What a joy it is to celebrate Christmas with you. The Advent season has been one filled with great joy and blessing shared with you. I look around our church and into the eyes of the people and see our faith growing and deepening together. We have had a tremendous year in ministry and mission. We have "Embraced our Heritage" and begun "building our future" in exciting ways. This Fall, 5 Disciple Bible studies took place where people grew in their understanding of God's Word. Missions continued to make a difference in the lives of people serving food, providing material assistance and helping other churches, all in Jesus' name. Our youth ministry has more than doubled in size this year and they have grown deeper in their discipleship. Worship has been a powerful experience each week all year for me and I trust for you as well.
This year we moved forward together to build our future through the Wesley Center, making space for ministry to happen in the decades to come. You responded to all these positive life-changing possibilities with great generosity.
Join with me in praising God for your faithfulness in giving this year. We paid 100% of our missional committments beyond our church. Through what we call apportionments, you supported college campus ministry, scholarships, missions in Africa, missions at home and more. You went above and beyond by also giving to "Fair Share Goals" which are not expected every year. Your giving supported Lakeview Camp, Lon Morris College, and others. On top of all of this, your general giving of course made possible the ministries I mentioned already and we completed the first of a three year pledge campaign to build Wesley Center. We met our general budget, fulfilled these missional apportionment committments and are on track with our Wesley Center committments 1/3 of the way.
Only you know where you are on your personal giving committments for the year 2009. Time still remains for you to fulfill what you feel led to give for this year. If you would like to give for the year 2009 for tax purposes, please mail or bring by your gift before the end of the year. I thank God for your faithfulness and for what He has done in and through us.
Love All. That is the last of the four values for Advent that I lift up this week of Christmas. While that little phrase may sound sentimental and simple, it means so much more. To love all is to take seriously the love of God for all people. In Jesus Christ His only Son, God demonstrated His boundless love for every person for all of time. Young and old, rich and poor, black, white or brown, God loves us all.
Being loved like this causes me to pause this Christmas and gulp pretty seriously and look at others in a new way. Why? Because I'm aware more than ever, that God looks at me with nothing but love and invites me to come to Him and receive the gift of new life in Jesus Christ. Of all the gifts we receive this Christmas, may that gift take first place in our hearts.
Merry Christmas to you all,
Tommy
Monday, December 21, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Give More
Last Sunday in worship was a glorious day of music. The Chancel Choir, with Jim Lazenby's leadership, was a blessing to us all. I know God was pleased by such an offering of praise and worship. I'm grateful to God for Jim, for Jackie Fultz, our organist/pianist, for Shalane Wesley for stepping in on the drums, for the soloists and the whole group. The choir loft was full and the sound was even more full.
This Sunday we'll continue with great music as we enjoy our children's choir leading us in worship in addition to more music from the Chancel Choir.
This week the value I want to lift up for the Advent season is Give More.
First we must understand that to give more this Christmas does not necessarily mean quantity or the amount of stuff one gives. Giving more means giving more fully of ourselves to God through worship, gift-giving, through relationships with family and friends.
In this way, we can all give more.
One of the most common struggles we human beings have is the "just enough" syndrome I'll call it. You know what I mean. We do just enough to get by. We come to worship just enough to feel like we've been. We call or write our loved one just enough or we say just enough or we give just enough to feel temporarily satisfied with our offering. We rarely empty ourselves totally for God or others.
At Christmas God gave Himself fully for us. He didn't hold back, hedge, offer just enough, He gave it all, He gave us His only Son. What would happen if we gave more this Christmas? What if we chose to write a letter to a loved one and poured ourselves out? What if we gave more by saying "thank you" and "I love you" to those who need to hear that from us? What if we gave more of our resources to the ministry of the church to close out the year right?
All of our giving is a faithful response to the God who gave us everything. What would it mean for you and me to give more this Christmas?
This Sunday we'll continue with great music as we enjoy our children's choir leading us in worship in addition to more music from the Chancel Choir.
This week the value I want to lift up for the Advent season is Give More.
First we must understand that to give more this Christmas does not necessarily mean quantity or the amount of stuff one gives. Giving more means giving more fully of ourselves to God through worship, gift-giving, through relationships with family and friends.
In this way, we can all give more.
One of the most common struggles we human beings have is the "just enough" syndrome I'll call it. You know what I mean. We do just enough to get by. We come to worship just enough to feel like we've been. We call or write our loved one just enough or we say just enough or we give just enough to feel temporarily satisfied with our offering. We rarely empty ourselves totally for God or others.
At Christmas God gave Himself fully for us. He didn't hold back, hedge, offer just enough, He gave it all, He gave us His only Son. What would happen if we gave more this Christmas? What if we chose to write a letter to a loved one and poured ourselves out? What if we gave more by saying "thank you" and "I love you" to those who need to hear that from us? What if we gave more of our resources to the ministry of the church to close out the year right?
All of our giving is a faithful response to the God who gave us everything. What would it mean for you and me to give more this Christmas?
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Spend Less
During the Advent season, I'm reflecting on four values with you in this newsletter column. They come from the "Advent Conspiracy" material we are studying in the Creed Young Adult Sunday school class.
Worship Fully
Spend Less
Give More
Love All
Last week I wrote about worshipping fully. This week is one of the harder ones...spend less. One would think that during this period of economic struggle in the country spending less would be easier. I'm curious to see if we spend the average of 3 billion dollars on Christmas gifts that we have as a nation in recent years.
It seems that we are slowly climbing out of the economic hole we are in right now. Interestingly one of the pieces of advice we hear to get the economic machine moving again is to spend. Spending gets the economy moving again, businesses profit, many through the economic food chain receive benefit from a spend-heavy Christmas season.
In personal terms, people's jobs stay relevant and therefore they keep their jobs and can support their families. Livelihood is at stake.
So what spiritual reason might we have for spending less this Advent? The authors of Advent Conspiracy suggest that what we spend our money on is sometimes frivolous and even wasteful. Rather than giving fewer presents but meaningful ones, we sometimes give with the thought that more is better. I agree with the authors that more is not always better. Most importantly, spending less allows the opportunity to give more, which I'll write about next week.
In short, the challenging but ultimately rewarding word is that God's economy might be asking of us something different than our economy might be this Christmas. Spending less could be an opportunity to give more of what truly matters. Let's pray together about this as we shop for Christmas this year.
Worship Fully
Spend Less
Give More
Love All
Last week I wrote about worshipping fully. This week is one of the harder ones...spend less. One would think that during this period of economic struggle in the country spending less would be easier. I'm curious to see if we spend the average of 3 billion dollars on Christmas gifts that we have as a nation in recent years.
It seems that we are slowly climbing out of the economic hole we are in right now. Interestingly one of the pieces of advice we hear to get the economic machine moving again is to spend. Spending gets the economy moving again, businesses profit, many through the economic food chain receive benefit from a spend-heavy Christmas season.
In personal terms, people's jobs stay relevant and therefore they keep their jobs and can support their families. Livelihood is at stake.
So what spiritual reason might we have for spending less this Advent? The authors of Advent Conspiracy suggest that what we spend our money on is sometimes frivolous and even wasteful. Rather than giving fewer presents but meaningful ones, we sometimes give with the thought that more is better. I agree with the authors that more is not always better. Most importantly, spending less allows the opportunity to give more, which I'll write about next week.
In short, the challenging but ultimately rewarding word is that God's economy might be asking of us something different than our economy might be this Christmas. Spending less could be an opportunity to give more of what truly matters. Let's pray together about this as we shop for Christmas this year.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Worship Fully
In this season of Advent I'm sharing with the Creed Sunday school class some study on something called "The Advent Conspiracy." This is a study that lifts up four values that I want to offer during these weeks of Advent with you in this space. They are to -
Worship fully
Spend less
Give more
Love all
To worship fully is to acknowlege that Christmas is about God's gift of Jesus to the world and the way we recognize that greatest of gift is through worship. If we don't make space and time to worship God fully, our Christmas is being spent worshipping something else be it stuff, shopping, food, toys, whatever. The point that the authors of Advent Conspiracy make is that we worship something the question is, is it Jesus? God gave to us in Jesus, what matters most, His presence. When we worship we give what matters most - our presence.
When we look at the Christmas story we see clearly that it is about worshipping the God made flesh in the Christ-child. Those who came to that manger long ago, worshipped. Lowly, grungy, common shepherds and three wise men. Some came with something in their hands (gold, frankencense, myrhh) but all brought themselves.
Let's bring our whole selves and worship God fully this Advent/Christmas season.
For more info about "Advent Conspiracy" check out the Tyler County Booster community newspaper this week and www.adventconspiracy.org
Worship fully
Spend less
Give more
Love all
To worship fully is to acknowlege that Christmas is about God's gift of Jesus to the world and the way we recognize that greatest of gift is through worship. If we don't make space and time to worship God fully, our Christmas is being spent worshipping something else be it stuff, shopping, food, toys, whatever. The point that the authors of Advent Conspiracy make is that we worship something the question is, is it Jesus? God gave to us in Jesus, what matters most, His presence. When we worship we give what matters most - our presence.
When we look at the Christmas story we see clearly that it is about worshipping the God made flesh in the Christ-child. Those who came to that manger long ago, worshipped. Lowly, grungy, common shepherds and three wise men. Some came with something in their hands (gold, frankencense, myrhh) but all brought themselves.
Let's bring our whole selves and worship God fully this Advent/Christmas season.
For more info about "Advent Conspiracy" check out the Tyler County Booster community newspaper this week and www.adventconspiracy.org
Monday, November 23, 2009
Confirmation video
Woodville UMC welcomed 6 youth into the family of faith this Sunday! Check out this confirmation video we showed in worship. It's about 7 minutes long and captures a bit of their journey this Fall. www.woodvilleumc.com
Giving thanks in all times
Give thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. - Ephesians 5:20
I want to share with you a Thanksgiving reflection here from the writings of Dr. Leonard Sweet, professor of preaching.
Back during the dark economic days of 1929, a group of ministers in the Northeast, all graduates of the Boston School of Theology, gathered to discuss how they should conduct their Thanksgiving Sunday services. Things were about as bad as they could get, with no sign of relief. The bread lines were depressingly long, the stock market had plummeted, and the term Great Depression seemed an apt description for the mood of the country. The ministers thought they should only lightly touch upon the subject of Thanksgiving in deference to the human misery all about them. After all, there wasn't much to be thankful for. But it was Dr. William L. Stiger, pastor of a large congregation in the city that rallied the group. This was not the time, he suggested, to give mere passing mention to Thanksgiving, just the opposite. This was the time for the nation to get matters in perspective and thank God for blessings always present, but perhaps suppressed due to intense hardship.
I suggest to you the ministers struck upon something. The most intense moments of thankfulness are not found in times of plenty, but when difficulties abound. Think of the Pilgrims that first Thanksgiving. Half their number dead, men without a country, but still there was thanksgiving to God. Their gratitude was not for something but in something. Their gratitude was rooted not in what they had but in who they were and in who God is. It was that same sense of gratitude that lead Abraham Lincoln to formally establish the first Thanksgiving Day in the midst of national civil war, when the butcher’s list of casualties seemed to have no end and the very nation struggled for survival.
Perhaps in your own life, right now, there is intense hardship. You are experiencing your own personal Great Depression. Why should you be thankful this day?
Dr. Leonard Sweet suggests three things. Reflect on these with me.
1. We must learn to be thankful or we become bitter.
2. We must learn to be thankful or we will become discouraged.
3. We must learn to be thankful or we will grow arrogant and self-satisfied.
Woodville UMC brothers and sisters, Christian disciples are grateful people yes because of blessings like family, friends, and community. However not everyone shares these blessings. Not everyone has a table with plenty of food this week. Many have an empty chair at their Thanksgiving table this week which used to hold a loved one who is gone. So we are a grateful people because Jesus says "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for rigtheousness, for they will be filled." What we have and what we lack is not the measure of our being a blessed people. We are a blessed people when we seek after Christ. We are blessed because we have been created by God, chosen in baptism and yearned after by the Holy Spirit.
Bethany and I count each of you a blessing. God bless your Thanksgiving!
I want to share with you a Thanksgiving reflection here from the writings of Dr. Leonard Sweet, professor of preaching.
Back during the dark economic days of 1929, a group of ministers in the Northeast, all graduates of the Boston School of Theology, gathered to discuss how they should conduct their Thanksgiving Sunday services. Things were about as bad as they could get, with no sign of relief. The bread lines were depressingly long, the stock market had plummeted, and the term Great Depression seemed an apt description for the mood of the country. The ministers thought they should only lightly touch upon the subject of Thanksgiving in deference to the human misery all about them. After all, there wasn't much to be thankful for. But it was Dr. William L. Stiger, pastor of a large congregation in the city that rallied the group. This was not the time, he suggested, to give mere passing mention to Thanksgiving, just the opposite. This was the time for the nation to get matters in perspective and thank God for blessings always present, but perhaps suppressed due to intense hardship.
I suggest to you the ministers struck upon something. The most intense moments of thankfulness are not found in times of plenty, but when difficulties abound. Think of the Pilgrims that first Thanksgiving. Half their number dead, men without a country, but still there was thanksgiving to God. Their gratitude was not for something but in something. Their gratitude was rooted not in what they had but in who they were and in who God is. It was that same sense of gratitude that lead Abraham Lincoln to formally establish the first Thanksgiving Day in the midst of national civil war, when the butcher’s list of casualties seemed to have no end and the very nation struggled for survival.
