Saturday, December 31, 2011

Missionaries from DR visiting us Jan 15

What do you think a missionary family looks like? And why would they leave GA for the Dominican Republic?



Meet these Waynesboro GA missionaries to the DR Sunday, January 15th. We will host John & Donna Bearden and family that day at Trinity on the Hill from 10:00-10:45 AM in the Chapel. We have been pleased to partner with the Bearden
family this year as they've gotten established "on the field" full time and look forward to hearing their story. John and Donna have been doing mission work in the Dominican Republic for 11 years prior to accepting a position with United Methodist Volunteers In Missions and the Iglesia Evangelica Dominicana ministry. John worked for the State of Georgia and Donna served as a Neonatal Intensive Care Registered Nurse with University Hospital for 20 years prior to going to the DR full time. The Beardens are one of Trinity's sponsored international missionaries and we are glad to host this family. We also hope to take a team to the Dominican Republic in the next year and will learn about those opportunities.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Mission Training Feb. 4

Here's a replay you may have missed so you close out the old year well and are prepared for 2012:

The "Faith in Action" Mission Training will be at Trinity on the Hill in Augusta, Saturday February 4, 2012. This is hosted in coordination with the North Georgia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church as Mike Yoder and the Disaster Response leadership of the conference train us. This event is open to all interested churches and individuals as we seek to be better prepared for emergencies in our communities, state, and region. Our hope is that many churches will participate as we all seek to improve our ability to serve in a disaster.

So we can be prepared and due to requirements for class sizes we do need participants to sign up prior to the event. Please consider this and encourage a team from your congregation or group to participate.

Classes include:

Children’s Disaster Services: Shelter Child Care Training- Friday-Saturday. Cost $45 with scholarships available. Instructs individuals on how to set-up and operate a child care center within a temporary disaster response shelter. 2 Day Training includes mandatory Overnight Stay. A minimum of 15 registrations are required by January 13. Friday, February 3, begins with dinner at 5:00 PM and concludes Saturday, February 4 at 6:00 PM includes emergency shelter simulation with meals provided. An overview of this excellent training may be found at CDS on YouTube. Please sign up ASAP as seating is limited.

Saturday, February 4, 9:00AM-5:00 PM with lunch & refreshments provided.

UMCOR: Disaster Assessment- Saturday, 3 hour course. Instruction on the UMCOR approach and coordination of disaster assessment immediately following a tornado or hurricane.

UMCOR: Disaster Prepared Church- Saturday, 3 hour course. Instructs the church how to prepare the physical facility before a disaster strikes and then respond to the needs of the local church, community and area following a disaster.

UMCOR: Basic Spiritual & Emotional Care- Saturday, 8 hour course. $10 for background check for badge. Trains individuals to provide support, information and referral for a holistic disaster recovery & help disaster survivors connect with their personal, community, spiritual, emotional and basic life resources.

UMCOR: Early Response Training- Saturday, 8 hour course. Cost: $10 for background check for badge. Training provides information that includes the who, what, when, where and how of doing ministry, as well as hands on experience in the specific tasks that early responders are expected to accomplish.

UMVIM Mission Team Leader Training- Saturday, 8 hour course. Cost $25 for notebook. Learn all the “nuts and bolts” or leading a team or enjoy a refresher course that allows you to network and lead UMVIM teams nationally and internationally.

More details and registration are HERE or by contacting the Trinity on the Hill UMC mission office. Please don't hesitate to register!

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Day of Service Jan 28

Ready to go to work?

The Day of Service will be Saturday, January 28, and always proves to be an exciting day of mission projects.

We'll gather in the Wesley Hall dining room from 8:00-8:30 AM for coffee and fellowship (& for final instructions or weather changes), then gather teams and deploy at 8:40 for our locations. Most groups will work from 9:00AM– 12 Noon unless otherwise noted. Sign-ups start in January if you like the "clipboard after worship" approach or feel free to go online. Mission partners are still responding so other options will be available in addition to the few I highlight below.

Some of the mission options include:
Augusta Canal Clean Up— 8-10 workers needed to clean up both sides of the Trinity section of the canal from the locks to Broad Street.

Master’s Table Soup Kitchen- 702 Fenwick Street, Augusta. Ten to fifteen adults (18 years or older) serves from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM to prepare and help serve a meal to approximately 300 guests.

The Lydia Project— 10 workers need to help do some spring cleaning.

Augusta Urban Ministries (now called Action Ministries/ Augusta), 303 Hale Street. 8-12 workers needed to help build beds.

Mercy Ministries, 1621 15th Street (the old Castleberry plant). We can use two teams: 1) for unpacking and sorting at the Thrift Shop, and 2) a team or teams to frame and sheetrock dressing rooms for the Thrift Shop.

Stop Hunger Now Packing Party—need 40 people—10 AM-12 noon at Wesley Hall. Package a fortified, dehydrated rice/soy meal. The team will package 10,000 meals in 2 hours. Find more information here to learn what we'll be packing.

And did I mention that MORE teams are developing?!

Make plans to participate as we serve together in mission. Sign up HERE to secure your place. Some groups have a maximum number we can accommodate so be sure to sign up and follow through!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Faith in Action Mission Event Jan 28-Feb. 5

We host an annual mission emphasis and "hit the ground running" in the new year for the late January/early February event. Our Trinity Outreach Celebration theme this year will be “Faith in Action” & include mission training for disaster relief and for mission team leadership. I hope you'll get us on your calendar and make plans to attend.

Saturday, January 28, 8:30AM-12:00 Noon
Day of Mission Projects

Wednesday, February 1, 6:30-7:30PM
Mission Celebration
Worship with children’s choirs singing & Rev. Phil Schroeder preaching.

Saturday, February 4, 9:00AM-3:00PM
Mission Training Event
Half day & full day classes for certification for mission leadership, disaster response, shelter volunteers, and more.

Sunday February 5, Mission Challenge
Both 8:30 AM & 11:00 AM worship services include youth choirs singing & Rev. Phil Schroeder preaching.
Sunday School classes will include Mission Updates.

Go to Augusta Mission Training for details and to sign up.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Mission Training, February 4 @ Trinity on the Hill UMC

The "Faith in Action" Mission Training will be at Trinity on the Hill in Augusta, Saturday February 4, 2012. This is hosted in coordination with the North Georgia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church as Mike Yoder and the Disaster Response leadership of the conference train us. This event is open to all interested churches and individuals as we seek to be better prepared for emergencies in our communities, state, and region. Our hope is that many churches will participate as we all seek to improve our ability to serve in a disaster.

So we can be prepared and due to requirements for class sizes we do need participants to sign up prior to the event. Please consider this and encourage a team from your congregation or group to participate.

Classes include:

Children’s Disaster Services: Shelter Child Care Training- Friday-Saturday. Cost $45 with scholarships available. Instructs individuals on how to set-up and operate a child care center within a temporary disaster response shelter. 2 Day Training includes mandatory Overnight Stay. A minimum of 15 registrations are required by January 13. Friday, February 3, begins with dinner at 5:00 PM and concludes Saturday, February 4 at 6:00 PM includes emergency shelter simulation with meals provided. An overview of this excellent training may be found at CDS on YouTube. Please sign up ASAP as seating is limited.

Saturday, February 4, 9:00AM-5:00 PM with lunch & refreshments provided.

UMCOR: Disaster Assessment- Saturday, 3 hour course. Instruction on the UMCOR approach and coordination of disaster assessment immediately following a tornado or hurricane.

UMCOR: Disaster Prepared Church- Saturday, 3 hour course. Instructs the church how to prepare the physical facility before a disaster strikes and then respond to the needs of the local church, community and area following a disaster.

UMCOR: Basic Spiritual & Emotional Care- Saturday, 8 hour course. $10 for background check for badge. Trains individuals to provide support, information and referral for a holistic disaster recovery & help disaster survivors connect with their personal, community, spiritual, emotional and basic life resources.

UMCOR: Early Response Training- Saturday, 8 hour course. Cost: $10 for background check for badge. Training provides information that includes the who, what, when, where and how of doing ministry, as well as hands on experience in the specific tasks that early responders are expected to accomplish.

UMVIM Mission Team Leader Training- Saturday, 8 hour course. Cost $25 for notebook. Learn all the “nuts and bolts” or leading a team or enjoy a refresher course that allows you to network and lead UMVIM teams nationally and internationally.

More details and registration are HERE or by contacting the Trinity on the Hill UMC mission office. Please don't hesitate to register!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

January Day of Service

As part of the Trinity Outreach Celebration we'll have a mission work day and will offer a range of activities for children, teenagers, and adults. The Day of Service
will be Saturday, January 28, and always proves to be an exciting day of mission projects.

We'll gather in the Wesley Hall dining room from 8:00-8:30 AM for coffee and fellowship (& for final instructions or weather changes), then gather teams and deploy at 8:40 for our locations. Most groups will work from 9:00AM– 12 Noon unless otherwise noted. Sign-ups start in January if you like the "clipboard after worship" approach or feel free to go online. Mission partners are still responding so other options will be available in addition to the few I highlight below.

Some of the mission options include:
Augusta Canal Clean Up— 8-10 workers needed to clean up both sides of the Trinity section of the canal from the locks to Broad Street.

Master’s Table Soup Kitchen- 702 Fenwick Street, Augusta. Ten to fifteen adults (18 years or older) serves from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM to prepare and help serve a meal to approximately 300 guests.

The Lydia Project— 10 workers need to help do some spring cleaning.

Augusta Urban Ministries (now called Action Ministries/ Augusta), 303 Hale Street. 8-12 workers needed to help build beds.

