Church Confronting Tough Topics

We've got workshops this Saturday on some tough topics that could transform lives, families, and communities. 

Here's one example:  "How Do I Help Someone With a Drinking Problem?"

Art Mellor will be leading one of the sessions at Trinity on the Hill UMC.  Join the conversation as we become better helpers in the community and better friends in transformational relationships.

Here's more info about our Community Ministries Training.

How to Transform Augusta, GA-- Snow?!

 There are rumors that snow & ice will hit us Tuesday and Wednesday.  Just the mention of such a "once a decade" event triggers a crazy excitement down here in Georgia. 

But snow melts quickly here.  Even today the temperature is supposed to be in the 60's prior to the "weather" coming in cold and messy.

It's our mission emphasis week, so I'm thinking about a more lasting transformation of Augusta and the area.  I'm thinking about this being more like heaven than whatever you might call this "state" that we are in.  For me that would mean folk are mentally healthy, free of addictions, getting education and jobs that fulfill them and fulfill the community.  In such a place everyone would have enough food.  A community with a higher ethic than "everyone get it if you can" would be replaced with higher values of loving our neighbors like we do ourselves.   

Now, I'm old enough to hold on to a dream, yet be realistic that this is tough work.  And I know not everyone desires such things. 

As I study the Bible, and try to follow Christ, and open my life to the Spirit, it seems like God is up to something new and transformational.  I've seen it in many other parts of the world.  Why can't I dream for that, and work for that, here in Augusta, Georgia? 

The greatest realization is that it takes a team to attempt something so audacious.  I certainly don't have the skills, the will power, the resources, and everything else that is necessary to do this sort of thing.  

So, I need you.  I need you more than ever.  I need all of you who posted an MLK quote to jump into the action.  I need folk who've given up on church, yet still have a deep interest in living the way of Christ.  I need some, maybe many, who've never had an interest in church or religion, yet hunger to change the world.  I need a team of transformers who can jump into some deeper conversations to then jump into deeper action. 

This ought to be an exciting week in Augusta whether it snows or not!

¨ Wednesday, January 29, 6:00-7:00 PM, Wesley Hall Dining Room, Togo Update by Dr. Esaho & Beatrice Kipuke

 

¨ Saturday, February 1, 8:30AM-2:00PM, Mission Training Day-

8:30-9:00 AM -Registration & Refreshments in Building A Gathering Area (behind sanctuary).  

9:00-9:50 AM- Opening Assembly in sanctuary featuring Dr. Mike Cash.

Session 1– 10:00-10:50AM

Session 2– 11:00AM-11:50AM

Lunch– 12:00-12:45PM, $10 for lunch & snacks.

Session 3– 1:00-1:50PM

 

Community Summit:  Session 1– 10:00AM-10:50AM

Sarah McDonald & friends- Homelessness & Poverty—A004

Travis McNeal & friends- Hunger- A153

Jason Moore, Doug Frierson, & friends—Public Education—A259

Lauren Spivey & Kathy Tuckey—Aging & Alzheimer’s – A255

Natalie Paine & friends—Crime & Violence— A267

Thurman Norville—Families in Augusta— A261

Shannon Stephens, Brian James, Anne Watts- Life Skills: Mental Health, Substance Abuse, & Habits- A256

 

Session 2– 11:00-11:50AM

Rev. Virginia Tinsley & Kelly Barge– Prison & After Ministries- A261

Rev. Stacey Harwell– Christian Community Development in Macon- A153

Mr. Gary Locklear– Connecting Church & Community in NC- A259

Mr. Art Mellor– Addiction & Substance Abuse Ministry- A256

Rev. Jeffrey Salley & Mrs. Shirley Townsend-Jones– SC Churches Partnered in Cooperative Ministry- A255

Rev. Carolyn Poling– Youth Ministry as Outreach- A004

Rev. Lisa Fitzpatrick– Youth Center Ministry in New Orleans- B242

Rev. Julia Nielsen– Shalom Zone: Zip Code Partnerships of Church & Community- A267

 

