TOC Devo: Moved By the Spirit to Bless

If you've ever had to make a call to Scott's office you may have had the good fortune to speak with Kim Fender.  Kim is the administrative assistant for Scott and Lillian.  Yes, she gets to work in the world of missions, evangelism, and children's ministry!  It's always a wild storm of some sort in our office between the various seasonal activities and ongoing day-to-day administrative tasks, phone calls, and collections we always seem to be doing.  But whether the call is related to VBS or children's Sunday School, a mission trip or committee meeting, or the monstrous tasks related to the seasonal Children's Consignment Sale, Kim always offers gracious, knowledgeable, faith filled replies.

 

Recall the Scriptures:

 

Galatians 5:16 “So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves”.

James 5:16 “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

In October, I went to visit my mom’s sister in Columbus, Ohio. She had been recently diagnosed with aggressive thoracic cancer. Eighteen members of her family descended upon a hotel in Columbus to enjoy a weekend with her. There was lots of laughing, reminiscing, looking at old photos, eating, & watching college football (namely Ohio State! My aunt is a HUGE buckeye fan!)  While in the hotel lobby restroom on Saturday, a young woman prayed for my aunt immediately upon hearing that she had lots of family visiting her because she had an aggressive cancer. The young woman mentioned that she felt the Holy Spirit prompting her to pray.  My cousin witnessed this as it was taking place.  The brief exchange between strangers at a bathroom sink, brought my aunt to tears. She immediately came out of the restroom, telling everyone what happened to her. I had never heard my aunt speak of anything spiritual in the 50 plus years I have known her until that moment.   But because someone was immediately obedient to the Spirit, a life was blessed in a special way.

I have to admit that I haven’t always listened to the prompting of the Spirit. Sometimes, I have even doubted that the Spirit was speaking to me. Other times, I have been fearful of what the obedience might cost. It seems that I am not alone when it comes to these reactions.  C.S. Lewis once shared this about the Spirit speaking to him. "You go outside and you get a breath of fresh air and you see a car pass or a bus pass and then you say to yourself, "That was a silly idea I had. For a moment, I thought that was God speaking to me."  No matter how much we have gotten it wrong in the past, today is a good day to start obeying the prompting of the Spirit.  Ask Jesus to give you ‘real listening ears ‘ for the voice of His Spirit. See how God might use you if you are willing to listen, trust and obey.

Are we “in tune” to the prompting of the Holy Spirit on a daily basis? Are we willing to put our own agenda aside (and sometimes comfort), and be obedient to what God is calling us to today? Can HE turn the world upside down with one person who is obedient to God’s will?

Kim Fender

 

 

 

TOC Devo: Kingdom Children

 Karen Snowberger offers you some insight into our new tutoring ministry that we started this fall.    In collaboration with Garrett Elementary School we added tutors from our church to an existing afterschool ministry taking place in an Augusta Housing Authority complex called Olmstead Homes.  While Mercy Ministries is present every afternoon from 4:00-6:00PM, and weekdays in the summer, we are adding a level of skill to the existing effort.  Imagine a bunch of white, professional, suburban folk going into an African-American urban housing project and you get the picture.  While most of us had passed Olmstead Homes MANY times over the years, none of us had spent anytime in the middle of that block of homes just off the corner of Broad and Milledge.  

Read Mark 10: 13-16

I knew many years ago that God blessed me with the gift of teaching children.  There was nothing like the adrenaline rush I would get when I would see new students and their parents at the beginning of each school year.  I had no problem gushing with enthusiasm at that open house before school started each year because I was ready to share as much as I possibly could with this new class of children.  God was so good to be because He helped me develop my patience over the years.  Even though there were many days throughout my 32 years on the job that God had a lot of requests from me for more patience and stamina, He was always faithful!

 Last spring I retired from full time teaching, but I certainly didn’t want to give up teaching.  I think that if God gives a gift, it should be used as long as it possibly can be.  I have become involved in several volunteer opportunities that work with children.  One of them is Go Team.  This ministry offers tutoring to elementary students from Garrett Elementary School.  Our team offers tutoring services to the children one afternoon a week for two hours at Olmstead Homes Housing Project.