Mercy Ministries, 1621 15th Street (the old Castleberry plant). We can use two teams: 1) for unpacking and sorting at the Thrift Shop, and 2) a team or teams to frame and sheetrock dressing rooms for the Thrift Shop.

Stop Hunger Now Packing Party—need 40 people—10 AM-12 noon at Wesley Hall. Package a fortified, dehydrated rice/soy meal. The team will package 10,000 meals in 2 hours. Find more information here to learn what we'll be packing.

And did I mention that MORE teams are developing?!

Make plans to participate as we serve together in mission!!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Christmas and Incarnational Mission Training

OK, I confess I'm very guilty of looking beyond Christmas! I'm already anticipating a very busy start to the new year. If you are in the Augusta GA area I hope you'll be part of the excitement.

We host an annual mission emphasis and "hit the ground running" in the new year for the late January/early February event. Our Trinity Outreach Celebration theme this year will be “Faith in Action” & include mission training for disaster relief and for mission team leadership. I hope you'll get us on your calendar and make plans to attend.

Saturday, January 28, 8:30AM-12:00 Noon
Day of Mission Projects

Wednesday, February 1, 6:30-7:30PM
Mission Celebration
Worship with children’s choirs singing & Rev. Phil Schroeder preaching.

Saturday, February 4, 9:00AM-3:00PM
Mission Training Event
Half day & full day classes for certification for mission leadership, disaster response, shelter volunteers, and more.

Sunday February 5, Mission Challenge
Both 8:30 AM & 11:00 AM worship services include youth choirs singing & Rev. Phil Schroeder preaching.
Sunday School classes will include Mission Updates.

Go to Augusta Mission Training for details and to sign up.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Five Management Metrics You Need to Know

Work and life often take up blogging time!

I don't usually catch too much business news, but the link below is beautiful and has great application in church work.

Metric 1: Flow State Percentage
Knowledge workers and deep thinkers- being "in the zone"- need sustained deep concentration, i.e. flow state. "Studies have shown that each time flow state is disrupted it takes fifteen minutes to get back into flow, if you can get back at all."

Metric 2: Anxiety-Boredom Continuum
"He said that his goal was to keep all of his students in the pocket between boredom and anxiety – but closer to anxiety."

Metric 3: Meeting Promoter Score
"In the last minute of a meeting, ask the participants to each rate from 1 to 10 how effective the meeting was, with one suggestion for making the meeting better."

Metric 4: Compound Weekly Learning Rate
"The best leaders hold on to this relentless curiosity. Joi Ito wrote recently about “neotony”, the retention of childlike attributes in adulthood. This ability to learn is like the compounding interest on an investment: after two or three years, a relentless learner stands head and shoulders above his peers."

Metric 5: Positive Feedback Ratio
"...five times as many positive interactions as negative ones."

Five Management Metrics You Need to Know

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

"Those Infant Hands"

Another worthy Advent/Christmas song by Charles & Carl!

Those Infant Hands
word by Charles Wesley, music by Carl Thomas Gladstone

Those infant hands,
of the heavenly stranger,
So poor and mean,
His court an inn,
His cradle is a manger:

Those infant hands
now for us descended,
Who built the skies,
On earth he lies,
With only beasts attended.

Lie hid in human nature;
Incarnate see
The deity,
The infinite Creator!
Godly hands, those infant hands.

Those infant hands,
Of endless adoration!
Those infant hands
Shall burst our bands,
And work out our salvation;

Those infant hands,
Strangle the serpent ever,
Till open set
The glorious gate
And take us up to heaven.


Find the music here.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

"No More Turning From the Child"

Here's another Advent/Christmas song that is on target with the story. It's often a challenge to use the great music of old in a style that works today. I appreciate what Carl is trying to do as the Charles Wesley words have a depth and power to them despite the challenge of the years.

No More Turning From The Child
word by Charles Wesley, music by Carl Thomas Gladstone

Where is the holy heaven-born child,
Heir of the everlasting throne,
Who heaven and earth hath reconciled,
And God and human joined in one?
Shall we of earthly kings enquire,
To courts or palaces repair?
The nation's hope, the world's desire,
Alas! We cannot find him there.

No more turning!
See there! The new born Saviour see,
By faith discern the great I AM;
'Tis he! The eternal God! 'tis he
That bears the mild Immanuel's name.

We search the outward church in vain,
They cannot him we seek declare,
They have not found the Son of Man,
Or known the sacred name they bear.
Then let us turn no more aside,
But use the light himself imparts,
His Spirit is our surest guide,
His Spirit glimmering in our hearts.

Drawn by his grace we come from far,
And fix on heaven our wishful eyes,
That ray divine, that orient star
Directs us where the infant lies.
The Prince of Peace on earth is found,
The child is born, the son is given;
Tell it to all the nations round,
Jehovah is come down from heaven!

Find the song sung here.

Monday, November 28, 2011

"Heaven Cannot Contain"

OK, I know that, strictly speaking, we're in the time of Advent. That's the Christian season that is a preparation for Christmas. Of course, in a culture that is full launch into the singing/spending/buying season it's sometimes tough to consider a spiritual preparation for the birth of Christ. Rather than attack the overwhelming Christmas tide that starts on Black Friday I like a more positive emphasis.

Here's a great Christmas song that you may not know about. I like both the words and the style music as the approach points to another side of Christmas that can get lost in the hype, razzle dazzle, and excessive busyness of it all.

Heaven Cannot Contain
Words by Charles Wesley, Music by Carl Thomas Gladstone

Glory be to God on high,
And peace on earth descend;
God comes down; bows the sky,
and shows himself our friend!

God invisible appears,
God the great I AM
Sojourns in this vale of tears,
And Jesus is his name.

Heaven cannot contain!
Knees and hearts to him we bow;
Jesus is our brother now.

Stand amazed, ye heavens, at this!
Lord of earth and skies
Humbled to the dust he is,
And in a manger lies!

Emptied of all majesty,
Dazzling glories shorn,
Being's source begins to be,
And God himself is born!

Go to Heaven Can Not Contain to hear the song.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

"Season of Rest"

"Season of Rest"

by Scott Parrish
November 2011

It's time for leaves to fall;
season of rest is here.
Let go of work and toil;
days of production are over.

Yield to the winds of change;
relax in the rhythm of weather.
Warm, sunny days are past.
Now comes the sleep of the winter.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

"Exponential Futility"

Exponential Futility
by Scott Parrish
November 2011

Raking leaves
ankle deep
on a windy day
with the trees only half shed.

"How Do You Say?"

How Do You Say?
by Scott Parrish
November 2011

How do you say all the colors
of autumn leaves on hardwood trees?

Impossible!

Too many colors,
too many shades,
too much nuance,
too extraordinary and subtle for words.

The best you can do
is soak it in
and enjoy the wonder.

You must see,
you must touch,
you must experience
for yourself that which is beyond words.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

"Recruitment Manual for the Augusta Irregular Militia: Ready for the Battle"

Everything we've discussed so far concerns a power far beyond you or your abilities. What I am suggesting isn't a mere illustration. This isn't a child's game. Rather, this is a life and death matter. This is for teenagers and young adults and adults of all ages. The consequences, in your life and in our community, are very real. The impact is NOW. The implications are played out in our community today and tomorrow.

This is an urgent call to action. The enemy has over run the town! The adversary has control of too many in our community. Too many of our own ranks have divided loyalties. We can no longer play it safe. We must choose who we will serve. We must be of firm conviction in this matter. We must be persistent and not give up hope or allegiance.

The time for us to join the battle is now. We can not delay as we put ourselves and those around us in jeopardy. While drugs and gangs control some of our homes and neighborhoods we have stood idly by. While the expectations in many of our homes, schools and community has diminished we have waited for someone to step up to do something. While we've expected politicians, or teachers, or preachers, or someone else to make a difference, we've been content to complain but not act. The burden is upon each of us as individuals to step up to the challenge. Then the task is to unite under the banner of the One who has given us everything we need to win the battle!

The time for action is today and it begins with us. But we must let go of our sense of power and submit ourselves to God. We must follow the example of Christ. We must rely upon the Spirit as we take our place in this spiritual battle as a soldier of the One True King. Yet, as seen previously in the manual, the hostile forces prefers to use our everyday habits, thoughts, attitudes, and practices against us. The Enemy uses our own sense of independence, ability, and self certainty/self centeredness against us. We have proven we can not win the battle doing what we have always done. We can not be partially armed for the battle. Rather, we must be fully equipped if we are to stand in the cosmic battle played out in our everyday lives.

Read Ephesians 6:10-18 for more background and to reinforce the urgency of this matter and the full armor you must have to be effective. As you reflect upon your life and our community these are some of the essential characteristics that are most necessary to effect a lasting change in our lives and in Augusta. The demons of idolatry, religiosity, poverty, addiction, racism, hopelessness, gangs, and a legion of other forces of evil can not be overcome by our continued ineffective efforts. The fact is that we fuel the flames of negativity and despair as most of us give in to "what has always been and will always be." We expect too little of ourselves and too little of our community with such thoughts and expectations. We do not expect the Kingdom to be present and our prayers mock what God desires to do through our submission. We must view the battle in new and different ways, and we must armor ourselves accordingly as the fight is much different than we have previously supposed.

Today is the day for a new battle to be fought in Augusta which will take seriously our place in it and our obedience and resolve to depend upon God and one another.

The Augusta Irregular Militia is mobilizing and is prepared for battle. Will you join the ranks? Will you give yourself to the battle at hand? Will you submit your life to the the Field General who calls for obedience? Will you help us transform in Augusta that which many have given up on? The time is NOW. Which side will you choose to serve?

