Quilt Making

In Ohio where I grew up, the Amish are known for their wonderful quilts. These quilts also reflect who they are. The Amish use a single word, Gemee, to describe one of the most important aspects of their daily and religious life. Gemee is a dialect form of a German word that means community, communion and fellowship of all members of a faith. This strong sense of community and spiritual unity and the sense of group’s importance over the individual is intrinsic to Amish life. It is not possible to separate how one lives from what one believes, nor is it possible to be separate from the community if one is obedient. It is within this community that the women agree upon the guidelines that affect the design or colors of their quilts. The Amish value the community voice more highly than individual preference. What wonderful imagery when reflecting on what the Church is called to be!

Renewed and Ready

The long road home was a time of reflecting on all that we experienced at Focus '05. Ringing in our ears was the charge given us by Bishop Larry Goodpaster to "reach out and take the hand of a child and in the name of Grace do not let go." Equipped with new insight and information, ideas big and small emerged with every passing mile for our children's ministry. What a blessing to have been a part of this event! We plan to pass in on. This is your invitation to join us.

Come! Dance with joy all across God's land.
We will rejoice and sing.
We are God's children, let us celebrate!
We are God's children, held close in God's hand.
As God's children we reach out together
to voice - to dream - to LIVE God's vision for the world.

written by Rev. Debi Tyree for FOCUS 'o5

Focus '05 - Part 3

Our workshops have been varied covering topics like chapel for weekday preschools, understanding the tween, temperaments, the wonderful world of boys, children's literature, healthy children.... Each has provided important information and an opportunity for future application in our own ministries. Jeanne, Cindy, and I look forward to sharing our experience with others.

However, the challenge to be an advocate for all God's children has been ever before us. To be the voice for those without voice, to share the dream, to build the beloved community, as expressed in The Initiative on Children and Poverty by the Council of Bishops was encouraged. The insight of outstanding speakers helped us to understand that we must truly embrace the words of Micah 6:8 - "to do justice, to love kindess, and to walk humbly with your God." We must be advocates for all children and sometime this means being in uncomfortable and unpopular places in our lives.

Focus '05 - Part 2

It has been such a joy to share this event with Jeanne and Cindy. Together, we are continually saying "we do that" or "we could do that" and then our minds and mouths start racing. I hope we have a patient audience when we return.

Although children's ministry involves many things, much of it still revolves around the Sunday school experience. There are a variety of teaching/learning styles, but it seems that the main ingredient is still the relational aspect. This became apparent as we talked about Sunday school teachers in our past and how important it is to the life of the church to remember them.

As we celebrate Christian Education on Sunday, September 11, wouldn't it be wonderful to be surrounded by the faces and stories of those who have been significant to our faith journeys? Please submit a picture of a Sunday School teacher, past or present, who has touched your life. This person could have been at another church. Include a brief explanation(four or five sentences) about why this teacher is special. Be sure to include your name, the teacher's name,church name and address. Please give these to me by September 4.

Focus '05

After a relaxing morning touring the Upper Room Chapel and Museum and catching a glimpse of Nashville, Cindy, Jeanne and I finally reached our destination, Brentwood UMC. What an awesome church, a wonderful mixture of tradition and new in so many ways. By the way, this is the church that Ron and Jackie belonged to while living in Brentwood. Also, the senior minister, Howard Olds, was our Festival of Faith preacher several years ago.

We met several friends, Dr. Vivia Fowler from Columbia College and Madeline Russ from Grounds at Play. Vivia told us that the Columbia College e-college program for persons seeking certification in Christian education now has students overseas. Madeline was our playground designer and is now working on one for Brentwood UMC.

Bishop Sharon Zimmerman Radar with the assistance of children lead our first worship experience and challenged us to show children the way of Jesus Christ in real tangible ways. We are to give them salvation in the way they need. There is strength as we reach out "hand in hand building community with children."

On the Road

This week Jeanne, Cindy, and I are attending Focus 2005, a UMC children's ministry conference, in Nashville. Our faithful chauffeur and chaperone, Ron, made sure that we arrived safely after our twelve hour drive. We now know more about each other than we probably ever cared to know, especially our personal habits and idiosyncrasies. However, we do look forward to our continuing discussion as to how we may be in more effective ministry with our children and their families at First UMC.

