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.

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!

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.

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