This week I'm attending the School of Congregational Development in Evanston, IL. Today was the first day of the School, and so far, I've been challenged and called to a deeper sense of ministry. Two major highlights from the day, outside of good food and conversation with new colleagues in ministry. The two major highlights have been:
1. Hearing Bishop James Swanson preach at the Opening Plenary. Sometimes, when I hear really good African-American preachers, I wish that I could preach like that. Listening to Bishop Swanson was one of those time. Bishop Swanson spoke on the importance of raising up young people to follow God's call to ministry, which is a topic which I'm very passionate about. Over the past three years that I've worked in full-time youth ministry, I've realized the critical role that is in place when it comes to calling students into places of ministry. Often, as an adult watching students grow in their desire to follow Jesus, I am more cognizant of God's working in their lives than they are, so a major part of my job is to nurture and name the good gifts of God in the lives of students. Currently, I have several students who I believe God is calling into ministry, and I've spent much time thinking about ways to help students understand that call. I was really hoping to take some of my students to Exploration 09, but it's in Dallas, so it's probably cost prohibitive. Listening to the Bishop this morning about the ways that the Holston Conference mentors young people into ministry, I had to stop and wonder "Why can't we do that?" Why can't we set up some Exploration like weekends? Why can't we challenge students to full-time ministry at Winter Blitz? It's something that I need to keep praying about, but I might call the Conference Youth Coordinator and offer my time to developing a program that will help us raise up young people to places of leadership and ministry.
2. I've made a startling realization in my time here. I don't pray enough. Simple as that. This afternoon I was listening to Jorge Acevedo talk about ministry to the working class, and in the course of his workshop, Jorge talked about the growth of his church, Grace Church, in Florida. Listening to Jorge and hearing the stories about baptisms and changed lives makes me want to cry, and it makes me want to learn from Jorge. If Beth would move to Florida, I would do everything in my power to somehow end up on Jorge's staff, but Beth won't move to Florida, so it's not a consideration. But, as Jorge was teaching today I was struck by the fact that I really don't pray enough. I think about the lost, I brainstorm ways to meet the lost, and I even attempt to go to the places where lost people are, but rarely do I sit and pour out my heart to the Lord, interceding for those like Abram pled for Sodom. This needs to become a daily part of my work, especially if I ever want to plant a church. This should be the way that I am, and I realized today that my prayer life simply isn't what it needs to be in order to sustain myself and the ministry that God has called and gifted me for. A sobering realization, but a challenging one. I will make some changes.
All and all, a good day. I miss my wife, but that's just the way that travel is, I guess. At this point, it's off to bed for another busy day tomorrow!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
A Holy Pursuit
Sometimes I think that I've decided that there are some things about Christian Spirituality that we've heard enough...I need to think of something new or pertinent or relevant...something that will rock the world and make people stop and stare and say "Wow! I've never thought of that before!! My life has been changed!!" Yet I'm realizing that this is not the way I need to be...I don't need to think of a different story. I don't need to call to a different, life-changing place, because honestly, the only true life-changing story is that of a God who pursues, calls and redeems. I need to tell that story...
I'm reminded of that this week. Last night I got a Facebook message from one of my students (insert scolding note here from someone about doing work while I'm on vacation and about the ways that technology keeps us chained to our lives of work......OK, now I'll continue) about a boy named Kenzie. Kenzie is a sophomore in high school who comes from a broken home and a bad situation. Kenzie has no belief in God, and from what I understand, he's always been a little hostile towards Christians. The student who messaged me has been praying for Kenzie for a while now, believing that God would do some work in the life of this young man. Apparently Kenzie loves heavy metal music and recently had been listening to the band "Dream Theater." This is not a Christian band, but while Kenzie was reading the lyrics, something stood out to him. He came to band, found a student who he knows follows Jesus and asked her if she knew anyone who could talk to him about God and the Bible. Suddenly he was curious about God and about who God might be. So, hopefully next week I'll be sitting down with a curious student whose curiousity about Jesus has been piqued by the death metal band called Dream Theater. Please continue to pray for God's prevenient grace to be flowing into this young man's life and please continue to pray for me, as I have the opportunity to simply share the good news of God's love.