I hope to share this experience with daily postings of insights and information gleaned at this event.

Dancing With God

Once again I look forward to our annual women's retreat, Dancing With God, that will be Saturday, August 6. To date, ninety women have set aside this day to explore their spirituality. Nancy Feree-Clark, Pastor to the Congregation, Duke Chapel, Duke University will lead our worship and a variety of workshops will be held. It's not too late to make your reservation. Call the church office immediately.

To the Walking, Singing, Dancing God, we pray—
Come walk with us as we journey with passion!
Come sing with us as passion turns to song!
Come dance with us, moving with compassion
To the music of our hearts,
music of our foremothers,
music of our sisters,
music of the ages,
music that will heal
our souls and bodies,
and all of our tomorrows!


Mary Elizabeth Moore
Professor of Religion and Education
Candler School of Theology

Transforming Experiences

“If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples” – John 8:31

Disciple Bible Study has been very much part of my life for the past twelve years and each year my commitment to it grows. I have seen what a difference it makes in persons lives and the discipleship of the congregation. It is once again that time for me to encourage others to be a part of these weekly small group gatherings that study the Bible in a very intentional way. Reading and reflecting on assigned passages gives the basis for exploring together a greater understanding of discipleship. My greatest joy comes each year as we share our personal revelations and discover new meaning for our servanthood. I invite you to make a commitment to this important study, not only for yourself, but also for the body of Christ. This year I will be leading Jesus in the Gospels, a new Disciple study for those who have completed DISCIPLE I. Contact me for details about any of the studies.

I am pleased that First UMC will be offering another extended small group experience, Companions in Christ, beginning in September. This spiritual formation experience involves a combination of Scripture and other readings and spiritual disciplines. It is presented by Upper Room Books. I have heard many positive comments about this series during the past few years and recommend it for your consideration. Jackie and Joey will be leading this first group and are quite excited about its focus and content. They would very much like to talk with you about it and I will be glad to refer you to them.

Celtic Christianity Info

My administrative assistant, Ron, found this article from Christianity Today about Celtic Christianity. It has good information and thought. We think you might find this interesting.

An Intern In Our Midst

This summer we have a Duke Divinity School student as a part of our staff. As a student associate, Norm, is experiencing the wide range of responsibilities that clergy encounter in a local church. Although, he is the one that is in the learning mode, I have also found it to be edifying. Norm's presence reminds me to ask "WIGIAT"?

WIGIAT is not a term that one will find in a dictionary. The letters are an acronym for, "Where Is God In All This?" One of my professors at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary coined this term to constantly remind us to look for God in all circumstances...to see the holy in the everyday things of life. Even those who should know better, forget to look for God as we meet the challenges and experiences of our day. Thank you, Norm, for reminding me to think theologically.

So what is God doing in your life today?

Celtic Christianity

In response to your comments both on-line and off about "Thin Places", I offer this traditional Celtic prayer.

God to enfold me,
God to surround me,
God in my speaking,
God in my thinking.

God in my sleeping,
God in my waking,
God in my watching,
God in my hoping.

Learning about Celtic Christianity has been nurturing for my soul during these past few years. I refer you to the writings of Esther De Waal for further insight into this topic. Undoubtedly, I will be writing of this again.

Holy Moments

In my past, I had a friend that used to talk about holy moments. It took me awhile to make that term part of my vocabulary, but now I think I have claimed what it means and I share with you this understanding.

Our lives are filled with holy moments: birth, death, and many life-changing moments in between. We have holy moments when we know life is sacred, purposeful, whole, and holy. We have holy moments when we know we have come from God, we return ultimately to God, and in the meantime, we belong to God. We are created in the image of God. Through the grace of God, we hear God's voice and experience God's presence and power. When life changes and we are never the same again, when we are able to say with Paul, "by the grace of God I am what I am" (1 Cor. 15:10) we know holy moments. Holy moments give us our sense of directions, our pace, our relationship, our identity, our sense of belonging and fulfillment.

This week may provide some holy moments for you. They are to be part of your reflection and prayer. May you be blessed in this way.

