Katrina

With many others, I have been intently following the path of Katrina...her approach, her landfall, her wake. The devastation is beyond comprehension and the recovery efforts needed are unfathomable. Why, God?

Through the centuries, the Psalms have offered insight and comfort. Perhaps these are the only words that we have today.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, thought the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Psalm 46:1-3

Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. Psalms: 69: 1,2

Hear my prayer, O Lord; let my cry come to you. Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress. Incline your ear to me; answer me speedily in the day when I call. Psalm 102:1,2

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Psalm 103:1

Visit umc.org for the latest information about the United Methodist Church's response to this disaster.

Jack's Baptism

Jackson Robert was baptized today. Truly a celebration for all. Remembering our own baptisms and reciting our vow to nurture Jack in his faith journey, we felt a special sense of God's blessing in our lives. Our prayers for Jack, Annaka, Kristen and Robert are daily.

Interpreter Magazine

This month we are able to read how other United Methodists live their discipleship at work in the Interpreter, a wonderful idea filled publication for United Methodists. Now also on-line, we can learn much about what is happening in our Church and discover ideas and resources for our own ministries. If you see anything that interests you, let me know.

By the way, the author of the World Communion worship resource, Ciona Rouse, is from South Carolina. She lived in this area when her father, Louonne Rouse, was pastor at Joseph B. Bethea UMC.

As the School Year Begins

May this prayer give each of us direction to these days.

God, as a new school year begins, help me to remember the needs and prayers of children, parents, and teachers. The busyness is great and the challenges seem so many.

I pray for a safe and healthy environment that will spark curiousity and the love of learning. Be with the teachers who devote themselves to educating our children. May they always exhibit dedication, imagination and concern. I especially pray for.....

I pray for parents who have been given the gift of children. May they uphold the trust, hope and dreams of these children through their love and care. Direct them in all that they say and do. I especially pray for.....

I pray that all children become that which You mean them to be. May each day be filled with the joy of learning. Help me always to remember those children who have no one to pray for them or protect and guide them. I especially pray for....

I pray for church and community leaders that they demonstrate an investment and priority in our children. I especially pray for....

In your tender mercy, O God, encourage and strengthen me in faithful living. Amen.

American Spirituality

I was immediately captivated by this week's cover story in NEWSWEEK, Spirituality in America. After conventionally reading this as a magazine article, I went to the NEWSWEEK website and found not only the article, but other interesting tidbits. You might want to check out the blog talk on the lower right hand side of the page, also.

Last Sunday evening at our Council on Ministries planning session we talked about the changing face of Myrtle Beach. In many ways, some would say the future is here. We just haven't opened our eyes and minds to it. I would say spirituality is just one more facet of the continuing discussion of how we are to be church.

Celebrate Sunday School

The Sunday school class and the numerous other disciple-making opportunities we offer in the church are prime settings in which people can come to experience God and to learn the daily personal practice of God's presence. These gatherings provide delicious teachable moments. Together we learn how to pray, how to study, how to look for and to see the hand of God at work in our daily affairs. This takes practice and experience, some on our own, and some in seeing how other Christians are open to God.

Many of us have wonderful stories of favorite Sunday school teachers and small group leaders. These persons are part of the cloud of witnesses that have shaped the understanding of our faith. I would love to have you share these stories with me not only here, but also for Christian Education Sunday on September 11. It would be great to have bulletin boards throughout our buildings filled with these stories. Just write a brief paragraph naming the person and why this person has been important to you. This person may be from days gone or other churches. Perhaps it is a current teacher. Attach a picture, if possible. Thank God for these special persons in our lives.

Seasons

Throughout the ages poets have recorded their perceptions of the various months and seasons. They express the beauty and idiosyncrasies of nature throughout the year. From Robert Frost’s “Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening” to Emily Bronte’s “Fall, Leaves, Fall”, we experience the sights and sounds, the scents, tastes and textures of the seasons. Many of the Psalms praise God’s glory through creation and reveal the seasons of our lives. One example is Psalm 19:1-4:

1The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his
handiwork.
2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares
knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not
heard;
4 yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to
the end of the world.

The stillness of winter, the awakening of spring, the burgeoning of summer, and the rich fulfillment of autumn evoke memories that become a fertile ground for reflection and meditation. My personal thoughts of August include: vacations through the years, family weddings and anniversaries, luscious tomatoes and bountiful gardens, fields of corn and soybeans, chirping crickets and twinkling lightning bugs of the evenings, streaks of lightning and rumbling thunder, and the dog day heat that seeps into our very being.

The personal focus of this month is usually today, my birthday. This year I have been attacked by a large case of melancholy for it is my 60th birthday. It seems like a milestone that I am not ready to observe. It only seems like yesterday that my mother was baking my chocolate cake. Now I feel that I am entering a new season of my life. I am not sure that this is as exciting as it used to be. May I have "miles to go before I sleep." God of grace and God of glory, be my guide.

