Article on United Methodist Reform

http://www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=5259669&ct=8832629&sms_ss=email&at_xt=4cc622c48222050b,0

United Methodism has been declining fast for a long time. It's kind of like being on blood thinners and having a nose bleed; unless you get medical attention it's only a matter of time before you pass out. I am not fully ordained yet in the U.M. denomination and there have been a few times where I have strongly considered the fact that I am about to tie myself to the mast of a sinking ship. I did not grow up U.M. nor do I have any strong allegiance to the denomination through family or friends growing up.

I believe God has guided me towards the United Methodist Church and has called me to serve in a land (denomination) where I have no roots. After years and years of study, research and application I have become theologically U.M. This was not an easy process for me and I get very short with those who grew up U.M. and say that it all makes sense! It makes sense if you grew up in it but if you grew up in something very different (especially sacramentally) it takes a lot of re-learning to embrace theologically. However, we do have a phenomenal history and theology! We have some incredible building blocks that embrace a loving God and people of all backgrounds who are in desperate need of grace and friendship.

I believe the United Methodist church will experience renewal, but only after it hits rock bottom. It has to almost die in order for us to decide to reform The Book of Discipline and systems that worked well in the 1950's but not so much in 2010. According to this article we are finally getting close. Please pray for reform in our denomination. Pray that we will choose life, salvation and renewal and not limit ourselves to a heavy yolk that we have placed upon ourselves. After all, I'm pretty sure if John Wesley were here today he'd slap us around and give us a good scolding. And if that's Wesley, just think what Jesus would do:)?

People vs. Tasks

Some days I can't make up my mind: Am I a relational person or a task oriented person? I just finished a preaching series on relationships, yet it's very easy to forget their importance. As a small church pastor I have so many things that need to get done that no one else is going to get done, unless I delegate, but that's another blog. I guess that's one thing this pastor is learning from his community, the value of relationships. The value of stopping in for coffee or just catching up on life. To visit with someone is to let go of what's on your mind and lay it aside for the sake of the conversation; another valuable lesson. How much of what "has to get done" could really be laid aside? Is the "task" going to miss me if I don't visit; probably not? But a person will miss me . . . or you.

The Basement

So our air conditioner in the sanctuary went out last week. We didn't realize it until Saturday afternoon. I probably should have called someone to fix it then but I was worried about the weekend rates. Next time I'll make the call. It was so hot by 11am that I decided to move our traditional service to the basement (Fellowship Hall) for worship. I determined that most folks would be willing to make the change instead of sweating for an hour and I believe that was the consensus. What was surprising was how much people seemed to enjoy the closeness! We were a packed house in the basement and almost every seat was full. Some enjoy their space in the sanctuary, but most enjoyed a more intimate setting in the basement. This has really made me think about the importance of community on Sunday morning. So how many people do you think would throw a fit if I roped off the last three or four pews on Sunday morning?

God and Suffering

Death and suffering always bring up a lot of good questions about God and why bad things happen. Pastor Adam Hamilton of Church of the Resurrection recently did a sermon entitled "God and Suffering". If you are a podcast person you can go to the podcast area of iTunes and do a search on Church of the Resurrection or Adam Hamilton and find it. If you want to watch it on your computer you can go to the following web link to watch/listen immediately: http://www.cor.org/worship-sermons/sermonarchives/show/sermons/God-and-Suffering-1/. I listened to the podcast and found it profoundly helpful. Of course, when you are experiencing immense suffering and loss there are no appropriate answers that will remove your pain and make all things well. But with time comes opportunity to think and feel and heal. When you are in that place, Adam's sermon may be helpful to you.

Abby Cockrill Funeral Service Information

Abby Cockrill was killed in a car accident Sunday morning at 1:30am around the area of I-29 and 152 highway. Her friend, who was driving, escaped the accident with no injuries and they were both wearing their seat belts. The man who hit them did have a blood alcohol content well above the legal amount. Abby is the granddaughter of WUMC members Robert and Earlene Fulk and the niece of Dennis and Barbara Fulk. Abby’s parents, Diana and Pat, are members of the 1^st Christian Church in Platte City.

Abby’s visitation will be at 1^st Christian Church (708 3^rd Street) in Platte City tomorrow, Wednesday the 25^th from 6:30-8pm. Her funeral will be Thursday the 26^th, 10:30am at 1^st Christian Church. A grave side service will follow the funeral at Platte City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be given to the 1^st Christian Church Youth Group or the Missouri Special Olympics. Please keep the Cockrill and Fulk families in your prayers.

