Davis UMC is Welcoming and Affirming Romans 12:15-18; Galatians 3:28 May 15, 2016 Rev. Kelly Love Davis United Methodist Church

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Davis UMC is Welcoming and Affirming Romans 12:15-18; Galatians 3:28 May 15, 2016 Rev. Kelly Love Davis United Methodist Church"

Transcription

1 Davis UMC is Welcoming and Affirming Romans 12:15-18; Galatians 3:28 May 15, 2016 Rev. Kelly Love Davis United Methodist Church This church has some particular characteristics that God has shaped most strongly in this church. Through what we have called our Pathway process, this process of examining the life of this church, you all have contributed to identifying three characteristics that stand out at Davis UMC. Those three characteristics are: We are spirit-filled. We are welcoming and affirming. We are service and justice oriented. I ve said it before and I will say it again: this picture of who we are is not a picture I as your pastor have painted. This picture emerged from a long and careful process that has involved almost every one of you, in one way or another at one point or another. This understanding of this church s DNA comes very organically from the body that is this church. Because these three characteristics do form the DNA of this church, this DNA will continue to shape the character and ministries of this church for years to come. You all are the stewards of this church s DNA. You are the ones who will carry forward this church s self-understanding and see that Davis UMC s most cherished characteristics will shape Davis UMC s future ministries. I mentioned last week that in my time with you I have learned the importance of being clear, direct, and thorough in communicating with one another. Naming and defining the prominent characteristics of this church is one example of what I m talking about when I say it is important to be explicit in our communications. We may think we know who we are as a church, as a community, as a body. But unless we say it out loud, as clearly as we can, we may not actually have a shared understanding of who we are as a church. We all hear things through our own filters and assumptions that s a part of how humans work. If we are not explicit, we cannot assume that we have a shared understanding of what we are talking about. That s why we have worked hard to define the prominent characteristics of this church, and why I am fleshing these things out in sermons this month. If you were here last week you already know that this is a three-part sermon series exploring the DNA of this church, and today is the second of the three parts. This series hopes to flesh out our understanding of these three characteristics that we as a body embrace with such conviction. And the reason I want to take this time to flesh out these characteristics is that it falls to all of you to carry these things forward into the coming year and the year after that and the year after that. I want you all to have this picture of Davis UMC, this sense of Davis UMC s DNA, so thoroughly in your heads and your hearts that it becomes an explicit part of your conversations about the church, as you all continue to live into this church s future. I want every one of you to live and

2 2 breathe a strong sense of this church s DNA, so that you all can be clear in your conversations and especially in your ministries, about expressing who we are. I ve had certain things I wanted to communicate in sermons this month, and so I have not focused this morning s service on the Pentecost event, even though today is Pentecost Sunday. But even though I didn t plan it this way, it is actually very fitting to look at the characteristic of being welcoming and affirming on Pentecost. The story of Pentecost comes from the biblical book of Acts, and tells of an event when Jews from every nation under heaven were gathered in a great crowd for the festival of Pentecost. As they gathered, Peter and the other apostles began to speak, telling the good news of God and Jesus. The crowd was very diverse made up of people from all nations, and they spoke all different languages. But the miracle of Pentecost was that each person present understood exactly what was being said they heard it in their own language. What could be more welcoming than having someone speak to you in your own native language? The story of Pentecost ties to today s theme after all, as we consider how to communicate welcome and acceptance to all kinds of people. In this sense, we can think about language metaphorically as well. Even if we only speak English most of the time, how can we communicate in different ways for different people? Though in fact some of you do speak other languages and have used that gift to welcome newcomers to our church who also speak other languages, and I am also so grateful when I witness that taking place. So I didn t choose the story of Pentecost as one of our scripture readings for today, and past experience suggests that our liturgists may be grateful, as that happens to be one of the most difficult passages to read aloud. The scriptures I did choose were actually chosen not by me, but by the group who worked on writing the definition of welcoming and affirming. Many of your church leaders worked together to write definitions of these qualities that best characterize Davis UMC, so that we could use these definitions toward a shared understanding. Part of the work of writing these definitions was also to root our understanding in scripture. As Christians, that s what we do we look at our lives and our church through the lens of scripture. The second reading we heard, from Paul s letter to the Galatians, reminds us that being community joined together through Christ bridges ethnic and economic and gender categories for we are all one in Christ Jesus. The passage we heard this morning from Paul s letter to the Romans describes a way of being in community where people s experiences and struggles are accepted and affirmed and embraced. Rejoice with those who rejoice, he says; weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. He goes on to suggest acceptance that might challenge the community: do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. One part of how we have defined what it means to be welcoming and affirming is to reach beyond our comfort zone. Maybe in Paul s time and in the church in Rome, associating with the lowly stretched their comfort zone, expanded their picture of who was welcome.

