Be Still My Soul - Hope In the Midst of Congregational Loss

 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”     (Psalms 34:18)

 “’Be still and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge’ Selah” (Psalms 46:10-11)

Over the last three months, we as a church family have faced an unusually challenging and traumatic season in which we have lost nine of our members to death.  While we certainly celebrate their homecoming resurrection in heaven, they will be sorely missed by us here on earth. 

As part of this, I am also fully aware of how these consecutive losses have taken an emotional toll on each of us both as individual church members and friends, and as a congregation as a whole.

Yet, even in the midst of these heartbreaking losses, I wanted to offer not only the two scriptures above (from Psalm 34 and Psalm 46) but also to offer the lyrics of a famous Christian hymn that I hope will provide to each (and all) of us an invitation to -- and source for -- courage and hope in this difficult season.

In 1899, hymnwriter Jean Sibelius read the lyrics of a poem by Katharina von Schlegel from a century earlier and was led to set them to a famous tune that ended up creating one of the most enduring Christian hymns – one that we still sing today:

“Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side;

bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;

leave to thy God to order and provide;

in every change He faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend

through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

 

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake

to guide the future as He has the past.

Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;

all now mysterious shall be bright at last.

Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know

His voice, who ruled them while He dwelt below.

 

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,

and all is darkened in the veil of tears,

then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,

who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.

Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay

from His own fullness all He takes away.

 

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on

when we shall be forever with the Lord,

when disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,

sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.

Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past,

all safe and blessed we shall meet at last.”

[--Words by Katharina von Schlegel (1752), Tune “Finlandia” by Jean Sibelius (1899), found in The United Methodist Hymnal #534]

May each of our souls “be still and know" that God is with us through all the losses we’ve experienced lately.  May we remember that the Lord is “close to the brokenhearted” (us!) and that – as the hymn says -- “in every change He faithful will remain!”  

Whatever loss, change or transition you are facing today, I invite you to join me in trusting that God is with you and with us all!  Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

What's YOUR "Wrap"?

In my March 19, 2023 sermon, I used the encounter with Jesus in the story of him raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:32-45) to talk about the various things that "wrap us up" and keep us from being who God wants us to be.  What you find below is the content of the "What's Your Wrap?" handout that I provided for in-person worshippers to complete that day.  

As you read this online, I invite you either to print this post out and then to circle (or separately to write down) the item(s) you feel are binding you up in your life... things that are keeping you from being the person that God wants you to be.  So, what is it that you are "wrapped up" by?

☹ Stress and Worry? ...About your job, family, marriage, children, finances, friendships, etc.

☹ Fear? ...Of failure, illness, success, loneliness, the unknown, the future, the present, the past

☹ Memories? ...Painful memories of tragedies, personal mistakes, or hurt caused by others

☹ Harmful, Unhealthy Attitudes? ...Such as anger, bitterness, apathy, unforgiveness, un-dealt-with grief, etc.

☹ Illness or sickness? ...Is it a chronic illness or medical issue that is preventing you from reaching your potential for God?

☹ Grief? ...Is grief over the loss of a loved one, friend, job, marriage, or even a pet hindering your walk with God? 

☹ Destructive, Unhealthy Behaviors? ...Bad habits and/or addictions to things like smoking, abusive drinking of alcohol, drugs, pornography / sexual addiction, gambling, overeating

☹ Selfishness? ...Which can include pride/arrogance (too high a view of ourselves = a refusal to allow God to keep us humble), low self-esteem (too low a view of ourselves = a refusal to see ourselves as God’s sees us, as His child), materialism (too attached to “things”) and  perfectionism (setting standards for ourselves or others too high)

☹ Smugness/comfortableness ? The mentality “it’s the way I’ve always done things” and “it’s just the way I am” can sometimes reveal that our own comfort is more important than the doing of God’s will and God’s way

☹ Prejudice and/or Jealousy? ...Towards people or persons who look, dress, act, or think differently than you.  If followed to their ultimate end, these can lead to hate and violence

☹ Other? _______________________________________________________________ 

After you've circled or written down the item(s) you feel have gotten you "all wrapped up," at some appropriate time, take them outside and burn the paper as a sign that you're committing them to God for Him to bring about healing and resurrection in your life.

