What Is Stephen Ministry?

“[God] consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:4)

Stephen Ministry is a lay caring ministry of our church that enables fellow members to care for one another in the way Paul describes above. With nearly one-thousand members, it’s impossible (and impractical) for our Pastors to be able to take care of all the congregational care needs of our church. So, our Stephen Ministry is therefore one of the vital complementary components of our overall Pastoral Care system.

Stephen Ministers themselves are fellow church members who’ve gone through 50 hours of training to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care for people who’re facing a crisis or simply going through a tough time. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, loneliness, cancer, a layoff, relocation, divorce, a spiritual crisis, recuperation, single parenthood, or any of countless other life challenges or hurts, our Stephen Ministers are here to care for you!

Your Stephen Minister will meet with you once a week for around an hour to listen to you, care for you, pray with and for you, and provide emotional and spiritual encouragement. Men are matched with male Stephen Ministers, and women are matched with female Stephen Ministers. The caring relationship is free, and lasts for as long as you need care – it’s a powerful way either to receive help yourself, or also a great way to help a friend, neighbor, co-worker, or relative who’s been struggling in any way.

To find out more about how you or someone you know could be matched with one of our church’s confidential Stephen Ministers, either email our Stephen Ministry, speak in person with one of our Stephen Leaders (Jackie Short or Jody Kerschner), or to Pastor Jim or Pastor Brian. Our Stephen Ministers are here for YOU! Always remember that God loves you and I do, too!

When I Say 'I Am A Christian'

“Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions… Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister?... For we will all stand before the judgment seat… [and] be accountable to God.” (Romans 14:1, 10 & 12)

Last week as we concluded our series “Christianity and World Religions,” I shared my own thoughts about what this series has taught me about my own faith, and a few of the many reasons why I am a Christian, as opposed to some other religion (Read the complete sermon here).

Along these same lines, several years ago, a poem made its rounds on the internet called “When I Say “I Am A Christian’” that I believe captures a sense of some of these reasons. Although the poem was incorrectly attributed to Maya Angelou (it’s true author was Carol Wimmer), the original, unaltered words are worth sharing here as a reminder to all of what it means to be a follower of Jesus in our world today…

“When I say... ‘I am a Christian,’ I’m not shouting ‘I’ve been saved!’” I’m whispering ‘I get lost! That’s why I chose this way.’

When I say... ‘I am a Christian,’ I don’t speak with human pride.
I’m confessing that I stumble – needing God to be my guide

When I say... ‘I am a Christian,’ I’m not trying to be strong.
I’m professing that I’m weak and pray for strength to carry on.

When I say... ‘I am a Christian,’ I’m not bragging of success.
I’m admitting I have failed and cannot ever pay the debt.

When I say... ‘I am a Christian,’ I’m not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I’m worth it.

When I say... ‘I am a Christian,’ I still feel the sting of pain,
I have my share of heartache which is why I seek His name.

When I say... ‘I am a Christian,’ I do not wish to judge.
I have no authority – I only know I’m loved.”

[--Carol Wimmer first wrote this poem in 1988, and it is cited here from the book Chicken Soup for the Christian Family Soul. Read about the origins and history of this poem here ]

Whether or not you are a follower of Jesus Christ, my prayer is that these words will help you understand what we truly mean by “Christian” (as opposed to the arrogant judgmentalism that is often ‘sold’ to our popular culture as “Christianity”). For those of you who are already followers of Jesus, may these words also encourage and challenge you to remember our calling to be people of grace, humility and (above all) love as we share the good news of Jesus with the world! Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

What Other Religions Can Teach Us About Being Better Christians

“Live in harmony with one another…. So far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:16 & 18)

During the six weeks of our series "Christianity and World Religions," we’ve learned about the origins and beliefs of four other major world faiths, and we’ve discussed numerous differences between these other faiths and our own. As we wrap up the series, however, I want to once more highlight a few of the things we share in common – things these other faiths do well that might perhaps remind/teach us how we can be better Christians. For example…

…From Hinduism, we can learn to have a more open mind and heart regarding the faith of others without the need to pass judgment, even when we disagree. We’re also reminded of the importance of respecting and honoring the presence of God in all people. Doing so transforms the way we interact with others, challenging us not to treat them as objects to be exploited or taken for granted, but as children of God to be valued and cherished.