At first, the program was rather chaotic and incredibly noisy.  I had my doubts that we were going to be able to accomplish very much.  However, some changes have been made, and the room is now more organized and controlled.  When the kids get off the bus, they run inside with smiles on their faces because they are eager to see us. They know and trust us which is a fabulous thing to see!  Even a few of the middle schoolers have ventured over recently for help with their homework.  I think that shows a huge step forward for this program.

Every Wednesday is special for me, but one day I had the joy of watching a first grader finish reading a book all on his own with very few errors. I had brought the book from home (the old classic Go Dog Go) and when he finished his work, I asked if he would like to read me a book.  He seemed excited about trying, and as he progressed through the book, he was more and more delighted by the story.  I was delighted by the sparkle in his eyes and the infectious laughter that bubbled out of him.  In that moment, it was just him, me, and the story!  When the book was over, he said, “Wow! That was the best book ever, and I read it myself!” There’s nothing more rewarding than that!

Karen Snowberger

Pray for the children of Olmstead Homes, the teachers at Garrett Elementary and area schools, and the opportunities we have as we develop relationships and share our lives and skills in different parts of Augusta. 

TOC Devotion: "Learning From One Another"

"Learning from one another"

As one who has lived and served in both Europe and Africa, I have come to have a deep appreciation for the different perspectives believers bring to the table in Christian discourse.  Partly to understand, in some ways to express my own multifaceted identity, and to possibly serve as a “bridge”, I often try to put myself in situations where Christians of different stripes can come together. 

One such event I have been trying to attend regularly is the International Gospel Service in Hamburg, Germany, a monthly service that essentially brings German mainline Christians together with West African Pentecostals and blends elements of worship from these traditions.  Combining weighty theological prayers and dancing the offering to the front creates quite a mixture of traditions!  However, one aspect I have come to deeply appreciate and look forward to is the scripture time before the sermon.  Each service allocates about ten minutes for people to turn to their neighbors in the pews and do some inductive Bible study on the text.  (I would strongly recommend doing this in a service sometime since it is actually possible for lay people to see things in the text that the preacher doesn’t necessarily see!)

Recently, my breakout group consisted of two Germans, two Ghanaians, a Kenyan and myself.  Our assigned text was Mark 6:31-44, the feeding of the 5000.  We floated in and out of both the English and German languages, depending on which one was the sharer’s stronger language.   The phrase that stuck out to me was when Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” (v. 37)  My American-ness was coming through—those disciples needed to fix the problem.  Meanwhile one of the German men pointed out that Jesus sat them down in groups of hundreds and of fifties. (v. 40)  He was challenged by the fact that Jesus was a master organizer.  And a Ghanaian woman observed that after the 5000 were fed, the disciples picked up the left overs (v. 43), presumably to feed others because “with Jesus,” she said, “there is no waste.” 

I have been trained in inductive Bible study and exegesis, but how often do I miss things because of my own cultural trappings!  I need to listen to Ghanaian and German believers, lest I have a “small” perspective of the Gospel.  It is so easy to spend all of our time around people just like us and not get a fuller picture of both the Kingdom and even God’s Word.  May we find those opportunities to learn from one another.

  Kirk is also working on a Ph.D. in West African missiology through the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies.

TOC Devotion: "Created to Do Good Works"

"Created to do Good Works"

Ephesians 2:10   For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.

“Go and preach the gospel every day, and if necessary use words.”  St. Francis of Assisi

Check out this 4 minute video and then consider how this group of retirees is investing in the future of our community:

The FROGS (Faithful Retired Old Guys Serving) are in their 8^th year now.  Members have come and gone over those years.  We have about 14-16 active members currently.  We have various levels of skill and knowledge about the building trades, but we all love what we are doing and contribute as we can.  This year we have had the opportunity to help such local non-profits as The Lydia Project, The Heritage Academy, Family Promise, United Methodist Children’s Home local office, New Bethlehem Community Center  and Turn Back the Block.

In the process, we also help ourselves.  This work allows us to stay active and physically fit.  More importantly, it allows a group of Christian men to witness to each other and the people who see us working together, eating together and praying together.  We try to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not through words, but through our actions.

Mike Gardener

TOC Devotion: What Are You Doing?

What are you doing?