Session 3-

Rev. Virginia Tinsley & Kelly Barge– Prison & After Ministries- A261

Rev. Stacey Harwell– Christian Community Development in Macon- A153

Mr. Art Mellor– Addiction & Substance Abuse Ministry- A256

Rev. Lisa Fitzpatrick– Youth Center Ministry in New Orleans- B242

Rev. Julia Nielsen– Shalom Zone: Zip Code Partnerships of Church & Community- A267

Rev. Shannon Karafanda– Family Ministry as Outreach- A004

Mrs. Shari Fulmer & Mrs. Danielle Meyer— Housing Ministry in Augusta-  A259

Mrs. Marsha Jones– Christian Re-Neighboring in Augusta/Harrisburg- A255

Check out the displays, enjoy conversation and networking, ask questions that will help your local ministry, partner in ways that transform church, agencies, lives, and communities.

Sunday, February 2, Mission Challenge Day

Mission Reports in Sunday School Classes, 9:45-10:45AM

Local Outreach Update– Ann Arnette & team, including Marsha Jones & Gloria Norwood with the St. Luke/Harrisburg story, in Open Door Class, A004

National Outreach Update– Steve Wallace & Scott Parrish in Faith Builders class, with updates on North GA conference work in Russia, Choir Room/B242

International Outreach Update– Danny Newman & team, including fresh news from India– Chapel/A151

Worship at 8:30AM & 11:00AM offers opportunity to Celebrate what God has done through us in mission, and to hear the Challenge for the coming year in local, national, and international outreach.  Prayerfully consider how you will follow Christ this year as you Pray, Pay, & Go in mission.  It takes all of us doing our part, using our gifts from God, in order for the Church to be effective in mission. 

TOC is featuring many local experts you may know, plus:

Rev. Lisa Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of APEX Youth Center & Associate Pastor of People’s UMC, 2013 CNN Hero, New Orleans; Mrs. Shari Fulmer & Mrs. Danielle Meyer, Action Ministries at Maxwell Apartments; Rev. Stacey Harwell, Minister of Community Building at Centenary UMC/Macon; Rev. Shannon Karafanda, Associate Pastor at Cornerstone UMC; Mr. Gary Locklear, Church & Community Worker, & North Carolina UM Conference Lay Leader; Mr. Art Mellor, SPSARV Executive Director; Mrs. Julia Nielsen, Executive Director at Greater Hilltop Area Shalom Zone and Minister at New Horizons United Methodist Church, Columbus, OH; Rev. Carolyn Poling, Associate Pastor, Impact Church, Atlanta GA; Rev. Jeffrey Salley, Director, of the Bennettsville-Cheraw Area Cooperative Ministry, & Shirley Townsend Jones, Church & Community Worker.; Rev. Virginia Tinsley & Kelly Barge, Executive Director of the North Georgia Housing and Homeless Council.

TOC 2014 will be complete if you take your place in the excitement of “The Kingdom is Near!”

 

 

 

Trinity Outreach Celebration 2014: "The Kingdom is Near!"

Trinity Outreach Celebration 2014:  “The Kingdom is Near!”

Information & registration here

¨Saturday, January 25, 8:30AM– 12Noon, Servant Day with projects in church & community! 

¨ Wednesday, January 29, 6:00-7:00 PM, Wesley Hall Dining Room, Togo Update by Dr. Esaho & Beatrice Kipuke

¨ Saturday, February 1, 8:30AM-2:00PM, Mission Training Day- We need every church group represented & as many members as possible for this extraordinary training event which could have so much impact in our own community. 

8:30-9:00 AM -Registration & Refreshments in Building A Gathering Area (behind sanctuary).  

9:00-9:50 AM- Opening Assembly in sanctuary featuring Dr. Mike Cash.

