Read Luke 14: 15-24
There is an energy and excitement in the life of the church on the mission frontier which isn’t easily explained and is best understood by personal experience. You can hear the story told by another, or read an exciting account of mission and ministry, or read it in the history of the Church. But, similar to the biblical stories of faith, there is a vast difference between a conversation about God at work and our own personal experience of God at work.
Occasionally a community of faith will find a renewal and new vitality as they respond to God’s call and the needs of the community. Surprisingly, such a church might attempt what seems impossible.
“Dietrich Bonhoeffer, writing from the crucible of a Nazi prison, stated that, ‘The church is the church only when it exists for others.’” (Faithful Witnesses, page 67)
Once upon a time the call to be a missionary was a call to distant land. While that is still a huge need (do you know about the 10/40 Window or the numbers of people groups that have never heard the Gospel once?) there are more and more people in secular society who pass by the churches which have become quaint museums, yet which have little standing or voice in a community. The great need is for us to see the Kingdom of God at work in our own community, and for us to respond to our work in the emerging kingdom. Whether we are laity or clergy the call to mission, to evangelism, and to outreach still rings out as a great need for our community and for our church. The call to actively build bridges of reconciliation with God and between people stills bids us to accept the challenge, the risk, and the reward.
"In the vast plain to the north I have sometimes seen, in the morning sun, the smoke of a thousand villages where no missionary has ever been" — Robert Moffat, 19th Century missionary who inspired David Livingstone.
Ask yourself: As you drive our city streets what do you see? What neighborhoods and homes do you see in our community that are mission frontiers requiring a worker of God to help? Who are the messengers of God for our town?
D. T. Niles, Sri Lankan Methodist minister, district evangelist, and hymn writer, lived 1908-1970. “Christianity is just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.”
Pray for the New Bethlehem Community Center. This partnership goes back many, many years, and has focus in one of the toughest neighborhoods in Augusta. Pray for Sheridan Glaze and their part time staff as they face mounting community challenges and significant needs for assistance. This historic mission is 100 years old and is the first Bethlehem Center established by Methodist women which then expanded to communities across the south.
Learn more: NBCC
Be sure to register for the Jan. 26 work day or the Feb. 2 mission seminars so you'll be better equipped to serve effectively in outreach. Everything you need can be found at http://trinityonthehill.net/common/content.asp?PAGE=576.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Augusta GA Mission Event to Start the Year
The Trinity Outreach Celebration is almost here. It's always interesting to see if others will get as excited, and involved, in an event as you hope, plan, and pray for. I'd call this year's annual mission experience a "once in a decade" opportunity as we bring in national mission leaders, have seminars on a range of topics, and offer "hands on" mission service for all ages.
Read the theme verses of our Trinity
Outreach Celebration 2013 in 2 Corinthians 5:17-20. Through the TOC we’ll
be learning more about what it means to be an ambassador for Christ and how we
can best share the message of reconciliation in word and deed. Please share this with
others and encourage attendance as we join together in mission. We’ll have other United Methodists from
throughout GA & SC joining us, so be sure to sign up early to reserve your
seat as many of the activities have limited seating available. Pray for what will happen in us and through
us as we continue to follow Christ in mission locally, nationally, and
internationally through 2013 and 2014.
All of the information below, plus registration, is available online at www.trinityonthehill.net or by
calling the church mission office at 706-738-8822 ext. 50.
Serving in Mission
Saturday, January 26, 9:00 AM-12 Noon. Sign up online or in the Gathering Area. Meet at Wesley Hall & depart for
worksites by 8:30 AM.
This event is facilitated by national mission leaders and
allowing United Methodists from through Georgia and South Carolina an
opportunity to learn and network for more effective mission!
Choose one morning session 10:15-11:45 and one afternoon
session 1:00-2:30 from:
“Children’s Ministry & Mission,” Mrs.
