2010 Challenge

Yesterday at our worship service I preached the last sermon in the Series: Waiting on God. I challenged everyone to stop waiting to move closer to God and take up a new discipline for 2010: prayer, daily scripture reading, create a small group, get a mentor, etc. So, did anyone make any decisions to take a step towards God? What's your commitment to?

Youth BBQ Event

We had another good night at the parsonage. Our high school and middle school students came over for a BBQ. Other than getting beat in a game of corn hole, I had a great time as well. We spent some time talking about the future of youth ministry at WUMC. I'm impressed by the things our youth said were important to them. At the top of the list were mission events and meeting on a regular basis on Sunday evenings for fellowship. So, what we need are adults who are willing to pull alongside our teens. People who will care about the lives of our teens, pray with them and mentor them. Could this be you? We should talk soon:) By the way, Cody sank 4 bags in the hole in a row (see the little hole by his leg in this pic)! Never seen that done before- pretty amazing! You can check out more pictures on my facebook.

Addition to Book List

My book list has changed a little bit. I finished Thomas Merton's "Spiritual Direction and Meditation" and began "The Brother Lawrence Collection". Merton's book was a quick read and very enjoyable. He poses many challenging thoughts on discipleship, meditation and mentoring. I would highly suggest it if you are interested in those topics. Brother Lawrence was also a Monk who experienced the "Presence of God" in incredible force while he did his mundane kitchen duties at his monestary. I'm currently reading the letters he sent to those he was mentoring or encouraging. This morning I particularly enjoyed the following quote, "Be not discouraged by the repugnance which you may find in it from nature; you must do yourself violence". Brother Lawrence is addressing our sinful nature and believes that we should attack and hate it with all that we are. I believe whole heartedly in that statement. It's only by hating our sin that we can embrace the teachings of Jesus. Do you hate your sin?? Maybe it's time to do violence to it?

Identify the Call in Others

This is my friend Ben. Ben was one of my supervisors at Starbucks while I was in Kentucky. He has an incredible knowledge of scripture and a passion for Christian history and theology. He had plans to be a college professor but God has different plans for Ben. Several people (including me) indicated to him that perhaps he was called to pastoral ministry. Tonight I got to see Ben deliver his second sermon at his Episcopal Church where he is a layperson. Ben is obviously called to the ministry of Word and Sacrament! Most folks need some help identifying the call in their lives. Perhaps you could be the voice that helps someone else discern God's voice and calling. We need more people in ministry- young and old alike. Please, be courageous and ask the question if you know someone who might be gifted and called, "Have you considered ministry"?

My Mentor

One of my major priorities for my first month in Weston was to find a spiritual mentor. I believe that there is a lot to gain in mentoring relationships. In order for me to serve as a good mentor to others I believe I should be spiritually mentored as well. Jeff Brinkman is the Senior Pastor at Woods Chapel UMC in Lee's Summit. When I met with Jeff at his church he introduced me to every member on his staff. And I noticed with every introduction came a "thank you" or a compliment to most of the folks he came into contact with. Before I knew who Jeff was I had several other pastors tell me about his spiritual soundness and his positive attitude. That's why I'm excited that Jeff is my mentor.
I believe Weston UMC will benefit from this relationship as much as I will. And I also believe that many folks in our church could benefit from one another. Could you be a mentor? Who would you mentor? Consider asking God to help you answer those two questions this week:)