Monday, November 21, 2011

"Recruitment Manual for the Augusta Irregular Militia: The Problem Reconsidered"

Have you known many people in the military? They are just like the rest of us. Some are excellent examples of all the finest virtues you can name for a soldier. Others, well others try to live a divided life and maintain their old habits, lifestyles, and vices even as they seek to serve.

The problem is that we can rather quickly, and most naturally, fall back on our old ways. Old habits, old attitudes, old practices can easily creep back into our daily life. Our passion for the mission and enthusiasm for the battle can become overwhelmed by our emotions or self perceived needs. We get lax with our expectations and our exercises. We do the minimum and get by. We lose our high calling and revert to our most base instincts.

The danger is that we may not be a soldier of light but a warrior of darkness.

Recall that our standard bearer, King Jesus, is the One who withstood the temptations in the wilderness (do you recall those specific issues and emphases?). Our Commander in Chief, our Field General, has a different way of doing battle than we tend to naturally follow. Yet, we are to avoid idolatry and follow the way of Christ. See Ephesians 4:17-5:20 as an extended reading worthy of the time to understand these matters. A key to this section is 4:17-19 and the warning not to live in the futility of our thinking.

HA the futility of our thinking seems to proclaim the noise and confusion of our times!

Be aware of the specifics in the passage, but dwell on the main theme issues of:
-ignorance
-hardening of heart/lost sensitivity
-lust for more
-be imitators of Christ

What does this mean for the cultures and subcultures which seem to revolve around the most base natural instincts and emotions?
What are deceitful desires? What are new attitudes that lead to righteousness and holiness?
What does this mean for me? Where am I in this picture?
What does this mean for my church, faith group, or spiritual/life support group? Where are we in this picture?
What does this mean for my community? Where are we in this picture?

I'm still thinking about Augusta and more concerned than ever about the urgent needs of our beloved area and the people of it. We are called to live as children of light and to make the most of every opportunity. But the challenge of the battle may be before we have even begun!

Can you keep up the standard and live up to the expectations that define this type of service? Are you part of the solution to the challenges in Augusta or are you part of the problems?

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Megachurch Bubble?

There's an interesting discussion currently as to whether a "megachurch bubble" exists. You've heard of the housing bubble and similar "industries" that have overreached. Exhibit A for anyone who advocates a megachurch bubble would be the Crystal Cathedral and it's demise/restructuring. In that situation, and in general, there do seem to be commonalities. A key issue is the question of economics and which churches are sustainable. Others would point to leadership and the transition to the next generation of pastors. Still others might point to the ministry approach that worked with the last generation which doesn't seem to be as effective today. Megachurch Bubble offers an interesting review of the possible megachurch bubble and a focus on particular Nashville area megachurches. Those with a solid financial base, entrepreneurial spirit, and current plan of active ministry including succession of leadership proves a strong approach no matter the size church.

"Recruitment Manual for the Augusta Irregular Militia: The Problem May Be You"

Have you ever seen a zombie movie? It's almost always crystal clear who is alive and who is "undead." Movies are that way. You can usually determine the "good guy" from the "bad guy." Real life is somewhat more complicated.

We can not be confused about where we stand and how we are doing.

This likely requires an honest assessment, a demanding drill instructor, and a team of others committed to the mission. Anything less and you will neither tell yourself the truth, push yourself hard enough in the mission, or benefit from the competition, encouragement, and truth telling that others on a team will bring you. Anything less than this total package and you will be confused about where you are and how you are doing.

This is not a call to inaction, or discussion, or status quo- in your life or in your community. This is a call to deployment. This is a call to change Augusta starting with you, with your home, with your neighborhood, with your workplace, and with your social groups and relationships. This is a call to be a foot soldier in the Kingdom of God.

A soldier must be prepared for the mission. A soldier must be patient and persistent. A soldier must be prepared to follow orders. A soldier must be willing to work hard for the greater good of the unit and the mission. A soldier is always on call. A soldier must be willing to sacrifice, both in small ways and perhaps in significant ways, for the mission to be accomplished. The life and practices of a soldier demand best efforts, attention to detail, practice, and commitment.

But you aren't there yet.

Even if your mind and heart soar with the thought of service there are some preliminary matters to attend to. Think of basic training for a soldier. And don't forget the ongoing training and every day disciplines required of those in military service. Tough, consistent, demanding, high expectation training is the key.

Read Ephesians 2:1-15.
Are you dead or alive?
Who, or what, rules your life?
What are your daily desires and thoughts? What are your cravings?
What is the motivating characteristic in your life?
What is your purpose, your calling, in Augusta?

Saturday, November 19, 2011

"Recruitment Manual for the Augusta Irregular Militia: Call to Action"

Given the challenging times and the dire consequences of our inaction, the time has come for a general call to action of all men and women of the Augusta, Georgia/ Central Savannah River Area. This is issued to every teenager and adult, every person of conscience, everyone who imagines a neighborhood and community and town that reflects our greatest hopes and dreams.

It is no longer appropriate for us to continue in a state of apathy, nor is it prudent for us to live in a self centered fear that nothing may be done. We can not continue the policies of "every man for himself" nor the isolated suburban pursuit of happiness. What happens in urban Augusta affects suburban Columbia County and has effect in the rural CSRA. Our former ways of living must give way to a more community centered, honest, and fruitful approach at creating a common life that is worth handing to our children. Our failure to seek to encourage and create such a community will be a continued sin handed down to our children and grandchildren unless we repent of our failures and atone in ways that lead to life. This grand failure must be reversed immediately and it must begin with us!

Look at what we have become. Consider what you see every day in your Augusta experience. Examine the daily news and reflect on how we have gotten here. We can argue the points and the causes (though my hope is that we are stirred to action and not merely more discussion!), but the process begins with us. Some issues that get my attention include:

-we divide rather than unite- our opinions, our anger, our platforms, our politics, our personal pursuits are an agenda that is a "dead end road" as we only know, friend, and work with those who agree with us. "Others" are counted as enemies- how can this be in community?!

-we are obsessed with ourselves to the detriment of the community- what we can gain, our addictions, our values become the objective. Our personal pursuits become the agenda and are foisted on the community. The community must be about more than one individual or group. Multiply this and community is divided by our small, fractured viewpoint.

-thus there is no common culture, no common goal. We all play our car stereo obnoxiously loud all the time because we don't care about our neighbor. We don't extend courtesy to another car, another person, because we don't think of them as friend or neighbor, but as nameless competitor. We are desensitized and our children are version 2.0 of selfish insensitivity.

-Should we even discuss the "older sins" of our community? This seems no longer civil to even speak in public, but the reality of white flight and separated neighborhoods and obviously divided political commissions begs the question. Of course, racism isn't a one way street! This is an equal opportunity evil that we seem to mutually embrace. Sadly, the Church is just as much a culprit and perpetrator in this as any institution. The sins of the fathers and grandfathers are now being visited on us today. How can we break through this, build bridges and relationships, and do the needful work of the Kingdom?

-the irony is that our personal spirituality and isolated lives of work and play are impacted by the current state of affairs. We have become Lone Rangers, though the team requires unity of purpose and life. Sadly, the Church is relegated to the sideline as for too long the emphasis has been on the "spiritual" versus the "practical." Yet, we pray "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven." There is something very important here about us that we must respond to.

The negative vibe, the crime and violence, the crush of addiction, the power of mass despair, the rampant unemployment and underemployment, the challenges of basic food and housing, the loneliness and isolation of those who want to reach out to someone, the lack of voice and leadership that the masses will follow-- provides opportunity for an "all call" as we are in a state of emergency! It is time for a sense of urgency, for action on behalf of others, for a level of team work and unity that is seldom seen outside of war.

Here, in the time of the Great Recession, it is time to call up the Augusta Irregular Militia. We need teenagers, and young adults, and adults of all ages and stages who are willing to serve. Such a group -interested in loving God and loving neighbor as ourselves- is still a worthy experiment and the timing has never been more urgent. Augusta Kingdom workers need to mobilize NOW to meet the needs of the battle as the war has already been raging. People are being lost everyday to the ravages of battles that consume them.

Consider this call to action a personal invitation for your life. Carefully read and ponder Ephesians 1: 3-14 as you respond to this call to action. In the next few days I'll share more from the "Recruitment Manual" as we consider the mission and the preparation you will need as a recruit. There are some key battles to be waged in the coming days. Are you ready for what this will require of you?

Friday, November 18, 2011

Trinity Outreach Celebration, January 28-February 5

Here's a sneak peak for TOC 2012 with our theme of "Faith in Action: Radically Courageous." We've scheduled it a little differently this year as there is too much to offer! Trinity will host some North Georgia UMC training, offer new mission projects, and have some exciting worship as part of our mission extravaganza.

Saturday Jan 28- Day of Mission—HANDS Day/Service Projects around town. We'll have a variety of options for all ages. We're excited this year to add a meal packing component as part of international hunger relief. If you don't know about Stop Hunger Now and the Meal Packaging Program get an idea. NOW get ready for Trinity on the Hill to offer this as one of our work day projects. I'll share more details on this and all the other great mission projects as we'll also be feeding the hungry in Augusta at the Master's Table that day, doing construction projects, helping clothe the naked, visiting the elderly, cleaning up creation, and more.

Wednesday, February 1- Mission Celebration- 6:30-7:30- including the mass children’s choir singing and Rev. Phil Schroeder preaching. While I knew of Phil, and had some conversations with him, I first got to know him best as we served together on church teams responding to Hurricane Katrina damage in Gulfport, Mississippi. You'll find him to be an exciting, challenging preacher who will inspire you in your mission service for Christ.

