If you live in the Upper Midwest like I do, the announcement of Brett Favre signing with the Vikings is akin to The University of Alabama announcing they are shutting down their football program. It is frontpage, watercooler, coffee-time, television, NEWS. You notice that news is capitalized - for indeed it is THE news around here.
Having been born in Knoxville, TN (home of the University of Tennessee) and raised in Alabama (my mother was born in Tuscaloosa, Al - home of the University of Alabama), I know something about football rivalries. So, it is little wonder that Brett has made big news by coming to the Vikings (his long, hated rival).
I bring all of this up because I think there is a good lesson to learn here - and it has little to do with football (unless, of course, Brett is responsible for a win over my Tennessee Titans - but I digress).
The real issue here is about doing what you love and not letting age get into the equation. There is certainly a time when age is THE determining factor in decisions, but as I get older I realize that many of us use the "age card" too quickly and easily. As I look at the scriptures I find that God has always had the expectation that we would continue till we could not continue. The scripture references are too numerous to mention, but you know, all too well, many of the Bible stories.
I always told my family that I was not excited about turning 60 – that was just a number. However, I was looking forward to turning 62 because then I could tell the Social Security Administration, “Show me the money!!!” Now, a strange thing happened on the road to 62. I wound up in Huron, SD last year, just a month and a half prior to my 62nd birthday, as the pastor of First United Methodist Church. And, by the way, there hasn’t been a call to Social Security yet! Man, how did that happen?
When I was in the midst of a very short retirement, I began to feel the tugging of the Spirit and the feeling that I was still very able to do that which I had been called to do. Now I will tell you – I was enjoying retirement. There is nothing bad about that at all, but I came to realize that there is nothing that can replace “doing what you.” There are certainly times I dream of being back home, feeding the birds, building my crude birdhouses, playing with grandchildren, and enjoying sitting on the back porch with my wife, sipping iced tea. But for now, I am doing, not just what I feel called to do, but what I enjoy doing and (hopefully) am successful at.
Back to Brett. I hope people don’t get carried away with petty rivalries too much. Here is a man who truly loves what he does and just can’t seem to keep from doing it. Don’t be too critical. In fact, I wish more people would begin to say, “You know, I’m not as young as I used to be, but I can still do a lot of things.” The world in general, and the church in particular, would be a grater place.
Just Thinking.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Sermon prep for 8/9/09
I am finishing up the sermon for Sunday. The title is "Run Faster?" It is the second of a two-part series on the topic "Busy, Busy, Busy." One great quote I came across in preparation for Sunday came from Jack Welch, while still serving as CEO of General Electric, who said:
If someone tells me, "I'm working 90 hours a week," I say, "You're doing something terribly wrong. I go skiing on the weekend. I go out on Friday. Make a list of 20 things that make you work 90 hours, and ten of them have to be nonsense."
I am not using this quote in the sermon, so you get this as a freebie for reading the blog!!! However, it really speaks to our tendency to "run, run, run" with little time to just to stop and rest for a while.
The preview for the sermon is found in Mark 6 when Jesus says to his disciples (after a very hectic time of ministry), "Let's go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile." (NLT).
Wow! That is the last thing we really want to hear most days and yet is what we must begin to practice if we want to maintain that deep relationship with Jesus that is so important. I know that my day can begin with so many things that keep me occupied till I suddenly notice that it is already the end of the day.
This "REST" business is not as easy as it seems (or should be). In fact, when Jesus said that to them, they went away but were able to only spend a very, very, short time resting before the people showed up. But, even the short time of rest with Jesus can provide many dividends down the road.
So, here I am, wondering what I can do in the midst of my day to get away with Jesus for a few moments and rest. I hope I can do that - and I hope you can too.
Just Thinking...
If someone tells me, "I'm working 90 hours a week," I say, "You're doing something terribly wrong. I go skiing on the weekend. I go out on Friday. Make a list of 20 things that make you work 90 hours, and ten of them have to be nonsense."
I am not using this quote in the sermon, so you get this as a freebie for reading the blog!!! However, it really speaks to our tendency to "run, run, run" with little time to just to stop and rest for a while.
The preview for the sermon is found in Mark 6 when Jesus says to his disciples (after a very hectic time of ministry), "Let's go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile." (NLT).
