What is Healthy Church Initiative?

Transcription

1 August 2013 Strength for the Day Ellen Pieper Pastor Jamie shared some key points from Unbinding the Gospel with us on July 28. This book, by Martha Grace Reese, discusses real-life evangelism. It also happens to be the final book in the Healthy Church Initiative (HCI) curriculum. Let me assure you, Pastor Jamie could have talked about this book all day, and enjoyed every minute of it. It s likely the three stories of success Reese shares would have received much attention. Given he spared us from that level of detail, here s a quick recap of the second success story. Reese tells of a conversation with Pastor Don, who leads a well-established Reformed Church of America congregation in California. As she quizzed him about how his church has been able to perform an unusually large number of adult baptisms, Pastor Don mentions many predictable reasons, including: Key worship decisions Number and variety of services Ministries tailored to different groups Small groups Educational opportunities Recovery groups Musical styles cont. page 8 What is Healthy Church Initiative? Financial Corner...2 Servers Needed...2 Women of Faith...2 The Story Begins...3 August Events...4 Nothing But Nets...4 Devotion in Motion...4 Connection Cove...5 Lunch Bunch Record...5 Summer Book Talk...5 August Special Days...6 ~ Keep Reading ~ Matt Basart Hopefully, you've heard the term Healthy Church Initiative (HCI) plenty of times this summer. And I hope that between Pastor Jamie and the four members of the laity currently involved in the process (Jason Lee, Brad Mills, Ellen Pieper, and myself) we've been able to share, explain, and interest you in the process and concepts comprising the HCI. However, I worry we still haven't shared with you the two most important parts of HCI: what is it, and why are we doing it? So I m going to do what I can to answer those questions. HCI is an acknowledgement the Christian church today isn t the same church as it was in the days of Andy Griffith and Ward Cleaver. Society has changed, and so have societal attitudes toward church and Christians. We all recall the good old days when it was a matter of which church you went to not if you went to church. Active Christians are now in the minority in many communities. Churches and their members used to be perceived as infallible, integral parts of a community. Today, society can be very cynical and skeptical of everything church: the institution, its practices, beliefs, clergy, members, politics, social views, and the rigidity of its beliefs. cont page 4 Taylor House Quilts...6 Health and Wellness Challenges...6 Silver Cord Hours Available...6 Server Schedules...7 Mission Dining...8 Represent WUMC in Parade...insert Discounted Tickets...insert Let's Take a Hike...insert

2 Sunday Worship Servers Needed Our church family needs some folks to take a more active role in our Sunday celebrations. Financial Corner In a few short weeks the Iowa State Fair will be in full swing, the kids will be heading back to school, and we ll begin The Story. With so much coming up, sometimes our personal finances take a back seat to life. It s important to remember that to be able to do everything we want to do; we have to tell our money what to do instead of letting our money tell us what to do. That last phrase probably sounds familiar to those who ve gone through Dave Ramsey s Financial Peace University (FPU). For those who ve enjoyed that class, here s some exciting news... Dave has released a new generation class called The Legacy Journey. Our church will offer this new class in the fall, along with FPU. Although it will be available to everyone, The Legacy Journey is better-suited to those who ve been through FPU, as it focuses more on the steps after debt has been paid off. Stay tuned because we ll be looking for people to join a pilot class before making it available more broadly. As we get closer to fall, look for sign-up information. There will also be more info on class content and costs. Our Finance Team realizes Waukee UMC cannot be financially well without each member being financially well, and this class is another way to help reach that goal. Finance Team Specifically, we need servants to: Prepare and lead the children's message; and Lead our congregation through the celebration. This person will welcome people, make announcements, lead the congregation in prayer, and read the weekly scripture. Please prayerfully consider if God is calling you to fill either of these roles. If He is, call the church office at or tell a member of our staff. Jacqueline Conley Are you interested in hearing music that moves? Being inspired by stories that strengthen? Learning from teaching that transforms? If so, mark your calendar for the Women of Faith Conference, coming to Wells Fargo Arena, Aug Tickets cost $99 each (or $89 each with a group of 10 or more). The line-up includes musical chart-topping group Mercy Me, singer/songwriter Kari Jobe, and musical comedian Anita Renfroe, to name a few. If you d like to experience this exciting, inspiring event, sign-up at the C.C. or contact Jacqueline (Jacqueline@waukeechurch.org) or Stephanie (stephaniewanned@gmail.com). For more info, visit 2