Perhaps in your own life, right now, there is intense hardship. You are experiencing your own personal Great Depression. Why should you be thankful this day?
Dr. Leonard Sweet suggests three things. Reflect on these with me.
1. We must learn to be thankful or we become bitter.
2. We must learn to be thankful or we will become discouraged.
3. We must learn to be thankful or we will grow arrogant and self-satisfied.
Woodville UMC brothers and sisters, Christian disciples are grateful people yes because of blessings like family, friends, and community. However not everyone shares these blessings. Not everyone has a table with plenty of food this week. Many have an empty chair at their Thanksgiving table this week which used to hold a loved one who is gone. So we are a grateful people because Jesus says "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for rigtheousness, for they will be filled." What we have and what we lack is not the measure of our being a blessed people. We are a blessed people when we seek after Christ. We are blessed because we have been created by God, chosen in baptism and yearned after by the Holy Spirit.
Bethany and I count each of you a blessing. God bless your Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Confirmation Sunday
This Sunday, November 22nd we will welcome and celebrate new Christians and members of Woodville United Methodist Church. In the United Methodist tradition we take part in something called confirmation. Seven youth have been engaged in confirmation now for 10 weeks. We have learned together about who God in Jesus Christ is, what the Holy Spirit is about, the sacraments of the church (Baptism and Holy Communion) and living a life of discipleship. Of course confirmation represents not an end but a beginning of a life of learning and living with God. It has been a privilege to share in this journey with them.
In confirmation we affirm the good work that God has already begun in each of these persons, the grace that has been at work during their life-times and the new work that God is now doing in them. This Sunday they will have the opportunity to repent of sin, make a public profession of faith in Christ and become full members of Woodville United Methodist Church. Please join me in intentional prayer this week for the following young people –
Dustin Ivey
Haley Wesley
Michael Zhang
Anna Pate
Dylan Hampton
B.J. Hutto
Levi Watts
We owe our thanks and gratitude also to the mentors who have prayed for these young people. They are Doug Libby, Lacey Villa, Jerry Wilson, Amanda Boyd, Ronnie Brown, Clay Hart and Russ Nalley.
This Sunday’s worship will include special music and different elements to worship to focus us on praising God for the commitment these young people are making. It will also be an opportunity for you and me to renew our faith and rededicate our lives to Christ and His church.
In confirmation we affirm the good work that God has already begun in each of these persons, the grace that has been at work during their life-times and the new work that God is now doing in them. This Sunday they will have the opportunity to repent of sin, make a public profession of faith in Christ and become full members of Woodville United Methodist Church. Please join me in intentional prayer this week for the following young people –
Dustin Ivey
Haley Wesley
Michael Zhang
Anna Pate
Dylan Hampton
B.J. Hutto
Levi Watts
We owe our thanks and gratitude also to the mentors who have prayed for these young people. They are Doug Libby, Lacey Villa, Jerry Wilson, Amanda Boyd, Ronnie Brown, Clay Hart and Russ Nalley.
This Sunday’s worship will include special music and different elements to worship to focus us on praising God for the commitment these young people are making. It will also be an opportunity for you and me to renew our faith and rededicate our lives to Christ and His church.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Disciple: Being One, Making One
I hope you have been challenged and inspired by the sermon focus this Fall on Discipleship. We have called it, Disciple: Being One, Making One. We talked last Sunday about how a disciple of Jesus Christ is one who has been transformed and is being transformed by God's grace. This Sunday we will turn to what it means to make a disciple. This is one that we have the hardest time with. Please read Matthew 28: 16-20 this week. In it, Jesus makes clear to the first disciples and to we present day disciples, that making disciples is our business. Being Biblical Christians means taking seriously this, which is known as "The Great Commission."
Before we are overwhelmed with that responsibility, Jesus reminds us in that passage that he is with us, not just now or tomorrow or this year but "to the end of the age," meaning until Christ comes again.
I have a book on my desk I am reading a little at a time called "Making Disciples - One conversation at a time." In it, the author Michael Henderson emphasizes one key thing among others - relationship. Trusted relationships with the people in our lives and building trusted relationships with new people, is the beginning of disciple-making. Of course we remember all the time that while we make disciples, we continue to be formed as disciples ourselves.
I'm grateful to share the journey of discipleship with you.
Before we are overwhelmed with that responsibility, Jesus reminds us in that passage that he is with us, not just now or tomorrow or this year but "to the end of the age," meaning until Christ comes again.
I have a book on my desk I am reading a little at a time called "Making Disciples - One conversation at a time." In it, the author Michael Henderson emphasizes one key thing among others - relationship. Trusted relationships with the people in our lives and building trusted relationships with new people, is the beginning of disciple-making. Of course we remember all the time that while we make disciples, we continue to be formed as disciples ourselves.
I'm grateful to share the journey of discipleship with you.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Offer them Christ
Dear friends, it's a thrilling time to be a part of the Woodville UMC family. This week the construction of the Wesley Center has taken great leaps forward. If you have driven by the church, you'll see that there is frame up, rafters are being set in place and later this week, walls will begin to be filled in. The expectation is that if rain stays away for a couple of weeks, we will have a "dried in" building by Thanksgiving. The inside work is what will take longest. The workers will spend Winter and Spring getting the inside ready for use. As of now we don't have a target completion time but we look forward to the ministry and mission that will happen in that space.
Now is as a great time as any to invite someone to church. Bring them to worship with you, invite their children and youth to participate in Sunday school and Sunday night youth time. Every Sunday night at youth we average 18-25 youth. We have 7 in our confirmation class, several of whom will be confirmed November 22nd.
Most of all, let's be diligent in our prayer for the ministry that God can do through us. Wesley Center is but a vehicle, an instrument, a space for ministry for the glory of God. It will be a beautiful structure that will tie in to our church campus magnificently. That in itself is a testament to our faith. However we are most passionate about what will occupy that space, the lives that will be changed in that space because of their encounter with God, the joy, the fellowship, the worship, the mission that will happen, all because we are making room for it. That's really what this is about.
As we grow together in Christ, let's invite others to grow with us. Keep your "evangelism antenna" up. Offer them Christ through experiencing this community of faith we call Woodville UMC.
Now is as a great time as any to invite someone to church. Bring them to worship with you, invite their children and youth to participate in Sunday school and Sunday night youth time. Every Sunday night at youth we average 18-25 youth. We have 7 in our confirmation class, several of whom will be confirmed November 22nd.
Most of all, let's be diligent in our prayer for the ministry that God can do through us. Wesley Center is but a vehicle, an instrument, a space for ministry for the glory of God. It will be a beautiful structure that will tie in to our church campus magnificently. That in itself is a testament to our faith. However we are most passionate about what will occupy that space, the lives that will be changed in that space because of their encounter with God, the joy, the fellowship, the worship, the mission that will happen, all because we are making room for it. That's really what this is about.
As we grow together in Christ, let's invite others to grow with us. Keep your "evangelism antenna" up. Offer them Christ through experiencing this community of faith we call Woodville UMC.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
All Saints Sunday
“My shepherd will supply my need.” These words were sung Sunday in our worship service by the Lon Morris College Masters Singers. We could not have orchestrated better, its resonance with our theme, “Enough.” The Holy Spirit weaves worship together in ways that give me such joy. That sense of joy was very present Sunday in worship and after.
Our Sunday school classes, a Monday night group and our youth are studying the book Enough: Discovering Joy through Simplicity and Generosity by the Rev. Adam Hamilton. This study could change your life. It is about life priorities, values and life practices all rooted in the Lord. It is thoroughly Biblical and makes good spiritual sense. I strongly encourage you to come to a class or group and get your hands on this material. There is a video portion to the study that is very engaging. As we approach the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, this study is all the more relevant. God desires for us to experience joy in Him. What we have all found is that true joy is not found in the “stuff” we think is important. Those things are temporary and ultimately unsatisfying. So how do we discover everlasting joy? Through a life of simplicity and generosity rooted and grounded in Christ.
This Sunday, November 1st, we will also celebrate All Saints Sunday as we do each year at this time. Take a look here and see the names of those we will read and remember before God this Sunday. They are the members of our church family who have died since All Saints last year. We have a special time of remembrance and prayer planned and will celebrate Holy Communion as always this first Sunday of the month.
The name “saint” is one of the most misunderstood words in the Christian vocabulary. We usually think of people like the first disciples, Martin Luther, John Wesley, Mother Theresa and so forth. They are certainly saints but so are all those who have claimed the name of Christ and lived in Christian community through the church. That means those of you and these folks we’ll remember Sunday who lived this life. Saints are not perfect people. They like we are a mixed bag. Sinners one moment, heroes the next, but trying by the grace of God to repent, begin again and live for God each day. As we remember these folks on Sunday, let’s recommit ourselves to the life of Christian discipleship.
See you Sunday,
Tommy
Our Sunday school classes, a Monday night group and our youth are studying the book Enough: Discovering Joy through Simplicity and Generosity by the Rev. Adam Hamilton. This study could change your life. It is about life priorities, values and life practices all rooted in the Lord. It is thoroughly Biblical and makes good spiritual sense. I strongly encourage you to come to a class or group and get your hands on this material. There is a video portion to the study that is very engaging. As we approach the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, this study is all the more relevant. God desires for us to experience joy in Him. What we have all found is that true joy is not found in the “stuff” we think is important. Those things are temporary and ultimately unsatisfying. So how do we discover everlasting joy? Through a life of simplicity and generosity rooted and grounded in Christ.
This Sunday, November 1st, we will also celebrate All Saints Sunday as we do each year at this time. Take a look here and see the names of those we will read and remember before God this Sunday. They are the members of our church family who have died since All Saints last year. We have a special time of remembrance and prayer planned and will celebrate Holy Communion as always this first Sunday of the month.
The name “saint” is one of the most misunderstood words in the Christian vocabulary. We usually think of people like the first disciples, Martin Luther, John Wesley, Mother Theresa and so forth. They are certainly saints but so are all those who have claimed the name of Christ and lived in Christian community through the church. That means those of you and these folks we’ll remember Sunday who lived this life. Saints are not perfect people. They like we are a mixed bag. Sinners one moment, heroes the next, but trying by the grace of God to repent, begin again and live for God each day. As we remember these folks on Sunday, let’s recommit ourselves to the life of Christian discipleship.
See you Sunday,
Tommy
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
How firm a foundation
"Christ is made the sure foundation, Christ the head and cornerstone; chosen of the Lord and precious, binding all the church in one; holy Zion's help forever, and her confidence alone.
"How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, is laid for your faith in his excellent word! What more can he say than to you he hath said, to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?"
"The church's one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord; she is his new creation by water and the Word. From heaven he came and sought her to be his holy bride; with his own blood he bought her, and for her life he died."
These great Christian hymns speak powerfully the truth that our foundation as God's people, the church, is built on Jesus Christ. I'm writing this column as the concrete foundation is laid for the Wesley Center. The foundation will be set this week, metal and steel will be here next week and by Thanksgiving we are likely to have the skeleton structure standing. It is very exciting to see God bring to realization the vision that has been in our hearts for years now. As you read this, will you join with me in prayer?
Almighty God, you gave we your church, your Son Jesus Christ, as our one, only and true foundation. We humbly pause now to give you thanks and praise for guiding Woodville UMC to this season of ministry and opportunity. As the physical foundation is poured for Wesley Center, fill our hearts with such gratitude and joy that we overflow in love and service to others. Keep us ever mindful that as this building rises up, You are the rock, the sure and steady foundation on which we build our mission and ministry. Let all that happens be an outpouring of praise that gives you all the glory and honor. We pray joyfully in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
"How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, is laid for your faith in his excellent word! What more can he say than to you he hath said, to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?"
"The church's one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord; she is his new creation by water and the Word. From heaven he came and sought her to be his holy bride; with his own blood he bought her, and for her life he died."
These great Christian hymns speak powerfully the truth that our foundation as God's people, the church, is built on Jesus Christ. I'm writing this column as the concrete foundation is laid for the Wesley Center. The foundation will be set this week, metal and steel will be here next week and by Thanksgiving we are likely to have the skeleton structure standing. It is very exciting to see God bring to realization the vision that has been in our hearts for years now. As you read this, will you join with me in prayer?
Almighty God, you gave we your church, your Son Jesus Christ, as our one, only and true foundation. We humbly pause now to give you thanks and praise for guiding Woodville UMC to this season of ministry and opportunity. As the physical foundation is poured for Wesley Center, fill our hearts with such gratitude and joy that we overflow in love and service to others. Keep us ever mindful that as this building rises up, You are the rock, the sure and steady foundation on which we build our mission and ministry. Let all that happens be an outpouring of praise that gives you all the glory and honor. We pray joyfully in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
More Holy Spirit work
As you may know, I’ve been guiding a class on baptism for 3rd-5th graders for a few Wednesday afternoons now. What a great growing time we’ve had together. This Sunday we’ll celebrate some baptisms in church. What a special day for these children and families and for our church. What we have done is to teach these children about God’s love and grace and about the sacrament of Baptism in the Methodist way. Baptism is at its essence an act of God claiming a person as His own and an act that shows the prevenient grace of God that works in us. Prevenient grace is that grace which is working before we are even aware of it. Baptism is one sign of that grace. Before we choose God, God chooses us in baptism. He claims us as His own. I urge you to come Sunday and be the covenant community of faith for these children who will be baptized.
