January 18, 2011
"Affected by a Gift"
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. -Ephesians 2:8-10
A report on Christmas Compassion Funds aka Project Immanuel.
Note that the following “thank you” is written by someone who is not a believer nor involved with a church except through some friends who attend a church. The note is in response to a compassion gift at Christmas of some gift cards to a grocery store, hardware store, gas card, etc. Also be aware that every time we “give” away compassion funds it is to meet specific needs. IN this particular case the recipient wasn’t asking for assistance but we became aware that this middle class, professional, single mom with a special needs child was suffering in isolation. Each time we give away compassion funds our prayers are that God continues to use the Gift (you know our small expression was merely a reflection of something much larger!), the relationships, and the "touch" to bless and shape their lives. This note was written by the one who delivered the gift cards and the names have been changed so we recognize and maintain the proper respect of these children of God.
“I have to write you about this because it's hard to talk about it without getting choked up. I went to see W____ yesterday to give her the gift cards. She wasn't sure what was going on when I gave her the envelope. We opened the envelope, and I let her read the card first. Then I handed her each card, one at a time, telling her what each card was for, and the amount. I could barely make it through because I started crying, I was so happy for her. And she started crying because she was so surprised and thankful that people wanted to help her out like that.
It was, and still is, a very emotional experience. I am honored that you asked me to deliver this gift to W____. I wanted to let you know how much this gift affected and touched W____. I also wanted to let you know how much it affected and touched me.
Bless you…
M____”
Prayer Request
Today pray for all in our community who are in need and praying to God for some sort of help. Pray about our listening to God, our response to God’s direction and the needs around us, and for all who we are privileged to serve in the name of Christ.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
"Strengthen My Hands"
Trinity Outreach Celebration Devotion
January 17, 2011
Strengthen My Hands
"But I prayed, now strengthen my hands."
-Nehemiah 6:9
What if God wanted you to step out of your comfort zone and join a group of (mostly) medical providers headed for a medical mission in Jamaica? What if you followed His call, wrote a nonrefundable check for over a thousand dollars within 24 hours of that call, and showed up for a meeting two days later?
It’s not that I had never considered going on a mission. I just had not ever felt ‘raised up and pushed forward’ like the Sunday after the 11:00 service when I committed to join the medical mission team going to Jamaica.
I was not convinced that I could or should be a part of the mission team, and I remember asking God if He really wanted me there. Those conversations you have with the Lord on the way to doing something He wants you to do often sound something like this: “Lord, there seems to be a good many people signed up for this mission. I think I must have misunderstood Your message. I’m sure I can just cancel out now, maybe even donate the airline ticket to someone who really should be here. Maybe the check won’t clear. What could I possibly have to offer?”
The check cleared the next day. I was going on a medical mission to Jamaica. I was going on a medical mission to Jamaica with a bunch of real medical people. What could I possibly have to offer?
Our team left Atlanta on a cold sunny day in early November and landed in Jamaica several hours later. The resorts along the coast do not tell the story of the real Jamaica just an hour’s drive into the mountains. Within 48 hours, we would begin to get a sense of just how poor the country really is. The overwhelming need was evident at the first day’s clinic, and at the end of the day I wondered how we could make any difference in the lives of these people.
The morning of the second day during my quiet time, I turned to the book of Nehemiah. As I read, I thought about the overwhelming task God had given Nehemiah. He was a regular man with an insurmountable task. I wondered if he asked God what difference he could possibly make. The walls of the city of Jerusalem were in shambles and the task looked impossible, yet Nehemiah didn’t ask God to miraculously raise the wall. He asked the Lord to strengthen his hands so he might complete the task that He placed before him. So that was my prayer that morning….Lord strengthen our hands to do Your work.
Life often brings us challenges that we never imagined we would have to face, and sometimes God’s miracle is the strength of our hands. Whether we are experiencing the overwhelming task of caring for the Jamaicans in the mountains of that country or facing devastating personal challenges of our own, we can ask our Lord to strengthen our hands to do the next thing. Our situation may not change, perhaps it will get worse, but in my experience, a prayer for strength is always answered. God’s strength becomes ours when we pray.