…From Buddhism, we’re reminded of the dangers of attachment -- of having inappropriate desire/craving for things that are not of lasting importance… things like success, pleasure, wealth, and even good health. When you and I give inordinate attention to such things, we’re essentially making them into God and worshiping them. Needless to say, that always causes problems.

…From Islam, we are reminded of the value of being passionately “sold out” (e.g., submitted) to God, and the great value of using various spiritual disciplines/tools (like prayer, fasting, and generosity) to help us grow in and practice that “submission.”

…From Judaism, we are reminded that you and I are loved dearly by the one God of Creation, and that He desires a relationship with us (covenant) so that the actions of our lives (moral living) would point others towards the reality of His power and grace in the world.

[To read my sermons about the relationship of each of these faiths to Christianity, click here]

Obviously, each of these concepts from other faiths actually have counterparts within our own, and the focus on them in other faiths can actually help encourage us to highlight their importance in our own practice of Christianity, as well. So, my hope and prayer is that you’ll use these ideas to encourage you in your own walk with God -- to lovingly challenge you to be the very best follower of Jesus that you can be, so that God will get the glory, and others will be drawn to Him through your example. Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

Christianity & Islam: More Differences & Similarities...

“Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.” (Romans 12:11-13)

This past week in worship we focused on the religion of Islam during our series "Christianity and World Religions" in an attempt to better understand our Muslim cousins so we can dialogue and share faith with them. During the sermon, time only permitted me to share one point of difference (#1: the nature of salvation and how we achieve it) and one point of commonality (#1: their commitment to prayer). However, here is a summary of several more such issues for your own consideration and further discussion (Read more detail about each of these in Endnote #22 and #25 in the sermon found here).

ADDITIONAL DIFFERENCES:

(#2) God’s relationship to humans – In Islam, Allah is a personal being (as in Christianity) who is understood and related to mainly as a transcendent “Sovereign Lord.” We Christians believe this, as well. But we also add that God is “immanent” – Jesus invites us to relate to Him intimately as our “Abba/Father/Daddy.”

(#3) How God speaks to humanity – Muslims believe that God spoke definitely and directly through Muhammad in the words of the Qur’an. We Christians, on the other hand, believe that when God wanted to speak a final, definitive word, it didn’t come through a prophet. Instead, we say that God Himself “became flesh and lived among us” (John 1:14). This is why the equivalent of the Qur’an in Christianity is not the Bible, but Jesus – for us, Jesus is God’s Word incarnate; for Muslims, God’s Word incarnate is the Qur’an itself.

(#4) The place and role of Jesus in faith – In Islam, Jesus is considered to be a great prophet of faith, but they deny that he was God’s son, that he died on a cross, or was resurrected. Of course, for Christians, these beliefs are at the core of our faith, as we believe these truths were affirmed and shared by eyewitnesses at the time of Jesus, rather than by a personal vision of one man (Muhammad) 500 years later.

ADDITIONAL SIMILARITIES (Please note that all of these -- plus commitment to prayer that was mentioned in my sermon – are mentioned in the Romans 12 scripture above):

(#2) Wholehearted submission to God – the Muslims that I know are deeply committed to following the will and ways of Allah in ways that often put us Christians to shame. In contrast to what often seems to be our tendency towards shallow, superficial faith, they are radically sold out to God. If more of us as Christians would capture that kind of wholehearted passion for God, it would transform the world with love.

(#3) The priority they place on generosity –Remember that Muslims are expected to give the zakat – 2.5% of their income each year to the needy, and most actually do that! What’s sad is that even though our Bible calls on us to give God at least a tithe (10%) of our income to God’s work, the latest data seems to show that we American Christians don’t even give as much as our Muslim friends – we only give a little more 2% . Perhaps we Christians can learn better generosity from their example.

I hope these insights will help you better understand your own faith and how it relates to that of our Muslim neighbors as we seek to find peace for our world through constructive dialogue. Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

Your Church Staff

“The gifts he gave were… to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith… to maturity, …to the full stature of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-13)

Your church staff works diligently to implement the scripture above, so that each and every member and friend of our church can reach the full maturity of faith in Christ. But from time to time we all need reminding of how to do that in our local setting. That’s why we recently created a new Staff Mission Statement to more accurately communicate to others (and remind ourselves) of our “reason for being”: “To glorify God together by Empowering and Encouraging East Cobb UMC members and leaders to be God’s Church in our world.”