Isn't it incredible the ways that God pursues us? From the fall of humanity, God has been beckoning people, wooing people, running after us in order to let us know of God's great love. God pursues messed up high school students like Kenzie and God pursues middle age success stories. God pursues junkies, drop-outs, alcoholics, lawyers, doctors, mothers, fathers, middle schoolers and even dentists. While I might believe that dentists practice the devil's handiwork, God even pursues dentists. God meets us where we're at and reveals Godself to us through ways we can't even begin to dream up. God writes stories of pursuit and love that even Hollywood couldn't make into a movie, because it would seem too far fetched. And probably the best thing about it is that God continues to pursue us. Sometimes I wonder why God continues to give chase to us, and then I realize that God continues to pursue because we continue to wander away. We in the church are like the people of Israel who are in the wilderness. We've seen God part the Red Sea, we've seen God deliver from slavery to sin and death, we've eaten manna from heaven and experienced God's provision, but as soon as we get the chance, we move along and make ourselves an idol...maybe because it's easier to get attached to, maybe because a golden calf isn't as demanding as a holy God, maybe because we think that we can ride it away...but even then, God continues to hunt us down and show us just a glimpse of the fact that following a Holy God is SO much better than a golden cow. Sometimes we simply get impatient with God's timing and hard work and decide that we should just make our own calf. We run away, but God is hot in pursuit.
The other thing that is so difficult for us in the church to understand about God's wild goose chase after people is that we don't get to choose who God pursues. Shortly after I received the note about Kenzie I shared the exciting news with the family we're on vacation with. I told the kids about this other kid that they might now who is suddenly interesting in meeting up with God. When I told them his name, their faces fell. One of the girls looked at me and said "If Kenzie starts coming to Youth Group, I probably won't be there for a while." Apparently, all throughout middle school, Kenzie called the girls derogatory names and said and did hurtful things. Beth calmly looked around the table and said "The secret is that church really isn't for the Christians anyway." While I know that she would never actually NOT come, I realize the truth to that sentiment...too often we'd rather pick who gets to come in and who gets left out, when the truth of the matter is this...God, like all the cops in those TV cop shows, is in hot pursuit. And God, who is so good, invites us to help make sure that God gets everyone God's after...May our churches be filled with those people who we thought were far beyond God's grace, and may God in work in such a way that we are always reminded of God's holy pursuit...of us and of others.
I'm reminded of that this week. Last night I got a Facebook message from one of my students (insert scolding note here from someone about doing work while I'm on vacation and about the ways that technology keeps us chained to our lives of work......OK, now I'll continue) about a boy named Kenzie. Kenzie is a sophomore in high school who comes from a broken home and a bad situation. Kenzie has no belief in God, and from what I understand, he's always been a little hostile towards Christians. The student who messaged me has been praying for Kenzie for a while now, believing that God would do some work in the life of this young man. Apparently Kenzie loves heavy metal music and recently had been listening to the band "Dream Theater." This is not a Christian band, but while Kenzie was reading the lyrics, something stood out to him. He came to band, found a student who he knows follows Jesus and asked her if she knew anyone who could talk to him about God and the Bible. Suddenly he was curious about God and about who God might be. So, hopefully next week I'll be sitting down with a curious student whose curiousity about Jesus has been piqued by the death metal band called Dream Theater. Please continue to pray for God's prevenient grace to be flowing into this young man's life and please continue to pray for me, as I have the opportunity to simply share the good news of God's love.
Isn't it incredible the ways that God pursues us? From the fall of humanity, God has been beckoning people, wooing people, running after us in order to let us know of God's great love. God pursues messed up high school students like Kenzie and God pursues middle age success stories. God pursues junkies, drop-outs, alcoholics, lawyers, doctors, mothers, fathers, middle schoolers and even dentists. While I might believe that dentists practice the devil's handiwork, God even pursues dentists. God meets us where we're at and reveals Godself to us through ways we can't even begin to dream up. God writes stories of pursuit and love that even Hollywood couldn't make into a movie, because it would seem too far fetched. And probably the best thing about it is that God continues to pursue us. Sometimes I wonder why God continues to give chase to us, and then I realize that God continues to pursue because we continue to wander away. We in the church are like the people of Israel who are in the wilderness. We've seen God part the Red Sea, we've seen God deliver from slavery to sin and death, we've eaten manna from heaven and experienced God's provision, but as soon as we get the chance, we move along and make ourselves an idol...maybe because it's easier to get attached to, maybe because a golden calf isn't as demanding as a holy God, maybe because we think that we can ride it away...but even then, God continues to hunt us down and show us just a glimpse of the fact that following a Holy God is SO much better than a golden cow. Sometimes we simply get impatient with God's timing and hard work and decide that we should just make our own calf. We run away, but God is hot in pursuit.
The other thing that is so difficult for us in the church to understand about God's wild goose chase after people is that we don't get to choose who God pursues. Shortly after I received the note about Kenzie I shared the exciting news with the family we're on vacation with. I told the kids about this other kid that they might now who is suddenly interesting in meeting up with God. When I told them his name, their faces fell. One of the girls looked at me and said "If Kenzie starts coming to Youth Group, I probably won't be there for a while." Apparently, all throughout middle school, Kenzie called the girls derogatory names and said and did hurtful things. Beth calmly looked around the table and said "The secret is that church really isn't for the Christians anyway." While I know that she would never actually NOT come, I realize the truth to that sentiment...too often we'd rather pick who gets to come in and who gets left out, when the truth of the matter is this...God, like all the cops in those TV cop shows, is in hot pursuit. And God, who is so good, invites us to help make sure that God gets everyone God's after...May our churches be filled with those people who we thought were far beyond God's grace, and may God in work in such a way that we are always reminded of God's holy pursuit...of us and of others.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Oh Adam...