3 3 I have friends who are active in a church in San Francisco. The church is located in a neighborhood that includes both people with a certain level of economic security and people who are barely scraping by. My friend was describing how you need to be sure to carry your purse with you when you go forward to receive communion; it s not safe to leave it in your seat. I would love to see that be true at Davis UMC. Seriously. It might sound weird, but if we are going to be bolder and broader in who we truly welcome, there will be people who we know and love and worship with who might have lives that lead to some poor choices. Of course this isn t about tolerating bad behavior but it is about being willing to be a little uncomfortable because we know it really matters to God that every one of God s children has a place in the church. So stretching beyond our comfort zone is one piece of how this church has defined what it means to us to be welcoming and affirming. For this church, being welcoming and affirming also means that our welcome is expressed through actions as well as words. It means we want to offer many varied ways to be a part of this community. It means we listen, accept, and support everyone in a nonjudgmental way. The group who worked on writing the definition talked particularly about the importance of listening, and accepting and supporting each person s different faith journey. And given the reality that we are all imperfect, they talked about the importance of forgiveness in creating a welcoming and affirming community. There are so many ways I see the welcoming and affirming side of Davis UMC s character so many ways this plays out. And similar to some of what I talked about last week, as I describe some of what I see, you will inevitably see that the three strands of this church s DNA are woven together. They can t be separated. My sense of Davis UMC s welcoming and affirming attributes comes from listening to you. One of the things people talk about most is the ways this church is open to and respectful of one another s differing theologies, different ways of understanding God, and different ways of practicing our faith. This is where being welcoming and affirming is also tied to the ways that we as a church are spirit-filled. Our sense of welcome is also connected to our sense of justice. So many of you talk so often about the importance of being a Reconciling Congregation. We are a United Methodist Church, and our denominational context is that the United Methodist church continues to have policies that discriminate against GLBT people. The United Methodist church continues to use language that denigrates GLBT people. And we in the Davis UMC have said that we disagree with that, and will do everything in our power to make this congregation fully inclusive, and will work for change in our denomination. This is an issue of welcome making people feel welcome here. And it is an issue of justice an issue of civil rights in society and justice in the wider church. The United Methodist Church s General Conference is taking place right now. If you watch General Conference you see these issues being debated yet again. Many of you know that I was one of 111 LGBT clergy who signed an open and public letter to the church as a body a loveletter to the church, it was framed as. My confidence in Davis UMC s character, in this quality of being welcoming and affirming along with being concerned for justice, made me feel very safe and secure in signing that letter. There is no question but that this is who you are.

4 4 Somewhat ironically, when you talk about this church many of you reference the denomination s slogan that the UMC has open hearts, open minds, open doors. The denomination may not live up to that slogan. But you all work very, very hard to make that not just a slogan but a reality. Open hearts, open minds, open doors. In listening to you, and learning about the character of this church from you, I also hear from you what we do not mean when we talk about being welcoming and affirming. Sometimes saying what we are not, or what we do not believe, can be an important part of being explicit an important part of being clear in our communication. And what some of you have specifically said is that being welcoming and affirming does not mean welcoming only our friends. It does not mean welcoming only people who seem like us. This gets back to that point about stretching beyond our comfort zone. The people who have talked about this as part of the character of this church have said over and over that they that you have experienced this; that you have been on the receiving end of this welcome, this sense of acceptance. You are the ones who have stayed in this church those are the voices we hear. And some part of my mind also wonders, what about the ones who aren t here? What about the folks who have not stayed? Jesus challenged his followers. There is no authentic representation of Christianity that says it will be easy and comfortable to be a follower of Jesus. So my hope as we think not only about those of us who are here because we have been so welcomed is that we all challenge ourselves. Another story comes to mind. This comes from the first church I served a tiny, tiny little church in San Francisco. One Sunday morning a man showed up to worship completely, totally drunk just out of control drunk. So he comes into the sanctuary, and he s being kind of loud, and unstable. So one of the ushers goes to him, and helps him find a seat, and then sat beside him and helped the man follow along in the service. And this worked for a while; the man calmed down for a while and was able to follow along for maybe 20 minutes. And then he couldn t any more, and he became really loud and disruptive. So that same usher then just took him by the arm and said, let s go get a cup of coffee. And he led him from the sanctuary to the fellowship hall and sat with him and drank coffee until the service was done and the rest of us moved to join them in the fellowship hall. It s funny to remember that story on Pentecost Sunday for those of you who remember, in the Pentecost story the accusation was that the apostles were drunk, though it was nine in the morning. This visitor to my first church may or may not have been filled with the Holy Spirit but he was definitely drunk. These pictures of being welcoming and affirming remind us to continue being who we are as a community who appreciates diversity, who seeks to extend acceptance to one another - but also to stretch, to folks who might be more difficult to welcome. Your work as a church, is to be who you are. Your work is to be the church God has shaped you to be. We know who we are. Spirit-filled, welcoming & affirming, service & justice oriented. Now, the work of this church is to remember and embody these characteristics which God has

5 5 most strongly shaped in us to carry your DNA forward and see that Davis UMC s most cherished characteristics will shape Davis UMC s future ministries. As we travel forward on the pathway God invites us to, may we be faithful to who God has created us to be. And may we live this out in the ministries God calls us to. Amen.

The Case for. Change

The Case for. Change The Case for Change The case for change The Methodist Church is a big family which varies throughout the country. We re more diverse overall than many of our individual congregations are on their own.

More information

CONVERSATION ON A WAY FORWARD. Given by The Rev. Michael Mumme on June 3 rd, 2018

CONVERSATION ON A WAY FORWARD. Given by The Rev. Michael Mumme on June 3 rd, 2018 CONVERSATION ON A WAY FORWARD Given by The Rev. Michael Mumme on June 3 rd, 2018 General Conference May 2016 General Conference was at an impasse regarding human sexuality. Conference asked the Council

More information

Church Designations and Statements of Public Witness

Church Designations and Statements of Public Witness Church Designations and Statements What s behind all this? In a previous unit, participants were invited to explore actions and functions of the General Synod of the United Church of Christ. There they

More information

Unity of the Church and Human Sexuality Toward a Faithful United Methodist Witness. Discussion Questions

Unity of the Church and Human Sexuality Toward a Faithful United Methodist Witness. Discussion Questions Unity of the Church and Human Sexuality Toward a Faithful United Methodist Witness Discussion Questions Session One Session One 1. Share the last time when you felt the power and presence of God in your

More information

1 How do you picture the Holy Spirit? Throughout the Bible we hear the spirit described as the breath of God, as wind, as a dove, and this morning as tongues of fire. The Rev. Nadia Bolz Weber tells a

More information

For the Love of God February 8, 2014 John 4:19-24

For the Love of God February 8, 2014 John 4:19-24 For the Love of God February 8, 2014 John 4:19-24 Our Scripture reading this morning is found in the fourth chapter of John. It comes at the end of the story of an exchange between Jesus and a Samaritan

More information

Executive Summary. Each table discussion included five questions.