We also welcome our Wee Wisdom pre-school children to sing in worship this Sunday October 11th. Our Pre-school is close to full this year. They are learning and bustling with activity. Mary Nell Rainey, our director, and our teaching staff are doing a terrific job! There is nothing quite like the voices of children singing the songs of Christian faith they are learning. Let them lift your spirits this Sunday.
One of our layman, Clay Hart, shared his heart last Sunday. God led him to witness and to exhort us, particularly men, to mentor a child. He is right that Christian men role models are a high need in our society. We at the church are resisting the temptation to over-organize the movement of the Holy Spirit right now even though there are ways we can assist in its work. Therefore if your heart would lead you to exploring a mentoring opportunity please call Clay Hart. His number is 837-5330. He would warmly welcome your call. Any way the church can facilitate and help, we will.
Finally, I ask for your prayers next week as I embark on a new journey of equipping for my ministry. As I’ve shared before, I am beginning a program called “Advancing Pastoral Leadership.” It involves quarterly educational retreats the first of which is next Monday-Thursday, October 12-15. I will not miss a Sunday but will be away those days. Of course if you have an emergency, please call the church office and Sharon can reach me. You may also call Dixie Jarrott at 283-2003 for immediate prayer and care. I thank you for your prayers and your always faithful support.
We also welcome our Wee Wisdom pre-school children to sing in worship this Sunday October 11th. Our Pre-school is close to full this year. They are learning and bustling with activity. Mary Nell Rainey, our director, and our teaching staff are doing a terrific job! There is nothing quite like the voices of children singing the songs of Christian faith they are learning. Let them lift your spirits this Sunday.
One of our layman, Clay Hart, shared his heart last Sunday. God led him to witness and to exhort us, particularly men, to mentor a child. He is right that Christian men role models are a high need in our society. We at the church are resisting the temptation to over-organize the movement of the Holy Spirit right now even though there are ways we can assist in its work. Therefore if your heart would lead you to exploring a mentoring opportunity please call Clay Hart. His number is 837-5330. He would warmly welcome your call. Any way the church can facilitate and help, we will.
Finally, I ask for your prayers next week as I embark on a new journey of equipping for my ministry. As I’ve shared before, I am beginning a program called “Advancing Pastoral Leadership.” It involves quarterly educational retreats the first of which is next Monday-Thursday, October 12-15. I will not miss a Sunday but will be away those days. Of course if you have an emergency, please call the church office and Sharon can reach me. You may also call Dixie Jarrott at 283-2003 for immediate prayer and care. I thank you for your prayers and your always faithful support.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Sharing the love of God
This Sunday, October 4th we celebrate World Communion Sunday. It is an annual celebration among Christian churches around the world lifting up our unity in Christ in the midst of our diversity as people. We will have Holy Communion, we’ll have some information in our bulletin about opportunities to share in world-wide ministry through the United Methodist Church, and ways Woodville UMC already gives to world-wide missions. It will be a beautiful day of worship.
This past Sunday we continued our focus on discipleship. The Gospel word from Matthew was to “bring the kingdom near” to others. We can do this as a church and as individual Christians when we speak and show the love of Christ in our daily lives. Through the gifts we have been given we can offer God’s love in ordinary ways and watch God make them extraordinary gifts to a world in need of His love. We invited everyone at the close of worship to pray and think about ways each one of us could offer the love of God to someone else. Some came forward and recommitted their lives to Jesus Christ. Others came knowing they had a gift to give. Others stood supportively pondering no doubt what they could do. Next to this column, you’ll see here what one family did immediately following worship. The Pate family has been visiting our church; their daughter Ana is active in our youth group and is a confirmation student. What a wonderful response to God’s call!
Woodville UMC is already doing great things for the kingdom of God. Our small groups are growing, our youth ministry is growing in number and depth, missions are outstanding and the Wesley Center can become a vital place for ministry. Keep praying and exploring ways God may be stretching us to reach out and “bring the kingdom near” to people. I feel the fire of the Lord growing and shining in us and through us. Whether its sports, music, cooking, talking, driving, reading or something else, we can offer the love of God in some way. I’m so inspired by the Pate family’s offering of love…I would love to hear about yours. God bless you in your efforts to share the love of God.
See you Sunday,
Tommy
This past Sunday we continued our focus on discipleship. The Gospel word from Matthew was to “bring the kingdom near” to others. We can do this as a church and as individual Christians when we speak and show the love of Christ in our daily lives. Through the gifts we have been given we can offer God’s love in ordinary ways and watch God make them extraordinary gifts to a world in need of His love. We invited everyone at the close of worship to pray and think about ways each one of us could offer the love of God to someone else. Some came forward and recommitted their lives to Jesus Christ. Others came knowing they had a gift to give. Others stood supportively pondering no doubt what they could do. Next to this column, you’ll see here what one family did immediately following worship. The Pate family has been visiting our church; their daughter Ana is active in our youth group and is a confirmation student. What a wonderful response to God’s call!
Woodville UMC is already doing great things for the kingdom of God. Our small groups are growing, our youth ministry is growing in number and depth, missions are outstanding and the Wesley Center can become a vital place for ministry. Keep praying and exploring ways God may be stretching us to reach out and “bring the kingdom near” to people. I feel the fire of the Lord growing and shining in us and through us. Whether its sports, music, cooking, talking, driving, reading or something else, we can offer the love of God in some way. I’m so inspired by the Pate family’s offering of love…I would love to hear about yours. God bless you in your efforts to share the love of God.
See you Sunday,
Tommy
Monday, September 21, 2009
Stewardship and Discipleship
What a vibrant growing congregation we are a part of!!! Take a scan through this newsletter and you'll see the movement of the Holy Spirit among the people. We are worshipping, learning, growing and serving.
I want to say a word this week about another part of our membership covenant. When we commit ourselves to Christ and His church we joyfully commit to prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Giving of our monetary resources is a natural response to the abundant generosity of God in Jesus Christ. Living as a disciple of Jesus Christ influences all of our lives, including our financial priorities.
What an amazing testament and witness to this truth in our Building Stewardship Campaign. Through economic fears, anxiety and loss, this congregation looked ahead and pledged generously to a future in ministry.
I want to prayerfully encourage you today to stay diligent in your giving to the ongoing ministry of the church. Your ongoing giving supports our children's choir, our youth group, helping the needy, our missions projects for veterans, our United Methodist missions around the world and many many others. Your ongoing giving keeps the air cool and the lights on for pre-school children all week long in our Wee Wisdom school. In countless ways your giving makes the difference in someone's life for Christ. Thank you!
Soon you'll receive a third quarter giving statement from the church. With that, you'll see a word of thanks for your faithful giving. As we enter this final quarter of the year together, please notice where your giving stands and where you feel God is leading it to be at the close of 2009. Join Bethany and me in tithing (10% of income) or growing in your giving this last quarter. We have a wonderful new stewardship team at work who will be sharing and offering opportunities to learn about this part of discipleship.
Giving to the ongoing ministry of the church has positive ripple impact in people's lives every day. Every gift helps...growing in giving strengthens our journey as disciples and our ministry and mission as the church of Jesus Christ.
I want to say a word this week about another part of our membership covenant. When we commit ourselves to Christ and His church we joyfully commit to prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Giving of our monetary resources is a natural response to the abundant generosity of God in Jesus Christ. Living as a disciple of Jesus Christ influences all of our lives, including our financial priorities.
What an amazing testament and witness to this truth in our Building Stewardship Campaign. Through economic fears, anxiety and loss, this congregation looked ahead and pledged generously to a future in ministry.
I want to prayerfully encourage you today to stay diligent in your giving to the ongoing ministry of the church. Your ongoing giving supports our children's choir, our youth group, helping the needy, our missions projects for veterans, our United Methodist missions around the world and many many others. Your ongoing giving keeps the air cool and the lights on for pre-school children all week long in our Wee Wisdom school. In countless ways your giving makes the difference in someone's life for Christ. Thank you!
Soon you'll receive a third quarter giving statement from the church. With that, you'll see a word of thanks for your faithful giving. As we enter this final quarter of the year together, please notice where your giving stands and where you feel God is leading it to be at the close of 2009. Join Bethany and me in tithing (10% of income) or growing in your giving this last quarter. We have a wonderful new stewardship team at work who will be sharing and offering opportunities to learn about this part of discipleship.
Giving to the ongoing ministry of the church has positive ripple impact in people's lives every day. Every gift helps...growing in giving strengthens our journey as disciples and our ministry and mission as the church of Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Standing in the Gap and Revival
Last Sunday in the sermon, we reflected on the Book of James and God's call to connect faith and works. An alive faith is one that serves and "stands in the gap" between rich and poor. I want to celebrate here briefly ministries at Woodville UMC that "stand in the gap" between rich and poor. Angel Food Ministries is one powerful way we live out our faith by offering discount food for people of all ages and backgrounds. Young families, elderly, middle class, working poor folks, folks of more means - all benefit from Angel Food Ministries. Praise God for this ministry and for those who faithfullly volunteer every month in it. John and Ofeira Gazzaway and Claudia Hiett coordinate that and many others volunteer, thank you!
Whether it is Caring is Sharing, Needle and Thread Ministries, Christmas in July, Angel Tree for children, our toiletry supplies for patients in need at our hospital or the many individual acts of loving kindness that happen, we stand in that place of alive faith that we were called to on Sunday. Again, praise God for all of those who quietly serve and live out that Biblical call.
Please make it a priority to be present for worship on Sunday morning, Sunday night and Monday night. As you will see in this newsletter, the Rev. Keith Tilley will join us for our annual revivial. Keith is a passionate, insightful, preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He will continue our discipleship focus and begin our Fall season of sermons on discipleship. Your spirit will be revived, you will be challenged and you will be excited by the Word from the Lord that Keith will bring. I have heard him preach on several occasions and always come away moved. I know you will also enjoy the hymn singing and special music that will lift our worship.
Whether it is Caring is Sharing, Needle and Thread Ministries, Christmas in July, Angel Tree for children, our toiletry supplies for patients in need at our hospital or the many individual acts of loving kindness that happen, we stand in that place of alive faith that we were called to on Sunday. Again, praise God for all of those who quietly serve and live out that Biblical call.
Please make it a priority to be present for worship on Sunday morning, Sunday night and Monday night. As you will see in this newsletter, the Rev. Keith Tilley will join us for our annual revivial. Keith is a passionate, insightful, preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He will continue our discipleship focus and begin our Fall season of sermons on discipleship. Your spirit will be revived, you will be challenged and you will be excited by the Word from the Lord that Keith will bring. I have heard him preach on several occasions and always come away moved. I know you will also enjoy the hymn singing and special music that will lift our worship.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Groundbreaking worship ceremony August 30
Our church family and community are looking forward to this Sunday, August 30, 2009. We will break ground on Wesley Center. This name chosen by you, represents our roots as we grow into the future with God. Brothers John and Charles Wesley were the founders of the Methodist movement, what was a fresh new breath of the Holy Spirit into the Christian faith and has now become a dynamic world wide church. Two of the most significant contributions to the Christian faith the Wesley's made were their focus on discipleship and grace - the daily, lifetime walk with God that is discipleship and knowledge and growth in the grace of Jesus Christ. It is our prayer as a church that we will grow into this vision of the Wesley's in the building that will bear their name.
We welcome our bishop, Janice Huie this Sunday morning. Bishop Huie will preach at our morning worship service and will pray over our groundbreaking outdoors. Just after worship we will all recess out of the front of the church and make our way to the building site on the Nellius Street side. There, we will offer prayers and share in a liturgy that will consecrate that ground for building. We will have various participants in that from the church and community. Following the groundbreaking, please join us for a light lunch reception.
Bishop Huie is excited to join us this Sunday. From what I read in our church history, it is the third time a bishop has preached in Woodville. Bishop Paul Martin came in 1961 and Bishop Finis Crutchfield preached here in 1982. When our church history is updated one day, Sunday August 30, 2009 will be a highlight.
Worship this Sunday will reflect the special day. As we did on Palm Sunday and Pentecost this year, the choir will process in to begin worship and Bishop Huie, Dr. Jerry Pennington our District Superintendent, and myself will also process in to begin worship. Processionals go back to the Old Testament days of entering the temple for worship. Our Chancel Choir will sing and Jimmy Robertson will also be singing a solo.
It is such an honor to share with you in this holy and historic day in the life of Woodville UMC.
We welcome our bishop, Janice Huie this Sunday morning. Bishop Huie will preach at our morning worship service and will pray over our groundbreaking outdoors. Just after worship we will all recess out of the front of the church and make our way to the building site on the Nellius Street side. There, we will offer prayers and share in a liturgy that will consecrate that ground for building. We will have various participants in that from the church and community. Following the groundbreaking, please join us for a light lunch reception.
Bishop Huie is excited to join us this Sunday. From what I read in our church history, it is the third time a bishop has preached in Woodville. Bishop Paul Martin came in 1961 and Bishop Finis Crutchfield preached here in 1982. When our church history is updated one day, Sunday August 30, 2009 will be a highlight.
Worship this Sunday will reflect the special day. As we did on Palm Sunday and Pentecost this year, the choir will process in to begin worship and Bishop Huie, Dr. Jerry Pennington our District Superintendent, and myself will also process in to begin worship. Processionals go back to the Old Testament days of entering the temple for worship. Our Chancel Choir will sing and Jimmy Robertson will also be singing a solo.