Kim Torres, GBGM Church
“Christ and Culture in Africa ,”
Rev. Mande Muyombo, GBGM
“Congregational Mission Bridges to the World,” Rev. Mike Selleck , NGUMC
“50/50 Mission
Partnerships: Asset-Based, Long Term Development,” Rev. Patrick Friday, GBGM
“Evangelism & Mission,” Dr. Winston Worrell, World
Methodist Evangelism Institute
Morning session:
“Mission as Bridge of Church Jasmine Smothers , NGUMC
“Mission Leader Training: 5 Ps of Missions Done Well
in the Local Church ,” Mr.
Stan Self, The Mission Society
“Missionaries for the 21st Century,” Dr. Thomas
Kemper, GBGM
“Reaching ‘All Nations’ in Your Community: Multicultural Ministry,” Rev. Nora Martinez,
GBGM
“Muslims, Christians, and Jesus,” Rev. Dick McClain , The Mission
Society
“Singing God’s Song: From Everywhere to
Everywhere,” Rev. Debra Tyree, GBGM Global Praise
Feb. 2 Schedule:
8:30-9:00AM -Check In at Gathering Area (directly behind
sanctuary).
9:00-10:00 AM –Opening Assembly and Worship in the
Sanctuary featuring Rev. 10:00-10:15 AM- Break & Find Your Class
10:15– 11:45 AM- Morning Workshops in Building A
12:00-12:45 PM- Lunch at Wesley Hall
1:00- 2:30 PM Afternoon Workshops in Building A
2:30-3:00 PM Enjoy conversations with experts, networking with others, or visiting the displays
Register at www.trinityonthehill.net @ “Trinity Outreach
Celebration”
Celebrating God’s Call
to Mission
Sunday, February 3, 8:30 AM-12 NoonEnjoy mission updates in Sunday School. In worship we will be inspired & pledge our prayers, participation, & funds for the next year of outreach.
TOC Sunday School Classes, Feb 3, 9:45-10:40AM
General Board of Global Ministries in Adult Couples & Singles Class— featuring Thomas Kemper, Nora Martinez, Patrick Friday, Mande Mayumbo
Mission Society in Open Door class— featuring Dick McClain & Stan Self
World Methodist Evangelism in Choir Room– featuring Winston
Worrell
We'll be celebrating all aspects of mission during these exciting days and hope you will be part of the fun!
Building Bridges
Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-20
Another way folk get drawn into mission and working for God is to look around a community and world at everything that isn’t working as we know it should. Many of the chapters of Genesis show the power and consequences of sin. Humanity is tossed out of the Garden of Eden due to our sin- our striving to be like God, our weakness in the face of any temptation, our perpetual hunger and inclination to rationalize anything and everything we do. In our sin we break covenant with God and with one another. And don’t be mistaken, this isn’t sin on a “graded curve” as we tend to think of it, i.e. “I’m not as bad as my neighbor.” Rather, our willfulness, our disobedience, our selfishness, our lack of repentance, all form the basis for every sin which separates us from God and from humanity.
As life moves forward, and the story of Genesis (which really is our story) progresses, we see that sin is added to sin until the most outrageous acts seem ordinary and barely newsworthy. Our separation from God and from neighbor is compounded, it’s multiplied, as collectively we would rather erect fortresses and barricades rather than engage in efforts and lifestyles that are reconciling and building bridges. One is a way of alienation and the other a way of restoration and harmony. One is a chaos of broken relationship/s and the other a way of new birth and new creations.
Focus on our community and think about the state of our lives, our homes, our workplaces, and our neighborhoods from a spiritual perspective. Now, beware being judgmental, because we are brothers and sisters and all prone to sin, but consider the spiritual root of the ills of our lives and our society. Galatians 5:19-21 reminds us of the power of sin and what occurs when sin runs rampant in a person or in a neighborhood. The aim of an abundant life, a shalom life, a life relying on the grace of God, following the way of Christ, and seeking sanctification is shown in Galatians 5:22-26.
God is “building bridges” to us and through us. Ask yourself: What does this mean in our lives? What does this mean for our church? What does this mean for our community? How might we practically serve Christ as a witness locally, nationally, or internationally? How might we take steps toward an incarnational, missional lifestyle this year?