While I noted that I am planning to blog as a theological discipline, I also noted that I plan to blog about Pirates baseball. Interestingly enough, today presented itself as an excellent day to blog about Pirates baseball, as I was able to listen to the game AND hear Neil Huntington talk about the LaRoche trade. In that vain, a few thoughts...
1. When I first read about the trade, I thought that the headline said the Pirates traded ANDY LaRoche, not ADAM LaRoche. This made me very upset, as I thought that they traded away a young player who was integral in last year's Bay deal, but once I realized that we were trading away this brother, I felt much better.
While I have always had hope for Adam LaRoche and the short right field fence, I have always been disappointed. He's never seemed to live up to the billing that's been presented. He came to Pittsburgh after a season in ATL where he hit 32 HR, and he's never been able to get it back together. His stats show him to be a lousy first half hitter, and by the time the second half rolls around the Pirates are out of it, so no one has ever noticed that LaRoche has always hit well in the second half, with his July-September BA hovering around .300 and his HR totals increasing throughout the season.
I hope that LaRoche does well in Boston. For what I hear, he's always been the consummate professional, and he's always hit well in the clutch, so he should be a benefit to the Sox in late innings of close games. I hold no ill will towards the Pirates for trading LaRoche...after all, you won't win in the postseason if he's the best player on your team. I'm suprised in the semi-prospects they received in return, but anything back is better than nothing at all. While Diaz and Strickland seem like marginal prospects, they don't hurt anything, that's for sure.
What really threw me off guard, though, is the fact that Steven Pearce will be getting the call-up rather than Lastings Milledge. Milledge has hit .400 in 10 games at Indianapolis, and while I don't have any probem with K-Machine Pearce, I really thought that Lastings would switch into a corner outfield positions, allowing the hot bat of Garrett Jones sneak into the line-up at first. We'll see how much longer Lastings lasts at Indy.
As for the game, it was an exciting game to listen to, with a lot of back and forth action, culminating in Brandon Moss' HR to center field. I appreciated listening to the game and enjoyed the walk-off in the ninth. The Bucs have been playing better of late, and hopefully they'll keep it up!!
1. When I first read about the trade, I thought that the headline said the Pirates traded ANDY LaRoche, not ADAM LaRoche. This made me very upset, as I thought that they traded away a young player who was integral in last year's Bay deal, but once I realized that we were trading away this brother, I felt much better.
While I have always had hope for Adam LaRoche and the short right field fence, I have always been disappointed. He's never seemed to live up to the billing that's been presented. He came to Pittsburgh after a season in ATL where he hit 32 HR, and he's never been able to get it back together. His stats show him to be a lousy first half hitter, and by the time the second half rolls around the Pirates are out of it, so no one has ever noticed that LaRoche has always hit well in the second half, with his July-September BA hovering around .300 and his HR totals increasing throughout the season.
I hope that LaRoche does well in Boston. For what I hear, he's always been the consummate professional, and he's always hit well in the clutch, so he should be a benefit to the Sox in late innings of close games. I hold no ill will towards the Pirates for trading LaRoche...after all, you won't win in the postseason if he's the best player on your team. I'm suprised in the semi-prospects they received in return, but anything back is better than nothing at all. While Diaz and Strickland seem like marginal prospects, they don't hurt anything, that's for sure.
What really threw me off guard, though, is the fact that Steven Pearce will be getting the call-up rather than Lastings Milledge. Milledge has hit .400 in 10 games at Indianapolis, and while I don't have any probem with K-Machine Pearce, I really thought that Lastings would switch into a corner outfield positions, allowing the hot bat of Garrett Jones sneak into the line-up at first. We'll see how much longer Lastings lasts at Indy.
As for the game, it was an exciting game to listen to, with a lot of back and forth action, culminating in Brandon Moss' HR to center field. I appreciated listening to the game and enjoyed the walk-off in the ninth. The Bucs have been playing better of late, and hopefully they'll keep it up!!
A New Start (or something)
Although I haven't blogged for over a year, I've decided to start again...For several reasons, really, but probably only one that is legit...Here's my reasons in list form...
1. I think that what I have to say is probably earth-shattering and everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, will be completely transformed by my words. Or soemthing like that...Maybe that's just my Superman complex coming through in a big-time sort of way.
2. I think that my insight of Pittsburgh sports teams needs to be shared. Especially when it comes to my insights regarding the Pirates, because I spend a LOT of time thinking about baseball. Probably more than I should.
