Just Suppose...

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed" (Proverbs 16:3, NIV)

I once read the following article in a newsletter from Sandy Springs U.M.C. As we continue a new school year, I invite you to let these thoughts challenge you the way they did me...

• Just Suppose that your church membership was good only for one year at a time, and that its renewal depended upon your faithfulness to your church through your prayers, presence in worship and a small group, stewardship of gifts, your volunteer service, and witness of your faith by word and deed. Would you retain your membership?

• Just Suppose that church membership was limited to those who could give a valid excuse for absences. Would your absences be acceptable?

• Just Suppose that other church members were as enthusiastic about our events, programs, and ministries as they are about sporting events or shopping. Would there be a marked difference in the life of our church?

• Just Suppose that every member of our church attended as often as you. Would we need more seating or less?

• Just Suppose that every member gave to the church financially each year what you give. Would there be less money or more for the cause of Christ through our ministries?

• Just Suppose that we stopped “supposing” and instead renew our dedication and commitment to the high calling of Jesus Christ and His church.

What great thoughts to consider! I hope to see you this week at church! Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

Christianity and Homosexuality?

Chick-Fil-A… Barack Obama… movies and TV shows… gay pride parades…. It seems that everywhere we turn today, we’re faced with the issue of homosexuality. As Christians, how should we deal with this controversial subject, not only biblically and theologically, but also practically? And how would Jesus teach us to treat the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people among us in our culture today?

On September 16th and 23rd, I'll be addressing these questions and more in two sermons collectively titled “Christian Perspectives On Homosexuality,” and will precede these with a sermon on September 9th outlining a way for Christians to deal with controversial issues. Regardless of where you or others find yourselves on this topic, I pray that you will invite a friend and visit us at East Cobb United Methodist Church (Marietta, GA) during these three weeks to learn more about how God would have us approach this heated subject.

In the meantime (and following the sharing of this series), you've invited to read and download materials pertinent to this subject (included PDF transcripts of the sermons after they're preached) in the "Christian Perspectives on Homosexuality RESOURCES" link to the right of this article.

When In Our Music God Is Glorified

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth into joyous song and sing praises.…Make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord.” (Psalm 98:4 & 6)

“When in our music God is glorified,
  And adoration leaves no room for pride,
 It is as though the whole creation cried, ‘Alleluia!’

 How often, making music, we have found

 A new dimension in the world of sound,
 As worship moved us to a more profound ‘Alleluia!’

 So has the church in liturgy and song,

 In faith and love, through centuries of wrong,
 Borne witness to the truth in every tongue, ‘Alleluia!’

 And did not Jesus sing a psalm that night,

 When utmost evil strove against the light?
 Then let us sing, for whom he won the fight: ‘Alleluia!’

 Let every instrument be tuned for praise!

 Let all rejoice who have a voice to raise!
 And may God give us faith to sing always ‘Alleluia!’”

       [–From The United Methodist Hymnal, #68, words by Fred Pratt Green, 1971]

As we celebrated Worship Arts Sunday today during our morning services, my hope and prayer is that you were not only inspired by all that you experienced, but that it also challenged you to live your life as a song of praise and thanksgiving to and for God.  Remember, 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 notice that we have 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!

God & Suffering - A Response To Aurora

“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God....” (Romans 8:28)

I’ve shared these thoughts before, but in light of the tragic shooting this past week in Aurora, Colorado I felt they were worth sharing again…

“When bad things happen to good people, is it God’s ‘punishment’? When evil seems to triumph, where is God? Doesn’t the suffering that Jesus went through in his last days ‘prove’ God either doesn’t exist or doesn’t care about our human  hurt?”  These are some of the questions I often people ask in the face of our pain and suffering.  How can Christians reconcile belief in a good, loving and powerful God in the face of natural disasters, tragedies, and the spectre of human evil?

There are obviously no easy, pat answers to such complex questions.  However, the words of one author that I also shared several years ago I still believe capture the essence of what we need to recognize and remember in such circumstances...