As we prepare for TOC 2013 pray for The United Methodist Church, the General Board of Global Ministries, United Methodist Volunteers in Missions (UMVIM), and the related denominational missional organizations that we make possible by our shared apportionments. The “connectional” nature of the UMC has local, national, and global implications. Many of the leaders in our TOC are representative of the faithful apportionment giving of UMC churches, and now serve all over the world to continue the “circuit rider” spirit of Methodism in the 21st Century.
Pray for John & Donna Bearden who are UMVIM missionaries serving in the Dominican Republic. They are from Waynesboro, and after working 20 years locally they retired and moved to the place they’d served so faithfully on mission teams over many years.
Learn more: Enjoy the Bearden’s website or you can find them on Facebook. Here’s a quick view of apportionment giving. You may also find the larger perspective of our global United Methodist denomination or our mission agency useful.
Another way folk get drawn into mission and working for God is to look around a community and world at everything that isn’t working as we know it should. Many of the chapters of Genesis show the power and consequences of sin. Humanity is tossed out of the Garden of Eden due to our sin- our striving to be like God, our weakness in the face of any temptation, our perpetual hunger and inclination to rationalize anything and everything we do. In our sin we break covenant with God and with one another. And don’t be mistaken, this isn’t sin on a “graded curve” as we tend to think of it, i.e. “I’m not as bad as my neighbor.” Rather, our willfulness, our disobedience, our selfishness, our lack of repentance, all form the basis for every sin which separates us from God and from humanity.
As life moves forward, and the story of Genesis (which really is our story) progresses, we see that sin is added to sin until the most outrageous acts seem ordinary and barely newsworthy. Our separation from God and from neighbor is compounded, it’s multiplied, as collectively we would rather erect fortresses and barricades rather than engage in efforts and lifestyles that are reconciling and building bridges. One is a way of alienation and the other a way of restoration and harmony. One is a chaos of broken relationship/s and the other a way of new birth and new creations.
Focus on our community and think about the state of our lives, our homes, our workplaces, and our neighborhoods from a spiritual perspective. Now, beware being judgmental, because we are brothers and sisters and all prone to sin, but consider the spiritual root of the ills of our lives and our society. Galatians 5:19-21 reminds us of the power of sin and what occurs when sin runs rampant in a person or in a neighborhood. The aim of an abundant life, a shalom life, a life relying on the grace of God, following the way of Christ, and seeking sanctification is shown in Galatians 5:22-26.
God is “building bridges” to us and through us. Ask yourself: What does this mean in our lives? What does this mean for our church? What does this mean for our community? How might we practically serve Christ as a witness locally, nationally, or internationally? How might we take steps toward an incarnational, missional lifestyle this year?
As we prepare for TOC 2013 pray for The United Methodist Church, the General Board of Global Ministries, United Methodist Volunteers in Missions (UMVIM), and the related denominational missional organizations that we make possible by our shared apportionments. The “connectional” nature of the UMC has local, national, and global implications. Many of the leaders in our TOC are representative of the faithful apportionment giving of UMC churches, and now serve all over the world to continue the “circuit rider” spirit of Methodism in the 21st Century.
Pray for John & Donna Bearden who are UMVIM missionaries serving in the Dominican Republic. They are from Waynesboro, and after working 20 years locally they retired and moved to the place they’d served so faithfully on mission teams over many years.
Learn more: Enjoy the Bearden’s website or you can find them on Facebook. Here’s a quick view of apportionment giving. You may also find the larger perspective of our global United Methodist denomination or our mission agency useful.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
An Apostolic Calling
Read and reflect on Matthew 6:10.
Jesus shares a prayer, and shows a way of life, that expresses the rule and reign of God in the present. This isn’t human business as usual, but instead makes visible in practical ways what a life following God looks like. We are still called to this today, and are called to give ourselves to this work of God.
Missio Dei, the Mission of God, is a strong call from Scripture and the historic Christian faith to the primary focus of the Christian and the Church. It is a doctrine that emphasizes the nature of God, the purposes of God, and our role in the redemption of God today. Our work in God’s kingdom, and our living out the call to follow Christ every day, has tremendous implications for the spiritual health of each of us, and for the health and vitality of our church. It is easy to lose our thinking and focus on this basic foundation of faith.