It is such an honor to share with you in this holy and historic day in the life of Woodville UMC.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Hungry for God
This Sunday August 23rd will be student day in worship. We’ll pray for them in worship and send them off into the school year with their church’s love. If you have a child or grandchild entering school this year, please make it a priority to be here this Sunday. We’d love to see you. This Sunday after worship we’ll vote on the name of our new building. Please see inside this newsletter for the ballot.
We are planning the special ground-breaking ceremony for our new building for August 30th and look forward to welcoming our Bishop, Janice Huie for that day. She’ll preach and help us dedicate that building to the glory of God.
I saw a powerful article in the Houston Chronicle newspaper this week that I want to share with you. It connects in with our focus on discipleship.
A Kenyan who was believed to be the world’s oldest pupil has died at the age of 89, five years after entering primary school so that he could learn to read the Bible, his family said Monday.
Joseph Stephen Kimani Nganga Maruge accomplished his biggest goal – being able to read the Bible – but he remained shy of completing primary school. Mr. Maruge became sick with cancer 7 months ago.
“In the morning he used to wake up early to read the Bible before going to school,” Anne Maruge, 18, said. “Even when he felt ill and you found him basking in the sun, often he would be reading the Bible.”
Mr. Maruge enrolled in primary school 5 years ago after the government made primary school free. He wore a school boy’s uniform and walked with a book bag slung over his shoulder. After his village and home was burned down in the aftermath of the violent 2008 elections in Kenya, he was forced to live in a displacement camp with thousands of others who had lost their homes. He continued his studies however until he became sick. “When he became ill, he started to cry because he was not going to school,” Anne Maruge said. “Liberty means going to school and learning,” he said in an interview before his death. “You are never too old to learn.”
What is special to me about Mr. Maruge is his hunger to learn about God. There are so many truths to be taken from his story. His desire to learn was rooted in a hunger to know God. His age did not discourage him or cause him to think he couldn’t learn something. He seemed like a humble man one who would wear a school boy’s clothes. Finally the last quote in the story about liberty speaks a truth to us. So many think and behave as though freedom means we should be able to do whatever we like, be left alone, or be independent, make a living and a life at others’ expense. “For freedom Christ has set us free,” Paul said in Galatians. Our freedom is a gift not just to be used for selfishness, greed or hoarding or for irresponsible living either but for learning, growing and giving. Mr. Maruge seems to have “gotten it.” He understood freedom or liberty as an opportunity to learn – in his case driven by a deep desire to be able to read the Bible. “O God make us ever aware of that hunger to know you and your Word that is in us all. Amen.”
We are planning the special ground-breaking ceremony for our new building for August 30th and look forward to welcoming our Bishop, Janice Huie for that day. She’ll preach and help us dedicate that building to the glory of God.
I saw a powerful article in the Houston Chronicle newspaper this week that I want to share with you. It connects in with our focus on discipleship.
A Kenyan who was believed to be the world’s oldest pupil has died at the age of 89, five years after entering primary school so that he could learn to read the Bible, his family said Monday.
Joseph Stephen Kimani Nganga Maruge accomplished his biggest goal – being able to read the Bible – but he remained shy of completing primary school. Mr. Maruge became sick with cancer 7 months ago.
“In the morning he used to wake up early to read the Bible before going to school,” Anne Maruge, 18, said. “Even when he felt ill and you found him basking in the sun, often he would be reading the Bible.”
Mr. Maruge enrolled in primary school 5 years ago after the government made primary school free. He wore a school boy’s uniform and walked with a book bag slung over his shoulder. After his village and home was burned down in the aftermath of the violent 2008 elections in Kenya, he was forced to live in a displacement camp with thousands of others who had lost their homes. He continued his studies however until he became sick. “When he became ill, he started to cry because he was not going to school,” Anne Maruge said. “Liberty means going to school and learning,” he said in an interview before his death. “You are never too old to learn.”
What is special to me about Mr. Maruge is his hunger to learn about God. There are so many truths to be taken from his story. His desire to learn was rooted in a hunger to know God. His age did not discourage him or cause him to think he couldn’t learn something. He seemed like a humble man one who would wear a school boy’s clothes. Finally the last quote in the story about liberty speaks a truth to us. So many think and behave as though freedom means we should be able to do whatever we like, be left alone, or be independent, make a living and a life at others’ expense. “For freedom Christ has set us free,” Paul said in Galatians. Our freedom is a gift not just to be used for selfishness, greed or hoarding or for irresponsible living either but for learning, growing and giving. Mr. Maruge seems to have “gotten it.” He understood freedom or liberty as an opportunity to learn – in his case driven by a deep desire to be able to read the Bible. “O God make us ever aware of that hunger to know you and your Word that is in us all. Amen.”
Monday, August 10, 2009
Celebrate Educators this Sunday August 16th
This Sunday in worship we will continue an annual tradition at this time of year. Even if we are not students or teachers, many of us continue to operate on a school calendar. It's sort of treated like another new year. New resolutions are made, habits are established, goals are set. In our community there is just a different buzz in the air when school is in session. The town is busier and life seems to pick up pace.
The beginning of a school year is an exciting and anxious time. Some teachers are new and others are veterans but all have new classes and new expectations. For this reason we think its important to devote some time in prayer at the beginning of a school year and celebrate our educators. Educators are all those who work in our school system. They may be up front or behind the scenes but in some way, they are a part of the education of our children and we thank God for them. We celebrate them.
We have almost 30 people in our church employed in the school system. Most are members of our church and others are regular guests.
We will pray for our students on Sunday August 23rd, the day before they go back to school. Teachers and others return on August 17th. In this as in other years, they will go with our prayers and with a small gift to remind them of the love of their church family.
Join me in celebrating them this Sunday and in sharing a covered dish meal after worship.
The beginning of a school year is an exciting and anxious time. Some teachers are new and others are veterans but all have new classes and new expectations. For this reason we think its important to devote some time in prayer at the beginning of a school year and celebrate our educators. Educators are all those who work in our school system. They may be up front or behind the scenes but in some way, they are a part of the education of our children and we thank God for them. We celebrate them.
We have almost 30 people in our church employed in the school system. Most are members of our church and others are regular guests.
We will pray for our students on Sunday August 23rd, the day before they go back to school. Teachers and others return on August 17th. In this as in other years, they will go with our prayers and with a small gift to remind them of the love of their church family.
Join me in celebrating them this Sunday and in sharing a covered dish meal after worship.
Monday, August 3, 2009
People of the Book
Thank you for your prayers while Bethany, Addie, Samuel and I were away on vacation this past week. We saw family that we hadn’t seen in some time and were able to enjoy time in a gorgeous part of our country. Bethany’s family is very generous and we’re grateful for that important time with them. We spent some of our time in St. Simon’s Island, Georgia where John and Charles Wesley spent a short while. The Wesley brothers were leaders of the Methodist movement in England and ambitiously set foot in Georgia to bring the Gospel there. It was a very short visit for them but it is a part of their and our history as Methodists. While visiting there, I did some thinking about our Fall focus on discipleship and what John Wesley said about the Bible as a key part of our formation as Christian disciples.
John Wesley was a "man of one book" and that a Methodist who wants to rediscover some of that "Wesleyan fire" should become very familiar with his or her Bible. Hearing from God through scripture should become as natural as breathing for a Methodist. United Methodist Bishop Will Willimon has said that all great reformations of the church are based in scripture and a fresh encounter with scripture.
One of the frequent questions I am asked is about translations. Which Bible should I buy? Which one should I read? The short answer is, if you don’t have a Bible get your hands on any Bible. If someone is asking you for one, get them one as fast as possible while it’s fresh on their mind and yours. However there are some translations that are better than others. I study with the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV). It is true to the original languages and it has some other features I like. Our pew Bibles are the Revised Standard Version (RSV) which is good also. Many of our youth and young adults read the New International Version (NIV). While not quite as close to the original languages, it has a “readability” that is nice and modern. The King James is poetic and beautiful but also takes some liberties with the original Hebrew and Greek.
Bottom line is – the Bible is essential for the formation of Christian discipleship. Private reading and studying with others allows God to speak to us personally and in community with each other.
I am excited about the numerous opportunities you will have for Bible study this Fall, short and long term. Please begin now praying about being in one of these groups. Surprise yourself by committing to one of them and watch God change your life.
John Wesley was a "man of one book" and that a Methodist who wants to rediscover some of that "Wesleyan fire" should become very familiar with his or her Bible. Hearing from God through scripture should become as natural as breathing for a Methodist. United Methodist Bishop Will Willimon has said that all great reformations of the church are based in scripture and a fresh encounter with scripture.
One of the frequent questions I am asked is about translations. Which Bible should I buy? Which one should I read? The short answer is, if you don’t have a Bible get your hands on any Bible. If someone is asking you for one, get them one as fast as possible while it’s fresh on their mind and yours. However there are some translations that are better than others. I study with the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV). It is true to the original languages and it has some other features I like. Our pew Bibles are the Revised Standard Version (RSV) which is good also. Many of our youth and young adults read the New International Version (NIV). While not quite as close to the original languages, it has a “readability” that is nice and modern. The King James is poetic and beautiful but also takes some liberties with the original Hebrew and Greek.
Bottom line is – the Bible is essential for the formation of Christian discipleship. Private reading and studying with others allows God to speak to us personally and in community with each other.
I am excited about the numerous opportunities you will have for Bible study this Fall, short and long term. Please begin now praying about being in one of these groups. Surprise yourself by committing to one of them and watch God change your life.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Disciple: Being One, Making One
Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is a lifelong commitment. It is a journey that never ends. When we are baptized we are claimed publicly by God and lifted up by the church. When we make a commitment to Christ, it is not the end or the climax but rather the beginning. It is that time when we are justified by grace through faith, receive the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ and commit to a life time of growth. We Methodist Christians believe strongly in lifelong discipleship. We call this life journey sanctification. Sanctification is the lifelong journey to grow towards perfect love of God and neighbor. Worship, Bible study, mission, service, and leadership grow out of a disciple’s journey. Our understanding of them deepens and matures and they become a sign of where we are on that sanctified journey.
You may or may not know that the United Methodist Church’s mission statement is simply and powerfully “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” Our own Woodville UMC mission statement highlights the call to “nurture faithful disciples…” All of this discipleship emphasis is rooted in the Great Commission of Jesus found in Matthew 28. Jesus does not send out the 11 disciples to go and recruit church members. He does not say go get people to profess their faith in Christ. He does not start his commission with going and getting as many people baptized as possible although he quickly gets to baptism in the commission. He does not even say go and “save people,” Jesus is pretty clear that He does the saving through us, its not because of us. All of these are important but Jesus’ last words in Matthew to the 11 disciples were to “go and make disciples…” baptizing and teaching all to obey Jesus’ commands (remember that the Great commandment is to love God and love neighbor…see sanctification above). So, the Methodist way is deeply rooted in Scripture.
This Fall at Woodville UMC we are going to place heavy emphasis on discipleship, we’ll call it Disciple: Being One, Making One. I’m not only encouraging you, I’m exhorting you, pleading with you to take your own discipleship seriously. Many of you do that. Many more have the desire. As a church we will help you, as your pastor I will help in every way possible to plug you in to opportunities for worship, study, fellowship and service. Please take notice of all of the small group offerings that will be available starting at the beginning of September as well as Sunday school. When discipleship is a priority in our lives and our church, God is glorified, we are blessed and the world is transformed.
You may or may not know that the United Methodist Church’s mission statement is simply and powerfully “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” Our own Woodville UMC mission statement highlights the call to “nurture faithful disciples…” All of this discipleship emphasis is rooted in the Great Commission of Jesus found in Matthew 28. Jesus does not send out the 11 disciples to go and recruit church members. He does not say go get people to profess their faith in Christ. He does not start his commission with going and getting as many people baptized as possible although he quickly gets to baptism in the commission. He does not even say go and “save people,” Jesus is pretty clear that He does the saving through us, its not because of us. All of these are important but Jesus’ last words in Matthew to the 11 disciples were to “go and make disciples…” baptizing and teaching all to obey Jesus’ commands (remember that the Great commandment is to love God and love neighbor…see sanctification above). So, the Methodist way is deeply rooted in Scripture.
This Fall at Woodville UMC we are going to place heavy emphasis on discipleship, we’ll call it Disciple: Being One, Making One. I’m not only encouraging you, I’m exhorting you, pleading with you to take your own discipleship seriously. Many of you do that. Many more have the desire. As a church we will help you, as your pastor I will help in every way possible to plug you in to opportunities for worship, study, fellowship and service. Please take notice of all of the small group offerings that will be available starting at the beginning of September as well as Sunday school. When discipleship is a priority in our lives and our church, God is glorified, we are blessed and the world is transformed.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Yeah Lakeview Camp!
I look forward to being in worship with you this Sunday. Our summer pastoral intern, Stephen Gehring, will preach on a parable of Jesus and we’ll be blessed by his witness. Thank you to Jimmy Robertson and the youth who shared about their camp experiences in worship last Sunday. I heard about their testimonies and can echo them myself. I too had a powerful experience at Lakeview Camp last week. It always inspires me to see the way God can move in the lives of youth of all ages. Stephen was the preacher for the camp I was co-directing and he did a fantastic job connecting with those 6th and 7th graders. Going to Lakeview brings back many memories for me. I spent many summers there from the 6th grade until now. There is nothing quite like the great sense of community and connection that Methodist Christians have with each other. Campers and adults from all around our state gather there and learn about what they individually have in common as well as what is different about us and then lift up our unity in Christ together. Our connection as United Methodists is so real and powerful. We’re united together by belief in the power of God’s grace for all, the radical welcome of Christ, the life-time journey of discipleship and the importance of service in Jesus’ name.
