Disaster Relief Training

Local press on upcoming UMCOR training is here.

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!

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!!

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.

"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.

"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?

"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?

"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?

"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?

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!

Troublemaker Series: #4 Denominations on the Internet

I was looking at the United Methodist Church website and thought it was rather busy. Of course, I'm not sure if they are intended for clergy, laity, folk interested in the church, or all of the above. Maybe that's what makes them so complicated. Or is it that denominations are in fact just complicated organizations now? If so, what's a comparable institution with a web presence for multiple users that does a great job?

How do you look at a denominational page and consider if it has focus and clarity? I wondered what other denominations do, and checked out a few. Do you know of any other groups that you would throw into the mix below? Who has the best website that matches their mission and personality and is easy to use for someone new to that page? Hey, church communication gurus I'd be glad to know what you say on this topic.

UMC
Even the link says "Our_mission_is_to_make_disciples_of_Jesus_Christ_for_the_transformation_of_the_world." Is that overkill or a good attention getter? There are a lot of tabs and links here so I'm not sure which is most important. I think Our church, Our Faith, Our People, Our World are the main tabs. While I like the Featured Stories approach how many is too many? I was going to count how many links, tabs, and stories were on the page, but even that seemed burdensome.

Check out a few other denoms in random order as I thought about them:
ELCA
First words that got my attention: "God's Work, Our Hands"
Clean look with key links of: ELCA Home, Who We Are, What We Believe, Our Faith In Action, Growing In Faith

Nazarene
First words that got my attention: "Reaching the World"
A busy page with a lot of tabs, columns, etc.
Key tabs: Missions, Education, Stewardship, Pastors, Adults, Youth, Children

PCUSA
First words that got my attention: Lectionary quote & an even larger quote related to investments and buildings, I think. Odd contrast between the two.
Clean look but showed up with too much info on my page.
Key links: News & Announcements, Church Store, Events, Resources

SBC
The first attention getting words on the Google search were "Reaching the World for Christ," but the page is very busy and the main phrases that jumped out related to the annual meeting in June 2012 and the Directory of Services.
Key tabs are: My SBC, Home, Baptist Faith and Message, Cooperative Program, Faith and Facts, Church Search, SBC Search, Job Search, and Contact Us.

ARP
This page looked simple, almost stark.
First attention getting words: A Presbyterian and Reformed Church
"Professing Life Together in Christ, Committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, Committed to the Bible as the Word of God."
Key links: Home, Who We Are, What We Believe, Ministries, Government, Contacts, Find A Church, Resources, Calendar, News, ARP History, To Be Saved

ABC
Initial thought: A busy page larger than my screen.
First attention getting words: "Serving as the hands and feet of Christ."
Key links: Home, Who We Are, Find A Church, Regional Ministries, General Secretary, American Baptist Home Mission Societies, International Ministries, Resources, Conferences & Travel, Give, Quick Links, Login

Assemblies of God
Sharp presentation with photos. First attention getting words: "Evangelism, Worship, Discipleship & Compassion." Main tabs: Home, About Us, Beliefs, Ministries, Missions, Evnts, Resouorces, Media, Press, Donate

Troublemaker Series: #3 UMC Clergy

I'm struck by the seeming lack of a "plan" in the New Testament and our denominational plans today.

Well, that's not quite right, as there was a plan. It was rather simple- depend upon God, follow the way of Christ, listen to the guidance of the Spirit, preach/teach/disciple everyone. Sure, you could add a few ingredients here and there, and certainly "flesh out" all of the above, yet you must admit the agenda is rather simple and straightforward. But while we hold to the place of Scripture we likely don't want to go too far in applying it in this discussion.

As I've blogged recently there's a lot of talk, words, meetings, etc. in the buildup to all the denominational meetings in 2012. You'll notice I'm not "hung up" on some of the hot topic issues of clergy (after all, I'm a deacon, so my only guarantee comes from God!). Instead, I think there are some other critical issues deserving of consideration and discussion that may get lost, yet are critical to not just the survival but a thriving United Methodist denomination.