3. I think that the legitimate reason that I'm going to attempt blogging again is to attempt a new discipline. I was commissioned as a Provisional Elder this year at Annual Conference, and I have been appointed to be the Associate Pastor of Youth Ministry at Nicholasville UMC. This is the same job that I've been doing for the past three years, and while I love my job, I realize that I don't get the opportunity to preach, and that's something that it really difficult for me. I recently asked Eric Park how he has taken the energy that he used to put into preaching and focused it at something else since his move to the Superintendency. Eric mentioned the discipline of blogging, and I was intrigued, so I'm going to give it a shot...I don't think that what I have to say is as good as what Eric says, but hopefully it will allow me to continue to develop the discipline of theological thinking that would lead to preaching while I don't have the opportunity to preach. It's worth a shot at least.
4. Finally, I realize that my mom will read this. She'll probably be about it, but I know that she'll appreciate it...
So, here's to nothing...a new start. We'll see how long it lasts.
1. I think that what I have to say is probably earth-shattering and everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, will be completely transformed by my words. Or soemthing like that...Maybe that's just my Superman complex coming through in a big-time sort of way.
2. I think that my insight of Pittsburgh sports teams needs to be shared. Especially when it comes to my insights regarding the Pirates, because I spend a LOT of time thinking about baseball. Probably more than I should.
3. I think that the legitimate reason that I'm going to attempt blogging again is to attempt a new discipline. I was commissioned as a Provisional Elder this year at Annual Conference, and I have been appointed to be the Associate Pastor of Youth Ministry at Nicholasville UMC. This is the same job that I've been doing for the past three years, and while I love my job, I realize that I don't get the opportunity to preach, and that's something that it really difficult for me. I recently asked Eric Park how he has taken the energy that he used to put into preaching and focused it at something else since his move to the Superintendency. Eric mentioned the discipline of blogging, and I was intrigued, so I'm going to give it a shot...I don't think that what I have to say is as good as what Eric says, but hopefully it will allow me to continue to develop the discipline of theological thinking that would lead to preaching while I don't have the opportunity to preach. It's worth a shot at least.
4. Finally, I realize that my mom will read this. She'll probably be about it, but I know that she'll appreciate it...
So, here's to nothing...a new start. We'll see how long it lasts.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
A Quick Reflection
Yesterday was a tough day. I wrote an extensive blog post about it and then it got lost. I'll try and write a little later and reflect on the day. For now, I need to reflect on the day that lies in front of us. Worship is happening in the main hall, but I can't really be there right now...I just need a moment.
Today we await a visit from the protestors. Yesterday there was much pain and we will be reminded of that today. As I think about this, my stomach gets tied up in knots and I get a lump in my throat. I dread today because it shows so clearly the brokenness of God's Church.
I experienced my first General Conference when I was 18. That year the Conference was held in Cleveland, and has been remembered as one of the most difficult Conferences because of the particularly divisive protest. The protest scene is Cleveland is seared into my mind with amazing clarity. I don't remember my high school graduation as well as I remember the 2nd Thursday of General Conference in Cleveland. While I appreciate the opportunity that I had to go to General Conference that year, I was too young to experience that kind of pain that comes through protest. What is difficult is that this year reminds me of Cleveland.
That experience changed the way I look at church and as I reflect, has shaped part of my call in the Church. Cleveland showed me clearly the broken and divided parts of the church and called me to somehow speak to that. Ever since that day I have struggled to know how to hold orthodoxy as I know it with abundant grace. I have struggled to hold beliefs and build bridges. I do the best I can, but I know that I don't have it all figured out. Protests bring up anger inside of me, but also extreme hurt. It reminds me that when "one part of the body hurts so does the rest." Today, our United Methodist body is hurt, and I struggle to know how to hold that hurt in tension with the idea that we made the correct choice.
Today reminds me of part of my call...to preach, to teach, to lead and to build up the body of Christ. Today the body of Christ is hurt, and I pray that while a witness is shown to the hurt of the body, that the witness will not be too dividing. As a witness happens today, I will probably pray and weep for the Church and I will ask that God continue to grow gifts in me that will allow me to know how to speak and work within pain. Please pray for me as well.
Today we await a visit from the protestors. Yesterday there was much pain and we will be reminded of that today. As I think about this, my stomach gets tied up in knots and I get a lump in my throat. I dread today because it shows so clearly the brokenness of God's Church.
I experienced my first General Conference when I was 18. That year the Conference was held in Cleveland, and has been remembered as one of the most difficult Conferences because of the particularly divisive protest. The protest scene is Cleveland is seared into my mind with amazing clarity. I don't remember my high school graduation as well as I remember the 2nd Thursday of General Conference in Cleveland. While I appreciate the opportunity that I had to go to General Conference that year, I was too young to experience that kind of pain that comes through protest. What is difficult is that this year reminds me of Cleveland.