On Saturday, February 4 we will host a Faith in Action Training Event. Some classes will be half day and others full day with certification options for disaster response, mission team involvement, emergency shelter volunteers, etc. We are pleased to be offering a Children's Disaster Services training which will prepare volunteers to work with children in an emergency shelter setting. Space will be limited in these premiere classes so look for registration at the Trinity on the Hill website in December.

Sunday Feb 5- Mission Challenge @ both worship services (8:30 & 11:00AM) including both youth choirs with Rev. Phil Schroeder preaching.

This will prove to be great time of inspiration, education, and mission. I hope you make plans to be part of the mission!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Flow of Thanksgiving

I tend to think in images and get a focus on certain thoughts or ideas in a day and week. I'm not a poet or writer yet, and often get drawn to a concept that I then enjoying playing with for days. Here's a rough draft as I'm trying to get myself ready for Thanksgiving. I'm still fussing with the grammar, wording, and punctuation, but want to share it with you to say THANKS. Maybe it will help you tap into your soul as you prepare for Thanksgiving.

This year I'm thinking a lot about all the sinners and saints who've framed my life, added to who I am, and made a huge difference to what I've become and what I'm becoming. I hope as you get caught in the busyness of Thanksgiving that you'll also get caught up in recognition of everyone that your life is built upon and the power of gratitude. Do something -traditional or creative- that helps raise your awareness of thanks giving/living.

Oh, the first photo is of a dry well in a west African village where we work, and the second of the pump is from the deep well we put in at the Kipuke Ministries Trinity Center outside of Kara, Togo. I was thinking of the old pitcher pump or shallow well as I started writing and was reminded of my rather shallow daily approach of thanks giving.



Flow of Thanksgiving
by Scott Parrish
Thanksgiving 2011

The pump needs to be primed.
The flow is hesitant from a
rusty, forgotten, untended supply-
a spring not drawn up.

Memory...
slowly welling in mind and heart-
of the people who have changed my life,
of the spices added to the dull recipe.

Keepsakes...
stirring in my thoughts-
family, friends, folk who sharpen iron,
those who create my life of experience.

Memorabilia...
flowing in life and story-
to be displayed and recounted,
stream that keeps me alive.

Recognition...
gushing spring of thanks knowing-
deep, deep gratitude from the core,
holy awareness, an offering, a prayer.

Spring of true thanks giving,
meant to flow pure in me.
Stories recalled, retold
as I drink deep of the pure water.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Could ReThink Annual Conference Lead to ReThink Charge Conference?!

I've been away from the blog of late with mission trips, catch up work, & then something flu like knocking me out of everything.

I noticed my old seminary friend, Taylor Watson Burton-Edwards, offers up another insightful and practical suggestion with ReThink Annual Conference.

Plenty of us have talked about this over the years. Many vote with partial attendance, or most correctly stated, lots of attendance in hallway meetings. After you attend AC one year you'll notice a deadly redundancy with a few cosmetic changes.

Check out ReThink Annual Conference and imagine the vibrant new Methodist realities that might take form instead of a repeat of a dead, institutional form of religious business that really isn't fitting for a Methodist movement. I think Taylor is on to a conversation which every conference should engage in and look to implement in some form as we revitalize the connection and reignite a movement.

This might even lead to ReThink Charge Conference!

Friday, November 11, 2011

Mission Training Event, Saturday February 4, Trinity on the Hill

Trinity on the Hill UMC will sponsor a mission training event on Saturday, February 4, 2012 including certification for staffing a Red Cross Shelter, leading a mission team, being part of an early response team in a disaster, and more. We ought to have great trainers for UMVIM, UMCOR, and other United Methodist mission training. I'll share more details soon but hope you'll get this district & conference level training on your calendar. Most of our trainers will be visiting from Atlanta as we seek to be better prepared in case a disaster strikes our area, and as we seek to develop "best practices" as we respond to emergencies in other communities.

One session of particular interest will be the training of workers for certification in Children's Disaster Services. This group will stage an overnight shelter and offer a "hands on" class for folk interested in this incredible helping mission. See Children's Disaster Services to get an idea of the work. Registration starts soon and space is limited in this class.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

"Great Day!"

Our adult choir sang this great spiritual this morning in worship and it was stunning both times. What a perfect match for an All Saints emphasis and a communion Sunday. I just wish that the whole church later sang it in response to the sermon/worship as we ended the hour!

Once you start looking around you may find a few variations of the song and some different musical arrangements. See one set of lyrics below and then a couple of YouTube offerings. I think you'll find this worth using in your worship as it's theologically strong and an upbeat piece that should still be a church favorite.

GREAT DAY
Traditional Negro Spiritual

REFRAIN:
Great day! Great day, the righteous marching;
Great day! God's going to build up Zion's walls.

The chariot rode on the mountain top
God's going to build up Zion's walls
My God He spoke and the chariot stopped
God's going to build up Zion's walls

Great day! Great day, the righteous marching;
Great day! God's going to build up Zion's walls.

This is the day of Jubilee
God's going to build up Zion's walls
The Lord has set His people free
God's going to build up Zion's walls

Great day! Great day, the righteous marching;
Great day! God's going to build up Zion's walls.

Going to take my breastplates, sword in hand
God's going to build up Zion's walls
And march out boldly into the land
God's going to build up Zion's walls

Great day! Great day, the righteous marching;
Great day! God's going to build up Zion's walls.

We want no cowards in our band
God's going to build up Zion's walls
We call for valiant-hearted men
God's going to build up Zion's walls

Great day! Great day, the righteous marching;
Great day! God's going to build up Zion's walls.

Bethune Cookman

Howard University

Friday, November 4, 2011

Accountability Booster or Doomsday Device?

I've enjoyed The Office for a number of years. This season it's as strong as ever with a good edge to it and clever situations. Last night's episode was called "Doomsday." Robert California, the new CEO, expects the group to make fewer mistakes. Dwight creates a software program that will identify if the team makes 5 mistakes on the paper orders or accounting. If you know anything about the characters in that office you know this is inevitable! Once they make the 5 mistakes Dwight has an e-mail automatically sent to the corporate office at 5PM. The group calls it a Doomsday Device while Dwight consistently calls it an accountability booster.

So, which is it...accountability booster or doomsday device?

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Augusta GA Urban Poverty

Part of my context for ministry in Augusta includes a very high level of urban poverty. See the story which ranks us so high nationally. We've got over 26,000 people in neighborhoods with poverty rates of 40% or higher. "Local resources," mentioned in the story, are being pushed to the limit. What are the best, innovative, transformational approaches to reducing these sorts of poverty trends and the issues related to such high poverty pockets? Employment, housing, food, education, and violence are daily challenges in these neighborhoods. Imagine if half your neighborhood lived below the poverty level and you can see there are no easy answers.

Here's an addendum including the larger national story and the top 10 list:
Increase of Poverty.

Togo Missionary Newsletter- October 2011

Here's an update from Esaho & Beatrice Kipuke in Togo, west Africa. We are the primary sponsors for this couple but are eagerly recruiting other churches and sponsors for the incredible work being done in northern Togo. Here's Esaho's October report:

This publication is very special to us since it is being prepared on October 4th, the date of our 31st Wedding Anniversary. We thank God for His guidance and His blessings on our children, our ministries and especially on us. Thank you all for your cards, prayers, phone calls and the wish for many more years to come.

Evangelization
Kipuke Outreach Ministries goal for this year is to reach out to many more people in the remote villages far from Pya and win as many souls as we can for the Lord. Students and workers are mobilized along with our choir for that adventure. Elderly people in these villages who have no one to care for them will also be the focus of our outreach program. With God’s help, we will find them and provide them with spiritual and material support.

Education
Our school year 2011-2012 resumed September 12, 2011 with 47 students into our Home Economics program. School started with a prayer meeting where voices were raised up to God asking for His blessings unto all of our personal, programs and us for the entire 2011-2012 school year. Many students and workers expressed their gratitude to God for how He blessed them. They feel it was God himself who has enabled them to join Kipuke Outreach Ministries programs.

Our dormitory for girls lacks space to accommodate all new needy students. More beds and mattresses are needed. Kipuke Outreach and Ministries provides accommodations only to enrolled students coming from other villages, Cantons and Regions of the country. Exception is made to girls rejected by their families due to forced marriages, indigenous religion practices, witchcraft practices…

The Kipuke Outreach program for orphans provides education, food, clothing and medical care expenses for children they have placed in foster families. We are able to find families willing to take in an additional child, but they can barely support themselves, so we must provide money to feed and clothe the orphans they care for. The orphans resumed their school this first week of October 2011. Kipuke Outreach provided all of these children with school uniforms, school supplies, tuition and other related school fees for the school year 2011-2012. Families providing care to these children also benefited by receiving some food for the orphans under their care, and their own children

Visitations:
Kipuke Outreach and Ministries was blessed by the visit of Ed and Linda Baker, The Mission Society missionaries serving on the Global Resource Team with specialization in water and sanitation. Ed and Linda enjoyed their visit to Togo, especially the visit at the Kipuke Outreach Ministries project in the village of Pya. Ed and Linda noticed the difficulty the training center has with training the students in it’s home economics program. The kitchen has no sink and no running water, making it difficult to educate the students about cooking practices. Ed and Linda will be working hard in finding ways to get pipelines run from the well to the main building at Kipuke Outreach and Ministries training center in Pya.

The 9100 District Rotary Club Governor visited Kipuke Outreach Ministries project in Pya where the International Rotary Club approved a matching grand that helped provide electricity to Kipuke Outreach Ministries training center, add electric and manual sewing machines and purchased some kitchen supplies for our cooking program.
The Governor and all who were with him appreciated the Kipuke Outreach Ministries efforts in the area of community development. Bringing to the village of Pya a nice and well equipped school to help young Togolese women to learn a trade is a big investment a NGO can provide a rural area with.