“Suffering and tragedy is not God’s desire for us, but it does occur in the process of life.  Suffering and tragedy is not given to teach us something, but through it we may learn. It’s not given to teach others something, but through it they may learn.  It’s not given to punish us, but sometimes it is the consequences of our bad judgement.  Suffering is not given, and tragedy does not come to us because our faith is weak, but through it our faith my be strengthened.  God does not depend on human suffering to achieve His purposes, but sometimes through suffering His purposes are achieved.  Suffering can either destroy us or it can add meaning to our lives.”  

            [–Rev. Ray Firestone, shared by Rev. Adam Hamilton in his sermon “The Gospel In the Face of Grief” in the series Questions for God In the Face of Tragedy (May 3, 1998)]

My prayer is that whatever difficult or challenging thing it is that you are facing (including wrestling with the “why” of the pain and senseless shooting tragedy in Aurora), you will know that God is with you and all who suffer, that He wants to redeem those difficulties in order to make something good out of it, that He wants to give all who suffer hope and help us to make it through, primarily through the assistance of other people. 

Of course, this means that we have a responsibility to do what we can to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who are suffering (which is why our church is constantly sharing ways that you can make a difference out of the disasters and tragedies of our world).  So my prayer is that in addition to praying for our brothers and sisters who suffer, we will do what we can to help them in tangible ways, as well.  God bless you as you remember to be generous to others in the same way that God has been generous to you, so that the suffering of others is relieved and hope is birthed!  Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

Marietta Camp Meeting - Celebrating 175 Years!

“Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming, it is near” (Joel 2:1)

As you read these words, Marietta Camp Meeting is celebrating 175 years of bringing souls into God’s kingdom, and East Cobb U.M.C. is helping celebrate!  In case you didn’t know, our church is their spiritual “child,” being formed out of a spiritual revival there back in the 1870s.  Granted, that makes us a grown, adult “child,” but they and we are spiritual “family,” nevertheless.

As I prepared this article, I ran across some interesting facts from Campground’s history.  For example, did you know that…

• The original campground contained 40 acres, and was bought at $1/acre
• The first meeting was held under a brush arbor
• During the first meeting, the men brought guns to protect themselves from the ruffians who declared they would drive out the worshippers
• Campmeeting was discontinued with the start of the Civil War, but resumed once again in 1870 (about when our church was established)
• A trumpet was used to call everyone to the services (a practice that originated from the words of the scripture above)
• Water was supplied by natural springs
• Minutes taken and recorded from the business of the tentholders go all the way back to 1919

Of course, there’s more that you can find on the history link of their website, but I want to encourage all East Cobb U.M.C. members and friends to share in this celebration -- it is, after all, our heritage, as well.  In addition to daily services at 11am and 7:30pm, several additional events you’ll want to especially note and attend:

•  Saturday, July 14, 12Noon-10pm, 175^th Anniversary Celebration “on the grounds”

•  Tuesday, July 17, East Cobb UMC Music Night

•  Sunday, July 22, our annual COMBINED WORSHIP service at 11am “under the arbor” (there will not be 9:30am or 11am services in our Sanctuary that morning)

 

I hope you’ll join me in participating as much as possible in the special events of Campmeeting 2012.  Let’s help celebrate God’s work and presence in our community for the past 175 years!  Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

"I Must Tell Jesus"

“Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

We all face problems and troubles.  There’s no way to get away or around that fact, because it’s simply part of being human.   Yet, many people go through life trying to face them in their own strength.  As people of faith, however, we believe that we follow and serve a God who can help us in and through the tough and challenging issues and times of life.

That’s why the scripture above encourages us to “cast all [our] anxiety on him, because he cares for [us].”  We don’t have to face problems by ourselves.  We’re invited and urged to let God through Christ help us.  Back in 1893, Elisha A. Hoffman penned these lyrics that say it well:

“I must tell Jesus all of my trials,
 I cannot bear these burdens alone;
 in my distress He kindly will help me,
 He ever loves and cares for His own.

Chorus: I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
I cannot bear my burdens alone;
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.

I must tell Jesus all of my troubles,
He is a kind, compassionate friend;
if I but ask Him, He will deliver,
make of my troubles quickly an end. (Chorus)

Tempted and tried, I need a great Savior,
One who can help my burdens to bear;
I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus;
He all my cares and sorrows will share. (Chorus)

O how the world to evil allures me!
O how my heart is tempted to sin!
I must tell Jesus, and He will help me
over the world the victory to win.” (Chorus)
            [Hymn “I Must Tell Jesus” found HERE] 

Whatever you’re facing, please don’t try to face it alone -- “Jesus can help [you]. Jesus alone.”  Never forget that God loves you and I do, too!

