A Job Or A Ministry?

“Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)

Yesterday (Nov. 16) we commissioned our church’s leaders for 2014 during our annual “Leadership Commissioning & Orientation.”  Each of our leaders has been called by God to do the work of ministry in and through our church.  But how, exactly, can one tell if something we’re doing is just a “job”, or if it’s an actual “ministry”?  To find out, we should ask ourselves these questions…

“If you are doing it because no one else will, it’s a job. 

            If you are doing it to serve the Lord, it’s a ministry.

If you are doing it just well enough to get by, it’s a job.

            If you are doing it to the best of your ability, it’s a ministry.

If you will do it only so long as it doesn't interfere with other

           activities, it’s a job. If you are committed to staying with it,

            even when it means letting go of other things, it’s a ministry.

If you quit because no one praised you or thanked you,

            it was a job. If you stay with it even when no one seems

            to notice, it’s a ministry.

If you do it because someone else said it needs to be done, it’s

            a job. If you do it because you are convinced it needs to

            be done, it’s a ministry.

It is hard to be excited about a job.

            It is almost impossible NOT to get excited about a ministry.

People may say “Well done” when you do your job.

            The Lord will say “Well done” when you complete your ministry.

An average church is filled with people doing jobs.

            A great church is filled with people involved in ministry.”

                                  [--From the newsletter of Mt. View UMC in Kingsport, Tennessee]

I’m so glad to be part of a “great church” filled with people willing to do true ministry!  Always remember that whatever it is that we do or are called to, let’s do it as ministry with the world through God’s church. Remember that God loves you and I do, too

Your Church Staff

NOTE: This is from our 2012 staff retreat, and so is missing several of our valuable current staff members:  Lee Busey; Rob Frank; Leanna Wilson; Barbara Stanley; and Nicole Taylor

“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)

 
The first part of this week (Nov. 10-13), your church staff will be away on a retreat at Camp Glisson, our United Methodist youth camp in Dahlonega, GA.  While there, we’ll not only be inviting God to renew our passion and calling for ministry, but to become better equipped ourselves so we can help you (our members and friends) to answer and fulfill your calling for ministry, too.

In case you weren’t aware, our Staff Mission Statement accurately describes how we seek to carry that purpose out as we attempt to fulfill the words of the scripture above from Ephesians 4.  It’s our “reason for being”, if you will:  we as your church staff exist… “To glorify God together by Empowering and Encouraging East Cobb UMC members and leaders to be God’s Church in our world.” 

Let me remind us all of what these phrases mean 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 all of us as  church members and leaders (not just “church 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.
 
So, our prayer as your staff 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!

Family Promise - Jesus With Skin On

“’And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you?’… And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:38 & 40)

Hopefully by now most of you know that -- beginning in 2014 -- our church will join 12 other area churches in hosting homeless families (parents with children) four weeks out of each year through the ministry of something called “Family Promise of Cobb County.”  While this may sound intimidating to some, it’s really a very practical and easy way that we can live out both our faith and calling as God’s people and church.

Back in 1998, I remember that this concept sounded very intimidating to many members of Trinity-on-the-Hill United Methodist Church in Augusta, GA, as well.  It was the “flagship” church of United Methodism in that city, and the place where I served as Pastor of Community and Congregational Care from 1996-2000.  Back then, “Family Promise” was known as “Interfaith Hospitality Network” (IHN), and when our church was first invited to be a host congregation, it was greeted initially by skepticism and doubt that we could actually do it, and some who wondered whether we even should do it.  Plus, there was the concern that our facilities would get messed up by “those people” (the homeless).

Nevertheless, our church took that “leap of faith” and became one of the host congregations in the network.  And the amazing thing was that over the next two years, we saw our entire church changed by the experience!  Walls, barriers, and stereotypes about homelessness came down, members’ hearts were softened and transformed, and the program itself provided opportunities for missions that we had not previously had.  Gradually, there grew a recognition that these homeless folks were just like us, except for their lack of having a permanent residence.  And while it’s true that “Family Promise/IHN” was not (and still is not) a “Christian” ministry, per se (there are other religious faiths who have and will be part of the program), volunteering and serving in it was one of the highlights of my ministry time in Augusta, and became one of the best and most successful ministries our church had ever done!