Executive Summary. Each table discussion included five questions. Executive Summary Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett visited the eight Districts in the North Alabama Conference during September and October 2017. During these visits she provided an update on the work of the

More information

United Methodist? A RESEARCH STUDY BY UNITED METHODIST COMMUNICATIONS

United Methodist? A RESEARCH STUDY BY UNITED METHODIST COMMUNICATIONS What does it mean to be United Methodist? A RESEARCH STUDY BY UNITED METHODIST COMMUNICATIONS TO A DEGREE, THE ANSWER TO THAT QUESTION DEPENDS ON ONE S ROLE, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE. A NEW U.S.-BASED

More information

What is the Commission on a Way Forward and how did The United Methodist Church get here?

What is the Commission on a Way Forward and how did The United Methodist Church get here? Healthy Conversations session April 9, 2018 Pastor Chuck Wilson Over the past several months I have heard in the hallways of Matthews United Methodist questions about LGBTQ inclusion, The United Methodist

More information

An Affirming Congregation of the United Church of

An Affirming Congregation of the United Church of An Affirming Congregation of the United Church of 2018 Canada June 10 United Church Anniversary Sunday Welcome and Inclusion We open our hearts and our church family to all people in our community regardless

More information

September 19, Dear Members of the Candler Community,

September 19, Dear Members of the Candler Community, September 19, 2013 Dear Members of the Candler Community, I have heard a number of concerns expressed about Candler School of Theology presenting a Distinguished Alumni Award to the Rev. Dr. H. Eddie Fox

More information

Mission Statement. The schools aim:

Mission Statement. The schools aim: Mission Statement The Methodist Church is engaged in education as part of its Christian mission in the world. Its schools will seek to extend the Methodist ethos and character and contribute to diversity

More information

Our Challenging Way: Faithfulness, Sex, Ordination, and Marriage Barry Ensign-George and Charles Wiley, Office of Theology and Worship

Our Challenging Way: Faithfulness, Sex, Ordination, and Marriage Barry Ensign-George and Charles Wiley, Office of Theology and Worship Our Challenging Way: Faithfulness, Sex, Ordination, and Marriage Barry Ensign-George and Charles Wiley, Office of Theology and Worship The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), in recent decisions on ordination

More information

Loving Our Enemies Matthew 5: 38-48

Loving Our Enemies Matthew 5: 38-48 Loving Our Enemies Matthew 5: 38-48 We are picking back up with the Gospel of Matthew. In reading this text, one thing to keep in mind is that it is part of a larger section. This is only a part of Jesus

More information

From the ELCA s Draft Social Statement on Women and Justice

From the ELCA s Draft Social Statement on Women and Justice From the ELCA s Draft Social Statement on Women and Justice NOTE: This document includes only the Core Convictions, Analysis of Patriarchy and Sexism, Resources for Resisting Patriarchy and Sexism, and

More information

STUDYING THE BOOK OF ACTS IN SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS

STUDYING THE BOOK OF ACTS IN SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS STUDYING THE BOOK OF ACTS IN SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS Lesson 3 - The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost - Acts 2:1-13 Read the following verses in the Last Days Bible or a translation of your choice. Then discuss

More information

Tell Me a Story of Something Good Pentecost +1 June 15, 2015 Elizabeth Mangham Lott St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church

Tell Me a Story of Something Good Pentecost +1 June 15, 2015 Elizabeth Mangham Lott St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church Tell Me a Story of Something Good Pentecost +1 June 15, 2015 Elizabeth Mangham Lott St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church Like many of you in this room, I grew up Baptist in the Coastal South. My family attended

More information

PETITION # L-1 AFFIRMING WESTERN JURISDICTION COUNCIL OF BISHOPS RESPONSE TO JUDICIAL COUNCIL AND THE WESTERN JURISDICTION S COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVE

PETITION # L-1 AFFIRMING WESTERN JURISDICTION COUNCIL OF BISHOPS RESPONSE TO JUDICIAL COUNCIL AND THE WESTERN JURISDICTION S COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVE 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 PETITION # L-1 AFFIRMING WESTERN JURISDICTION COUNCIL OF BISHOPS RESPONSE TO JUDICIAL COUNCIL AND THE WESTERN JURISDICTION S COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVE MINISTRY Resolved: We, the

More information

Wesley United Methodist Church Rev. Beverly E Stenmark Title: Stepping Out in Faith Text: Romans 10:5-15 Matthew 14:22-33

Wesley United Methodist Church Rev. Beverly E Stenmark Title: Stepping Out in Faith Text: Romans 10:5-15 Matthew 14:22-33 Wesley United Methodist Church Rev. Beverly E Stenmark Title: Stepping Out in Faith Text: Romans 10:5-15 Matthew 14:22-33 I had a sermon written for today a decent one. It was faithful to the scriptures.

More information

Welcome and Lighting of the Chalice

Welcome and Lighting of the Chalice Rev. Susanne Intriligator August 14, 2016 Summer worship Worship Theme: Invitation Hospitality As a Spiritual Practice Prelude Welcome and Lighting of the Chalice "Welcome in to open arms, every soul and

More information

Half a Hundred Rev. Rod Richards Unitarian Universalist Church of Southeastern Arizona 06/12/11

Half a Hundred Rev. Rod Richards Unitarian Universalist Church of Southeastern Arizona 06/12/11 Rev. Rod Richards Unitarian Universalist Church of Southeastern Arizona 06/12/11 Reading From Our Chosen Faith: An Introduction to Unitarian Universalism (1989) by John A. Buehrens and F. Forrester Church:

More information

PEACE VILLAGE. A multi-use building and property embodying the Beloved Community in the 21 st century

PEACE VILLAGE. A multi-use building and property embodying the Beloved Community in the 21 st century PEACE VILLAGE A multi-use building and property embodying the Beloved Community in the 21 st century ABOUT FIRST UNITED CHURCH OF TAMPA First United Church of Tampa (UCC) is a congregation steeped in more

More information

GVV Pillar 1: Values. Teaching Notes for GVV Pillar 1: Values - Page 1 of 5

GVV Pillar 1: Values. Teaching Notes for GVV Pillar 1: Values - Page 1 of 5 GVV Pillar 1: Values GVV Pillar 1: Values introduces the first principle of Giving Voice to Values (GVV). Citing research, Mary Gentile suggests a small set of values, or hyper- norms, that are universally

More information

The Future of United Methodism Is There Life after 2019?