What could any of us possibly have to offer?
Melrose York
Prayer Request
Today pray for ministries at ACE in Jamaica throughout, St. Mary’s Parish
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, God of Heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps His covenant of love with those who love Him and obey His commands, let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayers Your servants are praying. Allow us to bring hope and healing to those who need You most. Let us be examples of Your unfailing grace, mercy, and love, and above all, strengthen our hands as we continue to do the work You would have us do. In Your Precious Son’s name we pray…Amen.
“Perhaps this is how you know you are doing the thing God intended you to do: No matter how slow or slight your progress, you never feel it is a waste of time.”
C. Sittenfeld
January 17, 2011
Strengthen My Hands
"But I prayed, now strengthen my hands."
-Nehemiah 6:9
What if God wanted you to step out of your comfort zone and join a group of (mostly) medical providers headed for a medical mission in Jamaica? What if you followed His call, wrote a nonrefundable check for over a thousand dollars within 24 hours of that call, and showed up for a meeting two days later?
It’s not that I had never considered going on a mission. I just had not ever felt ‘raised up and pushed forward’ like the Sunday after the 11:00 service when I committed to join the medical mission team going to Jamaica.
I was not convinced that I could or should be a part of the mission team, and I remember asking God if He really wanted me there. Those conversations you have with the Lord on the way to doing something He wants you to do often sound something like this: “Lord, there seems to be a good many people signed up for this mission. I think I must have misunderstood Your message. I’m sure I can just cancel out now, maybe even donate the airline ticket to someone who really should be here. Maybe the check won’t clear. What could I possibly have to offer?”
The check cleared the next day. I was going on a medical mission to Jamaica. I was going on a medical mission to Jamaica with a bunch of real medical people. What could I possibly have to offer?
Our team left Atlanta on a cold sunny day in early November and landed in Jamaica several hours later. The resorts along the coast do not tell the story of the real Jamaica just an hour’s drive into the mountains. Within 48 hours, we would begin to get a sense of just how poor the country really is. The overwhelming need was evident at the first day’s clinic, and at the end of the day I wondered how we could make any difference in the lives of these people.
The morning of the second day during my quiet time, I turned to the book of Nehemiah. As I read, I thought about the overwhelming task God had given Nehemiah. He was a regular man with an insurmountable task. I wondered if he asked God what difference he could possibly make. The walls of the city of Jerusalem were in shambles and the task looked impossible, yet Nehemiah didn’t ask God to miraculously raise the wall. He asked the Lord to strengthen his hands so he might complete the task that He placed before him. So that was my prayer that morning….Lord strengthen our hands to do Your work.
Life often brings us challenges that we never imagined we would have to face, and sometimes God’s miracle is the strength of our hands. Whether we are experiencing the overwhelming task of caring for the Jamaicans in the mountains of that country or facing devastating personal challenges of our own, we can ask our Lord to strengthen our hands to do the next thing. Our situation may not change, perhaps it will get worse, but in my experience, a prayer for strength is always answered. God’s strength becomes ours when we pray.
What could any of us possibly have to offer?
Melrose York
Prayer Request
Today pray for ministries at ACE in Jamaica throughout, St. Mary’s Parish
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, God of Heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps His covenant of love with those who love Him and obey His commands, let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayers Your servants are praying. Allow us to bring hope and healing to those who need You most. Let us be examples of Your unfailing grace, mercy, and love, and above all, strengthen our hands as we continue to do the work You would have us do. In Your Precious Son’s name we pray…Amen.
“Perhaps this is how you know you are doing the thing God intended you to do: No matter how slow or slight your progress, you never feel it is a waste of time.”