Wow! That is the last thing we really want to hear most days and yet is what we must begin to practice if we want to maintain that deep relationship with Jesus that is so important. I know that my day can begin with so many things that keep me occupied till I suddenly notice that it is already the end of the day.
This "REST" business is not as easy as it seems (or should be). In fact, when Jesus said that to them, they went away but were able to only spend a very, very, short time resting before the people showed up. But, even the short time of rest with Jesus can provide many dividends down the road.
So, here I am, wondering what I can do in the midst of my day to get away with Jesus for a few moments and rest. I hope I can do that - and I hope you can too.
Just Thinking...
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
The National Anthem
I just got an email from the Retired Army Chaplain's blog regarding a letter written by one of the chaplains serving in Iraq. Please take time to read the letter below - it speaks for itself!
I recently attended a showing of 'Superman 3' here at LSA Anaconda. We have a large auditorium we use for movies, as well as memorial services and other large gatherings. As is the custom back in the States, we stood and snapped to attention when the National Anthem began before the main feature. All was going as planned until about three-quarters of the way through The National Anthem the music stopped.
Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-22 year-olds back in the States? I imagine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments; and everyone would sit down and call for a movie. Of course, that is, if they had stood for the National Anthem in the first place.
Here, the 1,000 Soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes fixed forward. The music started again. The Soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. And again, at the same point, the music stopped. What would you expect to happen? Even here I would imagine laughter, as everyone finally sat down and expected the movie to start.
But here, you could have heard a pin drop. Every Soldier continued to stand at attention. Suddenly there was a lone voice, then a dozen, and quickly the room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers, finishing where the recording left off:
"And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave, o'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave."
It was the most inspiring moment I have had here in Iraq . I wanted you to know what kind of Soldiers are serving you here. Remember them as they fight for you!
Pass this along as a reminder to others to be ever in prayer for all our soldiers serving us here at home and abroad. For many have already paid the ultimate price.
Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins
LSA Anaconda is at the Ballad Airport in Iraq , north of Baghdad
I recently attended a showing of 'Superman 3' here at LSA Anaconda. We have a large auditorium we use for movies, as well as memorial services and other large gatherings. As is the custom back in the States, we stood and snapped to attention when the National Anthem began before the main feature. All was going as planned until about three-quarters of the way through The National Anthem the music stopped.
Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-22 year-olds back in the States? I imagine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments; and everyone would sit down and call for a movie. Of course, that is, if they had stood for the National Anthem in the first place.
Here, the 1,000 Soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes fixed forward. The music started again. The Soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. And again, at the same point, the music stopped. What would you expect to happen? Even here I would imagine laughter, as everyone finally sat down and expected the movie to start.
But here, you could have heard a pin drop. Every Soldier continued to stand at attention. Suddenly there was a lone voice, then a dozen, and quickly the room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers, finishing where the recording left off:
"And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave, o'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave."
It was the most inspiring moment I have had here in Iraq . I wanted you to know what kind of Soldiers are serving you here. Remember them as they fight for you!
Pass this along as a reminder to others to be ever in prayer for all our soldiers serving us here at home and abroad. For many have already paid the ultimate price.
Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins
LSA Anaconda is at the Ballad Airport in Iraq , north of Baghdad
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Christian Leaders
While in Nashville last month, I read an interesting article in the Nashville newspaper,"The Tennessean" (March 29, 2009). It was written by Dr. Dan Boone, president of Nashville's Trevecca Nazarene University, and entitled, "Universities must give the nation leaders it needs."
Dr. Boone begins with these words, "The world we live in is broken. Irresponsible consumption and unlimited greed have become habit; self-pursuit trumps the common good; and social structures are crumbling for lack of leaders who possess character."
That is a pretty good description of our present condition.
His basic premise is that schools of higher education must become forces for developing men and women of character. In fact, he says that because the taxpayers of America help young people achieve college educations through government grants and loans, it is "incumbent upon universities to repay their debt to the public by giving the world graduates who serve the common good."
He goes on to make a very important point: "If the college experience produces a generation of students who are proficient in alcohol comsumption, sleep deprivation, plagiarism, sexual exploitation and winning at any cost, then we deserve the world we have created by funding college education. And if a young graduate simply knows how to make a living, but not how to live, then we have succeeded in further impoverishing the world. To give the world knowledge without wisdom is to fail at our calling as mentors and educators (itallics mine)."