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

Encounters with Jesus in the Gospel of John

“Encounter: to experience, be faced with, or meet someone or something unexpectedly.” Life is often full of encounters that leave their negative mark on the remainder of our earthly lives – accidents; sickness; unemployment; loss of a loved one; and so on.  But an encounter with Jesus is something positive that can impact and change our lives for the better, for now and forever.  

Join Pastor Brian during the Christian season of Lent (February 26 - April 2) as he explores how five encounters with Jesus in the past can change us in the present and for the future, as well!

● February 26 – When the Wine Runs Out (John 2:1-11)

        Discovering God’s abundance from Jesus at a wedding encounter

● March 5 – Four Great Wonders (John 3:1-4, 10-17)

            Unpacking the greatest Bible passage from Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus

● March 12 – The Forgotten Water Jar (John 4:7-30)

            Discovering rearranged priorities from an encounter with Jesus

● March 19 – All Wrapped Up (John 11:32-45)

            Discovering new life from Jesus in an encounter with death

● March 26 – (Passiontide Music Celebration – One combined service at 11am)

● April 2 (Palm/Passion Sunday) – The Meaning of the Cross (John 19:16-30)

            Learning the meaning of the cross of Jesus from those who first encountered it

● April 9 (Easter; not technically part of the series, but still preached from John) –

            Running on Empty (John 20:1-9)

            Learning to live life not on empty, but on the power of empty

 

State of the Church Report

Cornerstone UMC, 2022

 “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 “2022 End-of-Year Report” to the North Georgia Annual Conference, I thought you might be interested in what I consider to be some of the highlights for Cornerstone UMC (percentages represent growth since the previous year):

• Total number of new members in 2022: 14 (+180%)

• New members joining in 2022 by profession or reaffirmation of Christian faith: 4 (+33%)

• Number of persons baptized (all ages): 2 (+100%)

• Net growth of CUMC church membership in 2022: +6 (+1%)

• Church membership as of December 31, 2022: 1084

• Average attendance for all worship services during 2022 (in-person & online): 297 (27% of membership)

• Average attendance in all Sunday School classes and small groups during 2022: 65 (+10%)

• Number of participants at children’s Vacation Bible School:  125 (+4%)

• CUMC diversity: percentage of membership not from white/Caucasian ethnicity:  2.3% (+0.5%) 

• Number of persons engaged in mission/community ministries: 70 (+100%)

• Number of persons served by community ministries of outreach, justice and mercy: 975 

• Total number of family units financially supporting our church’s mission and ministry: 208 (+8%)

• Total income received for ministry budget:  $571,664 

• Total amount received for special offerings: $5,005 

• Amount spent in 2022 on program ministry and operational expenses (excludes salaries):

$119,775 (+13%)

• Amount given during 2022 for local, state, and world mission ministry: $58,827 (+12%)

• Current value of all church-owned buildings & property:  $2,304.291 

• Principal and interest paid on indebtedness: $25,476 

• Debt remaining on current physical buildings & assets: $342,865

As you can see, the statistics reveal that -- after a challenging year 2021 -- not only have we stabilized, but that we’re once again starting to show signs of new growth in many areas, with more things still to come in 2023.  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!  Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

Prayer for Justice in Response to Gun Violence and Racism

In response to news of continued gun violence (this time in California) and of the recent racist brutality towards Tyre Nichols in Memphis, TN (regardless of the color of the perpetrators), this past Sunday I wrote and shared the following Spirit-inspired words as part of my Pastoral Prayer in worship.  I share it with you in the hopes that you will pray it for yourself, as I will be doing for myself, as well:

“O Lord, seeing the events in the news from this past week, we are reminded of the fact that we live in a broken, fallen world -- a world of violence, racism, selfishness, division, and injustice.

In the words of Isaiah 6:5, ‘Woe are we! We are lost, for we are a people of unclean lips, and we live among a people of unclean lips’   Forgive us, God, for the part or parts that we have played -- either consciously or unconsciously -- either in bringing such a world into existence, or even in allowing such a world to continue.