Session 1– 10:00-10:50AM

Session 2– 11:00AM-11:50PM

Lunch– 12:00-12:45PM

Session 3– 1:00-1:50PM

Community Summit:  Session 1– 10:00AM-10:50AM

Sarah McDonald & friends- Homelessness & Poverty—A004

Travis McNeal & friends- Hunger- A153

Jason Moore, Doug Frierson, & friends—Public Education—A259

Lauren Spivey & Kathy Tuckey—Aging & Alzheimer’s – A255

Natalie Paine & friends—Crime & Violence— A267

Thurman Norville—Families in Augusta— A261

Shannon Stephens, Brian James, Anne Watts- Life Skills: Mental Health, Substance Abuse, & Habits- A256

 

Session 2– 11:00-11:50AM

Rev. Virginia Tinsley & Kelly Barge– Prison & After Ministries- A261

Rev. Stacey Harwell– Christian Community Development in Macon- A153

Mr. Gary Locklear– Connecting Church & Community in NC- A259

Mr. Art Mellor– Addiction & Substance Abuse Ministry- A256

Rev. Jeffrey Salley & Mrs. Shirley Townsend-Jones– SC Churches Partnered in Cooperative Ministry- A255

Rev. Carolyn Poling– Youth Ministry as Outreach- A004

Rev. Lisa Fitzpatrick– Youth Center Ministry in New Orleans- B242

Rev. Julia Nielsen– Shalom Zone: Zip Code Partnerships of Church & Community- A267

 

Session 3-

Rev. Virginia Tinsley & Kelly Barge– Prison & After Ministries- A261

Rev. Stacey Harwell– Christian Community Development in Macon- A153

Mr. Art Mellor– Addiction & Substance Abuse Ministry- A256

Rev. Lisa Fitzpatrick– Youth Center Ministry in New Orleans- B242

Rev. Julia Nielsen– Shalom Zone: Zip Code Partnerships of Church & Community- A267

Rev. Shannon Karafanda– Family Ministry as Outreach- A004

Mrs. Shari Fulmer & Mrs. Danielle— Housing Ministry in Augusta-  A259

Mrs. Marsha Jones– Christian Re-Neighboring in Augusta/Harrisburg- A255

Check out the displays, enjoy conversation and networking, ask questions that will help your local ministry, partner in ways that transform church, agencies, lives, and communities.

¨   Sunday, February 2- Challenge Day

Mission Reports in Sunday School Classes, 9:45-10:45AM

Local Outreach Update– Ann Arnette & team, including Marsha Jones & Gloria Norwood with the St. Luke/Harrisburg story, in Open Door Class, A004

National Outreach Update– Steve Wallace & Scott Parrish in Faith Builders class, with updates on North GA conference work in Russia, Choir Room/B242

International Outreach Update– Danny Newman & team, including fresh news from India– Chapel/A151

 Worship at 8:30AM & 11:00AM offers opportunity to Celebrate what God has done through us in mission, and to hear the Challenge for the coming year in local, national, and international outreach.  Prayerfully consider how you will follow Christ this year as you Pray, Fund, & Go in these vital mission partnerships.  

TOC is featuring many local experts you may know, & we've shared many blog posts in the last month introducing the speakers & sharing mission partner devotions.  Here's a list of our "out of town" guests:

Rev. Lisa Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of APEX Youth Center & Associate Pastor of People’s UMC, 2013 CNN Hero, New Orleans; Mrs. Shari Fulmer & Mrs. Danielle Meyer, Action Ministries at Maxwell Apartments; Rev. Stacey Harwell, Minister of Community Building at Centenary UMC/Macon; Rev. Shannon Karafanda, Associate Pastor at Cornerstone UMC; Mr. Gary Locklear, Church & Community Worker, & North Carolina UM Conference Lay Leader; Mr. Art Mellor, SPSARV Executive Director; Mrs. Julia Nielsen, Executive Director at Greater Hilltop Area Shalom Zone and Minister at New Horizons United Methodist Church, Columbus, OH; Rev. Carolyn Poling, Associate Pastor, Impact Church, Atlanta GA; Rev. Jeffrey Salley, Director, of the Bennettsville-Cheraw Area Cooperative Ministry, & Shirley Townsend Jones, Church & Community Worker.; Rev. Virginia Tinsley & Kelly Barge, Executive Director of the North Georgia Housing and Homeless Council.