Be Thou My Vision

“I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him…” (Ephesians 1:17)

“Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart,

Naught be all else to me, save that thou art.
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.

Be thou my wisdom, and thou my true word;
I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord;
Thou and thou only, first in my heart,
Great God of heaven, my treasure thou art.

Great God of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.”

[--Ancient Irish lyrics translated by Mary E. Byrne, 1905, cited from The United Methodist Hymnal #451]

May this prayer be yours as you seek to discover and follow the wisdom, will, ways, and timing of God in your life! Remember that God loves you and I do, too!

Top Ten Facts on Fathering

“Fathers, do not provoke your children, or they may lose heart.” (Colossians 3:21)

If you’re reading this on June 17, 2012, it is Father’s Day in America. Here’s just a few quick facts about fathers:

1. There are 67.8 million fathers in America.


2. There are 74.7 million children under the age of 18


3. 62.2% of children live with their biological mother and father


4. 24.8 million children (33%) live apart from their biological father


5. 20.3 million children (27%) live in a home with no father


6. 2.7 million children live with their father only


7. The presence and involvement of a father is positively associated with child well-being, educational attainment, behavioral development, self-esteem and avoidance of high-risk behaviors.


8. Children growing up without a father present are more likely to suffer physical, emotional or educational neglect, engage in juvenile delinquency including violent crime, abuse drugs and alcohol, be a teenage mom, and live in poverty.


9. Fathers are the primary determinant on a child’s ongoing faith practice.


10. 70% of Americans agree that the physical absence of fathers from the home is the most significant family or social problem facing America.

[--SOURCES: (#1-6) United States Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, 2010 Annual Social and Economic Supplement; (#7-8) Father Facts, 5th Edition, National Fatherhood Initiative, 2007; (#9) Fathers: Key to their Children’s Faith, S. Michael Craven, June 13, 2006; (#10) National Center for Fathering, National Fathering Survey, 2009]

As you can see, it’s more important now than ever that we seek to be good, Godly fathers to our children and those who are like children to us, and to help foster good fathering practices in others. Since God is our Father, we can always look to Him to help us be what we need to be for others. Remember that He loves you and I do, too!

For more information on Godly fathering, visit the National Center for Fathering website

Annual Conference is Here!

“Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

This week as you read this article, over 2800 delegates representing the 1000 churches and 360,000+ United Methodists in North Georgia will have gathered at the Classic Center in Athens, Georgia for the “North Georgia Annual Conference” with the theme “Seeing the World through the Waters of Baptism.” Jim Perry, Cindy Campbell, Peter Kaimathiri and I are attending as our clergy representatives from East Cobb U.M.C., and Lee Bierce, Lisa Haman, and Dean Kelley are serving as our laity delegates.  In addition, Frieda Brown, Betty Hrisak, and Jackie Short will be serving as delegates on behalf of our Atlanta-Marietta District, and Rev. Gary Whatley will be attending as a clergy delegate as he receives his new church appointment at the close of Conference.

Each year's Annual Conference makes important decisions that affect every United Methodist church in our geographic area: approval and ordination of new clergy and retirement of older ones; appointments of pastors to local churches are finalized (we celebrate that our Bishop - Michael Watson - has reassigned myself, Jim Perry, Cindy Campbell, and Peter Kaimathiri to East Cobb UMC as your pastors for this next year); adoption of the conference budget; support for and reports from conference missions and ministries; exciting worship and bible study opportunities to enrich our spiritual lives; present our “Bishop’s Offering” (to support the work of “World Methodist Evangelism” to spread the good news of Jesus throughout the world); and more!

Upon our return, we’ll be available to report on important decisions that were made, and how these might affect us as a congregation. In the meantime, you can find more information about Annual Conference (as well as “real time” updates) on our North Georgia Conference website (click on the 2012 Annual Conference box at bottom left). Also, thanks for your prayers, both for ourselves as your representatives, and for the Conference itself. Always remember, God loves you and I do too!

