Christmas on Sunday

I have been reading/hearing that some of the mega churches are not having worship services on Sunday, Dec. 25th. Their large paid and volunteer staffs are not available for the worship productions that they have each week. Some others have said such decisions underscore the fact that such churches are being built by consumers and not by disciples. In this season of much discussion of bowing to a secular culture, the cynical would add this to the "holiday" debate. This event does give us some understanding of the emerging church as defined by these churches and their leadership.

Although I have been surprised at these Christmas worship decisions, I wonder if we (First UMC) are at a much different place? We have wrestled all year with this matter and have chosen like many churches to have only one service knowing many of our folk will be content to worship on Christmas Eve only. I don't know that there is a "right answer" for this dilemna, but I do know that it does ask some questions:

What is the role of Sunday worship?
When are we to lead and when are we to follow the secular world?
What kind of message does this send to non-churched?

Christmas Bible Quiz

I am enjoying leading JESUS IN THE GOSPELS this year. Although I feel fairly confident in my understanding of the Gospels, I find that I am a bit rusty on the details. Which story is in which Gospel? The who, what and when really are important parts of the message. When I share this Christmas quiz with others, I discover that I am not the only one who needs to periodically review the facts. Last week the Confirmation class took the challenge.

The biblical Christmas story appears only in Matthew 1:18-2:23 and Luke 2:1-21. Do you know the story? Try answering these questions:

1. Mary rode on what animal on the journey to Bethlehem?
2. How soon after they arrived in Bethlehem was born?
3. In what sort of building or cave was Jesus born?
4. What animals were gathered about the manger?
5. How many Wise Men brought their gifts to Jesus?
6. How did the star compare in brightness with other stars?
7. Did Joseph meet the Wise Men?
8. What was the name of the angel who appeared to Joseph in a dream?
9. Was Jesus born in the winter?
10. Why was the child called Jesus?

This quiz was originally in the Virginia United Methodist Advocate.



Scroll down for answers






Answers 1-9 are not found in either Gospel. Read the texts again and see what they do say.

10. He was called Jesus “for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21)

In addition to re-reading the Bible, there are several websites and software programs that can help us learn/review Bible facts. This one is helping me remember the details.

Gentle Thought

In this season of reflection this quote has caught my attention:

"People are like stained - glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within."

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Hurricane Aid

As we continue to read about the restoration efforts in the aftermath of this year's hurricane season it is interesting to have folks in our midst who have experienced this firsthand. Recently, First UMC had mission teams that went to Florida and Mississippi. In this picture, Carolyn and Alicia are removing damaged drywall in preparation for rebuilding. Members of both of these teams want to continue these efforts and plan to return in the near future. This kind of ministry helps define who we are as a church. May we always reach out to the hurts of others whether in Myrtle Beach, the Gulf or any place that hope is needed.

Getting Ready for Christmas

For the past week I have ignored the boxes of Christmas decorations that have cluttered my home. Somehow I have not been able to get started decorating. Ron has put the lights in the windows and the outside decorations in place. As I arrive home each evening, I have enjoyed their welcome. But, I have procrastinated with my part of this annual task.

Then, I read the on-line Upper Room Advent Reflections for December 2 in which Elizabeth J. Canham writes:

"Let go!" says God. "That was then; this is now. Walk with me on the sacred ground of the present moment, and you will find me in some unexpected places."

With this came a moment of truth for me. When I unfold the tissue paper that protects precious ornaments, memories are also revealed. Wonderful memories of days gone by often give me an attack of melancholy and I yearn for past Christmases. From childhood days to those of Robert and Daniel, thoughts of events, places and people flood around me and I sometimes allow this to sadden me. Why? Perhaps this year’s Christmas will not offer the joy and hope as times past. Perhaps the story is so familiar that I can’t believe there is anything new to be told.

I believe in some ways waiting for Christmas seems always to call us into the soul's dark night and the heart's deep winter. It is a call to let go of what has been so that God can begin to prepare us to live in expectation and anticipation of today and tomorrow. Come, Lord Jesus!

World AIDS Day

A number of years ago when churches across the state were choosing to be in ministry with AIDS patients by forming care teams, I stepped out of my comfort zone and became a member of such a team. Needs of a patient were assessed and we tried to meet them in whatever way we could for what then would be a short period of time. We stood at the graves of several of our new friends and remembered their stories and knew that they had become part of us. So, it is with great interest and sadness that I read the news releases on this day. We have failed to be the leaders in addressing this health issue. We could have done so much more. This commentary from the General Board of Missions reminds us not to place blame, but to extend God's grace through our actions. I need to be on the "care team" once more for AIDS patients and their families.

Call to Discipleship

In the Gospels we read about the call of the first disciples. Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee and he saw Simon and Andrew fishing. And he said to them, "Follow me." Immediately they left their nets and followed him. Then, he saw James and John, and he called them. Immediately they followed him. They heard his voice; they responded; they followed.