Read:  James 1:22

The Christian message is about grace.  We are saved, adopted, given the Holy Spirit and eternal life and we did not have to do anything to earn it.  All we had to do is believe Jesus was who he said he was and accept him as our savior.  Glory awaits us on the other side of death so we live with hope and great expectations. 

We are blessed to have been born in the United States, and have never had to worry about where our next meal will come from or where we will sleep tonight. 

However some of our brothers and sisters have not been so fortunate and we are all called to help them.   

We take so much for granted.  When was the last time you realized how rich you are?  For me it usually takes a trip to ACE ministries in Jamaica, a trip downtown to GAP ministries or helping a homeless family through Family Promise.

When was the last time you looked into the eyes of someone who was hungry as you served them food or was homeless and you helped them find a place to live? 

I don't know about you but I long to hear my savior say "Well done, good and faithful servant.  You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.  Come and share your master's happiness."  Matthew 25:21 

We are all blessed in a unique way.  We are Christ's hands and feet while we are here.

Consider tithing not only 10% of your income but 10% of your time.  I have never met anyone who regretted it!

Let the Holy Spirit lead you to that ministry that touches your heart and act on that leading. 

Dave Duff
Men's Ministry

FYI some of the men of our church serve supper at GAP once a month on a Sunday night.  Or you might want to be part of the work of ACE in Jamaica in February with the men's and women's conferences, the summer with youth doing construciton and VBS, or the medical team in late fall with Dr. Ron Eaker.  Or look for church announcments as we host Family Promise families 3-4 times a year.   

TOC Devotion: Pray For Your Church

Pray for Trinity on the Hill UMC as we -the individuals, families, and corporate body- experience the full life of faith in Jesus Christ through worship, sacraments, discipleship, prayer, study, evangelism, and mission.  None of us can choose which parts we will do, and which parts aren't our calling or gift/s.  These are all "part of the package" that the individual Christian and every Church are called to live, experience, do, and be.  So, we participate in worship as one element of our Christian life each week, but then we depart from the gathering of the church in praise to follow in the way of Christ into all the world!  We experience the good creation of God the Father, the Good News of Jesus Christ in a present salvation, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit who guides us in the redemption which continues to be revealed.  These are the days that call for our best efforts as the Kingdom of God is indeed near!

 

 

 

TOC Devotion: God Defines the Blessed

"Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God."  Luke 6:20
 

If we are seeking first the Kingdom of God, we do not have to travel to far off lands.  The Kingdom of God is near at hand.  God has given His Kingdom to the poor.  We are invited to share in the Kingdom that He has given to the poor by serving the them in their need out of our surplus.  The key to entering the Kingdom through this door is love.  We can give all we have to the poor without profit if we do not love.   Love breaks down prejudices and judgment and enables us to see God’s children, crying out for help.  Love crushes our hearts with compassion as we look upon their suffering and compels us to bring comfort and relief.   As we feed the hungry, our good Lord calls us to His right hand and welcomes us into the joy of His Kingdom.   

 

Nathan Krupa

Golden Harvest Food Bank
Augusta, GA

TOC Devotion: Redeeming the Days

Redeeming the Days for there is Hope in Christ

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (ESV) Romans 15:13

“In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (NKJV)  2 Corinthians 6:2

Many people today feel lost, and a generation of children are following in the footsteps of the ‘lost’ without knowing hope, joy or peace nor where to find it. There is an eternal hope and a promise from Jesus Christ as He said, “I have come to seek and to save those who are lost” (Luke 19:10 ). Jesus suffered and gave His own life so that all would be saved from eternity in hell and have real hope and joy through Him. It was a very expensive price that Jesus paid for sin that keeps us from God; the only One who can rescue us.

Jesus promised, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12 ). In 2 Corinthians 6:2, Paul tells us that “now” is the day of salvation! How then will they know except that someone tells them of this hope, of this Savior, of this God who desires for them to know Him? May God continue to keep the doors open, provide the workers and protect the Released Time programs for His glory!