The Future of United Methodism Is There Life after 2019? 1 The Future of United Methodism Is There Life after 2019? For five decades, including all the forty-one years I have been in ministry, at the denominational level, the United Methodist Church has been

More information

Spiritual Gifts Discovery Introduction

Spiritual Gifts Discovery Introduction Spiritual Gifts Discovery Introduction What are Spiritual Gifts? Why do we need to know about them? How will discovering my gifts help me? How will discovering my gifts help my church? Isn t my Pastor

More information

bible, they d probably go through a lot of verses before they got to interesting lines in the bible. Galatians 6:11. It reads, See what large

bible, they d probably go through a lot of verses before they got to interesting lines in the bible. Galatians 6:11. It reads, See what large 1 If you asked most people to name the most interesting verses in the bible, they d probably go through a lot of verses before they got to Galatians 6:11. It s not one of the ones that people usually talk

More information

Knollwood Baptist Church 2014 Strategic Plan Overview August FINAL. Who We Are and Where We Are Headed

Knollwood Baptist Church 2014 Strategic Plan Overview August FINAL. Who We Are and Where We Are Headed Adopted and Approved by the congregation on August 3, 2104 Knollwood Baptist Church 2014 Strategic Plan Overview August 2014 - FINAL Who We Are and Where We Are Headed KBC is a community of faith with

More information

The Things That Make for Peace

The Things That Make for Peace The Things That Make for Peace Leaders Guide: Bible Study Session 4 A Season of Title: Extending Peace So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them Texts: Hebrews 13:1 3, Romans 12:13 21 Goal for

More information

RECTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE PARISH SURVEY RESULTS

RECTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE PARISH SURVEY RESULTS This survey was designed by the Search Committee to help us learn something about our perceptions and viewpoints, so that we respond to our needs and concerns as we search for a Rector. There were a total

More information

Getting Theological: Eucharist I John 6:51-58 Rev. Thomas G. James Washington Street UMC August 19, 2018

Getting Theological: Eucharist I John 6:51-58 Rev. Thomas G. James Washington Street UMC August 19, 2018 Getting Theological: Eucharist I John 6:51-58 Rev. Thomas G. James Washington Street UMC August 19, 2018 As people of faith, we often engage in practices and traditions with little understanding of the

More information

Statement of Faith. What s behind all this? As you prepare for this session. Where is this going? Sometimes people ask, What does the UCC believe?

Statement of Faith. What s behind all this? As you prepare for this session. Where is this going? Sometimes people ask, What does the UCC believe? Statement of Faith What s behind all this? Sometimes people ask, What does the UCC believe? The answer to the question is a bit messier than you might imagine. While other denominations, like Presbyterians,

More information

KEY CONCERN: EARTH-BASED SPIRITUALITY

KEY CONCERN: EARTH-BASED SPIRITUALITY KEY CONCERN: EARTH-BASED SPIRITUALITY AND UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST PRINCIPLES As the philosophical basis of the expansive and open tradition of Unitarian Universalism seeks to respond to changing needs and

More information

What Is Worship the Westbury Way?

What Is Worship the Westbury Way? What Is Worship the Westbury Way? A church for all people with more than enough love to go around. I n Acts 2, we read the powerful Pentecost story of the Holy Spirit coming to Christ s followers. They

More information

Do the Right Thing Hosea 5:15-6:6; Matthew 9:9-13

Do the Right Thing Hosea 5:15-6:6; Matthew 9:9-13 A sermon delivered by The Rev. Timothy C. Ahrens, Sr. Minister The First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Columbus, Ohio, Pentecost 4, June 8, 2008, dedicated to all the artists among us,

More information

Rethinking the Worldwide United Methodist Church... Seeking a New Approach

Rethinking the Worldwide United Methodist Church... Seeking a New Approach Rethinking the Worldwide United Methodist Church... Seeking a New Approach (This is the prepared text of an address by Bishop Scott Jones, chair of the Committee to Study the Worldwide Nature of The United

More information

2. During the previous four weeks, how often have you attended worship services at this church?

2. During the previous four weeks, how often have you attended worship services at this church? 1. Introduction The leadership (or other group) of United Methodist Church is asking for your help in assessing the ability of our church to meet your spiritual needs. The Church is developing a vision

More information

The Selma Awakening. Rev. Tim Temerson. UU Church of Akron. January 18, 2015

The Selma Awakening. Rev. Tim Temerson. UU Church of Akron. January 18, 2015 The Selma Awakening Rev. Tim Temerson UU Church of Akron January 18, 2015 Part One March 7, 1965. Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama. 600 mostly African American protesters marching across the Edmund Pettis

More information

Homosexuality and The United Methodist Church. A Brief History Lesson

Homosexuality and The United Methodist Church. A Brief History Lesson Homosexuality and The United Methodist Church A Brief History Lesson The Social Principles (Adopted in 1972, General Conference in Atlanta, Georgia) The Social Principles, while not to be considered church

More information

Seven Propositions for Evangelism The Theological Vision of Worship, Wonder, and Way * Grant Zweigle, D.Min.