On behalf of all 25 + of us, thank you church family for your prayers and cards while we were away. It was a joy for me to pass out mail in my camp and know that every one of our Woodville UMC campers was receiving something from their church. Thank you! Come to worship this Sunday as we send off one last group to camp. This time we send 8 youth and 2 adults to UM Army High School Mission Camp. They’ll be in Houston next week repairing homes and helping those in need.
On behalf of all 25 + of us, thank you church family for your prayers and cards while we were away. It was a joy for me to pass out mail in my camp and know that every one of our Woodville UMC campers was receiving something from their church. Thank you! Come to worship this Sunday as we send off one last group to camp. This time we send 8 youth and 2 adults to UM Army High School Mission Camp. They’ll be in Houston next week repairing homes and helping those in need.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Groundbreaking ceremony August 30
Please mark your calendars for an exciting and historic day in the life of Woodville UMC. On Sunday, August 30, 2009 Bishop Janice Huie will preach in our worship service and be present to pray at the official groundbreaking ceremony for our new multi-purpose ministry center! We are honored and pleased to host Bishop Huie at our church and we’ll all be blessed by God by her message that Sunday. She’s an outstanding preacher and a dynamic leader. Please make plans now to be present. By August 30th most should be settled in here at home after summer vacations and travel schedules. School will have begun and routines will return. Note that this is not Labor Day weekend; it comes the weekend after.
Let me share with you another relevant date in the building process. On July 8th, the demolition will begin on the current youth center. It should be completed by the end of that week. Remember that it’s on that spot that the new building will be constructed. Even as we are excited about a new, larger, more accommodating space for all, many have wonderful memories of the Anthony Youth Center and thanksgivings for the ministry that happened in that space for 50 years. With grateful hearts, we are going to give praise to God this Sunday, July 5th for the ministry that happened with special prayers. Kaaren Sullivan is preparing those prayers for us.
Also in worship we will pray for our youth and adults who are headed to Lakeview Youth Camp July 6-10. We have 26 youth and 5 adults who are going to Lakeview. If that’s not a record number, it’s got to be close! Praise God. I’ll be co-directing the 6th/7th Grade camp and therefore will be out all week. If you or someone you know needs immediate pastoral assistance, please contact Dixie Jarrott at 429-4026. You may also call the church office and Sharon, our church secretary, can reach me. After camp concludes, the Williams family is headed to north Dallas for a family reunion. I’ll miss being in church Sunday July 14th but you’ll enjoy hearing witnesses from our youth about their camp experience.
This Sunday July 5th in worship we’ll also give thanks for the freedom to worship God and remember those who do not enjoy this freedom. Have a safe and happy 4th of July celebration this weekend.
Let me share with you another relevant date in the building process. On July 8th, the demolition will begin on the current youth center. It should be completed by the end of that week. Remember that it’s on that spot that the new building will be constructed. Even as we are excited about a new, larger, more accommodating space for all, many have wonderful memories of the Anthony Youth Center and thanksgivings for the ministry that happened in that space for 50 years. With grateful hearts, we are going to give praise to God this Sunday, July 5th for the ministry that happened with special prayers. Kaaren Sullivan is preparing those prayers for us.
Also in worship we will pray for our youth and adults who are headed to Lakeview Youth Camp July 6-10. We have 26 youth and 5 adults who are going to Lakeview. If that’s not a record number, it’s got to be close! Praise God. I’ll be co-directing the 6th/7th Grade camp and therefore will be out all week. If you or someone you know needs immediate pastoral assistance, please contact Dixie Jarrott at 429-4026. You may also call the church office and Sharon, our church secretary, can reach me. After camp concludes, the Williams family is headed to north Dallas for a family reunion. I’ll miss being in church Sunday July 14th but you’ll enjoy hearing witnesses from our youth about their camp experience.
This Sunday July 5th in worship we’ll also give thanks for the freedom to worship God and remember those who do not enjoy this freedom. Have a safe and happy 4th of July celebration this weekend.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Spirit Wednesday worship is happening again! After a period of hiatus, we are reviving our Spirit Wednesday contemporary worship service. We have experimented quite a bit with alternative worship over the past four years. I am very grateful for every stage and every experience. After much prayer and discussion we feel like this worship experience is one of the keys to discipleship and outreach for our church’s ministry.
Our summer pastoral intern, Stephen Gehring, has particular gifts in leading this form of worship so with his presence here and with the current praise team, we feel like the time is right again. We’ll worship together each week at 6pm in the chapel. This will be a time of music, prayer and message/teaching. Stephen and I and others will alternate preaching during these summer months. I encourage you to come to Spirit Wednesday even if it may be a different experience for you. Invite someone to come with you. We’ll have nursery available for parents of small children as well.
I have to take a personal privilege this week to say that Bethany and I are looking forward to welcoming our family to town this weekend for the occasion of Samuel’s baptism in worship this Sunday. I’ll be preaching but I’ve asked a childhood pastor and special mentor of mine still, Rev. Roy Biser, to come and baptize Samuel. It is a special and sacred day any time we baptize someone into God’s family. The Williams family is certainly looking forward to this day. We hope to be able to experience it with you.
Our summer pastoral intern, Stephen Gehring, has particular gifts in leading this form of worship so with his presence here and with the current praise team, we feel like the time is right again. We’ll worship together each week at 6pm in the chapel. This will be a time of music, prayer and message/teaching. Stephen and I and others will alternate preaching during these summer months. I encourage you to come to Spirit Wednesday even if it may be a different experience for you. Invite someone to come with you. We’ll have nursery available for parents of small children as well.
I have to take a personal privilege this week to say that Bethany and I are looking forward to welcoming our family to town this weekend for the occasion of Samuel’s baptism in worship this Sunday. I’ll be preaching but I’ve asked a childhood pastor and special mentor of mine still, Rev. Roy Biser, to come and baptize Samuel. It is a special and sacred day any time we baptize someone into God’s family. The Williams family is certainly looking forward to this day. We hope to be able to experience it with you.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
check in time with God
I am inspired by something that our youth director Jimmy Robertson is doing. For the early part of the summer, he is making one-on-one appointments with our youth. Each of them has the opportunity to sign up for these appointments. If you are a parent or a youth in our church, call Jimmy and make that appointment if you haven’t already. The purpose of these appointments is to check in on their relationship with Christ. They are talking about the Bible, their faith, what questions they have, where they see sin, grace and resurrection in their lives and in the world.
This discipling exercise, I call it, reminds me of Psalm 139. “Lord you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away…where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence?...for it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works…search me O God and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Because summer is a good time to slow down for a check in time with God, our program staff – Dixie, Jim, Stephen, Jimmy, Yolanda, and myself are meeting each week for an hour and a half to pray together and reflect theologically on our ministry (where we see God working…); we are also reading a book together – Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis, a Christian classic.
One of my prayers for you this summer is that you’ll pray psalm 139 with me and let it call us to a check in time with God. Ask yourself where you see God working; where you see sin in you and in the world and then where you see grace at work and resurrections happening. Soon, we’ll create some small groups so you can do this in a trusted small group as well.
This discipling exercise, I call it, reminds me of Psalm 139. “Lord you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away…where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence?...for it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works…search me O God and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Because summer is a good time to slow down for a check in time with God, our program staff – Dixie, Jim, Stephen, Jimmy, Yolanda, and myself are meeting each week for an hour and a half to pray together and reflect theologically on our ministry (where we see God working…); we are also reading a book together – Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis, a Christian classic.
One of my prayers for you this summer is that you’ll pray psalm 139 with me and let it call us to a check in time with God. Ask yourself where you see God working; where you see sin in you and in the world and then where you see grace at work and resurrections happening. Soon, we’ll create some small groups so you can do this in a trusted small group as well.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
VBS week
As I write this column I’m listening to the sounds of our children at Vacation Bible School. They are singing about following God and letting their lights shine! I am reminded every year how timeless VBS is. It is one of those traditions that have never faded in significance. From the city to the country and everywhere in between, VBS is a big deal. It is an important opportunity to share the Gospel with children in fun and engaging ways. The songs they sing, the lessons they learn now are ones they will never forget. Make plans to be in worship this Sunday. The children will be singing all the songs they learned.
I want to thank Yolanda Griffin and all of the many volunteers that have prepared for this week. We have over 40 children with us. They are many of our kiddos plus children from Sinclair Children’s Center and area daycares. We really opened our doors this year in a wonderful way. Thanks be to God for this opportunity.
For many of the Sundays this summer the sermons will come from parables of Jesus. In a survey of Sunday school classes and church leadership, the parables of Jesus ranked high on the list of topics for sermons. There will be some Sundays where we will diverge from that for various reasons but join me in reading the parables of Jesus this summer. We’ll start this Sunday with the parable of the sower in Luke 8: 4-15.
I want to thank Yolanda Griffin and all of the many volunteers that have prepared for this week. We have over 40 children with us. They are many of our kiddos plus children from Sinclair Children’s Center and area daycares. We really opened our doors this year in a wonderful way. Thanks be to God for this opportunity.
For many of the Sundays this summer the sermons will come from parables of Jesus. In a survey of Sunday school classes and church leadership, the parables of Jesus ranked high on the list of topics for sermons. There will be some Sundays where we will diverge from that for various reasons but join me in reading the parables of Jesus this summer. We’ll start this Sunday with the parable of the sower in Luke 8: 4-15.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Yes, Yes, Yes
At last Sunday's church conference, you voted by a 97% overwhelming vote to build a multi-purpose ministry center for the future ministry of Woodville UMC. We now will proceed towards that project. Praise God for your support and your vision for the future!
This Sunday our summer pastoral intern, Stephen Gehring is preaching. Come Sunday and hear his witness and word from God for us.
This Sunday our summer pastoral intern, Stephen Gehring is preaching. Come Sunday and hear his witness and word from God for us.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Honor Graduates
This Sunday we recognize and celebrate our High School graduating seniors, Jeni Peterson and Sydnie Hooper. I look forward to standing with them and our scholarship committee and awarding them a church scholarship for their studies beyond high school. Joined by their families, we will have a lunch after worship in their honor.
This Sunday is also the first Sunday with Jimmy Robertson who returns this summer as our youth director. Stephen Gehrings also joins us as our summer pastoral intern. Please be in prayer for both of these young men as they lead and learn about ministry here in Woodville. Stephen and I will be attending an orientation for that internship on Thursday and Friday of this week in Galveston.
Church life experiences seasons just as we do in other parts of life. Worship Attendance fluctuates through the year, giving fluctuates through the year and so forth. Summer is one of those seasons. Children are out of school, family vacations are planned, summer camps are attended, and long weekends are enjoyed. Routines and habits are more fluid during the summer. I mention all of this to say that I hope for your walk with Christ that you will do two things this summer: When you are in town, make a commitment to be in worship and make a commitment to fulfill your giving to the ministries of the church. Our summer ministries like Vacation Bible School, Bible studies and youth ministries will be as strong as ever and in some ways more active. I have found that summer time often allows for more time, not less, to devote to the Lord. When you see Bible studies and fellowship opportunities advertised and announced, take advantage of them; your life will be blessed because of it and you will be a blessing to somebody else.
Thank you for your faithfulness in every way to the ministry of the church. The doors of the church opened, lives transformed, calls to ministry are heard by people because of the gifts you give and the time you spend with God in your church family.
This Sunday is also the first Sunday with Jimmy Robertson who returns this summer as our youth director. Stephen Gehrings also joins us as our summer pastoral intern. Please be in prayer for both of these young men as they lead and learn about ministry here in Woodville. Stephen and I will be attending an orientation for that internship on Thursday and Friday of this week in Galveston.
Church life experiences seasons just as we do in other parts of life. Worship Attendance fluctuates through the year, giving fluctuates through the year and so forth. Summer is one of those seasons. Children are out of school, family vacations are planned, summer camps are attended, and long weekends are enjoyed. Routines and habits are more fluid during the summer. I mention all of this to say that I hope for your walk with Christ that you will do two things this summer: When you are in town, make a commitment to be in worship and make a commitment to fulfill your giving to the ministries of the church. Our summer ministries like Vacation Bible School, Bible studies and youth ministries will be as strong as ever and in some ways more active. I have found that summer time often allows for more time, not less, to devote to the Lord. When you see Bible studies and fellowship opportunities advertised and announced, take advantage of them; your life will be blessed because of it and you will be a blessing to somebody else.
Thank you for your faithfulness in every way to the ministry of the church. The doors of the church opened, lives transformed, calls to ministry are heard by people because of the gifts you give and the time you spend with God in your church family.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Church Conference Date Set!
It’s with excitement that I share that our church leaders have scheduled a May 31st Church Conference to have the final vote on our building plans. Our plan is for that church conference to take place after worship on that Sunday. Sunday May 31st, is Pentecost Sunday, the day when God gave the church the Holy Spirit. That Sunday we will also have our annual MusicFest which will feature music from our Joyful Ringers, Chancel choir and others.