The Christian Home

And these words which I command you this day shall be upon your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Once again I realize that it is in the Christian home that significant spiritual growth occurs. Parents are children's most important models for discipleship. Therefore, it is important to:
- talk with your children about what is going on in their lives and yours,
- question and wonder together about God's world and how to live as followers of Christ,
- pray with your children and worship together,
- reclaim Sabbath by observing times of relaxation as a family,
- read and tell stories of the faith to your children,
- find ways as a family to care for and minister to others, and
- remember children will grow in faith if adults are investing in their own spirituality.

Gilead

In recent weeks, I have been reading Gilead by Marilynne Robinson. Because of failing health, the voice of this novel, John Ames, authors a journal for his young son. This seventy-six year old minister of Gilead, Iowa, offers family history, insight into his ministry, thoughts about his relationship with family and friends, and his understanding of love. In many ways, it is a meditation on faith and life. The real joy of this slow and thought-provoking novel is the the use of language. Through well-crafted prose, Ms. Robinson creates a sacred moment for the reader.

"A good sermon is one side of a passionate conversation. It has to be heard in that way. There are three parties to it, of course, but so are there even to the most private thought- the self that yields the thought, the self that acknowledges and in some way responds to the thought, and the Lord." (p.45)

I recommend that this be added to your reading list and let me know what you think.

Vacation Bible School

What a wonderful time children, youth, and adults enjoyed at the Circle G Ranch the past few days. Through story, song, crafts, and games, over two hundred children explored the scripture in this fun-filled way. Surrounded by caring adults who guided them through the week to "ask, seek, and knock", their relationship with God was held before them. Other adults had the opportunity to know God's grace by studying the same scripture passages in a class led by Norm, our summer intern from Duke Seminary.

I give thanks for the generous giving of time and talent by so many, so that the Word might be shared in this special way. We have been blessed.

First UMC Web site

If you have been among those who have recently discovered that First UMC Web site is missing, know that it will return. Some of our good folk are unraveling this mystery at the moment. The plan is that the Web site will soon reappear in its current state. However, a major re-design is also underway.

Interesting fact: A 2004 survey by the Pew Internet and American Life Project reported that 64 percent of the 128 million U.S. Internet users go online for religious or spiritual matters.

July-August 2005 Interpreter

The Sound of Silence

When the prophet Elijah was running away from Ahab and Jezebel, he hid in a cave. There he listened for God in an earthquake, in a mighty wind, and in fire but heard nothing. It was in the “sound of sheer silence” (I Kings 19:11-14 NRSV) that he finally met God. Sound of sheer silence was the demanding voice of God. Elijah was willing to oblige, for he was very zealous. I have thought a lot about this passage. Maybe because I am fascinated with the power of language. Maybe because I remember Paul Simon’s lyrics “people talking without speaking, people hearing without listening, people writing songs that voices never share and no one dare disturb the sound of silence.” Maybe there is a hunger not to be distracted by noise and to enter into the mystery of divine presence.

In his poetic eulogy, The World of Silence, Philosopher Max Picard says that silence is the central place of faith, where we give the Word back to the God from whom we first received it. When we run out of words, then and perhaps only then, can God be God.

Through the experience of God’s silence in scripture and in our own lives, we may be able to open up the possibility that silence is as much a sign of God’s presence as of God’s absence—that divine silence is not a vacuum to be filled but a mystery to be entered into…a holy of holies…in which we too may know the power of God.

Family Ministry

As I observe our church family this week participating in Vacation Bible School, I once again embrace the concept that families are the primary locus of faith formation for children and are an important context for continued adult spiritual growth as well. And, if the church wishes this formation to be Christian, it will need to take the role of support of the family seriously.

As a Christian educator, I understand that I need to help families know the language of faith so that the truths of Christianity will be expressed by word and deed in their daily living. Also, I have to help people discover the relationship between good parenting skills and spiritual nurture. Finally, I need to help the church to be prepared to hold families during times of crisis, loss, and confusion. By this I can take part in the transforming grace of God.

I encourage and challenge us to be part of forming a faithful future by being in ministry with today’s families.

