he never stopped loving. It is in this reality we can find hope knowing that God’s love in Jesus remains constant and unchanging for all times. When we are truly ready to yield all of who we are to his lordship, we will find ourselves taking the first step towards inviting that love to live within us. That is the first of many steps toward living a life in the Spirit that brings true joy, peace, hope and enables us to live in a way that welcomes those outside our doors into the body of Christ.
Blessings,
Sandy Nenadal
John Gooch, Being a Christian in the Wesleyan Tradition: Belonging, Believing, Living, Growing. (Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 2009) as quoted in Alive Now January/February2010, pg. 6.
Peter Storey, Listening at Golgotha Jesus’ Words From The Cross. (Nashville: Upper Room Books, 2004), pg. 78-79.
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Healthy Church Initiative - A multi-faceted approach to church revitalization.
Pastor Leadership Development I This class involves monthly sessions for eight months led by a trained teaching pastor covering a core curriculum along with monthly reading assignments, peer mentor time and 6 monthly coaching sessions. This class also teaches pastors the initial steps to prepare for a HCI consultation. The cost is $500.00. Contact the District Superintendent if you wish to participate.
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Lay Leadership Development
Tracks the PLDI program of 8 monthly sessions of 4 hours each led by a trained facilitator. Lay participants read the same books as the pastors in PLD I. The pastor must have attended or be currently enrolled in PLD I for lay members to participate. Contact the District Superintendent for more information.
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Small Church Initiative
For small churches (80 and under in attendance) to help churches become healthier, more missional churches. Pilot programs are currently running in the Conference. Information will be distributed as it becomes available. Contact the District Superintendent for more information.
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59 Ways to Increase Worship Attendance
posted: 04-29-10 by Rebecca
"59 Ways to Increase Worship Attendance"
By Bob Farr,
Director of Congregational Excellence
WHEN: Sunday, May 23, 2010
WHERE: Neosho UMC Christian Life Center
1111 N Business 71, Neosho, MO
TIME: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
WHY ATTEND?
If you are frustrated that your church is either slowly dwindling in size or you cannot seem to break through to a higher level of attendance, then plan to attend "59 ways to Increase Worship Attendance" with Bob Farr. During this two hour training session, Bob will discuss a variety of ways to improve the attendance of your member households; respond to absentees before they 'drop out' of active attendance; and invite guests to begin the journey toward faithful discipleship; For more information, click here to load the flyer. This event is open to all clergy and laity and is sponsored by the Southwest District UMC Office.
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Pathways UMC Ordination
posted: 03-22-10 by Susan
On March 14, 2010, Rev. Joseph (Joe) D. Miller was ordained at the General Conference of the Evangelical Methodist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. Joe currently is the Pastor at Pathways United Methodist Church in Alba, Missouri.
Joe was born and raised in the Lebanon, Missouri area. He came to a saving relationship with Christ Jesus at age 25 and shortly thereafter began volunteering at his local church. Since then, he has worked for nine years as youth pastor and then associate pastor at Crossroads Evangelical Methodist Church in Marshfield, Missouri. While ministering in Marshfield, Joe also worked toward his bachelor's degree in Religious Studies from Missouri State University (MSU) and worked through the course of study to obtain his pastoral license and ordination. Joe has also volunteered for eight years with Campus Crusade for Christ and has worked for several years in the youth mission organization YouthWorks. His time with Youthworks allowed him to do ministry from the east coast to the west coast in urban, rural and Native American reservation settings. Joe graduated from MSU in December of 2007.
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All Faith UMC takes the Plunge
posted: 01-12-10 by Rebecca
On Sunday, January 10, 2010 eleven youth and the senior pastor from All Faith United Methodist Church, located on State Highway 86 in Eagle Rock, took a polar bear plunge into Table Rock Lake in Eagle Rock. The purpose of this frigid dip was inspired by the senior high youth who wanted to help in the fundraising for a new church bus. They came up with the idea while discussing how they could help raise the money since they will be using the bus the most for their various mission trips and outings. Pastor Robb agreed to jump as well if the youth met and exceeded their plunge goal. Once the youth announced Robb's challenge, their goal was quickly met and exceeded.