Let me unpack several phrases to help us all see what this means for each and every church member and friend:

• To Glorify God means that we view our work not primarily as a “job” that has set hours and boundaries, but first and foremost as a “calling” and as a “ministry” that gives us opportunities to glorify God through what we do. It means that we will be responsible to attend to our own spiritual walk with God, and that the ministry of “glorifying God” will at times be more important than individual tasks we may do. It means we will work to identify our own spiritual gifts, passions and abilities, and will place a priority on cultivating and developing these.

• Together refers to “teamwork” — it means we believe our calling and ministry can best be achieved as we work together as a “team,” rather than merely as a collection of individuals who happen to work in the same organization.

• Empowering refers to equipping, training, educating and commissioning others with the spiritual authority to act

• Encouraging refers to affirming other leaders/members in their work, helping them to embrace a “teachable spirit” (a willingness to grow/improve), and helping them to critically evaluate progress towards specific goals

• To be God’s Church means that we believe that our church’s members and leaders (not just “staff”) are “God’s Church.” It refers to the fact that we are “God’s” church, not “our” church (hence God’s plans and visions need to take priority over our own self selfish wants)

• In the World means we are to be “God’s Church” not merely within the walls of our building, but within our local and world community — it refers to the fact that if we expect church members and leaders to do ministry “outside the walls,” then we as staff must do this, as well.

Our prayer is that as we work to carry out our mission as God’s church, we’ll all remember these as we partner together – staff and members, guests and friends, clergy and laity -- to be the church of Jesus Christ in our community and world. Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

State of the Church

“And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:47)

One of the responsibilities that all United Methodist churches have at the first of each year is to give a statistical accounting of their annual ministry. As this data was prepared for our “2010 Year-End-Report” to the North Georgia Annual Conference, I thought you might be interested in what I consider to be some of the highlights (with important increases highlighted):

* Total number of new members in 2010: +36;
* New members joining in 2010 by profession or reaffirmation of Christian faith: +16 ;
* Church membership as of December 31, 2010: 965 (the highest thus far in our church’s history, +9 from last year);
* Average attendance for all worship services during 2010: 359 (+12% from 2009);
* Number of diverse nationalities/ethnic groups represented within our total membership: 5
* Total number of “giving units” (persons/families) financially supporting our church’s mission and ministry: 277;
* Average attendance in all Sunday School classes during 2010: 184 (+14% from 2009);
* Amount spent in 2010 on program ministry and operational expenses (excludes salaries): $193,981 (+5%);
* Amount spent during 2010 on buildings and improvements: $20,778 (+59% from 2009);
* Amount given during 2010 for local, state, and world mission projects: $168,495 ;
* Financial giving to all causes in 2010: $1,088,167
* Current value of all church-owned buildings & property: $5,611,708

As you can see, the statistics reveal that great things are happening at East Cobb U.M.C., with more great things still to come. So if you haven’t already, I pray that this year you and your family will “get in” on what God is doing in our midst as we seek to carry out our mission of being “A Mosaic of God’s Family: Gathering; Growing; and Going”! Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

Respectful Dialogue… Not Just "Co-Existence"

“Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders…. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:5-6)

This past Sunday we began a new sermon series exploring what it means to be a Christian in the midst of a multi-religious world. Throughout the next six weeks, we’ll be learning about several other major world religions – their origins, fundamental beliefs, how those are similar to or different from our own Christian beliefs, what we as followers of Jesus can learn from them, and how we should interact with them in our world today.

Though I’m excited about offering this series, I recognize that it will not be easy one – the subject matter itself is very complex and extensive, and you may at times find that you don’t agree with all (or any) of what’ presented, or that it challenges your current thoughts about the relationship between Christianity and other world religions. I must confess that I myself have been challenged in many ways – good ways, but challenged, nonetheless – and have found my own Christian faith and walk sharpened and strengthened through my preparation for this series. My hope and prayer is that the same will happen to you as we unpack a different major faith each week.