Prayer

Pastoral Prayer
Psalm 23:4

O God, who is with us even in our darkest hour, we thank you for this day. We come to you this morning aware that lives are broken and torn. From acts of terrorism, atrocities of pedophiles to the destruction by hurricanes, a raging swirl of global insanity is all about us. It is within us. May we know your grace and mercy in these most difficult days.

As we seek the relevance of your word, it is not alone for ourselves that we pray. We pray also for this strife-torn world. Hatred and vengeance stalk the earth. From London and Baghdad to the streets and homes of Myrtle Beach, the folly of returning evil for evil is known. Help us from perpetuating this violence; grant us the wisdom to become part of the solution. Let us not fail to take you seriously. Show us the way, Good Shepherd.

Be with those who face the ravages of storms with a sense of helplessness, despair and anger. Dry their tears and comfort their hearts. Give us the strength to offer them hope and to help them rebuild their lives.

When disease or death take us through dark valleys shadowed with doubt and fear, walk with us, Lord. Lift us when we fall. Carry us when our faith is no more.

With your abounding grace, unlimited love, and infinite mercy sustain us through all our days. In the name of the one who taught us to pray……(Lord's Prayer)
Amen

A Thin Place

When I was a child on an Ohio farm, I often felt God’s nearness when I was experiencing God's created world. Blessed assurance came from the rhythms of nature. Moments of sacred communion were known with sunrises and sunsets painted across the open skies. Now I am blessed by being able to walk with God on the beach. Yesterday, I choose to observe Sabbath at the shore of the Atlantic Ocean. Once again I embraced the thought that God is seeking to bless our faith through the holy ground upon which we exist. Where earth and heaven seem to meet and there is a sense that God is not far away was called a “thin place” by the Celts. Yesterday, I was in a “thin place.”

London Terror Attacks

The clock radio at my house comes on at 5:30 am. Slowly, my consciousness becomes aware of the news as presented on NPR. The British voice that cut through my half-awake mind this morning was tense and talking about explosions in London. Soon a familiar story was beginning to unfold. Terrorists had attacked unsuspecting persons as they were beginning their day. Once again, my day was attacked. I found myself repeatedly checking the Internet for the latest news. In my mind, I kept seeing the physical pain and agony on the faces of victims. I listened attentively to world leaders. My thoughts wandered to all the analyses we have heard and read of this culture of terrorism that we have known even before 9/11. But, I still can’t get my mind around all the factors. Is military response the right answer? Both war and conventional peace efforts appear to have failed. I reflect on what seems to be tension between our proclaimed faith and sense of nationalism. Where do I find the answers? As my day ends, once again I open my heart and mind to God through prayer…

O God of all my days, I give thanks for your grace and mercy as I struggle to live a life in Jesus Christ. However, today I again ask you to speak your word. Show yourself in ways that give me courage and energy to care for your creation with wisdom and truth. Help me to love my neighbor as you love me. Remind me that there is hope that terrorists of the world will turn away from death and destruction. O Lord, may I never give up but to keep the faith, to trust the way of the cross, to continue doing what I can to make a faithful difference in this unfaithful world. Amen.

Bible Literacy

Knowing the sacred story is the heart of our Christianity. Yet, I constantly find self-identified Christians who not only have failed to grasp the message, but also have not mastered some of the basic information presented in the Bible. Periodically, I like to challenge folks like this with this type of quiz.

The following are twelve random questions that reflect basic biblical knowledge. You might want to check your Bible I.Q. Perhaps it is time to make a commitment to be a part of Sunday school, DISCIPLE Bible Study, or some of the short-term Bible studies offered at First UMC.

1. Name the five books of the Torah/Pentateuch?
2. In what book(s) are the Ten Commandments?
3. Name 3 Old Testament prophets?
4. Who was Bathsheba?
5. Why are the Exodus and Exile events significant?
6. What is the last book in the Old Testament?
7. In what book are the Beatitudes?
8. Name two parables?
9. In what book are the "I am" sayings?
10. Who was present at the Transfiguration?
11. Who said, "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose?"
12. In what book is the story of Pentecost recorded?

A Peculiar Prophet

I have discovered a new blogger that might be of interest to you. Bishop Will Willimon's latest thoughts may be found at www.willimon.blogspot.com. He has some interesting comments about the necessity of starting new congregations. How does this challenge the established, traditional church?