I guess this article is even more important to me in light of my recent college reunion. I went to a small church-related college and some might say that my education would certainly not be as comprehensive as at a large college or university. The opposite, however, was the case. I went from college into a rather large seminary and found that many of the students there, who had attended large universities, were not at all happy with their experiences. In fact, most of them did not feel their education prepared them for life in general, nor pastoral work in particular.
My college experience was one of academic challenge, but it was much more. I really believe that my education allowed me to grow in wisdom as well as in knowledge - for that I am eternally grateful.
If you are planning on attending higher education soon, or have a child considering college or university - consider Boone's words, "they (students) must be matured in a setting where morality matters, and they must be given mentors who serve the public good as the passion of their life."
Just Thinking. What do you think?
Dr. Boone begins with these words, "The world we live in is broken. Irresponsible consumption and unlimited greed have become habit; self-pursuit trumps the common good; and social structures are crumbling for lack of leaders who possess character."
That is a pretty good description of our present condition.
His basic premise is that schools of higher education must become forces for developing men and women of character. In fact, he says that because the taxpayers of America help young people achieve college educations through government grants and loans, it is "incumbent upon universities to repay their debt to the public by giving the world graduates who serve the common good."
He goes on to make a very important point: "If the college experience produces a generation of students who are proficient in alcohol comsumption, sleep deprivation, plagiarism, sexual exploitation and winning at any cost, then we deserve the world we have created by funding college education. And if a young graduate simply knows how to make a living, but not how to live, then we have succeeded in further impoverishing the world. To give the world knowledge without wisdom is to fail at our calling as mentors and educators (itallics mine)."
I guess this article is even more important to me in light of my recent college reunion. I went to a small church-related college and some might say that my education would certainly not be as comprehensive as at a large college or university. The opposite, however, was the case. I went from college into a rather large seminary and found that many of the students there, who had attended large universities, were not at all happy with their experiences. In fact, most of them did not feel their education prepared them for life in general, nor pastoral work in particular.
My college experience was one of academic challenge, but it was much more. I really believe that my education allowed me to grow in wisdom as well as in knowledge - for that I am eternally grateful.
If you are planning on attending higher education soon, or have a child considering college or university - consider Boone's words, "they (students) must be matured in a setting where morality matters, and they must be given mentors who serve the public good as the passion of their life."
Just Thinking. What do you think?
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Reunions and Friends
Reunions are special events. I just got back from a wonderful weekend at my college reunion in Minot, ND. I guess the only downside was that there were a lot of OLD people there - don't remember my classmates being so much older than me!!!
You can be sure of one thing being present at the reunion of a Bible College - great singing. We had it in abundance, and I feel refreshed and empowered from all of it. It is great to go to a reunion and leave being spiritually refreshed as well as experiencing the joy of seeing old friends.
I started college 40 years ago and graduated 36 years ago. Many of those I saw this weekend, I had not seen for most of those 40 years. What a joy it was to see some of my "buddies" after all that time and pick up conversations as if we had never been apart. That is one of the ways you can tell real friends - time does not separate. I have found that to be true in my Army life as well - my real friends and I can pick up our conversations and relationships immediately. That was certainly my experience this past weekend.
I truly value those type of friends. My wish is that all of you can have friends like that - they truly make life worth living! Thanks, friends. You know who you are.
Just thinking.
You can be sure of one thing being present at the reunion of a Bible College - great singing. We had it in abundance, and I feel refreshed and empowered from all of it. It is great to go to a reunion and leave being spiritually refreshed as well as experiencing the joy of seeing old friends.
I started college 40 years ago and graduated 36 years ago. Many of those I saw this weekend, I had not seen for most of those 40 years. What a joy it was to see some of my "buddies" after all that time and pick up conversations as if we had never been apart. That is one of the ways you can tell real friends - time does not separate. I have found that to be true in my Army life as well - my real friends and I can pick up our conversations and relationships immediately. That was certainly my experience this past weekend.
I truly value those type of friends. My wish is that all of you can have friends like that - they truly make life worth living! Thanks, friends. You know who you are.
Just thinking.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Small Churches, Big Mission!