The Glory Is In the Struggle

“Do not grow weary in doing what it right, for we will reap at the harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)

When we think about trials, troubles, challenges, and struggles today, we usually think of them only in negative terms -- as things to be avoided or “fixed” as soon as possible.  However, I once ran across the following devotional that spoke of our need to learn the value of such struggles of and in life…

“A friend was complaining that even though she and her husband constantly work at their relationship and seek help from a counselor, they are still plagued with problems.  ‘It feels like we’ll be working at this forever,’ she sighed.  I suggested that maybe we glorify God as much in the struggle as in the solution.  ‘Your children are learning that you don’t give up on a relationship,’ I said.  ‘You keep working at it.’

A similar thought occurred to me when I was hit by yet another battle with depression.  Though I take medication and receive counseling, my old enemy still occasionally returns.  I realized that continuing to fight is evidence of faith and trust.  The glory is in the struggle.  By trusting God through the struggle instead of despairing that I am not yet ‘cured,’ I can view each episode as an opportunity to glorify God.

We love neat resolutions and happy endings.  But it is often in clinging to God when we don’t see answers that we witness most convincingly.  A watching world will be inspired by a faith that won’t quit!”

            [BMarianne Jones in Upper Room, devotional guide, October 25, 2000]

Whatever relationship or situation you apply the above to, it=s great biblical and practical advice!  I hope to see you at church this Sunday as we provide you with tools to successfully struggle through life!  Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

"World Methodist Evangelism" Offering

“[Jesus] said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation’” (Mark 16:15)

Many of you are aware that each year our Bishop of North Georgia United Methodism (Michael Watson) designates an annual “Bishop’s Mission Offering” to be collected by North Georgia United Methodist churches in the weeks leading up to Annual Conference, and then shared by each church’s delegates at a worship service during Conference.

This year, Bishop Watson has named “World Methodist Evangelism” as the 2012 Annual Conference Bishop’s Mission Offering. Headquartered in our own backyard (in Atlanta), for the last forty years World Methodist Evangelism has labored to see the Methodist Christian movement alive, vibrant, growing and yearning to spread the good news of Christ Jesus throughout the whole world through word, deed, and sign that the world may know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This is a holy calling and it’s still our calling today!

Together with our sisters and brothers in the Methodist tradition all around the world, this offering will help us to multiply the witnesses of Christ Jesus through connecting congregations, connecting with evangelists, international Christian youth conferences on evangelism, faith-sharing initiatives and resources, training leaders through regional evangelism seminars in every part of the world. To find out more information about World Methodist Evangelism, VISIT THEIR WEBSITE HERE.

Some of you may already know that the stained-glass window to the left of the cross on the front wall of our own Sanctuary shows the logo for World Methodist Evangelism, and was given many years ago in support of this same cause! So, it’s certainly appropriate that I invite you to join me in participating in this special opportunity with an over-and-above-your-regular offering financial gift. To contribute, please make your check payable to East Cobb UMC and designate either it or cash to our “Bishop’s Mission Offering.”

We’ll be collecting funds through June 3rd, and will present our church’s combined check during the offering time at the Annual Conference afternoon worship service on Wednesday, June 13th. Please join me as we seek to proclaim the good news of Jesus throughout the whole world through this special offering.

Remember that God loves you and I do, too!



A Graduate's Prayer

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Here is a Graduation Prayer that I invite all of our 2017 graduates to pray…

“Dear Lord,

As I look toward the future

Bright hope conducts this prayer,

For I know the plans You have for me

Were wrought with divine care.

Holy Spirit, lead me.

Let me run at Your command,

Yet be still and know that You are God

When trouble is close at hand.

Your Word will be a lamp for me,

A guide to light my way,

A solid place to set my feet,

A compass when I stray.

May I live my life to praise You,

Not for fortune, nor for fame,

May everything I say and do

Bring glory to Your name.

May my eyes stay fixed upon You

As I seek the way that's pure,

Tasting Your love and goodness

Sleeping and rising secure.

Planted by Your living streams

I'll delight in all Your ways,

Hidden by Your sheltering wings
With new mercies for each day.

Even in a dangerous land

When storms threaten to destroy,
At the cross I'll stand upon the Rock
My Strength, my Hope, my Joy.

Dear Lord, show me Your favor,

At all times keep me blessed,
May Your face ever shine upon me,
With peace and perfect rest. Amen.”