That experience changed the way I look at church and as I reflect, has shaped part of my call in the Church. Cleveland showed me clearly the broken and divided parts of the church and called me to somehow speak to that. Ever since that day I have struggled to know how to hold orthodoxy as I know it with abundant grace. I have struggled to hold beliefs and build bridges. I do the best I can, but I know that I don't have it all figured out. Protests bring up anger inside of me, but also extreme hurt. It reminds me that when "one part of the body hurts so does the rest." Today, our United Methodist body is hurt, and I struggle to know how to hold that hurt in tension with the idea that we made the correct choice.
Today reminds me of part of my call...to preach, to teach, to lead and to build up the body of Christ. Today the body of Christ is hurt, and I pray that while a witness is shown to the hurt of the body, that the witness will not be too dividing. As a witness happens today, I will probably pray and weep for the Church and I will ask that God continue to grow gifts in me that will allow me to know how to speak and work within pain. Please pray for me as well.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Difficult times
The conversations are just beginning. I hate this day, as it shows the deep woundedness in the church. There are no winners and losers today, only very broken people. Delegates from across Africa have heard the buzzword "homosexuality" and although we are just discussing a resolution on homophobia. The day is going to become more difficult before it gets better. Please be in prayer.
prayers needed
Issues of human sexuality will come to the floor this morning. This is probably my least favorite day, as it creates pain, hurt and division and just isn't fun. Please pray for the church we love today. It is of utmost importance.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Today I had several incredible visits from Starflower, the magic wallet fairy. I received a "magic wallet" from the Asbury Lunch. So far, every time I come back to the table something new has appeared with Starflower's mark. This is a mysterious fairy and the only person who has possibly seen it is Eric Park. Ask him about it!
Wow it's late.
Wow it's late.
For the transformation if the world
Well, the presiding Bishop matters...
Today, after debating meaningless petitions for hours on end we finally got to something meaningful. Now realize, we spent 20 minutes last night deciding whether we should reduce speech times to save time. Today a petition came before the body to add the words "for the transformation of the world" to the mission statement of the church. Today we debated the mission of the church for less than 10 minutes. Two amendments were proposed and the entirety of our time was spent debating these two motions. We didn't even debate the proposed change because Bishop Swenson, one of our more liberal bishops who was presiding decided that she wanted to vote before an order of the day...our break.
This was very frustrating to me because I really wanted to speak against the idea. See, I'm not against the transformation of the world. In fact, I'm very for it but I'm not for it in our mission statement. Why? Because Jesus said "Go and make disciples." that was it! Our call is to make disciples for the sake of disciple making. Disciple making is the end, not the means to an end. See, here's the thing...God is the One who transforms AND the world cannot help but ne transformed when disciples are made. This is a small but important detail. And it matters, but we only took 10 minutes to talk about it. Very frustrating.
Am I making too big a deal of this? Let me know what you think
Today, after debating meaningless petitions for hours on end we finally got to something meaningful. Now realize, we spent 20 minutes last night deciding whether we should reduce speech times to save time. Today a petition came before the body to add the words "for the transformation of the world" to the mission statement of the church. Today we debated the mission of the church for less than 10 minutes. Two amendments were proposed and the entirety of our time was spent debating these two motions. We didn't even debate the proposed change because Bishop Swenson, one of our more liberal bishops who was presiding decided that she wanted to vote before an order of the day...our break.
This was very frustrating to me because I really wanted to speak against the idea. See, I'm not against the transformation of the world. In fact, I'm very for it but I'm not for it in our mission statement. Why? Because Jesus said "Go and make disciples." that was it! Our call is to make disciples for the sake of disciple making. Disciple making is the end, not the means to an end. See, here's the thing...God is the One who transforms AND the world cannot help but ne transformed when disciples are made. This is a small but important detail. And it matters, but we only took 10 minutes to talk about it. Very frustrating.
Am I making too big a deal of this? Let me know what you think
Things didn't pick, at least substantially but we were able to get our work for the day fully accomplished so that was nice. All legislation that had financial implications have been cared for so thats a step in the right direction. I found out today that more of my legislation has been pulled from the Consent Calendar so I have more to present. I'm not going to complain...I like doing stuff like this.
Judicial Council elections did not go as planned yesterday. No one that I had supported was elected so that was disheartening. It makes me nervous about the legislation that probably will come to the floor today concerning human sexuality. There was a substantial change to the wording of the homosexuality stuff that doesn't say we affirm but it changes the language in a way that makes me uncomfortable. My hunch is that the pro homosexual lobby will stage a protest on the floor today and that's never fun. We'll see if it happens. Please pray for us today as we make decisions and strive together to be united.