Laura Garner/Program Director

Christian Learning Centers of Augusta

Each week in the Released Time Christian Education program for 21 weeks at seven schools in Richmond County approximately six hundred 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th graders leave their school during a non-academic class and walk to a nearby church for an hour Bible instruction. They hear the Word of God and the foundation and hope that Jesus Christ can be in their lives. The children memorize and sign Bible verses, recite verses, sing songs, do crafts, journal, write prayer requests and more.  

TOC Devotion: Changed By Grace

“Changed by Grace”

Read Ephesians 2: 8-10

One highlight for me in ministry this year was in having a chance to preach a sermon series on one of my favorite words out of scripture--grace!  Then, I had the double opportunity to live and pour into this same community of people and in seeing lives changed.  For example, one day while meeting with a small group and studying the Word of God together, we began reflecting on our own, personal application.  Those in the group began to share how they had recently grown in their understanding and experience of grace.  One migrant shared about being rekindled and strengthened through focusing on God’s grace.  She talked some about her struggle in moving to secular Germany where it was easy to make choices that needed God’s forgiveness and grace.  Meanwhile, another person shared about experiencing an awakening to Christ through grace within this past year, describing it as if “moving into a different country” spiritually speaking.  Praise God for her birth into the grace of God!

Conversations like these make all the sweat and yes, sometimes tears worthwhile because of the reminder it brings that God is still in the life changing business!  I am so blessed to have such opportunities to teach about God's amazing grace and to get to watch as people grow under the move of God in their lives.

So thank you for your partnership with the Sims family that enables us to share about the grace found in Jesus Christ!

And how about you?  Have you had a life-changing encounter with the free gift of grace offered through Jesus Christ?  Or do you need some fresh fire in your bones?  Go to God, and be changed by grace.  Don't forget that your standing cannot be earned; it is a continuous grace gift!  

Nicole Sims

The Mission Society
Currently serving as pastor of Hamburg International United Methodist Church in Germany.

TOC Devotion: "Kingdom of God Needs You to Work"

During the next few weeks we'll share some devotions provided by church members and outreach partners.  This is an excellent way to get better informed, prepare yourself for the upcoming Trinity Outreach Celebration (TOC), and consider the ways God has gifted our church to be a witness by word and deed in the world.  You can find a complete listing of our mission partners for May 2013- April 2014 here.  These are evaluated annually by Trinity Outreach committees related to local, national, or international teams in accordance with our established policies and procedures.    

Our theme for the upcoming TOC 2014 is "The Kingdom is Near" with Luke 10:1-9 as our theme to consider as we think of our personal and church role in the mission of God.  "Partnering" with each other, as well as with missionaries and mission groups, is a powerful way to extend our usefulness for the Kingdom of God.  This also has significant implications locally as there is a "day in, day out" effort through each of us that creates a bridge between our life together as church and our individual life pursuits each day. 

Here's an example of what happens as we work together to share our witness in the community:

Read Matthew 5:16.

 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”.

Walking through the door of a homeless shelter was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Knowing that as the husband, father, and leader of my family, that I could not provide for them. I thought I would walk into a cold, dark place with depressed people like me in this situation. Instead, I walked into a place that was filled with life, joy, peace, and comfort. My family and I were loved in ways I have never felt before. Complete strangers giving of their time, energy, money, patience, and love. It was because of the love and encouragement we received that we were able to complete the program and are now doing well on our own.

I appreciated all of these things while I was in the program but I never understood it until now, 2 years after leaving. I truly realize that my homelessness was a blessing from God. It taught me how to humble myself and continue to give and to serve even when I felt I was in my lowest place. I realized that the love of Christ is not something that has to be shouted or thrown into people’s faces, but rather acted out. The actions of the volunteers and staff of Family Promise simply shined the love of Jesus Christ. It does not take much to change someone’s life. I am thankful for the countless people I met through my stay in the program that have changed mine…simply by loving me and my family. May God bless all of them!

By a previous guest of Family Promise of Augusta/Interfaith Hospitality Network.

Trinity on the Hill UMC is a long time supporter of the local effort with homeless families.  Our church is hosting in January and currently doing "sign ups" every Sunday in the Gathering Area.  Keep this important ministry, the staff and volunteers, and the families served in your prayers.  And, as always, you can add your participation and funding to your prayers to multiply your impact. 

Pray for Family Promise and the homeless population of Augusta/CSRA.