Most will remember that last July, a called Church Conference voted overwhelmingly to approve a preliminary building plan for a multi-purpose building to serve ministry needs for adults, youth and children. It would be built on the current site of the Youth Building. That is Phase One. Phase Two and Three include moving the church offices to the current fellowship hall, creating new bathrooms where the current fellowship hall kitchen is located, expanding the narthex and adding parking outside. Full members of the church will be voting on just Phase One at the May 31st Church Conference. Led by our District Superintendent, Dr Jerry Pennington or a pastor representing him, we will vote once on the following items:
1- A Final building plan
2- A Final cost estimate (from the best bid recommended by the Building Committee)
3- Financing Option (from the best option recommended by the Church Finance Committee)
On May 19th, our Building Committee will bring before the District Committee on Buildings, our final plans, the results of our very fruitful “Embrace our Heritage, Build our Future” Capital Stewardship Campaign, and our Financing Option. With their approval the May 31st Church Conference will be on schedule. On Thursday evening, May 28 we will have an open information session to answer any questions. Representatives from the Building and Finance Committees will be present. You will also receive information in the mail prior to this about the final proposal.
Thank you for the vision for ministry that you have already supported so strongly. Thank you for your generosity during our Campaign and of course new pledges and gifts are welcome. Thank you for your prayers as we move forward. I truly believe that this project will propel Woodville UMC even more into the future that God has in store for us. It will prepare us for even stronger ministry by creating space for persons to participate in God’s family here. Please make every effort to be in attendance on May 31st and be a part of this dynamic phase in the church’s history.
Most will remember that last July, a called Church Conference voted overwhelmingly to approve a preliminary building plan for a multi-purpose building to serve ministry needs for adults, youth and children. It would be built on the current site of the Youth Building. That is Phase One. Phase Two and Three include moving the church offices to the current fellowship hall, creating new bathrooms where the current fellowship hall kitchen is located, expanding the narthex and adding parking outside. Full members of the church will be voting on just Phase One at the May 31st Church Conference. Led by our District Superintendent, Dr Jerry Pennington or a pastor representing him, we will vote once on the following items:
1- A Final building plan
2- A Final cost estimate (from the best bid recommended by the Building Committee)
3- Financing Option (from the best option recommended by the Church Finance Committee)
On May 19th, our Building Committee will bring before the District Committee on Buildings, our final plans, the results of our very fruitful “Embrace our Heritage, Build our Future” Capital Stewardship Campaign, and our Financing Option. With their approval the May 31st Church Conference will be on schedule. On Thursday evening, May 28 we will have an open information session to answer any questions. Representatives from the Building and Finance Committees will be present. You will also receive information in the mail prior to this about the final proposal.
Thank you for the vision for ministry that you have already supported so strongly. Thank you for your generosity during our Campaign and of course new pledges and gifts are welcome. Thank you for your prayers as we move forward. I truly believe that this project will propel Woodville UMC even more into the future that God has in store for us. It will prepare us for even stronger ministry by creating space for persons to participate in God’s family here. Please make every effort to be in attendance on May 31st and be a part of this dynamic phase in the church’s history.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
The Blessings of New Life
Thank you all for your prayers for our new boy Samuel and for our family. We are blessed to have him and he is blessed to have you as a church family. We look forward to bringing him to worship in a few weeks. Thank you also for the cards, phone calls, emails, meals, kind words expressed. We have been so loved through it all by you.
Bethany and I have been particularly moved by the words that have been said or written to us on the occasion of Samuel’s birth. Many of these have come by way of email or card from friends and family. We’ve been touched by these words of grace and truth and I want to share some of them anonymously with you here.
“New life is God’s opinion that our world is good. Congratulations!”
“Welcome to the world Samuel!”
“This is the first congratulations from Cote d’Ivoire (Africa). Welcome Samuel Fuller to the world. God bless your family now and in the future. – Sent from a pastor friend traveling on a mission trip.
“What a joy and blessing! The world is a better place because Samuel is here.”
“Hail the day that Samuel Fuller Williams entered the world – the newest sign of God’s love and promise towards creation.”
I agree with all of these of course! These words of grace are true for Samuel and they are equally true for each new child, each new life born into God’s world. Every life is sacred and holy.
Bethany and I are going to print these off and put them in Samuel’s baby book. I think I’m going to start passing these words on to others when they have children. They touched me so much and I hope they do you.
Bethany and I have been particularly moved by the words that have been said or written to us on the occasion of Samuel’s birth. Many of these have come by way of email or card from friends and family. We’ve been touched by these words of grace and truth and I want to share some of them anonymously with you here.
“New life is God’s opinion that our world is good. Congratulations!”
“Welcome to the world Samuel!”
“This is the first congratulations from Cote d’Ivoire (Africa). Welcome Samuel Fuller to the world. God bless your family now and in the future. – Sent from a pastor friend traveling on a mission trip.
“What a joy and blessing! The world is a better place because Samuel is here.”
“Hail the day that Samuel Fuller Williams entered the world – the newest sign of God’s love and promise towards creation.”
I agree with all of these of course! These words of grace are true for Samuel and they are equally true for each new child, each new life born into God’s world. Every life is sacred and holy.
Bethany and I are going to print these off and put them in Samuel’s baby book. I think I’m going to start passing these words on to others when they have children. They touched me so much and I hope they do you.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Holy Week
I know that you have already noticed some changes in this weekly newsletter; we are having fun trying a new format in hopes of communicating the ministry of Woodville UMC in an increasingly attractive, vibrant and spirit-filled way. We will continue to work on it being done well and used as both a tool for ministry and a ministry itself. I hope you enjoy the color photographs here, we won’t have color every week because of cost but we will fairly often. We have also moved some things around and hope to prioritize our “front page” items as those articles that meet the most current needs and the back page items focusing on the long term and the reports we are now calling our “evidences of fruitfulness.” This includes our worship and Sunday school attendance, our giving and our budget figures.
Last Sunday was as moving a Palm Sunday experience as I have ever experienced in my ministry. Thank you to the choir, soloists, instrumentalists and all who offered their gifts to God. You’ll also see highlighted in this newsletter the wonderful confirmation students that committed their lives to Christ and the church on Sunday. I look forward with great anticipation as I know you do, for the worship services this week on Thursday and Friday and of course on Easter Sunday.
I want to share a little about a special portion of our Maundy Thursday service that is new. We will of course celebrate the last supper Jesus shared with his disciples and this year we will also emulate another act that occurred in those last days Jesus had with his disciples – a foot washing experience. After the last supper in the Gospel of John, chapter 13, Jesus turned and began washing the disciples’ feet. Peter protested and said, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus said, “you do not know what I am doing, but later you will understand.” Jesus’ response reminds us that all of us are called to be servants and share in the ministry of Jesus.
Our Emmaus group will lead us in a foot-washing service. All preparations are being made for there to be sterile cloths, hands and basins for that experience. It will be completely voluntary; you can observe and not participate. More will be said at the service about this but having participated in one before, I will tell you, it can be very powerful, after-all, Jesus did it and I am sure feet and hands were dirty then too. To allow your feet to be washed is a humbling experience and to wash someone else’s feet is also humbling. Again, your experience with Christ in this Holy Week/Lenten/Easter will be increased by the more you intentionally stay close to Christ.
Last Sunday was as moving a Palm Sunday experience as I have ever experienced in my ministry. Thank you to the choir, soloists, instrumentalists and all who offered their gifts to God. You’ll also see highlighted in this newsletter the wonderful confirmation students that committed their lives to Christ and the church on Sunday. I look forward with great anticipation as I know you do, for the worship services this week on Thursday and Friday and of course on Easter Sunday.
I want to share a little about a special portion of our Maundy Thursday service that is new. We will of course celebrate the last supper Jesus shared with his disciples and this year we will also emulate another act that occurred in those last days Jesus had with his disciples – a foot washing experience. After the last supper in the Gospel of John, chapter 13, Jesus turned and began washing the disciples’ feet. Peter protested and said, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus said, “you do not know what I am doing, but later you will understand.” Jesus’ response reminds us that all of us are called to be servants and share in the ministry of Jesus.
Our Emmaus group will lead us in a foot-washing service. All preparations are being made for there to be sterile cloths, hands and basins for that experience. It will be completely voluntary; you can observe and not participate. More will be said at the service about this but having participated in one before, I will tell you, it can be very powerful, after-all, Jesus did it and I am sure feet and hands were dirty then too. To allow your feet to be washed is a humbling experience and to wash someone else’s feet is also humbling. Again, your experience with Christ in this Holy Week/Lenten/Easter will be increased by the more you intentionally stay close to Christ.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Palm Sunday and staff news
This Sunday, April 5th is an exciting day in the life of our church. Palm Sunday will be a glorious day filled with music and celebration. This year our children will lead us in a full processional from the back of the sanctuary to the front waving palm branches along with the congregation. We will hear our children’s choir sing and enjoy listening to the story of Jesus’ last entry into Jerusalem before the events of Holy Week.
This Sunday is also Confirmation Sunday. We have three youth who will be confirmed Sunday. Riley Shaw, Sana Moran and Madison Griffin will make professions of faith and become full members of Woodville United Methodist Church. I hope you will make a special point to be in worship this Sunday
We have exciting news also to report on our staff ministry team. Our Staff Parish Relations Committee has met and consulted with others and has begun to shape our staff in dynamic ways. We have decided at this time to focus on our summer ministry especially with youth. Jimmy Robertson will return to Woodville for a third summer but this time as our summer youth director. We are thrilled to welcome Jimmy back this time to lead our youth ministry for the summer months. Jimmy’s ministry has produced fruit in his relationships with youth and his leadership of Bible studies and participation at camps and retreats. In addition to her responsibilities as Children’s Ministries Director, Yolanda Griffin has agreed to take on additional responsibilities in youth ministry from April-August. Yolanda is going to work with volunteers and get us prepared for all the summer camps. I and the SPRC decided to focus on the important summer youth ministry and wait on hiring a year-round youth director until after the summer.
The third staff announcement is the exciting addition of a summer pastoral intern. Through the Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church, Stephen Gehring is being sent to us for a 2 month period from mid-May through the end of July. His stipend salary is fully funded by the Texas Conference. Stephen is currently a sophomore at Southwestern University. He grew in College Station at Christ UMC and has been involved as a youth in many camp experiences. Stephen is discerning a call to pastoral ministry and participated in this program last summer at a different church. I’ll share with you more about his internship in the weeks to come but we are privileged to have this dynamic ministry team in place for the summer. Join me in thanking God for these blessings.
This Sunday is also Confirmation Sunday. We have three youth who will be confirmed Sunday. Riley Shaw, Sana Moran and Madison Griffin will make professions of faith and become full members of Woodville United Methodist Church. I hope you will make a special point to be in worship this Sunday
We have exciting news also to report on our staff ministry team. Our Staff Parish Relations Committee has met and consulted with others and has begun to shape our staff in dynamic ways. We have decided at this time to focus on our summer ministry especially with youth. Jimmy Robertson will return to Woodville for a third summer but this time as our summer youth director. We are thrilled to welcome Jimmy back this time to lead our youth ministry for the summer months. Jimmy’s ministry has produced fruit in his relationships with youth and his leadership of Bible studies and participation at camps and retreats. In addition to her responsibilities as Children’s Ministries Director, Yolanda Griffin has agreed to take on additional responsibilities in youth ministry from April-August. Yolanda is going to work with volunteers and get us prepared for all the summer camps. I and the SPRC decided to focus on the important summer youth ministry and wait on hiring a year-round youth director until after the summer.
The third staff announcement is the exciting addition of a summer pastoral intern. Through the Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church, Stephen Gehring is being sent to us for a 2 month period from mid-May through the end of July. His stipend salary is fully funded by the Texas Conference. Stephen is currently a sophomore at Southwestern University. He grew in College Station at Christ UMC and has been involved as a youth in many camp experiences. Stephen is discerning a call to pastoral ministry and participated in this program last summer at a different church. I’ll share with you more about his internship in the weeks to come but we are privileged to have this dynamic ministry team in place for the summer. Join me in thanking God for these blessings.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The Week of Prayer
In this Lenten season, we are engaged in acts of love that have the power to reconcile us with God and neighbor. This week is the week of prayer. Frederick Buechner, one of my favorite writers, in Listening to Your Life, asks a series of questions designed to help us think about where we have been and where we are going. I am thinking these questions over, and I pass them on to you, hoping that one or more will spur your thinking.
When you look at your face in the mirror, what do you see in it that you most like and what do you see in it that you most deplore?
If you had only one last message to leave to the handful of people who are most important to you, what would it be, in twenty-five words or less?
Of all the things you have done in your life, which is the one you would most like to undo? Which is the one that makes you happiest to remember?
Is there any person in the world, or any cause, that if circumstances called for it, you would be willing to die for?
If this were the last day of your life, what would you do with it?
Frederick Buechner goes on to say: To hear yourself try to answer questions like these is to begin to hear something not only of who you are but of both what you are failing to become. It can be a pretty depressing business, all in all, but if sack cloth and ashes are at the start of it, something like Easter may be at the end." That is the hope that can be found if we walk this journey with Christ. My prayers are with you as you pray intentionally this week.
When you look at your face in the mirror, what do you see in it that you most like and what do you see in it that you most deplore?
If you had only one last message to leave to the handful of people who are most important to you, what would it be, in twenty-five words or less?
Of all the things you have done in your life, which is the one you would most like to undo? Which is the one that makes you happiest to remember?
Is there any person in the world, or any cause, that if circumstances called for it, you would be willing to die for?
If this were the last day of your life, what would you do with it?