Yet, we also affirm Isaiah’s words at the end of that verse, as well, when he said ‘yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!.’  For we as your people know that you sent your son Jesus into our broken, fallen world, to offer forgiveness and redemption for all the shortcomings both of ourselves and those in our world, but also to empower us with your Holy Spirit, so that we can make a difference in helping our world to be, and become, a better place for all persons.

So, give us grace, discernment, patience, a spirit of peace, and an open heart to hear what you would have us say and do to bring about your kingdom on this earth today -- a kingdom characterized by justice, righteousness, and equity for all people.  Thank you for your love, and for allowing us to be the vessels by and through which your salvation and peace is brought to all.

In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.”

 

 

Christianity the Wesleyan Way

What’s so special about “being a Methodist”? Aren’t we supposed to just be “Christian”? How does Methodist Christianity address today’s culture in uniquely relevant ways? These are a few of the questions we'll address in a new six-part worship series called “Christianity the Wesleyan Way.” 

Offered each Sunday, January 8 - February 12, 2023, you’re invited to rediscover the difference that the practice of Wesleyan Christianity can make not only in your life but in the life of those around you. 

● January 8:  Journeying With John Wesley (Romans 3:21-26)

Discover how John Wesley and the early Methodists impacted the world with the gospel

● January 15: Catholic Spirit (John 17:20-23)

Learn what Wesleyan Christianity shares in common with other Christian traditions

● January 22: The Scripture Way to Salvation (Ephesians 2:1-10)

Explore the unique beliefs of Wesleyan Christianity

● January 29: Practical Divinity (1 Timothy 4:6-11,15-16)

Explore the unique practices of Wesleyan Christianity

● February 5: Connected to Christ (Acts 2:43-47)

            Learn ways United Methodist Christianity connects us both to Christ and each other

● February 12: The Heart of It All (1 Corinthians 13:1-13)

            The Sunday before Valentine's Day, we'll be reminded of the central focus and practice of our faith (and of Methodist Christianity)

Don't forget that God loves you, and I do, too!

New Year's Gift

"If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

“In your hand has been placed a priceless gift. Look at it closely. There is no price maker stamped on it. It cannot be weighed, because no scale can balance its value. A king's ransom in comparison is as nothing yet it is given to beggar and prince alike. The giver asks only that it be used wisely and well.

This jewel, rare and unique, is not displayed in any shop window. It cannot be purchased, cannot be sold. No other treasure holds the possibilities this gift offers -- none can surpass its golden splendor.

Of all gifts, this is one of the most precious. It has been offered many times before; today, from the depths of a limitless love it will be given again. It will be left to you to find the golden thread running through it. Only with great care will the jewel retain its luster. Carelessness, ingratitude and selfishness will tarnish the brilliance, break the unspoiled thread, mar the perfection.

Guard it closely, lest through weak fingers it slip from the hand. Look often at its faultless beauty. Accept it as it is offered from the heart of the giver. Consider it is the most treasured of possessions, for of all gifts it is by far the greatest. It is the gift of the New Year.”
           [--Cited from timothyreport.com,  December 27, 2004]

As we begin a new year, I hope and pray that you will keep and use each moment for God’s glory.  If you’ve gotten out of the habit of weekly worship, now’s an excellent time to start back!

So, I hope you'll be in worship this new year, whether in person or online!  Remember, God loves you and I do, too!!

Our Presents - Jesus' Presence

“And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen His glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

A Prayer for the Opening of Christmas Gifts

“O Great Giver of all good gifts, make these beautifully packages and their contents more for us than simply objects and possessions.

Open our eyes… that we may see in these gifts the love and care that you have given us to share with one another. Grant that the sentiments behind every gift might be truly appreciated, and that our ‘Thank yous’ might be genuine.

Open our eyes… that these gifts might, in some small way, remind us of the many gifts you offer to us every day – food and family, clothes and shelter, employment and recreation, life and love.

Oen our eyes… that we may see in each of these gifts a tiny reflection of the greatest Christmas gift of all – the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.”