I'm sure one issue the entire UMC will look at in GC2012 will be that of the role of clergy, DS, and bishop. To say it another way, the whole system must work together- especially the local congregation- if we are serious about a new era of vibrant Methodist Christianity. Too much of this discussion is being held at the "higher levels" and we are again failing to engage our UM congregations. That's a shame as it could be an opportunity to engage and deploy a United Methodist Army in a shared mission that is of the greatest importance and urgency!

Check out this job description for a pastor
. While I've served as clergy for a number of years (and still LOVE it!) I'm better recognizing that 1) while our jobs demand the ability to "spin plates" and multitask not everything can be a priority and 2) the more I focus on the most important things in ministry and in my giftedness for the Church the more effective I am. The more I focus on preaching/teaching, witnessing in word and deed, discipling/spiritual mentoring in honest, real, Methodist ways, the better I do long term in ministry. Said another way, I'm not called to "do it all" in the church, but to say yes to equipping and engaging the laity in ministry and allowing this power of God in the laity to be unleashed (as opposed to controlling, stifling, or otherwise impeding).

Some "Troublemaker" questions that I'm pondering:
--I'm wondering what the "poster child" of UM clergy looks like during the next 10-20 years? Think of the next generation of pastors after Adam Hamilton, Rudy Rasmus, Mike Slaughter, Kirbyjon Caldwell, etc. Think of those younger than Olu Brown, Hyo Kim, Nora Martinez, and John Kenney. Maybe a Susan Pinson, or David Walters, or Jasmine Smothers, or who? What of those young clergy who haven't yet responded to the call yet who are still in high school? What does that poster look like for the "average" UM congregation in 2021 and beyond?

-What should the 1 or 2 primary jobs be of United Methodist clergy? If, for example, it is preaching and one other ministry then we need to turn the whole system in that direction. How will we better retool seminary, conferences, board of ordained ministry, etc. for this new generation of clergy? Said another way, will we want 60 year old seminary professors who've never served a congregation teaching preaching to 25 year old students we expect to lead multi ethnic congregations that may be more evangelical with expertise in building bridges into a community? Will we work our denomination in smarter ways to use current technology to make the best use of time so clergy can focus on the priority?

-What should the 1 or 2 primary jobs be of a District Superintendent? If it is to be a missional strategist and clergy/church coach then the whole system should be oriented in that direction of primary focus. We can't merely tag a variety of people who reflect a conference yet lack the skills to do the job. If they can't fulfill the job then they can certainly return to the better position that matches their gifts for ministry. It's OK because sometimes you don't know until you try. In college football, sometimes you don't know if someone is better suited to play as first string quarterback until you put them into the game situation. While we should make wise decisions, and not get hamstrung by politics, we shouldn't be afraid to take risks as we follow the Spirit.

-What should the 1 or 2 primary jobs be of a bishop? 1) primary for me is leadership in the annual conference, and 2) limited time outside of conference with the larger Church. If they are ineffective, and just voted in on popularity yet lack the skills, will we return them to a position that they are better equipped to do? What is the role of a bishop to be effective in the new UMC? and how will that be evaluated?

-How will congregations reorient toward a new Methodism that must, of necessity, engage both clergy and laity? Excellent, engaging worship for this younger generation is an imperative. Serious outreach through mission and evangelism must be a priority. Becoming congregations that reflect our communities, i.e. multi ethnic, socioeconomically varied, must be a shared value and expectation. Congregational turnaround and ownership will be the deal breaker in all of this no matter the competency and commitment of clergy.

-All "agency" work would be directly related to congregational and other direct ministry (campus, chaplaincy, mission, etc.) and these ministry equippers would coordinate their work. They would also have expectations of effectiveness in ministry and would be lean and action orinted.

-How will we clergy learn better ways of communicating the Good News to the larger community? For example, I'm rather certain the way I learned to preach in 1988, while holding some principles that will still work, may likely not be the best way to communicate to folk outside the church today. Oh, and I keep thinking of people outside the church because at our best the message, theology, and practices of Methodism made connections with the work of God in the larger community.