Seven Propositions for Evangelism The Theological Vision of Worship, Wonder, and Way * Grant Zweigle, D.Min. Mediator 13, no. 1 (2017): 13 18 Seven Propositions for Evangelism The Theological Vision of Worship, Wonder, and Way * Grant Zweigle, D.Min. In my book, Worship, Wonder, and Way: Reimagining Evangelism

More information

& MUCH MORE! COLLECTABLES HOLIDAY SEWING MATERIAL CLOTHING PLANTS SEWING NOTIONS ELECTRONICS

& MUCH MORE! COLLECTABLES HOLIDAY SEWING MATERIAL CLOTHING PLANTS SEWING NOTIONS ELECTRONICS O CTOBER 2018 Friday, October 26 Saturday, October 27 9am to 3:00pm 9am to 1:30pm INSIDE THIS ISSUE Preaching Schedule 2 October Special Offering 2 Issue 1 Discussion 3 FairTrade 3 NNEMAP 3 Bulletin Boards

More information

CHRIST IS STRONGER IN MY GLBT BROTHERS AND SISTERS HEARTS THAN IN MY OWN.

CHRIST IS STRONGER IN MY GLBT BROTHERS AND SISTERS HEARTS THAN IN MY OWN. CHRIST IS STRONGER IN MY GLBT BROTHERS AND SISTERS HEARTS THAN IN MY OWN. A Sermon by Matt Fitzgerald St. Pauls United Church of Christ, Chicago June 30, 2013 Psalm 139:1-18 What were you doing in 1989?

More information

Restoration: Leaders Guide

Restoration: Leaders Guide Restoration: Leaders Guide INTRO AND CAST VISION: (3 min) Reminder of ground rules of engagement. DEBRIEF THE WEEK: (5 min) How did it go telling your story? Hard? Easy? How do you feel about committing

More information

Pastor Views on Sermons and the IRS

Pastor Views on Sermons and the IRS Pastor Views on Sermons and the IRS Survey of 1,000 Protestant Pastors Sponsored by Alliance Defending Freedom 2 Methodology The phone survey of 1,000 Protestant pastors was conducted August 30 September

More information

He Is Out of His Mind; crazy! Message by DD Adams Providence United Methodist Church Second Sunday After Pentecost June 7, 2015

He Is Out of His Mind; crazy! Message by DD Adams Providence United Methodist Church Second Sunday After Pentecost June 7, 2015 He Is Out of His Mind; crazy! Message by DD Adams Providence United Methodist Church Second Sunday After Pentecost June 7, 2015 Today s gospel lesson is from the third chapter of Mark, verses 20 through

More information

CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY VOL

CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY VOL CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY VOL. 3 2017 ABOUT THE PRESBYTERIAN PANEL The Presbyterian Panel is made of up of representative samples of Ministers of the Word and Sacrament and members of Presbyterian Church

More information

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Shine, God s People Differently Gifted in mind and body Light a Candle You created all in your image. We are grateful you make all your children beautiful. Thank you. I praise you, for I am fearfully and

More information

Last at the Cross, First at the Tomb John 20:1-18 Sermon by Joanne Gallardo April 1, 2018

Last at the Cross, First at the Tomb John 20:1-18 Sermon by Joanne Gallardo April 1, 2018 Last at the Cross, First at the Tomb John 20:1-18 Sermon by Joanne Gallardo April 1, 2018 20Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the

More information

TOP 7 RESPONSES THAT STRONGLY AGREE WITH THE STATEMENT

TOP 7 RESPONSES THAT STRONGLY AGREE WITH THE STATEMENT Question #1: The following are statements about St. Timothy s. For each one please indicate whether you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree with the statement. TOP 7

More information

Again, I am not writing to change anyone s mind, merely to speak mine. Please know that I speak in love and respect for all.

Again, I am not writing to change anyone s mind, merely to speak mine. Please know that I speak in love and respect for all. Senior Pastor s Paper on Homosexuality & the Church Northern Hills United Methodist Church January 2017 INTRODUCTION In writing this paper, I want to be clear that I am speaking for myself. I am not speaking

More information

METHODIST CHURCH IN IRELAND BOARD OF EDUCATION. Towards a Methodist Ethos for Education Purposes

METHODIST CHURCH IN IRELAND BOARD OF EDUCATION. Towards a Methodist Ethos for Education Purposes METHODIST CHURCH IN IRELAND BOARD OF EDUCATION Towards a Methodist Ethos for Education Purposes Christian education in schools is integral to the mission of the Methodist Church. Inspired by Christian

More information

40 DAYS OF FAITH IN ACTION. #FaithFamilyLGBTQ TOOLKIT FOR LGBTQ PEOPLE OF FAITH & ALLIES

40 DAYS OF FAITH IN ACTION. #FaithFamilyLGBTQ TOOLKIT FOR LGBTQ PEOPLE OF FAITH & ALLIES 40 DAYS OF FAITH IN ACTION TOOLKIT FOR LGBTQ PEOPLE OF FAITH & ALLIES #FaithFamilyLGBTQ WELCOME! Spread The Word! Just signed up? We re glad you re here! Choose a tweet below to tell the world you re joining

More information

Christ in Me, Christ in You: An Introduction to Paul and His Letters

Christ in Me, Christ in You: An Introduction to Paul and His Letters Christ in Me, Christ in You: An Introduction to Paul and His Letters Diocese of West Texas Fall 2012 SESSION THREE Paul s Project: Communities in Christ As many of you as were baptized into Christ have

More information

Licensed Lay Worship Leaders

Licensed Lay Worship Leaders Licensed Lay Worship Leaders October 2016 The United Church of Canada L Église Unie du Canada Licensed Lay Worship Leaders (October 2016) Copyright 2013, 2016 The United Church of Canada L Église Unie