I'm excited that we get to hear from the President of Liberia who is a UM. Security tightens substantially, but it should be interesting.
Pray for continued guidance and strength. Sleep has been limited and my body is tired. This conference us a marathon ran at a sprinters pace.
Matt
Judicial Council elections did not go as planned yesterday. No one that I had supported was elected so that was disheartening. It makes me nervous about the legislation that probably will come to the floor today concerning human sexuality. There was a substantial change to the wording of the homosexuality stuff that doesn't say we affirm but it changes the language in a way that makes me uncomfortable. My hunch is that the pro homosexual lobby will stage a protest on the floor today and that's never fun. We'll see if it happens. Please pray for us today as we make decisions and strive together to be united.
I'm excited that we get to hear from the President of Liberia who is a UM. Security tightens substantially, but it should be interesting.
Pray for continued guidance and strength. Sleep has been limited and my body is tired. This conference us a marathon ran at a sprinters pace.
Matt
Monday, April 28, 2008
Today has been a good day. We've been in main plenary all day, slowly slogging through the mountain of legislation. We're currently dealing with an amended petition as well as a minority report on the global relationship of the church. It's slow going and I'm not sure that we'll ever get through this at this rate. Slow times but good time.
A guy just stood up and introduced himself as Chapel Temple from the Texas Conference and then said "Yes that is my real name." Funny stuff.
The highlight of the day has to be hearing from the East Africa Childrens Choir. This was a group of "orphaned and vulnerable children" and I think that describes them pretty well. Seeing these children who had no hope sing triumphant praise to Jesus. These children truly understood the power of hope. The kids sang and danced and found hope in Christ because of the UMC. That's why we do what we do...offer to all people new hope through Jesus Christ.
I need to pay attention because I'm sure things will pick up. At least I hope so.
A guy just stood up and introduced himself as Chapel Temple from the Texas Conference and then said "Yes that is my real name." Funny stuff.
The highlight of the day has to be hearing from the East Africa Childrens Choir. This was a group of "orphaned and vulnerable children" and I think that describes them pretty well. Seeing these children who had no hope sing triumphant praise to Jesus. These children truly understood the power of hope. The kids sang and danced and found hope in Christ because of the UMC. That's why we do what we do...offer to all people new hope through Jesus Christ.
I need to pay attention because I'm sure things will pick up. At least I hope so.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Saturday was Day 4. Saturday morning we heard from Bishop Hutchinson who called us to move beyond a baptism of water alone to a baptism of the Holy Spirit. Powerful stuff as he called us to pray down the power of the Holy Spirit. May it be so in the UMC.
We spent the remainder of the day in legislative committees and my committee worked really hard to get all of our stuff done last night and we did. We had very little controversial pieces, but we did authorize the hymnal study committee, although I've since learned that piece will come before the body as a whole. I've heard that the legislation in Church and Society is being passed that will strengthen our anti-abortion stance but we'll see. Tomorrow starts full plenary so that should be exciting.
Today was a day to relax for me and I was able to hitch a ride to The Ballpark in Arlington to see a Rangers/Twins game. After a tiring and stressful week it was a good break. Please pray for me as I've had a couple difficult situations to handle in my role as chair and I covet your prayers as we move forward.
The pro-homosexual protestors moved in today in full force. They can be a difficult group to know how to respond to as I strive to embody the life of Christ. I've asked myself how I can strike up a life-giving conversation with some who share a radically different perspective than I do. I know that I don't want to embody hate but I truly want my actions to be infused with grace.
Tomorrow I will be presenting legislation from the podium to the General Conference on behalf of my committee. Pretty awesome. You can stream it live if you want to!
Keep praying friends
Matt
We spent the remainder of the day in legislative committees and my committee worked really hard to get all of our stuff done last night and we did. We had very little controversial pieces, but we did authorize the hymnal study committee, although I've since learned that piece will come before the body as a whole. I've heard that the legislation in Church and Society is being passed that will strengthen our anti-abortion stance but we'll see. Tomorrow starts full plenary so that should be exciting.
Today was a day to relax for me and I was able to hitch a ride to The Ballpark in Arlington to see a Rangers/Twins game. After a tiring and stressful week it was a good break. Please pray for me as I've had a couple difficult situations to handle in my role as chair and I covet your prayers as we move forward.
The pro-homosexual protestors moved in today in full force. They can be a difficult group to know how to respond to as I strive to embody the life of Christ. I've asked myself how I can strike up a life-giving conversation with some who share a radically different perspective than I do. I know that I don't want to embody hate but I truly want my actions to be infused with grace.
Tomorrow I will be presenting legislation from the podium to the General Conference on behalf of my committee. Pretty awesome. You can stream it live if you want to!