The key to our growth in this area, I believe, is to maintain an attitude of prayerful openness and humility as we explore these topics together. And as we do this, we need to recognize that the best way for us to witness our faith in Jesus Christ is not by looking down our noses at the faith of others, or denigrating their beliefs and practices. It’s also not in simply (in the words of a popular car bumper sticker) “Co-Existing” with them – as if we must strain to barely tolerate one another.

Instead, the best way we can relate to those of other faiths – the way I believe modeled by Jesus, and the way the apostle Paul challenged us to do in the above scripture from Colossians 4 – is to engage in RESPECTFUL DIALOGUE with those of other faiths. Properly understood, dialogue treats others as equal “neighbors,” while at the same time recognizing the validity and importance of our differences. (Find out more about the biblical nature and practice of Dialogue in the “Christianity and World Religions” links here)

When we dialogue with others in this way, our lives are enriched by the differences of the faith of others, a new sense of community can emerge, and others may receive the gift of God in Christ, while we receive the gifts God gave them to share with us. Always remember that God loves you and I do, too!

What's Your VISION?

“Where there is no vision the people perish…” (Proverbs 29:18)

Vision is essential if any person or group is to ever achieve its fullest potential. Having, sharing, and implementing a biblical Vision can give us a direction to shoot for, a goal to move towards, and can harness the energy and power of God to get us there. And, as the scripture above indicates, the lack of Vision can effectively destroy us.

That’s why, during our morning services this past Sunday, we took most of the sermon time asking congregants to respond to the following question: “What is your Vision for our Church?” If you were there, you’ll remember hearing a variety of thoughtful, creative, and forward-thinking answers. While many shared their responses that day, if you weren’t able to share for whatever reason, you can still share by emailing your thoughts and visions to our church lay leaders.

All of the responses we receive over the next few weeks (including those from last Sunday mornings’ services) will be shared with our Strategic Planning Team as they continue the process of further defining and articulating what we feel to be the strategic plan (or “Vision”) for our church’s future. Their hope is to have something further to share this year that we can begin to implement as soon as possible.

Until then, remember who you are (A Mosaic of God’s family… Gathering, Growing, and Going) and let that be a starting point for where we’re going and who we’re becoming. And never forget that God loves you and I do, too!

The Snow of Forgiveness

“Return to the Lord, that He may have mercy… and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:7)

As I watch (and play in!) the beautiful Georgia snow outside our home, I’m reminded of God’s promise of daily forgiveness and mercy in our lives.

Isaiah 1:18 says “though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they shall become [clean] like wool.” God longs to help us live a life that honors him and honors others. That’s why His promise of forgiveness is so generous and gracious.

So, whatever it is in your life that needs grace and forgiveness, just ask and He’ll give it willingly. I hope you’ll stay in and stay safe as you enjoy the snow today! Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

Wise Persons and Epiphany

“In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?’” (Matthew 2:1)

Last Thursday (January 6) was the official beginning of the Christian season of “Epiphany.” The word itself means “manifestation” or “revelation,” and it’s a reference to the fact that in the person of Jesus, God manifested/revealed Himself to humanity in a way never before seen. In Jesus, God’s nature and character was shown and modeled for us, and in his life and actions we see an example of how we are to live and act.

Throughout this season, we’re encouraged -- like the “wise men (magi) from the East” in scripture above -- to seek out Christ in all that we say and do. We’re encouraged to think about and consider the many ways that God through Christ “manifests” or “reveals” himself to us in our daily lives. And we’re asked to let others know of our great find!

A number of years ago, my home church had the following article in their newsletter that challenges each of us to follow the example of the Magi in seeking Jesus each and every day. I hope it speaks to you, as well!

“Wise [persons] do not always come from the East
Nor do they always follow stars.
But they do cross boundaries,
And pay attention to what is happening
In the rest of the world....

Epiphany is a revelation:
Things hidden in plain sight are made manifest,
Unobserved except by those with eyes trained to see...
Even now those who are to be kings on earth
A generation hence are hidden among us, unrecognized.
We do not know their names or time or place.

There is no natural order of succession.
God stores up His own surprises in hamlets,
In all the hovels of history.
When Messiah comes, stars will know.
Magi, too.
But Herod will not know
And his scribes will be caught napping.