You might be wondering why in the world am I writing about small churches. After all, we have almost 750 members and are getting closer and closer to averaging 500 each weekend in worship. Well, the reason is that I really believe in the "connectional system" that is the essence of the United Methodist Church. What affects one, affects all. What is done connectionally is greater than the sum of its parts.
The front page of the "New World Outlook" for Jan/Feb 2009 has a beautiful picture of one of our many small churches with the words, "Small Churches, Big Mission!" This is an important subject because 69.2% of United Methodist Churches in the USA have an average worship attendance of 40. In our Dakotas Conference, 79% of our churches are small membership churches with an average attendance of 39.
The magazine is filled with astonishing stories of ministry being performed in and through many small membership churches. I think a lot about the great ministry many of these churches perform and wonder what I/we could do to help them (as the Army says) Be All They Can Be. There are several things that come to mind:
1. Pray for them. In order for us to do that we have to sincerely believe that "we are all in this together" and bigger is not always better. Praying for someone means more than thinking of them occasionally and then going our merry way. It means not thinking that everything revolves around us, but looking around and thinking about the big picture of ministry.
2. Support them. I am not sure what all of that may include, but it might mean helping with teacher training, Sunday School materials. developing cooperative VBS programs, etc. We who are fortunate to be in a larger membership church must continually look outward for opportunities to link ourselves with churches that just cannot do some of the things we are blessed with the ability to do.
3. Think outside of the box. The future holds many exciting possibilities for the church. It, indeed, might not look anything like the present, but we have to be dreaming the dreams and opening ourselves to new and innovative ideas. For example, maybe larger membership churches need to become "Hub-Churches. These hub-churches might be a way to share resources (physical as well as fiscal) and work throughout a larger region/area in ways that serve our Lord even greater than ever before.
The Spirit of the Living God is at work in the life of small churches as well as those that are larger. But, we do not have the luxury of "going our own way" in ministry. To do so is to miss the very essence of Christianity and fail to exercise the very core belief of the United Methodist Church.
This is a very important issue as we look at the future. It is certainly more complex than my small attempt to think it out.
Just thinking. What do you think?
The front page of the "New World Outlook" for Jan/Feb 2009 has a beautiful picture of one of our many small churches with the words, "Small Churches, Big Mission!" This is an important subject because 69.2% of United Methodist Churches in the USA have an average worship attendance of 40. In our Dakotas Conference, 79% of our churches are small membership churches with an average attendance of 39.
The magazine is filled with astonishing stories of ministry being performed in and through many small membership churches. I think a lot about the great ministry many of these churches perform and wonder what I/we could do to help them (as the Army says) Be All They Can Be. There are several things that come to mind:
1. Pray for them. In order for us to do that we have to sincerely believe that "we are all in this together" and bigger is not always better. Praying for someone means more than thinking of them occasionally and then going our merry way. It means not thinking that everything revolves around us, but looking around and thinking about the big picture of ministry.
2. Support them. I am not sure what all of that may include, but it might mean helping with teacher training, Sunday School materials. developing cooperative VBS programs, etc. We who are fortunate to be in a larger membership church must continually look outward for opportunities to link ourselves with churches that just cannot do some of the things we are blessed with the ability to do.
3. Think outside of the box. The future holds many exciting possibilities for the church. It, indeed, might not look anything like the present, but we have to be dreaming the dreams and opening ourselves to new and innovative ideas. For example, maybe larger membership churches need to become "Hub-Churches. These hub-churches might be a way to share resources (physical as well as fiscal) and work throughout a larger region/area in ways that serve our Lord even greater than ever before.
The Spirit of the Living God is at work in the life of small churches as well as those that are larger. But, we do not have the luxury of "going our own way" in ministry. To do so is to miss the very essence of Christianity and fail to exercise the very core belief of the United Methodist Church.
This is a very important issue as we look at the future. It is certainly more complex than my small attempt to think it out.
Just thinking. What do you think?