We don’t often use that long creed, the Nicene Creed, in worship though it’s another reminder of our true calling. It is usually awkward to say in worship due to its length and to our lack of familiarity with it. After the confessions about our belief related to Christ and the Spirit the faithful congregation says, “We believe in the one holy catholic and apostolic church.” That’s always been a strong reminder to me of what I read in Scripture as to how the work of mission and ministry was said and done in the past, and of our responsibilities today to share in the redemptive work of God as this present salvation continues to be at work and needs workers such as us.
There are a lot of worthy organizations, excellent non-profits, and wonderful missions and ministries competing for your time, attention, and funds. But there is something very different about working together with members of your church in shared partnerships, goals, and projects. This exciting intangible relates to the work of God in Christ and the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit. We’ve seen it repeatedly through Trinity outreach efforts on international mission teams, in local efforts ranging from feeding people at the Masters Table to working with Family Promise families to working a project in the community. We’ve seen it through the work of the FROGS. And Lydia Project. And we’ve seen it on the national disaster response teams. There are new depths of relationship with God and with each other as we serve together in mission. There is an experiential learning as we follow Christ in practical ways today. There is challenge and growth as we submit ourselves to God, to each other, and to those we serve as we become part of a team and aren’t free to merely do our “own thing.”
Missio Dei reminds us that the mission is God’s and not ours! As we follow the model of Christ we (both the Church and the Christian) become the instrument of mission. We go into all the world and become an incarnational bridge between the individuals, families, tribes, and nations we encounter and the family of faith, i.e. the church, as we express the Missio Dei in word and deed.
Ask yourself: How will I express a Kingdom of God lifestyle this year? How can I best live out the Greatest Commandment (recall Matthew 22:34-40) to love God and to love neighbor?
Pray for Beatrice & Esaho Kipuke serving in west Africa in Togo. They serve in a 3rd world country, a developing nation, in a setting without many necessities and without a “safety net” of any sort, with few resources, yet with tremendous opportunities and many open doors to serve Christ and share the Gospel.
Learn more about the Kipukes: Listen to the podcast at podcast, or go to their newsletter.
If you want to know more about a United Methodist Christian theology and practice of mission see Faithful Witnesses: United Methodist Theology of Mission is a great resource. It has served as a solid launching pad for many of these TOC 2013 devotions. Scott has a marked up copy you can borrow if you want to know more about Missio Dei and our distinctive Wesleyan view of mission and outreach.
Jesus shares a prayer, and shows a way of life, that expresses the rule and reign of God in the present. This isn’t human business as usual, but instead makes visible in practical ways what a life following God looks like. We are still called to this today, and are called to give ourselves to this work of God.
Missio Dei, the Mission of God, is a strong call from Scripture and the historic Christian faith to the primary focus of the Christian and the Church. It is a doctrine that emphasizes the nature of God, the purposes of God, and our role in the redemption of God today. Our work in God’s kingdom, and our living out the call to follow Christ every day, has tremendous implications for the spiritual health of each of us, and for the health and vitality of our church. It is easy to lose our thinking and focus on this basic foundation of faith.
We don’t often use that long creed, the Nicene Creed, in worship though it’s another reminder of our true calling. It is usually awkward to say in worship due to its length and to our lack of familiarity with it. After the confessions about our belief related to Christ and the Spirit the faithful congregation says, “We believe in the one holy catholic and apostolic church.” That’s always been a strong reminder to me of what I read in Scripture as to how the work of mission and ministry was said and done in the past, and of our responsibilities today to share in the redemptive work of God as this present salvation continues to be at work and needs workers such as us.
There are a lot of worthy organizations, excellent non-profits, and wonderful missions and ministries competing for your time, attention, and funds. But there is something very different about working together with members of your church in shared partnerships, goals, and projects. This exciting intangible relates to the work of God in Christ and the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit. We’ve seen it repeatedly through Trinity outreach efforts on international mission teams, in local efforts ranging from feeding people at the Masters Table to working with Family Promise families to working a project in the community. We’ve seen it through the work of the FROGS. And Lydia Project. And we’ve seen it on the national disaster response teams. There are new depths of relationship with God and with each other as we serve together in mission. There is an experiential learning as we follow Christ in practical ways today. There is challenge and growth as we submit ourselves to God, to each other, and to those we serve as we become part of a team and aren’t free to merely do our “own thing.”