3 The Story Begins Sept. 8, Rally Sunday August brings us closer to the launch of The Story in our church this fall. The Story conveys the greatest story ever told: the story of God and His love for humanity. Although The Story provides a comprehensive look at the Bible, it reads like a novel, sweeping you into a chronological progression of Bible characters and events throughout the upcoming school year. Our Story team has been working together for months, seeking God s direction to ensure our church-wide experience with The Story is the best it can be for everyone from a child attending Sunday school for the first time this year to the seasoned Christian who regularly studies God s Word. It s the desire of our church leaders that everyone will grow in their relationship with God as we journey through the Bible together. Support The Story by signing up for a Life Group. These groups will play an important role in studying The Story and in helping us spur one another along in our faith life. You can sign-up in the Fellowship Hall beginning Aug. 4. Multiple times and days are available to help accommodate your busy schedule. If you re worried about missing a couple sessions, please don t. Life happens! Just return the next time your group meets. Another way you can support The Story is by praying daily during our 40 Days of Prayer. To join the prayer chain, Rachel at Rachel@waukeechurch.org or like Waukee United Methodist Church on Facebook. In addition to reading the book, you ll most likely use it as a workbook, writing your notes and thoughts in the margin and highlighting what sticks out to you. For that reason, it would be helpful for everyone to have a personal copy of The Story and bring it to worship starting Sept. 8. The Story isn t meant to replace the Bible. As always, the Bible will be our ultimate guide and the final authority in our lives. The Story is simply a tool to help us experience the Bible better. It includes written transitions, timelines, discussion questions and other valuable resources. Your copy, one free per family, will be available beginning Aug. 18. There s also a study guide available for purchase to take you deeper into The Story. One particularly exciting aspect of The Story is that children, students, and adults will study the same chapters at the same time. This opportunity to be threaded together as a church family is something that will really help the material to be reinforced as we talk with others in our life groups, classes, and in our homes. We ll have questions in the bulletin each week for family members to use for discussion within their family. 3

4 WUMC - August Events cont from page 4 Many members of society find the Christian church irrelevant and unnecessary today. To survive and thrive in the future, we need to realize this, accept it, and adapt to it. HCI helps local churches understand these changes and determine how best to move forward. HCI is also an opportunity for our congregation to come together and determine a shared vision for the future. Armed with the knowledge of how the world has changed, HCI helps serve as a facilitator for the congregation to have open and frank discussions about if and/or how to adapt and improve going forward. In some respects, HCI can be considered as a congregation's Extreme Makeover. Saving Lives Iowa Iowa-Style The free will offering and free throw contest during our Family Fun Fair on July 21 yielded $1,300 for the Nothing But Nets ministry. These funds will purchase 130 bed nets for use in malaria-prone areas. For more info, visit Get Your Devotion in Motion Rally Sunday, Sept. 8, will be an exciting day as we begin The Story. You ll also be asked to complete a Devotion in Motion sheet that day. Please spend some time this month praying about how you ll serve the Church in the coming year. So where are we on the HCI path? In 2013, Pastor Jamie and the four members of the laity have met with other local churches to learn about the current challenges we face and some best practices. For 2014, the church leaders could select other members of the laity to meet with HCI churches in a process similar to what we've gone through in 2013, or the congregation can choose to take the next step in the process, which is a consultation. A team of consultants would visit the church, view it from all angles, meet with the leadership, and conduct and in-depth survey of the congregation. After processing all of this info, the Consultation Team would issue to the congregation a Prescription, which is a detailed list of suggestions on how to improve any or all aspects of our congregation. Then it s up to the leaders of the church to determine which of suggestions to adopt. Briefly, the reason we're involved in HCI isn t because we're "sick;" there are programs for "sick churches." We're involved because we're a church that's in a growing area, and because we're doing well. HCI is designed to help us do even betterbetter for current members, better for future members, and better for all of those with whom we come in contact. Better to share with everyone the life and love of Jesus. 4