TOC 2014 will be complete if you take your place in the excitement of “The Kingdom is Near!”

 

 

 

Augusta/Richmond County as the Kingdom of God?

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be they name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
forever. Amen.

If you are like me you might pray the Lord's Prayer almost daily, or at the least a time or two each week.  "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" is a line that often catches my attention as I'm aware of what life is really like.  As much as anything I feel the rub, the chafing, as I long for the way God desires the world to be and that deep longing most of us have for everything to be "right."

So, I'm looking for some co-conspirators, some revolutionaries, some anarchists who are no longer content with the way things are in Augusta, Georgia- my immediate world- and yearn for the Kingdom of God to more visible in our city and our area.  Who are the followers of Christ ready to take up the cross in our own city? 

  

I served Trinity on the Hill UMC 1994-2000 as program director, and then returned in 2007 to serve with outreach and mission.  So, I've seen the changes in Augusta over the years.

Some numbers for you to consider:

• The population of Augusta/Richmond County is around 200,000.  
• 55% African American and 39% white. 
• 28% of the over 75,000 households have children under 18.  
• 24% of the population lives below the poverty level
• August 2013 the unemployment rate in Augusta was 10.1%
• 56% of the population owns a home
• A count in the summer 2013 revealed 808 homeless adults
• Richmond County graduation rate in 2012 from high school was 59.19%.
• The county teen pregnancy rate in 2009 was 87.2 per 1000 for ages 15-19.  With a high rate of sexually active teens there is also a high rate of STD's.
• 20% of the population has a bachelor's degree or higher.
• In 2013 there were 2775 cases of domestic violence reported to the sheriff's office
• Last year there were 132 cases of child abuse/molestation reported.  
• There were 1355 cases of narcotics. 
• Total arrests in all cases were 4886

As I think about Augusta GA I wonder what God is doing here, and what God expects us to do.  What is the Kingdom of God recreating here in lives, in families, in neighborhoods and workplaces, and across the city?  How does God's will need to "be done" in our daily lives?

These are some of the issues, questions, and practical discussions we'll be having during the next 10 days as we emphasize community ministry and "The Kingdom is Near."  Find the details and registration at Community Ministry as we are excited to host such a stellar group of community and mission experts.  Might this become a Christian movement that makes all the difference in our lives and in the lives of those we serve?       

TOC Devo: That Dog Ain't Gone Bite You!

That Dog Ain’t Gone Bite You!

Read 2 Corinthians 12:9

David is 9 years old and fearless.  He don’t like pink, he don’t like school and he don’t take no lip. During Kid’s With a Future, a tutor brought David to me because he’d hit another boy.  I asked Blake, the tutor, to walk David home and explain to his Momma what had happened.  Soon Blake was back.  He told me that he had walked David home but hadn’t talked to his Mother because the meanest looking dog he’d ever seen was tied up on the front porch and he wasn’t taking a chance with that dog.  I decided to walk down to the house because I’d never seen a dog there before.  Sure enough the most square-headed and mangiest looking dog I’d ever seen was tied up and lying on the porch. 

I used my best dog-wooing voice to tell him what a pretty boy he was and what a good dog he was and then I put my foot on the bottom step. Immediately the dog stood up, lowered his head and let go a low growl.  I took a giant step across the sidewalk and moved into the street.  The dog started towards the porch steps and I started calling David’s Momma.  Soon the front door opened and Susan came out.  “Will you please put your dog in the house so we can talk?” I asked.   She squinted for a second and then bent over laughing, “Miz Marsha, that dog ain’t gone bite you. He ain’t got no teeth!” 

St. Luke UMC is poor, needy, unpredictable and indescribably wonderful. Any illusions we may have had about being in control disappeared a while back but in the busyness I often forget.   Sometimes I am jolted by circumstance beyond my control and my impotence paralyzes me with doubt and fear. I am not in control.  Susan’s laughter and the words she spoke that day became a rarely experienced and desperately needed moment of transcendence.