Missio Dei reminds us that the mission is God’s and not ours! As we follow the model of Christ we (both the Church and the Christian) become the instrument of mission. We go into all the world and become an incarnational bridge between the individuals, families, tribes, and nations we encounter and the family of faith, i.e. the church, as we express the Missio Dei in word and deed.
Ask yourself: How will I express a Kingdom of God lifestyle this year? How can I best live out the Greatest Commandment (recall Matthew 22:34-40) to love God and to love neighbor?
Pray for Beatrice & Esaho Kipuke serving in west Africa in Togo. They serve in a 3rd world country, a developing nation, in a setting without many necessities and without a “safety net” of any sort, with few resources, yet with tremendous opportunities and many open doors to serve Christ and share the Gospel.
Learn more about the Kipukes: Listen to the podcast at podcast, or go to their newsletter.
If you want to know more about a United Methodist Christian theology and practice of mission see Faithful Witnesses: United Methodist Theology of Mission is a great resource. It has served as a solid launching pad for many of these TOC 2013 devotions. Scott has a marked up copy you can borrow if you want to know more about Missio Dei and our distinctive Wesleyan view of mission and outreach.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Mission Event Devotions
It's that time of year when my church, Trinity on the Hill UMC in Augusta, GA, experiences our mission event. Sometimes such efforts can lack the study, prayer, theology, and "underpinnings" that connect with the whole of the Christian's life or the Church's life. Perhaps these brief daily devotions will help you prepare for mission in your church and community.
We'll follow a Scripture, meditation, and prayer approach leading up to our Trinity Outreach Celebration culminating on Sunday, February 3. I'll "tip the hat" to where some of these ideas are found, if you want to learn more, and encourage you to use this as a springboard into the life of following Christ. Along the way we will celebrate what God has accomplished through us, and what God might be needing of us in the coming year. We'll hear from some of the "saints of the ages" and also lift up some of our Trinity partners each day, plus give a link if you desire more information on any of them. As always, if you have a question, or curiosity, or an idea be sure to contact me. After all, this work with God is a living, dynamic, ongoing relationship and conversation that creates new realities with God and between us.
Let's start today by reading Genesis 12:2-3.
For a long time people who followed God have been sent on incredible adventures. If you look over the Old Testament you’ll find it is a consistent pattern shared time and time again- Noah, Abraham, Jonah, the prophets, and others- show us that God’s ways are very, very different than our ways. If we follow God in our time and place then we are going to be a peculiar people. Jesus picks up on that long tradition of being sent as a missionary.
Jesus Christ, Son of God and Son of man, was sent with a purpose. As followers of Christ, we too are sent with a purpose. That’s why you’ll sometimes read a devotional or hear a preacher speak of church folk and Christians as being a “sent people.” John 20:21 “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (I was reminded of this again as I read the book The Gathered and Scattered Church by Hugh Halter and Matt Smay which Scott will loan you if you want to dig into this more.)
Of course, we easily get stuck in our habits, our routines, our neighborhoods, our lives. The Scripture repeatedly says “Go” and “Do” while human nature steers us toward comfort and routine. As in days long ago, Jesus confronts us with the claims of God’s kingdom as opposed to our small kingdoms. God reminds us to follow the way of true belief and let go of our idols. The Holy Spirit reminds us our dull, lifeless religion isn’t as practical, as incarnational, as transformational (for ourselves or others) as it needs to be for us to know an abundance of life today, much less tomorrow.
It’s a new day! God’s spirit calls out to us. Will God’s people of all ages yet again dream dreams and see visions begging to become reality in God’s kingdom?
Ask yourself: What great mission adventure is God calling me to in 2013?