5 Connection Cove Jacqueline Conley This fall, we ll begin a 31-week journey together as we explore The Story, a chronological exploration of God s unwavering love for humanity. Along with reading The Story, our church family is being asked to further connect with one another and explore concepts presented in The Story through participation in a small group, AKA life group. There are many questions about these life groups, many of which are answered below: Q: Why should I join a life group? A: Life groups enable us to grow in fellowship, thereby allowing us to share, belong, serve, and even suffer together. These groups will help us build relationships and strengthen our church. Q: Do I have to attend all 31 sessions? A: Absolutely not! Life group members are encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible to maximize the benefits of fellowship and experience God s story. However, we all know that life happens. No one will be taking attendance, so please come when you re able. Q: What if I don t connect with others in my group? A: First of all, please don t feel bad or awkward if this happens. We expect some groups won t work for every person. If this happens, our staff is prepared to work with you to find a group that fits your needs. We know we ll have some shuffling to do, and that s fine. In fact, we d be surprised if we didn t need to make some changes. Q: Will child care be available? A: This answer depends on the individual group. We prefer to let each group decide how to handle any childcare needs. Nonetheless, church staff is available to offer suggestions if group members need some help arranging childcare. Bottom Line: No one should be denied the opportunity to participate in a life group due to the inability to find childcare. Our church staff will help you find a way to make it work. Q: Where will the groups meet? A: Individual groups will decide this, too. Groups may want to meet in one home or rotate among member homes. Some may choose to meet at a coffee shop, grocery store cafeteria, local library, or our church. If you need help finding a suitable location, our church staff will help you find the perfect spot. Q: What if I have other questions? A: If you have a question about life groups, chances are someone else is wondering about it, too. Our staff is ready to hear your questions, thoughts, concerns, and ideas. Record-Setting Lunch Bunch Thanks to the special children and grandchildren joining us, the north-side party room at the Pizza Ranch was rocking with a new record of 28 people at the Lunch Bunch on the 3 rd Thursday of July. It was so much fun. Mark Aug. 15 on your calendar and be a part of the next time of fellowship and food. Remember: guests are always welcome. For Your Summer Reading The summer Book Talk will be Monday, Aug. 19, at 7:00 at Ann and Greg Ruble's home (4 Sugar Creek Lane) where we'll discuss Willa Cather's classic novel Death Comes for the Archbishop. This novel, published in 1927, centers around the life of Father Jean Marie Latour, the Apostolic vicar sent to New Mexico in 1851, and tells how he spreads his faith while living his life in a place where time itself seems suspended. 5

6 August Special Days 1 Cutler Thayer 3 Keith & Shirley Halverson 3 Steve Baumeister 3 Mary Ann Haag 3 Phil Nicholson 4 David Dunn 5 - Todd & Kara Boothroyd 5 Michaela Craigmile 5 Lloyd Royer 6 Adam & Jessica Vaught 6 Char Beichley 6 - Mike Blackford 7 Carter Johnson 7 Natalie Runyan 8 John & Jan Shaffer 10 Kelsey Littleton 10 John Pomeroy 11 Wayne & Carol Guttenfelder 11 Renee Menz 13 Marilyn Taylor 14 Matt Craigmile 15 Susan Paglia 15 Barb Shoeman 16 - Don & Kim Hartley 17 John & Barb Shoeman 17 Brody Hovda 19 Marilyn Anfinson 19 Cameron Reed 23 Mark & Janeal Lyons 23 Henry Kemp 23 Madison Swaim 23 Thelma Petersen 25 Nolan Magee 26 Diana Rossmann 27 Kermit & Diane Dunahoo 27 Judy Applegate 27 John Bridger 28 Patty Myers 28 - Kayden Reed 29 Greg & Ann Ruble 31 Eldred & Thelma Petersen 31 John & Karen Pomeroy 31 Todd Boothroyd Taylor House Quilts & Volunteers Pat Gutshall WUMC servants recently delivered eight quilts to Taylor House in east Des Moines, a hospice associated with Methodist Hospital. Our quilters group found time to make these quilts, while also making baptism quilts and diapers for Haiti. The patients and staff were very appreciative of our donation, and I told them they d receive more this fall. They likely have other needs WUMCers could provide, too. For additional info, contact Pat Gutshall. Health and Wellness Challenges Coming Soon Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (I Corinthians 6:19-20) Starting in September there will be a monthly health and wellness challenge in The Vine. Make small changes, or keep up the good work, to enter your name in a drawing each month. Look for more information to come Silver Cord Hours Available If you d like to earn silver cord hours, consider: - Mowing our church lawn (weekly) sign-up at C.C.; and - Helping at Joyful Noise Preschool (4:30-5:30, M - F) - Becki Strable, becki@waukeechurch.org 6