Consistency

Life has been anything other than consistent this summer. I had two great vacations: one to Colorado with friends and another to Texas with family. VBS was great but it sucked the life out of me. I've had a couple weeks to commit to the office but they were full of planning activities. Then we had a week of great loss where two wonderful people were laid to rest who passed away in the same day. In all of the previous activities, a lot of regular visits to our elderly, sick and worship guests were minimized which is my focus this week. However, last week I decided that some things needed to be consistent again. So, little by little I'm gaining some ground with working out (biking, walking, weights), scripture reading, meditation/prayer, family time, reading and getting outside (even though it's bloody hot!). Remarkably enough, I'm starting to feel better. When we increase stress in our lives and decrease stress reducing activities we begin to feel bad. I had developed headaches and a lot of shoulder/neck pain along with needing more sleep. These are symptoms that something is wrong. So, I'm not surprised that when I've worked out the last five days and spent some time meditating and doing things that I enjoy that I feel better.
Now to personalize this. How do you feel? Have you missed consistency in areas of your life that help you feel better? Maybe it's time to work on some consistency with me:) Pick something small this week and experience a win for consistency next week! And let's pray for each other too:)

Too young to be so old!

Today is our third day of VBS at Weston UMC. It's been a great three days! Our leadership is fantastic and the kids are having a great time. Kim K. is so enthusiastic and passionate about our children and our church! She comes in with high energy every morning and leaves with high energy. I, on the other hand, dragged my tired rear into church this morning and dragged it out. I'm just amazed how much VBS is taking out of me this year! On my birthday in March this year I hit that magical age where I am no longer considered a young adult (36) as a Methodist pastor. Maybe I'm just acting my age for once:) Now if some of these older folks would stop running circles around me maybe I could be content in that???!!

Prayer Group

Kim Kirby, our Council Chair, has invited anyone to come pray at the church every Wednesday at 12:05pm. This last Wednesday, Kim, Betty and I prayed about the following things (and invite you to pray with us now):

Brook Stokes- motorcycle accident

Mike Walsh- hospitalized over reaction to medicine

Taloff Family

Eskridge family and friends

Pastor Jim, his family their vacation to work out and also for you mission, vision, service and leadership

Ben Taylor- friend of Voigt's in hospital

Jolie’s father- Paul Norman's sister

Dick Emery- hip surgery recovery

Hayworth family including Mary and Lynn

Our community and those that are in financial trouble and need help

Divorce – couples, kids & their property problems

VBS – planners, kids

Our body of Christ – our missions, service, small groups and the garden to be abundant to feed anyone that needs it

Our city government – including the Mayor, Aldermen and workers

Kyle Torster – his safety, his return and Jen and the kids

Joe Taloff update

I just got off the phone with a member of Joe’s family. After over a week Joe is still unresponsive and his health has not improved. Tomorrow Joe will be taken off life support as he requested in his living will. He will move to a care facility tomorrow as well. Joe’s feeding tube was removed and he has also contracted pneumonia. The doctors have projected that Joe has days to weeks to live as a result of removing the feeding tube and the pneumonia. Please pray for Joe, Joan and all of Joe’s family during this very difficult time.

Today's outdoor service moved to Church!

Because of wet grass and questionable rain showers we are moving today's combined service to the church. We will have a combined service at 10am and eat lunch together after service. Please bring whatever food items you were planning on bringing to the picnic.

Joe Taloff update

Pastor Joe Taloff went into the hospital yesterday morning. He was restless through the night and was getting in and out of bed a lot. At one point he passed out and hit his head on the side of an end table. The blow to the head was minor and the doctors believe it didn't cause the damage that they found. The ambulance took him to St. Lukes Hospital on the Plaza where they found out he had a brain hemorrhage. They did surgery immediately in order to drain the blood that was pooling on the right side of his brain. This is Joe's second day in the NICU. He is currently being supplied air through a breathing machine and his nourishment through an IV. He has not opened his eyes yet or tried to talk but is slightly responsive when he is touched. A nurse asked him to squeeze her hand and he did so. Joan is holding on and had some health issues of her own the day before Joe's hospitalization. When I called this morning and spoke to Joe's daughter, Joan wasn't in yet so I'm hoping she got some rest. Joe's condition does not appear to be neither good nor bad. We won't know if he has any memory loss or loss of motor skills until he regains consciousness. Please continue to pray for him, Joan and their family

Memorial Day Weekend Party!

This Sunday the Voigts are having a Memorial Day Weekend Party on Sunday (30th) at 5pm. Please feel free to bring neighbors, friends and relatives. We will provide hamburgers, hot dogs and all of the condiments. Please bring a side dish, desert or beverage to share. Also, bring any games you might like as well. It's suppose to be a beautiful day so come on over. We are located at 18935 State Road N. 45 next door to Vaughn's Funeral Home.

Future Sermons

I've been working on my sermon calendar for the next year. I'm pretty excited with my plans so far. Thought I would share my overall themes and see if you all have any input. Let me know your ideas, illustrations or worship element suggestions!

Good Words in James
James will be a five week series on the the Epistle of James. James offers very straightforward concepts on the words we choose to use, not showing partiality and demonstrating our faith through our deeds (faith without deeds is dead!).

Vision
I have spent the last four months meeting with about half of our worshiping attendance in small groups for four weeks at a time. We brainstormed the following areas together: Intentional Discipleship, Missions, Evangelism/Growth and Short/Long Term Goals. I will spend four weeks revealing those results and offer a WUMC sized vision for tomorrow!