Keep praying friends
Matt
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Town and Country Ministries
Today we are celebrating the ministries of millions of people and thousands of churches that are located in small and rural areas. We have heard a call to continued support of small churches ministries, as they bring hope and healing to places that often are deeply affected by poverty. As I think about small churches I can't help but think about the small churches that have mentored and grown me. I think about places like Red Bird Mission that has a vibrant minstry among some of the nation's poorest people. I think about my parents who have grown vibrant ministries in small places. They have remained in small places and have left behind the kind of prestige that many seek in order to stay faithful to God's call. This morning we celebrate ministry that happens all over the in places like Hyndman, Palo Alto, Buffalo Mills and Townville. Thanks be to God.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Day 3, I think
It's day 3 I think but I'm not really sure. Its been a long couple days, but things are going well. Last night I was elected to chair the legislative sub-committee dealing with youth and young adult issues. Last night and all day today I led a group of approximately 40 people through 30 pieces of legislation. I really enjoy doing stuff like that so I had a lot of fun and we were able to get through all 30 pieces today so we have a night off! Yes!
This morning Bishop Salome spoke which marked the first time that a Bishop preached who preached in a language other than English with an interpreter. He preached with power and asked the question "why have we stopped making disciples?" He surmised that we have stopped loving God. He reminded us of the three rules that Wesley gave when he said do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God. May these rules meet and speak to us today.
Amen.
This morning Bishop Salome spoke which marked the first time that a Bishop preached who preached in a language other than English with an interpreter. He preached with power and asked the question "why have we stopped making disciples?" He surmised that we have stopped loving God. He reminded us of the three rules that Wesley gave when he said do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God. May these rules meet and speak to us today.
Amen.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
well its been a busy few days. Please forgive my lack of punctuation and capitalization as I'm writing on a tiny cramped keyboard. A couple highlights from the first 24 hours.
Last night was Opening Worship and it is always the highlight of the Conference. We sang God of Grace and God of Glory which was very appropriate for our work together. At one point I was moved almost to the point of tears as we sang that great hymn of the church. It turned into a long night as we had to establish the Rules, and that turned into a long process. After about five hours of sleep we were back at it this morning. Today turned into a great day! We spent most of the day hearing from the Bishops, which turned out to be great. The Bishops have beenmore vocal than ever before and seem to be providing excellent leadership. They are proposing four major areas of focus which could have a tremendous impact on the way we work as a church. The four areas are congregational starts and re-development, a focus on raising up young leadership, a focus on eliminating poverty and a focus on global health. These areas where proposed with measurable ideas of success and accountability. Really exciting to think what we could do!
Probably the most disappointing thing so far was the Young People's address. The five individuals chosen to speak did not represent well young people well, as they advocated for things that are much more liberal than most. I was disappointed that they did not lay out a vision and dream for the Church. A missed opportunity.
Committee meetings about to start! Keep praying!
Last night was Opening Worship and it is always the highlight of the Conference. We sang God of Grace and God of Glory which was very appropriate for our work together. At one point I was moved almost to the point of tears as we sang that great hymn of the church. It turned into a long night as we had to establish the Rules, and that turned into a long process. After about five hours of sleep we were back at it this morning. Today turned into a great day! We spent most of the day hearing from the Bishops, which turned out to be great. The Bishops have beenmore vocal than ever before and seem to be providing excellent leadership. They are proposing four major areas of focus which could have a tremendous impact on the way we work as a church. The four areas are congregational starts and re-development, a focus on raising up young leadership, a focus on eliminating poverty and a focus on global health. These areas where proposed with measurable ideas of success and accountability. Really exciting to think what we could do!
Probably the most disappointing thing so far was the Young People's address. The five individuals chosen to speak did not represent well young people well, as they advocated for things that are much more liberal than most. I was disappointed that they did not lay out a vision and dream for the Church. A missed opportunity.
Committee meetings about to start! Keep praying!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
And it begins...
And it begins...
I arrived in Ft. Worth yesterday night and after working out some hotel kinks, I settled in. This morning we had a Delegation Heads meeting, and now I'm set for the rest of the day.
The hustle and bustle of the Convention Center is pretty astounding, considering that things don't really kick off for another 8 hours. Caucus Groups are already handing out their propaganda and conversations are already happening concerning Legislative Committee chairs. This time around, I feel more aware of people who present themselves in one way without really demonstrating their full ideas until later. I keep reminding myself that God moves in messy places, and although the Conference hasn't even kicked off yet, I think that it could be a messy place, full of politics.
I'm off to take a nap...Last night was a short night, and it promises to be one of the longer nights of the week.
Keep praying, friends.
MGJ
I arrived in Ft. Worth yesterday night and after working out some hotel kinks, I settled in. This morning we had a Delegation Heads meeting, and now I'm set for the rest of the day.