C. Sittenfeld
Friday, January 14, 2011
Augusta GA Mission Opportunities
Upcoming Mission Opportunities through Trinity on the Hill UMC
Winter 2011
1) Trinity Outreach Celebration- February 2 -6, check website for ALL the details
2) Children's Consignment Sale - March 7 -14 at Trinity on the Hill. Registration begins January 21st
3) Jewell Roofing Ministry- March 18-20- the last surviving member of the now closed Jewell United Methodist Church needs our help. Our Augusta District Superintendent, Rev. Gary Dean, made us aware of the need of Martha Carr. She’s almost 87 & lives in the house her deceased husband built in the 1960’s. Ms. Martha needs a roof, and on limited income and with no family or church to assist her, needs the help of Trinity. The modest 900 square foot home should be a great project. We plan to spend Friday night at a church (like we’d do on a construction mission team—bring your air mattress or sleeping bag) and do the project on a Saturday. For more information or to sign up contact Tim Smail (smail@knology.net) or Scott Parrish in the church office. All experience levels needed. Note: this will be a great project to learn on and get a taste of an “away” team, plus you’ll want to spend time with Ms. Martha!
4) Choctaw Mission Team- April 2-9, This extraordinary experience will use a combined team from Trinity on the Hill & the Augusta State University Wesley Foundation. We’ll be working in the Philadelphia MS area at the Choctaw Reservation. The group will arrive on Saturday, worship with Choctaw Methodists on Sunday, and spend the weekdays doing projects, VBS, cultural tours, etc. Sign up now for this by contacting the church mission office.
Winter 2011
1) Trinity Outreach Celebration- February 2 -6, check website for ALL the details
2) Children's Consignment Sale - March 7 -14 at Trinity on the Hill. Registration begins January 21st
3) Jewell Roofing Ministry- March 18-20- the last surviving member of the now closed Jewell United Methodist Church needs our help. Our Augusta District Superintendent, Rev. Gary Dean, made us aware of the need of Martha Carr. She’s almost 87 & lives in the house her deceased husband built in the 1960’s. Ms. Martha needs a roof, and on limited income and with no family or church to assist her, needs the help of Trinity. The modest 900 square foot home should be a great project. We plan to spend Friday night at a church (like we’d do on a construction mission team—bring your air mattress or sleeping bag) and do the project on a Saturday. For more information or to sign up contact Tim Smail (smail@knology.net) or Scott Parrish in the church office. All experience levels needed. Note: this will be a great project to learn on and get a taste of an “away” team, plus you’ll want to spend time with Ms. Martha!
4) Choctaw Mission Team- April 2-9, This extraordinary experience will use a combined team from Trinity on the Hill & the Augusta State University Wesley Foundation. We’ll be working in the Philadelphia MS area at the Choctaw Reservation. The group will arrive on Saturday, worship with Choctaw Methodists on Sunday, and spend the weekdays doing projects, VBS, cultural tours, etc. Sign up now for this by contacting the church mission office.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
UMC 2012 Conference Delegates
Joining 48 other states we've had a few snow days here recently. Perhaps you can imagine what a place like Augusta GA does when a little snow and ice hits! That meant Monday off work and then a late start on Tuesday. Today I enjoyed my usual day off, and it primarily involved washing a dozen loads of clothes that my children went through while school was off. That gave me some time to think through some work projects and to contemplate the year ahead.
This is one of those years in United Methodism that each Annual Conference (there can be a double meaning here-- do you know the lingo?) will elect clergy and lay delegates for the 2012 General Conference as well as for the Jurisdictional Conferences. Some annual conferences have laity and clergy declare themselves to be candidates and may nominate themselves for consideration. So, they'll fill out an application, submit some thoughts, and place themselves before the other delegates by seeking election as a 2012 delegate. The South Georgia Conference takes this "formal" approach.