The nursery program at Kipuke Outreach Ministries training center also attracted the attention of the Governor. He noticed that the nursery needs more equipment such as toys for children and, in the long range a play ground to benefit children in the area.

Kipuke Outreach Ministries held a three day seminar for their “Women of Love” program. The topic of the seminar was “Women Leaders – What is Their Role”. Many women from neighboring villages of Pya came. The goal was to provide information to help women understand how they can have a role when it comes to leadership - what they can do to be effective, and to not be misunderstood in a country where the culture has not fully given to women the power to be a leader of groups? A certificate of participation was given to all women who attended.

Event:
Kipuke Outreach Ministries is coordinating a French International Mobilization Conference in Togo, led by the Mission Society, December 9-13 in Bagbe (Presbyterian Retreat Center, 35 kilometers away from Lome). We are expecting church leader participants from USA, Mali, Cameroon, Bourkina-Faso, Ivory Coast, Benin and Togo.

Prayer:
Please, pray for our programs, our donors and especially for the event God has for Togo in the coming months. Also, do not forget to pray for us, your missionaries on the field for good health and patience with the challenges we have to deal with on a daily basis.

Esaho and Beatrice Kipuke
Missionaries in Togo

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Seeking Church Planting Catalyst

Background Data for Mission is one of my favorite bits of UMC information as they share great ideas based in research and best practices. Today I received the October 2011 Volume 23, No. 10 issue of BDM and offer the whole e-mail below. OK, it also shows one of the coolest jobs I've heard about in some time.


Two that Do, Part II

Last month we looked at two churches which are reaching more people, younger people, and more diverse people. This month will continue this theme, mainly due to unanticipated worship experiences of the editor over the weekend. Three Sunday services were attended. The first was a small urban UMC which is not doing particularly well at any of the three foci just mentioned for reaching people.

Second on the list was a visit to one of those churches mentioned last month, the Brooklyn Tabernacle. Unlike the previous visit to this church, which was the Tuesday night prayer meeting, this was the Sunday noon service. The attendance filled the sanctuary so that closed circuit was used into an overflow room across the street. (Estimated attendance at this service, which is one of three: 3,000) No printed order of service was to be had, though the bulletin was a glossy, full color tri-fold. Worship singing with overhead projection took the first 45 minutes. Then the centerpiece of the service shared two numbers: the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. The power of this presentation reminds the attender why this choir has earned six Grammies. Superlatives fail me. The choir also did the offertory. A key take-away here is that high quality music matters. This poses a challenge for vast majority of United Methodist churches, since they are small and thus have limited resources. Hopefully they can find the means to enhance their music.

After the offertory and some announcements, the preacher came on stage. The style was as described last month. He was very engaging and the attenders responded. It’s interesting to note that in all UMC emphasis on congregational transformation and vitality, little emphasis is given to preaching. Yet few strong dynamic churches got there with weak preaching.

Church number three was Redeemer Presbyterian. This ministry is a unique urban ministry in Manhattan, which has reached mega-church status (5,000 in worship) after being a new start in the late 80’s, yet which does not have its own worship space still. There are no obvious intentions of doing so either. They meet in two locations in the morning and three in the late afternoon and evening. A morning and evening service is held in the Hunter college auditorium. Worship styles vary and include classical, contemporary and jazz. I attended a jazz service in the late afternoon hosted in a Baptist church. The vast majority in attendance were twenty somethings who were highly diverse ethnically. The place was packed. The five piece, accomplished, jazz band played prelude music and provided accompaniment for all singing. The service style was blended with a highly detailed bulletin with the order of service and all music printed. Again, the excellence of the music was a defining and highly attractive feature of the service.

Senior pastor, Tim Keller preached. This is not insignificant insofar as he is not present at all services and the church does not announce where he will be on a given Sunday. The sermon style was very different than the Brooklyn Tabernacle. There was little animation and the content was heavily philosophical with a strong element of apologetics. Nevertheless, the presentation was certainly compelling in its own right. This seems to be a fine match for those assembled. Again it is clear that the preaching has played a role in the strength of another vital ministry and that this church has a strong emphasis on evangelism.

Of course church is more than worship. Redeemer is remarkable in what else happens in the life of this varied congregation. The bulletin lists staff who can be contacted for those interested in mercy and justice, congregational life, family ministries, fellowship groups, a counseling center, outreach, and stewardship. One of the ministries, The Center for Faith and Word, features fellowship groups in various slices of city work life. Arts groups include an actors’ group, a dance industry group and a culture club. Vocation groups include the A.D. agency for those in Madison Avenue related fields, and a business fellowship. There is also an entrepreneurs fellowship. These ministries clearly embody Redeemer’s concise mission statement: “renewing the city socially, spiritually, and culturally.”

An astonishing ministry of Redeemer is their church planting outreach called “Redeemer City to City.” Since its founding, the church planting center has helped to plant over 170 churches in 35 global cities. The ministry model draws from Redeemer's experience as a church in a secular, multicultural global city. The center provides resources, including funding, leadership training, and coaching, for churches in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Australia

Redeemer describes their approach as being strongly based in the Gospel. “Nowhere do we encounter more opportunities to apply the gospel in these ways than in the city. Many modern urban dwellers face loneliness, economic hardship, social injustice, and personal and societal brokenness. The church is to serve all of these needs, including directly serving the poorest and most vulnerable populations in the city. We are dedicated to training leaders and planting churches that are committed to strengthening the influence of the gospel in the city in ways that result in spiritual growth, the flourishing of neighborhoods, reconciliation between classes and races, and the renewal of family life, education, health, and vocation.”

The church is currently posting a position called “Church Planting Catalyst for New York City.” The job description notes that the church is “seeking an experienced, visionary urban church planting leader to direct its efforts in New York City, with a goal of facilitating 100 new congregations during the next decade.” Congregational developers have long noted the importance of vision and compelling purpose in transforming existing churches and starting new ones. Redeemer does not lack for that.

Some might question why this newsletter, and last month’s, did not feature United Methodist Churches. There are certainly many of them doing wonderful ministry. Those highlighted here happen to be those I have personally encountered within a short time prior to writing. Of more importance, these churches are doing remarkable ministry in places where others have not fared so well. Seattle and New York are among the least churched cities in the US and yet these ministries have not only done well, they have gone over the top.

The two churches noted last month, City Church in Seattle and Brooklyn Tabernacle in New York, along with Redeemer Presbyterian are reaching more people, younger people, and more diverse people. They are doing it with excellent music, strong preaching, an emphasis on evangelism, a love for their context, and a driving sense of vision and purpose. All churches can strive to improve in these areas and may be pleasantly impressed with the results.

Rev. Dr. John H. Southwick, editor
Director of Research and Executive Secretary for Rural and Urban Networks
General Board of Global Ministries
New York, NY 10115

Looking for a Great Entry Level International Mission?

Are you looking for a new international mission option? Or perhaps you've never taken on an international mission because of logistical concerns? I've got a great partner who's looking for a few more teams in 2012 that would be worth you consideration. Since these are friends and colleagues in mission I encourage you to pursue this only if you are serious about mission in Jamaica. Contact me if you have any questions. If you contact ACE mention that you heard about this opportunity from me.

We've been working with ACE in Jamaica for a number of years now and send teams down 3-4 times a year. They are a strong partner because they offer exceptional mission options, excellent support and organization for a team, and what they do in mission is a lifestyle and not just a one time adventure. You will find they have partnered for many years with teams out of Ginghamsburg UMC if that is any indication of their ministry. You can find out more about them from some of my previous blogs or in my Facebook photo albums. ACE has great options for construction, medical, children's ministry, recreation, microbusiness, and agricultural missions. Plus you'll eat some incredible jerk chicken and pork (plus other food), build relationships with local Jamaicans in rural St. Mary's Parish, and work on your Patois!

ACE Site Trip Details
The ACE site trip is a chance for you as a leader to come and get to know us. We invite you to stay at our largest micro-business, Galina Breeze Hotel and join us for a full tour as we show you what we do on a day to day basis and how we incorporate our teams of volunteers into our long-term relationships and ongoing projects in the local community. There is no obligation and we do not ask for money. It is simply a chance for you to make a well-informed decision about future opportunities for bringing teams down on an ACE trip.

All ground expenses for one leader per group are covered by ACE. This includes all ground transportation, accommodations at Galina Breeze Hotel, meals during your stay, full tour of the organization, and 24 hr security. Cost per extra person is only $150. Also included in this trip is an optional 3rd night stay for only $120 per room and includes hotel accommodations, breakfast, beach admission, and ground transportation. This extra night is simply a fun time of fellowship and an opportunity to take in the beauty of Jamaica.

 Reservation: To book your reservation, simply communicate with myself
(Mandie) at my contact information below and I will get you on the calendar! I will need to know how many are coming and if you are opting for the third night. If there are any charges (extra person and/or extra night) I will email an invoice.
 Booking: To book your airline ticket, contact Travel Team Brokers at (800) 938-8585 or brisa@travelteambrokers.com . Once you have your airline ticket, please email me a copy of your itinerary so that we know when you are arriving and departing.
 Insurance: For liability reasons, all ACE participants are required to have short term travel insurance. If you have travel insurance, we will need to see proof of coverage. If you do not have coverage, you can get coverage through us for only $25 for your entire stay. If you are interested in purchasing this coverage, please let me know so that I can get you signed up and I will send you an invoice for payment.
If you have any questions about the site trip or about ACE in general, I’d love to hear from you!