When Christ comes again
Must Christians, too
Wait for strangers to tell us?
Must each Epiphany come as a surprise
Because we weren't watching?
[–Wayne Saffen, cited in Fayetteville (GA) First United Methodist
Church Newsletter, January 8, 1995]

My prayer for each of you is that we open our eyes to see the living Christ in and among us always! Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

Christmas Presents for God

“[And] opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11)

Christmas is all about gift giving, right? It’s a time we celebrate the gifts we give to each other, and (if we are people of faith) the greatest gift of all – the one God gave to us: Jesus. But have you ever considered what gifts you might give to God this holiday season (and really the whole year long)?

As we continue our series “Advent Conspiracy”, consider this list shared with me several years ago containing 10 suggestions from Jesus about just a few ways that we can give back to God:

“1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way my birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of my birth and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile it could make the difference. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line: they talk with people like that every day.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a “Merry Christmas” that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then, stop shopping there on Sunday -- if the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary, especially one who takes my love and Good News to those who have never heard my name. You may already know someone like that.

9. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them (and I suspect you don't) buy some food and a few gifts and give them to your church, the Salvation Army or some other charity that believes in me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in my presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.”

You see, the real gifts that God wants from us don’t come from a store, but from our hearts. This Christmas, give the gift of “love in action” to all those around! And always remember that God loves you and I do, too!

(CLICK HERE for ideas and sermons which have been being shared during our “Advent Conspiracy” series, or visit the links to the right of this article)

Advent Conspiracy Coming...

Are you tired of the hectic rat race of the holiday? Are you frustrated with how consumerism has stolen the soul of Christmas, reducing it merely to a retail circus that depletes our pocketbooks and defeats our spirits?

Well, this year take a stand! Join the growing movement of Christ-followers who are choosing to make the holiday season what it should be – a joyous celebration of Jesus’ birth that enriches our hearts and the world around us.

This Sunday (November 28th), we’ll begin a new series called Advent Conspiracy that will continue through Christmas Eve in which we’ll learn how to substitute consumption with compassion by practicing four simple, but powerful, countercultural concepts. I hope you’ll join us for these very special services as we prepare for Christmas 2010. Remember that God loves you and I do, too!

WATCH THE PROMO VIDEO WE SHARED LAST SUNDAY AT THE CLOSE OF WORSHIP...

In The Works #3

“Without a vision the people perish...”
(Proverbs 29:18, KJV)

Twice this year already (in February and June) I’ve shared articles about some of the ministry and facility-related initiatives that are currently “in the works” and in various stages of development at East Cobb UMC. Today I again want to share a brief update about just a few of these that may be of interest to you:

● We hope you’ve been enjoying the new weekly e-newsletter. Although we’re still printing and mailing paper copies to any who request them (as well as all our homebound members), the online version is enabling more people to have access to the events and activities of our church in a more timely manner. If you have suggestions or ideas for its improvement, please email nancy@eastcobbumc.org.

● Hopefully you’ve been noticing our new church logo appearing on a variety of communication materials. While we’ve shared a “soft” rollout of the new logo so far, in January we’ll have a more aggressive campaign to officially acquaint our entire congregation with it, and to help you see how it can be used as a great evangelism tool for us as God’s church.

● Now that the new logo has been adopted, work will begin early next year (2011) on a comprehensive redesign of our church website.

● The week of November 29-December 3, the new doors for our Education and Activities buildings (11 doors total) will be installed. This work is just one part of our long-range facility development plan.

● Although the temporary outdoor signage for our church keeps getting torn down by the constant DOT roadwork, our sign sub-committee is continuing to work on temporary solutions to clearly identify our church from Roswell Rd.

● In the meantime, work continues as we prepare both plans and permits for a new permanent outdoor monument sign. The rezoning of our facility that we’ll need for our new sign is currently on the docket to come before the Cobb County Zoning Commission later this month. After that, we’ll better know the kind of sign we’ll be able to build. The new sign is also part of our long-range facility development plan.

● You’ll notice that the DOT has already poured the curbs for the new deceleration lane and top commercial entrance to our upper parking lot. We are thankful to Steve Ragsdale, Steve Hughes, and Stan Lassiter for their work through our attorney on behalf of our church to acquire these additional accommodations from the DOT for their road expansion. The DOT will soon also begin work on a commercial lower entrance, as well.