At the time of the plunge the temperature was only 23 degrees. The Eagle Rock/Golden/Mano Fire Department volunteered to be on hand in case there might be any problems. Pastor Robb stated, "I am so proud of our Senior High Youth and all that they do. This was a very creative and COLD way to raise money. These kids do such wonderful things in the name of Christ and work so hard on the mission trips without ever complaining. This plunge showed their commitment and love for the church and God." Following the plunge everyone went back to the church and enjoyed a soup and salad lunch to help warm up.
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Check Out Mission In Site
posted: 11-07-09 by Rebecca
Mission In site is a resource tool available for all churches to gain information on demagraphics in your area. Visit www.MissionInsite.com and check it out. Once you get there follow these instructions to register.
HOW TO REGISTER:
On the main page click on “Local Church”. In the drop down box, click on “Church Registration”.
Many churches are granted access under a regional or national body agreement with MissionInsite. If your church is one of those, this page will tell you how to register as a user for your church. If you are uncertain if your agency has an agreement with MissionInsite see the Client list page.
If you are looking to order a demographic report, click here and you will be taken to the Demographics page which explains our available products.
Step 1: Obtain your agency account number. If you have it, proceed to Step 2. If not, call your regional agency to obtain the code. Then proceed to Step 2.
Step 2: Click on this link. It will take you to the registration wizard. Complete the wizard.
Step 3: Authenticate email address. MissionInsite must have an authentic email address to activate the system. You will be sent an email with a link and instructions to confirm your email. When confirmed, your registration is complete.
Step 4: Return to www.missioninsite.com and login with the username and password you provided in the registration process.
For assistance, please call 877.230.3212, ext 329 or email misupport@missioninsite.com.
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Small Church Leadership Institute
posted: 11-07-09 by Rebecca
Licensing School for 2010 will be held May 23-29, 2010 at Central Methodist University in Fayette, MO. The deadline to register will be Monday, April 26. For more information contact: Rev. Richard Northcutt at First UMC 300 E. Washington St. Kirksville, MO 63501. Phone: 660-665-7712 (church)
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Church Marketing Help
posted: 11-07-09 by Rebecca
Help with Church Marketing United Methodist Communications has resources to help churches reach out to their communities. Developing a marketing plan is the best way to start. For more information, go to www.umcom.org/churchmarketingplan.
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Grants Available for Impact Community Events
posted: 11-07-09 by Rebecca
Grants Available for Impact Community Events Beginning 2010, United Methodist Communications’ Rethink Church initiative will offer partnership grants for media and marketing to United Methodist districts, conferences and clustered churches who will engage with their community in outreach ministries events.
The event day will reflect an opportunity for training specific to welcoming the community, a service project that meets the needs of the community and is sustainable and a worship/celebration component. Media services, planning, estimates and placement, are still available at no cost to all our congregations by calling toll free 877-281-6535 or emailing us at ImpactCommunity@umcom.org. For more information go to www.tinyurl.com/umcomimpactgrant.
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2010 Mission Trips
posted: 11-07-09 by Rebecca
Start planning for next summer now, because we have 11 mission trips scheduled. To register decide on a trip, mail the registration in with a deposit check for $200 (non refundable), payable to “Missouri Conference UMC.” Once your registration is received you will be given more details, forms, directions and information.
Be sure to register early, this year each week has a limit. The cost includes all food, lodging, project materials, activities, t-shirt and supplemental insurance. Each group is responsible to get to the location. Once there, each group will provide their own transportation to the work sites each day. If bringing a large bus, plan to rent a van or car while at the mission camp.
- Mission trip brochure
- June 13-18: Sikeston
- June 13-18: Kennett
- June 20-25: Memphis
- June 27-July 2: New Orleans
- July 5-10:Jeff City/Columbia
- July 11-16: Cherokee Nation
- July 18-23: Cherokee Nation
- July 25-30: Colorado (camping)- This location/date is now FULL, Registration CLOSED
- July 25-30: Colorado (church) - This location/date is now FULL, Registration CLOSED
- August 1-6: Colorado (camping)
- August 1-6: Colorado (church)