In other annual conferences it's up for grabs for any delegate in attendance and slowly but surely some will get enough of a percentage of the votes to be elected as a delegate for the regional and international conferences. My North Georgia conference uses this second "informal" approach for clergy, though the laity are required to register and makes themselves available in the "formal" election manner. As you can imagine if a group must elect 20 or more people this process can be an extended ordeal. Those who garner large numbers in the early votes tend to eventually win out.
I guess either method is political and that's just the nature of any group from any organization attempting to elect a few delegates among hundreds, or in the case of North GA thousands in attendance. As with anything I suppose there are pros and cons to each approach shared above. Some of the downside I've seen with the "informal" clergy delegate election approach is:
1) those who are high profile or have high name recognition tend to gain enough votes to gain momentum in the early stages of voting. The annual conference delegates have been good at attempting to get a mix of delegates elected that reflect the whole of the annual conference. But, we inevitably miss representation of small or medium membership churches, and ministries in settings outside the local congregation such as campus, chaplaincy, military, etc.
2) this approach has also given rise to both formal and informal caucuses or groups seeking to elect "their" people. This was such an issue after one voting year for delegates (this only happens for us every 4 years) that a task force was developed and their were many meetings to increase trust, talk through the impact of caucuses, and so on. While these groups may not be formal this year conversations about who's "running" or who's got interest are bound to occur.
It's interesting stuff, this thing we would call church polity. No easy answers, likely no one, right way to do it. And all with a strong mix of various views of the church, of the issues of the day, plus all the relational aspects of conference life as ministry colleagues spend many years serving together at different levels of the church.
I'd be curious how United Methodist clergy discern and decide upon their General Conference and Jurisdictional Conference delegates:
Does your conference use one of the methods above, or some different way of running for a position and electing clergy?
Further, what are you looking for in a delegate and in a group of delegates? Do you seek a mix of representation that conveys who your conference is? Are you electing those with the most political savvy and interest? Do the people who get your vote represent the past or the future? What factor does the spiritual dimension play in your vote?
Thanks for any answers you might share as I try to finish up all my dirty laundry, and solidify some ideas in my own mind as I think through and pray through this year in Methodism and my obligation to vote for the best clergy delegates to help shape the work of the United Methodist Church. My sincere prayer is that we are in honest conversation with God and with one another as we seek to be a church eager to follow the Christ and work in exciting ways empowered by the Holy Spirit.
This is one of those years in United Methodism that each Annual Conference (there can be a double meaning here-- do you know the lingo?) will elect clergy and lay delegates for the 2012 General Conference as well as for the Jurisdictional Conferences. Some annual conferences have laity and clergy declare themselves to be candidates and may nominate themselves for consideration. So, they'll fill out an application, submit some thoughts, and place themselves before the other delegates by seeking election as a 2012 delegate. The South Georgia Conference takes this "formal" approach.
In other annual conferences it's up for grabs for any delegate in attendance and slowly but surely some will get enough of a percentage of the votes to be elected as a delegate for the regional and international conferences. My North Georgia conference uses this second "informal" approach for clergy, though the laity are required to register and makes themselves available in the "formal" election manner. As you can imagine if a group must elect 20 or more people this process can be an extended ordeal. Those who garner large numbers in the early votes tend to eventually win out.
I guess either method is political and that's just the nature of any group from any organization attempting to elect a few delegates among hundreds, or in the case of North GA thousands in attendance. As with anything I suppose there are pros and cons to each approach shared above. Some of the downside I've seen with the "informal" clergy delegate election approach is:
1) those who are high profile or have high name recognition tend to gain enough votes to gain momentum in the early stages of voting. The annual conference delegates have been good at attempting to get a mix of delegates elected that reflect the whole of the annual conference. But, we inevitably miss representation of small or medium membership churches, and ministries in settings outside the local congregation such as campus, chaplaincy, military, etc.
2) this approach has also given rise to both formal and informal caucuses or groups seeking to elect "their" people. This was such an issue after one voting year for delegates (this only happens for us every 4 years) that a task force was developed and their were many meetings to increase trust, talk through the impact of caucuses, and so on. While these groups may not be formal this year conversations about who's "running" or who's got interest are bound to occur.