"God isn't looking for people of great faith, but for individuals ready to follow Him" — Hudson Taylor, 19th Century British Protestant Christian missionary to China, and founder of the China Inland Mission
Pray for Action Ministries of Augusta, formerly Augusta Urban Ministries, as they focus on local needs of families and individuals related to hunger, housing, and education. This is both a local and North Georgia conference partner. If you want to know more: Action Ministries of Augusta.
Pray for the Trinity Outreach Celebration and be sure to register for a mission project Saturday, January 26 or a mission class or two on Saturday, February 2.
We'll follow a Scripture, meditation, and prayer approach leading up to our Trinity Outreach Celebration culminating on Sunday, February 3. I'll "tip the hat" to where some of these ideas are found, if you want to learn more, and encourage you to use this as a springboard into the life of following Christ. Along the way we will celebrate what God has accomplished through us, and what God might be needing of us in the coming year. We'll hear from some of the "saints of the ages" and also lift up some of our Trinity partners each day, plus give a link if you desire more information on any of them. As always, if you have a question, or curiosity, or an idea be sure to contact me. After all, this work with God is a living, dynamic, ongoing relationship and conversation that creates new realities with God and between us.
Let's start today by reading Genesis 12:2-3.
For a long time people who followed God have been sent on incredible adventures. If you look over the Old Testament you’ll find it is a consistent pattern shared time and time again- Noah, Abraham, Jonah, the prophets, and others- show us that God’s ways are very, very different than our ways. If we follow God in our time and place then we are going to be a peculiar people. Jesus picks up on that long tradition of being sent as a missionary.
Jesus Christ, Son of God and Son of man, was sent with a purpose. As followers of Christ, we too are sent with a purpose. That’s why you’ll sometimes read a devotional or hear a preacher speak of church folk and Christians as being a “sent people.” John 20:21 “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (I was reminded of this again as I read the book The Gathered and Scattered Church by Hugh Halter and Matt Smay which Scott will loan you if you want to dig into this more.)
Of course, we easily get stuck in our habits, our routines, our neighborhoods, our lives. The Scripture repeatedly says “Go” and “Do” while human nature steers us toward comfort and routine. As in days long ago, Jesus confronts us with the claims of God’s kingdom as opposed to our small kingdoms. God reminds us to follow the way of true belief and let go of our idols. The Holy Spirit reminds us our dull, lifeless religion isn’t as practical, as incarnational, as transformational (for ourselves or others) as it needs to be for us to know an abundance of life today, much less tomorrow.
It’s a new day! God’s spirit calls out to us. Will God’s people of all ages yet again dream dreams and see visions begging to become reality in God’s kingdom?
Ask yourself: What great mission adventure is God calling me to in 2013?
"God isn't looking for people of great faith, but for individuals ready to follow Him" — Hudson Taylor, 19th Century British Protestant Christian missionary to China, and founder of the China Inland Mission
Pray for Action Ministries of Augusta, formerly Augusta Urban Ministries, as they focus on local needs of families and individuals related to hunger, housing, and education. This is both a local and North Georgia conference partner. If you want to know more: Action Ministries of Augusta.
Pray for the Trinity Outreach Celebration and be sure to register for a mission project Saturday, January 26 or a mission class or two on Saturday, February 2.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Catching Up
Hello old friend! I'm sorry to have been away for some time now. I promise to do better this new year. Sometimes life gets so busy there is little time to write down what I hear or see. Church work, mission trips, family, gardening, and the activities of the days seem to crowd the schedule and my ability to get to everything. I'll get more active here and share some updates on mission and ministry.
Blessings as you live your adventure for God in these days,
Scott
Blessings as you live your adventure for God in these days,
Scott
Monday, December 3, 2012
Upcoming Mission Training
Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church is hosting a training event featuring top national and international leadership in mission.
On Saturday, February 2, from 9:00AM-3:00PM workshops will be facilitated by mission leaders from the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church, the Mission Society, the World Methodist Evangelism Institute, Global Praise, and the North Georgia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. Register online at www.trinityonthehill.net or contact the mission office at Trinity on the Hill at 706-738-8822, ext. 57 for assistance. This will be an exceptional training event to assist churches in local and international outreach. Lunch & refreshments will be provided for $10 payable the day of the event at the registration table. Registration is required as seating may be limited due to interest in the classes.