Mandie Medcalf
Stateside Marketing Coordinator
American-Caribbean Experience
Mandie@acexperience.org
www.acexperience.org
1-877-500-5768 | 770-573-7024

American-Caribbean Experience
P.O. Box 566263
Atlanta, GA 31156
www.acexperience.org 
1.877.500.5768

UMC Gospel Debate

I recently enjoyed Scot McKnight's book "The King Jesus Gospel." While I can quibble with a few thoughts here and there I do believe there are some important key issues raised in it that might be helpful in UMC conversations. Though it doesn't appear that many of the UMC conversations in preparation for GC2012 are theological in nature, but driven more by "practical" issues of funding or fear, I wonder what might happen if we talked about the Gospel we believe and the Gospel we desire to share with the world.

McKnight offers a blog today in the3 J's in the Gospel Debate that may facilitate new UMC discussions.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Halloween UMC Story

Does anyone else find it humorous that the Bishop's met on Halloween? The lead sentence of uncertainty about the answers and questions related to restructuring is certainly curious. If the bishops don't know, or have opinions, on this subject... well, it's just a strange Halloween story! I wonder, beyond the official press release, what those meetings are like.

I love that the bishop from Zimbabwe reminded the group they were meeting in the region where Francis Asbury so actively established the church. Please remind us more about such a heart for growing the church. As I said yesterday, some of our churches are doing exceptional work for the Kingdom of God and we should celebrate the good that is occurring in UMC ministry.

I also appreciate that Goodpaster spoke to some of the ecclesiology and theology lacking in the CTA. It seems to me that the historic Methodist emphasis on the annual conference ought to be worthy of more discussion as we return to our roots. Further, given the global nature of United Methodism prioritizing the conference would allow us to create basic discipline and structure that could be implemented and useful internationally. An emphasis upon the annual conference continues to be the wise Methodist approach that can serve us well in the future. Of necessity this will call for a realignment and retooling of our approaches of the last 30 years that places too much weight on agencies, on bishops being out of the conference, and upon United Methodism in the United States. Consolidation of the agencies makes great sense IF they work together for all annual conferences. I see no reason to establish any super council, a bishop with oversight of the denomination, or anything that detracts from our historic Methodist approach with emphasis upon conference and church.

As we continue the discussions and prayers leading to GC 2012 it will be good to focus on the essentials of Methodism and move the conversation beyond Halloween toward All Saints.

Monday, October 31, 2011

An Amazing Church

If you haven't figured it out by now I serve an amazing church! We tend to be active to hyperactive, keep old members & staff around for long tenures plus engage new folk into the life of the congregation, and serve the world in a lot of different ways. Just last week we had one outreach team in Jamaica on a medical mission. We also had a team in Ringgold, GA doing reconstruction on houses damaged by the spring tornadoes that hit Tuscaloosa and continued a line of destruction up into northwest Georgia. And, in addition to our normal ministries, we also had a group staging a huge church yard sale that raised $8100 for local mission and opened the doors of the church to the community.

After such a busy week we enjoyed a guest preacher on Sunday. Have you heard of the author and preacher Max Lucado? It was a great Sunday-- a little Christmas or Easter-- after a very busy week of mission and ministry.

Local Press on Lucado Visit

And, perhaps even better than such great local press, here's what a college student who's moved to our town said about the day in her blog.

What a blessing to serve an amazing church and "run and not grow weary!"

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Another Medical Mission Completed



I just returned from my third medical mission in 4 months. Each of the teams had a different lead doctor, a different cast of characters, and a different mission. We had a team in west Africa to end June. Then at the end of August we had a team in Honduras. Saturday night I returned from a great week with our Jamaica team. This group offered medical and dental care in St. Mary's Parish in rural eastern Jamaica. It was a phenomenal week as we worked in different mountain locations, at the infirmary, and with our host organization ACE. I'll share some stories later. In the meantime, here are a few photos to warm body and soul!





Saturday, October 22, 2011

Blogs/Articles of Note This Week

Here are some of the stories that got my attention:

A great read at God Disappoints

Best Halloween themed ministry note is Zombie Church

Instructive Evangelism

Check out Short Videos on Every Book of the Bible

"Work harder, feel emptier, buy more, grow poorer...work harder." Stewardship

For UM's interested in GC2012 United Methodist Pope and Problems of Consolidation

And the last item discusses proposals for UMC Ordination

Friday, October 21, 2011

Future of Seminary Education

Here's an intriguing dialogue about the future of seminary education. I found the 9 articles of the "featured content" of online symposium useful reading. I was rather surprised that the featured presenters were all Anglo. The future church and future clergy are bound to be more diverse than that if we are doing our job and preparing for the next generation!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

UMC Millenial Leaders

I read an interesting blog today about the Millennial generation but had MANY questions. I'm curious if those of you in that age bracket would agree with these ideas, or if this is more a Catalyst culture millennial insight. It read to me as if they had a brainstorming session with a few people over lunch and made up a somewhat random list.

If you are a millennial clergy, or in church leadership of some sort and a millennial, I'd especially be curious about your thoughts as your generation interacts with older leadership. What do you millennials say? As is often the case when I read a broad discussion of a generation I admit I'm somewhat skeptical. You folk born after 1980 could help me with your clarifications and additions to the list below. I do want to learn more about what it means for the millennials to step into leadership and how we might best engage that age group.

The full post, 20 Points on Leading Millenials, is here. I've edited down to the main points and then included my thoughts or questions in italics.

A good friend asked me the other day my thoughts on how to lead the millennial generation, basically those born after 1980. We gather thousands of leaders who fit this category on an annual basis, and most of our Catalyst staff are under the age of 30.

I have to admit- I don’t always get this right. As a 100% Gen X’er, my tendency is to lean away from several of these points, and lead how I’ve been led over the years by Boomer and Busters. But I’m working on it…. What are comparable business environments using large numbers of millenials and creating this sort of dynamic illustrated below? Is it Google, Facebook, etc. or some other business? Any churches or ministry groups with a crowd that age doing this?

So with that said, here you go, thoughts on leading millenials:

1. Give them freedom with their schedule. I’ll admit, this one is tough for me. What does this mean?? How does this work? What does it look like?

2. Provide them projects, not a career. Career is just not the same anymore. They desire options. Just like free agents. Interesting... but refer to my questions in #1 and give some specifics.

3. Create a family environment. Work, family and social are all intertwined, so make sure the work environment is experiential and family oriented. Everything is connected. This often works well in ministry, but then sometimes the demands of ministry demand the attention. What does "experiential" work mean?

4. Cause is important. Tie in compassion and justice to the “normal.” Causes and opportunities to give back are important. This is easy enough to do with ministry though sometimes this constant is a challenge. What is the typical life span of a millennial doing Catalyst work?

5. Embrace social media. it’s here to stay. Okie dokie, that makes sense.

6. They are more tech savvy than any other generation ever. Technology is the norm. XBOX, iPhones, laptops, iPads are just normal. If you want a response, text first, then call. Or DM first. Or send a Facebook message. Not anti calls though. K

7. Lead each person uniquely. Don’t create standards or rules that apply to everyone. Customize your approach. (I’ll admit, this one is difficult too!) I'm curious on this one. Are you talking about more than personality differences? How does this work in a large organization?

8. Make authenticity and honesty the standard for your corporate culture. Millenials are cynical at their core, and don’t trust someone just because they are in charge.
The 1st sentence makes perfect sense. Re the 2nd- Really, how cynical? What does this mean re. supervision?

9. Millenials are not as interested in “climbing the corporate ladder.” But instead more concerned about making a difference and leaving their mark. Is this true for the whole generation? I know some folk that seem to be fairly adept at climbing the ladder! HOW do folk want to "make a difference and leave their mark?" I don't see the generation geared to this unless you mean something different than what I understand in the statement.

10. Give them opportunities early with major responsibility. They don’t want to wait their turn. Want to make a difference now. And will find an outlet for influence and responsibility somewhere else if you don’t give it to them. Empower them early and often. I actually find this to be one of my favorites on the list. How might a ministry organization or denomination best do this?

11. All about the larger win, not the personal small gain. Young leaders in general have an abundance mentality instead of scarcity mentality. What do you mean by this? Give an example of what this could mean in a ministry.

12. Partnering and collaboration are important. Not interested in drawing lines. Collaboration is the new currency, along with generosity. This is awesome if we are going to tackle some big issues of the day.

13. Not about working for a personality. Not interested in laboring long hours to build a temporal kingdom for one person. But will work their guts out for a cause and vision bigger than themselves. I like this thought but not sure what it means in relation to #1 &2.

14. Deeply desire mentoring, learning and discipleship. Many older leaders think millenials aren’t interested in generational wisdom transfer. Not true at all. Younger leaders are hungry for mentoring and discipleship, so build it into your organizational environment. Please give an example of what you mean and what this looks like.

15. Coach them and encourage them. They want to gain wisdom through experience. Come alongside them don’t just tell them what to do. This is potentially anther favorite though I do have significant questions. What does such an apprentice model look like in your ministry or work? Does this mean, similar to the rec department with kids, that everyone needs a trophy and "atta boy" for each project? If they want to be handed responsibility and we are to treat each person uniquely what does that style coaching look like in Catalyst or with millenials? How would any of this be different than a previous generation?

16. Create opportunities for quality time- individually and corporately. They want to be led by example, and not just by words. What is "quality time" in this context? Give an example

17. Hold them accountable. They want to be held accountable by those who are living it out. Measure them and give them constant feedback. What does it mean to give "constant feedback" at Catalyst? What is the ratio of supervisors to workers? What does this look like in other ministries or workplaces that have a high concentration of millenials?