These are exciting times for the United Methodist Church, and I'm talking about a lot more than guaranteed appointments and church metrics!

Troublemaker Series: #2 Probation for Consignors, Church Members, & Clergy

Forgive me as I'm still dealing with consignment sale "clean up" both figuratively and literally.

The consignment sale reminds me again that a recurring issue with a crowd is that folk don't follow directions.

Yes, there is a learning curve if you are a new consignor, but that's not usually the problem area. Typically it's the consignors or volunteers who've been with us for awhile that want to make up new rules so we accommodate their desires. They feel experienced, knowledgeable, and privileged. When you have 250-300 consignors you can see where these EXTENDED conversations and this Pandora's Box can lead. So, there are some consignors and volunteers that we must say, "You've broken a more serious rule or failed to abide by the agreement, thus you are on probation the next sale until you can follow the guidelines."

It's odd how people think any other group or organization can have rules and a probation status, but that it's not appropriate for a church. The church walks that tightrope of having expectations yet extending grace and redemption.

For clergy there is a structure, at least in the United Methodist Church through annual conference life, with expectations through supervision (District Superintendent), for accountability through clergy order, Board of Ordained Ministry, and with Bishop and cabinet of DS's.

For laity there is opportunity through accountability groups, more serious Bible studies or prayer groups, and through spiritual guidance with a mentor, clergy, or someone who can be a help in one's spiritual life.

Putting a consignor who's out of line on probation is somewhat easy, and clergy can also be put "on probation," but imagine what this might look like for laity. A friend was talking with me at church recently and said he wished, "I had a report card or something from God to know how I'm doing!" Would we really want to know?! And if we weren't doing so well how would we handle being on probation!?

What does it look like to have good accountability in the Church for clergy and laity? How can we do this in ways that help people grow in relationship and dependence upon God and one another and not devolve into a simple "churching" of folk who we've caught breaking a rule of the community of faith? How can we help each other to "know how we are doing with God" and encourage one another to do even better for the next report card?

Troublemaker Series: #1 Would You Accept Me In Your Church?

It's been a long, busy week as we've offered the fall consignment sale at the church. 40% of the proceeds go to missions, so we go through this huge ordeal that attracted 256 consignors and thousands of shoppers. We sold over 18,000 items, and will net a nice amount for mission use. Irony of ironies, the Sunday School class I lead has been studying the Gospel of John, and last week we were in Chapter 2 with today's lesson being on Jesus driving the money changers out of Temple. :) Since church members haven't stepped up with checks to make the consignment sale obsolete I guess we'll continue to do the sale until Jesus or the Spirit moves us to make up that funding some other way.

So, I'm really tired, a good tired I guess, but still rather beat up after a long, demanding week week. At the same time, perhaps because of my fatigue, I'm finding a number of good questions and ideas have come to mind today that are a challenge to me and the church. So, there's no reason to sugar coat it or varnish the truth, but live with the tough challenge. Thus, begins what I'll call my "Troublemaker Series." It's not a bad thing for Jesus to confront individuals or the church, so I'll just place these challenges out there for dialogue and see what happens.

Despite some real positives about offering a consignment sale I'm not sure it's the best way to be about the work of the church. Yet the consignment sale is a huge attraction that engages many, many people from the community (read this as 60 mile radius!). These are all the people you see at the community store, yet not in my/your community church. At least a dozen times during the sale, I found myself in conversation with shoppers as they congratulated us on a cool concept (the WIN/WIN benefits shoppers/consignors/church/plus mission partners who receive the donated items). Those talkative shoppers went on to discuss their need to find a new church.

These were very honest conversations as they'd talk out loud about some issue in their life and how their current church just wasn't meeting their needs. These weren't angry people, or negative folk in conversation, but all seemed to be people who were swept up in our experience and wanting that to be part of an honest, real, engaging church in their life every week.

Get the picture? They were feeling that pinch between where they were, realizing they couldn't create that, and wanting to be part of a church family.