[-From the brochure “Jesus Presence; Our Presents” by Creative Communications for the Parish (St. Louis, MO) © 1993]

As you open (or have opened) the Christmas gifts of your household, may the joy of this day be yours, and may your gifts always bring to mind a recollection of God’s greatest gift to you and me… the baby Jesus! Remember, God loves you and I do, too! Merry Christmas!

Mary's Dream

"Mary treasured all these words [of the Shepherds] and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)

“I had a strange dream, Joseph. I'm not sure, but I think it was about a birthday for our son. The people had been preparing for it for six weeks by decorating the house and buying new clothes. They'd gone shopping many times and bought elaborate gifts. It was peculiar, though, because the presents weren't for our Son. They were wrapped in beautiful paper and tied with lovely bows and stacked under trees. Yes, Joseph, a tree, right in their house -- with branches decorated and full of glowing balls and sparkling ornaments. And there was a figure on the top of the tree -- an angel I think.

Everyone was laughing and happy and all excited about the gifts, and they gave the gifts to each other, Joseph, not to our Son. I don't think they even knew Him. They never mentioned His name. Doesn't it seem odd for people to go to all that trouble to celebrate someone's birthday if they don't know Him? I had the strangest feeling that if our Son had gone to this celebration, He would have been intruding. Everything was so beautiful, Joseph, and everyone so happy, but it made me want to cry. How sad for Jesus -- not to be wanted at His own birthday party. I'm glad it was only a dream, though. How terrible, Joseph, if it had been real.”  [–by Lloyd D. Lance]

As we prepare for Christmas, I encourage us not to get so caught up in all the consumerism, partying, and family get togethers that we forget Jesus as the real “reason for the season”!

Instead, invite your friends and family to join you in participating in the special activities and services of our church that are designed to help us focus on the one who’s birth is the reason why we celebrate in the first place. 

Don’t forget our two services on Christmas Eve (4:30pm and 6:30pm), a brief service of scripture and music on at 9am on Christmas Day, and one service at 11am on New Year’s Day with the chance to celebrate Holy Communion and the reaffirmation of your baptism.

Whatever you choose to participate in, let it be some of the ways that you celebrate the true reason for the season.  And always remember that God loves you and do, too!

The UN-Christmas

Each year, too often it seems that many of us get so caught up in the hustle and bustle that we can’t really enjoy the holiday season.  We stress about what to buy, what to wear, which parties to attend, and will be able to pay for it all next month!  We add even more activity on top of already packed schedules, compare ourselves to what others are doing, and then wonder why we are more stressed and depressed than at any other time of year.

Yet, if we look beyond the secular hustle and bustle, we’ll find that the Advent and Christmas seasons -- truly understood -- actually confront us with spiritual realities which challenge our assumptions about how to find ultimate meaning and hope in life. 

So this season, join Pastor Brian November 27 - December 18 on a spiritual journey as together we discover and unwrap the unexpected "gifts" God offers us through his son Jesus in a new series called "The UN-Christmas."  Discover how the true meaning of Christmas is actually counter to what's advertised in stores and on social media.  Best of all, discover the ultimate meaning and hope that God alone can provide during this holiday!

Thankful "Leaves"

 “Always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20)

Today in worship (November 20), our in-person and online worshippers had the opportunity to share things that they were thankful for. There were over 100 of these shared either digitally or on our “Thankful Trees”, and over 80 gave permission for me to share with you here the essence of the unique items that were written.  Note that the list below doesn’t repeat duplicates, they are in no particular order, and that in order to protect confidentiality, I deleted any references to specific names.

If what you are thankful for is not listed below, then be sure to express thanksgiving in your own way.  In the meantime, join myself and the members of Cornerstone UMC in saying thank you to God for…

My family and that I am able to be therefor them when they need me

Life

Family

Health

Church

Shelter

Mom & Dad

School

Friends

Teachers

My grandchildren

For God’s mercy and love

My (wonderful) husband

Faith

My life

All the little things that matter

My students

Work

Home

Freedom

The peace of God that passes all understanding (and calms my anxiety)

Birds – all of nature

My pets

God’s love and stability

Love

The love of God

Jesus!