                       [--Mary Fairchild]

I ask that the rest of you join me in celebrating the accomplishments of all those graduating this year, whether from High School, College, Graduate school, or somewhere else. Congratulations, graduates!  Remember, God loves you and so do I!

Godly Mothers of the Past

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you.” (2 Timothy 1:5)

Sunday, May 13, 2012 is Mother’s Day -- the day that we celebrate and remember that special love God meant for us to be given by and for our mothers. But it's a day to remember not only the great influence our mothers either have or have had on our own faith, but also how the faith of other mothers throughout the centuries has been passed on so that we might experience and have faith today.

Consider some examples of Godly mothers throughout history:

-Hannah's commitment to the Lord in raising Samuel to become a great prophet for God;

-Sarah and Rebekah's prayers answered in the births of Isaac and Jacob, great leaders of Israel;

-The Godly example of Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the raising of her son to be the Savior of the world;

-Timothy's mother and grandmother Lois, both of who’s faith helped him be the great evangelist that he was;

-Monica, whose Godly influence and prayers lead Augustine to become a great leader of the early church;

-Susanna Wesley, whose Godly example helped mold John and Charles into the founders of world Methodism.

Of course, there's many more, but these give us just a glimpse of the importance of our mothers in the building and development of our spiritual lives. Today, be sure to take time to thank the Lord for your mother (or even someone who’s been like a mother to you) – they are a very special person! Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

Father, Forgive

“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them...’” (Luke 23:34)

AThe hatred which divides nation from nation, race from race, class from class,

                       Father, forgive.

The covetous desires of men and nations to possess what is not theirs own,

Father, forgive.

The greed which exploits the labours of men, and lays waste the earth,

Father, forgive.

Our envy of the welfare and happiness of others,

Father, forgive.

Our indifference to the plight of the homeless and the refugee,

Father, forgive.

The lust which uses for ignoble ends the bodies of men and women,

Father, forgive.

The pride which leads us to trust in ourselves and not in God,

                        Father, forgive.@

  [BCoventry Cathedral Prayer; Coventry, England, 1964]

Need I say more?  Remember, God loves you and so do I!

Youth Sunday: Altered Perspectives

“Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

It’s sometimes been said that “youth are the future of the Church.” But the more accurate statement is that “youth are the Church of today” (or at least part of it)! They have a passion and a freshness to their faith that most of us need to hear and be reminded of. If you were with us today for Youth Sunday worship, you experienced a powerful call to worship read by one of our youth that reminds us of the paradoxical power of Christian youth worship.

It’s words start like the stereotype of youth that some church people have today…

“The end of our church is nearing,
And
worship is dead and boring
No longer can it be said that
We need to pray
My church and I
We don’t have any spiritual connection
It’s not true that
I need God’s presence in my life
I know what I need and when I need it
And
My possessions
Are more important than
My relationships
I have to tell you
My attention span is too short for the Bible
And it’s just not true that
I enjoy reading the Word
I just don’t get it
And you should never think
God cares about each of us
What I really hope you get is
You’ve got to be open to these values
What’s important to me is
What Lady Gaga is wearing
And I don’t really care all that much
What God could do with my life
I think it’s completely unbelievable
That God is actually listening to us
What’s important for you is
You’ll find peace on your Blackberry
On Facebook
Through email
Your ministry is
Dying
Don’t think it is
Going to survive.
It is…”

…the end of the church as we know it. But if you were at youth worship, you know that the reader then said… “UNLESS we open ourselves up to God to change us, and when we do that, we allow Him to turn it all around…” (and the reader began reading the same words backwards, with the same wording meaning something drastically different)…

“It is…going to survive. Don’t think it is dying. Your ministry is through email, on Facebook, on your Blackberry. You’ll find peace. What’s important for you is that God is actually listening to us. I think it’s completely unbelievable what God could do with my life, and I don’t really care all that much what Lady Gaga is wearing. What’s important to me is: you’ve got to be open to these values. What I hope you get is: God cares about each of us, and you should never think I just don’t get it. I enjoy reading the Word, and it’s just not true that my attention span is too short for the Bible. I have to tell you: my relationships are more important than my possessions, and I know what I need and when I need it. I need God’s presence in my life. It’s not true that we don’t have any spiritual connection, my church and I. We need to pray. No longer can it be said that worship is dead and boring and that the end of our church is nearing.”