More information

Yorkminster Park Baptist Church

Yorkminster Park Baptist Church Yorkminster Park Baptist Church Long Range Plan 2012 Long Range Plan 2012 Mandate and Background...Page 1 Objectives...Page 2...Page 3 Appendix A for each Objective...Page 6 Mandate Six years have passed

More information

STATEMENT FROM THE APPOINTIVE CABINET OF THE IOWA ANNUAL CONFERENCE, REV. ANNA BLAEDEL, and BISHOP LAURIE HALLER

STATEMENT FROM THE APPOINTIVE CABINET OF THE IOWA ANNUAL CONFERENCE, REV. ANNA BLAEDEL, and BISHOP LAURIE HALLER STATEMENT FROM THE APPOINTIVE CABINET OF THE IOWA ANNUAL CONFERENCE, REV. ANNA BLAEDEL, and BISHOP LAURIE HALLER On April 4, 2017, the appointive cabinet of the Iowa Annual Conference filed a complaint

More information

Sermon Background Study January 11, Scott L. Engle

Sermon Background Study January 11, Scott L. Engle Because God Is Love 1st Sunday after the Epiphany Sermon Background Study January 11, 2009 2009 Scott L. Engle 1 John 4:16-21 (NRSV) 16b God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides

More information

SALT LAKE MEN'S CHOIR MEMBER MANUAL

SALT LAKE MEN'S CHOIR MEMBER MANUAL SALT LAKE MEN'S CHOIR MEMBER MANUAL To be a part of the Salt Lake Men's Choir is to be a part of our family--we sing, laugh, work, share, cry, dance and rejoice together. Our unity arises from our common

More information

1. To strengthen one another in a free and disciplined search for truth as the foundation of our religious fellowship;

1. To strengthen one another in a free and disciplined search for truth as the foundation of our religious fellowship; A Principled Life: The First UU Principle Rev. Victoria Ingram September 25, 2011 In the 1950s, the Unitarians and the Universalists, then operating as independent religious institutions, engaged in intense

More information

shake off the dust the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time July 5, 2015 Mark 6: 1-13

shake off the dust the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time July 5, 2015 Mark 6: 1-13 1 shake off the dust the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time July 5, 2015 Mark 6: 1-13 This week, we start off with a homecoming of sorts. Jesus comes home to Nazareth, a town of about 300 people, historians

More information

amazing the sanctuary looks all dressed in red (but it does look amazing, doesn t it?!?).

amazing the sanctuary looks all dressed in red (but it does look amazing, doesn t it?!?). When the Spirit Moves Acts 2:1-21 First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) May 20, 2018 Rev. Jill Cameron Michel Today is one of my favorite days in the Christian year. And this is about more than

More information

many gifts but one Spirit. Despite, and because of, the diversity we hold as Christians and as a congregation, there is a single Spirit, God s Holy

many gifts but one Spirit. Despite, and because of, the diversity we hold as Christians and as a congregation, there is a single Spirit, God s Holy Two People Divided by a Common Language I Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 January 17, 2016 Mary Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church, Milford, Connecticut The Rev. Dr. Brian R. Bodt, Pastor England

More information

National Council of Churches U.S.A.

National Council of Churches U.S.A. National Council of Churches U.S.A. www.ncccusa.org For more information contact: Interfaith Relations National Council of Churches USA 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 880 New York, NY 10115 collaboration,

More information

Statement on Inter-Religious Relations in Britain

Statement on Inter-Religious Relations in Britain Statement on Inter-Religious Relations in Britain The Inter Faith Network for the UK, 1991 First published March 1991 Reprinted 2006 ISBN 0 9517432 0 1 X Prepared for publication by Kavita Graphics The

More information

What 3-4 qualities are most important to your congregation in your new rabbi?

What 3-4 qualities are most important to your congregation in your new rabbi? Senior Rabbi Application Type of Position: Full Time Email: transition@holyblossom.org Telephone: 416-789-329 Website: www.holyblossom.org President: Dr. Harvey Schipper Email/Telephone: 416-789-3291 ext.

More information

Creating discipleship systems for small membership churches

Creating discipleship systems for small membership churches Creating discipleship systems for small membership churches Questions for discussion Sirolli tells of growing tomatoes in Zambia and after losing the crop, asking the people, Why didn t you tell us? to

More information

Diocese of Bridgeport Parish Pastoral Plan Building a Bridge to the Future

Diocese of Bridgeport Parish Pastoral Plan Building a Bridge to the Future Diocese of Bridgeport Parish Pastoral Plan Building a Bridge to the Future Part One: Introductory Information Parish: Pastor: St. Andrew/Our Lady of Good Counsel Rev. Eugene Szantyr Date: Parish Task Force

More information

two people with two very special needs. A mother with a Syrian (today Both individuals were surely ostracized, rejected and most likely had to face

two people with two very special needs. A mother with a Syrian (today Both individuals were surely ostracized, rejected and most likely had to face 1 A Crash Course on Inclusiveness St. Paul s United Methodist Church Warrington, PA Yr. B 16 th Sunday after Pentecost/in Kingdomtide 1 (Proverbs 22;1-2, 8-9, 22-23; Mark 7:24-37) September 9, 2018 Irving

More information

Outrageously YOU Friday as the news of the attacks in Paris unfolded, I had a choice: throw out the series and the talks and prepare to talk about

Outrageously YOU Friday as the news of the attacks in Paris unfolded, I had a choice: throw out the series and the talks and prepare to talk about Outrageously YOU Friday as the news of the attacks in Paris unfolded, I had a choice: throw out the series and the talks and prepare to talk about peace or somehow integrate what happens in the world outside

More information

Philippians Hold fast to what we have attained - salvation and confidence in Christ