Then, without fail, they'd come to a moment in the conversation where they'd ask a crucial question- put most succinctly by one shopper- "Will you really accept me?"

Hold on to that for a moment, and think of the variety of folk in your community. Get specific and ask it from the view point of someone of a different ethnicity than you...
-someone from a different socio-economic group than you and your church...
- someone with physical handicap or challenges...
-someone from a different political viewpoint than you and your church...
-someone who is homosexual...
- someone with an addiction- past or present...
- someone with ongoing mental health challenges...
- or perhaps you think of someone else in your community that God has placed in your life somehow that needs a family of faith.

Think of a line of "shoppers" in your community stepping up to your church asking you that question. How would you respond? Would you be telling the truth? And would your church be able to follow through with those great intentions?

While I'm rather certain what Jesus would do I wonder if our churches will take the risk and accept someone into the life of a congregation that the Spirit brings to us.

Fall 2011 Consignment Sale

I'm shocked that 6 months have past and it's now time for the fall consignment sale. But the calendar and last 2 days of hyperactivity remind me otherwise. This isn't the old church yard sales I experienced in my early years of ministry where everyone would show up on the day of the sale and we broke out the masking tape and markers. This is a laptop computer, barcodes on every item, 60,000-70,000 item consignment sale. And they didn't teach me to install software, integrate a new computer into a network, and set up a local area network back in seminary days-- but you do what you've got to do!

It's always a huge blessing for the church as we get 40% of the net for the church's various mission projects. So, it's worth the challenges & long hours. And we have a huge response from the community who are involved as consignors, volunteers, and shoppers. All in all, it's an incredible experience.

So far during the last two days of set-up I've been reminded:
-there is no easy way to gather 300+ volunteers
-communication is a challenge with people & the more people you deal with during a day the more challenging it gets
-throw in some heat (back to 95+ the last two days in Augusta) & long days and the above issues become greater
-and yet I'm continually amazed at some of the workhorses and saints that show a commitment, perseverance, and depth of character that restores hope and gives me that energy I most need.

The sale is Friday 9-7 & Saturday 8-2. Oh, and then we clean up!

Find all the details here.

Clothes

Toys

Almost United Methodist Almost Haiku

Even in Georgia there is a hint of fall in the air this week. Political campaigning is in full gear & with the economy, jobs, and general angst it's a season for many words. Of course, in these days just before the 10th anniversary of 9/11 the emotions are on a roller coaster ride. Thank goodness for some entertainment as college football season has begun. Add to this cocktail that the build-up in "conversation" about the UMC General Conference has begun.

So, emotions, battle, concise words, and UM thoughts all came to my mind this morning as I awoke.

Ever wake up thinking of a UMC haiku?

I thought some of this might be obscure for some readers, or that you might want to know the context, therefore the key words are linked to a source. I've also started the day off learning something new as the "kireji" or "cutting word" is a strong concept.

With a tip of the hat to John Wesley & begging for forgiveness for anyone who loves Japanese poetry, I offer you:

Almost United Methodist Almost Haiku

GC12 scarecrow-
CTA metrics dashboard
coming death tsunami

How to Be a GREAT College Football Fan (Among Other Things)

This is a wonderful time of year in the southeastern United States. Fall is trying to nudge out summer. School is back in session. Best of all, college football is in full swing!

Now I could just as easily focus on high school or pro football (NBC News highlighted the Cheeseheads this morning in Green Bay), but to me there is something special about college football. Living in Augusta GA we have a rich blend of college teams represented, and the closer you get to the weekend the more the talk is about football. I won't even go into the details of a certain UGA-SC game that is all the buzz in my area this week!

As I was enjoying cooler weather and doing some yard work, I couldn't help but think about the way great fans are a key part of college football. Watch ESPN Game Day, or attend your local game, and you know what I'm talking about.

Great fans plan and prepare to be part of the experience-- the clothes, the food, & all the preparations are part of the fun!