18. They’ve been exposed to just about everything, so the sky is the limit in their minds. Older leaders have to understand younger leaders have a much broader and global perspective, which makes wowing Millenials much more difficult. Again, I'm drawn to this one but not sure I'm getting it all. What do you mean? What does this look like in the workplace?

19. Recognize their values, not just their strengths. It ain’t just about the skillz baby. Don’t use them without truly knowing them. This is another one I appreciate yet have some questions about. Is this that bridge between personal and professional as mentioned above? For some reason "The Office" just flashed in my mind! Do you do this both formally and informally? Asked another way, does personnel or human resources evaluations do this? I'd love to see an example of that eval form!

20. Provide a system that creates stability. Clear expectations with the freedom to succeed, and providing stability on the emotional, financial, and organizational side. Again, what does this mean and what does it look like?

Thanks to the Catalyst team and our band of millenials for their input and advice on these points. James Wilson, Julianne Graves, Sabrina Esposito, Alyssa Raymer, Stan Johnson, and Ansley Lawhead. You guys provided great insight!
If any of this crew can speak to my questions that would be really helpful!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Togo Dancing

It's a cloudy day in Georgia, and a perfect time to catch up on some of the summer videos from our mission teams. Here's a short clip from our missionary friend Dr. Esaho Kipuke at the Women's Training Center with Pya, Togo Dancing.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Death-- Close and Personal

My 90 year old grandmother died last Thursday at the old family homestead near Savannah, Georgia. The last few years had been tough for her as Alzheimer's took its toll, and then somewhat related to that, she broke both hips in the last year as she forgot she still couldn't do everything she could in days gone by.



My mother retired last autumn after Grandmother broke the first hip trying to hang up clothes outside. Grandmother has a clothes dryer, but wouldn't use it, as she thought it cost too much to operate. Plus, you spend so many years hanging clothes out on a clothesline and it's a daily habit.

The plan was to get Grandmom back to some degree of health, and get her back home. So, mom took that plunge into taking care of her mom who was forgetting everything except that sense of independence, stubbornness, and will to go and do that most of us have until the end. She was always a woman of deep Christian faith, with great assurance and confidence, who was also opinionated and decisive! As time went by the fixation on the return home became more pronounced. My mom got her mom's home renovated to accommodate the wheelchair Grandmom was now confined to. After returning home from the first hip break she got up in the middle of the night and fell and broke the 2nd hip.



But the old country girl, eldest child of her family, was made of tough stuff and eventually returned home again. That was where she was the most happy as she could tend her garden, visit with family and friends, and soak up the south Georgia life that she knew so well.

That was where she always wanted to be. At home. In the garden. In the kitchen. Visiting with those she loved.

I got the call last week that hospice was beginning home visits. Suddenly the normal routine changed. A couple of days later it was obvious that Grandmom was spiraling down fast as she went into a deep rest. Last Thursday I left Augusta, passed the gnat line, and left the piedmont area to go home to Bryan County to see Grandmom one last time.

As the day wore on the changes were becoming more obvious, more pronounced. This clergy, who has sat with families as they waited on the death of a loved one, could see all the signs.

Family and neighbors still visit and wait with you through such a time as this back home. In my county the funeral home director still drives to your house to make arrangements, even though Grandmom lived 25 miles from the county seat town. And when you can't remember a name, or can only think of where they live, he is quick to help you make the connections that your mind can't quite recall in such tender, emotional moments.

I said my goodbyes to family and friends. I said my last goodbye to Grandmom and told her it was time for me to go home, and that it was time for her to go home.

I got about half way home last Thursday, and got the call when I was in Millen that Grandmom had passed peacefully from this life into the next. I felt that odd mix of grief and relief that you feel when a loved one has battled for so many years.

The scattered family gathered back home to honor the matriarch of the family. Grandmom was always the one who seemed to know all the family names, and details, and history. Her daddy was a Brown, and her momma a Duke. She married my granddaddy, Lavert Bazemore, and thus I'm related to half of south Georgia!

My grandfather died in 1975, and my Southern Baptist, Eastern Star, "hair always in place" grandmom eventually remarried a number of years later. She lived in Savannah through both marriages and outlived two husbands. Then she came back to the farm in Ellabell that her daddy bought after the family was displaced with the establishment of Camp Stewart (now Fort Stewart).

Mae Belle Brown Bazemore Larrimore, my grandmother, died last week. We had visitation Sunday afternoon in Pembroke GA and I saw a few of the elders with most of the crowd now being the children who are now old! How have so many years gone by so quickly?!



The funeral was at 11:00 AM Monday and held at Olive Branch Baptist Church, in Ellabell, which is a half mile from the "home place." It was like a family reunion. Of course, reintroductions had to be made as we all peered deeply into each others eyes attempting to see through 20-25 years! Stories were told. Some of the years were caught up on. The new, old words of faith were shared again as we all experienced death up close and personal. Scripture was shared and songs of faith were sung, including Grandmom's favorite, "Beulah Land." Then we gathered for lunch in the fellowship hall. It was mostly homemade, home grown, lovingly prepared and brought down to the church by family and friends.



Since Savannah doesn't provide police escort of funeral processions anymore we had a leisurely lunch and afternoon before the trip to Savannah. The burial was at 2:30 PM in Forest Lawn Cemetery in old Savannah where my grandfather was buried.



Having grown up on a farm I know that there is a certain cycle, and a certain season, that eventually brings life to death. That is not a thing to be fearful of, or to hide from, but something to accept and to live with in a sense of reality that feeds life. Yet, I also know from both faith and experience, that death isn't the end of our story as we follow the God who continues to redeem and create! This isn't a naive thought, or a simple challenge; this is a daily struggle as the journey of life and faith continues as we follow Christ from one room in the "house" into other rooms. Even though I've once again seen death up close and personal I have even greater assurance that this life is preparation for an even greater Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace which I will experience one day.

Thank you Grandmom, and thank you God, for so many years and for all the blessings you have passed on to me and to so many others. May I continue to grow day by day to be a blessing as I follow the Risen Christ!

"If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord."

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Let's Provoke One Another the Right Way

Here's a classic sermon which all Methodists should review from time to time. Look for the title and for the phrase "his obedience is in proportion to his love" or the "one business of his life."

The Character of a Methodist
John Wesley

1. THE distinguishing marks of a Methodist are not his opinions of any sort. His assenting to this or that scheme of religion, his embracing any particular set of notions, his espousing the judgment of one man or of another, are all quite wide of the point. Whosoever, therefore, imagines that a Methodist is a man of such or such an opinion, is grossly ignorant of the whole affair; he mistakes the truth totally. We believe, indeed, that "all Scripture is given by the inspiration of God;" and herein we are distinguished from Jews, Turks, and Infidels. We believe the written word of God to be the only and sufficient rule both of Christian faith and practice; and herein we are fundamentally distinguished from those of the Romish Church. We believe Christ to be the eternal, supreme God; and herein we are distinguished from the Socinians and Arians. But as to all opinions which do not strike at the root of Christianity, we think and let think. So that whatsoever they are, whether right or wrong, they are no distinguishing marks of a Methodist.

2. Neither are words or phrases of any sort. We do not place our religion, or any part of it, in being attached to any peculiar mode of speaking, any quaint or uncommon set of expressions. The most obvious, easy, common words, wherein our meaning can be conveyed, we prefer before others, both on ordinary occasions, and when we speak of the things of God. We never, therefore, willingly or designedly, deviate from the most usual way of speaking; unless when we express scripture truths in scripture words, which, we presume, no Christian will condemn. Neither do we affect to use any particular expressions of Scripture more frequently than others, unless they are such as are more frequently used by the inspired writers themselves. So that it is as gross an error, to place the marks of a Methodist in his words, as in opinions of any sort.

3. Nor do we desire to be distinguished by actions, customs, or usages, of an indifferent nature. Our religion does not lie in doing what God has not enjoined, or abstaining from what he hath not forbidden. It does not lie in the form of our apparel, in the posture of our body, or the covering of our heads; nor yet in abstaining from marriage, or from meats and drinks, which are all good if received with thanksgiving. Therefore, neither will any man, who knows whereof he affirms, fix the mark of a Methodist here, -- in any actions or customs purely indifferent, undetermined by the word of God.

4. Nor, lastly, is he distinguished by laying the whole stress of religion on any single part of it. If you say, "Yes, he is; for he thinks 'we are saved by faith alone:'" I answer, You do not understand the terms. By salvation he means holiness of heart and life. And this he affirms to spring from true faith alone. Can even a nominal Christian deny it? Is this placing a part of religion for the whole? "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid! Yea, we establish the law." We do not place the whole of religion (as too many do, God knoweth) either in doing no harm, or in doing good, or in using the ordinances of God. No, not in all of them together; wherein we know by experience a man may labour many years, and at the end have no religion at all, no more than he had at the beginning. Much less in any one of these; or, it may be, in a scrap of one of them: Like her who fancies herself a virtuous woman, only because she is not a prostitute; or him who dreams he is an honest man, merely because he does not rob or steal. May the Lord God of my fathers preserve me from such a poor, starved religion as this! Were this the mark of a Methodist, I would sooner choose to be a sincere Jew, Turk, or Pagan.

5. "What then is the mark? Who is a Methodist, according to your own account?" I answer: A Methodist is one who has "the love of God shed abroad in his heart by the Holy Ghost given unto him;" one who "loves the Lord his God with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his mind, and with all his strength. God is the joy of his heart, and the desire of his soul; which is constantly crying out, "Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee! My God and my all! Thou art the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever!"