● Our Strategic Planning Team continues its work on a 5-year Strategic Plan for our entire church. We have now acquired the expertise of an architect to help us phase our long-range facility development and expansion, and in early 2011 we’ll be sharing the initial thoughts about this phasing with the entire congregation for input, suggestion and comment. The two pieces of this plan that are already in progress are the new doors and our eventual new outdoor/monument sign.

As I’ve said before, all of these are in various stages of development, and some will require approval from various levels of our church’s leadership along the way. To find out more detail about any of these initiatives (or if you have input, ideas, or expertise that you’re willing to share to help accomplish them), please email or call the church office (770-971-3643 or office@eastcobbumc.org), and we’ll have someone from the appropriate group respond to your specific question(s).

In the meantime, continue to pray for your church leaders as they seek God’s will and wisdom for all of us, and remember that God’s mission for us of being “A Mosaic of God’s Family: Gathering, Growing, and Going” is one that will require all of us to do our part in order for it to be accomplished. Remember that God loves you and I do, too!

Veterans & the "Armor of God"

“Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11)

If you are reading this on November 11th, then you’re reading it on “Veteran’s Day” – the day we honor and remember the sacrifice and selflessness of those who serve and defend our country in our armed services. It was originally celebrated as “Armistice Day” -- November 11, 1918, the day that ended what was once called “war to end all wars” (World War I) – and its purpose was to remember those who had died in that conflict. In 1954, Congress changed the focus and scope of the day, and renamed it “Veterans Day.” Since that time, it’s purpose has been three-fold: remembering those who fought and died in all wars; celebrating all veterans; and promoting an enduring peace for all time.

In the Bible, the apostle Paul described the Christian life in military terms: in Ephesians 6, he says we should “put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

While Paul’s words here are meant to be understood metaphorically (rather than literally), it’s worth noting that Paul chose military language at all to describe a life of faith. His point is that life is very much a “battle” against the harmful spiritual forces of our world (things like fear and hopelessness), and that the disciplines of our faith are very much like the hard discipline and training of military personnel.

We have many veterans in our own congregation who we want to honor. So, as we celebrate and remember them, let’s also remember that we’re all called to be “veterans” of faith by “fighting the good fight” (1 Timothy 1:18). Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

I invite you to pray this prayer for our Veterans: “Righteous God, you rule the nations. Guard brave men and women in military service. Give them compassion for those who confront them as enemies. Keep our children from hate that hardens, or from scorekeeping with human lives. Though for a season they must be people of war, let them live for peace, as eager for agreement as for victory. Encourage them as they encourage one another, and never let hard duty separate them from loyalty to your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.”

[-"Prayer for Those In Military Service” found in the United Methodist Book of Worship #542]

Daylight Savings Ends This Weekend

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25)

On Sunday, March 13, 2010, we started “saving daylight.” On that day we set our clocks, watches and electronic devices ahead one hour, “giving” ourselves an extra hour of daylight. We “lost” an hour of sleep on that Sunday, but for the next eight months we were able to stay outside a little longer by simply manipulating the clock. The number of hours in the day were not actually increased, but it seemed as if the days were longer. This coming Saturday night/Sunday morning (November 6th) we will finally get to set our clocks back one hour, thereby “retrieving” the hour of sleep that we “lost” in March.

While on earth, Jesus taught about the senselessness of worrying about the times. He illustrated his point in his “Sermon on the Mount” when he said “Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?” (Matthew 6:27). While worrying may not add any time to our lives (in fact some studies reveal that worrying can actually take it away), nevertheless years have been added through the combined efforts of medical science, proper nutrition and exercise, and education. Not only are we living longer, but the quality of life has improved significantly in many ways.

And yet, even with all this advancement, we cannot actually “retrieve” time. It is fleeting. It cannot be stopped by adjusting a watch, nor can it be speeded up simply by marking off a day ahead on a calendar. Instead, today is what we have. Yesterday is already a cancelled check. Tomorrow is merely a promissory note.