Great fans expect great things to happen in the next game! It usually doesn't matter what the record is since a great fan is going to hold out hope for the extraordinary to happen.

Great fans try to persuade other fans their team is the best. A great fan sticks with a team no matter the season record. Year in and year out they'll try to recruit other fans, players, and anyone who will listen that their team is the best.

Great fans know the players for this season and follow the numbers. A great fan gets into the details of the game. Such a fan isn't content with a superficial level of knowledge of the team.

Great fans encourage the coach. A person who has the long term interest of a team in mind accepts reality, yet is looking to build on the long term tradition.

Great fans are part of the game! They aren't idle participants, or lazy observers, but are actively engaged in the game even though they aren't playing on the field.

Great fans are part of why I love college football. Great fans attract other great fans and build on the tradition.

How exciting to be part of a crowd of rabid enthusiasts!

It's an old metaphor, yet still full of truth. Come to think of it, a great fan makes all the difference in church as well. I wonder what would happen if we all got as prepared, expecting the extraordinary, and as personally engaged in church life as we are with college football? The enthusiasm and excitement of one great fan is contagious and will attract other excited participation.

Let's bring on game day at church- I'll meet you in the parking lot for the tailgate party!

"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." Romans 12:11

John & Jonah Show Up in Worship

It happened again today as John appeared midway through the worship service at the center doors. He always stumbles through the doors, similar to Kramer from "Seinfeld," and then looks around rather confused trying to get his bearings. It would be funny except that John appears to be homeless and usually smells like he is. You can often see the look of dread on people's faces as they anticipate where John might sit!

The truth is John has a fairly severe mental illness and doesn't have a family that keeps him. He lives in one of those group transitional home settings just off Gordon Highway. He walks everywhere, and has little or no supervision. If you know Augusta then you may realize that means he walks miles to get to church on Sunday. You can't get much out of him to talk with him, so a few years ago I played detective and followed him to the house where he rents a room.

For the most part John is harmless, though at times he can be rather disruptive with his behavior. Usually he sits in worship, may get up a few times during an hour to go outside and smoke the very end of a throw away cigarette he picked up somewhere, and then he's either back in the sanctuary or in his favorite Sunday School class hoping they'll let him eat some food. So, I usually watch him like I would a 5 year old who can get into a lot of mischief with no supervision.

Today John appears at the center doors like a slapstick comedian, realizes he wasn't quite where he wanted to be, and quickly darts back in the narthex to then reappear in his favorite side aisle. Imagine your thoughts if you had to babysit John... or if you were sitting in church in the vicinity of such a character.

John certainly stands out in our crowd of primarily professional, middle class/upper class congregation. He's always got serious bedhead, usually favors an army jacket & surprisingly today is without it and sporting a half tucked shirt, hasn't bathed in who knows when, and laughs loudly at all the wrong places in worship. He usually likes a seat about 2/3's of the way down the aisle, and it doesn't really matter what time it is in the worship. If there is a cute female on the aisle all the better. Add in talking to himself and a rather serious wheezing and you get part of the picture!

Being "the mission guy" I usually try to sit near him. The ushers will give me the signal that one of "my guys" is in the building if I don't seem to be aware of a "disturbance in the force." I don't know what it is that is attractive to John, but he's as dedicated in attendance as many of our members.

At early worship this morning John appears just as the congregation is singing a prayer chorus and as some are going to the altar to pray.

Fill my cup, Lord, I lift it up, Lord.
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul.
Bread of heaven, feed me til I want no more;
fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole.

As the worship service moves on toward offering, and sermon, and communion, my old brother John becomes more at ease and more animated. Since we are usually televised on live TV at 11 AM even the early service has great lighting. But is it something about the preacher's face or the emotions of the place that cause John to laugh at such odd times? I likely don't see or hear what John experiences, but I wonder what draws him here and what he sees. I start hearing him get a little louder, so concerned for others in the congregation, I move closer and sit on John's pew.