 Are you afraid to share your gifts with the people who need them the most?  Does the thought of worshipping with folks who might need more that you can give fill you with anxiety?  Does remembering that you are not in control leave you paralyzed by doubt and fear?  Then repeat with me the words of David’s Momma, Susan, “That dog ain’t gone bite you!  He ain’t got no teeth.”

Marsha Jones 

 

 

TOC Devo: Being Faithful

Being Faithful

Matthew 25: 40

The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

        Doing for the least.

        Being the hands and feet of Christ.

       Loving your neighbor as yourself.

       Building relationships with all God’s children.

How do we give all of these commands and directions priority our lives today? It is very difficult and the most rewarding mission work. It takes time to sink ourselves into the lives of those we are trying to help. Getting to know them personally is the only way to help without offending.

A story:

Shanta is a 14 year old girl who is 5’11” tall. Extremely thin. Lives in abject poverty with an alcohol addicted mother and 3 very young brothers and sisters. I have known Shanta for a couple of years. Shanta was entering the 9^th grade. She had no school clothes, new or old. Her hair had not been done in a very long time.

Can you imagine how Shanta felt as the beginning of school drew closer?

If we apply our Christian faith, what should we do for Shanta…certainly an example of the “least of these, my sister”?

The answer seemed to be to take Shanta shopping. Let her pick out the jeans that fit and were the correct style. Give her the choice of shirts and tees that coordinated and were the correct style. Find a pair of shoes that fit, size 11, that were the correct style. Laugh, talk, negotiate, critique, compliment. What a big blessing for me and hopefully for Shanta!

Over lunch, our conversation was comfortable and easy. She has called me Grandma for a long time. That name sure seems to be the highest compliment.

Often the hard work of being the hands and feet of Jesus is just so demanding, frustration, and consuming. Then suddenly you are in the right place to feel the Holy smile of Jesus as he says, “Well done, my faithful servant”.

Gloria W. Norwood

Good Neighbor Ministries

 

TOC Devo: That Feeling

Isaiah 52:7 (NIV) How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

“That Feeling”

I work a few shifts every month at two different faith based medical clinics in downtown Augusta. The patients seen in these clinics are poor and have no health insurance.  I love serving in this clinics because of the patients and the unadulterated opportunity to share the Good News and show God’s love. 

Recently one of my patients was a late middle aged woman with many of the common physical complaints that come with aging.  After we had addressed her health issues and prescribed her appropriate medications, the patient was planning out loud where she would get money to pay for the prescriptions.  Last year my wife came up with the idea to buy a number of Walmart gift cards to give away in 4 and 10 dollar amounts to cover prescriptions written for medications on the “4 dollar list”. This year we did the same and my wife wrote the message, “Jesus Loves You”, on each card in permanent ink. I offered to give the patient one of these gift cards.  When I returned with the gift card, the patient was already in tears.  And, when she read aloud the words written on the card, “Jesus Loves You”, it only got worse. I teasingly admonished the patient that she needed to stop because she was making my eyes get a little misty. The truth, however, was that I was overwhelmed with that feeling I ONLY get when I know without a shadow of doubt that I have become God’s hands and feet.

Romans 10:15 (NIV) And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Larry B. Mellick, MD, MS, FAAP, FACEP

Medical Director, Harrisburg Family Healthcare Clinic

 

TOC Devo: Pray for the Church in Asia

TOC Devo: Serving Those Who Live By Faith

We live by faith, not by sight.     

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:7

                Those who visit the Maxwell house will soon discover it is a place full of longing and even some great faith.  The people you meet here are wonderful people, but it doesn’t take long to see they are missing some things you and I may take for granted, and possibly some things absent from our own hearts as well.  A lot of the folks at the Maxwell house are in constant need of food, health care, and transportation.  Unfortunately this only serves to remind of them of their lack of security and community.  It is possible many of us struggle with these same spiritual needs, but if we’re honest we often mask such needs with our material resources.   But when you don’t know who you can ask to give you a ride to the doctor the fact you’re alone in this world comes crashing down on you.  Constant visits to various food banks serve only to remind you of life’s instability.  This is the plight of many of the people at Maxwell House.  It is into this unique set of circumstances our workers and volunteers enter.  We come to bring, and sometimes find, the hope of Christ.  We do not come to fix all the problems (this would be impossible) but we do come to offer the support and services that are available, trusting that we are serving to prepare hearts for Christ.  He alone is the answer to these needs for security and community.