So, this Saturday night when you set your clock back an hour, what do you plan to do with that extra hour other than sleep? Watch more TV? Spend more time on the computer? Why not take extra time to talk and converse with your family members? What about reading your Bible that’s been collecting dust, or spending an extra hour in prayer? And in addition to these, what about adjusting your clock appropriately so that you won’t be late for Sunday School and worship the next morning -- nothing in this life is more precious and valuable than the brief time we spend together in fellowship with one another and in worship of God. Think about it (I hope you agree), and then… do it! Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

A New Church Logo

“In Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Galatians 3:26-27)

After nearly two years of prayer, creativity, design, modification, re-design, and further modification, our church finally has a new logo that conveys the sense of what we feel to be the identity and calling of our congregation. Recently adopted by our Administrative Council, the new logo is reflective of our mission/purpose of being “A Mosaic of God’s Family… Gathering, Growing, and Going.”

As a diverse congregation – a MOSAIC, with members from at least six different nationalities and ethnic backgrounds, containing conservatives and liberals, Democrats and Republicans, traditional and contemporary folks, the young and the “not-as-young” – we GATHER at the foot of the cross and flame (representing our United Methodist heritage) to embrace God and embrace others (who may even be different from us). We then GROW in faith, love and joy as we together travel a path that sends us GOING out into our world to serve our fellow human beings, and to share the good news of Jesus with them. The path, in turn, leads us all back to our church --God’s tool to bring people to the foot of the cross to Gather and start the cycle all over again.

In the coming weeks, you'll notice our new logo appearing increasingly in all of our publications and other places as a reminder of who we are and who we’re called to be. So, our prayer is that the design will not only inspire you to remember our mission/purpose, but to help others find and claim it for themselves, as well.

Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

The Lord's Baseball Game

“By grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)

This coming week (beginning on Oct. 27), Major League Baseball’s “World Series” begins. As you’re watching, enjoy the following parable about the role of grace in our lives, shared by a member of one of my former churches:

“I stood with the Lord one day to observe a baseball game, where the Lord’s team was playing Satan’s team. The Lord’s team was at bat, the score was tied zero to zero, and it was the bottom of the 9th inning with two outs. We watched as a batter stepped up to the plate whose name was Love. Love swung at the first pitch and hit a single, because Love never fails. The next batter was Faith, and who also got a single, because Faith works with Love. The next batter up was named Godly Wisdom. Satan wound up and threw the first pitch. Godly Wisdom looked it over and let it pass: ball one! Three more pitches and Godly Wisdom walked, because Godly Wisdom never swings at what Satan throws. The bases were loaded.

Then the Lord turned and told me he was bringing up his star player: Grace. “He doesn’t look like much!” I said as he stepped up to the plate. In fact, Satan’s whole team relaxed when they saw him. Thinking they’d won the game, Satan wound up and fired his first pitch. To the shock of everyone, Grace hit the ball harder than anyone had ever seen. It sailed over the centerfield fence for a home run. The Lord’s team won!

The Lord then asked me if I knew why Love, Faith and Wisdom could get on base but couldn’t win the game. I answered that I didn’t know why. So the Lord explained, ‘If your love, faith, and wisdom had won the game you would think you had done it by yourself. Love, faith, and Wisdom will get you on base, but only my Grace can get you home.’”
[--Shared by Becky Jenkins, Trinity-on-the-Hill UMC, Augusta, GA]

Food for thought for all of us! Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

Church Fund-Raising Ideas

“Now as you excel in everything… so we want you to excel also
in this generous act of giving” (2 Corinthians 8:7)

Last week’s sermon on the importance of each Christian investing our resources (including our finances) in and through the ministries of God’s church prompted at least one group of our members to brainstorm ideas for church fund-raising to help with our current income deficit. See what you think…