Even as I'm trying to play good brother to John and the congregation I hear my preacher, Rev. Dan Brown, as he shares scripture and sermon from Jonah 4:1-5. Dan shares the story of Jonah who didn't want to go where God sent him with the message that was intended, and instead preferred to go in the opposite direction. And then when Jonah finally did go he shared a half hearted message for those he could care less about. I hear something about "needing to show grace to others like God shows us." And later, "... we are to be extensions of God's grace, even to people we do not like."

So, God, and the preacher, and John are all laughing at me now! It occurs to me that both the messenger and the crowd need each other in this relationship of God's grace. Who knows what God is doing in all those lives and what response we might get from those we least expect to respond?

We concluded worship with that hymn/chorus I'm lobbying to have changed. I love the music and the sentiment, but know the words aren't quite what they should be. Here's my version of "Here I Am Lord":

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, when you lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.

What Will the New United Methodist Church Look Like?

Change must occur, and will happen in some form, but what will it look like for a denomination of John Wesley?

As the United Methodist Church moves closer to the conferences of 2012 the discussions will take on more frequency and more fervor. But why? Will it be to save a denomination or to make our budgets work out, or will there be any deeper motivations? Will we be more motivated by the Weems "death tsunami," declining finances and need for adjustment, or some theology from days gone by that we bring back to life (or, better said, allow God to resurrect).

You should be reminded that I write this as a deacon with primary work in missions and evangelism. So, even as I jot some thoughts I'm amazed at how irrelevant much of this is to the international United Methodist Church! How often should we remind ourselves of the Methodist movement that is working with few frills?

That Methodist troublemaker, Donald W. Haynes, often gets my attention. How can one person so consistently have you in agreement with him one minute and then aggravated the next? But, I've got to confess I like that about him! In his recent A Look at Connectional Table Recommendations he emphasizes the necessary focus of the denomination upon congregational vitality. He reminds us of Trueblood's writing about church needing a base and a field, and the simplicity and power of that view is worth examination. When your base is too weak you certainly don't have the strength, energy, and inclination to go to the field! The call is to the field and it is likely we need to "replant" many of our congregations with new clergy and churches that are United Methodist for this generation. That also means we need to look for different types of clergy, and likely adjust our approach to clergy training and deployment. Of course, how many of our "old" Methodists understand what this will require and boldly take hold of God's hand in some new ventures? Is there a place for entrepreneurial, evangelical United Methodist clergy and churches? And how will the "old guard" and conference leadership respond to such things? I'm feeling more and more like the old guard myself! It makes me curious what decisions would be made if the General Conference was composed of a majority of 35-40 year olds reorganizing the UMC for a bold 20 years of ministry.

I've got to add to the Haynes discussion by simply saying that most of our current agencies do not know how to work with congregations. It's not an indictment of the people, but recognition that they are often far removed from "the field" and their days revolve around meetings, paperwork, and ideas. While agencies may be effective at working with annual conferences our agencies have a built certain cultures over the decades full of middle management who are not free to make decisions and processes that are slow and methodical in all the wrong ways. For instance, my church was trying to work through GBGM to help fund a missionary on the field, but must go to a more direct process as July funds we gave in response to a need would not be available to the missionary until September! That is too slow for mission and too slow for a congregation responding to a need in 2011! Please note there are always exceptions to a general rule or blanket statement & I'm thinking of a few specific people at GBGM, GBHEM, & GBOD. Yet, in general, our general agencies are generally well suited to 1972, but not to 2011.

I will offer an exception to Haynes' comments re. GBGM. I believe that while the thrust of his argument is correct the exception I see is occurring with Patrick Friday and the work of "In Mission Together." If that strategy for connecting congregations with missions is the new way of GBGM then we do have a strong potential for the success and growth of mission as an international denominational approach that does engage congregations. Note that such a congregational movement of mission, beyond slick posters and special Sundays, will be the only way forward if we are to get serious about reclaiming a Wesleyan evangelical mission strategy that becomes the heartbeat of our churches. Can one office in an agency become the protocol and strategy for an entire organization?