Sixteen years later, as we here at East Cobb UMC partner with “Family Promise of Cobb County” both as a host congregation and as the site for the “Day Center” (administrative offices) for the entire network (in our former “Jr. Parsonage”), my prayer is that we’ll see God at work in the same miraculous way, not only to make a difference in the lives of homeless families, but in the way that this program will enable us to be “Jesus with skin on” to needy families in our community -- to literally fulfill Jesus’ words in Matthew 25 (above).

So, I pray that you will join me and my family not only in volunteering to cook and stay overnight with our host families when asked, but also to pray for them and for ourselves as we seek to be a “home” to those who temporarily have no other.  You’ll be hearing more about this important new ministry initiative of our church in the near future, but in the meantime, for more information read Cindy Campbell’s introduction article already posted.

Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

The Serenity Prayer - FULL VERSION

After I shared this in worship this past Sunday, several of you have asked me for it.  Many of us know something called the “Serenity Prayer,” attributed to the American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971). 

Among other places, it’s been adopted and used extensively in “Alcoholics Anonymous” and other twelve-step programs.  However, most of us don’t realize that the original, fuller version of this prayer is even richer.  Here it is again, in case you missed it Sunday…

“God, give me grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed,

Courage to change the things which should be changed,

and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.

Living one day at a time,  enjoying one moment at a time,

Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,

Taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it,

Trusting that You will make all things right, if I surrender to Your will,

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,

And supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen.”                     (-Reinhold Niebuhr, 1943)

Saint Bernard, Snow Rescuer

“…All of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to love on.” (Mark 12:44)

The Saint Bernard dog is almost an icon for us, representing rescue from snowy danger.  But how did a dog come to bear the title “saint?”  The story goes that in seventh-century France there was a terrible blizzard that buried most of the countryside. People could scarcely get out of their homes, but thankful for warmth and food.  Bernard was just an ordinary man of modest station in life, but full of faith in and love for God.

Though he had hated to miss worship services on Sunday, it occurred to him that that meant he and everyone else had also missed the chance to give his weekly offering.  “I know my church’s funds were already low,” he thought to himself, “especially since just days before we sent off the last of our mission support.”  Just then, Bernard thought he heard God whisper to him, “What if the snow had meant you didn't get paid.  Would you just shrug your shoulders and say ‘Oh well, that’s too bad’?”

So, with that thought fresh in his mind, Bernard put on his coat and trudged off to the church.  “Others may or may not, but I’m going to do the right thing….”  The priest met him gladly at the door.  “Father John,” Bernard said, “I was worried about your well-being and the church.  So, here’s my offering,” and handed the priest his weekly tithe.  The priest couldn't believe it and shouted out “Bernard, you’re a saint if I ever saw one!”

Okay, that may not be the real story behind the name, but it makes for a good pastor’s article!  Nevertheless the challenge is the same: worship is not a performance and our tithes and offerings are not an admission cost.  Instead, they are a way to honor our gracious God.  Even if we can’t be present in worship every week, let’s not fail to heed His word to set aside our first fruits and bring them to this storehouse (the church) so that they can make a difference in our communities and our world! 

So, BE A SAINT… join me in returning your completed “U.P.” financial response cards as soon as possible to help ECUMC plan ministries for God’s kingdom in 2014.  Remember, God  loves you and I do, too!

Charles Schultz Philosophy

“Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave.”  (Matthew 20:26-27)

Many of you will remember the popular cartoonist Charles Schultz, author of the famous “Peanuts” comic strip where we find American legends like Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Snoopy, and Woodstock.  Schultz had a creative ability weave his passionate Christian faith into his characters and their endeavors.  The following is an article attributed to him that makes a significant point about the realities of “greatness” as described in the scriptures:

“1.  Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2.  Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3.  Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.