Philippians Hold fast to what we have attained - salvation and confidence in Christ Philippians 3 From his prison cell Paul expressed his gratitude for the support he had received from the Philippian church (2:25-30; 4:10-19), he encourages them to continue sharing the gospel and to be

More information

Second Church in Newton West Newton, MA. Senior Pastor. Massachusetts Conference, Metropolitan Boston Association SUMMARY CHURCH PROFILE

Second Church in Newton West Newton, MA. Senior Pastor. Massachusetts Conference, Metropolitan Boston Association SUMMARY CHURCH PROFILE Second Church in Newton West Newton, MA Senior Pastor Massachusetts Conference, Metropolitan Boston Association December 4, 2017 SUMMARY CHURCH PROFILE LISTING INFORMATION Church name: Second Church in

More information

on a mission! love god "! love people

on a mission! love god ! love people on a mission! love god "! love people AN INTRODUCTION TO OUR COMMUNITY wh# s $si% From the Pastor 1 Who We Are 3 What We Believe 5 What We Do 7 Two Special Things 10 The Joy of Membership 12 Got Questions?

More information

Living Out the Gospel of Grace Galatians 2:11-14

Living Out the Gospel of Grace Galatians 2:11-14 Living Out the Gospel of Grace Galatians 2:11-14 Many of you probably know that my mother is Jewish. She was raised in a Jewish home in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She came to faith in Christ when she was

More information

Priests at Every Elbow. I Thessalonians 2: 1-8; Matthew 22: Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost, (Oct. 26) 2014

Priests at Every Elbow. I Thessalonians 2: 1-8; Matthew 22: Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost, (Oct. 26) 2014 1 Priests at Every Elbow I Thessalonians 2: 1-8; Matthew 22: 34-46 Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost, (Oct. 26) 2014 Reformation Sunday/All Saints Sunday Kyle Childress Indeed, the appeal we make never

More information

"Balance, Momentum, Timing: The State of the Church 2013." Miller, First Religious Society, Carlisle MA May 19, 2013

Balance, Momentum, Timing: The State of the Church 2013. Miller, First Religious Society, Carlisle MA May 19, 2013 1 "Balance, Momentum, Timing: The State of the Church 2013." Miller, First Religious Society, Carlisle MA May 19, 2013 Rev. Diane Today is Pentecost, an important religious holiday in the Christian liturgical

More information

We were dead, Paul says, in Ephesians 2. 1, and then there is the turning point, in verse four:

We were dead, Paul says, in Ephesians 2. 1, and then there is the turning point, in verse four: What God Is Tearing Down and What God is Building Up IAMSCU. Puebla, Mexico Bp Ken Carter May, 2017 We begin, always, with the grace of God, God s unmerited favor towards us. By this grace, Paul writes

More information

Year C Proper 11. Luke 10:38-42

Year C Proper 11. Luke 10:38-42 Year C Proper 11 Luke 10:38-42 Aren t these stories in Luke s Gospel a challenge? We should be feeling stretched as we read them again. Last week, we read the parable of the Good Samaritan and I encouraged

More information

What Is Multicultural Worship?

What Is Multicultural Worship? What Is Multicultural Worship? Is it possible to worship with people of such different backgrounds and experiences? Introduction The current buzzword in many Christian churches today is multicultural worship.

More information

May 13, 2018 A Place to Call Home Title: What s Mine is Yours Scripture: Acts 2:1-21 Romans 8:22-27 John 15:26-27, 16:

May 13, 2018 A Place to Call Home Title: What s Mine is Yours Scripture: Acts 2:1-21 Romans 8:22-27 John 15:26-27, 16: Wesley United Methodist Church Rev. Beverly E Stenmark May 13, 2018 A Place to Call Home Title: What s Mine is Yours Scripture: Acts 2:1-21 Romans 8:22-27 John 15:26-27, 16:7 12-15 I think I will always

More information

Ministry Portfolio. Author: Isaac Badaraco, The Gathering Pastor. A ministry of Maranatha New York

Ministry Portfolio. Author: Isaac Badaraco, The Gathering Pastor. A ministry of Maranatha New York A ministry of Maranatha New York Ministry Portfolio Author: Isaac Badaraco, The Gathering Pastor Hempstead, NY p. 631-671-2827 Isaacbadaraco@yahoo.com Table of Contents I. Executive Summary of Our Vision

More information

Summary of First Christian Church Elders Survey (2018)

Summary of First Christian Church Elders Survey (2018) Summary of First Christian Church Elders Survey (2018) Completed by Carol R. Lyon The purpose of the First Christian Church Elders Survey is to find answers to questions about the church and its members.

More information

A F. Slide Presentation The Last Shofar! The Last Shofar! is available through the publisher, Xulon Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

A F. Slide Presentation The Last Shofar! The Last Shofar! is available through the publisher, Xulon Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble LAST! R A F O SH THE of ll Feasts a F e h T t g Wha Are Tellin The Lord ch The Chur ONALD NARD & D E L H P E S JO Slide Presentation The Last Shofar! v Based on the 9 chapters of the book v To be used

More information

September 3, 2017 Come to the Table Text: Romans 12:9-21 Matthew 16:21-28 Title: Come to the Table

September 3, 2017 Come to the Table Text: Romans 12:9-21 Matthew 16:21-28 Title: Come to the Table Wesley United Methodist Church Rev. Beverly E Stenmark September 3, 2017 Come to the Table Text: Romans 12:9-21 Matthew 16:21-28 Title: Come to the Table I invite you to think for a minute about some of

More information

Multicultural Worship at the First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh By David Herndon. October 2, 2014

Multicultural Worship at the First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh By David Herndon. October 2, 2014 Multicultural Worship at the First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh By David Herndon October 2, 2014 We aspire to offer multicultural worship every Sunday at the First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh. This

More information

Faith, Fairness, Religious Freedom AND

Faith, Fairness, Religious Freedom AND By Elder Ronald A. Rasband Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Faith, Fairness, AND Religious Freedom PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONS BY DAVID STOKER, BASED ON THINKSTOCK PHOTOGRAPHS FROM DIGITALVISION, ISTOCK, MONKEY

More information

Sermon. Now I ask you to consider this is that a picture of what we are being told to do by the stories we read from the bible this morning?