It's interesting stuff, this thing we would call church polity. No easy answers, likely no one, right way to do it. And all with a strong mix of various views of the church, of the issues of the day, plus all the relational aspects of conference life as ministry colleagues spend many years serving together at different levels of the church.
I'd be curious how United Methodist clergy discern and decide upon their General Conference and Jurisdictional Conference delegates:
Does your conference use one of the methods above, or some different way of running for a position and electing clergy?
Further, what are you looking for in a delegate and in a group of delegates? Do you seek a mix of representation that conveys who your conference is? Are you electing those with the most political savvy and interest? Do the people who get your vote represent the past or the future? What factor does the spiritual dimension play in your vote?
Thanks for any answers you might share as I try to finish up all my dirty laundry, and solidify some ideas in my own mind as I think through and pray through this year in Methodism and my obligation to vote for the best clergy delegates to help shape the work of the United Methodist Church. My sincere prayer is that we are in honest conversation with God and with one another as we seek to be a church eager to follow the Christ and work in exciting ways empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Augusta GA Classes on Parenting & Finances
Here are some great options offered at Trinity on the Hill UMC in Augusta GA. You'll find expert advice in an encouraging environment as we all seek to live up to those New Year's resolutions.
“Parenting with Purpose,” or “How to Raise Your Kids to Lead a Meaningful Life.”
Tim and Wendy Reeve – experienced parents of three boys (and Tim is an assistant principal) - offer advice and lead the discussion. Parents and grandparents, or uncles and aunts, of children of all ages should find valuable information in this informal group meeting three Wednesdays beginning this week, January 12 (meeting in the Youth Building).
"Achieving Financial Freedom" Get some expert advice from Jeff Fehrman, experienced financial advisor, with practical tips on achieving financial freedom. Three sessions beginning this Wednesday, January 12, in Wesley Hall.
"Create Your Financial Plan" Want more in-depth financial wisdom that can lead you to becoming truly financially free? David Duff is a trained Crown Financial leader who will lead this Biblical Financial Study. This is a 10-week class that requires active participation and homework to lead you to create a proven plan to manage your money, get out of debt, establish wealth, and learn to give. Come to the free Orientation class on Monday, January 17, in the Library. You can decide then if this is the class for you. You will need to purchase materials for this class, and it would help to call the church office this week and let Kathy Lake know you want to attend.
We offer many different options on classes, Bible studies, and small groups that meet in different locations on various days. I can help with basic questions or see more information at www.trinityonthehill.net. Contact Kathy Lake in the church office at 706-738-8822 to move forward in your life and faith in 2011.
“Parenting with Purpose,” or “How to Raise Your Kids to Lead a Meaningful Life.”
Tim and Wendy Reeve – experienced parents of three boys (and Tim is an assistant principal) - offer advice and lead the discussion. Parents and grandparents, or uncles and aunts, of children of all ages should find valuable information in this informal group meeting three Wednesdays beginning this week, January 12 (meeting in the Youth Building).
"Achieving Financial Freedom" Get some expert advice from Jeff Fehrman, experienced financial advisor, with practical tips on achieving financial freedom. Three sessions beginning this Wednesday, January 12, in Wesley Hall.
"Create Your Financial Plan" Want more in-depth financial wisdom that can lead you to becoming truly financially free? David Duff is a trained Crown Financial leader who will lead this Biblical Financial Study. This is a 10-week class that requires active participation and homework to lead you to create a proven plan to manage your money, get out of debt, establish wealth, and learn to give. Come to the free Orientation class on Monday, January 17, in the Library. You can decide then if this is the class for you. You will need to purchase materials for this class, and it would help to call the church office this week and let Kathy Lake know you want to attend.