4.  Name ten people who have won a Nobel Prize.

5.  Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for Best Actor/Actress

6.  Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?  The point is, none of us remembers the headliners of yesterday.  These are no second-rate achievers.  They are the best in their fields.  But the applause dies.  Awards tarnish.  Achievements are forgotten.  Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.   So, with that in mind, here’s another quiz.  See how you do on this one:

1.  List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2.  Name three friends who helped you through a difficult time.

3.  Name five people who taught you something worthwhile.

4.  Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated.

5.  Think of five people with whom you enjoy spending time.

6.  Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Easier?  The lesson:  the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards.  They are the ones that care.”

As we serve one another and others in love, we are demonstrating that we truly care for them.  And that is true “greatness” in the kingdom of God! Remember, God  loves you and I do, too!

U.P. -- UNLEASHING POTENTIAL

“Give, and it will be given to you. You will have more than enough. It can be pushed down and shaken together and it will still run over as it is given to you. The way you give to others is the way you will receive in return.”  (Luke 6:38 NLV)

Many people have great potential that is never realized -- goals we never achieve, aspirations we never reach, visions we never see accomplished -- all because our potential never gets unleashed.  We never take the time or intentionality to cultivate and give attention to the things we need to do to turn promise in fulfillment, possibility into completion, potential into reality, and so we never achieve or reach all that we can be.

And yet, God gives us various tools to help us do this -- “means of grace” we call them in the Wesleyan Christian tradition, that can assist us in reaching our full calling.  Our weekly themes even align precisely with our own mission/purpose as a church here at East Cobb UMC:

            ● Gathering UP – the power of Christian community

            ● Growing UP – the power of understanding & practicing

                        generosity

            ● Going UP – the power of serving and sharing Christ

                        with others

            ● Giving UP – the power of surrender of both ourselves &

                        our possessions to God

I pray that you will join me and your fellow sisters and brothers in Christ as we explore just a few of these throughout the month of October in our journey to “Unleash” the “Potential” (U.P.) that’s within each of us and become the people God wants us to be!  Remember, God  loves you and I do, too!

Grow Through Worship. Starve Without It

“Do not neglect to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day [of the Lord] approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25)

I=ve heard it said somewhere that an action repeated for at least 21 days can create a habit.  Well, I want to challenge everyone reading this article to make a Ahabit@ out of being in God=s House each week for corporate worship, fellowship, and learning.  Perhaps your life has gotten busy and you=ve Agotten out of the habit@ of being in worship.  Maybe you=ve cherished a few extra minutes of sleep on Sunday morning, or have grown accustomed to tuning in to a favorite television ministry or church service in your pajamas, with coffee mug in hand.  Or, you might have unwittingly developed into a AC&E Christian@ (attending only at Christmas and Easter).

But as the scripture text above reminds us, there=s simply no substitute in our own personal, emotional, and spiritual life for participating together with sisters and brothers in the worship and praise of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  With it, we experience God’s presence in a powerful way, and lives are touched and changed through it.  Without it, we starve our spirits. The same can be said of not only corporate worship but also in small classes and groups for prayer, Bible learning, and fellowship.  In other words, when we worship, fellowship, and learn together at church, we=re fulfilling our own church=s purpose of being AA Mosaic of God=s Family: GATHERING (to embrace God and all people); GROWING (in faith, love, and joy); and GOING (into the world to serve and share Jesus).@  

So, I hope you won=t miss out on the blessing God has in store for YOU through regular participation in weekly worship and small group fellowship and learning!  I plan on being here, and I look forward to seeing you, too, as we all make a Ahabit@ of Ameeting together@ at church each week!  Remember that God loves you and I do, too!

Advice for Forgiving Others

“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12)

This week in worship we continued our series on forgiveness by talking about forgiving others.  Although I shared how we can begin that process by gaining a proper understanding of the word, I’d like to build on that here by sharing two suggestions that I’ve practiced occasionally in my own life:  writing an apology; and writing a letter of forgiveness.  Both of these come from Marjorie J. Thompson’s workbook Companions in Christ: The Way of Forgiveness (Nashville, Upper Room Books, 2012):

Guidelines for Writing A Good Apology:  (page 92)

1.         Be respectful of the person you are writing to. Courtesy and tact are important.

2.         Do not try to defend yourself, make excuses, or explain all the 

circumstances from your perspective.