Frederick Buechner goes on to say: To hear yourself try to answer questions like these is to begin to hear something not only of who you are but of both what you are failing to become. It can be a pretty depressing business, all in all, but if sack cloth and ashes are at the start of it, something like Easter may be at the end." That is the hope that can be found if we walk this journey with Christ. My prayers are with you as you pray intentionally this week.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Poll of United Methodists
Thank you so much for your generosity at our Samuel’s baby shower last Saturday. As always we are overwhelmed by your love.
I want to share with you some interesting numbers from a recent poll conducted by the U.S. Religious landscape survey. The following is a sampling of responses from United Methodists. See where you fit in these questions.
• 42 percent say they attend church at least once a week; 14 percent say they seldom or never attend church.
• 59 percent say they pray at least once a day; 15 percent say their prayers are answered at least once a week; 28 percent say their prayers are seldom or never answered
• one-fourth believe the Bible should be taken “literally, word for word;” 21 percent say it’s written by men, not God; 44 percent say it’s the Word of God but probably shouldn’t be taken literally
• 82 percent believe there is more than one way to interpret their religious teachings
• 42 percent believe the U.S. should be active in world affairs; half said we should focus more on problems here at home
• 29 percent say stricter environmental laws would hurt the economy; 63 percent say it would be worth the cost
• 47 percent lean toward or are Republican; 42 percent lean toward or are Democratic
I find all of this interesting but not real surprising. United Methodists are a diverse people and I find that diversity in the right places is a strength. Overall as a denomination, we want to be a people who are every color and economic background. We want to be a people who challenge each other in community about interpreting the scriptures. The question becomes, what unites us? The answer is Jesus Christ. As United Methodists we unite around central doctrine related to the beliefs spelled out in the Nicene and Apostles Creed. We are a people that practice Open Table Communion. We are a people who offer the radical grace of Christ to everyone and believe that the doors of the church are open to all. We are a people that believe in service and public witness and involvement in the community and the nation.
This last piece is clear from this survey. Methodists are people who are concerned with society. In other words we are not a people who don’t care about the community or the world in which we live. Our founder, John Wesley, was fond of saying “in essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.” The essentials and non essentials can be found above.
In the spirit of public witness, I’ve been invited to say the opening prayer for the start of Monday’s State Senate Session in Austin, Texas. Ironically I’ve been invited by Senator Tommy Williams of Conroe. Pray for me as I offer prayer for the leaders of our state.
I want to share with you some interesting numbers from a recent poll conducted by the U.S. Religious landscape survey. The following is a sampling of responses from United Methodists. See where you fit in these questions.
• 42 percent say they attend church at least once a week; 14 percent say they seldom or never attend church.
• 59 percent say they pray at least once a day; 15 percent say their prayers are answered at least once a week; 28 percent say their prayers are seldom or never answered
• one-fourth believe the Bible should be taken “literally, word for word;” 21 percent say it’s written by men, not God; 44 percent say it’s the Word of God but probably shouldn’t be taken literally
• 82 percent believe there is more than one way to interpret their religious teachings
• 42 percent believe the U.S. should be active in world affairs; half said we should focus more on problems here at home
• 29 percent say stricter environmental laws would hurt the economy; 63 percent say it would be worth the cost
• 47 percent lean toward or are Republican; 42 percent lean toward or are Democratic
I find all of this interesting but not real surprising. United Methodists are a diverse people and I find that diversity in the right places is a strength. Overall as a denomination, we want to be a people who are every color and economic background. We want to be a people who challenge each other in community about interpreting the scriptures. The question becomes, what unites us? The answer is Jesus Christ. As United Methodists we unite around central doctrine related to the beliefs spelled out in the Nicene and Apostles Creed. We are a people that practice Open Table Communion. We are a people who offer the radical grace of Christ to everyone and believe that the doors of the church are open to all. We are a people that believe in service and public witness and involvement in the community and the nation.
This last piece is clear from this survey. Methodists are people who are concerned with society. In other words we are not a people who don’t care about the community or the world in which we live. Our founder, John Wesley, was fond of saying “in essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.” The essentials and non essentials can be found above.
In the spirit of public witness, I’ve been invited to say the opening prayer for the start of Monday’s State Senate Session in Austin, Texas. Ironically I’ve been invited by Senator Tommy Williams of Conroe. Pray for me as I offer prayer for the leaders of our state.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Week of March 8
This week I want to share with you the news that Amanda Boyd has resigned her position as Director of Youth Ministries in order to be a full time stay at home Mom. Amanda has been praying about this decision for a couple of months now. It was a hard decision for her because of her love for the youth and for that ministry. After a period of prayer and discussion, she decided to do that and become a volunteer in various ways in our church. She has assured me repeatedly that she is as committed as ever to her church, Woodville UMC. All of us understand and respect the hard but valuable decision that Amanda has made.
This Sunday is our regularly scheduled youth sponsored Covered Dish lunch so we are making that an occasion to celebrate Amanda’s two and a half year ministry with youth. I joked with Amanda that she soared past the average length of service for a youth director, which is 18 months! With Amanda’s leadership, the core membership of our youth group has grown. For the first time we sent a church-sponsored group to Big House Jr High Mission camp and to UM Army High school camp, as well as large groups to Lakeview every summer. We even hosted a UM Army camp. We have much to celebrate about her ministry and we’ll do that together on Sunday. We invite you to write a note to Amanda to thank her; and please make a point to be here Sunday. Amanda has been a thrill to work with. She tread new ground as our first year-round paid youth director. She and I have worked together well and I am personally thankful for her friendship and the love she has for our youth. Our friendship and her love for her church will of course continue.
Sunday morning is Amanda’s last day as youth director. From there, I’ll be engaging parents to be involved even more, along with our youth Council representative, Jerry Wilson. We’ll plan Sunday nights and other youth events and move full speed ahead. The Staff Parish Relations Committee of our Church will meet and discuss the way forward. We welcome your prayers, input, questions and comments. God will no doubt lead us into even more fruitful ministry with youth.
As a part of our Lenten 40 Days of Love, we are making phone calls this week to people we need to connect with deeper. Keep writing letters if you haven’t and make a special phone call this week. It could change a life.
This Sunday is our regularly scheduled youth sponsored Covered Dish lunch so we are making that an occasion to celebrate Amanda’s two and a half year ministry with youth. I joked with Amanda that she soared past the average length of service for a youth director, which is 18 months! With Amanda’s leadership, the core membership of our youth group has grown. For the first time we sent a church-sponsored group to Big House Jr High Mission camp and to UM Army High school camp, as well as large groups to Lakeview every summer. We even hosted a UM Army camp. We have much to celebrate about her ministry and we’ll do that together on Sunday. We invite you to write a note to Amanda to thank her; and please make a point to be here Sunday. Amanda has been a thrill to work with. She tread new ground as our first year-round paid youth director. She and I have worked together well and I am personally thankful for her friendship and the love she has for our youth. Our friendship and her love for her church will of course continue.
Sunday morning is Amanda’s last day as youth director. From there, I’ll be engaging parents to be involved even more, along with our youth Council representative, Jerry Wilson. We’ll plan Sunday nights and other youth events and move full speed ahead. The Staff Parish Relations Committee of our Church will meet and discuss the way forward. We welcome your prayers, input, questions and comments. God will no doubt lead us into even more fruitful ministry with youth.
As a part of our Lenten 40 Days of Love, we are making phone calls this week to people we need to connect with deeper. Keep writing letters if you haven’t and make a special phone call this week. It could change a life.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Have you written your letter yet?
Have you written your letter yet? I am planning on doing that today. By week’s end, I’ll be sure to have done it. I’m writing one to Bethany, one to Addie and even one to our Samuel who is on the way. The intention behind this “Week of Letter Writing” is to bring us closer to God and one another. During these 40 Days of Love, your letter could be to anyone. Maybe it will be a letter seeking or granting forgiveness. You know, forgiving and being forgiven is not solely dependent on someone else’s actions. Forgiveness is the work of God in us. It is the grace of God changing us and moving us to seek and grant forgiveness regardless of whether or not it is reciprocated from the other person.
Our confirmation youth are writing letters to God in addition to other letters they may write. Maybe you could write one to God. I am having a great time with our confirmation youth. Please lift them up in prayer during this intentional faith growing time – Madison Griffin, Riley Shaw, Sana Moran and Dylan Hampton. They are all youth who are regular worshippers with us and active in our youth ministry. They are a thinking group, asking questions and exploring.
This weekend is a very special weekend for them. I am taking them to Houston to experience multiple worship services in the Methodist tradition. The Methodist Church is a diverse church. We are rural and urban, every color, young and old, wealthy, middle class and poor. When you walk into a given United Methodist church, you could find almost any type of worship style approach. We do not all worship the same way but we worship the same God. We all practice Open Table Communion and we all believe in the power of God’s grace, along with several other United Methodist emphases.
Our plan is to experience three very different worship experiences. One is in the Woodlands, TX. It will be a service led by a worship leader playing the guitar, with a short spoken message and a drama to illustrate the Gospel story. It will be in a warehouse space with people drinking coffee during worship. The second experience will be in Houston. It will be a very traditional service with organ, choir and lots of liturgy in a gothic cathedral sanctuary. The final service will be with pastors and a congregation which is almost entirely African-American and well over half of the congregation will be homeless people. It will be a very charismatic experience. The point is, all of these people are worshipping the same God, revealed in Jesus Christ, caught up in the Holy Spirit.
I look forward to sharing this experience with them and hearing them reflect on it. This Sunday, you’ll be moved by testimonies from several people who are writing letters like you.
Our confirmation youth are writing letters to God in addition to other letters they may write. Maybe you could write one to God. I am having a great time with our confirmation youth. Please lift them up in prayer during this intentional faith growing time – Madison Griffin, Riley Shaw, Sana Moran and Dylan Hampton. They are all youth who are regular worshippers with us and active in our youth ministry. They are a thinking group, asking questions and exploring.
This weekend is a very special weekend for them. I am taking them to Houston to experience multiple worship services in the Methodist tradition. The Methodist Church is a diverse church. We are rural and urban, every color, young and old, wealthy, middle class and poor. When you walk into a given United Methodist church, you could find almost any type of worship style approach. We do not all worship the same way but we worship the same God. We all practice Open Table Communion and we all believe in the power of God’s grace, along with several other United Methodist emphases.
Our plan is to experience three very different worship experiences. One is in the Woodlands, TX. It will be a service led by a worship leader playing the guitar, with a short spoken message and a drama to illustrate the Gospel story. It will be in a warehouse space with people drinking coffee during worship. The second experience will be in Houston. It will be a very traditional service with organ, choir and lots of liturgy in a gothic cathedral sanctuary. The final service will be with pastors and a congregation which is almost entirely African-American and well over half of the congregation will be homeless people. It will be a very charismatic experience. The point is, all of these people are worshipping the same God, revealed in Jesus Christ, caught up in the Holy Spirit.
I look forward to sharing this experience with them and hearing them reflect on it. This Sunday, you’ll be moved by testimonies from several people who are writing letters like you.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Essential Books for Discipleship
To all blog readers out there - along with the Bible, which 2-3 books, in your opinion, are essential reading for growth in Christian discipleship?
I'd love to receive your responses for my own faith journey and for the guidance of others in my church.
Thanks in advance!
I'd love to receive your responses for my own faith journey and for the guidance of others in my church.
Thanks in advance!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Lent 2009
This Sunday, March 1st is the First Sunday of Lent. Lent is that season of spiritual preparation that leads to Easter. Our theme for Lent 2009 is “40 Days of Love.” Each week we will emphasize one way we can move closer and deeper in relationship with God through our relationships with one another. We will search the scriptures together about repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation, prayer and worship. This search will involve tangible acts of love shown toward someone else. Each worship service starting this Sunday, will be themed around “40 Days of Love.” We’ll celebrate Holy Communion and hear music and prayers around these Biblical calls to holiness. Our staff and volunteers are preparing special reminders and worship decoration that will open us to the work of the Holy Spirit in worship and for the week.
I ask you to do two things this Lent. First, make worship a priority. I promise you that walking this whole journey with Jesus can be a life-changing time if you will place yourself in a position to experience it, and that starts with worship. Second, invite someone to experience it with you. That someone might be in your household, husband, wife, child, or grandchild. It may be a neighbor, a friend, a co-worker, a stranger. Don’t assume they already go to church somewhere, 50% of our community is un-churched. When you invite them, help make it happen for them – tell them you’ll pick them up on your way to church, invite them to eat lunch with you after church, and when they come, make sure they get information about our church and meet others while they are here. All of this will make it more likely they come and more likely their experience is positive. God’s grace is available all the time but the season of Lent can be an awesome and special time to experience it.
On another note, last Sunday, we introduced our new Director of Music Ministries. Jim Lazenby has many years of directing experience in church and school choirs of all ages, with hand-bells and instruments. Jim has a deep love for God and one powerful way he expresses that is through the musical gifts God gave him. Jim is a lifelong Methodist, growing up in Houston and living in Texas and Oklahoma. He has a Bachelors degree in Sacred Music from Southwestern University and a Masters in Music Education from Stephen F. Austin State University. Jim is excited to take on this challenge and we welcome him enthusiastically. Jim and his wife Glenda are already members of our church as is Jim’s Dad, Jesse. Take a moment to welcome Jim personally when you see him.