A Dot.Com World

I am fascinated by the use of technology in ministry. Technology that has moved from filmstrips to DVDs and blackboards to PowerPoint in one generation. Movies have become visual parables and allow us to explore biblical themes in exciting new ways. We love to e-mail rather than get involved in a prolonged phone conversation. We create Web pages and blogs as a means of communication. All this leaves me in a quandry as to what medium most effectively delivers the message. especially when I don't want to high tech that which should be high touch.

Yet, it is interesting to note that several persons have indicated this blog has touched them and others have noted that they feel that they know me better. By connecting the media of the present with the sacred stories of the past certainly allows us to build a community of disciples of Jesus in a new way. The church has always used the culture as a guide and a format for presenting the gospel. Today, it appears that we need to present and find God in a dot.com world.

The Journey

Like Abraham, I’ve had to leave places I have lived. This meant leaving family and friends to go to another land. Sometimes it has been my choice and sometimes someone else’s. However, I have always had a sense that it was with God’s blessing. In each move I have left some parts of life. In each move there have been opportunities for new growth.

In 1972, we left Ohio and our families and so very much that was familiar. Twenty-five years ago this summer we moved to South Carolina from Delaware. We left a home that we had built, dear friends, a church family we loved and a life that we enjoyed. Who could have imagined what was before us? The road has not always been marked clearly and it certainly has had some unexpected twists and turns. But, as we roamed from Powdersville to Lexington to Myrtle Beach, we discovered that we need not dwell in the past, but to look forward and anticipate what was ahead. New homes, new friends, new jobs, new churches, new communities are places and times of new growth. Fond memories of the past have taught us how to claim whatever new call that might be on our lives. So, I celebrate this journey and give thanks to God for being my guide.

Rest and Renewal

United Methodists from near and far enjoy being able to retreat and renew at the Lake Junaluska Assembly near Waynesville, NC. Under the direction of the Southeast Jurisdiction of the United Methodists Church, this wonderful place offers a variety of programs and housing facilities for individuals and groups. This has been a perfect setting for a few days of focusing on DISCIPLE Bible Study and what it means to congregations that embrace it. More importantly, I have a sense of renewed purpose as we offer this study at First UMC one more time.

Personal rest came in walking around the lake and rocking on Shelby and Bob’s front porch. What a great reminder of God’s creative goodness! Overlooking a yard full of beautiful flowers, the view of the lake is spectacular. The eyes immediately focus on the large cross on the hill across the lake and thanksgiving for God’s abiding love through Jesus Christ is heartfelt.

DISCIPLE Celebration

I am at Lake Junaluska for a celebration of DISCIPLE Bible Study. Bishop Richard Wilke, who helped create this study in the 1980’s opened our time together by reminding us that although millions have completed this study, the need continues as we live in a biblically illiterate culture. Much of the success of DISCIPLE has been the result of participants inviting others to join this remarkable transforming study. Although, I am most pleased with the number of persons who have participated in this study at First UMC, just think of what it would mean to our church and our community, if each one that has completed DISCIPLE would recruit one person each year to start the DISCIPLE journey.

One of the stories being told is how DISCIPLE has reached over 8000 persons in prison and has opened the door to spiritual freedom for them. I think that prison ministry could be used as a metaphor. It can applied to many in our midst who are held captive to a restrictive faith by lack of mature understanding of what it means to live in God as known through the Word. The mission is before us. Will we accept the challenge to make this liberating experience an important part of who we are at First UMC?

The Family Story

I am beginning to understand that one of the greatest things that we can do for our grandchildren is to share our family stories with them. This is what my grandparents did and in doing so they helped me recognize my place in the family tree. As in most families there are favorite stories that are repeated again and again at each family gathering. This ritual connects one generation with another.

The most important thing to remember in the process of connecting the generations is to relate our story to "The Story," God's story. Just as God was with God's people in the Bible, God has accompanied our family on life's journey in the good times and the bad. In doing so we preserve the family history and nurture our grandchildren into an appreciation of God's steadfast love.

Grandparenting resources:
Parents and Grandparents as Spiritual Guides by Betty Shannon Cloyd. Published by Upper Room Books.
www.grandparenting.org
www.cyberparent.com/gran

A Cup of Coffee

Those who are in my presence for even a brief time know that coffee is quite important to me. A cup of good black coffee is truly the breakfast of champions. Of course, I also look forward to coffee breaks, coffee with lunch and dinner, coffee with dessert. I guess this habit is a remnant of my long ago college days and that was even before Starbucks. Of course, my body has now told me to limit the caffeine. But, my mind still seems to click into action and my body a bit more charged with the heavy aroma of fresh coffee and the first sip of its distinctive taste, even decaffeinated.