3.         Go right to the point and use simple, direct language.

Writing a Letter of Forgiveness: (page 80)

            Write a letter of forgiveness to someone toward whom you feel resentment.  It could be someone who has already died, or whom you’ll never see again.  Perhaps it is someone you live or work with.  It could be yourself.  Who needs forgiveness from you? Write to that person.

            First, acknowledge the truth of your negative feelings -- all your hurt and anger, your pain and grief.  Be absolutely honest.
            Then, release it.  Let go of the burden of your resentment, anger, anguish, and guilt for feeling these things.  Confirm that you are doing this in your writing.
            Let the matter lie where it will with respect to the other; you cannot be responsible for his or her feelings or responses, only your own.  You are choosing to free yourself from this particular bondage to the past.
            Remember that God has empowered you to forgive, once and for all, one the Cross.  Ask for the grace to let God take the burden from you, now and forever.  You may decide at some point to sent this letter, or you may not.  Regardless, you can expect healing and new energy to flow from this exercise of faith.

 As I said, I’ve done both of these things on occasion when I felt hurt or wounded, and I’ve found both exercises to be very helpful in finding ultimate peace and healing.  As you consider people that you are feeling led to extend forgiveness to (or to ask forgiveness from), I pray that these would be helpful to you, as well.  Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

The 10 Most Wanted Christians

“Be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.” (James 1:22)

As we celebrate Labor Day, it’s important for us to remember that a Christian is not simply someone who follows Jesus one day a week (on Sunday), but every day of the week in all arenas and aspects of their life (at home, work, play, vacation, school, etc.).

See if these words that I found in an old bulletin from my home church still ring true for you and me today.  The “Ten Most Wanted Christians” are...

“1.        The Christian who tries to be the right example to every

child, rather than just talk about it.

2.         The Christian who has a passion to help rather than a passion to be helped.

3.         The Christian who is willing to say “I was wrong. I’m sorry.”

4.         The Christian who, when faced with temptation, prays “God, you know I want this. But I want you MORE!”

5.         The Christian who puts God’s business above any other.

6.         The Christian who commits him or herself totally to a project and gives credit for its success not to themselves, but to those others who've helped make it possible.

7.         The Christian who has a ready smile, a listening ear, and a pat on the back for others.

8.         The Christian who takes their children to church, rather than just sending them.

9.         The Christian who gives money, time, and work to Christ through their church, without thought of return.

10.       The Christian who sees their own faults before they see the faults of others.”

[--Modified from a 1989 newsletter article from Fayetteville First UMC, Fayetteville, GA]

May these words challenge each of us to practice what it truly means to follow Christ!  Remember that God loves you and I do, too!

Psalm of Single-Mindedness

“Investigate my life, O God; get all the facts firsthand. I'm an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking.”  (Psalm 139:1-2, THE MESSAGE)

 

 “Lord of reality, make me real…

not plastic, synthetic, pretend, phony,

an actor playing out his part -- a hypocrite.

 I don’t want to keep a prayer list... but to pray;

 Nor to agonize to find your will...

but to obey what I already know;

 To argue theories of inspiration... but to submit to your Word.

 I don’t want to explain the difference between

eros and philos and agape... but to love.

 I don’t want to sing as if I mean it... but to mean it.

 I don’t want to tell it like it is... but to be like You want it.

 I don’t want to think another needs me...

but to know that I need You, O God --

or else I’m not complete.

 I don’t want to tell others how to do it... but to do it;

 I don’t want to always have to be right...

but to admit when I’m wrong.

 I don’t want to be a census taker... but an obstetrician;

            not just an involved person, a professional... but a friend.

 I don’t want to be insensitive...

but to hurt where other people hurt;

nor to say I know how you feel,... but to say God knows.

 And I’ll try if you’ll be patient with me

and meanwhile I’ll be quiet.