I ask you to do two things this Lent. First, make worship a priority. I promise you that walking this whole journey with Jesus can be a life-changing time if you will place yourself in a position to experience it, and that starts with worship. Second, invite someone to experience it with you. That someone might be in your household, husband, wife, child, or grandchild. It may be a neighbor, a friend, a co-worker, a stranger. Don’t assume they already go to church somewhere, 50% of our community is un-churched. When you invite them, help make it happen for them – tell them you’ll pick them up on your way to church, invite them to eat lunch with you after church, and when they come, make sure they get information about our church and meet others while they are here. All of this will make it more likely they come and more likely their experience is positive. God’s grace is available all the time but the season of Lent can be an awesome and special time to experience it.
On another note, last Sunday, we introduced our new Director of Music Ministries. Jim Lazenby has many years of directing experience in church and school choirs of all ages, with hand-bells and instruments. Jim has a deep love for God and one powerful way he expresses that is through the musical gifts God gave him. Jim is a lifelong Methodist, growing up in Houston and living in Texas and Oklahoma. He has a Bachelors degree in Sacred Music from Southwestern University and a Masters in Music Education from Stephen F. Austin State University. Jim is excited to take on this challenge and we welcome him enthusiastically. Jim and his wife Glenda are already members of our church as is Jim’s Dad, Jesse. Take a moment to welcome Jim personally when you see him.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Lent is coming
It is hard to believe but the season of Lent is coming soon. We are excited about the spiritual journey that we will begin together that will move us toward Easter. Ash Wednesday is the day which begins that holy season. This year it falls on February 25th. We will have a worship service in the chapel at 6pm that will mark that beginning and we’ll follow it with a sample of a Passover Seder Meal at 7pm. We hope you will begin this season in worship.
Ash Wednesday is the beginning point for the season of Lent that focuses us on life and relationship examination. It is a time for taking stock of where we stand with God and each other. During that worship service, we will sing and pray together in ways that we pray places us in that spirit. There won’t be a sermon; rather the primary “message” of that service will be conveyed through the imposition of ashes.
According to the tradition of the early Christian church, the palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday celebration are burned and the ashes are used the next year on Ash Wednesday. We have done that once again this year. I will have someone assist me who will place the sign of the cross on my forehead and then I will do that humbly with you. While doing, these words will be said to each of us, “repent and believe the Gospel.” With that, we begin the Lenten journey in the right spirit. The powerful prayer of Psalm 51 comes to mind. “Create in me a clean heart O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.” That is a good prayer for this season.
The Passover Seder meal is a new opportunity for faith learning this year. Even though the Jewish Passover Seder takes place during what we know as Holy Week just before Easter, we thought that after the Ash Wednesday service would be a good time for us to learn. There will be samples of food from that meal. We have been guided on the food and the traditions by Patrick Lam, chef and owner of Texas Star Restaurant in Colmesneil, who is Jewish. We hope you’ll take advantage of this opportunity to learn about our faith heritage through this meal. Take a look inside this newsletter for a schedule of Lent 2009 at Woodville UMC. Our theme this year is “40 Days of Love.”
This Sunday I’ll be preaching from Mark 9: 2-9 on the transfiguration experience of Jesus and three of his disciples. The sermon title is “Embracing the Mystery.”
Ash Wednesday is the beginning point for the season of Lent that focuses us on life and relationship examination. It is a time for taking stock of where we stand with God and each other. During that worship service, we will sing and pray together in ways that we pray places us in that spirit. There won’t be a sermon; rather the primary “message” of that service will be conveyed through the imposition of ashes.
According to the tradition of the early Christian church, the palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday celebration are burned and the ashes are used the next year on Ash Wednesday. We have done that once again this year. I will have someone assist me who will place the sign of the cross on my forehead and then I will do that humbly with you. While doing, these words will be said to each of us, “repent and believe the Gospel.” With that, we begin the Lenten journey in the right spirit. The powerful prayer of Psalm 51 comes to mind. “Create in me a clean heart O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.” That is a good prayer for this season.
The Passover Seder meal is a new opportunity for faith learning this year. Even though the Jewish Passover Seder takes place during what we know as Holy Week just before Easter, we thought that after the Ash Wednesday service would be a good time for us to learn. There will be samples of food from that meal. We have been guided on the food and the traditions by Patrick Lam, chef and owner of Texas Star Restaurant in Colmesneil, who is Jewish. We hope you’ll take advantage of this opportunity to learn about our faith heritage through this meal. Take a look inside this newsletter for a schedule of Lent 2009 at Woodville UMC. Our theme this year is “40 Days of Love.”
This Sunday I’ll be preaching from Mark 9: 2-9 on the transfiguration experience of Jesus and three of his disciples. The sermon title is “Embracing the Mystery.”
40 Days of Love - Lent 2009
“40 Days of Love” - Lent 2009 @ Woodville UMC
February 25th - Ash Wednesday – April 25 @6pm
Passover Seder Meal @7pm
March 1 – First Sunday in Lent
“40 Days of Love” – Sermon Series and Congregation-wide emphasis
Week 1 – The Week of Letter Writing
Week 2 – The Week of Phone Calls
Week 3 – The Week of Love Gifts
Week 4 – The Week of Prayer
Week 5 – The Week of Visits
Week 6 – The Week of Worship
Saturday Mission project – March 14th
Palm Sunday/Confirmation Sunday – April 5th
Maundy Thursday and Good Friday Worship in the Chapel @6pm
Easter Egg Hunt for Children – Saturday, April 11th
Easter Sunday Worship with Full Choir Musical @10:50am
February 25th - Ash Wednesday – April 25 @6pm
Passover Seder Meal @7pm
March 1 – First Sunday in Lent
“40 Days of Love” – Sermon Series and Congregation-wide emphasis
Week 1 – The Week of Letter Writing
Week 2 – The Week of Phone Calls
Week 3 – The Week of Love Gifts
Week 4 – The Week of Prayer
Week 5 – The Week of Visits
Week 6 – The Week of Worship
Saturday Mission project – March 14th
Palm Sunday/Confirmation Sunday – April 5th
Maundy Thursday and Good Friday Worship in the Chapel @6pm
Easter Egg Hunt for Children – Saturday, April 11th
Easter Sunday Worship with Full Choir Musical @10:50am
Monday, February 9, 2009
Week of February 9 column
I want to share some news with you regarding our church staff. Our Director of Music Ministries, Matt Moody, has decided to resign in order to spend more time balancing his primary work and his family commitments. Matt and Mindy and their young family continue to be members of our church and we look forward to their continued participation in the life of our church. Matt, as we all know, is extraordinarily talented. His gifts for singing and musical excellence have shined in his leadership of our Hand Bell and Chancel Choirs for the past year. We thank God for Matt’s leadership. I am personally grateful for the friendship that Matt and I share and for the “can do” spirit that he has always demonstrated in his work on the staff. Thank you Matt for your service to Christ through Woodville United Methodist Church.
As with any staff transition, our Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) is the group charged with personnel decisions and they will work with me to find a new director of music ministries. Representatives from our choirs will be involved in the process as well. All of you are welcome and invited to give input. We maintain our commitment to excellence in all areas of staff ministry leadership including in our music ministry. Meanwhile both of our choirs will continue to meet and rehearse on Wednesday evenings.
On that musical note, our Children’s Choir had their debut in worship last Sunday and did a great job! Yolanda Griffin is directing the choir with assistance from Judy Brown and Jackie Fultz. What a wonderful blessing our children and their leaders are to the church.
This Sunday I am concluding the sermon series on “Biblical Wisdom for the New Year.” I have really enjoyed this series with you and have learned a great deal about the wisdom books of the Old Testament. I hope you have too. This Sunday I’ll finish in the Book of Job. I will be preaching from excerpts of the dialogue between Job and God. One of the famous lines from Job is that verse that introduces God. After a period of silence, God comes to Job, “out of the whirlwind.” Have you ever had an experience of God that comes out of nowhere like that? Maybe we’ll experience God that way together this Sunday.
As with any staff transition, our Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) is the group charged with personnel decisions and they will work with me to find a new director of music ministries. Representatives from our choirs will be involved in the process as well. All of you are welcome and invited to give input. We maintain our commitment to excellence in all areas of staff ministry leadership including in our music ministry. Meanwhile both of our choirs will continue to meet and rehearse on Wednesday evenings.
On that musical note, our Children’s Choir had their debut in worship last Sunday and did a great job! Yolanda Griffin is directing the choir with assistance from Judy Brown and Jackie Fultz. What a wonderful blessing our children and their leaders are to the church.
This Sunday I am concluding the sermon series on “Biblical Wisdom for the New Year.” I have really enjoyed this series with you and have learned a great deal about the wisdom books of the Old Testament. I hope you have too. This Sunday I’ll finish in the Book of Job. I will be preaching from excerpts of the dialogue between Job and God. One of the famous lines from Job is that verse that introduces God. After a period of silence, God comes to Job, “out of the whirlwind.” Have you ever had an experience of God that comes out of nowhere like that? Maybe we’ll experience God that way together this Sunday.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Looking for a College for someone you care about?
I have recently begun a term of service on the Lon Morris College Board of Trustees. Lon Morris is a United Methodist 2 year college in Jacksonville, Texas. I am honored to serve because I attended there and had a great experience that prepared me for further study and gave me continued encouragement and experience for my life in the Methodist ministry.
If you have a child, grandchild or know a young person who is considering college and trying to figure out where to go, I want you to let me know so that I can talk to them about Lon Morris. Lon Morris is a small college that offers great individual attention from high quality teachers; the average class size is 12. When I transferred from Lon Morris to Stephen F. Austin to finish my Bachelor’s Degree, there was no drop off in the quality of teaching from Lon Morris to SFA. I was very well prepared for that university and later for graduate school. Lon Morris offers all of the “real college” experiences - sports, art, dance, theatre, music, student activities, student government, and dorm life. Most importantly they offer continued growth as a Christian disciple. They have a new gifted young chaplain. He leads Christian students and with those students reaches others for Christ through worship, missions and classes in church careers for those who are trying to discern a call to some type of ministry.
I was hooked for Lon Morris when I was in the 6th grade. The youth group from my local church visited Lon Morris on one of their youth campus visit days. We ate in the cafeteria, went to a basketball game, toured around the dorms and got a first impression of “college life” that I never forgot. Since that visit, my family moved to Houston and heard about all other kinds of schools. When it came time for me to decide on where to go to college, I always pictured Lon Morris in my mind. So my parents and I went to Jacksonville, met with folks from the school and worked out a way for me to go there. My parents and my church were a great support.
On Saturday February 28th, Lon Morris is holding a campus visit day. If you have a young person from 6-12th grade in your family or know of someone who might want to go, I will personally take them that day. Feel free to call me at the church office, or email me at revtommywilliams@sbcglobal.net
If a young person is a member of Woodville UMC or another Methodist Church, I as a pastor can write one letter of recommendation a year for a youth in my church and they will be awarded a $2500 scholarship to Lon Morris.
Lon Morris College will not be the school for every young person but it will be for some, maybe someone like me.
If you have a child, grandchild or know a young person who is considering college and trying to figure out where to go, I want you to let me know so that I can talk to them about Lon Morris. Lon Morris is a small college that offers great individual attention from high quality teachers; the average class size is 12. When I transferred from Lon Morris to Stephen F. Austin to finish my Bachelor’s Degree, there was no drop off in the quality of teaching from Lon Morris to SFA. I was very well prepared for that university and later for graduate school. Lon Morris offers all of the “real college” experiences - sports, art, dance, theatre, music, student activities, student government, and dorm life. Most importantly they offer continued growth as a Christian disciple. They have a new gifted young chaplain. He leads Christian students and with those students reaches others for Christ through worship, missions and classes in church careers for those who are trying to discern a call to some type of ministry.
I was hooked for Lon Morris when I was in the 6th grade. The youth group from my local church visited Lon Morris on one of their youth campus visit days. We ate in the cafeteria, went to a basketball game, toured around the dorms and got a first impression of “college life” that I never forgot. Since that visit, my family moved to Houston and heard about all other kinds of schools. When it came time for me to decide on where to go to college, I always pictured Lon Morris in my mind. So my parents and I went to Jacksonville, met with folks from the school and worked out a way for me to go there. My parents and my church were a great support.
On Saturday February 28th, Lon Morris is holding a campus visit day. If you have a young person from 6-12th grade in your family or know of someone who might want to go, I will personally take them that day. Feel free to call me at the church office, or email me at revtommywilliams@sbcglobal.net
If a young person is a member of Woodville UMC or another Methodist Church, I as a pastor can write one letter of recommendation a year for a youth in my church and they will be awarded a $2500 scholarship to Lon Morris.
Lon Morris College will not be the school for every young person but it will be for some, maybe someone like me.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
I'm back
If you are still out there friends, I'm back after a long hiatus from blogging. I didn't intend to stay away so long but such is life. I'm going to start posting my weekly newsletter columns here that I write for my church's weekly newsletter. I hope they will provide an easy way for church folks and friends to receive reflections, insights and news from me and the church.
I also hope to review books I'm reading and do some more blogging through sermon series' and church wide studies, so look for those too.
Look for all these soon.
For now, I invite any good ideas for studies and sermon series topics for Lent. I'm praying and narrowing down and always invite additional ideas.
Grace to everyone,
Tommy
I also hope to review books I'm reading and do some more blogging through sermon series' and church wide studies, so look for those too.
Look for all these soon.
For now, I invite any good ideas for studies and sermon series topics for Lent. I'm praying and narrowing down and always invite additional ideas.
Grace to everyone,
Tommy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)