[--From Trenholm Road UMC for their Youth Sunday 2010, adapted from a video by DK Publishing. Click HERE to see the original YouTube video version called “Youth Sunday Call to Worship Video”]

Wow! What a difference God’s altered perspective can make! I hope and pray you’ll remember what a difference He can make in your life, as well! Always remember, God loves you and I do too!

2012 General Conference of the United Methodist Church

“Surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans... to give you a future with hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Under the theme “Make Disciples of Jesus Christ to Transform the World,” our denomination’s top policy-making body (called “General Conference”) will be meeting from April 24-May 4th in Tampa, FL to make important decisions for our church’s future. According to church law, no person or organization except General Conference (including our own church Bishops, courts, or individual Annual Conferences) has the authority to speak officially for our denomination. Consequently, this body meets once every four years in a different location around the country, and is comprised of 1000 delegates (500 clergy and 500 laity), apportioned by the total membership of each Annual Conference from here in America, as well as our Conferences in other countries. This year our North Georgia Conference is sending 26 delegates (one of the larger delegations).

General Conference has several purposes: to revise or reaffirm policies and guidelines regarding local church structure, ministry, and the pastoral leadership by examining and/or revising our Book of Discipline (our church’s lawbook), our “Social Principles,” and adopt various resolutions on current moral, social, public policy and economic issues; to approve plans and budgets for church wide ministry initiatives for the next four years; to elect members of our church’s “Judicial Council” (our church’s “Supreme Court”); and (if necessary) to propose amendments to our church’s Constitution (which must be then ratified later by each of our denomination’s 64 Annual Conferences). This year there is a significant proposal being discussed that, if approved, may alter our denomination’s structure for ministry for the future.

The legislation for General Conference comes from petitions and proposals written by church agencies, organizations, Annual Conferences (and through them from any church organization, ordained minister or lay member). Though one of our church’s bishops presides over each session, in order to ensure the authority of elected delegates, bishops themselves have neither voice nor vote at General Conference.

The decisions made at General Conference have many potential ramifications for you and I as a local church here at East Cobb UMC, so I ask that you be in prayer for this assembly for God’s will and way to be done during and through it. You can sign up here for prayer devotions that can be sent to your email.

As with every General Conference, there will be controversial issues addressed which will incite intense passion and heated debate on all sides, and (as has happened in the past) may even get mis-reported by the secular press. So as you hear reports about this assembly on the news, I encourage you not only to be in prayer for all (including ourselves) to have Godly responses, but also for each of us to get our facts straight before we form opinions. For more information and impartial coverage of General Conference’s events and decisions, please visit our North Georgia Conference’s coverage here or visit the official General Conference website here. If you own a smart phone, you can even download an official app (Apple or Android compatible) to follow all the news and events (find information about the mobile app here).

Always remember that God loves you and I do, too!

God and Suffering

“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God....” (Romans 8:28)

“When bad things happen to good people, is it God’s ‘punishment’? When evil seems to triumph, where is God? Doesn’t the suffering that Jesus went through in his last days ‘prove’ God either doesn’t exist or doesn’t care about our human hurt?” These are some of the questions I often people ask in the face of our pain and suffering. How can Christians reconcile belief in a good, loving and powerful God in the face of natural disasters, tragedies, and the spectre of human evil?

There are obviously no easy, pat answers to such complex questions. However, the words of one author that I also shared several years ago I still believe capture the essence of what we need to recognize and remember in such circumstances...

“Suffering and tragedy is not God’s desire for us, but it does occur in the process of life. Suffering and tragedy is not given to teach us something, but through it we may learn. It’s not given to teach others something, but through it they may learn. It’s not given to punish us, but sometimes it is the consequences of our bad judgement. Suffering is not given, and tragedy does not come to us because our faith is weak, but through it our faith my be strengthened. God does not depend on human suffering to achieve His purposes, but sometimes through suffering His purposes are achieved. Suffering can either destroy us or it can add meaning to our lives.”
      [–Rev. Ray Firestone, shared by Rev. Adam Hamilton in his sermon “The Gospel In the Face of Grief” in
          the series Questions for God In the Face of Tragedy (May 3, 1998)]

My prayer is that whatever difficult or challenging thing it is that you are facing (including wrestling with the “why” of the pain and sufferings of your own life), you will know that God is with you and all those who suffer, that He wants to redeem those difficulties in order to make something good out of it, that He wants to give all who suffer hope and help to make it through, primarily through the assistance of other people.