1. Designate parking spots for those who tithe. Other available spots will be on a rental basis, say $200 per year, with names on the spaces. Free parking will be at the Campground. This will also resolve the issue of insufficient parking.
2. Control the length of the sermon, thus departure time based on the collection. Some levels can be set such as; $1,000, noon; $1,500; 11:55; $2,000, 11:50; etc.
3. Remove the seat cushions and rent cushions to the congregation. Members would also be able to buy their own cushions with names embroidered for something like $2,000. Cushions would not be transferrable.
4. Have an electronic credit card processor passed by the ushers with the collection plate. That way members could get frequent flyer miles with their contribution.
5. After the collection, make it a ritual to ask all who contributed to stand up. We think collections will soar.
6. During hot periods, rent fans to the choir.
7. Run advertisements on the big screens prior to starting church, just as is done at movie theaters. Start with members who have businesses having priority, but then expand as the membership increases.
8. Bring wine back to communion. Establish a price list such as; grape juice – free; house wine, $3.00, imported, $5.00.
9. Solicit sponsors for church repairs and then advertise them on the big screens.
10. Plant something unusual in the Epistle, such as an error or an icon. Give a prize to the first person who notifies Jim of the detection. The prize will be sponsored by a business who will then be advertised on the big screens. This will not generate capital itself, but will aid in recommendation #11 below.
11. Allow advertising in the Epistle. This could generate significant amounts of capital as well as improving readership.

I know what you’re thinking… “the preacher made those up!” Actually... No, I didn’t! They were truthfully thought up by several of your fellow members and shared with me in a subsequent email (with permission to share them with you). I thought you’d not only enjoy them, but might be challenge like I was to remember our mutual responsibility to do our part to support the work of God’s kingdom through our regular and generous financial giving through our church. Remember that God loves you and I do, too!

Where My Money Goes ...OR... The 10% Solution

“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts; see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing.” (Malachi 3:10)

Some of you have seen this before, but it bears sharing again as a reminder of one of the spiritual callings we all have as Christians:

"WHERE MY MONEY GOES...

*To keep my family fed, clothed, sheltered ...60 to 70%

*To keep the government off my back ...20 to 30%

*To God for the following:

1. Calling me into existence ...1%
2. Allowing His perfect Son to become a human pin cushion and die as a substitute for my sins ...1%
3. Loving and sustaining me through all those years I rejected His love and refused to surrender to Him ...1%
4. Gladly receiving me like a son or daughter when I did surrender my life to Him ...1%
5. Refusing to judge me no matter how often I judge others ...1%
6. Believing in me when I couldn’t believe and didn’t even care anymore ...1%
7. All those miraculous healings of my family, friends, or acquaintances ...1%
8. The 66 books though which I learn the facts of my sinful nature and the sufficiency of God’s grace and love for me ...1%
9. Patiently removing my bad habits and worries from me one at a time, despite how much I try to hold onto them ...1%
10. Preparing me in every way for righteousness, joy and peace ...1%"

God is always faithful to us. The “tithe” (the first 10% of our income) is one way the Bible’s teaches that Christ-followers can be faithful back to God. So, are you honoring God in how you use your financial resources, starting with a tithe back to Him? If not, it’s never too late to start! Remember that God loves you and I do, too!

How Hospitable Are You???

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for
by doing that some have entertained angels
without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2)

New to Marietta, they got up Sunday morning to worship at East Cobb U.M.C. They had driven by our facility and decided that we would be the first church they “tried out” as school started back. They were a family with a three-month old infant and a four-year old Kindergartner. Arriving 20 minutes before the scheduled start time of the service, they found a parking spot and approached the entrance.

One of our church’s Greeters welcomed them warmly, gave directions to the nursery, the worship area, and told them about our Children’s offerings for their Kindergartner. But, an alert member passing by did even more: they noticed what was going on and asked if they could help. The member then escorted the new family to the nursery, where their baby was placed in the loving care of our nursery workers. They showed them where KidZone Worship was held. Finally, the member escorted the parents to the worship area, where they were again welcomed by several other members during the greeting time.

Friends, I don’t care how hard it is to find a parking place or how much or little they enjoyed the worship, the music, or even the sermon. They will be back... because somebody was alert, cared, and went the extra mile – even though it might have been inconvenient – to help them feel “at home” at East Cobb U.M.C.

Do you know the name of those helpful church members? God does! Could we write down your name as one? This Fall you may have noticed that we have had a good number of guests and new worshipers that we’ve been welcoming each and every week to East Cobb UMC. They’re here on Sunday mornings for worship, Sunday nights for study groups, Wednesday night for supper, and some throughout the week for other church activities. So, let’s each offer our very best hospitality to welcome them in the name of the Lord! Remember, God loves you and I do, too!