Monday, March 9, 2009
Technology and the Human Imperative
I have talked about technology before and the desire to see how best to integrate it into the ministry of the church. In a recent conversation at the Church Council, a concern was shared that we did not ever want to do anything with technology that might cause people to stay away from church rather than being part of corporate worship and the general life of the local church. That is a very legitimate concern. The most powerful worship does, indeed, occur when we are together and as we are touched by the Holy Spirit. However, we must be careful that we don't identify corporate worship as the only "real" form of worship or even the only "effective" way in which to be touched by the Spirit. In fact, the Bible is clear that in the smallest of groups we can be assured that the Holy Spirit is present. There is also the issue of what the definition of The Church really is! That, however, is a subject for a later discussion.
It goes without saying that there are people who are unable to be in church because of physical problems, jobs requiring Sunday work, or many other situations. This conversation is not about them. It is clear that technology can be of great importance in ministering to these type people. The real issue is what ways can technology be used to reach a new group of people that think in different ways and have been raised in an environment that is much different than any environment in the history of the world.
Before I go on, let me give this warning - Technology is sinfully enticing - even in the church. Because this is true, we must remember that technology is only a means by which we interact with people concerning the Gospel. In a world of rapid technological advancement we will err if we fail to realize that technology is only a MEANS through which we do ministry. People are the heart and soul of any organization, especially a church. And, if we ever think that our great technology will replace the human interaction found only in the church - we are living in a dream world! Technology is not bad. It is not the demon of the New Age. But, seen only in and of itself, it has the potential of destroying the very heart and soul of a church. We must keep people in mind at every juncture of the technological dynamic.
We cannot afford to sacrifice people on the altar of technology.
Now, let me give you some examples of what I, and others, are thinking about when we talk of using technology to enhance ministry:
1. Our website is being redesigned to make it an outreach of ministry by allowing people to communicate easily with the pastor(s) through email, blogs, FaceBook, and other methods as they develop. To many young adults, these are primary ways they communicate in the world. You can also listen to recent sermons from your home or from anywhere in the world!!! Think of being able to share in the message of the sermon and immediately comment on it to the pastor, or share thoughts through FaceBook.
2. We have the ability to use video as part of our worship - right now. But, what ways can we use it to enhance (not degrade) worship? What would the addition of cameras provide us (such as having the sermon shown on video on our website or producing quality video from among our church members)? Could we share the worship service with a small congregation in some distant community that cannot afford a pastor, or even a church building, but would value a United Methodist worship service?
3. What possibilities exist for audio ministries such as podcasts, Bible studies, online chats, etc.? These might be available through our website and utilized by anyone interested in growing in Christ. If a family member is in the military or working far away, they could participate as easily as any of us here in Huron.
Our church (in particular) and all churches (in general) are poised on the brink of new and exciting times. Times that even the most astute futurists have difficulty visualizing. And yet we can be assured of one thing, with a clear picture of the environment in which we currently work and live; a well-thought out strategy that identifies were we want to go, and how we plan to get there; and fueled by a dynamo of people power like no nuclear reactor has ever seen - we will exploit technology as never before. And our church will be true to its mission.
Just Thinking. What do you think?
It goes without saying that there are people who are unable to be in church because of physical problems, jobs requiring Sunday work, or many other situations. This conversation is not about them. It is clear that technology can be of great importance in ministering to these type people. The real issue is what ways can technology be used to reach a new group of people that think in different ways and have been raised in an environment that is much different than any environment in the history of the world.
Before I go on, let me give this warning - Technology is sinfully enticing - even in the church. Because this is true, we must remember that technology is only a means by which we interact with people concerning the Gospel. In a world of rapid technological advancement we will err if we fail to realize that technology is only a MEANS through which we do ministry. People are the heart and soul of any organization, especially a church. And, if we ever think that our great technology will replace the human interaction found only in the church - we are living in a dream world! Technology is not bad. It is not the demon of the New Age. But, seen only in and of itself, it has the potential of destroying the very heart and soul of a church. We must keep people in mind at every juncture of the technological dynamic.
We cannot afford to sacrifice people on the altar of technology.
Now, let me give you some examples of what I, and others, are thinking about when we talk of using technology to enhance ministry:
1. Our website is being redesigned to make it an outreach of ministry by allowing people to communicate easily with the pastor(s) through email, blogs, FaceBook, and other methods as they develop. To many young adults, these are primary ways they communicate in the world. You can also listen to recent sermons from your home or from anywhere in the world!!! Think of being able to share in the message of the sermon and immediately comment on it to the pastor, or share thoughts through FaceBook.
