6/19/2009
If you have not had a chance to pick up Ron Greer's new book, you will want to do so. It could be the title of a great sermon series especially for the lectionary texts on David this summer. See the recent review in the Wesleyan Christian Advocate. I know Ron from working together at Peachtree Road UMC. He would be an excellent speaker for your church this Fall. "If You Know Who You Are...You'll Know What To Do" Review by Wesleyan Christian Advocate, Martha M. Tate, LCSW “Seek not abroad, ...
6/8/2009
During a season of struggle, you might want to consider a sermon series on Job which comes up in the lectionary in October. What follows are Rev. Mark Westmoreland’s thoughtful introductions to these texts along with four sermons. Mark is the pastor at Fayetteville First UMC. The four Job texts offer the possibility of a four-part series of sermons, although it is certainly debatable whether any of us would want to do this during October and the stewardship season. Still, the story of Job gives...
6/8/2009
I sat still today. I woke up early this morning, not before dawn or anything, but before the neighborhood had started to crackle with barking dogs and fitness walkers. I ambled down to pick up the paper in the driveway. I made myself a cup of coffee, and I then sat in a rocker on the front porch. The new sun had yet to overcome the coolness of the night before. A leisurely breeze swirled the heady scent of nearby gardenia blossoms around my head. I’ve got to say, a cup of hot coffee and the ...
6/5/2009
My imagination was stirred this past Sunday, through the medium of music and dance. Stacy Marie Walker, Worship Leader at the 9:35 a.m. Contemporary Worship at Oak Grove UMC and others conveyed through dance, music, color and fabric the movement of the Holy Spirit. The sounds and movement gave voice to the text for that day. It reminded me that the Holy Spirit compels us to move and act in beautiful and bold ways in response to God’s great gift. Then the Feast of Pentecost ...
6/4/2009
Tomorrow I am leading a memorial service for the state convention of a women's philanthropical educational organization that I am a part of. One of the things I have done to get ready for this service is prepare a power point that has a picture and brief bio about each one who has died in the past year. As I first began working on this, I saw it more as a chore than anything - but as I began to receive the submissions from across the state, I realized that it would be more than just a usual ...
5/24/2009
The theme of the 2009 NBA Play-Offs is "Where Will Amazing Happen?" Well, it happened in Cleveland, Ohio on Friday night, May 22. It was the second game in the Eastern Division Playoffs. Hedo Turkoglu scored to give the Orlando Magic a two-point lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers with one second left on the clock. Game over. At least that is what I thought. Cleveland called a time out. Why? It’s over! After the time out the Cavaliers put the ball in play with one second left in the game. The ...
5/22/2009
In a conversation yesterday I was told that weddings and funerals are not conducted in a certain megachurch in the Atlanta area. If this is true- and I do not know that it is- how can they call themselves "Church"? Although the many wedding ceremonies that I have been involved in took many Friday nights (for rehearsal) and Saturdays, I cannot imiagine a pastor and congregation not being a part of such a significant moment. Likewise, for a congregation not to have a service to celebrate the life...
5/18/2009
“We will probably decide to close the church during your time there.” With these “encouraging” words from my district superintendent I went to my first appointment. There were 14 people in attendance on my first Sunday- and that included my wife, our eight month old son, and me. The parsonage was an old house with two big high-ceilinged rooms on each side of a wide hallway. There was a small kitchen, bathroom, and porch on the back of the house. No central heating or air conditioning and no ...
5/18/2009
More information about ReThink Church at UM Communications. No matter where we find ourselves in ministry, God always seems to be opening new ways for us to serve in the name of Christ. Take a look at these websites to see and hear exciting stories about the way the open doors of the UMC are making a difference in the world... The Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Eatonton recently painted their front doors red. Red is a traditional color for church doors as it is said to symbolize ...