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8 from page 1 After at least 40 minutes, I [Reese] asked a question. You ve been telling me amazing things about what God is doing in the church and in people s lives. You haven t mentioned prayer. Does prayer enter into your ministry in any special way? Awkward silence...until Pastor Don said, Wow, don t let Beth, my wife, know I didn t say anything about prayer sooner. After assuring him his secret was safe with her, Pastor Don shared how Beth had taken the lead in transforming their congregation into a body of believers passionately devoted to prayer. He told how each ministry in their church is sustained and nurtured through prayer. Their prayer ministry includes: A group of 75+ believers who gathered the first weekend of each month for two years to worship, fast, and pray together Groups of 4 6 people praying for each worship celebration A Prayer and Intercession Team (PIT) for each ministry in the church Prayer walkers who pray together during key church activities, such as VBS and team meetings Educational offerings so people can learn more about prayer When describing prayer, Beth says, You have to let go of the idea that numbers matter or that it s visible results that count. That s very difficult for Americans in our culture to understand. It s hard not to have immediate results. But if we can leave the results of our prayer to God, if we can just praise God and listen to God rather than giving Him a list of what we want, things do happen. Keep in mind, prayer is a conversation with God, not a formula. Our Heavenly Father just wants to know what s on your heart and mind. If a prayer process would help you get started, try the approach Duane Magee shared with our administrative board recently. Duane often says a 5-finger prayer when praying for others: 1. The thumb is nearest your heart, so begin by praying for those closest to you your loved ones (Philippians 1:3-5) cont next column 2. The index finger is the pointer, so pray for those who teach preachers, Sunday School teachers, and educators (I Thessalonians 5:25). 3. Next is tall man which reminds you to pray for those who have authority over you national and local leaders, your work supervisor, etc. (I Timothy 2:1-2). 4. The ring finger is usually the weakest digit, which reminds us to pray for those who are in trouble or are suffering (James 5:13-16). 5. Lastly is the pinkie finger, which reminds you of your smallness in relation to God s greatness. Ask Him to supply your needs (Philippians 4:6, 19). This prayer method is particularly helpful for praying while doing something else, such as driving, because it provides simple reminders of whom to include. My prayer is for you to strikeup a conversation with God. He simply wants to stay in-touch with you. Mission Dining Deanne Caudle How s your MD48@6 group going? Most groups are down to one more meal together and I ve been hearing about good food, good discussion, and good times. If you have a story you d like to share about your group, please me at Deanne@waukeechurch.org. We ll have a final posting of the amounts raised in the October Vine as I know there are a few groups meeting yet in September. 8

9 Let s Take a Hike If you re in the 50+ age group, join Noah s AARP on Friday, Aug. 23 for a walk across the High Trestle Bridge west of Madrid. We ll meet at the church at 6:30 and drive up together to the Eastside parking for the bridge. The walk is about one mile from the parking area to the bridge, plus the bridge walk is ½ mile, for a total of three easy miles, round-trip. It s spectacular to see as the light changes from day to evening and the bridge lights turn on. Sunset is at 8:02 that night, so providing the weather is good, it should be worth the walk. We ll stop in Madrid at the Filling Station after our walk for ice cream. Please sign-up at the C.C. We don t want to leave anyone behind. If you have questions, please contact Deanne ( or Deanne@waukeechurch.org). Also, stay tuned for info on going to Omaha s Henry Doorly Zoo on Sat., Sept. 28. Represent WUMC in Parade Waukee s annual fall festival will be held Sat. Aug. 24, and WUMC will have a float in the parade. We ll need candy, riders, walkers, etc. Please sign-up to serve at the C.C. You can buy discounted tickets to Adventureland through Greg Ruble. Tickets for those four and older cost $22 (regularly $40); children three and under are free. These tickets are valid any time during the season. Please make your check payable to Pioneer.