2. We have the ability to use video as part of our worship - right now. But, what ways can we use it to enhance (not degrade) worship? What would the addition of cameras provide us (such as having the sermon shown on video on our website or producing quality video from among our church members)? Could we share the worship service with a small congregation in some distant community that cannot afford a pastor, or even a church building, but would value a United Methodist worship service?
3. What possibilities exist for audio ministries such as podcasts, Bible studies, online chats, etc.? These might be available through our website and utilized by anyone interested in growing in Christ. If a family member is in the military or working far away, they could participate as easily as any of us here in Huron.
Our church (in particular) and all churches (in general) are poised on the brink of new and exciting times. Times that even the most astute futurists have difficulty visualizing. And yet we can be assured of one thing, with a clear picture of the environment in which we currently work and live; a well-thought out strategy that identifies were we want to go, and how we plan to get there; and fueled by a dynamo of people power like no nuclear reactor has ever seen - we will exploit technology as never before. And our church will be true to its mission.
Just Thinking. What do you think?
Monday, March 2, 2009
I'm not giving anything up!
We are now 6 days into Lent after beginning with our Ash Wednesday service. When the people came down for the imposition of ashes and communion, I placed a cross on each individual's forehead and said, "Repent and believe the Gospel." This phrase is intended to challenge us to be true believers that live the gospel rather than just "mouth it."
This, then, causes me to think about how I want to live out my 40 days leading up to Easter. Do I want to give up something (like coffee, chocolate, Diet-Pepsi, etc.) and if so, what will that do to help me better live the Gospel in new and powerful ways. I have to admit, I have never been one to give something up for Lent. It just didn't seem to have any real meaning for me. I guess it could be seen as a sacrifice and we are identifying with Jesus' sacrifice. But it is hard for me to equate my thirst for a Diet-Pepsi with hanging on a cross thirsting for even a drop of water. Something just gets lost in translation for me.
What I want to do this Lent is concentrate on specific ways I can show Christ to others. It may be by visiting someone I have never visited (or don't really WANT to visit) and give a good word or share some food. It may be reading more scripture than I normally do so that I might be enlightened by the Spirit in ways I might otherwise miss. It might be that I am more intentional in my prayerlife, more generous in my giving, more loving in my actions. Maybe what I need to do differently this Lenten season is ALL OF THE ABOVE.
If I could get to Easter Sunday having experienced in some small way, how Jesus saw discipleship - I think it would be so much more meaningful than having given up a daily shot of caffeine. And, maybe - just maybe, rather than starting back up with the Diet-Pepsi on the day after Easter, a changed way of living and serving, might not stop at Easter Day but become a new standard operating procedure for my life.
Just thinking...
Pastor Don.
This, then, causes me to think about how I want to live out my 40 days leading up to Easter. Do I want to give up something (like coffee, chocolate, Diet-Pepsi, etc.) and if so, what will that do to help me better live the Gospel in new and powerful ways. I have to admit, I have never been one to give something up for Lent. It just didn't seem to have any real meaning for me. I guess it could be seen as a sacrifice and we are identifying with Jesus' sacrifice. But it is hard for me to equate my thirst for a Diet-Pepsi with hanging on a cross thirsting for even a drop of water. Something just gets lost in translation for me.
What I want to do this Lent is concentrate on specific ways I can show Christ to others. It may be by visiting someone I have never visited (or don't really WANT to visit) and give a good word or share some food. It may be reading more scripture than I normally do so that I might be enlightened by the Spirit in ways I might otherwise miss. It might be that I am more intentional in my prayerlife, more generous in my giving, more loving in my actions. Maybe what I need to do differently this Lenten season is ALL OF THE ABOVE.
If I could get to Easter Sunday having experienced in some small way, how Jesus saw discipleship - I think it would be so much more meaningful than having given up a daily shot of caffeine. And, maybe - just maybe, rather than starting back up with the Diet-Pepsi on the day after Easter, a changed way of living and serving, might not stop at Easter Day but become a new standard operating procedure for my life.
Just thinking...
Pastor Don.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Facebook account
Well, I told you I was going to look at ways to increase the outreach of the chruch. So, today I set up a Facebook account (just type in Donald Crippen) and will see where that goes. If you have suggestions for me, please let me know.
