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