God’s faithfulness and provision

My loving wife

My parents that raised us in a Christian home

My choir

Music

Singing

God’s goodness, provision, and perfect timing

Children

USA

Our Republic

My Pastor and his wife

Daughter

All the plenty God has provided

Food on the table

Kindergarten students

Grace

Rest

Coworkers

My joy

Supportive Boss

Random acts of kindness that remind us of the good in the world

Healthy mind and body

Thankful for the many years with my spouse

My relationship with Christ

Daily provisions

The abundance we have that enables giving to others

The happiness and joy the bell choir gives me

Being alive

Being able to take care of dad

Indoor plumbing

God’s love, grace and mercy

Life of new great grandson

For being able to worship

My two sons: one in heaven; one here

All that God has given me

The blessings God has poured out on me and my family

Always having food and shelter

For togetherness with friends and family

Retirement

Employment

God

For needs met

The rain, the seasons, the beauty in God’s world

The unexpected blessings

Medical professionals

My years of life

Bible study

Worship time

Family of believers

Missions

Peace

Cats

Everything God has done for me

Ability to travel

Sports

Pets

Freedom to worship in public

Thank you, Lord, for each of these persons and/or things!  We bless you for your bounty and goodness!

 

(NOTE: to read a list of the things I as your Pastor am thankful for, click HERE)

What I'm Thankful For

 “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

This past year I have had much to give God thanks for -- here are just a few.  I am thankful...

...for a wife, Trish, who models the love of God by loving me just as I am, warts and all!

...for our daughter Jennifer, who makes Trish and I proud, not only because of what she does but more importantly because of who she is and the beautiful woman of God she’s become.

…for our son-in-law Zach, who we are proud to call “son” because of the good husband he is for our daughter, and the great father he is for our grandchildren.

…for our granddaughter Hannah who is full of passion for life, compassion for others, and a bubbly spirit at nearly age 8.

...for our granddaughter Hayleigh, who is full of energy, excitement and curiosity about the new world that she is discovering at age 2 1/2. 

...for parents who raised me in church to love, understand, and eventually follow the ways of God.

...for a church family who loves, supports, and prays for both my family and myself daily.

...for all of my fellow staff members – Janet, Andy, Cindy R, Cindy J, Dianna, Dale, Thomas, Rachel, and Nina -- who, together with me, share in the cause and work of Christ through our church.

…for church members who love me in spite of the fact that we sometimes “go over” in Sunday worship due to long-winded preaching!

...for Sunday School, "Disciple" Bible study, and small group facilitators and leaders who live out their faith in the selfless way they teach and/or lead.

...for committee and ministry team chairpersons and members who give “above and beyond” to the work of Christ through their participation in and leadership of our church’s ministries.

...for the “behind-the-scenes” members of our A/V, greeter, usher, and Holy Communion ministries in the essential work that they do.

...for the members of our worship team, adult choir, handbell choir, and children’s choir for the blessing and inspiration they share through their music.

…for the staff of our church nursery who give tirelessly of themselves to make sure our children are safe and happy.

…for the staff and teachers of our Cornerstone Kids Preschool, in keeping us in touch with the needs of the community that we are called to serve.

...for church members who roll up their sleeves and pitch in to be part of "the answer," rather than whining about what someone else is not doing to fix "the problem."

...for church members and friends who are willing to make God a priority through their regular financial giving to His church.

...for fellow Christians who’re willing to step outside themselves by participating in serving and/or sharing ministries both locally, nationally, and overseas.

…most importantly, for God who gave his son for me to give me forgiveness and salvation when I didn’t deserve it, and for giving me life and hope in the midst of a hectic and mixed up world!

Of course, there’s many, many more, but have you “counted your blessings” lately?  When you do, I’m sure you’ll find that, like me, you have many things for which to “give thanks.”  This Thanksgiving holiday and for the entire month of November, I invite you to join me in striving to live out our thankfulness!  Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR???

I Sing A Song of the Saints of God

 “To the church of God that is in... [Coweta County], to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints...” (1 Corinthians 1:2)

“I sing a song of the saints of 

      God, patient and brave 

      and true,

 Who toiled and fought and lived 

     and died for the Lord they

     loved and knew;

 And one was a doctor, and one was a queen, and one was a shepherdess on the green;

 They were all of them saints of God, and I mean, God helping, to be one too.