Relationships
Five weeks discussing the difficulties and keys for success in the following relationship situations: singleness, marriage, children, friendship and Christ. These areas are not completely solidified and I may tweek them:)

Give it Away
Even in recession, many are still living in abundance- but some are not. We will spend four weeks proposing different ways to "give away" our abundance. I'm thinking of focusing on the following areas: stuff, food and money (outside church/inside church). I'm hoping this will be a month to focus on Missions and all the ways we can serve and help. I also have a bombshell of an idea that I am hoping to reveal in September in preparation for this series!

Ruth
I read the Old Testament book of Ruth a few weeks ago and was absolutely floored! It's a beautiful story of God's provision and love; it's romantic, tragic and awe inspiring . . . and four chapters long.

Christmas Series
I don't know just yet- but it will be something Christmassy'. How about some help here!?

Romans
After Christmas we will begin the highly thought provoking New Testament book of Romans. It's 16 chapters long and will likely be our Lenten focus taking us to Easter. In Romans, Paul is writing to the Church in Rome that is no doubt experiencing growing pains. He painstakingly emphasizes the importance of grace by faith alone in Jesus Christ to a pagan culture. Romans will help deepen our Christian beliefs and stretch us in areas concerning God's sovereignty and our Jewish cousins (our faith relatives).

Vacation Over

Well, I had a good vacation. Had a few days around the house the beginning of the week. I did some fishing and relatively "bum" stuff. On Wednesday I headed for Arizona. I thought I had outsmart the flight industry. Tickets to Tucson were cheaper than tickets to Phoenix and the Tucson tickets stopped in Phoenix?! However, I found out that if you stop in Phoenix on the way out that they cancel your return tickets! So, after begging and pleading and not getting anywhere, my best friend in Phoenix drove two hours to Tucson to pick me up. It was mainly a "hangin'" out trip. I spent a lot of time with him (Phil) and his wife (Regina) and infant son (Mitchell). Last year I went up around this time because Mitchell was baptized and I am his godfather, so it was good to see he was growing quite nicely. Phil and I played 36 holes of disc golf and ate a lot- and that was the trip. On the way back to the airport he actually dropped me off in Tucson for my flight and beat me back to the Phoenix airport where we had breakfast together for my 2 hour lay over- I know, completely bizarre. When I got back on Saturday Kim and I went out and ate at Styx restraunt with some friends at the Legends. In the world of Japanese Steak Houses Styx was pretty average, but we still had a good time. On Mothers Day we visited "The Rock" church in N.K.C. It had a very modern worship facility and sound. They were incredibly well organized and reminded me a lot of a mini Willow Creek meets Word of Life. Of course I haven't been to Word of Life in six years so it could feel more like Willow Creek by now for all I know. After church we went and got Kim's Mothers Day gift since I didn't think about that until I got on the plane on Wednesday (although cards were taken care of). We bought some perfume and the nice gals at Dillards through in 3 freebies along with it! The real Mother's Day gift came when we got home and I cleaned out the garage. I think she has requested that one since November. It looks great now- I'll just walk into the garage and check it out:) And now- it's time to get ready for my last Pastoral Leadership Development class in Blue Springs. Back to the races we go!

Weston UMC State of the Union

On Sunday, April 18^th I gave two mini sermons during worship in order to address some different things going on in the life of our church; in other words, a state of the union address for Weston UMC. If you missed services that day, I’d like to update you on some very positive things going on in our church:

1) Walk to Emmaus: Kim and I both experience the Walk to Emmaus weekend retreat. It was a very positive experience and I would recommend it to anyone who is new to faith, needing some encouragement or faith answers, has recently gone through some traumatic life experiences, is spiritually dry or would like to grow some new friendships. It’s a great time and you won’t regret it.

2) Be who God has created you to be: All of you have been created by God with specific gifts and passions. Stop feeling the pressure to live into the molds that others create for you and learn to joyfully be who God has designed you to be.

3) Lay Preaching: I believe in the power of lay preaching and am encouraging people within our congregation to share their stories, passions and Biblical perspectives on life during Sunday morning worship. I believe the voices within the congregation are as equally powerful as the voice sent to minister to the congregation. Please support them with your attendance, prayers and encouragement.

4) Church Finances: A) In the last seven months our General Fund has grown from $2,500 to over $20,000. Your generosity has been overwhelming and this church is blessed because of it. B) Pennies from Heaven has given over $500 to four different individuals and 2 organizations in the last 2 months. C) Lately, many families/people have given generously to our church above and beyond their regular offerings. We have also become the benefactors of a life insurance policy left by Dorothy Voorhees who grew up here in Weston. We are waiting for a sum of $40,000 to arrive. D) With all that we have been blessed with, let’s remember that God calls us to serve and help. Let’s always experience tension between what we spend for ourselves and what we spend for others.

5) Spiritual Director Visits: I have had an increase in visits from individual and couples who would like spiritual direction. This is very positive and I would encourage anyone who desires such support to make an appointment for a visit.

6) How to Become a Member: If you would like to become a member of Weston UMC, please schedule an appointment with me.

7) Beware of Burnout: We have a lot of positive energy and many good things are going on. Make sure to stay spiritually healthy and as balanced in life as possible. Make a fair assessment of your church involvement and always communicate stress before the fall.