Choose one Morning session from 10:15-11:45 and one afternoon session from 1:00-2:30.
“Children’s Ministry & Mission,” Mrs. Kim Torres, GBGM Church & Community Worker
“Christ and Culture in Africa,” Rev. Mande Muyombo, GBGM
“Congregational Mission Bridges to the World,” Rev. Mike Selleck, NGUMC
“Developing Strong Mission Partnerships,” Rev. Patrick Friday, GBGM
“Evangelism & Mission,” Dr. Winston Worrell, World Methodist Evangelism Institute
“Mission as Bridge of Church and Community,” & “Building Bridges to Youth & Young Adults in Your Community,” Rev. Jasmine Smothers, NGUMC
“Mission Leader Training: 5 Ps of Missions Done Well in the Local Church,” Mr. Stan Self, The Mission Society
“Missionaries for the 21st Century,” Dr. Thomas Kemper, GBGM
“Multicultural Ministry,” Rev. Nora Martinez, GBGM
“Muslims, Christians, and Jesus,” Rev. Dick McClain, The Mission Society
“Singing God’s Song: From Everywhere to Everywhere,” Rev. Debra Tyree, GBGM Global Praise
Schedule:
8:30-9:00AM -Check In at Gathering Area (directly behind sanctuary) for name badge, to sign in, visit displays, & for hand-outs and refreshments.
9:00-10:00 AM –Opening Assembly and Worship in the Sanctuary featuring Rev. Dick McClain & Dr. Thomas Kemper
10:00-10:15 AM- Break & Find Your Class
10:15– 11:45 AM- Morning Workshops in Building A
12:00-12:45 PM- Lunch at Wesley Hall
1:00- 2:30 PM Afternoon Workshops in Building A
2:30-3:00 PM Enjoy conversations with experts, networking with others, or visiting the displays
Register online at www.trinityonthehill.net or contact the mission office at Trinity on the Hill at 706-738-8822. Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church is located at 1330 Monte Sano Avenue, Augusta GA 30904 (beside Augusta State University).
On Saturday, February 2, from 9:00AM-3:00PM workshops will be facilitated by mission leaders from the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church, the Mission Society, the World Methodist Evangelism Institute, Global Praise, and the North Georgia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. Register online at www.trinityonthehill.net or contact the mission office at Trinity on the Hill at 706-738-8822, ext. 57 for assistance. This will be an exceptional training event to assist churches in local and international outreach. Lunch & refreshments will be provided for $10 payable the day of the event at the registration table. Registration is required as seating may be limited due to interest in the classes.
Choose one Morning session from 10:15-11:45 and one afternoon session from 1:00-2:30.
“Children’s Ministry & Mission,” Mrs. Kim Torres, GBGM Church & Community Worker
“Christ and Culture in Africa,” Rev. Mande Muyombo, GBGM
“Congregational Mission Bridges to the World,” Rev. Mike Selleck, NGUMC
“Developing Strong Mission Partnerships,” Rev. Patrick Friday, GBGM
“Evangelism & Mission,” Dr. Winston Worrell, World Methodist Evangelism Institute
“Mission as Bridge of Church and Community,” & “Building Bridges to Youth & Young Adults in Your Community,” Rev. Jasmine Smothers, NGUMC
“Mission Leader Training: 5 Ps of Missions Done Well in the Local Church,” Mr. Stan Self, The Mission Society
“Missionaries for the 21st Century,” Dr. Thomas Kemper, GBGM
“Multicultural Ministry,” Rev. Nora Martinez, GBGM
“Muslims, Christians, and Jesus,” Rev. Dick McClain, The Mission Society
“Singing God’s Song: From Everywhere to Everywhere,” Rev. Debra Tyree, GBGM Global Praise
Schedule:
8:30-9:00AM -Check In at Gathering Area (directly behind sanctuary) for name badge, to sign in, visit displays, & for hand-outs and refreshments.