                I’d like to share with you the story of one individual who exemplifies a life of faith in the midst of such insecurity and instability.  David is blind with no income.  For him the act of crossing the street can be a real act of faith.  But David has decided not to be a victim.  Though he does not know where his income is going to come from, David has chosen to never be broke again.  He carries a penny in his pocket every day to remind him that he is not broke, and that there is One who will provide for him.  He is an incredible example of the faith that sustains us all if only we’d trust the One who asks us to walk by faith and not by sight. 

Brandon and Shari Fulmer
Shari works with Action Ministries and serves as the Program Director for Supportive Services at the Maxwell House

TOC Devo: The JOY Club

The Joy Club

 Read Luke 14:14

...and you will be blessed because they cannot repay you.

 Every Wednesday evening the Joy Club convenes at Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church in Augusta, Georgia.  The Joy Club consists of 6 developmentally disabled adults and two church members who are along for the wonderful ride with these friends of ours.  We have a shared meal with the rest of the church who come for "Wednesday Night Supper."  We have our own well-marked table and a number of people will make a point to come over and say "hi"  to the Club while we eat. The church pastors always make a short visit.  We think they take a small pleasure and pride that their church supports a ministry like the Joy Club, and they should.  We wouldn't exist without church support.  At our meal we catch up on each others' lives and what might be going on.  Over the years this group has become close friends.  We care for each other.  We appreciate the uniqueness of each other.  We lightheartedly tease each other.  It's always fun.  There is always a party in the planning stages because that's what we do.  We have a few birthday parties each year and we go to a favorite eatery together to celebrate.  Our annual Christmas get-together is always the highlight of our year.  Santa always comes.  We are cared for that way.  After our meal, at our meetings we may listen to music.  We may make a card for someone and each member will share a thought to include in the card.  We may share a trouble or concern or we may interview a guest.  Sometimes we will read a Bible passage and talk about it a bit.  Roberts Rules of Order are strictly not observed at a Joy Club meeting!  Our Club chaplain, Ed, closes each meeting with a prayer which, among other requests, always includes a prayer for Trinity on the Hill. 

The Joy Club at TOTH is a mutual blessing to the Club members (they wouldn't miss it!) and the church as a whole.  Trinity on the Hill is allowed the opportunity to give to a small group of lovely people who can never repay what they receive.   In return, let's be watching how our God will bless us!

 Thought for the day

Do we understand that God promises blessings when we give to those who cannot repay? 

 Prayer

Wonderful God, You have blessed Trinity on the Hill with the Joy Club and we thank you that we are regularly able to see how you provide a wonderful outreach and fellowship for them.  Bless Connie, Ed, Johnnie, Laura, Ronnie, Wally, Wink, and Doug as they continue to meet with you on Wednesdays.  Guide the Club as we walk together and as we deal with issues of old age and physical/health challenges.  Amen. 

Pray for our Mission Trainers

Did you catch all of my December introductions to our regional and national mission trainers?!  Throughout last month I shared some biographical information and photos of many of our outreach leaders scheduled to guide us.  

We have a phenomenal cast of talent that will be with us on Saturday, February 1 to share best practices for mission and the mission models that are really working in community ministry.  Whether you are new to community mission or an mission veteran with all the patches and certifications, you WILL find this to be an extraordinary time of sharing information, networking, and focus on mission that has local, national, and international implications. 

Meet a CNN Hero, Church and Community Worker,  Addiction and Substance Abuse specialist, Community Builder, Shalom Zone leader, Cooperative Ministries director, and more.  Scroll through blog entries for the month and meet other inspiring, knowledgeable leaders that we'll be honored to host at Trinity on the Hill UMC. 

Pray...
Participate...
Give...

as we work together in the Kingdom of God!