 

They loved their Lord so dear, so dear, and his love made them strong;

They followed right for Jesus' sake the whole of their good lives' long.

And one was a soldier, and one was a priest, and one was slain by a fierce wild beast;

And there's not any reason, no, not the least, why I shouldn't be one too.

 

They lived not only in ages past; there are hundreds of thousands still.

The world is bright with the joyous saints who love to do Jesus' will.

You can meet them in school, on the street, in the store,

In church, by the sea, in the house next door;

They are saints of God, whether rich or poor, and I mean to be one too."

            [--Words by Lesbia Scott, from the United Methodist Hymnal, #712]

Today (November 1^st) is “All Saints Day” -- a day for God’s people to celebrate and remember the lives of all God’s “saints”:  those living now who call Jesus their Savior; and those who’ve gone on to be with the Lord this past year. 

So, this coming Sunday as we remember and celebrate the “saints” of our church and the “saints” of our lives who’ve gone to be with the Lord since All-Saints Day last year, my prayer is that those of us who remain here will learn from the example of the “saints who’ve gone before” how to be people who live by the call of Christ. 

In the words of the hymn, “I mean to be one, too.”  Will you?  Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

2022 "Get to Know Us" Pastor's Survey Results

 “Please give your servant a discerning mind in order to govern your people and to distinguish good from evil, because no one is able to govern this important people of yours without your help.” (1 Kings 3:9, CEB)

Shortly after I arrived in July of this year, many of you will remember that I invited you as a congregation to complete a “Get to Know Us Pastor’s Survey” in which I asked four simple yet important questions to help me be better able to understand the values, priorities and potential Vision that you as our church family feel are important.

Thank you to the 59 of you who filled these out (35 digitally; 24 via paper)!  With all of my other priorities as a new pastor, I unfortunately wasn’t able to sort through all of them as quickly as I would have hoped.  However, I have now finally finished that process, and I am pleased to be able to share with you a summary of the top numerical results (NOTE: because of ties, the summary results below differ in number for each question)…

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Question #1: If there’s one thing you hope NEVER changes about Cornerstone UMC, what would it be? (top 4 results…)

1)  The close intimacy, friendliness and care of and among our church family/fellowship

2) Our focus on mission to/with our community and world

3, tie) Our focus on loving and welcoming ALL people (hospitality)

3, tie) Our great music ministry (including our choirs, praise band, children’s music, handbells, etc.)

4, tie) Our sharing of the gospel with our community and being a place where people find Christ

4, tie) That we offer traditional-style worship

4, tie)  Maintaining/offering two separate/unique services

 

Question #2:  If you could wave a magic wand and CHANGE any one thing about Cornerstone UMC, what would it be? (top 4 results…)

1, tie) Become a more diverse and inclusive church (better hospitality)

1, tie) Become a more compassionate, family-oriented church (more intentional fellowship opportunities, like fellowship meals)

2) Go back to having one combined & blended worship service

3) Facility additions and/or upgrades (including a new sanctuary, steeple, and renovation of existing spaces)

4) Growing our ministries with children, youth and families

(Of note: my favorite response from one of you for this question was… “Me!”)

 

Question #3:  As we share the gospel of Jesus in our community and world, what do you feel should be the PRIMARY VISION of Cornerstone UMC for the next 5 years? (top 5 results…)

1) Offer more outreach ministry and events that are open to/with/reaching our community (like ministry with community retirees; more marketing for GriefShare; offering ministry to/among the community vs. waiting for them to come to us; “meet people where they are”)

2) Focus on growing our ministry to/with children and youth

3) Focus on becoming more welcoming and diverse (“radical hospitality”)

4) Grow our compassion/care and mission ministries with our community and world

5) More intentional opportunities/ministries for fellowship and congregational care

 

Question #4:  What’s the best piece of ADVICE you could give Brian as our new Pastor? (top 3 results…)

1, tie) Listen (to all perspectives; “listen to understand, not to respond”)

1, tie) Prioritize pastoral care (including membership visitation)

2) Keep up the good work doing what you’re doing so far

3, tie) Be Jesus to the congregation /be visible to them

3, tie) Don’t show favoritism towards groups over one another (RE worship styles, opinions, ages, etc; Also, don’t allow one group to dominate over the others)

3, tie) Communicate/share information (including having transparency in decisions)

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While space didn’t permit me to share the detailed, raw inputs with you in this article (nor would most of you have wanted to sort through all 15 pages!), nevertheless you can access that raw data HERE if you want/desire.