9:00-10:00 AM –Opening Assembly and Worship in the Sanctuary featuring Rev. Dick McClain & Dr. Thomas Kemper
10:00-10:15 AM- Break & Find Your Class
10:15– 11:45 AM- Morning Workshops in Building A
12:00-12:45 PM- Lunch at Wesley Hall
1:00- 2:30 PM Afternoon Workshops in Building A
2:30-3:00 PM Enjoy conversations with experts, networking with others, or visiting the displays
Register online at www.trinityonthehill.net or contact the mission office at Trinity on the Hill at 706-738-8822. Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church is located at 1330 Monte Sano Avenue, Augusta GA 30904 (beside Augusta State University).
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
TOTH Hosting Interfaith Hospitality Network Next Week
Next week will be our week to host Interfaith Hospitality Network of Augusta & we still have several servant spots that have not been filled. We usually work around 50 church members when we host & do this 3-4 times a year. We anticipate a full house with 14 guests as we extend this ministry to homeless families with children. If you are able to commit to any of the slots shown below, please e-mail Lauren Williams at lwilliams@knology.net or give her a call at 706 726-9159. Many thanks for your help in this ministry!
Monday, Aug. 27 Need activity Hosts for any of these nights from 6:30-8:30. Your role would be to play games with the children/adults if they’d like or read to the children, etc…..maybe even go outside to the playground
Wednesday, August 29 Overnight host. Need one female who would stay overnight coming in at 8:15 PM and leaving at 7 AM
Saturday, Sept. 1 Evening Host from 5-8:30 PM Just be here with the families through dinner and the evening until the overnight hosts arrive
Saturday, September 1 Do laundry as needed. Pick it up that morning and return it anytime that day before 7 pm
Sunday, September 2 Afternoon Host from 12-4 to be with families at the day center
Sunday, September 2 Be the second person for laundry as families depart the church that day and there are several loads to do. Pick it up that morning and return it within a couple of days to the Interfaith closet in the church basement.
Thank you Augusta saints as we seek to create the community which God desires here! Catch me or Lauren if you have questions or wish to be part of this great mission.
Blessings, Scott
Monday, Aug. 27 Need activity Hosts for any of these nights from 6:30-8:30. Your role would be to play games with the children/adults if they’d like or read to the children, etc…..maybe even go outside to the playground
Wednesday, August 29 Overnight host. Need one female who would stay overnight coming in at 8:15 PM and leaving at 7 AM
Saturday, Sept. 1 Evening Host from 5-8:30 PM Just be here with the families through dinner and the evening until the overnight hosts arrive
Saturday, September 1 Do laundry as needed. Pick it up that morning and return it anytime that day before 7 pm
Sunday, September 2 Afternoon Host from 12-4 to be with families at the day center
Sunday, September 2 Be the second person for laundry as families depart the church that day and there are several loads to do. Pick it up that morning and return it within a couple of days to the Interfaith closet in the church basement.
Thank you Augusta saints as we seek to create the community which God desires here! Catch me or Lauren if you have questions or wish to be part of this great mission.
Blessings, Scott
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Messy, Noisy Children in the Church
It's VBS week at my church.
It's loud stuff- much louder than I remember. The noise starts around 8:30AM & ends around 12:30. The children start the day off with over-the-top music. That "normal" church quiet doesn't seem to return until 3 or 4PM.
Of course, they've also made a mess. Streamers in the sanctuary, paper and stuff all over the walls, and even on the ceilings. I'm not even going to tell you what the bathrooms or church dining room look like after 300 children have spent the day at the church.
The children are wall-to-wall & you can't move easily without a hassle.
And this is a good thing.
In fact, it is a VERY good thing. I like the photo as I look beyond the baptismal font at the wild crowd. It reminds me of the way a pastor in The United Methodist Church encourages a congregation, after an infant or child has been baptized, to teach and nurture the child.
It's messy business, but well worth it for them and for us.
Oh, and I didn't tell you about those silver circles just to the right of the baptismal font. Those are food bins to receive cans in a boys vs. girls contest to see who can collect the most items to help the local food bank.
Watch out! There are LOTS of children in the church!!
Monday, July 16, 2012
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