The call doesn't always come to us so clearly. At times it is hidden, quiet, appearing only through nudges and circumstances. Either way, though, the call does come today as it did to The Twelve. Today, I talked with one who is sensing a real call, but is uncertain what this means. How exciting to know that we are calling forth disciples. However, what a responsibility to help define that call! One suggestion that I would offer is to read and meditate on a little book called Let Your Life Speak.

The old Quaker adage, "Let your life speak," is used by author Parker J. Palmer as the title of an important book about claiming one's true vocation. Palmer understands that learning to let his life speak means "living the life that wants to live in me." It involves creating the kind of quiet, trusting conditions that allow a soul to speak its truth. It reminds us that we walk a path of hope and understanding of what will be. What great words of encouragement!

Welcome to the Inn

As I walked into our beautifully decorated sanctuary today, I whispered a prayer asking God to make this church not just a showplace, but a refuge, a true sanctuary where all might find welcome. May the stranger, the unwanted, the alone enter in and see the light. Then, we will truly welcome the Christ Child.

Advent

Today the journey through Advent begins. The voice of John the Baptist echoes the Prophet Isaiah, "Prepare the way; make straight the path." The invitation to take the first steps was there on the screen when I opened by e-mail this morning. The seasonal devotion from Upper Room was posted. It seemed to say wake up and get started. Although I had planned for this for months, helped decorate the church, written a prayer for today's worship, and prepared a confirmation lesson on Advent, I was not ready to let go of what is and to discover once again what the walk toward the manger will mean to me this year. As this first day comes to an end, a sense of expectancy is beginning to seep into my soul as I ponder and reflect on the road to be taken. As a sojourner in faith, I know that I never travel alone. For the promise is that God is among us, God is with us, God is for us.

Note: Information about subscribing to the seasonal devotion from Upper Room is near the bottom of their page.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving took on a special meaning for many of us this year as our friend, Joey Park, came home this week from a two month hospital stay that included a liver transplant and lots of ups and downs along the way. Joey, Jackie, Lauren and Elliot have inspired us in our times of fear and concern for them with their abiding faith in an ever present God through the love of Jesus Christ.

Equally heartwarming has been the response of Joey and Jackie’s Sunday school class, New Horizons. These caring persons have chosen to be the heart, hands, and feet of Jesus as they sought to help their friends. Today, the Parks sent the class the following message:

Can't wait to see each of you in person but wanted you to know in the meantime how grateful we are to you for your continuous support over the past 2 months. You have been with us 24-7 over 100 miles away. All that you have done has been a witness to hundreds of people-believe me, everyone that I met during this time knows all about NEW HORIZONS!! It is impossible to relay the impact each of you has had on us. We felt you living out the scripture of Jesus sharing how if you cared for the "least of these", you are caring for Christ himself....and you have done it over and over and over. We are humbled to be a part of you. How vividly the parable of the talents has been shown to us over and over-each of you has so many talents and you have used them to care for each and every thing that we have needed..... I hope that you have heard the whispers of "well done, good and faithful servant"-it should be resounding in each of your ears, just as His voice has promised to be with our family.

We love each of you so much and look forward to the day we can be back at church with you.....have a blessed Thanksgiving with your families and thanks for being our FAMILY!!!

We love you!
Jackie, Joey, Lauren and Elliot .

This is ministry as it should be known through Sunday school classes and other small groups. What a blessing we have known this Thanksgiving!

UMW Assembly

I have been reading about the UMW Assembly that will be held in May. It reminds me of those that I attended a long time ago in Louisville and Philadelphia. How very special they were. They helped shape a young mother's understanding of how the church can really be a teacher and voice of social justice. I sensed that I was reclaiming the stories of women in my family who were suffragettes and social activists. Through these bus trip adventures, I met women who continue to be very important in my life. These events certainly are part of my call to ministry. It is my prayer that we could make it possible for a young woman in our midst to attend this event in May.

Dinner guests

Recently, I was asked that if I could invite three persons to dinner who might they be? What a difficult question! Tonight, I would like to have a nice roast beef dinner and invite Abraham Lincoln, Wendell Berry, and my grandmother. Why? I could come up with all sorts of explanations, but perhaps a trinitarian response is quite appropriate. A. Lincoln was a redeemer, W. Berry's writings focus on creation, and my grandmother continues to sustain me. To listen, discuss and learn from this experience would truly prepare me for Holy Communion.

I wonder who others would like to invite to their table?

Christ the King Sunday

The liturgical calendar says today is Christ the King Sunday, the last Sunday in the church year. We have completed the journey through the life of Jesus Christ. We recognize and worship Christ as king of heaven and earth for all time. However, this king terminology can be bothersome as the 21st century view of a king is not very positive. I read a blog that said perhaps the politically correct version should be the "Culture of Christ" Sunday. Interesting.