 I don’t want to scorn the clichés of others...

but to mean everything I say...

 Including this.”

 

[--Written by Joseph Bayly, from his book Psalms of My Life (Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House, 1969)]

What great words and thoughts to ponder, pray, and practice!  I hope they will describe your life, even as I am working on them describing mine!  Remember that God loves you and I do, too!

Hospitality 101

“Welcome each other, in the same way that Christ welcomed you, for God’s glory.” (Romans 15:7)

Each late summer and Fall as children and teachers head back to school, it’s always the time when people start visiting churches again.  Here at East Cobb UMC, on any given Sunday, for the next few months, we’ll have an average of 2-3 first-timers and between 8-10 regular guests worshiping with us each and every Sunday.  

It’s therefore most important that we all be extra conscious not only of the presence of our guests, but also of the needs they might be bringing with them.  We may or may not see the outward, physical needs that bring them here:  a recent change in their life like a move, a divorce or separation, or a death in their family; “no longer getting fed by my current church”; “just looking around”; etc.

What we almost will never see or hear about (at least at first) are the deep inner, spiritual needs that actually motivated them to “try us out” in the first place:   their search to make sense out of a tragedy that happened in their lives;  a search for meaning and purpose and “more” than what their life currently offers;  a desire for more than “pat” answers to complex life issues.  And sometimes these inner needs are not even known to our guests themselves -- they think they’re visiting us for one reason, but God knows that their real need is something different!

This is why it’s essential that we be extra sensitive during this season to not only the presence of our visitors/guests, but of their need for us to offer to be a true community with and for them.  Recently I ran across an article by Jessicah Krey Duckworth that encourages churches to focus on at least three priorities in welcoming newcomers:

            #1 - LISTEN to the newcomer’s questions -- some may be trivial, some very weighty, some may be practical, and some  deeply theological, but by listening, we’ll gain their respect and show that we truly care about them.

            #2 - FACILITATE the newcomer’s participation in church ministries and programs alongside existing members -- when guests are invited and encouraged to participate in this way, they feel a part of our community, and it connects them to us, and us to them, in a truly relational way.

            #3  - Help the newcomer to learn the CULTURE & WAYS of doing things in our church -- every church has some unique things about it: what it does; how it does them; and why.  Helping guests learn these not only includes them as part of our current reality of ministry but helps them feel an integral part of something important.

            [--Taken from Jessicah Krey Duckworth’s article “Welcoming Newcomers to Your Congregation” in the 7-31-13 online issue of Leading Ideas cited from HERE] 

So, as you see guests and newcomers in worship and around our facilities the next few months, I pray that you’ll take time to LISTEN, to FACILITATE, and to help others learn our CULTURE & WAYS.  How hospitable are you????  Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

I Must Tell Jesus

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ... who 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 1:3-4)

Far too many of us carry burdens and cares of life unnecessarily.  It's not our fault, really -- most of us have just grown up in a culture that teaches us to try and "make it" on our own... pulling ourselves up by our own "bootstraps," being independent and self-sufficient.  We're taught (consciously and not) that it's a sign of "weakness" to ask for help... whether it's help from others (like from a friend, family member, pastor, Stephen Minister, counselor, etc.), or even from God Himself.

And yet, how many of us have ever really found relief from burdens and cares all by ourselves? If we're honest, I'd say very, very few ever have (if any at all).  Freedom and release is only truly found when we honestly share our burdens with safe people and with God.

Back in 1893, Elisha A. Hoffman wrote the words to this now-famous hymn that captures well what will truly help us...

            "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.

            Refrain:  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. (Refrain)

            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. (Refrain)

            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. (Refrain)”

[--Lyrics by Elisha A. Hoffman (1893), cited in www.hymnlyrics.org/lyricsi/i_must_tell_jesus.html ]

Whatever it is that you're burdened by today, I invite you first to talk to Jesus about it in your prayer life.  Honestly admit to him your struggle.  Then allow his strength to give you courage to share it honestly and confidentially with a safe person of faith around you, so that God can use them to bring you hope and healing!  Always remember that God loves you and I do, too!