Related to Haynes' thoughts and the Recommendations, is anyone else bothered theologically and practically with a separation of mission from the rest of the Christian and church life? How do you separate missions from evangelism? from discipleship? from worship? This sort of segregation of the various disciplines of faith is what has gotten us in some of this trouble now. I prefer a stronger integration of these elements of the faith. Why can't we house the denomination, and all the offices, in one location? Why can't they interact, inform, encourage, and strengthen each other just as we must allow in the local congregation?

Let's keep the prayers and discussion going as we seek to be the Church God desires for our day, and as we determine what the UMC will look like for the next generation. My hope is we hand off a stronger denomination in better position to confess the Risen Christ in word and deed for the entire world. We just need the courage and power to take those risky steps as the Spirit leads us. Perhaps we'll also realize that even as change occurs we can live without some of the frills that we thought were norms for the UMC.

After all, couldn't our best days, our most faithful days, be ahead of us?

Standing with a Homeless Man

Every day there are people who give the church a phone call, or stop by to plead their case, seeking financial assistance. I've been in churches since 1992 that get this a lot, therefore it's a regular part of ministry. Not too many years ago it was a certain type of person who would know the system and appeal to churches and non-profit ministries for help with their "light bill" or rent or gas or food or whatever. With the tougher economy, and more people out of work, we get more people who don't know "the system" and who are unaccustomed to asking for help.

As a pastor, and as someone seeking to follow Christ in my personal life, it's a tough tight rope as I so often deal with con-men and those who live off others, yet seek to have a tender heart that takes time with people and is responsive to those who are in great need. There's never enough money, never enough time, and it's a challenge to safeguard what has been given to church and God for those most in need.

Late this afternoon the call came from the receptionist's desk that I had a "friend out front." Freddy had shown up a couple of months ago. He seemed transparent, likable, and even in spite of knowing he has had his challenges and is likely running a story, I found myself drawn to him. He was upbeat, optimistic, with a smile and a twinkle in eyes that showed a hope I didn't usually find from my brothers and sisters on the street. It was an afternoon when I didn't have many appointments and could take some time in conversation.

Freddy was very open and revealing. He responded to all my questions and didn't get defensive or seem evasive, even when I pushed in directions and gave advice that could have pushed anyone's buttons!

He told he'd done jail time. His only ID is from corrections.

He told me about the mission where he lives, and the challenges of living in such a place, of being out during the day with his Goodwill training and to look for work.

We sat and chatted leisurely for almost 30 minutes.

I gave him a little bit of money, and a pair of reading glasses as we had some left over from our recent west African mission trip. I told him about our mission partners at a local medical clinic that might be a help to him with some of his problems. We chatted some more and I gave him a blessing as he went back out on the street.

Today was very different. Today everything was different. Today we stood together and the emotion hung thick in the air.

Freddy seemed defeated. It was more than just his situation that had him down. Everything he said indicated he'd been beaten in life and was ready to give up. He said repeatedly that this was his "last chance." But his words and emotions sounded more like a man who didn't expect to have much longer to live. Freddy had a tear that kept popping up in the corner of his eye. His emotion was raw, but controlled, as the frustration, remorse, and hope to do better was all confessed. How amazing the sense of God's presence as this homeless brother of mine shared from the depths of his soul. In all of my years talking with my homeless neighbors I've never had an experience quite like this.

Freddy was drawn to the church today because of the deepest needs of his soul. He needed to talk. He had to say some things. He needed to hear some things.

At this moment as I write this, and as the night claims the day, I can't help but think of Freddy. I hope you'll pray for him, and for others like him in your neighborhood. As I think about him I'm drawn to a scripture that recalls Jesus who calls us all to his feet and who came to heal us all.

Luke 6:17-21 (though you may wisely wish to read more in that chapter). Speaking of Jesus the passage says:
He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them. Then he looked up at his disciples and said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. "Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. "Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh."

Lord, be with Freddy tonight. Help him to stay on your path and cling to You. And help me to have a similar faith and expectation of healing for my soul. Lord, let it be!