6. He is therefore happy in God, yea, always happy, as having in him "a well of water springing up into everlasting life," and overflowing his soul with peace and joy. "Perfect love" having now "cast out fear," he "rejoices evermore." He "rejoices in the Lord always," even "in God his Saviour;" and in the Father, "through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom he hath now received the atonement." "Having" found "redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of his sins," he cannot but rejoice, whenever he looks back on the horrible pit out of which he is delivered; when he sees "all his transgressions blotted out as a cloud, and his iniquities as a thick cloud." He cannot but rejoice, whenever he looks on the state wherein he now is; "being justified freely, and having peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." For "he that believeth, hath the witness" of this "in himself;" being now the son of God by faith. "Because he is a son, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into his heart, crying, Abba, Father!" And "the Spirit itself beareth witness with his spirit, that he is a child of God." He rejoiceth also, whenever he looks forward, "in hope of the glory that shall be revealed;" yea, this his joy is full, and all his bones cry out, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, according to his abundant mercy, hath begotten me again to a living hope -- of an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for me!"

7. And he who hath this hope, thus "full of immortality, in everything giveth thanks;" as knowing that this (whatsoever it is) "is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning him." From him, therefore, he cheerfully receives all, saying, "Good is the will of the Lord;" and whether the Lord giveth or taketh away, equally "blessing the name of the Lord." For he hath "learned, in whatsoever state he is, therewith to be content." He knoweth "both how to be abased and how to abound. Everywhere and in all things he is instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and suffer need." Whether in ease or pain, whether in sickness or health, whether in life or death, he giveth thanks from the ground of his heart to Him who orders it for good; knowing that as "every good gift cometh from above," so none but good can come from the Father of Lights, into whose hand he has wholly committed his body and soul, as into the hands of a faithful Creator. He is therefore "careful" (anxiously or uneasily) "for nothing;" as having "cast all his care on Him that careth for him," and "in all things" resting on him, after "making his request known to him with thanksgiving."

8. For indeed he "prays without ceasing." It is given him "always to pray, and not to faint." Not that he is always in the house of prayer; though he neglects no opportunity of being there. Neither is he always on his knees, although he often is, or on his face, before the Lord his God. Nor yet is he always crying aloud to God, or calling upon him in words: For many times "the Spirit maketh intercession for him with groans that cannot be uttered." But at all times the language of his heart is this: "Thou brightness of the eternal glory, unto thee is my heart, though without a voice, and my silence speaketh unto thee." And this is true prayer, and this alone. But his heart is ever lifted up to God, at all times and in all places. In this he is never hindered, much less interrupted, by any person or thing. In retirement or company, in leisure, business, or conversation, his heart is ever with the Lord. Whether he lie down or rise up, God is in all his thoughts; he walks with God continually, having the loving eye of his mind still fixed upon him, and everywhere "seeing Him that is invisible."

9. And while he thus always exercises his love to God, by praying without ceasing, rejoicing evermore, and in everything giving thanks, this commandment is written in his heart, "That he who loveth God, love his brother also." And he accordingly loves his neighbour as himself; he loves every man as his own soul. His heart is full of love to all mankind, to every child of "the Father of the spirits of all flesh." That a man is not personally known to him, is no bar to his love; no, nor that he is known to be such as he approves not, that he repays hatred for his good-will. For he "loves his enemies;" yea, and the enemies of God, "the evil and the unthankful." And if it be not in his power to "do good to them that hate him," yet he ceases not to pray for them, though they continue to spurn his love, and still "despitefully use him and persecute him."

10. For he is "pure in heart." The love of God has purified his heart from all revengeful passions, from envy, malice, and wrath, from every unkind temper or malign affection. It hath cleansed him from pride and haughtiness of spirit, whereof alone cometh contention. And he hath now "put on bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering:" So that he "forbears and forgives, if he had a quarrel against any; even as God in Christ hath forgiven him." And indeed all possible ground for contention, on his part, is utterly cut off. For none can take from him what he desires; seeing he "loves not the world, nor" any of "the things of the world;" being now "crucified to the world, and the world crucified to him;" being dead to all that is in the world, both to "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life." For "all his desire is unto God, and to the remembrance of his name."

11. Agreeable to this his one desire, is the one design of his life, namely, "not to do his own will, but the will of Him that sent him." His one intention at all times and in all things is, not to please himself, but Him whom his soul loveth. He has a single eye. And because "his eye is single, his whole body is full of light." Indeed, where the loving eye of the soul is continually fixed upon God, there can be no darkness at all, "but the whole is light; as when the bright shining of a candle doth enlighten the house." God then reigns alone. All that is in the soul is holiness to the Lord. There is not a motion in his heart, but is according to his will. Every thought that arises points to Him, and is in obedience to the law of Christ.

12. And the tree is known by its fruits. For as he loves God, so he keeps his commandments; not only some, or most of them, but all, from the least to the greatest. He is not content to "keep the whole law, and offend in one point;" but has, in all points, "a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man." Whatever God has forbidden, he avoids; whatever God hath enjoined, he doeth; and that whether it be little or great, hard or easy, joyous or grievous to the flesh. He "runs the way of God's commandments," now he hath set his heart at liberty. It is his glory so to do; it is his daily crown of rejoicing, "to do the will of God on earth, as it is done in heaven;" knowing it is the highest privilege of "the angels of God, of those that excel in strength, to fulfil his commandments, and hearken to the voice of his word."

13. All the commandments of God he accordingly keeps, and that with all his might. For his obedience is in proportion to his love, the source from whence it flows. And therefore, loving God with all his heart, he serves him with all his strength. He continually presents his soul and body a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God; entirely and without reserve devoting himself, all he has, and all he is, to his glory. All the talents he has received, he constantly employs according to his Master's will; every power and faculty of his soul, every member of his body. Once he "yielded" them "unto sin" and the devil, "as instruments of unrighteousness;" but now, "being alive from the dead, he yields" them all "as instruments of righteousness unto God."

14. By consequence, whatsoever he doeth, it is all to the glory of God. In all his employments of every kind, he not only aims at this, (which is implied in having a single eye,) but actually attains it. His business and refreshments, as well as his prayers, all serve this great end. Whether he sit in his house or walk by the way, whether he lie down or rise up, he is promoting, in all he speaks or does, the one business of his life; whether he put on his apparel, or labour, or eat and drink, or divert himself from too wasting labour, it all tends to advance the glory of God, by peace and good-will among men. His one invariable rule is this, "Whatsoever ye do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." >

15. Nor do the customs of the world at all hinder his "running the race that is set before him." He knows that vice does not lose its nature, though it becomes ever so fashionable; and remembers, that "every man is to give an account of himself to God." He cannot, therefore, "follow" even "a multitude to do evil." He cannot "fare sumptuously every day," or "make provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof." He cannot "lay up treasures upon earth," any more than he can take fire into his bosom. He cannot "adorn himself," on any pretence, "with gold or costly apparel." He cannot join in or countenance any diversion which has the least tendency to vice of any kind. He cannot "speak evil" of his neighbour, any more than he can lie either for God or man. He cannot utter an unkind word of any one; for love keeps the door of his lips. He cannot speak "idle words;" "no corrupt communication" ever "comes out of his mouth," as is all that "which is" not "good to the use of edifying," not "fit to minister grace to the hearers." But "whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are" justly "of good report," he thinks, and speaks, and acts, "adorning the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in all things."

16. Lastly. As he has time, he "does good unto all men;" unto neighbours and strangers, friends and enemies: And that in every possible kind; not only to their bodies, by "feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting those that are sick or in prison;" but much more does he labour to do good to their souls, as of the ability which God giveth; to awaken those that sleep in death; to bring those who are awakened to the atoning blood, that, "being justified by faith, they may have peace with God;" and to provoke those who have peace with God to abound more in love and in good works. And he is willing to "spend and be spent herein," even "to be offered up on the sacrifice and service of their faith," so they may "all come unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ."

17. These are the principles and practices of our sect; these are the marks of a true Methodist. By these alone do those who are in derision so called, desire to be distinguished from other men. If any man say, "Why, these are only the common fundamental principles of Christianity!" thou hast said; so I mean; this is the very truth; I know they are no other; and I would to God both thou and all men knew, that I, and all who follow my judgment, do vehemently refuse to be distinguished from other men, by any but the common principles of Christianity, -- the plain, old Christianity that I teach, renouncing and detesting all other marks of distinction. And whosoever is what I preach, (let him be called what he will, for names change not the nature of things,) he is a Christian, not in name only, but in heart and in life. He is inwardly and outwardly conformed to the will of God, as revealed in the written word. He thinks, speaks, and lives, according to the method laid down in the revelation of Jesus Christ. His soul is renewed after the image of God, in righteousness and in all true holiness. And having the mind that was in Christ, he so walks as Christ also walked.

18. By these marks, by these fruits of a living faith, do we labour to distinguish ourselves from the unbelieving world from all those whose minds or lives are not according to the Gospel of Christ. But from real Christians, of whatsoever denomination they be, we earnestly desire not to be distinguished at all, not from any who sincerely follow after what they know they have not yet attained. No: "Whosoever doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother." And I beseech you, brethren, by the mercies of God, that we be in no wise divided among ourselves. Is thy heart right, as my heart is with thine? I ask no farther question. If it be, give me thy hand. For opinions, or terms, let us not destroy the work of God. Dost thou love and serve God? It is enough. I give thee the right hand of fellowship. If there be any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies; let us strive together for the faith of the Gospel; walking worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called; with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; remembering, there is one body, and one Spirit, even as we are called with one hope of our calling; "one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."

From the Thomas Jackson edition of The Works of John Wesley, 1872.
http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umhistory/wesley/character/