We offer many different options on classes, Bible studies, and small groups that meet in different locations on various days. I can help with basic questions or see more information at www.trinityonthehill.net. Contact Kathy Lake in the church office at 706-738-8822 to move forward in your life and faith in 2011.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Canada Losing It's Religion
Canada is headed the same direction as Europe. And, it's likely showing the U.S. where we are headed, even in the southeast, as secularization sweeps the land. "Before 1971, less than 1 per cent of Canadians ticked the “no religion” box on national surveys. Two generations later, nearly a quarter of the population, or 23 per cent, say they aren’t religious."
Catch this-- "Religious scholars see perhaps the majority of today’s young Canadian adults as disappearing down a black hole of spiritual illiteracy from which institutional religion cannot retrieve them. The cause is also a product of young adults increasingly seeing organized religion as illogical and out of touch with reality."
Later, "Religious scholars see perhaps the majority of today’s young Canadian adults as disappearing down a black hole of spiritual illiteracy from which institutional religion cannot retrieve them." And then, "What attracts native-born Canadians to church these days, says religion sociologist David Seljak of St. Jerome’s University in Waterloo, Ont., is the availability of parking, quality of preaching and children’s programs, in that order."
Does any of this sound eerily familiar to your community and conversations?
"Canada: Losing It's Religion?"
Catch this-- "Religious scholars see perhaps the majority of today’s young Canadian adults as disappearing down a black hole of spiritual illiteracy from which institutional religion cannot retrieve them. The cause is also a product of young adults increasingly seeing organized religion as illogical and out of touch with reality."
Later, "Religious scholars see perhaps the majority of today’s young Canadian adults as disappearing down a black hole of spiritual illiteracy from which institutional religion cannot retrieve them." And then, "What attracts native-born Canadians to church these days, says religion sociologist David Seljak of St. Jerome’s University in Waterloo, Ont., is the availability of parking, quality of preaching and children’s programs, in that order."
Does any of this sound eerily familiar to your community and conversations?
"Canada: Losing It's Religion?"
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
UMC Call to Action
Just in case you missed it here's the link to the UMC Call to Action.
I'm curious what North GA UMC is talking about & planning on in terms of this report. Are we already making adjustments or waiting on further UMC action including General Conference before moving ahead? Will we be making 2011 appointments with this in mind? Will Jurisdictional conferences choose bishops based on this criteria and complementary skill set? Should delegates to annual conferences choose delegates for GC & JC based on this sort of thinking about the UMC? Or should we fall back to what we've done in recent years?
So many questions as I peer into the CTA & 2011. How do we jump to NOT doing "business as usual?" Are we REALLY going to elect THOSE people?! Much of the report has focus on congregational vitality, growing membership, and in particular successfully engaging the younger generations. I'm not sure we'll quickly or easily move away from status quo, "toxic," and "unsustainable." See CTA Final Report News if you don't get the references. I'm also curious if this will prove more contentious to the UMC than some of our hot topic social issues of recent years! In terms of Methodism, it will be curious to see if these truly become our top priorities at the congregational, clergy, & episcopal levels or if we'll prefer to give top shelf to some other aspect of our historic/past identity.
I'm curious what North GA UMC is talking about & planning on in terms of this report. Are we already making adjustments or waiting on further UMC action including General Conference before moving ahead? Will we be making 2011 appointments with this in mind? Will Jurisdictional conferences choose bishops based on this criteria and complementary skill set? Should delegates to annual conferences choose delegates for GC & JC based on this sort of thinking about the UMC? Or should we fall back to what we've done in recent years?
So many questions as I peer into the CTA & 2011. How do we jump to NOT doing "business as usual?" Are we REALLY going to elect THOSE people?! Much of the report has focus on congregational vitality, growing membership, and in particular successfully engaging the younger generations. I'm not sure we'll quickly or easily move away from status quo, "toxic," and "unsustainable." See CTA Final Report News if you don't get the references. I'm also curious if this will prove more contentious to the UMC than some of our hot topic social issues of recent years! In terms of Methodism, it will be curious to see if these truly become our top priorities at the congregational, clergy, & episcopal levels or if we'll prefer to give top shelf to some other aspect of our historic/past identity.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Waiting for a Wrecker & Looking Into 2011
Our car broke down on Christmas Eve after my wife returned home from the early children & family worship service. The intent was for my teenage son to then drive to church and attend a traditional candlelight service. But in the hand off, when they tried to start the car back up, it would crank but not move well. So, change of plans for them as I finished the night at church in the various worship services.