Of course, this means that we have a responsibility to do what we can to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who are suffering (which is why our church is constantly sharing ways that you can make a difference out of the disasters and tragedies of our world). So my prayer is that in addition to praying for our brothers and sisters who suffer, we will do what we can to help them in tangible ways, as well. God bless you as you remember to be generous to others in the same way that God has been generous to you, so that the suffering of others is relieved and hope is birthed! Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

Thoughts To Ponder

“Let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time,

if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)

I have shared this “poem” many times over the last few years, but each time it seems that it’s exactly what someone needs to read and hear at that time in their lives, just as it was exactly what I needed to read the first time I read it. It captures the essence of the perseverance and persistence of Jesus in doing what he knew to be right and good, even though it cost him everything…

“People are unreasonable, illogical, self-centered. ...Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish motives. ...Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends and real enemies. ...Try to be successful anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow ...Do it anyway.

Honesty and frankness will make you vulnerable. ...Be honest and frank anyway.

People favor the underdog, but they chum up to the top dog....Fight for the underdog anyway.

What you spend years building can be destroyed overnight. ...Build anyway.

Give the world the best you have and chances are you will get kicked in the teeth.

...Give it anyway.”
[--Though commonly attributed to Mother Teresa, the actual author is unknown]

The biblical principles behind these words can be found in Galatians 6:9-10, where Paul describes the importance of persistence in our faith. Whatever problem it is that you are wrestling with… hang in there and know that God is greater than that problem. Persevere in the name of Jesus! Remember that God loves you and I do, too!

The Power of Surrender

“…Not my will but thine be done” (Luke 22:42)

One of the spiritual tools that we are encouraged to use during the season of Lent is “surrender”, or (closely related to it) “fasting.” It is the voluntary giving up of earthly things in order to focus more intentionally on spiritual things/things of God. Jesus showed us the fullest example of this practice in the Garden of Gethsemane when he prayed “not my will but yours be done” in reference to his own upcoming suffering and death.

Yet, both the Bible and Christian history are full of other examples of God’s people willingly surrendering their own wants and desires so that God’s will and plan could be accomplished through them. One of these was the founder of Methodism John Wesley. Listen to words of admonition he wrote to his Methodists in 1755:

"In so giving yourselves to the Lord...Let Him appoint you to your work. Christ has many services to be done; some are more easy and honorable, others more difficult and menial. Some are suitable to our inclinations and interests; others are contrary to both. In some we may please Christ and please ourselves, as when he requires us to feed and clothe ourselves. Indeed, there are some spiritual duties that are more pleasing than others; as to rejoice in the Lord, to be blessing and praising of God. These are the sweet works of a Christian. But then there are other works, wherein we cannot please Christ but by denying ourselves, as in bearing and forbearing, reproving men for their sins, withdrawing from their company; witnessing against their wickedness; confessing Christ and His name, when it will cost us shame and reproach; sailing against the wind, swimming against the tide, parting with our liberties and accommodations for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."  (--From Wesley's “Covenant Renewal Service", 1755)

Twenty-five years later, he re-wrote his very popular New Year’s Covenant Service and ended it with a prayer that has come the illustrate the power of surrender for many Christians even today.

"I am no longer my own, but thine.

Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.

Put me to doing, put me to suffering.

Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for thee,

Exalted for thee or brought low for thee.

Let me be full, let me be empty.

Let me have all things, let me have nothing.

I freely and heartily yield all things

To thy pleasure and disposal.

And now, O glorious and blessed God,

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

Thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it.

And the covenant which I have made on earth,

Let it be ratified in heaven. Amen."

(--The “Covenant Prayer” from John Wesley's Covenant Service, 1780)

My hope is that whether you use Jesus’ simple prayer or Wesley’s, during this season of Lent you would open yourself to whatever God is calling you to – to surrender your will to His! You’ll find power in doing so! Remember that God loves you and I do, too!