Please know that in addition to your inputs guiding me in my leadership, our church leadership also be using those inputs in our Visioning process that we’ll begin in 2023.

Again, thankyou to all who completed one of these surveys – the information is invaluable to me and your church leadership as I/we pray about how to best lead and guide our church into its future through the power of the Holy Spirit. Always remember that God loves you and I do, too!

10 Keys to True Security

"Set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them." (Psalms 62:10)

In today's world, we tend to put our trust in all kinds of things: money, possessions, 401-Ks, our national military or economic might, and even in our families and friends. Yet, good and necessary though they all are, none of them -- in the end -- offer ultimate security and hope in our lives or in our world.

Instead, the Bible teaches a variety of principles to find, offer, and gain true security and hope. Here are a few of those:

1. Learn to value eternal rewards over temporal riches  (Matthew 6:20 & 33)

2. Work hard with a servant spirit  (Exodus 34:21; Matthew 20:26)

3. Worship faithfully, giving your “first fruits / tithe” (your first 10%, rather than your left-overs) to God’s work through His church  (Exodus 34:26; Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 3:10)

4. As God blesses you, learn to give sacrificial “offerings” (anything in addition to and above the tithe) to other worthy causes (Mark 12:44; Luke 21:4)

5. Save consistently (try to save at least 10% each pay period)  (Proverbs 21:5, 20)

6. Avoid / get out of debt by spending less than you earn – pay off your credit cards, and do not carry a balance (Romans 13:8; Proverbs 22:7)

7. Remember that you are a Steward of what you have (not an Owner), and practice consulting your heavenly Father’s will on every financial decision (Psalm 24:1)

8. Learn to be content with what you have, finding peace in God’s promises and presence, rather than in the need for more “stuff” (Hebrews 13:5-6)

9. Believe that God your Father will provide for your daily needs (Matthew 6:11; Philippians 4:19)

10. Be compassionate and generous with what you have, especially towards the poor and needy (Proverbs 11:25; Acts 20:35)

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

Keys the Treasure

“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)

• What do you most want to be investing your life in?

• What are you actually investing it in?

Your honest answer to these questions may be a surprise. Often we think that our treasure (our time, talents, energy, and money) follows our hearts and passions. But in the scripture above, Jesus suggested just the opposite – that whatever and wherever we invest our treasure, our hearts will follow after that.

Many of us feel a sense of tension about our lives and our finances. We want to give our lives to our church, our family, our God. Instead, our hearts follow our debts, our bills, our jobs, and often we don’t even realize it. We are left feeling stretched, conflicted, and empty.

As a result, what we often fail to consider is how much our view and use of treasure affects our heart. It’s true that “treasure” involves more than money. But money IS a big part of the problem in many of our lives. Whether we’re in plenty or in want, money has a direct connection to our stress level, our anxiety, and the health of our relationships.

It’s no wonder, then, that Jesus talked about the relationship between our treasure and our hearts. And because he cared so much about our hearts, he therefore talked about what we do with our treasure.

Consequently, each Sunday October 16-30, in a new worship series called “Keys to the Treasure,” we’ll explore Jesus’ teachings about treasure, and how a proper understanding and use of it can help us not only find security in an uncertain world, but can also unlock a vital relationship with God.

Then, at our combined, blended fifth Sunday worship service at 11:00am on October 30 (“Celebration Sunday”), we’ll have the chance to make personal investments of our God-provided treasure for the coming year through our church by the sharing of either a physical or online commitment. It’s my prayer that, at the end of these three weeks, we’ll all have a better awareness not only of what we invest our lives in, but also of how we can do a better job making God our ultimate treasure through our living and our giving.

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