Now I'm sitting here waiting on the tow truck to pick up the car to visit our mechanic. He knows this old car well & they visit a little too often!
I'm thinking back on the roller coaster ride of the last year. The days and weeks do fly. And our rapidly changing times add spice... no, wait, is it anxiouisness... hmm, maybe challenge... oh, I don't know what the correct word is! But it seems the rapid change & challenges are tough for our institutions to deal with-- family, school, city, denomination, country. Just think about the havoc of the economy of the last year/s and how that is leveling/changing the playing field. Or read
Methodist Year in Review to recall what the last year brought us.
2011 huh?
As I said a few times through the end of 2009, and early in 2010 before life got hyperacitve, it appears that we are in a time of institutional reformation. It will be fun, and exciting, to see if 2011 is a time of spiritual reformation and renewal in addition to the "process" changes that are occuring. In particular, it will be exciting to see what the next 2 years brings the United Methodist Church as we move toward a reformation and realignment of the church to best meet the needs of our day with the available resources. I haven't heard any North GA UM convversation about the Call to Action. My guess is I'll soon hear more on appointments (unless there's another lock down on talk), delegate politics (it's an election year), and talk about funding woes.
Well, the tow truck is here. I hope 2011 is unlike my old car, & proves a fine running machine that won't need the wrecker too often!
Now I'm sitting here waiting on the tow truck to pick up the car to visit our mechanic. He knows this old car well & they visit a little too often!
I'm thinking back on the roller coaster ride of the last year. The days and weeks do fly. And our rapidly changing times add spice... no, wait, is it anxiouisness... hmm, maybe challenge... oh, I don't know what the correct word is! But it seems the rapid change & challenges are tough for our institutions to deal with-- family, school, city, denomination, country. Just think about the havoc of the economy of the last year/s and how that is leveling/changing the playing field. Or read
Methodist Year in Review to recall what the last year brought us.
2011 huh?
As I said a few times through the end of 2009, and early in 2010 before life got hyperacitve, it appears that we are in a time of institutional reformation. It will be fun, and exciting, to see if 2011 is a time of spiritual reformation and renewal in addition to the "process" changes that are occuring. In particular, it will be exciting to see what the next 2 years brings the United Methodist Church as we move toward a reformation and realignment of the church to best meet the needs of our day with the available resources. I haven't heard any North GA UM convversation about the Call to Action. My guess is I'll soon hear more on appointments (unless there's another lock down on talk), delegate politics (it's an election year), and talk about funding woes.
Well, the tow truck is here. I hope 2011 is unlike my old car, & proves a fine running machine that won't need the wrecker too often!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Heaven Cannot Contain
After the kids opened presents and we hit that slow, nice part of Christmas Day, I found myself listing to some of Carl Gladstone's Advent Hymns based on great Charles Wesley music. I appreciate the depth of C. Wesley theology and the way Carl is brings it to life today. These are some of the words that helped my experience of Christmas today. Merry Christmas!
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!
Heaven cannot contain!
Knees and hearts to him we bow;
Jesus is our brother now.
God invisible appears,
God the great I AM
Sojourns in this vale of tears,
And Jesus is his name.
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!
2008 Carl Thomas Gladstone
Some Rights Reserved
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!
Heaven cannot contain!
Knees and hearts to him we bow;
Jesus is our brother now.
God invisible appears,
God the great I AM
Sojourns in this vale of tears,
And Jesus is his name.
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!
2008 Carl Thomas Gladstone
Some Rights Reserved
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
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