We had our Church Council meeting last night and I shared with them my desire for all of us to look at new and innovative ways to reach out to our community. They were very supportive and I think we will have some great success stories to tell before this year is over. So, keep in touch and let me know what you think.
By the way, the sermon for March 1 is "Being Our Best Selves in the Worst Times." Stop by church on Saturday night or Sunday morning to see what it is all about. If you can't come, listen on the local radio station or look for the sermon next week on the church's website (www.firstmethodisthuron.org).
I will let you know if anyone accepted me as a FRIEND on Facebook!!!
Just thinking...
Pastor Don.
We had our Church Council meeting last night and I shared with them my desire for all of us to look at new and innovative ways to reach out to our community. They were very supportive and I think we will have some great success stories to tell before this year is over. So, keep in touch and let me know what you think.
By the way, the sermon for March 1 is "Being Our Best Selves in the Worst Times." Stop by church on Saturday night or Sunday morning to see what it is all about. If you can't come, listen on the local radio station or look for the sermon next week on the church's website (www.firstmethodisthuron.org).
I will let you know if anyone accepted me as a FRIEND on Facebook!!!
Just thinking...
Pastor Don.
Monday, February 23, 2009
New ways to communicate
I have been thinking about new and innovative ways to communicate with people within our church as well as some who may not even come to our church or even live in our city. One way, of course, is through this Blog. I wonder if you could share some thoughts with me as to what this Blog might be able to do to help you. I could use this as a forum to discuss issues, answer questions, even conduct some Bible study - right here on your computer. However, it is only you who can tell me what the most efficient use is.
I know that time is a precious commodity and that you value it very much. On-line venues provide us opportunities to communicate as well as learn - at our own pace and at our own time. We just might be able to grow in our faith in new and exciting ways that were not even thought of a few years ago.
Up till this time I have used the Blog to share random thoughts, but maybe the time has come to use it more effectively. There may be other ways to communicate (preach, teach, exhort, etc.) as well. If so, please let me know. Till then, I am waiting for your note and...Just thinking!
I know that time is a precious commodity and that you value it very much. On-line venues provide us opportunities to communicate as well as learn - at our own pace and at our own time. We just might be able to grow in our faith in new and exciting ways that were not even thought of a few years ago.
Up till this time I have used the Blog to share random thoughts, but maybe the time has come to use it more effectively. There may be other ways to communicate (preach, teach, exhort, etc.) as well. If so, please let me know. Till then, I am waiting for your note and...Just thinking!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
The Wesley Study Bible
I just recently received my new Wesley Study Bible. If you have not heard about it, click on the link from Cokesbury (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?flid=2444). I am excited to have a resource that really helps put the scriptures in a clearly understood relationship with Wesleyan theology. I worked several years in the office of the Northeast District Superintendent of the North Alabama Conference where Bishop Will Willimon is Resident Bishop. I came to really appreciate the Bishop's keen understanding of Wesley and his pragmatic approach to ministry. Bishop Willimon, along with Joel Green (Fuller Theological Seminary), are the General Editors. They and the great list of contributors guarantees a new Bible that will be enlightening and useful. Bishop Willimon recently talked about uses of the Bible and I look forward to using many of his suggestions in the life of FUMC Huron. You can read his February 9th article at: http://www.northalabamaumc.org/bishop_column_recent.asp.
We, as United Methodists, have always been known as "people of the book." It is time that we again embrace that title and use the scriptures as our true foundation for living. What better way than to check out this new resource from our great church.
Just thinking...
Pastor Don.
We, as United Methodists, have always been known as "people of the book." It is time that we again embrace that title and use the scriptures as our true foundation for living. What better way than to check out this new resource from our great church.
Just thinking...
Pastor Don.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
First Post in Huron
I hope that this blog will be a way for me to share thoughts concerning a wide range of ministry issues as well as general issues. The thoughts are mine, and mine only.
I will endeavor to write in the Blog regularly and I value any feedback you may have. You may notice that several articles from the past are available for your perusal.
Join me now as we seek a new and dynamic way of sharing our thoughts and ideas.
Pastor Don
I will endeavor to write in the Blog regularly and I value any feedback you may have. You may notice that several articles from the past are available for your perusal.
Join me now as we seek a new and dynamic way of sharing our thoughts and ideas.
Pastor Don
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