The hustle and bustle of the Convention Center is pretty astounding, considering that things don't really kick off for another 8 hours. Caucus Groups are already handing out their propaganda and conversations are already happening concerning Legislative Committee chairs. This time around, I feel more aware of people who present themselves in one way without really demonstrating their full ideas until later. I keep reminding myself that God moves in messy places, and although the Conference hasn't even kicked off yet, I think that it could be a messy place, full of politics.
I'm off to take a nap...Last night was a short night, and it promises to be one of the longer nights of the week.
Keep praying, friends.
MGJ
Monday, October 01, 2007
The world according to one of my students...
The world is a broken place...
In this world, cutting helps some deal, everyone is getting fat. No one is telling the truth, lying is consistent, self-made tears can be blue tears or red droplets, war goes on everyday to try and achieve peace and people are starving to death. Charity is a thing of the past, we all lie to ourselves and everyone around us, nowhere is safe, everyone has phobias and multiple fears. We all lose hope, money controls us all and friends all carry knives in order to stab you in the back when you aren't looking. Disease runs wild, relationships are harder, hook-ups and one night stands happen more often, underage drinking is popular, illegal drugs are being taken, smiles are fakes, homes are broken, life-spans are shorter, material things are a must and abuse is high. Sex is meaningless, boys are jerks, girls are the equivalent of the devil, nobody cares, everyone fends for themselves, animals are being eaten, and forests are destroyed. Health is getting worse, STD's are common, rumors are spread like wildfire, trust is slim, honesty is disappearing and crying is a daily activity.
Man, the world needs Jesus, huh? Reminds me of why we do what we do...
In this world, cutting helps some deal, everyone is getting fat. No one is telling the truth, lying is consistent, self-made tears can be blue tears or red droplets, war goes on everyday to try and achieve peace and people are starving to death. Charity is a thing of the past, we all lie to ourselves and everyone around us, nowhere is safe, everyone has phobias and multiple fears. We all lose hope, money controls us all and friends all carry knives in order to stab you in the back when you aren't looking. Disease runs wild, relationships are harder, hook-ups and one night stands happen more often, underage drinking is popular, illegal drugs are being taken, smiles are fakes, homes are broken, life-spans are shorter, material things are a must and abuse is high. Sex is meaningless, boys are jerks, girls are the equivalent of the devil, nobody cares, everyone fends for themselves, animals are being eaten, and forests are destroyed. Health is getting worse, STD's are common, rumors are spread like wildfire, trust is slim, honesty is disappearing and crying is a daily activity.
Man, the world needs Jesus, huh? Reminds me of why we do what we do...
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
It's been a while since I've posted anything meaningful...I keep meaning to, but...
Last week I started a teaching series with my Sr. High students called "The Justice Mission." It's a Youth Specialties cirriculum that works with the International Justice Mission that works to give students a perspective on God's heart for the poor and oppressed. Last week I had done the prep work...watched the video clip, reviewed the cirriculum, chosen the appropriate questions and was set to go. As I started to teach, I found myself getting more and more swept up by what I was teaching. Rarely do I get emotional when I teach, but as I talked about God's heart for the oppressed, how God HATES oppression and poverty, it was all I could do to hold back tears. I didn't see it coming, and didn't expect it. I hope that it continues and that students continue to see the passion in my heart that I didn't realize that I had...
Side note: Many of you have heard of or read Shane Claiborne. I recently found out that The Simple Way community in Philly was burnt to the ground by a fire started in an abandoned warehouse that was owned by the city of Philadelphia. Over the last two months, the community has attempted to rebound and the city (apparently) has been terrible to work with. Please keep them in your prayers and make the Call of the Day if you have time...It's a prime example of oppression and injustice within our very state! May we be called to show God's heart to the city of Philly!
Last week I started a teaching series with my Sr. High students called "The Justice Mission." It's a Youth Specialties cirriculum that works with the International Justice Mission that works to give students a perspective on God's heart for the poor and oppressed. Last week I had done the prep work...watched the video clip, reviewed the cirriculum, chosen the appropriate questions and was set to go. As I started to teach, I found myself getting more and more swept up by what I was teaching. Rarely do I get emotional when I teach, but as I talked about God's heart for the oppressed, how God HATES oppression and poverty, it was all I could do to hold back tears. I didn't see it coming, and didn't expect it. I hope that it continues and that students continue to see the passion in my heart that I didn't realize that I had...
Side note: Many of you have heard of or read Shane Claiborne. I recently found out that The Simple Way community in Philly was burnt to the ground by a fire started in an abandoned warehouse that was owned by the city of Philadelphia. Over the last two months, the community has attempted to rebound and the city (apparently) has been terrible to work with. Please keep them in your prayers and make the Call of the Day if you have time...It's a prime example of oppression and injustice within our very state! May we be called to show God's heart to the city of Philly!
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