Podcasting

Just when I thought that I was being techno savvy with this blog, I learn about podcasting. To me this means a type of audio on-line broadcast. Podcasts can be downloaded to an iPod, mp3 player or CD. I have been traveling with Rick Steves and having breakfast with Father Roderick in a variety of settings. NPR has a number of interesting podcasts, also. All of this is done when I want to listen and not when it is broadcast. Many church websites are now including podcasts as an option for hearing sermons. This means taking the Word into the world in a very real way. Sermons can be heard while jogging, ironing, raking leaves or whenever one wants or needs one.

I am not ready(yet) to do podcasting. But, I am ready to explore what this means to the way we do ministry. I am amazed at the number of churches that have technology specialists on their staffs. With effective use of the wide variety of technologies available to us, it is exciting to think of the possibilities in reaching out to those seeking to know and claim a faith in God through Jesus Christ. I have heard it said that "technology is the campfire around which we tell our stories."

Building Congregational Strength

We traditionally look to the New Year with optimism and the hope of new beginnings. As a church leader, I read and study as to ways that I can support this thinking and make things happen. I continually find good on-line resources that are helpful in my ministry. Of course, I also find a number that are questionable. Careful evaluation of a web site is always important.

From the Lewis Center for Church Leadership I have found the following downloadable resources for building congregational strength:

50 Ways to Build Strength Caring for Children
50 Ways to Build Strength in Participation
50 Ways to Build Strength in Welcoming New Members

I think that these would be very valuable for us to study.

Too Close to the Edge

I like the story of the little boy who fell out of bed. When his Mom asked him what happened, he answered, " I don't know. I guess I stayed too close to where I got in." It is easy to do the same with our faith. It is tempting just to stay where we got in and never move. Yet, that would seem to be a bit risky. I find that those in this position discover that their prayer life is not intentional. All at once they realize that their participation in the life of the church is marginal and that they do not know the joy of sharing their gifts in a regular and intentional way. They are in danger of falling from faithful living. One of the challenges of my ministry is to help folks like this to move to the center where they can explore...even toss and turn at times...and to claim their faith without falling off the edge. Some days this is exciting and other days this is frustrating. Lead us all into a place of trusting and living in your Word, O God.

Sign Language

When I was at Lutheran Seminary I would spend many hours a week intellectualizing God often to the point of losing the experience of faith. However, one semester I took a sign language class. Although I thought that this would be to help others to know God, I learned that it stirred feelings and thoughts that allowed me to experience God in a most meaningful way. The religious signs are iconic. That is, they resemble some aspect or character or the object they represent. An example would be one of the signs for Jesus is pointing to the palm of the hands for the nails. All at once there is an understanding that transcends the moment. This is the faith that I am called to share with others. And, to worship as the hearing impaired, I must keep my eyes wide open and fixed on others. It is only when I see the signs that I know how to lead a faithful life. I often think that this was one of the more valuable classes that I had at LTSS.

Board of Ministry

Thank God, it’s Friday! I do give thanks for this week and what it has been, but I am also glad that it is coming to an end. In addition to a variety of other responsibilities, I attended both District and Conference Board of Ministry meetings. At both meetings we interviewed persons who have answered the call to ministry and are at varying points of the process leading to ordination. At the District meeting we are also responsible for continued oversight for those who serve as local pastors*. I admit to my state of tiredness.

Why do I do this? I feel that it is part of my ordination. I feel that those who have been chosen are to pass the mantle to others and this is to been done prayerfully and carefully. It has long been the tradition of the church that this discernment is done through questioning. Listening for God in this process becomes the challenge as human tendancies of legalism and self-righteousness often surface in our decision making. It is joy when we encounter someone that truly seems to be truly answering a call and is able to articulate all the facets of ministry. However, there are those to whom God has placed a special call on their lives, but to be a clergy person is not part of it. Offering guidance and compassion in these situations is to fulfill our obligation as board members. After six years on this board, I believe that I have good insight into this task and am thankful to be able to serve the church in this way. May God always be my guide.

*Local Pastor - A licensed pastor, approved annually by the district committee on ordained ministry who is authorized to perform all the duties of an ordained minister, including the Sacraments, while assigned to a particular charge under the supervision of a district superintendent. A clergy mentor oversees the local pastor's work in the Course of Study for ordained ministry and advises on matters of pastoral responsibility.

Thought for the Day

My husband, Ron, delights in finding thought provoking quotes and using them in his signature line on his e-mails. I find this one by Wayne Gretzky to be directive when we do planning for the future.

"Most players skate to where the puck is. But I skate to where the puck is going to be."

A Cloud of Witnesses

As we incorporated several themes within our worship yesterday, I observed that faithful Christian stewardship is a discipline of spirit and action...prayers, projects, practice, doing, being. Those who have chosen to walk this path are the true saints among us. They are the ones who surround and encourage us and lead us into the future.

"For all that has been--Thanks!
For all that will be--Yes!"
Dag Hammarskjold