The Ministry of the Deacon

In 1996 the ministry in the United Methodist Church was reordered with the creation of the Order of Deacon. Although the historical and theological understanding of this order within the church provides interesting discussion, the following is what most people want to know.

According to the United Methodist Book of Discipline, deacons are persons called by God, authorized by the church, and ordained by a bishop to a lifetime ministry of Word and Service to both the community and the congregation in a ministry that connects the two.

Deacons give leadership in the church's life:

• in the teaching and proclamation of the Word
• in worship and in assisting the elders in the administration of the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper
• in forming and nurturing disciples
• in conducting marriages and burying the dead
• in the congregation's mission to the world and
• in leading the congregation in interpreting the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world.

The appointment of deacons in full connection shall be made by the bishop in consultation with the deacon and the pastor in charge.

Daniel Benedict of the General Board of Discipleship of the UMC, says that the two orders of ministry - elder and deacon - are distinct, complementary, and equal. According to him, "Elders preeminently embody and exemplify the office of Christ as priest, while deacons preeminently embody and exemplify the office of Christ as servant."

I feel that the role of deacon allows me to fulfill my call to ministry and give thanks that this church affirms me in this.

Call to Ministry

My story is much like many others who have answered the call to ministry into the diaconate. It came after serving my community, my church, my God in a variety of ways and still experiencing that gnawing sensation that I still was not "letting my life speak". One day an unchurched co-worker noted that I should be in ministry within the church after observing where my heart was. That seemed to be the spark that I needed to begin seriously discerning my call. Seminary classes and the diaconal ministry process further defined this call. As the United Methodist Church reclaimed the role of the deacon as a permanent order of ordained ministry in tandem with my growing self-understanding, it made sense to make the transition to deacon. God and I have not finished the journey. New times and places continue to lead me into new venues of ministry. That is an exciting part of the role of a deacon. The world is truly our parish.

Adult Bible Study

Each week I am made aware of new curriculum for adult Sunday school or small group studies. Some of it appears to be well written and user friendly. Others seem to be lightweight and consumer friendly. One that usually can be trusted to provide good Bible study is Adult Bible Study, commonly referred to as International Lessons. Through this material, a number of our adult classes at First UMC join millions of Christians each week in studying the same scriptural passage. The Uniform Series International Bible Lessons for Christian Teaching is prepared and used by Christians of widely diverse theologies and understandings of Scripture. What a wonderful expression of Christian unity!

The Uniform Series has its origins in a resolution of the National Sunday School Convention in 1872 for general study of the whole Bible by Sunday schools throughout the country. A committee was named to develop this study. Eventually this task came under the National Council of Churches. Forty-six writers, editors and Bibles scholars from 18 evangelical mainline denominations (i.e., United Methodist, National Baptist Convention, Church of God, Presbyterian) study, debate, pray to reach accord on outlines and lesson guides. They work several years in advance so that lessons can be developed by the 18 denomination's publishing houses and 33 independent publishing houses. The United Methodist Publishing House produces our Adult Bible Study series using United Methodist clergy and scholars as writers. Recent press releases indicate that there will be some design and layout changes beginning this fall. A preview may be found at www.Cokesbury.com.

We are blessed at First UMC to have so many persons intentionally studying the Bible through Adult Bible Study and other classes and studies. However, wouldn't it be exciting if every member would enter into a learning/sharing relationship with others?

Being Connected

Methodists love to use the term connectional. It defines us theologically, politically, missionally, and whenever we can't think of another word. Of course, the Internet has taken us to a new level in our connectionalism. We use websites to learn what is happening in the world of Methodism and we allow our thinking to be shaped by their content. This sometimes scares me when I hear persons quoting what they have read on the Web and accept as fact. I regularly access http://www.umc.org . (On July 1, a "refresh" was launched and there are still a few dead links to be fixed.) This site leads me to many other UMC sites and interesting reading. Now we blog. Who knows where that will take us in understanding who we are? Blog If You Love Jesus, an article in the recent INTERPRETER, explores this medium of communication. This same article will soon be posted at http://www.interpretermagazine.org. Check it out. I wonder how I can effectively use blogging as a tool of ministry?