No wonder one of my favorite phrases is “It’s percolating” when talking about an upcoming presentation or sermon. I savor these moments. I enjoy putting the right blend of thoughts, ideas, and information together. With the addition of fresh eyes and ears, new insights slowly begin to happen. Drinking from the cup of inspiration, I meditate on what this really means and to give thanks for what I have been given… even when it’s decaffeinated.

Take time to smell the coffee. Carpe cappuccino!

Lectio Divina

One way that I listen for God’s voice is through Lectio Divina (holy reading). However, I had not done that for awhile until a bookmark that outlines this practice fluttered to the floor recently. The instructions are as follows:

Begin by quieting yourself.

Lectio-Slowly read selected passage of scripture.

Meditatio-Read it again, listening for a word or phrase that speaks to you. Meditate on that word or phrase, reflecting on what God may be saying to you through it.

Oratio-Offer your reflections to God in prayer. Pour out to God an honest expression of whatever you feel.

Contemplatio-Rest in God’s presence, making yourself available for whatever God wants or speaks.

Continue to reflect on the meaning of the word or phrase as you return to your everyday activities.


I have found that this practice can help reveal the Word in new and insightful ways, especially during times of stress and confusion. It has helped give me direction to sermon writing and to decision making in my life. I am attempting to reclaim this as a regular discipline. Perhaps you would like to join me in holy reading?

P.S. - Dancing with God

God was in the house, as women young and old gathered for Dancing with God this past Saturday. With the renewing of our baptism, we entered into a time of worship and exploration. Workshops that covered a variety of topics gave understanding of how God can guide and direct us in our everyday. A sense of blessing prevailed as we gathered to celebrate Holy Communion to conclude our day apart. We look forward to Dancing with God in 2006.

However, I do wonder how we can support one another in our individual faith journeys until we gather again. Our United Methodist Women offer an opportunity for ministry that is unique to women. Together, we reach out to women and children near and far as they seek to be whole persons in God. Through our Women's Intercessory Prayer group we enter into community of prayer for those who need to know God in a special way. Other women will hold one another close and accountable through special relationships built on the love of God through Jesus Christ. What else do we need to be doing? How can we serve God and one another more effectively?

A Grand Week

Annaka and her father, Robert, were with us at the beginning of last week. Baby Jack and Mama Kristen stayed home and missed a whole lot of fun. We so enjoyed seeing Annaka learn to love the Sunset Beach experience as her father has through the years. How interesting to see the past connected to the present and future family fun.

Later in the week, William and his parents, Shannon and Dan, came to join in the beach fun. It just seems like yesterday that I was carefully watching his father play in the surf and sand.

Truly, grandchildren are precious gifts. Gifts to enjoy, but also to give special care. Grandparenting is still a new role for me and I am living into it. Knowing how much my grandparents meant to me, I want to create a special relationship with each child. If nothing else, I trust that I can be a spiritual guide for them as they grow into an understanding of who God is in their lives.

ASAP

We are meant to live in the Spirit of God. If we do not pray we lack the daily connection to God that would make such a wonderful life possible. However, the hurry and scurry in our lives allows us to falter in maintaining the discipline of prayer. Several years ago, I heard a new meaning for the acronym ASAP - always say a prayer. If we claim this understanding, we will begin to find a better way to deal with rough days, deadlines and worry. Slow down, take a deep breath and know the power of prayer.

Methodists in Mission

In seeking answers for a First UMC member about our mission programs, I was once again impressed with the scope and number of programs that we have within our connectional system. We truly are a world wide presence in the name of Jesus Christ. Of course, we respond to crisis through UMCOR. But, there are many continuing efforts that help build people's lives and communities for coming generations. These are known as Advance giving. I encourage you to learn more about this by exploring the General Board of Global Missions website.

Real Family Ministry

I talk/write much about family ministry, but last night got to experience it in a special way. My sister and her husband were vacationing at Sunset Beach and I was to preach at our Monday night service. Mary is a the children's music director at her UMC in Ohio and they are both active chancel choir members. We have often talked about the possibilities of being in ministry together. Monday night seemed to finally be that opportunity. I invited Mary and her husband, John, to do the special music. Of course, their music was wonderful, the the Word was heard and we enjoyed this time immensely.

However, as the day came to a close with prayers of thanksgiving, I realized Mary and I have been in ministry together for a long time. Shaped by family and friends in the rich tradition of Methodism and each claiming our faith again and again, we share a vision of the Kingdom of God. We both have reached out to children and introduced them to a life in Jesus Christ. We have nurtured youth in the faith in a variety of ways and walked with adults as they discovered new ways to know God. We have been in mission ministry near and far. We have knitted our prayer shawls, prepared meals and created worship experiences for others. We didn't have to be in the same place to be in ministry together, we just had to know the same God. May you be blessed in a similar way.