Sermon. Now I ask you to consider this is that a picture of what we are being told to do by the stories we read from the bible this morning? Numbers 11: 4-6, 10-16, 24-29 Mark 9 : 38-50 Sermon There is a story which goes around and appears in various sermons from time to time. It concerns a group of British soldiers who were in France during

More information

Resurrection Quick Stop Lesson Plan

Resurrection Quick Stop Lesson Plan The teachfastly.com resources are not intended as a complete curriculum. The activities are designed to be woven into your existing teaching. This is therefore not a single lesson plan, but rather a quick

More information

THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF MAINE THEOLOGICAL TASK FORCE FOR THE STUDY OF MARRIAGE & THE BLESSING OF UNIONS

THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF MAINE THEOLOGICAL TASK FORCE FOR THE STUDY OF MARRIAGE & THE BLESSING OF UNIONS THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF MAINE THEOLOGICAL TASK FORCE FOR THE STUDY OF MARRIAGE & THE BLESSING OF UNIONS Dear People of the Diocese: Maine s 191 st Diocesan Convention in 2010 passed a resolution directing

More information

Ministry Audit Form 2016

Ministry Audit Form 2016 Bryan Tener Your ministry audit has been submitted to the ACC Team. You may use the link you receive with this email to view and edit your application. Date created: 11/8/2016 Ministry Audit Form 2016

More information

7740 Lackman Lenexa KS 66217

7740 Lackman Lenexa KS 66217 7740 Lackman Lenexa KS 66217 love LOVE God and all others unconditionally, seek SEEK answers to our questions, serve For more information on the Imagine Campaign, go to stpaulslenexa.org/imagine SERVE

More information

Pentecost: Spirit of Direction and Disruption

Pentecost: Spirit of Direction and Disruption 1 Pentecost: Spirit of Direction and Disruption Sermon by Pastor Patrick fish Festival of Pentecost May 19-20, 2018 Acts 2:1-21 Grace & Peace to you from Christ, who sent the Holy Spirit to call and comfort

More information

WELCOMING ALL GOD S PEOPLE A SIMPLE GUIDE

WELCOMING ALL GOD S PEOPLE A SIMPLE GUIDE WELCOMING ALL GOD S PEOPLE A SIMPLE GUIDE As disciples of Christ we should celebrate the diversity found in the human family. We acknowledge the universal bond that human beings are all made in the image

More information

January 27, Welcome! Enter with Prayer - Worship in Awe Leave to Serve. All invitations to stand or kneel are for those who are able.

January 27, Welcome! Enter with Prayer - Worship in Awe Leave to Serve. All invitations to stand or kneel are for those who are able. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church January 27, 2019 38801 Blacow Road 8:45 AM Service Epiphany 04 Fremont, CA 94536 Ministers: The People of Holy Trinity Church: (510) 793-6285 Web Site: holytrinityfremont.org

More information

Where are we? How long will the journey be?

Where are we? How long will the journey be? Congregational Assessment Overview: Where are we? How long will the journey be? In order to chart a course for considering a and planning a Welcoming Community Network Ministry, it is useful for leaders

More information

WHAT IS A 1-1/RELATIONAL MEETING? And why it s a non- negotiable community practice for ministry leaders.

WHAT IS A 1-1/RELATIONAL MEETING? And why it s a non- negotiable community practice for ministry leaders. WHAT IS A 1-1/RELATIONAL MEETING? And why it s a non- negotiable community practice for ministry leaders. Trey Hall The Epicenter Group I get asked a lot if there is a common characteristic among the successful

More information

Survey Report New Hope Church: Attitudes and Opinions of the People in the Pews

Survey Report New Hope Church: Attitudes and Opinions of the People in the Pews Survey Report New Hope Church: Attitudes and Opinions of the People in the Pews By Monte Sahlin May 2007 Introduction A survey of attenders at New Hope Church was conducted early in 2007 at the request

More information

Messiah College s identity and mission foundational values educational objectives. statements of faith community covenant.

Messiah College s identity and mission foundational values educational objectives. statements of faith community covenant. Messiah College s identity and mission foundational values educational objectives statements of faith community covenant see anew thrs Identity & Mission Three statements best describe the identity and

More information

Please tick/cross the boxes that best apply for each category below

Please tick/cross the boxes that best apply for each category below QUESTIONNAIRE ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND MULTILINGUISM One of the main aims of the ERASMUS + YOGIES Project is to promote diversity, intercultural and inter-religious dialogue as well as tolerence and respect

More information

Policies and Procedures of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for Addressing Social Concerns

Policies and Procedures of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for Addressing Social Concerns Policies and Procedures of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for Addressing Social Concerns The 1997 Churchwide Assembly acted in August 1997 to affirm the adoption by the Church Council of this

More information

DEALING WITH CHANGE REV. AMY RUSSELL JUNE 4, 2017

DEALING WITH CHANGE REV. AMY RUSSELL JUNE 4, 2017 Many of us who grew up in churches have watched as many churches in the communities we know have dwindled in their attendance and may be dying a slow death. Changes that have come to religious institutions

More information

Washington D. C. After he left his podium, Rep. Bob Brady of Philadelphia took the

Washington D. C. After he left his podium, Rep. Bob Brady of Philadelphia took the 1 Sermon Baptism of Our Lord January 10, 2015 Pastor James Preus Trinity Lutheran Church Matthew 3:13-17 Jesus Joins Himself With Sinners This past September, Pope Francis spoke to a joint meeting of Congress

More information